COLLECTIVE MADNESS Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people." After Annie Hall won multiple Oscars in 1977, Woody Allen - in what could only be described as a risky and reckless move - decided to buck the comic films that made him a household name and mount an intimate drama that would honor Swedish director Ingmar Bergman in style and Russian playwright Anton Chekhov in content. The result was Interiors, a strangely absorbing, morbidly fascinating portrait of tortured family relationships and romantic ennui that both surprised and puzzled Allen's fans, many of whom were unprepared for such a drastic departure. While some embraced and championed the writer-director's artistic growth, others condemned what they believed to be his foolish egotism. Strikingly, Allen himself harbors mixed feelings about Interiors, at one time quipping the screenplay resembles Long Day's Journey Into Night one minute and Edge of Night the next, as it walks a tenuous tightrope between poetry and soap opera. And yet its brilliance cannot be denied. Impeccably crafted, beautifully shot, and featuring fantastic performances by a tight ensemble cast, Interiors is far more than a random experiment. Allen doesn't just dabble in drama, he attacks it head-on, exploring its nuances and exposing its teeth. Sure, some of the film is overly precious and a bit pretentious (but then again, how many Allen movies aren't?), but those qualities are reflected in his erudite characters, whose self-absorption and incessant soul-searching are both compelling and insufferable. We may not know a family exactly like the one Allen depicts on screen, but it's impossible not to see elements of them in ourselves. And it's that identification that makes the film resonate, despite its occasional missteps. Inspired by Chekhov's The Three Sisters, Interiors examines the searing interpersonal dynamics of an upper-crust New York family. Eve (Geraldine Page), the matriarch, is recovering from the nervous breakdown she suffered after her stoic husband of 30-plus years, Arthur (E.G. Marshall), suddenly announces his intention to leave her, claiming he's fulfilled his duty as spouse, parent, and provider and now wants to live by himself. The break-up shatters Eve, a reserved, distant perfectionist whose "beautifully furnished rooms" and "carefully designed interiors" mirror her controlling nature and emotional detachment. Fragile and unstable, she remains foolishly optimistic she and Arthur will one day reconcile, much to the frustration of two of their daughters, Renata (Diane Keaton) and Joey (Mary Beth Hurt), both of whom try to prop up her spirits without deluding her. Yet their simmering sibling rivalry frequently bubbles over and causes additional strife. Renata is a successful, neurotic poet who's losing patience with both Frederick (Richard Jordan), her insecure novelist husband who feels inferior to and emasculated by her, and their unfulfilling family life, while the aimless, bitter Joey flits from job to job in a feeble attempt to find her niche. Joey's boyfriend Mike (Sam Waterston) consistently encourages her, but she prefers to wallow in her ineptitude. The third daughter, Flyn (Kristin Griffith), is a beautiful, superficial Hollywood actress who jets in for special occasions and tries to keep herself out of the wrenching squabbles that consume everyone else like quicksand. Their collective journey to terra firma, however, hits a snag with the surprise arrival of Arthur's new lady friend, whose mere presence upsets the family's (very) delicate balance. Pearl (Maureen Stapleton), a warm, earthy middle-aged woman who dotes on Arthur like a mother hen, is like a breath of fresh air, but her plain talk and lack of pretense rankle Arthur's stuffy daughters, who label her vulgar and crass. Nevertheless, Arthur forges ahead with his plans to marry her, but first, he must break the news to the oblivious Eve, who teeters on the brink of another mental collapse. Cheery stuff, huh? Though the depressing nature of Interiors may turn off plenty of potential viewers, it can't negate the film's artistry. Allen, who received a Best Director Oscar nod, telegraphs the movie's serious nature right off the bat with his typical white-letters-against-a-black-backdrop title sequence, but instead of bouncy jazz music, absolute and foreboding silence accompanies the credits. Then the homage to Bergman begins, but Allen executes the tribute with a keen eye and boundless respect. The blank white walls, minimalist sets, muted palette, and whisper-quiet sound design all reflect the characters' emptiness and inability to confront and express their feelings. And when the tension breaks, jarring bursts of loud audio crash through the calm, startling us with their intensity. Isolation, self-doubt, and narcissism consume Renata, Joey, Eve, and Frederick, all of whom flounder in personal hells they can't or refuse to escape. And all of them cry out for help in different ways. When Arthur rebels and declares his independence, he too seems selfish at first, but his decision to try and embrace life - even at a late stage - instead of continually keeping it at arm's length is both brave and admirable. Pearl fuels that liberation, and her joyous abandon (in contrast to Eve's withering constriction) and boldly colored clothes (in contrast to Eve's pallid beige tones) combat the prevailing drabness and denote her vitality and passion, elements the rest of the tightly-wound family rejected long ago. Unlike Allen's other serious films, Interiors has zero humor. The characters take themselves far too seriously and Allen seems far too preoccupied with divorcing himself from his past work to insert even the mildest joke. (Interiors also marks the first time Allen did not appear in a picture he also directed.) Though the Oscar-nominated script is unrelentingly sad, occasionally overwrought, and packed with angst, it brims with literacy and lyricism. Nobody - nobody - writes dialogue like Woody Allen, and his ability to get into his characters' psyches and concisely convey their frailties allows him to tell powerful stories in an efficient manner. Of course, great actors make his words come alive, and here Allen assembles one of his most accomplished casts. Page is mesmerizing, heartbreaking, and appropriately exasperating as Eve, crafting a portrayal that's at once rigid and tremulous. Stapleton's Pearl is her polar opposite - free and easy, comfortable in her own skin, and refreshingly blunt - and her performance is natural and deeply affecting. Both women earned well-deserved Oscar nominations (Page for Best Actress, Stapleton for Best Supporting Actress), but Hurt, as the spoiled, resentful Joey, is also stunning in her feature film debut. Keaton shines as well in a tough role that's largely devoid of sympathy, as do Marshall, Waterston, and Jordan. But as usual, Allen's male characters are far less interesting than his women, who rightfully grab the film's focus and rarely relinquish it. No doubt about it, Interiors is a hard film to watch. And for that very reason, some of Allen's most ardent admirers have steered clear of it. Its inherent and often oppressive grimness may diminish its appeal, but this devastating family drama yields many rewards. The characters may not be likable and the themes may not be pleasant, but they're incisive and relatable, and the direction, script, production design, photography, and performances perfectly complement them. And that's why, once seen, Interiors is so difficult to forget. Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray Interiors arrives on Blu-ray packaged in a standard case. An eight-page booklet featuring an essay by film historian Julie Kirgo, full-color scene stills, and a reproduction of the movie's poster art is tucked inside the front cover. Video codec is 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 and audio is DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0. Once the disc is inserted into the player, the static menu without music immediately pops up; no previews or promos precede it. 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... Meteorologist Paul Douglas writes about Minnesota weather daily, trying to go beyond the "highs" and "lows" of the weather story to discuss current trends and some of the how's and why's of meteorology. Rarely is our weather dull - every day is a new forecast challenge. Why is the weather doing what it's doing? Is climate change a real concern, and if so, how will my family be affected? Climate is flavoring all weather now, and I'll include links to timely stories that resonate with me. New data released this Valentines Day season by money transfer service WorldRemit shows that Ghanaians living in the United Arab Emirates are sending on average US$203 (GHC893.2) more than usual to their loved ones for Valentines Day. The Report says this makes Ghanaians in the UAE "the most generous long distance lovers". Following closely behind are Ghanaians living in Sweden, sending on average US$76 (GHC334.4) more than usual; then Ghanaians in Germany, sending on average US$17 (GHC74.8) more. Remittances play an important role in the economy of Ghana, helping millions of Ghanaians start small businesses, pay school fees and settle medical bills among other things. According to official World Bank data, Ghanaians abroad sent almost US$5 billion back home to friends and family in 2015. Director of Mobile Partnerships at WorldRemit, Alis Murphy said: Looking at this years data we can see that Ghanaians in the UAE, Sweden and Germany are planning ahead and sending more money to their loved ones in the days leading up to Valentines Day. On average, these groups sent $17 to $203 more for Valentines Day compared to the next week to mark the occasion. The WorldRemit app lets people send money straight from their smartphone, instead of having to travel to a money transfer agent. Those receiving money, often in developing countries, can collect the funds as Mobile Money, bank transfer, for cash pickup or as a mobile airtime top-up. WorldRemits service is available to senders in 50 countries. It offers transfers to more than 140 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. WorldRemit customers send 580,000 transfers every month. Source: JFM 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 Former President John Dramani Mahama has stated that democracy and politics in Africa must not be a do or die affair as many would want it to appear to be. In his view, it should rather be about serving the citizenry and country adding that during his tenure as president of the republic, he took decisions that were tough but necessary- which included the removal subsidies on fuel and many others. He expressed hope that the new government stay the course and have policy consistency. Interacting with private sector players of Kenya, Organised by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the former president observed that the tendency of new governments in Africa to cancel agreements signed by a former government does not auger well for business growth. See Full Tweets of his interaction Took decisions that were tough but necessary- Removed subsidies on fuel & many others. We must stay the course & have policy consistency. John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) February 10, 2017 Democratic & Politics should be about serving your people & country, not a do or die affair. There's real life after the presidency. John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) February 10, 2017 Private sector will grow with democratic consolidation & right policies. They then develop capacity to employ 10s of 1000s of young people. John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) February 10, 2017 The tendency of new govts in Africa to cancel agreements signed by a former government does not auger well for business growth. John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) February 10, 2017 Interacting with private sector players of Kenya, Organised by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). pic.twitter.com/Gkn1KNvldZ John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) February 10, 2017 Source: mynewsgh.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 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. NSO is an Israel cyberarms dealer, which buys or researches vulnerabilities in software and then weaponizes them; claiming that these cyberweapons will only be used by democratic governments and their police forces to attacks serious criminals and terrorists a claim repeated by its competitors, such as Italy's Hacking Team and Gamma Group. But NSO is just the latest of these dealers whose weapons were wielded against small, democratic NGOs agitating for peaceful reform in this case, against activists in a coalition that advocated for a proposal to tax high-sugar sodas in Mexico. The attacks were discovered by Citizen Lab (previously), who dryly observe "This case suggests that NSO's government-exclusive espionage tools may be being used by a government entity on behalf of commercial interests, and not for national security reasons or fighting crime." NSO is known thanks to leaked internal documents to have several Mexican government customers. Mexico is Coca-Cola's largest per-capita consumer market and Mexico pledged $8.2B worth of projects in Mexico during the debate over the soda tax. While we do not conclusively demonstrate that elements of the Mexican government participated in the Bitter Sweet operation, circumstantial evidence suggests that this is a strong possibility. Only a government can purchase NSO's products: NSO Group explicitly limits the sales of its products to governments. Therefore, we can reasonably conclude that a government's NSO deployment was used in this attack. The Mexican Government is a confirmed NSO User: The Mexican government reported that it signed a $ 20 million dollar deal with NSO Group in 2012. Thus, elements of the Mexican government likely had access to NSO products at the time of the Bitter Sweet operation. The targets work on multiple domestic Mexican issues: The same infrastructure used for the Bitter Sweet operation (the unonoticias[.]net domain) was also used to target a Mexican journalist who wrote a story about government corruption involving the Mexican President's wife and a high-speed rail contractor, among other domestic targeting. The targets of the Bitter Sweet operation work on issues related to soft drink consumption and parties outside Mexico may object to their work. A large multinational food and beverage company could conceivably have sufficient influence to encourage a different government that has purchased NSO to target Dr. Simon Barquera, Alejandro Calvillo, and Luis Encarnacion. However, it is not clear that another government would be equally interested in all of the other targets we have identified. Noisy targeting: The heavy handed targeting is also a factor suggesting that the Bitter Sweet operator is a Mexican governmental client: it is unlikely that a foreign country would use the NSO tool on Mexican soil so brazenly and so clearly risking discovery. Bitter Sweet: Supporters of Mexico's Soda Tax Targeted With NSO Exploit Links [John Scott-Railton, Bill Marczak, Claudio Guarnieri, and Masashi Crete-Nishihata/Citizen Lab] Pro surfer Mitch Parkinson makes surfing barrels look relaxing in this gorgeous montage. Owen Milne cut together this beautiful footage he shot with Lachlan McKinnon and John Wiley. Mitchy Parko surfing around West Oz, Indonesia, Hawaii and Home on the Gold Coast. After recently parting ways with Billabong, Mitch came to me with a hard drive of footage that had never seen the light of the day and was keen to drop and edit. We filmed some sessions around home and came up with this! Bonus video: Owen was on hand in 2013 for North Shore's epic Black Friday: Mitch Parkinson (Vimeo / Owen Milne Media) This blog will focus on political images I have found all around the Internet, though I will intersperse some commentary and quotes that I find interesting. QUEENSBURY SUNY Adirondack is poised for a busy 2017 with construction of two new academic buildings that will transform the campus in a major way. The college in October broke ground on its $17 million NSTEM (nursing, science, technology, engineering and math) building, which will be an addition on the south side of the science building. The college is also constructing a $9.7 million one-story building called the Adirondack Regional Workforce Readiness Center dubbed the WORC. It would house its Business Central, which has been described as a one-stop shop for students looking for internships and jobs and an entrepreneurship center. The facility would contain a large meeting space that could accommodate 280 people. SUNY Adirondack President Kristine Duffy said the people will be breaking ground on the Workforce Readiness Center in a couple of weeks ahead of the scheduled March start. The weather has helped us a little bit, it hasnt been too terrible, although I wouldnt want to be out there working, she said. Duffy said the NSTEM addition must be completed by the end of this summer, so they can move people out of the existing science spaces into the new facility. Then, the existing laboratories can be renovated. All of the new space will be done by fall of 2018, she said. The groundbreaking capped off a busy 2016. It implemented a new advisement system that assigns every student an adviser and created an early alert system to monitor students early in the semester who are in danger of failing courses. The college in October learned that it is receiving a three-year, $500,000 state Community Schools grant to support student social and emotional needs that prevent them from completing college. As part of the grant, college officials will bring together different community organizations in Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties to provide wraparound services for students, including child and elder care, transportation, health care, family and employment counseling and legal aid, according to a news release. The college has been able to fund tutoring services and implemented a new math program, according to Duffy. The college also completely revamped its website, according to Duffy. We were excited to have a whole new look and functional feel to our website in helping our prospective students and community access information, she said. The college has invested in digital marketing, Duffy added. Looking ahead in 2017, there are several other projects on tap. College officials are to renovate Warren Hall to create a bigger and more welcoming entrance and help redesign the flow of services. That project is being made possible because of a $1.8 million state SUNY grant. The college is also planning to develop a strategic plan for the next three to five years. Ongoing challenges are confronting shrinking enrollment. Its typical when you have a better economy. We want to make sure our programs are in line with what adults are looking for and also make as convenient as possible to return to college, Duffy said. Duffy said the college is looking to help nontraditional students especially complete their degree in a more timely fashion. There may be students who came and had to take a break for whatever reason. The college is seeking more grant funding to help these students. To combat the decline in enrollment, Duffy said the college must continue to develop new programs such as the one in cybersecurity. Another new program is one in mechatronics, which is a combination of electrical and mechanical engineering. What weve heard is manufacturers need a little bit of both (from prospective employees), she said. The college is also launching a new Early College Career Academy this fall in business and entrepreneurship for high school juniors. This is the fourth career academy that the college has launched after advanced manufacturing/electrical technology, information technology, networking systems and new media. We expect that to increase enrollment and build a pipeline of students to stay here and complete a degree, she said. Duffy is looking to target programs at adult learners or students who are learning in different ways. We want to make sure they know they can have a place at Adirondack, she said. Duffy said the college has been working closely with local businesses in the top fields in this area of hospitality, manufacturing and health care. The college has a partnership with Adirondack Technical Solutions, which has provided job opportunities for graduates, given insight into industry trends and made presentations in classrooms. SUNY Adirondack also used the companys expertise to development its new associates degree program in cybersecurity, which will debut in the fall of 2017. Duffy said the college is working closely with health care professionals as well. We just got together with some of the large hospital employers in the area to talk about how we can continue to meet their workforce needs, she said. Business Central is meant to be a great connector for students, according to Duffy. She cited an anecdote of a guest speaker coming in to talk to a class. A student went up to talk to the man after class and now he has an internship. Glens Falls Hospital is using the colleges nursing simulation laboratories to train its employees, according to Duffy. Duffy said the college is grateful for the support it receives from the sponsoring counties. Another challenge is limited funding from the state, according to Duffy. Weve been continually challenged to get the right amount of funding from the state and our counties to maintain our healthy operation. The grants that we have received have been great. But unfortunately, grants run out, she said. One of the biggest challenges the college is facing is keeping up with technology infrastructure because of its expense, according to Duffy. The college also has physical plant needs. Its great that were building new buildings. We still have a considerable a input of deferred maintenance, she said. Duffy estimated that the college has about $20 million worth of infrastructure needs including classroom upgrades and improving heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Community colleges will continue to adapt to the needs of students, according to Duffy. I think the idea of a student graduating from high school, enrolling in college and staying in college full time is not the traditional model, she said. That is why it is important to have a variety of pathways including students who want some short-term education for some immediate needs. I think well see the development of some more short-term options for students, she said. CHESTER Etain is not breaking even yet, but its still been a good first year for the medical marijuana company. No ones break-even in New York, Chief Operations Officer Hillary Peckham said. All five of us are losing money. Five companies won licenses to start medical marijuana distribution, under tight security and strict rules. Only a few ailments qualify a patient for the drug, and they must first have a doctor certify that they can take the drug. But not many doctors have joined the program, making it difficult to find one. Etain and the other companies were also required to open distribution centers the day that the patient registry opened. So we expected to see nobody. We werent very happy about it, but we expected that, we planned for that, Peckham said. The first month we saw 20 people, total, at all our locations. The lack of profit is making things tough for the new company, which by law has to maintain many locations. It grows and manufactures the products in Chestertown. At distribution centers in Albany, Syracuse, Kingston and Yonkers, it sells marijuana for $50 to $180. The lowest price buys a 15-day supply of capsules; oil and vaporizers are also available, for three different types of marijuana. The price is lower is neighboring states, Peckham acknowledged, but theres a bigger customer base there. They can get the medication for chronic pain and other conditions that dont qualify for marijuana in New York. Shes hoping the state will change the law this year to allow sufferers of chronic pain to get marijuana, which could greatly increase her customer base and thus reduce her prices. The Department of Health announced in December that it was proposing that change. After conducting a thorough review of the scientific literature, it became clear that there may be certain benefits in the use of medical marijuana by patients suffering from chronic pain, said Health Commissioner Dr. Howard A. Zucker in a press release. Currently, only those with ten conditions qualify for marijuana. Those are: cancer, HIV infection or AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathies, and Huntingtons disease. But many people with those ailments cant work any longer, so they are usually on fixed incomes. A lot of patients cant afford the medication, Peckham said. More customers would allow us to decrease our prices and offer more discounts. Medical marijuana is not covered by health insurance. She wants the state to improve access as well by allowing nurses to dispense marijuana in hospitals. Currently, they are not allowed to do so. Also this year she is continuing to persuade doctors that marijuana is a safe way to manage pain, muscle spasms and seizures, among other symptoms. The key is to get physicians on board, she said. There are 80,000 physicians in the state, but only about 800 are registered to certify patients, a process that requires them to take an online class with the state. Nurse practicioners can also register, and the state is considering adding physicians assistants as well. Many doctors still have no idea that medical marijuana is legal, Peckham said, adding that she keeps meeting doctors who dont know. The company sends speakers to conferences and conventions to explain the industry to doctors. What makes them feel comfortable is knowing how well-regulated this industry is, she said. That it is pharmaceutical-grade is very comforting to them. Safety comes up too. Doctors want to know if their patients will be mugged the moment they walk out the door with their marijuana. Peckham has reassuring data for them. We havent had any problems with security. No one has come trying to steal anything. No patients have had any issue getting to their car afterward, she said, citing the myriad levels of security at each dispensary. At this point, its easier to get product from the black market than steal it from us, she said. In Chestertown, the growing and manufacturing facility has also had no security problems. There are five employees in the growing operation, all of whom have farming experience. It operates just like a hydroponics tomato factory, Peckham said. On the manufacturing side, the company employs six people: engineers, chemists and lab technicians. The engineers have been instrumental in designing and operating the machines that automate much of the process. Machines fill capsules with marijuana and handle the cannabis oil, which was not easy to manage. The oils pretty tricky to work with. Its just really sticky, Peckham said. If you put it in a glass beaker and you turn that beaker upside down, it would stay there for an hour. Designing machines that could move the oil along wasnt easy, but the engineers came up with outside-the-box solutions that worked, she said. The company grows three strains of marijuana: high-CBD for muscle spasms and seizures; high-THC for pain, and one that has equal levels of THC and CBD. Etains pharmacists work with each patient to determine which strain will work best for their symptoms. Some even take both. We had one patient who was legally blind. He had migraines that were basically muscle spasms in his head, she said. Within a month he was able to see and drive again. Hes an example of someone who would use both. She hopes to see the state expand the number of symptoms for which marijuana can be used, and not just because it would help expand her customer base. We want to help everyone, she said. Were really proud of what we were able to accomplish last year. But we definitely dont feel our work is done. We decided to mix things up with this year's Outlook supplement. Since 2009, The Post-Star has published Outlook as a special publication focused on businesses and the general economic outlook (hence the name) in the area. Some years it has revolved around smaller businesses, some years larger employers, but seemingly always it has focused on individual businesses. This year, however, we decided to move more toward broad industrial trend stories. Our reporters interviewed some of the area's leaders in the fields of real estate, health care, manufacturing and dairy farming, to name a few. In some fields, the outlook is bright; in others, namely health care and real estate, there is a large amount of uncertainty. Many of the trend stories focus on the role technology and automation have played in various fields. For example, dairy farming has been revolutionized in Washington and Saratoga counties by technology that has made the process much more efficient. Other stories look at the impact local, state and federal legislation has on a given industry. Entrepreneur Eric Unkauf owner of Chase Sports, among other businesses weighs in on how government has sometimes made his life more difficult. We also take a look at recent transformations in downtown Glens Falls, which is seen from above here. Many of the changes downtown focus on residential living. Whereas years ago residents were seldom living downtown, apartment buildings are now popping up all over downtown. One of our main priorities for this year's edition was to feature some new, exotic businesses we hadn't included in this publication before. For example, we feature the Etain medical marijuana growing facility in Chester. Officials there arent breaking even yet, but are optimistic about their industrys future. Officials hope the state will increase the number of ailments that can be legally treated by marijuana. You'll also find a new "By the numbers" page inside, which features info-graphics and statistics. The point of this is to paint an image of the state economy, broadly, and more specifically the regional economy. This page goes into employment rates, job growth and the area's top employers, among other things. This publication does not strictly offer features we haven't tackled before, however. You'll find Outlook staples such as a feature on SUNY Adirondack and a sit-down interview with the director of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. Those interviewed by our reporters share their thoughts on the economic outlook for 2017. The reactions are mixed, but hopeful. After all, as Warren Buffett said, "In the business world, the rear view mirror is always clearer than the windshield." There are currently 335 Stewarts Shops across upstate New York and southern Vermont, netting $1.6 billion in annual sales, according to the companys website. David Caruso is the senior vice president of Shop Operations for Stewarts Shops. Caruso began his 30-year tenure with Stewarts Shops as a district auditor, progressing through the roles of district manager and vice president, and securing his current role in 2010. He serves on the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation Board and Glens Falls Hospital Investment Committee, and previously served on the Board of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Board of the United Way of Ulster County, and the WGHQ Happy Christmas Board. He is a graduate of Hudson Falls High School and is married with two children. He spoke recently about Stewarts involvement in the community, its challenges and goals for the coming year. Q: What were the major successes and challenges for your company in 2016? A: We were very fortunate to have many successes in 2016. We invested over $50 million in new shops, replacement shops, and major remodels. These improvements and additions increased our market area as well as providing better service and standards in our mature markets. We continued solid growth in our existing shops, completed many upgrades and improvements at our plant & distribution center and continue to integrate more technology into all areas of our business. With that said, people are the core to our success and we continue to invest in them. They now have nearly 40 percent ownership in our company through our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), plus improved training and recognition programs, growth sharing ($2.1 million in 2016), as well as many enhanced benefit programs. We are very proud of our 4,500 partners, companywide. Q: What do you see as potential challenges for your company in 2017? A: Challenges for 2016 included the increase in government regulations, changes in consumer purchasing habits like internet shopping, increasing competition, as well as always adapting to the ever-changing labor market. Potential challenges for 2017 include increasing competition, continued uncertainty and increased regulations, and the continued evolution of consumer purchasing habits. While a rapid increase in labor and benefit costs is always a challenge, and everyone is different, we can say we are already well-ahead. Q: What do you see as the challenges for Saratoga, Washington and Warren counties for the coming year? A: We are very fortunate to work and live in such a beautiful and diverse area. With the emphasis on tech growth in Malta, numerous large scale projects throughout all three counties, the emphasis on tourism and our quality of life, I am very optimistic for the opportunities. We have a strong community image and are very proud to be such an integral part of these communities. Great people make great communities and business partners. Q: What potential issues are facing the convenience store industry in general right now? A: There are many potential issues facing our industry. As mentioned earlier, government regulations are at the top of the list. Not to be misunderstood, there are many regulations that are good for our business, our employees, and customers. And we embrace them because they are the right thing to do. Fairness and being a responsible company come to mind. We want to do the right thing. Other issues include product declines, labor increases, and increased competition in growth segments of our business. Q: What positive things are going on in your industry? A: There are many positive issues that are affecting our industry. Lifestyle changes have increased the need for quick and efficient service. Convenient stores naturally fill that need. Changing eating habits have people eating throughout the day, more often. We call it grazing. Maybe we can thank the cows for that? Providing more food options the growth of food service has been the industrys biggest growth opportunity, as well as for Stewarts Shops. The stability of the industry is also a great asset. We provide not only what people want but also what they need. Different people shop us for different things; we can be their dairy shop, their ice cream shop, their coffee shop, their restaurant. But because we do all of these things, we can do them well. Q: What changes can consumers expect over the next five years? The next 10? A: I wish I had that crystal ball. I could get a great head start. I will say this. The convenience store industry has shown great adaptability. Those that chose not to change or could not adapt are no longer here. There are many examples of that across the country and locally. Over my 30-plus years we strive to provide the products and services that consumers need, want, and demand during that period. Weve evolved from just the ice cream shop that started it all. Products, services, and lifestyles will continue to change and it is our responsibility to provide those needs. I will tell you that a professional restroom, free air, and a smile seem to bridge each generation. Sometimes its just that simple. Q: Why is Holiday Match so important to Stewarts Shops? A: Simply said, we give back to the communities that continue to support us. Our Holiday Match program, part of our overall contribution program, is a testament to many characteristics that are the roots of our company culture. It is such a privilege to be part of such a community-minded company and family owners. That generosity and philanthropy is installed in all of us. The Holiday Match program allows for each shop each partner to become actively involved with their customers and communi ties. That trust, interaction, the desire to support their communities, truly shines during this time. It builds relationships between all of those involved. Relationships are very important. The trust that we will support our communities to the best of our ability is important. Respect and image is important. Pride of the customers and our partners on their success is so important. This past season we raised, with the match, over $1.85 million, a new record. I always try to add a little thought-provoking perspective. Where else have you seen, in an approximate 5-week period, customers donate over $900,000, in buckets on a counter? That underscores what I discussed earlier. Its important to Stewarts Shops because its important to our communities, our customers, and our partners. Q: What makes you different and leads to your success? A: Along with our people, vertical integration is certainly an asset. This starts at our plant and warehouse, to handling much of the distribution to the shops. Taking a hands-on approach means we can provide the best quality and value for our customers, and better service, by supporting the needs of the partners. Were now making so many of our own products, and were not just talking about the ice cream everyone knows us for. We make our Refresher teas and juices and more hot foods than ever before. Were making our macaroni and cheese, chili, and soups in our Stewarts kitchen, along with new prepared entrees like Chicken Alfredo, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and green salads. And it would be remiss of me not to mention our fresh milk and the great relationships we have with 30 dairy farms we work with across Saratoga, Washington, and Rensselaer counties. Our eggs come from Thomas Poultry Farm in Schuylerville. Theres a trust, with our producers and with our customers, to provide fresh and local products. The challenge of selling locally manufactured products in global markets in 2017 has intensified. We expected to have a big machine purchase from China in January, and Im afraid that our current political situation has delayed that, said Elizabeth Miller, president of Miller Mechanical Services in Glens Falls and chairwoman of Doty Machine Works in Fort Edward. Nevertheless, manufacturing employment in the Glens Falls region generally is expected to remain steady in 2017 as companies focus on quality, diversification and efficiency, according to local manufacturing executives. We dont see any significant growth on the horizon, but some of the sectors we sell into are very volatile, which could necessitate adding jobs if sales in sectors such as solar energy increase more rapidly than expected, said Frank Barber, president and chief executive officer of Ames Goldsmith, which employs 71 people at plants in Glens Falls and South Glens Falls. The exception may be the medical device industry, which is expected to increase employment due to the temporary repeal of a federal excise tax and reform of the federal Food and Drug Administrations product review process, said EDC Warren County President Edward Bartholomew. Expansion projects and new product lines that were put on the shelf are now being pursued, which will mean new jobs in the region, he said. Bartholomew said the paper industry locally is stable because companies have modernized their operations and because of an ample local wood supply. There are certain things in the world that you can control, and certain things that you cannot, said Derek Basile, vice president and chief financial officer for Finch Paper. Weve been focusing heavily on what we can control and improving our efficiencies here at the mill. Finch Paper, which employs about 600 people in Glens Falls, is poised to capitalize on diversification implemented in 2016. Diversification has led to establishing some new specialized technical and sales positions, but overall employment levels are expected to stay about the same. The company, which makes high-grade printing and writing paper, recently added new food service industry and packaging paper products. Finch Paper received federal Food and Drug Administration approval and began producing food contact paper used for disposable plates, cups and ketchup containers. Thats a high-growth market, Basile said. Luxury packaging grades is another new product line. Those are very high-end products that you see in perfume boxes and watch packaging or are used to print shopping bags for high-end retailers, he said. Basile said 21 percent of the mills volume in 2016 was from new products and new customers. Considerable achievement when you think about the broader paper market declines of 3 to 4 percent, he said. Basile said the biggest challenge Finch faces in 2017 is hiring local workers who have necessary science, technology, engineering and math skills. Thats one of the things that we look at in the area in general, that we all as manufacturers are focused on, is the development of that talent pipeline, he said. The production floor and factory of today is much different than that of generations past, and it is taking time to attract interest from younger workers entering the workforce to view manufacturing as the lucrative career path it has become, Bartholomew said. SUNY Adirondack is meeting with a task force of manufacturers to plan a new series of non-credit, short-term STEM skills training classes, said John Jablonski, the colleges vice president for academic affairs. SUNY Adirondack will coordinate specialized skills courses that individual employers would not have enough workers to implement on their own. Each one might only have a handful of employees that need the training, and its not cost effective, he said. Now we can afford to get the critical mass that we need by identifying those common skill sets that they all need. Courses could be offered as soon as spring or summer. SUNY Adirondack also is exploring the feasibility of expanding its Early College Career Academy program in electrical skills to offer a new option in mecatronics, which is a combination of mechanical and electronic skills. The program, a partnership between the college and Washington, Saratoga, Warren, Hamilton, Essex BOCES, is for high school students who receive both high school and college credit for courses. The closing of the General Electric Co. plant in Fort Edward last year has left experienced machinists looking for jobs elsewhere, Miller said. Doty Machine Works already has hired two former GE workers through a job retraining program with BOCES, she said. Miller Mechanical, one of the companies she runs, fabricates metal parts for paper industry machinery. That was a little sluggish last year, but this year its picking up, she said. Doty Machine Works, her other company, does machining work for local manufacturers and makes machines that manufacture steel plates, primarily an export product. Weve sold some in previous years to South Korea, Vietnam, China and Japan. And we have three to four possibilities this year, she said. Miller said she is hopeful the expected orders will materialize in a few months, once the national political climate settles. Its a little disconcerting, I would say, she said. Barber said exporting also is a challenge for Ames Goldsmith, which makes silver-based products, but the challenge is because of long-standing trade issues, not the current political climate. A lot of our materials go into electronic applications. Obviously, a lot of that sector is based in the Far East, he said. What I am happy to say is were a net exporter of products, which is a good feeling. China is a particularly difficult market. The Chinese government, from what we understand, subsidizes the metals for local Chinese companies. What that does is it puts us at a really unfair advantage, Barber said. The only way that were able to do that is because our technology, at least for the time being, is stronger. Meanwhile, local manufacturers are in a great position to benefit from the national political emphasis on convincing multi-national companies to bring jobs back to the United States, Bartholomew said. Much has been written lately about the prospect of re-shoring of companies, he said. Recent National Grid infrastructure work in northern Saratoga County will improve the reliability of industrial power supply in the region, and increase the potential of recruiting new manufacturers, he said. Read more about the local economic outlook in our Outlook section, page F1. Also, read a sit-down interview with Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce President Tori Riley, Local, Page B1. SARATOGA SPRINGS George Watson Trumbull of Saratoga Springs died Feb. 5, 2017 at the age of 86. Born July 16, 1930 in Whitehall, New York, George was the son of Thomas M. And Carol Watson Trumbull. He was raised in Whitehall until 1944 when he moved to Round Lake, New York. In 1948, George graduated at the head of his class from Round Lake High School. He was fortunate to have had private Latin and German instruction from his mentor, a generous retired teacher. With the help of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates living in Round Lake, he was accepted at RPI in Troy, New York as a day student; this at a time when enrollment was very heavy with Veterans returning from World War II on the GI Education Bill. He graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering and was hired as a Process Engineer by the California Texas Oil Corporation in New York City. This company, later known as Caltex, was formed in 1936 by Chevron and Texaco for their international oil operations in a large number of countries in the Eastern Hemisphere. Georges assignments with Caltex included eleven years in the Middle Eastern Sheikdom of Bahrain (now a Kingdom), six years in France and Spain (where he was Secretary of the U.S. Navy League which involved many high-level interactions between Spain and the USA), and the remainder of his 34 years of service in headquarters offices in New York City and Dallas, Texas. He was assigned to New Zealand to assist the local Caltex Company temporarily in managing their interests in the new jointly-owned oil refinery there. Over his career he progressed from Refinery Technical Services to mergers of Government and Caltex Refining Companies and finally General Management. His posts included Deputy Regional Director Bahrain at Headquarters, Deputy Managing Director Caltex Bahrain, a member of the Board of Directors for the Bahrain Petroleum Refining Company (BAPCO), and a member of the Boards Audit Committee. At the time of his retirement in 1986, he was Vice President of Caltex Trading and Transport. After retirement, George and his family lived in Dallas and Florida for a number of years. In 1995 he and his wife, Jeannette, became residents of North Hudson, where they had vacationed at the family camp since 1961. In 2005 they moved to the Saratoga Springs, NY area. Georges early retirement years involved expansions to their North Hudson summer property, hiking in the Adirondacks and winter trips to Texas, Florida and other places. He was a member of the Schroon Lake, NY Arts Council, the Lions Club, the Senior Citizens Club and other local organizations. He was particularly proud of serving on the Lions Board of Directors as President 2002/03 and having received Knight of the Blind, Uplinger and Melvin Jones Fellowships Awards during his nine years in the Schroon Lake chapter. He and his wife were active for years as volunteers for Home Delivered Meals and provided transportation for health-related hospital and clinical visits for Essex County residents. Georges wife of 56 years, Jeannette Auve Trumbull, predeceased him in 2009; his one brother, Thomas P. Trumbull, was killed in action in World War II; and his sisters, Catherine Trumbull Knee and Iris Trumbull Civalier. He is survived by his only daughter, Jeanine Trumbull Dillon, of Sterling, Virginia; one sister, Marilyn Trumbull of Saratoga Springs; grandchildren, Brendan Trumbull, Sara Jeannette, and Georgette Eileen Dillon, and nieces and nephews. George was the last direct male Trumbull of a line of Trumbulls dating to pre-Revolutionary War time. His grandson, Brendan, carries on the Trumbull name by virtue of his given middle name. Services and interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial gifts may be made to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180-3590 (without which he felt life would have turned out very differentlysine qua non), or the Lions Clubs International, 300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842. Acknowledgements and/or condolences may be sent to Jeanine Trumbull Dillon, 46911 Wesleyan Court, Sterling VA 20164. HUDSON FALLS On Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, James D. Hewitt (better known as Drake to his friends and family) slipped the surly bonds of earth to meet his Lord. He was surrounded by his loving family and died peacefully and without pain at Glens Falls Hospital. He was 83 years old. Drake was born the youngest of nine children in Whitehall, on June 18, 1933. He graduated in 1950 from Whitehall Central School, entered the Air Force in 1952 and served as a radio operator in Japan. He finished his tour in Mississippi, where he was honorably discharged in April of 1956. When Drake was discharged from the service, he started college in Castleton, Vermont, before transferring to UVM in Burlington, Vermont, and going on to Geneseo State University of New York. He went on to acquire his masters degree in elementary education at SUNY Albany. After finishing his education, he began his teaching career at Great Meadow Correctional Facility. Drake went on to teach in Batavia for three years before returning home to teach in the Hudson Falls Central School District, primarily at Margaret Murphy Elementary, for 28 years. He was one of those lucky people who got up every day to go to a job that he loved. Drake took early retirement at 55 because of medical issues, and a few years later became a medi-ride driver for Glens Falls Hospital, a job that he enjoyed for 15 years. Drake will always be loved and remembered by his entire family, the people he loved, and thousands of past students. One of his biggest enjoyments was talking to people at the Hannaford grocery store in Hudson Falls and sharing recipes with them. Grocery shopping was a social outing for him, and he would be gone for several hours, even if there were only a few items on the grocery list. He was predeceased by his parents, five brothers, an infant, and also Donald, John, Robert and Thomas; two sisters, Marena McLaughlin, and Hope Fleury; and a niece, Heidi Biddlescomb. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sandy; his son, Drake; his daughter, Karen Sharpe and her companion, Todd Mead; his daughter, Kristy Hewitt, who resides in the State of Washington; his sister, Daune Martell, who is a patient at Fort Hudson Nursing Home; and a very special nephew, Sean (Ruth) McLaughlin. Drake has seven grandchildren, Brooke (Anson) Wood, Andrea Hewitt, Joseph, Zachary and Jordyn Sharpe, and TJ and Alex Rutter; and too many nieces and nephews to name. Friends may call on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday Feb. 15, at St. Marys-St. Pauls Catholic Church on the park in Hudson Falls. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the charity of ones choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.carletonfuneralhome.net. One of the high-profile campaigns by India's Prime Minister Modi is an end to the practice of defecating in public places, with access to toilets for all. But the campaign doesn't merely require that toilets be provided to all concerned some people are insistent on pooping outdoors, and this has led to the peculiar situation where "ODF" ("open defecation free") activists follow open-air poopers around with megaphones, publicly shaming them for not using toilets. There are a variety of reasons for shunning toilets: they may be viewed as "impure"; taboos against fathers-in-law and daughters-in-law sharing the same toilet; they may not be very good toilets (not connected to city sewers, necessitating mucking out of a septic pit); or people may be habituated to going outdoors. Bureaucrats are also falsifying records about the success of the "Clean India" campaign as a way to burnish Modi's credentials in the runup to the 2019 elections. Saradhu Dhivar, 57, an unemployed villager, said he had daily spats with Mr. Koshle's associates, arguing that Nimora had ample space to go "freestyle." His food entitlements were withheld for a month, he said, until he built a toilet. It took days "to get used to this style," he said. In October, Mr. Koshle sealed a gap in the walls of a school whose large, grass-covered grounds had become a bathroom of choice. Dozens marched to his home in protest, wielding water buckets they carry for outside duty. They demolished the wall. In December, Mr. Koshle got his police friends to stage the faux arrest of four locals he had instructed to relieve themselves outsidean attempt to strike fear, he said. He rented an auto-rickshaw with a loudspeaker, announcing that transgressors' electricity supply would be cut. Recently, teams of saree-clad women kept daily vigil around lakes and grassy fields from 4:30 a.m., shouting pro-toilet slogans and blowing whistles at offenders. Going Outside Turns Political in India Toilet Drive [Niharika Mandhana/WSJ] (via Marginal Revolution) (Image: Open defecation in Pandharpur a pilgrimage town in India, EvMsmile, CC-BY-SA) Guild will host musical review CORINTH The Corinth Theatre Guild will host its second annual Love Is In the Air musical revue at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12; 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Guild building, 6 Fourth St. The show is directed by Sally Navarro, with musical direction by Norm Mosher. Navarro has been directing and choreographing for more than 30 years including musicals, plays, variety shows, Miss New York State pageants, Junior Miss pageants and the Ice Capades. The show will feature more than two dozen songs, ranging from 1940s torch songs to Beatles love song ballads. Tickets are $7. Call 654-7341 for more information. Library to honor retiring director LAKE GEORGE The Board of Trustees of Caldwell Lake George Library invites patrons and the public to a farewell/retirement party for Marie Ellsworth, director at the library for the past 17 years, from 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 22 at the library, 336 Canada St. Refreshments will be served. Hospital offers scholarships SARATOGA SPRINGS The Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild is offering five $1,500 scholarships to high school seniors in the greater Saratoga County area who are interested in pursuing health care careers. Graduates may be exploring a broad range of medical careers, including pre-med, nursing, bio-medical research, pharmacology, medical imaging, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, physicians assistant, mental health and health care management. Eligible students must be entering college in September 2017, have at least a 2.5 grade point average and a documented record of community service. Application deadline is March 31. Scholarship recipients will be honored at the Volunteer Guilds annual Recognition Dinner on May 11. Requirements and applications are available through local high school guidance offices and online at www.saratogahospital.org/aboutus/volunteering. Art show entries being accepted GLENS FALLS NorthCountryARTS will be accepting entries for its spring juried exhibition, Visions 2017, until Feb. 19. The show runs from March 29 through April 29, with an opening reception and awards ceremony to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. April 8. The show will be held at the Shirt Factory Gallery located in the Shirt Factory building, 71 Lawrence St. The juror for this years exhibit is sculptor and professor of art at Skidmore College, Victoria Palermo. Awards for the exhibit include gold, platinum and silver levels, with prizes of $750, $500 and $250 respectively. There will be additional awards for Peoples Choice. A maximum of two pieces may be submitted at www.onlinejuriedshows.com. Search for NorthCountryARTS Visions2017. There is a jurying fee of $25 for NCA members and $35 for non-members. Genealogy class is for beginners SCHUYLERVILLE A free beginner genealogy class will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, corner of routes 4 and 29. Pat Peck, past president of Heritage Hunters, will teach basic research skills including the use of vital records, census records, deeds, wills and online research. Basic genealogy forms and other materials will be provided. Call 584-4129 to reserve a spot. Bring a sandwich if you intend to stay for the monthly meeting of Heritage Hunters at 1 p.m. Longtime pastor recently honored HUDSON FALLS The Rev. Robert McCrory, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Hudson falls, was recently honored by the congregation on the occasion of his 50th year in the ministry. The celebration included the presentation of a plaque, a cake and a luncheon following worship on Jan. 22. His ministry included more than 20 years as a U.S. Army Chaplain. Share an evening with Elvis Presley SARATOGA SPRINGS The Holiday Inn will host an Evening with Elvis to benefit the American Cancer Society from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at the hotel, 232 Broadway. Cash bar, food and raffles available. Tickets are $15 at the doors, which open at 6 p.m. Call Helen at 745-7821 for more information. Key Club plans Cut-a-Thon FORT EDWARD The Fort Edward Key Club, in partnership with area hairstylists, is sponsoring a Cut-a-Thon for the family of John Adams, who passed away recently at age 42 after a brief illness, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Fort Edward school, 220 Broadway. The event will offer $15 haircuts, a basket raffle, face painting, a bake sale, ice cream social and hot dogs and beverages for sale. Go country for a good cause QUEENSBURY The Ramada will host a Country Western Night featuring the Vintage Country Band from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 25 at the hotel, 1 Abby Lane. The event will feature food, music, dancing, basket raffles, 50/50 raffles and a cash bar to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks. Tickets are $15. Call Helen at 745-7821 for more information. Library hosts book discussion GRANVILLE The Pember Library will host part two of a four-part reading, viewing and discussion series for adults called Pushing the Limits at 1 p.m. Feb. 19 at the library, 33 W. Main St. The series brings together books and video featuring authors, scientists and everyday people who thrive on exploring the natural world. Dylan OLeary will lead a discussion of the book, The Land of Painted Caves, by Jean Auel. The discussion will include a video of the author interview and human interest stories. This program is an investigation into how humans have continuously sought to expand their own knowledge and to pass it on to others. Visit http://pember.sals.edu for details, contact Ardyce Bresett at 642-2525 or email pember.library@gmail.com. Light snacks with coffee or water will be provided. Winter social draws crowd QUEENSBURY The Lake Stewardship Group of Cleverdales fourth annual Winter Social took place Jan. 29 with more than 50 people in attendance. State Sen. Betty Little, Queensbury Supervisor John Strough, Councilman Tony Metivier and Lake George Park commissioners Jim Kneeshaw and Bill Mason attended the event at Sans Souci, which provided the venue at no charge. Department to donate detectors BOLTON LANDING Through its Fire Prevention Program, the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department will donate smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to town residents who may not be able to afford the life-saving devices. This program is part of the fire departments multi-strategic approach to fire prevention and safety education for the community it serves. The Bolton Volunteer Fire Department recently received 24 First Alert smoke detectors and 24 First Alert carbon Monoxide Detectors for the fire departments fire prevention program. These detectors were donated by Rick Holbrook and Steve Salvucci from Holbrook Associates Inc., located in Rockland, Massachusetts, and Ed Rando from U.S. Electrical Services, Stoughton, Massachusetts, with a local office, HZ Electric in Queensbury. Rob Barcomb, a firefighter with Bolton Volunteer Fire Department, was instrumental in working with both companies to make the donation possible. The detectors have a retail value of approximately $2,000. Hospital seeks teen volunteers SARATOGA SPRINGS Applications are available for Students Sharing Opportunities and Responsibilities, Saratoga Hospitals summer program offering area junior and senior high school students opportunities for community service in a health care environment. SSOAR participants will volunteer at least 48 hours in one of several areas of the hospital, including the Gift Shoppe, Treasures Consignment Boutique, medical/surgical floors and emergency department. Accepted SSOAR participants are required to attend a mandatory orientation June 23. Completed applications must be received/postmarked by April 7. Detailed information and application requirements are available at www.saratogahospital.org/aboutus/volunteering, through high school guidance offices, and at the front desk of Saratoga Hospital. For email inquiries, contact Betsy St. Pierre at estpierre@saratogacare.org. Chamber seeks nominations NORTH WARREN The North Warren Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations from the towns of Chester and Horicon for the Business & VIP of the Year award. Nominations can be emailed to the Chamber at info@northwarren.com or mailed or dropped off at the chamber, 3 Dynamite Hill, P.O. Box 490, Chestertown, NY 12817. Include the business/VIP name, address, telephone number, the reason for the nomination and the name, address and the phone number of the person making the nomination. Submission deadline is March 31. A recognition dinner to honor the winners will be held at Jimbos on May 25. For more information, call the chamber at 494-2722 or Barbara Repp at 494-3955. Man named in 50 over Fifty David McNally was recently recognized by City and State as one of the magazines 50 over Fifty, honoring New Yorkers who have distinguished themselves in civic affairs. Since 2005, McNally has been the AARP New York director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, working with members, volunteers and staff in New York state, Washington, D.C., and across the country to create positive social change at the federal, state and local level on issues important to AARP members and their families. McNally began his career with AARP in 1994, opening the first state-based AARP legislative office in the country and serving for 11 years as the lead grassroots organizer for AARP in New York state, which now counts over 2.6 million New York state members. Between 1986 and 1993, McNally worked in a variety of communications positions for the state Assembly, including as public affairs director for Majority Leader James R. Tallon. A graduate of SUNY Oswego, he was born and raised in the southern Adirondack town of Minerva. He and his wife, Clare, divide their time between homes there and in McKownville near Albany. PUTNAM State Police divers planned to resume searching Tuesday for two men who were missing after their snowmobiles were believed to have gone through ice or into open water on Lake Champlain late last week. The men were from Benson, Vermont, and apparently tried to cross the lake from the Benson Landing area Thursday night to go to a restaurant in Ticonderoga when their snow machines are believed to have wound up in the water, according to State Police. Vermont State Police identified them as Brandon Barrett, 23, and Jonathan Ryan, 32. Authorities located an area of slush and thin ice where they believe their snowmobiles likely went into the water, according to State Police. Police have located their snowmobiles and found clothes and shoes offshore near Putnam Station that matched what they were believed to have been wearing, which led police to believe they took them off as they tried to make it to shore, officials said. Police have also searched adjoining areas of shoreline. Divers from the State Police spent much of Saturday and part of Sunday in the water looking for them, searching Sunday until conditions got too bad from the snow storm. Troopers were also using sonar to try to locate them underwater, police said. The men were reported missing to Vermont State Police late Thursday or early Friday. Friends located a snowmobile trailer and truck they had used and followed snowmobile tracks to Chipman Point in Orwell onto the lake and across to Putnam, but they could not follow the tracks further because of poor ice conditions, according to Vermont State Police. Both men are experienced snowmobilers with knowledge of the lake, Vermont State Trooper Robert Patten wrote in a news release. State Police from the Granville station were heading the investigation in New York, with Ticonderoga Police and State Police from Essex County assisting. Anyone with information in the case was asked to call Vermont State Police at 802-773-9101. Numerous agencies in New York and Vermont have issued warnings this winter about thin ice, as record warmth in January has resulted in unusually weak ice in many areas. Speaker John Bercow has stated that Trump hasn't "earned" the right to address the Commons, something that Parliamentarians are likely to back, given the 1.8 million signatures on a petition against a state visit by Trump. All this has prompted Trump to delay his state visit until next summer, when Parliament is out of session so he won't have to face the scandal of being denied admission to Parliament. The U.S. president is now expected to visit from a Thursday to a Sunday, the Guardian reported Saturday. Britain's Parliament is in summer recess until Sept. 5. The trip, his first to the U.K. since his election as president, may fuel protests over early actions since taking office. This would suggest that he would spend little time in London, the newspaper said. Trump U.K. Visit Delayed to Avoid Parliament Talk, Guardian Says [Stefania Spezzati/Bloomberg] (via Naked Capitalism) Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Trump wrote Sunday, "I know Mark Cuban well," adding, "He backed me big-time but I wasn't interested in taking all of his calls. He's not smart enough to run for president!" Initially, Cuban responded with a single acronym. "Lol," Cuban wrote. The owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and star of ABC's "Shark Tank" followed up with screenshots of a pair of emails. One was a message he sent to Trump's team following a primary victory in April, which was marked up by Trump. The other was a lengthy email he sent to the then-presumptive Republican nominee in May. "How soon they forget ...." Cuban tweeted. The first email, which Cuban sent congratulating Trump, contained a short reply from the future president. "Mark Wow, saw you on CNN Nasty! What happened?" Trump wrote. The dossier alleges serious misconduct and conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia's government. The White House has dismissed the dossier as fiction, and some of the facts and assertions it includes have indeed been proven wrong. Other allegations in the dossier, however, are still being investigated. According to a recent CNN report, moreover, US intelligence officials have now corroborated some of the dossier's material. And this corroboration has reportedly led US intelligence officials to regard other information in the dossier as more credible. Importantly, the timeline of known events fits with some of the more serious alleged Trump-Russia misconduct described in the dossier. And questions about these events have not been fully answered, including the sudden distancing of Trump associates from the campaign and administration as the events and Russia ties became public. The dossiers allegations of Trump-Russia ties and conspiracy The dossier was compiled by veteran British spy Christopher Steele, who was hired to investigate Trump's ties to Russia by the Washington, DC-based opposition research firm Fusion GPS. Steele developed a network of sources while working on An American consultant named Paul Manafort, who was mentioned throughout Steele's dossier, served as Donald Trump's campaign manager until August 2016. He is said to have close ties to Ukraine and Russia. change "definitely came from Trump staffers." $12.7 million for Manafort for his work Michael Flynn: A trip to Moscow, a distraction from Ukraine, and secret phone calls According to the dossier, a Kremlin official involved in US relations said that Russia attempted to cultivate US political figures by "funding indirectly their recent visits to Moscow." What happened In December 2015, Flynn, then recently retired from the Defense Intelligence Agency, traveled to Moscow to speak at a gala celebrating the 10th anniversary of state-sponsored news agency Russia Today. Flynn later told The Washington Post that he had been paid to speak at the gala, where he was photographed sitting next to Carter Page, a was an early foreign policy adviser to Trump. Page also served as an adviser " rel="noFollow" target="_blank"on key transactions" for Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom before setting up his own energy investment fund, Global Energy Capital, with former Gazprom executive Sergei Yatesenko. the President was so keen to lift personal and corporate Western sanctions imposed on the company, that he offered Page and his associates the brokerage of up to a 19 percent (privatised) stake in Rosneft." The dossier says that Pageexpressed interest" in the offer but was "noncommittal." It also says that Page promised that "sanctions on Russia would be lifted" if Trump were elected. What happened Page's extensive business ties to state-owned Russian companies were investigated by a counterintelligence task force set up last year by the CIA, according to several media reports. The investigation, which is reportedly ongoing, has examined whether Russia was funneling money into Trump's presidential campaign and, if it was, who was serving as the liaison between the Trump team and the Kremlin. Sergei Millian: From touting Trump to downplaying ties Sergei Millian, a Belarus-born businessman who is now a US citizen, founded the Russian-American Chamber of Commerce in 2006. He has described himself as an exclusive broker for Trump's family business, the Trump Organization, with respect to real-estate dealings in Russia. What the dossier says One of the dossier's sources, " The Kremlin recruited "hundreds of agents" both in Russia and in the US who were either "consciously cooperating with the FSB or whose personal and professional IT systems had been compromised," the dossier says, citing "a number of Russian figures with a detailed knowledge of national cyber crime." "Many were people who had ethnic and family ties to Russia and/or had been incentivized financially to cooperate," the dossier says. Source E allegedly told his compatriot that agents were compensated by "consular officials in New York, DC, and Miami," who issued "pension disbursements to Russian emigres living in the US as cover...tens of thousands of dollars were involved." In return for this effort, the dossier says, Putin wanted information from Trump on Russian oligarchs living in the US, Source E said. The same source is quoted in the dossier as saying "Unlike in Russia, these [dealings] were substantial and involved the payment of large bribes and kickbacks which, were they to become public, would be potentially very damaging to their campaign." What happened "Source E," according to recent reports by the Wall Street Journal and ABC, is the Belarus-born businessman Sergei Millian, the founder of the Russian-American Chamber of Commerce (RACC) who became an American citizen after arriving in the US 15 years ago. Millian described himself in an interview with Russian news agency RIA Novosti last April. Whereas Millian told RIA that he had been in touch with the Trump Organization as late as April 2016, he said in an email to Business Insider that the last time he worked on a Trump brand project was " Millian, on his LinkedIn page, says he is the Vice President of the World Chinese Merchants Union Association. He wrote last April that he traveled to Beijing to meet with a Chinese official and the Still, Rep. Elijah Cummings, a ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, questioned "whether or not [Flynn] should have a security clearance." I am very concerned about General Flynn," Cummings told MSNBC on Friday. "His story has changed about three or four times. When you're not truthful, and then the vice president of the United States goes out there and says you didn't do anything wrong, and then, come to find out, that was not accurate, that's a major problem. Federal officials who have read the transcript of the call "were surprised by Mr. Flynn's comments, since he would have known that American eavesdroppers closely monitor such calls," The Times reported. "They were even more surprised that Mr. Trump's team publicly denied that the topics of conversation included sanctions." Schiff is one of seven top Democratic lawmakers calling on the Defense Department to investigate whether Flynn ran afoul of the Constitution by being paid to speak at a gala in Moscow in December 2015 celebrating the 10th anniversary of the state-sponsored news agency Russia Today. In an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, host Jake Tapper asked Franken if he was serious when he told HBO's Bill Maher that some of his Republican colleagues "will say [Trump's] not right mentally, and then some are harsher." "Yes," Franken said. "It's not the majority of them. It's a few." The Minnesota senator explained that some Republicans were puzzled and worried by Trump's continued insistence despite no evidence that millions of people voted illegally against him in states like California and New Hampshire. The president asserted last week in a meeting with senators that thousands of out-of-state voters were bused into the state, resulting in his defeat in the state during the 2016 election, a claim that he backed with no evidence. "We all have this suspicion that he lies a lot. He says things that aren't true. That's the same as lying, I guess," Franken said, before noting Trump's voter fraud claims. "'Three million to five million people voted illegally.' There was a new one about people going in from Massachusetts to New Hampshire." He added: "That is not the norm for a president of the United States, or, actually, for a human being." Despite a lack of any corroborating evidence, The Trump administration didn't back down from the president's new voter fraud claims. During a testy interview on Sunday, ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos appeared agitated after repeatedly attempting, and failing, to elicit specific evidence from Trump adviser Stephen Miller to support the president's claims. "Just for the record, you have provided absolutely no evidence," Stephanopoulos said. "The White House has provided enormous evidence," Miller interjected. He continued: "George, it is a fact and you will not deny it, that are massive numbers of non-citizens in this country who are registered to vote. That is a scandal. We should stop the presses and as a country we should be aghast about the fact that you have people who have no right to vote in this country registered to vote, canceling out the franchise of lawful citizens of this country." Despite his frequent assurances that he is not interested in seeking higher office, Franken's political prospects have become the subject of fascination among many Washington pundits, as he's emerged as a critic of Trump's cabinet nominees and policies. Outlets including the Washington Post and the National Journal last week both published op-eds touting the Minnesota senator's potential strengths in a hypothetical presidential matchup with Trump, citing his history as a comedian and appeal to white voters who backed Trump over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential campaign. Other outlets like CBS News and the New Republic suggested that Franken's viral grilling of Trump's cabinet nominees showed he could be a powerful force in the Democratic party. Many Democratic strategists and staffers have privately speculated about Franken's prospects, but aren't certain of his intentions. READ ALSO: Celebrity Wedding The hitmaker was pictured holding at the bible in a mood that depicted he was having an interpersonal conversation with someone. The 40-year-old was looking dapper in a long sleeved chequered shirt which he teamed up with red short. The father-of-two completed his look with a fashionable belt and beads. READ ALSO: Feud Rap Doctor as he has been nicknamed shared the photo on Instagram with the caption, Happy Sunday. READ ALSO: Victoria Lebene Recently, he revealed that he wants to the President of Ghana twelve years to come. "Who knows I could be getting ready to become the President of Ghana which is my brand vision in 12 years to come," he said during the launch of the Brand Book. The suspect is reported to have murdered and buried 22-year-old Douglas Ojugbo over the suspected affair between the deceased and his daughter. According to the reports, Elewana who has been described as a dangerous man reportedly chased the deceased from a distance of about a kilometer to the gate of the Cross River Basin Development Authority where he shot him in the leg and arm in March 2015. LIB reports that Elewana who hails from River Basin Authority, 8 Miles Calabar, took the corpse of the deceased to the Federal Housing Police Station where he is alleged to have connived with the DPO to bury the deceased at the Goldie cemetery in the state. However, the father of the deceased reportedly petitioned the Zone 6 command of the Nigeria Police Force, arguing that his son never had an affair with the daughter of the accused. According to the petition, Douglas had only been trying to collect the balance of the money with which he sold his mini laptop to her. The case which was presided over by Justice Ukpa Ebitham, the court saw prosecution counsel Amaja Eneji tender evidence which proved that the license of the double-barreled gun used in shooting the expired in 2013. Also amongst the evidence were two expended cartridges, one machete, a double barreled gun and five pellets recovered from the body of the deceased following an autopsy carried out on the remains of the deceased. The prosecutor argued that no civilian had the right to take the life of another and urged the court to deliver justice based on the grievance of the crime. Defense Counsel, Clement Ukaegbu, however, told the Court that the suspect's wife has filed for an out of court settlement. From the studies Hall concluded that what is really important is not finding a partner with a sense of humor, but finding a partner who shares the same sense of humor as you. "People say they want a sense of humor in a mate, but that's a broad concept," commented Hall, "That people think you are funny or you can make a joke out of anything is not strongly related to relationship satisfaction. What is strongly related to relationship satisfaction is the humor that couples create together. Hall found that "playfulness between romantic partners is a crucial component in bonding and establishing relational security" and that laughter, "particularly shared laughter, is an important indicator of romantic attraction between potential mates." "Say you and your partner share a quirky sense of humor, but romantic comedies or sitcoms do nothing for either of you. So it's not that any style or a sense of humor is any better or worse. What matters is that you both see quirky humor as hysterical. If you share a sense of what's funny, it affirms you and affirms your relationship through laughter," explained Hall. "It's not about being a great comedian, but finding what's funny in the everyday and enjoying it together, whether that's 'The Simpsons' or repeating funny things your kids say or The New Yorker cartoons or relishing in the absurdity of life. It is most important you do it together." However Hall also cautioned against making your partner the butt of a joke in order to get laughs. "Having an aggressive sense of humor is a bad sign for the relationship in general, but it is worse if the style of humor is used in the relationship," he explained. Hall's previous research has also highlighted the importance of sharing laughter together for a happier relationship. In his 2015 paper "Sexual Selection and Humor in Courtship: A Case for Warmth and Extroversion," published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology, Hall set out to look at a possible relationship between humor and intelligence. Although one of his experiments failed to show a link between humor and intelligence, Hall did find that when a man made jokes when talking to a woman, the more the woman laughed the more likely it was that she was interested in him. According to the research laughing together is a sure sign of a spark, and could be a sign that you are on a path to lasting love. "If you meet someone who you can laugh with, it might mean your future relationship is going to be fun and filled with good cheer," concluded Hall. READ MORE: Police deploys elite units to Bimbilla They conferred with the Regent of Bimbilla Yakubu Andani Dasana Nyeliboligu Naa, whose decision to install a sub chief sparked the violence. The visit of the security council follows the deployment of personnel from the elite units of the police service to Bimbilla to help maintain law and order. The re-enforcement team is made of up of personnel from the action units of the Service, and Crime Scene Management Unit at the CID Headquarters, Accra. So far, 21 people have been arrested in connection with the Bimbilla clashes. The Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer , ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, in a broadcast interview said the suspects have been transported to Tamale for further investigations. "Majority of them were arrested for breach of curfew," ASP Tetteh said on Radio Ghana. "Others were arrested for various offences." He also confirmed that ten people have been killed in the clashes which were ignited following the installation of a sub-chief. READ MORE: Bimbilla SHS closed down over clashes Of the ten, the majority of them are women with the oldest being 85 and the youngest being four years, he said. In total, four children were killed as a result of the clashes. Sentsov, 40, a pro-EU activist, was convicted of terrorism in 2015 for arson attacks on pro-Kremlin party offices in Russian-annexed Crimea and sentenced to 20 years in a Siberian prison. The verdict drew strong condemnation from Kiev, the European Union and fellow filmmakers including Germany's Wim Wenders, who appear in the film to offer their support. The Voice Project advocacy group to free jailed artists has also taken up his cause, with Depp last November posing in one of its T-shirts bearing Sentsov's name. The documentary's Russian director Askold Kurov, 42, admitted in an interview with AFP that it would be an uphill battle to secure Sentsov's liberation. "Yes, I believe (the film) can increase the pressure on the Russian authorities (but) they don't care about any pressure," he said. Born in the Crimean city of Simferopol, Sentsov is seen on screen as the budding young director behind the 2011 feature "Gamer" about the shadowy world of competitive computer gaming. But when Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014, Sentsov, a father of two, was detained, accused of being a militant with the Ukrainian ultranationalist movement Right Sector. 'Kafkaesque' Kurov, who filmed much of the trial, said the proceedings revealed deep procedural flaws and quotes an expert in the film who draws parallels with Communist-era show trials. "The whole trial was a very Kafkaesque story because they didn't have any real evidence, any real witnesses," the director said. "It looks like a theatre. Judges know the results before they start the trials." Sentsov is seen throughout the proceedings in a steel cage, often flashing the victory sign for the camera as he musters a wan smile. In a devastating scene towards the end, a star witness for the prosecution tells the court he confessed under torture. Another "co-conspirator" fails a lie-detector test. The documentary builds to a rousing climax, in which Sentsov denounces his accusers including the feared FSB security service, calling it the "Federal Service of Banditry". "I know that the rule of the bloodthirsty dwarves will end sooner rather than later," he says acidly, dismissing the judges as a "court of occupiers" and quoting from the long-banned Mikhail Bulgakov Soviet-era satire "Master and Margarita". "Cowardice is the most terrible sin on Earth," he says. Kiev sees the film's Berlin premiere as a chance to raise the case's international profile. "When there are so many colleagues coming to such a large festival and again talking about Sentsov -- this is very important," Ukraine's Culture Minister Yevgen Nishchuk said. "Unfortunately, the health of both Oleg Sentsov and our other compatriots (in Russian prisons) is failing. And time, unfortunately, is not on our side." 'Tired of being afraid' His family holds out faint hope that the spotlight will prompt the Russian government to shorten the sentence. "The only thing we can expect is that international pressure on Russia grows," his cousin Natalia Kaplan told AFP. Kurov looks to the cases of former oil tycoon and Kremlin foe Mikhail Khodorkovsky, and members of the feminist punk band Pussy Riot, freed in 2013 ahead of the Olympic Games in Sochi. "I believe they're just waiting for a moment when they can (release) Oleg or any political prisoners," he said. Kurov, his blue eyes sunken in a gaunt face, shrugged when asked what reaction his film might have at home. Keenly aware of the risks he himself faces with the documentary, he said it was a way of standing up to intimidation. "I passed this period in my life when I was frightened and that sort of paranoia. I was scared about this movie, about my family, my relatives, about the materials I had for this film," he said. But he added: "I'm not brave, I'm not an activist but I'm really tired of being afraid." The former aide to Ghana's first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, described the practise of selling state cars to government officials who use them as "a bush way of doing things." Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on the brouhaha surrounding the missing cars at the presidency, the respected diplomat said: We should change it [the current practice]. If we continue with this, it is a bush way of doing things. It is not correct. "When a minister comes, he is given all the resources he needs to do his work, when he is going he leaves the car because the car is never his property. If a government property is being sold where there is proper auction, auctioneers will value them well before they are auctioned. "You dont say sell this to one individual. Because the public contributed to buy the car so if for some reason it is to be sold, it will be sold openly to the public and not necessarily to the minister. The Nana Akufo-Addo administration has said 200 cars cannot be accounted for at the presidency since they took over from the John Mahama administration. The missing cars were detected after the current government took stock of the cars at the seat of government using documents made available by the transport officer at the seat of the Presidency. It emerged during the vetting of Otiko Afisa Djaba (Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection) and Catherine Afeku (Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts), that the pair did not do national service. In Ghana, national service is mandatory for one year all graduates of tertiary institutions in the country. Unlike other countries, service is not limited to the army, but in public and private organisations. Israel All Israeli citizens aged 18 and above are mandated to undertake national service in the form of conscription into the army. The mainly high school leavers serve usually for two year and eight months for men and two years for women. Sometimes, an additional four months is required to complete service. However, Arab citizens are exempt as well as those with mental or physical disabilities. South Korea Just like Israel, South Korea has war simmering in the land because of fractious relations with neighbouring countries. In Korea, service in the army is compulsory for males aged 18 to 35. The time frame differs depending on the branch of the army you serve in. For the army and marines, it is 21 months while the Navy and Air Force requires 23 and 24 months respectively. Those with mental and physical disabilities are exempted. Singapore Aside being part of the Commonwealth, one other thing Ghana and Singapore have in common is national service. All male citizens and second generation residents of the city-state aged 18 are required to serve in either the Singapore Armed Forces, the Singapore Police Force or Singapore Civil Defence Force. One of the aims of national service in Singapore is to promote harmony between the various racial groups in the country. Nigeria While Ghana has the National Service Secretariat, the Nigeria Youth Service Corps is responsible for overseeing national service in Nigeria. National Service was established in Ghana and Nigeria in 1973 and there are many similarities between that systems in both countries. Corpers in Nigeria are also tertiary graduates and it is not military conscription but in public institutions and lasts a year. Switzerland The small European country has mandatory national service for all able-bodied males aged 18. A 2013 referendum in the country about the abolishment of national service failed overwhelmingly with over 70 percent of people voting in favour to keep conscription into the army. National service is voluntary for women. Turkey "I know Mark Cuban well. He backed me big-time but I wasn't interested in taking all of his calls," Trump tweeted. The tweet appears to be a response to Cuban's comments in an interview with The Star-Telegram Friday. Referencing the outrage in response to Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank's recent comment that "It's a tough situation for CEOs," Cuban said to The Star-Telegram. "You want to make nice with the president because you're a public company and you have shareholders, and it's hard to balance doing the right financial thing versus doing what they think is the right thing, whatever your political beliefs are. It's not an easy position to be in." He added: "Do what you think is right. Be an American citizen first." Cuban responded to Trump's Sunday morning tweet with a tweet of his own, which appears to show a correspondence between the two last spring. In an email to Trump via speechwriter Meredith McIver dated May 8, 2016, Cuban wrote, "You don't have to bore people with details. But you have to learn the details. Everyone else is afraid of you. I like to challenge you." According to the report in the New York Post, Cuban is one of four Democrats whom The White House views as potential challengers to Trump in 2020. Cuban had returned to publicly voicing his opinions about Trump something he frequently did during the campaign following the president's January executive order temporarily banning travel from seven majority-Muslim nations to the US and from all refugees hoping to enter the US. In the process, he has become the face of opposition to Trump in the business and tech community, taking a more active stance against the president than any prominent executive. Alege made the call at the inauguration of the Committee of Herbal Practitioners in the three senatorial district of the state in Ilorin on Saturday. He urged the committee to ensure mobilisation of other members for registration and renewal of other documents. Alegre also assured that the Ministry of Health would encourage training and retraining of members in order to boost their respective performance. During the visit, the Sultan commended the Governor for displaying religious tolerance in his spell as the number one citizen of the Southwest State. The commendation which came in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, shortly before the Sultan led a national prayer for peace, security, stability and development, in honour of Deputy President General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola. The leader of Muslims in Nigeria, also enjoined various religious groups across the country to make prayer a daily routine as the country requires spiritual solutions to its peculiar challenges. Governor Aregbesola observed that economy and abject poverty, rather than religion, is the major springboard of the Boko Haram insurgency which has ravaged Nigeria's northeast region since 2009. ALSO READ: During the Sultans courtesy call on the Governor, the Sultan commended Aregbesola for his commitment to the development of humanity regardless of socio-economic, political and religious differences. He said the state under the leadership of Aregbesola has demonstrated high sense of fairness to religious organisations in the State. He noted that the Governor has extremely demonstrated to the world the sterling quality expected from whoever holds the office of the Governor. In the Sultan's words, "I must acknowledge your commitment in promoting unity among the various religious organisations in the state as this is in line with our cardinal objective of ensuring a peaceful nation". The Sultan stated that this would be his 6th time in Osun. In his remarks, Governor Aregbesola said that it must sadden every Muslim to hear that a Muslim can kill himself or herself or accept to carry out a suicide mission for the paltry sum of N200. 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! He gave the pledge at the formal closing ceremony for the 31st National Quranic Memorisation Competition in Kwara State. The president of the senate stated that the nations apex legislative body would continue to work to ensure that people freely practice their religion without fear. I want to assure you that the senate in particular and the National Assembly in general will not enact any law that will stifle the freedom of worship. We will always work to ensure that people can freely practice their religion without fear, he said. The senate president said that he was delighted to join members of the Ulamahs and dignitaries across the country to celebrate contestants in the competition, which drew participants from 33 states of the federation. According to him, the knowledge of the holy book is one of the best ways to spread the word of God. I am convinced that if we all forget about religion and look at the rationality of the words contained in the holy books, our world will be better. The holy books of the two major religions, the Quran and Bible, teach morality, justice, equity, love, compassion, respect for elders. They also teach making money through just and fair means and many other virtues, which if we all imbibe them, there will not be war, disease, poverty, squalor, deprivation, crime and injustice. The holy books further talk about the responsibility and burden of leadership. The books say those of us in position of leadership will have a lot to account for before Allah. Also, it is true that all of us are in one position of leadership or the other. We are leaders at various levels and we will be held accountable. Even as followers, we will be held accountable on whether we have played our role in making our leaders lead with the fear of Allah," he said. He enjoined the participants at the competition, which was mainly the memorisation of the Quran, to help preach the word of God to the high and low in a peaceful manner. Use your knowledge of the holy book to spread love, peaceful co-existence, understanding, tolerance, unity, compassion and genuine fear of Allah. Use your knowledge of the Quran to let the world know that those who discourage people from acquiring education are not good Muslims. Let the world know that those who obstruct the peace of the world do not represent Islam. Let the world know that our holy Prophet lived peacefully with Christians and Jews. He taught us to even emulate him. That is the essence of Hadiths. If we have taken to the words of Prophet Muhammmed, there will have been peace and development in our country and the world over, he said. Saraki further called on Nigerians to pray for good health and wisdom for President Muhammadu Buhari. He enjoined Nigerians to also pray for peace, unity and economic prosperity as well as political stability and general development of the country. Let me use the opportunity of the gathering of distinguished members of the Ulamahs to ask that you all pray for our President, Muhammadu Buhari. May almighty Allah will continue to give him good health, the wisdom and know how to lead this country in peace and to prosperity. According to reports, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation for hiding the recovered cash reportedly belonging to the Federal Government. Nation newspaper reports that Yakubu is being detained in an EFCC facility in Kano where he is expected to be interrogated. But he was driven to Kaduna Friday by the EFCC for a fresh search. A highly-placed EFCC source said Yakubu was co-operating well with his interrogators. So far, he has cooperated with our investigators by admitting ownership of the funds. "As I speak with you, we have taken him to Kaduna for another round of search . We are suspecting that there could be more of such slush funds hidden elsewhere. We are not prepared to take things for granted, a source reportedly said. He named the LGAs to include: Monguno, Gwoza, Bama, Mobbar, Gamboru-Ngala and Biu. The commissioner said that the centres were set up to empower the IDPs, especially women with different vocational trade to empower them in their communities. The Wulari centre was set up about four months ago with 80 IDP trainees drawn from different LGAs. The training include, carpentry, welding, tailoring, wheel alignment among others, he said. Umara said that the trainees were given monthly allowances and daily feeding during the training program, which was in partnership with the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) and the Japanese Government. He advised the graduates to make effective use of the skills acquired. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by dignitaries including, the UNDP Team Leader on Governance and Peace Building in Borno, Dr Kehinde Bolaji. The Secretary of AFAN, Enugu State Chapter, Mr Romanus Eze, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Saturday. Eze said that it was necessary for the association to call on the government as well as politicians and wealthy citizens to come to their aid so as to have enough food at the end of this planting season. Farmers in the state need loans, seedlings and other agricultural equipment like tractors and fertilisers as this will go a long way to help in this years farming season, he said. He noted that the association was in a better position to identify its members; adding that it was more secured and easy to distribute the farming facilities through the association. According to him, the problems of farmers in Enugu State are enormous due to lack of fund, seedlings, fertilisers and tractors. He, however, attributed the increase in the price of food in the market to lack of fund on the side of the farmers and increase in the price of seedlings and other farm inputs. The secretary appealed to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to give the association special audience by providing them with the necessary farming inputs to help them produce food bountifully. The contract is awarded to National Research Institute of Chemical Technology (NARICT) Zaria, at the tune of N500 Million," Aliyu Bello Abubakar, the Acting Chairman of Danja Local Government Area disclosed this to members of the correspondents chapel of NUJ inspecting projects executed by Gov. Aminu Masari on Saturday in Danja. The Katsina State Government has already paid 70 per cent of the contract sum to NARICT. The Project has also reached 70 per cent completion, while the processing machines will soon be installed in the Building, he said Abubakar said that the establishment of the Tomato Paste Processing Company was a blessing to the people of the Area. He said that farmers in the area would no longer record post-harvest loses due to lack of storage facilities. Tambuwal, who was speaking with newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday, said the soft loans was aimed at empowering women across the state. We will start with the first batch of 25, 000 women, who have been registered by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SOSMDA) in the state. Each of the women to benefit from the gesture would get N10, 000 to start up their small scale businesses, he said. Tambuwal further said that the gesture was aimed at making the women to become self reliant, as well as enable them to contribute their quotas to the economic growth of the state. The governor said that injection of more money into the economy remains the only way out of the current recession in the country. According to him, governors have been talking with the federal government to release the Paris Club money to the states and local governments in the country. Ask any Economist around the world about the panacea to recession, he or she will tell you that it is the injection of money into the economy. With the release of such funds into the economy, there will be massive construction works and redistribution of money, he said. He recalled that former US President Barack Obama, had employed similar strategy of massive construction works when US economy was in the doldrums. Tambuwal further averred that construction is therefore key to taking Nigeria out of recession and bolstering the purchasing power of the citizens. He maintained that Nigeria was thrown into the current recession by the way the previous administrations ran the economy. He said: When we raised alarm that time, people thought we hated the former President Goodluck Jonathan, but we have now been vindicated. A report by Nation Newspaper revealed that a Senator, whose name is yet to be disclosed is championing the release of Yakubu after he was reportedly picked up by the anti-graft agency It was further reported that Yakubu is said to be keen to go home on bail and several prominent Nigerians including a Senator are working hard to get him released on bail. The ex-GMD is still in custody, we want him to give us the list of those who gave him the $9.8million as gift. We are also considering other clues which we have stumbled upon in the course of this investigation. We will grant him bail as soon as we sort out a few things. ALSO READ: It is interesting that some prominent Nigerians, including a Senator, have been begging us to release the ex-GMD. But EFCC only complied with the rule of law and not sentiments, a top source was quoted as saying. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new acting Director of the board, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, gave the charge on Saturday in Abuja. Abubakar warned the personnel against any act capable of tarnishing the image of the board, the FCT Administration and the country at large. He emphasised the need for greater cooperation between all staff and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the 2017 hajj in line with the desire of the present administration. He, therefore, urged the staff to be dedicated to their duties and abide by rules and regulations of the service, adding that the board would not condone any act of corruption and indiscipline. Abubakar reassured the commitment of the board to add more value to the management of pilgrims and provide first class services to FCT pilgrims by ensuring hitch free exercises. He explained that to improve on the success record of the 2016 hajj, the board decided to commence the sales of forms for the 2017 intending pilgrims early enough. NAN reports that the acting director replaced the former director, Malam Muhammad Bashir, who had since proceeded on training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru in Jos, Plateau. Until his appointment, Abubakar, an indigene of Bida Local Government of Niger State, was the boards Deputy Director, Operations. Galadima told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bwari on Saturday that lack of entrepreneurial skill has been identified as a major contributor to unemployment among the youth. He described entrepreneurial skills as the necessary skills needed by an entrepreneur to successfully run a business. Galadima decried the attitude of young people who wait for white collar jobs after graduation and complain of unemployment instead of thinking of the way forward. He, therefore, advised government to restructure the education sector to create room for entrepreneurial skills and self-employment. I am totally against people depending on white collar jobs and that is why I feel very strongly that our education sector needs to be restructured to accommodate entrepreneurial education. This is needful to prepare youths for the future and to be self employed or employer of labour instead of waiting for white collar jobs, because there are none, he said. It was a record number of arrivals for a single weekend in the small border town of Emerson, and Canadian officials said Thursday they are bracing for more. US President Donald Trump's controversial ban on refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority nations has prompted many who had hoped for a new life in the US to flee north. While the ban is currently on hold due to two successive defeats in federal court, Trump has warned he is weighing a new immigration order. Among the first wave of immigrants to Canada in the wake of Trump's measure was a two-year-old boy who reportedly begged his mother to let him to die in the snow because he could walk no further. Two others lost their fingers to frostbite in -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) temperatures when they made the same trip in December. Wayne Pfiel works at the Emerson hotel steps from the boundary. Asylum seekers, he said, often stop here for a moment of respite after walking up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the United States, coming in to ask if they have reached Canada. Others have called police for help, and are taken to the closest border outpost, where they can file an asylum claim. "They usually call us if they're cold or lost, and we find them on the side of the highway," said RCMP Corporal Paul Manaigre. Risky desperation An agreement with the US prevents asylum seekers from lodging claims in Canada if they first landed stateside, but it only applies to arrivals at border checkpoints, airports and train stations. Rita Chahal, executive director of the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, described a "big surge coming across the border." According to Canada's Border Services Agency, numbers have roughly doubled in each of the last four years to 321 cases in fiscal 2015-2016. Since April, there have been 403 cases. People often come from Djibouti, Ghana, Nigeria and Somalia, said Chahal, whose agency works out of a building designed by a top Canadian architect who was once himself a refugee. The numbers are high, but the risky routes asylum seekers take are also alarming. "They're crossing through farmers' fields. Many of them are getting lost," Chahal said. The recent arrivals, she said, tell a common story: "We're afraid of what's happening in the United States, we're not sure what's going to happen if I get sent back to my country.'" Samatar Adam, 30, from Djibouti, arrived last month. Asked why he did not file a refugee claim in the US, he replied: "Donald Trump." He left soon after the inauguration. "It saddens me to see refugees flee not only their country but also a safe, democratic country like the United States," said the Immigration Partnership Winnipeg's Hani Al-Ubeady, himself an Iraqi refugee who now helps resettle others. "They have to take another risky journey to make it to another safe place -- Canada." 'Walk north' Last weekend, Brenda Piett, an Emerson volunteer emergency coordinator who also publishes the local newspaper, received a call from border agents asking for help with the overflow of asylum seekers. Piett said she arranged to feed and house the cold, exhausted group members -- many wearing wet socks -- overnight at the Emerson curling rink. The next day, they took a taxi an hour north to Winnipeg, where aid agencies helped them find shelter and legal counsel. Ahmed of Somalia said it was a much warmer welcome than the one he received in Texas in 2014. In the lobby of a gloomy downtown hotel where he now shares a small room with three others, he described being handcuffed and detained until his US asylum bid was heard. New arrivals received blankets, food and housing while their cases are ongoing, according to Ahmed. The next day, he expected to be given a date for his hearing. Ahmed told the Americans he had witnessed his father being slaughtered by a rival tribe in his hometown, and as the oldest son, he feared he would be next. He left behind his wife and three children -- the youngest born only months earlier -- and traveled through nine countries before reaching the US. A US panel rejected his claim, but he was released under supervision and allowed to work as a truck driver until his deportation could be arranged. After Trump announced his ban, which includes Somali nationals, Ahmed said he feared imminent deportation. "I decided to try my luck in Canada to ask for protection, because if I were deported to Somalia I would surely be killed," he said. Ahmed took a bus to Minneapolis, where he met a man who dropped him off at the border with instructions to "walk north." Ahmed said he had seen snow in the United States, "but not like this." The Israeli army said there were no casualties from Wednesday evening's rocket fire -- three of the rockets were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system and a fourth fell short of the town. A few hours later, two Palestinians were killed elsewhere in the Sinai. The Islamist Hamas movement which rules Gaza said it was an Israeli air strike. The Israeli army denied carrying out any such action. "Thanks to God alone, a military platoon fired several Grad rockets yesterday" towards Eilat, the jihadists' Egyptian affiliate said in a statement circulated on social media. It was the first time since 2015 that rockets had been fired at Israel from Egypt, said Ely Karmon, senior research scholar at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism. Egypt is one of just two Arab countries that have signed a peace treaty with the Jewish state. IS has been waging a deadly insurgency against Egyptian security forces in the Sinai but it has rarely attempted attacks against Israel. A few hours after the rocket attack, two Palestinians died elsewhere in the Sinai near the border with Gaza. Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs territory, said the two men were hit by an Israeli air strike just inside Egypt. Israeli army spokesman Peter Lerner denied any involvement in the strike. There was no comment from the Egyptian government. The vast Sinai Peninsula borders both Israel and Gaza, although more than 200 kilometres (125 miles) separates Eilat from the site of the alleged Israeli strike. Smuggling tunnel Israel and Egypt have long accused Hamas of providing support to IS in Sinai. "If indeed the attack on the tunnel was done by Israel then clearly Israel thinks that Hamas has some input in (the rocket attack)," Karmon said. "Perhaps there is an evaluation that some of these jihadists came from, or weapons were received from, Hamas." Israel provides intelligence support to Egyptian security forces fighting IS but tries to avoid any public involvement, he added. The spokesman of Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, Ashraf al-Qudra, named the two men killed as Hossam al-Sufi, 24, and Mohammed al-Aqra, 38. Qudra said five others were wounded in what he called an Israeli strike. A Hamas security source said the men were working in a tunnel used to smuggle goods between Gaza and Egypt when the Egyptian entrance was hit. In the past, a labyrinth of smuggling tunnels linked the Sinai with Gaza. But since the 2013 overthrow of Islamist president Mohammed Morsi, Egyptian authorities have moved to destroy them and have set up a wide no-go zone on the Gaza border. Under the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, there are restrictions on military deployments on the Sinai border monitored by international peacekeepers. But since the jihadists launched their deadly insurgency in the wake of Morsi's ouster, Egypt has poured troops and police into the peninsula with the blessing of Israel and Western governments. Hundreds of Egyptian security personnel have been killed, particularly in the north Sinai near the Gaza border. There have been periodic attacks into Israel. In 2011, assailants who came from the Sinai killed eight Israelis in a triple ambush north of Eilat. Pursuing Israeli forces killed seven attackers and five Egyptian police. In 2013, four jihadists were killed by an Egyptian air strike as they were about to fire a rocket at Israel, according to the Egyptian military. In 2014, two Israeli soldiers on patrol were wounded by unidentified men who fired an anti-tank weapon from the Sinai during an attempted drug-smuggling operation, according to the Israeli military. Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg A new attorney has been appointed to represent Cory Gregory in his latest effort to have his sentence reduced in the murder of Adrianne Reynolds. The new counsel said the recent action shows promise. Gregory, now 29, was 17 years old when he and co-defendant Sarah Kolb strangled Reynolds while in a parked car at a Moline restaurant in 2005. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison 40 years for the murder and five years for concealing the homicide. Kolb, now 28, was convicted of murder and concealment charges and was sentenced to 48 years for murdering her teenage classmate and five years for hiding the murder. Gregory previously has argued his sentence was excessive, because he had no prior violent-crime convictions and had ineffective counsel. He was denied a request to withdraw his guilty plea. He now is challenging the constitutionality of his sentence, pointing to a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that addressed juvenile offenders, sentenced to mandatory life in prison. The high court ruled that juveniles could not be sentenced the same as adults, saying age and other factors should be taken into consideration. Although Gregory was not sentenced to life, he is arguing the 45 years is a "de facto" life sentence. Rock Island attorney Herb Schultz, who represented Gregory in his 2008 request to withdraw his plea, was appointed to represent him in his latest motion for post-conviction relief. But Schultz asked last month to withdraw as counsel, and the request was granted. The court then appointed Moline attorney Nate Nieman to represent Gregory. "It's got some legs, which is why it's gotten this far," he said of the new challenge to the sentence. Nieman's role is to rewrite Gregory's petition "in proper legal form," because, so far, Gregory has filed on his own behalf. "It was pretty well done for a pro se case, really," he said. In a post-conviction relief proceeding, a defendant argues that constitutional errors were made at the trial court level and on appeal. No date has yet been set for the civil action, which was filed in April. His petition suggests he intends to argue that he "will in no way be restored to useful citizenship" if he survives the 45-year sentence, adding that he will be "too old" to get a job. His projected parole date is July 2047, which would make him a few months shy of 60. Nieman said he will require about eight weeks of work for his part in the case, and the prosecution gets 30 days to respond, which would put the matter before a judge this summer. iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- Valentine's Day is near and many people who are searching for last minute gift ideas may be concerned for their wallets. Farecompare CEO Rick Seaney sat down with ABC News to give his tips on some last minute travel gifts that could cost you less than a bouquet of flowers. Here's what he had to say: You want to make a grand romantic gesture but how do you do this without busting your budget? It can be tough. I recently saw Valentines Day roses in a tall red vase for $102. So how about a plane ticket? They can be cheaper than flowers and I have some examples. This is a short list of last-minute gifts for the one you love. All fares shown were found Feb. 10 on my airfare comparison site. 1. Book a domestic flight The way to find very cheap fares has not changed: Fly when no one wants to. To make that happen, be as flexible as possible, which could mean traveling during unpopular months or taking off on a weekday instead of the weekend. Whatever you do, do not present your loved one with an already-purchased ticket because it might have to be changed and those change fees (up to $200) can destroy any budget. Here are a few examples for travel in March for under $100 (all prices are round-trip): - Boston to Baltimore: $85 - Dallas to Denver: $75 - Chicago to Ft. Lauderdale: $87 - Los Angeles to Las Vegas: $77 2. Book a European flight Offer to take on the job of finding deals to Europe. Its not hard but your loved one doesnt have to know that. Besides, you could save them hundreds of dollars. Check out this example of round-trip fares for July: - Boston to Paris, $355 - Boston to Paris, $753 Both fares are for the same dates but had you only gone to the latter airlines website to search and book, you would only have seen the $753 fare and missed out on nearly $400 in savings. Another way to put this is you could have gotten two tickets for the price of one! Always compare ticket prices on an airfare comparison site. 3. Give the gift of miles If youre an elite miles member and have them to spare, many airlines allow you to "gift" someone with miles. Then they can make their own travel plans and youve spent nothing dollar-wise. Bonus gift idea Offer to pick up the bag fees, then book flights on Southwest, the only U.S. airline that doesnt charge for carry-ons or for the first two checked-bags. On second thought, maybe this is a gift best left for someone youre not all that crazy about. Rick Seaney is the CEO of FareCompare, a website that curates the best deals on flights from around the world. Any opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. After four years of wrangling during which judges threatened to sue, voters shot down a referendum, a committee came up with a plan that was deemed too expensive, a court expanded building commission powers and a cheaper alternative was developed, construction will begin soon on the Rock Island County Courthouse Annex. The annex will be attached to the Rock Island County Justice Center, and construction is scheduled to begin in April, said Dick Fisher, chairman of the Rock Island County Public Building Commission. The final design is done, and the bonds for the project have been purchased and sold," said Fisher, who also retired as a captain and chief deputy from the Rock Island County Sheriffs Office. DLR Group of Chicago is the architectural firm that designed the addition. Gilbane Building Co., Chicago, is the contractor. Gilbane is reaching out to contractors now to submit the first round of bids, Fisher said. April is when wed like construction to begin, he said. The first round will take care of the ground work and initial structures. Then there will be two more phases of bids after that. Fisher said the building is expected to be finished in the fall of 2018. The Public Building Commission has a budget of $28 million to spend on the three-story annex that will house the States Attorneys Office, Circuit Clerks Office, as well as courtrooms, judges chambers and administration offices for the judicial system, Fisher said. History of courthouse battle In February 2013, Rock Island County Circuit Court judges, among them then-Chief Judge Jeffrey OConnor, were critical of the state of the old Rock Island County Courthouse, built in 1896, with its crumbling facade, wasting interior and courtrooms that do not meet Illinois state code. It also stands in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act and does not meet fire codes. At one point, OConnor threatened a lawsuit if the Rock Island County Board did not do something about the courthouse. In April 2013, Rock Island County voters rejected a referendum to expand the powers of the Public Building Commission to be able to build a new courthouse. The vote was 6,094 to approve the referendum to 9,449 against it. At the time, the building commission could build only jails. In 1981, the commission worked to build a $9 million, 217-bed county jail, which was completed in 1986. The bonds for the jail were paid off in 1998. Then, the commission oversaw construction of an annex to relieve overcrowding in the new jail. Opened in 2001, the five-story justice center cost $14 million. In addition to room for 135 inmates, the building has three courtrooms, a jury pool room, three jury deliberation rooms, judges chambers and 10 offices that include an office for the sheriff and circuit clerk. From $72M to $28M An ad hoc committee appointed by then-County Board Chairman Phil Banaszek came up with plan for a new courthouse and to do something with the County Office Building that was built in 1898 and formerly was the home office of Modern Woodmen of America. Carter Gobal Lee, or CGL, a company that specializes in the design of criminal justice centers and public facilities, created the design for both. In October 2013, the cost of the courthouse was estimated at $52.9 million, while the renovation of the County Office Building was estimated at $16.9 million. It totaled $69.8 million and could have gone as high was $72 million. In December 2013, the Rock Island County Board voted not to place a referendum on the March 2014 ballot asking voters to approve the plan. Board member Don Johnston of Moline said at the time that the referendum had no chance of passing because of the cost. Eventually, DLR Group came up with a new plan for a courthouse annex attached to the Justice Center. The preferred design is a three-story building in a north-south orientation, with public parking situated directly across 3rd Avenue from the Justice Center. The building will be 53,450 square feet. The company introduced its design last February at a County Board meeting. Expanding commission powers In October 2015, current Rock Island County Circuit Judge Chief Judge Walter Braud moved the issue of a courtroom annex forward by appointing a special prosecutor to bring a complaint against the Public Building Commission, challenging its authority to build a courtroom annex. Braud said the complaint was the only way to test whether the powers of the building commission could be expanded beyond its original task of building a jail. He said he has always believed the commission had the authority, but the case needed to go before a judge so the bonding company could feel safe in issuing the bonds. In January 2016, Henry County Circuit Judge Dana McReynolds issued his ruling that Rock Island County could go ahead with securing bonds to build the courthouse annex. Moving forward The Rock Island County Board voted 15-8 a year ago to build the structure, despite calls from people in the audience to avoid raising property taxes. The vote came during a special meeting that drew about 50 people. The cost of the project will be about 50 cents a month for a house valued at $100,000. Board member Drue Mielke of Coal Valley was one of the eight board members who voted against the annex. We have given the residents of Rock Island County the most cost-effective way of building the annex, Mielke said, adding his issue is that voters did not have a say in the expansion of the powers of the building commission. Instead, the courts made the decision. Using the Public Building Commission to build the annex was the right thing for the county to do, Mielke said, but the county went about it the wrong way. Board member Richard Brunk, the current chairman of the boards finance committee, said elected officials are elected to make decisions and this one needed to be made. Brunk said people who ask him about the courthouse issue often do not understand the ramifications of doing nothing. When I explain the real issues, they come to understand, Brunk said. There are $28 million in bonds to pay off over 30 years, he said. But if the board doesnt react and a judge sues, then there will be bonds that would have to be paid off in 10 years, which would have sent property taxes skyrocketing. Who knows what that judges order would have been and what it would have included and cost, Brunk said. This way, we had a say in the cost and what we were willing to spend, and we solve a big problem. What is to be done with the old courthouse, however, remains a question. Fisher has said he dealt with the issues of the old courthouse for 44 years. I started in 1969, and it was in bad shape then, he said. Back in 1996, we had contractors come in to see about fixing some of the issues, and they told us then wed have to tear the building down to the bare bones and start over again. In the modern healthcare environment, patients need and expect flexibility. Technology and patient needs are changing. Cooperation is necessary. Team-based practiced, which is very familiar to physician assistants, is the wave of the future. Healthcare providers must be nimble and work together to serve patients. So, its surprising that the Iowa Medical Board is rejecting both flexibility and cooperation as physicians and PAs work to determine how best they can serve patients together. A few years ago, Iowa lawmakers asked the PA and medical boards to reach consensus on this question. The basic task was for physicians and PAs to define their working relationship. This should not be a problem. Physicians and PAs work together in teams and with other healthcare providers every day. Evidence shows that when PAs have the flexibility to practice at the highest levels of their education and experience, patients benefit most. Unfortunately, the state Medical Board put forward a proposal that would move PA practice backward, not forward. This proposal is already decreasing access to care in Iowa. A PA in Ames was seeking a position at a rural clinic to provide much-needed mental health services. She had to forgo that opportunity because the medical board proposal requires the physician the PA works with to physically visit the rural clinic. This arbitrary rule would have that physician spending time in the car rather than seeing patients. In a state like ours where we have so many different healthcare settings and urban and rural areas, providers need to be able to determine what works best for their practices. Top-down regulations do not serve patients well. In addition, there is no evidence these kinds of regulations improve patient care or that they are even necessary. The point is, every situation is unique. These proposed regulations are a solution in search of a problem. Even more disappointing, they would ultimately result in PAs no longer being responsible for regulating PAs. The proposal would seriously undermine the authority of the PA Board to promulgate regulations that make sense for PAs. This is a mistake. Our state has a PA Board for a reason. PAs understand the challenges and need facing the profession better than anyone. That should not change. In fact, PA regulation of PAs eliminates an additional layer of bureaucracy that takes time away from serving patients. The president of the Iowa Association of Rural Health Clinics, Lee Elbert, recently expressed concern that the Medical Boards proposed rules would reduce flexibility for essential specialty care, and behavioral health and telehealth services, in rural areas which would lead to a decrease in rural Iowa healthcare access. Elbert also said that these impacts would lead to higher costs for rural providers. Its telling that the Federal Trade Commission agrees. The FTC examined the proposed rules put forward by the Medical Board and determined they were not in the best interest of patients, particularly those in medically under-served areas. In a recent letter to the Iowa PA Board the FTC said, Iowa patients would likely benefit if PAs in Iowa can practice with as few restrictions as possible, consistent with their education, training, skills and experience. PAs can provide more choice among health care providers, leading to more accessible, affordable, safe and effective health care. I realize that by speaking out on this issue paints a target on my back. Since the FTC comments were issued, dubious complaints have been lodged with the PA board that have all been dismissed due to a lack of merit. That is unfortunate and I call for an immediate end to this practice. Physicians and PAs are all members of the same team when it comes to providing Iowa patients with high quality healthcare. There is no reason why PAs and physicians shouldnt come together to settle this important issue. While PAs remain open to any reasonable proposal, we will not allow our ability to serve patients be diminished. The Medical Board should withdraw its current proposal and accept the fact that PAs and the PA Board have an important role to play in our states healthcare system. A "heroes exemption" should be needless, if the Full Wisconsin collective bargaining overhaul rocketing through Iowa Legislature is truly a good deal for taxpayers and public employees. But Republicans have backed themselves into a political corner. Iowa's public employee unions' worst nightmare was realized last week, when the bill dropped to severely restrict Chapter 20 bargaining on health care insurance, bonus pay and vacations. Dissenters call it "union busting," pointing to the exodus of teachers and bureaucrats from Wisconsin and Michigan after those states imposed similar restrictions on what could be collectively bargained. But it's the reform package's sweeping carve-out for police and firefighters -- the creation of two classes of public employees -- that poses the greatest questions about whether facts or ideology are running the show. Under the plan, unions representing officers and firefighters could still negotiate health care benefits and vacations, for instance. The remainder of the public employee class would be left dealing in base pay and little else, yet another assault on home-rule. There's reason behind the move to limit bargaining on health care, in particular. Costs annually skyrocket and, by and large, are absorbed by the local tax base. A more stringent system of negotiation among a larger cohort of employees is very likely to cut costs. The rest, however -- vacation days, bonus pay -- could sour the employee-management relationship at local governments. There needs to be chips with which to bargain, after all. And this uniform system should apply to all employees, whether they wear work boots, a tie, or a badge and a gun. The "put their lives on the line" defense is already swirling around the arbitrary division between bureaucrat and cop. But a quick glimpse at federal and state work-place fatality data prove the argument to be little more than emotion and politics. Loggers and truck drivers, per capita, are substantially more likely to die on the job than police officers or firefighters. In fact, police officers had the 15th most dangerous job in the U.S. in 2014, the most recent year available, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. While 2016 saw a saddening spike in fatal attacks on officers of more than 50 percent, it's highly unlikely that policing will even crack the top 10 when the numbers are crunched. It might not fit into the present narrative, but a state or city employee hauling gravel and clearing trees is, in a statistical sense, indeed risking life and limb. The segregation between the uniformed and the plain-clothed reeks of politics. It reeks of ideology. It reeks of a party that's so married to a worldview -- which elevates the uniformed and denigrates teachers and city planners -- that it now can't escape. Fact is, few professions can whip up public support faster than officers and firefighters. And few professions are easier to politically bludgeon than teachers and bureaucrats. It's the result of a targeted campaign against regulation, government and the hardworking men and women who make it all function. Police are worthy of appreciation. Firefighters do make sacrifices. But the not-so-sexy work done by clerks, budget analysts and parks and recreation staff is the very foundation of local government. What's good enough for them, should be good enough for all public employees. Patri Acevedo and John Riker found kindred spirits with fellow architects from JLG Architecture and as of Jan. 1 two firms have merged. For now, the former AcV2 Architecture and Interior Design will be known as JLG/AcV2 Architecture. Were taking this slowly, Acevedo said of the name transition. We did want to be mindful and respectful to the relationships we have created, to be able to bring people along with us instead of just stopping (use of the AcV2 name), she said. Acevedo and Riker, her husband, said her local firm joining forces with a larger, regional firm became a consideration last summer when AcV2 and JLG architects collaborated on a number or projects bigger than AcV2 could handle by itself. JLG has offices in Brookings and Sioux Falls. Their nearest location to western South Dakota at the time was in Dickinson, N.D. We were their local boots on the ground for a couple of proposals, Riker said. With their business growing, Acevedo and Riker realized teaming up with the 100-member firm made sense, with the philosophies of AcV2 and JLG dovetailing nicely, she said. We realized that their values and our values, like the core values of the culture, fit really well, she said. Acevedo grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she studied Environmental Design at the Universidad de Puerto Rico and later earned a Master of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. She and Riker, a former U.S. Air Force B-1B weapons systems officer, moved to Rapid City in 2005 and founded AcV2 in 2010. AcV2 has collaborated on a number of well-known historic preservation and transformation projects in downtown Rapid City, including The Garage (former Motor Service Co. building), the former Parts Central building, and Murphys Pub & Grill. What is now JLG Architects was founded by Gary Johnson and Lonnie Laffen in Grand Forks, N.D., in 1989. The addition of AcV2 Architecture gives JLG 12 offices in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. JLG/AcV2 will remain on the second floor of the Murphys building at 510 9th St. Contact them at 605-484-6071 or by email: pacevedo@jlgarchitects.com. Midco on the move Midcos new 22,000-square-foot central operations center at 537 Century Road in northeast Rapid City is complete. According to a press release, many of Midcos Rapid City employees have already settled in the new facility. Later this year, Midcos Customer Experience Center, currently open at 1301 W. Omaha St., Suite 106, will move to the new building. Completion of a new central communications hub will mean some overnight service disruptions for businesses and residents. The majority of the work will be done from starting at 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. and completed by 6 a.m. to minimize any inconvenience, Customers will be notified when maintenance work for their home or business is scheduled. The changeover should be finished by late April. We know its important that you remain connected to the world, Jon Pederson, Midcos chief technology officer, said in the release. Thats why our team is committed to keeping these service interruptions as brief as possible. We appreciate your patience. The company also announced the coming of gigabit internet speeds to Rapid City by the end of the year. Check Midco.com/RapidCityMove for more information. New assisted living center The Village at Skyline Pines, located at 1050 Fairmont Blvd., in Rapid City, celebrated its grand opening on Feb. 1. The facility offers a total of 101 assisted-living suites, including 38 memory-care suites. Amenities include a dining room, beauty salon, general store, post office and a bistro, according to a press release. Call 605-791-5111 or visit thevillageatskylinepines.com for more information Five-year milestone Great Harvest Bread recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary in Rapid City. Marsha and Rob Hengen are franchisees for the Rapid City location at 721 Omaha St. Marsha said via an email that their milestone anniversary celebration included daily specials and drawings, including five Bread-for-a-Year cards given away. They also split half of their anniversary day sale proceeds between the Rapid City Club For Boys and Youth and Family Services. According to the company website, Great Harvest Bread was founded by Pete and Laura Wakeman in Great Falls, Mont., in 1976. The Wakemans sold Great Harvest in 2001 and now the employee-owned company has more than 200 locations across the nation. Contact the Rapid City bakery at 605-791-5623 (719-LOAF) for more information. It takes an average of 10 minutes for a first-responder to arrive to an emergency after dialing 911 in South Dakota, according to the American Heart Association. In rural areas, it can take even longer. So if a person is having a heart attack, either response time is long enough to have fatal consequences. South Dakota legislators will try to address part of that issue this week when they consider Senate Bill 140, a proposal to require all South Dakota high school students to take a course in hands only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, prior to graduation. Students would also receive instruction in the use of automated external defibrillators, or AEDS. State Sen. Larry Tidemann, R-Brookings, and Rep. Jean Hunhoff, R-Yankton, are the lead Senate and House sponsors of the bill, which would contribute more than 10,000 CPR-trained citizens to the state each year if passed. Now, only about half of South Dakotas high schools teach CPR to their students in some form. This would be a required part of the curriculum rather than a recommended part of the curriculum, said Megan Myers, government relations director for the American Heart Association. CPR is a skill we think everybody should have. Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia currently have laws requiring CPR training in high school, Myers said. On Monday, a contingent of people will descend on the state Capitol to advocate for the bill and in general to promote measures to prevent and treat heart disease and stroke-related issues. American Heart Association representatives will be joined by people who were saved through CPR, and those who have saved others, in meetings with lawmakers in both chambers. Last Wednesday, Nicole Neugebauer, a certified EMT and ambulance director in Armour who has been teaching the hands only CPR technique in schools since 2013, testified in favor of the measure before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. In the rural areas of the state, within the first minutes you need a responder, Neugebaur said before explaining that a person with even basic CPR training can save a life using the compression technique before an EMT arrives and uses an automated external defibrillator or some other method to restart the heart. If they (students) are exposed to it in high school, theyre going to remember forever. The CPR instruction takes about 40 minutes, with students learning compression and the signs and symptoms someone exhibits when theyre experiencing cardiac arrest, Neugebauer said. She uses inflatable mannequins and instructional DVDs from a kit by the American Heart Association and works with schools to teach the classes whenever convenient in student schedules. If the bill, which passed in committee on Wednesday, is signed into law, a $30,000 grant would be distributed among South Dakota schools to buy the kits or other materials needed to teach the course. PIERRE | The Legislatures budget panel gave its crucial blessing Thursday to Northern State University constructing a science center paid for through $25.1 million of gifts. The 15-1 vote by members of the Joint Committee on Appropriations came after a hearing that ran more than one hour. NSU President Tim Downs portrayed the project as part of an effort to increase the universitys enrollment by 500 students in the next few years. Sen. Al Novstrup, R-Aberdeen, told the panel that Northern State is without a doubt the No. 1 economic driver for Aberdeen and Aberdeen is the No. 1 driver for the area. HB 1010 now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The vote could come as early as Tuesday afternoon. If the House approves, the legislation would next head to the Senate. Several lawmakers spoke enthusiastically Thursday about the centers role in the universitys future. I think its a vote for South Dakota as well as Northern and the city of Aberdeen, Sen. Jim White, R-Huron, said. The committee defeated an amendment from Rep. Jean Hunhoff, R-Yankton. She wanted to delay the projects start until July 1, 2018. The foundation can still collect during that time. The intent is to slow this down and really look at the business plan of the university, Hunhoff said. She described a zig-zag pattern of different focuses such as Chinese and banking in past years. Im not solidly convinced, Hunhoff said, adding that she wants measurable accountability metrics and is concerned about the ongoing maintenance and repair costs. Sen. Jeff Partridge, R-Rapid City, said he whole-heartedly disagreed with her and said its a look-forward project. Partridge said science, technology, math and engineering are things statewide that we want. Partridge said the building is more of the look-forward strategy. Partridge said delaying construction would change cost projections. Downs said each year of delay would add 3 percent cost. He said that would be a problem. Moving forward with this project is essential, Downs said. Sen. Terri Haverly, R-Rapid City, said she is concerned that the gift opportunity might be lost if the project is delayed. I dont understand why we would vote for something but then delay it so it could cost more, Sen. Justin Cronin, R-Gettysburg, said. Cronin said the the only reason I could see for delaying it is to come back in one year and repeal it. Sen. Larry Tidemann, R-Brookings, said the July 1, 2018, start date would negatively affect construction because months would be lost. The Hunhoff motion failed 4-12. Downs said NSUs enrollment in sciences has risen from 109 to 205 in the past 10 years. Victoria Paulson, the university vice president for finance, said the building will be 50,000 square feet. The estimated cost of $25 million includes $18 million for construction and $7 million for fixtures, furniture, contingencies, architect fees and other costs. The center would host chemistry, physics and biology classes and would have labs and space for faculty research. Paulson said the project would be privately funded. There would be no debt at all incurred by the Board of Regents or anyone, she said. The current timeline calls for engaging architects to continue with the final design plan this spring and get through the final approval process by 2018 and be ready for classes in 2019, she said. The site would be the corner of State and Twelfth streets, Downs said, and the building will make a statement that a visitor is entering Northern territory. Downs said, The regional school districts are screaming, We need more science teachers. NSU is really trying to help as an educational leader in our part of the state, he said. There was a lot of jumping going on in the makeshift gymnasium at Washington Elementary this past week. Were all about movement right now, said the schools physical education teacher Erin Chapman. The school was in the midst of participating in the annual American Heart Associations Jump Rope for Heart event thats celebrated every February across the country. Here in Hamilton, its an event that hits close to home. Pinned on the wall, just outside the cafeteria turned gym, there are a couple of photographs of fellow students who know first hand just how important a healthy heart can be. One little girl had a heart transplant. The other had surgery to repair a hole in his heart. I tell the kids thats who were working for, Chapman said, as she awaits her next class of eager kindergartners to arrive. I tell them we are working to help people whose hearts need to be fixed. As part of the event, the youngsters raise money thats donated to the American Heart Association. In return, that organization provides some jump ropes and education materials that help make Chapmans job easier. The class that raises the most will be treated to a Zumba dance party sometime soon. They are all excited about that, Chapman said. While the kindergarten and first graders revel in the opportunity to spend a half hour jumping rope, hop scotching, dancing along with videos and showing off their moves with a hula hoop, Chapman makes sure to get in some time teaching about healthy habits. Posters with good advice that includes eat and drink smart, keep moving and say no to tobacco are some of the important messages that the youngsters learn along the way. But, of course, its the exercise part thats the most exciting to all. They are really into it when they come in here, she said. Inside the cafeteria/gym, there are a number of stations that the youngsters rotate though. For some, its the first time theyve tried to jump a rope. Thats kind of a hard skill to master when youre in kindergarten, Chapman said. With some repetition, they kind of get the hang of it. Someday, Chapman hopes the school will receive enough credits from the American Heart Association for her to be able to purchase some pedometers. I think it would be great for them to see just how many steps they take when theyre active, she said. Thats my job. Im here to teach them that exercise is good for the heart. Being physical is a big deal. Theres no better time than the present for them to learn that. With Montana facing a critical worker shortage in the next decade, the state is introducing paycheck transparency legislation in an attempt to narrow the wage gap and encourage more women to enter the workforce. In Helena, women make 79.5 percent of what men make for full-time work, which is slightly better than the state average of 74 percent. Research shows that a significant portion of the gap exists for social reasons. Women are more likely to take time off work to care for a child or an elderly parent, ask for fewer raises and work full-time. Some of the wage gap is attributed to discrimination, whether intentional or not. Pam Bucy, commissioner at the Department of Labor, said a lot of the wage gap can be attributed to social factors, but some industries see much more of a discrepancy, which could be addressed with legislation. Everybody finds that those things explain a pretty significant portion of the pay gap, but it doesnt explain 8 to 12 percent, she said. Diane Sands, D-Missoula, is carrying Senate Bill 217, which is a result of work done by the governors Equal Pay For Equal Work Task Force. SB 217 would forbid employers for asking for previous salary information and allows employees to discuss wages without retaliation. Sands said women typically ask for fewer raises and are less likely to negotiate their pay than a male counterpart. Men typically ask for a salary $10,000 higher than a woman. As a result, many women start their career with lower wages. When employers are allowed to ask about an applicants previous salary, low wages can follow a woman throughout their career. By creating an environment where employees can ask colleagues about pay and supervisors about pay, people are able to track whether their pay is adequate based on their performance, experience and education. If a woman knows her pay is less than a man with comparable experience and qualifications, the law allows her to bring forward a gender discrimination case. But Bucy said they are difficult cases. While people often suspect they are paid less, there isnt proof, and asking an employer can lead to retaliation. During the last session, similar legislation died after members of the committee expressed concerns that lawsuits would increase. Bucy disagrees and said many cases could have been avoided if employees worked in a more transparent environment. Youre going to have less work complaints that people are getting paid unfairly because theyre going to have a much better understanding, she said. I think the secrecy is what makes people expect theyre not being paid equally. With a statewide workforce shortage expected in the next decade, narrowing the wage gap will likely encourage more women to enter the job market. The Department of Labor is trying to minimize that shortage with the pay transparency law. Its the most economical and quickest way for us to address the workforce shortage, Bucy said. In fields dominated by women, jobs tend to have low wages and when an industry becomes predominantly female, wages go down. To address the coming workforce shortage, Bucy said its important to increase pay to incentivize women to enter the workforce, especially with high costs of childcare. With a rapid aging population in Montana, a significant shortage in health care positions is expected. Traditionally seen as natural caregivers, women make up a large portion of nurses, occupational and physical therapists and other aid positions. The median wage in the U.S. for health aids is $10.50 an hour. Research shows that any occupation that involves caregiving pays less, even after accounting for fields with predominantly female workers. The department of labor is focusing on apprenticeship programs that result in highly skilled employees with a sustainable career path. Bucy said some healthcare positions, such as a certified memory care specialist now averages $15 an hour. But in an entire industry with generally low wages, wage transparency is critical, Bucy said. Being able to talk about our pay and your worth and your value is very important in those jobs, she said. Certain policies have been successful in removing social barriers. The department is encouraging employers to be flexible with work schedules. A lot of jobs are still functional with remote management and employees working from home. Men and women would also be more likely to share caregiving duties. Thats a really inexpensive way to especially get women into the workplace and working more, she said. Jobs with the largest wage gap in Lewis and Clark County: All employees 16 and over Male earnings: $39,029 Womens earnings: $30,646 Womens earnings as a percentage of men: 77.5 percent Architecture and engineering Male earnings: $70,944 Womens earnings: $51,025 Womens earnings as a percentage of men: 71.9 percent Legal occupations Male earnings: $79,375 Womens earnings: $46,071 Womens earnings as a percentage of men: 58 percent Art, design, entertainment, sports and media Male earnings: $32,340 Womens earnings: $17,250 Womens earnings as a percentage of men: 53.3 percent Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical health occupations Male earnings: $100,208 Womens earnings: $47,583 Womens earnings as a percentage of men: 47.5 percent Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations Male earnings: $20,215 Womens earnings: $9,688 Womens earnings as a percentage of men: 47.9 percent Personal care and service occupations Male earnings: $20,625 Womens earnings: $13,906 Womens earnings as a percentage of men: 67.4 percent Production occupations Male earnings: $34, 714 Female earnings: $19,087 Womens earnings as a percentage of men: 55 percent Sales and related occupations Male earnings: $29,853 Female earnings: $19,878 Womens earnings as a percentage of men: 66.6 percent Jobs where women make close to, or more than men Management occupations Male earnings: $54,343 Female earnings: $52,439 Womens earnings as a percentage of mens: 96.5 percent Health technologists and technicians Male earnings: $35,486 Female earnings: $36,188 Womens earnings as a percentage of mens: 102 percent Healthcare support occupations Male earnings: $19,698 Female earnings: $22,924 Womens earnings as a percentage of mens: 116.4 percent Office and admin support occupations Male earnings: $24,713 Female earnings: $28,936 Womens earnings as a percentage of mens: 117 percent Material moving occupations Male earnings: $16,792 Female earnings: $15,833 Womens earnings as a percentage of mens: 94.3 percent Source: US Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Privacy Policy RealChoice is a BlogSpot blog. You get whatever privacy you get when you post on a blog. As Blogmistress of RealChoice, I do not collect information on my users or those who post comments. I will delete spam and offensive comments, and thoroughly cooperate with law enforcement, as I did in the case of Ted "Operation Counterstrike" Schulman, if people make terroristic threats on my blog. So fight nice, kids. CLEVELAND, Ohio - How much is a healthier housing market worth? Cuyahoga County taxpayers have picked up the tab for at least 934 demolitions of empty, blighted houses and other abandoned buildings since mid-2015. With another 800-plus properties in the pipeline, the county has awarded $26.5 million of a $50 million fund created to shore up the shaky real estate market in Cleveland and its inner-ring suburbs, in particular. Housing advocates say the program has been a salve, supplying much-needed funds to tackle a problem that has touched every community from East Cleveland to Rocky River. Home prices in Cuyahoga County still show broad disparities, with strikingly low values across a swath of the East Side. But clearing out the worst of the rot is giving communities a chance to heal. That said, the county's program isn't without its critics. Some housing advocates and public officials say the taxpayer cash would have a much bigger impact, especially in Cleveland, if spending was swifter and more concentrated. On the flip side, there's a push in some nonprofit circles to devote more resources to renovation, filling a market gap for first-time and lower-income buyers in the city by reducing redevelopers' costs. "At this point in time, people in the community have come together and said 'Let's leave demo alone,'" said Ken Surratt, the county's deputy director of housing and community development. "But if there's a need for rehab, let's figure it out." A new housing-market analysis from researcher Frank Ford is simultaneously heartening and sobering. It shows how far some suburbs and and city neighborhoods have come - and just how depressed other communities remain nearly a decade after the nation slid into a recession. Median sale prices in Bay Village, Rocky River, Brecksville, Fairview Park and Lakewood hit new highs last year, Ford found. In Cleveland, prices rose not only due to gains in Ohio City, Tremont and Detroit Shoreway but also thanks to growth in East Side neighborhoods including Hough, Collinwood, Lee-Harvard and St. Clair-Superior. But hundreds of homes still change hands for less than the price of a car. After stripping out foreclosure auctions, deals between banks and transfers between relatives, Ford found that the median sale price in eastern Cleveland was $18,000 last year. Across the Cuyahoga River, the median sale price in West Side neighborhoods was $52,000. In close-lying suburbs east of Cleveland, buyers paid a median price of $60,000 last year. The median price was twice that - $119,000 - across the western inner-ring suburbs, Ford determined based on data housed at Case Western Reserve University. What do those imbalances have to do with demolition? "There's certainly a correlation between low values and a high concentration of blight," Ford said. "On the East Side, there are something like 4,000 units that need demolition. There are maybe 600 on the West Side. That's an extraordinary difference." Ford is a senior policy analyst for the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, a nonprofit group that has lobbied for more federal demolition funds and studied vacancy challenges in Cleveland, East Cleveland and other cities. It's not shocking, then, that he believes that Cuyahoga County should hold steady, pouring the rest of its $50 million fund into demolition. "We're actually at a point in time where, if we stayed the course and didn't divert the money to rehab, then in the next three or four years we have a chance to ... give the housing market throughout the county a real boost here," he said, noting that the flow of new blight, vacancies and foreclosures is slowing. Between the county's funds and federal money for land banks, he said, there's barely enough cash to wipe out the estimated 7,000 or so vacant, distressed structures in the county. Surratt, for his part, believes the actual number of demolition candidates is even lower. But he doesn't dispute that Cleveland still has a capacious need for demolition funds. "I think you'll see less demand in the suburbs after this year," Surratt said. "But the need in Cleveland, alone, could exhaust the rest of the funding in the program." Scraped together from financing for projects that never happened, bond issues and the general fund, the county money is restricted to buildings that are both vacant and blighted - the worst of the worst, where renovations don't make sense because of a house's condition, the surrounding market, or both. So far, Cleveland has won nearly $7 million through the program, which is application-based and offers awards in rounds. The city hopes to obtain another $4 million this year, to pair with a possible $1 million slug of community development block grant funding. But that money wouldn't address even a quarter of the 2,200 properties the city is ready to demolish today. "Our staff is experienced enough and our processes are streamlined enough that if we had a much larger pool of money available at once, there's a lot of efficiency in being able to keep moving without having the stop-start, stop-start," said Ron O'Leary, the city's director of building and housing. "That is in no way a criticism of the county. We are thankful for the availability of funds. ... There's still a lot of work to be done, but we're actually making good progress." The Cuyahoga Land Bank, which takes in properties in many communities, is the second-largest beneficiary of the county program, with $6 million. East Cleveland and Shaker Heights rank third and fourth, followed by Euclid, Garfield Heights and Maple Heights. On Wednesday, the land bank demolished a long-vacant University Heights house that was a lodestone for neighborhood complaints. The county will reimburse the land bank once the site is cleared, cleaned and inspected. Funding recipients receive money only after the fact, with a cap of $100,000 per property. The average cost of a residential demolition is $10,817, Surratt said, though one house in Cleveland cost almost $36,000 to raze. Commercial demolitions are pricier, at $33,864 on average, and can require cities to put up their own cash, partner with developers or seek other funding for the largest, most complicated jobs. In its most recent application, Shaker Heights sought $440,000 to demolish 22 homes. The city also tapped the county program to tear down an old Masonic lodge, making way for a new childcare facility. And county demolition funds helped Shaker clear the old Quay Buick site at the Van Aken District, a public-private attempt to create a town center, of sorts, with shops, restaurants, offices and apartments. "Because of cuts from the state, cities have been squeezed really hard in terms of funding," said Kamla Lewis, the suburb's director of neighborhood revitalization. "So the city would not have had the funding available for clearing these lots without county assistance." Rocky River recently tore down the four-building former Executive Club, which had been empty for years, to create a 1.9-acre development site. The county will cover most of the costs. Further afield, Glenwillow used the county program last year to knock down vacant buildings on Pettibone Road, where the village hopes to build a new, central service garage. Both communities, with hale housing markets, don't seem like immediate candidates for public demolition money from a program designed to attack real estate blight. "Every community is dealing with that," Lewis said of neglected properties, "whether it's Pepper Pike or all the way down. It doesn't know any boundaries at this point in time." Justin Fleming, director of real estate services for Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, is part of discussions about moving beyond demolition and into renovation - a tough shift in Cleveland, where city hall and neighborhood nonprofits have spent more than 10 years on triage. "Now is not the time to divert any money that's available for demolition," O'Leary said. "That would really be penny wise and pound foolish." On some hard-hit streets, Fleming acknowledged, demolition might be the only logical choice. But there are other parts of the city where empty houses aren't beyond redemption. Yet rehabbers won't - or can't - take on those houses if the costs exceed what a buyer will pay. Fleming didn't suggest cannibalizing county demolition funds for rehab, although that suggestion has been making the rounds. Instead, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, Western Reserve Land Conservancy and other organizations are talking to politicians, lenders, land banks and philanthropic sources about strategies to support rehabilitation. "Without question," Fleming said, "I can't imagine where we'd be without the county putting this bond together, without some of these federal ... dollars. This city wouldn't look anything like it does right now. ... It was an absolutely needed investment. It still is, to some degree. There's a question of how much, but there is no question that it has been a savior." Guwahati: The city based Dispur Hospital's physician Dr Raj Kumar Dutta attended the media OPD at Guwahati Press Club on Saturday. Over 25 media persons along with their families participated in the camp and received free healthcare consultations from the physician. Moreover they also got their weight, blood pressure & sugar checked by Champak Goswami (laboratory technician) and Jonprova Devi (nurse). The 4 February evening clinic, organized under the series of Evening with a Doctor programs at the press club premises was conducted by Dr Vinay Singal from the Gurgaon based Medanta-The Medicity Hospital. Practicing doctors from Apollo Hospitals Chennai, Narayana Super-Specialty Hospitals, GNRC Group of Hospitals, Down Town Hospitals, Dispur Hospitals, Swagat Super-Surgical Institute, Wintrobe Hospital, Barthakur Clinic, Nemcare Hospital, Sun Valley Hospital, Sight First eye-clinic, Government Ayurvedic College etc had earlier conducted the camps. Guwahati, February 12 : Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Saturday asked the Centre to declare the United Naga Council (UNC) as an unlawful body. The Manipur CM sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged to outlaw the UNC. The decision was taken by the Manipur Congress Legislator Party (CLP) during a meeting held in Imphal. Manipur faced an economic blockade since November 1 last imposed by the Naga body causing hardships to the people of the north eastern Indian state. "It is requested to take necessary steps to declare the UNC as an unlawful organization for their anti-national and anti-people activities in public interest," Ibobi said in the letter. The Union government has been trying to bring a negotiated settlement between the UNC and the Manipur government by holding tripartite talks following the ongoing economic blockade, but the talks failed after the Naga body declared its stand and said that they will continue the blockade. Recently, a top official of the Union Home Ministry said that the Centre would not hold talks with the UNC if they not withdrawn the blockade. The trouble torn Manipur is going to hold the assembly poll on March 4 and 8. Meanwhile, the Manipur Congress said that, several persons were killed and wounded during the blockade imposed by the UNC. Manipur witnessed several untoward incidents in recent times following the economic blockade. During the period, the supporters of blockade had torched several vehicles including Manipur bound goods luden trucks. Union MOS Home Kiren Rijiju also visited the trouble torn state and assured to bring back normalcy within short period. The Naga body called the blockade to protest against the creation of seven new districts, which were declared by the Ibobi-led government. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) PYONGYANG, North Korea, Feb 12: North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump, who stood with the Japanese leader as Shinzo Abe called the move "absolutely intolerable." There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The U.S. Strategic Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile. North Korean media are often slow to announce such launches, if they announce them at all. As of Sunday afternoon, there had been no official announcement and most North Koreans went about their day with no inkling that the launch was major international news. The reports came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il. Appearing with Trump at a news conference at the president's south Florida estate, Abe condemned the missile launch as "absolutely intolerable." Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." Abe read a brief statement in which he called on the North to comply fully with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. He said Trump has assured him of U.S. support and that Trump's presence showed the president's determination and commitment. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement the missile was fired from around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test launched its powerful midrange Musudan missile on Oct. 15 and 20. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles). But Yonhap reported that while determinations are still being made, it was not believed to be an ICBM. The missile splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, according to the U.S. Strategic Command. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Jong Un said in his New Year's address that the country has reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its "hostile policy" and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programs until the U.S. changes its diplomatic approach. Just days ago, it also reaffirmed its plan to conduct more space launches, which it staunchly defends but which have been criticized because they involve dual use technology that can be transferred to improve missiles. Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, speculated the missile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. Analysts are divided, however, over how close the North is to having a reliable long-range rocket that could be coupled with a nuclear warhead capable to striking U.S. targets. South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said that his country will punish North Korea for the missile launch. According to the Foreign Ministry, South Korea will continue to work with allies including the United States, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realize that it will "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday said that, Language and Literature constitute a core component and bears identity of a nation. To propagate language and literature one needs to work resolutely. The role and contribution of Asam Sahitya Sabha need to be spread outside parameter of the State. The doyens like Sankardev, Madhavdev, Damodardev, Haridev and Ajan Fakir spread the intellectual ingenuity of Assam to the world. They inspired the humanity to move forward innovatively. The people of Assam have to go forward taking inspiration from these people with hard labour and dedication,aA Sonowal said while attending as the Chief Guest in the first open session of centenary celebrations of Asam Sahitya Sabha held at the historic Rupahi-Zerenga Pathar at Sivasagar. Sonowal said that unifying all major and minor communities the greater Assamese society has taken shape. For the advancement of the greater Assamese Society everybody has to put in concerted efforts. Asam Sahitya Sabha have to take the lead in unifying all efforts of all people to help the State to go forward. Emphasising that unity is power, Sonowal said that if we stay together we can prove ourselves worthy for a strong nation and if we disintegrate we will fall. He also called upon everybody to stay in harmony and work to promote unity and co-existence. He also said that with the ideals of Chaolung Sukapha we have to work to make Assam stronger. Sonowal also requested everybody to maintain a constant vigil on the works of the State Government so the Government cannot digress from its objective and enable everybody in the State to lead a life of dignity. Sonowal also informed that the venue of centenary celebrations of Sahitya Sabha being held at Zerenga Pathar will be preserved and all steps will be taken preserve the rich heritage of Sivasagar. Presided over by the in-charge president of Asam Sahitya Sabha, Prahlad Tasa the first open session of the Sahitya Sabha was attended among others by Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, Members of Parliament Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Naba Sarania, MLAs Tapan Gogoi, Kushal Dowari, Jogen Mohan, Rituparna Baruah. The open session was inaugurated by eminent litterateur Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Kathmandu, Nepal: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) chairman Kamal Thapa has said that the incumbent government has lost its relevance as it failed to announce the date for local polls. The government should have announced the date for the local level elections earlier, the relevancy of the government will loss if it further delay to announce the date for the local level elections, Thapa said while speaking at a interaction program organized by the Reporters club in Kathmandu on Sunday. During the function he also said that Prime Minister Pushpa Kahal Dahal should step down if he fails to announce the date for the local level elections to implement the constitution. During the function, Nepali Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat also accused the government for delaying to announce the date for the local level elections. KATHMANDU, Feb 12: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal today said achievements made through the Maoist 'people's war' would not be allowed to go in vain at any cost. "Achievements from the people's war will not be allowed to go waste. And we must be ready to make another sacrifice if need be to safeguard them," said PM Dahal while speaking at a program organized at Paris Danda-based CPN (Maoist Center) party office on the occasion of Maoist's 22nd People's War day. Also Chairman of CPN (MC), PM Dahal stressed the need for holding all three levels of elections within the next 11 months to protect the achievements gained from the revolt and the new constitution. "Or our country will fall into a severe crisis if it does not happen so." Describing the constitution as a dynamic document which could be amended with time, he said the government was preparing to move ahead while protecting the rights of all. PM Dahal added that the Maoist war was a historical movement to unite hill, mountain and Tarai while sharing that people from all three parts of the country had contributed equally in the insurgency. He claimed that his party continued to be in the first position in terms of institutionalizing the changes achieved through various political movements, even though the party is in third position in the parliament. Dahal expressed the confidence that all Maoist parties will be united by next year. The then Maoist party had launched an armed conflict known by the party as the people's ward in 2052 BS (1996) the same day today. It lasted for a decade before coming to an end in November 2006. RSS J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park. Kathmandu, Nepal: In the mean time when the Maoists parties in Nepal were celebrating their Maoist's 22nd People's War day on Sunday, the victims of the Nepals decade-long Maoist insurgency staged a demonstration program in front of Singha Darbar, the nations central administrative complex, demanding justice. The conflict victims marked the Maoist's 22nd People's War day as of the 21st anniversary of the conflict. A demonstration was organized before staging a sit-in- protest. During the protest program, the victims had demanded action against those involved in gross human rights violations during the conflict. Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has made clear that he was not involved in the governments decision to appoint AIGP Jaya Bahadur Chand as the Inspector General of Nepal Police (IGP). Responding to the media reports that he had been piling pressure on the government to pick Chand as the IGP going against the sonority, Deuba, who is also the former Prime Minister, issued a press statement through his personal secretary Keshav Raj Joshi to deny the charge labeled against him. A cabinet meeting held on Sunday appointed Chand IGP. But his appointment was stayed by the Supreme Court (SC) within few hours of the cabinet decision. As appointment of the IGP is solely the Cabinets jurisdiction, I do not and cannot have any involvement in any form, Nepali Congress President Deuba has stated in the statement. Kathmandu, Nepal: The Supreme Court (SC), the supreme court of the country, stayed the appointment of DIG Jaya Bahadur Chand to the position of Inspector General of Nepal Police just hour after the cabinet decision on Sunday. A Cabinet meeting held this morning made a decision to appoint Chanda as the Inspector General of Nepal Police. A single bench of Chief Justice Sushila Karki issued the interim order in response to a writ filed by advocate Kapil Dev Dhakal. Advocate Dhakal had moved to the SC on Friday challenging to the governments preparation to appoint Chand as the Inspector General of Nepal Police. In the writ, he had claimed that Chandas selection would violate the principles of seniority in the police organization. Likewise, the SC has also summoned the petitioner and defendants of the case to the next hearing. Likewise, the cabinet meeting has also decided to appoint Singha Bahadur Shrestha as the Chief of Armed Police Force. Dhaka Tribune, February 09, 2017 No home away from home - The new Citizenship Bill is self-defeating by Luba Khalili One wouldnat need to cross the Atlantic to learn of fascism under a shoddy veil of democracy. It can be found right here at home. The world has been watching as Donald Trumpas cabinet continues to rile up a good majority of the Western world by its harrowing take on the government and grazing past the American constitution with bullets of racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other words weave come to associate with tyrannical and oppressive regimes. For good measure, too. I mean, the individual chosen to be the secretary of education a whose background in the field is as much as my five-year old nephewas in building non-Lego skyscrapers a is almost ambitious, but mostly, a sad feat coming from one of the biggest democracies in the world. But much closer to home, as we watch the Land of the Free be a margin away from all that it was supposed to stand for, we can also see our own country taking a leaf out of the new New Worldas regime. How much the Citizenship Bill, 2016 has been talked about is unclear to me, but it is a discourse that has the power to change the narrative of being Bangladeshi. The bill, drafted last year, cancels out previous acts and orders of citizenship matters in Bangladesh, and posits new restrictions for dual citizens. For people who were born abroad to Bangladeshi parents, for people who have a parent who isnat Bangladeshi, things are about to change, and given the way our nation operates, probably not for the better. From not being able to hold positions in government, to getting involved in political parties a exclusion from such a great honour a the provisions entailed in the bill are meant to restrict rights. Rights that, constitutionally, everyone in the republic should have. Rights, if violated, mean violation of the constitution. Now, the cabinet definitely has its own justifications for approving such a bill, but limiting citizenship to individuals who care about being Bangladeshi takes a devastating toll on building national identities. If the struggle for independence a the true unifier of all Bangladeshi people a has allowed for the sovereignty of our nation to come about, then the Peopleas Republic of Bangladesh has one thing to show for it: Our constitution Especially if a bill such as this brings in talks of an aalien enemy,a which holds children accountable for the beliefs of their parents. In a time where one of our neighbouring countries does not flinch while attempting to ruthlessly wipe out an entire ethnic group, and questions of accommodating this group into our country on the basis on human rights is constantly brought up, rendering a child of a parent who is an apparent alien enemy stateless a which this bill might just set out to do a can even be an act against humanity itself. If the struggle for independence a the true unifier of all Bangladeshi people a has allowed for the sovereignty of our nation to come about, then the Peopleas Republic of Bangladesh has one thing to show for it: Our constitution. And laws and amendments such as the new Citizenship Bill have incredibly unconstitutional air to them a even if they are passed in the name of national unity. Post-colonial philosopher Frantz Fanon once wrote about the paradox of national identity; that the revolution of the Third World often finds itself at a confusing space created by its very attempt at liberating itself from its oppressors. Failing to be inclusive of nuances across its own population, the understanding of anationa becomes too tethered to a certain class, too much akin to the very notions it has tried to shake off of itself. These attempts at amassing the people are contrived, and ultimately, self-defeating. If we apply a closer thought, that bit of Fanonas articulation of the national identity fits well with the paradigm of what bills such as these are trying to achieve. By categorising Bangladeshis within labels that discriminate and provide putative superiors in comparison to the ones who are catergorised as asecond-class,a or aalien enemy,a we are failing at recognising the nuance of the heterogeneity that we all a as Bangladeshis, born on this soil or otherwise a possess. In the name of being unified, in the name of being Bangladeshi, what weare creating is a systematic subjugation of people who are our own. So, as we watch the new US presidentas cabinet thrash about on their grand constitution and feel pity at the rhetoric that may get produced from the combination of hypocrisy and xenophobia, a good thing to not forget is that the same rhetoric can be a and is being a created right here around us. And instead of engaging only in debates of how the Trump presidency is hurting the largest economy and its people, we can actually talk about the attempts which our own country are making that maybe donat put the West to shame, but definitely bring a dark cloud over our own struggle of liberation. Luba Khalili is an Editorial Assistant at the Dhaka Tribune. o o o The Daily Star, January 08, 2017 Review proposed citizenship law by Najrul Khasru On February 1, 2016, the Cabinet of Bangladesh government approved its draft Citizenship Bill 2016, paving the way for it to go through the Parliamentary procedure at a suitable time. That procedure is yet to be initiated. Bangladesh being a unitary state with a static homogeneous population, its citizenship legislation should not generate, in the normal course of events, much interest. Unlike countries such as the USA and Britain where nationality and citizenship issues generate voluminous case law every year, scarcely any such issues reaches the Supreme Court of Bangladesh (the last such case appears to be that of the case of Sadaqat Khan V Chief Election Commissioner (2008), where it was determined and confirmed that all members of the aUrdu-speaking peoplea of Bangladesh, who satisfied the existing legal framework for acquiring citizenship, were citizens of Bangladesh). However, the content of this particular draft legislation has astounded a large number of people. There has been a growing level of anger and apprehension about the proposed law among Bangladeshis living abroad. The Urdu-speaking Bangladeshis are fearful of their fate if the proposed law comes into force. Concerns have also been aired by legal experts and human rights organisations in Bangladesh and abroad. It is likely that the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is following the progress of the proposed law with a degree of trepidation. To understand this level of disquiet nationally and globally, it is necessary to have an in-depth, objective and focused analysis of the salient points of a few provisions of the proposed law. The draft law contains five chapters (it erroneously numbers the chapters as first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth), 28 sections and one schedule. The discussion in this article would be confined to just a few sections within chapters one and two of the draft, which primarily provide the definitions of terms used in the draft and deal with ways for acquiring citizenships of Bangladesh. Section 4(1) defines citizenship by birth. However, section 4(2)(b) of the draft states that the children of enemy aliens would not be entitled to have citizenship of Bangladesh by birth regardless of whether they fulfil the criteria for such citizenship. To identify those who would be affected by this, it is necessary to understand the definition of the term enemy alien. Section 2(7) of the draft defines enemy alien as a state which is or was engaged in a war with Bangladesh. This is totally unhelpful, as we know that a state cannot be a parent and even in the 21st century it still takes human beings to give birth to human beings! Although the definition of enemy alien is very narrow in international law, reading between the lines, the policymakers of Bangladesh would probably define the term as follows: aAny person living in Bangladesh who supports or supported another state with which Bangladesh is or was at war.a On that assumption it may be possible to infer who would be encompassed by this subsection. Only occasion that Bangladesh had been at war with another country was in 1971, when it fought Pakistan and won its independence. It is well-known that a large part of the Urdu-speaking population, among others, actively supported the Pakistan Army during that war. These people could come under the above definition. However, it would not be the enemy aliens whose citizenship would be at risk (if they are Bangladeshi citizens) under the proposed law, it is their children who purport to lose their birth citizenship simply by virtue of being the children of enemy aliens, thereby becoming stateless. Their number is estimated to be over 250,000. To create statelessness arbitrarily through legislation is an extraordinary proposition. It defies logic and is against the principles of natural justice. It comes into sharp conflict with Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which provides: aEveryone has a right to nationalitya and aNo one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality.a It falls foul of UNHCRs declaration: aStatelessness is a profound violation of an individuals human rights.a It also negates the UNHCRs aspiration to reduce statelessness to zero by 2024. A well-established principle of rule of law is that a new legislation cannot have retrospective effect. However, this proposed law clearly shows retrospective intent. In an unprecedented move, Section 3 of the draft states that this Act would have priority over, among other things, any previous court decisions or decrees. A true interpretation of that may have the effect of nullifying the Sadaqat Khan decision stated above. Section 5 of the draft defines citizenship by descent. This provides citizenship to children born outside of Bangladesh to a Bangladeshi parent or parents. These children would include those whose parents were abroad during their births perhaps studying, working, getting medical treatment, or just travelling. Interestingly, this would also include those who were born on the soil of India during the nine-month long liberation struggle as well as those Bangladeshis who were born in the territory of the then West Pakistan due to, perhaps, their parents working there, or being stranded after the Liberation War. Their number would probably be tens of thousands and the vast majority would have no other nationality. One would expect them to have all the rights enjoyed by all other citizens of Bangladesh. But by virtue of Sections 13 and 7(2) of the draft their rights would be severely restricted turning them virtually second class citizens in their own country. For example, they would not be eligible to stand for any local or national elections, would not be allowed to become a Supreme Court Judge or have any government employment, and would have no right to organise a political group. These restrictions are clearly inconsistent with the Constitution which provides that the State shall not discriminate against any citizens on grounds of place of birth only. Draft Sections 5, 7, 8 and 13 combined, if implemented, would firstly deny the right of citizenship by descent to second and subsequent generations of Bangladeshis born abroad, and secondly, all other Bangladeshis who have acquired citizenships of another country would have similar restrictions as stated above on their Bangladeshi citizenships. It is reliably estimated that 1.5 million Bangladeshis living in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and Australia would be affected by these provisions. The purpose of creating a distance between them and the land of their origin by means of legislation is unfathomable. These are highly resourceful people, contributing over 4 billion dollars a year to Bangladeshs foreign exchange. Many of them are highly skilled, with expertise in diverse fields and are well-connected in powerful Western capitals. Properly utilised they could play a significant part in the governments aspirations to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country. A study conducted by The Economist in June 2015 found that countries all over the world are now recognising that their citizens abroad can benefit the country of their origin in multiple ways and for generations to come. Countries as diverse as Nigeria, Turkey and Vietnam are discovering ways of tapping into the expertise that their own citizens settled in the West possess. An increasing number of countries, in order to bring their resourceful expatriate communities closer to home, are now recognising that the diasporas are simply an extension of their population within their own territories. A significant number of countries have reserved seats in their Parliaments for their citizens living abroad. Against this world trend, Bangladeshs policymakers decision to take a regressive step is bewildering. The evidence that this draft legislation has not been properly thought through is pretty conclusive. Its various provisions would go against natural justice and the concept of the rule of law would be inconsistent with the Constitution, in breach of a number of international treaties and charters and against the countrys economic and cultural interests. The implementation of such a law would bring the countrys democratic credentials into disrepute. Bangladesh would lose its moral authority to be critical of nations such as Myanmar, where human rights violation has been institutionalised. The argument for a thorough review of the draft legislation is compelling. The writer is a British Bangladeshi, a barrister and a tribunal judge in England. E-mail: khasru_uk[at]yahoo.co.uk o o o SEE ALSO: Shirley Contreras lives in Orcutt and writes for the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society. She can be contacted at 623-8193 or at shirleycontreras2@yahoo.com. Her book, The Good Years, a selection of stories shes written for the Santa Maria Times since 1991, is on sale at the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society, 616 S. Broadway. 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. 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). Looking at Ohio Gov Kasich's clemency record and those of his predecessors | Main | Will Prez Trump and AG Sessions listen to law enforcement leaders with diverse views on crime and punishment? February 12, 2017 Is big data "reinforcing racial bias in the criminal justice system"? The question in this post is prompted by this Washington Post commentary headlined "Big data may be reinforcing racial bias in the criminal justice system." The piece is authored by Laurel Eckhouse, a researcher with the Human Rights Data Analysis Groups Policing Project at UC Berkeley, and here are excerpts: Big data has expanded to the criminal justice system. In Los Angeles, police use computerized predictive policing to anticipate crimes and allocate officers. In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., machine-learning algorithms are used to set bond amounts. In states across the country, data-driven estimates of the risk of recidivism are being used to set jail sentences. Advocates say these data-driven tools remove human bias from the system, making it more fair as well as more effective. But even as they have become widespread, we have little information about exactly how they work. Few of the organizations producing them have released the data and algorithms they use to determine risk. We need to know more, because its clear that such systems face a fundamental problem: The data they rely on are collected by a criminal justice system in which race makes a big difference in the probability of arrest even for people who behave identically. Inputs derived from biased policing will inevitably make black and Latino defendants look riskier than white defendants to a computer. As a result, data-driven decision-making risks exacerbating, rather than eliminating, racial bias in criminal justice.... We know that a black person and a white person are not equally likely to be stopped by police: Evidence on New Yorks stop-and-frisk policy, investigatory stops, vehicle searches and drug arrests show that black and Latino civilians are more likely to be stopped, searched and arrested than whites. In 2012, a white attorney spent days trying to get himself arrested in Brooklyn for carrying graffiti stencils and spray paint, a Class B misdemeanor. Even when police saw him tagging the City Hall gateposts, they sped past him, ignoring a crime for which 3,598 people were arrested by the New York Police Department the following year. Before adopting risk-assessment tools in the judicial decision-making process, jurisdictions should demand that any tool being implemented undergo a thorough and independent peer-review process. We need more transparency and better data to learn whether these risk assessments have disparate impacts on defendants of different races. Foundations and organizations developing risk-assessment tools should be willing to release the data used to build these tools to researchers to evaluate their techniques for internal racial bias and problems of statistical interpretation. Even better, with multiple sources of data, researchers could identify biases in data generated by the criminal justice system before the data is used to make decisions about liberty. Unfortunately, producers of risk-assessment tools even nonprofit organizations have not voluntarily released anonymized data and computational details to other researchers, as is now standard in quantitative social science research. For these tools to make racially unbiased predictions, they must use racially unbiased data. We cannot trust the current risk-assessment tools to make important decisions about our neighbors liberty unless we believe contrary to social science research that data on arrests offer an accurate and unbiased representation of behavior. Rather than telling us something new, these tools risk laundering bias: using biased history to predict a biased future. February 12, 2017 at 12:13 PM | Permalink Comments Racial bias in the justice system has been debunked year after year for decades. In addition to think tank studies, there is the ultimate correct measurement of crime, the Household Crime Victimization Survey, before the Obama administration politicized and destroyed it. It showed, every year, that blacks had 5 times the victimization rate as whites. In 95% of victimizations, blacks were the criminals. Try finding the criminal number by race. I challenge anyone to get it. It used to take 15 seconds. It will take you all day to retrieve that chart today. Because long term secular trends such as aging, blood lead levels, video addiction, obesity epidemic, smoking marijuana affect all races at the same pace, that leaves one factor to explain the racial disparity. Bastardy. Before whites get too smug, the feminist lawyer has successfully attacked the white family, and its bastardy rate is rapidly catching up to the rate among blacks (70%+), being 40% in the 2010 census. It is likely to be far higher in the 2020 Census. Racial disparity in crime may disappear. Racial disparity in crime may already have disappeared if one counts the 15 million people who were victims of identity theft. The crime rate is being under-counted by hundreds of millions if not billions a year. This under-count is intentional, and to protect the Obama administration from criticism for his criminal coddling. Posted by: David Behar | Feb 12, 2017 6:50:38 PM Post a comment Crowds of incontestable size spelled out "Resist!!" with their bodies this morning while sitting and standing on the sands of Ocean Beach. The message, aimed at what many perceive to be an increasingly authoritarian American government, was organized on Facebook by Brad Newsham of Oakland who began creating such visual events in 2006 and commissioned a helicopter photographer for $1,000 an hour for the event. "I'm 65 years old, I should tell you I got a new hip since the last one," Newsham told SFist by phone as he was leaving the Ocean Beach adjacent Beach Chalet restaurant. His last message was "Tax the 1%" and his first was a call for the impeachment of President Bush. "When I first started organizing these, the park service was leery of me," Newsham says. "As they should be I was calling for the impeachment and the imprisonment of their bosses... I had to go through a lot of hoops." Newsham estimates that today's attendance was more than 4,000. In the past, he's advertised that overflow attendees could form an underline beneath his messages. That's never happened before, and Newsham calls the wording "optimistic." But this time, there were more people in the underline than at any of his previous events, Newsham believes. Elly Benson via Google Photos At Ocean Beach this morning to RESIST Trump what did you do this morning? pic.twitter.com/BnVuyFKc1x Earthnik (@Earthnik) February 11, 2017 San Franciscans have been coming out in force in the past weeks with similar messages of resistance and persistence, donning purple and joining hands across the Golden Gate Bridge on Inauguration Day, for example. Another group lead by San Francisco Green Peace representatives were arrested for hanging a banner from a crane that also read "Resist" on January 25. Related: Same Guy Who Made 'Hollyweed' Sign Hangs 'IMPEACH' Banner On Golden Gate Bridge 125 YEARS AGO Raiding parties: The police Monday night made the first raid in the last four months on gambling houses and houses of prostitution. A total of 15 gamblers were arrested in seven places. None of the suspects gave his right name. Only seven of the hordes of prostitutes that swarm the rooms along Pearl Street were arrested. The inmates darted out. Making news: Sergeant Franciscus, of the police force, has received 22 Valentines in the past two days. The fire departments aerial truck has been fitted up so that four hoses could be hitched to it in case the heavy machine has to be dragged over unpaved roads or deep snow. Miss Peirce gave a delightful Kensington tea, and served her guests a dainty little lunch. Journal ads: For sale: An elegant 5-year-old English draft stallion, Peter Bronillette, Jefferson, S.D. A nice buffalo robe, 105 W. Seventh St.. Wanted: All around good cook at Dr. Drakes Sanitarium, Morning Side. Traveling salesman to sell baking powder to retail grocery trade. Chicago Baking Powder Co. 100 YEARS AGO Big auto show: About $140,000 worth of motor cars will be on view at Sioux Citys eighth annual auto show at the Auditorium this week. Fifty different makes of automobiles will be exhibited. In addition to local dealers, agencies from Chicago, Omaha and Lincoln will be represented. Grecian urns filled with flowers will decorate the building. Frozen hydrants: While fire destroyed the 12-room Ponca, Neb., high school Sunday, the members of the volunteer fire department and citizens looked on in dismay. They were helpless as the two water hydrants within two blocks of the school were frozen. The loss is estimated at $30,000. Classes will be held in the opera house until a new school can be built. College raises: The high cost of living was given as the reason the board of trustees at Morningside College granted salary increases of $100 a year to nine department heads. The board presented president Dr. Alfred E. Craig an increase from $3,000 annually to $3,500. 50 YEARS AGO Making headlines: Charlotte Spade, of Sioux City, an Army nurse, is serving in South Vietnam, where she was deployed last November. Nebraska Gov. Norbert Tiemann appointed Dakota County Judge Joseph Marsh to the district court bench, succeeding Judge John Newton. Tom Dorcey, 21, rural Wayne, Neb., is serving in the Peace Corps in Paraguay. Home show: A housefront with live landscaping, an all-electric center and a ferris wheel are featured in the Siouxland Home and Flower Show, which opens this week at the Municipal Auditorium. There will be 74 display booths and a floral display depicting Paris in the spring. Trophy honored: First Lady Lady Bird Johnson presented Sioux Citys Marie Trophy Mushro with the American Heart Associations Distinguished Volunteer Service Award in a White House ceremony. Miss Mushro the former Miss Sioux City and Miss Iowa, was born with two holes in her heart and underwent surgery. 25 YEARS AGO TV movie premier: Hollywood came to Sioux City Saturday as 600 turned out for the invitation-only exclusive premier of Crash Landing: The Rescue of Flight 232 at the Riviera Theater. Actor Charlton Heston, who played pilot Al Haynes, attended, along with others involved in the production and elected officials. The movie will air on ABC Feb. 24. Recycle newsprint: The Journals newsprint content is now 62 percent of recycled newspapers and magazines, instead of 5 percent. The paper purchases the newsprint from the Quebec and Ontario Paper Company in Canada. The Journal uses approximately 3,500 tons of newsprint annually. The paper is whiter and stronger thanks to the used magazines. In the news: Dr. Charles Marriott was presented with the 1992 Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award. Nancy Metz is the president of the board of directors of Girls, Inc. of Sioux City. Dick Miller has been elected president of the Siouxland Automobile Repair Association. These items were published in the Journal Feb. 12-18, 1892 , 1917, 1967 and 1992. ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- The Northwest Iowa Young and Beginning Farmer Group will meet Feb. 27 at the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach - Sioux County office in Orange City. Topic for the gathering will be the 2017 Farm Outlook, and its impacts on beginning farmers. Chad Hart, extension economist with ISU, will lead the discussion, as well as a question-and-answer session. The program will last from 2 to 6 p.m. Networking time and a free meal also will be provided. The ISU Extension and Outreach - Sioux County office is at 400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700, Orange City. There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to pre-register by contacting Janelle Johnson, Northwest Iowa Young and Beginning Farmer Group Coordinator, at 712-546-7835 or janelle@iastate.edu. VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of South Dakotas Beacom School of Business is seeking real-life consulting projects for the summer 2017 master of business administration program as part of a strategic management course. The goals of the project are to provide students with practical experience that incorporates multiple angles of how a business or organization operates. Businesses benefit by gaining different perspectives on their most pressing projects while gaining access to some of the best business students in the region. Students benefit by becoming familiar with the true cross-disciplinary nature of business, and through working with executives and key decision makers. The deadline for submission is April 7, with project work occurring between May 15 and August 4. The most successful projects are cross-disciplinary in nature and have a strategic outcome. Visit http://www.usd.edu/business/business-administration/consulting-project for more or contact Mark Yockey at Mark.Yockey@usd.edu. SIOUX CITY Historically, Sioux City has had a low rate of business starts, something the 20 local sponsors behind Entrepalooza want to improve upon. One sponsor is Briar Cliff Universitys Entrepreneurial Action in Us, or Enactus team, which professor of business administration Judy Thompson advises. Thompson also is one of the original forces behind Entrepalooza, a seven-year-old event that celebrates local entrepreneurs. We wanted to encourage entrepreneurship in Sioux City, Thompson said of the event's origins. The latest edition of Entrepalooza kicks off Monday and comes to a close March 3. There are activities or events scheduled for each day of Entrepalooza, some of which offer financial incentives to small business owners. We just want to support entrepreneurs, give them some help, theres a couple of opportunities for entrepreneurs to get grants, Thompson said. One of them is Swimming with the Sharks and the other is Innovation Market. Swimming with the Sharks is a competition where local entrepreneurs are allowed five minutes to make a pitch to a panel of judges with area ties for an opportunity to receive a $4,000 grant. It starts at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, at St. Francis Center on the Briar Cliff campus. Some Swimming with the Sharks success stories include Chatterkick, a digital marketing firm located in downtown Sioux City, and Lienwaivers, another Sioux City company that simplifies the process of creating and tracking lien waivers through digital means. Innovation Market is sponsored by Sioux City Growth Organization and provides entrepreneurs an opportunity to visit with local business leaders to share their ideas for local businesses, community events and nonprofits. It takes place at 5 p.m. on Feb. 16, at the Sioux City Public Museum. While the grants issued through Entreprelooza are not hefty sums, Thompson said they provide something more important to a small business owner: Confidence. It gives them confidence, she said. One of them we gave out a few years ago was to Vanessa Wodtke and she has Bloom Wild in Hinton and she said the fact that we awarded her a grant gave her all kinds of self-confidence. And we got people from economic development judging and they give them all kinds of feedback on what they should do to kind of improve their pitch when they need to go out and get other money. Another event that Thompson highlighted was the Consulting Fair, which takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 in the Advanced Sciences Building on the Western Iowa Tech Community College campus. This event provides entrepreneurs free consultations with experienced business professionals. We just want to help and put on events where they can network and help develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sioux City, Thompson said. Thompson said encouraging entrepreneurs to flourish is something that should be important to every community no matter the size. My personal philosophy is each city, each town, each county needs to have a balance of economic development, she said. I think what you find is that everyone is going for the big companies that provide a 1,000 jobs or more and so its very competitive. Most businesses start small and if you start them small here, hopefully they grow, developm some loyalty and stay here, she continued. It kind of balances out the economic development portfolios. Theres definite growth in the sixth and final season of Girls. Early on, we see where Hannah (Lena Dunham) and her friends are headed, particularly since theyre not just college students trying to grab the first rung. Buoyed by some success, Hannah gets attention from publishers and authors. Her open a vein style rankles her friends, too, and makes former beau Adam (Adam Driver) and friend Jessa (Jemima Kirke) think twice about their oh-so-quick relationship. Borrowing a page from past seasons, Hannah gets several stand-alone experiences, including a trip to a surf camp and a visit with a celebrated author. At the camp, she meets an instructor who manages to bring out yet another side in the fearless experimenter (and more nudity). Two episodes later, she meets an author (Matthew Rhys) who prompted her to write a piece he found unfair. Like Patrick Wilson in an earlier outing, Rhys gets an excellent showcase and moments that show him far more vulnerable than The Americans ever could. (Yup, there's nudity.) The performance is Emmy worthy. It also gives Hannah some reason to pause, particularly since her friends cant seem to tamp down the womans unbridled ego. Best pal Elijah (Andrew Rannells) is a great sounding board, but doesnt get the exposure he deserves in the first three episodes. Hes one of Girls biggest revelations. Zosia Mamet as Shoshanna is, too. Considering she has been through more changes than three of the cast members combined, its encouraging to see her come into her own and tell her friends what really matters. That awakening (for lack of a better term) is what the sixth season seems to be about. The friends are finding what it is that drives them. As a result, Dunham (who wrote all three of the first episodes and directed two of them) isnt afraid to show any of them alone. While theres strength in numbers, theres also the force that comes from facing life without an entourage. Marnie (Allison Williams) stands up to Ray (Alex Karpovsky); Ray tries to stand up to Adam and Jessa. If Dunham has an endgame in mind, this season of Girls certainly has markers. Theres a hint that the gang could dissolve and that'd be OK. Theres also a sense that they need each other more than ever and thats OK, too. Like life, it unfolds in quirky ways. Knowing Dunham, its ending will leave questions: Will we get to see what great work comes from her character's experiences? Easily, this could be the "Go Set a Watchman" for something more. Now, though, enjoy the ride. Girls captures a moment in time better than most series could. The sixth season of Girls airs at 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO. News / National by Staff reporter GOVERNMENT will cut the civil service wage bill from 90 percent to 55 percent by 2018, a Cabinet Minister has said.Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa said staff rationalisation was already underway and bearing fruit."We are targeting to reduce the proportion of expenditure from over 90 percent to less than 55 percent by 2018-9. I am confident that we will achieve it."Government has two avenues to address the wage bill which are staff rationalisation and improving production. We have already started staff rationalisation and the other method is to grow the cake - production, production and more production. We are also dealing with the issue to do with the current account deficit," said Minister Chinamasa.The minister added that Government was undertaking fiscal and economic reforms to reduce the cost of doing business and to attract FDI."I'm very pleased with the progress made in addressing fiscal reforms and ease of doing business. As we speak Cabinet has already adopted a raft of measures to rationalise the civil service; these raft measures are now implemented."We already made some savings in 2016 (due to the rationalisation measures we have taken). Progress may not be fast as we want but it's being made."Government has already abolished 22 000 posts which were deemed excess and saved close to US$100 million.In line with IMF recommendations, Government is streamlining its 188 070-strong workforce.In the first half of 2015, Treasury spent US$1,54 billion on labour, against revenue of US$1,718 billion. On a monthly basis, US$120 million is spent on salaries.According to the 2015 Civil Service Audit Report, dominant labour cost drivers are abuse of overtime allowance facilities and leave days, salary fraud, idle manpower, role duplication and unco-ordinated recruitment.Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya said, "We need to deal with the current practice of using 90 percent of the national budget on civil service salaries."That cannot be sustained. It puts too much pressure on the system."He said this had resulted in the current cash crunch as Zimbabwe was spending more on salaries than on production that generates foreign currency. PASADENA, Calif. An ancient show-biz adage warns actors about working with children and animals. Anthony Anderson, the patriarch on ABC's family comedy "black-ish," broke the second rule Friday with the premiere of a talk show on Animal Planet. "Animal Nation" featured Anderson narrating funny animal videos, talking to celebrities about their pets and being the foil when handlers Dave Salmoni and Jackson Galaxy brought on some exotic creatures. Viewers were given a taste of the show after last weekend's "Puppy Bowl" before it settles into its regular time slot Fridays at 9 p.m. Animal lover Anderson has two dogs at home, a shih tzu and a cockapoo. "I've always been fascinated by them," he said. "I'd watch shows like Johnny Carson and David Letterman when they had animals and thought, 'This sounds like fun.'" He calls "Animal Nation" a combination of the "Tonight" show and "Wild Animal Kingdom." Among the first celebrity guests are George Lopez, Bellamy Young, Cheryl Hines, Jerry O'Connell and Dermot Mulroney. His guests are encouraged to bring their pets. He's already taped segments being attacked by a German Shepherd while wearing a protective suit and carefully handling a poisonous snake. Despite his love for animals, the gig seems like an odd choice for a comedian on one of television's most critically acclaimed sitcoms. But Anderson said it fits with one of his ambitions. He called pals Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel for advice. "I've always seen myself as a talk-show host," he said. "If I can cut my teeth on it with a show like 'Animal Nation' right now and hopefully this runs for a while and we have some fun then I've checked something off my list." And maybe, when a more general talk-show slot opens up, Anderson's name will be in the mix. SIOUX CITY -- A hot forehead and a thermometer reading triple digits causes many parents, especially new ones, to panic. Should they head to the emergency department? Fever, defined as a core temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F, is one of the main reasons children are taken to emergency departments. A Dutch study published in the journal Pediatrics in March 2012 found that 1 in 4 parents properly judged and acted on their child's severity of illness by bringing their child to the emergency department. Sixty-two percent of the 4,609 children under age 16 in the study were referred to emergency departments by parents. Of those children who were referred by parents rather than a general practitioner, 27 percent needed extensive diagnostic interventions, IV medication/aerosol treatment, hospitalization or a combination. Cindy Lewin, an advanced registered nurse practitioner at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine -- Sergeant Bluff, said children can tolerate fevers as high as 106 degrees F. When children spike fevers, she said the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls thirst, hunger and body temperature, is sending a message that something is amiss in their bodies. This could include an infection, a reaction to a recent immunization and even wearing too much clothing. "Turning up the heat is the body's way of fighting the germs that cause infections and making the body a less comfortable place for the infections to rest," she said. Lewin said children seem to run fevers more often than adults because their immune systems aren't as strong. She said they're also exposed to more infections, especially if they attend day care. The best way to take your child's temperature will depend on their age. Lewin said children less than 3 months of age should be tested with a rectal thermometer. For children 3 to 6 months, she said a rectal thermometer is best but a temporal thermometer that captures temperature on the forehead can also be used. An electrical ear thermometer is an option for children 6 months and older, while temperatures of children over age 4 can be taken orally. To bring a fever down at home, Lewin said parents can give their children Tylenol. Ibuprofen is an option for children older than 6 months. She said aspirin should never be given to children under 16 because they can develop Reye's syndrome, a serious condition that causes swelling in the brain, liver damage and can lead to death. "You can do a lukewarm bath or cool washcloth; and sometimes giving them lots of fluids will help," said Lewin, who said non-stop crying and sluggishness are signs of dehydration. Lewin said you should seek medical attention if your child is under 3 months of age and his or her temperature has exceeded 100.4 degrees F. For children 3 months to 6 months that threshold is 101 and 103 for children over 6 months. "Children have different seizure thresholds, so sometimes if their fever gets too high there's a possibility of a febrile seizure related to the temperature," she said. "They say for infants under 3 months, anytime they get a fever above 100.4, you should probably call your doctor." SIOUX CITY While he has more than 9,000 men and women under his command, Iowas top military commander took time out this weekend to bestow special recognition on members of the Sioux City-based 185th Air Refueling Wing. Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr, the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, attended the units military ball Saturday night at the Marina Inn in South Sioux City, which gave him an opportunity to thank local active servicIowa's top military commander: 185th is best air refue members. Early Sunday morning, Orr handed out commander coins a reward given to airmen for going above the call of duty and toured the Iowa Air National Guard base in Sioux City alongside local officials. We are a nation thats been at war for over 15 years, Orr said. This unit, the 185th, is the best air refueling wing in the country no doubt in my book. They demonstrate it every day around the world, they demonstrate in the war fight, they demonstrate in the homeland here with the disasters weve had with the flooding in 2011 and all the partnerships that theyve built through the community. In his conversations with the media and local officials, including Mayor Bob Scott and Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president Chris McGowan, Orr noted how important the relationship between the community and the 185th is to the area. This is one of the best communities in the state of Iowa when it comes to working together with your military, Orr said. Something that every citizen in the Siouxland area needs to realize is, we are one of the largest employers and we are proud of that but more importantly, its our relationship with the community and their support that continues to make this unit strong and able to do their mission. Scott backed up Orrs comments about how vital the relationship between the community and the base is for Sioux City. He also emphasized the economic impact the base makes in the area. Between the units here, theres probably 800 (people) in this unit and a couple hundred across the street, and this unit itself is like $50 million in payroll, I think, so you compound that in the community its a big deal, Scott said. The 185th is breaking ground this year on a $12.4 million structure that will consolidate three aging facilities into one complex adjoining the Sioux Gateway Airport. Both Scott and Orr agreed this project was good news for the city and a positive indicator as to the military's future in the city. Anytime you have a unit like this invest in the community and we partnered with them on that particular project it helps not only our runway for our commercial flights, but it certainly helps this unit sustain and be viable for the future, Scott said. We hope that those types of investment by the government mean that they are going to be here for a long time. SOUTH SIOUX CITY | Neither of Big Ox Energy's facilities outside South Sioux City have been tied to sewer line problems like issues that displaced as many as two dozen residents at its height last fall. But interviews with government officials and a Journal analysis of government records related to Big Ox shows the company's facility in northeastern Iowa has in the past year been the focus of odor complaints and an Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation that yielded multiple citations, including one for a "serious" violation. Big Ox officials say deficiencies that caused the plant's OSHA citations have since been remedied and that the company has not been notified of any odor complaints. The private company owns and operates two renewable fuel facilities in the Midwest in addition to its newest plant in South Sioux City, which went online Sept. 2, 2016. Big Ox operates plants near Riceville, Iowa, and near the village of Denmark, Wisconsin, where the company formed in late 2008 and early 2009. Each of the three facilities uses the same anaerobic digestion process that converts organic waste into methane, or biogas. Big Ox's facility near Riceville, a town of about 800 in Howard County not far from the Minnesota border, was sitting idle when the company purchased it two years ago. The rural plant has its own wastewater treatment and does not share a sewer line with residents. In March of 2016, authorities from the Iowa OSHA office investigated the rural Riceville plant after receiving a complaint that workers were being exposed to chemicals, live electrical parts and fall hazards. Jens Nissen, an administrator with the Iowa OSHA office, said a complaint filed included allegations that employees had been exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas, among other gases, and suffered from adverse health effects including eye pain and burns. The ongoing odor problems in South Sioux City were initially traced to hydrogen sulfide gas entering the homes through a sewer line the neighborhood shared with the Big Ox plant. OSHA also is investigating two separate reports of workers at the South Sioux City plant being overcome by exposure to the potentially hazardous gas. In northeast Iowa, investigators closed the Riceville case in September, citing the facility with five violations. Those citations resulted in a $1,775 total penalty following an informal settlement. One citation, issued for Big Ox's failure to fill out a permit before employees entered into a space about 8 feet deep to shovel out content, was designated as "serious." "Employees were exposed to a potential hazardous environment when agitating the pit contents," the citation stated. Big Ox spokesman Evan Zeppos told the Journal the company has addressed issues identified in the citations, such as adding guardrails and adjusting training procedures. "Weve been operating, I think, very well since then and have not had any other issues there," Zeppos said. "Weve invested more in training and safety programs." Marshall Rogne of the Howard County, Iowa, Environmental Health Department said he couldn't recall any documented problems with the facility. But he said his department does receive occasional air odor complaints about the facility. "It's not year-round," Rogne said. "It depends on the wind and temperature." Like Rogne, Chris Gelner, an environmental specialist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said the facility has been a source of public complaints. Zeppos pointed out that the rural site is adjacent to large hog and cattle farms, which may be the source of the odors, and he has not been made aware of any formal odor complaints. "We've not been approached by any people in the area about odors from our facility," Zeppos said. Rogne said groundwater testing at a few area residences has not turned up anything questionable. A regional Environmental Protection Agency official said the EPA has not opened any investigations into air quality at the Riceville facility. Kevin Bradley, Big Ox's director of business and economic development, said Big Ox is conscious to keep its odors under control, saying that maintaining odor is particularly "paramount" to its plans for expansion. "We do take some things in that are smelly," Bradley said. "We have engineering controls in place to address that." Waste from the facility applied on farmland was linked to a fish kill in a tributary of the Wapsipinicon River in Howard County last fall, but Gelner said the DNR's investigation found that the fault and penalty lay with the farmer, who had over-applied on the field. Big Ox's Denmark, Wisconsin, plant, has not been the source of any OSHA investigations or odor complaints in recent years, according to a Journal check of public records. In 2015, the then-owners of the facility were fined $50,000 by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 2015 for failing in 2010 and 2011 to conduct proper stack emissions testing and obtain permits for construction and operation. Big Ox Energy did not own the facility at the time, however, and was not responsible for the permitting or testing. In South Sioux City, Big Ox Energy's plant was initially tied by city officials to sewer odor issues experienced by homes located along a sewer line that connects with the Roth Industrial Park, where Big Ox is located. More than a dozen families living in a five-block area of Red Bird Lane and Lemasa Drive were forced to flee last fall due to hydrogen sulfide gas, which permeated everything they owned, from their furnishings to their wardrobes, with a horrible smell. About a dozen homeowners are still living in hotels because they don't believe it's safe to return home. The exact cause of the odors remains unknown. Big Ox has attributed them to a combination of faulty plumbing in a high percentage of the affected homes and a rerouting of sewer lines before the plant went online. Several residents continue to blame the facility for the odors, stating they hadn't experienced any ill effects from sewer gases until the plant went online. In addition to the odor smell, Big Ox's South Sioux City plant is under a trio of ongoing OSHA investigations and has been monitored by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality for hydrogen sulfide levels in ambient air. The Environmental Protection Agency has also become involved and is continuing to monitor the situation. Bradley said Big Ox continues to comply with the investigations. He acknowledged that the amount of press about the South Sioux City situation will likely take some explaining. I imagine were going to have to field some questions as far as what were doing, he said. Thats why it was important for us to understand what happened and if any factors that we contributed to were under our control. WASHINGTON -- Steve Bannon disrupted American politics and helped elect Donald Trump as president. Will he disrupt the Roman Catholic Church by joining forces with right-wing Catholics who oppose Pope Francis? Bannon's dark vision contrasts sharply with the sunny disposition of a pope who has chided "sourpusses" and "querulous and disillusioned pessimists." Bannon believes that "the Judeo-Christian West is in a crisis." He calls for a return of "the church militant" that will "fight for our beliefs against this new barbarity" which threatens to "completely eradicate everything that we've been bequeathed over the last 2,000, 2,500 years." Where Francis has insisted on dialogue with Muslims, Bannon points to "the long history of the Judeo-Christian West struggle against Islam" and reaches as far back as the eighth century to praise "forefathers" who defeated Islam on the battlefield and "kept it out of the world, whether it was at Vienna, or Tours, or other places." "See what's happening," Bannon insists, "and you will see we're in a war of immense proportions." Bannon offered these comments in 2014 to the Institute for Human Dignity, an ultra-traditionalist group based in Rome allied with some of Francis' sharpest internal critics. They include Cardinal Raymond Burke, who has been so tough on Francis that he had to deny he was accusing the pontiff of heresy. The New York Times' Jason Horowitz put Bannon's Catholic project front and center this week with a Page One story reporting that during a 2014 visit to Rome for the canonizations of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII, Bannon met and "bonded" with Burke. Neither Bannon nor Trump (nor, for that matter, Burke) is likely to dent Francis' immense popularity with American Catholics. But Horowitz's story brought into relief the struggle inside the church -- and particularly within American Catholicism -- over the pope's stewardship, his emphasis on battling poverty, his insistence on the importance of welcoming immigrants and refugees, and his relative openness to modernity. Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University and a close student of the Vatican, argues that Francis has aroused a similar hostility among some on the Catholic right to that Barack Obama called forth on the right end of politics generally. Francis is the first pope from Latin America and his vision of economics is inflected by his experiences there. Moreover, Francis accepts the reforming Second Vatican Council in the 1960s "in its entirety and is not just paying lip service." The vast majority of conservative American bishops and Catholic thinkers have, of course, pledged their allegiance to the pope. But Faggioli argues that many of them are often critical of Francis' attitude toward doctrine (the pope, he says, is "pastoral, not ideological") and toward Vatican II's reforms, which shifted church teaching toward a greater respect for religious pluralism. On the surface, some of Bannon's economic views would seem to match Francis'. In his speech broadcast to the group in Rome, Bannon spoke against "a brutal form of capitalism that is really about creating wealth and creating value for a very small subset of people." But as Faggioli notes, Bannon links his criticism of capitalism to nationalism, which makes his views more similar to those of far-right groups in the 1920s and '30s such as Action Francaise, a French nationalist group condemned by the Vatican. Francis' economics, on the other hand, focus on global concerns, including climate change. Cathleen Kaveny, a professor of law and theology at Boston College, argues that Bannon's view is also at odds with Catholicism's tradition of rejecting an "apocalyptic" take on the world. The church, she said, has taught that "you don't get to God's Kingdom by blowing up what's here." Trump won overwhelmingly among conservative American Catholics last year, and many of them likely sympathize with aspects of Bannon's nationalist outlook. But the tensions between Trump and Francis are likely to grow. Ironically, given the opposition to him among many American bishops, Obama's foreign policy was far closer to the Vatican's approach than is Trump's. And Trump's moves against refugees and immigrants mobilized even conservative bishops to loud condemnations. The fact that about a third of American Catholics are Latino weighs heavily in the church's thinking. Bannon is unlikely to want Trump to force American Catholics to choose between their president and their pope. But the battle is on to define the meaning of both Americanism and Catholicism. Bannon's worldview could incite the same showdown in the church that he has already ignited in politics. Will you be able to buy beer and wine at the Woodbury County Fair this summer? Maybe. The Board of Supervisors will have the final say on whether the fair, held in Moville during the first week of August, will allow the limited sale of beer and wine during grandstand events. The subject was discussed with Randy Hayworth, fair manager, at the board's Jan. 31 meeting. Our opinion? We are supportive of the idea for these reasons. - This isn't unprecedented. Roughly one-third of Iowa counties have a permit allowing for the sale of alcohol at events on fairgrounds, including fairs, according to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. "County fair boards are more frequently choosing to increase their profitability by including alcohol sales," Division spokesman Robert Bailey told us. - Sale of alcohol won't diminish the wholesome, family-oriented fair experience. If it did, no fair would allow alcohol. - Alcohol sales might provide significant additional fair revenue. - Sale of alcohol might lead to even bigger, better grandstand events, resulting in even more revenue for the fair. - Finally, a cold beer in the grandstand on a warm summer evening of the fair during, say, a demolition derby, tractor pull or professional rodeo doesnt strike us as out of place. We aren't suggesting the entire fairgrounds should be open to consumption of alcohol, only the grandstand. Unless costs for insurance, proper training for fair staff and security are prohibitive, we believe the supervisors should approve - at least on a one-year trial basis - the limited sale of beer and wine for grandstand events at the Woodbury County Fair beginning this year. Remember that time when streets went unplowed, garbage uncollected, classrooms were empty, fires burned unchecked, police cars sat empty, and those workers walked a picket line. No? That's because it hasn't happened in Iowa for the last 40 years. Did you ever wonder why that is? Forty years ago an Iowa Legislature and governor (Republican) created Iowa Code Chapter 20. This law made it illegal for public unions to strike. This same code gave these unions the ability to negotiate for wages, hours, vacation, health and safety, seniority, overtime, discipline and dismissal. If the involved parties were at an impasse it described how arbitration would resolve the problem. The current Iowa Legislature would like you to believe the system is broken, although in just 2008 many Republicans went on record describing it as fair and balanced. They have presented bills (HSB 84 and SF 213) that effectively gut all things negotiated for by unions. They have excluded public safety personnel (for now) as a tactic to divide and conquer bargaining units in the state. There has not been one public sector strike in Iowa since '74 and 98 percent of contracts move forward without arbitration. The plain and simple truth is Chapter 20 works. It's good for Iowans and for workers. I implore you, reach out to your legislators and tell them you support Chapter 20, as it is. - Josh McClure, Sioux City News / National by Staff reporter SEVENTY percent of Bulawayo's road network is dilapidated, with 50 percent of the roads requiring immediate rehabilitation, an official has revealed.The latest statistics come at a time when, last month- the Government declared Harare roads a state of disaster, moving in to assist the city to rehabilitate the roads some of which were said to be contributing to major accidents.In the latest development, council senior public relations officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu revealed that of the city's total road network, of about, 2 100 kilometres, 70 percent was in a poor condition, which translates to 1 470 kilometres.She revealed that the local authority needed approximately $690 million to bring the city's roads to a "better" condition."Most of the roads have outlived their lifespan. The service life of our roads (flexible pavements) ranges from 15 years for local streets, to 20 years major roads. The determination of design life is a factor of materials used, environmental conditions, and traffic loading"To date 70 percent of the total network is in poor condition. More than 50 percent of the roads in poor condition require immediate rehabilitation. It is approximated that $690 million is required to bring the roads to good or better condition with $69 million required per year according to our Road Condition Survey," said Mrs Mpofu.She said as they moved towards improving the state of their roads, the local authority has come up with a facility targeted at stakeholders to assist in rehabilitating its road network, termed "Adopt a Road" scheme.Mrs Mpofu said they would further engage and lobby the Government for more funding through Zinara."In the Investment Prospectus recently published, road development and rehabilitation is also included. Industry is invited to propose ideas and partner with council in improving the condition of the road network."We have plans to adopt the latest technologies in our activities like thermoplastic paint and milling. Focus will also be given on preventing further deterioration of roads in fair condition. Activities that council will engage in include resealing, slurry and crack sealing. Reconstruction costs are 20 times more that resealing. We note that a stitch in time saves nine," she said.This year, Mrs Mpofu revealed that they were set to rehabilitate 53,9 kilometres of roads through the following periodic maintenance activities; 3,1 kilometres reconstruction, 16,1 kilometres reseals, 4,7 kilometres overlays and 30 kilometres regravelling.She said they were also engaging community groups for storm water clearing and pot hole patching of local streets to improve condition of suburban roads."Our plans will not include the rehabilitation of the road network only but we will be improving road safety, the plan being to replace the existing traffic signs and upgrade to Sadc standards, brought into force by Statutory Instrument 41 of 2016 (Road Traffic (Traffic Signs and Signals) Regulations, 2016) in the Central Business District (CBD) and along Airport Road."The local authority will further upgrade all the outstanding traffic lights controlled intersections by replacing 75 Watts ES signal incandescent lamps with eight Watts LED signal lamps," she said. DES MOINES | The longest-serving governor in the nations history, Terry Branstad has delivered to Iowans a Condition of the State address 22 times. The speech is given each year in January during the first week of the legislative session. Delivered in the House chamber at the Iowa Capitol, lawmakers, state Supreme Court justices and other statewide elected officials attend, and it is broadcast live on public television. Typically, it is the largest audience the governor attracts each year. On Jan. 10, Branstad delivered what likely will be his final Condition of the State address. The governor has been selected by President Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to China, and his confirmation is expected to come this spring. To mark the occasion, a news researcher analyzed the texts of each of the six Condition of the State addresses Branstad has made since returning to the governors office in 2011 starting with his 2012 speech. Obviously, his messages vary, but the analysis shows some recurring topics and word choices. Here are the most common: We (295 times) Together (81 times) Us (51 times) When Branstad says we and together, he most often is referring to himself and lawmakers and the work ahead. Together we can make our schools safer, he said in 2015, using both words in the same sentence. Another example, from 2013: It is the promise of a good people, who demand a good government and expect the men and women serving in that government to put aside their differences and come together to make good public policy. Iowa (368 times) This one should come as no surprise. From touting its successes to laying out visions for its future, the states name is going to come up often when a governor is giving a speech on the condition of the state. Branstad used Iowa more than any other word in the past six speeches, and its probably safe to assume that would hold true for all 22 of his addresses, not to mention those of other Iowa governors. An example from 2017: I am confident Iowa will continue to move forward because Iowans care deeply about their neighbors, their communities and creating an even better future. Students (72 times) Schools (91 times) Education (78 times) Branstad has a complicated relationship with education public education in particular. The state continues to devote a healthy portion of its budget more than half to public education, but advocates say funding has been inadequate since Branstads return to office in 2011. Branstad also led an effort to enact significant K-12 education reforms in 2013, which he spoke about in the next years Condition of the State. An example from 2014: We have begun to reform Iowas education system, and we can expect Iowa schools to pull away from the middle of the pack and reclaim pre-eminence in student achievement as measured against the rest of the United States. I (160 times) It would be hard to be a states chief executive, speak for a half-hour about ones plans to meet the states challenges and not refer to oneself fairly regularly. Still, his use of the first-person singular didnt rise above 30 times each in five earlier speeches. It peaked at 36 this year, likely his last. An example from 2012: This year I will submit to the General Assembly a revised plan to reduce commercial and industrial property taxes by 40 percent over the next eight years. Jobs (81 times) Economy (64 times) Branstad has placed a primary focus on the states workforce, pledging when he returned to office in 2011 to create more than 200,000 jobs. In fact, his use of the two words was highest in his 2012 speech. It is natural that he would regularly refer to jobs and the economy in his speeches, but both have ticked downward a bit over the years. He used the word jobs 27 times in 2012, but only five times in 2017. An example from 2015: The proposals outlined today will impact every Iowan. They will help to create jobs, protect students and families and open up our government. Opportunity (73 times) When Branstad talks about opportunity, often it is to lay out a piece of his agenda as he did during his first Condition of the State address since returning to the governors office. An example from 2012: Now, with our fiscal house much improved, and our fiscal year 2013 budget already substantially completed, we have a tremendous opportunity to focus the next few months on two other critical priorities: first, creating new jobs and careers for Iowans to significantly raise family incomes, and second, adopting common sense solutions for our schools to give our children a world class education. New (68 times) Branstad often describes his proposals as new. He also regularly refers to new jobs when discussing a need to increase employment. An example from 2016: Together we can forge a new path that will lead us to stable and predictable funding for school infrastructure and historic long-term protection for water quality. Today (62 times) Branstad uses today most commonly in two ways: To tell Iowans about what he thinks are good things happening in the state and to make pledges for the future. An example of the latter from 2014: Today, I am calling on members of the Iowa Legislature to join me in working to reduce costs to make college affordable and reduce the amount of debt incurred by Iowa students and their families. Future (43 times) The annual addresses are all about looking forward, having a plan for whats next. An example from 2017: And while I am pleased with this progress and optimistic about Iowas future, I believe there is more work to be done. (Chris Essig of The Gazette contributed to this report.) News / National by Staff reporter Despite the fact that Zanu-PF is seemingly at its weakest - as factional and succession wars rage on - the MDC is fearful that the ruling party will be vicious come 2018 elections.Speaking to the Daily News on Sunday yesterday MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu said the ruling party is just like a mafia organisation that will unite and use the advantage of incumbency to unleash violence against opposition parties' supporters."Naturally, we will need both solid financial and material resources to confront and ultimately collapse this deeply-entrenched dictatorship. This regime is at its weakest because its coffers are virtually dry."However, the regime is also at its most dangerous state because they have literally thrown all caution to the wind as they desperately seek to retain State power, by whatever means necessary," said Gutu.Already, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai has launched a nationwide outreach campaign as he rallies his troops but the opposition party that is seeking alliances with other opposition outfits ahead of the 2018 polls, is worried by the link between Zanu-PF and the State."The State and the party have been conflated in such a manner that the Zanu-PF regime actually relies more on the State machinery rather than on its own party structures in order to retain political power."We are devising strategies to collapse the hegemony of Zanu-PF in State organs without shedding any blood."The MDC is a social democratic political party that doesn't believe in the violent and unconstitutional overthrow of any government."Gutu's sentiments came as opposition parties and civil society organisations said Zanu-PF won the recently held Bikita West by-election by intimidating villagers."We know that we are dealing with a wild and dangerous beast in the form of the Zanu-PF regime. For starters, Zanu-PF is not a conventional political party. It's a fully-fledged Mafia organisation that abuses State machinery to remain in power."Our focus as the opposition should be, therefore, to systematically dismantle the Zanu-PF Mafia using peaceful and democratic means."This is not a stroll in the park because the regime is at its most dangerous and lethal phase."Internally, the regime is deeply fractured and factionalised but we should never, ever under - estimate the capacity of the Zanu-PF regime to conveniently coalesce for the purpose of confronting a common enemy and thereafter, continue to internally squabble."Although the opposition is also at its weakest Gutu said Zimbabweans must not lose hope because Zanu-PF will be history after 2018."Zimbabwe is in transition and Robert Mugabe is certainly on his way out of power; make no mistake about that. This is the time for us to be focused, united and strategic. Internal squabbling can only make us weaker; not stronger. We have now entered the homestretch to a New Zimbabwe."The people of Zimbabwe should give us a chance as we grapple with the evil Frankenstein monster that is the Zanu-PF regime." 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. 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News / National by Staff reporter The persistent suspicions that President Robert Mugabe will lead Zanu-PF and Zimbabwe for life were given fresh wings yesterday when former State Security minister - and for decades one of the nonagenarian's closest confidantes - Didymus Mutasa, claimed that his distinct impression when the two geriatrics used to work together was that he wanted "to die in office".The sensational claim, which is destined to set tongues wagging among long-suffering Zimbabweans, comes as Mugabe's ruling party continues to be devoured by its ugly and seemingly unstoppable tribal, factional and succession wars - with the increasingly frail nonagenarian doggedly refusing to anoint a successor.Speaking to the Daily News on Sunday in an exclusive interview yesterday, Mutasa - who is now an elder in the troubled Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) party - said Zanu-PF bigwigs angling to succeed Mugabe were likely to be left bitterly disappointed as the nonagenarian clearly wished to die in office.The former Zanu-PF secretary for administration's claims tally with previous statements made by powerful First Lady Grace Mugabe and the ruling party's youth league, who have said the soon-to-be 93 long-ruling leader should rule Zimbabwe for life."Mugabe does not have a succession plan. President Mugabe wanted, and I believe this is what he is looking for, to leave government when he dies."That is when he will give up power and be taken from his deathbed to the Heroes Acre. That is his plan. And if you ask anybody who is close to him they will tell you that."I mean, his wife (Grace) has more or less mentioned it and (one of Zanu-PF's leading candidates to succeed Mugabe, Vice President Emmerson) Mnangagwa should know that too," Mutasa said.In May last year, Grace stunned thousands of Zanu-PF supporters who had gathered in Harare for a solidarity rally with the nonagenarian, when she said Mugabe would rule Zimbabwe from the grave."We want you to lead this country from your grave, while you lie at the National Heroes' Acre," she told the shell-shocked supporters.In 2015, and while speaking during a rally at Murehwa Business Centre, the influential first lady also warned Zanu-PF heavyweights that she was going to design a special wheelchair from which Mugabe would rule until he was 100 years old."We are going to create a special wheelchair for President Mugabe until he rules to 100 years because that is what we want. That is the people's choice. We want a leader that respects us," she said.The Zanu-PF youth league also formally moved a motion at the ruling party's annual conference which was held in Masvingo last December, for Mugabe, to be declared life president.Indeed, and despite the palpable excitement by warring Zanu-PF bigwigs ahead of the Masvingo meeting, the gathering turned out to be a damp squib, after Mugabe once again cunningly resisted factional expectations that he would finally show his hand on his bitterly-contested succession.For weeks ahead of the meeting, the party's two major factions - Team Lacoste which is rallying behind Mnangagwa, and the Generation 40 (G40) group which is rabidly opposed to the VP succeeding Mugabe - had huffed and puffed in a desperate endeavour to win the nonagenarian's public backing.But it all proved to be in vain, with Mugabe once again virtually affirming the stubbornly persistent national suspicion that his is a presidency for life - a reality that many leading lights in both Team Lacoste and the G40 have resignedly admitted to in previous private briefings with the Daily News on Sunday.Instead, Mugabe slyly blew a gasket at the Masvingo gathering, savaging his brawling lieutenants, while cunningly moving to finger some of his top aides in alleged plots to hound him out of power - as the ruling party's tribal, factional and succession wars continue to burn hot.He made a thinly-disguised dig at Team Lacoste, saying the party's leadership was not won through plotting the arrest of opponents, but through elections.This was after the G40 had over the past few months alleged that the Mnangagwa camp was abusing key State institutions, including lapdog State media, to irregularly grab power in the former liberation movement."Hukuru muparty hunouya nekusarudzwahahuuye nokuti tosunga uyu tipindewo isusu (the leadership of the party comes through elections and not through plotting the arrest of fellow members," Mugabe thundered.In October this year, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) torched a political storm in Zanu-PF after it swooped on Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo and his deputy Godfrey Gandawa during a hotly-contested graft probe.Moyo, who party insiders say is a key member of the G40, not only accused Team Lacoste and key players at Zacc of waging a factionally-driven war against him and other alleged G40 kingpins, he also threatened to sue Mnangagwa and many other senior government officials.But, in typical Mugabe style, the nonagenarian also moved to attack the G40 at the meeting for their alleged indiscipline, and for abusing social media to attack fellow party officials."To the party leadership, we do not run matters of the party through Twitter or Facebook," he said, as he sought to balance his criticism and in the process consolidate his own position.Political analysts who spoke to the Daily News on Sunday then said it would have been "atypical" if Mugabe had chosen one faction over the other."The current situation where there are factions fighting each other below him means that there isn't a faction fighting him directly, so the fighting serves him well," said former civic leader, McDonald Lewanika.Academic Ibbo Mandaza said Mugabe had repeatedly displayed "tendencies that are consistent with someone who doesn't want a successor"."He is officially the Zanu-PF candidate for 2018 and that suits the G40 faction which he heads, but in the final analysis all that is happening is that he wants to die in office," he said.But Mugabe - the only leader Zimbabweans have known since the country gained its independence from Britain in April 1980 - is facing the biggest challenge to his 36-year rule.The increasingly frail nonagenarian and Zanu-PF are battling growing unrest among the country's restive populace, which blames his government for presiding over the country's dying economy and the deepening rot in the former regional breadbasket. The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. 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... Chahid El Hafed (Saharawi refugee camps), February 12, 2017 (SPS) -The President of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), Brahim Gali, today received from the representative of the SADR in the Argentine Republic , Mohamed Salem Bachir, the book "Western Sahara. The Forgotten Conflict, "the first work of its kind to be published in Argentine territory, whose author is the lawyer and master in National Defense, Jorge Alejandro Suarez Saponaro. The work was edited by the Argentine Army University Editorial (EUDE) and it emphasizes that it "accurately describes a reality that deserves attention of the international community". It should be noted that the author is a guest lecturer of the Free Lecture Series on Western Sahara - unique in the world - of the Institute of International Relations, National University of La Plata (IRI-UNLP). The book can be purchased at EUDE by requesting it at Av Cabildo 65 (CABA), by phone + 54-11-4576-5651 or by e-mail at [email protected]. You can also request via Distal Books online. SPS 125/090/TRA News / National by Mary Charamba Beleaguered Zimbabwe People First interim leader Joice Mujuru today (Sunday) addressed the Masvingo Provincial Executive Committee.Last week, Mujuru had a stunning fallout with dozens of high ranking party leaders resulting in her expelling them from the party.Among those who attended the Masvingo meeting included former Cabinet minister Samuel Sipepa Nkomo and former Pumula legislator Albert Mhlanga. These appeals raise an interesting issue with respect to interplay of Article 9 of India Netherlands Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement [Indo-Dutch tax treaty, in short; 177 ITR (St) 72] and TP adjustments under the domestic TP law. This issue, which is common in all the appeals, is one of the facets, in addition to the erosion aspect, of assessee grievance with respect to arms length price adjustment, in the income from fees from technical services (FTS) received from its associated enterprise in India. Relevant Extract of the Judgment The assessee before us is a company incorporated in, and tax resident of, the Netherlands. During the relevant previous years, the assessee had rendered certain technical services to its associated enterprises in India, i.e. Hazira LNG Port Limited and Hazira Port Private Limited. The consideration received by the assessee for rendering these services, which was subject to tax @ 10% on gross basis in the hands of the assessee as fees for technical services under article 12 of India Netherlands Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. The income so earned by the assesse, from rendition of technical services to Indian AEs, was subjected to arms length price adjustments under the transfer pricing regulations, to the tune of Rs 100.03 crores, as detailed in the preceding paragraph and spread over these four assessment years. [4] While the assessee did not raise any dispute with respect to mechanics and quantification of the ALP adjustments, and thats the reasons the facts relating to those aspects of the matter are not being set out here, the assessee did oppose theses ALP adjustments on the ground that by making these ALP adjustments, the Assessing Officer is eroding the Indian tax base. It was contended that the impugned ALP adjustments result in Indian tax base erosion, and are, therefore, contrary to the scheme of Section 92(3) read with circular no. 14 of 2001. This plea was explained, inter alia, as follows: The Appellant submitted before the DRP that application of arms length principles for making TP adjustments under the aforesaid circumstances was not proper; and also against the principles and spirit of the TP provisions of India, since had the Appellant charged additional fees from its Indian AEs, namely HLPL and HPPL in order to comply with arms length standards, then the said additional fees would have been taxed in India in the hands of the Appellant @ 10% on gross basis, while at the same time, the said additional fees would have been allowed or deducted in the hands of the payers, namely HLPL and HPPL for the purposes of computing their business profits, where such allowances or deductions would have obtained tax shields @ 33.99%, say 34%, in the hands of the said payers. Thus, application of arms length principles would have resulted in the erosion of taxes payable in India to the extent of 24% (i.e. 34% 10%) on an aggregate or cumulative basis, thus eroding the tax base of India, while the provisions of TP are meant to be applied for the reverse scenario, namely to check or protect the erosion of the tax base of the country. [5] Grievance of the assessee was rejected by the Dispute Resolution Panel. The assessee is aggrieved and is in appeal before us. [6] In the meantime, however, a special bench of this Tribunal, consisting of three members- including one of us, heard and adjudicated upon a similar issue relating to the theory or concept of base erosionin the case of Instrumentarium Corporation Ltd Finland Vs ADIT [(2016) 71 taxmann.com 193 (SB)]. This assessee, in its capacity as an intervener, was also heard by the Special Bench, and the arguments of the assessee were duly considered and adjudicated upon by the special bench. The plea of the assessee, on the theory of base erosion and as argued by the assessee, was rejected. When these appeals came up for hearing before us, learned counsel fairly accepted that the base erosion issue is now stands covered against the assessee by the special bench decision and that he has nothing to add so far as the arguments on the base erosion issue, which have already been heard and adjudicated upon by the special bench, are concerned. He, however, added that while special bench decision does bind this division bench of the Tribunal, and that is the reason he is not arguing on that aspect of the matter any further, he has legal submissions to make on the correctness of the special bench decision which he will make, if so necessary, before Honble Courts above. As for this issue, (i.e. whether invoking transfer pricing provisions in case of an income in the hands of a non-resident enterprise, when it is tax deductible in the hands of an assessee in India and even when such an assessee is incurring losses, cannot be invoked as the same would amount to base erosion of tax base in India), as learned counsel fairly agrees, the issue is covered against the assessee by Special Bench decision in the case of Instrumentarium Limited (supra). The findings of the Tribunal, in this case, can be summarized as follows: Section 92(1) requires that any income arising from an international transaction shall be computed having regard to the arms length price. To this extent, there is no dispute that the transactions are international transactions between the associated enterprises, and the income arising from these transactions is, therefore, required to be computed having regard to the arms length price. The case of the assessee, however, at best is that the assessee is covered by the exclusion clause set out in section 92(3) which lays down the situation in which the provision of computation of income having regard to the arms length price, as set out in section 92(1), will not apply. [Para 15] Section 92(3), to the extent relevant for present analysis, provides that the provisions of this section shall not apply in a case where the computation of income under sub-section (1) has the effect of reducing the income chargeable to tax or increasing the loss, as the case may be, computed on the basis of entries made in the books of account in respect of the previous year in which the international transaction was entered into. [Para 16] In plain words, what this sub section holds is that where as a result of computation of income under section 92(1) on the basis of arms length principle, either the income of the assessee is reduced or loss of the assessee is increased, the provisions of section 92(1) will not be pressed into service. In other words, where computation of income on the basis of arms length price has the effect of lowering the profits or increasing the losses, such a computation on arms length price shall not be resorted to. Take for example, a situation in which an enterprise sells a product to its AE at Rs 100 whereas its arms length price is only Rs 90, the computation of income in the hands of such an enterprise will still be taken at Rs 100 and not at Rs 90. Adopting the arms length price in such a situation will result in a situation in which, the computation of arms length price will have the effect of lowering the profits or increasing the losses. Essentially, therefore, it refers to the computation of income in the hands of the assessee in respect of which computation of income is being done under section 92(1). [Para 17] In substance, fundamental contention of the assessee, however, is that a holistic view of the matter should be taken and the concept of lowering overall profits and increasing overall losses should be adopted not only for the assessee alone, but of all the related AEs as a whole- as taxable in India. Going a step further, what is implicit in the argument of the assessee is that the figures of income or losses should not be looked at, but on tax impact of such profits or losses. In effect thus, reducing the income chargeable to tax or increasing the loss should be de facto read as reducing the tax liability on income or increasing the tax shield for the losses. In effect, thus, not only the actual tax impact but also the possible tax advantage, de hors the time value of money, should be taken into account. This interpretation, according to the assessee, will advance the intent of the Legislature and objectives of the transfer pricing. [Para 18] A plain reading of section 92(3), however, indicates that what is to be seen is impact on profits or losses for the year in consideration itself as it is to be computed on the basis of entries made in the books of accounts in respect of previous year in which the international transaction was entered into. There is thus no scope at all for taking into account the impact on taxes for the subsequent years. The tax shield available to the assessees AE, as a result of accumulated losses- even if any, can only affect the income of the subsequent years, which, for the reasons noted above, are not relevant for the purpose of section 92(3). The manner in which the argument of the assessee is placed, a part of the section is being interpreted in isolation without appreciating the impact of the other part of the same section. Such an approach is clearly not permissible. This legal position apart, the arguments of the assessee also proceed on the fallacious logic inasmuch as the amount by which income of the assessee is increased by the arms length price adjustments, under the Indian law, is not available for deduction in the hands of the corresponding Indian AE. There is no base erosion by the ALP adjustments in the hands of income of the non-resident company in respect of transactions with the Indian AEs. The base erosion could have, if at all, taken place at best in a situation in which the Indian AE was to actually allow the income to the non-resident company. That is not the case, and in such a situation, in any event, ALP adjustments would not have come into play at all. The deduction for the ALP adjustment will not be available to the Indian AE because there is no provision enabling deduction for ALP adjustments. Second proviso to section 92C(4) also constitutes a bar against lowering income of the non-resident AE, as a result of lowering the deduction in the hands of the Indian AE, rather than enabling a higher deduction in the hands of the Indian AE as a result of increasing non-resident AEs income.[Para 19] It must also be taken note of the fact that as far as the relevant years before the instant court are considered, base erosion has taken place because of assessee granting an interest free loan to Indian AE. It is so for the reason that if this transaction structure is to be accepted without ALP adjustment, while Indian tax administration will lose the taxability of interest in the hands of the assessee at the rate of 10 per cent, it will have nothing to lose in the hands of taxability of the Indian AE because admittedly the related Indian AE was incurring the loses. By not making the impugned ALP adjustments, the tax administration is certain to have its tax base eroded by 10 per cent of the arms length interest. To what extent, this tax revenue will could have been offset by the increase of loss of the Indian AE is wholly academic because there is no way one can ascertain, at least at the assessment stage, as to whether this loss will be actually set off against the future profits of the Indian AE. [Para 20] The case of the assessee is that the approach adopted above is myopic because such an approach overlooks the tax shield available to the Indian AE in the form of accumulated losses. However, tax administration cannot be expected to have clairvoyance of whether or not Indian AE will actually make sufficient profits in the next eight assessment years which will subsume the losses incurred by the assessee by the AE. The benefit of tax shield, even if any, is, therefore, wholly hypothetical. The approach adopted by the tax administration, therefore, can at the most be conservative, but certainly not myopic. In any case, that is what the law provides.The law has to be interpreted as it exists and not as it ought to be. The lawmakers may have preferred a bird in the hand over two in the bush but that is a policy issue. In any event, nothing in the world can match the exactitude of hindsight but the trouble is that it inherently comes a bit too late. If the assessee was to be so certain of the tax benefit to the Indian revenue by this transaction structure by way of interest free loan to Indian AE, the transaction would not have been structured in this manner; after all the underlying motive in the activities of the assessee is to maximise gains for its shareholder rather than broaden the tax base of Indian revenue. Of course, even this tax shield of accumulated losses is wholly academic inasmuch as the deduction has not been claimed, nor can it be claimed at this stage. [Para 21] The Indian transfer pricing regulations do not give any discretions to the tax administration for the application of arms length price in computation of profits arising from international transactions. As there is no discretion with the tax administration, there is no occasion for any guiding principles in the use of discretion. So far as the Indian transfer pricing provisions are concerned, the use of arms length price, in computation of income arising from international transactions between the AEs, is mandatory. The only rider is that these provisions are not to be applied only in the event of the exclusion clause in section 92(3) being satisfied, but then, this exclusion clause does not come into play on the facts of these cases at all. [Para 24] It is also useful to note that in the event of ALP adjustments, under the Australian Income Tax Assessment Act, 1936, consequential adjustments are permissible in certain conditions under section 136 AF of the said Act. No such adjustments are permissible under the Indian Income-tax Act, 1922. It is sufficient to take note of the fact that the situation in the Australian law, so far as this aspect of the matter is concerned, is materially different. When the relevant legal provisions are not in pari materia, the clarifications issued by the Austrailian Tax Officer(ATO) are not even relevant. Of course, even when the provisions were to be in pari materia, nothing really turns on these clarifications issued by the ATO. At best, the approach adopted in these clarifications could be taken as arguments in support of the assessee. [Para 25] When transfer pricing provisions were introduced on the statute, the CBDT vide circular dated 14 of 2001, inter alia stated that newly substituted section 92 is intended to ensure that profits taxable in India are not understated (or losses are not overstated) by declaring lower receipts or higher outgoings than those which would have been declared by persons entering into similar transactions with unrelated parties in the same or similar circumstances. The basic intention underlying the new transfer pricing regulations is to prevent shifting out of profits by manipulating prices charged or paid in international transactions, thereby eroding the countrys tax base. The new section 92 is, therefore, not intended to be applied in cases where the adoption of the arms length price determined under the regulations would result in a decrease in the overall tax incidence in India in respect of the parties involved in the international transaction. [Para 26] What the circular states is the intent of the Legislature and the fact that it is intent of the Legislature is stated in so many words. However, it is not an order, direction or instruction to the field authorities to the effect that section 92 is not to be applied when overall tax incidence in India, in respect of the parties involved in the international transaction, will decrease. Section 119 (1), which makes CBDT circulars binding on the field authorities, lays down that the CBDT may, from time to time, issue such orders, instructions and directions to other income-tax authorities as it may deem fit for the proper administration of this Act, and such authorities and all other persons employed in the execution of this Act shall observe and follow such orders, instructions and directions of the Board. What follows is that it is only the order, instruction or direction of the CBDT which binds the field authorities. There are certain situations, as envisaged in section 119(2), in which the CBDT circulars can relax the rigour of law but it is not even the case of the assessee, and rightly so, that the provisions of section 92 can be relaxed under section 119(2). The Boards understanding about the intent of Legislature, does not in any way fetter the field authorities. [Para 27] Having said that, the role of intent of legislature at best comes into play only when there is any ambiguity in the words of the statute which are being sought to be interpreted. That is not the case here. If intention of the law is not implemented by the plain words of the statute, and unless there is an ambiguity requiring some violence with the words, such an intention, no matter how noble it is, is of no relevance in the judicial interpretation. [Para 28] Thus, even if it is indeed intent of the Legislature that transfer pricing provisions are not to be invoked in the cases where there is lowering of the overall profits of all the associated enterprises connected with the transactions, since the words of the statutory provision did not translate this intent into the law, it cannot be held that in the light of the legal provisions, as they stand embodied in section 92(3), transfer pricing provisions are not to be invoked when, as a result of structuring of transaction in a particular way, there is no erosion of Indian tax base. That is, of course, besides the fact that, mere possibility of a set off of future profits, against the losses incurred by the AE, cannot be taken into account into such a computation about overall tax impact, nor time value of money can be ignored in these computations. The vague generalities and uncertain contingencies also have no role in the computations of overall tax impact of structuring of a transaction. In this view of the matter, even if it is accepted that the transfer pricing provisions are not to be invoked when overall profitability is reduced by the way in which the impugned international transaction is structured by the assessee, it will have no impact on the present fact situation as a limited period entitlement, for set off of loss against future profits, cannot be adjusted against the profits which have escaped taxation, for the purpose of these computations of overall The benefit of loss is not real; it is contingent upon an uncertain event i.e. profits being made so as to subsume these losses. When even basic facts about the assessees dealings with the Indian AE are not furnished by the assessee, and had to be collected by the Assessing Officer from the secondary sources, it is difficult to have faith in these wholly unsubstantiated claims of the assessee; there is no material to support these claims either. [Para 29] Thus, bearing in mind entirety of the case, the base erosion argument cannot be accepted, in principle, nor is there anything in the facts on record to even support the factual elements embedded in the plea of the assessee. Therefore, this plea is rejected. [Para 33] [7] Learned counsel, however, has more armoury in store. He seeks the treaty protection for the first time at this stage, and contends that, in view of the treaty protection available to the assessee, the impugned ALP adjustments cannot be made in the hands of the assessee. It is pointed out that there is no dispute about the assessee being a tax resident of the Netherlands, and, accordingly, being entitled to the protection of India Netherlands Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement [Indo-Dutch tax treaty, in short; 177 ITR (St) 72]. His basic argument is that Article 9 of the Indo Dutch tax treaty does not permit ALP adjustments except in the case of juridical double taxation and only in the hands of a domestic enterprise, and, as provisions of the tax treaties override the provisions of the Indian Income Tax Act, except to the extent these provisions are more beneficial to the assessee, no ALP adjustment can be made in the hands of the assessee. In other words, while he does not dispute ALP adjustments being in accordance with the provisions of the domestic TP legislation embodied in the Income Tax Act, he contends that such ALP adjustments are not permissible under Article 9 of the Indo Dutch Tax treaty. Learned counsel has rather reluctantly accepted that the stand taken by the assessee, i.e. the ALP adjustments, under article 9(1) can only be made in the hands of a domestic enterprise, donot prima facie emerge from a plain reading of the above treaty provisions. His contention that his view is supported by OECD Commentary, which has been held to be in the nature of contempranea expositio, and the views of a German scholar, late Prof Klaus Vogel. His argument is based on the theory that while article 23 provides relief from juridical double taxation, by granting exemption to income taxed in the other jurisdiction, the role of article 9 is to provide relief from economic double taxation. His emphasis is that, as noted in the OECD Commentary and in Prof Vogel analysis, article 9(1) authorizes rewriting of the profits of the assessee so as to truly capture the profits arising to the assessee in the source jurisdiction. The corresponding adjustment, envisaged by article 9(2), relives the economic double taxation caused by adjustments due to such rewriting of profits. It is on this basis that the learned counsel urges us to hold that the impugned ALP adjustments cannot be made. Learned Departmental Representative opposes the stand of the assessee and submits that such an issue cannot be raised for the first time before the Tribunal. It is pointed out that as the assessee has not been able to show any fault in the stand of the authorities below, and has accepted that the same is now upheld by the Special bench decision in the case of Instrumentarium Limited (supra)- wherein the assessee was also one of the interveners, the appeals should be dismissed summarily. Without prejudice to this stand, on merits of the plea now raised by the assessee, he submits that once the assessee himself accepts that the wordings of Article 9 donot support his case, there is no occasion to refer to any commentary or scholarly analysis to find out the alleged scheme of the treaty which is not evident from plain and simple words. We are urged to confirm the orders of the authorities below and decline to interfere in the matter. In his brief rejoinder, learned counsel for the assessee reiterates his submissions [8] So far as admission of the additional plea at this stage is concerned, we find that, in view of Honble Supreme Courts judgment in the case of NTPC Ltd vs CIT [(1998) 229 ITR 383 (SC)] and bearing in mind the fact that this is purely a legal issue, it is required to be admitted for adjudication on merits. Having admitted this legal plea for adjudication, and for the reasons we will set out in a short while, we find it entirely devoid of any legally sustainable merits, and, accordingly, we reject the same. Before we move on to the arguments on merits, which essentially centre around interpretation of article 9 of Indo Dutch tax treaty, we consider it appropriate to set out the relevant article as follows: ARTICLE 9- ASSOCIATED ENTERPRISE (1) Where: a. an enterprise of one of the States participates directly or indirectly in the management, control or capital of an enterprise of the other State; or b. the same persons participate directly or indirectly in the management, control or capital of an enterprise of one of the States, and an enterprise of the other State, and in either case conditions are made or imposed between the two enterprises in their commercial or financial relations which differ from those which would be made between independent enterprises, then any profits which would, but for those conditions, have accrued to one of the enterprises, but by reason of those conditions, have not so accrued, may be included in the profits of that enterprise and taxed accordingly. (2) Where one of the States includes in the profits of an enterprise of that State and taxes accordingly profits on which an enterprise of the other State has been charged to tax in that other State and the profits so included are profits which would have accrued to the enterprise of the first-mentioned State if the conditions made between the two enterprises had been those which would have been made between independent enterprises, then that other State shall make an appropriate adjustment to the amount of the tax charged therein on those profits. In determining such adjustment, due regard shall be had to the other provisions of this Convention and the competent authorities of the States shall if necessary consult each other. [9] Coming to the merits of learned counsels arguments, the underlying proposition, on which entire foundation of learned counsels complex web of reasoning rests, is that it is only economic double taxation which can be addressed by article 9. While on this aspect of the matter, it is useful to take note of the fact that juridical double taxation refers to a situation in which the same person gets taxed in respect of the same income in more than one tax jurisdiction. Economic double taxation, on the other hand, refers to the situation in which the same income, though in different hands, gets taxed in more than one jurisdiction. The point of time when article 9 first saw light of the day, i.e. in the first half of the last century, it coincided with the affiliated companies, which were as a norm under League of Nations first draft convention in 1927 treated as permanent establishment, being taken out of the definition of the permanent establishment. The emphasis, therefore, could indeed have been to check the underreporting of profits in the source jurisdiction by these affiliated companies, and, as such, any aggressive application of this principle could only have resulted in economic double taxation since subsidiaries and the parent companies are distinct entities. However, this article leaned upon the arms length standards as a measure to address this malady, and, of course, the remedy being conceptual, the remedy was far sighted and much more comprehensive which could stand the test of time for long long time to come even in situations not envisaged at that point of time. It is not relevant today as to what was the malady sought to be addressed by the introduction of article 9 at that point of time, which may have only been economic double taxation, but what is relevant is whether the article 9 is worded wide enough to cover the contemporary transfer pricing legislation dealing with situations of economic as also juridical double taxation. As to the latter, in our humble understanding, there is no bar in the article 9 to leave out the cases of juridical double taxation. The distinction between economic double taxation and juridical double taxation does not find place there at all. As long as the conditions precedent in article 9 are attracted, the application of arms length standards certainly comes into play. While it is true that the examples given in the commentaries and the analysis of some foreign scholars deal with the cases of economic double taxation, but that does not negate the fundamental position that, as is the specific mandate of the article, when conditions are made or imposed between the two enterprises in their commercial or financial relations which differ from those which would be made between independent enterprises, the addition profits by applying arms length standards (i.e. any profits which would, but for those conditions, have accrued to one of the enterprises, but by reason of those conditions, have not so accrued) may be included in the profits of that enterprise and taxed accordingly. There is no, and there cannot be any, dispute about the fact that these conditions are satisfied on the facts of the present case, as indeed in every case covered by the Indian transfer pricing legislation. Once it is not in dispute that the arms length standards are, therefore, to be applied in computation of taxable profits, as is specific mandate of article 9, it is only axiomatic that the manner in which arms length standards are to be applied is something which has not been defined by the treaties and the mechanism provided under the domestic law, therefore, must hold good. Article 9(1) does not, and cannot, provide the basis of the ALP adjustments as tax treaties restrict application of domestic law of taxation rather than create independent rights of taxation. Article 9(1) is thus, in a way, an enabling provision, and the TP mechanism under the domestic law is the machinery provision. The provisions of article 9(1) permit ALP adjustment in all situations in which the arms length standards require higher profits in the hands of any one of the enterprises, but by reason of those conditions, have not so accruedto be included in the profits of that enterprise and taxed accordingly. The provisions are clear and unambiguous. There is no occasion to read this provision as confined to enabling ALP adjustment in respect of only domestic entities. The mere fact that examples given by the analysis of article 9(1), whether in the OECD Commentary or in scholarly analysis, are confined to economic double taxation situations does not imply that the article 9(1) cannot be applied to other situations. The examples, by definition, can only be illustrative and not exhaustive. The fact that armslength standards were introduced by way of article 9 to tackle certain types of economic double taxation, even if that be so, does not fetter the application of these armslength standards, in all dealings between the associated enterprises- as is unambiguous the scheme of article 9, including the cases resulting in juridical double taxation. As for the point that article 9(2) does not provide corresponding relief for the ALP adjustments made under section 9(1) in the present case, the application of article 9(1) cannot be declined solely on that ground. In the case of taxation of FTS, which are taxed in both the treaty partner countries, an element of double taxation in inherent in the scheme of the treaties, and its taxation in the source country is not dependent on the relief granted by the residence state. As a corollary to this fundamental position, the taxability of higher quantum of FTS in the source state cannot be negated on the ground that no relief against such taxation is granted by the residence state. All the examples given by the assessee simply demonstrate as to how while the relief in the cases of economic double taxation due to application of arm s length standards under article 9(1) is available under article 9(2), no such relief is available, under article 9(2), in respect of the juridical double taxation caused by the application of arms length standards. That does not, however, matter. The non availability of relief under article 9(2) does not fetter application article 9(1). In a situation in which the residence jurisdiction has yielded limited source taxation rights to a type of income of an assessee, the mere increase in quantum of such a taxable income in the source jurisdiction, due to application of arms length principle, need not always be visited with corresponding adjustment under article 9(2) in the residence jurisdiction. In our humble understanding, the restriction to the effect that only economic double taxation can be remedied by the scope of article 9, as learned counsel urges us to infer, does not exist. In view of these discussions, as also bearing in mind entirety of the case, we see no merits in this new plea raised by the assessee. [10] Given our above findings, it is not even necessary to take the judicial call on whether or not article 9 of the Indo Dutch tax treaty, or, for that purpose, OECD Model Convention, restricts or regulates the domestic transfer pricing legislation. That aspect of the matter is academic as on now, because, even if we are to hold that it does restrict or regulate the domestic law provisions on transfer pricing, the application of arms length standard cannot be declined because it is a case of juridical double taxation and not economic double taxation. However, as we deal with this interplay between article 9 and transfer pricing legislation, it is important to bear in mind the fact that there is a school of thought that a domestic arms length principle, which is what transfer pricing legislation represents, goes much beyond a tax treatys normal rule making scope since this arms length principle governs taxation of an enterprise in general and the tax treaties do not restrict domestic law in this respect. The profit adjustment mechanism, envisaged in tax treaties, do not deal with supra national income determination, and, therefore, the provisions of tax treaties cannot be seen as restricting, or overriding, domestic law mechanism on this aspect. There is no conflict in the tax treaties and the transfer pricing legislation as such. It would be contrary to the sense and purpose of a double taxation avoidance agreement to prohibit this kind of adjustments of income as may be necessary. It is also useful to bear in mind the fact that article 9, in a way, was precursor to the present transfer pricing regime globally, even though this article also constitutes enabling provision for ALP adjustment under the domestic transfer pricing regulations. When we look at the historical developments with respect to development of article 9(1), we find it has been a long journey from its primitive applications in the PE situations, which invariably included subsidiaries at that point of time, to its equally valid application in the context of modern day complex business models. On the first principles, therefore, the transfer pricing legislation cannot be rendered ineffective on the basis of the limitations in the provisions of Article 9. This principle is statutorily recognized in tax legislation in many jurisdictions, including in the fatherland of Dr Vogel himself- on whose commentary so much reliance has been placed by the learned counsel. Of course, a clear indication to that effect in Section 90 would certainly have helped clarifying this position and, to that extent, any anti abuse legislation, even if integral part of the Income Tax Act, must always, if so intended, clearly and unambiguously qualify the treaty superiority over the domestic law. That, however, does not seem to be the case. Section 90(2) does give a somewhat unqualified superiority to the treaty provisions over the provisions of the Income Tax Act which contain transfer pricing legislation as well. If an anti abuse law, whether a specific anti abuse regulation (SAAR) or a general anti abuse regulation (GAAR), is to apply only to a non treaty situation and does not extend to a treaty situation, it will infringe neutrality. That cannot have any sound conceptual justification and would be in gross deviation with the best practices globally. It is high time that the stand of the tax administration on this issue is clearly reflected in the legislation, and this kind of a litigation, as before us in these appeals, is avoided. Kathryn Donohew Photography / Contributor via Getty Images(NEW HAVEN, Conn.) -- Yale University has voted to change the controversial name of a residential college after years of backlash and protests against it. Calhoun College was originally named after 1804 Yale graduate and former U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun, but critics believed the college should not honor Calhoun because the alumnus was a strong advocate for slavery. The ivy league announced Saturday the college would be renamed to honor alumnus Grace Murray Hopper, a U.S. Navy Rear admiral and computer pioneer who received her Ph.D. in mathematics and mathematical physics at Yale in 1934. The decision to change a colleges name is not one we take lightly, but John C. Calhouns legacy as a white supremacist and a national leader who passionately promoted slavery as a positive good fundamentally conflicts with Yales mission and values, Yale President Peter Salovey said in a statement. News of the change comes after Salovey said in April that Calhoun College would keep its name because "at the time, as now, I was committed to confronting, not erasing, our history." The president said changing the college's name to honor Hopper was a popular suggestion. "Hoppers name was mentioned by more individuals than any other, reflecting the strong feeling within our community that her achievements and life of service reflect Yales mission and core values," Salovey said in a statement. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Opinion / Columnist With Zimbabwe now in the dangerous pre-election stage, the Vigil is submitting a petition to the UN Secretary General calling for action to avert violence and ensure a level playing field.The petition reads: 'With mounting unrest in Zimbabwe, we urge you to appoint a Special Representative to prepare the ground for a UN Transitional Authority to take over from the failed Mugabe regime. We look to the Special Representative to initiate comprehensive negotiations so that the UN Transitional Authority can assume control of Zimbabwe's administrative structures - foreign affairs, defence, security, finance and communications - to ensure a level playing field conducive for credible national elections.'The petition was based on suggestions by Vigil supporter Clifford Mashiri, an academic and former Zimbabwean diplomat, who sadly died last year. The petition has been signed by thousands of people who have passed by our protest outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London on Saturdays.From next week, the Vigil will be running a new petition urging the Southern African Development Community to engage more closely with the Zimbabwe problem and ensure free and fair elections in 2018. The success of the West African Economic Community in peacefully removing the reluctant loser of the recent Gambian presidential election showed how lacking our own regional organisation has been in dealing with Mugabe.Why do we want outside intervention when we are told that discussions about a coalition to oppose Mugabe in the elections are still on course despite the split in Mujuru's party? To us the key issue is the election modalities and we are not convinced by the progress claimed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.The old order is going. Even the Angolan kleptocrat dos Santos has said he is now stepping down. Kabila of the DRC is on his last legs and Zuma himself appears doomed. But if we wait until Mugabe is the last man standing, what will be left of Zimbabwe? State Sen. Dean Takko had a good month in the Legislature, relatively speaking. Of the 10 bills passed on the Senate floor so far, the Longview Democrat sponsored two of them. They may not be particularly important to him, but 20 percent is a large chunk. We havent been on a lightning pace, he said, noting that state Sen. Doug Ericksens job in President Donald Trumps administration has slowed progress in the Senate. His absence leaves the Senate tied and voting along party lines. I was lucky enough that a couple of my bills were pulled out. One was a technical bill that eliminated obsolete dates from an outdated act, and the other? It was so important, I cant remember, he said with a laugh. State legislators from the 19th District have pushed several bills focused on improving Southwest Washingtons rural economy. Takko, as part of the tourism task force, also sponsored a bill to create a statewide tourism program that he expects will either pass out of the Senate or through its equivalent House bill. Lawmakers eliminated the state tourism office in 2011, and Senate Bill 5251 would provide up to $15 million in state and private spending to market Washington. Its pretty well written into the bill that way, he said. Im pretty confident its going to be a statewide initiative and not Seattle-centric. He said the bill ensures that the tourism dollars wouldnt just be used to market Seattle. Takko thinks Long Beach, Grayland Beach Park, Westport and Pacific County, for example, would benefit, and so would the Mount St. Helens area. Takko is a secondary sponsor on a bill to create the Rural Jobs Act, which had a public hearing Thursday in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Trade and Economic Development. On the House side, state representatives Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, and Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, are lobbying for the same bill. The bill would provide tax incentives to taxpayers who provide capital contribution to businesses in rural areas. It would be eligible up until July 2023. Walsh said getting capital is often the most difficult part of establishing a business. It is well focused, Walsh said in a public hearing Feb. 1 in the House Committee on Technology and Economic Development. I like that this bill really targets that stage in small business development. The bill is set for an executive session in the House committee next week. It was a cold November night in 1999. Her 3-year-old boy was crying. Patricia, then 22, said she was with a group that hid near the southern border with Mexico, covered in brush, fearing for her life and waiting for a moment to cross. Anita, 34, said she paid $2,000 to coyote human smugglers to join her husband across the border 17 years ago. He had left a month earlier, worked in the fields and saved enough money to bring his wife. They picked strawberries in California together for a year before they moved north. Guatemalan Cesar Ramos, 28, paid smugglers $5,000. He crossed two borders to join his older brother in Woodland in 2007. He got caught in Las Vegas and got sent back to the Mexican border where he crossed again that same day. Were willing to do whatever it takes to come here and get our families a better life, said Sandra, a Mexican immigrant who now has a green card and lives in Longview. Over 15 years ago, she became undocumented when she flew from Mexico and overstayed her visa. They know the risks. They know its very, very dangerous. They dont care. These local residents are among an estimated 11 million immigrants residing in the U.S. without legal permission, a number that has held steady since 2009, according to the Pew Research Center. They ended up in Cowlitz County, where theyre raising U.S.-born children and families who have settled into American life. And, like an estimated two-thirds of those unauthorized, theyve lived in the U.S. 10 years or more. But the election of President Donald Trump who has expedited deportations, promised a $22.6 billion border wall and castigated undocumented immigrants as drug dealers, rapists and criminals has put them in a fearful, dark time of uncertainty. Sweeping deportation raids already have begun, leaving undocumented immigrants worrying that the lives they built for their families over the past 15 to 20 years may soon come to an end. The fear of deportation is so strong, those who work with the population in Cowlitz County say many have considered options to find U.S. citizens close friends or relatives to adopt their kids in case they are forced to leave. Deportation has been a discussion at local church services, and a pastor here says more Hispanic children are struggling with mental health problems. The message for me, the message that he was giving us is, you need to separate them, white people, from the rest, Sandra said. United States is white peoples country, so anybody else is not allowed here. To understand why these undocumented immigrants are so intent on staying, its important to know how they got here. (Most of their names are pseudonyms for protection.) Patricias story Hiding in the darkness, Patricia traveled with a group from Veracruz, Mexico, to cross the border into California to join her husband. She remembers wilderness, snakes and tarantulas in the brush as she feared for her life and prayed to God. The young mom tried to silence her crying 3-year-old son after a thorn cut him. She gestured to show where the cut had been, above his eye near the brow line. I told him, If you want to see your dad, stop crying so they will not catch us. She considered leaving the boy behind, but at the last minute she changed her mind, fearing shed never see him again. So she bundled her baby up with a hat and gloves, two pairs of pants and a warm sweater, enough clothing to pass through the mountains in the winter. It was at least a 1,550-mile trip to get to the border. And she thought to herself if we suffer, at least well suffer together. I thought, Please, God, Patricia remembered, describing her feelings as she hid with branches toppled onto her near the border. The fear makes you drop your jaw. Patricia was caught crossing three times, but she eventually made it across. She said her husband was abusive and she eventually got divorced, after years of working to support her family alone. She later remarried, but she never returned to Mexico and never saw her parents again before they died. She is adamant about staying. The son who crossed with her is grown up. But her 9-year-old daughter is deaf, and her 4-year-old son has a developmental disability. They were born in the U.S., and she said there would be no future for them in Mexico if they left Longview. Anitas story Anita and her husband didnt always plan to move to the U.S. When they married, they fantasized about staying in Mexico, building a home and raising children there. Dreams, the Longview resident said with a smile and a soft voice. Good dreams. But not real. Her husband decided they would have a better life in the U.S. She followed him after only a month and a half, when he had saved enough money to bring her over. She was one of the lucky ones, she said: she had no trouble when she crossed the border in September 2000, at Tecate. Then the hard work began. She and her husband lived in Santa Maria, Calif., for a year, picking strawberries and green beans from 6 in the morning to 7:30 at night. Problems arose when their employer stopped paying his crew. Their boss offered them $300 each, but her husband said no. He wanted all his workers paid, Anita said, so they brought their employer to court and won the case. They went several months without income until then. She and her husband moved to Longview in June 2001, and they now have three kids. Anita said she wants to live a simple life continue learning English, get her high school degree and provide her children with a good education. I am very happy because I have my family, my three kids and my husband, she said. Its very difficult for family to stay together, especially in this moment. Sandras story Sandra met her husband, a U.S. citizen, through family connections in Mexico. They discussed staying in Mexico when they married but decided it was a bad idea. They would live in poverty, and they didnt want to raise a family in a violent culture. Now her husband is helping her get U.S. citizenship. Sandra, who is college-educated, said there are no jobs for her if she moved back. She wants to be a school teacher and enjoys helping a youth group at the St. Rose Catholic Church. Im always talking to (my family) about the situation and they say, Dont go back. Never, never, she said. No, no, no, no. Dont you ever think about it. She has three kids, all born in the U.S., including a son in high school. She said she agrees with part of Trumps message to deport bad people. But she said ultimately, much of his support sprang from racism. Now that he is president, this is real now, Sandra said. The things that hes been doing, obviously people are more afraid now. Everybody is afraid. Local communities In Cowlitz County, the Hispanic population has grown more than 12 percent in the past five years, to 9,400 last year, and now accounts for 9 percent of the countys population, according to the state Office of Financial Management. The county also voted for Trump, so many werent surprised when the election gave rise to some anti-Latino sentiment. Days after the election, a few Longview Hispanic students and two local teachers reported racial discrimination and harassment. They reported white students told Latino students that Trump would take America back from the Mexicans and referred to Mexicans as rapists. Though such incidents so far appear uncommon, its amazing how much hate there is, said Vancouver immigration lawyer Eulalia Soto, who herself received amnesty after Ronald Reagan signed a 1986 immigration bill. Its always been there. Those feelings have always been there. I think its just OK to act on them now, to say derogatory, hurtful things to minorities. Soto in December visited the St. Rose Catholic Church which hosts a Spanish Sunday mass that can have hundreds in attendance to answer Latino parishioners questions about their rights as immigrants. Jovita Potter, an interpreter at the Ethnic Support Council, said three families have also approached her who were considering legally adopting out their children to U.S. citizens in the past two weeks. Its a hedge to keep them here if the parents are deported. When people started hearing about the wall, thats when people are panicking now, Potter said. A couple came in and said they want to be ready in case. Thats not, you know, something that I think is taken lightly. The Ethnic Support Council in Kelso also hopes to host an information session about immigrant rights, but Executive Director Bill Reade fears theres little he can do to help. Nobody really knows whats going to happen, Reade said. Francisco Uribe, who holds Spanish services at Longview First Baptist Church, said undocumented immigrants are consumed by darkness and depression right now, and he often tries to dispel the panic they feel. Its difficult to say something when you dont feel the fear, Uribe said. I talk with people and they cry. And I say, Why you crying? And they dont know. They dont know why theyre crying. Uribe said undocumented immigrants are difficult to comfort. But he has heavily discouraged parents from legal adoption, persuading them that it will ultimately only be more harmful to their family. They are blind. They dont see all their options, Uribe said. When you are in the darkness, when you are in desperation, when you are in extreme need you dont see. You are looking to survive. Community response Just how Trumps rhetoric plays out, and what it means for undocumented people here, is far from certain, especially in light of several executive orders targeting different aspects of immigration. Some state or local officials have rejected Trumps initiatives despite the federal orders. Cowlitz County Commissioner Arne Mortensen, former Republican committee chairman, said he was unsure how big a role illegal immigration played for Trump supporters in Cowlitz County. Many expressed concern about ISIS and Islam, he said, but not Mexican immigrants. Mortensen, whose family moved from Venezuela when he was in middle school, said he agrees with Trump in that he believes the U.S. was being abused and taken advantage of. But Mortensen supports an easier path to immigration as long as immigrants are not provided access to welfare. Its really hard to blame someone for something you would do in their circumstances, he said. Mortensen said he doesnt believe Trumps talk of deporting millions is realistic or manageable and expects there to be negotiations. Its probably not a good solution to think that hes going to be able to deport everybody, Mortensen said. It would be so divisive in the nation. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown this week declared Oregon a sanctuary state, meaning it will not prosecute unauthorized immigrants for violating federal immigration laws and give them access to public services regardless of legal status. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has also resisted Trumps policies, but its unclear whether he would seek a similar statewide sanctuary or what it would mean for local law enforcement. While Cowlitz County is listed on the Department of Homeland Securitys website as a sanctuary county, Sheriff Mark Nelson said his office would cooperate with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement if federal officers seek local law enforcement help. But Nelson said its uncommon, and his office doesnt have the resources or the interest in dealing with illegal immigration. If somebody needs help, were going to go and were going to apply the rule of law in every circumstance, Nelson said. I could tell you for my agency here, and I know that its the same in every agency in Cowlitz County, our goal is to help people and serve people regardless of what their circumstances are. Other areas, including Ridgefield, Vancouver and Clark County, created proclamations against harassment, intimidation, discrimination and violence. Months ago Woodland City Councilwoman Marilee McCall suggested looking into some kind of action for her city. There has been hate speech from both sides, both parties after this election. Several cities across the nation are making the decision to have a proclamation stating were not going to allow for discrimination and hate speech in our town, McCall said. It saddens me that theres this undercurrent in our community. I dont believe that its the majority of people, but its still sad that its there. Catholic bishops released a statement last month, after Trumps executive order, that said they strongly oppose the wall and encouraged parishioners to build bridges instead. What many fear most is separation from their families, who often have mixed immigration status some legal, some undocumented. Father Bryan Ochs wrote a letter in November to his parishioners, explaining undocumented immigrants anxieties and encouraging them to look beyond labels not legal or illegal, but beloved child of God instead. Many families have mixed legal status, and my own personal thoughts are that we should do our best to try to keep these families together, he said. The imperative Mexican American Griselda Ramos, a Woodland resident, met her Guatemalan husband, Cesar Ramos, online. She joined him in Washington from Texas, where she was born and raised. In February 2007, Cesar Ramos only carried the clothes on his back and a small backpack as he began his trek 3,500 miles spanning Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and finally Washington state. He crossed successfully, only to get caught in a van with a handful of undocumented immigrants in Las Vegas. He didnt wait and crossed the border again that same day. Three years later, he married Griselda, an American citizen. But when the couple began applying for a green card a few years ago, his capture in 2007 came back to haunt him. His application for permanent residency got rejected because of his 10-year-old deportation order, from the first time he crossed the border and got caught. The order also puts him at a greater risk of getting deported than most undocumented immigrants. Scared for her husband, 35-year-old Griselda Ramos said she was hoping Trump would only target undocumented immigrants with criminal records. They have two kids. Her husband didnt have a record. They were saying that if the laws change or something, he would have good news, she said. Were going to wait to see whats going to happen. Griselda Ramos said visas to enter the U.S. are difficult to obtain and expensive, the main reason people choose not to wait. Sometimes applications for visas get rejected altogether, no reason necessary. Since their green-card application was rejected, Griselda has been appealing the decision. The fees are adding up; she initially paid an immigration lawyer $6,000 to file the paperwork that ultimately led nowhere. They will keep fighting, Griselda said, because Guatemala or Mexico is no option at all. So she chooses to hope hope that they can continue to work and make money. Thats it, she said, thats the dream, echoing other undocumented immigrants. Raise her kids, and make enough money for all of them in a safe place. All she wants is to carry on with what theyve been doing. hidden Amazon.com warned on Friday that government actions to bolster domestic companies over foreign competition could hurt its business, in a potential reference to US President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. In a routine description of regulatory risks in its 2016 annual filing, the world's largest online retailer said "trade and protectionist measures" might hinder its ability to grow. That language has not appeared in Amazon's warning about government regulation in at least the past five annual filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. However, the Seattle-based company has cited trade protection in those filings as a risk to its international sales and operations specifically. The new Republican president has made job creation a cornerstone of his policies, threatening to impose tariffs on imports so companies produce and hire within the United States. Republicans in Congress also have a plan to target imports while excluding export revenue from US corporate income tax, known as a border adjustment tax. The proposal in the US House of Representatives has divided corporate America. Major exporters like Boeing Co have thrown their weight behind it, but a retail association has said it would raise prices for shoppers. It was not clear what kinds of protectionist measures - whether tariffs or other actions - concerned Amazon the most, or from which countries Amazon saw the greatest risk. Amazon so far has declined to comment on Republican lawmakers' border tax plan. It did not return requests for comment on the new language in its annual filing. The filing did not mention the change in leadership of the White House. The language appeared in its filing under the header, "Government Regulaton Is Evolving and Unfavorable Changes Could Harm Our Business." Reuters Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work. . ..Algemeiner.com..10 February '17..The Trump administration, breaking with Obama administration precedent, has issued an official State Department document recognizing Jerusalem as part of Israel.And the, as is typical, entirely missed the news, preferring instead to obsess about Israeli settlements and to portray the Trump administration, inaccurately, as truckling to pressure from Arab monarchs.The State Department reference to Israel, Jerusalem amid a list of countries and capital cities such as Egypt, Cairo, Lebanon, Beirut and Iraq, Baghdad came in an appendix to an obscure government document a report from the State Departments inspector general detailing a review of the US governments. Though it was initially labeled sensitive but unclassified, and intended for internal State Department use, the document was distributed by the department this week to a public email list that included Apologise Top AL men blast role of Hillary, WB Sagar Biswas : The ruling party bigwigs and senior government officials have made sharp reactions after the Canadian court dismissed the "corruption charge" finding no solid proof in getting construction contract of the Padma Bridge in Bangladesh. Prime Minister's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction over the issue. In a Facebook status he asked the "persons" to seek apology from Bangladesh who had tried to tarnish the country's image based on a false corruption charge. "The World Bank came up with this plot against my mother, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in an attempt to discredit her. Then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had instructed the World Bank to cancel the funding of the Padma Bridge in order to punish our Government. She did so because Mohammed Yunus was repeatedly asking her to take action against my mother." "I myself was contacted several times during that episode by US State Department officials conveying threats from Hillary Clinton against our Government if we did not back off Yunus," he said in the Facebook. Earlier on Friday, the much-publicized corruption case of Padma Bridge project involving former top executives from SNC-Lavalin dismissed by a Toronto court in Canada after a judge rejected all evidence in this connection, according to Toronto Star. Against this backdrop, Joy further said: "The Canadian court trying the Padma Bridge corruption case has found no evidence of corruption in the project and dismissed all charges. The court stated that the evidence was based on "gossip and rumour". In other words, it was made up." "..a section of our so called civil society immediately took sides against our country in favour of the World Bank. They dragged the reputation of several highly respected, people through the mud, such as former adviser Dr. Mashiur Rahman," he said. Asking to seek apology, Joy said: "They also owe Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her Awami League Government and all the people whose reputation they hurt an apology. Indeed they owe Bangladesh an apology." The Global money lender World Bank in a press release published on Saturday said: "The WB takes allegations of fraud and corruption impacting its bank-financed projects very seriously. Once a WB investigation is concluded, we share findings with national authorities to determine whether or not there was a violation of national legislations." In this regard, former Foreign Minister and Joint General Secretary of Awami League Dr Dipu Moni said: "The judgment of Canadian court proves that Hasina's government believes in honesty in all works. And it also ensures transparency and accountability in all development projects. It is now proved that, there was an international conspiracy targeting the Padma Bridge project." PM's Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman on Saturday said the Bangladeshis who had contributed to flaring up the issue of the alleged corruption in the Padma bridge project should apologize. "These people should at least admit their mistake to the PM and apologize," he said. Expressing his annoyance, Senior Secretary of Ministry of Industries Md Mosharraf Hossain said the judgment of court proved that there was no corruption in the project. "When I was Secretary of Setu Division, two giant money lenders, including WB, showed interest to finance in Padma Bridge project. But a vested quarter gave false information to WB with an ill intention to halt the project," he said. Interestingly, the Transparency International Executive Director Dr Iftekheruzzaman has made a reverse turn over the issue. "The government must seek explanation from the WB why it had stopped financing in Padma Bridge project before proving corruption charge." BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said that his party was vocal against an allegation of corruption in Padma Bridge project and it was not their affairs what has been proved or not. "We had never made any comment about trial in Canada court. Our stance was on allegation of corruption. And it is the reality that the WB had stopped funding to the project on corruption allegation," he said. Meanwhile, several AL leaders, including Organizing Secretaries Md Abdur Rahman, Abu Syed Al Mahmud Swapan,, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Muhibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Forest and Environment Secretary Delawar Hossain asked the "conspirators" to seek apology. Narsingdi road crash leaves 11 dead Narsingdi, (UNB): At least 11 people, including two women and one child, were killed and five others injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a microbus at Darikandi on Dhaka-Sylhet Highway in Belabo upazila on Sunday morning. The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately. Badrul Alam Khan, officer-in-charge of Belabo Police Station, said the fatal accident took place around 7.30am when the Dhaka-bound bus of 'Agradut Paribahan' coming from Sylhet collided with the microbus coming from opposite direction, leaving 11 passengers of the microbus dead on the spot and five others injured. The injured were taken to Bhairob Upazila Health Complex. After settlement dismantled, Palestinians wait to return Palestinians in the Israeli occupied West Bank, look at the Jewish Amona wildcat outpost after it was dismantled following an Israeli Supreme Court order. AFP, Silwad : Mariam Hamad remembers perfectly the day more than 20 years ago when her land was taken by Israelis to build the illegal settlement of Amona. But a week after the Jewish village was finally demolished following a two-decade legal struggle, Hamad and other Palestinian land owners still don't know if or when they will be able to set foot on their soil again. The tiny settlement, home to just forty families, was evacuated and demolished last week amid protests and even violence from Jewish hardliners. Israel's courts declared it was built on private Palestinian land. But the demolition prompted Israel's rightwing to propose a law opposing similar moves against other illegal settlements. It passed through parliament this week in a move criticised by world powers. Largely forgotten amid the turmoil of Amona's destruction and its wider ramifications are the six families who originally owned the land. For them the demolition should herald a longed-for return to the land they called not Amona but simply Al-Mazarea, the farms in Arabic. On the hilltop near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank they used to cultivate tomatoes and watermelons one year, wheat the next, said 83-year-old Hamad. In her house in nearby Silwad she still has a sheaf of dried wheat from the last unfinished harvest. "We worked in the fields with my husband until the settlers forced us out," Hamad remembered, saying the Jewish arrivals came armed. "'This land is not yours, it's ours,' they said" she recalled. Despite the demolitions, she and the other owners are waiting to see if they can return, with the Israeli army still in control. Hamad told AFP she was "hopeful" but also had strong doubts, with other landowners also uncertain. The international community considers all settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem illegal, with more than 600,000 setters now living on land the Jewish state occupied in 1967. Settlements are viewed as one of the main obstacles to peace with the Palestinians. Israel distinguishes between government-approved settlements and what it calls "outposts" such as Amona, which are illegal and in theory should be demolished. But the demolition of those even Israeli courts deem illegal is opposed by right wingers, many of whom argue all the West Bank was given to Israel by God. The demolition of Amona sparked a bill passed by the Israeli parliament this week which legalised more than 50 other illegal outposts, in a move condemned by the United Nations, the European Union and others. CIA Director gives medal to top Saudi royal AFP, Riyadh : The heir to Saudi Arabia's throne has been awarded a medal by the new director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, who honoured his counter-terrorism work. Mike Pompeo, making his first overseas tour since being confirmed as spy agency chief in late January, made the presentation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef at a weekend ceremony, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Prince Mohammed, 57, has been interior minister since 2012 and has years of experience in intelligence work. Widely respected in the West for his efforts to combat violent extremism, he oversaw a crackdown on Al-Qaeda which killed security officers and foreigners in the kingdom between 2003 and 2007. In 2009 Prince Mohammed survived with only light injuries an assassination attempt by Al-Qaeda. Pompeo awarded him the George Tenet Medal in recognition of his "excellent intelligence performance, in the domain of counter-terrorism and his unbound contribution to realise world security and peace." George Tenet was the CIA's longest-serving director, from 1996 to 2004. Pompeo and Prince Mohammed also held talks on security issues, SPA said. The prince told SPA that "no attempt will succeed in driving a wedge between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US". It was the latest Saudi reaffirmation of ties between the absolute Islamic monarchy and Washington since President Donald Trump took office on January 20. The United States and Saudi Arabia have a decades-old relationship founded on the exchange of American security for Saudi oil. But ties between Riyadh and Washington became increasingly frayed during the eight-year administration of former president Barack Obama. Saudi Arabia's Sunni leaders felt Obama was reluctant to get involved in the civil war in Syria and was tilting towards its Shiite-dominated rival Iran. Pompeo is a strident critic of an international deal reached in 2015 to lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for guarantees that it will not pursue a nuclear weapons capability. Tsipras hits back at IMF, Germany over debt impasse AFP, Athens : Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Saturday warned the International Monetary Fund and EU economic powerhouse Germany to stop playing with fire over his country's debt problems. Opening a meeting of his far-left Syriza party, Tsipras said he was confident a solution over repayments would be found, despite talks between Greece and its creditors ending in Brussels with no breakthrough on Friday. Months of feuding with the IMF has rattled markets and raised fears of a new debt crisis, with Athens resisting pressure to cut public services any more than has already been agreed with creditors. The Greek premier urged a change of course from the IMF. "We expect as soon as possible that the IMF revise its forecast.. so that discussions can continue at the technical level," he said. And referring to Germany's Wolfgang Schaeuble, Tsipras called for Chancellor Angela Merkel to "encourage her finance minister to end his permanent aggressiveness" towards Greece and "stop playing with fire". "The IMF is playing a game of poker by dragging things aside because it does not want to blame the intransigence of the German minister," Tsipras said, criticising the "new absurd demands" targeted at Greece. NAT examination held at GUB Campus Report : First Nihongo Aptitude Test (NAT) in 2017 on Japanese language proficiency was held recently in Green University of Bangladesh (GUB). A total of 795 students participated in this internationally recognized test. Among those, 767 participants appeared in N5, 23 participants appeared in N4, 03 participants appeared in N3 and 02 participants appeared in N2 examination. The Japanese language NAT-TEST is an examination that measures the Japanese language ability of students who are not native Japanese speakers. The tests are separated by difficulty (five levels) and general ability is measured in three categories: Grammar/ Vocabulary, Listening and Reading Comprehension. The format of the exam and the types of questions are equivalent to those that appear on the Japanese Language Ability Test (JLPT). It is noteworthy that Green University is the only authorized Center in Bangladesh where NAT-TEST is regularly held every two months. Being the Test Centre, GUB also becomes a Japanese Language Centre going to offer Japanese language courses to respective group of people who like to visit Japan for various purposes, including study and work. Green University of Bangladesh and Senmon Kyoquku Publishing Co Ltd signed an agreement in 2015 to conduct this test. Students from abroad also sit for this test. A press briefing was arranged on the last day of Chittagong REHAB Fair on Saturday. Among others, Md Omar Faruk, Director, REHAB was present. Tk 1151.52 cr projects taken to check river erosion, JS told Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud said the government has approved seven projects involving Taka 1,151.52 crore to check river erosion taking place in the costal zone due to climate change. "Bangladesh Water Development Board has undertaken 15 projects involving with Taka 7,610.6 crore for preventing river erosion in costal areas," he said this on Sunday while replying to a tabled question from treasury bench member Jahan Ara Begum Surma in the Jatiya Sangsad. The schemes included Taka 202.41 crore project to protect Ramgati and Kamalnagar upazila and adjacent areas from erosion by the Meghna River, Taka 216.87 crore project to protect Shahbazpur Gas Field in Borhanuddin upazila of Bhola district from erosion by the Meghna River, a Taka 251.30 crore project for rehabilitation of Polder no-64/1A, 64/1B and 64/1C and other infrastructure under Bashkhali upazila in Chittagong, the minister said. The schemes also included Coastal Embankment Improvement Project Phase-1 (CEIP-I) involving Taka 3,280 crore and Taka 551.50 crore project to protect Polder no-56/57 from erosion by the Meghna in Doulatkhan and Borhanuddin upazilas, he added. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cutting cake at a ceremony organised on the occasion of 37th national conference of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party at its academy in Shafipur, Gazipur on Sunday. BSS photo Envolving women in rural development Mario Osava and Baher Kamal : Josefina Stubbs, from the Dominican Republic, may become the first woman to preside over the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty. IFAD is a United Nations agency created in 1977 to invest in poor farmers in developing countries, who represent three-quarters of the world's poor and undernourished. Stubbs has accumulated 35 years of rural development experience, most recently in IFAD, as Regional Director of the Latin America and the Caribbean Division (2008-2014) and later as Associate Vice-President of the Strategy and Knowledge Department, before being nominated for president of IFAD by her country. She holds a BA in Psychology and Master's degrees in Sociology, Political Science and International Development, and has also worked for Oxfam and the World Bank. The elections will take place on Feb. 14-15 during the IFAD annual meeting at the agency's Rome headquarters. In her favour, Stubbs led, as vice president, the process of designing the agency's Strategic Framework 2016-2025, besides her in-depth knowledge of how IFAD functions. In its 40 years of experience, IFAD has earmarked 18.4 billion dollars for rural development projects that have benefited a total of 464 million persons. And the Fund's soft loans and donations mobilised far greater sums contributed by governments and other national sources, as co-financing. Boosting the crop yields of small farmers, protecting the environment, training poor peasant farmers, and empowering young people and women will be her priorities if she is elected president of IFAD. She described her ideas and plans in this interview with IPS during her visit to Brasilia in the first week of February. IPS: What direction and priorities will you adopt as president of IFAD if you are elected? JOSEFINA STUBBS: I will dedicate myself to working with the governments of the IFAD member countries, in particular with low- and middle- income countries, so they can advance towards fulfilling the Agenda 2030 in the rural sector and achieving Sustainable Development, with two goals: food security and poverty reduction. Implementing the Agenda 2030 in the countryside, supporting women and young people, and protecting the environment will be vital for the future of the rural sector. This requires increasing agricultural and non-farm productivity, to produce more and better, in order to supply a continually growing population, while stimulating small-scale farming to create more employment, services and income. A vibrant rural sector is needed to keep people in the countryside, especially the young. We have to support women more strongly in the productive area, and in the processing of agricultural products as well, encouraging the creation of companies to amplify the benefits. This way new inclusive production chains are generated, and their active involvement in the market is bolstered. Organising farmers is key to boosting the volumes of production and trade, and to improving the quality standards of the products which reach increasingly demanding consumers. Public policies are the umbrella under which IFAD can work more closely with governments. One example is Brazil, where we work with the national, state and municipal governments in policies to expand markets and transfer technologies. IFAD's activities in Brazil were limited eight years ago, but now we have agreements with all nine states of Brazil's Northeast region, providing financial support and technical assistance. This is an experience that should be strengthened and taken to other countries. IPS: And is any region going to be given priority, Africa for example? JS: IFAD's priority lies where the rural poor are, training them and governments in the search for solutions. In Africa we have provided many resources and we have to keep doing so. The African economy is strongly tied to the rural sector, both because of the employment and because the urban and peri-urban markets demand more quality food. Africa has IFAD's support because of its poverty rate, but so do Asian countries such as India, Vietnam, and Cambodia. IPS: For the first time, three women are running for the presidency of IFAD. Researchers say that resources achieve more efficient results against poverty and hunger if they are given to women. What should IFAD do for rural women, who make up over 60 per cent of the agricultural workforce in regions of the South and are victims of inequality? JS: Governments must be encouraged to ensure a greater presence of women in all of the activities financed by the Fund. But we must do it in an innovative way, breaking down traditional barriers to women's access to public and private goods, loans, technology and the markets. We need to create new instruments specifically adapted to women's lives, their needs, so that they can be useful to them. It is absolutely urgent to increase the participation of women and their role in the decision-making process about the investments that are made in their communities, and for them to be active subjects in the implementation of these investments. IPS: But technical and scientific development has gone into large-scale agricultural production. Would it be suitable for poor women in rural areas? JS: In agriculture, Brazil has demonstrated coexistence between large-scale and small-scale farmers. It already has new machinery for small-scale producers, such as tractors and harvesters, as well as irrigation. The progress made by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) in improving the crops of small farmers is extraordinary. Brazil has developed important technologies for other countries. It has also made headway with productive infrastructure in communities. An example is machinery and refrigerated trucks for goat's milk, suited for narrow roads. We need technologies adapted to small farms. Food security depends on small-scale producers. In Africa 60 per cent of the basic food basket of the middle-class comes from local small-scale farmers. If we don't increase this production, we lose the opportunity to promote food security in these countries. This has been proven. In the Dominican Republic, 80 per cent of basic products come from small-scale producers. Increasing national productive capacity brings more benefits than spending on imports. It is a battle won which we have to make visible. IPS: Does the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) share this view? JS: The work of the three agencies based in Rome - IFAD, FAO and the World Food Programme (WFP) - must create synergy. They have a key role in supporting governments in meeting the goals of Agenda 2030 in the rural sector. With the specific mission of each agency, we must increase our impact - in investment for the rural poor through IFAD, by strengthening national and global policies that facilitate the achievement of food security and poverty reduction with the work carried out by FAO, and by reinforcinge the humanitarian responses in the rural sector, with the WPF has been doing for decades. IPS: With regard to the environment, how can IFAD and small-scale farmers contribute to protecting nature and the climate? JS: Climate change issues and the adequate management of environmental resources have to be seen in a broader perspective in the rural sector. I will keep defending 'climate-smart agriculture' with eco-friendly practices that also generate income. But in addition, we have to pay attention to the management of environmental resources such as water, energy, tourism, or agro-forestry, which also generate economic and environmental benefits for the rural and urban sectors. We must seek to empower communities, particularly indigenous communities, so they become effective and efficient managers of natural resources. IPS: Water is another growing environmental problem. JS: First of all, we have to safeguard our basins, reforest, preserve. Then we have to change the irrigation systems, replace flood irrigation with new techniques. Sometimes the solution is simple. Rainwater collection, such as in the Northeast of Brazil, is an example. Coming up with solutions implies listening to the local population, not imposing approaches to development that are not what people need. IPS: How will IFAD keep up or accelerate poverty reduction, with the goal of eradicating it by 2030? JS: By the deadline set for the Millennium Development Goals, one billion people had been lifted out of poverty. Now the challenge is to keep them afloat, but we still have one billion poor people in the world. We have to sustain our achievements and expand the results. We have to combine conditional cash transfer programmes with an increase in productivity, support for small-scale producers in their production and services companies, support for the expansion of access to technologies as an instrument to expand the benefits of development. We have to create a rural sector where the youth see a future and want to stay. - IPS No anxiety to save lives on road A SPREE of road crashes has claimed lives of at least thirty three people in various parts of country. It isn't only about reckless driving, but in fact a series of unaddressed age-old causes that have become even bigger by the hour. On Friday night, over 13 people were killed while injuring 21 more in a head-on collision at Faridpur between a bus and a covered van carrying gas cylinder on Dhaka-Khulna highway. Burst of cylinder killed so many people. In Magura, four people were killed and six others injured after a microbus fell into a ditch on Magura-Jessore highway followed by a sequence of road accidents in Natore, Satkhira, Rajshahi and Jessore. In another accident at Belaboo in Narshingdi 11 people were killed in another head-on collision between a bus and a truck on Sunday morning that actually happened as tired sleepless drivers were on the steering. Marking the spots, it is as if, the entire road and communications system of the country has suddenly turned into a huge death trap in the hands of errant drivers. In most cases police only appear after the accident to perform ritual obligations. After the filing of cases almost nothing happens, the culprit transport operators roam about scot-free while causing more accidents. The question that automatically arises is - what is the Highway Police doing? It's time to hold the Highway Police accountable, and it's also time to make them accept responsibility of all these unanticipated deaths. With the onset of winter, we had previously called the Communication Ministry's Roads and Highways Department for adopting a series of preventive measures to counter foggy weather, which too went unnoticed. Coupled with the Highway Police the department should also shoulder responsibility for not securing the hundreds of kilometers of highways and risky turning across the country. We want the major roundabouts and our roads and highways intersections to be brought under close circuit TV surveillance to closely monitor reckless movement of traffic and policing of our communication network. We want our roads to be free of all obstacles and it is here where illegal establishments on roadside backed by regime's political support have made traffic movement more risky. Shops, vendors, temporary huts and stalls must be removed at the quickest. That said, we are somewhat appalled to witness these obstacles continue to occupy roadside despite repeated demand to keep highways at certain distance clear from encroachments. The law enforcers in this regard are not only weak and corrupt but also ineffective. Undeniably, the increasing number of accidents in our roads clearly proves the lawlessness in our Road Transport Sector besides marking the lack of effective measures to reduce accidents. This is straightaway unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue. Not bail out fund; banks must be free from political intervention to survive THE BASIC Bank which was almost totally swindled of its capital by former chairman in unprecedented loan scams has again demanded 'bail out fund' from the government after its proposal for issuing bonds worth Tk 2,600 crore was turned down by the Finance Ministry in last December. The once profiting bank has been turned into an insolvent one now by politically-blessed former chairman who secured three extension of tenure as he helped politically powerful people to open fake business firms and take loans despite media alerts about the whole mischief. The Chairman was removed at last in 2014 when the bank was on the brink but the government is yet to bring any charge against him and other board members. The bank is functioning now as we know on regular recapitalization basis from budgetary allocation which is not however a financially viable way to run a bank. Many believe the government is not ready to accept the closure of a bank taking the political blame for bankruptcy. Almost all public banks are sick and suffering from capital shortfall. The government is planning to pump Tk 15,000 crore to bail out them in next three years. But the critical question is why and how long will banks run with tax-payers money; why the government is giving exit to people who sanctioned loans against fake projects. In some estimates BASIC Bank alone lost over Tk 4,500 crore in fake loans. It sounds strange that some vested quarters are bringing pressure on the government to allow the bank to issue bonds to beef up its capital base. But as it appears, the Finance Ministry has so far twice rejected such pressure because protection to such fund may be very difficult given the way powerful people had earlier swindled the bank. Meanwhile the government has pumped Tk 1,100 crore to the bank's coffer in 2014 and Tk 1,200 crore in January 2016 from the budgets when the bank's non-recoverable loan stood at Tk 8,105 crore in December 2014 and Tk 6,581.15 crore in 2015. As it appears the banking sector in Bangladesh provides the easiest way of minting fortune overnight and there is no practical bar taking the money out of the country to safe haven. We must say piecemeal measures such as issuing of bonds or budgetary help will not save our banks, only punishment of swindlers and enforcing financial laws can stop further robberies and save the banks. It is no secret that not only BASIC Bank, Sonali Bank, Agrani Bank and over half a dozen other state-owned banks and financial institutions were thoroughly robbed by powerful people under political shelter over the past several years. Even Bangladesh Bank fund was swindled from its New York reserves and it is no secret that powerful people from within the bank were involved. We must say banks and financial institutions must run their business on corporate basis. They can't be run with state money. Politically motivated management only destroys them. Nahid asks pvt varsities to move to own campuses Staff Reporter : Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid on Sunday again advised the private universities to move to their own campuses or to face legal actions including bar on enrolling of new students. "We have given you plenty of time to shift from temporary campuses to permanent campuses. But some universities have not still complied with our instruction. The Education Ministry will take stern action against the defaulters," he said. The Minister as the chief guest issued the warning at the 18th Convocation of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) yesterday. The Minister said, there are currently 95 private universities operational in the country. The government granted specific time to 51 of them. The latest deadline expired last month. According to a report of the University Grants Commission (UCG), 12 private universities only are currently operating on their own campuses, but rest 39 are yet to complete the task. Some of those 39 universities have opened their new campuses partially, some are still doing construction work, some are yet to begin construction, while one of them has not even legally purchased land for new campus yet, Nahid said. At the Convocation, 1,419 Bachelors and Masters degree students were awarded Fertificates. BRAC Founder and Chairperson Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, UGC Chairman Professor Abdul Mannan, IUB Vice-Chancellor Professor M Omar Rahman and Chairman of IUB Board of Trustee Rashed Choudhury spoke at the event, among others. Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, in his address urged the students to broaden their perspectives, ask questions, develop capacity for healthy risk-taking, and learn from their mistakes. "A true modern education is not just about achieving academic excellence or adding to your store of knowledge. It is about broadening your perspective, to ask searching questions, develop your capacity for healthy risk-taking, and learning from your mistakes," Sir Abed said. 11 fake DB men held in city Law enforcers arrested 11 fake DB Police from city\'s Sabujbagh area and recovered microbuses, firearms, bullets, walky-talky, DB jackets and handcuffs from their possession on Sunday. They used to pick up the victims on microbus posing themselves as DB m Staff Reporter : A team of detectives arrested 11 frauds, who had been faking their identity as members of Detective Branch (DB) of Police from the capital's Sabujbagh area on Saturday night. They are: Yousuf Kazi, Alauddin Ali, Akash Rahman Mintu, Afsar Ali, Faruk Hossain, Malek Mia, Masud Parvez, Shahin Kazi, Liton Shah, Masum Gazi and Aslam Sheikh, police said. Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Masudur Rahman said this in a press briefing in DMP Media Centre on Sunday morning. "A team of detectives led by DMP Joint Commissioner (DB) Abdul Baten conducted the drive on the basis of an information and arrested them," the DC said. The DB men have been trying to arrest other seven culprits, who could manage to flee the scene, the police official said. He said, "Law enforcers also recovered three vehicles, three pistols, two pipe guns, five rounds of bullets, five jackets, one walkie-talkie, five hand cuffs and knives during the drive." "All of them were dacoits in the disguise of DB Police. But we have been investigating as to how did they manage accessed the items which were supposed to be sold only to the law enforcement personnel." Asked whether any law enforcing official was involved in the dodging, he said the possibility cannot be completely overlooked. Law enforcing agencies have been looking into the matter considering all these facts, he added. They are being grilled to gather details more about their crimes, he said. These groups of criminals are involved in snatching in the night and their main targets are passengers, he added. "Two cases were filed with Sabujbagh Police Station in this connection," the DC said. Manpower export to Malaysia resume this month Reza Mahmud : Manpower export to Malaysia will start again in this month. The process of has already started through online. The government to government (G to G) agreement on manpower export from Bangladesh to Malaysia was suspended in February last year. "Manpower export to Malaysia will resume anytime in this month. The necessary process has already been started," said Begum Shamsunnahar, the Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment. Sources said that the Bangladesh government prepared 14.5 lakh eligible workers' data bank to send then to Malaysia, after signing a G to G agreement in 2012. But the initiative failed. Malaysia government suddenly stopped the process. After that the two countries agreed to start G to G plus process for manpower export from Bangladesh. Officials of the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) said that they 34 thousand of manpower has been registered to send to Malaysia under the G to G agreement. Among them, around 10 thousand were sent to Malaysia by February 2016. The people are keen to go the country have been waiting for long. Many of those have became fade and gave up hope. But the officials of the Ministry and BMET are hopeful. "It is time to be hopeful about manpower exports. The media should publish positive news on the sector. It is because, the number of overseas employments is increasing sharply. 80 thousand of workers were sent to different countries only last January. This pace will continue," Begum Samsunnahar said it. She said it yesterday while congratulating the newly elected leaders of Journalists Forum on Migrations (JFM) in her office in the capital. Monir Hossain, the President of JFM and other leaders were present. The secretary also expressed her hope that this month would be the milestone for the sector. Meanwhile the Director General of BMET and Additional Secretary Md. Salim Reza said, "The year of 2017 will be the very shinning year for manpower export sector." He said it in his office in a view exchange meeting with the leaders of JFM yesterday. The DG also said that different training programmes for the export oriented manpower were going on. Apart from these, the officials are taking different measures to prevent harassments of the recruiting agencies. They hope that the positive results of those measures will spring in one year, he added. JFM President Monir Hossain and others were present. Besides, sources of Bangladesh High Commission of Kuala Lampur said, around seven thousand demand letters from Malaysia's recruitment agencies have already been sent to the Director General of BMET server. They said that a flight will fly to Kuala Lampur with workers in any day of this month. Malaysian government on 2015 announced that the companies of the country will recruit more than 15 lakh job seekers from Bangladesh. Since then many of recruiting agencies of Bangladesh were seen active in this field. Pahela Falgun today Palash tree is in full bloom symbolizes the arrival of Spring amid celebration of Pahela Falgun today. This photo was taken from High Court area on Sunday. Staff Reporter : Pahela Falgun, the first day of Bengali month of Falgun, which heralds the much awaited Spring will be celebrated across the country amid various cultural programmes, including musical soiree and dance performance today (Monday). This celebration is known as 'Bosonto Utsob' characterized by the blazing red and yellow colours, the melodies of home-bound birds, and returning to a warmer climate. It also provides a respite from the colourless monotony of winter. Falgun brings joys and colours both in nature and life as after the dryness of winter, new leaves start coming out again and the nature adorns the branches with new colorful flowers like Shimul, Polash and Marigold. Besides, the melodies of birds or mild touch of the sunshine makes people of all ages cheerful. Bakultola of the Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukala) of Dhaka University (DU) is the centre point of the festival as thousands of young men and women gather there in the morning and celebrate the day singing songs, reciting poems and performing dances. The entire DU campus and the Ekeushy Boi mela premises are expected to turn into a celebration of joys and love. Girls are dressed in 'bashonti' (yellow or orange) coloured sarees and adorning floral ornaments while boys wearing colourful panjabis, will welcome the arrival of Spring. Jatiya Boshonto Utshab Udjapan Parishad is set to arrange the main programme of the day at Bakultola at 7.50am on the day followed by colourful procession, songs and dances. The Bosonto Utsob will also be organised at Bahadurshah Park at Laxmibazar in Old Dhaka, and Rabindrasarobar at Dhanmondi. Apart from these places, the entire capital Dhaka will look a put on a colourful festive look celebrating the Pahela Falgun with different socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions holding a wide range of programmes marking the day. Deficit in gas supply widens Anisul Islam Noor : The deficit in the natural gas supply increased to 500mmcfd to 800mmcfd (50 crore cubic feet to 80 crore) in the country in last eight years. The deficit widened despite imposing embargo on new gas connection to the households, CNG stations and industries. In view of the gas supply crunch, the country witnessed an investment crisis. Around three thousand applications have been pending with different gas distribution entities since 2012 due to ban on industrial gas connection. During this time, several lakh applications were piled in the gas distribution entities following ban on the household gas connection. But 2.5 lakh illegal gas connections were provided in the capital and its nearby areas by malpractice with some dishonest employees of gas distribution entities. Experts said that the government's initiative to increase gas supply was not realistic and many of the plans had just papers work. When asked about the deficit of gas crisis, Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, said that recent crisis of gas started because of various reasons. He said, "Gradual decrease in our gas reserve is one of the main reasons. We have to think about alternative options of pipeline based gas service. That is why we are planning to encourage the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). We think that we will be able to bring 70 percent people under the LP gas service within next three years. The government will restructure the price of LP gas." Promoting LP gas service is certainly a good initiative, as the reserve of total gas of the country is reducing quickly, said M. Tamim, Professor of BUET. According to the sources, natural gas production began in 1960 from the Chhatak filed. Bangladesh has discovered 26 gas fields till today. Among them, 20 gas fields are now in operation. The country has already consumed about half of the proven gas reserve 27.12 trillion cubic feet (tcf) since then. "There are no real probabilities of finding more gas fields in Bangladesh. If the current rate of gas consumption continues, we will be able to use gas in our country till 2031," Professor Tamim said. Energy experts opined that total use of gas increases 10 percent every year. As a result, use of gas will increase day by day. The government will not discourage the current process of industrialization. According to this calculation, we will be able to use gas only for the next 10 years. Searching for new gas blocks in the deep sea and collecting gas from there is a demand of time, said Mohammad Tamim, Professor of BUET A survey conducted by Petrobangla and The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated pressure of a large amount of gas reserve there. Another study conducted in 2001 said that there might be a reserve of 8.8 tcf gas in the Bay of Bengal. Professor Anu Muhammad said that the decision of using CNG in three wheelers and private vehicles was not a visionary step at all. People buy cars at more than a crore of taka and run it on CNG. Use of gas in private vehicles should be stopped. The government has to take stern action against the illegal connections of gas. "We have seen that many officials of Titas Gas have become millionaire, but the government or anti-corruption commission has not taken any step against them," he said. City meat traders call shutdown for 6 days No govt step yet against extortionists Sagar Biswas : Extortion is going on unabated from footpath vendors to luxury shopping malls and transport sector to general business firms - where none is getting respite despite various steps taken by the law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Earlier several organizations, especially the transport bodies, have called strike and other agitation programmes for several times protesting the extortion. Now, the city's meat sellers have come forward with a six-day shutdown programme to get relief from it. The meat sellers [mainly red meat traders] on Sunday announced that they will observe strike from Monday to Saturday to protest the "extortion and illegal taxes" in the cattle markets, particularly at Gabtoli. So, all meat shops in Dhaka city would remain closed from February 13 [Monday] till February 18 [Saturday]. The Bangladesh Meat Traders' Association [Bangladesh Mangsho Byabshayi Samiti] and Dhaka Metropolitan Meat Sellers' Association [Dhaka Metropolitan Mangsho Byabshayi Samiti] jointly announced the programme at an agitation programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club. Describing the situation, President of Bangladesh Meat Traders' Association Robiul Islam yesterday said: "The traders have to pay Tk 20,000 to Tk 30,000 per cattle for bringing it from bordering area to city's cattle markets." "Besides, the corrupt officials are forcibly taking unsanctioned taxes from the cattle traders defying the government's order. We've drew the attention of DNCC Mayor Annisul Haq over the issue for several times. Although the Mayor has directed the officials concerned to resolve the problem, the dishonest officials are not paying any heed to it," he said. He further said: "The price of meat is increasing day by day. And the meat traders are taking additional price from the customers' pockets. The tax amount is fixed by the authorities, but the additional taxes are paid for the corrupt persons." In generally, the people have to face an embarrassing situation for abnormal price of meat in the markets. Usually, the meat market gets hot in the winter season [from November to January] due to picnic, marriage ceremony and other social programmes. The extortion and illegal tax payment add some extra burden on the shoulder of customers. The price of mutton per kg was Tk 550 to Tk 650 just one month ago. Now it is sold at Tk 750 to Tk 800 per kg. The price of per kg beef and Buffalo meat was Tk 460-470. Red meat traders categorically said that they would go for indefinite strike if their demands are not meet. In fact, the extortion is going unbridled in each and every sector where the police are directly involved getting patronization from a section of ruling party leaders and activists. Though unbelievable, the goods-laden vehicles from country's 16 northern districts had observed strike for a couple of times recently protesting the extortion by the law enforcers. Only in footpath, extortion money worth Tk 50 crore is raised by the syndicates, said DSCC Mayor Syed Khokan. He also filed cases against 70 extortionists who are allegedly fueling discontent among the street hawkers. Against this backdrop, the law enforcement and intelligence agencies have submitted reports to the government high-ups conducting separate investigations. It was revealed in the investigation that a section of ruling party men, especially Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League, are mainly responsible for running the extortion business. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal had also issued warning saying that the government will compel to take stern action against the "listed extortionists". But no measure was taken till the day. Tk 15,000cr fund for recapitalization sought Kazi Zahidul Hasan : The government is going to inject fresh capital into the ailing state-owned banks to boost lending and meet the capital adequacy norms, official sources said on Sunday. This time it will disburse Tk 15,000 crore to seven public banks -- Sonali, Janata, Agrani, Rupali, BASIC, Bangladesh Krisi Bank (BKB) and Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) -- as part of the capital infusion programme. The Banks and Financial Institutions Division (BFID) has recently sought the allocation from the Ministry concerned for their recapitalisation in three fiscal years. It sought the allocation under a separate head namely "Investment in Bank Recapitalisation" during the period from 2015-16 to 2017-18. "The recapitalisation is part of the government's promise to help banks meet their capital shortfall as well as Basel III capital requirement norms," a senior BFID official told The New Nation on Sunday. He said, "Fresh capital will be injected into the banks based on an objective assessment of each public-sector bank's previous performance and growth potential. The funds will be provided in a phased manner tagging many conditions". Justifying the need for the bank's recapitalisation programme, the BFID official said, "Public banks are now operating with huge capital shortfall resulted from loan scams and soaring bad loans in their overall credit portfolios. This has weakened their financial health requiring fresh capital." "The government is going to inject fresh capital into the banks to salvage them from further vulnerability. The move will help the banks to survive and sustain their business," he added. "Fresh capital will be injected into the cash-strapped BASIC Bank first under the government plan and later on other public banks will get fresh funds to boost their capital," said the BFID official. He added: "BASIC Bank may be given Tk 2,600 crore for replenishing its capital. The scam-hit BASIC Bank will get highest amount among all the public banks". BASIC Bank had come under the spotlight since loan scams of Tk 4,500 crore were unearthed by the central bank investigation in between 2012 and 2013. To meet capital shortfall, Sonali Bank requires Tk 2,934 crore, Janata Bank Tk 663 crore, Rupali Bank Tk 146 crore, BASIC Bank Tk 3,050 crore, BKB Tk 6,676 billion and RAKUB Tk 582 crore. "The government's fresh move to recapitalize the public banks is very timely. It will help the banks in improving their financial health, increasing lending, rising additional funding and cleaning up their balance sheets from non-performing assets," a Senior BASIC Bank official told The New Nation yesterday, requesting not to be named. He said the authorities of BASIC Bank have already sought recapitalisation funds from the government and we are hopeful that it would actively consider the bank's plea. In the fiscal year 2014-15, the government had pumped Tk 1,500 crore to Sonali and BASIC banks as part of its public bank's capital infusion programme. It also pumped Tk 4,100 crore recapitalisation funds into Sonali, Janata, Agrani and Rupali banks in fiscal year 2013-14 in first phase. In the second phase, BKB, RAKUB, Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation and Grameen Bank were given Tk 309 crore to meet their capital shortfall. Highway horrors continue Yet another 12 killed, 30 injured Yet another 12 persons including 5 women and two children were killed in a head-on collision between a bus and a microbus on Dhaka-Sylhet Highway in Belabo Upazila in Narsingdi on Sunday. Staff Reporter : At least 12 passengers of a microbus were killed and 30 others injured when their microbus collided head-on with a bus on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Belabo upazila of Narsingdi on Sunday morning. The deceased have been identified as Hasan Miah, 40, his wife Halima, 25, son Irfan, 8, sister-in-law Jhuma, 16, and their relatives Manik, 45, Masia, 35, Hira, 35, Amena Begum, 32, Jannat Begum, 35, Sharmin Akhter, 23, Antar, 10 and Nazmul, 10. The injured people were admitted to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital and two local hospitals, police said. "The deceased were going to Kishoreganj from Dhaka by the microbus to attend a family programme. The microbus collided with a bus in Darikandi area of the upazila around 6:45am, leaving them dead on the spot," said Bhairab Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mizanur Rahman. Police seized the bus, but the driver managed to escape, the police official said. "A probe committee has been formed to investigate the accident," said District Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Mozammel Haque. The victims' families were given Tk 5,000 each for burial," he said. Belabo Police Station OC Badrul Alam said, a Dhaka-bound bus of 'Agradut Paribahan' from Bhairab collided with the micro at Darikandi around 7:30am, leaving 12 passengers of the microbus dead on the spot. Following the accident, traffic movement on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway remained suspended for two hours, the police official said. Police with help of locals conducted the rescue operation and removed the damaged bus and microbus from the road, the OC said. The bodies were sent to a hospital in Bhairab Bazar for autopsy, he added. Rohingyas to be shifted to protect C`Bazar: Quader UNB, Cox's Bazar : Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar who entered Bangladesh illegally will be rehabilitated to Thengarchar in Hatiya for protecting the beach town of Cox's Bazar. The Rohingyas will be rehabilitated to Thengarchar on humanitarian ground. Cox's Bazar is a small place and also a tourist town. The decision was taken to protect the natural beauty of Cox's Bazar and ensure the security of tourists. The minister came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after inaugurating the 170-metre-long four-lane project for 'beautification and expansion of Saikat Road' involving Tk 3.17 crore at Kalatoli in the town. The government will take necessary steps for their livelihood and education there until the Myanmar government takes them back, he said. The minister also said the construction work on a 78-km long Cox's Bazar Marine Drive Road will complete soon as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate it in April next. Kamrun Nahar first-ever female PIO UNB, Dhaka : The government has appointed Begum Kamrun Nahar as the country's first-ever female Principal Information Officer (PIO). An officer of BCS 1984 regular batch, Nahar joined office at Press Information Department (PID) on Sunday as her predecessor Dr Mohammad Jahangir Hossain went on retirement the same day, said a handout. The PID officials and employees bid Jahangir Hossain farewell, while accorded a reception to Nahar for joining it as the PIO. In her 31-year career at public service, Nahar worked for different government offices in different important posts, including Director General (DG) of Directorate of Mass Communication, Department of Films and Publications and Bangladesh Film Archive and vice-chairman of Bangladesh Film Censor Board. Condemned RAB man surrenders UNB, Narayanganj : A former Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) member, who was sentenced to death along with others in the seven-murder cases, surrendered before a court here on Sunday. Sepoy Abdul Alim turned up before the court of District and Session's Judge Syed Enayet Hossain in the morning. On January 16, a Narayanganj court sentenced 26 people, including Nur Hossain, a former councillor of Narayanganj City Corporation, three sacked RAB-11 officials - Lt Col Tareque Sayeed Mohammad, Maj Arif Hossain and Lt Commander M Masud Rana, to death and nine others to different jail terms in the sensational seven-murder cases. On April 27 in 2014, seven persons, including councilor Nazrul Islam of Narayanganj City Corporations (NCC), Advocate Chandan Sarker, were abducted from Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road. The bodies of six of them were recovered from the Shitalakhya River three days after the abduction, while another from the same river the next day. The Undead Archives I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world. 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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 Dr. Paul C. Long was the guest speaker at the Saturday meeting of the Moccasin Bend Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution at the Red Bank Church of Christ. Dr. Long presented a PowerPoint program on "Predictive Behavioral Patterns" / Why People Do Some of the Things They Do. Dr. Long is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 35 years experience. For more information on the DAR, or inquiries for membership, please go to www.DAR.org. If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. SmartBank announced the addition of Tina Turner, assistant vice president, loan administrator to its Cleveland team. She joins the SmartBank team with Matt Jenne and Beau Burris, who she has worked with directly for many years. With Tinas experience and vast knowledge of the Bradley County Market, we are thrilled for her to join the SmartBank team, said Matt Jenne, SmartBank Cleveland market leader. Tina, Beau and I have worked together for several years, and we are looking forward to expanding SmartBanks presence in Bradley County. Ms. Turner brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry. She has worked in several areas within the bank, and most recently served at United Community Bank. She is a Bradley County native and is actively involved within her community. She is a supporter of The United Way of the Ocoee Region and an active participant with Women United. Previously, she served as the treasurer of the Cleveland Civitan Club. She has two sons, and is a member of First Baptist Church of Cleveland. 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. Washing your clothes is one of those things we all do and, unless you have a washer and dryer at home, you probably do it at a laundromat. In Southern Illinois there is are many laundromats to choose from. Some are open 24 hours. Some have helpful attendants. Whatever your laundry needs are, you can find a suitable place to get your clothes clean. There's an opportunity to support Special Olympics athletes by jumping into the waters at the SIU Rec Center in Carbondale on Feb. 25 as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge, according to a news release from Special Olympics Illinois. The funds raised will benefit Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities in Carbondale and the surrounding counties. Check-in begins at 11 a.m, 8:30 a.m. for the Donut Dash. People are encouraged to come in costumes and form teams. Each team member must also raise the minimum of $100 in donations, and all team members individual fundraising totals will be merged to form a combined team total. Each participant will receive a Polar Plunge sweatshirt. There are also incentive items for raising more money with grand prizes, including a seven-night trip for two adults to Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun, Mexico. For every $500 a plunger raises, he/she will get an entry into the drawing for this grand prize. The Polar Donut Dash 5K will be held in conjunction with the Carbondale Polar Plunge. This is the only 5K around that not only tests your speed, but your ability to eat donuts. Participants will be treated to multiple donut stops along the route and will receive a minute deduction from their overall time for each donut they consume along the course. Awards will be given to the top three individuals in each age category. Plungers and Donut Dashers can register for the Plunge at www.plungeillinois.com or by contacting Linda Wunder at 618-457-2969. Last-minute Plungers are welcome to register on site the morning of the Plunge. Editor's Note: Throughout February, The Southern will run a series of profiles of Civil War veterans on Sundays. The profiles are from a special exhibit at the John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro called "Forgotten Soldiers: Jackson County's African-American Civil War Veterans." The exhibit is part of A Celebration of Freedom, which commemorates Black History Month. Stephen Bostick (1844-1928) USS General Bragg, United States Navy Stephen Bostick was born a slave in 1844, on the Plantation of John Bostick in Williamson County, Tennessee. Inherited by Mary Manoah Bostick McGavock and her husband, Dr. Felix Grundy McGavock, he, like his brothers, Hardin and Dudely, was taken to Arkansas in 1859 to open up their new plantation. Just four days after the Emancipation Proclamation, he enlisted in the Union Navy. Bostick served on the USS General Bragg, a side wheel steamer built in 1851. After Bostick was wounded in his right arm in the Battle of Tunica Bend, Louisiana, on June 15, 1864, he was transferred to the hospital ship Pinckney. He was medically discharged from the Navy on Nov. 15, 1864. Bostick received his first pension payment in Hamilton County, Ohio, and then had his payment transferred to Murphysboro, where he had moved. He married Chaney Wood in Jackson County in January 1869. The 1880 census documents that his family lived in Pomona Township with seven children and that Bostick was a farmer with a mortgage. In 1907, like many successful farmers, Bostick paid to have his photograph included in the Jackson County atlas. The Bostick Settlement shown in the atlas had farms, a school, a church and a cemetery. Only the cemetery is still standing. Because of his race, Bosticks photograph was placed on a page by itself and not listed among the other illustrations in the table of contents. Bosticks wife, Chaney, died in 1917, and he followed a decade later in 1928. They are buried next to each other in Bostick Cemetery with a gravestone they had purchased before her death. Neither of their death dates are carved on the stone. Compiled by P. Michael Jones, director of the General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro. Algeria and Venezuela, as members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), are coordinating efforts to bring back balance to the global oil market, visiting Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez said in Algiers on Saturday. "We are maintaining our coordination to re-balance the market and obtain fair and sustainable prices, which take into account the interests of the producing countries and the overall functioning of the world economy," the Venezuelan foreign minister told reporters upon her arrival at the International Airport of Algiers. The OPEC and non-OPEC members agreed later last year to cut output by 1.5 million barrels per day for six months as by Jan. 1, 2017, in a bid to bring back balance to the market. "I came with very good news, as the OPEC members are perfectly implementing the historic agreement one month only after its entry into force," she said. The Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that this visit is an opportunity to continue dialogue in a bid to strengthen coordination between the OPEC members following their historical agreement in Algiers. Copycat terracotta warriors in east China have fueled hot discussions after pictures of the army replica recently surfaced on the Internet. The replica, located in a theme park in Taihu County, Anhui Province, boasts up to 1,000 warriors. Pictures on the park's official website show the warriors standing in line, and on one side of the army stands a statue of China's first emperor Qinshihuang, waving his hand. According to the website, the park was completed in 2008, and the warriors have been open to visitors ever since. The original terracotta warriors are located in Xi'an City, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The relics were first discovered by farmers underneath a pomegranate orchard in Xi'an in 1974. The images of the copycat army fueled a heated discussion on the Internet, with many questioning whether the display of the Anhui warriors is an act of infringement. Authorities with the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, which manages the Xi'an terracotta warriors, apparently caught wind of the replica and have issued a statement on its website. The museum said that any act of using the museum's name and its registered trademarks without authorization is an act of infringement. "The museum did not permit or give authorization to the displaying of the copycat terracotta warriors in Taihu County of Anhui Province," said the statement. "We reserve the right to take legal action against any violators in accordance with law." "The replicated warriors pose unfair competition," said Yan Yuxin, a lawyer for the museum. "We have sent a lawyer's letter to them." Yang Ming, a law professor with Peking University, said that the key is to find out whether the Anhui organizers have advertised their replica as the genuine one. "If they did promote it as a replica, then it is a debatable issue." On the Anhui park's official website, an introduction to the warriors said that "the replica of the terracotta warriors is intended to let the public feel the culture of the Qin Dynasty." Liu Simin, deputy head of the tourism branch of China Society for Futures Studies, said that such copycat behavior is not worth promoting. "Making such replicas is disrespectful to the original ones," Liu said. "Related departments should come up with ways to handle infringing behavior, which are still rampant in China." WEST COLUMBIA Clemson University experts are ready to help South Carolina farmers and food-processing facilities meet requirements brought about by the biggest change in food safety laws in 80 years. This legislation, the Food Safety Modernization Act, comes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and was signed into law on Jan. 4, 2011. The earliest compliance dates for some farms is to begin this November. Clemson University is providing FDA-approved training for anyone interested in becoming certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals. The training is called Preventive Controls for Human Food Regulation and will be offered from 8:30 a.m.to 5 p.m., Feb. 15-17, in the Phillips Market Center, 117 Ballard Court Highway, West Columbia, S.C. 29172. The Food Safety Modernization Act is an update of federal laws for food safety, said Julie Northcutt, professor and Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Program team leader for Food Safety and Nutrition. "Prior to the passage of this act, we were operating under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938. This is the biggest overhaul of our food safety system in about 80 years. The Produce Safety Rule is one component of the Food Safety Modernization Act and applies to produce that may be consumed raw by humans. It affects farmers in South Carolina who grow peaches, melons, berries, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, spinach and other fresh produce. Clemson experts are working with members of the S.C. Department of Agriculture to design plans to assist South Carolina farmers with the new law, including hiring new people at both institutions. This rule establishes standards for growing, harvesting, packing and holding produce on farms, said Scott Whiteside, professor and Clemson Extension specialist. This law is designed to shift the focus from responding to foodborne illness outbreaks to preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. We will be working with members of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to assist our farmers in becoming compliant with this new rule. One of the requirements of this new legislation is for each food processing facility to have at least one PCQI to oversee or conduct preparation of a food safety plan, reanalysis of the food safety plan, validation of preventive controls and review of records. Becoming a PCQI requires successful completion of an FDA-approved training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls, or have this training through approved qualified job experience. Cost of the training is $750 and includes a Preventive Control Guide, Association of Food and Drug Officials certification fee, Preventive Control Exercise Book, lunch and snacks. Individuals successfully completing this course and passing the course exam will become a PCQI and can perform all the food safety activities as outlined in FSMA. Class size is limited to 25 participants. To register, go to http://bit.ly/2jPzSa2. Anyone with questions about the training can contact Adair Hoover, cpope@clemson.edu. FSMA is a comprehensive law. the Produce Safety Rule is only one of seven key elements it covers. Farmers who are not exempt from the Produce Safety Rule should attend training to help them document safe-handling practices on the five areas covered in the rule. For a complete list of exemptions to the rule, read the FSMA Final Rule on Produce Safety. The FDA has published a flow chart to help identify who is exempt and who is not exempt. The FSMA also covers human food (in addition to fresh produce) and animal food. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 48 million people (1 in 6 Americans) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases. A study by the FDA of foodborne disease outbreaks between 1996 and 2010 showed approximately 131 produce-related reported outbreaks, resulting in 14,350 outbreak-related illnesses, 1,382 hospitalizations and 34 deaths. The study also showed that contamination was likely to have happened early in the production chain, during growing, harvesting, manufacturing, processing, packing, holding or transportation. These outbreaks were associated with approximately 20 different fresh produce commodities. FDA officials said the passage of FSMA enables the administration to better protect public health by strengthening the food safety system. This law allows FDA officials to focus more on preventing food safety problems rather than relying primarily on reacting to problems after they occur. Animals at the Orangeburg SPCA received food, toys and cat litter thanks to the generosity of the students, faculty and staff at Sheridan Elementary School. The students embarked on a special Community Caring Project in recognition of the 100th day of school on Feb. 6. Students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade had been collecting puppy food, dog food, toys for dogs and cats and cat litter as part of the project, in which faculty and staff also participated. The Sheridan Elementary family gathered Monday morning in the school's Media Center to celebrate surpassing their goal of 100 items. Sheridan Librarian Michele Crane said 206 items had been collected as of Monday. "The students in the lower grades always do some type of project, so we wanted to do something to get the entire school involved with the 100th day. We thought of the SPCA and that that would be a way to help our community," Crane said. She is pleased that the collection goal of 100 items was met and then some. "They did a wonderful job -- they really did. They were so excited every time they would come down and bring something," Crane said. "This teaches the children the importance of being a part of the community and helping their community." Penny Garrett, executive director of the Orangeburg SPCA Maude Schiffley Chapter, said the donated items will come in handy. "It's absolutely wonderful. We try to keep our dogs as normal as possible and in doing that, we have to have the toys and the treats. We are always short on puppy food; we're always overrun with puppies. The donations from the children and from the school will keep us being able to feed the dogs and treat the dogs and the cats for approximately two weeks," Garrett said. She said the school's donation helps the SPCA as it works to make itself more visible in the community, while it also enables the organization to use existing funds for other purposes. "That is a great financial burden off of us. We can use the money for medical issues, on spaying and neutering, and it introduces the SPCA to these children," Garrett said. "We are 60 years old this year, and now the children know that there is a place that cares for, houses and takes care of stray animals in their community." Sheridan Elementary Principal Sammie Gordon said he was also pleased with the effort. "I think they did an excellent job to show that we care about the community and that we care about our responsibility to the animals," Gordon said. "Our students and their parents found it in their hearts that it was worth making the donations." Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and the Center for Creative Partnerships will present Community Cinema, a social justice film series, this spring. Three films will be shown in Roquemore Auditorium, Building R, on the campus of OCtech, beginning with Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun by Kristy Andersen at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23. Additional films in the series are Rosenwald by Aviva Kempner on Thursday, March 16, and The Ipson Saga by Jay Ipson on Thursday, April 20. The series is free and open to the public. The goal of the film series is to engage and empower young people and the community to advocate for educational, economic, political and social equality, OCtech President Dr. Walt Tobin said. Following the viewing of each film, a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers and humanities scholars will be held. The project will promote the sharing of ideas, encourage the community to consider different points of view and foster critical thinking, said Ellen Zisholtz, CCP co-president. Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun explores the life of one of the most important writers of 20th-century African-American literature, best known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. Hurstons grandniece, Lois Gaston, will join filmmaker Andersen for a discussion after the film. Rosenwald tells of the partnership between businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, the son of Jewish immigrants, and Booker T. Washington, who was born into slavery and rose to become the founder of the Tuskegee Institute and an advisor to U.S. presidents. Together, they built 5,500 schools for African-American children in the South. Filmmaker Kempner will be on hand to discuss the film. The Ipson Saga is the story of the survival of the Ipson family. Filmmaker Ipson, who survived the Holocaust with his family in Lithuania and co-founded the Virginia Holocaust Museum, will discuss his film, and Dr. Millicent Brown, historian and civil rights advocate, will relate the Holocaust to the African-American community from a historic and contemporary perspective. The film series is funded in part by OCtech and South Carolina Humanities and sponsored by Cox Industries Inc. Having served the area since 1937, The Salvation Army is looking to increase its impact in the community with the grand opening of a new family thrift store on Friday morning. The organization operates a family thrift store that provides clothes, furniture and household items for sale, with the proceeds going back into the community to pay for utility, rent and other needs of individuals and families. Government, business and community leaders converged upon the new thrift store located in Edisto Village Shopping Center at 459 Stonewall Jackson St. SW in Orangeburg on Friday. The old store was located downtown at 1047 Broughton St. Salvation Army Capt. Wanda Long said the new 8,500-square-foot store is larger and has more parking spaces. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. By increasing the square footage of the store, having extended hours, ample parking for our customers -- not to mention our visibility to customers and donors in the community -- we can serve more people in the community who need help and hope that the Salvation Army brings, she said. The majority of our funding for social services comes from sales in our family stores. Orangeburg Mayor Pro Tem Liz Zimmerman Keitt enthusiastically greeted the crowd. The mayor, the city council members, along with all city employees, are just happy to see this facility. It helps us because it brings more people down in the area. We thank you so much for being here, Keitt said. Come and shop every day so that we can keep the Salvation Army open and help all persons that we need to help in the City of Orangeburg." Orangeburg resident Albertha Frazier was one of Friday's shoppers. She said she has always come to the thrift store. "We're supposed to help each other, and I want to help. That's what I'm here for. These clothes here as just as good as new ones," she said. Long said maintaining the older building was not financially feasible for the organization. The Broughton Street location was in need of some repairs, and after the 2105 flood and the impact that the store took during Hurricane Matthew, it was evident that repairs were going to be costly. So at this time, the Broughton Street propertys future is undecided, she said. The captain added, We have enjoyed being in downtown Orangeburg for many years. The decision to move the Broughton Street store was not an easy one for us, but we are led by our commitment of stewardship to our donors and many partners. This move will help us keep that promise to better serve our neighbors in need so we can increase our impact on the community. Long and her husband, Capt. Robert Long, have been commanders of the local Salvation Army since June 2012 after moving from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Our community has come together today to take a stand to serve each other," Robert Long said. "As the Lord has said: love thy neighbor. And with your donations, your support, we stay here in Orangeburg County and help each other do the most good. He said boxes will soon be placed in the front parking lot of the shopping center and in the back so people can drop off donated items. In the meantime, donations can be dropped off at the new store location from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Maj. John Birks of the Salvation Armys Charlotte, North Carolina-based North and South Carolina Division attended the grand opening, along with Maj. Paul Cranford, Divisional Headquarters director of Family Stores for North and South Carolina. Birks said the Orangeburg family store, which also serves as a donation center, is the 91st store opened in the Salvation Army of the Carolinas division. "The Salvation Army family store is much more than just a place to shop. ... It's a place where people can drop off their gently-used products, he said. Birks added, It is a place of service. Today we are rejoicing because the Lord has shown his favor once again through the opening of this facility. ... We dedicate this facility today in order to fulfill the mission and ministry of the Salvation Army to meet human needs in Jesus' name." Melinda Jackson, executive director of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, said, We're so elated to have you guys here. We'll support you in any way we can. This is an awesome opportunity. I've been here 46 years, and never has the Salvation Army had such a presence with a store like this." Doug Tourville, president of Pin High LLC, which owns Orangeburg Country Club and Buckridge Plantation, was also on hand. He praised the Longs efforts to keep the Salvation Army thriving and functional. He said he and his wife have enjoyed working with the Longs to help fulfill the Salvation Armys service mission. Were just so blessed to have Robert and Wanda Long here. Theyre a dynamic duo. Theyre the real deal. They go out and they work and help people 24-7, Tourville said. To donate to or volunteer with the organization, call 803-534-6805 or mail to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 958, Orangeburg, SC 29116. An Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five trustee voiced concern at Tuesdays meeting about the ratio of teachers to students in the English Speakers of Other Languages program. Trustee Samuel Farlow asked if the students are receiving the services that they deserve, that they need. According to Dr. Sharon Quinn, executive director of ESOL and Early Childhood, the district is currently serving 172 students with three teachers. She said a fourth teacher in the district has been identified and selected but will be staying in her current classroom assignment this year because of a teacher shortage. The teacher will join the ESOL teaching team in the 2017-2018 school year, she said. I believe that the students are receiving the minimum amount of services, Quinn said in response to Farlow. I do believe that we do have the need for the fourth teacher who has been identified. Looking at a report, trustee Vernon Stephens noted that the most of the individual student groups are small, average three to four students. Quinn said that the larger groups contain students who are more advanced toward verbal and written proficiency in English. Stephens asked about the students academic performance over time. The language deficiency is not an intellectual or academic deficiency, Quinn said. She said it would be the equivalent of her going to another country like Mexico or the Dominican Republic, and whereas she would do well here, she might struggle there. Its not the content, its the language deficiency. So once we learn the language, the intellect kicks in, she said. So yes, I do think they perform quite well over time. In other business at Tuesdays board meeting: Quinn gave an instructional services update in the absence of Dr. Cynthia Cash-Greene. She said the dates for third-quarter interim reports and report cards to be issued was changed due to missed days because of Hurricane Matthew. She said that three missed days have already been made up on Jan. 8-10. Three more will be made up on Feb. 20, March 17 and May 31. Later in the meeting, the board approved a motion to add three days to the end of the school year, June 1, 2 and 5. Quinn also discussed the districts upcoming summer reading camp which aids elementary students who have fallen behind in literacy skills. The camp is intended to get students reading on their grade level by third grade. The camp is offered to third-graders not showing reading proficiency, and the district also invites second-graders going into third grade, she said after the meeting. According to Quinn, the state will require next year that third-graders not reading on their grade level to repeat third grade. She also have an update on the districts implementation of the Effective Learning Environment Observation Tool, or ELEOT. The tool was created by the districts accrediting agency, AdvancED. It is used to gauge if students are learning and absorbing what is taught in the classroom, she said after the meeting. Small groups from the instructional services department spend 10 minutes observing in individual classrooms, looking to see if the students are learning, engaged, involved and participating in discussions. The observations are performed three times per school year, she said, and have been completed twice so far this year, with 1,000 classrooms having been observed so far. Quinn said the use of the tool has no punitive effect, but a general informational debriefing is given to the district at the end of the school year. The district is preparing for an accreditation visit next year, Superintendent Dr. Jesse Washington said. At the beginning of the meeting, trustee Henry Jenkins made a motion to add an agenda item to discuss expense authorization and reimbursement, and the motion was approved. Later, trustees discussed changing the reimbursement policy for travel expenses of district employees. Stephens said there has been no change in the policy since 1997. We need to make sure that we take care of (employees) adequately, Stephens said. Trustee Julius Page asked Donnie Boland, head of finance and operations, to survey other districts to gauge if an increase in reimbursement rates is needed. Boland said that a lot of districts use the per diem rate that the federal government pays its employees, which varies for different municipal areas. For example, the rate for Charleston or Hilton Head is higher than less expensive areas. What I would suggest, if we look at revising the policy and the rule, is to simply reference these federal rates, he said. That way, you wont have to keep revisiting the policy. When the allowance changes at the federal level, our policy will automatically change. Trustees agreed to consider the change at Marchs board meeting. Boland gave a monthly finance and operations report. Total revenue for December was $6,183,617, Boland said, and expenditures were $4,770,976. The board also voted to approve the budget calendar for the 2017-2018 school year. He added that there was a slight increase in revenue coming through the states Education Finance Act over the same time last year. So thats a good place to be at this time of the year, he said. During a report by interim chief of human resources Robert Grant, trustees discussed the problem of a teacher shortage. Farlow asked about the possibility of offering signing bonuses to attract teachers to the district. Washington said that it is being considered, as is the option of offering a relocation package. But something needs to be done, he said. The board heard from three students in the gifted and talented program at Brookdale Elementary School, accompanied by Principal Dr. Sharon Hampton, who spoke about the value of the program and how much they enjoy it. Principal Sammie Gordon of host school Sheridan Elementary spoke and played a video highlighting the many positive things going on at his school. Orangeburg Leadership Academy Principal Eric Brown and students, staff, parents and others talked about the positive impact the educational program has had on the students who participate. OLA is a single-gender program for third-, fourth- and fifth-grade boys and currently serves 21 students. Brown thanked the board for their support and said that the district plans to expand the program to first through fifth grades and 80 students by 2018. Stephens gave the legislative report. He said that while in Washington, D.C., for a conference, several board members visited the U.S. House and Senate offices to lobby for the district. Farlow asked Washington if the district has a policy on bereavement time. Washington said that there is currently not policy but it has been discussed in the past. Farlow asked that the district set such a policy. The board discussed a personnel issue in closed session. When they returned, they approved a recommendation to terminate an employee. The written content of this blog is copyrighted and may not be reproduced, printed or page saved in any form without my express permission. The views and opinions expressed herein are my own and they are intended for mature audiences only.With regard to images posted on this blog, I do not claim ownership over any images used herein unless otherwise expressly declared. These images remain the property of their respective owners. If you are the legitimate owner of any images used here and wish to have the images removed, please email me and I will remove them.Regarding links displayed within this blog, I am neither responsible, nor do I have control over the content of any external websites to which readers may be directed.All written content unless otherwise attributed, Copyright 2006 - 2022 by Christopher Flournoy. Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship. 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. Chinese Dream [By Gu Peili / China.org.cn] Xi Jinping was the first president of China to attend the annual World Economic Summit in Davos, Switzerland, last January. That, in itself, is headline news. However, it's more meaningful to examine not only what he said or the recipients of the message, but how it impacts on the current uncertain geopolitical environment. The highlight was his championing of the merits of globalization at a time when this being deeply contested elsewhere in the world. It's obvious he was trying to map out some idea of what a Chinese vision of common global destiny might be. Xi differs from past Chinese leaders. His tone is more expressive, and he attempts to be more communicative and outgoing, using almost homely language. What Xi didn't explicitly do, perhaps surprisingly, was to use the phrase "Chinese Dream," a slogan promoted under his leadership, although it was there, implicitly, providing a juxtaposition with Donald Trump's intention to "Make American Great Again." As leaders of the two most powerful countries in the world, they could not be more different on political and economic issues with one exception - they both value dreaming. People, a word both mention repeatedly, are the crux of this shared vision to inspire people to unite and march forward to restore the greatness of their respective countries. That, however, raises the question: what do the dreams really mean? While "Make American Great Again" is all about America coming first, the Chinese dream needs more definition. As Jeffrey Wasserstrom, author and China scholar, has commented, "Xi's Chinese Dream is protean. He associates it with different things at different times in different places. At its core, though, is national rejuvenation." Xi's Chinese dream contains many facets. It is the dream of people's happiness, for instance, or the dream of national prosperity, the dream of peaceful and sustainable development, the dreams of the young generation, the dream of the "belt and road" as a link to connect with the world. And so, the list goes on. One thing is very clear. The Chinese dream in this context is more about the nation and less about the individual - an essential difference with the American dream. As an ancient civilization which went through long humiliation in the 19th and 20th centuries and has just begun, again, its rise as a great power, the imperative for the rejuvenation of a strong China indeed constitutes as the most appealing and strongest message for Chinese at home and abroad. However, what does it mean to the rest of humankind? One clue is in the way Xi opened his Davos speech. He referred to the Chinese New Year custom of people visiting family and friends, clearly suggesting China is a friend, with benign intent. Yet, many in the outside are still undecided - is China a friend or foe, an opportunity or threat? Yet, these binary divisions simply indicate a paucity of imagination. It is, in fact, an argument to be worked out, wanting to be better understood. Painting China as a foe simply doesn't help understand amid the complexity of its current global rule and its future. With his quote from Dicken's about "best of times and worst of times" and his references to Daoist Yin and Yang, President Xi at least admitted in Davos that pretty much everything looks mixed these days. We live with no easy solutions to hand. Even globalization stands as a double-edged sword. However, Xi also stated that there was no choice but to grasp this sword. "No one will emerge as a winner in a trade war." Xi's approach is infused with the ancient idea in Chinese of harmony not being about finding perfection but instead being pragmatic and resourceful and trying to find balance even between negatives and positive. That starts to sound a bit more collegial and collaborative than the blunt Trumpist assertion of America first. Trump's ascent makes it clear there is a real possibility of a much more isolationist, protectionist America, one that wants to carry on dreaming, but only on its own terms. For China under Xi now the challenge is to come up with a dream it can share with the rest of the world. Kerry Brown is professor of Chinese studies and director of the Lau China Institute, King's College, London, and associate fellow, Chatham House, London, on the Asia Program. Lili Zhao is a programme director at Zurich Institute of Business Education, and a member of China Europe International Business School (CEIBS). Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Euromoney Conferences and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) has announced a stellar line-up of leading international and regional industry experts to speak at the sixth annual GCC Financial Forum in Bahrain. More than 600 high-level delegates will participate and discuss how the GCC region will fund its future at the event set to take place on February 27 and 28. Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Bahrains Minister of Finance, will address the forum for the very first time. Delegates will have the unique opportunity to participate in an open town-hall session with Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) in what has now become one of the well-established highlights of the annual forum. The illustrious line-up of speakers will include Francis Fukuyama, the world-renowned political commentator, futurist and author of The End of History and the Last Man, as well as Lord Adair Turner, chairman of the Institute for New Economic Thinking and former head of the UKs financial regulator, the FSA. The forum audience will also hear from two of the regions leading bank chief executives: Adel A. El Labban, chief executive of Ahli United Bank and Bassel Gamal, group chief executive of Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB). On the second day, keynote interviews will be held with Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji, chief executive officer of Mumtalakat, and Chris Skinner, a well-known fintech commentator and author. Victoria Behn, head of Middle East and Africa at Euromoney Conferences said: As GCC countries seek to reduce their dependence on oil revenues and to diversify their economies, the regions leaders are setting a new trajectory for the regions future development. At the height of this pivotal phase, we are proud to host such a diverse and high-calibre line-up of speakers who will share their experience and expertise. We believe the presentations, keynote interviews and panel discussions will provide our participants with valuable insights and ideas to enable them to find real solutions to the current challenges they face. TradeArabia News Service The UAE-based Julphar, a leading pharmaceutical company in the region, expects the regional market to improve this year. Despite the difficult and uncertain times in the regional economic cycle, overall, the company is expecting improvements in the Mena pharmaceutical markets in 2017, the company said following a board of directors meeting. The meeting, chaired by HH Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, reviewed the companys last years performance and future expectations. Julphar plans a launch a range of new products this year and the optimisation of its operations will support its ambitions to drive sustainable growth, a statement said. We are confident in the future and we maintain a positive sentiment, said Julphars chief financial officer Jerome Carle. The company has delivered another robust performance in 2016, and this year, we are expecting a solid growth of the overall healthcare industry in GCC which remains a cornerstone of our business. On a local level, our ongoing approach is to continue to work with the UAE authorities. With the increased healthcare expenditure from local governments investing in new hospitals and in the industry in general, we firmly believe 2017 will offer significant growth potentials for healthcare in the country. Julphar is the largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer in Middle East and North Africa (Mena), producing over 200 branded products across its 15 manufacturing facilities. TradeArabia News Service French manufacturer France Helices, a leader in high-technology manufacture of marine propulsion, will showcase its range at the upcoming Dubai International Boat Show in Dubai, UAE. The event runs from February 28 to March 4 at Dubai International Marine Club. From sailing yachts to superyacht, passenger boat, commercial fishing and work boats, defence vessels France Helices produces high quality custom made propellers, surface drive systems, shaft lines and spare parts according to ISO484-2 and corporate social responsibility. According to Jean-Michel Latronico, export sales engineer at France Helices, participating at Dubai Boatshow, the company is back to the Emirates market with a type of propulsion having a real potential in the country, such as class S propellers and Surface Drive Systems for fast yachts. This SDS, tested and approved for 25 years by shipyards and engine manufacturers, needless spare parts than other system and has low maintenance costs: Reliable, efficient and safe! France Helices team of engineers is assisted with computational fluid dynamics software and latest 5 axis CNC machinery in order to control every aspect of class-S propellers manufacture process to perfection. France Helices is exporting to shipyards all over the world (Asia, Turkey, Algeria, Europe, Canada). TradeArabia News Service Wilo, a leading manufacturer of pumps and pump systems, celebrated laying the foundation stone for its new facility, which will be located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) of Dubai. By investing in the Dubai economic hub, Wilo is acknowledging the regions growing prominence and responding to the growing requirements of the market, the company said in a statement. The role of the city as a platform and logistic hub for trade in the Middle East, Dubais efficient infrastructure by land, sea and air and the long-term economic stability offered by this country were the crucial factors tipping the balance in favour of investing here. The construction is scheduled for completion in early 2018, Carsten Krumm, COO of Wilo SE, said. The 8,000-sq-m complex will have its own assembly line and also feature office space, showrooms, a logistics centre and dedicated training rooms. The training rooms, the so-called Wilo-Academy, offer dealers, engineers, installations and consumers a perfect location for attending training sessions for the various applications of Wilo products, it said. The new Wilo facilities will be among the most energy-efficient of its class in Dubai and will be awarded with the prestigious Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. Wilo not only produces highly efficient products, the company also manufactures and assembles them at highly efficient locations, it said. Wilo is a leading German company with proven quality products such as high-power pumps used in the construction and management of water and other industrial sectors. Since founding the regional headquarters in 2008, the company has expanded its facilities in Jafza, reflecting its commitment to meeting the needs of customers. Wilos new facility gives it greater flexibility to expand and Jafza will provide the necessary support to enable it to meet company objectives, the company said. TradeArabia News Service Middle East Sulphur, a new regional conference devoted to exploring the growing role of the Middle East as the worlds largest producer of sulphur, opened today (February 12) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Taking place until February 16 at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the event is organised by CRU Events, a subsidiary of the business intelligence company CRU Group, which specialises in the global metals, mining and fertilizer markets. The inaugural conference, sponsored by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), the worlds largest producer of sulphur, will provide a thorough exploration of the entire sulphur chain from discussions on the global market dynamics and insights into the role of the Middle East, through to demand updates from key consumers; and a focus on the operational aspects of the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible production of sulphur. CRUs Middle East Sulphur Conference is fully aligned with the UAE Governments vision to create new value for sulphur to support the continued diversification of the nation into a thriving knowledge based economy. The interactive event, which will include roundtables, top level panel discussions, workshops and technical training, will bring together a wide variety of participants from both commercial and technical backgrounds, from across the international sulphur community and over 460 delegates from 33 countries are confirmed to attend. Attendees are expected to include suppliers, producers, researchers and academics, operators and technical staff and technology providers. The event will also attract professionals working in related fields including logistics, distribution, engineering and integrated media outlets. The technical programme will run over two consecutive days on February 14 and 15 and will feature world-leading industry experts who will also be on hand to share their experiences and insights of encouraging collaboration to solve operational challenges and promoting peer-to-peer knowledge transfer whilst providing an ideal networking platform. Attendees will also have access to a world-class exhibition showcasing the most innovative technologies used in the industry. CEO of CRU Events, Nicola Coslett said: We are delighted to be launching the regions first specialised sulphur conference in Abu Dhabi. This is a pivotal time for the sulphur industry and we expect the Middle East and particularly Abu Dhabi to continue to see supply growth throughout the next year with the region becoming an increasingly important origin for sulphur supply. The conference will bring together a number of important stakeholders for lively discussions to ensure that the industry continues to grow and improve with the UAE at its core. TradeArabia News Service Ford Motor Company is investing $1 billion during the next five years in Argo AI, an artificial intelligence company, to develop a virtual driver system for the automakers autonomous vehicle coming in 2021 and for potential licence to other companies. Founded by former Google and Uber leaders, Argo AI is bringing together some of the most experienced roboticists and engineers working in autonomy from inside and outside of Ford. The team of experts in robotics and artificial intelligence is led by Argo AI founders Bryan Salesky, company CEO, and Peter Rander, company COO. Both are alumni of Carnegie Mellon National Robotics Engineering Center and former leaders on the self-driving car teams of Google and Uber, respectively. The next decade will be defined by the automation of the automobile, and autonomous vehicles will have as significant an impact on society as Fords moving assembly line did 100 years ago, said Ford president and CEO Mark Fields. As Ford expands to be an auto and a mobility company, we believe that investing in Argo AI will create significant value for our shareholders by strengthening Fords leadership in bringing self-driving vehicles to market in the near term and by creating technology that could be licensed to others in the future. The current team developing Fords virtual driver system the machine-learning software that acts as the brain of autonomous vehicles will be combined with the robotics talent and expertise of Argo AI. This innovative partnership will work to deliver the virtual driver system for Fords SAE level 4 self-driving vehicles. Ford will continue to lead on development of its purpose-built autonomous vehicle hardware platform, as well as on systems integration, manufacturing, exterior and interior design, and regulatory policy management. Argo AI will join forces with Fords autonomous vehicle software development effort to strengthen the commercialization of self-driving vehicles. Argo AIs agility and Fords scale uniquely combine the benefits of a technology start-up with the experience and discipline of the automakers industry-leading autonomous vehicle development program. We are at an inflection point in using artificial intelligence in a wide range of applications, and the successful deployment of self-driving cars will fundamentally change how people and goods move, said Salesky. We are energized by Fords commitment and vision for the future of mobility, and we believe this partnership will enable self-driving cars to be commercialized and deployed at scale to extend affordable mobility to all. The collaboration supports Fords intent to have a fully autonomous, SAE level 4-capable vehicle for commercial application in mobility services in 2021. Working together with Argo AI gives Ford a distinct competitive advantage at the intersection of the automotive and technology industries, said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Global Product Development, and chief technical officer. This open collaboration is unlike any other partnership allowing us to benefit from combining the speed of a start-up with Fords strengths in scaling technology, systems integration and vehicle design. Also complementing the relationship will be Ford Smart Mobility LLC, which will lead on the commercialization strategy for Fords self-driving vehicles. This includes choices for using autonomous vehicles to move goods and people, such as ride sharing, ride hailing or package delivery fleets. Ford will be the majority stakeholder in Argo AI. Importantly, Argo AI has been structured to operate with substantial independence. Its employees will have significant equity participation in the company, enabling them to share in its success. Argo AIs board will have five members: Nair; John Casesa, Ford group vice president, Global Strategy; Salesky; Rander; and an independent director. The $1 billion investment in Argo AI will be made over five years and is consistent with the autonomous vehicle capital allocation plan shared last September as part of Ford Investor Day. By the end of this year, Argo AI expects to have more than 200 team members, based in the companys Pittsburgh headquarters and at major sites in Southeastern Michigan and the Bay Area of California. Argo AIs initial focus will be to support Fords autonomous vehicle development and production. In the future, Argo AI could license its technology to other companies and sectors looking for autonomous capability. TradeArabia News Service ABC News(NEW YORK) -- Senior White House policy adviser Stephen Miller doubled down on President Trumps unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud, including the presidents reported claim that thousands of voters were bused into New Hampshire to illegally cast ballots in the presidential election. I can tell you that this issue of busing voters in to New Hampshire is widely known by anyone whos worked in New Hampshire politics, Miller said on This Week Sunday. Its very real; its very serious. ABC News Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos asked Miller about Trump's claim this week that he would have won New Hampshire in November if not for the "thousands" of people bused into the state from Massachusetts to illegally vote. The president reportedly made the remark Thursday at a bipartisan meeting of ten senators, according to Politico, after which Federal Elections Commission member Ellen Weintraub responded that the president has made an extraordinarily serious and specific charge. She called on him to immediately share evidence of such fraud so the allegation could be investigated. I call upon @POTUS to immediately share NH voter-fraud evidence so that his allegations may be investigated promptly https://t.co/cyjUTMXptk pic.twitter.com/DAnsA1cB0n Ellen L Weintraub (@EllenLWeintraub) February 10, 2017 "Do you have that evidence?" Stephanopoulos asked Miller on This Week Sunday. "This morning on this show is not the venue for me to lay out all the evidence. But I can tell you this, voter fraud is a serious problem in this country, Miller said, pointing to claims of millions of people registered in two states, as well as deceased individuals and noncitizens registered to vote. Stephanopoulos pressed Miller on the specific claim of fraud in New Hampshire, asking, "You just claimed again that there was illegal voting in New Hampshire, people bused in from the state of Massachusetts. Do you have evidence of that? George, go to New Hampshire. Talk to anybody whos worked in politics there for a long time. Everybodys aware of the problem in New Hampshire, Miller responded. Stephanopoulos asked again, "Just for the record, you have provided absolutely no evidence. The presidents made a statement." "The White House has provided enormous evidence with respect to voter fraud, with respect to people being registered in more than one state," Miller said. Dead people voting, noncitizens being registered to vote. George, it is a fact and you will not deny it that are massive numbers of noncitizens in this country who are registered to vote. That is a scandal, Miller added. We should stop the presses and as a country we should be aghast about the fact that you have people who have no right to vote in this country registered to vote, canceling out the franchise of lawful citizens of this country. Thats the story we should be talking about. And Im prepared to go on any show, anywhere, anytime, and repeat it and say the president of the United States is correct, 100 percent." The president's allegation about New Hampshire follows his previous unsubstantiated statements that he lost the popular vote because of widespread voter fraud. White House press secretary Sean Spicer has said the president believes millions of votes were cast illegally during the 2016 election. "The president does believe that, I think he's stated that before, and stated his concern of voter fraud and people voting illegally during the campaign and continues to maintain that belief based on studies and evidence people have brought to him," Spicer said at a White House press briefing last month. Democratic New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen responded on Twitter to allegations made by Miller on Sunday. As everybody knows, Stephen Miller has no evidence of voter fraud in NH. This has been debunked. @realDonaldTrump didn't call for a recount Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) February 12, 2017 Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Flash A Chinese man's pre-wedding photo-shoot turned into a nightmare after as he was beaten by Vietnamese frontier officers, the Beijing Times is reporting. Photo provided by Ren Lili (alias) to Beijing Times shows Xie Feng (alias), the man who was beaten at Vietnam border. [Photo: Beijing Times] The paper says 28-year-old Xie Feng (alias) was left with soft tissue damage and four broken ribs on February 7, as he was returning to China through the port in Mong Cai with his mother and fiancee, after a trip to Vietnam to shoot wedding photos. Ren Lili (alias), Xie Feng's fiancee, told Beijing Times that the three of them handed over 330 yuan (about 48 USD) in total to frontier inspection staff and a security guard, as they entered Mong Cai port on January 25. However, on their return trip, Xie had been told by a friend that he didn't need to hand over any money. Then he turned around and started to head out of the customs hall. Ren said he was about to make a phone call to his friend as he wanted to check if that was true. "Then a woman who was asking for money started shouting something in Vietnamese, and seven or eight frontier officers rushed over to beat him," Ren said. Xie was handcuffed and brought back to the customs hall by force. The officers bound his feet and took him to an office on the second floor where they continued to beat him, Ren said. Their passports were also taken away, she said. Eventually, they put an exit stamp on Ren's passport and allowed her to leave. Once she arrived on the Chinese side she turned to the Chinese frontier officers for help. Xie and his mother were then allowed to leave with the help of Chinese frontier officers, and Xie was rushed to hospital. Ren also made contact with the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam and called the police during the incident. The China Embassy in Vietnam told Beijing Times that they had received a call about the incident at the time it happened, and lodged solemn representations with Vietnam's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Beijing Times reported. The Embassy said the incident was "shocking" and they were "indignant"; they said they had asked the Vietnam side to investigate the case thoroughly and severely punish those who were involved in the attack in accordance with the law, according to Beijing Times. Careem, the regions leading car hailing app, is collaborating with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support and raise awareness for programs to benefit refugees, asylum seekers and the stateless as well as returnee and internally displaced persons in the Mena region. Careem, which recently expanded to over 50 cities in the region, will be launching a UNHCR car type that will allow users to choose to support refugees. The function will provide a simple and easy way for users to actively help raise awareness and donations towards the growing refugee crisis, by simply commuting on a daily basis. Careem, which means to be generous in Arabic, was born with a simple purpose of simplifying and improving the lives of people, said Mudassir Sheikha, CEO and founder, Careem. From the region and for the region, this initiative comes, not in response to the growing public debate, but instead at a critical milestone in the ever-growing Syria and Iraq displacement crises which is nearing 9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and over 5 million Syrian and Iraqi refugees. As a responsible corporate citizen, Careem will work closely with UNHCR to help alleviate the situation and improve the lives of our community. The UNHCR car type will be launched at the end of February and will be a Careem Economy or GO car, with pre-determined contributions (respective to each country) to be donated for every completed trip, until the end of May, 2017. The UNHCR car type will gradually be streamlined across the region to be available in all markets, it said. TradeArabia News Service Dubai-based Emirates airline commemorated its fourth anniversary of the launch of its scheduled services between Warsaw and Dubai with a special A380 flight that touched down at Warsaw Chopin Airport on February 10. The celebratory A380 flight touched down at 1120am Warsaw time and was welcomed by hundreds of well-wishers, watching from the airport perimeter. The flight deck crew were Captain Yunis Al Marzouqi from the UAE and First Officer Tomasz Lubaczewski from Poland. Once docked at the terminal, airport executives, VIPs, trade partners and media enjoyed a guided static tour of the double-decker aircraft, hosted by members of Emirates cosmopolitan cabin crew. The tour gave the guests a chance to see first-hand the innovative amenities provided for passengers like the First Class Suites, Shower Spas and the On-board lounge. When Emirates launched the route in February 2013, Poland became the airlines 129th international destination. The new scheduled flight opened up enhanced opportunities for business, trade and tourism, strengthening ties between the UAE and Poland and forging a longstanding and invaluable partnership between the two countries. During the past four years, Emirates has carried over 700,000 passengers on the route. Through the airlines cargo operations it has provided vital links for businesses in both Poland and the UAE to ship their goods quickly and efficiently. The Emirates A380 operated into Warsaw as EK179, departing Dubai at 0805 and arriving in Warsaw at 1120 local time. On the return journey it serviced EK180 departing Warsaw at 1450 landing in Dubai at 2330. - TradeArabia News Service Dubai is gearing up to host the regions biggest wedding and lifestyle events - Bride Dubai - this week. Marking the 20th Anniversary since conception, Bride Dubai will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 15 18 with tickets now officially on sale. The event will be bigger and better than ever before this year. Showcasing over 250 exhibitors collectively, this years show will present all bridal needs from fashion dresses, wedding planners, home and accessories, Arabic fashion, jewellery, destinations, hair and beauty, and wedding preparations. Bride Dubai will offer the perfect showcase of the latest bridal and fashion trends tailored around the modern bride as a one-stop-shop for everything wedding and lifestyle related. For the event, the 20th year tickets available will include Standard Tickets to limited availability VIP Tickets. The tickets purchased will offer guests and brides-to-be the opportunity to explore an ultimate fashionable and indulgent day out, with access to world renowned celebrity designer fashion shows as well as a range of top line experiences including luxury goodie bags, priority access to beauty treatments, seating at the fashion show mainstage, beauty demonstrations, complimentary vouchers, meet and greets and VIP Lounge Access depending on the ticket category as listed further below. Showcasing a series of interactive zones, the Bride event highlights include; an Indulge ME Pamper Zone, where guests can take 30 minutes out from the buzz of the event for express treatments, a Jewellery Zone for guests to explore and try on that perfect wedding sparkle and a Creating the Celebration and Delightful Destinations Zone, where guests can receive expert tips and advice on how to make the perfect choices for a wedding day all under one roof. The Bride Wedding Awards will also take center stage in 2017. The awards will be a celebration of the past and present exhibitors of Bride, voted for and chosen by the industrys experts and customers. The awards will reveal the very best the wedding industry has to offer, with categories covering the key aspects of wedding planning. With prices starting at Dh20 ($5.4), visitors can get all details from the Bride website: www.thebrideshow.com. - TradeArabia News Service The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) concluded the seventh annual Sharjah Light Festival in a ceremony held at University City Hall on February 11. The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation and Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre; Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); and Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of SCTDA. Addressing the audience at the closing ceremony, Al Midfa said that Sharjah has always marched steadily towards its ambitious goals, drawing inspiration from the emirates wise leadership to persevere and achieve solid and sustainable successes. The Sharjah Light Festival is one of these cultural achievements that add to the development and renaissance movement launched by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Al Midfa added: We are proud of the cultural advances that Sharjah has made, these successes put us on par with the worlds leading countries. The festival gains world acclaimed and is associated with Sydney and Moscow light festivals. Sharjah is known for many qualities which make it a leading destination for tourism, science, and art. The emirates best feature, however, is the authentic Islamic architecture of its landmarks and buildings, which makes it ideal for this kind of festival, Al Midfa noted, asserting that the Sharjah Light Festival has successfully shed light on Sharjahs status as a cultural, touristic, and family destination of excellence. All of the festivals shows were appropriate for all members of the family who flocked from around the UAE and the world to attend the festivities, he said. The local and international media, as well, played an immense role in cementing Sharjahs place on the international tourism map. Concluding his speech, the SCTDA chairman thanked all those who contributed to the success and development of the festival in its seventh year, as well as the festivals sponsors and all local, Arab and international media outlets who attended the event and presented Sharjah and the Sharjah Light Festival in a positive light. The seventh annual Sharjah Light Festival took place from February 2 to 11, 2017. The Festival covered 14 locations across the entire Emirate of Sharjah: University City Hall, Cultural Palace, Al Noor Mosque, Al Taqwa Mosque, Al Qasba, Palm Oasis, Khalid Lagoon and the Corniche. Other locations around the emirate include Kalba University, Khor Fakkan University, Dibba Mosque, Al Dhaid Mosque, and Masjid Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi in Dibba. This in addition to the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies, which is joining the festivities for the first time this year. In the span of 10 days, the festival attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors who visited to the emirate to see the shows, which used cutting-edge 3D technology designed by world-class artists to highlight the architectural appeal of Sharjahs monuments and landmarks. - TradeArabia News Service Oil and gas companies have long grumbled that the Bureau of Land Management should allow more leases for energy development, and in the first sale of 2017, the agency appeared to deliver. Revenue-dry Wyoming made about $63 million in an oil and gas lease sale Tuesday in Cheyenne, where delighted industry folks flocked for a chance to bid and an opportunity to drill. About half of the $129.3 million collected by the BLM goes to the state. The total acres sold equals more than half of all leases in 2015. Industry contends that fewer leases resulted from a political strategy designed to slow down industry. They hope Februarys sale of tracts in the High Plains District represents a change. BLM officials say delayed, deferred and canceled leases result from a number of issues, from sage grouse to the recently completed resource management plans about an eight-year process. BLM is required to hold quarterly sales for oil and gas drilling on public land. Though last year a sale was canceled because of weather, the leases intended for that sale were later put up for bid, according to the BLM. The leasing process begins with industry petitioning tracts of land to go up for bid. Federal regulators put each of those parcels through an environmental assessment to gauge the possible impact on water, land and wildlife before adding the land to a lease sale. Of the 335 parcels of land nominated and reviewed for Tuesdays sale, 285 went up for bid. Most of the deferred parcels about 63,000 acres were put off for sage grouse. Two nominated parcels were within an incorporated town. Two were deemed unavailable for leasing under the BLMs resource management plan for that region, and two were either in conflict with coal leasing or in need of joint approval with the U.S. Forest Service, said Bradford Purdy, spokesman for the BLMs High Plains District. Purdy said he couldnt comment on a political change but did say the Buffalo Field Office, which manages the Powder River Basin region, had been creating a resource management plan that delayed leasing. The large and complicated management plans, which were developed across the west, can take almost a decade to complete. About 20 percent of Tuesdays parcels had been deferred from previous sales. I think one of the points of pride is [the field offices] are able to process a large number of [petitions for leases], Purdy said. From BLMs perspective, those are the two answers. We had a lot of [interest] in this area for this lease sale. Also we had an area up there that had been going through some land use plan amendments. Federal lands make up about 50 percent of Wyoming. While anglers, hikers and outdoorsmen celebrate the public access offered by federal lands, the rules governing public land slow industry development. Presidential changes Wyoming players have complained that the BLM has held out, delayed or canceled requested areas for lease to the detriment of the oil and gas industry and the state coffers. When the BLM field offices choose to withhold federal leases see 2015 and 2016 under Obama Wyoming citizens suffer on one, revenue generation and two, new projects queued up for exploration, said Cary Brus, senior vice president for Nerd Gas. Slower or more onerous leasing and drilling permitting for any reason makes Wyoming less competitive with other states, where a deal with a homeowner is all it takes to get under the ground, said Tom Swanson, a longtime Wyoming oil and gas independent. If the feds will not lease the lands for whatever reason, even if they just dont want to, we dont have any place to explore, he said. There have been fewer acres put up for lease by the BLM in recent years. In 2008, the year Barack Obama was inaugurated, 807,846 BLM acres were leased for oil and gas operations in Wyoming. The following fiscal year, 2009, that number fell to 110,344. Every year since the leases have involved fewer than 500,000 acres, except in 2011 when the BLM leased over 1 million acres in Wyoming. Oddly, new industry interests in acres for lease have also decreased in that time period. In calendar year 2008, inquiries were put in for 1.7 million acres in the state. That number fell by more than half the following year to 595,704 acres. A surprising aspect of Tuesdays sale was how much some companies were willing to pay. The highest bid for a single parcel Tuesday was more than $18 million. The highest bid for an acre was $16,500. They are essentially paying as if that ground is producing, said Swanson. That is what they do in all of these resource plays. Resource plays are known quantities, where there is a higher guarantee of profitability. Despite the recent slough of prices, rigs in the Permian Basin in West Texas and the Marcellus shale play in Pennsylvania appear to have left the bust behind. Acres there are going for two or three times Wyomings highest acre. However, those high bidders arent out exploring new plays they are paying for what they expect to get, Swanson said. Smaller Wyoming explorationists are looking for a deal, Swanson said. And though the small guys dont grab the high numbers, they were at Tuesdays sale looking for a good bet. Exploratory holes will always be drilled because of the return, Swanson said. If you pay $10,000 an acre to buy a lease versus someone that pays $20, and they both find oil, who is going to make the most? Wyoming is scheduled to have three more lease sales this year, but Tuesday was the last to take place in person. From now on the bidding wars will take place online. Crews cleared snow and avalanche debris from Wyoming Highway 22 on Saturday, and were able to open Teton Pass earlier than expected, according to a news release from the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The pass is south of Grand Teton National Park, between Jackson and Victor, Idaho. All roads into Jackson are now open to traffic, the release said. We have some of the best guys around, said WYDOT maintenance foreman Bruce Daigle. They have been working their tails off to get this pass open, and they did. Warm temperatures and increased precipitation caused avalanches earlier in the week that forced the closure of Snake River and Hoback canyons. U.S. 26-89 west of Hoback Junction and US. 189-191 south of Jackson and southeast of Hoback Junction were both reopened Friday, the release stated. A wind storm Tuesday night is suspected to have caused a power outage in Teton County, leaving anywhere from 3,500 to 4,000 customers in the area without electricity for several days. Lower Valley Energy was in the process of restoring electricity to Teton Village as of Saturday afternoon, according to a news release from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Some services in Teton Village were expected to be open Sunday. Most lifts, retail stores and restaurants at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort were expected to be operational Monday, the release stated. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For frequent fliers who cycle in and out of jail, a judge has begun writing into their release orders that they must take the bus to Salt Lake City. There are questions about a constitution convention Editor: In light of regular calls for a constitutional convention, or Convention of the States, as described by legislators Winters and Peterson in a recent editorial (January 31), the League of Women Voters of the United States recently studied the Constitutions Article V and its implications. The League found that substantial questions must be resolved before such an event would be productive. The brief Article V, which can easily be read in its entirety either in print or online, directs Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, which shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the states, as our legislators point out. But Article V specifies no process nor representational protocol for numbers and selection of delegates, nor for distribution of votes, nor how amendments would be deliberated and approved, nor any mechanism to establish such policies. These matters are likely to be contentious. The national Leagues resulting position calls for elected delegates numbered in proportion to population, which may not align with the interests of less-populated states. We applaud the raising of issues regarding the fundamentals of our government, and recommend that attention and thought be directed toward defining the procedures of such a convention well before one is called. PHOENIX An Arizona lawmaker has proposed legislation requiring the state to cut its vehicle fleet by 20 percent and to launch a program that could use ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft or other companies to provide transportation for state workers. Rep. Jeff Weninger, R-Chandler, said the state government owns too many vehicles and he wants taxpayer dollars used more efficiently for employee travel. The amount of vehicles that governments have is astounding, he said in an interview last week. Weningers House Bill 2440 requires a 20 percent cut in the state car and light truck fleet and the creation of a pilot program using rental cars, fleet management services, ride hailing services, vehicle for hire companies or private-public partnerships. The state would be free to choose from those options, which Weninger said would add transportation flexibility and leave room for technologies that do not exist. Weninger said his legislation targets about 13,000 vehicles used by state workers and excludes police cruisers, firetrucks and construction vehicles. Weninger previously served on the Chandler City Council and helped champion an effort that led to a 22 percent drop in the citys vehicle costs. We found our fleet was huge and we found that we had people that drove two times a week for a few hours each day, and they had their own car issued to them, Weninger said. And so we shrunk the fleet and we saved a lot of money. Chandler cuts its fleet by 25 percent, from 845 cars, light trucks and SUVs in 2009 to 617 cars now, said Chandler Management Services Director Dawn Lang said. The city saved $1.6 million annually and now spends about $6 million yearly on its fleet. Cooperation between city department heads to thoroughly assess vehicle assignments and use was key to the programs success, Lang said. It required everyone to be at the table to share how their employees work, Lang said. It allowed us to really hone in on where we could cut vehicles. The program was being put into place during the Great Recession and the cuts were made when the city was already looking at ways to cut costs. Rose Voyles and Genea Gettig may not be related by blood, but they consider each other sisters. Their mothers traveled to China together and adopted the girls when they were babies. They grew up in Tucson and were close to five other girls who were also adopted from China, none related. We may not have been adopted by the same parent or be blood related, but we have shared our lives together, taken care of each other, shared joy together and shared sorrow together, Rose, 18, said. Our sisterhood has been grown not made, and it will continue to flourish as we change and adapt to life together. They compare their story to the childrens book, The Seven Chinese Sisters, by Kathy Tucker and illustrated by Grace Lin. In the book, each sister has a special talent that helps defeat a dragon. The opening line reads: Once there were seven Chinese sisters that lived together and took care of each other. While we do not live together, one thing is clear: We will always be there to support and take care of each other, Rose said.Genea, 19, compares the special talents in the book with her sisters unique talents: Grace offers limitless creativity; Elizabeth offers hard work and dedication to a dream (she will soon be an architect); Ting Ting offers brilliance in music, Rose offers a smile and a willingness to be kind to anyone; Mei Mei offers an impeccable sense of style and great conversation; Genna offers laughs to others and a gentleness that is infectious. Favorite memories Rose: In 2005 to 2010 we would always have a summer barbecue before school started at a park in Tucson. Wed have a swim party. One of the moms would grill corn and wed have burgers and cupcakes and everything. Genea, 19: Its not exactly one memory, but many. When we were young, we would all get together for the Autumn Moon Festival. There was a jade rabbit and a moon princess. While we all, Im sure, have complicated relationships with our culture (being women of color with white parents) vs. our ethnicity, Autumn Moon Festival was always a carefree time in which we could spend time interacting with other Chinese people and our culture. We would all run through the park together and eat moon cake and pull up the skirt of the moon princess to look at the jeans underneath and exclaim, for sure, that she was in fact not a princess. Favorite qualities Rose: My favorite quality about Genea is the way she make a room light up with her laughter. When we all hang out together and it is dead silent because we are watching a movie or something, she can say one thing that would make the whole room laugh. Genea: Rose is always smiling. She has a way of finding humor in things and making others smile. She isnt necessarily a jokester, but she has a great sense of humor. On keeping in touch Rose attends to college in Flagstaff and Genea in Oregon. The other girls remain in Tucson. Rose: Luckily with technology advancing, we have a group chat with all the parents and all the sisters. And before we all had smart phones our parents were the main contributors for keeping us so close. Genea: Our correspondence has never been abundant, but when we get together we pick up exactly where we left off. While relationships require maintenance and dedication of time, our relationship is slightly different. We share a bond that, while equally meaningful as other relationships in our lives, requires little upkeep. We know that the others are there if we need them. sisterhood Rose: I think it is important for me to maintain our sisterhood because since we were all adopted, and we dont really have a connection to our birth families, so in a sense it feels to me that I do have my real sisters with me here in Tucson, Arizona, even though we are not blood related. Genea: Relationships take time. While we may not communicate all the time, we see each other a lot when were all in town. Its valuable because I have a small family. Its really just me, Genna, and my mother in my direct family. We had to make a family, and it worked out pretty nicely. being there Rose: Personally, my mother had two heart attacks and during that time it was really hard for me and my little sister, so we all reached out to each other ... We could always rely on them ... Another mother got really sick where her scoliosis was collapsing on her ... When she was in the hospital we were there every day to be there for them ... Weve had a few scares... Genea: There have been a few health issues within the family of the seven sisters. While in the hospital waiting rooms we could have shared fears and sadnesses, but we found playing games and watching movies together to be of greater support than ruminating on anxieties. We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Feb. 12 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages. A new era of deportations began last week, raising pressure not just on those who might be rounded up but also on local police likely to get caught in the middle of new immigration conflicts. When Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos checked in at the immigration office in Phoenix Wednesday something that had been a regular routine in the Obama era she ended up detained, then deported to Nogales, Sonora. On the way to Mexico, the mother of two U.S. citizens passed through Tucson, the hometown of the man whose Social Security number she had, fatefully, used to get a job. The man, a 32-year-old Tucson native named Alex Andrade, has not had any problems as a result of her crime, he told me Friday. In fact, the courts did not even treat him formally as a crime victim in the case. The Obama administrations deportation priorities apparently exempted Garcia de Rayos because her crime, though a felony, was a state or local offense for which an essential element was the aliens immigration status. But the crime she had committed, using Andrades SSN and another mans alien ID number, made her highly deportable under a Jan. 25 order by President Trump. It targets anyone in the country who has committed any crime not just felonies or repeated misdemeanors. It also targets anyone charged with a crime in cases that havent been resolved. It even targets those in the country illegally who have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense, a catch-all category for pretty much anybody. Last week, the Los Angeles Times calculated how many of the estimated 11 million people in the country illegally are now considered priorities for deportation. They came up with around 8 million. And last week federal immigration agents got to work, conducting operations that netted hundreds of arrests. But these federal agents alone cant be expected to find and deport that many targeted people. There simply arent enough of them. That means, if Trump really wants to achieve this goal, local police will be called on to help. Trump has said as much in his orders. He wants to revive the Secure Communities programs that reigned from 2008 to 2014 and counted on deputizing local police as immigration officers. In one Jan. 25 executive order, Trump laid out this plan: It is the policy of the executive branch to empower state and local law enforcement agencies across the country to perform the functions of an immigration officer in the interior of the United States to the maximum extent permitted by law. The change was dismaying to Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus. I interviewed him Monday before he went to Washington, D.C., for a conference of police chiefs where both President Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly spoke. I think everybody understands that there are some dangerous, violent folks out there who need to go back to whatever country they came from, Magnus said. When we start going beyond that and start talking about stepping away from the Priority Enforcement Program, PEP, that a lot of police chiefs and sheriffs and community leaders from around the country have worked to create to step away from that is a mistake. The old Secure Communities model that says every undocumented person is the same theyre all criminals and theyll have to go is not only really harmful to the community policing philosophy, but it also makes communities less safe, Magnus said. Secure Communities was completely unworkable and it created a climate that made it a lot harder to fight crime and get cooperation from people that we need to have relationships with. Magnus and new Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier agreed, when I interviewed them separately, that resources are too scarce for local police departments to start engaging in immigration enforcement. Local law enforcements first objective is to do traditional law enforcement for the constituents of their jurisdiction, Napier said. That should always be the priority. My department and TPD are stressed just to be able to do that. In his first months as sheriff, Napier, a Republican, has retained the same policy that former Sheriff Chris Nanos, a Democrat, had on how to inform immigration officials when an undocumented inmate is to be released. If ICE has told the jail that they want to take custody of an inmate, the jail will inform them when that inmate starts the process of being released. Usually, that gives immigration officials 1 to two hours of notice, Napier said. If they dont show up, the person goes free under whatever terms their release dictates. But a relatively hands-off policy by our top local police chiefs doesnt mean officers wont come into conflicts nonetheless. In recent years, protesters repeatedly showed up when TPD officers called Border Patrol agents for help with criminal suspects who officers had concluded were in the country illegally. Protesters blocked streets and climbed under vehicles. It got heated. Similar scenes occurred in Phoenix on Wednesday night. Protesters blocked all the exits to the ICE facility where Garcia de Rayos was being held, going so far as to climb into the wheel wells of ICE vehicles. Phoenix police showed up and, after warning the protesters, made several arrests. Dont be surprised to see similar scenarios cropping up in Tucson soon. There are a lot of community advocacy groups. Then you have protection networks, Juanita Molina of the Border Action Network told me Friday. Were going to see a lot of civil disobedience and resistance. Even more complicated scenarios could present themselves. What if, I asked Magnus, immigration officers show up at a Tucson home to arrest a deportable person and the U.S. citizen family members call 911 asking for help dealing with the federal agents? Can we or would we stand in the way of federal agents doing their job? I dont think thats realistic, he said. Im afraid the answer to that is no. I hope it doesnt come to that, thats for sure. Based on last weeks events, though, no one should be surprised if it does. A Tucson man is facing charges of aggravated assault with a serious weapon, after police said he opened fire and injured a man in a December altercation inside a popular Fourth Avenue bar. Mark Anthony Johnson, 40, was indicted on felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault causing serious injury and misconduct involving a weapon, according to Pima County Superior Court records. He has a case management hearing with Pima County Superior Court Judge Richard D. Nichols scheduled for Monday, Feb. 13. Johnson, who is claiming self-defense in the incident, is accused of shooting a man at least four times after a Dec. 17 fight at The Hut, 305 N. Fourth Ave., according to a Tucson police report. Police went to bar shortly before 1:30 a.m., after receiving reports of a shooting. Officers found Johnson being held on the ground by several men, according to the report. Johnson told officers he was playing pool with his girlfriend and some friends, when a man started hitting his girl and Johnson went to stop him. He told the man he was going to fight him when Johnson was struck on the head with a pool cue or pool ball, knocking him down, the police report said. Johnson said that when he got up, he flashed his gun at the man standing in front of him, who grabbed the gun . They began to fight for control of the firearm, according to the police report. (Johnson) stated that his finger was on the trigger and he must have pulled it a few times when trying to get the gun back, the officer wrote in the incident report. Inside the bar, police found blood spatter on the floor and bullet holes in the walls and a television, the report said. Johnson was taken to the hospital where he received stitches for cuts on his head before being booked into the Pima County jail. Hes still being held on a $25,000 bond. The shooting victim left the scene with his girlfriend, who was trying to drive him to Northwest Medical Center when the car was pulled over by Arizona Department of Safety troopers. The state troopers notified TPD of the traffic stop and followed the couple to the hospital, the police report said. When police spoke to the victim, he said he didnt want to prosecute. After being served with a subpoena by the Pima County Attorneys Office, he testified at the preliminary hearing Dec. 27, during which the judge ruled there was probable cause to bring the case to trial, the police report said. At first, the ground crack is a few inches wide, as it cuts south from a dirt road through mesquite-and-creosote flats about a dozen miles south of Eloy. Slowly, it opens up, at times wide enough to swallow a quad vehicle and deep enough that you cant see bottom. Back and forth, the fissure narrows then widens, grows deeper then shallower, until petering out nearly two miles later. This is the longest single fissure ever discovered in Arizona, geologist Joe Cook said recently as he walked along it. Up to 10 feet wide and 27 feet deep, its deep enough that you wouldnt want to fall in. It is also Arizonas newest physical evidence of the impacts of chronic over-pumping. The groundwater pumping leads to subsidence, the geologic phenomenon of ground settlement that triggers fissures. Its a persistent and worsening problem in some rural areas, even as other areas have replaced groundwater with Colorado River water. Lying about halfway between Tucson and Phoenix, west of Picacho Peak and north of Ironwood Forest National Monument, this fissure was discovered in two parts. The northern half appeared in December 2014 in Google Earth satellite images. The southern half, which hasnt shown up on Google yet, was discovered Jan. 12 by Cook, manager of the Arizona Geological Surveys fissure mapping program. Its one of hundreds if not thousands of earth fissures across the state. First discovered in the Picacho-Eloy area in 1927, Arizonas fissures total about 170 miles today and are increasing in number yearly. About 70 miles of fissures have opened in this area alone, the state water agency said in a new report. While no humans have fallen in, at least in Arizona, fissures are a known hazard to animals, having swallowed a 1,500-pound horse and a number of cattle over the years. Across the state, the cracks have undermined roads, homes, power lines, sewer lines, irrigation canals and one section of Central Arizona Project aqueduct. They can be conduits for contaminants traveling to the aquifer, and sometimes become dumping grounds for peoples unwanted pharmaceuticals, tires, garbage and even refrigerators. I think its a little shocking that were causing these huge cracks to form in the landscape, Cook said. Isnt it a rude awakening a wake-up call? Fissure creation could speed up if and when Lake Mead drops low enough to trigger a Colorado River shortage that curtails CAP deliveries to farmers, said Cook, state water officials and Brian Betcher, general manager of a Pinal County irrigation district. Then, farmers could step up their groundwater pumping, triggering more subsidence. For now, this giant crack aside, the states most active fissuring is in the Willcox groundwater basin in Cochise County, said state officials. There, unregulated groundwater pumping has increased in recent years as more farmers have moved in and sunk new wells. Forty-two miles of earth fissures are known in the Willcox area. Nearly 20 miles have opened up in the neighboring San Simon-Bowie area. In both the Willcox and the Eloy-Picacho areas, said geologist Cook, every time I look at Google Earth, I see another fissure. DAMAGES ADD UP Subsidence and fissuring are problems across the arid West. In the 1970s, fissures undermined home foundations in North Las Vegas, causing $14 million in damage. In California, a new NASA study shows that subsidence from over-pumping in the drought-stricken Central Valley has caused a 2-foot drop in sections of the California Aqueduct, limiting its ability to deliver water to 25 million people and nearly a million acres of farmland. In Arizona in July 2007, a fissure opened and swallowed a horse, after a thunderstorm dropped 2 inches of rain in an hour and eroded ground at the Maricopa-Pinal County border. Known as the Y-Crack, the fissure had opened and been backfilled several times before. This time, water undermined the backfill, leaving a hole 40 feet deep and 15 feet wide. A 13-year-old horse named Cash fell in and died despite 15 hours of rescue efforts. In the late 1990s, workers discovered a section of CAP canal in Scottsdale was sinking because of land subsidence. Project officials spent $350,000 fixing the problem. And in September 1992, more than $3 million in damage occurred at Luke Air Force Base west of Phoenix when subsidence caused the slope of a drainage facility to reverse, sending floodwaters to the base. A 9-mile-long discontinuous earth fissure in the Picacho-Eloy area crossing Interstate 10 has repeatedly damaged the freeway and required repairs. In the Phoenix area, authorities had to spend $200,000 to prevent damage from a fissure crossing the Red Mountain Freeway during its construction. In agricultural areas of Pinal and Cochise counties, the fissures arent as big a threat because few people live nearby, officials say. But in the Willcox area, two major intersections are regularly broken up by fissures: at Dragoon and Kansas Settlement roads and at Kansas Settlement and Parker Ranch roads. At Dragoon and Kansas Settlement roads, the county consistently backfills it and puts up warning signs, said Murray McClelland, a longtime area resident and former president of the Pearce-Sunsites Chamber of Commerce. That fissure has also ruptured a nearby high-pressure natural-gas line. An earth fissure also lies underneath fly ash ponds at the Apache Generating Station near Cochise southeast of Benson, the state water agency said. As Cook walked along the newest Pinal County fissure, he recalled pulling a calf out of one near Elfrida in Cochise County a few years ago. I was mapping a fissure and a saw a big white triangular thing down there a cows face, only a few feet deep. It was stuck in the mud, Cook said. Me and another guy had to lever it out, seesawing it back and forth. Pointing to the new fissure, he added, If a cow is in this thing, Im sorry, cow. Im not going to get you out. OLD PUMPING, NEW CRACKS Fissures can exist for years or decades underground before theyre even seen. Often, they open only after monsoon storm waters erode the ground and seep into existing cracks. Many fissures that could form above ground in the future probably exist today, undetected. For the root cause, scientists blame differential subsidence, when adjoining sections of land decline at different rates as groundwater is pumped. In Arizona, where groundwater over-pumping was rampant until the CAP arrived, more than 3,400 square miles have subsided in at least 26 separate areas, said the new Arizona Department of Water Resources report. Only one known fissure has formed in Pima County in the Avra Valley in 1981. Since then, subsidence from groundwater pumping has declined here because of the retirement of farms and arrival of the CAP. But in the Eloy-Picacho area north of where the big fissure opened, land has dropped up to 19 feet since the 1940s. An area about 15 miles north of the new fissure sank 15.5 feet just from 1954 to 1985. No one can say whether the new fissure was triggered by old or recent pumping. Since CAP water arrived in 1986, Pinal farmers groundwater pumping has dropped two-thirds, but it started rising again in this decade. The subsidence that caused this crack was likely caused by the collective impacts of groundwater withdrawals over several decades, the state water agency said. Brian Betcher, general manager of the Maricopa-Stanfield Irrigation District north of Eloy, said he suspects the cause is historic pumping because despite recent increases in groundwater use, were not even near those levels of pumping in the 1960s and 70s. SOLUTIONS ARE ELUSIVE As Cook walked along the new fissure, he recalled that when its northern end was discovered in 2014, it was deeper and wider than now. Much of it has filled in with sediment dumped by big storms. Thats happened to many other fissures and will eventually happen to this fissures southern end, he said. But longer-term solutions to fissuring are more elusive. The Arizona Department of Water Resources has held five planning meetings on water in the Willcox area since March 2016. Theres been zero progress, said former chamber president McClelland. While some farmers there are willing to self-regulate their pumping, other landowners including ranchers see that as a violation of property rights. Another meeting will be held by this spring. In Pinal County, efforts to arrest groundwater pumping are hampered because the 1980 Groundwater Management Act, while terrific up to a point, doesnt really give the department the tools it needs to stop the overdraft completely, said Kathleen Ferris, former director of the state commission that drafted that law. For example, the state water agency has the right to impose a pump tax on farmers to raise money to buy and retire farmland, said Ferris, who ran the department in the 1980s. But the tax is limited to $2 an acre-foot, and weve known from the beginning that it wouldnt generate enough money to buy much ag land and put it out of production, she said. In Las Vegas, authorities were able to halt subsidence and fissuring by replenishing the aquifer with water from neighboring Lake Mead. But recharging wont restore previous aquifer conditions or prevent future fissures in Pinal County, said state water agency spokeswoman Michelle Moreno. A great deal of the subsidence in the Pinal area stems from compaction of fine-grained sediments that lost water. Such subsidence, she said, is permanent and irreversible. The Arizona Daily Stars Sportsmens Fund Send a Kid to Camp program raises money so children from low-income households and military families can attend overnight YMCA, Boy Scout and Girl Scout camps and Camp Tatiyee, for school-age children and older teens with special needs, at little or no cost to their families. We will kick off our annual fundraiser on Rodeo Parade day, Feb. 23, with a donation envelope in the Star. Our goal is to raise $190,000 and send 650 local boys and girls to area camp this summer. Since 1947, the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund has helped pay for 38,551 children to go to camp. Were one of the oldest 501(c)3 charities in Arizona. Your contribution qualifies for the Arizona tax credit of up to $800 for donations to qualifying charitable organizations. That tax credit was increased for tax year 2016; donations made through April 18, 2017, qualify. Recent donations include: Martha Adair, in memory of Arthur J. Adair, $100. Robin Andrews, $50. Joyce W. Armsron, $40. Linda Bock, $150. Nancy Bowen, $75. J. G. Cleghorn, $75. Theresa Dellheim, $100. Mary Anne Fay, $200. Sally Gillilan, $25. Eugene Hall, $400. Michael and Robin Sue Kaiserman, $200. George Campbell and Debbie Kornmiller, in memory of Deb Childers, one great lady, $100. Robert Logan, $400. Margaret Loghry, $200. Barbara Martinez, $5. Susan Miller, $500. Donald Peterson, $200. Elizabeth Raymond, $25. Richard and Sharon Schwartz, $800. Ed Snyder, $50. Joe and Joyce Starman, $200. Clara Tudor, $100. A Tempe church that sprang from a controversial campus ministry in Tucson is under investigation by Arizona State University, accused of stalking, hazing and other misconduct. Seven disciplinary charges are pending against Hope Christian Church for suspected violations of the state university systems student code of conduct, public records obtained by the Arizona Daily Star show. The allegations include hazing described as acts of mental harm, personal degradation and embarrassment stalking, unauthorized entry to student housing, unauthorized use of student information, and discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation. Five campus clubs that partner with the church also face misconduct charges. ASU started investigating after 14 people, including eight current students and an alumnus from Tucson, filed a 123-page complaint against the church in July. The university launched formal misconduct proceedings in November after reviewing the allegations, records show. Public records also show that Hope, which takes in more than $1 million a year in donations, has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in free rent from taxpayers since 2008. The church holds its services on campus in facilities one of its student clubs is allowed to book at no cost. (See related story.) Church officials dispute allegations of wrongdoing and say they are cooperating with the universitys investigation. A pastor working with Hope Christian says the church hired a third-party mediator in July and has been asking former members to meet with leaders to try to sort out their differences. ASU has yet to hear our side of the story, and we look forward to working with them to make sure they have all the facts, said Corey Vale, chairman of the churchs board of directors. Were confident that ASU will be able to determine which student complaints, if any, need to be addressed and which complaints are simply an attempt from outside detractors to promote religious discrimination and intolerance through bullying and hate speech, he said. Vale and other church leaders maintain the ASU complaint was manufactured by a former Hope employee who has raised concerns about the church on social media. Students say they wrote the complaint themselves and didnt find out until they were nearly done that an ex-employee shared their concerns. Church officials havent seen the complaint, but ASU officials briefed them on its content. The Star received a copy from a complainant on the condition that names of students whose identities are protected by federal law would not be disclosed without their consent. It isnt clear how long the investigation will take. The staff in ASUs Dean of Students Office did not respond to three requests copied to four employees over a three-week period. ASUs online rulebook for disciplinary cases says the dean uses a more likely than not standard of evidence to determine if misconduct occurred, and if so, whether sanctions are warranted. The church and its clubs could lose access to campus if the charges are upheld. BONA FIDE CULT The student complaint calls Hope a bona fide cult that showers new recruits with attention and affection a tactic known as love-bombing and then uses twisted Bible quotes and psychological manipulation to keep them in line. It says the church uses five ASU student clubs as front groups to solicit new members. Church leaders and supporters reject such claims. Hope advisory board member Gary Kinnaman, a former megachurch pastor in the Phoenix area, said Hopes leaders had authoritarian tendencies when the church was founded in 2004. Since then, Kinnaman said, he and other pastors have been helping Hope create a kinder, gentler ministry. Has Hope been controlling? Yes. Extremely controlling? Perhaps in some cases, said Kinnaman, who now runs a religious consulting firm and is an occasional guest preacher at the church. However, Hopes board and advisers have recognized this tendency, have addressed it formally, have outlined changes Hope needs to make, and Hope has made those changes. Kinnaman helped set up a Phoenix-area support group for evangelical pastors, known as the Grace Association, whose leaders have been working with Hope almost since its founding to help the church adopt healthy practices. He and other Grace pastors appear regularly in Hope advertisements praising the Tempe church and its leadership. Hopes critics say the outside pastors are seldom on site and dont see what goes on day-to-day. FIVE COMPLAINTS IN SIX YEARS The current complaint against Hope is the fifth to ASU officials since 2010, public records show. In April 2013, the father of a freshman wrote to ASU President Michael Crow saying his son was in danger of hurting himself because of brainwashing by the church. Because of what they have done to him, he is a shell of the individual I sent there, wrote the father, whose name, along with his sons, was redacted in the email ASU released to the Star. When I dropped him off at school last August, I had but one request to be happy, the father wrote. During a 62-minute call with him yesterday, he did nothing but cry. ASU officials looked into the complaint but didnt pursue it formally because father and son both objected to sharing it with the church, records show. The son defended the church when contacted by school officials, said ASU spokeswoman Herminia Rincon. A few months later, the father wrote to Crow again. I have no choice but to remove my son from your campus, he said. In another 2013 complaint, residents of a dorm on ASUs downtown campus reported being badgered for their contact information by a cult-like group. Hope campus minister Sean Hamby, who is still with the church, was part of that group, an incident report by dorm personnel said. Students who gave out their cell numbers said they were constantly bombarded with texts to a point it seemed harassing and intimidating, the report said. Two other complaints of harassment by a religious solicitor were filed in 2010 by dorm residents at ASUs Barrett Honors College. Both involved former Hope staffer Chad Pentecost, who worked for the church from 2010 to 2016, according to his Facebook timeline. Pentecost wandered the dorm halls unescorted in violation of university rules and banged on doors to invite students to church-related events, the incident reports said. Questioned by dorm personnel during one incident, Pentecost did not seem to understand how his actions have repeatedly made residents feel unsafe, one of the reports said. The current ASU complaint cites six similar incidents, including cases where Hope ministers entered dorm rooms uninvited. Two of the current misconduct charges against the church and related clubs are for non-compliance with university housing policies and for entering student residential rooms without permission. In an interview, Hope executive pastor Ricky Rudaflores disputed reports of aggressive soliciting. We train our staff to abide by all university policies, he said. He provided the Star with a code of conduct and code of ethics that prohibit church employees from recruiting in residence halls. The policies also ban virtually every other form of misconduct the church is accused of. Hope put the written rules in place June 5, which records show was two weeks after ASU alerted the church that students were preparing a formal complaint. Rudaflores said Hope began using the rules long before there were written policies. Dozens of ASU students report positive experiences at Hope, and their stories often are featured in church advertising. Gila County Superior Court Judge Timothy Wright, whose daughter attends ASU and joined the church last school year, told the Star he and his wife have visited Hope a half-dozen times and came away impressed. We have had a chance to meet pastor Brian (Smith) and his wife, several staff members (and) other volunteers, Wright said in an interview. We have full confidence that they have the students best interests at heart and there are no hidden agendas. SEXUAL PRYING Five current Hope complainants say church leaders pressured them to confess their sexual histories. They report being questioned at length about whether they masturbated or used pornography, whether they were gay, whether theyd been molested as children and whether theyd been sexually assaulted. An email to the Star co-written by Hopes top three leaders and Vale, the church board chairman, denied the claims. Pressuring people for deeply personal information is not a healthy practice, and we would not encourage anyone on our staff to act in this manner, it said. Hope provided the Star with records of training ASU provided to church staffers in 2015 and 2016 that covered areas such as mental health and how to help students cope with traumatic life experiences. An ASU senior who attended Hope from 2014 to 2016 said she came to regret telling a campus minister shed been sexually assaulted during freshman year. The minister and three other staffers later pressured her for details of her relational sins, including the sexual assault, the student wrote in the recent complaint to ASU. I was forced to relive the experience in a space I was highly uncomfortable in with people I did not want to be talking to, she wrote. The exchange took place in a hotel room during a church trip, she wrote. Another ASU senior who attended Hope during that time said she was regularly forced to recount childhood molestation. They would tell me I was broken and that if I told them God would heal me, she wrote in the ASU complaint. I was also told that being sexually assaulted at a fairly young age was a good thing because it had prevented me from engaging in intimate relationships before marriage. ASU alumnus C.J. Stewart, a graduate of Desert Christian High School in Tucson who attended Hope from 2005 to 2011, said Brian R. Smith of Mesa, the churchs head pastor, summoned him to a meeting in 2006 after Stewart told another minister that a man had molested him as a child. Stewart gave the Star permission to use his name. Stewart said Smith, whom hed never met until then, showed no empathy for his pain and went directly to asking me about my sexual attractions, his first question being, When you were in locker rooms with other boys at school, did you get erections looking at them? The incident Stewart described, though a decade old, was included in the current complaint in a bid to show a long-term pattern of church misconduct. Former ASU student Taylor Outlaw, who attended Hope in 2013 and 2014, told the Star about a sex-related seminar that made her cringe. Hope employees showed a video on sex addiction to a mixed crowd of male and female students, then separated them by gender and pressured them to confess to the group whether they masturbated or used pornography, she said. TUCSON ROOTS Hope Christian Church was founded in 2004 as a satellite of Faith Christian Church in Tucson, which 20 former insiders described to the Star as a cult that has operated on the University of Arizona campus since the 1990s. Their claims were the subject of a 2015 Star investigation that resulted in the Tucson churchs ouster from a council of campus religious leaders. The UA investigated but found no proof rules were broken, so the Tucson church continues to recruit on campus. Cara Snyder of Tucson says her son Greg was solicited as a UA freshman last year by a Faith Christian campus minister who asked him if he thought he was going to heaven. When Greg, now 19, started attending church activities and doing homework assigned by the minister, Snyder said she felt uneasy and researched the church and its leadership. She shared the Stars previous coverage with her son and arranged for him to meet with someone who explained why Faith Christian had been kicked out of the UAs religious council. To her relief, she said, her sons interest in the church waned. Faith Christian founded eight satellite churches, including the one in Tempe, that recruit university students in three other states and New Zealand. The Tucson church and three of the satellites have been censured in recent years in response to complaints from students. (See related story.) The Tempe church still is led by several of its Tucson founders. But the two churches had a falling out in 2005 and no longer have contact, said Smith, Hopes head pastor and primary founder. Smith, a UA fraternity leader and student council president in the 1980s, is a former member, elder and associate pastor of the Tucson church, and got his start recruiting students on the UA campus. He was trained by Faith Christians founder, Stephen M. Hall, who has consistently refused to comment on criticisms of his church. Smith said he initially practiced a similar style of leadership to Hall, which he described as authoritarian, controlling and legalistic. But over the years, he said, the Tempe church has built a new, healthy ministry culture. FRONT GROUPS Complainants says Hope recruits members through five student activity clubs that function as front groups while claiming to be independent of the church. Smith said the church supports what the five clubs do and partners with them for some student events. But theres no direct connection between the clubs and the church, he said. But internal church documents, submitted to ASU as part of the recent student complaint, show the five clubs Sun Devils Wear Prada, Sun Devil Survivor, Outlaw Comedy, Man Up and WOW Factor each play a key role in helping Hope attract new members. A church website from 2013 names all five clubs as participants in Hopes annual drive known as Operation 72 to befriend as many freshmen as possible within 72 hours of their arrival on campus and obtain their contact information. Another internal document, a 2016 slide show created by Hope campus minister Trevor Pentecost, analyzed which student clubs were most successful at helping the church make a lot of friends that actually became disciples. Hopes Respect Movement which encompasses student clubs Man Up and WOW Factor and Sun Devil Survivor, a wilderness competition, did best at attracting students who went on to join the church, the slide show said. ASU senior Stephen Wicker, a former officer with the student club Man Up and one of the main authors of the ASU complaint, said the clubs host comedy shows, fashion shows, barbecues and pool parties, but they exist to promote the church. These are in no way independent organizations, said Wicker, who attended Hope from 2014 to 2016. Student contact information acquired by any of the clubs is turned over to the church for follow-up solicitations, according to Wicker and other complainants who said they personally entered such data into Hopes central database. Each of the five clubs now faces formal misconduct charges for allegedly misusing student information, entering student dorms without permission and failing to follow campus housing rules, ASU records show. Four of them, all except for Outlaw Comedy, also are accused of stalking. Phoenix-area pastor Mark Buckley, part of the group thats been counseling Hopes leadership for more than a decade, doesnt buy the criticisms. From his vantage point, the church has been largely successful and members have had positive experiences. Our conclusions are that Hope is a good tree, bearing a lot of good fruit, that has needed some pruning, he said, not a bad tree that needs to be uprooted. OPINION: "Im sure you will see, as I have, that for all the 'God talk' that Christian nationalists throw around, their attitudes and actions are starkly antithetical to the gospel of love and inclusion for all advocated by the Jesus they claim to believe in," writes Rev. Gary Nelson, a form The roughly two dozen refugee women baking goodies for the latest Syrian Sweets Sale have a new partner: The YWCA Southern Arizona. It's the icing on the cake for a group of bakers and volunteers who have teamed up to satisfy Tucson's sweet tooth. Many of the organizers of the bake sale are from the group Arizona Welcomes Refugees and didn't expect the first sale in December to be such a hit. But when the women ran out of treats that first day, they realized they were on to something. Since then, the group has hosted three other bake sales, with a fourth planned for Sunday, Feb. 12. Each sale has drawn hundreds of Tucsonans, says Melanie Cooley, an organizer of the sales. We're talking as many as 500 or 600 people a sale. "The initial one was intended to be a one-off, but it was a such a good fit that it was clear it needed to grow into something more," Cooley says. "But the volunteer crew can't do this in perpetuity, because it's not our business, so we have really focused over the past month or so on preparing and starting the pathway for the ladies toward independence." Part of that includes a potential partnership with the YWCA, which will host the Sunday sale at 525 N. Bonita Ave. "I think the focus of the Women's Business Center is supporting women immigrants to become entrepreneurs..." says Marisol Flores-Aguirre, the director of the Women's Business Center. "These women really capture and encompass all of that." And while nothing is official yet, Flores-Aguirre and E. Liane Hernandez, the community outreach and education director, envision using the both the Women's Business Center and not-yet-open Kitchen Business Incubator to give these women the resources they need to operate viable bakery businesses, whether at farmers markets or with private customers. Some have dreams of owning food trucks or restaurants. So far about 30 Syrian refugee women have earned a home baked and confectionery goods certification from the Arizona Department of Health Services, meaning they have completed a food handling safety program at the state level, Cooley says. All of the women baking for Sunday are certified. "We kind of expected when we said, 'Okay, you need to do this work to participate in the bake sale' that we would lose people, that we would have fewer people, because now you have to get serious, take a class and follow some rules, and that has not happened," Cooley says. "They are all in. For many of the them, this is the first professional certification they have ever gotten in their lives." Reema Abu Zaed, 34, is one of the women now certified. She, along with her five kids and husband, has lived in the United States for 15 months. Abu Zaed has baked for all of the sales so far. "She's looking for other opportunities right now, especially farmers markets," says Rania Kanawati, translating. Kanawati, an organizer of the bake sales, moved to the U.S. from Syria 24 years ago. Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up Back in Daraa, Syria, where Abu Zaed is from, she often baked for her family and friends. Here, it is a way to not only support her family financially (each woman takes home all of the money she makes), but to get to know Tucson. The encouragement she has received has calmed the early nerves over the language barrier. Now, Abu Zaed has American friends, who visit despite the different languages. Another woman told Cooley that planning for the bake sale gives her something to think about besides the situation in Syria and the political climate in the U.S. "What the ladies have done is give Americans something else to know about Syria besides war, which is delicious food, smiling faces, warmth and a real connection to a people and culture, so that's really powerful," Cooley says. "They are well aware that they are ambassadors of their culture." So much so that Phoenix has copied the bake sale model, hosting two soft launch sales Friday, Feb. 10 with an official sale planned for Sunday, Feb. 19 at Dayspring United Methodist Church, 1365 E. Elliot Road in Tempe. Learn more about that endeavor at syriansweetsaz.com. Kanawati, who has helped Phoenix organizers navigate the launch, says that she has also been contacted by a community in California interested in emulating what Tucson has done. "My dream is to go national and show support of these ladies..." she says. "This is a way of getting out of the house and getting involved in the community. To me, it's like cheering them up." Sample the sweets Find the Syrian Sweets Sale The Love Edition at the YWCA Southern Arizona, 525 N. Bonita Ave., 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12. If you go, take small bills and maybe your own Tupperware container in case pastry boxes are in short supply. To subscribe for more updates and information about some of the sweets, go here. On the afternoon of the 12th of January various intelligence representatives presented evidence of Russian hacking, attempts to interfere with the recent U.S. election, and the suggestion that Russian government agencies have access to undisclosed harmful information about the President-Elect of the United States to a closed session of the U.S. Senate. Although unusual, such a closed briefing is not unique to the intelligence community. Such closed briefings are held when it is considered that the entire Senate needs to be better informed of the important information and this only goes to emphasize the importance the intelligence community in general puts on being believed about the Russian threat to the U.S. and democracies in general given the nearly continuous denial of President-elect trump until just a few days ago. Much worse than imagined Senators leaving the secret briefing today on the evidence of Russian hacking and interference with the recent U.S. election, almost universally expressed shock at the information, some saying it was much worse than they had imagined and that they had previously thought it was very serious indeed. This is, of course, not entirely a partisan issue since it is expected that the next time the Russians are just as likely to attempt to interfere with Republican candidates. Even more important, this briefing shows that Russia is following a long-established plan of attack against democracies in general. Labor MP Ben Bradshaw In mid-December MP Bradshaw claimed that it is "highly probable" that Russian' head Putin's interfered in the UKs so called Brexit referendum. The Honorable Mr. Bradshaw also stated his opinion that huge flows of migrants into Europe had been deliberately encouraged by Russia to destabilize the EU. Dissention the major goal A number of experts point out that while Russia might have preferred a President Trump to a President Clinton, that was actually irrelevant. The real goal was probably to destabilize the NATO organization which Russia has stated is a major concern since it was originally formed entirely to counter the old U.S.S.R.s expansion into Europe. Germany's position German officials, in contrast, have said that they have no actual evidence that Russia is interfering with this years elections in that country. They also say the Germans have no evidence of Russias meddling with the results of the Brexit referendum, The federal government has no evidence of the alleged Russian hacking attack aimed at influencing the results of the Brexit vote in the UK. Trump's nominees differ with Trump Meanwhile, many of President-Elect Trumps nominees for critical posts such as Department of Defense have expressed great concern over the actions of the Russian government and have almost universally distanced themselves from the President-Elects earlier denial and later mild (at most) condemnation of the Russian cyber attacks. It is a known fact that Women in iran face harsh clothing restrictions and other social crackdown under the mullahs rule. Recent reports, however, indicate a concerning trend of increasing suicides. Statistics show women commit suicide three times more than men, yet mens suicides end in death three times more than women. Women suicide rates have increased significantly and in the future the number of these suicides leading to death may also increase significantly, said Abbas Faraji, an Iranian regime advisor, in an interview with Tasnim news agency. Shocking numbers from Iran Head of Irans Health Organization also expressed concern regarding this increasing trend, adding womens desire to commit suicide is twice that of men, according to an October 2016 report wired by the state-run ILNA news agency. During the period of March 2015 to March 2016, Iran witnessed 2,800 counts of suicide attempts by women and 1,440 attempts by men, the text adds. Poverty and other social crises are influential factors leading women to suicide. Iranian women suffer from major dilemmas such as poverty, drug addiction, divorce, homelessness and living in city outskirts. Unemployment is also a major element in the cause of economic and psychological issues among women. Currently, a rise in unemployment among women indicates only 13% of Irans educated women actually enter the workforce, reports show. The age of single mothers is lowering and the number of unemployed women are twice that of men, said Iranian Labor Minister Ali Rabii in an interview with the state-run ISNA news agency. In the past few months suicide among women and girls have increased like never before. Reports show on January 26th a 19-year-old woman hanged herself in the city of Saghez, western Iran. - An 18-year-old Iranian Kurdish girl near the city of Ashnawiya committed suicide on December 27th and lost her life. - A 14-year-old girl in the city of Momaseni shot herself and died on November 29th, 2016. - A 30-year old woman poured gasoline on her body and set herself ablaze. This horrific incident took place in public in Tehrans Keshavarz Boulevard. - A pregnant woman set herself ablaze in the city of Fasa. Schoolgirls learn from each other and are literally playing with blood When we sit down and listen to these girls, we realize that most of them have committed suicide and some had even slit their wrists in an attempt to end their lives, a report reads. Despite all these numbers, it is quite obvious that the actual statistics of suicide attempts and cases of women setting themselves ablaze are never revealed, and we cannot truly comprehend the depth of this horrendous crisis. Iran refuses to publish the true numbers of womens suicides under the pretext that such reports will actually encourage more women to commit suicide! The real threat for Iran's mullahs The growing number of suicide among women is directly related to the systematic oppression imposed by the mullahs regime, knowing women pose a major threat to its rule. The main Iranian opposition, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, is led by a woman by the name of Maryam Rajavi, whose 10-point-plan for a free Iran enjoys widespread support. At a time of skyrocketing poverty in Iran, it is quite obvious that such a status quo will lead to increasing suicides among women. The irony is we are talking about a country that sits on the worlds 2nd largest natural gas reserves and 4th largest crude oil reserves. And yet the huge revenue is allocated to Irans nuclear program, their lethal meddling across the Middle East, including their involvement in Syria, support for terrorism and a huge security apparatus focused on domestic crackdown. The Trump administration correctly sanctioned the mullahs for their recent ballistic missile test. This new White House should also consider holding Iran accountable for its human rights violations, especially against Iranian women. President elect Donald Trump has labelled the United Kingdom as "smart" for voting to the leave the European Union. In an interview with former Conservative leadership contender Michael Gove, Trump, who was recently accused by BuzzFeed as having ties with Russia, stated that the European Union was dominated by Germany, a country that he believes is on the brink of economic collapse. Forging a bond with the U.K. In the interview, Trump promised to ensure that the United Kingdom and the United States continued to share a "special relationship" following last year's referendum. Trump said: "You look at the European Union and it's basically Germany. Germany creates all the rules and dictates the terms for everyone else. I thought that the U.K was so smart to get out of it". Trump said that he was keen to meet prime minster Theresa May after his inauguration, which will take place this Friday. Trump stated that he will be meeting May in the near future, claiming that "May sent me a personal letter requesting a meeting and I will meet her once I get into the White House. We're going to get a deal done quickly". More to come Further, Donald Trump discussed his fondness for the United Kingdom, urging other countries to follow the U.K and leave the European Union. "I believe that other countries will leave the EU soon. I think that keeping the EU together is going to be a lot harder than people think. People and countries want their own unique identity and that's why the United Kingdom elected to leave the EU," Trump said. In somewhat of a startling claim, Trump blame German chancellor Angela Merkel for jeopardising the stability of Europe by allowing refugees from the Middle East to enter Germany. "If Germany didn't take in all those illegal immigrants I don't think that Brexit would have ever occurred," Trump said. Trump's comments are a sharp contrast to his predecessors who sought to establish a strong relationship with Europe and the European Union. The president elect's comments suggest that it may be difficult for European countries to do business with him. A security flaw that can be used to allow Government's to read and intercept Facebook has been found in WhatsApp's messaging service. Facebook, the owners of WhatsApp, declared that it was impossible for anyone, including WhatsApp staff, to intercept messages. However, new evidence has found that WhatsApp messages are vulnerable to interception. A threat to free speech Privacy campaigners have attacked WhatsApp, labeling the findings of the new research as a "massive threat to the notion of Free Speech," stating that "personal information can be accessed by government agencies to spy on unwitting users". WhatsApp had previously made user privacy and security one of its primary selling points and has become a popular means for political activists and dissidents to communicate. The security flaw was discovered by Tobias Boelter, a cryptography researcher at the University of California. Boelter said: "If WhatsApp is asked by the government to disclose the messaging history of any given user they now can do that due to the changes in encryption". According to Boelter, he reported the issue to Facebook early last year but he was told that "Facebook is aware of the issue". Co-director and founder of the Centre for Research into Information, Security and Privacy, Kirstie Ball, labeled the security flaws as a "goldmine for security agencies and an abuse of WhatsApp users' trust". Ball continued, stating: "Today's findings are a gigantic threat to freedom of speech. Consumer's will say that they have got nothing to hide, but it is unclear what information is being looked for by government agencies". WhatsApp's responsibility Jim Killock, the director of Open Rights Group, a free speech activist group, argued that companies that claim to provide wall to wall encryption and security should come clean if their security are compromised. "Companies possess large amounts of personal data and it is incumbent on them to protect that data," Killock said. A spokesperson from WhatsApp denied that third party groups can access users' data. "WhatsApp doesn't grant governments a backdoor into systems and we, as an organisation, would fight any government request to create a backdoor into users' private messaging history". The news comes a couple of weeks after Theresa May and her government failed to pass The Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill, otherwise known as the Snooper's Charter. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has moved fast to replace Clive Lewis, the former shadow business secretary who resigned over Corbyn's implementation of a three line whip to vote in favour of triggering article 50. Last night, Corbyn named Salford MP, Rebecca Long-Bailey as the new shadow business secretary. Other changes in the reshuffle Furthermore, Corbyn announced that Sue Hayman will be the new shadow environment secretary, Christina Rees will be the new shadow Welsh secretary and Peter Dowd will be Long-Bailey's replacement as shadow chief secretary to the Treasury. Since becoming the Labour party leader, Corbyn has shuffled his cabinet five times, with the most recent reshuffle coming after he defeated Owen Smith's leadership challenge last year. Long-Bailey becomes Corbyns fourth shadow business secretary- a position that is integral to Labour's hopes of restoring faith in their economic plans. Corbyn has found himself in between a rock and a hard place over Brexit: Instead of representing the 48 per cent of the United Kingdom that voted remain, Corbyn has backed key constituencies in the North of England. Diane Abbott, who voted to back the bill despite representing a strong remain constituency, said Corbyn fears a Scottish style revolt against Labour, if he doesn't support the Theresa May's Brexit strategy. Fear of Scottish style revolt against Labour In an article published by the Guardian, Diane Abbott said: There are voices from within the Labour Party that are warning against a potential Scottish scenario. There are some indications that we will lose key constituencies in the North if we don't back Brexit'. In Clive Lewis' resignation letter printed on Thursday, he thanked Labour MPs for discussing Brexit in an 'open and comradely way' before continuing to state that he could not vote for the Brexit bill as Labour had not been successful in amending it. Lewis said: 'Although we desperately fought for amendments to be attached to the bill, we proved ultimately unsuccessful. In turn, my position as shadow business secretary has become untenable'. On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, will visit President of the United States, Donald Trump, for the first time in a meeting of polar opposites. Trudeau has opened Canadian doors to thousands of Syrian refugees whereas Donald Trump is attempting to close United States borders to those in need; Trudeau is a self-described feminist whereas Donald Trump has an extensive history of making misogynistic comments: Trudeau has committed to tackling climate change whereas Donald Trump has denied the impact of global warming. A meeting of opposites Monday's encounter between the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Canada will set the tone for Canada and the United States' relationship over the next four years. Approximately seventy-five per cent of Canadas exports go through the US and around three million Canadian jobs are dependent on the US. As news of the meeting broke, Trudeau addressed reporters 'I will be highlighting Canadian values and principles primarily. The other responsibility that I have is protecting jobs and opportunities for Canadian citizens'. Trudeau faces a balancing act like many Canadian PMs throughout history, but none have been confronted with a President like Donald Trump. 'Trudeau has the advantage' Like Theresa May's meeting with Trump a couple of weeks ago, Monday's meeting is about establishing a personal relationship between the two. According to Colin Robertson of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, Trudeau has a significant advantage over other world leaders when it comes to meeting Trump. Robertson said: 'Trump surrounds himself with celebrities and attractive people. Trudeau has that aura that few world leaders have'. In Canada, Trump is deeply unpopular. In November, a poll revealed that over eighty-five per cent of Canadians preferred Hillary Clinton. Thousands of Canadians have taken to the streets to protest Trump. Although Monday's meeting is primarily to establish relations between the two, Trudeau faces pressure to take a firm line on Trump's divisive policies in the same manner European leaders have. Several countries have publicly condemned Trump, but the canadian pm has yet to take a public stance on Trump. Over the last week, President-elect Donald Trump has been forced to defend himself from a bombshell story claiming that Russia had planned to use "compromising" information to blackmail him. Trump has questioned the validity of the report, and continues to lash out against it on Twitter. Trump on Twitter When CNN first broke the story about alleged Russian blackmail, Donald Trump and his transition team instantly when on the defensive, pushing back against the allegations and referring to them as "fake news." After Buzzfeed elaborated on the story by claiming Russia potentially had a sex tape in their possession featuring Trump, the billionaire real estate mogul called the online media outlet a "pile of garbage." As seen on his official Twitter account on January 13, Trump was not done voicing his frustrations. It now turns out that the phony allegations against me were put together by my political opponents and a failed spy afraid of being sued.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2017 "It now turns out that the phony allegations against me were put together by my political opponents and a failed spy afraid of being sued," Donald Trump wrote on Twitter early Friday morning. "Totally made up facts by sleazebag political operatives, both Democrats and Republicans - FAKE NEWS! Russia says nothing exists," Trump wrote in a second tweet on the issue. Totally made up facts by sleazebag political operatives, both Democrats and Republicans - FAKE NEWS! Russia says nothing exists. Probably... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2017 released by "Intelligence" even knowing there is no proof, and never will be. My people will have a full report on hacking within 90 days! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2017 "Probably released by "Intelligence" even knowing there is no proof, and never will be. My people will have a full report on hacking within 90 days!" Donald Trump added in a third message on Twitter. In his next series of tweets, the former host of "The Apprentice" then turned his attention to Hillary Clinton and the FBI. What are Hillary Clinton's people complaining about with respect to the F.B.I. Based on the information they had she should never..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2017 have been allowed to run - guilty as hell. They were VERY nice to her. She lost because she campaigned in the wrong states - no enthusiasm! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2017 "What are Hillary Clinton's people complaining about with respect to the F.B.I. Based on the information they had she should never have been allowed to run - guilty as hell," Donald Trump added on Twitter. "They were VERY nice to her. She lost because she campaigned in the wrong states - no enthusiasm!" Trump also pointed out. In his final tweet as of press time, Trump gloated at the possibility of repealing Obamacare, tweeting, "The "Unaffordable" Care Act will soon be history!" The "Unaffordable" Care Act will soon be history! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2017 Moving forward Despite the backlash against him and his non-stop posting on Twitter, Donald Trump will soon be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. On January 20, Trump will make his way to Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day, while over 100,000 protesters are planning to voice their opposition to his presidency. Over the course of the last year and a half, Donald Trump has attempted to dismiss allegations that he has ties to Russia. With just a week left until he is sworn into the White House, the president-elect is coming under fire once again over a possible link to the Kremlin Trump and Russia When Donald Trump pulled off the monumental upset over Hillary Clinton to become the new president-elect, many wondered how he was able to bounce back in the polls and get the victory. Since then, the CIA, FBI, and the White House have all concluded that Russia was behind the election hack of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), with the main goal of harming Clinton and helping Trump. As expected, the billionaire real estate mogul has questioned the report's validity, while Russia has denied any wrongdoing. Earlier this week, CNN reported that Russian operatives had planned to blackmail Trump using recently obtained "compromising" information. In response to recent events, the Senate Intelligence Committee have made it offical and announced an upcoming investigation, as reported by The Hill on January 13. JUST IN: Senate Intel Committee announces bipartisan investigation into Russian hackinghttps://t.co/kN6TgqpcSP pic.twitter.com/cKaVAslFHv The Hill (@thehill) January 13, 2017 In a bipartisan effort, led by Republican Sen. Richard Burr and Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, the Senate Intelligence Committee have decided to investigate what impact Russia had on the election, and what, if any, role Donald Trump played in the process. A joint statement was released by the committee of both Republicans and Democrats, explaining, "we believe that it is critical to have a full understanding of the scope of Russian intelligence activities impacting the United States." Burr elaborated further and continued to stress that the investigation was a bipartisan effort. The committee will "conduct a bipartisan inquiry of the intelligence reporting," Burr noted. The investigation was prompted after the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence "raised profound concerns" over Russia's influence during the election. Trump denial Despite many Republicans siding with Democrats into the Senate, Donald Trump and his transition team continue to stand their ground by denying that Russia's probable interference had an impact on the election results. While there is a growing backlash against him, Trump is now just seven days away from heading to Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day and becoming the 45th commander in chief in United States history. President Donald Trump has only been in office for three weeks, but he is apparently growing tired of his job as commander in chief. In a shocking new interview, White House sources reveal behind the scenes details about the troubling state of the new administration. Trump trouble When Donald Trump first announced his campaign for president, not many people took him too seriously. As time went on, Trump built momentum and was able to pull off the upset and become the Republican nominee. Despite this, he was considered long-shot to defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the general election, with most polls showing the former Secretary of State with a solid advantage. However, Trump defied the odds and won on Election Day, and vowed to be a "great president." Fast forward to present day, and the party appears to be over. As reported by Politico on February 10, Trump is not happy about being president. In an interview with close to 20 people who have been working with Donald Trump in the White House over the last month, Politico reports that the former host of "The Apprentice" is having a difficult time adjusting to his role as the leader of the free world. According to the report, the president's "mood has careened between surprise and anger" and is struggling as he deals with the "predictable realities of governing." Donald Trump is reportedly irate that leaks have sprung from the White House, exposing the controversial nature of his phone calls with world leaders, including when he hung up the phone on the Prime Minister of Australia just last week. Trump has allegedly become so paranoid that the administration has now opened an investigation into the leaks, in an attempt to find the source. When it comes to getting his friends appointed to jobs at the White House, Trump has allegedly become increasingly frustrated. "He doesnt like this sh*t," one source said while speaking to Politico. He doesnt like this sh*t: #Trump reportedly hates his job and his staff after less than a month https://t.co/ZU4KPy5OHJ pic.twitter.com/JWrYa0RQST Raw Story (@RawStory) February 10, 2017 Silver lining However, not all is bad for the billionaire real estate mogul. As pointed out by Politico, Donald Trump is having fun showing guests around the Oval Office, where he enjoys watching cable news to see how his surrogates and staff come across to the public. While it's unknown what the future will hold for the Trump administration, the adjustment period is not going as smooth as many had hoped. One can only make claims and accusations for so long before even the general public will say put up or shut up. Off and on, Donald Trump will bring up his belief or attempt to instill a belief that he was cheated out of the popular vote during the presidential election. According to him, 3 to 5 million illegal votes went to his rival, Hillary Clinton. On Thursday, Trump put forth another claim of voter fraud, alleging that he and then-Senator Kelly Ayotte lost new hampshire because thousands of people from Massachusetts were illegally bused into the state to vote. Now, one member of the Federal Election Commission is fed up and wants evidence. FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub, who is a Democrat but was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2002, says allegations of this magnitude must not be ignored, the charges were extraordinarily serious and too specific. Weintraub added that under New Hampshire law, Trumps claims of voter fraud would definitely constitute massive felony criminal offenses. The president had spoken before a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators when he said thousands of people boarded buses in Massachusetts for the purpose of thwarting his win in New Hampshire. He further stated that Kelly Ayotte was a voting casualty as a result of all this illegal voting. There is one tiny thing never mentioned In Trumps quest to bring attention to voter fraud, he is thoughtful enough to point out examples like dead people voting and people voting in more than one state. However, and this is not to say they have done anything illegal, but the president failed to mention that his own daughter Tiffany and son-in-law Jared Kushner were registered to vote in more than one state. It happens. You just dont vote in more than one state. An investigation could actually lead to a real end to voter fraud Voter fraud does exist, but experts agree that is it nowhere near the scale Donald Trump claims. Ellen Weintraub is asking the president to share his evidence with the proper authorities, as well as with the public, so that his claims can be investigated thoroughly and swiftly. Last Sunday, Trump announced that he was putting Vice President Mike Pence in charge of a special commission that will look in to voter fraud. Members of the conservative Climate Leadership Council, half of whom publicly denounced candidate Donald Trump during the election, visited the White House yesterday to extol the benefits of a carbon tax. In their view, such a tax would mark the first step toward fighting global warming while potentially gaining new constituents for the party. The CLC, run by eight old-school Republicans and business leaders, wants to impose a $40 tariff on each ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted through mechanical or industrial policies. In exchange, the administration could cancel some of the most expensive EPA rules. With friends like these And even though the Councils membership is comprised of GOP loyalists, many made disparaging comments about Trump during the campaign. Henry M. Paulson, Jr., a CLC member and a GOP Treasury Dept. secretary, said he had voted for Hillary Clinton. Three others made critical comments that might also overshadow their case for a new carbon tax. While most politicians understand that things said during a heated campaign are just rhetoric, its a little different when your own party members are voting for or supporting the other candidate. But Trump is not like most politicians and may see things differently. During the campaign, George Shultz, who served as Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan, told a crowd at the Hoover Institute God help us over the notion of a Trump presidency: "God help us." That's how fmr. Reagan Sec. of State George Shultz referred to the prospect of a Trump administration, today at @HooverInst Robert Costa (@costareports) August 15, 2016 Another member on the CLC is N. Gregory Mankiw, who served as Chairman of the Presidents Council of Economic Advisers from 2003 to 2005 under President George W. Bush. Mankiw told CNBCs John Harwood he could never support or vote for Trump. He also said a Trump administration would be worse than an Obama/Clinton presidency. GOP economist Mankiw on Trump: "He won't be getting my vote. I have R friends who think couldn't be worse than Obama/Clinton. They're wrong" John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) August 5, 2016 The Council tried to convince the administration that a carbon tax could start immediately, allowing the EPAs regulatory power to be phased out. They also think the carbon tax would attract legions of young voters who are deeply concerned about climate change. And they say that whats left over from the carbon tax after the government gets its share would be given back to taxpayers as dividend checks. A Mitt Romney-approved tax One has to wonder if CLC member Martin Feldstein brought picture books and pop-ups to the White House to help explain the proposal. According to Feldstein, President Trump doesnt know even the most basic knowledge of economics and does not seem to be concerned about it. Feldstein previously told the Wall Street Journal, That alone disqualifies him in my judgement. Another telling sign is that Mitt Romney, possibly Trumps fiercest detractor, lauded the idea of a carbon tax in a tweet. The carbon tax is likely to go nowhere, given President Trumps promise to cut taxes across the board for all income classes. A carbon tax would only benefit the middle-class, with the costs passed on to consumers of electricity and gas. Critics of the tax say the U.S. is already lowering CO2 emissions thanks to fracking, which has allowed new power plants to use abundant natural gas. Either way, the carbon tax presented by the CLC demonstrates the cumbersome nature of contemporary climate policy, with heavy costs being levied on consumers based on a scientific theory being debated hotly in both academic and political circles. meghan mccain, daughter of one time GOP Presidential nominee and current Arizona Senator John McCain, lambasted President Donald Trump on Twitter on Saturday for derogatory comments that he made about her father. In those comments, Trump stated that McCain is "emboldening the enemy" for questioning the "success" of a Trump Administration deadly mission in Yemen that resulted in the death of one American Marine and injury of at least five others. McCain, who was held as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam longer than any other POW captive of the Vietnam War, is a decorated war hero. McCain's bold Tweet to Trump When posting her explicit tweet to Donald Trump, Meghan McCain boldly stated, "Trump has never served. My father can't bend one of his knees or lift one of his arms above his head," (ABC News, 2/11/17). McCain then concluded her tweet with the following: "I am done with this," (ABC News, 2/11/17). Trump's defense of Ivanka Trump, who had a "Twitter tantrum" over a court ruling on his travel ban, drew the ire of political observers on both sides of the aisle for tweets that he posted in defense of his daughter Ivanka in the ongoing issue involving the Ivanka line of fashion at Nordstrom, a clothier that prides itself in its quality merchandise. Democrats and Republicans alike questioned Trump's right to make any comments, let alone favorable ones, on his family business. Although Trump has signed over active control of his business interests to his sons while he is President, many observers feel that he still needs to divest himself totally of any and all interests in his business enterprises if he is to remain credible as President. Several sources are pointing to Trump's defense of Ivanka in the Nordstrom issue as another example of his unwillingness to divest himself of his business interests and to remain objective while serving as President. No comment from Ivanka Thus far, Ivanka Trump has refused to comment on the ongoing saga involving her clothing line and Nordstrom. Ivanka has made a pledge to "separate from her business," (ABC News, 2/11/17) and her silence on this issue is seen as Ivanka keeping with her pledge. State of Virginia questions Trump's travel ban Meanwhile, the State of Virginia has filed an injunction against Donald Trump's executive order banning Muslims from immigrating to the United States. Although the immigration ban has been put on hold by a restraining order that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco refused to lift, state officials nevertheless are questioning the reason and rationale for the ban. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring went so far as to state that the ban against Muslim immigrants was "Conceived in religious bigotry," (ABC News, 2/10/17). Perhaps nothing more need be said on the matter. With a picturesque snowstorm ushering in 2017 New York Fashion week, temperatures dropped and furry jackets, hats and bags came out of the closet. So did political statements, made by various designers in protest at President Donald Trump's policies. Top designers are exhorting people to stand up to #Trump and they're promoting their opposition to the new White House administration. #Fashion, long known as a liberal and open-minded industry, has always celebrated people of diverse ethnic, sexual and political identities. So it was no surprise that on Friday, as fashionistas donned their denim in support of calvin klein's show, they poured into the venue to watch one of the most political catwalks in recent history. Is this America?... ask designers Raf Simons, the Belgian designer presenting his first show at Calvin Klein, blasted David Bowie's #This is Not America twice and gave guests a 'unity' bandana to bring people together. A card in the bandana package read: 'Unity, inclusion, hope and acceptance: Join us at Calvin Klein in wearing the white bandanna. #tiedtogether' Simons got the job at #Calvin Klein in 2015, after designing for Christian Dior in 2015. He told the audience and the press that his debut collection celebrated inclusivity, acceptance and in his own words 'different individuals, just like America itself'. There has been no shortage of political sloganeering on the smaller stages either. Late Friday afternoon a designer called Raul Solis, sent out underwear printed with slogans 'f*** your wall' and 'no ban, no wall'. Call your congress Jeremy Scott, a famously political designer for Moschino, sent out a T-shirt that has a #phone number for Congress on the back. He says he made it to inspired people to get involved and call Congress and be heard. "We have a right to call. We have a right to demand to be heard. These people work for us." Meanwhile, Creatures of Comfort had a sweatshirt that read: 'We are all human beings' whilst Designer Diane von Furstenberg wore a pin that supported #planned parenthood. Planned Parenthood speaks out And perhaps the unofficial president of New York Fashion, vogue editor #Anna Wintour, decorated herself with the same pin as von Furstenberg. It read "Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood". The pin was created in collaboration between the #Council of Fashion Designers of America and Planned Parenthood, in an effort led by designer Tracy Reese, and supported by Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch, and Zac Posen. It promotes awareness about Planned Parenthood's work on reproductive rights and women's health. We are truly thrilled by the Council of Fashion Designers of Americas show of support for Planned Parenthood at New York Fashion Week, said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. She added that she was happy that the millions of Planned Parenthood supporters are coming together to protect a woman's right to #reproductive health, citing the 2.5 million patients that Planned Parenthood serve. Planned Parenthood has stood defiantly in the face of opposition for a century, and were not backing down now. The #American people overwhelmingly support our organization and strongly oppose defunding care at our health centers." Not the usual cocktail conversation that we're used to at fashion parties. Times, the T-shirts are telling us, have definitely changed. The saying says All work and no play make Jack a dull boy may need to be amended to allow for the weeks of stormy political news that have hit the United State public in recent weeks. The latest news from CNN on Friday that sections of the controversial leaked report on alleged Russian interference of the presidential campaign have been confirmed and that Senior White House adviser Michael Flynn may have broken a law about contacting foreign diplomats when he frequently spoke with Russian Ambassador during the transition period only made the political climate even stormier. Relief on television Luckily the relief has come in the form of "Saturday Night Live" which has become a stunning opposition to the misadventures of an unorthodox #Donald Trump Administration that is struggling to abandon the campaign rhetoric to face up to the realities of bureaucracy and the constitutional limits placed on power. On the latest episode overnight the Alec Baldwins Trump White House has expanded to included not only Melissa McCarthy once more than as Sean Spicer, but also Sallyanne Conway impersonated by Kate McKinnon with Beck Bennetts ersatz Vladimir Putin putting in an appearance as a character witness in a fake trial in front of a judge played by Cecily Strong. As in real life Baldwins Trump lost his case. Message not only to the White House As with the wave of memes and jokes now spreading around the world via the social medial, the constant sketches by 'SNL' are also a message to Donald Trump and his staff that the message they are giving is not one of strength, but of confusion of programmes and the incapacity to follow the basic rules that govern the leaders of the United States. While Donald Trump may rage at the impersonations, as stated in numerous leaks, he has yet to confront the losses in the courts for what they truly are. The loss of the appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court upholding Judge Robarts previous decision on the Moslem Ban which led the President to define him in as a so called judge in a now famous and controversial tweet is a clear message to the White House that its behaviour is going beyond the its job description. 'SNL' simply puts this message into another more entertaining context. To make matters worse for President Donald Trump and which affects his international image, these sketches make their way around the world in real time as viewers and news sites put on line the most salient and funniest sketches of the night. In this way the international public that has been worried by political developments in the United States can see that these worries are shared by many of Americas citizens, as testified by 'SNLs' viewing figures which have reached their highest levels in twenty years. Images and perceptions Images and perceptions are an important part of the art of Politics. The public must see their leaders as competent and serious, but also having a human face. Since the Inauguration this is not the image that has come out of the White House. Some of the decisions made by the new Administration have been greeted with glee by hard core Trump supporters, but even Republican politicians such as John McCain and Marco Rubio to name only two have publicly stated their opposition to some of these actions. 'Saturday Night Live' has once again played its role of entertaining the public, but even more it has emphasized a fact that Donald Trump and his staff have clearly forgotten. Politics is fought not only in the Oval Office, the Senate and Congress, at times also in the courts where he has already lost battles, but also with the public. In the end it will be the public that will make the final judgment on President Donald Trump and his staff. 'SNLs' ratings show that the White House is losing this battle as well. With news this weekend that #New York Fashion Week has been broadcasting political messages to audiences, it begs the question: can fashion, a multi-million dollar business truly be political? And in what measure? Fashion designers have had a fleeting relationship with power and politics, ever since 1906, when designer Paul Poiret freed women from the corset. The designer was instantly celebrated as a pioneer of the #Womens Liberation Movement. Modern fashion moments Seven decades later, #David Bowie challenged ideas about gender and identity in the seventies, performing in an unusual and gender non-specific assortment of costumes, from foil flares to makeup and long hair. And then decades later, designer #Hussein Chalayan sent models down the runway in 1997 with hijabs in varying lengths. A thesis on women's identity and the male gaze, it was celebrated as rigorous social commentary from a fashion context. Iconoclast #Alexander McQueen, however, has been celebrated as the most political fashion designer in recent time. From his cover story of Dazed, featuring women with disabilities, to his alternative forms of beauty and celebrating the art of difference, McQueen was probably the most political designer of the last 20 years. What do you mean its only been three weeks? I said to the computer screen when I read a line of a newspaper article. I was astounded, it seemed like much longer and full of new adventures from the occupant of the Oval Office who has taken us down roads we did not expect when #Donald Trump won on November 8th last. Ring-a-round the world's leaders Just look at what President Donald Trump did with the other world Leaders after he told us he would take a new approach to diplomacy. That is exactly what he did, but not in the way any of us expected. Even before being sworn in he took a phone call from Taiwans President that upset the Chinese and only this week he returned to the One China policy that he previously thought was a bad deal. Trump reshaped our international alliances by insulting the Prime Minister of a friendly country by hanging up the phone on him and then Sean Spicer made it worse by mispronouncing his name a number of times in a press briefing. He then lectured to Frances Francois Hollande about the stingy Europeans having to pay more for NATO, only to be lectured by Angela Merkel about international duties to refugees. The Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled a visit to the White House over the Border wall. In compensation Donald Trump was invited to Britain by Prime Minister Theresa May only to have the Speaker of its House of Commons applauded by the other politicians for refusing to allow the American President to address a joint sitting of Parliament. Finally a leak told us that in his phone call with Russias Vladimir Putin he stated that the latest NEW START Agreement signed by Barack Obama was (once more) a bad deal and had to be renegotiated. And this was just the beginning my friends. Lawyers for free He managed to unite wide groups of women who attended the Womens protest in Washington and they ended up outnumbering the attendance of the Inauguration the day before. That began a war of numbers with the Press about what he saw as the Universes biggest ever attended Inauguration, but only after ordering Government Departments to no longer release photos of the Inauguration with groups of people amongst the empty spaces. And then it only got stranger. After years of lawyer jokes, he managed to get a groups of them applauded by the public for working for free. The signing of the #immigration ban saw teams of lawyers descend on airports around the country to assist green card holders and other travelers affected by the order on a pro bono basis. This then began the court actions that many expected even before the election, but nobody thought would start so early. In this we were wrong, but not by much. Ethics issues And then the conflicts of interest that Donald Trump thought resolved with an announcement by a lawyer at his first press conference raised its head when Sallyanne Conway defended Ivanka Trumps clothing line with an advertisement on television after the President had tweeted his disgust that a store had dropped her line. Strangely this seemed to have led to a rebuke according to Sean Spicer who since last Saturday has been mistaken a few times for Melissa McCarthy. We are now awaiting developments of the future relationship between these two White House Staff members. At the same time as I followed debates in Facebook regarding political issues I was kicked out of online groups for daring to be an Australian living in Italy and thus, according to some of the users, not permitted to have opinions on the President of the United States. Little did they know that since November 8th the world has been talking little else. Now my computer has to be repaired because over the last three weeks (are we sure its only been three weeks?) I have worn out five keys writing articles on the worlds hottest topic. These letters were T-R-U-M-P. Its gonna be a LONG four years(!) "Bairavaa", the Tamil movie which was released on January 12, 2017, is enjoying a decent run at the box-office despite the negative reviews it received from the critics. This film which has Vijay in the lead role has reportedly collected more than Rs 16.60 Crores on the first day in Tamil Nadu alone, thus marking the biggest opener ever in the career of the actor. In Chennai, the first show of the began as early as 01:00 AM, and as per credible sources, the film collected 92 lakhs from the city. The film was released in more than 450 centres all across Tamil Nadu, and theatre statistics indicate that the film will enter the 100 Crore club by the end of the first weekend. Kerala box-office earnings In Kerala, Vijay has a huge fan following, and it is reflecting in the collection of this movie. A close source to the movie claimed that the Vijay film had grossed more than 3 Crores on the first day in Kerala, and it has shattered the record created by "Theri" which collected 2.7 Crores on its opening day. #Bairavaa UK box office: Day 1 - 50,222 (41 lacs) Day 2 - 56,484 (46 lacs) - 3 sites yet to report *2 Days* - 106,706 (87 lacs) pic.twitter.com/TfueTwrh94 Ajay V (@kollyempire) January 14, 2017 Theater strike in Kerala has negatively impacted the release of this movie, but even in this crisis, "Bairavaa" flew high and made it big at the Mollywood box-office. #Bairavaa sets All Time Second biggest & Non-Rajini Day 1 Opening record in TN with 16.5 Cr Gross aprx@actorvijay's Box Office power Mithun K Raman (@mithunraman) January 13, 2017 "Bairavaa" is reportedly enjoying decent collections from the US, UK and Canada too. But industry experts predict that the overseas collection figures will get depreciated in the coming days, as the film has failed to impress the class audiences. US public response The Plot Bharathan who has previously directed "Azhagiya Tamil Magan" has directed this movie. The film revolves around the story of a young man who fights against the corrupt medical admission system prevailing in the nation. With adequate commercial elements blended in a socially relevant story, this film has impressed Vijay fans, but it is being panned heavily by viewers who love quality films. 'Vijay 61' is Vijay's next In the meantime, Vijay recently appeared at a public event with a beard look, and reports claim that it is his new look for the film "Vijay 61" which will be directed by Atlee. President Donald Trump has many critics, but one of his most vocal is liberal comedian Bill Maher. During a taped town hall event on CNN, Maher set the record straight when a member of the audience wanted him to take it easy on the new commander in chief. Maher on Trump Ever since Donald Trump was sworn into office last month, he's created a new level of controversy, with critics constantly pilling on the commander in chief. On a nightly basis across cable news, Trump is the number one topic, as the billionaire real estate mogul fights back against the press and his political opponents during his routine Twitter rants. On Thursday night, CNN was set to air a tapped town hall event with Bill Maher. Prior to the show airing, the network released a preview video clip from the event which showed a Trump supporter asking the comedian why he wouldn't cut the former host of "The Apprentice" some "slack," as reported on February 9. Audience member: Why can't you give Trump some slack? Bill Maher: "Because of what he's done & said" https://t.co/6dA5sasUUe #TheMessyTruth pic.twitter.com/PfoMbKzJHN CNN (@CNN) February 9, 2017 "The president has been in office barely three weeks. Why can't you guys in the media give him slack," the man asked, before adding, "Let him do his job." In response, Bill Maher didn't hold back. "Because of what he's done and said," Maher fired back, rhetorically asking, "slack?" After the Trump supporter said that the presidency was the "toughest job on Earth," Maher continued his response. "Give me a break. Do you read the news?" Bill Maher asked, while stating, "The toughest job on Earth has never been done like this." "This is beyond realm of politics," he continued, "it's a giant con what he's done." Maher doubles down "He ran for the 'little man," and what does he do? He gets into office and the coal companies can dump sludge into the river because that's what the little man is aching for," Bill Maher went on to say, mocking Trump's recent moves in the White House. The vocal atheist also cited Trump's moves to protect Wall Street and his false claims of voter fraud, while turning the man in the audience and saying, "that should bother you sir, I'm not the crazy one here." 'Do You Read the News?': Bill Maher Battles Trump Supporter During CNN Town Hall https://t.co/kELh9Q0eZy (VIDEO) pic.twitter.com/8jx4GeLoLr Mediaite (@Mediaite) February 9, 2017 Despite Trump often responding to his critics, he's been quiet when it comes to Maher since the start of his election. Maher's hit show "Real Time with Bill Maher" airs Friday nights on HBO, and is usually a hot spot for political talk about the new administration. Everyone wants to know who Nick Viall picks at the end of "The Bachelor" 2017. If you don't want to know spoilers, then stop reading right now. There is a lot of talk from Reality Steve and other sources that Vanessa Grimaldi will be the one he picks in the end. Vanessa just went to her Instagram and shared that she is back at work again. This has everyone wondering what this means for those spoilers.Vanessa seems to be happy with the job she has and might not want to leave it anytime soon. What is Vanessa doing back at work? Vanessa Grimaldi went to her Instagram and shared a picture with her students. She is really excited about something that they are doing right now. She said, "So proud of my students! Stay tuned for our very special project " It looks like she is back to work again in Canada. There is some speculation that this might mean that she didn't get picked in the end, but that wouldn't be the case at all. Actually, Vanessa would have to go back to her normal life and only see Nick Viall once in a while at a safe house. They wouldn't be able to move to be near each other or anything yet. There is also a chance that he picks her and it doesn't end up working out in the end. There is still about a month of new episodes to air before the viewers get to see it all. Vanessa and Nick obviously have chemistry. The thing is that if Nick ends up picking her one of them is going to have to move. They don't live near each other now, so it will be harder for this relationship to work for them. Other recent posts that Vanessa Grimaldi has made on her Instagram are about working out and then also pictures of Nick and her from the show. Do you think that Vanessa Grimaldi is the one that Nick Viall picks in the end? Do yo think that one of them would make a big move to be with the other one? Sound off in the comments section below on your thoughts, and don't miss new episodes of "The Bachelor" 2017 on Monday nights on ABC. The spoilers aren't always right, so you will just have to wait and see if Nick picks Vanessa in the end or not. CCC&TSPM of Fugong, Yunnan, proposed an initiative to encourage believers to focus on sanitation in their regular lives in order to improve the living conditions and better glorify God as well as benefit people. The initiative quoted from 1 Peter 1:15-16, "Indeed, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct, for it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy'" as an illustration. The "Family Sanitation Initiative" showed that over the years, because Fugong people live in simple houses built of wood and bamboo, little attention has been paid to family sanitation. The sermons in the church have also focused primarily on spiritual building, neglecting the teachings from God about family sanitation. The county's CCC&TSPM called on brothers and sisters to learn to focus on cleanness in their personal, family, church, and village lives, for this reason. Fugong is a poverty-stricken town on the border with a majority Lisu population, but with Nu, Bai, and other minorities. The Lisu believe in primitive animism religion. Over 100 years ago however, Fugong became a famous "Gospel County" with the arrival of missionaries. The Lisu still use words created by the western missionaries even now, and the Bible they read is the one translated by those missionaries. Pastor Li Guihua, chairman of CCC&TSPM of Fugong, once told GospelTimes that the population of Fugong County is about 100,000 with a majority of Lisu, but the rest are mostly Nu with some Bai, Han, and Naxi. Christians account for 70% of the entire population, but in the rural areas the percentage is as high as 90%, and almost every household believes in Jesus Translated by: Grace Hubl Outrage has grown in China over the plans of one group to create a "Christianity-themed park" in a location considered 'sacred' for those who support and follow Chairman Mao. The Xingsha Ecological Park in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan province, features a 260ft tall church inspired by Noah's Ark, and a Bible institute. The 150,000 square metre development is set to open in June 2017. The development has sparked outrage after the news that the predominantly atheist Chinese government would spend 478 million subsidising the project according to the report of the Daily Mail. The situation is made worst by the fact that the land on which the theme park is set to be built is considered to be holy ground for devotees of Mao Zedong. The Guardian reported some of the comments from Mao's devotees. 'When I saw the news about the so-called "Christianity theme park", I couldn't believe my eyes,' Guo Songmin, a prominent neo-Maoist scholar and commentator wrote in an online commentary. 'The whole church thing is as inconceivable as a visitor from outer space and is largely a cultural invasion,' Guo said. He demanded that the church's cross be replaced with a red star - an emblem of the communism that Mao championed. Mao was 'converted' to communism in Changsha, giving the city its 'holy land' status for his devotees. Other critics called the Christian park 'unnecessary and inappropriate', a threat to 'ideological security', and a violation of people's freedom not to believe in God. Beijing academic and expert on China's Neo-Maoism Jude Blanchette described Changshang as 'sacred ground' for the devoted. He described the neo-Maoist outcry: 'The narrative that they are passing around ... is that this is just another sign of infiltration by hostile foreign forces and of how tepidly communist and red our officials are that you now get state money going to build a cross on the side of a building.' A spokesman for the park's construction team said the project was primarily intended as a romantic spot where couples could shoot their wedding photos. A source in Changsha's Christian community said that the 'Christian theme park' was merely a church with a Bible institute, built on government purchased land. They said that 'So far, the government hasn't spoken with us about the matter yet, and our project is still carrying on.' Blanchette said that the outcry from the Neo-Maoists, who have considerable influence on China's leaders, did not bode well for the church. 'I would be surprised if the cross stays up there that long,' he said. The news follows recent reports of persecution against Christians in China. Several churches have already been demolished or remodeled. When Mao died in 1976, Chinese churches have grown considerably. EAU CLAIRE The dramatic rise in methamphetamine use in western Wisconsin has two Democratic lawmakers searching for ways to attack the problem. The district attorneys office in Eau Claire is completely overwhelmed, said state Rep. Dana Wachs, who represents the 91st Assembly District, which includes a portion of the town of Wheaton in Chippewa County and much of the city of Eau Claire. If this budget was ours to write, I think we would invest in more judges and prosecutors and alternative courts, Wachs said. State Rep. Katrina Shankland, the assistant minority leader in the state Assembly, said she talked with a county human services department in her district about meth. Even the most isolated towns are having this issue, said the Stevens Point representative, who is from Assembly District 71. Shankland and Wachs talked about western Wisconsins meth problem and Republican Gov. Scott Walkers proposed budget on Friday in Wachs law office in Eau Claire. Explosive growth Wisconsin Attorney General Brad D. Schimel told two Assembly committee members on Thursday meth abuse has quietly surged in the state. Based on arrests, case filings, and crime lab submissions, we believe meth use in the state went up 250 to 300 percent between 2011 and 2015, Schimel said. The meth is coming from Mexican drug cartels, which have taken over most of the meth production in Wisconsin. It is more potent, more addictive and destructive, and cheaper, Schimel said. Since most of the distribution is being directed from outside our state and country, it is also more difficult for law enforcement to infiltrate and shut down the dealer networks. Barron County saw a 193 percent increase in meth-related arrests from 2011 to 2015 and the city of Prairie du Chien saw a 700 percent increase, according to the findings. The state crime lab saw a 349 percent increase in meth cases during the same time frame. Heroin cases the lab analyzed rose by 97 percent over that same period, a November crime report found. While public safety officials, health care personnel and policy makers have been courageously battling opiate addiction, its time we begin fighting on a second front: methamphetamine use, Schimel told the committees. Weve found ways to control the supply of ingredients to make methamphetamine, he said. The source simply shifted to Mexican cartels. When we arrest a trafficker, theres so much money (at stake) that someone else just slides in. We will not win this battle unless we address the demand side. Shankland said she is working on getting one-time raised levy limits for municipalities to hire more law enforcement. The village of Plover has seen a lot of activity and growth over the last 10 years, but Shankland said the village hasnt been able to hire additional police in the last decade because of state tax levy limits. Its unconscionable a village cant afford to hire another law enforcement official, she said. Peter J. Dugal, 88, entered into eternal life Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at the home of his son, Dan Dugal, in Fort Collins , Colo. Peter was born to Lawrence and Lillian (Barrington) Dugal April 9, 1928, in Cadott. He attended St. Josephs Elementary School and Cadott High School. He left high school at the end of his junior year, enlisting in the Army Transport during World War II. He was assigned to the USAT Daniel Willard, carrying ammunition to the Aleutian Islands. Peter returned home in September after the war to graduate with his classmates in June of 1946. After graduation, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy for two years. He also served time in the U.S. Air Force. After service he attended the University of Chicago. Returning to Cadott, Peter joined his father, operating the Dugal Oil Company and became active in local and state politics. As Chairman of the Chippewa County Democratic Party, he was granted the opportunity to help and promote John F. Kennedy in his campaign for the presidency. He drove then Senator Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline, throughout northwestern Wisconsin, introducing them to locals, organizing rallies, etc. He was a delegate to the National Convention in 1960 and attended JFKs inauguration as President of the United States. He also worked on Robert F. Kennedys presidential campaign and attended his funeral after his assassination. Following the sale of the Dugal Oil Company in 1977, Peter worked for the Wisconsin State Department of Transportation as a highway safety coordinator. He dealt with local units of government, sheriff and police departments, schools, etc., promoting programs involved with highway safety. As an EMT, ambulance driver, scuba recovery diver, member of the civil air patrol, Peter volunteered many hours of service to his local community. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Lions Club, a board member of The Association of Wo(man) Highway Safety Leaders, and served on many other local and state civic committees and associations throughout his life. At a political rally for John F. Kennedy, in Milwaukee, he met Virginia Smigelski. They were married at St. Gregorys Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Aug. 14, 1965. They had made their home in Cadott for 49 of their 51 years of marriage, moving to Fort Collins, to be closer to family because of Peters illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Lillian Dugal; and his son, Dennis Dugal, from his first marriage. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; and three children, Jim, Dan and Holly. Visitation will take place beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cadott, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Father William Felix officiating. He will be laid to rest in St. Rose Cemetery in Cadott, with military honors conducted by the Cadott American Legion and VFW. Leiser Funeral Home Cadott. Express online condolences at www.leiserfuneralhome.com. iStock/Thinkstock(PYONGYANG, North Korea) -- North Korea fired off a ballistic missile into the East Sea from Banghyeon North Pyongan Province early Sunday, according to South Korean officials. South Korea's military is analyzing exactly what type of missile it was but there's a strong possibility that it was a midrange Musudan type, according to officials. North Korea has test fired a total of eight Musudans, but only one was successful last June. South Korea's joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile flew about 310 miles. Estimates vary over how far this mobile intermediate-range ballistic missile could travel, but at its best the Musudan would be able to reach U.S. military bases in Guam. Analysts in Seoul have been expecting some sort of military provocation ahead of late Kim Jong-il's birthday on February 16 and the largest ever joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea scheduled to begin in two weeks. South Korea's presidential Blue House says the presidential security director Kim Kwan Jin has spoken with President Donald Trump's national security adviser Michael Flynn over the phone following North Korea's missile test launch. According to the statement, the two officials strongly condemned the launch and agreed that the countries will explore every possible way to suppress North Korean provocations. The launch today comes only two days after President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe strongly urged North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and not to take any further provocative actions. In a brief joint statement with Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, Saturday night, Abe called the missile launch "absolutely intolerable." "North Korea must fully comply with the relevant U.N. security council resolutions," he said. Abe, who has spent the weekend with Trump in South Florida and had private meetings today, said that he and the president were dedicated to working together and strengthening their alliance. Trump echoed the Japanese prime minister, saying, "The United States of America stands behind Japan a great ally 100 percent, thank you." Trump gave no further remarks, and neither leaders answered questions from the press corps. U.S. Strategic Command spokesman Lt. Colonel Martin ODonnell said the North Korean missile was a medium or intermediate range ballistic missile. It was not an ICBM as North Korea had warned in early January it was close to testing. ODonnell told ABC News that they are still assessing what type of missile was launched. A Musudan is an intermediate-range ballistic missile, but it could have also been a medium-range ballistic missile, he said. Japan's chief cabinet secretary said the missile did not land in Japanese territorial seas. Yoshihide Suga said that Abe was notified and ordered that intelligence be gathered about what had occurred, and to check on the safety of navigation of flights and ships. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. KENOSHA Kenosha County Medical Examiner Patrice Hall opened her email recently and found something she had long hoped for a cold case ID. Halls work has led her to develop a passion for working toward finding the identities of people who have died and been left abandoned, either by malice or by chance. For years, she has been promoting the idea that local police departments and families of missing persons use the federal Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) for Human Identification, believing it was the best way to identify John Doe cases of found human remains. Its huge; the NamUs system is huge, Hall said, because it allows local law enforcement agencies to tap into national resources in trying to link a name to an unidentified body. But despite her belief in the system and her encouragement of police departments, medical examiners and families of the missing to use it she had never been able to successfully use it to identify a John Doe before. Until this time. On a recent workday, she opened her email to find a message from the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, which works with NamUs. They had through a DNA search identified the person whose skull and other skeletal remains were found in Kenosha County last spring. The skeletal remains were those of Hozia Jackson, a Chicago man who was reported missing by his family in 2012. Jackson would have been 47 years old the year he was reported missing. Hall said Jackson was identified through a NamUs search of DNA databases around the country. Hall does not like to speak about ongoing cases. And while families of missing people hope their loved one is alive, even finding remains can be comforting. I feel horrible for the family that first of all their loved one had been missing, Hall said. Finding Jacksons body was not the outcome they were hoping for. But now they know. They can have a funeral. They can have closure, she said. Hall said when human remains like a skeleton or parts of a body are found, they are examined in a local autopsy. Then, if they cannot be identified locally, they are sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. There, they are examined by a forensic anthropologist who tries to estimate how old the bones are, and to determine the sex, height, approximate weight, likely race and any possible injuries or illnesses. Scientists there then extract DNA from the bones and run it through various DNA data banks, including NamUs, the military and the criminal justice system. The science behind that process gives investigators hope that remains considered nearly impossible to identify can be pinpointed to a specific person. That may be the case for skeletal remains found on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Somers in late December. Hall is hopeful that identities can be found for two longtime John Does in her offices case files. One of those cases is that of a white man found buried in a shallow grave in what is now Pleasant Prairie in March 1988. The man is believed to have been strangled to death about three months before his body was discovered, based on the level of decomposition. He is estimated to be somewhere between 30 and 60 years old, about 180 pounds and 5 feet 6 inches tall. He is believed to have been balding and with a beard. The very interesting part of this is his clothing, Hall said. The man was wearing a Hermes sweater that would have retailed at the time of his death at $800 to $900, a shirt from the French fashion designer Ted Lapidus, and underwear labeled Saks Fifth Avenue. People wealthy enough to have that kind of clothing are less likely to have no family ties or acquaintances. Hall hopes that someone who knew the man, a friend or family member, may still wonder about his whereabouts. Hall also hopes to find the identity of a man found along railroad tracks in August 1993 in Pleasant Prairie. The severely decomposed body was never identified, and while he had severe head injuries, it was unclear if he was killed or met an accident along the tracks. That man was estimated to be 39 to 60 years old, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, with black hair and a black moustache. On his left forearm, he had an unusual tattoo, Hall said. The image covered the mans arm from the wrist to below the elbow, and appeared to show overlapping panther claws along with what may be a snake and foliage. Hall has an artists rendering of the tattoo. Weve taken it to a lot of people to try to figure out what it is, she said, saying she has even taken it to tattoo parlors to see if theres some significance to the design. For now, she said, no luck. Thats our big clue for him, she said. Maybe someone will see this, and maybe it will bring back a memory. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has promised to revitalize Americas aging roads, bridges, railways and airports, but a plan put forward by his economic advisers relies on a transportation financing scheme that hasnt been tried before and comes with significant risks. The plan was set out just before the election by billionaire leveraged buy-out specialist Wilbur Ross, Trumps pick for commerce secretary, and conservative economics professor Peter Navarro, whom Trump has tapped to head his National Trade Council. They recommended the government allocate $137 billion in tax credits for private investors who underwrite infrastructure projects. Ross and Navarro estimate that over 10 years the credits could spur $1 trillion in investment. Thats how much Trump promised to spend on infrastructure a key part of his job-creation plan. Trump hasnt yet said whether he will try to carry out the Ross-Navarro plan or seek an alternative, although the administrations preference for addressing the problem with private dollars is clear. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao emphasized at her confirmation hearing that the administration wants to unleash the potential of private investors and come up with creative ways to tap their capital. But theres skepticism even among free-market oriented Republicans that the Ross-Navarro plan could work on a massive scale. Infrastructure projects like roads and bridges are attractive to investors only if they have tolls or some other way of generating revenue. There are relatively few projects in the U.S. that meet those conditions. Tax credits offer additional incentive, but economists and transportation experts warn the government could end up rewarding investors in projects that would have been built even without credits. I dont think that is a model that is going be viewed as successful or that you can use it for all of the infrastructure needs that the U.S. has, said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former head of the Congressional Budget Office and economic adviser to John McCains 2008 presidential campaign. Business and labor executives told a House transportation committee hearing last week that private investment wont provide nearly enough to address Americas infrastructure woes. While public-private partnerships can help, what needs to happen is to increase the gasoline and diesel taxes to pay for more direct federal spending, said FedEx CEO Fred Smith. The White House and Navarro declined requests for comment. The Transportation Department said in a statement that Chao is open to exploring all infrastructure funding options in order to ensure that the resulting solutions provide the greatest benefit to the public. Public-private partnerships arent a new concept and many have been successful. Federal tax credits have been used to spur private investment is housing, resulting in tens of thousands of low-income housing developments over the past 30 years. The credits are sold to private entities such as banks and equity firms that invest anywhere from 70 cents to $1.10 in the housing developments for every $1 they receive in credits, a ratio that fluctuates with economic conditions. Vince Bennett, president of McCormack Baron Salazar Inc., a St. Louis-based firm, said tax credits are probably the single-biggest tool that federal policymakers have for producing affordable housing. His company has built 137 low-income housing developments financed by the federal program in more than 20 states. Its $3.1 billion of projects have been aided by about $1.3 billion in federal tax credits. Some state transportation officials see advantages as well. Missouri recently sought a six-month extension under a federal pilot project allowing tolling to rebuild a 200-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between suburban St. Louis and Kansas City. The state lacks the needed $2 billion to $4 billion for construction but is waiting to see whether Trump could jumpstart the dormant plans. That type of project is, I believe, (what) the Trump administration is talking about in terms of a tax-credit basis spurred private investment, said Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna. But those kinds of projects are rare. While the pilot program enables Missouri to toll high-traffic interstates, most states are barred from tolling existing lanes. Obama administration Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx estimated public-private partnerships may be able to address at most 10 percent to 20 percent of infrastructure needs. Tax credits also probably arent useful to the companies that would be willing to invest in these projects because they generally dont have a tax liability that the tax credits could offset, said Mary Peters, who was transportation secretary under President George W. Bush. Much of the private investment in infrastructure projects comes from tax-exempt pension funds and investment funds controlled by other governments, which also dont pay U.S. taxes. Chris Edwards, director of tax policy studies for the libertarian Cato Institute, favors alternatives to the tax credits, such as easing restrictions on tolls on most interstate highways. Tolling, though, is unpopular with the public. Ananth Prasad, a former Florida transportation secretary, said high-traffic projects could be ripe for private investment if federal tax credits are offered. But Prasad, who is now at the infrastructure engineering firm HNTB Corp., said tax credits alone may not be enough for private investors to rebuild old roads and bridges in vast stretches of rural America, where there is less opportunity to generate revenue. The bottom line is you still need money to pay back the private sector, Prasad said. That project still has to have a return on that investment. 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. Steve Bannon disrupted American politics and helped elect Donald Trump as president. Will he disrupt the Roman Catholic Church by joining forces with right-wing Catholics who oppose Pope Francis? Bannons dark vision contrasts sharply with the sunny disposition of a pope who has chided sourpusses and querulous and disillusioned pessimists. Bannon believes that the Judeo-Christian West is in a crisis. He calls for a return of the church militant who will fight for our beliefs against this new barbarity which threatens to completely eradicate everything that weve been bequeathed over the last 2,000, 2,500 years. Where Francis has insisted on dialogue with Muslims, Bannon points to the long history of the Judeo-Christian West struggle against Islam and reaches as far back as the eighth century to praise forefathers who defeated Islam on the battlefield and kept it out of the world, whether it was at Vienna, or Tours, or other places. See whats happening, Bannon insists, and you will see were in a war of immense proportions. Bannon offered these comments in 2014 to the Institute for Human Dignity, an ultra-traditionalist group based in Rome allied with some of Francis sharpest internal critics. They include Cardinal Raymond Burke, the former bishop of La Crosse, who has been so tough on Francis that he had to deny he was accusing the pontiff of heresy. The New York Times Jason Horowitz put Bannons Catholic project front and center this week with a Page One story reporting that during a 2014 visit to Rome for the canonizations of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII, Bannon met and bonded with Burke. Neither Bannon nor Trump (nor, for that matter, Burke) is likely to dent Francis immense popularity with American Catholics. But Horowitzs story brought into relief the struggle inside the church and particularly within American Catholicism over the popes stewardship, his emphasis on battling poverty, his insistence on the importance of welcoming immigrants and refugees, and his relative openness to modernity. Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University and a close student of the Vatican, argues that Francis has aroused a similar hostility among some on the Catholic right to that Barack Obama called forth on the right end of politics generally. Francis is the first pope from Latin America and his vision of economics is inflected by his experiences there. Moreover, Francis accepts the reforming Second Vatican Council in the 1960s in its entirety and is not just paying lip service. The vast majority of conservative American bishops and Catholic thinkers have, of course, pledged their allegiance to the pope. But Faggioli argues that many of them are often critical of Francis attitude toward doctrine (the pope, he says, is pastoral, not ideological) and toward Vatican IIs reforms, which shifted church teaching toward a greater respect for religious pluralism. On the surface, some of Bannons economic views would seem to match Francis. In his speech broadcast to the group in Rome, Bannon spoke against a brutal form of capitalism that is really about creating wealth and creating value for a very small subset of people. But as Faggioli notes, Bannon links his criticism of capitalism to nationalism, which makes his views more similar to those of far-right groups in the 1920s and 30s such as Action Francaise, a French nationalist group condemned by the Vatican. Francis economics, on the other hand, focus on global concerns, including climate change. Cathleen Kaveny, a professor of law and theology at Boston College, argues that Bannons view is also at odds with Catholicisms tradition of rejecting an apocalyptic take on the world. The church, she said, has taught that you dont get to Gods Kingdom by blowing up whats here. Trump won overwhelmingly among conservative American Catholics last year, and many of them likely sympathize with aspects of Bannons nationalist outlook. But the tensions between Trump and Francis are likely to grow. Ironically, given the opposition to him among many American bishops, Obamas foreign policy was far closer to the Vaticans approach than is Trumps. And Trumps moves against refugees and immigrants mobilized even conservative Bishops to loud condemnations. The fact that about a third of American Catholics are Latino weighs heavily in the churchs thinking. Bannon is unlikely to want Trump to force American Catholics to choose between their president and their pope. But the battle is on to define the meaning of both Americanism and Catholicism. Bannons worldview could incite the same showdown in the church that he has already ignited in politics. HA NOI The 15th Poetry Day was held on Saturday at the Temple of Literature, Viet Nams first national university. This years festival drew huge crowds of poetry lovers and poets to the landmark Ha Noi site. Con uong Thi Nhan (The pathway of Poets), which was set up at the site to honour over 200 outstanding poets and their works, created a decorative avenue throughout the Confucian establishments inner courtyards. Nguyen Quang Thieu, deputy chairman of the Viet Nam Writers Association, said he was pleased with the positive reactions. "This year, more people came than we expected. I think one of the reasons is that the ceremony was held on the weekend and we were lucky with good weather. We also learned many lessons from the past and improves our organising experience," said Thieu. Tran Thi Chinh, a resident of the capitals Ba inh District, said it took her a long time to get near the stage to watch performances because of the crowd. "All the performances were great, but sometimes it was too hard for me to hear them reciting the poem due to the noise," she added. Tran Chien Thang, a student from Ha Noi National University of Education, said poetry day was a lively educational method to help young people learn about art history. I do hope more and more activities like this will be organised for the public, he said. VNS HAI DUONG Hundreds of residents of the northern province of Hai Duong attended the Le ruoc nuoc (water-procession ritual) in Con Son Pagoda on Sunday. A parade of monks and residents, dressed in ritual costumes, walked from the pagoda to nearby Con Son lake carrying a big vase to take "sacred" water. Delegates and monks traveled to the centre of the lake, which is considered the best place for clear water, by dragon boat. They also offered incense, notified deities, released birds, and prayed for water. Le moc duc (Buddha statue bathing ceremony) was then performed in the pagoda. The water procession ritual is among a series of events of Con Son-Kiep Bac Festival, which has nearly 700-year history. VNS WASHINGTON Vietnam attaches importance to promoting relations with the new administration and Congress of the US, towards further developing the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership in a practical, effective, stable and long-term manner, the Vietnamese ambassador to the US said. Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh made the statement at a reception in Washington DC on February 10 for more than 70 advisors and assistants of key offices and committees of the US Congress of the 115th tenure. He praised the role played by the participants and their contributions to fostering the bilateral relations across fields in recent times, and wished them success. The ambassador expressed his hope that upcoming trips by US parliamentarians to Vietnam would continue to help develop all-round ties between the two countries for the sake of both nations as well as for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. The embassy would coordinate in organising visits of delegations from the US Congresss offices to Vietnam during 2017, he stated. As Vietnam would host the 2017 APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, the country hoped to see the active participation of the US administration, Congress and enterprises so as to make the event successful, Vinh said, adding that the Vietnamese leaders invited new US President Donald Trump to visit the country and attend the meeting in November. While expressing their joy at the fruitful development of bilateral ties, US advisors and assistants affirmed that they would continue to work with the embassy to further bolster the Vietnam-US relationship in all fields from politics, diplomacy, economic-trade, security-defence, education, sci-tech, and people-to-people exchange, to regional and global issues. They also appreciated Vietnams renewal process and the countrys role in the region.VNS Pham Mai Huong quit a regular job to travel full time, and is rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience in northernmost Mongolia with the Tsaatan tribe. Hong Van reports. Pham Mai Huong is not a globe-trotter, but for someone who began travelling abroad just a year ago, she has gone places. The 26-year-old native of the northern province of Hoa Binh studied literature in a Nang, and began working at her alma-mater on completing her graduation. Three years later, she decided to quit. Giving up a stable job to pursue my passion for travelling was a big turning point in my life, said Huong. I was fed up with a life in which I would do the same thing every day, in which people had to please everyone. And I asked myself why do I have to live a life where I am not myself, live a life to please other people. Meanwhile, Huongs family was proud of her work in a State-run university and felt that her travelling to strange destinations was risky and not appreciating life and herself. Seeing that my family and acquaintances were proud of my work at university restrained my wanderlust. But the passion grew bigger each day and I felt like just mentioning travel would make me burst into tears. Smiles all around: Huong traveled through the Gobi desert in Mongolia for 12 days. Finally, Huong wrote a resignation letter to her director, and then another one that required more determination to her parents. Only by travelling can I live to the fullest. I have decided that I will live a life that I would not have to regret when I look back, she wrote. Once this decision was taken, she did not just up and away. Shed already travelled throughout Viet Nam, and had particular interests in other places and cultures. My first foreign country was Nepal. Some people said my choice was quite strange. They said it has more sense to choose some Southeast Asian countries with cultures similar to Viet Nam so as to gain some travelling experience first, and then go to farther lands. For me, the distance or difficulties along the way are not an excuse to postpone the journey. In Nepal, she discovered Kathmandu and she climbed up to the first base camp of Mount Everest, an impressive feat in itself. To cover her travelling expenses, Huong works as a freelance writer, photographer and video maker. She also manages a small business online for extra income. "In my journeys, I also work as volunteer to save money for accommodation and meals. It gives me a chance to experience local life and meet volunteers from other countries. On the way: From Tsagaan Nuur to Tsaatan tribe, Huong was on horses with her guide, passing by taiga forest and three mountains covered with snow. Last chance It is her next trip, to Mongolia, that sets Huong even further apart from a normal traveller, and shows that her travelling goes beyond seeing new places. I have long had a special interest in the indigenous cultures and lifestyles that are on the verge of disappearance. The fact that the indigenous cultures may disappear in the near future urges me to travel to these lands. I am afraid that if I hesitate, I may not have chance to see eye-on-eye these cultures and experience their lifestyle firsthand, said Huong. Thus it happened that the trip to Mongolia turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience First, she made a 12-day trip through the Gobi dessert, and another trip 10 days to meet with the Tsaatan tribe. In Gobi, I came to love the nomadic lifestyle of locals as well as the pristine and quiet landscape. My journey to be with the Tsaatan tribe, a remote and detached area in this world, will be the most memorable experience in my life. It was full of challenges, exhausting and above all, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, said Huong. It was an incredibly emotional moment for me, when they said that it was the first time they were meeting someone from Viet Nam and the first time a Vietnamese visited their tribe and stayed with them like I did. Saying graze: In the morning, the Tsaatan people lead reindeers to the mountain and return home in the afternoon. Huong chose the Tsaatan tribe in Mongolia after reading that they are on the verge of disappearance. I decided to meet them, experience their life and record it through photos and videos, said Huong. There were difficulties at first in terms of information as it seemed no Vietnamese had ever visited the Tsaatan tribe and written about it. There was no writing about such a journey even by foreigners, said Huong. Huong began the journey in August last year, travelling thousands of kilometres. Huong and Norda, a Polish woman she befriended in Mongolia, travelled nearly a thousand kilometres by bus from Ulaanbaatar to Moroon and then from there to Tsagaan Nuur. The 300-kilometre trip from Moroon to Tsagaan Nuur in a 10-seater car was the worst Ive experienced. It was cramped with 16 people and loads of luggage, and the passengers squeezed and elbowed. It took nearly 16 hours to cover 300 kilometres, because of the rough and muddy roads. From Tsagaan Nuur to reach the Tsaatan tribe, Huong travelled on horse with her guide, passing through a taiga forest and three mountains covered with snow. I still remember it was 9:30pm, everything was getting darker. I was surrounded by the endless whiteness of snow. The pine trees with golden leaves were also covered with snow, and it gave the whole scene a haunting feeling, said Huong. That night Huong, Norda and their guide stayed overnight in an abandoned stable near the jungle, experiencing extreme coldness. The freezing temperature in the taiga was scary, said Huong, who spent three nights in tents in minus 20-C degree temperatures. Every hour, she got up to keep the fire burning. New heights: Huong poses at Gorak Shep in Nepal, which is 5120 metres above sea level. Meeting with the tribe and seeing their teepee tents and the barks of Huskies, I had so many feelings. Bursting with happiness. Hopeful. Anxious. And eager. Everything was like a dream. When we walked into a tent, the owner, 46-year-old Baigali welcomed us with a warm smile and fed us with reindeers milk and cake, said Huong. Currently the Tsaatan tribe has 70 families, 30 of whom live in the eastern part of the taiga and the rest in the west. They live close to each other in summer and would separate in winter to guarantee that there is sufficient food for the reindeers. Each family then lives three to four mountains from each other. In the morning, the people would lead reindeers to the mountain and return home in the afternoon. Tsaatan people live in grey tents called yurt or gers that are covered with waterproof leather. There is a fireplace with a chimney for burning wood. There are two small beds and a small area to store food and wood. Huong then followed Baigalis family as they took the reindeers to the snowy mountains, let them eat grass and pine nuts. She listened as they sang traditional songs of the tribe. That moment when I was standing on a snowy mountain, surrounded by reindeer leisurely enjoying munching on grass, I felt like my soul had become pure and was free of any burden," she said. I was also strongly impressed with their hospitality. They would share with me whatever they had milk, cheese, cake, pine nuts. By the third night, tired and weary of the extreme cold of her own tent, Huong asked to stay with a local Tsaatan family and was hosted with great warmth". Before going to sleep, we sat around to enjoy pine nuts and the family sang their songs. That was one of the most beautiful memories for me, said Huong. On the morning of the fourth day, just as Huong was getting out of the tent, she realised that the nearby tents had been dismantled. She learnt that it was time for them to move to other places to find food for reindeer. They got on the back of their horses and waved at us, smiling. And I still carry their smiles. Dear deers: Pham Mai Huong, 26, travelled through forests and mountains to meet and stay with the Tsaatan tribe in northeastern Mongolia. Photo Courtesy of Pham Mai Huong Self-discovery Her future plans include travels to Iran, Egypt and some tribes in Africa, not to mention rediscovering the ethnic minorities in Viet Nam, especially little-known ones. Set on a new path, Huong said: I will never regret my choice. I understand that the road leading to a dream is never easy. The only thing that hurts is that until now my family are still unhappy with my choice. It hurts when I see their tears. Thats the biggest price Ive had to pay for this choice. I will try my best so that my family will be proud of me in a way other than they were for my previous work with the university. These journeys have given me the experience and opportunity to discover myself and be myself. While the destinations that I chose have been tough and challenging, I have realised my heart is bigger than I thought. The more I travel, the more I see, the bigger the love I have for life. VNS A naturally wary Hanoian steps into a restaurant in Paris, and is blown away by the iconic noodle soup on offer. Hoang Anh describes his experience. If you are in a strange place and looking for a good place to eat, a long queue in front of a restaurant is a reassuring sign. So, when I saw a line of people braving the winter cold to get into Pho Quatorze at 129 Avenue de Choisy in Paris District 13, my hopes were up, despite a certain wariness that comes with being a Hanoian. In case you dont now it, every Hanoian is wary of having a bowl of pho anywhere else, and I am not an exception. Unfortunately, the wariness is justified, as most places do not get it right. Whether it is the ingredient some people prepare it with pork. Blasphemy! or the way it is cooked, there is always something wrong, something that disappoints. The pho in this Paris restaurant did not disappoint, I am happy to report. In fact, it was excellent, and justified the queue. Let me go even further, the pho at Pho Quatorze is one of the best you can find, inside or outside Viet Nam. For those not familiar with the cuisine, while pho is largely known around the world as signature Vietnamese dish, there are quite a few different versions of it, depending on the place of origin. Long line: Expectant diners wait outside of Pho Quatorze despite the winter cold. VNS Photos Hoang Anh Two notable styles are Ha Noi and Sai Gon the former name of Ho Chi Minh City. Pho Quatorze offers the latter version. Lets talk about the broth the soul of pho. Those who are familiar with the dish can tell right away if their pho is right the moment they taste the broth. Ideally, the broth should taste a little sweet not the sweetness that comes from cooking additives like monosodium-glutamate, but by simmering bones for an extended period of time and flavours from numerous spices like onions, star anise, cinnamon, spring onion and ginger a strong yet subtle mix. Pho Quatorzes pho scored big in the broth department. I could certainly taste the bone in the broth, even a bit too much. It mildly overwhelmed less-strong flavours like star anise and the cinnamon. For the size of their bowls, which is quite large, I would personally prefer stronger ginger and cinnamon flavours as it helps to lighten the broth and reduce the thickness in the overall flavour. In any case, I ended up finishing the broth. A pointer here: should you ever come across a pho place where people often empty their bowls to the last drop, write the address down. I recommend the special at this restaurant, which includes cuts of rare beef and meat balls (beef). While its not on the menu, Id also suggest you ask for a compliment of beef flank, which at first glance may appear to look like fat. I assure you that it does not taste anything like fat, though. I love the meat balls even if its definitely not the Ha Noi style. The flavour was there and they were juicy on the inside. However, the biggest surprise was the beef flank. It was not just good, it was unique. I know of no other pho restaurant that offers it in this style. Pho, Ha Noi style, also offers beef flank. It is, however, often a mix of fat and meat. That makes it tricky to get right. Too long and the fat becomes slimy, too much heat and the meat becomes chewy. Pho Quatorze offers just the fat, which they cook perfectly. It was rich in flavour yet not overwhelming, crunchy yet not dry, which it is very difficult to do. Only a small part of the cows fat can be used to make it and it has to be prepared just right. The only beef Ive got with Pho Quatorze was, pun intended, is their rare beef. Rare beef is rather standard in pho, but for some reason that I do not understand, their cuts were too thick. Also, they were kind of square shaped and not cut against the grain, which made it unnecessarily chewy. Rare beef should be both juicy and tender and I believe that it should at least be cut thinner, it would help a lot with how it tastes. The special at Pho Quatorze will cost you just US$10. You can also get a glass of Vietnamese coffee or tri-colour sweet for desert here for another $4.25 for a total of a little more than $14. It is quite a treat and excellent value for money, especially by Parisian standards. While I had my reservations at first, I returned to the restaurant several times. It was a pleasant surprise to find such well-made pho in a foreign city. VNS SEOUL North Korea on Sunday staged its first ballistic missile test since Donald Trump took office, a move denounced by Japans leader who won "100 per cent" backing from the new US President. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose country would be in range of a hostile North, called the launch "absolutely intolerable." South Korea said Pyongyang was testing Trump. The missile was launched around 7:55 am (2255 GMT Saturday) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the Souths defence ministry said. It flew about 500 kilometres before falling into the sea, a ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified. "Todays missile launch... is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities," the ministry said in a statement. "It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump," it added. The US Strategic Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium-range ballistic missile It was the first such test since last October. Trump responded with an assurance to the visiting Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally. "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent," he said, without elaborating. Abe denounced the launch as "absolutely intolerable" while top government spokesman Yoshihide Suge told reporters in Tokyo it was "clearly a provocation to Japan and the region." North Korea is barred under UN resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology. But six sets of UN sanctions since Pyongyangs first nuclear test in 2006 have failed to halt its drive for what it insists are defensive weapons. Clear provocation Last year the country conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. A South Korean army official quoted by Yonhap news agency ruled out the possibility of a long-range missile test, describing the device as an upgraded version of the Norths Rodong missile. Seoul-based academic Yang Moo-Jin said the latest test was "a celebratory launch" to mark the February 16 birthday of Kim Jong-Il, late ruler and father of current leader Kim Jong-Un. Pyongyang often celebrates key anniversaries involving current and former leaders with missile launches, Yang, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said. South Koreas acting president Hwang Gyo-Ahn vowed a "corresponding punishment" in response to the launch, which came on the heels of a visit to Seoul by US Defense Secretary James Mattis this month. Mattis had warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an "effective and overwhelming" response. Trumps national security adviser Michael Flynn, spoke to his South Korean counterpart Kim Kwan-Jin by phone and agreed to "seek all possible options" to curb future provocations by the North, Seouls presidential office said. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also condemned the launch as a "further threat to regional... peace and stability" and vowed to work with Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo to heap pressure on Pyongyang. In January leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the "final stages" of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying "It wont happen." James Char, senior analyst at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore, said the launch was Pyongyangs "way of showing characteristic defiance against... Trump." Test for Trump The latest launch poses a test for Trump, who will need the help of the Norths closest ally China to deal with the reclusive state. Relations have thawed in recent days after Trump reaffirmed Washingtons "One China" policy in what he described as a "very warm" telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father in December 2011. AFP WAUCOMA Three people have been taken into custody in connection with a burglary to a rural Waucoma home Feb. 2. The Fayette County Sheriffs Office made the arrests Feb. 9. They were John G. Odegard, 18, of Elgin, a 16-year-old male from Alpha and a 17-year-old male from West Union. All face charges of third-degree burglary. Firefighters put out fire twice WATERLOO Firefighters had to return a second time to finally extinguish a house fire that started in a wall on Friday evening. Waterloo Fire Rescue was called to 302 Clay St. just before 5:30 p.m. Friday for smoke coming from a wall. Firefighters tore through a stairwell wall to reach cellulose insulation, which had caught fire. They left at 6:07 p.m., according to the fire log. They were called back just after 7 p.m. to extinguish the fire in the same spot, leaving just after 8 p.m. The cause of the fire was unknown. There were no injuries and the occupants of the home did not need Red Cross relocation assistance, according to officials. CEDAR FALLS Rogers Market is launching a new venture at an old location. The popular seasonal produce market has returned to the original farmstead site after being uprooted last fall from its longtime home along on U.S. Highway 218 north of Cedar Falls. Now fourth-generation owner Matthew Christopher and his mother, Deb, are hoping other food and craft vendors will join them at 8326 Waverly Road. With us being forced to move back home, were trying to make this a destination stop so people will want to come out here for multiples of things, like baked goods and crafts, Deb Christopher said. Were trying to keep the concept of a typical farmers market, only extended. Rogers Market is taking applications from vendors wanting to lease a stall in their large shed to sell homegrown and homemade items from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, starting this spring. If they want to come every day, thats fine, Matthew said. If they just want to come for weekends, thats fine too. But we arent going to sell for them; they still have to sell it themselves. The Christophers have shelving and tables for the building, which is large enough to handle multiple vendors inside, around the exterior canopy and outside. I could actually put that old (produce) stand inside here and still have room around it, Matthew said, while showing off the space last week. Rogers Market had been selling watermelons, pumpkins, squash and other locally-grown produce from a stand at U.S. 218 and Gresham Road since 2003. Last fall, the Iowa Department of Transportation cut off access from the highway to Gresham Road after opening a new interchange at County Road C57, or Cedar-Wapsi Road. The business returned to its original location on Waverly Road, just north of Cedar-Wapsi Road, where Debs grandparents, Frank and Flora Rogers, started the business sometime before 1920. It was an outdoor stand then, said Deb, noting the couple initially cleaned a chicken coop with homemade lye soap and used it to hold the produce at the roadside. While the Waverly Road site has much lower drive-by traffic than the former stand, the Christophers said long-time customers still found them after the move. They say theyll be back this year, Matthew said. But you never know. So the Christophers are hoping the addition of more vendors will create a destination, with synergy helping both Rogers Market and others who will share the traffic. Potential vendors can inquire about a spot at the market by emailing RogersMarket8326@gmail.com. Preference would be given to those selling items the Christophers dont grow themselves. Deb said she believes there may be vendors shut out of other farmers markets and others simply looking for additional time to sell who may be interested in the new venture. Wed like this to work, she said. If it doesnt, well still be here. Were just giving it a shot. Philippines quake leaves six dead SURIGAO, Philippines (AP) A powerful nighttime earthquake in the southern Philippines killed at least six people and injured more than 120, with officials combing through cracked buildings and nearby towns Saturday to check on the damage and other possible casualties. The magnitude 6.7 quake roused residents from sleep late Friday in Surigao del Norte province, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes. Nearly 100 aftershocks followed. Reports: N. Korea test fires missile PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early today in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trumps new administration. Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant. There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The reports come just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Uns late father, Kim Jong Il. Rockets hit Baghdads Green Zone BAGHDAD (AP) Two rockets landed in Baghdads highly fortified Green Zone on Saturday night following clashes at anti-government protests that left five dead, according to Iraqi security and hospital officials. The rocket attack left no casualties as the munitions landed on the parade grounds in the center of the highly fortified Baghdad compound that is home to Iraqs government and most foreign embassies. It was not clear who fired the projectiles. Saturdays protests were called for by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and clashes that erupted as crowds pushed toward the Green Zone left two policeman and three protesters dead, according to officials. The officials said six other policemen were injured along with dozens of protesters. NYPD plans 23,000 body cams NEW YORK (AP) New York City police plan to put body cameras on all 23,000 of its patrol officers by 2019, an ambitious effort that would dwarf all others across the country. But the nations largest police department is lagging behind other cities, with zero cameras currently on the streets. Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio says his plan, announced during a proposed labor deal last month with the police officers union, is crucial to restoring trust between officers and the communities they serve. A federal judge ordered the NYPD to try out body cameras as part of a 2013 ruling that found the department was wrongly targeting minorities with its stop and frisk tactic. Yale drops Calhoun from college name NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) After years of debate, Yale University announced Saturday it will change the name of a residential college that honors a 19th century alumnus and former U.S. vice president who was an ardent supporter of slavery. Yale trustees said the Ivy League university will rename Calhoun College after trailblazing computer scientist Grace Murray Hopper, a mathematician who earned Yale degrees in the 1930s, invented a pioneering computer programming language and became a Navy rear admiral. Yale said it was the final decision in a controversy over former Vice President John C. Calhouns legacy that had simmered for years and boiled over with campus protests in 2015. Preschool says worker was drunk DES MOINES (AP) A Grimes day care worker has been arrested after sheriffs deputies say she showed up to work drunk. First Steps Child Care officials called deputies about 8:30 a.m. Friday when the 43-year-old Grimes woman showed up intoxicated. The woman was arrested on suspicion of neglect or abandonment of dependent persons, public intoxication and a probation violation. Polk County Sheriffs Lt. Rich Blaylock said blood alcohol content levels were measured, and officers determined on-scene Murphy was drunk because of her bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and wobbly gait. House fire kills 2 in Benton BENTON (AP) An early morning house fire in the tiny southern Iowa community of Benton left two people dead. Ringgold County emergency crews were notified about the fire about 3 a.m. Friday. The county sheriffs office says when crews from the Mount Ayr Fire Department arrived, they found the home engulfed in smoke and flames. Firefighters pulled 68-year-old Linda Gale Haley and 71-year-old Robert Fey Haley out of the building. Firefighters attempted CPR but were unable to revive either person. State abandons jobless kiosks DES MOINES (AP) Iowa officials have stopped servicing or tracking more than 700 self-help computer kiosks that were installed to replace dozens of unemployment offices closed in 2011 as a money-saving effort. Iowa Workforce Development spokeswoman Courtney Greene said its unknown how many of the kiosks are still dedicated to helping the unemployed. Initially, the kiosks were placed in public places such as libraries and homeless shelters. Also gone is the virtual access points programs special website, which included a live chat and toll-free number. that offered technical assistance to kiosk hosts. Greene said improved technology that lets Iowa residents file for weekly unemployment claims by smartphone has made the kiosks less essential. She said the kiosk system was discontinued as part of the departments efficiency efforts. Ken Sagar, president of the Iowa Federation of Labor and an Iowa Workforce Development board member, said he doesnt recall his board being informed that the kiosk system was being abandoned. He said the kiosks were helpful but inferior to the work offered at the unemployment centers, where employees assisted people with resumes and interview skills. Rockwell Collins donates laptops INDEPENDENCE The Buchanan County Economic Development Commission is the recipient of computers donated by Rockwell Collins. The BCEDC offers a series of business events and workshops to encourage new business startups and to help support existing businesses. Rockwell Collins provided 10 refurbished Dell laptop computers to be used as a mobile computer lab. Soil and water meetings slated ALLISON ISU Extension & Outreach and the Butler and Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation Districts will present a soil health meeting in two locations Feb. 28. The morning meeting will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at Butler County Extension & Outreach office, 320 N. Main St., Allison. The afternoon meeting will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Maynes Grove Lodge, four miles south of Hampton on U.S. Highway 65. Both meetings will cover the same information. Rick Bednarek, state soil scientist for NRCS, and Tom Moorman, microbiologist for USDA at the National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment, will speak, along with Lawrence Green, district conservationist for Butler and Franklin counties. RSVP to Butler SWCD at 267-2756 or Franklin SWCD at (641) 456-2157 or Butler County Extension at 267-2707 by Feb. 24. Sustainability awards given CALMAR Winneshiek County Development Inc. awarded Iowas Dairy Center and Northeast Iowa Community College the annual Sustainability Award. NICC and Iowas Dairy Center have had multiple projects in partnership with area organizations, including the Winneshiek Soil and Water Conservation District, Iowa Living Roadways and Rockwell Collins grants. The partnership with SWCD enabled NICC and Iowas Dairy Center to incorporate multiple sustainable practices through the Turkey River Watershed Nutrient Reduction Demonstration Project and the Urban Demonstration Conservation project. The recent Urban Conservation Project initiative addressed storm water runoff issues and consequent nutrient loss issues created by nearly four acres of dairy farm, livestock buildings and feed storage areas at the Iowas Dairy Center. New practices have led to reducing overall runoff by nearly 30 percent at the center. Century farms apps being taken DES MOINES Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is encouraging eligible farm owners to apply for the 2017 Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and recognizes families who have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms. Applications are available at www.IowaAgriculture.gov by clicking on the Century Farm or Heritage Farm link under Hot Topics. Applications also may be requested from Becky Lorenz at (515) 281-3645 or Becky.Lorenz@IowaAgriculture.gov or by writing to Century or Heritage Farms Program, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines 50319. Deadline is June 1. Grocery sack contest slated TAMA To help spread the message of Soil and Water Stewardship Week, April 30 through May 7, the Tama Soil & Water Conservation District will sponsor its annual Grocery Sack Contest. The 2017 activity will be open to third-, fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms in the Dysart-Geneseo, North Tama, Meskwaki Settlement, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, South Tama and Green Mountain-Garwin school districts. Homeschooled students also are welcome. The 2017 theme will be Healthy Soils Are Full of Life! For more information, call (641) 484-2702 ext. 3. Crop outlook topic of meeting NASHUA Steve Johnson, farm management specialist, and D. Allen Pattillo, aquaculture/aquaponics/fisheries specialist, will speak at the annual meeting of the Northeast Iowa Agriculture Experimental Association March 8 at the ISU Northeast Research Farm near Nashua. The program starts at 9:30 a.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. Call Terry Basol at (641) 426-6801. Speaker series at UIU FAYETTE The Upper Iowa University School of Business Andres Memorial Speaker Series will continue Wednesday with a guest panel of area entrepreneurs. The public event will be from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in the Student Center ballrooms at UIU-Fayette campus. CEDAR FALLS The Board of Education Monday will hold a public hearing on the proposed $1.24 million purchase of 50 acres for a possible new high school. The board meets at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall, 220 Clay St. Board members are expected to make a decision on the purchase Feb. 27. Owned by the University of Northern Iowa, the property off of West 27th Street was identified by Cedar Falls Community Schools more than two years ago. But a bond issue referendum that would have authorized construction of a new high school at that site failed in August 2014. Officials are considering exercising the option to purchase the land from UNI now because it will expire at the end of March. Superintendent Andy Pattee has said the district will consider putting another bond issue before voters for the high school in 10 to 16 months. A new high school has an estimated cost of $80-$85 million. The most recent enrollment forecasts show the current Cedar Falls High School, located on property with no more room for growth at 1015 Division St., will be over capacity by the 2019-20 school year. In other business, the board will consider approving: A $167,285 bid by Kidder Construction of Waterloo to upgrade the entryway of Cedar Heights Elementary School. It was the lowest of three bids and $1,365 below the estimate. A $107,179 bid by Service Roofing Co. in Waterloo to replace three sections of the roof at Hansen Elementary School. It was the lowest of four bids and about $37,500 below the estimate. A $270,000 food service equipment bid by Rapids Foodservice of Marion for the planned new Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School. It was the lowest of five bids. The resignation of Jennifer Hartman, principal of North Cedar Elementary School, effective June 30. Substantial completion of the Southdale Elementary School portable classroom project. Total costs came to $258,442, which was $20,703 under budget. WATERLOO A public hearing will be held during Mondays Board of Education meeting on plans to remodel more space at Central Middle School for a career center. The board meets at 6 p.m. in the Education Service Center, 1516 Washington St. Board members are expected to approve the proposed project and begin seeking bids. The hearing is required because improvements will exceed $130,000. Two high school career and technical education programs, nursing assistant and digital graphics, started at the center this fall. Since then, Waterloo Community Schools has announced plans to add three more for next year. Those include information technology, advanced manufacturing and early childhood education. Officials have said the programs will utilize some of the already remodeled space on the schools north end, but additional classrooms need to be upgraded. In other business, the board will: Hold a public hearing on school calendars for 2017-18 and likely approve them later in the meeting. The school year would run from Aug. 24, 2017, to June 5, 2018. It includes 175 instructional days, with April 2 and May 21 designated as snow make-up days. No classes would be held those days if theyre not needed for make-up. The calendar also includes 11 staff professional development days and a teacher quality day. Consider approving a memorandum of understanding with Shine Ministries to use Central from July 3 to 15, 2018, to house 300 to 450 TeenServe Workcamp participants from around the U.S. The youths will be in Waterloo July 8 to 14 helping needy families with home repair projects. The organization will be doing setup in the days before the camp starts. The district would receive reimbursement for direct expenses, waiving all other fees and charges. Hold a 4 p.m. special session in Room 110 for Superintendent Jane Lindamans regular review of performance on goals and objectives. The board is expected to go into closed session, as allowed under Iowa Code. CEDAR RAPIDS For millions of women across the country, 2016 was it. The year theyd finally see a woman become the president of the United States. But then Democrat Hillary Clinton lost to Republican rival Donald Trump. That glass ceiling may not have been broken quite yet, but there is a silver lining shining through it. Her defeat has inspired more women in Iowa and across the country to run for office. According to Dianne Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University, Some women shared that theyve been asked to run before and said no, said Bystrom. But now they feel they need to step up. Her loss was a wake-up call. One woman told me, I feel like I cant sit back and let women like Hillary Clinton do this for me. Thats because enthusiasm for the first female president has turned to frustration, she said. Bystrom who also oversees the nonpartisan campaign training program for women, Ready to Run Iowa said interest in this years program has exploded. In the days following the presidential election in November, before the organization had even started promoting its February workshop, Bystrom received more than 40 emails asking about educational opportunities. Registration numbers have more than doubled, Bystrom said, forcing the organization to move to a larger location. The daylong workshops which take place in odd-numbered years typically attract about 40 attendees. This year numbers jumped to more than 90, including scholarship recipients for young women and women of color. Registration for the Friday workshops has closed. Ready to Run programs across the country have seen an increase, she added. Were all on a listservs, and different states keep talking about how theyre full already. Iowa certainly has room for improvement when it comes to women in politics. According to a 2015 report by Cedar Rapids-based Iowa Women Lead Change, women comprised about 29 percent of statewide elected executive officeholders and about 23 percent of the Iowa Legislature. Whats more, women made up 11 percent of county boards of supervisors, 14 percent of mayors, 26 percent of city councils and 35 percent of school board members. It wasnt until 2014 that the state elected its first woman to national office, Sen. Joni Ernst. And Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will become the states first female governor later this year when she replaces Gov. Terry Branstad, who has been nominated as ambassador to China. Research shows women are more likely than men to feel underqualified to run for office. They also are less likely to be asked to run. Thats where organizations such as Ready to Run Iowa and 50-50 in 2020 come in. Both organizations work to train and mentor Iowa women to run for office. Amy Drahos, a senior air quality scientist at Linn County Public Health, plans to attend the upcoming Ready to Run workshop. She hasnt targeted a particular office she wants to run for, but wants to use the time to fact-find and network. Its a chance to get more information on the process, she said. Our responsibility as citizens is to in someway do something to help the community. (Women) offer such unique perspectives, and I feel like this is a great way for women to step up. Miriam Timmer-Hackert plans to run for Coralville City Council along with her friend Elizabeth Dinschel. The two also will be attending Fridays workshop. A lawyer and a mediator, Timmer-Hackert wants to put her skills to the communitys use. But she admits theres a lot she doesnt know about running for office. Its kind of scary to run for office, Timmer-Hackert said. I want to build up that confidence. I dont know what I dont know. ... I appreciate people sharing their experiences so you know youre not alone. WATERLOO The future of the Fourth Street Bridge pedestrian canopy is on the line this week. Waterloo City Council members will be asked Monday whether they support moving forward with an estimated $1.5 million in repairs to the deteriorated steel and concrete structure which has been a downtown icon since its 1976 construction. The city has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association that it would match with $750,000 in bond funds to repaint the canopy and replace some of the crumbling concrete holding it up. Consultants said a second option to remove the canopy and put up decorative rails and lights would cost roughly $850,000. But that would not be eligible for the existing gaming grant. Members of the Main Street Waterloo downtown revitalization organization have started an online petition to save the canopy. An earlier attempt to repair the canopy drew only one bid, $2.57 million, and was rejected last May. The new project reduces the level of repairs to bring costs within the $1.5 million budget. Other scheduled council business includes: A request from Chuck Heene to rezone a vacant office building at 915-919 W. Fourth St. so it can be used as a neighborhood grocery store. The citys zoning commission endorsed the conditional zoning despite opposition from the head of the Church Row Neighborhood Association. A public hearing and bid opening on plans to purchase an animal control van. The gaming association is providing up to $25,000 to cover half the cost of the vehicle. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall. A budget work session is slated for 3 p.m. WATERLOO For the Rev. Mary Robinson, faith is a coat of many colors. She says she used to shake her fist at God. There was no way no way she was going to become a minister. Some 25 years ago she stopped fighting. It may be the only time she did. As a student, as a single mom, as a woman in a previously male-dominated profession and as an African-American, shes never given up. Nor, she said, should any member of her congregation. Shes gone from a predominantly white congregation in Cedar Falls to a diverse congregation in east Waterloo. Her message is universal: While cultural differences exist, everyone has value, and everyone needs their culture acknowledged as they worship and in their lives. The name of her church All Nations Community Church, affiliated with the American Baptist Church says it all. It is a congregation of many nationalities. Liberian, Congolese, we have a family from Honduras, African-Americans and Caucasian-Americans too, she says. Its not a mega-church by any stretch of the imagination. It is a contrast to her prior congregation at Valley View Baptist in Cedar Falls. Twenty-four years ago this month, she made history when she was installed as pastor; she had been interim pastor since the preceding July. At that time, Valley View was the only white congregation of the 160 American Baptist churches in the Iowa-Minnesota region with a black female minister. I cant say enough for this church for making this choice in this day, one of Robinsons mentors, the Rev. Eugene Williams, longtime leader of Waterloos Faith Temple Baptist Church, told members of the Valley View congregation. The congregation was virtually all white except for Robinsons daughter, a mixed-race family and an Iranian family. She helped prevent the Iranian family from being deported on an immigration issue. That was really, seriously, one of the better things the Lord allowed me to be able to do, Robinson said. I do a lot of work with immigration, with immigrants, Robinson said. She was invited to quarterly meetings and training sessions by the administrator of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services district office in Kansas City, Mo. I think he got tired of me bugging him with all kinds of issues, so he started inviting me to meetings, and I got it firsthand, she said. Robinson has had a long personal journey. Born in Sallis, Miss., she moved to Waterloo at a young age when her father took a job at John Deere. But a big part of her upbringing included regular trips back to Mississippi. She has traced her family history back to 1824 and made a pilgrimage to Nigeria and Ghana to research family roots. As a Waterloo East High sophomore, Robinson quit school, got married and had three daughters. She worked as a waitress and dishwasher. She later earned a high-school equivalency diploma, then a social work degree from Wartburg College and a law degree from the University of Iowa. She spent 18 years as a lawyer in Cedar Rapids prior to being called to the ministry, attending seminary at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. She served 12 years on the State Board of Education and is in the middle of her second stint on the Black Hawk County Board of Health, currently serving as board vice chair. She served as state president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, acting director of Waterloos Martin Luther King Jr. Center and has a long list of community service awards. Shes also a part-time chaplain at the Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Waterloo. She recalls, sometimes with tears, the scars from her struggles. The day she was told she was only capable of menial labor after completing a survey at the Waterloo unemployment office in 1964. Encountering a Cedar Rapids pastor who would not accept women in ministry. Fighting for black central committee members of the Iowa Democratic Party to be able to vote at the state convention. But she also carries the memories of those who helped her like Dorothy Kyle, her boss at Waterloos Midtown Neighborhood Center, a former Operation Threshhold social service center on Walnut Street, and her husband, Walter. They recognized her potential and helped her through Wartburg. And a pastor at the all-white First Baptist Church of the Brethren in Cedar Rapids, who assured her, during a moment of frustration, This isnt a black church. And it isnt a white church. This is Gods church. That experience prepared her for her ministry at Valley View in Cedar Falls, and her current ministry has given her additional perspective. You learn that people are the same. But seriously, there are so many cultural differences. In America, and here in Waterloo, we have a dominant culture. But then within the dominant culture are cultural groups still living out their lives in ways they are accustomed to back home. And thats not unique, Robinson said. We did that blacks when we moved up from Mississippi or the South. You had the dominant culture, but then you knew there was the, quote-unquote, black way, whatever that is. Just like theres a Liberian way, theres a Congolese way, theres a Bosnian way. There are cultures within a culture. That has not changed. That was eye-opening for me. Its like older white Iowa families holding on to their German culture. I applaud that, she said. Shell include culture in her services like taking note of Liberian independence day, or having Scripture read in French for Congolese members. I just know when we get to heaven its not all going to be one race, one country. I believe there will be someone from every nation on earth. I do believe that, she said. And so, why is it when someone comes to a church, or attends a church or joins a church, why cant they have something that makes them feel like its home? Whether its a song, or sermon illustrations? Its the same with gender, she said, recalling negative images of women in church when she was young. Even with that, we need to make sure people feel included. There are so many positive examples in the Bible of women. There are so many positive examples of people who are from different races in the Bible, which she researched in seminary. I believe the Bible can be inclusive, with a central message for everyone. We all want to resonate with who we are, Robinson said. It doesnt take away from the fact that were Americans, that were proud of this country, that were happy to be here. While she hasnt been afraid to shake things up during her life, she quips she is no longer shaking her fist at God. Her hands are only raised in praise. Ollie the bobcat escaped from the National Zoo last week. In response, the District of Columbia canceled recess at 13 schools near the National Zoo, even though, claims CBS News, zoo officials said the animal poses no danger to humans. A statement from the University of Northern Iowa: As campus leaders, we express our unwavering support for all people on this campus. Divisive actions like Trumps temporary ban on immigration, which selectively target vulnerable populations, go against our values as a community, and it is up to all of us to stand together in solidarity. Moving forward, we must continue to support one another and preserve UNIs caring and respectful community. We are all in this together. Can you tell which of these is fake news? Tough choice. Ollie, if he existed, would be about the size of a small dog, slightly larger than my wifes cat. He would also try to stay as far away from children as possible. But schools are safe spaces, and safe spaces are very important because being safe is a primary purpose of all acceptable spaces. On the other hand, would the school officials really want to become the laughing stock of the nation by their out-of-bounds slavish and unthinking conformity to political correctness? What about the statement from UNI stating that there is (was) a UNI community that has to stand in solidarity against the evil of Trumps temporary ban on specific aspects of immigration? This could be fake news. Who, for example, still uses the word solidarity? Unless the person stepped out of a time machine, who would use an archaic communist term, or imply they havent had an original thought since 1964. Obviously, intelligent people who make up the community must know that numerous presidents, including Barack Obama, have temporarily banned certain vulnerable groups from entering the U.S. Surely, they would have stood (can you sit?) in solidarity against the immigration laws of China, numerous Muslim countries and even Mexico. I would vote for the second story as fake news. Having worked at UNI for almost a third of a century, I never heard a person actually use the word solidarity, except perhaps when someone mispronounced what Jell-O does when put into a frig. I didnt know there is a UNI community. It must be a pretty small and elite group because the last time UNI said they wanted to honor me, they sent me an invitation to the award dinner addressed to Dear Recipient. Then again, the first item has a ring of truth to it. Modern education is all about making sure everyone feels safe. Even at a university, Ive seen lots of signs on professors doors, stating their office was a safe space. Evidently, being safe is more important than being challenged, especially if you belong to a vulnerable group. There is always the possibility there could be a bobcat out there roaming the halls. So, which one was fake news? Neither. If you didnt get it right, dont worry. Evidently, those in education cant get it right either. I get worried when Republicans sweep into Congress and immediately start talking about deregulation. Many regulations exist because at one time or another someone exploited systemic flaws and people got hurt. The greatest examples precipitated the Great Depression and the Great Recession. Sit back. Let me tell you my own story. This may surprise you, but Im not always happy with Democrats. In 1999, I opened an Italian restaurant outside of Los Angeles called Figaro Figaro and soon found myself frustrated with Sacramento. Several Democratic policies made it hard to be an employer who seemingly had to facilitate everyones needs connected to the business but my own. The first two years saw wage increases, and while I fully support a living wage, California was always well above the national average; even incremental increases each year were hard on the bottom line of a startup business. With higher payroll came higher payroll taxes, and in the restaurant business, with slim margins, the increases made it a challenge to stay open. So, I continued to work as an actor to subsidize the restaurant and we kept our heads above water (barely). Then along came the California energy crisis. The deregulation of the energy market became a breeding ground for (well-documented) fraud. Market manipulation created a false shortage of electricity from the devious shutdown of pipelines. Enron was the biggest player in a scheme to exploit the deregulation policies. A few people got rich. Very rich. Nearly $50 billion was bilked from Californians, and the hardest hit were small businesses like mine as energy costs went up 800 percent. You cant have a restaurant without electricity, and so I was faced with paying exorbitant energy bills along with higher costs for everything else. I wrote to President George W. Bush for help. I recalled a speech where he asked Americans to become entrepreneurial and look to his administration as a partner. I wrote: Please know that I will pay my taxes in full, but with the energy crisis, I cannot make payroll and pay taxes simultaneously. With penalties and interest, I fall deeper into this hole. Is there a way to keep penalties and interest from compounding for just a month or two? Soon, I got a letter back. It wasnt from the White House, though, it was from the IRS: Pay your taxes or close your business. So much for our partnership. I understood an exception wasnt going be made for me alone, but this was after all due to a government-sanctioned fraud. That experience taught me a lot about business, about government and about the hollow promises of politicians. And in the end, while Democratic policies were challenging my business, it was a long-held Republican policy that threw me out of business. So, Ill conclude with a bipartisan Valentine: Neither side writes the perfect score, but if we get past the conceit that believes that we do, perhaps we could actually help labor, business and consumers at the same time. There was almost uniform relief from established political leaders when the man left a public office and moved on to another one. First, the powers that be were delighted by his promotion from the Police Commissioner of New York City to become the Assistant Secretary of Navy. To ensure he didnt return to New York, they capitalized on his war record and sent him to Albany to become governor of the entire state. When the opportunity to place him as vice president of the United States arose, they quickly rallied behind him. When he was elected, they relaxed. As vice president, the feeling was, he could do little harm and create less turmoil. But then President William McKinley met Leon Czolgosz, who shot him, and Theodore Roosevelt became president of the United States. Like our current president, Roosevelts arrival at the White House wasnt greeted with great optimism. Sen. Marcus Hanna, the political boss of the time, was quoted as saying in dismay, Now that damn cowboy is president of the United States. Yet, in his first term he astounded everyone. To the consternation of the capitalists of the Republican party, he gave life to the Sherman Anti-Trust Act and stopped a monopoly from being formed of railroads in the western United States. To the joy of labor, he averted a devastating strike of the coal miners, forced the owners into arbitration and then stacked the board so the miners basically got what they wanted. He finished off the rest of McKinleys term by acquiring the right to build the Panama Canal. Roosevelt did not completely desert his party followers. In the Panic of 1907, he quietly signed off on a solution that granted J.P. Morgan even more wealth and financial leverage. On the other hand, we all know it was his presidency that gave birth to many of our national parks. TRs memory gives me a slightly different look at President Trumps first three weeks. Back in 1993-94 era, organized labor almost fell on its sword trying to stop President Clintons push to adopt NAFTA. The new president has suspended it for now with the stroke of a pen. No one in labor wanted the Trans Pacific Partnership, and now it is gone. The Dakota Access pipeline, to the joy of steelworkers and the buildings and trade unions, is back on track. Granted, denying climate change, the Muslim Ban and the Mexican wall give me pause. But the jurist appointed to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, while not of my persuasion, is competent. In short, there is strong disagreement with some of what the president is doing, but not everything. Historians keep trying to compare President Trump with Andrew Jackson, but a better model, I think, is Roosevelt because he was not bound to one party or the other. The early steps of this presidents actions seem to indicate a capacity to share that quality. But there is another reason. President Trump, for moderate and liberal voters, is a problem. But as I wrote earlier, I still doubt the public realizes how truly conservative the Congress and the state legislatures turned because of the last election. When this Congress comes after Social Security and Medicare, when they eliminate any type of standards in health insurance, the American public is going to need a friend in the White House with veto power. That friend must be the president. Will he be that friend if everything he does that is right is condemned? Writing of Roosevelt in his excellent biography T.R., Noel F. Busch said, One thing that helped T.R. to dominate his time was that he understood it so thoroughly and from so many aspects. What distinguished him from his compatriots was that he perceived more clearly than they the import of the era in which they were living. Trump is not Roosevelt, and he may never be that kind of president. But at least he deserves the chance to be one. It can start that when he acts like Roosevelt, he should receive credit for doing so. In recent decades, public schooling has become the topic of heated debate, and political actors of all ideological stripes have introduced an array of controversial policies that have fundamentally changed the institution. One of the more controversial of these policies is the introduction of school competition through voucher school programs and charter schools. The big idea behind school competition is providing students attending low-performing schools with the ability to opt out of their assigned schools will incentivize all schools to produce higher results and resolve the inequality of educational opportunity that has long characterized public education. The logic of school competition may appear to be a rather straightforward and intuitive way to quickly turn around low-achieving schools. However, as with all such quick fixes, there is little reason to think that it will work as promised. The idea of school vouchers was first proposed by economist Milton Friedman in the 1950s. Friedman argued if schools were forced to compete for students and the funding attached to them then schools would necessarily produce high academic achievement or risk going out of business. His proposal was to do away with the system of assigning students to specific schools based on where they live and instead give parents a voucher they could use to cover the tuition costs at a school of their choosing. Voucher programs today are generally small-scale programs that allow families living in the urban core of cities such as Milwaukee the opportunity to use public money to attend private schools (secular, religious, etc.), although nations such as Chile and Sweden have implemented nationwide systems. Charter schools were first proposed by United Federation of Teachers president Albert Shanker in 1988. Shanker envisioned a new public school led by teachers who are freed from bureaucratic restraints to make instructional decisions based on their expertise and knowledge of the communities they serve. Shanker argued teacher-led schools would become hubs for innovation that would produce high academic achievement. In the past 20 years, charter school enrollment has ballooned to over 2.5 million, however it is important to note todays charter schools look nothing like Shankers vision. Most charter schools have adopted a top-down business model staffed by inexperienced teachers (often with alternative licensure) who deliver traditional, highly structured lessons over which they have little control. So, what does the research say? Does school competition raise overall academic achievement and help resolve the historical inequalities that characterize the American education system? Research on the effectiveness of school competition is inconclusive and controversial, no doubt a product of the partisan nature of the actors (both for and against) involved. The most charitable read of the literature would indicate school competition neither increases nor decreases overall academic achievement. There are high performing and low performing voucher and charter schools just as there are high performing and low performing public schools. More troubling, there is clear evidence school competition contributes to student sorting and segregation along the lines of social class, race, ethnicity and disability. In this regard, Sweden should serve as a cautionary tale. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments PISA exam indicates the rapid expansion of its nationwide voucher program through the 2000s coincided with a rapid drop in international rankings and a dramatic increase in school segregation along the lines of social class and ethnicity. Similarly, Chiles 34-year experiment in a nationwide voucher program has not produced dramatic gains but has produced wide-scale student sorting that has sparked a national movement toward education reform. In short, school competition is one of those policies that would appear to be a rather common sensical way to improve academic achievement and resolve inequality of educational opportunity. However, like all such quick fixes, it fails to live up to its promise, and it distracts citizens and policy-makers from the hard work required to bring about real systemic change. If Iowa hopes to regain its reputation as a leader in public education it will need to follow the example of nations such as Canada, Finland and Singapore by investing in teachers and schools and not siphoning off funds to programs that do not work. Political discord THOMAS HILL CEDAR FALLS After listening to the anguish of the detained travelers with their heartbreaking stories of separated families and lives put in limbo by the ill-conceived travel ban of President Trump, we spoke out on their behalf by posting two signs on our house windows. One read: Immigrants and Refugees are Welcome Here. The other read: Defeat Trumps Agenda. Im with the Resistance. Shortly thereafter, late one night, an object came hurtling through one of our windows. A message was attached to the missile: America home of the brave and land of the free a sentiment with which we would not disagree. This attack represents the negative impact Trumps actions and messages are having on our values and discourse. Somehow, just by publicly stating our support for immigrants and our disagreement with Trumps policies, we were seen by some of his supporters as unpatriotic and were made targets of physical abuse. As history has shown, unless we can regain our tolerance for differing views and embrace legal procedures to enact political change, civil strife and authoritarian rule may lie at the end of this road. Education in Iowa RON SPEARS WATERLOO Walt Rogers and his ilk (committee) said colleges need to get along on less in the future. What that means is students will pay more tuition. And that means fewer teachers, because one cannot pay off a huge debt being a teacher whose funds are being cut. Rogers and crew cannot connect the dots or do not care about the future of education in the state. My grandson in Germany will be going to university for free. How can we be the greatest country in the world? I would like some answers as to why we cannot educate our children for the good of our country. Thanks, CFPD ERIC and HELEN LEONG WAVERLY We want to thank the city of Cedar Falls and the Cedar Falls Police Department for demonstrating their commitment to free expression by providing and maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive venue for last Sundays rallies. As parents with young children, the reality of participating in democratic demonstrations can be intimidating especially with the knowledge at least two opposing views may be expressed in shared public spaces. We experienced no issues in our exercise of expression, and are encouraged by an environment that welcomes participants and observers of all ages in peaceful demonstration. With respectful and peaceful exchanges, the many voices can find solutions in the continuing struggles for justice. Our appreciation goes out to the CFPD for the important role they play in empowering and strengthening our community. Democracy live BETH OLSON WAVERLY As one who attended the recent rally at Rep. Rod Blums office, I would like to offer my perspective. It was an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of fellow Iowans as we exercised our right to free speech and peaceful assembly. We heard speaker after speaker talk about this country we all love as one where others are welcomed, where others are included and where the diversity that is a hallmark of this nation is what makes us great. It was also good to have a group who chose to protest: Dissent should always be allowed in a true democracy, as the right to disagree is part of the enshrinement of free speech. Sundays rally was a strong and hopeful reminder of the power of the people and of how people of varying backgrounds can work together to make our representative democracy better for all; Sundays rally was a living example of what democracy looks like. Fourth Street Bridge JIM CHAPMAN WATERLOO I feel at the time this bridge was built it was a good idea. But I really think it has turned into a place to dump garbage, also to use as a bathroom. The metal structure is a high-maintenance item. If it was a bridge that was a drawing card for people to come to Waterloo, I would be in favor of putting the money into it. Now, if you go east to the 18th Street bridge, there is a good-looking bridge, and every time I have been over it there are people walking across it. Why cant we put a bridge like that on Fourth Street? We need to repair Park Avenue. We need this bridge, not close it. Support mayor GLORIA STIGLER WATERLOO I felt I had to write this letter regarding the treatment of Mayor Quentin Hart. I am appalled Councilmen Tom Lind and Steve Schmitt have formed a coup to demoralize and antagonize our mayor. The public sees them for who and what they are, and those who choose not to see them for what they are lack understanding racism is alive and well. If Lind and Schmitt are so insecure in themselves as to refuse to have a black man lead them, they should step down and let this well-qualified, intelligent man lead our city. Wisecracks and innuendos have to stop in order for our city and City Council to move forward. Throwing stones and hiding behind them while professing innocence is not manly or courageous; it is pretentious. Hart is doing a terrific job bridging the gap that has existed in our city for generations. He has used his own money and resources to meet with other mayors to learn what they are doing to make our city safer, more progressive and productive, more approachable for business negotiations and more accepting of others. I encourage all to support him and move our city forward. Choices in life MARCEL W. ROSE SR. WATERLOO With changes in life there are choices. Ive learned this growing up in Waterloo. But I also learned that with each decision the consequences become greater. Ive learned to live life here due to my mothers appreciation of this town, but now its become a place no one wishes to come to and everyone wishes to leave. The youths have become angrier, and those of my own age act as if they really cant see whats going on. The blame gets directed at the crooked for using the law without justification/merit due to arrest and false accusations that scare our youth to plead and go blindly into a conviction, when all we must do is provide the knowledge to those without. The help, if theres any, has to start with us. There are too many people in our community who are seeking guidance and the opportunity to become more than who they have been. My support came from a church. I know Im not the only heart in this growing town with a conscience. Mayor Quentin Hart is the beginning of gaining focus, but we must help individually and as a society to grow, prosper and cherish the changes in Waterloo. WASHINGTON On the first Thursday of every February, religious dignitaries, politicians, and other guests are invited to Washington, D.C. to attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast. It is sponsored by the Christian organization called The Fellowship Foundation and has been an American tradition since 1953. This year was no exception. On Feb, 2. President Trump attended his first breakfast, held at the Washington Hilton. During that morning event, Trump addressed the crowd, saying: America is a nation of believers. In towns all across our land, its plain to see what we easily forget so easily we forget this, that the quality of our lives is not defined by our material success, but by our spiritual success. [i] In those words, he defines U.S. society by a specific standard of religiosity: we are believers and we must remember that fact. The language corresponds with the administrations ongoing branding effort to Make America Great Again a slogan built on two assumptions: America is not great now, and America was great at some point in the past. Together with the embedded religious rhetoric, which is exemplified in Trumps words noted above, the administrations marketing campaign has created a uniquely American cocktail containing a mixture of religion and nationalism with a hearty splash of undefined romantic nostalgia. In the prayer breakfast speech, Trump suggests that, as Americans, we must remember a time when religious pursuits preempted the consumerist impulse. While many may agree with this feel-good statement, it can appear ironic coming from an American real estate tycoon who, during the same annual religious event, asked for prayers to boost the ratings of a reality television program of which hes still listed as the executive producer. That aside, it is this very style of religious rhetoric that is thriving in the current political scene, and even tipping the balance of power. Later in that same speech, Trump talks about the importance of religious freedom and its enemies. He says: We have seen peace-loving Muslims brutalized, victimized, murdered and oppressed by ISIS killers. We have seen threats of extermination against the Jewish people. We have seen a campaign of ISIS and genocide against Christians, where they cut off heads. In these sentences, he acknowledges the multi-faith world more than in other speeches and tweets, and he even hints at the complexities of religious politics with regard to global terrorism. However, at the end of his speech, he returns to the idea of America being defined as a nation of believers using an even more specific religious framework. He says: America will thrive, as long as we continue to have faith in each other and faith in God. Its that faith that sent the pilgrims across the oceans, the pioneers across the plains and the young people all across America, to chase their dreams. They are chasing their dreams. We are going to bring those dreams back. As long as we have God, we are never, ever alone. Whether its the soldier on the night watch, or the single parent on the night shift, God will always give us solace and strength, and comfort. We need to carry on and to keep carrying on. President Trumps words draw on romantic notions of Americana as defined within culturally-specific and idealized notions of religiosity, saying we will bring those dreams back again. This is where that splash of nostalgia is evident. Religious revival At the end of his speech, Trump says: For us here in Washington, we must never, ever stop asking God for the wisdom to serve the public, according to his will. That final statement flirts dangerously close to the establishment clause, begging the question as to whether it is actually a violation. But Trump is not alone in that danger zone. Since the inception of the National Prayer Breakfast, presidents have had to walk an uneasy line between religious expression (personal or otherwise) and the establishment clause in their annual talk. It has been questioned whether the breakfast tradition itself, supported by an evangelical organization, is even constitutional at all. However, it is important to note that the First Amendment doesnt forbid public religious practice. As TWH columnist Clio Ajana said, To say that one prays does not mean that an individual is a monotheist and that prayer is the dominion of such traditions. Prayer is for all of us. However, that inclusive ideal and its actual manifestation in American political culture may not always line up. It is [] most reasonable in itself that men who are made capable of social acts and relations, who owe their improvements to the social state, and who derive their enjoyments from it, should, as a society, make their acknowledgments of dependence and obligation to Him who hath endowed them with these capacities and elevated them in the scale of existence by these distinctions. [ii] Well before our current era, Americas elected officials have pushed the legal boundaries between religion and politics, in speeches and policy-making. For example, in a 1799 presidential proclamation recommending a National Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer, John Adams said: President Adams dream of a National Day of Prayer didnt last; nor did the second attempt by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It wasnt until 1952 that the current National Day of Prayer was formally signed into law under the Truman administration. One year later, the National Prayer Breakfast was established. Like the newly-created day of prayer, the breakfast was one of the more visible outcroppings of the intersection between religion, specifically Abrahamic in nature, and American politics. The birth of the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, as it was called then, was actually part of a larger religious revival propelled by newly-elected president Dwight D. Eisenhower. In a Smithsonian Magazine article titled History of the National Prayer Breakfast, journalist Diane Winston writes, Soon after his election in 1952, Eisenhower told [famed Southern Baptist minister and evangelist Billy Graham] that the country needed a spiritual renewal. For Eisenhower, faith, patriotism and free enterprise were the fundamentals of a strong nation. But of the three, faith came first. Eisenhower was the first president to attend the breakfast established by The Fellowship Foundation. According to Winston, Eisenhower was initially wary about attending, but he was reportedly convinced to go by Rev. Graham. In his 1953 speech at that breakfast, Eisenhower concluded, All free government is firmly founded in a deeply-felt religious faith. With this in mind, it is not surprising that, two years later in 1954, the words under God were added to the pledge of allegiance. And, two years after that, the 84th Congress backed by President Einsenhower made in God we trust the national motto. Of cocktails and witch-hunts While political shifts are always complicated and rife with ideological competition manifesting in changing legislation, historians often attribute this so-called spiritual revival to the coming Cold War and the growing fear of communism. It was in 1950 at a celebration of Abraham Lincolns birthday that Joseph McCarthy gave his famous Wheeling Speech. McCarthy defined the U.S. in religious terms: Can there be anyone who fails to realize that the communist world has said, The time is now that this is the time for the showdown between the democratic Christian world and the communist atheistic world? Unless we face this fact, we shall pay the price that must be paid by those who wait too long. [iii] While the the term God used by Eisenhowers legislation can be justified as being generally Abrahamic, McCarthy employed far more specific religious language. Capitalizing on a social fear, he dangerously defines political lines of good and bad within religious terms; thereby tying global politics to a deeply personal experience. He deftly equates nationalism to religious belief in order to influence political opinion and the general population. On the side of good was Christianity, America, and democracy. On the side of evil was atheism, the Soviet Union, and communism. The reaction of the American people to this would have made the heart of Abraham Lincoln happy. When this pompous diplomat in striped pants, with a phony British accent, proclaimed to the American people that Christ on the Mount endorsed communism, high treason, and betrayal of a sacred trust, the blasphemy was so great that it awakened the dormant indignation of the American people. In that speech, McCarthy went on to say: At [World War II]s end we were physically the strongest nation on Earth and, at least potentially, the most powerful intellectually and morally. Later in the Wheeling speech, he references the 1947 conviction of State Department official Alger Hiss for treason: The spark of morality, as he said, was rekindled. This is, once again, an appeal to nostalgia. It recalls time when America was supposedly the most powerful, the strongest nation, the smartest, and the most moral. During the trials, McCarthy went on to assert himself as a key part of the solution to the presented social problem. As seen in the Wheeling speech, he made claims that he alone possessed proof of 57 cases of individuals who would appear to be either card-carrying members or certainly loyal to the Communist Party, but who nevertheless are still helping to shape our foreign policy. While McCarthys work eventually proved to be inaccurate and what we might now call fake news, it did lead to several years of HUAC hearings and the famous political witch-hunts. Interestingly, the final hearings in 1954 were televised, which reportedly led to a public outrage against McCarthy and his methods. It can be speculated that the popularization of this new visual medium, and the resulting wide availability of source material as it were, helped to end of the HUAC trials and hunts. As a side note, it was near the end of those trials that the recently debated Johnson Amendment was enacted changing the tax codes to prevent nonprofit organizations from influencing legislation and election processes. Lyndon B. Johnson, then a senator from Texas, was allegedly concerned about the above-mentioned growing conservatism, the anti-communist sentiment, and the rise of McCarthyism. Some historians speculate that Johnsons push for the tax code change was simply a personal political move, targeting his own opponents who had backed the HUAC hearings; others say it was an attempt to silence any nonprofit organizations participating in anti-communist political war mongering and cold war propaganda. It may have been both. Either way, most agree that Johnsons proposal of the code change was not meant as a move against religious bodies or so-called attempts at a religious revival. In other words, the enactment of the code was not a result of religious freedom concerns. The morning after hangover During this not-so-distant past, there were many politicians who, like McCarthy, were advocating for a strong nationalism as a means of protection from foreign enemies during a time of growing global fear, and this surge of nationalism was neatly wrapped in religious rhetoric attributed to Americas great past. It is a cocktail from which America has still not fully recovered. The tradition of the National Prayer Breakfast comes out of that time, as do the other religious components still resident in our contemporary American cultural experience, such as the pledge of allegiance and the motto. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.[iv] However, it is important to note that there are other politically-based social traditions that are intertwined with similar religiosity, but were not born in that 1950s time frame. The White House Christmas tree lighting began in 1923. Irving Berlin wrote the famous song God Bless America in 1918. From the presidential inauguration ceremony to the patriotic songs commonly sung, religious language finds itself in many places. In fact, written into the end of every presidential proclamation at least over the past 150 years is the statement: Much of this religious language is so well embedded into Americas systems and cultures that it is largely accepted and ignored, being challenged only periodically by religious freedom organizations. Making America something again Beyond words and the draperies of yesteryear, religion-based rhetoric continues to provide momentum for the newly-elected administration, stirring controversy from the cabinet selections to the executive orders. The immigration ban, for example, is now called the Muslim ban and is being challenged in court on the premise that it violates the establishment clause. While Trump has claimed that the ban is regional and not religious, he has also reportedly been quoted by the The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) saying that he would prioritize Christian refugees: We are going to help them. Theyve been horribly treated. As such, political lines of good and bad are being defined along religious lines, connecting global politics to the deeply personal. Trumps pre-election talks and speeches only serve to support that point. In spring 2015, Trump told CBN journalist David Brody: Believe me: If I win, I will be the greatest representative of the Christians that theyve had in a long time. Later that October, he reportedly told Iowa supporters,Im a good Christian [] If I become president, were gonna be saying merry Christmas at every store you can leave happy holidays at the corner. Furthermore, in his book Crippled America, published that same year, Trump illustrates the overall concept with the statement:The belief in the lessons of the Bible has had a lot to do with our growth and success.Thats our tradition, and for more than 200 years it has worked very well. (p. 132) In contemporary America, it is a fear of terrorism or maybe something else entirely different, rather than communism, that is fueling the connection being made between nostalgic greatness, nationalism, and religion; in this case, Christianity. However, similar to McCarthy, Trump is setting himself up as the great protector with the solution. In the Feb. 2 prayer breakfast speech, Trump says, The world is in trouble, but were going to straighten it out. Okay? Thats what I do. I fix things. Were going to straighten it out. (Applause.) Believe me. When you hear about the tough phone calls Im having, dont worry about it. Just dont worry about it. The religious rhetoric floating alongside and within the administrations overall branding of a nostalgic nationalism seems to be working, if we are to look at the numbers. It is this branding that reportedly led to 80% of white evangelicals and born-again Christians to vote for him in 2016. Make America Great Again. [v] It is under this marketing banner that President Trump hangs his hat, and even created his hat if you will, to serve up that unique and powerful cocktail of nationalism, religion and nostalgia. Who drinks the cocktail, and how it will affect the future of American politics is still yet to be seen? How will the resultant actions, based upon the binding of those elements, resonate and manifest at the grass roots level in terms of true religious freedom for all, including and especially those Americans who do not fit the nation of believers model being touted? NOTES: [i] The entire speech is available on the White House web site. [ii] Adams, John. ProclamationRecommending a National Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer. The American Presidency Project. [iii] The entire text of the Wheeling Speech is available at Digital History.com. [iv] Quote pulled from President Donald J. Trump Proclaims February as American Heart Month . All presidential proclamations end with these words dating back as far as the mid 1800s. 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18 (26) Jan 17 (24) Jan 16 (23) Jan 15 (30) Jan 14 (20) Jan 13 (18) Jan 12 (24) Jan 11 (11) Jan 10 (23) Jan 09 (22) Jan 08 (17) Jan 07 (17) Jan 06 (9) Jan 05 (18) Jan 04 (15) Jan 03 (19) Jan 02 (14) Jan 01 (6) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (15) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (7) Dec 26 (10) Dec 25 (16) Dec 24 (13) Dec 23 (16) Dec 22 (11) Dec 21 (26) Dec 20 (28) Dec 19 (14) Dec 18 (25) Dec 17 (23) Dec 16 (19) Dec 15 (22) Dec 14 (38) Dec 13 (26) Dec 12 (25) Dec 11 (27) Dec 10 (31) Dec 09 (15) Dec 08 (30) Dec 07 (31) Dec 06 (27) Dec 05 (38) Dec 04 (25) Dec 03 (27) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (36) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (17) Nov 28 (23) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (16) Nov 25 (14) Nov 24 (18) Nov 23 (21) Nov 22 (21) Nov 21 (24) Nov 20 (20) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (17) Nov 17 (17) Nov 16 (34) Nov 15 (25) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (21) Nov 12 (18) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (12) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (4) Oct 29 (1) Oct 01 (1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1) Feb 12, 2017 | By Julia Kristoffer Rnn-Andersen is the creative mind behind Primal Crafts: the Danish jewelry brand 3D printing in steel, silver, and titanium. Drawing inspiration from Norse mythology, Rnn-Andersens stunning statement pieces strike a perfect balance between style and craft. I like to challenge the ordinary, both in terms of esthetics and style, but also in terms of the distribution and manufacturing, which is where 3D printing fits in the brand, the Danish engineer-turned-designer says. Minimal, sleek, and regal, the unique works feel surreal, as if descended from another world. Striking angles and heavy textural elements combine to create one-of-a-kind necklaces, rings, and bracelets. The collections also give a sharp nod to their means of production. Rnn-Andersen acknowledges that without 3D printing, Primal Crafts would never have existed. If 3D printing had not been as accessible to me as it is, I would probably not have started Primal Crafts, the designer says. Rather than arriving at 3D printing through jewelry-making though, Rnn-Andersen took a roundabout route. The Primal Crafts founder had previously worked as a playground designer before pursuing his Masters degree in engineering. As a recent graduate, Rnn-Andersen began making custom jewelry designs for friends and family. Business took off unexpectedly, and Rnn-Andersen seized the opportunity to continue applying his design skills with his technical know-how. That led to the advent of the Primal Crafts brand, and a new kind of design work: all jewelry is 3D printed in different metals. Steel and silver are two of Rnn-Andersens most preferred materials to work with, but the makers horizons are always broadening. Rnn-Andersens current crush is Titanium, he gushes. I love the material and really think that 3D printing will expand the use of Titanium in the jewelry and fashion industry, he says, referencing a trend that has already begun to swell. From Rnn-Andersens perspective, 3D printing has plenty of benefits. Designs can quickly be updated for fast improvements, custom sizing is made easy, and aesthetic boundaries can be pushed to new heights, he says. In a market where personalization is sharply on the rise, these affordances are key to designers and business owners alike. 3D printing also democratizes manufacturing, the designer notes. It makes it easier for people without the financial means to start something at low risk. Rnn-Andersen took that risk, and its certainly paid off. In the past couple years, Primal Crafts has become his full-time career, from product design and marketing to website management and accounting. And with a recent expansion into Singapore retailers, were betting the Danish jewelry brand is only just getting started. To see more of Primal Crafts designs, or to order your own custom-made creation, check out their website. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Santiago wrote at 5/11/2017 3:09:02 PM:Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! 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I will be dealing with many of these issues as well.. cheap nhl jerseys Dan Piepenbring in The Paris Review: Have you ever been tied in close contact with a person who had a strong sense of inferiority? I have, and it is hell. They carry it like a raw sore on the end of the index finger. You go along thinking well of them and doing what you can to make them happy and suddenly you are brought up short with an accusation of looking down on them, taking them for a fool, etc., but they mean to let you know and so on and so forth. It colors everything . For example, I took this man that I cared for down to Carl Van Vechtens one night so that he could meet some of my literary friends, since he had complained that I was always off with them, and ignoring him. I hoped to make him feel at home with the group and included so that he would go where I went. What happened? He sat off in a corner and gloomed and uglied away, and we were hardly out on the street before he was accusing me of having dragged him down there to show off what a big shot I was and how far I was above him. He had a good mind, many excellent qualities, and I am certain that he loved me. But his feeling of inferiority would crop up and hurt me at the most unexpected moments. Right in the middle of what I considered some sweet gesture on my part, I would get my spiritual pants kicked up around my neck like a horse-collar. I asked him to bring me all the clippings on TELL MY HORSE, and he brought several and literally flung them at me. You had read them he accused, and knew that they were flattering. You just asked me to get them to see how great you were. You know how many marriages in the literary and art world have broken up such rocks, to say nothing of other paths of life. A business man is out scuffling for dear life to get things for the woman he loves, and she is off pouting and accusing him of neglecting her. She feels that way because she does not feel herself able to keep up with the pace that he is setting, and just be confident that she is wanted no matter how far he goes. Millions of women do not want their husbands to succeed for fear of losing him. It is a very common ailment. That is why I decided to write about it. More here. (Note: At least one post throughout February will be in honor of Black History Month) How many people have already voted absentee in South Dakota ahead of Election Day? Get AfricaFocus Bulletin by e-mail! Format for print or mobile Congo (Kinshasa): Tshisekedi Place Hard to Fill AfricaFocus Bulletin February 12, 2017 (170212) (Reposted from sources cited below) Editor's Note "The death of prominent opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi has deprived the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of a unique political figure who was at the forefront of the fight for democracy for over three decades. ... Coming just a month after the signing of a political agreement, which would have put him at the head of an important follow-up committee, his departure robs the opposition of a leader able to combine genuine street-level popularity with an ability to squeeze out political deals." - International Crisis Group This AfricaFocus Bulletin contains several short analytical articles on the death of Etienne Tshisekedi and the difficult road ahead for this year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All agree in paying tribute to the record of this Congolese leader in his long struggle for democracy in the country and to renewed and heightened uncertainties about the future in the wake of his death. Additional relevant background links include the following: Interview with Georges Nzongola Ntalaja "Congolese Scholar And Activist Pays Hommage to Etienne Tshisekedi," Audio and transcript Friends of the Congo blog, February 9, 2017 http://congofriends.blogspot.com/ Karen Attiah "With the death of Etienne Tshisekedi, a light goes out in Congo," Washington Post, Feb. 3, 2017 http://tinyurl.com/zepdvb7 "Etienne Tshisekedi, l'opposant congolais historique en six dates," Video, Le Monde, February 3, 2017 http://tinyurl.com/j9qby5g Tresor Kibangula, "Etienne Tshisekedi, la voix de Kinshasa" Jeune Afrique, Feb. 9, 2017 http://tinyurl.com/hs8d9rh Sasha Lezhnev and John Prendergast, "Congo's Violent Kleptocracy at a Crossroads" Fox News, February 4, 2017 http://tinyurl.com/jozg9q7 Sabine Cessou, "Transition a haut risque en RDC" Le Monde Diplomatique, Dec 2016 https://www.monde-diplomatique.fr/2016/12/CESSOU/56889 For previous AfricaFocus Bulletins on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, visit http://www.africafocus.org/country/congokin.php ++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++ Tshisekedi, Misunderstood and Maligned, Leaves Uncertainty in his Wake Congo Research Group, February 2, 2017 http://tinyurl.com/j8q77aa During the run-up to the 2011 elections, Roger Meece visited Washington, DC. Meece, then the head of the UN peacekeeping mission to the Congo, was perhaps the US diplomat with the best understanding of the country. He had served as deputy chief of mission to the Congo between 1995-1998, as director for Central African Affairs at the State Department between 1998-2000, and as ambassador between 2004-2007. The 2011 elections were going to be won either by Joseph Kabila or Etienne Tshisekedi. In meetings with people inside and outside State Department, Meece's analysis was clear: Tshisekedi was the wrong choice for the country. He was a dangerous firebrand who could upend the fragile peace process that had swept in a new era of democracy to the country. Meece was not alone in his analysis. Few western diplomats had much love for "Ya Tshitshi." They perceived him to be stubborn, misguided and aloof. It is not difficult to understand this perception. Among his policy missteps in recent years have figured an ill-advised coalition with the unpopular Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) rebels in 2002; a boycott of the 2005 registration process and of the 2006 elections; and tolerance of virulent anti-Tutsi demagoguery by some of his UDPS members during the 2011 elections. This was compounded by his own difficult personality; in my own meetings with him, he was curt and difficult to engage in constructive discussions. That was not all. Ironically, despite being an uncompromising crusader for democracy in the Congo, he struggled to keep his own party together. In 1987, Frederic Kibassa Maliba, one of the iconic 13 dissenters who had founded the UDPS, defected to join the Mobutu government, creating his own UDPS party in 1991. Many others defected over the years, co-opted by the government or complaining about Tshisekedi's imperious managerial styletoday, none of the 13 UDPS founders remain in the party. And yet, Tshisekedi continued to tower as a Congolese hero. What Meece and other detractors failed to fully appreciate was the symbolic importance of Tshisekedi. In contrast with many other opposition leaders, Tshisekedi never sold out (in recent memory; his career under Mobutu is a different matter). It was precisely his lack of pragmatism, his stubborn recalcitrance and inability to compromise that many Congolese loved. As one of his supporters said to the press today: "He was the hope for Congolese democracy." This adoration was on frequent display. When he returned from medical treatment to run for the 2011 elections, hundreds of thousands turned out to see him pass. Similar crowds lined the roads last year, when he came back once more from treatment in Brussels. Tshisekedi's death will usher in problems and opportunities. It will complicate the formation of a new government to implement the 31 December deal; and it will allow for a new generation of Congolese politicians to come to the fore. But for now, we should mourn the passing of a behemoth of Congolese politics, a man who despite his deep flaws came to embody the hopes of millions. May his dogged pursuit of democracy inspire the youth, and may we all learn from his many mistakes. Congo Kinshasa: Tshisekedi's Death Highlights Obstacles and Opportunities for Peace AllAfrica.com Guest Column, February 6, 2017 http://allafrica.com/stories/201702060001.html By Olivier Kambala wa Kambala [Olivier Kambala wa Kambala is a rule of law and transitional justice expert and the founder of the Congo Memory Institute ( http://www.memorycongo.org)] The death in Brussels of Etienne Tshisekedi wa Mulumba, the iconic figure of democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, combined with a stalemate in the implementation of the agreement on governing until elections later this year, could plunge the country again into a constitutional abyss. This could destabilise the eastern Congo even further, potentially reverberating throughout the Great Lakes Region. But these developments could also be turned into an opportunity for democratising and stabilising the nation in the long term. On the night of December 31, 2016, President Joseph Kabila's political camp-called the Presidential Majority (PM)-and the group of political parties (named Rassemblement) gathered around Etienne Tshisekedi, reached an eleventh-hour agreement to stop the country from descending into a constitutional abyss created by the failure of the Kabila government to organise general elections and step down at the end of his second term of office. In lieu of President Kabila peacefully transferring power to an elected successor on December 20, political negotiations facilitated by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) reached an agreement on five points: Kabila will remain in power throughout a transitional period which will end in December 2017 with a transfer of power to a democratically elected president. A determining parameter of the transitional period is that the constitution will not be altered, notably its provisions limiting presidential terms; There will be a transitional government led by a prime minister designated by the Rassemblement and appointed by President Kabila. The transitional government's main tasks will be to organise credible, transparent and peaceful elections by December 2017; Swift electoral reforms will be implemented to ensure that presidential, legislative and provincial elections are organized no later than December 2017, including the establishment of a new electoral roll and the restructuring of the membership of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI); A body will be created- the National Council for the Monitoring of the Agreement- with the power to monitor the implementation of the political agreement; and Confidence-building measures will be implemented, mainly aimed at ensuring the exercise of civil and political rights, the release of political prisoners and the return of exiled activists and politicians such as Floribert Anzuluni of Filimbi ("the whistle") and Moise Katumbi, former governor of the Katanga region and former member of the presidential majority, whose sins were to announce his availability as President Kabila's successor. What was hailed as a political breakthrough is proving to be a complicated agreement to implement. Two main trends of thinking are pitched against one another: one holds that the agreement should be implemented strictly in terms of the DRC constitution of February 2006; the other says the Constitution is the basis of the agreement, but that it has been violated by the Presidential Majority and it ought to be adjusted by the terms of the December 31 agreement. In between these two schools of thought, the Presidential Majority is distorting the process by partly respecting the Constitution when it serves their purpose to block negotiations and frustrate the opposition. These obstacles are illustrated principally by the resistance of the Presidential Majority to allowing the Rassemblement to present the name of one individual to be appointed as Prime Minister by President Kabila. The Rassemblement has named Felix Antoine Tshisekedi as their designate as the agreement suggests, but the Presidential Majority is adamant that the Rassemblement needs to present at least three names from which the president will choose. While the DRC constitution provides that the prime minister is appointed within the majority group in parliament, this provision cannot hold in the light of the fact that the agreement granted the position of the Prime Minister to the Rassemblement and also that there will be no legitimate parliament from end of February 2017, when the elective mandate of members of Parliament will lapse. Other blockages include the determination of ministerial posts and their allocations to the Presidential Majority and the Rassemblement. While the December 31 agreement is being implemented, the executive is run by a government led by an opposition defector, Samy Badibanga, who participated in a non-inclusive negotiation process led by an African Union mediator. The agreement that came out of that process on October 18 2016 was discussed in Luanda on October 26, during the Seventh High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region. While the highlevel meeting recognized the agreement as a step towards national dialogue, it encouraged the leaders of the DRC to extend the reach of the dialogue to include the Rassemblement. Hence the political negotiations under CENCO's facilitation. During the uncertainty of 2016 over whether President Kabila would hand over power, the international community called for a peaceful settlement but also applied sanctions. As people took to the streets in Kinshasa last September, galvanized by Etienne Tshisekedi, to demonstrate against CENI's decision to postpone presidential elections, the United States and the European Union imposed targeted sanctions against securocrats and a close political aide to Kabila. The sanctions however did not prevent the deaths of 50 or more protesters, nor the illegal detention of members of citizen resistance groups such as Filimbi and LUCHA. Meanwhile, security continued to deteriorate in the notorious eastern part of the DRC. Especially on the periphery of the town of Beni in Northern Kivu province, where civilians have been abandoned to the cruelty of armed groups, either local militias or foreign groups, which have committed inhumane acts of violence, including machete-type executions. In the middle of January, allegations emerged that there has been a resurgence of activities of the M-23 armed group around the Virunga Park. The Rwandan-aligned group had been defeated in November 2013 by a coalition of the DRC's armed forces and a United Nations special force, but they were reported missing from the detention centres in Kampala where they sought shelter after the 2013 debacle. Insecurity also spread in the Kasai Central province, where fighters from the militia group Kamwina Nsapu are wreaking havoc. In the Central Kongo province, supporters of the politico-mystic party Bundu Dia Kongo have been readying for war. Now, a month after the signing of the 31 December political agreement, the passing of Etienne Tshisekedi, the deteriorating security situation and the devaluation of the franc congolais, what can be done? The power-sharing agreement of December 31 is the way to stop DRC from bleeding its people and economy. A matter of priority is the establishment of a transitional government that will take stock of interim measures to stabilize the country economically and secure its people, and become credible interlocutors to DRC neighbours and the international community. Moreover, it is in the interests of anyone who cares about the DRC that a prime minister is appointed without further delay. President Kabila should take a bold move and appoint Felix Antoine Tshisekedi as prime minister. The international community, particularly African leaders--learning from the outstanding handling by ECOWAS of the Gambian post-electoral crisis--should step in to prevent further deterioration in the DRC. On the eve of the signing of the 31 December agreement, and as the Presidential Majority was putting in jeopardy the prospect of an agreement, Angola decided to withdraw its 1,500 soldiers deployed in the DRC and within hours, the agreement between political actors was reached. An undeniable economic and political power in the continent, South Africa should swiftly support the implementation of the 31 December agreement and depart from the image of being a diehard supporter of the Kabila regime. A timeframe for the implementation of that agreement should be agreed upon without delays and all friends of DRC should pledge their support, particularly in the preparation of general elections by December 2017. Africa and the world cannot afford to have another Congo crisis. The Congolese people, despite their willingness to defend their civil rights and liberties, do not deserve to go through trying times that they have already endured. The democratic struggle of Dr. Etienne Tshisekedi wa Mulumba will be honored if peace, stability and democratic change of power happen swiftly in DRC. What does opposition leader Tshisekedi's death mean for DR Congo's road to elections? Hans Hoebeke & Richard Moncrieff African Arguments, February 3, 2017 http://tinyurl.com/hjpe6fn [Hans Hoebeke and Richard Moncrieff are respectively Senior Analyst for Congo and Central Africa Project Director of International Crisis Group, the independent conflict prevention organisation.] The death of prominent opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi has deprived the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of a unique political figure who was at the forefront of the fight for democracy for over three decades. His loss is a major blow to the main opposition coalition, the Rassemblement, which he led alongside the relative newcomer, exKatanga Governor Moise Katumbi. It also undermines the DRC's faltering transition and may play into the hands of the ruling majority that has consistently sought to delay elections. Coming just a month after the signing of a political agreement, which would have put him at the head of an important follow-up committee, his departure robs the opposition of a leader able to combine genuine street-level popularity with an ability to squeeze out political deals. As popular anger mounts, the opposition will have to work hard to rebuild a credible leadership, capable of concluding a deal with the majority. A fragmented opposition loses its figurehead The 84-year-old Etienne Tshisekedi launched the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) opposition party in 1982 and built a strong following in his native Kasai region and in the capital Kinshasa. He symbolised the struggle for democracy in the waning days of the President Mobutu Sese Seko regime. He also opposed President Laurent Kabila, who overthrew Mobutu in 1997, and his son Joseph Kabila, the current president. Unable to resist the populist option, he made a strategic error when he boycotted the relatively credible 2006 elections. In 2011, he ended up coming second in a hard-fought but less credible election, and did not accept the result, proclaiming himself president in a parallel swearing in ceremony. In more recent years, despite living abroad, he again became the symbolic figurehead of the struggle for democracy, this time over the defence of the constitution, and particularly its two-term limit for the president, and the need to organise elections on time in December 2016. They have since been delayed. This position allowed him to improve cooperation with his fellow opposition leaders, and in June 2016 he was a driving force behind the creation of the Rassemblement, combining the forces of several parties and high-profile figures, including Moise Katumbi and those in the "G7" (an umbrella group of opposition parties that left the ruling majority in 2016), giving the opposition renewed cohesion and strength. When Tshisekedi returned to Kinshasa on 27 July 2016 after years of self-imposed exile, he was greeted by massive crowds, demonstrating his unique credibility and ability to get people out onto the street. These were seemingly undamaged by simultaneously being in direct and secretive talks with Kabila's governing majority. As president of the Rassemblement's "governing council" (Conseil des sages), Tshisekedi provided legitimacy and political credibility to the other parties and individuals, most of whom had been part of the ruling majority or held positions in government. These actors needed Tshisekedi's street credibility and popularity as they tried to build a more pragmatic negotiation strategy. At several moments, tension within the Rassemblement was palpable as the G7 tried to manage the unpredictability of the platform's leader. After the elections were pushed back by 18 months, a combination of mounting popular tension and pressure by the international community led to the signing of the 31 December 2016 global and inclusive agreement mediated by the Congolese Catholic Church. It called for a transitional government, a promise that President Kabila will not run for another term, and elections to be held in 2017. Tshisekedi no longer had the physical strength to participate in the talks, but his symbolic importance was underlined when he was appointed as the president of the critical follow-up committee, the Conseil National de suivi de l'accord et du processus electoral (CNSA). The transition process stalls Tshisekedi left Kinshasa on 24 January as negotiations on the implementation of the 31 December agreement stalled over several issues, including the procedure to appoint a new prime minister and the division of ministerial positions. The lack of progress, in the context of deepening economic malaise and insecurity in several provinces, including Tshisekedi's native Kasai Central, will increase popular frustrations and tensions. Tshisekedi had symbolic importance for the population; despite his at times vainglorious or inflammatory approach, he represented hope of a better political future. Those now taking over the mantle of political opposition will find it hard to channel the frustrations of the population, already deeply sceptical about politicians, into constructive political engagement. The only moral authority and beacon of hope at this stage remains the Catholic Church, currently attempting to resuscitate the agreement it mediated in December. Before his demise, Tshisekedi's party had already been struggling with the succession question. And while some have been pushing for Tshisekedi's son Felix to take over, others refuse moves that make the party seem like a hereditary monarchy, whatever the strength of the name Tshisekedi. This struggle played out in the broader political negotiations and disputes over who should become prime minister, with some pushing for Felix to take that role in the name of the Rassemblement. The opposition now faces considerable challenges, especially after the earlier loss of Charles Mwando Nsimba, the G7's president and Rassemblement's vice-president, who died in December. Moise Katumbi would be an obvious choice to take on a more prominent leadership role. But he is still in a form of exile abroad, pending an eventual agreement on his judicial prosecution (a sensitive case, that is now, per the December agreement, managed by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo [CENCO]). Moreover, while Katumbi has a certain national popularity, he does not have the political party, political weight or legitimacy as an opposition leader that Tshisekedi could command. Talks that had been extended for a week by CENCO after the failure to meet the 28 January deadline are likely to be halted for a while during the funeral and mourning period. After that, there is an opportunity for political leaders to work in good faith to implement the 31 December agreement and to open up political space. But renewed popular anger will be an increasing challenge as people's faith in the political process plumbs new depths. AfricaFocus Bulletin is an independent electronic publication providing reposted commentary and analysis on African issues, with a particular focus on U.S. and international policies. AfricaFocus Bulletin is edited by William Minter. AfricaFocus Bulletin can be reached at africafocus@igc.org. Please write to this address to subscribe or unsubscribe to the bulletin, or to suggest material for inclusion. For more information about reposted material, please contact directly the original source mentioned. For a full archive and other resources, see http://www.africafocus.org North Korea fired a ballistic missile, South Koreas defence ministry said, the first since Donald Trump became US president. The missile, launched around 7:55 am (local time) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan, it said. The presumed intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday) near Banghyeon in North Pyongan province of North Korea, Xinhua news agency reported. The projectile is estimated to have travelled about 500 km, according to the JCS. It landed in waters off North Koreas east coast, according to local media reports. Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missiles near the same place, where an airfield is located, in October last year. It was North Koreas first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since US President Donald Trump took office on January 20. South Koreas military said Pyongyangs launch of ballistic missile was a provocative act in violation of UN Security Councils resolutions, which ban North Korea from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch, the military believed, was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of armed protest against the Trump administrations hard-line stance toward North Korea. North Korea in October last year tested Musudan missiles twice that were fired from the same airbase. Meanwhile, a United States official told media that the test launch conducted by North Korea was probably not an intercontinental ballistic missile. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided no further details. A defense official said earlier that the U.S. military had detected the missile launch and was assessing it. BJP plays the role of big brother to Sena by shifting the venue of campaigning from MMRDA grounds to Somaiya grounds. Shiv Sena and BJP are actively campaigning for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election. 19th February is the last day of campaigning hence both the parties were involved in a tussle over who will organise the last phase of campaigning at Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) grounds, Bandra-Kurla complex. However, BJP changed the venue of the campaigning from MMRDA grounds to Somaiya grounds as it made adjustments for Sena and played the role of a big brother. BJP also wanted to avoid conflicts between activists belonging to both the parties. BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar said, We have our differences with Shiv Sena. Since BJP is a big brother our party has shifted the venue of campaigning to Somaiya grounds. We have taken this decision for the sake of Shiv Sena. Earlier Shiv Sena had written to MMRDA to seek permission for campaigning activities at MMRDA grounds. Shiv Sena Anil Parab had earlier alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been imposing pressure on the organisation to grant permission for undertaking campaigning activities. Even though Sena had inducted Tejas Thackeray into politics but he is not active. Nowadays he is not visible at a time when campaigning activities has gathered steam. Even Aditya Thackeray has gone into hibernation mode. Thus Senas strategy of grooming youth leaders has backfired, added Shelar. Sena talks about expanding its foothold across Maharashtra but Uddhav Thackeray is not campaigning in other cities like Nashik, Pune and Akola. On the other hand, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is actively campaigning for the party even in Vidarbha region, he said. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray claimed that his party is functioning as a corrective force by being part of governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra to control the anti-people policies. We have seen that if power is not controlled, it becomes uncontrollable. Being in the government we tried to keep (the BJP) in control, Thackeray said. While being a part of the government, Sena opposed many policies that were anti-India and anti-people and today those policies are stuck. Be it the Land Acquisition Bill or the GST Bill, we made them make the necessary amendments, he added. Ever since Sena has been giving hints about the possibility of severing ties with BJP both parties have been issuing statements against each other. On one hand, grassroot workers want Sena to break the alliance with BJP and start preparing for the 2019 assembly polls singlehandedly on the other hand Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is confident that the government will complete its full term. US authorities arrested hundreds of undocumented migrants this week in the first large-scale raids under President Donald Trump, triggering panic in immigrant communities nationwide. The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency rounded up undocumented individuals living in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Austin and Atlanta, among other cities, two weeks after Trump signed an executive order that broadened which undocumented immigrants would be targeted for deportation. According to ICE, however, the operations were routine. The focus of these operations is no different than the routine, targeted arrests carried out by ICEs Fugitive Operations Teams on a daily basis, said agency spokeswoman Jennifer Elzea. David Marin, head of ICEs removal operations in Los Angeles, told reporters that approximately 160 people had been arrested in the California metropolis. Some 75 per cent of them had prior felony convictions, he said, adding that some people had been nabbed solely because they were undocumented. By Friday night, 37 undocumented immigrants had already been expelled to Mexico. In a January 25 decree, Trump prioritized the deportation of undocumented males who had been convicted of or charged with any criminal offense, including misdemeanors. The order was a move to make good on his campaign pledge to crack down on Americas undocumented population, estimated at 11 million people. Marin said the operations were planned prior to Trumps swearing-in and were comparable to past actions. He rebuffed reports about ICE checkpoints and random sweeps, calling them dangerous and irresponsible. Reports like that create panic, and they put communities and law enforcement personnel in unnecessary danger, Marlin said. The raids, which hit residential areas and workplaces, sparked protests and provoked the ire of elected Democratic representatives, notably in California and particularly in Los Angeles, where the Pew Research Center estimates around a million undocumented migrants reside. President Trumps policy change betrays our values, Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said in a statement. Tearing families apart isnt what this country stands for. We are adopting the cream as theme to celebrate Valentines Day this year. When we travel by bus or train we meet many friends both men and women. It is worthwhile to express our feelings in open on that particular day. We are open minded and there is no scope for narrow mindedness when you live in a metropolitan city like Mumbai or even for that matter Navi Mumbai. It is indeed a great feeling to celebrate Valentines Day with your beloved wife by going to eat out to McDonalds and have an ice cream and spend the night out in a wonderful way. It is indeed a day of roses. The fragrance of red roses gives an auspicious start to a hectic day. We live in Rose of Heaven and our mind mingle around the nicety of mankind/womankind and the meaningful life lived by us. Lotus can be a substitute to Red Roses but it is not easily available. A bright coloured attire, pleasing manners and the mind to forget the worries and live carefree life is the order of the day. Mind is a monkey and so it fritters around to have fun and frolic after all. The best way is to greet our office friends with a pink rose and reveal the importance of extending a helping hand to the poor and down trodden people. Therein lies the real enjoyment and it is worth a living. Relationship with your father or mother, wife or children even with friends blossom into a new world during this fantastic period. There is no need of worrying about lost relations but it is a day to renew old relationship and establish new ones. It is indeed a playful day. We forget about the old enmity and are desperate to form a frantic one. The love game start with Love All. It is needless to say that the unscrupulous elements attempt to play dirty games on that day and try to make it a fateful one. We are not following Western culture blindly. We are adopting the cream of the theme to our advantage. Love is blind is true as far as the saying goes. But the fact that both the young and the old couples needs a special occasion like the Valentines day to express their love for each other. On this particular day, oldies and the youngsters feel that it is their prerogative to celebrate this day in a better way. At the same time, certain sections of the society take a different stand and they have other ideas. We in India love to celebrate all the festivals in general and the Valentines Day in particular. There is nothing wrong in following Western Culture, so long as the spirit of the India custom is well and truly maintained within the stipulated limit. We Indians love simple living and high thinking. There is no harm in exchanging greeting cards, gifts or flowers. The society has to undergo positive change without making a big hue and cry. This years Valentines day promises love and affection. (The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.) Web Toolbar by Wibiya Date: 01 February, 2017. Place: Jet Propulsion Lab, State of New Mexico, United States. On 01 February, a very strange situation was detected at the Jet Propulsion Lab, in New Mexico, United States. According to a video published on YouTube by UFO researcher Name Shame, an alleged spacecraft was seen at the end of the runway on Mesa Road. Is NASA playing games? UFO captured? What is it? the ufologist wondered in the video description. Famous UFO expert and writer Scott C. Waring, of UFO Sightings Daily, said about this: Here is an eyebrow-raising discovery found on Google Earth map by YouTube user Name Shame. He found an actual flying saucer parked near the secret military laboratory on the mountain top. In the opinion of Mr Waring, the object cannot be a water tower, since it looks too low. This disk is low to the ground. So much so that it doesn't cast a shadow, even when the nearby car does, he expressed. So, this disk is about 3 meters big at its centre, and about 1.5 meters at its edge from the ground. That is way too low to be a water tower. A water tower would be 5-10X taller! But there is no shadow, so this is not a water tower, he continued. The creator of UFO Sightings Daily also added that, by checking Google Earths date bar, it is possible to see the object changing its position. Now, the amazing thing is that if you hit the date bar, you can view photos of the same area in the past, and this disk moves around from place to place, he stated. Its in the perfect position where no one would be able to see it since its on a hilltop at the highest point in the city, with mountain walls on all sides and a military fence around the facility, he commented. He is also convinced of the authenticity of the images. So, what we see here is an alien craft being experimented on at Jet Propulsion Labs and, since its parked outside, its probably parked there because its too much trouble to move it back and forth nightly for test flights, he said. Draw your own conclusions For further information: http://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/2017/02/ufo-seen-parked-at-jet-propulsion.html UFO Seen Parked At Jet Propulsion Laboratory, New Mexico, Feb 1, 2017, Video, UFO Sighting News. Date of discovery: February 1, 2017 Location of discovery: Jet Propulsion Labs, New Mexico Google Coordinates: 3412'18.59"N 11810'13.12"W Here is a eye brow raising discovery found on Google Earth map by Youtube user Name Shame. He found an actual flying saucer parked near the secret military laboratory on the mountain top. He states, "A spacecraft spotted at the end of the runway on mesa rd JPI. Is NASA playing games.. ufo captured? What it is!" This disk is low to the ground. So much so that it doesn't cast a shadow, even when the nearby car does. So this disk is about 3 meters big at its center, and about 1.5 meters at its edge from the ground. That is way too low to be a water tower. A water tower would be 5-10X taller! But there is no shadow, so this is not a water tower. Now, the amazing thing is that if you hit the date bar, you can view photos of the same area in the past, and this disk moves around from place to place. Its in the perfect position where no one would be able to see it since its on a hilltop at the highest point in the city with mountain walls on all sides and a military fence around the facility. So, what we see here is an alien craft being experimented on at Jet Propulsion Labs and since its parked outside, its probably parked there because its too much trouble to move it back and forth nightly for test flights. As you can see, its on a road track that goes into the building, then later its off the track hidden near the bushes. Scott C. Waring Aiken, SC (29801) Today Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low 67F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low 67F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Iraqi Archbishop Hopeful Trump Will Aid Christians Iraqi Archbishop Bashar Warda (C) the Chaldean Archbishop of Arbil, says that he is hopeful that the Trump Administration will do more to provide assistance to Christians and other religious minorities in Northern Iraq. ( Reuters) The Archbishop for the Christian community in Iraq hopes President Trump and will help minority religious groups in the region. Bashar Warda, the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Erbil in Iraq, said as long as Trump's executive order includes special preferences for all victims of ISIS, it can be a positive for Christians in the region, whose plight Trump has been sympathetic to. "I would personally prefer that our people stay here in their ancient homeland, but I also understand that many have lost hope," Archbishop Warda said to Fox News. "They have suffered too much and want to leave. It is not my place to force them to stay. "That said, the fact that an American administration seems to know that there are Christians and other religious minorities here who need help is something I find heartening. I hope this means that we will no longer be excluded from U.S. government and UN aid, which our people desperately need." Warda, a key figure in the beleaguered Iraqi Christian community, has been vocal in the past about the lack of assistance from the U.S. government to Christians and other minorities in the region. Now, he hopes the current administration in Washington has started a helpful dialogue. "How is it possible that a community suffered genocide, that has seen its numbers decline by more than 8 in 10 in a little over a decade, [receives] nothing at all from the American government that is funding countless humanitarian projects for internally displaced persons in this country?" he said. The Nineveh Plain region, also known as the Plain of Mosul, has been the ancestral homeland of Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac Christians, Yazidis and other minorities -- all of whom were under attack from ISIS since the terror group rose in 2014. These ethnic and religious minority groups were driven from the Plain when the Islamic State attempted to establish their caliphate. The Christian population in Iraq alone has plummeted from 1.5 million in 2003 to current estimates of 275,000 and could be gone for good within five years if no action is taken, according to a November 2015 report from international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need. The dwindling numbers are due to genocide, refugees fleeing to other countries, internal displacement and others who either hide or disavow their faith. It has been estimated that a dozen Christian families flee Iraq each day. Christians who have managed to escape ISIS have fled to places like Europe and Lebanon, while members of the faith also are under increasing pressure in Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. "Here at home, the words 'We help everyone' sound noble, but they have too often become shorthand for actually not helping the religious minority communities at all because when aid goes only to the big camps,' Andrew Walther, of the Knights of Columbus, told Fox News. "The minority groups aren't typically at those camps because they are targeted for violence by extremist groups there." The organization has performed philanthropic services in the region and successfully lobbied to get the State Department to classify the situation in the region as genocide. "The fact is, unless aid is specifically targeted to these small and fragile communities, they don't get it, and without U.S. government and UN assistance, the likelihood that these communities will disappear increases substantially," Walther said. A 3-step process to uncover the source of jealousy and uproot it. If youve ever felt envious of another persons good fortune or overshadowed by someones success, youll know how it can rob you of happiness. Id like to share a unique approach for overcoming jealousy, called the ACTive Method, which is based on Jewish thought and psychotherapy. It views anxiety as a call to look within ourselves and express our authentic selves more deeply. At the methods core is a three stage process of personal transformation which was taught by Rabbi Israel Salanter these stages are Awareness, Control and Transformation. STAGE 1: AWARENESS The first stage requires us to become aware of our jealous thoughts and their source. The triggers of jealousy can range dramatically from person to person, but it frequently occurs when we consciously (or subconsciously) feel lacking; for example, when suffering from personal hardships, such as a financial crisis or sickness. Unraveling the roots of jealousy may also involve understanding our own self-defeating behaviors, for example being over-fearful, controlling or unmotivated. Often these behaviours result in us feeling stuck, dissatisfied or unproductive that make us prone to more envious feelings. STAGE 2: CONTROL After clarifying our jealous thoughts and their source, we move to the next step of controlling these feelings. We do this through our powers of thought, speech and action. Thought: Jealousy can arise from faulty thinking which distorts our perception of reality. As Rabbi Dessler explains, Jealousy happens when we focus on a few moments of success in someone elses life, and ignore their suffering. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches that it is not an actual event but our interpretation of it that causes our emotional response. By becoming aware of our cognitive biases (irrational thought patterns), we can change the way we think about a situation and thereby alter our emotional reaction to it. It is therefore important when feeling envy, to decide if we are looking at the situation in all or nothing terms, where we disqualify the positive that we have and magnify the good the other has. By challenging our initial view, we gain a more realistic understanding and reduce our jealousy. Speech: Sharing jealous thoughts and feelings confidentially with a supportive person can also help us see through our irrational thought. Sometimes, when we are going through a difficult time, the process of expressing these emotions can also bring great relief. In other situations, when another person is doing something that makes us jealous, it can be helpful to speak to them directly about it to try to improve the situation. Action: Instead of trying to get more of what others have, we can use jealousy as a positive motivation to improve ourselves. The Talmud teaches, Jealousy between rabbis increases wisdom. When the sages felt jealous of each others spiritual attainments, they used it to motivate themselves to study more and to become wiser. When we are jealous of others, we can use it as an incentive to better ourselves we thereby become more fulfilled within ourselves and consequently less jealous. STAGE 3: TRANSFORMATION In this stage, we go beyond reducing our jealousy to changing our nature so that we no longer begin to feel jealous in the first place. How can we accomplish this? We need to eliminate the self-destructive traits (e.g., laziness, lack of confidence) which are at the root of the jealousy and replace these with positive traits. This is achieved through repeating positive actions until new habits are formed. At the end of the Cain and Abel episode, God placed a mark on Cain and made him a wanderer. There is an opinion that this mark was a gift of a dog. The reason Cain was given a dog was to help him learn the true nature of giving and gratitude, as dogs have a giving and loyal nature. This was the trait Cain needed to internalize in order to overcome his selfish and jealous nature. When a person repeats acts of giving, over time he will become a more generous person. He will uproot the jealousy and free himself from it. He will then start to experience joy for the good fortune of others, instead of letting it diminish his happiness and create animosity. A beautiful example of this level is described when Moses was chosen to lead the Jewish people out of Egypt. His brother Aaron could have easily felt overshadowed and been jealous of him. But Aaron is described as having joy in his heart; he was truly happy for his brother. Gods appointment of Moses only increased Aarons love for him. We too can find a new sense of joy and closeness to others when we transform jealousy from a troublesome emotion into a positive force. This excerpt is from Rabbi Sampsons new book, Go to Yourself. My parents said nothing when I was dating a Christian and attending church. But visiting me in Jerusalem, theyre panicked. When my 17-year-old boyfriend asks me if I want to go to church on a Sunday morning, I dont bat an eyelash. I am thrilled to go wherever he is going, even if his mother is coming along. I go to church two or three times. The tall, suited men look at my naive face with hope, and grin at my six-foot-two boyfriend whose Mohawk is combed down so you almost cant tell. I sit quietly next to my boyfriend and his mother, and afterward we go to brunch. A couple of months later, he asks me if I want to go to bible study. Again, I shrug. We go to a meeting room someplace where a few of those same smiling men from church gather around a conference table. They joke with me, pass me a cup of soda, and point to their bibles. They cite passages Ive never heard of, and say, So you see, you just need to believe. If I do, great. If not, my boyfriend promises the next world will be a bit of an uncomfortable experience for me. Although I never go back, I am confused. I want so badly to believe in something. I barely know anything about my own religion. I knew how to chant my entire bat mitzvah portion, went to Jewish camp, and had Passover Seder and Shabbat dinners at my grandparents house. My grandmother made chicken soup, matzo balls and tongue, and put a lace doily on her head when she lit the candles. My grandfather recited the long kiddush, and my family, plus my aunt, uncle and cousins all stood up, holding our own little cups filled with Manischevitz wine. In their house I could feel Judaism, even though it wasnt taught or articulated. But at my parents house, we dont say the traditional prayers on Friday night. My parents call themselves humanistic Jews. Over the Shabbat candles, we all say together, Blessed is the light of the world, blessed is the light of the person, blessed is the light of Shabbat. Wed go to retreats in the mountains, where wed do art projects while our parents attended ethical culture meetings. We light menorahs every Hanukkah beside our fireplace where my parents hang Hanukkah stockings filled with tzotchkes. As a searching teen, I acquire a fascination with the Greek gods. With a non-Jewish friend, I pore over books about them, learn who was who and what they control. I even have conversations with Zeus on my solitary walk home from school. I imagine being consumed by a gaping black hole of nothingness. The thought terrifies me. At our house, God is nowhere to be found. I remember asking my mother where God was, what God was. She doesnt know what to say. I realize that death will be the end of all things. My parents will die, I will die, and all will be over. I imagine being consumed by a gaping black hole of nothingness. The thought terrifies me. I dont know what to do with it. Usually, I just push it as far back into my consciousness as possible. Exploring Judaism Fast forward five years. I have long since dropped my punk rock boyfriend and graduated college. My best friend from Jewish summer camp and I take our long-awaited adventure to Europe and Israel. In Israel, we volunteer on a Haifa army base for three weeks, have a blast, and reluctantly travel to Europe, promising each other that well return to Israel right after. Six weeks later, we do. But this time, we head to Jerusalem. We get picked up at the Wall by Rabbi Meir Shuster and go to a family for our first Shabbos dinner experience. For real, with all the rules we never knew, but also with all the joy and serenity we never knew. We start taking classes at an introductory Torah learning program in the Old City. We learn about things weve never heard. Im discussing with rabbis and teachers about the purpose of the world, the meaning of existence, what God is. We have deep discussions into the night at our dorm. Im slowly getting some answers to the questions I never even knew how to articulate but in my own religion. Im surprised by how much Judaism is resonating with me. And then the phone calls start. I find out Judaism believes in reincarnation, in the eternality of the soul. There is so much I never imagined was any part of Judaism. There is no more gaping black hole of nothingness. Im surprised by how much Judaism is resonating with me. And then the phone calls start. Brainwashed Dad calmly confides that he and mom are a little worried about me. There are lots of fanatics in Jerusalem. My parents rabbi suggests I attend a non-Orthodox institution since all the other seminaries and yeshivas brainwash innocent American kids. I tell them that were just learning about Judaism, that we are still the same. No one has taken over our brains and were still thinking and asking questions. Tons of questions. And were even learning Hebrew! Isnt that great? Then Mom gets on the phone. She insists that I check out this other learning program. She tells me that I have to keep an open mind. I tell her, gently, that maybe they should also keep an open mind. Mom informs me that she and Dad are coming to visit, which isnt surprising, given our two-month trip has now turned into six with no return tickets. Theyll be there in a couple weeks. I ask my mother to bring me warmer clothes. And long skirts. Collision Its good to see my parents, but somewhat strange. Suddenly my two worlds collide in a big way. My newfound world of Orthodox Judaism and my real life that Id left back in the States. My parents attend some classes, dutifully go to Shabbos meals with me. They watch it all warily, looking at me and my friends with suspicion. And they dont trust the rabbis, either. After all, these are the folks whom my father called meshuganas back home wed see them walking on a Saturday when wed venture into the Orthodox enclave in our city. For the first time in my life I feel I am getting thought-provoking answers to my questions that my parents could not provide me. I wonder why my parents did not say one word to me when I was seriously dating a Christian and attending church and bible study. Yet here, in Jerusalem, surrounded by people who are observing the same commandments my great-grandparents had kept, my parents were so concerned, panicked. I dont have the courage to ask. I believe my parents, like so many Jews of their generation, are happy to be free of what they felt was the burden of Judaism. And I understand where theyre coming from since they view the Torah laws as antiquated and irrelevant, as I did growing up. But the more I learn about Torah Judaism, the more relevant and exciting it becomes. For the first time in my life I feel I am getting thought-provoking answers to my questions that my parents could not provide me. My parents return home and I stay in Israel for a year, learning, experiencing Shabbat with families, finding role models and discovering who I want to be. And even now, many years later, the more Torah I learn and integrate into my life and teach to my own children the more meaningful my life becomes. The former foreign minister has been chosen to become the 12th president of Germany. Steinmeier will take office on March 18. A special 1,260-member assembly on Sunday confirmed general expectations and elected Steinmeier as the new ceremonial head of state of the German Federal Republic. He will succeed , who decided to step down after a single five-year term in office, citing his advanced age of 77. In his acceptance speech, Steinmeier called Germany "an anchor for hope," saying that the country should take responsibility and serve as a role model for other countries. "[Germany] inspires others to be brave, not because everything is well here, but because we've shown how much a country can improve," he said. Steinmeier indirectly addressed the surge of right-wing parties and anti-EU sentiments across Europe by asking Germans to defend freedom and democracy in the EU. "[These values] are not invulnerable, but I am firmly convinced that they are strong," he said. Though the ballot included four other candidates for the largely symbolic but morally important position, Steinmeier was by far the favorite candidate, drawing support from across Germany's political spectrum . Alongside backing from his own Social Democratic Party (SPD), Steinmeier also received endorsements ahead of the election from Chancellor Angela Merkel and her conservative bloc (CDU/CSU), as well as from representatives in the Green and Free Democratic (FDP) parties. . Instead, consisting of the 630 parliamentarians in the Bundestag, the lower legislature, and an equal number of representatives from Germany's 16 federal states cast their votes for the presidential candidates. A popular politician Steinmeier is the first SPD president since Johannes Rau held the office in 1999. The 61-year-old Steinmeier served as foreign minister twice under Merkel - from 2005 to 2009 and from 2013 until one month ago - earning particular praise for his engagement between Moscow and Kyiv during the Ukraine crisis. Prior to his diplomatic role, he served as Chancellor Gerhard Schroder's chief of staff, helping to design and implement a 2003 package of economic reforms and budget cuts. - Read More February 10, 2017 CAIRO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Samir, a former spokesman for the Egyptian armed forces, assumed the position of director general at Al-Aseema Television Network Jan. 15, which sparked much controversy in the Egyptian street, raising questions as to the future of Egyptian media. Does this step mean that the executive branch will now have full control of the media? The TV channels programs and broadcasting were suspended due to the change of management. The channel has yet to reopen with new programs. Sherry Media Advertising Company issued a statement Jan. 15, saying that it has been officially handed the management of Al-Aseema TV and appointed Samir as its director general. The company stressed that it is keen on providing professional media content, contributing to raising awareness in the community on various issues. Sherry Media Advertising Company, which was established by businessman Ihab Talaat on Dec. 2, 2016, specializes in advertising. Talaat is seen as a media expert. He is also accused of trying to monopolize the media in Egypt. Before starting his own company, he sponsored a large number of TV stations and newspapers through Pro-Media Company, including the Tahrir Channel, ONTV, al-Shorouk newspaper and Al-Masriy Al-Youm daily. Talaat was chosen as the chairman of the board of directors of Hayat Media Services Co. on Feb. 6, which is the exclusive advertising agent for all Hayat TV network channels, Egypts biggest network. Egyptians opposing the appointment of Samir believe it is a miserable attempt by authorities to nationalize the media, unify its message and block any opposing voices against the government. Others believe that owning and running media outlets should not be limited to certain parties, whether military men or politicians, and that it is the right of any individual to run media institutions as long as this is done according to professional rules and standards. They argue that Samir left the army and is now an ordinary civilian like any other Egyptian citizen. On the Facebook page of the spokesman for the armed forces, a statement was posted on Dec. 31, 2016, that said, As part of the military bulletin for promotion and reassignments of armed forces officers, scheduled in the months of January and July of every year, Gen. Sedki Subhi, the general commander of the armed forces and minister of defense, approved the appointment of Chief of Staff Officer Col. Tamer Mohamed Mahmoud al-Rifai as the official spokesman for the armed forces, effective as of Jan. 1, in succession to Brig. Gen. Mohamed Samir, whose services will end on Jan. 1, 2017. This Facebook post came at the same time as the announcement that Talaat would be managing Al-Aseema channels 1 and 2, after a final agreement with member of parliament Saeid Hasaseen, the owner of both TV channels. The decision was effective on Dec. 28, 2016. Samir graduated from the Egyptian Military Academy on July 1, 1988, and joined the infantry. He received several military training programs and obtained a bachelor's degree in business from Ain Shams University. During his tenure as spokesman for the armed forces, Samir built good relations with people in charge of newspapers and media outlets in addition to his close relations with the countrys businessmen. Journalist Magdi Shanadi, the editor-in-chief of al-Mashhad newspaper, told Al-Monitor, Appointing Samir as head of Al-Aseema TV channel means that the regime is no longer running media outlets through its close circles or affiliated persons, but it has now direct control over them. Shanadi added, The regime thinks of the media as a dangerous tool and that it is necessary to highlight some issues in the media, while hiding others, without any regard to journalistic and media standards and professionalism. This is no secret to anyone. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the media outlets performance, saying that he would like to have the same media support as Gamal Abdel Nasser." In his speech during the new Suez Canal inauguration ceremony on Aug. 5, 2014, Sisi said, Gamal Abdel Nasser was lucky as he had the support of the media. The Egyptian media has a great responsibility and has to side with the people. For his part, Dandarawi al-Hawari, the executive editor of Youm7 newspaper, told Al-Monitor, Samir has left the army of his own free will and retired. Now he is a civilian, enjoying full civil and political rights like any other Egyptian citizen and has the right to assume any civil position. He said, Businessman Talaat, owner of the TV station, appointed Samir in his position. Talaat is known for his interest and investment in the media and has a long history in the media domain. Therefore, any talk about Samir being appointed by pulling strings by the army is unfounded." Commenting on whether Samir has adequate experience in running a media outlet, Hawari said, As a military man, Samir did not have any civil expertise. However, he has been dealing with different media outlets and newspapers for 2 years, serving as a spokesman for the armed forces. This allowed him to gain experience in this domain, not to mention that he built good relations with people running newspapers and TV channels. Huwaida Mustafa, the dean of the Higher International Institute for Media at El Shorouk Academy, told Al-Monitor, The media plays a pivotal and influential role in public opinion. That is why businessmen and institutions are keen on owning shares in media outlets, which is normal and there is nothing wrong in it. However, media institutions have to be clear and open about their political inclinations. This is the case of all media institutions around the world. Commenting on talks about the states attempt to control the media, Mustafa said, We have tens of TV channels and radio stations affiliated with the state, but they have little influence on the ground. It is only normal for the state to try to relay its messages to the public opinion. This does not mean that Brig. Gen. Samir is a tool in the hands of the state, and there is no proof of this anyway. He is now a civilian and has the right according to the constitution to take up a senior civil position in the state, whether by owning or running media outlets. February 10, 2017 Against the backdrop of US President Donald Trumps conservative nationalistic policies, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is being described by the media as the new leader of the free world. Her open-minded and humanitarian views and policies on the immigration of Middle East refugees to Germany despite numerous terror attacks by Islamist terrorists in her country have gained respect in many liberal capitals in the world. The international system appears to be split nowadays between nationalistic regimes and governments that cling to multiculturalism. The former makes opposition to Islamic immigration their political flag and an excuse for curtailing freedom of movement, free trade and globalization; the latter champions globalization and human rights. And so, Merkel has become an important player within the worlds most important schism. A senior German official in the Kanzleramt in Berlin told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that despite this being an election year, Merkel will stick to her core conservative and liberal strategy: Above all, the chancellor is the defender of the European Unions integrity. She believes that world peace depends on this. She also believes in protecting the European Union from the separatist nationalistic policies of Russia, the US and European right-wing parties, principally those in the Netherlands and France. The senior official close to the chancellor listed Merkel's strategic priorities, starting with the integrity of the EU, including driving a hard bargain with the United Kingdom on the Brexit deal. The second priority is a sound European immigration policy. Then there is the issue of free global trade. The chancellor is wary of Russian President Vladimir Putins attempts to weaken the EU and NATO. She also prioritizes fighting Islamic terror in coordination with the United States and the pragmatic Arab countries. Merkel believes that the Iran deal should be upheld, and she also believes in a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, which will, in her view, help to stabilize the Middle Eastern region. The German source explained that Merkel wishes to promote these policies within the context of the P5+1 framework (the United States, Russia, Great Britain, France and China, together with Germany) that was established for the Iran deal negotiations. Such a framework, Merkel believes, could be especially useful in the Israeli-Palestinian issue. In this context, the senior official outlined Merkels position. Above all, he said, is the special relationship Germany upholds with Israel in its historical context. Germany after the Holocaust considers having a special role in defending the Jewish state. The selling of strategic submarines to Israel is a key component of this policy. A second position relates to the problems of Islamic terror in Germany, which turns fighting against the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda especially important. Germany has contributed 650 troops to the Mediterranean NATO effort to combat IS smuggling in the Mediterranean during 2017. The German government is an important player in developing EUs security policies. In this context, Germany aims to maintain good relations with the pragmatic Arab countries, mainly Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan. Given terror, migration and Germanys leading role in the EU, the Merkel government sees great importance in the stability of the Middle East. On this backdrop, Germany has a strong interest in a two-state solution based on UN Security Council resolutions. Both Merkel and her ministers have expressed this view on many occasions. Last, despite the special relationship with Israel, Merkel is highly critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus settlement policies in the West Bank. She has expressed sharp criticism in the past year against settlement expansion, such as on April 19, 2016, in a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The senior German official said that Merkel and German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel will discuss these priorities with Trump and his administration. Merkel perceives Trump as very critical toward the EU and toward her immigration policies, yet she intends to negotiate a set of compromises with the US administration. At the same time, the Iran deal is of great importance to the Germans, given Germanys vast trade potential with Iran. He also said that Merkel would attempt to renew the P5+1 framework for the monitoring of the Iran agreement implementation and extend it to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Given the change of US-Middle East policies and a possible US-Russia rapprochement, Merkel may very well emerge as an important player in creating new international platforms and compromises on Middle Eastern issues, including on the Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution process. Asked about these German positions, a senior Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs official dealing with EU relations expressed the Netanyahu governments trust in the special relationship Israel maintains with Germany. He believes that, at the end of the day, Germany will stay out of Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution. Still, with the recent changes in the international system, Jerusalem may be surprised by a future role for Berlin in the Middle East; one that will not necessarily toe the line with the Trump administrations approach. February 12, 2017 Crackdown linked to referendum Turkish police detained four terrorist suspects linked to the Islamic State (IS), as well as a cache of explosives and suicide belts, as CIA Director Mike Pompeo arrived in Turkey for official talks Feb. 9. The arrests are in line with a massive crackdown on Salafi and terrorist networks in Turkey this year. On Feb. 5-6, 820 alleged IS sympathizers and operatives were arrested in 29 cities across Turkey. In all of 2016, Turkish police detained and charged 2,936 people on charges of being Salafi or jihadi terrorists. Metin Gurcan explains that the main reason for the crackdown is the political climate in Turkey, which is preparing for a constitutional amendment referendum in April that would greatly expand the president's power. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) government is very much aware of the shock effect of the Istanbul nightclub attack in the first hours of the new year. That attack heightened Turkish people's fear of IS and what it can do. The government was harshly criticized for the countrys intelligence and security flaws. IS-initiated, extreme Salafi violence on the eve of the referendum would further frighten the public and expose the government's weaknesses, probably boosting the 'no' votes. While the crackdown on IS is unambiguous, Turkeys objectives are complicated by its ties to what Gurcan refers to as frenemy jihadis those linked to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaedas powerful Syrian affiliate, as well as other "moderate Syrian armed groups that are directly supported by Turkey. Gurcan adds, Ankaras most difficult challenge in overcoming the jihadi movement in Syria is that there are no changing loyalties at the level of notables and leaders, but there is a constant movement of foot soldiers changing their affiliations. For example, Abdulkadir Masharipov, the terrorist implicated in the Istanbul nightclub attack, had previously been affiliated with so-called moderate groups. Gurcan writes, A careful study of the backgrounds of Salafi foot soldiers shows that they especially those with Central Asian, Uighur and Russian backgrounds have been in contact with many IS, Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and moderate groups. This makes tracking them down and keeping an eye on them particularly difficult. For example, how can Ankara really trust a Central Asian or Uighur militant now serving with the Sultan Murad Brigade alongside Turkish soldiers in Syria, but who earlier had served with groups affiliated with Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and even IS? Could IS convince these moderate militants, who have easy access to Turkey, to carry out terror acts there? Turkey sidelined in Syria Pompeos visit to Turkey was greeted with some fanfare, as it occurred just two days after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and was the CIA directors first official foreign visit. While the White House readout of the Trump-Erdogan call was vague, Turkish official sources claimed that Trump and Erdogan had agreed on joint action in the campaigns against IS in Raqqa and al-Bab. The United States, up to now, has been depending almost completely on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for the first wave of the assault on Raqqa. The SDF is made up primarily of Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) forces. Turkey insists that the United States end its support for the YPG, which it considers a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party and equivalent to IS. Semih Idiz explains that Turkey is increasingly desperate as it finds itself even further sidelined in Syria. Ankara is deeply perturbed by Trump's proposal for safe zones in Syria, despite the fact that Turkey has been calling for such a zone in the north of the country for a long time, Idiz writes. Some see Trump's proposal as a prelude to granting the Kurds their own region. Ankara is also displeased by Moscows offer of autonomy for the Syrian Kurds under a unified Syria. Idiz concludes, The upshot of all this is that Ankara is even more defensive today than it was in the past with regard to Russian and US plans for Syria, even though it appears to be cooperating closely with Moscow and has not allowed its anger with Washington to boil over into a serious diplomatic crisis between the two countries. Given its continuing inability to alter the course of events in Syria, diplomats fear that Ankara may have decided to play a reactive and obstructive role in the Syrian peace talks, rather than a positive and proactive one. If this is indeed the case, it is not immediately evident that this will provide Ankara with what it wants. To the contrary, it could leave Turkey on the sidelines again, as the powers it is unable to match continue to determine developments in Syria. Syrian Kurds weigh federalism Amed Dicle, reporting from Gaziantep, writes that Syrian Kurdish parties are concurrently weighing both military operations in Raqqa and scenarios for federalism in postwar Syria. Raqqa isn't northern Syria's and Rojava's only agenda, Dicle writes. The Astana and Geneva talks are also closely followed here. And then there's the draft constitution prepared by Russia. Russia's draft is neither rejected nor accepted it is considered to be a draft that should be discussed. It is taken as an insufficient step, but a first one by international powers. Geneva and Astana meetings haven't generated hope for a resolution yet. Russia took a step by preparing this draft. Russia suggests autonomy for the Kurds, but the Kurds think their issues will be solved not through autonomy, but through a democratic, federal Syria. In Russia's draft, other peoples and faiths outside of the Kurds have been ignored. That is also seen as a flaw. But it is important that Kurdish rights are mentioned in a document for the first time. Dicle adds that Turkey is bogged down in al-Bab and may be limited in its capacity for further military operations. What's happening there [al-Bab] is generally perceived as a fiasco. This is a useful reminder: Erdogan invaded the Shehba region to the north of Aleppo because of his anti-Kurdish sentiment and his ambition to prevent the Kurds from attaining a status in Syria. They took Jarablus and other places from IS without much fighting. But now, Erdogan's plans appear to be failing at al-Bab. The Erdogan administration first said they would create a buffer zone from IS 20 kilometers (12 miles) deep after they took Jarablus and Dabiq. But their goals turned out to be different. Forces in the region saw that Erdogan was only pursuing his own agenda there. That is why the FSA [Free Syrian Army], his allies at al-Bab, are upset with Erdogan. They think they have been sold out in Aleppo. Cracks in the alliance between the FSA and Erdogan will surface soon. Alabama has more species of crayfish than any other state, and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is making an extra effort to let people know about it. Of the roughly 400 known species of crayfish, at least 97 of them can be found in Alabama, said Traci Wood, habitat and species conservation coordinator for the ADCNR's Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. "In Alabama we are blessed with an abundance of water, which means an abundance of aquatic biodiversity," Wood said. "A lot of our invertebrates have been poorly understood and surveyed. "We needed to start at basically ground zero basically knowing more about our crayfish fauna in the state." Since 2013, Wood said, the department was able to get funding to increase its efforts to document the state's biodiversity, especially concerning crayfish. Wood said 14 new species have been added to Alabama's crayfish lineup since then, and more may follow as biologists continue to study Alabama's rivers and streams. The department has now produced an educational poster highlighting several Alabama crayfish, available for free if you pick it up in person, or by mail if you pay $3 shipping costs. "Hopefully classrooms and educators will tap into this resource because it's definitely an interesting conversation piece," Wood said. "When I ask people how many crayfish species we have in the state, they might guess five, and they're really surprised when I say 97." Alabama's known crayfish species range in size from about 8 inches for the Tennessee bottlebrush crayfish to about one inch for the aptly named least crayfish. "Alabama is like the Holy Grail of crayfishes," said Guenter Schuster, a biology professor at Eastern Kentucky University who has conducted numerous crayfish surveys in Alabama and was cited in the poster. "For aquatic biodiversity, Alabama really has no competition. It has the richest freshwater fauna in the country. The only state that's even close is Tennessee." That total includes the zebra crayfish, a species new to science whose discovery in Alabama creeks was first published in scientific journals late last year. Schuster, who helped discover the zebra crayfish and others, said the number of Alabama crayfish is likely to keep going up as new species are discovered, or more existing species are confirmed to be living in Alabama. "The number [of crayfish species] I feel confident is going to increase," Schuster said. "It almost seems like every time we go out, we get new surprises." The posters are available for free at any ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries district office, or by sending a check for $3 to cover postage to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), 64 N. Union St., Suite 106, Montgomery, Ala., 36130. Checks should be made payable to ADCNR. The video from ADCNR and poster are embedded below. Melissa McCarthy resurrected her Sean Spicer impression on Saturday Night Live. The comedian once again played the White House press secretary Saturday night, a week after she rolled out her gum-chewing, hyper on-edge spokesperson for President Donald Trump. The impression has reportedly drawn the ire of the White House. This week's take included defense of Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter, and her fashion line. The line has been removed from Nordstrom, Belk and other stores, prompting the president to call the move "unfair." "That's Nordstrom's loss, because these are high quality products," McCarthy's Spicer said as he modeled a bangle from the Ivanka Trump line. The show also included an appearance by Kate McKinnon as former Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, the newly appointed U.S. Attorney General. "Elizabeth Warren came at me like a porcupine. But then my friend Mitch McConnell swooped in like an alligator, bite her head off," McKinnon drawled about Sessions' confirmation. "So we all know there are two types of crime, regular and black...." McKinnon's Sessions says before being quickly ushered off the stage. The sketch wasn't the only jab at Sessions Saturday night, which later poked fun at allegations Sessions made racist comments in the past. "The Senate voted Wednesday to confirm Jeff Beauregard Sessions as our new Confederate General. Sorry, Attorney General," host Colin Jost said during the Weekend Update segment. "Sessions was rejected for a position as a federal judge in 1986 over concerns of racism but don't worry if there's one thing that usually makes racist better, it's age..." You can watch the clip below. Across the barren and now picked cottonfields on the outskirts of Atmore, where farms and trailers litter the green and brown landscape, there is a place that's better known as the 'House of Pain' to the incarcerated men that live there. Hidden from view behind large trees about three-quarters of a mile from I-65, Holman Correctional Facility's has the appearance of an industrial slaughterhouse, while its gruesome and well deserved epithet describes a world that has steadily become a bastion of misery and violence in recent years. And the rest of Alabama's prison system is no different. Most of the near 25,000 prisoners inside Alabama's 15 state correctional facilities are crammed into open-plan dormitories, where hundreds of inmates sleep side-by-side on steel-framed bunk beds. Basic toilet and shower facilities are in short supply, while lack of air conditioning and personal space adds to an already difficult environment. Holman Correctional Facilit near Atmore. Frequent stabbings, riots, fires, and the murder of a prison guard in September last year have heaped pressure on lawmakers to do something during the new legislative session about a prison system that independent correctional experts have described as one of the worst and most violent in the country. And experts have told AL.com that four new mega prisons costing the state $800 million is not the answer, and could make things worse. But how did Alabama's prisons get so out of control? When Holman Prison was built in the late 1960s, the open-plan dormitories were designed to reduce violence and help build relationships between inmates and correctional staff, who would all be present on a daily basis within the large dorms. The idea was that staff could familiarize themselves with inmates and reduce tension before prisoners turned to violence. But over the last 15 years, this system has broken down and attacks are increasing, according to Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn and ADOC statistics. Violent incidents have doubled over the last five years. Since 2011, incidents of inmate-on-inmate violence have increased from 1,108 in 2011 to 2,111 last year. Inmate-on-staff violent incidents rose from 289 in 2011 to 522 in 2016. Adding to the problem is huge overcrowding and severe understaffing. Alabama's prisons have grown to nearly 180 percent of capacity, while the number of correctional officers needed to run the entire system has plummeted to below 50 percent. Without the required number of prison guards to monitor the cells correctly, inmates have been left largely unattended. The revolutionary design of the late 60s had backfired spectacularly. "It is in part the design and it is also in part because of the tremendous levels of vacant positions. So, when you combine those two things, it's a pretty toxic mixture that makes it difficult to supervise inside of those living units and can lead to higher levels of violence," Eldon Vail, secretary of Washington State Department of Corrections between 2007 and 2011, told AL.com. "But in terms of the overcrowding and understaffing, Alabama is quite unique in this country." Vail even said that Alabama has surpassed California's extreme overcrowding issue that first came became national news in the mid-1990s and continues to a lesser degree today. "The difference in California though is they weren't understaffed. They were robustly staffed," he said. Between September 2011 and September 2016, the number of violent incidents at Alabama prisons increased as staffing levels fell. (Alabama Department of Corrections) While Alabama's state prison population has slowly come down in recent years, from 25,000 in Jan 2015 to around 24,000 in September 2016, according to Alabama Department of Corrections Statistics, the state continues to keep around 987 people per 100,000 in prison, around 50 percent more than the national average of 693, according to a Prison Policy study from June 2016. That's more than all but five other states in the U.S. Alabama's prisons are only designed to hold a little over 13,000 people in total. And this has taken a severe toll on inmates in many unexpected ways. During an inspection of Alabama's prisons in 2016, Vail noted in his expert report to the Middle District Court of Alabama that violence was being perpetuated by a lack of basic amenities. For example, Vail found that toilets per inmate were far below the standards set by the American Correctional Association. The regular ratio is supposed to be 12 inmates to 1 toilet, but Alabama's prisons had up to 22 to 1 in some of its institutions. While this may seem like insignificant in the broad context of prison violence, adequate and operational amenities are extremely important to maintaining peace, explained Vail, especially when applied to the dormitory style cells. "You're gonna have some competition for those few resources among inmates," he said. "And that can increase tension in the living unit, and all those kinds of things can, in my experience, lead to frequent episodes of violence." Holman Prison entrance. And the acute overcapacity at Holman, which is designed to hold 581 men but currently has 835, according to September records, meant that some dorms were so packed that it was difficult for officers to see inside, according to one former guard who spoke with AL.com. "I couldn't see all the way to the back of the room because it was so full, and because prisoners would put up sheets to obscure my view," said John Hendry, who quit his job as a correctional officer at Holman prison in October 2016. "And the escape hatch that helps guards escape the block in the event of an emergency are not big enough for normal people, especially not me. I never felt safe or in control." Holman's death row, the only one in the state, is supposed to hold 56 men, but has nearly 200 men, according to records. Hendry also said that without the correct amount of guards, the prison was forced to take short cuts and often unable to action when major violent events occurred in cells. "We couldn't easily enter a dorm to protect someone that was being attacked, or break up a riot," he said. Hendry added the recent murder of correctional officer Kenneth Bettis in September last year was partially due to poor design and understaffing. After an inmate lined up for the fourth time at dinner one evening, Bettis told him that he'd had enough to eat and instructed him to sit down. The prisoner fatally wounded him. "The layout of the kitchen is pretty standard among prisons but it's too open and makes it easier for attacks to take place." But poor design leading to violence is nothing new in Alabama's prisons, and inmates have been telling officials about issues since at least the mid-1980s. During a riot at St. Clair Correctional Facility in April 1985, hostages were taken by inmates, people were beaten and a woman was raped. One inmate told a Birmingham News reporter who was in the prison at the time of the riot that inmates had been able to access secured rooms by crawling through the ceiling space, bypassing the walls beneath. The inmate said during the riot that it was easy to get around the prison. "You can go anywhere inside it just by busting glass," he said. However, 32 years later, the state is still trying to fix the problems with its prisons. New prisons versus old. In 2016, Governor Robert Bentley put forth what's known as the Alabama Prison Transformation Initiative (APTI), a plan to build four mega prisons at a cost of $800 million. While the initiative passed through both the House and the Senate, it did not gain final approval. In the coming session this year it's expected that Bentley will raise the issue again with some amendments to help it pass. However, detractors of the governor's plan don't believe that building new mega prisons will address the violence, overcrowding, understaffing and unrest that exists today. "The ADOC's struggle to hire and retain correctional officers has resulted in one of the highest inmate-to-staff ratios in the country," said the Southern Poverty Law Center in a press release last year. "This puts both prisoners and ADOC staff at risk of violence. The APTI does nothing to resolve the immediate crisis, putting both prisoners and correctional officers at continued risk as the state embarks on a years-long project with no guarantees that new buildings will ensure a safer environment." Echoing the SPLC's comments is Marayca Lopez, a senior corrections analyst and planner with CGL Companies, a New York-based company that focuses on the planning and design of justice facilities. She told AL.com that following through on the governor's proposals would be detrimental to the state's efforts to resolve it prison issues. "Creating four large prisons is a very misguided and bad idea" she said. "Studies have shown that large facilities are harder to manage and are more prone to violence, so although it might make economic sense for Alabama to consolidate its current prisons, it would not necessarily make staff and prisons safer." She added that the best way to bring down the prison population, while also alleviating violence, was to view prisons not as places of punishment, but as institutions of reform and rehabilitation. "These political reforms have to come together with better designed facilities or it won't make much difference." Such a high incarceration rate has inevitably led to discussions among architects about striking the right ethical considerations that go in to designing and planning correctional facilities. Raphael Sperry, president of Architects / Designers / Planners for Social Responsibility (ADPSR) told AL.com that it is not the job of an architect to solve the problem of mass incarceration created by harsh sentencing laws in state. "The context that we talk about prison design in is in the context of mass incarceration, and Alabama is participating in that," said Sperry of ADPSR, a Berkley, California-based advocacy group that works for peace, environmental protection, ecological building, social justice, and the development of healthy communities. "And it's not a good system, it's actually really bad. It's not the approach one would take when designing a criminal justice system, so asking architects to clean up a problem that's arising from state legislature is not something we really ask professional architects to do." A crash early this morning in Marengo County left one man dead. The incident happened at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Alabama 28 near mile marker 47, two miles east of Linden. Senior Trooper Reginal King said 32-year-old Maxie Lee Tatum was killed when his 2004 Toyota Camry left the road, hit a utility pole, and then overturned. Tatum was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. King said Tatum, of Linden, was not using a seat belt. Although the circumstances are still under investigation, troopers said alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in the crash. Alabama State Troopers are continuing to investigate. WHITECLAY A newly formed group hopes to buy out Whiteclay's beer stores and shut them down as part of an effort to redevelop the troubled, unincorporated village in northwest Nebraska. Owners of all four beer stores have already expressed interest in the plan, said Bruce BonFleur, founder of Whiteclay's Lakota Hope Ministry and a member of the redevelopment group. "They're dead serious," BonFleur said Saturday. "We believe that the beer store owners are ready to sell out. They're waiting for an offer." Now the group is trying to raise $6.3 million to fund the buyout and kick-start Whiteclay's transformation. It has launched a website, WhiteclayRedo.com, and plans to formally begin its fundraising efforts soon. The four beer stores sell millions of cans of beer each year to residents of the nearby Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, about 200 yards north of Whiteclay across the Nebraska-South Dakota state line. Alcoholism and its symptoms, including fetal alcohol syndrome, are rampant on the reservation despite alcohol being banned there. The stretch of highway connecting Whiteclay to Pine Ridge has been labeled one of the worst in the nation, BonFleur said. "Our plan is to turn that into a miracle 2 miles." He announced the fundraising effort to about 75 people during a legislative event Saturday at Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln. The redevelopment group -- a low-profit limited liability company, or L3C -- was formed in Wyoming and includes Christian businessmen from Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota, BonFleur said. They hope the beer stores' uncertain fate will provide some leverage. Last year, the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission ordered all four stores to reapply for their liquor licenses, citing concerns about law enforcement in the area. A hearing is scheduled for early March. In the meantime, BonFleur said he has met with the beer store owners at least four times to discuss buying them out. "It's possible that in a month and a half or so, their livelihood -- some of them for the past 30 years -- ends," he said. "The other incentive for them is because they're tired of it." The stores are Arrowhead Inn, State Line Liquor, D&S Pioneer Service and Jumping Eagle Inn. The owners either couldn't be reached or declined to comment. If the buyout effort succeeds, BonFleur said the redevelopment group plans to take additional steps to ensure more liquor stores don't pop up. That could include seeking a presidential executive order to reinstate the buffer zone on the reservation's southern border. The zone was formed by executive order in the 1800s in large part to prevent white people from selling alcohol to people from the reservation, but was eliminated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. BonFleur said the redevelopment group's other goal is to promote the national identity of Pine Ridge's Oglala Lakota people and improve Nebraskans' understanding of the tribe. "Our culture has looked as them as a people, as a nation, as less than us," he said. That goal fits with the priorities set by a working group convened by Gov. Pete Ricketts, on which BonFleur serves, as well as a similar list compiled by lawmakers who have examined Whiteclay issues. State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, an Oglala Lakota tribal member whose district includes Whiteclay, said he's doubtful the Liquor Control Commission will deny the licenses next month. That means buying out the stores "may be the only solution to fix Whiteclay," he said. Ending Whiteclay beer says won't fully stop the flow of alcohol onto the reservation, Brewer said, and some people would surely still drive to nearby Gordon, Rushville or Chadron for booze. But he compared closing beer stores within walking distance of Pine Ridge with shutting down a Starbucks on a commuter's route to work. "The opportunity will be so much less that it can't help but improve the situation, Brewer said. "If we're able to do it, then I think the world will be a little better place." Montgomery is broken. And rather than try to fix it, all the king's horses and all the king's men are scrambling to hide the pieces. Last year when the allegations that Governor Robert Bentley had an affair with senior advisor, Rebekah Caldwell Mason, and the potential financial corruption came to light, there were early calls for impeachment, ethics investigations and accountability. Now, however, the governor effectively throttled that by appointing the very man with the power to oversee those criminal investigations to one of the most powerful jobs in the land. Bentley announced Thursday that he would appoint Attorney General Luther Strange to replace Jeff Sessions in the U.S. Senate. As Alabama's attorney general, Strange had begun criminal investigations into corruption allegations involving the governor. In November, Strange even went so far as to ask the House committee investigating potential causes for impeachment to stand down until their investigation concluded. However, when it became clear that a Senate seat was in play, Strange reversed course and said last week that he had never publicly announced an investigation into the governor's office. Alabama has already learned what happens in public in Montgomery often stands in stark contrast to what happens in private. And the people deserve to know what transpired behind the scenes in lead up to Strange's Senate appointment. In many ways the fate of Gov. Bentley is out of the hands of the people of Alabama. But on the 2016 ballot, voters did signal an appetite for prosecution when they voted to clarify the state's impeachment laws. It is now in the hands of our political leaders. Steve Marshall, Alabama's newly appointed attorney general, must continue the investigation into Bentley or he implicates himself, the governor who appointed him, and Strange. If Alabama's attorney general will not do his duty, then the Legislature should reopen its impeachment investigations. If the Alabama Legislature won't do its duty, then the new U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, must investigate the audacious culture of corruption in Alabama politics. And if, as we suspect, the U.S. Attorney General won't do his duty here, then the people of Alabama must do theirs by voicing their disgust and displeasure in the next election cycle. Some 393 refugees and migrants locked up tried to take their lives in 2015 a record-high average of one a day. Glasgow, United Kingdom The Kurdish Iraqi mans unsteady voice recalls the desperate situation that led to his failed suicide attempt. They came to my house and detained me like I was a criminal. Its not safe for me to go back to Iraq, but theyve locked me [up] and want to put me on a flight. They are playing with my mind. Ive had enough, so I tried to hang myself, says Ahmed over the phone. This is not a story from Donald Trumps America. Its a tale from Theresa Mays Britain. While the worlds gaze has been fixated on the extraordinary immigration measures implemented in the United States, campaigners say the UK has a brewing detention scandal of its own. Ahmed, whose name has been changed like others interviewed for this story to protect their identities, is being held at the Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centre, near Heathrow Airport. He spoke in a broad English accent, having been in the UK since fleeing war-ravaged Iraq in 2002 at the age of 22. Now 37, Ahmed has a story that is far from an isolated case. READ MORE: Foreign students targeted by UK anti-migrant policies In 2015, the number of suicide attempts in UK detention centres averaged more than one every day, with 393 people trying to take their lives, a record high. Britain is the only country in Europe that does not have a time limit for how long it can detain people. According to a report published by British MPs, this leaves peoples lives in limbo and can create or accentuate psychological conditions and mental health problems. You live here two months and you get mental, says Hatem, another detainee at Colnbrook. He told Al Jazeera about an Algerian man who also attempted to take his own life recently, after receiving no response about his status from the authorities. He has been in here a long time, 18 months maybe. What he did was get a blade and cut through his face, his leg, everywhere. Ive never seen so much blood. The guy was screaming I want answer. Why no one give me answer?' Hatem says he is constantly scared and nervous because of his incarceration. He often does not shower for days as there is no hot water, and complains that the food makes him sick. Colnbrook is one of 12 detention centres dotted around the UK. Some 30,000 people are held across these centres every year. They are often in isolated parts of the country, making it difficult for detainees to receive family or lawyer visits. In January, a Polish man committed suicide at the Morton Hall Immigration Removal Centre in Lincolnshire, the third such death in a matter of weeks. According to the Unity Centre immigrant support group, he had asked for bail to see the birth of his son but was refused by the Home Office. He died on the same day his son was born. READ MORE: UK How deportations are tearing families apart The organisation Medical Justice, which assists sick immigration detainees, said it was deeply disturbed by the latest death. Year after year, investigations into these deaths reveal ongoing systemic healthcare failings. We fear that as long as these failings continue to go unaddressed there will be more deaths. We call for urgent action, it said in a statement. The charity is not the only group to demand action. Before becoming prime minister, Theresa May was the UKs home secretary. In that post, she commissioned an independent review of immigration detention. The findings of the Shaw Review urged the government to drastically reduce the number of people detained and end the detention of certain vulnerable groups. Despite now leading the government, May has failed to implement any of these proposals. May was also widely criticised for the go home or face arrest billboards pasted on vans that were driven around the UK in 2013. The campaign to deter undocumented immigrants was eventually deemed a failure and scrapped. Inhumane and barbaric Widespread protests have taken place in the UK calling on May to rescind a state-visit invitation made to Trump. However, human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar says that Mays priorities are not all that different from the US presidents. People seem to forget that Theresa May [when home secretary] was the individual who operated a policy that was regularly described as inhumane and barbaric, Anwar told Al Jazeera. The detention policy in the UK has been deteriorating for quite a considerable period of time. We are incarcerating people who are victims of sexual violence and torture. They come to this country for safety, but find a system that starts from the premise that they are liars. Its hardly surprising that people are driven to suicide, he said. Ive watched in horror at whats happening in the United States but Theresa May, of all people, is hardly in a position to preach. READ MORE: In limbo Inside Britains detention system Since the Conservatives came to power in 2009, the number of EU nationals detained in the UK has increased fivefold. Its feared this figure will only get bigger once Britains exit from the European Union is finalised. But despite the widespread concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers and migrants, the UK government insists it does provide sufficient support to detainees. When asked about the recent spate of deaths in detention, the Home Office told Al Jazeera in a statement: Detention is an important part of a firm but fair immigration system, helping to ensure that those with no right to remain in the UK are returned to their home country if they will not leave voluntarily. But it is vital detention and removal are carried out with dignity and respect and we are committed to ensuring that all detainees with mental health issues are given the treatment and support they need. This is refuted, however, by someone with direct experience of what it is like to be held. Pinar Aksu, 24, was locked up in Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre as a child when her family first arrived in the UK. Now living in Glasgow, she is a passionate advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants. Detention centres are designed to destroy peoples soul and their hopes for the future, said Aksu. It affects your mental health in every shape and form. As there is no time limit in the UK, you have no idea when youre going to be out. That causes stress and makes you think too much. Bloody hands It is not just the lack of a time limit for detention that has proven controversial. Seven of the 12 centres are run by private companies Serco, G4S, Mitie and Geo Group raising questions about profiting from incarceration. Detainees in some centres work for as little as 1 ($1.20) a day, sparking criticism that the companies are using cheap detainee labour as a means to maximise profits. Meanwhile, staff at one centre, Yarls Wood, have been suspended over allegations of abusing detainees. Aksu has no doubt where the blame lies for the situation. Every person who dies in detention centres is because of the immigration policies pursued by this government, she says. The blood of all of these people is on the hands of the British government. The election of far-right President Donald Trump has led to a surge in membership of socialist organisations across the United States. During his first few weeks in office, Trump has already issued a flurry of executive orders targeting Muslims and immigrants, while moving to lift regulations on Wall Street. In response, protests have taken place in cities across the country. Last week, demonstrations against Trumps now frozen ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries were held at airports. The day after his inauguration, millions joined marches for womens rights in the US and in several cities in Europe and elsewhere. City councillor Kshama Sawant of the Socialist Alternative, a Trotskyist party, became the first socialist in 97 years to win a citywide election in Seattle and entered office in January 2014. The party is calling for a nationwide labour strike on May 1. The Socialist Alternative has seen a 30 percent membership increase since the November 8 presidential election. Sawant spoke to Al Jazeera about protests, immigrants rights and what to expect from Trumps policies. Al Jazeera: There has been a remarkable spike in membership of socialist organisations across the country. What is behind this uptick? Kshama Sawant: Its absolutely correct that socialist organisations have experienced a historic surge in the last several months. That trend applies to leftist organisations in general. Most organisations on the left have experienced a surge. Its particularly remarkable that socialist organisations in the United States have experienced a heightened interest because the US, as we all know, has had this whole atmosphere of vilification of socialist ideas and anything associated with the bureaucracy of the Soviet Union. READ MORE: More Americans joining socialist groups under Trump Part of what happened is that the millennial generation did not grow up in the Cold War propaganda era, so thats not an issue at all for them. But I think its deeper than that. The new generation of Americans if nothing changes is going to be the first generation as a whole in Americas history that will be worse off in terms of economic living standards than their parents generation. That has a lot to do with the political shift were observing. Young people have been raised on this idea that if you put your head down, work hard and go to college youll get your little piece of the American Dream. But thats not happening. Fundamental to why thats not happening is the fact that global capitalism is in a prolonged crisis A majority of those [between 18 and 29 years old] are disenchanted with capitalism. We demand no walls, no bans, no deportations and full legalisation for all immigrants. by Al Jazeera: Has Trumps flurry of executive orders deregulating Wall Street and targeting immigrants created a feeling of urgency? Sawant: I think there is no question that this is a historic opportunity that we would ignore at our own peril on the US left. Its paramount that we put forward the urgent need to build maximum unity and action, unity across the 99 percent around concrete demands fighting together against the attacks on immigrants, for womens rights, for the LGBTQ community. We need to have maximum solidarity around defending the specific groups who are under direct threat from Trump and his administration. But also [we need to be] linking that movement to audacious demands around which there is a lot of unity already: $15 an hour as a minimum wage; fighting for Medicare for all; fighting against all forms of sexual violence. We demand no walls, no bans, no deportations and full legalisation for all immigrants. We need that kind of an approach to build unity around actions; and to recognise that a large number of people not just seasoned activists on the left but those whove never gone to a protest in their entire lives were out on the streets at the womens march on the day after the inauguration. When millions of people come out, thats the signal to the left that theres a willingness to fight back. We know that those sit-in actions and protests shutting down airports [across the US] were the principle drivers in the [freezing] of the [immigration] ban. That shows that even a powerful administration sitting in the White House can be brought down by the defiant actions of masses of people. That experience of winning through civil disobedience is extremely important. If we start experiencing defeat it will be demoralising for the movement. We must build on these victories and use them to go further. Theres no mood to negotiate. Theres a mood to fight back. Thats why its a historic opportunity for the US left and particularly socialists to join in their struggle. The entire labour movement and everything weve fought for all these decades is on the chopping block right now. If we are going to save it, were going to have to fight. There's no mood to negotiate. There's a mood to fight back. by Al Jazeera: What form of protest against the Trump administration do you and the Socialist Alternative advocate? Sawant: Trumps billionaire agenda is not going to be defeated unless this movement is militant, willing to engage in mass non-violent civil disobedience and willing to call for strike actions and make them a success. Our movement cannot be limited to whats acceptable to the Democratic Party establishment. Al Jazeera: Although the Socialist Alternative endorsed Bernie Sanders message, you urged him to run as an independent candidate. What do you say to the argument that leftists ought to work with the Democratic Party? Sawant: The Democratic Party establishment seems to be quite out of touch with reality. How can you fight for working people facing the draconian attacks by Trump if youre so out of touch with reality? If we are to carry out a left agenda in terms of living standards, in terms of ending student debt, making life livable for the majority of working people who find it hard to get by how do you expect that party to put forward bold proposals? READ MORE: Protests grow as Texas moves against sanctuary cities Its complex. Large numbers of people want a bold, progressive, left agenda to be carried out, but its not immediately clear to the vast majority of people whether or not the Democratic Party will carry it out. Thats something young people and working people will continue to grapple with in the coming months. As socialists, we need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with everybody who wants to fight and issue a challenge to anybody who wants to fight with us. Theres nothing stopping the Democratic Party from fighting. Our priority is to build a movement on the ground while continuing to debate the question of the Democratic Party. Al Jazeera: Does Trumps programme pose a threat for workers and the labour movement in general? Sawant: He does pose a grave threat to working people in general. As a matter of fact, there will be a strategy of first attacking vulnerable communities like immigrants. Its no surprise to me that some of the first executive orders targeted immigrants. Thats a classic divide-and-rule strategy. One of the most compelling arguments for building solidarity on the ground is precisely that. If youre not an immigrant and you dont think Trump is going to come after you, youre not recognising what a grave danger Trump and his billionaire-dominated cabinet represents to all of us. Al Jazeera: After Trumps victory in November, you received thousands of threatening messages and phone calls. How did you handle the threats of violence and respond to Trump supporters? Sawant: We received an insane number of messages. There was definitely nothing normal about it. The speech I made at the rally after the election went viral on many right-wing websites and Facebook, so my office and City Halls desk were flooded with thousands if not tens of thousands of phone calls and Facebook messages from Trump supporters. The approach we took with them was instructive because its an approach well need going forward. Even a powerful administration sitting in the White House can be brought down by the defiant actions of masses of people. by We asked those who were amenable to a conversation why they voted for Trump. The vast majority did not vote for Trump because they are sexist and they liked that hes a misogynist. Obviously, there is a strain of right-wing ideology that informed his campaign. But a lot of ordinary working people voted for Trump because they are so angry at corporate politics and saw [Hillary] Clinton as someone controlled by Wall Street. While being unbending on the question of oppression, the left needs to also understand that we want [Trump supporters] to move left and fight against a billionaire class. We must keep that door open while being very clear that there is no room for right-wing ideology. The left cannot afford to make the mistake of being condescending to people who are moving into struggles for the first time in their lives and may not have well-formulated, class-oriented demands. History shows us that peoples thinking isnt etched in stone; whats important is that theyre willing to struggle. That process itself will clarify to people that our fight needs to go much further than basic demands. It would be a historic failure if we didnt recognise that this is a huge shift. Trumps approach to the presidency has also accelerated chaos within the ruling class. We should view that as an opportunity. *This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Follow Patrick Strickland on Twitter: @P_Strickland_ Washington and Tehran dial up war of words as risk of another military action in the Middle East rises. On a spring morning in 2016, a retired four-star general, who was forced out of his job by then-President Barack Obama, spoke before defence and foreign policy experts gathered just blocks from the White House. The 65-year old speaker, with silver hair and puffy eyes, was blunt. For all the dangers al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, known as ISIS) pose in the Middle East, he warned that the Iranian regime is the single most enduring threat to stability and peace. He recalled that as commander of US troops in the Middle East, the first three questions he would ask his subordinates every morning had to do with Iran and Iran and Iran. We only pray, the rest of us outside this town, that someone good is listening here, he told the Washington crowd, as he issued an ominous prediction: The future is going to be ghastly, and that the next president is going to inherit a mess. READ MORE: Trump slaps new sanctions on Iran over missile test Nine months later, James Norman Mattis returned to the US capital as defence secretary of President Donald Trump. As the man who oversees the 1.3 million US troops, manages Pentagons $582.7bn budget, and directs military policy, Mattis has Trumps ear. The US president fondly calls him Mad Dog Mattis, although the former general refers to himself as Chaos, his Marine call sign. Supporters said he is best suited for the defence job because of his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his strategic mind. Former US defence chief Robert Gates called him a warrior-scholar. But critics said Mattis fixation with Iran, combined with the presidents hostility towards the oil-rich Gulf state, could lead the United States into a replay of Iraq only this time with a much more disastrous consequence to the region. Media reports had suggested its the same eagerness for confrontation with Iran that prompted Obama to fire Mattis as Central Command chief in 2013, at a time when the US and other world powers were trying to engage Tehran and secure a nuclear deal. Now Obama is out and Mattis is back. Already, the war of words between the US and Iran has intensified in the first three weeks of Trumps presidency, with Mattis calling Iran the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, after Tehran confirmed it tested mid-range ballistic missiles. Trump himself weighed in on the controversy, posting on social media that Iran is playing with fire, as he ordered new sanctions on 13 Iranian individuals and 12 companies. When asked if a military action is possible, he replied, Nothing is off the table. In response, Tehran fired more test missiles, with one commander of the Revolutionary Guard warning that if the enemy falls out of line, our missiles will pour down on them. Iran also warned of dark days to come in the case of a military attack. Saeid Golkar, an Iran expert at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, told Al Jazeera: Unfortunately, the relationship between America and Iran is getting very dangerous. I think people in the Trump administration will try to make Iran do something stupid, he said, warning of further US actions, such as more sanctions and support for regime change in Tehran. What is also alarming is the bluster coming from the Trump White House, Trita Parsi, founder and president of the National Iranian American Council, told Al Jazeeras Nick Clark. If you only have the ability to dial it up, but not dial it down, that is what is most worrisome right now because it could, unfortunately, lead to a military confrontation, he said, as he called on US officials to establish direct contact with Iranian officials to ease the tension. So far, none of the senior Trump officials have made any public effort to talk with Tehran. Like Trump and Mattis, National Security Adviser Michael Flynn a former military spy chief is known as an anti-Iran hardliner. Following the recent missile tests, Flynn came out swinging, with the headline-grabbing statement that the White House is putting Iran on notice. As Trumps campaign adviser in 2016, Flynn had not been shy in expressing his views on Iran, decrying its consistent bad behaviour, while calling Obamas nuclear deal wishful thinking. Flynn also insisted in his Head to Head interview with Al Jazeeras Mehdi Hasan that Iran was intent on having a nuclear weapon, despite proof to the contrary from Iran experts. Trumps chief strategist, Stephen K Bannon, is no different from Flynn. Before joining Trumps campaign, he ran the right-wing website Breitbart, which regularly publishes articles critical of Iran. As member of Congress, now-CIA chief Mike Pompeo had also advocated bombing Irans military facilities, calling Iranian officials serial nuclear cheaters. Amid this backdrop of hostilities, Mohammad Ali Shabani, Iran Pulse editor of Al-Monitor website, said the possibility of a military standoff seems far-fetched at this point. One should understand that statements and tweets do not constitute foreign policy, he told Al Jazeera. Shabani said Tehrans regional strategic depth and the complete lack of an international consensus on such a potentially disastrous adventure should dissuade Trump and his men from going after Iran militarily. This is not to mention the domestic US side, where you have a public that is unlikely to stomach another quagmire that would make Iraq and Afghanistan look like a walk in the park, said Shabani. As for Iran, it is trying to be a rational actor in foreign policy, and its officials are very careful not to give excuse for the US to launch an attack, said Hamid Reza Gholamzadeh, English editor of Tehran-based Mehr News Agency. The two sides are just testing each other, he told Al Jazeera. President Trump is trying to bully Iran to take action. Iran is not going to act radically to cause war between the two countries. But even without military confrontation, Gholamzadeh said Trumps rhetoric and the recent ban on Iranians entering the US have already alienated many Iranians and united them against the new US president. On Friday, hundreds of thousands of Iranians marched nationwide to mark the 38th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and denounce Trump. Meanwhile, Hillary Mann Leverett, Middle East adviser to Presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton, told Al Jazeeras News Hour that there is a misimpression among many American strategic planners that because of US military dominance, it can impose its will wherever it chooses to, including in Iran. But what they dont understand, and what has happened over and over again, whether its Iraq, Afghanistan, even Vietnam, is that we are not there. We are not in Iran. We dont have much at stake as those who actually live there. So, even a weaker party like Iran, compared to the United States, it has so much more at stake in the Middle East that it can really repel what the US may try to do it. Gaza Aya Abdulrahman was informed by her doctors that she would be dead by the end of 2014. At 21, she had seven malignant tumours. Your daughter has two months left to live. You cannot do anything. Go home, the doctor told Abdulrahmans mother. The painful news, however, did not stop her from pursuing her dreams. Since childhood, all Abdulrahman wanted to do was become an artist and leave her mark on the world through art. Abdulrahman seized every opportunity that came her way to display her paintings and drawings across the Gaza Strip and abroad, from Los Angeles to Morocco. She participated in art competitions, worked with sick and disabled children in Gaza to have them express themselves through art, and trained youth in drama and acting. After undergoing a series of surgeries over a three-year span, the locally renowned artist recovered in 2015. She narrated the journey of her agony and accomplishments in the first TEDx talk in Gaza that year. The most important thing to me is to bring happiness into peoples lives, she said during her talk, describing the day she was informed of her recovery as the best day of her life. I adore seeing a smile on peoples faces, she continued, adding that her artwork enabled her to do that. The election of Mohammed Abdullahi Farmajo as Somalias president has inspired optimism for the future of Somalia. The stage seemed set for a ceremonial rubber-stamping of the status quo. Some of the new parliamentarians, many of who came through a corrupt process supported by domestic and foreign elements, started to arrive late and, at times, act unprofessionally on the floor. Key officials, including the speakers of both chambers of the Federal Parliament, were awkwardly seated under the stage where ballots were being cast for the most important election in Somalias history. And the event itself was being conducted in Halane district, a geographical space that is physically located in Mogadishu, but in reality is entirely a different world it is a type of a Green Zone for UN agencies, diplomatic missions, and private security. But, we now know that bad optics dont always result in bad outcomes. Unlike what the beneficiaries of the status quo were expecting, February 8 has turned out to be a day of triumph for a nation that has fallen into a state of hopelessness and a day that would permanently be engraved in Somalias history. Against all odds, and in line with the public sentiment, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmajo) was elected president of Somalia. But what caused this public euphoria, and what does it mean in the grand scale of things? The will of the people The inter-clan and intergenerational jubilations across Somalia, the neighbouring countries and within the Somali diaspora demonstrate that the new presidents reputation transcends clan loyalties and that he has a clear public mandate. Both sides of the divided city of Galkayo celebrated, as did the city of Beledweyne. In both of these cities, brothers and sisters have been kept apart due to inter-clan hostilities. Make no mistake: From the public perspective, this is a time of reckoning. This was not just a referendum against domestic evils of corruption and pathological looting of public resources and national assets. This was the roar of a nation that reached its tipping point. First, it was a total rejection of clan-based federalism that kept Somalia dizzied and in a downward spin of discord, violence, and hate. This was a system engineered by foreigners and institutionalised by the Yes, Sir corner of the Somali political elite. Second, it was a rejection of the injustice of the so-called 4.5 clan power-sharing system, which clusters all Somali minority communities into a less-than-a-whole-clan category in other words, a flagrantly discriminative system that sidelines all minority groups, regardless of population sizes, and penalises them for never having their own clan-based militias. Third, it was a rejection of all types of foreign exploitation and foreign domination. Especially, against the subservient role that the current class of Somali politicians have succumbed to, in relation to Ethiopia and, to a certain degree, Kenya. Fourth, it was a rejection of all those too familiar foreign-orchestrated and funded pseudo-reconciliation powwows that almost always end up with phoney handshakes in Addis Ababa. It was a public demand for genuine, Somali-led and funded national reconciliation to close a bloody chapter that corroded Somalinimo the collective sense of inclusive patriotism. Fifth, it was a rejection of what I call the tripartite of squanderance the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and international NGOs that gulp down almost all of the funds contributed by donor nations to help Somalia get back on its feet. Somalia under trusteeship In its current status, Somalia has been under what looked like, felt like, and smelled like trusteeship without any trustee accountability. The implementation authority was divided between and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and UNSOM, which would give the tacit, and sometimes flagrant, support to politicians who would never question or second-guess their decisions vis-a-vis the interest of their nation. I urge the new president to consider reaching out to our brethren in Somaliland by extending a state apology for their suffering under the military government and taking the flag to them as they have done after independence. by Somalia became a lucrative project and the only way to sustain that project was to keep it on perpetual dependency on handouts funnelled through international NGOs which spend most of the aid monies on overhead. They also subcontract local NGOs, which duplicate the same formula. Meanwhile, due to lack of an interconnected and unified security force that could be referred to as a national army or defence force, the government, and the nation as a whole, rely heavily on AMISOM and other paramilitary groups ranging from clan militias and contracted mercenaries, who are accountable to no one. Though in the beginning of its mission, AMISOM contributed to the stabilisation of Somalia, it became a hopelessly failed enterprise the minute Ethiopia and Kenya became part of it. Now, AMISOM is operating on a different agenda. Ironically, its timeline for withdrawal is set for 2020, when the next election will take place. The road ahead The new president is charged to lead a nation that has systematically lost its national identity, trust, and common purpose; a nation that has been running on empty when it comes to patience; a nation that has very anxious expectations. Knowing the new president well and having worked with him, I am confident that he will put Somalias interest before all others. He is a champion of an enlightened patriotism that is optimistic and relies on itself to restore the corroded dignity of a self-destructive nation. The sustainability of his legitimacy, popularity and his vision for a viable Somali nation would depend on the sacrifices that he makes for genuine reconciliation and transformative change. On this, I urge the new president to consider reaching out to our brethren in Somaliland by extending a state apology for their suffering under the military government and taking the flag to them, as they have done after independence. I believe such timely symbolism could inspire a new generation of peacemakers, set the stage for genuine national reconciliation, and help patch together this broken nation. Editors note: The original version of this article contained incorrect information about the make-up of Farmajos cabinet when he was a prime minister. Abukar Arman is a Somali political analyst, writer and former diplomat. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. A January 25 executive order on immigration enforcement allows for immediate deportations at the border with Mexico. Judging by the spat between US President Donald Trump and his Mexican counterpart, President Enrique Pena Nieto, over who will pay for the infamous wall to separate their countries, the two leaders could not be further apart. But the two presidents have something in common: they are both ignoring the lives of the many men, women and children who are desperately fleeing some of the most violent countries on earth. Trumps scandalous executive orders are already proving devastating for hundreds of thousands of refugees across the world. But it is Central Americans who are immediately affected by what has now turned into one of the largest human rights crises in the Americas. You need only look at the fine print in President Trumps January 25 executive order on border security and immigration enforcement improvements to see it. The order allows for migrants, many of them asylum seekers, to be detained as soon as they cross the US-Mexico border and to be immediately deported to Mexico. Many have endured unspeakable horrors in one of the most dangerous journeys on earth. President Trumps proposed system violates the fundamental right not to be deported to a country where an individual would be at risk of suffering serious human rights violations, including torture or death. Mexico simply does not have the resources to deal with what would turn into a new mass flow of deportees. Local authorities in border cities including Tijuana and Mexicali have already said they would not be able to provide adequate reception for high numbers of people being pushed back. With no protection, migrants and refugees will be at immensely high risk of being kidnapped, suffering extortion, sexual violence or even death. The deadliest countries But even if President Trumps signature is the one adorning the executive orders, this crisis has many authors notably Mexico, which has, for years, failed to protect some of the most vulnerable people escaping extreme violence as they pass over its territory. Presidents Trump and Pena Nieto and the presidents of the countries these people are fleeing from claim that most of the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children fleeing Central America are economic migrants, people who choose to leave their countries in search of a better life. This could not be further from the truth. OPINION: Mexico needs to stop accommodating Trump El Salvador and Honduras are not at war in the sense that Syria is but they might as well be. The United Nations has ranked El Salvador as one of the deadliest countries on earth outside a war zone, with more than 108 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015. In Honduras the rate was 63.75 per 100,000 inhabitants. And it is not only the shocking homicide rates that make these countries virtual living hells for hundreds of thousands of people. You only need to walk the streets of San Pedro Sula in Honduras or the Salvadoran capital San Salvador to see it. Beneath the apparent calm, entire communities are held hostage as ruthless rival armed gangs fight a bloody turf war. Some groups mark their territory with wall paintings to dictate where locals can and cant go. Crossing the street to a rival gangs area could be a virtual death sentence. The gangs impose taxes on local business owners and bus drivers. Refusal to comply with the rules brings a penalty of abuse or even death. The security forces, whose duty is to protect people, often collude with the gangs or turn a blind eye to their brutal reign of terror. Death after deportation Faced with this Dantean scenario and with nowhere to run, it is no wonder that people are desperately fleeing north in growing numbers. For Saul, being turned down by this cruel system meant facing an early and brutal death.The 35-year-old was gunned down by a gang in his native Honduras less than three weeks after he was deported from Mexico in July 2016 after his asylum application was rejected. Saul had fled the country in November 2015 after he survived a shooting along with his two sons, who were severely injured. The police failed to follow up on his report or offer him protection. His wife and sons are now living in terror of what might happen to them, desperate to leave the country. Federal judges in the US might have temporarily stopped President Trumps January 27 executive order on travel bans and the global refugee programme. But, for the moment at least, the fine print on his executive order on border security and immigration enforcement improvements has seemingly gone unchallenged. All countries are entitled to regulate the entry and residence of foreign nationals. However, closing the door to those desperately seeking safety is not only against basic international standards but utterly cruel. Instead, the US should have sufficient, appropriately located, secure and regular crossing points at the Mexican border. They should train all security personnel working at the border to ensure they can identify and assist all individuals in need of international protection and allow them to enter the US. Presidents Trump and Pena Nietos arguments about the wall must not become a smokescreen for the many other barriers that have already gone up to keep refugees from their dream of reaching safety. Erika Guevara-Rosas is Americas Director at Amnesty International. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. When it started raining during President Donald Trumps inauguration ceremony, Reverend Franklin Graham interpreted it as a sign of Gods blessing. A few hours earlier, Trump had heard from Pastor Robert Jeffress that it is God who removes and establishes leaders. Trump is not an obvious candidate to represent the Jesus-like, enemy-loving, turn-the-other-cheek, self-sacrificial servant-leader of the Christian gospels. But he has made it clear that he understands his role as a defender and protector of Christianity: from statements such as we are going to say Merry Christmas again! to his pledge that We will respect and defend Christian Americans. Christian Americans. His rhetoric tailors to a persecution complex prevalent in some evangelical and other conservative circles. We are going to protect Christianity, Trump asserts, Christianity, its under siege. As one commentator put it, There is a sickness in American Christianity, and Trump is feeding on it. It is precisely such statements that have made Trump the darling of some Middle Eastern Christians in the midst of what they perceive to be a systematic onslaught on the Christian presence in the region. According to Najwa Najib, (a London-born, Chicago-based Lebanese-Assyrian Christian), Trump is good for, and has the support of, Middle Eastern Christians because Protects Christians is the main, though rudimentary, deciding factor there, given how few options we have and how great the risk to our continued presence in the Middle East is. In a piece she wrote that was cross-published by Richard Spencer on Jihad Watch, Najib claims that American presidential candidates arent good for Middle Eastern Christians. That is, they werent, before Trump Middle Eastern Christians have a voice now. We fit. Friends of Donald J Trump in Lebanons facebook page proudly posted Trumps tweet on January 29: Christians in the Middle East have been executed in large numbers. We cannot allow this horror to continue! prompting one user to comment, its as if Muslims in the region are living in tranquility! Clash of civilisations? Trump has successfully marketed himself as the protector of Middle Eastern Christians just as Vladimir Putin described by the International Christian Union as the man to whom Christians resorted to prevent the expansion of ISIS in the East has done in relation to some Syrian and Lebanese Christians, in particular. Ostensibly, there is no harm in having a US president champion your cause. Who wouldnt want Donald Trump to protect Middle Eastern Christians if they are indeed being persecuted? Upon closer scrutiny, however, such claims are nothing more than a cheap political exploitation of Middle Eastern Christians as pawns to score points on the domestic front. As Daniel Williams pointed out in the Washington Post, it is less a show of concern for Christians than a shot at his predecessor to show that he cares more about them than Obama did, presumably to please some of his American Christian supporters. Furthermore, the far right uses minorities in their political discourse and ideologies as examples of how Islam hates anything associated with the West and how Islamic values are inherently incompatible with Western values. As Najib unequivocally expressed: We can now interject with a pointed um, no when Muslims in the West claim that they pose no danger to America because they live side-by-side with Christians back home We can warn people about what happens when you give Muslims an inch. The problem with said discourse is not in the fact that Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East (such as the Yazidis and Bahais, among others) do have valid concerns and legitimate grievances and these differ from country to country owing to different political and religious contexts. Indeed, Muslim-majority nations should be open to an honest discussion in relation to the treatment of non-Muslims, and to reform laws and practices that violate the freedom of religion and conscience. Nonetheless, the danger in Trumps narrative lies in the conceptualisation of a clash of civilisations between a Muslim and a Western bloc, with Christians residing in the Middle East forming a sort of external or foreign phenomenon that needs to be saved in isolation of the geographical, political, economic, social, and cultural milieu they have been born into and have been interacting with for generations. Trump's proposals can only save Middle Eastern Christians in the way that the US 'saves' Israelis: by giving them preferential treatment as colonial settlers in need of support and protection. by As the Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols said about the Muslim ban, it encourages the false notion of a conflict between Christians and Muslims while wrongly suggesting Christianity is a Western phenomenon. It is also worth noting briefly that the notion itself of Middle Eastern Christians is problematic. Do they form one bloc? Can Christians in any Middle Eastern country be treated as a single entity? Will Trump save Syrian Christians and Palestinian Christians? Or are Palestinian Christians not part of his concern, given the unchallenged supremacy of Israels interests in US foreign policy? In fact, Trumps proposals can only save Middle Eastern Christians in the way that the US saves Israelis: by giving them preferential treatment as colonial settlers in need of support and protection. But a good portion arguably a majority of Christians in the region, judging from the statements of the clergy and politicians, do not see themselves as the Israelis do in relation to the US. Louis Raphael Sako, Archbishop of the Chaldean Church in Iraq, described Trumps travel ban that maintained an apparent special provision for Christians as a trap for Middle Eastern Christians and as ultimately harmful in the long run. Such notions, he said, feed into extremist ideologies that view Christians in the Middle East as foreign bodies, and as groups protected and supported by Western powers. Those who need support, according to Sako, should not split up or religiously categorise the region. Sakos statements echoes a vast body of literature and official Church documents, especially since the Second Vatican Council, that lay out the vision for cooperation, coexistence, dialogue, shared lives, solidarity, empathy, and a coming together rather than an isolationist view of a Christian Church that sees Muslims as the other. Suffice it to mention a relevant point from the 1992 Easter Letter on the Christian presence in the East from the Council of Eastern Catholic Bishops. It states that it is not enough for some of us to be [living] next to each other, but we ought to be with one another, for the good of the human being in our countries. OPINION: Diversity in disunity in the Middle East One bishop interpreted it as meaning: together (Christians and Muslims), we defend the suffering human being in our Orient, and we defend his rights and dignity. This is not what some would describe as left-leaning politically correct propaganda. It is a representative sample of what the various conservative Eastern Christian Churches preach and seek to practise, especially in times of crisis when their declared mission to be witnesses to the Gospel is put to the test. In this light, the focus in any discussion of Middle Eastern Christians should be on eradicating ISIL and the threat it poses to non-Muslims and Muslims and to anyone who does not adhere to their ideology, including atheists. The focus should equally be upon the needs for justice and accountability on account of the crimes against humanity and war crimes that have taken place in Syria and Yemen; and on the socioeconomic problems in the region exacerbated by corruption and oppressive regimes without forgetting the continued oppression of the Palestinian people and any member of a minority who is being persecuted or discriminated against on grounds of religion, belief, race, sexual orientation, political opinion and gender. It is not enough to be next to each other, but we ought to be with one another. Any individual who preaches otherwise should be considered a false prophet, not a saviour. Halim Shebaya is a Beirut-based analyst. He teaches in the School of Arts and Sciences at the Lebanese American University. He holds an MDiv in Theology (NEST), MA in Middle Eastern Studies (SOAS), and an LLM in Public International Law (Nottingham). The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Thousands in quake-hit Surigao in southern Philippines seek refuge on the streets as aftershocks hit the city. Thousands of residents of a quake-hit city in the southern Philippines sought refuge on the streets as aftershocks hit the region on Sunday, two days after a quake killed six. The 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Surigao and nearby areas of Mindanao island late on Friday, injuring 202, with more than a thousand homes destroyed or damaged, according to officials. People who had fled their damaged homes wrapped themselves in blankets and sacks for a second night, as they slept side-by-side on the pavement Saturday, an AFP news agency photographer at the scene said. The state seismology office recorded 130 weaker quakes in Surigao, a city of 152,000 people, and in the predominantly agricultural region around it since the quake struck, though there were no additional reports of casualties or damage. The people are terrified about the aftershocks, Romina Marasigan, spokeswoman for the governments National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council told reporters. This was the first time Surigao had suffered a quake this strong. The previous one occurred in the 1800s, President Rodrigo Dutertes spokesman Martin Andanar, a native of the region, said over government radio. Relief effort Duterte flew to the region on Sunday to inspect the response effort, which officials said has shifted to relief and rehabilitation after the last of the dead and injured were pulled from the rubble. He was accompanied by a military transport plane loaded with generator sets, solar lamps, high-energy biscuits, mosquito nets and blankets for the displaced residents, Marasigan said. Early on Sunday, long lines of people carrying pails and jugs queued for water rations supplied by fire trucks after the quake cut off tap water supply. Were still being hit by aftershocks, and as of now, we do not have tap water supply. The people are suffering, provincial information officer Mary Escalante told ABS-CBN television in an interview. Buildings that suffered structural damage have been closed, she said, adding some schools and gyms that were meant to serve as evacuation centres were among those damaged by the quake. The quake also damaged bridges and roads and knocked out the power supply, though electricity was restored in most of Surigao City on Saturday. An average of five earthquakes, most of them undetectable except through instruments, hit daily across the Philippines, which lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. The last lethal quake that hit the country measured 7.1 magnitude. It left over 220 people dead and destroyed historic churches when it struck the central islands in October 2013. Protesters brave freezing temperatures as they take to the streets against attempts to water down anti-corruption laws. Thousands of protesters braved the cold to march in Romanias main cities on Saturday, marking the 12th consecutive day of protests against the government attempts to water down anti-corruption laws. In the capital Bucharest, where a major rally is planned for Sunday, around 3,000 people gathered at the seat of government despite sub-zero temperatures. We are resisting, we arent going away, yelled the protesters, who are calling for the left-leaning Social Democrat government, which only took power in December, to stand down. Another 8,000 people took part in protests in the rest of the country, according to the national Agerpres news agency. READ MORE: Romania protests Voices from the street These included 3,000 in Timisoara, in the west and around 2,500 at protests in towns of Cluj and Sibiu. Saturdays demonstrations took place despite the administration backing down over a planned controversial decree which would have made abuse of power a crime punishable by jail only if the sums involved exceeded 200,000 lei ($47,500). The demonstrations, the largest since the ousting and summary execution of communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989, have also continued despite the resignation on Thursday of justice minister Florin Iordache. Romania joined the European Union in 2007 and Brussels has long taken Bucharest to task over slow progress dealing with corruption and organised crime. IN PICTURES: Romania Protests A familys fight The country has intensified the fight against corruption in recent years with the creation of a prosecutor attached to the DNA anti-corruption agency, which has become one of the most popular government agencies following the conviction of several ministers and senior officials. Graft watchdog Transparency International ranked Romania below all but three of its fellow EU states in a January report based on public perception of the prevalence of corruption. Worldwide, the country ranked 57th. A counter-demonstration in support of the government also took place in Bucharest on Saturday, but mustered only a few hundred people in front of the presidential palace. New South Wales endures severe off-the-scale blaze amid a record-breaking heatwave that has sparked dire warnings. Australian authorities ordered the evacuation of some rural areas of New South Wales as bushfires, fanned by extreme heat and strong winds, raged across the state. By Sunday afternoon, emergency warnings were issued for five rural areas. People were told to evacuate if they could, or seek shelter and avoid bush or grassland where it was too late to leave. More than 2,000 firefighters, many of them volunteers, battled 86 fires across the state, with 38 of them still largely out of control. A heatwave saw temperatures hit record highs in some parts of the state, creating conditions that officials said were worse than those preceding Victorias 2009 Black Saturday fires, Australias worst bush fire event that killed 173 people. This is the worst day we have seen in the history of New South Wales when it comes to fire danger ratings and fire conditions, Shane Fitzsimmons, the states rural fire chief, told reporters. READ MORE: Syrian refugees assist Canadas wildfire victims Fitzsimmons said there were unconfirmed reports of homes, farm sheds and machinery being destroyed by fast-moving fires breaking containment lines. Temperatures climbed above 45 degrees Celsius in some parts. Dry and hot northwesterly winds coming from Australias desert centre, some up to 75 kilometres an hour, were fanning the bushfires. There were no reports of injuries, but some firefighters were suffering from heat-related issues. A 13-year-old boy and a 40-year-old man were charged on Sunday with allegedly starting fires. A southerly wind change associated with a cold front was forecast to arrive by early evening, the Bureau of Meteorology said. READ MORE: El Nino strengthens its grip on the globe Fitzsimmons said the front would eventually offer relief, but would create volatile conditions as it met the northwesterly flow. Since Friday, heatwave conditions have caused the cancellation of major sporting events and put pressure on the electricity grid. A paper mill, a water treatment operations centre and Australias largest aluminum smelter, Tomago, were among businesses forced to halt operations to conserve energy on Friday. Mike Pompeo gives Saudi Crown Prince Muhammed bin Nayef the George Tenet award for his counter-terrorism work. The heir to Saudi Arabias throne has been awarded a medal by the new director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, who honoured his contributions to counter-terrorism work. Mike Pompeo, making his first overseas tour since being confirmed as CIA chief in late January, made the presentation to Crown Prince Muhammed bin Nayef at a weekend ceremony, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Bin Nayef, 57, has been interior minister since 2012 and has years of experience in intelligence work. He oversaw a crackdown on al-Qaeda, a group that killed security officers and foreigners in the kingdom between 2003 and 2007. In 2009 Bin Nayef survived an assassination attempt by al-Qaeda. Pompeo awarded him the George Tenet Medal in recognition of his excellent intelligence performance, in the domain of counter-terrorism and his unbound contribution to realise world security and peace. George Tenet was the CIAs longest-serving director, from 1996 to 2004, and helped to spearhead the countrys military invasions into both Afghanistan and Iraq. Pompeo and Nayef also held talks on security issues, SPA said. The prince told SPA that no attempt will succeed in driving a wedge between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US. It was the latest Saudi reaffirmation of ties between the Islamic monarchy and Washington since President Donald Trump took office on January 20. READ MORE: Abdullah bin Zayed Trumps travel ban not Islamophobic The US and Saudi Arabia have a decades-old relationship founded on the exchange of American security for Saudi oil. But ties between Riyadh and Washington became increasingly frayed during the eight-year administration of former president Barack Obama. Saudi Arabias Sunni leaders felt Obama was reluctant to get involved in the civil war in Syria and was tilting towards its Shia-dominated rival Iran. Pompeo is a strident critic of an international deal reached in 2015 to lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for guarantees that it would not pursue a nuclear weapons capability. In interviews and written pieces, Pompeo has pointed to Iran as the primary source of conflict in the Middle East since Tehrans 1979 revolution views that coincide with those of Riyadh. Pompeo was in Turkey late last week for talks with officials. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the final goal of a Turkish incursion into northern Syria is to clear a 5,000sq-km safe zone, vowing to press on towards ISILs self-declared capital in the country, Raqqa. Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies had entered the centre of the ISIL bastion Al Bab, Erdogan said on Sunday, adding that its capture was just a matter of time. After Al Bab is about to be over, the period following that will be Manbij and Raqqa, Erdogan told journalists before his departure on an official visit to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. We shared our thoughts with the new US administration and CIA and we will follow the developments in line with our stance, he added. The ultimate goal is to establish a safe zone by cleansing a 4,000 to 5,000sq km area from the terrorists. ISIL, which stands for Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and is also known as ISIS, captured Raqqa in northern Syria in March 2013. Erdogan said ISIL fighters had begun deserting Al Bab, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Turkish troops have yet to enter the towns centre. The UK-based war monitor, which relies on a network of activists inside Syria, said Turkish forces had advanced into Al Bab from the west in recent days, and now controlled around 10 percent of the town and all of its western suburbs. READ MORE: Syria operations will continue until the end, says Erdogan The Turkish army launched a campaign inside Syria on August 24, codenamed Euphrates Shield, to clean its border from ISIL fighters and stop the advance of Kurdish militia, seen by Turkey as a terrorist hostile force. Erdogan said Turkish forces had no intention of staying in Syria once the area had been cleared of both ISIL and Kurdish YPG fighters. The Turkish-backed opposition forces advancing from the north are racing to seize Al Bab, ISILs last stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo. before Syrian government forces reach the town from the south. The Turkish-backed forces are still a long way from Raqqa, which is largely surrounded by US-backed Syrian Kurdish forces. Last week, the Kurdish-led Syria Democratic Forces launched a new phase in its Raqqa offensive, aiming to capture towns and villages east of the city. The US-led coalition has targeted several bridges across the Euphrates River in support of the operation. The potential for further conflict is clear to see, unless some sort of solution has been agreed between Turkey, the US, Russia and the Kurds, Al Jazeeras Andrew Simmons, reporting from Gaziantep, on the Turkish side of the Syria-Turkey border, said. Simmons said a border buffer zone, safe areas and no-fly zones had all been proposed by Turkey in the past, but rejected by the administration of ex-US President Barack Obama. Now, have things changed? Has US President Donald Trump agreed to something? It isnt clear at this stage, but Erdogan is insisting that he suggested cities being built in this safe area and refugees coming back from Turkey to be settled in them, Simmons said. READ MORE: Displaced Syrians stuck in limbo at Idlibs Taiba camp The clashes in Al Bab have proved the toughest so far for Turkeys army, with soldier fatalities increasing. One Turkish soldier was killed and three others wounded in clashes with fighters on Sunday, the private Dogan news agency reported, citing military sources. The latest casualty raised the number of Turkish troops killed in the Syria offensive to 67. The three injured troops were evacuated from Al Bab and taken to hospitals in Turkeys Kilis and Gaziantep provinces near the Syrian border, Dogan reported. German politicians elect former foreign minister by an overwhelming majority to be the countrys new president. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germanys former foreign minister, has been elected as the countrys new president, the 12th person to hold the largely ceremonial post in the post-war era. Steinmeier on Sunday won 931 out of 1,260 valid votes cast by the members of the Federal Assembly, which is made up of 630 federal members of parliament and an equal number of delegates from 16 states. Lets be brave, because then we dont have to be afraid of the future, Steinmeier said in his acceptance speech. He said the world faces rough times, but that Germany, as a functioning democracy, had the responsibility to fight for stability. German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Steinmeier and said she was convinced he would be an excellent president who would have the support of the vast majority of the people. This is a good day for Germany, Merkel said. A seasoned Social Democrat politician who had served as foreign minister until last month, Steinmeier had the support of Chancellor Angela Merkels grand coalition of centre-right and centre-left parties. I would like, as federal president, to be something of a counterweight to the current tendency towards boundless simplification, Steinmeier, 61, said before the election. While on a tour of Germany to promote his candidacy, Steinmeier emphasised mutual respect, strengthening democracy, taking a broader view, tolerance and solidarity as the ideas that will inform his presidency. His predecessor, Joachim Gauck, steps down on March 18. The German president has little executive power, but is considered an important moral authority and symbol of the country as its host for visiting dignitaries. Incumbent Berdymukhamedov faces eight challengers for the presidency but he is all but certain to win the elections. Citizens of Turkmenistan are going to the polls on Sunday for a presidential vote expected to further tighten the incumbent leaders hold over the gas-rich Central Asian country. Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, 59, faces eight other candidates including subordinate regional officials, the director of a government-owned oil refinery and a representative of the countrys state agribusiness complex. But these other men are completely loyal to Berdymukhamedov, who rose to power suddenly following the death of predecessor Saparmurat Niyazov in 2006. The opposition candidates are fairly irrelevant to the extent that people have been recruited from within the regime or the government departments, they are just a facade to show that the recoronation of the president ends up successfully, Luca Ancheski, a specialist on Turkmenistan at the University of Glasgow, told Al Jazeera. Voting in the country of over five million people began at 7:00am (02:00 GMT) and will continue until polling stations close at 7:00pm (14:00 GMT), the central electoral commission confirmed. READ MORE: Turkmenistan launches $10bn gas pipeline to South Asia Berdymukhamedov, a dentist by training, has kept in place Niyazovs repressive political system which tolerates no political opposition or public expressions of discontent. There is no position or opinion of [Turkmen] on the elections, when there is no media which makes the assessment of what people really think, Ancheski said. Al Jazeeras Central Asia expert, Mutiullah Tayeb, said the latest report by Reporters Without Borders mentions the crackdowns on some independent journalists in the country. In the absence of a powerful opposition, and the crackdown on press freedom, I dont see any real changes in the near future, Tayeb said. In the previous election in 2012, Berdymukhamedov won 97 percent of the vote. Last year, Turkmenistan amended its constitution in a way that could allow Berdymukhamedov to stay in power indefinitely, removing the 70-year age limit for presidential candidates and extending the presidential term to seven years from five. Despite some superficial changes in the democratic decor by allowing some unknown competitors in the election race, a real change is far away. Turkmenistan will remain one of most authoritarian states so far, Tayeb told Al Jazeera. This consolidation of power has been taking place against a background of slowing economic growth and shortages of foreign currency due to Russias decision to halt imports of Turkmen natural gas, Ashgabats main source of export revenue. READ MORE: Turkmenistan president set for landslide win Moscow had long been the main buyer of Turkmen gas and sales to China, although significant, have not completely offset the loss of Russian money flows. Faced with budget deficits after years of surpluses, the authorities are considering scaling down a generous welfare system which includes free petrol rations. Amid the gas fight, Turkmenistan has also flatly rejected the idea of Russia providing military assistance to the Central Asian nations in the light of escalating violence in neighbouring Afghanistan; it has also vehemently denied claims of violent incidents at the Afghan border. Four suspected fighters and two Indian soldiers killed in gun battle in a village in Indian-administered Kashmir. Four suspected rebels, two Indian army soldiers and one civilian were killed in a gun battle in a village in India-administered Kashmir on Sunday, an army spokesman said. The suspected rebels were hiding in a south Kashmir village when the army and police surrounded it, a police official said. In the ensuing fire fight four suspected fighters and two soldiers were killed. Four terrorists were killed and four weapons were recovered from the encounter site, army spokesman in Srinagar, Colonel Manish told AFP news agency. Two soldiers were also martyred and three injured during the encounter, he added. The operation was ongoing, Colonel Manish said. WATCH: Is self-determination on the cards for Kashmiris? A civilian, the young son of the owner of the house in which the suspected rebels were hiding, was also killed, Jammu and Kashmir police chief S P Vaid told AFP news agency. Three men managed to escape, a superintendent of police, who declined to be identified, told AFP. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since they won independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. Several rebel groups have for decades fought the 500,000 Indian troops deployed in the region, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan. The fighting has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead. Marches get under way in some 20 cities across country to protest US President Trumps anti-Mexican rhetoric. Mexicans have held massive protests against US President Donald Trump, hitting back at his anti-Mexican rhetoric and vows to make Mexico pay for a big, beautiful border wall between the two countries. Marches got under way on Sunday in some 20 cities across the country, including the capital, Mexico City, where thousands of people flooded a central avenue dressed in white and waving the red, white and green of the Mexican flag. Al Jazeeras John Holman, reporting from Mexico City, said this was the first mass protest against Trump in the country. It really marks the point in which the promises of his campaign building a border wall that he expects Mexico to pay for, import tariffs of Mexican goods heading to the US and mass deportation of Mexican migrants are starting to look like they could be a reality under President Donald Trump, he said. Thats really what the people here have gathered to denounce, Holman said. When asked why she had decided to take part in the march, a protester told Al Jazeera: Putting it in words, theres this hate that he seems to have for us, when weve never done anything to the United States. Dozens of universities, business associations and civic organisations backed the protest. It is time we citizens combine forces and unite our voices to show our indignation and rejection of President Trump, while contributing to the search for concrete solutions, said the coalition behind the marches. US-Mexican relations have plunged to their lowest point in decades since Trump took office on January 20. Trump, who launched his presidential campaign calling Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists, has infuriated the US southern neighbour. He also announced plans to stop illegal immigration by building a wall on the border and make Mexico pay for it. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto cancelled a January 31 trip to Washington over Trumps insistence that Mexico pay for the wall. OPINION: Mexico needs to stop accommodating Trump Trump has also wrought havoc on the Mexican economy with his threats to terminate the countrys trade relationship with the US, blaming Mexico for the loss of jobs in the country. The Mexican peso has taken a beating nearly every time Trump insisted on renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), attacked carmakers and other companies that manufacture in Mexico, or vowed to slap steep tariffs on Mexican-made goods. 'Mexico united will never be defeated': Mexicans call for unity against Trump. No one's been able to unite Mexico this way @NBCNews pic.twitter.com/cMp7iznDrD Mariana Atencio (@marianaatencio) February 12, 2017 Mexico sends 80 percent of its exports to the US, nearly $300bn in goods in 2015. The confrontation has stoked patriotic pride in Mexico, where US companies like Starbucks, Coca-Cola and McDonalds are the targets of boycott campaigns and many people have taken to putting the Mexican flag in their profile pictures on social media. US and South Korean officials condemn launch and agree to explore ways to suppress North Korean provocations. North Korea has fired a ballistic missile in an apparent provocation to test the response from US President Donald Trump, the South Korean defence ministry said. US National Security Advisor Michael Flynn requested a call with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after Pyongyang test-fired the missile on Saturday, South Koreas presidential Blue House said in a statement on Sunday. Trump on Saturday assured Japan it has the full support of the United States following the missile launch. I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent, Trump said at a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. READ MORE: US warns North Korea against nuclear attack In a phone call between Flynn and his South Korean counterpart Kim Kwan-jin, the US and South Korea agreed to explore all possible options to rein in North Korean provocations, the Blue House said. The missile flew about 500km before falling into the sea, a South Korean defence ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified. It is believed that the missile launch is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities, the ministry said in a statement. It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump, it added. While Seoul initially said the missile was probably a medium-range Rodong, it later said the launch was likely of a Musudan, which is designed to fly up to 3,000-4,000km. The launch also appears to be part of the Norths effort to steadily improve its missile capabilities, an army official was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying. READ MORE: N Korea defector Kim Jong-uns days are numbered South Koreas acting president, Hwang Gyo-Ahn vowed a corresponding punishment in response, while Japans top government spokesman Yoshihide Suge called the launch absolutely intolerable. Considering the missile was launched immediately after the Japan-US summit, it is clearly a provocation to Japan and the region, Suge told reporters. The launch came on the heels of a visit to Seoul by new US defence secretary James Mattis last week, who had warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an effective and overwhelming response. Any attack on the United States or our allies will be defeated and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming, Mattis said. READ MORE: Trump assures Abe over disputed East China Sea islands North Korea is barred under UN resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology but six sets of UN sanctions since Pyongyangs first nuclear test in 2006 have failed to halt its drive for what it insists are defensive weapons. Last year, the country conducted numerous tests and launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. In January, leader Kim Jong-un boasted that Pyongyang was in the final stages of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Washington has repeatedly vowed that it would never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation and the latest launch poses a test for Trump, who will need the help of Beijing, Pyongyangs closest ally, to deal with the reclusive state. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. OPINION: Trump era heightens Asia-Pacifics tripwires But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong-Il, in December 2011. The young leader is planning a prime time nuclear weapons push this year to take advantage of a leadership transition in South Korea where the president has been impeached and the US, a high-ranking North Korean defector said recently. Thae Yong-Ho, a former deputy ambassador to Britain who recently defected to Seoul, said Kim would never trade away the Norths nuclear arsenal, no matter how large a financial incentive might be offered. Senate chairman bars senators from visiting the US or meeting any US officials until visa spat has been resolved. Islamabad, Pakistan Pakistan is boycotting a United Nations-sponsored inter-parliamentary event in the United States, in protest against an undue delay in a visa issuance by the US to its senate deputy chairman, a statement said. Pakistani Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani took serious notice of undue delay in the issuance of visa to deputy chairman of Senate Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri by the US Embassy in Islamabad, said the statement released on Saturday evening. Haideri was one of two Pakistani senators scheduled to travel to the US to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Unions (IPU) hearings on environmental issues at the UN headquarters in New York City, scheduled to be held on February 13 and 14. Haideri and fellow Senator Salahuddin Tirmizi were due to fly out of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Sunday, according to the Pakistani Dawn newspaper. Tirmizis visa was granted, Dawn reported, but Senate Chairman Rabbani cancelled the trip due to the non-issuance of Haideris visa in time. Rabbani went further still, barring senators from visiting the US or meeting any US officials until the issue is resolved. The Chairman Senate has further directed that no Senate delegation will visit USA unless an explanation to the delay in issuance of Visa to the Deputy Chairman Senate is given by the US Government/Embassy of USA in Pakistan, said the statement. READ MORE: Donald Trump clashes with courts over immigration ban Haideri belongs to the right-wing religious Jamaat Ulema Islam partys Fazl faction (JUI-F), and has been a senator since 2008, representing the Balochistan district of Kalat in the lower house of parliamentary previously. The JUI-F and its leader, Fazl-ur-Rehman, are known for being religiously conservative, following a strict literalist interpretation of Islam known as the Deobandi school. Rehman has several times criticised the US in public and in parliament for its policies in the region. Haideri himself was jailed in 2001 for five months for leading a protest movement against Pakistan aiding the US-led war in neighbouring Afghanistan. Pakistan is not among the seven Muslim-majority countries from which US President Donald Trump has attempted to block immigration. Trump has, however, promised that visa applicants from Pakistan and Afghanistan would face extreme vetting, although it remains unclear what this entails. Haideri did not apply for the visa personally, rather his application was submitted by Pakistans senate secretariat, said Noor Ahmed Kakar, a spokesman for Haideri. Kakar offered no comment to Al Jazeera on the delay in issuing the visa. Fleur Cowan, the spokesperson for the US embassy in Islamabad, told Al Jazeera that the embassy was not in a position to offer comment on individual visa applications due to privacy laws. Asad Hashim is Al Jazeera Englishs Web Correspondent in Islamabad. He tweets @AsadHashim. Vote decides whether to make it easier for third-generation immigrants to become citizens amid anti-Islam campaign. Switzerland is holding a referendum on Sunday on whether to make it easier for third-generation immigrants to become citizens, after a campaign tainted by anti-Muslim messages and charges of religious prejudice. The government, as well as most politicians and political parties, supports the proposal that would allow the grandchildren of immigrants to skip several steps in the lengthy process of securing a Swiss passport. But the outcome of the referendum, the latest in Switzerlands direct democracy system, has been clouded by the far right nationalist Swiss Peoples Party (SVP), which put issues of Islam and national identity at the centre of the debate. According to a migration department study, fewer than 25,000 people in the country of about eight million currently qualify as third-generation immigrants, meaning they have at least one grandparent who was born in the country or acquired Swiss residency. Nearly 60 percent of that group are Italians, followed by those with origins in the Balkans and Turkish nationals. Debate on the proposal had nothing to do with religion at the outset, said Sophie Guignard of the Institute of Political Science at the University of Bern. It was the SVP, a party repeatedly accused of demonising Islam, that focused on the risks of more Muslims becoming citizens and the possible loss of Swiss values, Guignard told AFP news agency. Poster controversy Central to that effort was a widely distributed poster showing a woman with shadowed eyes staring out from a black niqab with a tagline urging voters to reject uncontrolled citizenship. The SVP is not officially responsible for the poster. It was commissioned by the Committee Against Facilitated Citizenship, which has several SVP members including in leadership positions. The co-chair of that committee and an SVP politician, Jean-Luc Addor, urged people to vote No on grounds that in the coming years most third-generation immigrants will not be of European origin. OPINION: All international laws Trumps Muslim ban is breaking In one or two generations, who will these third-generation foreigners be? he wrote in an opinion piece on the SVP website. They will be born of the Arab Spring, they will be from sub-Saharan Africa, the Horn of Africa, Syria or Afghanistan, said Addor, who has defended the niqab poster. Critics of the inflammatory campaign image have denounced it as a brazen appeal to those worried about more Muslims becoming Swiss. Guignard said mainstream politicians and journalists view the poster as a violent attack against Muslims. Political initiatives that either directly or implicitly target Muslims may be on the rise in the West, notably including US President Donald Trumps travel ban against seven mainly Muslim countries, which was undone in court this week. But in Switzerland such moves are nothing new. The SVP in 2009 successfully persuaded Swiss voters to approve a ban on new mosque minaret construction, while religiously charged messages have been a part of multiple referendums on immigration since. The latest polls from the gfs.bern institute show 66 percent of people support easier citizenship for third-generation immigrants, with 31 percent against and 3 percent undecided. Polls from the news company Tamedia have it closer, with 55 percent in favour and 44 percent against. The No side has, however, gained about 10 points since polling opened, with analysts saying an upset cant be ruled out. Voters decide to make it easier for third-generation immigrants to become citizens, according to official results. Swiss voters have approved a measure to make it easier for third-generation immigrants to become citizens, in a defeat for right-wing nationalists who carried out an anti-Islam campaign in the run-up to the vote. According to final official results, the Yes camp claimed 60 percent support and a victory in 19 of Switzerlands 26 cantons, meeting the two criteria needed for a win. The government, as well as most politicians and political parties, supported the proposal that would allow the grandchildren of immigrants to skip several steps in the lengthy process. However, the far-right nationalist Swiss Peoples Party (SVP), which controls the highest number of seats in the National Council, campaigned for No putting the issues of Islam and national identity at the centre of the debate. Reacting to the defeat, Jean-Luc Addor, SVP member of parliament, said his side was alone against everyone in this campaign. The problem of Islam, Im afraid, it will catch up with us in a few years, he told RTS television. Nearly 60 percent of the eligible third-generation immigrants are Italians, followed by those with origins in the Balkans and Turkish nationals. Poster controversy As a part of the No campaign, a widely distributed poster showed a woman with shadowed eyes staring out from a black face veil with a tagline urging voters to reject uncontrolled citizenship. The SVP is not officially responsible for the poster. READ MORE: Three people hurt in shooting at Zurich Islamic centre It was commissioned by the Committee Against Facilitated Citizenship, which has several SVP members, including some in leadership positions. The co-chairperson of that committee and an SVP politician, Jean-Luc Addor, urged people to vote No on grounds that in the coming years most third-generation immigrants will not be of European origin. In one or two generations, who will these third-generation foreigners be? he wrote in an opinion piece on the SVP website. They will be born of the Arab Spring, they will be from sub-Saharan Africa, the Horn of Africa, Syria or Afghanistan, said Addor, who has defended the niqab poster. Critics of the inflammatory campaign image have denounced it as a brazen appeal to those worried about more Muslims becoming Swiss. The SVP in 2009 successfully persuaded Swiss voters to approve a ban on new mosque minaret construction, while religiously charged messages have been a part of multiple referendums on immigration since. At least 60,000 gather in Bucharest to call for the governments resignation for trying to curb anti-corruption fight. Tens of thousands of Romanians have braved freezing temperatures to protest for a 13th consecutive day, demanding the resignation of the government for trying to curb the fight against corruption. At least 60,000 people on Sunday gathered in Victory Square in the capital, Bucharest, according to local media estimations. OPINION: Romania Keep the corrupt in jail, where they belong Shouting resign, resign, the protesters also formed a huge human Romanian flag in front of the government building, defying temperatures as low as -7 degrees Celsius. There were also protests in the cities of Cluj, Sibiu, Iasi, and Timisoara, as well as a counter-demonstration in Bucharest outside the presidential palace. Public anger The mass protests started last month when the centre-left government passed an emergency decree that would have watered down laws that punish official corruption. Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu withdrew the decree after the biggest street protests since communism ended in 1989. OPINION: Romanias gift of hope to the world The emergency decree decriminalised criminal punishments for conflict of interest, work negligence and abuse of power cases in which the financial damage is valued at less than $48,000. Justice Minister Florin Lordache resigned last week over widespread public anger. Al Jazeeras Hoda Abdel-Hamid, reporting from the demonstration in Victory Square, said: It is quite a big protest, against the expectations of many people who were fearing that the cold weather, and the fact that the government had rescinded this decree that really sparked all this popular anger, would have made many people stay at home. Is Washingtons disappointment with UNs nominee for Libya envoy a sign of a growing rift between the two sides? Relations between the United States and the United Nations have sometimes been rocky. Various US governments have threatened to cut its funding or even have it moved out of its headquarters in New York. But the US is still the biggest financial backer of the agency. Now, US President Donald Trumps administration is rejecting the UNs nominee Salam Fayyad for the role of peace envoy to Libya. Fayyad is a former Palestinian prime minister. The UN says he would be serving in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any government. But Nikki Haley, the new US ambassador to the UN, is moving to block his appointment. She says Trumps administration is very disappointed at his selection for this role because in her words, to the detriment of Israel. So, are these signs of a growing rift between a superpower and an organisation meant to bring the world together? Presenter: Sami Zeidan Guests: Mouin Rabbani Former head of political affairs at the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Syria. Ambassador Mokhtar Lamani Former Arab League and UN diplomat. Scottie Nell Hughes Chief political correspondent for USA Radio Network. Editors note: This film is no longer available online. After spending years on death row in American jails, Ron Keine, Shujaa Graham, Greg Wilhoit and Albert Burrell were reborn the day they were declared innocent and released. This is the story of four friends who, after enduring years of mental suffering and isolation from society, became activists and are campaigning to end the death penalty. Still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression after being incarcerated for so long despite their innocence, they joined the association of death row exonerees, Witness to Innocence. Calling themselves the Resurrection Club, they travel from state to state, supported by their wives and children, to lobby for an end to the death penalty. More than 150 death row survivors have been found innocent and exonerated in the US and many have joined Witness to Innocence. This is a story of friendship and love, a trip through the US from Texas to Washington DC to end an inhuman and unjust criminal justice system. FILMMAKERS VIEW By Guillermo Abril and Alvaro Corcuera In November 2009, we first heard about the 100-plus people in the United States who were once sentenced to death for a crime they didnt commit. Juan Melendez, a man from Puerto Rico who spent 18 years on death row in Florida, showed us a documentary about his life in Madrid. He talked to us about Witness to Innocence, the only organisation in the US which brings together death row exonerees and their relatives, and told us they were going to meet soon. Soon after, 21 survivors gathered in Birmingham, Alabama. One of us travelled there to write an article for El Pais Semanal, the magazine we work for in Spain. We decided we needed to attend another Witness to Innocence meeting, this time with a camera. Thats how the idea for Surviving Death Row was born. We didnt have any experience in making documentaries we were print journalists. The first step was building a team. We brought in Luis Almodovar, a colleague at El Pais, as director of photography for the film. Using our own money in the beginning, we were motivated by our passion. We travelled with cameras for the first time to Richmond, Virginia, in 2011, to a similar gathering to the one that had happened in Alabama a year and a half earlier. This was the first of five trips in the years to come. Capital punishment is still legal in 31 US states and 2,905 people were on death row as of July 1, 2016. Last year, 20 executions took place in the US. Texas has executed the most convicts since the death penalty was reinstated in the US in 1976: about a third of the nearly 1,500 people dead as a result of capital punishment. In the summer of 2011, we made a two-week road trip through Texas. The exonerees spoke at universities, schools, churches, radios and community centres, trying to turn around widespread public opinion in favour of the death penalty in the region. Greg, Albert, Ron and Shujaa were four of those exonerees, travelling together in a van. They would become the main characters in our film. We were deeply affected by our visit to Alberts home, a run-down trailer on his sisters ranch. Albert had spent 13 years on death row and we discovered he had a small mental disability. He showed us his horses and we accompanied him to his various jobs, which included working as a junk seller. On later trips, we travelled to Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi, Detroit and Washington DC and visited more exonerees in their homes. Greg told us how he had been forced to give up his daughter for adoption when he was wrongfully sentenced to death for killing his wife. Ron showed us the ruins of the American dream in downtown Detroit where he grew up as a kid and where he still rides his Harley. Shujaa invited us to his familys house on Fathers Day where he shared a meal of Southern-style crabs with his wife, sons and grandsons. His wife talked to us about the day she met him in prison. She was a white nurse. He was a dangerous African-American inmate, according to the authorities. They have been together since he was freed in 1981. Watching the exonerees when they got together was a moving experience. They had long, deep conversations. Besides being friends, they were pain mates, as we called them: people who shared the experience of surviving a miserable place. Only after they left prison had they realised that there were others like them, who understood what they had gone through. When they met, they did not have to justify anything. Nobody judged them or asked them questions. They just laughed and enjoyed their freedom together. A UF student was killed and two others were injured Saturday night after a drunk driver hit them at a bus stop, police said. Karan Khullar, a 22-year-old who immigrated to Gainesville from India last month, was standing at the stop in front of Campus Club Apartments with a group of friends at about 9:30 p.m. when the driver, 23-year-old Damaris Guerrero Garcia, sped onto the sidewalk and struck him, along with two others, according to a sworn complaint. Garcia, an Ocala resident, was driving drunk on Southwest 37th Boulevard when she approached a curved stretch of road near the 4000 SW 37th Blvd. apartment complex, misjudged it and drove off the roadway, striking Khullar and launching him several feet, wrote Gainesville Police spokesperson Officer Ben Tobias in an email. Khullar was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital with significant head trauma and was later pronounced dead in the emergency room. The other students injured in the crash, Nikhil Singh and Saurabh Prasad, were taken to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. They are both listed as students in UFs online directory. The friends were waiting for the Later Gator F to go to Midtown when the speeding white Hyundai barreled into Khullar, a computer engineering student, Singh said in an interview following his release from the hospital. It was very fast, Singh said. Next thing I remember, Karan was lying just 3 feet away from us, and he was heavily bleeding, and his face was covered in blood. Singh, whose feet were run over by the car, said he immediately began placing pressure on Khullars injuries to stop the bleeding. Police officers and an ambulance arrived within minutes. It wasnt until Singh arrived at the hospital that he found out Khullar didnt make it. It would have been Khullars first semester at UF, but his last as an undergraduate. One of the nicest guys I knew, Singh said, adding that Khullar was very punctual, religious and studious. He doesnt drink, smoke nothing. Garcia fled the scene of the crash, but Florida Highway Patrol found her about 20 minutes later when she was reported for recklessly driving southbound on Interstate 75, Tobias wrote. Debris found at the scene of the crash matched parts of her car. After being stopped in Marion County, Garcias blood alcohol content was recorded to be .147 and .139 nearly double the legal limit. She told an FHP trooper she did not know what she hit. Authorities took her to the Marion County Jail, charging her with a count of DUI manslaughter, two counts of DUI with injury and one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving death, according to the sworn complaint. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Garcia is expected to be extradited to Alachua County in the future, Tobias said. @martindvassolo mvassolo@alligator.org Karan Khullar (Photo via Facebook) Guerrero G. Damaris English News Africa EU and ITC launch job, entrepreneurship initiative for youth in the Gambia - 12 Fevrier 2017 (Banjul) Today the European Union, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Government of the Gambia have launched a new initiative to support job creation and entrepreneurship for Gambian youth. The Gambia Youth Empowerment Project is a four-year project that will benefit from 11 million from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa and will strengthen the long-term competitiveness and viability of the countrys economy. European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica said: This initiative funded under the European Emergency Trust Fund for addressing root causes of instability and irregular migration in Africa will also give the opportunity to restore hope for members of the diaspora and Gambians who migrated abroad. In the past years, so many young Gambians have fled their country. Today the Gambia needs all of its sons and daughters to rebuild the country. And you need them in the Gambia, not abroad. Pilot initiatives will be targeting the diaspora more specifically by addressing their needs and promoting inclusive entrepreneurship schemes along various value chains with high potential for exports, he said. ITC Executive Director Arancha Gonzalez said: Todays launch of the Youth Empowerment Project marks another building block to the construction of the New Gambia. One that will have youth, job creation and trade as its core element. Trade will play a crucial role in achieving this and ITC is looking forward to working with the Gambian government, businesses, trade and investment support institutions to ensure that more jobs and opportunities are created for youth and entrepreneurs and especially companies run by women. The Gambias Minister for Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, Isatou Touray, said: The New Gambia dedicates itself to the battle against unemployment and creates the enabling environment for youths to unleash their potentials and together we shall succeed. By fostering economic opportunities, the Gambia Youth Empowerment Project will help stem the flow of young people leaving the Gambia using the back-way in search of jobs abroad. Irregular migration claims many Gambian lives and stifles the socio-economic development of the country. Taking a market-driven approach, the Youth Empowerment Project will focus on building specific skills among youth in a number of traditional sectors such as agriculture and tourism. These will continue to provide the bulk of economic development in the Gambia and must be recognized as the main drivers of socio-economic progress and job creation. It will also help diversify the Gambian economy by supporting the strengthening of new sectors, including the creative and digital services industries. As part of the initiative, ITC and the EU will work with local, national and international partners to implement skills-building projects in urban and rural areas across the Gambia. Partners such as trade-support institutions, industry associations and entrepreneurship incubators will play a crucial role in achieving the inclusive and sustainability goals of the Youth Empowerment Project. Particularly important will be to strengthen existing technical and vocational skills programmes to better match the need of business and markets. Key achievements to be expected The four-year project will focus on achieving the following: Strengthen existing youth development programmes and systems, and ensure that these are more adaptable to shifting market needs; Encourage the return of skilled Gambian migrants by supporting the creation of jobs across the country and supporting the re-integration of these into the economy and society; Provide support to trade promotion organization and other institutions in the development of accessible and flexible learning models and tools; Provide skills-building training and support programmes to young entrepreneurs to improve their competitiveness and performance; Promote a shift from low-productivity subsistence work, especially farming, and into more productive activities in modern manufacturing and services; Raise awareness about skills training and development for 100,000 youth; Ensure that 7,000 youths complete technical or vocational training programme or an apprenticeship; Provide entrepreneurship services such as business advisory support and access to finance for at least 8,000 youth, and; Support and help improve the training programmes for 10 partner institutions. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China enhances efforts to promote biodiversity conservation China stress its commitment to push ahead peace and development for humanity at 20th CPC National Congress CPC's governance experience is worth learning from Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) On Sunday Jan. 29, only ten days after Trumps inauguration, Iran once again shocked the world by conducting its first ballistic missile test. Three days later, Trump's National Security Advisor Michael Flynn condemned the missile launch, declaring it "just the latest in a series of incidents" in which Iran has threatened the U.S. and its regional allies over the past six months. It points to the leading problem in the entire Middle Eastern morass: Iran's mullahs. Flynn said leaders in Tehran were emboldened to take such action now, because the nuclear agreement is "weak and ineffective," and because the other nations involved in the agreement failed to take action to rein in Iran's military ambitions. During a briefing at the White House, Flynn accused former President Barack Obama and other members of his administration of not being tough enough on Tehran. "The Obama administration failed to respond adequately to Tehran's malign actions - including weapons transfers, support for terrorism and other violations of international norms," Flynn said. The latest rocket lunch by Iran was the fourth of its kind, in defiance of the United Nations resolution, since the nuclear agreement was adopted last year. Iran is using the cash it has received from the Obama administrations ransom payment for just such military expansion, as well as its terrorist activities. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has provided enormous resources available to the IRGC, which plays an outsized role in Irans internal power structure and which definitely exploits economic dividends generated by the JCPOA. On Jan. 9, 2017, five Iranian vessels under the command of IRGC approached the USS Mahan and two other U.S. ships as they were entering the Strait of Hormuz, south of Iran. During 2015 and 2016 U.S. Navy ships had a total of 54 unsafe interactions with the speedboats of IRGC in the Persian Gulf. They tried to agitate U.S. Navy ships sailing in international waters near the Strait. Some of these happened at the same time the commander of IRGCs Quds force, accompanied by Iraqi Shiite militias, was involved in the siege Syrias second largest city, Aleppo, to help the Syrian dictator remain in power. Indeed one major problem on the table for Trump administration will be the unremitting troublesome approaches of Irans ayatollahs. The defeat of Obama's doctrine, which was most obvious in its policy of appeasement toward the fundamentalist regime of Iran, will definitely have great consequences given the frequent violations of UN resolutions by Iran. It will, hopefully, create a setback for the mullahs expansion of state terrorism outside the country, and its flagrant abuses of human rights inside Iran. The fingerprints of Revolutionary Guards, IRGC,s proxy militias, are visible in almost all violations of the rights of Iranian people, in perpetuating ransom, terror, massacres, and plunder. The IRGC remains the primary armed entity entrusted to guard the theocratic regime that Khamenei oversees. It, today, enjoys the power of a government agency. The IRGC uses secret police methods against its opponents within Iran, and terrorist tactics against its enemies abroad. Iranian law defines the IRGC as an institution commanded by the Supreme Leader whose purpose is to protect the Islamic Revolution of Iran and its accomplishments. Irans supreme Leader Ali Khameini has said if one day this corps (IRGC) ceases to exist in our society, the authority of our revolution shall collapse. The world that has been harmed by terrorists and extremists is now longing for peace. Peoples of Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, as well as Europeans and Americans are suffering from state terrorism whose point of origin resides in Tehran. IRGC as one of the main instruments of employing terrorism should be listed among terrorist organizations. Maryam Rajavi whose National Council of Resistance of Iran, NCRI , has been engaged in a long battle against the mullahs, said in a recent conference, Solidarity with Middle East Nations that the international community, and regional countries must adopt a firm policy to evict Iran from the Middle East. She called on these countries to ban all deals and trade with IRGC-affiliated companies and to ban all forms of cooperation and joint action with the IRGC and the militia under its command in Syria and Iraq. Hassan Mahmoudi is a human rights advocate and social media journalist seeking democracy for Iran and peace for the region. Commenting on the 2016 U.S. presidential election, French President Francois Hollande opined that Trumps victory opens a period of uncertainty. One can agree that the U.S. election campaign was unusually bitter, with candidates who disliked each other and an electorate that was divided and to some extent alienated. One can also agree that the present presidential campaign in France has similar characteristics of emotion and unpredictability and manifests an even greater fluidity and uncertainty than the U.S. One of the major French candidates, Francois Fillon, has remarked that one cannot lead France unless one is beyond reproach. He has called for transparency in politics and government. Unfortunately for his presidential aspirations, Fillon neglected the admonition of the Roman dictator, that Caesars wife must be not only above reproach, but above suspicion. Fillon having surprisingly won the nomination of his primary right-wing party Les Republicains in November 2016 by beating the more well-known Alain Juppe became the front runner. His popularity has rapidly dropped as result of the inquiry into inappropriate behavior concerning his family. Fillon has issued some form of apology, though not a complete one, for what has become known as Penelopegate. Fillon while a public official had paid his Welsh born wife, Penelope, and two children supposedly for some kind of political work, the exact nature of which remains open to debate. Fillon hired two of his children as assistants, paying them 84,000 euros over two years. His wife Penelope received 800,000 euros over a 15-year period for employment as a parliamentary assistant, and then an extra 45,000 euros. In France, it is legal for parliamentarians to employ and pay family members provided they actually work. So far, there is no evidence that Penelope actually worked in any official capacity. What he did, Fillon said, was no longer acceptable, and creates distrust. He profoundly regretted employing his wife, but insists he had done nothing illegal. He had not broken the law, and so will remain a presidential candidate. His weak defense is that the job of a parliamentary aide was not a standardized one, and Penelope had corrected his speeches and represented him at meetings. Fillon said he will not bow to pressure and intimidation. On the contrary, he declared himself a victim of a media lynching and political assassination. He insists he had not acted illegally. Penelopes monthly salary of 3,677 euros was perfectly justified because of her background in law and literature. Unfortunately for Fillon, Penelope is alleged to have received a payment of 100,000 euros over a two-year period for doing little work -- two short reviews for a literary magazine, Revue des Deux Mondes, owned by Marc Ladreit de Lacharriere, a billionaire friend of Fillon, who himself was rewarded by Lacharriere for consulting services. Among his other holdings, Lacharriere has a stake in Warburg Pincus, the American private equity firm whose president is Timothy Geithner, former U.S. Treasury secretary. Not coincidentally, Fillon had nominated him for the French highest honor, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor which he was awarded on January 1, 2011. The legal problem for Fillon is whether this is an offence of trading influence. Fillon has said he will stand down as a candidate if he is legally charged. But no investigation is likely until after the election. Now, two-thirds of French voters want him not to stand. But so far there is no plan B for an alternative conserve candidate for Les Republicains. His former rival Alain Juppe has said he would definitely not replace Fillon, but former president Sarkozy might do so. A number of other candidates remain in the unpredictable and changing presidential race: Marine Le Pen (National Front, FN), Benoit Hamun (Socialist) who beat former prime minister Manuel Valls in the primary but is unlikely to be a challenging candidate, and Emmanuel Macron, independent centrist who speaks perfect English. Le Pen is a formidable candidate but now has her own political and legal problem concerning expenses of 340,000 euros relating to the European Parliament of which she is a member (MEP). Le Pen paid that sum to two aides who worked almost exclusively for her party FN instead of working on EP affairs and who did not reside or were present in Brussels. She hired her full-time partner and FN official and politician Louis Aliot, of Algerian Jewish descent, as a parliamentary associate. Le Pen defended herself by saying her position as a MEP could not be separated from her activities as president of FN, a major political party in France. In return she is suing senior EU officials and seeking symbolic compensation of 1 euro for moral and material damages. She claims she is being persecuted for political ends. Le Pen is likely to lead in the first round of the presidential ballot on April 23, 2017, but can she win at the May 7 run-off election? Her main rival is Emmanuel Macron, a former Rothschild banker, a 39-year-old independent centrist running under the label En Marche! Though he has no party machine behind him, he has had a rapid rise in popularity with a deliberate appeal of bipartisan nature and is leading in the public opinion polls. He has never been elected to political office, but was a minister in the Hollande government, and was an aide to Nicolas Sarkozy of the Republican party. Who ever said that French elections were predictable and uneventful? Macron, who had been married for ten years to a woman twenty years older than himself, is alleged to have had a gay affair with Mathieu Gallet, head of Radio France. The Russian news agency reports he is politically supported by a rich, homosexual lobby. It raises the issue of whether President Putin is interfering in French affairs, and has a preference, straight or gay. Macrons victory would mean rejection of the existing political parties, right and left, a rejection of both strong nationalism and state control of the economy. For the United States the victory of Macron, an economic liberal, will be significant as he is unlikely to reinvigorate internal borders within the EU but to reform the European Union. Ever since a federal judge, James L. Robart, issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against President Trump's executive order (EO) temporarily suspending admissions of aliens from seven Middle Eastern countries, the question whether the President's EO was lawful or not has reached a heated national debate. Experts, pundits, and analysts, as well as civic organizations and governmental bodies, brought many arguments in favor and against the said EO. Some have tried to provide clarity to the context in which the question arose, while others tried to obfuscate it. What virtually all of them have missed is this simple fact: They have been debating the wrong question. That's right, the question of whether the President's EO was lawful or not is a wrong question. Trump's authority comes from Section (f) of 8 U.S. Code 1182 - Inadmissible aliens, which states in unambiguous language that "Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate." The right question that should have been asked was whether Judge Robart had the authority to issue the TRO and whether the said TRO was legally binding to the President. Neither answer is clear nor are they settled by a sound basis or valid legal reasoning (as opposed to, say, legalistic sophistry, court-approved or not). I am going to present arguments that the answer to both questions (of the Judge's authority and the TRO's legality) is a resounding "No!" First, let us consider this matter from a logical perspective. One of the basic scientific methods for disproving a proposition, or -- in other words -- proving that the said proposition is false, is to logically derive an absurd consequence from it. This method has been in use in deductive sciences since antiquity and is known under the Latin name reductio ad absurdum. I will show that the assertion of Judge Robart's authority to issue the TRO leads to absurd conclusions and therefore such an assertion is false. From this, it follows that Judge Robart did not have such authority, and that his TRO was legally not binding. (That the debating parties tacitly asserted Judge Robart's authority to restrain the sitting President while questioning the President's authority to exercise one of his clearly enumerated powers is absurd in its own right.) Suppose that Judge Robart had the authority to issue his TRO against the sitting president. There are about 2,700 federal district judges in the U.S., and if Judge Robart had the authority to issue his TRO, all the other 2,700 federal district judges would have the authority to issue a TRO against any President's EO as well. Should only a hundred of them decide to exercise such an authority broadly, they would de facto incapacitate the President to the point that he or she would not be able to preform most of his or her core constitutional duties. But the absurdity of such an arrangement doesn't end there. Although I made myself believe that federal judges in the U.S. are incorruptible, the history of Western civilization is full of examples of judges taking bribes and then acting favorably to the briber rather than pursuing truth and justice. If there is (or will be) at least one corrupt judge in the U.S., then an enemy state may bribe him to issue a TRO against president's EO, thus crippling president's power to quickly undertake defensive measures against the said enemy's hostilities. Can you imagine, the leader of a hostile nation dictating to the president what he can and cannot do, via a corrupt federal judge, who fell under his or her influence? When that happens, our national capacity for self-defense would be decimated, and the blessings of liberty would quickly become reminiscences as we become subjects of a foreign power. That is one of the absurd consequences of a claim that Judge Robart had the authority to impose his TRO on President Trump. At this point, America's sworn enemies may say: "The above consequences are not absurd. They are highly desired features of American democracy. So, the inference presented above does prove the conclusions in question, as there is no reductio ad absurdum here." Some others, more versed in legalistic sophistry, may add: "There is nothing wrong with the above conclusions because we can (using an established system of clever fallacies) derived them from the Law of the Land. So, these conclusions are not absurd; they are proven matters -- the derived Law of the Land, instead." Some others will refer to case law (court precedents) with total disregard of the invalidity of impositions of its instances pertaining to the case discussed here. Well, they are absurd, and utterly so. To see it, all one needs to do is to read the Preamble to the Constitution. It says: "We the People of the United States, in Order to [...] provide for common defense [...] and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America." There is a widely accepted legal doctrine that one cannot use any law against its stated purpose. So it would be utterly absurd, indeed, to apply, say, the freedom of speech clause of First Amendment to restrict individuals' right to express freely their opinions. (I read legalistic sophistry that "proved" the validity of that inference.) The above mentioned doctrine summarily invalidates all of the sophistic "proofs" that the authority for Judge Robart's TRO lies in the U.S. Constitution, no matter how clever or lengthy such "proofs" could be. The conclusions of these "proofs" are absurd, because they go against the purpose of the Constitution that has been clearly stated in its Preamble. Here is the same question approached from a legal perspective: It requires some study of the Constitution, in particular Article III, Sections 1 and 2. Section 1 of Article III vests the "judicial Power of the United States" in "one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish." Section 2 paragraph 1 lists the cases within judicial power, including "all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls; [...] all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdictions, [...] controversies to which the United States shall be a party; [...] Controversies between two or more States; between a State and Citizens of another State [restricted by 11th Amendment] [...], and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects [restricted by 11th Amendment]." Nowhere in this Article is it written that the judicial power extends to the President (the U.S. Senate has a monopoly on it) or to cases affecting him or her, for instance, to lawsuits against presidential EOs. Even if one stubbornly claims that the intent of the framers of the Constitution was to extend the judicial power over the cases affecting the president (in particular, to his EOs) because of the "controversies to which the United States shall be a party" clause of Paragraph 1 (a claim which in itself is an invalid assertion, as it would imply that several federal judges have judicial power over the Department of Justice, Supreme Court, and other entities that one may characterize as "the United States" -- absurd in its own right), such a power would be an exclusive domain of the Supreme Court and not the lower level federal judges. Paragraph 2 of Section 2 states that "[i]n all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be a party, the supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction [...]." First, the lawsuit that resulted in the TRO had two states as parties, so it belongs to the Supreme Court, and not to a federal judge. Second, it would be yet another absurd assertion that the framers wanted cases affecting "Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls" to be the exclusive domain of the Supreme Court, but they willingly allowed the cases affecting the president to be tried by lower level federal judges. So, no matter how you read Section 2, a federal judge has no power over cases affecting the president, and no legalistic sophistry, no matter how clever or convoluted, can change that. Thus Judge Robart falsely asserted powers that were either not among his enumerated judicial powers at all or were reserved by the Constitution to the Supreme Court. Therefore, his TRO is legally not binding for the president (or anybody else for that matter). And as of today, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that falsely asserted power, de facto awarding the federal judge authority not vested in him by the U.S.Constitution, never mind that, according to the Constitution, it is the Supreme Court, and not any Circuit Appellate Court, that may have an appellate jurisdiction in cases at this level of the executive branch. And the circle closes: One court usurps powers it is not supposed to have and another court upholds that usurpation without any constitutional authorization from doing so. Can one think of a more blatant example of legalistic sophistry, a.k.a., "legislating from the bench"? Those who are trying to impose on our country a judicial tyranny of TROs must first prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they have the constitutional authority for doing so. If they don't, the executive branch should just ignore (as opposed to fight them in courts thus giving some validity to judicial usurpation) such attempts as undoubtedly unconstitutional and therefore legally not binding. Because, as one of the characters in the movie "Ronin" once said: "If there is a doubt, there is no doubt." The 10th Amendments implies so. Mark Andrew Dwyer's recent columns are posted at The Federal Observer. His other commentaries can be found here. On January 2, about fifty thousand young adults gathered in Atlanta to participate in the Passion 2017 conference. People outside evangelicalism might imagine something named "Passion" to be an event for romantic novelists or their fans, but it was actually a kind of religious pep rally. The title typifies a significant religious shift of recent years, one turning away from doctrine and toward emotion a kind of religious Romanticism. Nowadays, numerous Christian books, conferences, and even churches bear the word "passion" in their titles. In past eras, church people congregated to debate doctrinal and moral issues; now they hold events to celebrate their emotions. The original Romantic movement of the early nineteenth century was basically a reaction against Enlightenment rationalism, with its elevation of science and cold rationality above everything else. In opposition, the Romantics celebrated sensation, feeling, and aesthetics. Adopting a therapeutic view of human existence, the Romantics often also held society to blame for mankind's problems, not inborn sinful inclinations the latter according with the historic view of Christianity. Their optimistic view of human nature has undergirded much of the political agitation and clamor of subsequent times for radical change. Though he did not really deal directly with Romanticism, the eighteenth-century American theologian Jonathan Edwards was driven to examine the problem of emotional excesses during the religious revivals of his time. He became a determined opponent of irrational religious emotionalism, often speaking of passion as a wild, sinful abandonment of self-control, along with narcissism. In one sermon he observes, "Men in the heat of their passion don't keep themselves within the bounds of decency and good order." Likewise, an emotionally oriented outlook underlies much of the thinking and behavior of our own therapeutic age. In its reaction against contemporary scientific rationalism, Postmodernism can be seen as one recent manifestation of Romanticism, as Gene Veith remarks. Among Christians, that trend has taken the form of a rebellion against a focus on theology and an emphasis on religious experience. This contemporary Christian phenomenon has many roots in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. For example, C.S. Lewis strongly reacted against the rationalism of his day and expressed his love for Romanticism in his review of Tolkien's novel The Lord of the Rings, which he praised as a work of true Romanticism. Both Tolkien and Lewis were Romantics who felt a strong attraction to the medieval world and were repelled by the anti-supernatural scientism of their time. Though we owe great fiction and significant insights to these gifted writers, they sometimes allow feeling, imagination, and tradition to carry more weight than scriptural understanding and sound reasoning. Lewis's explicit Romanticism continues to influence the present day through the work of people like John Piper, chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary. He has called Lewis a "romantic rationalist," an oxymoron that still accurately describes Lewis. In his book Desiring God, Piper puts forward his concept of "Christian hedonism" as an overarching motto for the Christian way of life. He bases his idea on writers like Lewis and his own rather strained interpretation of biblical passages about the enjoyment of God. In various books he reiterates terms like "passion" and "pleasure" to explain the essence of Christian experience. In an age dominated by anti-religious rationalism, Lewis's stance seems more understandable, but in our own pleasure-obsessed milieu, redefining Christianity in terms of hedonism makes a lot less sense. As a consequence of his view, Piper tends to denigrate duty as a motivation for moral living and instead directs believers to base their Christian obedience on the pleasure principle. However, the Bible nowhere denigrates duty or insists that ethical living be based always on enjoyment. Moreover, the heart of Christian ethics has generally been recognized to be sanctifying love, not pleasure. Some pitfalls of religious Romanticism become even more obvious in the writings of Ann Voskamp, author of the bestseller One Thousand Gifts. Her book describes putative encounters with God couched in the language of sensual eroticism. Reduced to a giver of romantic sensations, the deity of this book lacks transcendence, becoming simply a Presence within nature. Similarly, many other popular religious writers and leaders nowadays trumpet their own experiences and mystical revelations, which often go unchallenged in the light of reasoning or scripture. Many comprehend the evils of an irreligious, amoral, materialistic worldview but fail to see any threat in religious Romanticism. However, when an emotion-based, nature-oriented worldview dominates religious thinking, the consequences can be dire. Mark Musser has demonstrated how the cruel ideology of Nazism grew out of a pagan, nature-worshipping Romanticism. In that way of thinking, the purification of the German natural environment required the elimination of defiling, alien human elements such as the Jews, leading ultimately to the Holocaust. A similar extremism can be found among those environmentalists today who seriously entertain the idea of taking drastic measures to reduce human population in order to preserve the natural world. By elevating them and exempting them from critical scrutiny, Romanticism makes intense emotions impossible to correct. On top of that, feelings are changeable and volatile, so religious Romanticism can take people very far from sensible living, even into dangerous territory. The history of the Western world from the advent of Romanticism makes this peril abundantly clear. Religious leaders and writers would do well to encourage adherents, and especially the younger ones, not to make too much of their feelings and personal experiences, which the young already are often prone to do. Bruce W. Davidson is a professor at Hokusei Gakuen University in Sapporo, Japan and a contributor to the forthcoming Jonathan Edwards Encyclopedia. If you were only to read the New York Times latest article on the most recent Climate Change scandal first reported by the Mail and the Daily Mail, you would never know that there was any scandal to speak of in the first place. Headline: No Data Manipulation in 2015 Climate Study, Researchers Say. Well, not all researchers. The background of the data manipulation story revolves around accusations made by David Bates, a recently retired scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Among his several accusations is that NOAA rushed to publish a landmark paper that exaggerated global warming and was timed to influence the historic Paris agreement on climate change, a paper which would have been welcomed with open arms by the Obama administration. On February 4, Bates wrote a lengthy blog post at his website detailing the accusations. Here is a brief list of some of the charges: 1. Climate scientist, Tom Karl, failed to archive the land temperature data set and thus also failed to follow the policy of his own Agency [and] the guidelines in Science magazine for dataset archival and documentation. 2. The authors also chose to use a 90% confidence threshold for evaluating the statistical significance of surface temperature trends, instead of the standard for significance of 95%, and according to Bates, the authors failed to give a justification for this when pressed. 3. Karl routinely had his thumb on the scale -- in the documentation, scientific choices, and release of datasets -- in an effort to discredit the notion of a global warming hiatus and rush to time the publication of the paper to influence national and international deliberations on climate policy. Bates adds, [a] NOAA NCEI supervisor remarked how it was eye-opening to watch Karl work the co-authors, mostly subtly but sometimes not, pushing choices to emphasize warming. 4. Experimental datasets were used that were not run through operational readiness review (ORR) and were not archived. To sum up, the data manipulation, as characterize by the Mail, consisted in not following proper protocols, selecting certain data sets which had not been properly analyzed, and manipulating scientific methodology with a political and not purely scientific end. Is Bates right? Its far too early to tell if the apparent rush to publish compromised the actual conclusions reached from the date, but Bates accusations certainly raise questions worth pursuing. Yet this is not how the Times Henry Fountain sees matters in his slanted article. It is not a good sign that he launches into the body of the text with a not so subtle ad hominem attack on the original author: Mr. Rose, who has made climate-related claims in the past that did not hold up to scrutiny, said a high-level whistle-blower, John J. Bates, a recently retired scientist at NOAAs National Centers for Environmental Information, had told him that the agency breached its own rules on scientific integrity in publishing the study in June 2015. What are the climate-related claims that Mr. Rose made that did not hold up to scrutiny? In a previous article for the Daily Mail Rose avers that reported record high temperatures in 2016 may be caused by El Nino and not human produced carbon emissions. This means it is possible that by some yardsticks, 2016 will be declared as hot as 2015 or even slightly hotter -- because El Nino did not vanish until the middle of the year. That it is possible by some yardstick that 2016 was hotter than 2015 due in part to El Nino is about as modest a claim as there is. Surely it is possible. To show that this is false one would have to prove that it is not only unlikely, but impossible! And science is not in the business of proving the impossible. What is Fountains evidence against Roses modest claim? He links to another New York Times article as evidence. Therein it is noted that reporters such as Rose have claimed El Nino, and not climate change, was responsible for the record heat. On the contrary, scientists said that while the recent El Nino did contribute to the record warmth, climate change played a major role, too. Yet notice that Rose never denied that climate change did not play a major role in the (alleged) record temperature. His claim was only that El Nino may have played a role such that there might not have been a record temperature in its absence. Fountains case now turns to actual scientists who have raised objections to Bates contentions. In a post on the blog of the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units at Maynooth University, Peter Thorne, who worked on the data but left NOAA before work began on the paper itself, disputed much of what Dr. Bates said. Dr. Bates, Dr. Thorne wrote, was not involved in the data work and had misrepresented the processes that actually occurred. Dr. Thorne also disputed the idea that Dr. Karl had his thumb on the scale. Dr. Karl only used the data -- he was not personally involved in the refinements, Dr. Thorne wrote. How confident should the reader be about the remarks made by a scientist who admittedly left before work on the paper began itself? More importantly, in his extended commentary on the blog linked to above, Thorne does not address the archiving issue, leaving the reader to wonder about the accusation made to rush the paper for the Paris agreement. Fountain next notes that another scientist, Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, also disputes the manipulation of data claim. The results of another paper, he says, strongly suggest that NOAA got it right and that we have been underestimating ocean warming in recent years. However, Bates main contention is not that in the final analysis the NOAA got it wrong. For all he knows, the papers conclusion is correct. Rather, the claim is that the process appeared to be rushed suggesting that there were other motivations at work besides an undefiled desire for the truth. Finally, Fountain ends with the article suggesting that Bates himself is backtracking on his earlier remarks. In an interview on Monday with E&E News, Dr. Bates appeared to distance himself from some of what he wrote in the blog post, and from the way his criticisms were portrayed in the Mail on Sunday article. The issue here is not an issue of tampering with data, he said, but rather really of timing of a release of a paper that had not properly disclosed everything it was. If Bates is indeed distancing himself from his earlier claims that is a startling new twist. Moreover, if he is disavowing his earlier claims, the article could have been much shorter. Is he? What is reported on the E&E News website provides no further context. Taken in isolation it suggests no such thing. Bates says that there was no tampering with data, but he never claimed that data was tampered with in the first place. Tampering with data includes erasing and replacing numbers, a direct manipulation of data itself. Instead he claimed that the process of selecting the data did not follow standard protocol and appeared rushed. A more accurate statement would have been that Bates clarified that the data manipulation involved no tampering but nonetheless remains suspect. He adds at the end of the E&E News, "You really have to provide the most objective view and let the policymakers decide from their role," Bates said. "I'm getting much more wary of scientists growing into too much advocacy. I think there is certainly a role there, and yet people have to really examine themselves for their own bias and be careful about that." To that we might add that journalists also need to provide the most objective views. If we truly value science, one of the worst things that we can do is let biased journalists manipulate the data that the average voter relies on to inform his opinions. Tully Borland is a philosophy professor at Ouachita Baptist University and blogs at TulliusEst. Apart from the unremitting attacks on Republicans by paid mobs and Democratic congressmen desperate to help the base forget they lost big time and will continue to do so in 2018, the big news this week has to be the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granting itself the right to dictate foreign policy despite the clear words of the Constitution and federal law granting the president the absolute right to preclude entry to any alien he thinks poses a threat to national security. Following a nonsensical decision by federal court Judge James Robart in Washington state staying the suspension of entry from seven countries, the administration sought to overturn it -- the most popular Trump executive order -- in the Ninth Circuit, the largest and most frequently overturned federal Circuit Court. In the meantime, the Department of State is bringing in refugees at a furious rate: 1,618 have come in since Trump first signed an EO to pause the refugee program for 120-days -- and less than a week since Judge Robart ruled on a portion of the EO. Of the 1,618, the following came from countries the Administration was particularly concerned about. And, remember, although there were 7 countries of concern (90 day pause from 6 of them) Syria was to be halted indefinitely: Iran (84) Iraq (151) Somalia (68) Sudan (24) Syria (248) No refugees came from Libya or Yemen, however, 78 came from Afghanistan in less than a week -- a country I maintain should have been included from day one. (This notion that the 7 countries targeted had already been identified by the Obama Administration so, we are told, the Trump team thought they had some sort of PR coup with the media was a dumb idea. The media hardly mentioned it.) From the Arab countries the travel ban received some support and no outright criticism. In refusing to reinstate the travel ban, a unanimous panel of three Ninth Circuit judges made at least four bizarre rulings and has now established itself as the arbiter of foreign policy. In so overreaching its authority, it will deserve blame if any of the newly admitted refugees engages in criminal wrongdoing or terrorism. As well, it opened the door to major changes in that Circuit and the federal judiciary as a whole. The Ninth Circuit Errors of Law 1. It improperly granted the states of Washington and Minnesota standing to challenge the travel ban largely on behalf of scholars in their state universities. This dangerously stretches the concept of standing to bring suit to a preposterous level and is without any precedent that I am aware of. 2. It claimed to itself the right to determine the legality of the executive order. Based on the presidents understanding and in his sole discretion, the law provides he may admit or exclude from entry based on his view of the interests of the United States. Under this provision, the Carter Administration barred all entry by Iranian citizens. Obama barred entry from Iraq for six months; and the Clinton administration sent Elian Gonzales back to Cuba. As Ann Coulter reminds us, the federal court in the Gonzales case ruled, It is the duty of the Congress and of the executive branch to exercise political will, and in no context is the executive branch entitled to more deference than in the context of foreign affairs. She reminds us as well of the recent court ruling denying Arizonas right to enforce federal immigration laws then being ignored by the Obama administration: The court conceded that hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens were arrested in Arizona each year, that they were responsible for "a disproportionate share of serious crime," and that illegals constituted nearly 6 percent of Arizona's population. But Arizona was powerless to enforce laws on the books -- if those laws happened to be about immigration. The president's authority over immigration is absolute and exclusive, as part of his authority over foreign policy. 3. The court inexplicably and without precedent expanded due process rights to citizens abroad from even jihadist and failed states known to be havens for jihads. At National Review David French summarizes this idiocy: The court is going to stop enforcement of a temporary pause in entry from jihadist and jihadist-torn countries (while in a state of war against jihadist terrorists) because there are potential claims regarding possible due process rights even of illegal aliens? Thats not deference. Moreover, if you actually follow the cited legal authorities, youll see that none of them are on-point with this case, and all of them deal with highly-specific, individual legal claims. Yet the court used this authority to grant sufficient due-process rights to potential immigrants to halt enforcement of a wartime executive order motivated by the desire to protect America from the rising threat of jihadist terror. Astonishing. 4. The Court indicated it might consider, in any final determination, Trumps campaign statements. French remarks, sensibly: While there is precedent for considering lawmaker motivations in the Establishment Clause context, the consideration of sweeping campaign statements (about a different kind of measure entirely) push that precedent to the breaking point. Finally, and crucially, the court made a statement near the end of its opinion that is deeply, deeply troubling. In discussing the evidence before the court, the panel says this: The Government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States. [Snip] whether an attack has been completed in this country is not the standard for implementing heightened security measures. The president doesnt have to wait for completed attacks to protect the U.S. from dangerous immigrants. He can see the deteriorating security situation on the ground, evaluate the intentions and capabilities of the enemy, and then act before the enemy can strike. Indeed, thats the goal of national defense to prevent attacks, not respond after the carnage. What Next? As various opinion writers and legal scholars debated what response by the president would be appropriate, especially given the fact that his nominee for the vacant seat on the Supreme Court remains unconfirmed, the general feeling was that it would be wise to simply can that executive order and rewrite one or more in more tightly worded language that includes evidentiary bases for the ban from each country. (It should be noteworthy that there has been no objection to the suspension from Moslem countries themselves.) Just as those often thoughtful suggestions were written and published, the Ninth Circuit offered up another surprise. In a rare move, one of the judges on the Ninth Circuit of Appeals has made a request that a vote be taken as to whether the order issued by the three judges Thursday night should be reconsidered en banc, which means before 11 federal judges of the Ninth Circuit. Its not clear if this means that this judge (who was not named in the order) believes that there are enough votes to overturn the lower courts decision which put a temporary halt on Trumps controversial travel ban or if the judge simply wasnt satisfied with the panels decision. Regardless, it is an interesting move that could bode well for President Trump, and throws yet another legal twist into the ongoing court battle between Trump and those trying to prevent his controversial immigration ban from being enforced. [snip] federal judges are allowed to call for an en banc vote themselves even if neither party petitions for a rehearing. Chief Judge Sidney Thomas of the 9th Circuit Court has instructed both Trumps DOJ team and lawyers for the State of Washington and Minnesota to file briefs due by Thursday February 16th, stating whether they believe the motion should be considered en banc. To get a rehearing, a majority of the 29 active judges on the court would need to vote in favor. I dont think it likely that the largely Democratic court will go for a rehearing. If it does, the decision will likely be significantly altered. If it doesnt, you can be sure, as Professor Glenn Reynolds notes on Instapundit, those circuit judges unhappy with this nonsensical opinion will write blistering dissents In the meantime, focus once again turns on the overly large reach of the Ninth Circuit, which has long been the subject of Congressional efforts to reshape and break it up into smaller, more responsive, and less overburdened circuit courts. Congress has the Constitutional right to determine the number of lower courts, the size of their composition and even the scope of their jurisdiction. It takes only a majority vote in the House and Senate. Just maybe, one judge on the circuit -- the one who asked for a rehearing en banc-- read the Constitution and remembered this. Advantage Trump From the Conservative Treehouse: President Trump never really needed the majority parts of the executive order to carry out the security agenda. However, using the [executive order] provided a highly public approach toward showing the American electorate he was fulfilling a campaign security promise. Tightening the visa approval process and executing extreme vetting doesnt require anything except a policy and procedural change. If President Trump does nothing, the underlying challenges to the Executive Order continue forward in the courts, while he gets his SCOTUS pick Gorsuch -- on the bench. If he so chooses, the DOJ can eventually bring the case to the Supreme Court, where almost everyone admits the Ninth Circuit and Judge Robarts decision will be overturned and all of the protestation from the left will have been for naught. In the interim of the slow case proceeding, ANY instance of violence and terrorism provides President Trump the opportunity to use his bully pulpit -- and Twitter -- to hang the occurrence, foreign or domestic, like a millstone around the neck of Democrats up for elected office in 2018. There is no downside on the domestic security agenda for President Trump; however, the Democrats are fraught with fear that something might just happen. Ultimately, THIS, the politics behind the entire construct, is the reason for the ninth circuit tonight asking for an en banc hearing of their own judicial ruling... In the Meantime The White House has indicated well find out its next step concerning this matter in the coming week. ICE has conducted raids of illegal immigrants in six states and the media is seeking out the most sympathetic of them to evoke an emotional, rather than a rational, view of the problem of swamping the country with undocumented aliens, most of whom are a drain on already hard-pressed government treasuries and resources. Naturally, none of these sob stories seem to involve the 200 Cubans detained as a result of Obamas refugee ban from Cuba. To the press, the woman who travelled here without a visa or her children and then smuggled them in and had six more, deserves more sympathy than the two working-parent family struggling to pay taxes for mamas benefits. Nor are we to concern ourselves with the Cubans who traveled here under a longstanding policy which was abruptly halted by Obama to curry favor with communist dictators who would certainly jail or execute them if theyre returned. Ms. Feinstein Regrets I read through tears of laughter the report that Senator Dianne Feinstein regrets supporting Harry Reid's changing of the Senate rules that is permitting the Trump nominees confirmation by a mere majority -- killing the opportunity for Democrats to filibuster them as they could have under the former, longstanding Senate rules. Thats what happens when the Thousand Year Democratic Reich only lasts for eight years. As we get older, we associate certain moments of history with people we grew up with. For example, the Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis remind me of my parents. Hearing of Minnie Minoso reminds me of my father and brother one Sunday afternoon in Cuba. I am always reminded of my late great uncle on Lincoln anniversaries, from his date of birth to the Gettysburg Address to the day he was assassinated. President Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. I don't believe he had a bigger fan on this planet than my late great uncle, who was a judge; a college professor; an attorney; and, I repeat, a big fan of President Lincoln. I am sure he would have loved this post about Mr. Lincoln written by Scott Johnson: Today is of course the anniversary of the birth of America's greatest president, Abraham Lincoln. As a politician and as president, Lincoln was a profound student of the Constitution and constitutional history. Perhaps most important, Lincoln was America's indispensable teacher of the moral ground of political freedom at the exact moment when the country was on the threshold of abandoning what he called its "ancient faith" that all men are created equal. In 1858 Lincoln attained national prominence in the Republican Party as the result of the contest for the Senate seat held by Stephen Douglas. It was Lincoln's losing campaign against Douglas that made him a figure of sufficient prominence that he could be the party's 1860 presidential nominee. At the convention of the Illinois Republican Party in June, Lincoln was the unanimous choice to run against Douglas. After making him its nominee late on the afternoon of June 16, the entire convention returned that evening to hear Lincoln speak. Accepting the convention's nomination, Lincoln gave one of the most incendiary speeches in American history. Lincoln electrified the convention, asserting that the institution of slavery had made the United States "a house divided against itself." Slavery would either be extirpated or become lawful nationwide, Lincoln predicted, provocatively quoting scriptural authority to the effect that "a house divided against itself cannot stand." Demonstrating how it "changed the course of history," Harry Jaffa calls it "[t]he speech that changed the world." Yes, my great uncle would have loved President Lincoln referred to as "America's indispensable teacher of the moral ground of political freedom." Yes, he would have loved that! To say the least, Abraham Lincoln had a huge impact on his life and specially his political ideas. In fact, he was such a fan that my brother and I got to sit at his home study and hear him recite the Gettysburg Address. We were too young back in Cuba to appreciate his message. It took me a while, and relocation to this wonderful country, to understand it and to love each and every word. Years later, I always think of my great uncle on any day, or when I am exposed to any documentary or book, that reminds us of the 16th president of the U.S. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. By revealing its hypersensitivity, CNN is implicitly acknowledging the truth of President Trumps charge that it is a purveyor of fake news. Instead of appearing authoritative, it shows signs of looking guilty, which is never a good look for an entity that wishes to have its words (and those of its advertisers, who pay the freight) taken seriously. Two incidents during the past week show the depth of the despair that has evidently seized the cable news pioneer. In an incident that got far too little notice, morning anchor Chris Cuomo, a scion of one of the most prominent Democrat family dynasties not named Kennedy, Clinton, or Roosevelt, went where no white man is allowed to go. The Hill reported: CNN anchor Chris Cuomo on Thursday pushed back on the label "fake news," saying he views it as the equivalent of an ethnic slur for journalists. I see being called fake news as the equivalent of the N-word for journalists, Cuomo said on Sirius XM's "POTUS." "[Its] the equivalent of calling an Italian any of the ugly words that people have for that ethnicity. Thats what fake news is to a journalist," he continued. It is an ugly insult, and you had better be right if youre going to charge a journalist with lying on purpose," the host of CNN's "New Day" added. "The president was not right here and hes not been right in the past. Cuomo forgot that nothing is ever allowed to be compared to the n-word. Leftists may call the slaughter of chickens for dining tables a holocaust without significant blowback, but the suffering of African-Americans under slavery cannot be so abused. No, no, no! Cuomo got with the program shortly after the broadcast: I was wrong. Calling a journalist fake -nothing compared to the pain of a racial slur. I should not have said it. I apologize https://t.co/TJGUgWz9Q2 Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) February 9, 2017 I actually take Cuomos remarks more seriously than this. He revealed nothing about the object of his criticism, President Trump, and everything about his own mentality. For an insult to hurt that much, there has to be some degree of truth to it. Further evidence of CNN's despair happened when of all people Bernie Sanders made a joke about fake news and CNN, and was cut off the air on Friday: As the person who posted the video to YouTube remarked: Could you at least try to make it look like an accident? Conservative talk show host Mark Levin is fond of saying that when liberals win elections, they run the country, and when they lose elections, they also run the country. That's because liberals control much of the media, the judiciary, and especially the bureaucracy, regardless of who wins the election. Bureaucrats in the federal government, unhappy with the results of the election, feel they should be the ones to decide how America is run, and they are plotting their resistance to President Trump. At the Environmental Protection Agency, a group of scientists strategized this past week about how to slow-walk President Trump's environmental orders without being fired. President Trump is going to have the EPA enforce fewer regulations. How do you slow-walk less enforcement? It sounds like liberal-speak for directly disobeying orders of the chief executive. At the Treasury Department, civil servants are quietly gathering information about whistle-blower protections as they polish their resumes. I think whistleblowing is a euphemism for leaking government information. This entire episode is in liberal-speak and requires subtitles, like a foreign film. As for the traitorous civil servants, instead of polishing their resumes, they should be packing an emergency travel bag in case they need to abruptly head to the Ecuadorian embassy for an extended stay. At the United States Digital Service the youthful cadre of employees who left jobs at Google, Facebook or Microsoft to join the Obama administration workers are debating how to stop Mr. Trump should he want to use the databases they made more efficient to target specific immigrant groups. Government employees plotting to sabotage government databases. And they tell the New York Times. They're not even afraid. It's so bad that federal workers get triggered even hearing the name of Steve Bannon. "At that moment, when folks heard the name Steve Bannon, it was like a punch in the gut. It became so real," said the employee, who declined to be identified for fear of reprisals. Hey, to any federal employees reading this article, listen up: Stephen Bannon! Stephen Bannon! (Pow!) Stephen Bannon! (Pow!) Stephen Bannon! (Ugh!) On Monday, about 100 employees at the [EPA] agency's Chicago office, which oversees the enforcement of environmental regulations in five Midwestern states, used their lunch hour to protest the Senate's confirmation of Scott Pruitt, the Oklahoma attorney general, to lead the agency. Mr. Pruitt was a fierce critic of its mission under Mr. Obama. One anonymous Twitter user created "@WhitehouseLeaks," with a purported mission to reveal the secret workings of the Trump administration from within the West Wing. At the Defense Department, where uniformed men and women work with civilians, several rank-and-file employees expressed outrage that Mr. Trump would announce the travel ban at the Pentagon, a building filled with people from different faiths and countries. Defense Department employees are outraged that President Trump is attempting to secure our nation from unvetted foreigners? And the Defense Department is filled with people from different countries? I would hope not. I would hope they are all Americans. If they were doing this under Obama, the media would treat them like the criminals they are, not heroes. Federal employees who are openly bold enough to tell journalists they are plotting to sabotage a duly elected president should be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com. Fears of a massive round up of illegal aliens in California were ginned up by illegal alien activists as immigration authorities carried out a routine operation to arrest those who ignored deportation orders or were convicted of felonies in the US. The operation netted about 160 illegals. Since there are about 2.4 million illegals in southern California, you have to wonder why thousands protested the "round up" of criminal aliens in downtown Los Angeles. There were other arrests across the country, mostly in big cities. But considering the panic that activists have generated over these routine sweeps by ICE - carried out in the Obama administration as well - it's a fair question to ask if the hysteria is justified. CNN: Across the United States, some unauthorized immigrants are keeping their children home from school. Others have suspended after-school visits to the public library. They have given up coffee shop trips and weekend restaurant dinners with family. Some don't answer knocks on their doors. They're taping bedsheets over windows and staying off social media. Nervous parents and their children constantly exchange text messages and phone calls. From New York to Los Angeles, a series of immigration arrests this week have unleashed waves of fear and uncertainty across immigrant communities. "There are people that I work with who essentially want to go dark," said Cesar Vargas, one of the first immigrants without legal status in New York state to be sworn in as a lawyer. "They don't want to be public in any way whatsoever. They spend less time on the street. They go to work and go straight back home. They don't go on Facebook. They put curfews on themselves." The fear started to set in after President Donald Trump's inauguration last month, according to advocates. It heightened after Thursday's deportation of an undocumented Arizona mother of two who was making a routine visit with immigration officials. And Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents this week carried out numerous actions in California, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Texas and other states. The arrests come amid court battles over Trump's proposed ban on immigrants from seven majority-Muslim nations. The president has also vowed to deport some 3 million undocumented immigrants who have criminal records and to build a wall across the porous US-Mexico border. 'Missing from school out of fear' That Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said Friday night the United States has not been "rounding anyone up" is of little solace in longtime immigrant enclaves across the nation. "There are teachers who told me they had students missing from school out of fear," said Greg Casar, a city council member in Austin, Texas. "I was with a constituent, a single mother with kids -- good, hardworking everyday folks -- and she had duct-taped sheets up and down her windows. ICE had come and knocked on her door earlier in the day." The arrests number in the hundreds. Again, with 11 million illegal aliens in the US, how does a routine ICE operation become immigration Armageddon? The panic has been artificially generated by immigration activists looking to fundraise off the actions of the government, immigration lawyers looking for new customers, and politicians who want to preen in front of a camera, holding forth about how tragic it is that the government feels it necessary to enforce the law. But none of those self-aggrandizing outcomes can happen unless you terrify people about what the government is doing. So in that context, the hysteria mongering by people who know better can be justified. The tale of the tape in California is revealing: One ICE operation in the Los Angeles area this week targeted criminals and fugitives. The agency said the majority of those arrested had criminal histories. ICE said Friday that about 160 foreign nationals were arrested during the week. Of those, 150 had criminal histories, and of the remaining arrests, five had final orders of removal or were previously deported. ICE said 95% of those arrested were male. By Saturday, 37 had been deported to Mexico, a Homeland Security official told CNN. How is getting criminal aliens off the streets and out of the country a threat? It's a topsy turvy world we live in when it's considered wrong to deport those who can do American citizens harm. The absolute embodiment of an Airborne Ranger officer has passed at the age of 94. I say that with complete confidence even though the man made but a brief pass through my life long ago and far away. He literally whirled into my life on a quickly departing Huey that dropped him outside our battalion forward tactical operations center in the middle of what would come to be known as the Battle of Trung Luong in the summer of 1966. My unit, the 2d Battalion 327th Airborne Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, had choppered into another routine search and destroy operation with intel that the North Vietnamese 18-B regiment and perhaps another regiment might be active in the target area. They were active indeedour two infantry companies landed in the midst of 18-B regimental operations and the fight, which would last three days, was immediately on. As Field Force II, our higher headquarters, realized from our contact reports that we might be into much more than they had anticipated, they ordered in reinforcements from the 1st Cavalry Division at An Khe and with those cavalry troopers came their commander, Colonel Harold Moore, he of Hollywood fame as portrayed by Mel Gibson in one of the most realistic depictions of ground combat in Vietnam ever made, We Were Soldiers Once and Young. Then-Lt. Colonel Moore in Vietnam We had no idea who this tall, strapping, lean colonel was who blew through the flaps of our forward Tactical Operations Center tent like a whirling dervish with questions, orders and possible salvation, but even more possible menace. I had been a paratrooper for five years at that point, a combat infantryman in a rifle company for several months prior to coming to battalion headquarters, and an NCO for a few of those years. I must confess I had never seen anything quite like Colonel Moore in my previous years of service. The man exuded that essential quality of leadership that all officers so desire: command presence. Hal Moore had it in spades. In my six years of Army service, I never saw another officer so confidently, completely in command. Yes, he has detractors who would say he was too confident, but I am only relating impressions from my brief 36 hour encounter with this soldiers soldier. Inside the TOC Moore demanded to know who the best radio operator present was and a couple of fellow NCOs fingered me, the battalion chemical, biological and radiological NCO, deferring to my previous experience as an RTO, a radio operator in infantry companies. Moore glared at me and ordered me to take control of the battalion tactical net and to stay there until relieved. That relief order came about 36 hours, hundreds of his orders and no more than two piss breaks later when the battle was finally winding down. During that time I was the mouth and ears of the most confident human being I have ever known in circumstances that would make many strong men waver if not fail completely. Lieutenant General Hal Moore was a soldiers soldier and a paratroopers paratrooper. May he rest in the old warriors peace he has earned so well. Garry Owen, Sir! How do you admit you made a mistake without admitting you made a mistake? If you're a politician like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, you take a deep breath and pretend the problem you created is going away. Merkel, locked in a tight race for chancellor, has set aside about $100 million to pay asylum seekers who have been rejected to leave Germany voluntarily. Breitbart: The handouts will form part of a 16-point plan to speed up the removal of rejected asylum seekers, after Tunisian migrant Anis Amri murdered a Polish lorry driver, hijacked his vehicle and drove it into a Christmas market in Berlin while awaiting deportation. U.S. president Donald Trump told The Times that Merkel made a catastrophic mistake when she opened the doors to an unlimited number of migrants in 2015. Her vice-chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, later admitted that his superior had underestimated how difficult it would be to integrate migrants on such a grand scale, and that Germany had been plunged into a kulturkampf, or cultural war, as a result. Germany rejected 170,000 asylum claims in 2016 but, according to the Mail, just 26,000 were repatriated. 55,000 more decided to leave voluntarily apparently leaving 81,000 bogus applicants unaccounted for. We rely heavily on voluntary departures, admitted Chancellor Merkel, who was announcing the package after falling behind the Social Democrats in polls for Germanys upcoming elections. Martin Schulz, the former President of the European Parliament who has been nominated as the Social Democrat challenger to Merkel, said he backed the proposals to speed up deportations. Schulz has previously insisted that the people who are arriving [in Europe] are refugees who have been threatened [and] we should welcome them a statement which is at odds with the Vice-President of the European Commissions admission that at least 60 per cent are economic migrants. As a leading figure in the European Union, Schulz was a strong supporter of the compulsory migrant quotas. These were forced through by the bloc despite strong opposition from central and eastern European member-states, which did not agree with Germanys unilateral decision to throw open the borders. Schulz hit out strongly at these countries in 2015, accusing them of national egotism in its purest form. Polish interior minister Mariusz Blaszczak described at Schulzs words as an example of German arrogance. Bribing people to return to a war torn, violence plagued, lawless country when they've never had it so good in Germany will be extremely difficult. There's a reason these people braved a perilous sea crossing and trekked hundreds of miles to reach Germany;they wanted to escape the chaos at home. Many of those rejected for asylum have already moved on and found a way to scrape by under the radar of authorities. With no incentive to leave and every reason to stay in order to give themselves and their children more opportunities to live comfortably, Merkel's "rewards" will, for the most part, probably go unclaimed. This is a bombshell study from the Center for Immigration Studies based on a report by the Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on immigration. It says that 72 US residents convicted of serious terrorism charges were born in countries that president Trump wants to target for extreme vetting. The appeals court ruled that there was "no evidence" that any terrorists came from those countries. Washington Examiner: According to a report out Saturday, at least 17 claimed to be refugees from those nations, three came in as "students," and 25 eventually became U.S. citizens. The Center for Immigration Studies calculated the numbers of convicted terrorists from the Trump Seven: Somalia: 20 Yemen: 19 Iraq: 19 Syria: 7 Iran: 4 Libya: 2 The Center's director of policy studies, Jessica M. Vaughan, based her blockbuster report on a 2016 report from the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest, then chaired by new Attorney General Jeff Sessions, that report found that 380 out of 580 people convicted in terror cases since 9/11 were foreign-born. She received further information on many in the report to conclude that 72 of those convicted of terrorism come from the seven nations target by Trump. From her report seen here: These immigrant terrorists lived in at least 16 different states, with the largest number from the terror-associated countries living in New York (10), Minnesota (8), California (8), and Michigan (6). Ironically, Minnesota was one of the states suing to block Trump's order to pause entries from the terror-associated countries, claiming it harmed the state. At least two of the terrorists were living in Washington, which joined with Minnesota in the lawsuit to block the order. Thirty-three of the 72 individuals from the seven terror-associated countries were convicted of very serious terror-related crimes, and were sentenced to at least three years imprisonment. The crimes included use of a weapon of mass destruction, conspiracy to commit a terror act, material support of a terrorist or terror group, international money laundering conspiracy, possession of explosives or missiles, and unlawful possession of a machine gun. In dismissing the Trump executive order, San Francisco's Ninth Circuit court of appeals said, "The government has pointed to no evidence...that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States." Is this study a game changer? It certainly buttresses the administration's case that more vetting is needed for citizens from the 7 countries in question. But the appeals court judges were not interested in facts, the law, or the Constitution. They were looking for anything to justify striking down Trump's travel ban and increased vetting proceduresand ignoring evidence to the contrary was necessary to do it. Moving forward, the Trump administration is likely to issue a new executive order early next week. Citing this study should help in the court challenge sure to come. President Trump is going to issue a new executive order regarding entry restrictions after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a temporary restraining order on his original temporary ban on entry from seven Muslim countries. There are many ways to redraft his E.O., but I am going to focus on two of the smartest strategies. Option I: Focus on Objective Screening Criteria President Trump's original order was attacked as being anti-Muslim because it targeted seven Muslim nations (while leaving travel untouched from many more Muslim countries, but never mind that for the moment). Instead of targeting specific countries, President Trump should simply announce new vetting procedures: A) Require a detailed background check from the country of origin to demonstrate that the applicant is not a national security threat to the United States. B) Require the background information to come from validly constituted foreign governments that aren't state sponsors of terrorism or hostile to the United States. What this pair of requirements would do is make sure that any person admitted to the United States be essentially vouched for by his country of origin. But these requirements would not be satisfied in the case of countries that have no governments (like Yemen, Somalia, and Syria) or in the case of countries with hostile governments, like Iran. In effect, President Trump would be getting the same result without targeting Muslim countries. Option II: The Vague Strategy The other strategy that President Trump could employ is what I call the "vague strategy." In this scenario, his executive order can be as long or as short as he likes but boil down to something like this: A) As of this date, anyone applying for visas or wishing to enter the United States on a visa must be thoroughly vetted to ensure that he is not a national security threat to the United States. And what does "thoroughly vetted" mean? The Trump administration will be as vague as possible and put nothing down in writing besides boilerplate like "balancing and weighing of factors" (who can be against balancing and weighing of factors, right?). But verbally, through the chain of command, Trump will order the DHS not, except under exceptional circumstances, to let people in from countries where ISIS or other radical Islamists are present. Since there will be no paper trail to follow with specific requirements, this kind of order will be harder to challenge. If I had to bet money, I would bet that President Trump will do a variant of Option II. It will still be challenged in court, of course, by leftist states like Washington who are "worried" about all the Somali and Yemeni Ph.D. students they might be missing out on at the University of Washington, and who will claim that the order, however worded, has a "disparate impact" on Muslims. What the courts will ultimately decide to do is hard to say. I personally believe that the courts are result-oriented they first start with the result they want, open borders, and then write an opinion to justify it, as seen by the wholly unconstitutional opinion given by the Ninth Circuit last week. In this case, it doesn't matter what kind of order Trump issues. But I think, all things being equal, that the vague kind of executive order I described is the way Trump will go and is more likely to survive scrutiny. If it doesn't, Trump is either going to have to battle the courts directly for control of national security policy or accept the fact that we are an open borders nation and that he is a president who has been unconstitutionally cuckolded by a judiciary that demands to be on top. Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com and an attorney by training but a people person by habit. After a stunning election win, President Trump is off to a fast start implementing major change. The president and his administration are moving aggressively to implement pro-growth policies that will boost our economy after years of a sluggish recovery. An essential part of unleashing the economy is putting in place the right people. At a number of important agencies, the president has started to do just that. Many have rightly cheered the appointment of Ajit Pai as the permanent chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who is moving to rein in harmful regulations from the previous administration and to pursue commonsense reform. Another important agency where the president has an opportunity to bring significant change is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which has jurisdiction over antitrust, intellectual property, privacy, and protection of consumers from deceptive trade practices. He took a step in the right direction by naming current commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen as the acting chair, but it is time to cement her leadership by naming her the permanent chair which many leading conservatives have advocated. At the FTC, Ohlhausen has been a strong voice of reason and, often, a voice of dissent from the over-regulatory policies of the previous commission. She is committed to free markets and economic liberty and, importantly, has talked about the importance of "regulatory humility." Ohlhausen was right on target when she recently told a gathering at the Heritage Foundation that "although well intentioned, the majority Commission under President Obama at times pursued an antitrust agenda that disregarded sound economics. It imposed unnecessary costs on businesses and substituted rigorous analysis of competitive effects for conclusory assertions of 'unfair competition.'" The time has come for our government officials to be more circumspect in their advocacy for government intervention including aggressive antitrust enforcement. Olhausen understands this and has advocated "evidence-based" enforcement, where we limit antitrust and other enforcement to areas where we have real evidence of consumer harm, not based on speculation or just the complaints of competitors who would love to have the government hamstring their rivals. It's rare and refreshing, to hear a government official in a position like Ohlhausen's talk about the need for humility. In prescient remarks at one event, Olhausen said, "Fueled by supportive social attitudes and free market institutions, businesses have been the engines of this prosperity. Regulators who don't want to stall these engines of innovation should remember the long history of beneficial innovation, remain humble about what they can know and accomplish, focus on addressing real consumer harm, and apply tools appropriate to the harms that do arise." Ohlhausen's understanding that there are limits on what regulators can and should do, and the harm that too much government action can have, is precisely what makes her a great chair. Innovative sectors of our economy move fast, and the markets often work themselves out long before the slow hand of government intervention is able to. Clearly, there are times when enforcement is needed, but it should come with a "humility" that understands the balance for appropriate action. Finally, Ohlhausen has been one of the lone voices warning about how the actions and rhetoric of the FTC and other government agencies often send the wrong message to the competition and antitrust authorities in other nations (which often don't have the same due process and rule of law procedures). She has argued that this is especially true on intellectual property issues. At a recent Heritage Foundation event, she made the case that anti-I.P. statements and actions have had a negative effect. "And yet we see countries especially in Asia that take or allow the taking of American proprietary technologies without due payment. The FTC has unfortunately contributed to that dynamic." She articulately argued that the U.S. must practice what it preaches, and in so doing, we will send a powerful message to the rest of the world on property protection and regulatory restraint. Ohlhausen's appointment as the permanent chair will help send that message as well here and abroad. Her experience and vision will be an important step in continuing the important work the administration has done in rolling back regulation and supporting and encouraging innovation. Ken Blackwell served as a senior domestic policy adviser on the Trump presidential transition team. He serves on the boards of the Club for Growth and the NRA. Google Assistant could make it onto non-Pixel phones according to some recent findings in the latest APK for the alpha version of the Google app. While alpha releases of Google apps arent generally available, at least for the Google app itself, beta versions of the Google app and other apps that Google offers are available for installation. In regards to the Google app, some users who are part of the beta channel have been getting an alpha release build. While this is a little bit out of the ordinary and it isnt clear if Google had intended to send these builds of the app out to users, the more intriguing detail is that Google Assistant becomes available on devices which arent a Google Pixel after installing the alpha release of the Google app. Whats more is that Google Assistant is reportedly working for users who have this Google app build. According to the details its been stated that its working on both Android 7.1.1 Nougat and Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. The Nougat-powered device was a Nexus 6P, which may not seem as strange since it is a Google device, but the device running Marshmallow is a Samsung Galaxy Note 5, which suggests that Google may be planning to roll out Google Assistant to other non-Pixel and non-Nexus devices. Its also possible that Google Assistant wont require users to have Android 7.0 Nougat installed, though it may be required to have at least Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow for Google Assistant to work. Its also stated that both of these devices were able to access Google Assistant by holding down the home button, which could very well be the way other devices access it if Google rolls it out widely with a stable release of the Google app in the future. Its noted that not all devices which have installed the alpha build of the Google app have had Google Assistant appear when holding down the home button, but just the fact that its appearing is likely to be exciting for users who have wanted access to the feature but dont have a Pixel or Pixel XL to utilize it. When Google might plan to make the feature available with the Google app officially is unclear, but at least it seems to be on the way, and possibly soon. If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both Several thousand people have taken part in demonstrations across Germany in support of Afghan nationals who are being obliged to return home after their asylum requests failed. Nearly 12,000 have been asked to leave. Several thousand people protested in cities across Germany on Saturday against the obligatory repatriation of failed Afghan refugees. In the western city of Dusseldorf, 2,000 demonstrators took to the streets. In Hamburg, police estimated there were about 1,500 protesters. The demonstrators said Germany should not force people to move to dangerous countries, such as Afghanistan. "The people who are forced to return cannot live their lives in safety there. A life in dignity is inconceivable under these conditions," demonstration organizers in Hamburg said of the situation in Afghanistan. Of the 250,000 Afghans living in Germany, 11,900 were asked to leave the country from mid-December, according to the German Interior Ministry. Understanding with Afghanistan Germany then started to return Afghans in so-called "collective deportations" amid widespread protest. The moves were controversial in Germany as large parts of Afghanistan remain violent and it is not on Germany's official list of "safe countries of origin." The "collective deportations" came after Germany signed a memorandum of understanding with Kabul following pressure from Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere to speed up procedures for people with little chance of being granted asylum. In late January the Among those deported were criminals, but also as well as members of religious and ethnic minorities. Protests across Germany In Berlin, demonstrators marched from the Brandenburg Gate to Alexanderplatz. Police said around 200 people took part, while the Berlin Refugee Council said there were up to 2,000. Protests took place in 13 German cities, including Nuremberg, Hamburg, Hanover, Schwerin and Erfurt. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced Thursday that the federal and state governments had agreed to Via Reuters: Bolivia reports first yellow fever case in a decade. Excerpt: Bolivia's government on Friday said a Danish tourist had tested positive for yellow fever, its first case in a decade, after he visited a jungle area in the far west of the landlocked Andean country. After an initial stay at a Bolivian hospital, National Health Director Rodolfo Rocabado said the stricken tourist traveled on to Chile for treatment. He also urged Bolivians not to fear an outbreak. "This person came from another place and was not vaccinated," he told Reuters. "Our population is covered because massive vaccination campaigns have been done." The movie was selected in the 'International Forum of New Cinema' and was screened on February 10. Mumbai: Actor Rajkummar Rao's Newton has been showered with praise at Berlinale 2017, where the film made its world premiere. Director Amit V Masurkar's film opened to a good response when it was screened in a houseful theatre at the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival. Rajkummar, who plays the titular role in the political black comedy that centres around an election day in Central India, said in a statement, "I was excited and nervous before the premiere but the kind of response we got after the screening and the way the audience here related to Newton, was very overwhelming." The 32-year-old actor said he is humbled by the reception of the film and cannot wait for its India premiere. Ecstatic after a successful world premiere, Masurkar said, "We were all very happy that an audience so diverse connected to an Indian story so rooted. They appreciated the finer nuances and the subtle moments in the story which we had assumed only Indians would get." The movie was selected in the 'International Forum of New Cinema' and was screened on February 10 at the Zoo Palast one of the oldest and most prestigious venues of the Berlinale, where it received a standing ovation too. The cast Rajkummar, Anjali Patil, Pankaj Tripathi, producer Manish Mundra and music composer Naren Chandavarkar were also present at the red carpet. The Karan Johar directorial starred Shah Rukh and Kajol in the lead roles. Twitter has been celebrating the seven-year anniversary of the Karan Johar directorial. Mumbai: When Karan Johar came up with 'My Name Is Khan,' it had been plagued by a lot many controversies, but the Shah Rukh Khan starrer had nevertheless got critical and commercial takers. Seven years down the line, the tale of the affable Rizwan Khan, suffering from Asperger's Syndrome, who's mistaken for a terrorist thanks to his surname, still rings hard in the fan's ears. And now, the film has patronage from unexpected quarters, in the form of veteran writer, Paulo Coelho. The acclaimed writer, took to Facebook to appreciate the film, and also claimed that had Hollywood not been manipulative, Shah Rukh Khan could probably have won an Oscar for his performance. Shah Rukh humbly reciprocated by thanking the writer and expressing a desire to meet in person. Earlier, SRK himself had taken to his Twitter feed to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the film, and revealed that he's saddened to realise that the film still holds relevance. Shah Rukh had last been seen in Rahul Dholakia's successful outing, 'Raees'. The 'disillusioned' people now want the Congress back in power as only this party can provide 'stable and able' governments, he said. New Delhi: The BJP and AAP sold "false dreams" to people who are now "disillusioned" with both parties and want Congress back in power, Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said on Sunday. People want Congress back in power not only in Delhi but also in the country, Maken claimed while addressing district conventions of the party in the run up to municipal corporation elections scheduled here in April. "People had voted for the BJP and the AAP to give Modi and Kejriwal an opportunity to rule at the Centre and in Delhi, respectively, seeing big dreams through their promises. But now, all those dreams have been shattered," Maken said addressing party conventions in East Delhi's Babarpur, Krishnanagar and Patparganj. The "disillusioned" people now want the Congress back in power as only this party can provide "stable and able" governments, he said. The "desire" of people has been evident from the "huge" response to the district conventions being organised by the Delhi Congress across the Capital to protest against misrule of BJP in MCDs and Aam Aadmi Party's two-year rule in Delhi, Maken claimed. Slamming the governments of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he charged them with "betraying" people. Dubbing demonetisation as an "ill-conceived" spectacle "unparallelled" in the world, Maken said the central government reduced all currency notes to mere pieces of paper within hours forcing people to face hardships. He also attacked Kejriwal and his ministers accusing them of leaving people to their "fate" and going out of the Capital to tour elsewhere in the country and abroad when Delhi was witnessing deaths due to chikungunya, dengue and swine-flu. Pointing to changed mode and method of elections, Maken called upon party workers to go for door-to-door campaign and win over hearts of people and make them aware about "failures" of BJP-led NDA and AAP governments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Manohar Parrikar lauded the efforts of the DRDO. Balasore (Odisha): Consolidating further its Ballistic Missile Defence System, India on Saturday successfully flight-tested its interceptor missile off the Odisha coast. Sources in the Defence Research and Development organization (DRDO) said the interceptor was launched from Abdul Kalam Island or Wheeler Island of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at about 7.45 am. With this commendable scientific achievement, India has crossed an important milestone in building its overall capability towards enhanced security against incoming ballistic missile threats. It has entered an exclusive club of four nations with developing capabilities to secure its skies and cities against hostile threats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Manohar Parrikar lauded the efforts of the DRDO and all the scientists involved for their dedicated efforts in this significant achievement. Termed as Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mission of PDV Mission, - this operation is designed for engaging the targets in the exo-atmosphere region (at an altitude above 50 km of earths atmosphere). Both, the PDV interceptor and the two stage target missile, were successfully engaged I todays mission, a DRDO official said after the flight-test mission was completed. The clashes erupted soon after one civilian was killed in the encounter between security forces and militants. Army personnel along with a sniper dog move towards the house where militants were hiding during an encounter at Frisal area of Kulgam district of south Kashmir on Sunday. (Photo: PTI) Srinagar: Four Islamic militants, two Army jawans and a civilian were killed in a fierce gunfight in a remote village of Jammu and Kashmirs southern Kulgam district Sunday. Intense clashes erupted between the security forces and local residents soon after a civilian was killed in the encounter, leaving one more person dead and scores others injured. Fifteen of them have received bullet wounds, reports said. An Army Major and three of his men have also been injured in the clash with militants. The injured soldiers were airlifted to Srinagar and admitted to the 92-base Hospital at the 15 Corps headquarters in Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar. The Army sources said that while the condition of the injured officer is "very critical", the other soldiers are "stable." Both the Army and Jammu and Kashmir police termed the killing of militants as a major breakthrough against Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahedin. Reports said two slain men belonged to each of these outfits. The police officials in Srinagar said that members of its counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) along with the troops from Army's 1 Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF laid siege to Heragam hamlet of Kulgam's Frisal area at 4.30 am following a tip-off about the presence of militants. They said that after laying barrier around the village, the troops started a house-to-house search but did not find any militant. The SOG men, however, insisted that their "source" who alerted them about the presence of militants in the village could not be wrong. On their insistence, a particular house was searched again during which the security forces found a false ceiling where the militants were hiding. On being spotted, the militants opened fire at the soldiers, who were accompanied by the house owner and his son. The two soldiers who lost their lives in the militant firing have been identified as Lance Naiks Raghubeer Singh and Bhandoriya Gopal Singh. The house owners son Adil Reshi was caught in crossfire and died instantly, police officials said. The slain militants are Mudassir Ahmed Tantrey alias Asim, Wakeel Ahmed Thokar, Farooq Ahmed Bhat and Muhammad Yunis Lone all from south Kashmir. Soon after the pre-dawn swoop by the security forces, hundreds of residents relocated to the encounter site chanting pro-freedom slogans and hurling stones at uniformed men. Scores of protesters were injured in ensuing intense streets clashes with the security forces and one of them identified as 22-year-old Mushtaq Ahmed too succumbed to a bullet wound in a hospital in neighbouring Anantnag town later. The hospital sources said that, at least, fifteen people have sustained bullet wounds as apparently the security forces fired indiscriminately at the people mourning and protesting the killing of militants. Four of the seriously injured civilians have been brought to a Srinagar hospital for specialized treatment. J&K's Director General of Police, S.P. Vaid, termed the killing of the militants as a "major success" against militants and those of the two Army jawans and the civilian (house-owner's son) in the encounter as "unfortunate." The KSA MOH Command and Control Center has again posted two updates. Here's the one for February 11: MOH: '1 New Confirmed Corona Cases Recorded'. The new case is an 80-year-old Saudi man in Alasyah who had direct contact with camels; he is said to be in stable condition. No other cases, recoveries, or deaths are reported for either the 11th or the 12th. Training his guns on Congress, the PM said the former insulted the soldiers by asking for proof of the surgical strikes conducted last year. Srinagar (Uttarakhand): Asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have only progressed in the recently formed states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress of ruining Uttarakhand and playing with the aspirations of the people. "Why did Congress oppose creation of Uttarakhand as a state? Those who cannot think well of the people here, how can they govern?" Prime Minister Modi said while addressing an election rally in Srinagar, Uttarakhand. Training his guns on the Congress, the Prime Minister said the former insulted the soldiers by asking for proof of the surgical strikes conducted last year across the Line of Control (LoC). Shifting his focus on One Rank One Pension (OROP), Prime Minister Modi said the Congress Party deceived the soldiers as they had no knowledge of the scheme. "The Congress made a joke out of OROP. It was implemented once we assumed," he said. Extending his support to the commoners, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would not let the ones who looted the common people have a sigh of relief. Reiterating the wonders a common man can do, the Prime Minister said by the support of 1.25 crore people he (who was once only a tea seller) can fight back powerful people. "For 70-years these powerful people looted the nation, they think what can this chai wala do? They are very powerful people but I have blessings of 125 crore people of India and hence this chai-wala is able to fight these people (who looted the country)," he said. Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a rally in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur yesterday, slammed the opposition for asking for proofs regarding the surgical strikes, saying that the time has come for the opposition to pay for their sins. "It has become important to defeat the people who don't have any interest in development and only want to save their seats. Now the time has come when they (opposition) need to pay for all everything that they have done," he said. Uttarakhand goes to polls on February 15. The three-day brain storming sessions, inaugurated by Mr Modi, were aimed at crowdsourcing ideas to improve the functioning of the Railways. New Delhi: Shortly after finance minister Arun Jaitley presented the first merged Railway and general Budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulled up Indias largest transporter for making no progress on certain development ideas which were discussed in a series of meetings called Rail Shivirs held in November 2016. The three-day brain storming sessions, inaugurated by Mr Modi, were aimed at crowdsourcing ideas to improve the functioning of the Railways. Railways had asked for reform ideas from its 13 lakh employees and had received 1.5 lakh suggestions on issues ranging from cleanliness, improving passenger amenities, safety of railway emplo yees, increasing earnings from freight and how to make journey in Indian Railways a pleasant experience for its 23 million passengers every day. Sources said senior Railway officials were asked about the progress two to three times during routine meetings in the Prime ministers Office, but they did not have much to share. Miffed with the response, the Prime Ministers Office has now asked minister of state for Railways Rajen Gohain to monitor the implementation of the ideas on a regular basis. A quick follow up of the decision was taken at a meeting convened by the Railway Board on January 27. All board members were assigned sector-wise tasks with deadlines. They have been asked to send updates on progress made fortnightly. The Prime Minister has inquired about the progress made in ideas received during the shivir, but the Railways did not have anything concrete to say. He has expressed his anguish over the delay, ministry sources said. There has been a push to implement the ideas since then. One of the suspected spies was detained in Jaisalmer's Dhanana, while the other was detained in Bihar's Bhojpur. Jaisalmer: Two suspected Pakistani spies were detained by the police on Sunday. One of the suspected spies was detained in Jaisalmer's Dhanana, while the other was detained in Bihar's Bhojpur. Earlier in the day, a suspected Pakistani spy was detained by the CID and Border Intelligence Police near the border in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer. A joint interrogation is currently underway. Earlier last week, the Rajasthan Police arrested a Jaisalmer resident allegedly planning to share information with Pakistan Intelligence agencies. A case was lodged against him under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Hoshiyar Yadav got infuriated when he asked to pay the toll and present documents of the car. Yadav barged into the toll booth and started thrashing the victim. The booth was vandalized and all the things were thrown outside the booth. (Photo: Videograb) Gurgaon: A toll attendant was brutally beaten up allegedly by the former chairman of Gurugram Block Samiti after he asked him to pay toll fee at the Khidki Daula plaza in Gurgaon, with the entire incident captured on camera. According to police, the incident occurred at around 9:30 pm on Saturday when the victim, Akshay who works as a toll attendant at the plaza asked the former chairman Hoshiyar Singh to pay the fee. "After being stopped by Akshay and asked to pay toll fee and show the registration certificate of his car to check whether he enjoys exemption, Singh lost his temper and stepped out from his SUV. He then began to thrash the toll attendant in a fit of rage. He also dismantled the computer screen and machines in the cabin," Manish Sehgal, ACP (PRO) Gurgaon Police said. WATCH: #WATCH On being asked for their ID, 2 men beat up Gurugram toll employee & vandalise booth; 1 is former chairman of Gurugram Block Samiti. pic.twitter.com/PYmEOb0xPq ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 The entire incident was captured in the CCTV cameras installed at the toll plaza. "The police was informed by the toll company manager and a complaint was filed here about the attack," the officer said. "We are investigating the case and will take strict action against Hoshiyar Singh. The CCTV footage is being probed," Gurgaon Police said. The joint coordination committee of the NTAC called for an indefinite state-wide strike starting Monday. Guwahati: The Union home ministry will rely on the suggestions of legislators instead of following the diktat of protesters who are seeking removal of Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang. Home ministry sources said the ministry is keeping a close watch on the situation in Nagaland. They told this newspaper that Mr Zeliang, who visited New Delhi, sought Central assistance in handling the situation. The sources said the Centre will extend help to the state government after Mr Zeliang explained how former chief minister Neiphu Rio was engineering a public outrage to destabilise his government. Mr Zeliang said his government has the support of 52 legislators in the 60-member Nagaland Assembly. Security sources said that the convener of the Nagaland Tribal Action Committee (NTAC), V.K. Vilie, who is spearheading the public protest in Kohima, was the private secretary of Mr Rio. They said the home ministry has informed Mr Rio that the fate of the government will be decided only by the strength of legislators. Sources said the state police was reluctant to confront the protesters who have laid a siege in Kohima for the past 10 days. They said 33 per cent reservation for women in urban local body elections was no longer the issue now as protests intensified after police firing on January 31. The issue has turned into a struggle between Mr Zeliang and Mr Rio, people familiar with the matter said. Mr Zeliang, who brief Nagaland governor P.B. Acharya about the situation, has said he will not step down. The joint coordination committee of the NTAC called for an indefinite state-wide strike starting Monday. The total bandh from Monday will be enforced on railways, air services, business establishments, road transport and government offices, an NTAC leader said. The Naga groups criticised legislators for supporting the chief minister. Being elected by the people, they are duty-bound to listen to the public, the NTAC said. Mr Panneerselvam claimed the MLAs were held against their will and tortured and sought their release. Chennai: Turning emotional, AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala on Sunday exhorted 129 MLAs supporting her to be with me come what may to ensure that she defeats the powerful forces that are out to destroy the party and the state government. A combative Ms Sasikala also declared that she will never go back on the decision (of becoming chief minister) and that she will take the right decision at the right time. Meeting MLAs who are now lodged at Koovathur, near Mamallapuram, for the second successive day, Ms Sasikala addressed the media along with her legislators to drive home the point that she still commands a majority in the AIADMK legislature party and hence she should be invited to form the government. After meeting the MLAs separately, Ms Sasikala also addressed them at the conference hall of the Golden Bay resort and asked them to take a pledge that they would support her to ensure the AIADMK government that was installed by the late J. Jayalalithaa carries out people-friendly measures and projects. No one can stop my government. No one can create any hurdles. I am not scared of anyone. I will succeed, Ms Sasikala said. Revealing the number of MLAs supporting her she put the number at 129 for the first time, Ms Sasikala termed herself a little lion as she had worked with the lion (Jayalalithaa) and asserted people who could form the government were sitting before her. Some people want to split the AIADMK. But the people who are here are the government. The people who can form the government in Tamil Nadu are here. You should all remember that Amma is with us. The media says all of you are locked up, but all of you are independent here. That is the reason why I asked them to record the event, Ms Sasikala said, adding: I will protect the party and the government even by sacrificing my life. Mr Panneerselvam claimed the MLAs were held against their will and tortured and sought their release. Ms Sasikala alleged the MLAs were getting threats that their children would be abducted, but undeterred, they had chosen to stay and asked their relatives to take care of them. It shows their dedication to this movement. I was moved... They (the MLAs) are keen there should not be slightest impediment to the AIADMK and the government, she said. The AIADMK chief insisted that neither their free movement nor their freedom of expression had been hindered and asked the journalists to see it for yourselves, and added: They are in touch with their families over the phone. During a brief interaction with media, Ms Sasikala refused to comment about the pending judgment in the disproportionate assets case and said that the MLAs were free at the resort. She also accused chief minister O. Panneerselvam of trying to split the AIADMK government as well as the party. Contending that her goal was to ensure that the government installed by the late Jayalalithaa should be kept alive, Ms Sasikala reminded the MLAs more than once that they should all stay united with her to ensure that the designs of parties like the DMK are defeated. If you are with me, we can together work for the people. I am not afraid of anyone. I never go back from my decision and I have never done that. I will take the right decision at the right time, Ms Sasikala said. She said once the government led by her is installed, the MLAs should visit their constituencies and explain to the people the events that unfolded. We should also work towards winning all the 40 seats that are stake in the Lok Sabha elections and ensure the AIADMK scores a hat trick in the 2021 Assembly elections. Sources said Mr Shivprakash held a series of meetings with cadres and party rebels to pacify them as well as to boost their morale. The BJP has been out of power in this crucial state for 15 years, and the entire Sangh Parivar, including the BJP, has been working strategically for the past couple of years for these elections.(Representational Image) New Delhi: RSS leaders have been camping in Uttar Pradesh to pacify the BJP cadre and rebels who have been left fuming over ticket distribution. After ignoring most of the candidates suggested by its ideological mentor in this politically crucial state, the BJP had to finally turn to the RSS to pacify its cadre, who were miffed that the partys state leadership, including state unit chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, organisational secretary Sunil Bansal and state in-charge Om Mathur, were reluctant to listen to their grievances. In some areas like Agra, Meerut and Allahabad, among others, the BJP cadre has refused to mobilise support for the partys candidate, who is either an outsider (joined BJP from another party) or not the cadres choice. RSS man and BJP joint general secretary Shivprakash, along with general secretary (organisation) Ramlal, also an RSS man, are part of the team that has been meeting the cadre, workers and rebels in the state, where the first phase of the seven-phase Assembly polls took place on Saturday. They are also assuaging the partys rebels, who are either contetsting as Independents or giving support to other candidates. Sources said Mr Shivprakash held a series of meetings with cadres and party rebels to pacify them as well as to boost their morale. The BJP has been out of power in this crucial state for 15 years, and the entire Sangh Parivar, including the BJP, has been working strategically for the past couple of years for these elections. The RSS feedback has suggested that it is not just the regional heavyweights SP and BSP that the BJP is competing against in the most number of seats, even the Congress cadre is charged up after the SP-Congress alliance, which is gaining ground. In such a scenario, an annoyed BJP cadre can only dent its own prospects. Sources said even the RSS is dissatisfied with the BJPs ticket distribution and had stopped consulting after the first list was declared. But the BJP had to finally fall back on its ideological mentor to pacify its cadre, which refused to cooperate in most regions and declined to heed the party leaderships requests. Ritu Khanduri, the daughter of former Uttarakhand chief minister B.C. Khanduri is contesting on a BJP ticket. Yamkeshwar has around 84,000 voters, and about 70 per cent of them reside in villages. Yamkeshwar (Uttarakhand): The Yamkeshwar Assembly constituency in Uttarakhands Pauri district is witnessing an interesting contest between a former chief ministers daughter, a party-hopper and a plethora of disgruntled politicians contesting as independents. Ritu Khanduri, the daughter of former Uttarakhand chief minister B.C. Khanduri is contesting on a BJP ticket. Her father is also a sitting MP from Garhwal, under which Yamkeshwar falls. However, the contest is certainly not one sided. Ms Khanduri is facing stiff competition from the Congress candidate and independents. Since the formation of Uttarakhand, this seat has always been won by the BJP. In the 2017 elections, the BJP denied its sitting MLA Vijaya Barthwal a ticket, but instead gave it to Ms Khanduri. This caused a major rebellion in the ranks and Ms Barthwal went ahead and filed her nomination as an independent candidate. The BJP leadership intervened and eventually persuaded Ms Barthwal to withdraw her nomination and throw her weight behind Ms Khanduri. Ms Barthwal has been a MLA from this seat since 2002 and has been a minister in the state. Officially, Ms Barthwal is not contesting, but insiders feel she is not campaigning effectively for the BJP candidate. Sensing an opportunity, the Congress dropped its 2012 candidate Renu Bisht and gave the ticket to BJP rebel Shailendra Singh Rawat. Though Mr Rawat hails from the neighbouring Kotdwar constituency, he has a sizeable influence in Yamkeshwar too. Mr Rawat was upset with the BJP as he was once again denied a ticket. With him now joining the Congress, his influence will work in both constituencies of Kotdwar and Yamkeshwar. Politics in Uttarakhand is as treacherous as its hilly terrain. The Yamkeshwar candidate dropped by the Congress, Renu Bisht, filed her nomination as an independent candidate. Another BJP leader who had quit the party six months ago, Prashant Badoni, is also in the fray as an independent. Instead of a two-way contest between the Congress and the BJP, it has now become a four-way contest with two strong independents also in the fray. Yamkeshwar has around 84,000 voters, and about 70 per cent of them reside in villages. BSP main rival in first two rounds, SP in rest, claims BJP. Lucknow: BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday said BSP is the main rival in first two phases of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and Samajwadi Party in the rest, as he accused Akhilesh Yadav of getting into an unholy alliance. As per the trend of first phase, we will get more than 50 seats (out of 73). In the first two phases we will be getting more than 90 seats (out of total 140). The main rival in these two phases is BSP. In the next phases, the rival will be SP, Mr Shah said. He said that this assumption was based on the feedback received form party workers and leaders who had extensively toured the region. Mr Shah said that in the second phase, the partys expects to win more than 40 seats. He said that his party had received encouraging response from the people who went through its manifesto. He pointed out that issues like prompt payment of cane dues to farmers, loan waiver for small farmers and setting up of anti-Romeo squads had found favour with the voters. He claimed that issues like payment of cane dues, loans at zero per cent interest to farmers, anti-Romeo squads to check crime against women, and some other key points in BJP manifesto had attracted youth and common people and they were supporting BJP. Terming the Congress-SP alliance as unholy, Mr Shah said if SP had considered what Lohia had thought about Congress, it would not have forged the pact. This is alliance of those who ran corrupt governments. UP is behal (suffering) in this regime and cases of riots, rapes and murders have increased. Due to appeasement on basis of caste and religion, people are harassed and they want development. SP government has failed miserably, he said. Attacking the Akhilesh government, he said that the state had not cooperated with the Centre on the development issue. We sent Rs 2.5 lakh crore extra to Uttar Pradesh in two and a half years but the state government did not properly use the funds for development, he said. Mr Shah announced that if the BJP came to power, it would order an inquiry into cases of corruption and the guilty persons would be punished. He said that SP and BSP only made tall claims but did not take action against each other in matters related to corruption. Big vote-catchers Shotgun, Adavni & Sonia yet to address public rallies. Lucknow: The stars are missing in action. Uttar Pradesh elections are going full steam ahead, but over a dozen star campaigners are conspicuous by their absence. This, despite having been an important part of campaigning in past elections. Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K. Advani , whose name was earlier excluded and then later included in the BJPs list of star campaigners, has still not addressed a single meeting. People familiar with the matter said no candidate has sought his presence. Till the 2012 elections, Mr Advani was one of the most sought-after star campaigners in UP. We will request him for a meeting as soon as someone seeks his presence, a BJP functionary said. BJP member of Parliament Shatrughan Sinha, who used to be a regular in UP campaigns, has not been invited to the state ever since he got into the bad books of the party leadership. Mr Sinha was a sought-after campaigner because of his punches, one-liners and oratory skills. Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singhs constitutional post does not allow him to take part in any political activity, though his grandson Sandeep Singh is a candidate from his traditional Atrauli seat in Aligarh. Congress president Sonia Gandhi has also stayed away from campaigning due to health reasons. She is likely to address one meeting in Raebareli next week. But beyond that, she is unlikely to campaign for her party. Ms Gandhi, till 2014, was one of the busiest Congress campaigners in UP. Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav is also missing. Except for one meeting that he addressed Saturday to seek votes for his brother Shivpal, he has no plans of campaigning for a party that was wrested away from him by his son, Akhilesh Yadav. Mulayam Singh Yadavs three meetings in Mainpuri, scheduled next week, have been cancelled without reason. Candidates were wary of inviting Mulayam Singh Yadav because he may end up speaking against party president Akhilesh Yadav, said a Samajwadi Party leader who did not want to be identified. Shivpal Yadav, another star SP campaigner of yore, is out of action following his strained relationship with Akhilesh Yadav. He has confined himself to campaigning in his own constituency, Jaswantnagar. NDMC had last week sealed the 21 restobars in the commercial hub after the roof of a vacant room in C-Block collapsed. Police investigate near the site of the collapsed section of a building in C-Block area of Connaught Place in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Miffed at the sealing of 21 rooftop restobars in Connaught Place, restaurant owners are planning to protest against the decision of the civic body. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had last week sealed the 21 restobars in the commercial hub after the roof of a vacant room in C-Block collapsed, raising questions about the structural stability of other buildings in the iconic market. "There is no connection between the collapse and the rooftop restaurants. The concept of such restaurants can't be simply done away with. We understand that safety is a primary concern, but there should be a policy and NDMC can issue the licences after checking structural stability certificates," said Riyaaz Amlani, President, National Restaurant Association of India. "We are going to protest against NDMC's decision and demand that the restobars be allowed to function," he said. The sealed establishments include My Bar Headquarters, Warehouse Cafe in D-block, The Vault Cafe in F-block, Kinbuck-2 and Kitchen Bar in C-block, Lord of the Drinks, Open House Cafe, Jungle Jamboree, Boombox Cafe, Farzi Cafe, House of Commons, Hotel Palace Heights, Office Canteen Bar, Luggage Room, Cafe OMG, Unplugged Courtyard, Barbeque Nation, TC Bar & Restaurant, Teddy Boy Restaurant and The Niche Restaurant and Cafe Public Connection. This was not the first time the civic body acted against use of terraces. In 2015, it had sealed the roofs of 13 restaurants, after which they signed affidavits saying they would adhere to rules. Priyank Sukhija, the owner of Warehouse and Open House Cafe, said, "The sealing was just part of NDMC's attempt to curtail the crowd coming to Connaught Place before they roll out the vehicle-free plan." Ajit Ajmani, the owner of MyBar Headquarters, said that though the civic body had issued prior notices to them warning against use of terrace and balconies they haven't violated any norms. According to NDMC officials, terrace or balconies in heritage buildings cannot be used for any kind of commercial activity. The civic body has also decided to conduct a survey of all "dangerous" buildings in the area by end of this month to avoid any mishap and formulate a policy to regulate structures installed on rooftops in commercial centre. NDMC had last week formed a six-member panel, comprising structural safety experts from IIT-Delhi, Central Public Works Department, NDMC and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the area to inspect the site and ascertain the reason behind the collapse. 54 per cent working women in the city have experienced sexual harassment at their workplace. Mumbai: While the recent case of a Pune techie being murdered in her office allegedly by the watchman she had snubbed for staring at her has shaken the state, the situation in Mumbai seems to be no different. According to data by Praja Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, 54 per cent working women in the city have experienced sexual harassment at their workplace, of which 37 per cent faced harassment by their male co-workers and the rest 17 per cent by their male seniors. Ironically, Mumbai polices Crime Against Women (CAW) cell set up after the December 2012 Nirbhaya case, which tackles cases registered against women in the city, revealed that most of the cases dont reach them and are dealt with only at the local police station level. Here, most of the cases get settled after victims are pressurised and threatened. The data released by Praja is from the Mumbai police. When The Asian Age contacted Aditi Arora from the Praja Foundation, she said, We acquire the data and statistics from the Mumbai police and provide it on a public platform. Our only motto is to create an awareness and put light on the current situation and statistics. The crime branchs CAW cell tackles with the problems faced by women in the city. It also assists and counsels women in various matters. Out of the 54 per cent women that reported such cases in 2016, about 12 per cent received threats from their male counterpart to keep mum about it. When The Asian Age spoke to one of the victims, Preeti Saniyal (name changed), she said, In 2014, when I was working in an advertising firm, one of my male colleagues sent me lewd text at odd hours. I reported about the same to my seniors, who advised me to go to the police. Ms Saniyal further added, After I complained, he was simply given a transfer to a different city. Neither was he arrested, nor fired, but only transferred. When contacted, DCP (CAW) Pravin Pawar said, The CAW deals with women who approach the special wing after being harassed or molested. On the basis of the nature of the complaint, we take the required action and get justice for the woman. However usually, the complaints that are registered at the police stations are dealt with at the local police station level, and do not reach the CAW wing at all. The victims are often pressurised to settle the case, sources said. The ministry has referred the complaints to the committee on subordinate legislation of Rajya Sabha. Mumbai: The central government has warned chief ministers of all states that if they dilute the sections in Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, then the Act will serve no purpose. RERA is meant to streamline the fallacies in the real estate industry; however, there have been allegations that several state governments, including Mahahrashtra, have diluted stringent sections against developers, thus defeating the main aim of the Act. The central government has asked all state governments to notify the Act by May 1, 2017. A statement by the central housing ministry on Sunday read: The ministry has received some complaints of violations of some of the provisions of the Act by some of these states resulting in dilution of the spirit of the Act. The ministry has referred the complaints to the committee on subordinate legislation of Rajya Sabha. In this backdrop, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu urged the chief ministers to ensure compliance with the Act, as passed by Parliament. Activists from Maharashtra had questioned why they must pay 30 per cent of the total cost while signing the agreement and 45 per cent when the plinth of the building is constructed as against the central RERA, which states only 10 per cent. In Maharashtra, one is required to pay Rs 10,000 to lodge a complaint or an appeal with the requisite authority as opposed to the Centres rules, which seek a fee of only Rs 1,000 while filing. Maharashtras draft of the Act also did not mention that the developer would not discriminate against any allottee at the time of allotment of any apartment, plot or building. The Centre has made it binding for developers to not discriminate. The statement further read: Union minister Venkaiah Naidu in his two-page letter to the chief ministers has said that in the absence of rules and regulatory authority and appellate tribunal, the implementation of the Act would be affected in your state, leading to a vacuum in the sector. The real estate Act was one of the most consumer-friendly laws passed by Parliament and its timely implementation is the responsibility of both the central and state governments and this would not only provide the much needed consumer protection. When contacted, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and housing minister Prakash Mehta both were unavailable for comment. Maharashtra had released its draft in public for suggestions and objections in December 2016. A senior state housing ministry official said, Currently, the suggestions and objections are in process and the bill would be notified into Act after the code of conduct for civic and zilla parishad polls in the state. Further, in case of non-compliance with provisions of the Act, Maharashtras draft had no clause of imprisonment, but only fine. However, the Centre has decided on three years of prison over non-compliance by a developer and one year in case of estate agent. The Muslim community has many credible voices seeking reform of their personal laws in conformity with modern notions of gender equity. It is ironic that the BJP, when raising the issue of triple talaq, is claiming to speak for the interests of Muslim women when its leaders like Yogi Adityanath are busy demonising the Muslim community. (Representational image) The thespian qualities of outrage that Ravi Shankar Prasad displayed when speaking of the BJPs views on the practice of triple talaq among Muslims in India were quite transparent. As a lawyer, he must have been aware that the matter is sub judice before the Supreme Court. While the NDA government has filed an affidavit before the SC opposing the practice, the judgment is still awaited. Did the renewed burst of indignation then have less to do with a suddenly reignited desire for social reform, and more to do with the ongoing UP Assembly elections, and the falling electoral prospects of the BJP? The question of banning triple talaq is part of the BJPs stated goal of expediting the adoption of a uniform civil code (UCC). The goal by itself has the sanction of the Constitution, but in a specifically conditioned manner. Article 44, which states that the State shall endeavour to ensure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India, was deliberately placed by the makers of our Constitution in the section on Directive Principles in order to stress the element of discussion and consensus that should inform such endeavours. The problem is that the BJP has decided, somewhat selectively, to select this one Article from among the Directive Principles, and then proceed to try and implement it in a manner that closely resembles a bull in a china shop. No one can deny the need for all religion-based personal laws in India to change in accordance with modern notions or reform, equity and gender justice. But, in order for this process to be sustainable and enduring, it is imperative to think about how these ends are best achieved. On October 7, 2016, the Law Commission shot off a letter to chief ministers enclosing an objective-type questionnaire on the need for an UCC. Nitish Kumar, was the first CM to reply to that letter. He said that he had examined the questionnaire carefully, but it was his considered view that the questions were framed in such a way as to force the respondents to respond in a specific manner. Complex issues, he said, cannot be tackled through such an amateurish approach. The UCC must be seen as a measure of reform for the welfare of the people, and not a political instrumentality to be hurriedly imposed against their wishes and without consultations with them. Democracy is based on the foundational principle of a constructive dialogue. Where the UCC is concerned, such a dialogue, based on broad-based consultations with all religious denominations, is particularly necessary given the multi-cultural, multi-religious nature of our society. In the absence of such in-depth consultations, any attempt at premature or hasty tampering with long standing religious practices that deal with complex issues of marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance and the right to property and succession, would, Mr Kumar stressed, be inadvisable. What the BJP does not want to understand is that the enforcement of a UCC would require all current laws applicable in such matters in respect of Muslims, Christians, Parsis and Hindus (including Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains) to be scrapped. Does the Central government have a draft of such a law, with concrete details of which provisions of what religion are to be scrapped, and what will replace them? No such draft has been circulated. The stakeholders are in the dark about what is being proposed and what is to be replaced. Nor has there been any discussion on this subject in Parliament, the Legislative Assemblies of states and other forums of civil society. The essential point is that while the State must, indeed, endeavour to bring in the UCC, such an effort, in order to succeed in any meaningful way, must be based, to the greatest extent possible, on a broad consensus within religious denominations in favour of such a move, rather than be imposed by fiat from above. If such an approach is not adopted, there could be avoidable social friction, and an erosion of faith, specially among minorities, in the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion. Political maturity requires that on the issue of triple talaq all parties await the judgment of the Supreme Court. Equally, on the question of the UCC, statesmanship requires the government to initiate a process of persuasion and consultation with different sections of the Muslim community on the desirability of reform. Unfortunately, the BJP is showing neither maturity nor statesmanship in this matter. What is on display is rank opportunism, which reduces a serious matter like the UCC to an electoral ploy whose aim is polarisation of votes for short-term electoral gain. The stridency with which Mr Prasad took up the issue of triple talaq on the eve of the ongoing Assembly elections, and in particular, the UP elections, clearly shows what the BJPs real intention appears to be. It is ironic also that the BJP, when raising the issue of triple talaq, is claiming to speak for the interests of Muslim women when rabid BJP leaders like Yogi Adityanath, Vinay Katiyar and Suresh Rana are at the same time busy demonising the Muslim community as a whole. No one from the top leadership of the BJP has condemned this fanaticism, and even if there is a token reproof, it hardly carries any conviction, given the fact that such attacks, specially at the time of elections, have become standard BJP policy of divide in order to rule. The Muslim community has many credible voices seeking reform of their personal laws in conformity with modern notions of gender equity. But, when the BJP, while inciting violence and hatred against this very community, cynically seeks to amplify these voices at the time of elections, the project of reform itself is devalued. Ms May has largely succeeded in getting past the parliamentary hurdle of leaving the EU, but her major tasks lie ahead. Of all world leaders, the most difficult job in the world is that of Theresa May, Britains Prime Minister. Though she was in favour of remaining in the European Union in last summers referendum, succeeding David Cameron as she did, she insisted on assuming charge that Brexit means Brexit. Britains decision to leave the EU was foolish, stirred as it was by fear of immigrants, particularly East Europeans, who were in the country under visa-free rules to take up jobs natives would rather not do. Although immigration became the banner that led the Brexiters to victory, there were deeper reasons behind the move. Britain could never reconcile itself to the fact that it was one among 28 countries and the dominant mover and shaker of the group was Germany, in recent years under the stewardship of Chancellor Angela Merkel. And Britons dreamed of the glory days of their empire, with the country forced to give way after World War II to the new superpower, the US. It was no surprise that in her major policy statement, Ms May announced two decisions: to curb immigration even at the cost of leaving the single market and project the country as a global power. The Prime Minister will seek to make a so-called hard Brexit to clamp down on migration but her other promise is a pie in the sky. Ms Mays first test was her visit to meet new US President Donald Trump; in fact, she was the first foreign leader to meet him after he assumed office. But by harping on the special relationship between the two countries she was seeking the aid of the past, rather than the future, to buttress a key foundation for a Britain bereft of its natural European moorings. True, Mr Trump had undiplomatically welcomed Brexit and even more amazingly cast doubt on the ability of Europeans to stay together. Ms May did extract a concession from the US President about the usefulness of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), which he had termed as obsolete. But just after she left Washington, he passed an order barring people from seven Muslim majority countries, and Ms May was left fumbling to explain her point of view to a home audience. Nor are Britains efforts to revive a dead horse, the Commonwealth, likely to provide much comfort. People belonging to the old empire recall how blithely Britons had said goodbye in heralding their return to Europe they always belonged to. After decades of neglect, there is not much life left in the Commonwealth, which is more notional than real. Britain will start formal negotiations with the EU in March by invoking Article 50, which sets a two-year deadline to complete the process, a daunting prospect. Jean-Claude Juncker, the main EU functionary, has already warned members of the danger of London dividing the EU by promising individual members big concessions. Indeed, the Financial Times has suggested that in realistic terms, Britain can seek extension of the status quo remaining in the customs union, and accepting CJI (European Court of Justices) jurisdiction until permanent trading arrangements can be agreed and phased in. The complexities involved in the process are enormous. However, Ms Mays first big test is to validate her boast of a global Britain. For one thing, it is clear that the UK will have to fend for itself in a world suddenly made more unpredictable by the assumption of office of Mr Trump. Second, British policymakers do not possess tools to bring about the prospect of seeing their country as a global leader. Britain still has a solid industrial base and is an innovative nation. But much as it will seek to retain its status as a world financial centre, the pull of the rest of Europe will be great and as the worlds largest free market, the EU remains unsurpassed. Ms May has largely succeeded in getting past the parliamentary hurdle of leaving the EU, but her major tasks lie ahead. In a sense, it is unchartered territory, both for the UK and the EU. Even while formal negotiations will begin and continue, some of its members, the Netherlands, France and Germany, will be preoccupied with elections checking the rise of far-right forces receiving a shot in the arm by the unexpected victory of Mr Trump in the US. In other words, the tenor of negotiations will be influenced by domestic political factors. One of the sterling qualities of the policymakers and people of Britain alike is that they are pragmatic in their approach to problems. The sooner they can disabuse themselves of the idea of being a future global power, the happier they will be. It is like the ruling BJP in India dreaming of building a future on the past of Hindu kingdoms. Britain as an imperial power has had its day as in the case of the Ottoman Empire Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dreams of today. Yet Ms May cuts a dashing figure and deserves to succeed in her impossible job. At one time she wore a T-shirt, which said, This is what a feminist looks like. But she will have to tone down her rhetoric of making Britain a global power. It is the law of nature that old empires fall to be replaced by new ones. Britain yielded place to the US because it knew that in the circumstances of an impoverished and exhausted power at the end of the Second World War, it had to cede power to a triumphant US. These are early days yet. When and how Ms May makes the transition remains to be seen. In the meantime, she has her hands full at home and abroad. Scotland is grumpy over being denied an option and the trade problems between the shared land border of the Irish Republic, which remains an EU member, and Northern Ireland remain to be sorted out. Washington DC: President Donald Trump, on Sunday, lashed out at the court again for halting his travel ban and also said that 72 per cent of the refugees, who entered the United States following the ruling are from the seven countries that were listed in the ban. "72% of refugees admitted into US (2/3 -2/11) during court breakdown are from 7 countries: Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Iran, Sudan, Libya and Yemen," Trump said in a tweet. The American President also said that his order was for cracking down on illegal criminals as promised during his campaign, in another tweet. "The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed," he tweeted. However, President Trump had on Saturday, termed his country's legal system as "broken", adding that 77 percent of refugees allowed into the US since the travel reprieve, hailed from the very seven Muslim countries he had accused of being havens of terrorism. "Our legal system is broken! 77% of refugees allowed into US since travel reprieve hail from seven suspect countries." (WT) SO DANGEROUS!" Trump said in a tweet. This came a day after a three-judge federal appeals panel had unanimously refused to reinstate the travel ban that restricted immigrants from countries like Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Within minutes of the judges' decision, the President angrily tweeted his intent to appeal. "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump took to Twitter. Within an hour of the judgment, the hashtag #NoBanNoWall started to trend on the social media. Trump's executive order that he signed last week, had suspended immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days, the US refugee program for 120 days, and indefinitely halted Syrian refugees from entering the US The Trump administration had said the seven nations - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen - have raised terrorism concerns. UK's senior-most Indian-origin minister, Priti Patel described it as a real demonstration of the strong ties between the two countries. Queen Elizabeth II will host a spectacular UK-India Year of Culture launch at Buckingham Palace at the end of this month to strengthen the special cultural partnership between the two countries. (Photo: AP) London: Queen Elizabeth II will host a spectacular UK-India Year of Culture launch at Buckingham Palace at the end of this month to strengthen the special cultural partnership between the two countries. UK's senior-most Indian-origin minister, Priti Patel, who will be among the key Cabinet ministers at the event, described it as a real demonstration of the strong ties between the two countries. "It will be a spectacular event and a wonderful opportunity to do more to celebrate the India-UK relationship," Patel, Britain's Secretary of State for International Development, told PTI. The Palace had officially announced the date of the reception as February 27 in the monarch's engagements calendar earlier this week: "Her Majesty The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh will give a reception to mark the launch of the UK India Year of Culture 2017." Queen Elizabeth II, 90, is the world's longest reigning sovereign and has become the first British monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee, with 65 years on the throne. The reception is expected to attract hundreds of guests from across various fields in the UK and India, including a senior Cabinet minister from the Indian side. "Throughout the year, we are going to see great works of art, great collaborations, all the cultural aspects coming together and a real demonstration of how strong our cultural ties are. It is going to be really exciting," Patel said. The Conservative party MP, who has completed six months in office as minister in the Department for International Development (DfID), described her last few months in the post as a "humbling and rewarding" experience. She has been on several visits to war-torn regions and has just returned from Lebanon and Jordan, countries at the heart of the Syrian refugee crisis. "It's been pretty humbling, my first six months; particularly where I have been and the state of the world in general. My focus has been on many of the humanitarian crises that have concentrated all our minds, in particular Syria," she said. "The UK has been at the forefront of dealing with the crisis. We have committed 2.3 billion pounds since the start of this conflict. It is our biggest ever response to humanitarian crisis and makes us the second-largest bilateral humanitarian donor. We have helped to get over 250,000 Syrian children into schools and get them educated." Asked about some of the negative rhetoric around refugees coming out of countries like the US under President Donald Trump, she said: "The US are a huge supporter to the refugee crisis, we should not lose sight of that. They are the number one contributor in the region." "We have to make sure that we work together with the international community, whether it is UN agencies or other country donors. It is about how we work together to provide the right support on the ground." "I think the British public should be incredibly proud of the fact that their generosity is saving lives and changing lives in difficult parts of the world, from north-east Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia to South Sudan." When she was appointed as the DfID minister by British Prime Minister Theresa May's in July 2016 just weeks after the Brexit referendum, Patel had declared her goal as ensuring that British aid delivers the country's global vision outside the European Union (EU). She sees her job as making sure the international aid system "does what it says on the tin" and delivers for the world's poorest. She explains: "The British public should be proud and feel confident in the way in which their development system and aid is spent. I am not afraid to stop things that I think don't work in our national interest or may not fit with our strategic priorities in Britain post-Brexit." "I want to demonstrate that our aid is working in our national interest and global interest, certainly in terms of supporting our place in the world." This new vision includes a changed aid relationship with India, where the UK focuses on project-based support after its traditional bilateral aid system came to a close in 2015. "We don't give traditional aid to India but India is still home to 290 million of the world's poorest people. So there is more that we can do with regard to supporting poverty reduction, jobs and livelihood and economic development in India," she said. Kabul: An angry mob lynched a young Afghan couple who had eloped together after storming a police station where they were being held for "immoral acts", officials said on Sunday. Fateha, an 18-year-old woman who had been forced to marry a man against her wishes, was arrested on Saturday along with her lover Hedayatullah, 19, in the Wama district of the remote eastern province of Nuristan. "The woman's family believed she had damaged their honour. Together with armed villagers they attacked the police station, took the girl and boy outside and shot them in front of the public," provincial governor Hafiz Abdul Qayyom told AFP. Abdul Ghafoor Nuristani, a provincial official, accused the police of failing to protect the couple. Qayyom also said that three policemen were wounded in the incident, into which the government had launched an investigation. The government has been increasingly worried about foreign fighters returning home. Khaled Sharrouf -- who made headlines in 2014 when he posted an image on Twitter of his young son holding a severed head -- had his citizenship revoked earlier this year, The Australian newspaper reported Saturday. (Photo: YouTube Screengrab) Sydney: An Islamic State fighter has become the first Australian to be stripped of his citizenship under anti-terrorism laws, authorities and reports said. Khaled Sharrouf -- who made headlines in 2014 when he posted an image on Twitter of his young son holding a severed head -- had his citizenship revoked earlier this year, The Australian newspaper reported Saturday. A spokeswoman for the Immigration Minister Peter Dutton confirmed to AFP Sunday a person was stripped of their citizenship but would not provide or confirm further details. Sharrouf is also a Lebanese citizen, The Australian reported. Sharrouf, reportedly aged 35, left Australia for Syria in 2013 with his family. His wife Tara Nettleton reportedly died last year and Sharrouf was believed to have been killed in a drone strike in Iraq in 2015. But later media reports cast doubt on whether he was dead. The fate of their five children is unknown, the newspaper added. The government has been increasingly worried about foreign fighters returning home. Numerous national security laws, including legislation to strip dual nationals linked to terrorism of their citizenship, have been passed since Canberra raised the national threat alert to high in September 2014. Authorities believe 110 Australians have travelled to Syria or Iraq to fight with terror groups, of which around 60 have been killed. Some behaviours "are the premise and reveal the same malevolence" of killing. "Like stealing, corruption and all other sins, adultery is first conceived in our hearts and once the wrong choice is made in the heart, it is then followed in actual behaviour. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Although they may not be as serious as killing, "those behaviours that offend the dignity of the human person, like insulting words [. . .] are in line with it because they are its premise and reveal the same malevolence, said Pope Francis as he spoke about the Sermon on the Mount in his reflection before todays Angelus. Speaking before some 20,000 people in St Peter's Square for the recitation of the Marian prayer, the Holy Father noted that in the Sermon Jesus seeks to "realise the substance of the commandments, avoiding the risk of formalism". This means being a "substantive rather than a cosmetic Christian," something that is also demonstrated by other two aspects that Jesus mentions: adultery and swearing. "Jesus wants to help his listeners reinterpret the Mosaic law. What the old Covenant said was not everything: Jesus came to fulfill and enact definitively God's law to the last iota. He manifests the original purposes and fulfills its authentic aspects, and does all this by his preaching and even more so by offering himself on the cross. Thus Jesus teaches us how to do God's will fully, with a 'higher justice' than that of the scribes and Pharisees (cf. see 20). This justice is moved by love, charity, mercy, and therefore is able to realise the substance of the commandments, avoiding the risk of formalism, which says: I can do this, I cant do that; I can go as far as here, or there. . . No, more, more, more." "In particular, in todays Gospel, Jesus examines three aspects: murder, adultery and swearing. With respect to the commandment 'You shall not kill', He says that is violated not only by an actual murder, but also by those behaviours that offend the dignity of the human person, including insulting words (cf. see 22). Of course, these insulting words are not as serious and culpable as killing, but they are in line with it because they are its premise and reveal the same malevolence. Jesus invites us not to rank offences, but to consider them all harmful, as they are motivated by the intention to harm others. Jesus gives the example. We are as used to insult as we are of saying Good Morning. This is in line with killing. Whoever insults his brother kills his brother in the heart. Please, do not insult! There is nothing to be gained from that." "Another act is done through the marriage law. Adultery was considered a violation of a mans right to possess a woman. Jesus, however, goes to the root of evil. As one comes to murder through insults and offences, so one comes to adultery through the intent of possessing a woman other than ones wife. Like stealing, corruption and all other sins, adultery is first conceived in our hearts and, once the wrong choice is made in the heart, it is made in actual behaviour. For Jesus, whoever looks upon a woman who is not his own, with the intention of possession, is an adulterer in his heart, and has set off on the path of adultery. Let us reflect a bit on this, on the bad thoughts that are in line with this. Finally, swearing. "Jesus told his disciples not to swear because swearing is a sign of insecurity and duplicity in human relationships. Gods authority is used to give assurance about our human affairs. Instead, we are called to build a climate of clarity and mutual trust among ourselves, our families and our communities, so that we can be considered honest without resorting to higher interventions to be believed. Mistrust and mutual suspicion increasingly threaten serenity!" "May the Virgin Mary, a woman who listened and obeyed gently and joyfully, help us come close the Gospel more and more, so as to be a substantive rather than a cosmetic Christian! This is possible with the grace of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to do everything with love, and thus carry out in full God's will." Valentine's Day Delivery Ideas This V-Day, Woo Your Partner With One of These Special Deliveries The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. Whether youre dreading it or dreaming about it, Valentines Day is almost here, folks. And since your partner is smart and sexy and they put up with you all the time, its time to show em how much they mean to you. RELATED: Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her If youre one of those people who has left it to the last minute to find a gift, its time to step into action. But dont stress. Thanks to the internet age, its pretty damn easy to find just the right thing with a simple click of a button. Not to mention, subscription services have revolutionized the way you can spoil your significant other, month after month. Whether theyre into cool gadgets, craft liquors, grooming products or flowers, there are boxes for all personalities and budgets, too. And if you're not looking for a subscription style gift, rather a speeding box curated to fit their taste never fear. Most of the Valentine's Day delivery gift options shown below are available as one-time purchases, too. Valentine's Day Flower Delivery Gifts Bouqs If you want to send your love flowers but you arent feeling the traditional floral arrangement vibe, The Bouqs offers strikingly beautiful, sustainably sourced, farm-fresh flowers handcrafted into artisanal arrangements at a fraction of the price of most commercial floral deliveries. Plus, since blooms are sourced from farmers around the world, you can ensure she will get a unique bouquet. Find out more at TheBouqs.com Farmgirl Flowers If you want to go big with your flowers this year, Farmgirl Flowers delivers impeccably designed (yep, the team personally designs each bouquet) arrangements of ethically sourced flowers. Instead of attempting to describe how ridiculously beautiful its arrangements are, check out Farmgirl's Instagram feed, and rest assured, your Valentine will love these blooms. Prices start at $40. Find out more at FarmgirlFlowers.com The Sill If you're looking to stay within the plant realm this V Day but you want to give them something with a little more longevity look to the plant. Not only does The Sill have a vast selection of plants to choose from with offerings available specifically for pet owners, those lacking sunlight and greenery novices but it has a plant subscription service, too, in case you want to help them develop their green thumb throughout the year. Find out more at TheSill.com Valentine's Day Chocolate, Food and Snack Delivery Gifts Mantry If the fastest way to a mans heart is through his stomach, then Mantry is a win-win. Perfect for the casual food adventurer to the serious foodie and everyone in-between, each box is delivered bi-monthly and contains six full-size food items from the nations top artisanal food makers with fantastic themes like Bourbon BBQ and Tailgate Tour. Find out more at Mantry.com Jenis Pint Club OK, so this is amazing news if the apple of your eye loves ice cream the way we love ice cream. Jenis Ice Cream now has a pint club. Subscribers receive four flavors of their small-batch, all-natural ice creams and sorbets specially packed and shipped directly to their home four times a year. The flavor assortment includes everything from Brambleberry Crisp to Middle West Whisky and Pecans. Find out more at Jenis.com Fuego Box Bring the heat this V-Day with a Fuego Box hot sauce subscription. Putting a spotlight on small-batch, craft hot sauces, Feugos offerings range from mild to extra hot, depending on the package you select. In addition, Fuego has gift boxes available outside of the subscription if youre more interested in a one-time purchase. Find out more at Fuegobox.com Flair Chocolatier Caramel Crunch Chocolate Truffle Box While a box of chocolates might seem like a lazy Valentines Day gift choice, theres nothing lazy about this Flair Chocolatier truffle box. Designed by renowned pastry chefs and crafted with the finest Belgian chocolate, this is the kind of treat that makes a lasting impression. $19 at Flairchocolatier.com Baked by Melissa Cupcakes If youve yet to try one of Baked by Melissas delectable baked goods youre missing out. What started with a cafe and catering has quickly become a cross-country phenomenon. The bite-size Valentines day cupcake set features 25 cupcakes in six flavors, including red velvet and chocolate fudge brownie. $30 at BakedbyMelissa.com Mochidoki S.O. a mochi fan? Then youve come to the right place. Not only does Mochidoki have a vast selection of innovative flavors like peanut butter and chocolate and Thai tea, but it ships the mochis in a special cooler to ensure the quality is upheld throughout the delivery process. Find out more at Mochidoki.com MistoBox Coffee Theres nothing worse than waking up on a Monday morning and discovering youre out of coffee. Ensure you and your boo are never running dry with a subscription to Mistobox. After taking a sign up quiz, Mistobox will determine what varieties best suit your taste, beans will then be roasted by one of Mistoboxs roasters and shipped to your door. Find out more at MistoBox.com aRELATED: Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for Her Valentine's Day Boozey Delivery Gifts Winc If she likes to kick back and relax with a glass of wine at the end of the day, this is the gift for her. Wincs wine club will supply her with curated wine varieties from around the world. Winc first establishes a taste profile and then sends specially selected wines for testing (er, tasting) purposes. Once she's chosen her favorites, Winc will send her four bottles a month ($6.50 a bottle). Find out more at Winc.com Flaviar Theres nothing like unwinding with a good spirit (or three. No ones counting!). Whether that special someone is into gin, bourbon, scotch, or vodka, Flaviar will bring tasting flights of liquor right to their door, complete with tasting notes, recipes and background information. We recommend testing out the themed boxes, like the Bend it Like Brandy sampler or Gin O'clock. Find out more at Flaviar.com Craft Beer Kings Theres no better way to tap into a beer lovers heart than with an icy cold brew. Whether theyre hooked on stouts or veer more into sours, Craft Beer Kings has a curated subscription to match. And on top of subscription packages, Craft Beer Kings has a well-stocked online store for single purchases, too. Find out more at CraftBeerKings.com Valentines Day Beauty and Grooming Delivery Gifts Birchbox When Birchbox says they give the gift of beauty, they mean it. If the lady in your life is not already a subscriber but loves playing around with makeup and skincare products, heres your chance to gift her monthly deliveries of the best and hottest in beauty and fragrance items on the market. The box includes five sample-sized beauty products customized to what she likes. In addition, if your shopping for a fella, Birchbox has an equally great grooming subscription box. Find out more at Birchbox.com Harry's Shaving Subscription Theres something extra personal about showing your man that you want to make sure he feels and looks good. A membership to Harry's ensures hell be receiving monthly deliveries of high-quality shaving and personal care products that will leave him looking, feeling and smelling amazing. Find out more at Harrys.com Scentbird In theory, buying perfume or cologne is incredibly romantic. In practice, it can be incredibly tricky to find the right scent. Scentbird is the perfect way to give the romantic gesture of perfume or cologne while giving your S.O. the freedom to play around with different fragrances each month. Theyll send a personalized selection of sample fragrances (a scent bouquet) for them to try out over the month. Over time, they can narrow down their favorites and order full-sized bottles. Find out more at Scentibird.com RELATED: Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for Him Valentine's Day Delivery Gifts Book of the Month Club For the reader in your life who may not have a ton of free time to browse the local bookstore, the Book of the Month Club will ensure they always have some new reading material handy. Each monthly box will have five carefully curated selections based on their reading preferences (sci-fi, history, non-fiction, modern classics, etc). From there, they can select which ones they want to read as well as a delivery frequency. $9.99/month at BookoftheMonth.com Sneakertub If the guy you love loves his kicks, then check out a subscription to Sneakertub, a monthly delivery of sneakers and sneaker swag (hats, stickers, gear). This is a cool way to show you care about his style and is also a low commitment subscription service. It can be canceled or skipped anytime before the monthly renewal date. Find out more at Sneakertub.com MeUndies For a gift thats the perfect mix of intimate, sexy, and er, cheeky, check out a membership to MeUndies. Each month they'll receive a new pair of incredibly soft and sexy underwear made from sustainably sourced materials. Choose from three membership plans: Bold, Adventurous, and Classic, or go for one of MeUndies pj or sock offerings. Starts at $14/month at MeUndies.com Brooklyn Candle Studio Few things create a romantic ambiance quite like a candle. With a subscription to Brooklyn Candle Studio shell receive a new candle every month with a scent related to the season. All are made right in BK from 100 percent eco-friendly soy wax and come with a fresh matchbox to use throughout the month. This set is also available as a one-time purchase. $20 at BrooklynCandleStudio.com Watch Gang If your guy is a devoted Watch Snob reader, its time he became a Watch Gang member. With a membership to Watch Gang he can choose to receive a watch each month selected to reflect his taste gain access to Watch Gangs network to buy, sell or exchange timepieces with other horological devotees, and have a chance to win luxury watches like Rolex and Tag Heuer. Find out more at WatchGang.com Bespoke Post Knowing exactly what to get the man in your life can be tough, so why not get him a little of everything? Each monthly Bespoke Post box is filled with cool finds your guy is sure to enjoy, from craft cocktail tools and shake kits to workout essentials and cooking gadgets. Plus, with more than $70 of high-quality gear in each box, the $45 price tag is a steal. Find out more at BespokePost.com Related Reading AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use. DLA Piper is losing two of its managing partners as two separate firms have confirmed their transfers. Maddocks will be welcoming two senior lawyers from the global firm, including the current Canberra managing partner and another partner who formerly held the role. Meanwhile, Corrs Chambers Westgarth has confirmed it has hired DLA Pipers most recent Melbourne office managing partner as it announced two new partner appointments. Maddocks will welcome Anthony Willis and Caroline Atkins as the newest partners of its Commonwealth Government practice in Canberra later this year. Atkins is the current DLA Piper managing partner in the city while Willis had held the same role in the past. Four retired judges have been appointed acting judges of the Supreme Court of Tasmania to help clear the courts backlog of cases, the states attorney-general has announced. The appointments, however, come as the State Government still refuses to appoint another full-time judge to return the courts bench to seven members. Former Supreme Court of Tasmania Justices Pierre Slicer and David Porter, along with former Federal Court judge Shane Marshall and Former Northern Territory Chief Justice Brian Martin, are the new acting judges, Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin said. The appointments come after the Supreme Court Amendment (Judges) Bill was passed last year, enabling the government to appoint part-time judges to the Supreme Court. Slicer was a justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania from 1991 to 2009. Porter retired from his post in January 2016 after nearly eight years as a full-time Supreme Court of Tasmania justice. Martin was a judge of the Supreme Court of South Australia from 1999 to 2004 before serving as the chief justice of the Northern Territory from 2004 to 2010. Marshall was a judge of the Federal Court of Australia from 1995 to 2015. Thank you so much Lisa for your blog! But still a bit confusion, hope you could help me: Does living(staying) together only on weekends count? My partner and I work in different cities (both in Australia but 150 km apart), so we only spend weekends together. We have been in relationship for 3 years and have registered our relationship in Jan 2017 and we also have joint bank accounts. Some people(included one lawyer and one immigrant agent) said living together on weekends is not considered living together at all and they suggested me quit my job to move to my partner's city..... but you know how difficult to find a good job recently ! Thank you if you could answer my question! Fish distributor Deutsche See is suing Volkswagen for misrepresenting a fleet of vehicles it leased as environmentally friendly, becoming the first major German fleet customer to sue VW over its diesel-test cheating, according to Reuters. This is the first case brought by a corporate fleet customer in its home market. Bremerhaven-based Deutsche See, which leases about 500 vehicles from Volkswagen, said it had been unable to reach an out-of-court settlement. Talks had broken down after Volkswagen replaced the relevant managers with lawyers and PR managers, according to the Rueters report. German tabloid Bild am Sonntag said Deutsche See was suing for 11.9 million euros ($12.8 million). "Deutsche See only went into partnership with VW because VW promised the most environmentally friendly, sustainable mobility concept," said a statement from Deutsche See, which won a sustainability prize in 2010, as reported by Reuters. Volkswagen admitted in September 2015 it had used software to manipulate diesel-emissions tests in the United States. Reed Diana Reed, retired fleet sales manager, passed away on Feb. 8. She was 73. Reed started her fleet sales career in 1986 at Tom Naquin Chevrolet in Elkhart, Ind. Later, in 1988, Reed joined Jordan Automotive Group in Mishawaka, Ind. Diana Reed, or Di as she was known to her friends, worked for me when I was vice president and general manager at the Jordan Group, said Jim Hoffer. Di was the fleet manager at that time and, through her efforts, grew the department by 25%. Besides being an excellent employee, she was a grand lady loved by her co-workers. Di always went the extra mile at work, as well in her personal relationships. She will be missed. During her career in fleet, Reed was an active member of the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA). I first met Diana Reed in the late 1980s when she came to work for Jordan Motors, to handle national fleet sales, said Deb Starkweather, commercial fleet manager for Jordan Automotive Group. At that time, I was an administrative assistant to the owners. Diana came from Tom Naquin Chevrolet in Elkhart, Ind. She really knew her fleet stuff. In 1991, Reed was named director of fleet sales at Kenny Kent Auto in Evansville, Ind. Reed concluded her fleet career at Kenny Kent Auto in 1998 when she retired with her husband to Whitney, Texas. During her retirement, Reed worked for the Whitney Chamber of Commerce from 2011 to 2016. Since Diana left in the late 1980s, I have done the fleet sales at Jordan Automotive Group and, once in a while, someone will ask me about the red-haired lady or Lucy. Diana made many friends over the years, and will certainly be missed, said Starkweather. Reed was born in Elkhart, Ind., on June 20, 1943. After graduating from Jimtown High School, Reed studied voice and piano. In addition to working in fleet sales, Reed taught and played music for more than 50 years. Shippensburg University Thursday named and dedicated the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation. The center, part of the John L. Grove College of Business, provides students with the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and create new businesses, according to a news release from the university. Accompanying the universitys newly established entrepreneurship major and minor, the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation joins several other unique programs in the Grove College of Business. As part of a unique entrepreneurial eco-system, it joins forces with the Small Business Development Center and the Brad E. Hollinger Stock Trading Room, offering hands-on learning to complement students academic programs, said Barbara Lyman, interim president of Shippensburg University. The center is the result of a gift made by Charles H. Jr. and Jane E. Diller to the Shippensburg University Foundations comprehensive campaign, Charting the Course, Lighting the Way, the Campaign for Shippensburg University. Charles Diller Jr., retired executive vice president from JLG Industries and member of the Grove College of Business Advisory Board, was drawn to supporting the center because of the opportunity it provides students. It is very relevant for todays young adults, in whatever profession they choose, to learn to cope with risk, spot opportunities and have the ability to be innovative. That is why I chose to endow this center as my contribution to the recent campaign, Diller said. According to John Kooti, dean of the John L. Grove College of Business, the creation of the center supports a hallmark of the college in that it prepares students both academically and professionally. The Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation contributes to this distinction by affording business and non-business students the opportunities to be creative and entrepreneurial, he said. Tata Motors, Indias largest automotive manufacturer and one of the top 10 commercial vehicle manufacturers globally, launched its World-Smart Truck brand the Tata PRIMA in Saudi Arabia, according to Arab News. Developed with Tata Motors subsidiary Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles (TDCV), the Tata PRIMA range is designed and developed with technical inputs from across the world, hence is referred to as the World-Smart Truck. The Tata PRIMA is based on an Italian cab design, with engine technology from the U.S., gearbox expertise from the U.S. and Germany, chassis frame from Mexico, and sheet metal dies from Japan and Korea. Tata Motors unveiled two new PRIMA heavy-duty trucks in the Kingdom the PRIMA 4438.S (4X2) tractor head and the PRIMA 4038.K (6X4) construction tipper, with Saudi dealer-partner, Manahil International Company, a unit of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi & Brothers group (MYNM). 12 February 2017 11:30 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Bulgaria highly appreciates the participation of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR in the market test for capacity allocation of the interconnector Greece Bulgaria (IGB), the newly-appointed Energy Minister of Bulgaria Nikolay Pavlov said in an exclusive interview with Trend. The minister noted that the country considers this as a further proof of the long-term strategic energy partnership between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan. Pavlov reminded that on November 30, 2016 the second bidding phase of the market test for capacity allocation of IGB was completed. "We are satisfied with the outcome of the market test showing increased engagement and growing market interest in the project, and this in turn is a factor for its successful implementation," he said. The minister pointed out that the company responsible for the implementation of the ICGB will continue to provide shippers with conditions for access to the pipeline capacity and an equal and non-discriminatory treatment of all existing and future partners. "The participation of SOCAR in the capacity allocation market test for IGB is an expression of the strong confidence in the development of the project and its key role in the realization of the Southern Gas Corridor," added Pavlov. In addition, this is an expression of the expected development of the gas markets in Bulgaria, South East and Central Europe, i.e. through the diversification of sources and routes of gas supplies, according to the minister. "We highly appreciate the participation of SOCAR in the market test as a further proof of the long-term strategic energy partnership between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan," he added. Azerbaijan Gas International (AGI), a 100-percent subsidiary of SOCAR, applied for pumping Azerbaijani gas through IGB in September 2016. IGB is a gas pipeline, which will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, in particular, the gas produced from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz 2 gas and condensate field. IGB is expected to be connected to the Trans Adriatic pipeline via which gas from the Shah Deniz field will be delivered to the European markets. The initial capacity of IGB will be 3 billion cubic meters of gas. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 February 2017 11:00 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs recent visit to Brussels in terms of cooperation with the European Union is of vital importance. The head of state visited Brussels at an official invitation of the European Union senior officials. As a matter of fact heads of state of other countries also visit Brussels frequently. However, President Ilham Aliyevs visit is very different, said deputy head of the Azerbaijani presidential administration, chief of the administration's foreign relations department Novruz Mammadov. Novruz Mammadov noted that Azerbaijan-EU cooperation started since the countrys gaining its independence. This successful cooperation has a rich history. During the last years, Azerbaijan had a very close cooperation with EUs various institutions, member countries. Azerbaijan signed and adopted documents on strategic partnership with nine member countries of the EU. This is an indicator itself of high level partnership between Azerbaijan and the EU, the deputy head of the Azerbaijani presidential administration said. Our cooperation with the EU almost covers all the areas. Our cooperation in politics, economy, defense and energy areas has a unique place. During the last years many significant projects in those areas were realized. We can mention the progress of cooperation especially in the transport, Mammadov added. Novruz Mammadov said although sometimes in some issues there can be disagreements we can call Azerbaijan-EU cooperation exemplary. This is due to the fact that President Ilham Aliyev makes Azerbaijans national and statehood interests as a priority in all the processes, and cooperation issues. That is why some time ago Azerbaijan denied association agreement proposed by the European Union. We did not agreed with that same agreement because it didnt answer Azerbaijani national and state interests. Instead, we proposed a different format of Azerbaijan-EU cooperation. We proposed to the EU a draft Agreement on strategic partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and European Union. This proposal was analyzed with the EU and received a positive response. Council of the European Union already gave a mandate to Azerbaijan for starting the official negotiations on the given draft project with Azerbaijan. This was the reason of Azerbaijani Presidents Brussels visit. Mammadov said the head of state had very fruitful meetings with the EU officials. There is a successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU. It is essential to continue this cooperation further. This was the objective of those meetings. At the same time, during those meetings Azerbaijans political issue was especially underlined. This was the issue of Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty. Considering all these we can say that the visit was highly successful, said Novruz Mammadov. -- --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Netziv (Shemos 34:10) We need to explicate the manner of Divine Providence. There are two types which four. 1) there are two by means of ... My sefer Yad Moshe has been unavailable in seforim stores. However it was recently reprinted and shipped to New York There are two distrubu... In the last few days I have encountered learned and frum Litvaks who claimed it was essential to be happy and smiling all the time An... Important!! email - yadmoshe@gmail.com Last week some BVR kits were stolen in Mandera, North-Eastern region. The opposition said through the ODM leader Hon Raila Odinga that the people who stole the BVR kits were not Al-Shabaab as claimed by the Government.Yesterday some of those allegedly stolen kits were found in Eastleigh registering unknown people in Nairobi. The majority of the Kenyan were asking themselves if in Kenya we still stay with Al-Shabaab. The angry residents went to Pangani police to find out the truth but according to the sources, they were chased out by the police."President Uhuru Kenyatta bought tankers, teargas canisters, and more machinery for chasing people not for Al-Shabaab," as claimed by the Angry residents. The CORD principal knew about the BVR kits were not taken to Somali.Now, it is evident that there are plans to manipulate the IEBC data. The BVR kits maybe were used to register the dead people as claimed by the Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero. The opposition now seeks for the establishment of national Tallying Centre if the government and IEBC are eager and willing to have free and fair elections. According to them, having one major tallying centre will reduce IEBC officials sabotage and Votes manipulation. CET : ; GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. A measure to ease bureaucratic hurdles has passed with more than 60 percent, according to local media. Right-wing lawmakers said they were "alone against everyone" in rejecting the proposal. Swiss voters on Sunday approved a measure to allow third-generation migrants to receive citizenship easier, according to preliminary results. The government, along with most lawmakers and political parties, supported the proposal for "simplified naturalization of third-generation immigrants." The referendum passed with 60.4 percent of the vote, Swiss broadcaster SRF reported. Meeting the minimum requirement, at least 14 cantons voted in favor of the proposal, according to official results. The proposal's success at the polls marked a major defeat for the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), the Alpine nation's largest party in parliament, known for its targeted campaigns attempting to vilify Islam. 'Alone against everyone' SVP lawmaker Jean-Luc Addor said his party's supporters were "alone against everyone in this campaign." "The problem of Islam, I'm afraid, it will catch up with us in a few years," Addor told Swiss public broadcaster RTS. The measure lowers bureaucratic hurdles for approximately 25,000 third-generation immigrants under the age of 25. Italians amount to nearly 60 percent of the group, with residents of Balkan and Turkish origin also making up the bulk of those eligible for naturalization. UPDATE (3 p.m. Sunday): The autopsy on the body of Frank Ancona revealed he died as result of a gunshot to the head. Charges should be filed as early as Monday morning. ORIGINAL STORY: Authorities have confirmed that the body of Leadwood resident Frank Ancona, 51, a self-proclaimed former ranking officer in the Ku Klux Klan, was located earlier in the day outside Belgrade near the Big River by a family who were in that area to go fishing. Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobsen said on Thursday they learned on Facebook that Frank had gone missing and they later learned that a Federal Forestry Service employee had located Franks vehicle on a forestry service road off of Route P in Potosi. Deputies responded on Friday and located the vehicle and secured it, said Jacobsen. We left deputies at the scene and secured it overnight due to the loss of light. On Saturday morning we conducted a search of the area by foot by member of the Potosi Fire Protection District and the sheriffs office. We didnt locate much of anything in the woods, but we did locate evidence of a burn pile near Mr. Anconas vehicle. Jacobsen said they executed two search warrants and arrested a male on an unrelated drug warrant out of Washington County. While they were waiting for the issuance of one of the warrants he was notified by their dispatch center that they received a call from a lady who was taking her family fishing that they had located a body near the bank of the Big River near Belgrade. We processed the scene and the body was transported by the Washington County Coroners office for an autopsy to determine a cause of death, said Jacobsen. The body was positively identified as Frank Ancona and his family was notified. Jacobsen stressed the investigation was constantly changing after they located Franks car. Leadwood requested the assistance of St. Francois County Sheriffs Department and Jacobsen requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. They responded in assisting us with processing these multiple scenes and vehicles, said Jacobsen. Right now no one has been charged in his death, but that may change tomorrow. Jacobsen added he sat down with Franks son and his father to make the notification. He said it was very tragic. Law enforcement was attacked terribly on Facebook and officers were called in on their days off to help, said Jacobsen. At the end of the day the professionalism shined through all the negativity and we were able to bring some closure to the family. Ancona was reported missing Friday after his place of employment reached out to the Leadwood Police Department with concerns of whereabouts. THE INVESTIGATION Leadwood Police Chief William Dickey reported that Ancona was last seen by his wife, Malissa Ancona, Wednesday morning when he was allegedly leaving for work. Then Friday evening it was learned that Ancona's car had been found in a heavily wooded remote area of Washington County in the Mark Twain National Park. A preliminary search of the area did not turn up the missing man, but due to nightfall the scene was secured to be searched more thoroughly on Saturday morning. Dickey said his officers were told by Malissa that Frank got a call from his workplace and he needed to drive across the state to deliver a part, which is what he does for a living. He had not made contact with any family members which was out of his character. Also his workplace verified they did not send him across state on a job. Officers had not been able to get ahold of Malissa and when they finally decided they were going to enter the home to see if Frank was in there, she was found in her driveway with her son, Franks stepson. Officers found a safe that looked like somebody had taken a crowbar to it and also beat the side out of the safe. Dickey reported everything was missing from inside the safe and he didnt believe it was a burglar.. He also questioned Malissa about a Facebook post she wrote looking for a roommate and she said she posted that the day that Frank left. Malissa stated to officers she made the Facebook post because when Frank told her he was leaving to go out of state on this job he took a bag of clothes with him and said when he got back he was filing for divorce. Dickey reported Malissa told them she figured she would need help to pay the rent, so she put an ad out looking for a roommate. Dickey also reported all of Franks firearms that were in the home are missing and Malissa told them he took all of them with him. His family, which lives next door, stated he would never have taken all of his firearms with him. Also the gun he usually carries on him on a daily basis was left in the house and Malissa turned it over to the officers. Investigators resumed their search around the car and processed the car early Saturday morning. At 1 p.m. Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobsen confirmed they had in fact found the vehicle and they were still seeking the whereabouts of Frank. At that point they had requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol with processing the crime scene and were there at that time. Jacobsen also reported they were working the case in conjunction with the sheriffs office in Washington County, St. Francois County Sheriffs Office, the Leadwood Police Department and the state highway patrol. Around 2 p.m. investigators had made their way over to the Ancona residence off Mill Street in Leadwood and were standing guard. They eventually strung up crime scene tape around the house and blocked off the street with it while awaiting a search warrant. Shortly after the search warrant came through and approximately 7 or 8 officers were moving in and around the property - including Leadwood Police and the St. Francois County Sheriffs Department investigators. The Washington County Sheriffs Department obtained a search warrant for a second residence and searched the home and the home owners car. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. This is still a developing story and the Daily Journal will bring details as they become available. Noticing a scarcity of biotech and digital health startups in the Los Angeles area, Cedars-Sinai decided to play an impactful role in bringing these healthcare innovations to life. Envisioning an accelerator where Cedars-Sinai could nurture and help these tech startups succeed, the health system sought out a partner in Techstars. The firm boasts an impeccable track record, with 90 percent of its startups surviving after two years. Cedars-Sinai entered a five-year exclusive agreement with Techstars, to create an accelerator for health tech startups. The program's call for applications received pitches from more than 500 companies from all around the world, presenting ideas for patient engagement tools, big data analytics and service delivery redesigns, to name a few. Cedars-Sinai leaders focused on three core selection criteria. Science: With renowned in-house expertise, the selection committee called on their Cedars-Sinai colleagues to conduct peer-reviews of the science behind the proposed projects. In certain circumstances, the committee called on outside expert review. Value and mission: The committee sought companies and products that possessed a synergy with Cedars-Sinai values and mission, encompassing integrated patient care delivery, academic discovery, teaching and community service. People: The Cedars-Sinai took a close look at how the management team came across as individuals. "We had another nuance of assessment, an understanding of all of us in the room. Will this successful product enhance the value of healthcare, both in terms of quality and in terms of cost? We are very sensitive to enhancing value, especially because of the new reimbursement environment," explains Shlomo Melmed, MD, a member of the selection committee. An endocrinologist, Dr. Melmed serves as Cedars-Sinai's executive vice president of academic affairs; dean of the medical faculty; and the Helene A. and Philip E. Hixon Distinguished Chair in Investigative Medicine. After lengthy discussions and "individual subjective enthusiasm" pushing for certain companies, Cedars-Sinai selected 11 startups to join the inaugural Techstars Healthcare Accelerator. The participating companies included: Applied VR HomeHero Stasis Labs Ella Grace Deep 6 Analytics Silversheet Inscope Medical WELL Health ZendyHealth Yosko The program's nuts and bolts The 13-week accelerator took place in a two-level freestanding facility, located on the Cedars-Sinai campus. The innovators could access the building at any time day or night, utilizing the tables, benches and conference spaces inside. The "innovation space" design offered a place to engage but also to relax. Omkar Kulkarni serves as director of the accelator. Although Cedars-Sinai faculty contributed greatly to the program, many other Los Angeles area business and biotechnology professionals offered their time as mentors. Each of this year's 11 participating companies received $120,000 of financial backing. At the program's end, the participating startups showcased their work at a demonstration day. About 500 investors attended this year's demonstration day in Beverly Hills, which exposed the startups to a broad range of potential funding options. Cedars-Sinai also may decide to offer additional funding to exceptional companies. "Even more important, was the rapid assessment of their marketing, business and giving them the chance to focus the development of their company in a direction that was likely to be successful," says Bruce Gewertz, MD, another member of the selection committee. A vascular surgeon, Dr. Gewertz serves as Cedars-Sinai's department of surgery chair; H & S Nichols Distinguished Chair in Surgery; surgeon-in-chief; vice dean of academic affairs; and vice president of interventional services. And Cedars-Sinai doesn't plan to forget the companies with the conclusion of the inaugural program. The medical center will keep close contacts with the companies and offer continued support. "We have a very vested stake in their success," says Dr. Melmed. Drivers of the inaugural class' success Dr. Gewertz's notes the companies' leadership possessed high levels of enthusiasm and drive. "There was never a time in the innovation space in which there wasn't activity going on and people were voluntarily spending their time engaging with these ideas and people," Dr. Gewertz adds. A remarkable amount of Cedars-Sinai faulty and administrators offered their services, as well, with participation that "exceeded our expectations," adds Dr. Gewertz. Dr. Melmed agrees, noting the internal pride of the Cedars-Sinai faculty and staff. The startup participants were "met with engagement, positivity and enthusiasm." He owes that to the medical's centers size, offering a powerhouse of intellect without losing individuality. The makers of the 2017 class Cedars-Sinai hopes the inaugural class will guide their selections of the 2017 class. They plan a similar sized program in the low teens at most, so the intimacy continues. "There is a lot of hand-holding and a lot of one-on-one meetings," explains Dr. Melmed. A vast number of health companies are interested in the program, and Dr. Gewertz believes the accelerator offers a distinctive model that engages a wide variety of experts. "We're very open-minded, influenced strongly by the value equation and the understanding of the personal characteristics of the people who are leading," Dr. Gewertz adds. Because they turned away a great number of companies last year, Dr. Melmed anticipates a good number of re-appliers. As a private, non-profit academic medical center, Dr. Melmed believes Cedars-Sinai to offer a unique environment. "Our academic organizational structure is very fluid, with interaction and dialogue and the ability to bring people together quickly is one our characteristics," says Dr. Melmed. "The companies felt this." The next round of the Techstars Healthcare Accelerator in partnership with Cedars-Sinai will commence in January 2017. Pictured: Dr. Shlomo Melmed and Dr. Bruce Gewertz Budget-conscious Britons are planning to spend around half the amounts spent in some other parts of Europe on Valentine's Day, a survey has found. On average, people in the UK plan to spend just under 50 treating loved ones on Tuesday, while those in Spain, France and Italy expect to have a budget of around 110. The research, from website Groupon, also found people in Germany expect to spend around 84 on Valentine's Day. The survey of more than 8,000 people also found around a quarter (26%) of UK couples considered themselves romantic, compared with 43% of couples in Italy. Seven in 10 (70%) people in the UK who were in a relationship said they planned to buy a Valentine's Day gift for their partner, compared with 91% of those in Italy and 83% in France. Nearly a third (31%) of Britons surveyed said they just wanted to receive an old-fashioned card on Valentine's Day. The most popular gift that Britons would like to receive on the day was a romantic dinner, followed by something that had sentimental value to both people in the relationship, and an experience such as a day out or a trip somewhere. Here are the average amounts of money that people plan to spend on Valentine's Day, according to the survey from Groupon: 1. Spain, 111.08 2. France, 107.33 3. Italy, 107.30 4. Germany, 83.77 5. UK, 49.64 Bafta nominees including Meryl Streep, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling will tuck into Cornish crab salad, venison wellington and chocolate pudding following the glittering ceremony tonight. After the prizes are handed out at the Royal Albert Hall, some 2000 guests will travel to Grosvenor House on Park Lane for a lavish dinner and free-flowing champagne. The crab salad starter will be served with celery and apple jelly and burnt celeriac mayonnaise, while vegetarians will tuck into mixed grain salad with pickled vegetables, beetroot relish and pea shoots. The venison main course will come with juniper berry jus, potato gratin, glazed red cabbage, buttered swede and stem broccoli and the vegetarians will feast on a puff pastry parcel with buttered spinach, wild mushrooms, goat's cheese, roasted winter vegetables, red cabbage and watercress sauce. Afterwards all guests will be treated to a velvet 65% buffalo supermilk chocolate with blueberry and raspberry white cremeux and pumpkin seed granola created especially for the event by Hotel Chocolat. Nick Barrington-Wells, a spokesman for Grosvenor House, said: "We're thrilled to be hosting the official Bafta dinner and after party again this year. "Each year, the kitchen, led by the incredible Nigel Boschetti, embraces the challenge of catering for some of the biggest A-list stars. It's an honour for the hotel to be involved in the biggest night in film." The EE British Academy Film Awards will be hosted by Stephen Fry at the Royal Albert Hall and will be broadcast on BBC One at 9pm. Saturday 7:30 p.m. UPDATE: Officials were in Leadwood at the Frank Ancona residence located off Mill Street executing a search warrant this evening. Ancona disappeared midweek, and hadn't been seen or heard from since. Earlier in afternoon, around 2 p.m., detectives taped off the area around and in front of the house completely blocking off the street after they set up in front of the house. A reporter who was in Leadwood reported that approximately 7 or 8 officers were moving in and around the property - including Leadwood Police and the St. Francois County Sheriffs Department investigators. The Washington County Sheriffs Department obtained a search warrant for a second residence and searched the home and the home owners car. Agencies are still investigating and anyone with any information is asked to contact 911 immediately. This is a developing story and the Daily Journal will bring details as they become available. Saturday 1 p.m. UPDATE: Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobsen has confirmed they have found the vehicle and are still at the scene investigating the disappearance of Leadwood resident Frank Ancona. The area where Anconas car was found is a very large heavily wooded area in the Mark Twain National Forest. We are still seeking the whereabouts of Mr. Ancona and we have requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol with processing the crime scene and they are here now, said Jacobsen. We are still way back here at this location and are processing the vehicle. We are working this case in conjunction with the sheriffs office in Washington County, St. Francois County Sheriffs Office is involved, the Leadwood Police Department and then the state highway patrol. ORIGINAL STORY: A Leadwood man went missing several days ago and it appears to be under suspicious circumstances. Frank Ancona, 51, was last seen Wednesday morning. Then Friday evening it was learned that Ancona's car had been found in a remote area of Washington County. A preliminary search of the area did not turn up the missing man, but due to nightfall the scene was secured to be searched more thoroughly on Saturday morning. Leadwood Police Chief William Dickey said his officers were told by Malissa Ancona, Franks wife, that she saw him last on Wednesday leaving to go to work around 8:30 to 9 a.m. in the morning. I have talked to other people who are claiming its more along the lines of 6 a.m., explained Dickey. His wife, Malissa, has stated he got a call from his workplace and he needed to drive across the state to deliver a part, which is what he does for a living, he delivers vehicle parts. So that was the last time she had seen him and he has not made contact with any family members. The son states he always talks to his father and so does the daughter. Dickey said Franks place of employment reached out to them and that is how they found out he was missing. His employer is stating they did not send him on a run across the state. We were getting ready to put a stop and hold out on her as well, because we werent able to make contact with her, Dickey said of Ancona's wife. So my officer called me at home and said he was getting ready to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol in reference to this. I told him that I would just come on over and we would go on in, because he was assuming and thinking that he was dead inside the house. Dickey said when he got to the home Malissa was sitting in the driveway with her son, getting ready to go inside. She was a little hesitant to let us go into the house at first, said Dickey. She said she didnt really want us going in, but after talking to her in detail about what we were there for, she let us inside. We found a safe that looked like somebody had taken a crowbar to it and beat the side out of the safe. Everything was missing from inside the safe. Right now I dont believe it was a burglary, because she didnt want to report anything. Frank is described as a 51-year-old man with short brown hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. He drives a 2015 black Ford Fusion, which was located in the remote area of Washington County on Friday evening. Right now we are investigating and trying to get more information from his wife and trying to contact her son, his stepson, added Dickey. She was the last one to have any kind of contact with him and it just so happened that when we pulled up to the house we found his stepson with her and he hardly ever comes around this residence. Dickey said he questioned Malissa about a Facebook post she wrote looking for a roommate and she said she posted that the day that Frank left. She stated she did it because when he said he was leaving to go out of state on this job he took a bag of clothes with him and said when he got back he was filing for divorce, said Dickey. She told us she figured she would need help to pay the rent, so she put an ad out looking for a roommate. Dickey said all of Franks firearms that were in the home are missing and Malissa said he took them with him. His family, which lives next door, states no, he wouldnt have taken all of his firearms with him, said Dickey. The gun he usually carries on him on a daily basis was left in the house and she turned it over to us. The Daily Journal will bring more details as they become available. Anyone with any information on Ancona's disappearance or his whereabouts is asked to call Central Dispatch at 573-431-3131. Dad-of-one Steven Laverty (24) from Belfast is worried a Benidorm stag do stunt he took too far may have scuppered his chances of finding love - as he got a daft tattoo on his eyelids. PIC FROM MERCURY PRESS A dad-of-one from Belfast is worried that a Benidorm stag do stunt he took too far may have scuppered his chances of finding love after he got a whata boutye tattoo on his eyelids. Steven Laverty sneaked off during the three-day drinking binge to get the Northern Irish phrase 'what about ye' inked across both eyelids despite a warning from pals and his mother not to do it. Steven, from Tullycarnet, east Belfast, was in Spain as part of a 15-strong group celebrating his cousin James's upcoming marriage. And the call centre worker came home with an unwanted present after he drunkenly decided to go ahead with the 22 tattoo. The phrase is widely used in Northern Ireland as a colloquial greeting meaning 'how are you?'. Now singleton Steven is worried what potential love interests might think and fears his one-year-old child Tommy will grow up to think he is an idiot. Steven, 24, said: "It was all a bit of a blur. Obviously I regret it now but at the time I clearly thought it was a good idea. "I had to take my wee lad, Tommy, to nursery and I was just keeping my head down and hoping nobody recognised me. I saw someone I knew and tried not to look at them for fear they would see the tattoos. "I don't know how I'm going to chat up women in the future. Just go up and stare at them maybe? There's bound to be someone who likes them [the tattoos]. "Tommy's mum has seen it. She wasn't best pleased to put it lightly. It might be a bit of struggle to talking to strangers now, especially women. Expand Close Dad-of-one Steven Laverty (24) from Belfast is worried a Benidorm stag do stunt he took too far may have scuppered his chances of finding love - as he got a daft tattoo on his eyelids. PIC FROM MERCURY PRESS Mercury Press and Media Ltd / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dad-of-one Steven Laverty (24) from Belfast is worried a Benidorm stag do stunt he took too far may have scuppered his chances of finding love - as he got a daft tattoo on his eyelids. PIC FROM MERCURY PRESS "I haven't been back to work yet but apparently it's the talk of the place. "I've got a few daft tattoos and I'd been talking about this one but the rest of the lads wouldn't let me go. "We'd been in the bar all afternoon, I can't remember if it was Sunday or Monday , but they all went for a walk down to the beach and I just ducked out. "I didn't know where the tattoo parlour was so I just walked until I found it. I told them what I wanted and that was that. "The fella wanted 60 for it but I only had 22 so that's what I gave him." Steven jetted out to Benidorm from Belfast on Saturday for a three-night stay and admitted he 'lost count' of how much he had to drink before going under the needle. The new ink adds to a collection of tattoos which also includes a finger sleeve and work on his arms and BUM. Steven said: "It was pretty much non-stop drinking from the point we got to the airport until we got home. The lads who went are all a bunch of rockets but I had to be the one who took things too far. "I got a finger sleeve when I was in Las Vegas last year and my mum warned me this time not to do anything silly. She knows what I'm like. Expand Close Dad-of-one Steven Laverty (24) from Belfast is worried a Benidorm stag do stunt he took too far may have scuppered his chances of finding love - as he got a daft tattoo on his eyelids. PIC FROM MERCURY PRESS Mercury Press and Media Ltd / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dad-of-one Steven Laverty (24) from Belfast is worried a Benidorm stag do stunt he took too far may have scuppered his chances of finding love - as he got a daft tattoo on his eyelids. PIC FROM MERCURY PRESS "When I had a few drinks in me I was telling everyone I was going to do it but my other cousin Ryan talked me out of it. Then when everyone went to the beach, I just thought: 'F**k it'. "It's not even like the words mean much to me. 'What about ye' is just a saying. When everyone saw it they just laughed their heads off at me. "Everyone on the plane back was staring at me. You can see the words whether my eyes are open or shut. I might have to start wearing glasses a lot more often." James Brokenshire is worried that legacy inquiries are too focused on killings involving soldiers Troubles killings should be investigated chronologically, the Northern Ireland Secretary said. Proposed new independent institutions considering deaths in an ordered manner will ensure outstanding probes into terrorist murders - including those of 185 soldiers - are followed up, James Brokenshire added. Hundreds of veterans have marched on Downing Street protesting at what they believe is the "hounding" of troops who served in Northern Ireland. But prosecutors in Belfast revealed they had pursued five times more cases against alleged paramilitaries than servicemen in the past five years. Mr Brokenshire said: "The proposed new institutions, set out in the Stormont House Agreement, have a number of important advantages over the system currently in place in Northern Ireland, including that they will consider deaths in chronological order. "This will ensure that outstanding investigations into terrorist murders, including the murder of 185 soldiers, are investigated and evidential leads are pursued." Retired soldier Dennis Hutchings, 75, has been charged with attempted murder over a fatal shooting in 1974. Two other former soldiers are facing prosecution for murder over the 1972 death of Joe McCann, an official IRA commander. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigates legacy cases in an order based on whether they involve individuals who may cause harm today, those with forensic potential and those where no individual has been charged and convicted of the primary offence, a PSNI document explains. One third of cases which Northern Ireland's director of public prosecutions has referred to detectives to investigate relate to Troubles incidents involving security force members. The 2014 Stormont House Agreement between the British and Irish Governments and the main Stormont parties decided an independent Historical Investigations Unit (HIU) should be established to review cases. It has been stalled as part of the wider political malaise which has threatened powersharing in Northern Ireland. In a parliamentary statement, Mr Brokenshire said: "I am concerned that the existing mechanisms for investigating incidents which occurred during the Troubles are disproportionately focused on the actions of the Armed Forces and former police officers, rather than the terrorists who were responsible for 90 per cent of deaths. "This is wrong and it has to change. "That is why this Government supports the full and faithful implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, which would see a move to a new system that would, under legal obligations, operate in ways that are fair, balanced and proportionate." Alcohol and drugs were found when a large number of young teenagers congregated in a Belfast park Police have seized a large volume of alcohol after breaking up a crowd of more than 100 children in a Belfast park. Officers said there was also evidence of drug misuse at the mass gathering of 14 to 17 year olds in Belmont Park in the east of the city on Saturday night. Police said the children had travelled from all over Belfast and further afield to assemble in the park. "There was a large amount of alcohol seized at the scene, and evidence of drug misuse," said a post on the East Belfast PSNI's Facebook page. "The dangers of such behaviour by children in this location cannot be underestimated, and we would ask all parents to be aware of where your children are and what they are up to." The decision to end the lone child refugee scheme is "truly shocking" and should be reviewed, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales has said. Cardinal Vincent Nichols said stopping the scheme would mean unaccompanied youngsters would be more likely to fall prey to human traffickers. The Home Office said more than 900 minors were transferred to the UK last year, under either the Dublin Regulation because they have family links in this country, or under the Dubs amendment that requires the Government to give refuge to youngsters stranded in Europe. But the Government sparked controversy when it emerged the Dubs scheme, named after its architect, Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs, will be capped once another 150 unaccompanied children are brought to Britain, on top of the 200 who have already arrived. Campaigners and politicians had originally called for 3,000 to be resettled. Cardinal Nichols is the latest high-profile figure to criticise the decision, following charities and the head of the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. The Archbishop of Westminster said: " By repealing Article 67 of the Immigration Act 2016, known as the Dubs amendment, the Government is seen by many as abandoning its statutory and moral duty to take effective action for the protection of vulnerable, unaccompanied child refugees. "If this is the case, then it is truly shocking. "The Home Office have stated that during 2016 over 900 unaccompanied children were brought to safety from Europe, including 750 from Calais. "However, the need is evidently far greater and I am informed that there are a number of Local Authorities willing and resourced to take many more of these children into their care. "I urge the Government to look again at all available resources and to work with renewed vigour, internationally and at home, to support and enable programmes to assist these vulnerable children." He also urged those concerned about the scheme's closure to volunteer to take in refugees. Lord Dubs, flanked by a group of children, local politicians and faith leaders, delivered a 50,000-signature petition to Number 10 on Saturday, accusing the Government of a "very shabby cop out". Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said Jean-Claude Juncker's remarks 'showed cracks were appearing' in the EU stance Ministers are not waiting in "back alleys" to "cosh" peers if the House of Lords moves to amend the Brexit Bill, the leader of the Commons has said. David Lidington insisted he was not issuing threats to the upper house as he stressed peers needed to listen to the strength of feeling in the elected wing of Parliament. He told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "I am not standing, sort of, round the back alley, you know, waiting for a stray peer to arrive having a cosh in my hand. "Of course they are free to propose and debate amendments, I hope they will also take full account of the strength of opinion form the elected House. "We have got a constitutional process, and I think the fact the exit Bill has gone to the House of Lords - Article 50 Bill - with a majority of more than 300 from the Commons, and unamended, and frankly, the amendments were all defeated by majorities well in excess of the Government's normal majority, is a pretty powerful message to the Lords." Some pro-Leave Tories have called for major reforms of the Lords if peers try to thwart the will of the Commons on the Brexit Bill which gives Prime Minister Theresa May the power to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and formally begin the two-year withdrawal negotiation process with the EU. Mr Lidington added that MPs would get the chance to "probe" the Government stance during the negotiations, and vote on various aspects of policy as legislation is introduced to take back powers from the EU "There will be plenty of opportunities for votes. Obviously, the precise nature of the issues to be determined by those votes depends on what the motions are, and what the amendments are." Liberal Democrat leader in the Lords, Lord Newby, said the notion peers would block the Bill by voting through amendments was an "Aunt Sally". His party want to include a second public vote on the final Brexit deal and also a guarantee for EU nationals living in the UK. Lord Newby told Sky's Sophy Ridge: "If you take the amendments we are going to be pressing they don't have that effect at all. "Passing these amendments does not delay the process for a second." But f ormer Conservative chancellor Lord Lamont said he feared some were tabling amendments in order to "scupper" the Government's negotiations. He told the broadcaster: "I think a lot of the amendments that are put forward are really designed to obstruct the Bill and everybody knows that if the Bill is delayed that will scupper the whole negotiation. "I'm not saying that's Lord Newby's motive but I think it's the motive of some of the people coming forward with these amendments - it's to get embroiled in a time wasting, time delaying exercise." He said any perceived blocking by the upper house would cause "outrage" and could prompt calls for reform. Labour leader in the Lords Baroness Smith said the party will seek to amend the Bill. She told the BBC's Sunday Politics: "We won't frustrate, we're not going to wreck, we're not going to sabotage. What we are going to do, what David Davis calls our patriotic duty, we'll scrutinise the Bill." British royalty joined Hollywood's kings and queens as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the EE British Academy Film Awards. Kate wowed in an off-the-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown teamed with sparkling chandelier earrings, with her hair swept up. The royal couple were met by loud cheers at the Royal Albert Hall in London, a short drive away from their Kensington Palace home. William is to present the fellowship award to comedian Mel Brooks at the glittering ceremony. The Bafta Fellowship is awarded annually at the ceremony and is the highest accolade bestowed by the academy to an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games. The duke has been president of the academy since February 2010, and both he and the duchess have supported Bafta's charitable activities by attending events in the charity's learning programme, but this is the first time they have attended the awards ceremony together. William and Kate smiled as they walked up the red carpet past a huge bank of photographers. The movie stars got to their feet as the royal couple made their way down to their front row seats. An elderly woman who died in a house fire which sparked a murder investigation has been named by police. Catherine Kelly, 71, from Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, died after a blaze broke out at 11.40pm on Saturday. She was pronounced dead at the scene while a 41-year-old man was seriously injured and taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital where he is in a stable condition, Police Scotland said. A 41-year-old woman was also in the property in Kilmaurs Road, but did not require medical treatment. Neighbours attempted to extinguish the fire and were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. A joint investigation by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland has determined that the fire was started deliberately. Police say they are following a definite line of inquiry regarding her death and say a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal. Detective Chief Inspector Allan Burton, of Police Scotland, said: "The outbreak of fire within the house on Kilmaurs Road has resulted in the death of an elderly woman. "Following a joint investigation with our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, we now know that this was a targeted and deliberate act. "Local residents are understandably shocked and I would like to acknowledge the bravery of those neighbours and passing motorists who raised the alarm and attempted to do what they could to extinguish the blaze. "I want to reassure local residents that all is being done to trace the person or persons responsible." He appealed for anyone with information to contact police. Protesters run from tear gas fired by security forces during protests for followers of Iraq's influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al Sadr in Tahrir square, Baghdad (AP/Karim Kadim) Two rockets have landed in Baghdad's Green Zone following clashes at anti-government protests that left five people dead, according to Iraqi officials. The rocket attack caused no casualties as the munitions landed on the parade grounds in the centre of the highly fortified compound that is home to Iraq's government and most foreign embassies. It was not immediately clear who fired the projectiles. Saturday's protests were called for by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and clashes that erupted as crowds pushed towards the Green Zone left two policemen and three protesters dead, according to police and hospital officials. The officials said six other policemen were injured along with dozens of protesters. The violent outbreak prompted the government to call for a "full investigation". The demonstrators loyal to Mr al-Sadr gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir square to demand an overhaul of the commission overseeing local elections scheduled for this year. Mr al-Sadr has accused the commission of being riddled with corruption and has called for its overhaul. Shots rang out in central Baghdad as security forces used live fire and tear gas to disperse the crowds. An Associated Press team at the scene witnessed ambulances rushing away protesters suffering from breathing difficulties. Hospital officials said the policemen died of gunshot wounds. They gave no details as to the cause of death of the protesters. While at times the crowds advanced towards the Green Zone, by afternoon they began to disperse after a statement from Mr al-Sadr's office called on his followers to refrain from trying to enter the compound. Meanwhile, Iraq's prime minister ordered an investigation into the violence. "The prime minister ordered a full investigation into the injuries among security forces and protesters during the demonstration today in Tahrir square," read a statement from Haider al-Abadi's office on Saturday evening. Mr al-Sadr's office issued another statement on Saturday night following news of protester casualties claiming that "excessive force" was used against the demonstrators and threatened greater protests. "The next time the blood of our martyrs will not go in vain," the statement read. "We will not give in to threats," said the head of the electoral commission, Serbat Mustafa, in an interview with a local Iraqi television channel on Saturday afternoon. Mr Mustafa said he would not offer his resignation and accused Mr al-Sadr of using the commission as a political "scapegoat". Mr al-Sadr has been a vocal critic of Mr al-Abadi, and last year protests that included many of his followers breached the Green Zone twice. Attention in Iraq is generally focused on the war against Islamic State, with Iraqi forces currently fighting the militants in Mosul, but Mr al-Abadi is also facing a serious power struggle in Baghdad. A deepening economic crisis and persistent insurgent attacks in the Iraqi capital have fuelled support for powerful political opponents of Mr al-Abadi like Mr al-Sadr. Mr al-Abadi has said that he respects the rights of all Iraqis to peacefully demonstrate but called on the protesters to obey the law and respect public and private property. AP Mexico was situated mostly in St. Stephens Parish & extended into the Parish of Middle St. Johns (containing 1450 acres more or less). This land had been purchased by Peter Porcher II from Blake Leay White. In 1796, Mexico became the home of Samuel Porcher (1768-1851), son of Peter Por Read moreHistorical account of the Mexico Plantation Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. A bid from Pulte Homes to rezone and add 465 residences and possibly a school near Sandy Run Creek on Jedburg Road wasn't met with open arms at a Oct. 26 community meeting on the part of local homeowners seeking to preserve the area's rural characteristics. Read moreJedburg Road residents tell Pulte Homes: 'Keep it rural' ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mochten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitat dieser Dienste verbessern. neue Dienste zu entwickeln und zu verbessern Werbung auszuliefern und ihre Wirkung zu messen personalisierte Inhalte anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fur diese zusatzlichen Zwecke. Nicht personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung werden u. a. von Inhalten, die Sie sich gerade ansehen, und Ihrem Standort beeinflusst (welche Werbung Sie sehen, basiert auf Ihrem ungefahren Standort). Personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung konnen auch Videoempfehlungen, eine individuelle YouTube-Startseite und individuelle Werbung enthalten, die auf fruheren Aktivitaten wie auf YouTube angesehenen Videos und Suchanfragen auf YouTube beruhen. Sofern relevant, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auerdem, um Inhalte und Werbung altersgerecht zu gestalten. Wir verwenden Cookies und Daten, umWenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, umWahlen Sie Weitere Optionen aus, um sich zusatzliche Informationen anzusehen, einschlielich Details zum Verwalten Ihrer Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sie konnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser The apparently short life and relatively unhappy life of House Bill 2877 should serve notice to Oregon taxpayers that legislators will be looking under every possible rock this session in search of revenue. You might have heard about House Bill 2877, which emerged from the House Revenue Committee. This is the bill that would have assessed a $1,000 "impact tax" every five years on vehicles that were at least 20 years old. Money from the tax would have been directed to the state highway fund, which helps to pay for work on Oregon's roads and bridges. To be fair, the bill would have exempted vehicles registered as antiques. It's not clear how much revenue such a tax would raise. The theory behind the bill apparently was that these older vehicles inflict a disproportionate amount of wear and tear on the state's transportation infrastructure. We say "apparently," because that's not entirely clear and members of the House Revenue Committee weren't talking much about the bill, although a representative of the committee, presumably reacting to a public outcry against the bill, did say Friday that it would not be considered by the Legislature. Well, that's a little bit of comfort, but it's worth remembering the ease by which legislative proposals thought dead can be resurrected as the session wears on. In any event, we come not to praise House Bill 2877, but to bury it: This is exactly the kind of legislation that Oregonians point to when they argue that state officials pay little heed to the needs of the rural portions of the state. The bill, for example, didn't include any provision for farm vehicles, many of which are older than 20 years but which nevertheless are in good working condition. And the bill also would have done a disservice to those Oregonians who still are economically struggling and must drive older vehicles. Rep. Sherrie Sprenger of Scio said it well: The bill was a "legislative indictment of poor Oregonians." When I first heard about this, I thought it was ridiculous, just one more way to punish folks who cant compete with Portland liberal standards and dont want to, Sprenger said, noting that she and her husband, Kyle, own two vehicles that would have been subject to the impact tax. Rep. Andy Olson, who represents Albany, had much the same reaction: This bill does not take into consideration the rural environment of our state, or the folks who try to maintain their vehicles for a long time," he said in a statement. "Many are not in a financial position to purchase anything newer and others just like to keep their vehicles a long time because it is fiscally prudent. As a tax increase, the bill would have required support from Republicans as well as Democrats, who do not quite have the three-fifths majorities in either house of the Legislature required. And it seems likely that this bill would have attracted some opposition from Democrats as well. An interesting side note: Since revenue from the impact tax would have gone to the state highway fund, that suggests that legislators are looking not just for money to plug the state's estimated $1.8 billion gap in the general fund but also for alternatives to an increase in the gas tax to help fund one of the session's top priorities: a transportation package to pay for needed work on Oregon's roads and bridges. That search may yet come up with some intriguing alternatives, but this so-called tax on clunkers isn't one of them: This one is just a lemon, through and through. (mm) A new row has broken out between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail - over when the Government found out about Tusla's role in the Maurice McCabe affair. Micheal Martin claims his party told the Tanaiste about Tusla's role on Wednesday, 24 hours before it first emerged in the media. A peaceful demonstration over the alleged rape of a black youth by police in France has degenerated, with small groups setting at least one vehicle on fire. Youths also threw projectiles at police in a Paris suburb, while the officers responded with tear gas. Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless. A right delayed is a right denied.Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true. Martin Luther King Jr. No one is born hating another person People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Nelson Mandela We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist James Baldwin There is a fine line between free speech and hate speech. Free speech encourages debate whereas hate speech incites violence. Newton Lee The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything. Albert Einstein Republican colleagues of Donald Trump have expressed concern about his mental health, a Democratic senator claimed. Minnesota senator Al Franken said the concern of "a few" Republicans arises "in the way that we all have this suspicion" that "he lies a lot". He added: "He says things that aren't true. That's the same as lying, I guess." Mr Franken cited Mr Trump's groundless claim that he would have won the popular vote in the presidential race if not for 3 million to 5 million immigrants in the country illegally voting for his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton. Mr Trump is also said to have told some senators in a private meeting at the White House that he and former Republican senator Kelly Ayotte would have won in New Hampshire if it had not been for voters bussed in from out of state. Mr Franken said: "You know, that is not the norm for a president of the United States, or, actually, for a human being." Church of the Brethren Newsline February 11, 2017 Sixteen members of Chiques Church of the Brethren spent a week in Haiti in January. Their primary goal was to work on upgrades to the Brethren guesthouse of lEglise des Freres Haitiens (Church of the Brethren in Haiti) in Croix des Bouquets. The group served with lEglise des Freres Haitiens (Church of the Brethren in Haiti). Much work was done to the guesthouse including screening in the back porch, installing solar panels on the roof, plumbing, fixing leaks, adding wooden strips to the ceiling where plaster was peeling, hanging curtains in the bedrooms, shelving units for storage, and on and on. The group also assisted in providing a medical clinic in the community of Bois Leger, about three miles from the guesthouse, where a distribution of relief materials had been done following damage from Hurricane Matthew. A total of 157 patients were seen and activities were provided for 80 to 100 children throughout the day. Much physical work was done but work for the Kingdom was being accomplished as we were drawn closer together with our brothers and sisters from Eglise des Freres. Our theme verse for the week was from Matthew 25:40: I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. This verse was painted on the living room wall of the guesthouse in four languages (English, French, Creole, and Spanish) and embodied the love we shared as we worked and served alongside our Haitian brothers and sisters throughout the week. One Haitian brother summed it up when he said, We have hope that one day, in the great assembly, we will see one another where we will work, eat, and laugh together again. And we are all going to speak the same language! Carolyn Fitzkee is a member of Chiques Church of the Brethren near Manheim, Pa., and has served as a global mission advocate in Atlantic Northeast District. Go to www.brethren.org/Newsline to subscribe to the Church of the Brethren Newsline free e-mail news service and receive church news every week. Commonwealth Bank-owned Bankwest is further tightening the screws on property investors, no longer taking into account negative gearing tax breaks in new loan applications. After a recent surge in property investor lending at CBA, Bankwest told mortgage brokers that from Monday, the calculators it used to assess customers for loans would not include the tax benefit investors receive if their property is loss-making. After CBA and Bankwest last week froze new refinancing loans for property investor customers from other banks, the move will limit how much credit the bank can extend to customers with negatively geared properties. It is a further attempt to slow down growth in investor loans to comply with the regulator's 10 per cent a year speed limit. The volatility of US President Donald Trump's administration is now posing a threat to the global economy, warns credit ratings agency, Fitch. In a strongly worded statement released in London on Friday, Fitch said: "The Trump administration represents a risk to international economic conditions and global sovereign credit fundamentals." Fitch, which is one of the major global credit ratings agencies, said US policy predictability had "diminished" with Trump's administration abandoning the "established international communication channels and relationship norms" and "raising the prospect of sudden, unanticipated changes in US policies with potential global implications". While the final impact of President Trump's actions cannot be known at this stage, it said the balance of risk pointed to a less benign global outcome. Fire crews have spent another day battling dozens of blazes across the state amid the worst fire conditions in NSW history. More than 2,500 firefighters struggled to tame four separate bushfire emergencies that threatened to engulf entire towns in the state's north-west. Firefighters will work through the night to contain 97 blazes across the state. 37 fires are uncontained, and four will remain at the emergency level. Emergency warnings remain in place for four bushfires: at Lower Paooinbarra, west of Port Macquarie; near Leadville, east of Dunedoo at Kains Flat, north-east of Mudgee; at Dondingalong, near Kempsey. Only one person was taken to hospital suffering from burns. Fortunately there has been no reported deaths or serious injuries. The opposition's social services spokeswoman, Jenny Macklin, has released a statement about the government's linking its childcare package to the national disability insurance scheme. "This is a disgraceful political game of brinksmanship," Ms Macklin said. "People with disability do not deserve to be treated with such contempt by the Turnbull Government." "The NDIS is a bipartisan reform that should be above politics. Instead, Mr Turnbull wants to use the NDIS as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Senate." It comes as no real surprise that US President Donald Trump has a "massive fan" in Lisa Oldfield, wife of One Nation co-founder, David Oldfield. The Real Housewives of Sydney star told Fairfax Media that although she does "not think a blanket ban works," she can see Trump's reasoning behind his attempts to restrict travel to the US from seven Muslim-majority countries, which a US federal appeals court has suspended. "I am sure there are people within the country's borders already that are more of a threat but with the terrorist attacks around the world I think he's got reasons to be concerned," she said. When it comes to Australian border control, she says there needs to be "more rigorous threats," but she laughs: "[Australian Prime Minister] Malcolm Turnbull would not have the guts." Aside from her juggernaut appointment, Brown has an Instagram feed laced with outrageous fame and glamour huddling with Kirsten Wiig and Drew Barrymore at the Golden Globes, jazz hands with Princess Eugenie and mock pouts with Chanel's Karl Lagerfield. But peppered among the celebrities are also images of Brown cuddling kangaroos, swigging VB with boyfriend Brandon Borror-Chappell (an aspiring comedian 16 years her junior), and the odd pair of designer shoes. Whether Brown is front-row at the Paris fashion shows or on a plane to the recent Washington D.C. Women's March, she seems to be perpetually mucking around. "Sometimes a chick just really feels @dolcegabbana in the bathroom," she posted at Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit last year. Back in Sydney for Christmas, she's feeling a bit flu-ish, but her drollness and style are undampened. A self-described "unnatural blonde", her years in New York have shaped an accent in which she pronounces her r's "designer" instead of "designa". "Reese Witherspoon is really good at doing 'Yeah-nah'," she jokes, intermittently slipping into mock Aussie patois. Dressed in a flowing powder-blue Zimmermann dress, her hands are laden with rings, including a gold smiley face. So how did she land one of the biggest jobs in fashion media? "I'm pretty simple. I worked hard, I'm a nice girl, I make nice jokes, I'm reasonably smart, I've got okay taste. If you do all the things right and you are good to people, you should do well," she says, as we sit casually on a park bench in inner-city Pyrmont for our interview. "If there's anything that's distinguished me in the American fashion industry it is, I think, that I come across as the 'real girl' [she puts on a voice], a girl who eats her dinner and has a laugh. I eat a lot of spaghetti." Although Brown downplays her appointment, fashion news website Business of Fashion remarked that "There are few editors as well-suited for the InStyle job as Brown, whose easy rapport with Hollywood celebrities, art-world doyennes and name-brand designers helped her to become one of the top 'wranglers' of the business." Brown joined InStyle after 11 years at US Harper's Bazaar, where she became a name in her own right, and executive editor. She not only interviewed the likes of Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Jennifer Aniston, but also developed a knack for pulling off wacky fashion concepts, marrying high-end glamour with mass pop-culture. She sent The Simpsons to Paris Fashion Week, producing images of the cartoon family clad in Louis Vuitton sitting front-row at a Marc Jacobs show, and marshalled top designers to pose on Sesame Street: Oscar de la Renta with Oscar the Grouch, Diane von Furstenberg with Big Bird. For the 40th anniversary of Jaws, Brown had Rihanna swim with grey nurse sharks at an aquarium, and then drape herself across the jaws of a purpose-built fake great white the image was named Fashion Cover of the Year by the American Society of Magazine Editors last year. During her tenure, she collaborated with Hollywood directors like Martin Scorsese and Tim Burton, and tapped into the art world, getting photographer Cindy Sherman to satirise street-fashion seen outside the fashion shows. Brown also moved her playfulness online, hosting two fashion series in which she goofs around with celebrities jesting with the likes of Kim Kardashian and Girls star Lena Dunham, and advising Elmo from Sesame Street about couture. Laughs are not high on the fashion world's agenda. "There are not a lot of fashion editors who have a public sense of humour," agrees Brown. "They may be funny people but they may not necessarily show it as much as I do. "If there is anything I take pride in, it is showing that this is not an unattainable world. I love it when some kid on Twitter, some gay 18-year-old kid from the Philippines, says, 'I want to be Laura Brown's best friend' and I'm like, 'I thought we were best friends.' That's really fun." Brown has a "gift for marrying the exclusive with the inclusive", says her long-term friend Christian McCulloch, a Sydney-born, New York-based make-up artist. "Fashion can be very exclusive and intimidating to some, and while she has fantastic rarefied taste and a sense of chic, she also has an innate desire to share and bring people together," he writes via Facebook. "People connect so easily to that down-to-earthiness, the dry, irreverent sense of humour about things. Her message is more about enjoyment than self-seriousness." Brown in the flesh is much like her Instagram persona smart, upbeat and knockabout. She has a touch of the fast-talking zaniness one finds in New York, but overall is thoughtful and unpretentious, with an obvious love, and knowledge, of fashion. I do get a glimpse of toughness though: when I ask why so many people are down on Gwyneth Paltrow, she gives me a hard "no comment" look. "Pass on that," she says. "I love her. She's such a sport in the video." While Brown's Instagram feed may document a high life, her journey to the top of the New York publishing world has been a long, slow march through the trenches of fashion journalism. "Sometimes you forget you've earned it," she remarks. "If somebody had told me when I was 15 or 20 or 25 that I would be the editor-in-chief of InStyle, my head would have blown off , because that seems, when you are here [in Australia], so far away." Raised by her mother Lola in Manly and North Sydney, her first memory of being interested in fashion was when she was nine and artfully draped a towel. "I wasn't obsessed with fashion in the way where I styled myself as some outrageous specimen," she says. "I just liked fashion in magazines, I liked Hollywood and movies, I liked photography. "There's so much you can read into fashion, there are so many images you can create and there is so much collaboration and participation. I love all that and there's a newness to everything that I never really get sick of." After finishing a communications degree at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, NSW, Brown got a job at the now-defunct fashion magazine Mode as a production editor. She later moved to London for two years but says it was a "dumb decision" as she was a freelancer with no contacts: "I remember one day I didn't have enough money for a Coke." She went to the Paris fashion shows on her own. "I didn't talk to anybody who wasn't a waiter for about four days," she says. "Everybody was kind of mean. It was raining." Back in London, she attended an Alexander McQueen show in which two robots sprayed paint at a model dressed in a white smock. "It was better than any rock concert, or play, or anything, it was such an amazing event. That's when I realised that fashion shows can be shows and I really admire people who still put on a show and not just one about 'here are the new spots'." After London, Brown returned to Sydney and landed a job at Harper's Bazaar as features editor. She stayed for two years, but New York beckoned. With $5000 in the bank, she arrived a week before the September 11 terrorist attacks. She worked at a number of magazines Talk, W, Details before landing a job at US Bazaar in 2005. Being an Australian in New York has helped, she says. "There's something that emanates from us a lack of cynicism or something It's a very American thing to say, 'Your energy is so great.' " Of all the famous people she's met, Brown has been especially impressed by the actor Tilda Swinton ("She's such a smart, brilliant, unique human being"), and the supermodel Christy Turlington, who's become a good friend ("Now she's really into quokkas"). A new study by University of Sydney researchers could help reduce the number of people incorrectly identified by witnesses as perpetrators of crime - a leading cause of wrongful conviction. As popularised by Hollywood films and television drama, witness identification - when police ask victims or witnesses to pick a suspect out of photographic line-ups or identification parades - is an important part of the investigative process. But the researchers found a single factor - direct eye contact, or direct gaze - could influence who was chosen. "In line-up recognition tasks, the face looking directly at you is more likely to look familiar than faces looking away from you," Dr Jessica Taubert, lead author of the study, said. "This leads to more misidentification errors for direct gaze faces." The study, published in the journal i-Perception, was conducted by researchers from the university's school of psychology and co-authored by Celine van Golde, founder and director of Not Guilty: The Sydney Exoneration Project. Some people call him the space cowboy Stephen Miller, a top aide to Trump's presidential campaign, will serve as a senior White House adviser for policy, Trump's transition team announced Tuesday. Miller is a former staffer for the nativist Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), now Trump's nominee for attorney general. The announcement of Miller's new role drew praise from white nationalist leader Richard Spencer. "Stephen is a highly competent and tough individual," Spencer, who famously coined the term "alt-right" to describe the insurgent right-wing movement that has attracted white nationalists and supremacists, told Mother Jones on Wednesday. "So I have no doubt that he will do a great job." Spencer and Miller first came to know each other in the late 2000s as students at Duke University, where they both belonged to the Duke Conservative Union. Miller earned notice for standing up for white lacrosse players falsely accused in 2006 of gang raping a black woman. Spencer also defended the Duke lacrosse players, writing about the case for Pat Buchanan's American Conservative, which later hired him as an editor. Spencer told me that at Duke, Miller helped him with fundraising and promotion for an on-campus debate on immigration policy that Spencer organized in 2007, featuring influential white nationalist Peter Brimelow. Another former member of the Duke Conservative Union confirms that Miller and Spencer worked together on the event. At DCU meetings, according to a past president of the group, Miller denounced multiculturalism and expressed concerns that immigrants from non-European countries were not assimilating. "I knew [Miller] very well when I was at Duke," Spencer told me when I visited him at his home in Whitefish, Montana, a few weeks before the election. "But I am kind of glad no one's talked about this, because I don't want to harm Trump." Miller wrote about two dozen columns for the Duke Chronicle, and his articles assailed multiculturalism (which he called "segregation") and paid family leave (which he said results in men getting laid off). He also denied there was systematic racism (which he dubbed "racial paranoia"). "The President of the United States has accomplished more in just a few weeks than many presidents accomplish in an entire administration." "I think that it's been an important reminder for all Americans that we have a judiciary that has taken far too much power and become in many cases a supreme branch of government." "George, go to New Hampshire. Talk to anybody who has worked in politics there for a long time ... I can tell you that this issue of busing voters into New Hampshire is widely known by anyone who's worked in New Hampshire politics. It's very real. It's very serious. This morning, on this show, is not the venue for me to lay out all the evidence." "They did not give me anything to say ... It's not for me to answer hypothetical. It wouldn't be responsible. It's a sensitive matter." Dickerson: What have you all learned from this experience with the executive order? Miller: Well, I think that it's been an important reminder to all Americans that we have a judiciary that has taken far too much power and become in many cases a supreme branch of government ...The end result of this, though is that our opponents, the media, and THE WHOLE WORLD will soon see as we begin to take further actions, that THE POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT to protect our country are very substantial and WILL NOT BE QUESTIONED. One of the safes that was cut open. In Parklea days earlier, they tried to pay off a security guard to not dob them in after the guard came across them next to a Commonwealth Bank ATM with smoke and flames seeping out of the machine at 3.45am. Despite his conviction for 16 offences, the multilingual Vinciguerra maintained his innocence during a sentencing hearing in the Downing Centre District Court on February 3. Another of Aniello Vinciguerra's co-accused being extradited from the Northern Territory. In a tale akin to a Hollywood movie, the Serbian father-of-three sought to explain the the dramatic twists and turns his life had taken. The baker by trade said he dreamed of being in the army but those aspirations were destroyed when Yugoslavia was torn apart by war. One of Aniello Vinciguerra's co-accused being extradited from the Northern Territory. He claimed his family was shot dead and he had fled his country, spending time in Belgium. It was there he became the target of a major criminal investigation, accused of being behind a catastrophic people smuggling operation that ended in eight people suffocating in a shipping container in 2001. Another destroyed safe. According to The Irish Times, eight people, including two children, all died after being hidden in a sealed freight container that travelled from Italy, via Belgium, to Ireland. Two years later, Vinciguerra and a number of others were arrested and charged over the deaths. An ATM machine targeted by the Albanian gang. Vinciguerra told the Sydney court in February he was innocent and suggested he was only charged because he was seen by police with a close friend, who was also arrested. "They arrest me because I was with him in a couple of places in normal life," he told Judge Paul Lakatos. Dressed in prison greens and throwing an occasional glance at supporters in the public gallery, Vinciguerra conceded that he went on the run when he was released on bail in Belgium. He said he feared for his life after his co-accused was shot dead. "I hide myself," he said. "When you have to deal with serious people you have to think, where is the smallest hole to hide because they will find you." For more than a decade he managed to dodge and weave authorities, but a Belgium court convicted him in his absence. Vinciguerra claimed in 2012 he was picked up while sleeping a car in Germany by passport control officers who noticed he was the subject of an arrest warrant. He said he was then released in 2013, after the High Court in Belgium quashed his absentia conviction. Vinciguerra said he made the decision to move to Australia using a false Italian passport after his house was shot up in 2014. "After that when I was been shot in the door, I was lucky because I didn't receive a bullet," he said. "In Eastern European country they don't forget ever. I came to Australia for a better life, a new life and to leave my old past behind me." He arrived in Australia under the name Aniello Vinciguerra, leaving the identity he used in Belgium Bekin Zogaj and his real name Albert Katriotis behind him. After getting past border control in Melbourne, Vinciguerra claimed he wanted to seek asylum and headed to the Northern Territory, where he heard it would be easier for him to be granted a visa. It was in Darwin where Vinciguerra and his three co-accused were arrested in November 2014 after an investigation by NSW's Property Crime Squad. Judge Lakatos said while Vinciguerra may be charming, he would not be swayed from his decision of finding him guilty last October. Guests at Spring Creek Mountain Cafe and Cottages in southern Queensland have fled, after a bushfire clouded the area in heavy smoke over the weekend. Owner Bev Ruskey said the fire caused all guests to leave and was disappointed by locals' lack of care during the extreme heat. The bushfire started at The Falls, south-east of Warwick, about 2pm on Saturday. Credit:Toby Crockford The bushfire started at The Falls, south-east of Warwick, about 2pm on Saturday and Ms Ruskey alerted fire crews after spotting the smoke and "hearing the crackling". Firefighters thought they had extinguished the fire during the evening, but it sparked again the next morning, with Ms Ruskey able to see the flames and "hear trees crashing down". Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls has not ruled out his Liberal National Party preferencing One Nation ahead of Labor at this year's state election. On the day it emerged the West Australian Liberal Party would preference One Nation in next month's WA state election even at the expense of its Coalition partner, the Nationals Mr Nicholls said it would ultimately be a matter for the LNP state executive. Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls says preference deals were a matter for the LNP state executive. Credit:Bradley Kanaris The WA Liberals' decision has strained relations with the Nationals in the west, but such a schism was unlikely in Queensland, since the Liberal-National state merger in 2008. But that would not prevent some backlash from LNP Liberals, particularly in the south-east corner, who could face soft, small-l liberal voters' dissatisfaction with any One Nation deals. Alleged domestic violence offenders would be forced to wear GPS trackers under legislation set to be introduced by the Queensland opposition this week. If passed, the Liberal National Party's bill would also introduce an automatic three-day stay on any bail order, which would provide a grace period to allow for urgent appeals against magistrates' decisions to set suspects free. Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls' LNP will introduce the private members' bill this week, Credit:Robert Shakespeare Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said they were measures designed to "tip the scales in the favour of the victims". The trackers, Mr Nicholls said, would alert victims when their alleged attacker was within a certain distance. Police and SES volunteers are searching through scrub north of Brisbane on Sunday, looking for items which may help with the investigation into the murder of Wayne Youngkin in 1986. Emergency services began what Acting Detective Superintendent Mick O'Dowd described as a "painstaking and methodical" search around a 700-metre section of trail in the Deagon Wetlands. Police have circulated this image of Wayne Youngkin, who went missing in 1986 and whose remains were found in Brighton in November. Credit:Queensland Police Service Authorities are acting on information received from the public after Mr Youngkin's body was discovered in a septic tank in Brighton in November last year, 30 years after he was reported missing. Superintendent O'Dowd thanked the public for supplying "quite a substantial amount of information" during the course of the investigation but renewed the appeal for anything further. An engraving of a sea turtle on the Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia. The petroglyphs are near industrial complexes, including the Dampier salt stockpiles in the background. Credit:Ken Mulvaney "The rock carvings are on the Burrup today to teach people ... Exactly the same as how a priest has to be trained, the Aboriginal people train their children to do exactly what they've been taught." The CSIRO has been monitoring rock art in the area on behalf of the WA government for more than a decade. The government receives funds from industry on the Burrup for this monitoring and industry has also paid CSIRO directly for monitoring. Senior cultural ranger at Murujuga National Park, Jakari Togo, looks out to sea next to rock carvings on the Burrup Peninsula. Credit:Australian Geographic The CSIRO said it "is committed to providing the WA Government with robust data to ensure the preservation of the Burrup heritage rock art sites". However, Johan Kuylenstierna of the Stockholm Environment Institute said the CSIRO was misusing his research to support unsuitable advice about atmospheric acid levels. Rock carvings on the Burrup Peninsula, near Karratha. Credit:Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation Dr Kuylenstierna has written to a Senate inquiry into protection of the rock art to say the use of his research by the CSIRO "to say anything of relevance to the rock art in the Burrup Peninsula is just plain wrong". He said it cannot be used to justify safe levels of acid emissions recommended by the CSIRO. The country of the Burrup Peninsula, with petroglyph, or rock art, in the foreground. Credit:Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation Fairfax Media asked the CSIRO to explain the scientific basis for using Dr Kuylenstierna's research to set a critical acid load recommendation for the rocks and rock art. The CSIRO replied to this question with one line: "At the time of writing [in 2008], [Kuylenstierna's] paper was used as a best approximation to the rock ecosystem at Burrup." Map of ecosystem sensitivities published by Cinderby, Kuylenstierna et al (1989). The map was used by the CSIRO to allocate "least sensitive" class to the rocks of Burrup, even though the study concerns soils and maps are at the scale of 1:5,000,000. Credit:Stockholm Environment Institute Dr Kuylenstierna has emphatically stated that the report, known as Cinderby et al (1998), has no relevance to understanding the ability of rock art to resist acid deposits on the Burrup. He also said: Yara Pilbara Nitrates technical ammonium nitrate manufacturaing plant is due to start operations this year. Credit:Yara Pilbara The report used 1:5,000,000 scale global maps from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation, which would not show up the detail of the soil type in an area such as the Burrup; The main soil type in the Burrup area differs from the region as a whole; The maps are not based on information about the parent material of the soil; What is required is a detailed understanding of the particular weathering processes on the rocks faces on to which the rock art is carved. The CSIRO admitted it had never undertaken any assessment of the capacity of the Burrup rocks to cope with acid deposition from industry. Without doing such testing it nonetheless advised the WA government and industry that "acid deposition to the Burrup area is unlikely to cause any deleterious effects to rock or rock art on the Burrup peninsula". Dr John Black, former assistant divisional chief of the CSIRO, on the Burrup Peninsula in July 2016. All industry groups on the Burrup including Woodside, Rio Tinto and Yara Pilbara have cited this CSIRO advice as evidence its emissions are safe. A spokesman for the CSIRO told Fairfax Media: "We have never studied the buffering capacity of the rocks. This was never a part of the contracted work." Buffering refers to the capacity of a substance or object to maintain stable pH levels. Yet, the author of the 2008 CSIRO report upon which advice to industry is based, Rob Gillett, has told Dr Black that such a study is required. On November 6, 2016, Dr Gillett wrote to Dr Black: "I do share your concern for the future health of the rock art as more industry is added to the area ... I think that detailed study is required to better ascertain the buffering capacity/critical loads." Yara Pilbara, which operates the ammonia fertiliser plant at the Burrup, is about to start operation of an adjacent ammonium nitrate explosives plant, which it jointly owns with Orica Australia. Dr Black, who was assistant chief of CSIRO's animal production division until 1996, is concerned that when that plant begins operation this year acid loads will increase. According to Yara Pilbara's environmental compliance assessment reports, the plant will annually produce 135 tonnes of nitrogen oxides; 164 tonnes of nitrous oxide; 41 tonnes of carbon dioxide; 18 tonnes of methane; 20 tonnes of ammonia; and 25.2 tonnes of dust-sized ammonium nitrate particles. Many of these emissions would increase acid load onto the surrounding rock art. In 2003 and 2004 Dr Ian MacLeod, who worked as a senior scientist at the WA Museum for 38 years, measured local pH levels. To his knowledge he is the only person who has taken acidic readings of the rocks. He published his findings in a peer-reviewed paper in 2005 for the International Council of Museums committee for conservation. That study found that "the current microenvironment of the Burrup Peninsula is more acidic than before industrialisation". Dr MacLeod told Fairfax Media: "For the CSIRO not to test the buffering capacity of the rocks is a fundamental failure of methodology. "The rock surface is where all the action is. With all respects to the CSIRO, if you don't do this then how are you meant to understand the chemistry of what's going on?" Dr Black, who is a member of Friends of Australian Rock Art, said the CSIRO has made further errors in its measurement of colour changes to the rock art. The CSIRO has been doing regular readings of the art since 2004, on behalf of the WA government and Burrup industry groups. However, Dr Black said colour monitoring has relied on inconsistent statistical methods. In emails seen by Fairfax Media, CSIRO personnel seem to accept this, saying: "CSIRO reports haven't previously included statistical modelling of colour data over time; its addition will be welcome." In one email to Dr Black, a CSIRO staff member said: "That the data do support colour change on the Burrup rock art is certainly worth reporting in my view." However, CSIRO reports on rock art colour on the Burrup have said that no significant changes have been detected. These findings have been cited by industry in their claims that emissions are no threat to the art. Yara Pilbara told Fairfax Media: "Since monitoring began, there has been no credible scientific evidence to indicate that industrial emissions are having any measurable impact on the rock art." However, the statistician working on those reports emailed Dr Black on May 16, 2016, to say: "Significant colour change has been recorded in at least some observed spots of rock art on the Burrup peninsula. I absolutely agree that conclusion should be brought out clearly." However, the CSIRO has made no such report in public. A CSIRO spokesman said that one of the devices used to measure colour produced "fluctuation in the ... data". He said that due to this fluctuation "and the fact that it contradicts the evidence of [other] machines, the overall conclusion on all the data has been that they don't provide strong evidence that colour change over time has occurred". The CSIRO said it was preparing a new report and repeated its assertion that there is "no evidence of significant differences in colour change between southern rocks situated near industrial activity and northern rocks situated away from industrial activity". However, Fairfax Media can also reveal that one device used to monitor rock art colour is designed for indoors use only, but is used outdoors where temperatures can soar above 40 degrees. The instruction manual for the Konica Minolta CM700-d used by the CSIRO states the device has been "designed exclusively for indoor use ... [and] ... should never be used outdoors". The CSIRO said: "The Konica Minolta CM700-d was used under sought advice that the specifications around outdoor use are to do with the potential for adverse weather conditions to damage the instrument, not its effectiveness or accuracy outdoors. The instrument was used in the study under ideal outdoor conditions." Dr Black has taken his concerns to the CSIRO and the West Australian government. He said: "Despite being aware of the comments from the scientific paper's author, the CSIRO scientist has to date refused to change his opinion and retract his conclusion." Dr Black was been given confidential access to the raw data of colour measurements taken by the CSIRO. He has written his findings and submitted them to the WA government. However, the government will not release the data or Dr Black's report. Due to the confidentiality agreement, Fairfax Media is unaware of its conclusions. WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob said: "It would not be appropriate to release the raw data and Dr Black's paper until the peer review process is completed." The Senate inquiry into protection of the rock art will hold a public hearing on February 17. It is due to report on March 21. The heart of the scientific dispute Emissions from industry on the Burrup, particularly from the Yara Pilbara Fertilisers plant, produce nitrogen oxides and other chemicals, which could pose a threat to the rock art. A report by Rob Gillett at the CSIRO in 2008 cited work by Dr Johan Kuylenstierna and his colleagues that the CSIRO claimed puts the Burrup Peninsula in the "least sensitive class" to the acid emissions. The Gillett report said: "The critical load for the Burrup area is at least 200 milliequivalents per square metre per year [of acidic emission]. "Since this is significantly more than the observed deposition fluxes at the sites they are unlikely to cause any deleterious effects to rock or rock art on the Burrup Peninsula." However, Dr Kuylenstierna has said: "This assertion is incorrect." Yara Pilbara, in conjunction with Orica Australia, has completed construction of a $700 million ammonia nitrate explosives plant next to its fertiliser plant. From its own reports, the Yara plant will increase the atmospheric load of nitrogen-based oxides and particulate ammonium nitrate. These can damage rocks when they turn into acids in the environment. CSIRO-measured levels already place emissions above the limit of the most sensitive class cited in the Kuylenstierna/Cinderby report. Friends of Australian Rock Art, based in Perth, is campaigning for the site to be reclassified in this most sensitive class, which means acidic emissions of less than 25 milliequivalents per square metre a year. The CSIRO has told Fairfax: "Research shows small increases from low-level naturally occurring background flux of sulfur and nitrogen of 14 meq/sqm/yr to 20-33 20% meq/sqm/yr at sites close to industry." Dr Kuylenstierna said that the 200 meq/sqm/year in his research refers to the broad sensitivity of surrounding ecosystems, using maps at a scale of 1:5,000,000. He said this can only show "broad patterns not local detail". "But the point is that these are soil maps and not geology maps and so still misses the point the method is not based on an assessment of the geology," Dr Kuylenstierna said. He also said that the study refers to the sensitivity of ecosystems, not of the rocks to weathering. "If anything, the reverse is true, as more rapid weathering of minerals in the soil leads to better buffering and less damage to ecosystems ... the rocks in a highly buffered region would weather faster," he said. The suggestion that rocks in highly buffered regions would be susceptible to faster weathering was in the original 1998 study cited by the CSIRO in its 2008 report. A Melbourne law firm is the subject of a police investigation over claims it threatened a man to accept a low valuation of his former matrimonial home or he would be pursued in court over breaches of an intervention order. The allegations, which could also face scrutiny from the Legal Services Board, are expected to fuel concerns about the abuse of intervention orders to secure favourable property settlements by those involved in acrimonious divorce proceedings. The most recent data from the Magistrates Court of Victoria reveals a 10 per cent increase in 2014-15 in the number of applications for intervention orders from the previous year. Most of the 72,625 applications were made by Victoria Police, which has placed a significant strain on the resources of law enforcement agencies and the justice system. Fairfax Media has also been told of other aggressive tactics during divorce negotiations, including threats to report former spouses to the Australian Tax Office or Centrelink over claims of fraud or tax evasion. Ebony Bowden reports on Lou Bougias' speech: Bougias has warned changes to the industry would be followed by suicides and bankruptcies. "We're here because something very, very wrong is happening. It's immoral. It's literally illegal and it's not right. It has to stop." Bougias made headlines last month when he administered first aid to a woman injured in the Bourke Street tragedy and was hailed as a hero by other witnesses. "We are the middle and working classes and they're trying to destroy us. We are raising families, we're paying debts off and we're working hard and we're going to wake up one morning with nothing. "It's time," he said, borrowing Gough Whitlam's iconic slogan. "It is time. Enough is enough is enough." There are fears a second Esperance man has lost his life in floodwaters after his car was found abandoned in a river on Sunday and a land and air search remains unsuccessful. The 74-year-old had been driving to Ravensthorpe on his way through to Perth on Saturday but called his wife to say he was returning home because he was having engine trouble on the flooded roads. Taylor Street bridge in the East Northam on February 9 before major flooding. Credit:Karen Morgan His car was found submerged in the Jerdacuttup River, about 150 kilometres from Esperance about 6am on Sunday. This comes after the body of a 68-year-old father of two, also from Esperance, was found on Sunday, about half a kilometre away from his car which had been caught in fast-moving waters at a crossing north of Esperance. London: Donald Trump's controversial state visit to Britain could move from London to the Midlands to allow the US President to address a Brexit rally and raise money for veterans. Ministers also say the trip could be delayed from June to July to coincide with Trump's visit to the G20 summit of developed nations in Hamburg. US President Donald Trump, right, and British Prime Minister Theresa May during a joint news conference in the White House in January. Credit:Bloomberg The British government's plans for the visit are in crisis after a possible address to both houses of parliament was controversially vetoed by Commons Speaker John Bercow. And Bercow's hostilities with Trump were renewed yesterday when it emerged that he told a students' meeting that the tycoon should learn from Barack Obama about the "merits of the fight against racial injustice". Transcription 1 Status, Habitat Use, and Behaviour of Wintering Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus in Semi-Arid and Saharan Wetlands of Algeria E. Bensaci, M. Saheb, Y. Nouidjem, A. Zoubiri, A. Bouzegag, M. Houhamdi Abstract The Greater flamingo is considered the flagship species of wetlands across semi-arid and Saharan regions of Africa, especially Chotts and Sebkhas, which also concentrate significant numbers of bird species. Flamingos have different status (wintering and breeder) which vary between sites in different parts of Algeria. We conducted surveys and recorded banded flamingos across distinct regions within two climatic belts: semi-arid (Hauts Plateaux) and arid (Sahara), showing the importance of these sites in the migratory flyways particularly the relation between West Mediterranean and West Africa populations. The distribution of Greater flamingos varied between sites and seasons, where the concentrations mainly were in the wide, lees deep and salt lakes. Many of the sites (17) in the surveyed area were regularly supporting at least 1% of the regional population during winter. The analysis of Greater flamingos behaviour in different climatic regions in relation showed that the feeding is the dominant diurnal activity with rates exceeding 60% of the time. While feeding varies between seasons, and showed a negative relationship with the degree of disturbance. Keywords Algeria, greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, Sahara, semi-arid. I. INTRODUCTION HE population of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus Troseus, in the Western Mediterranean occupies mainly brackish and salt areas (lagoons, salt pans, etc.) and breed in colonies of up to several thousands of couples distributed around the Mediterranean Sea [1]. Previously, North Africa has traditionally been known as a wintering ground or a kind of "creche" for immature flamingos [2]. In Algeria, the species has been considered as wintering with a total not exceeding 5000 birds [2]. Many reasons were prevented to study and update our knowledge on the status and distribution of this species in Algeria such as the lack of local ornithologists, the vastness of continental wetlands and the difficulty of access to them. From 2005, where the first successful breeding was Ettayib Bensaci and Yacine Nouidjem are with the Department of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Mohamed Boudiaf, M Sila, Algeria ( Menouar Saheb and Asma Zoubiri are with the Department of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Larbi Benm hidi, Oum El Bouaghi, Algeria ( Abdelaziz Bouzeguag and Moussa Houhamdi are with the Biology, Water & Environment Research Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and Sciences of Earth and Universe, University of 08 May 1945, Guelma 24000, Algeria ( recorded at Garaet Ezzemoul (Eastern Hauts Plateaux) [3], the breeding was confirmed in other sites mainly in the Sahara [4]-[6]. On the other hand, the Greater Flamingo made many breeding attempts always in the Hauts Plateaux [7], [8] and in the Sahara [6]. Although, there are still substantial gaps in knowledge regarding the distribution, habitat use and behaviour of Greater flamingos through the wetlands dispersed in the arid and Saharan regions of Algeria during wintering season. In this paper, we review the status, distribution and behaviour ecology of greater flamingos regarding environmental factors across semi-arid and Saharan regions of Algeria in the aim to provide a general idea of the key sites of flamingos wintering for eventual conservation measures. II. STUDY AREA Algeria is the largest country in Africa with a total area of 2,381,741 km 2, also the situation in the southern shore of Mediterranean basin in the African continent is characterized by a distinct latitudinal climatic gradient (subtropical, semiarid and arid) from the north to the south of the country (Fig. 1). 3 Fig. 1 Location of the surveyed regions across the Hauts Plateaux and the Sahara of Algeria. The three regions of the Hauts Plateaux are (1) Eastern Hauts Plateaux, (2) Central Hauts Plateaux, (3) Western Hauts Plateaux; the three regions of the Sahara are: (4) Oued Righ Valley, (5) Ouargla, and (6) El Golea The Hauts Plateaux and the Saharan regions of Algeria occupy more 87% (80% and 7% respectively) of the total surface of the country. These regions characterized by 2 differentiation of combinations of rainfall, latitude and altitude that generate semi-arid climat in the Hauts Plateaux and an arid climate across the Sahara. III. METHODS This contribution reports the results of the surveys of wintering Greater Flamingos in the Hauts Plateaux and the Saharan regions of Algeria between 2006 and A part of this survey was the Ph.D. thesis of members of the Laboratoire de recherche Biologie- Eau & Environnement (Algeria) in different regions of Algeria. A monthly survey was done in the Oued Righ valley, Western Hauts Plateaux, and Central Hauts Plateaux. Whereas the other wetland complex (El Golea, Ouargla, and Eastern Hauts Plateaux) were visited each season. In our search on the habitat use and behaviour of wintering Greater Flamingos, we focused on the Central High Plateaux (semi-arid) and the Oued Righ valley (Sahara). The census of the Greater flamingos was done by direct observation using an Optolyth 20x80 telescope by a team of 5 to 2 observer from near the wetland in different observation points, where most of the surface area and the edge was visible, in the aim to identify and count all birds present [9]. Some sites were large salt lakes, at which it is difficult to obtain a complete count of the birds present (Chott Melghir and Chott Merouane). With the aim to study the habitat use of wintering greater flamingos, environmental determinants were taken into account for each wetland used by flamingos mainly in the Central High Plateaux and Oued Righ Valley in 2007 and Six morphological parameters were measured: wetland area (WA), altitude (ALT), open water area ratio (OWA%), vegetation cover rate (VC%), water level fluctuation (WLF) and Water salinity (SAL). Wetland size, open water area, vegetation cover and open water area ratio were measured from aerial photos (1:5,000). These photographs were entered into a GIS program. 351 3 Fig. 2 Abundance distribution pattern of wintering Greater flamingos in the wetlands of the Hauts Plateaux and the Sahara of Algeria. Eastern (a) Hauts Plateaux, (b) Central Hauts Plateaux, (c) Western Hauts Plateaux, (d) Oued Righ Valley, (e) El Golea, and (f) Ouargla 352 4 Behaviour of wintering Greater flamingos had also been followed in Oued Righ Valley and Central Hauts Plateaux. Its behaviour is divided arbitrarily into seven activities: feeding, walking, preening, sleeping, agonistic behavior, courtship, and flying. Scan sampling method is the most appropriate for large wetlands, which requires that the behaviour of individuals in the sample be recorded instantaneously [10]. The activity budget studies utilising scan sampling involve surveying the entire local population at the time of sampling, that, e.g., all birds on a pond [11]. IV. RESULTS A. Status and Wintering Distribution Pattern Throughout the study area, the greater flamingos present the breeding and the wintering status which different from site to other. Our survey has shown the presence of flamingos during the winter period in the main Brakish and salt wetlands of the Hauts Plateaus and the Sahara, with high numbers particularly in the large area and restricted abundances in the small once. Within all wetlands surveyed, thirty-five sites were used as wintering ground within four sites were considered till now as breeding area [3]-[6]. Gareat Ezzemoul and Gareat Guellif (EHP), Chott El Hodna (CHP), Chott Echergui (EHP), Chott Merouane and Chott Melghir (Sahara) are considered the important wintering areas which held the highest concentration of greater flamingos during the winter more than flamingos were recorded in each site (Fig. 2). The analysis of geographical situations of confirmed breeding sites and nesting attempt sites in Algeria showed that in each wetland complex where many sites are adjacent, there is at least one site (the most difficult access and least disturbance) selected by flamingos as a nesting site. Seventeen sites were regularly supporting at least 1% of the West Mediterranean population of Greater flamingo [12]. (Table I). Through our visits, the highest abundances of Greater flamingos were recorded during the months of November, December, and February. TABLE I STATUS OF GREATER FLAMINGOS ACROSS DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THE HAUTS PLATEAUX AND THE SAHARA Region Number of wetlands used for wintering flamingos Number of wetlands held over 1% of biogeographic population Number of breeding sites Eastern Hauts Plateaux Central Hauts Plateaux Western Hauts Plateaux Oued Righ Valley Ouargla El Golea Total B. Ring Re-Sighting of Wintering Greater Flamingos During our survey, particularly during wintering period, a total of 341 re-sightings of ringed flamingos were recorded only in the Sahara and the Central Hauts Plateaux (166 and 83 respectively), 249 bands were confirmed by their detailed life history received from different ringing centers through the Mediterranean basin: France, Italy, and Spain (Fig. 3). The analyses of rings origin shown that the dominated observed rings in the Sahara were from France (56%) followed by those from (Spain 23%, Italy 15% and Algeria 6%), whereas in the Central Hauts Plateaux the resightings of banded flamingos were reported the dominance of Spanish rings (62.65%) followed by rings of other countries (France 21,69% and Italy 15.66%), when any Algerian ring was observed in this part of country. Elsewhere, the analysis of observed rings showed that 32% of them were observed previously in Algeria especially in the eastern Hauts Plateaux (76%). In fact, 1.6% of resighting rings have been seen in Turkey and Guinea-Bissau. Fig. 3 Origin of sighted rings during wintering period: (a) Sahara, (b) Central Hauts Plateaux C. Habitat Use by Wintering Greater Flamingos The principal components analysis (PCA) of morphological characteristics of studied wetlands showed significant differences between sites. First and second axes of the PCA plotted in Fig. 4, explained 79.22% (57.22 x respectively) of the total variance. Chott Merouane, Chott Meghir, Chott Tindla, Chott Hamraia 2, Chott El Hodna, and Dayet El Kerfa (as shown in Fig. 4 (a)) are separated along the second axis from all other wetlands. These are characterized by the highest values of open water area ratio, wetland area and water salinity (Fig. 4 (b)). Whereas Lac Ayata, Chott Hamraia 1, Lac Oued Khrouf and Lac de Boughezoul are dispersed along the positive direction of the first axis which are characterized by the high values of vegetation cover rate, altitude and water level. 353 5 Results of the simple linear regression analysis shown that only three environmental variables were significantly correlated with flamingos abundance. The wetland area and water salinity was positively correlated with the abundance (r=0.69 and r=0.51 respectively), while the abundance was negatively correlated negatively with the water level (r=-0.51). The other morphological characteristics (open water area, vegetation cover rate and the altitude) were weakly correlated with flamingos abundance (r=0.41, r=-0.43, and r=-0.31 respectively) > 2 ) % (2 2 F e -1 x a > 0.5 ) % (2 2 F e x a Individus (axes F1 et F2 : %) Chott Melghir Dayet El Kerfa ChottTindla Chott El Hodna Chott Hamraia-2 Chott Merouane Lac Boughezoul Lac Ayata Chott Hamraia-1 Lac Oued Khrouf axe F1 (57.25 %) --> Variables (axes F1 et F2 : %) 1 OWA SAL WA 0 ALT axe F1 (57.25 %) --> WLF Fig. 4 (a) Principal components analysis of studied wetlands, (b) principal components analysis of morphological characteristics. WA: wetland area, ALT: altitude, OWA: open water area, VC: vegetation cover, WLF: water level fluctuation, SAL: water salinity D. Behavior Ecology The diurnal time budgets recorded for Greater flamingos in the two study regions; Oued Righ Valley and Central Hauts Plateaux (2007/08 and 2008/09), indicate that the birds devoted over half their time to feeding (66.2910.48% and 69.090.95% respectively). This last activity was followed by sleeping, preening, walking, agonistic behavior, courtship and flying in the Oued Righ Valley. However, the feeding was followed by walking, sleeping, preening, agonistic behavior, b a VC flying and courtship in the Central Hauts Plateaux (Table II). At both of the regions, feeding was significantly the dominant diurnal activity (F 6,96=192.04, P< at Oued Righ Valley and F 6,96 =28.10, P< at Central Hauts Plateaux). Not significant differences were found in the time allocated to different activities between the two regions (=4.3, P>0.05). Temporal changes in the time spent in feeding displayed a similar pattern, with a high value of 74% (Central Hauts Plateaux) and 69.5% (Oued Righ Vally) during the early wintering period, followed by a decrease in feeding activity to 57% (Central Hauts Plateaux) and 62.2% (Oued Righ Vally) of diurnal time in late winter and spring. TABLE II MEAN PERCENTAGE OF DIURNAL TIME SPENT BY GREATER FLAMINGOS ON DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES AT OUED RIGH VALLEY AND CENTRAL HAUTS PLATEAUX DURING WINTER. Activity % Oued Righ Valley Central Hauts Plateaux Mean SD Mean SD Feeding Sleeping Flying Walking Courtship Agonistic behaviour Preening V. DISCUSSION The variety of status and distribution of the Greater flamingos confirm the results reported in the former studies on the key roles played for the conservation of the Mediterranean flamingo metapopulation by Algerian wetlands, particularly those of semi-arid and Saharan regions as potential wintering grounds [13], [14] and as breeding area [6], [15]. Our results of rings resightings led us to start understanding the distribution of wintering flamingos originated from northwestern Mediterranean colonies in Algeria. Where, the banded birds originate mainly from the Camargue (France) came in the first place, followed by those from Fuente de Piedra (Spain), Italy and Algeria in the Sahara (eastern of Algeria), which is similar to that found in Eastern Hauts Plateaux [16]. While in the Central Hauts Plateaux, the banded birds mainly originated from Spain in the first position followed by those from the Camargue (France). This distribution pattern of these birds suggests that the central and the western wetlands of Algeria are structured into Spain-to-Mauritania flyway [17] which need depth monitoring for confirmation. The observation of flamingos has been seen before in Turkey and Guinea-Bissau during wintering period shows the importance of Saharan wetlands in the linking between East Mediterranean and West Africa populations. Wetland area, open water area ratio and water salinity of the habitat were the most important features that affected wetland flamingos abundance. Many studies conducted in wetland ecosystems have demonstrated the importance of habitat area [17]. The high proportion of feeding activity may be explained 354 6 by the requirement of these birds to accumulate large amounts of body storage to meet their energy needs of long journeys and prepare the breeding period. VI. CONCLUSION Protective measures are needed for the Hauts Plateaux and Saharan wetlands, as these habitats are vulnerable to hydrological changes and human management. In the future, we aim to stretch the tasks started in the East of Algeria to the Sahara, Central and Western Hauts Plateaux by different actions such as monitoring and environmental education programs using this flagship species. However, some aspects deserve greater emphasis, like the factors affecting the distribution of the Greater Flamingo in Algeria, and the effect of climate changes and anthropogenic activities on the conservation of this species. Our results also confirmed that the wintering Greater flamingos in Algeria seem to prefer the salt, less depth, and large wetlands than brakish, deep and small ones which is similar to their main distribution area in Mediterranean basin [13], [18], [19]. Additionally, we found that bird abundance was best predicted by water level fluctuation and wetland area, according to [20]. However, it s appeared that the open water area ratio, the vegetation cover rate, and the altitude did not have significant effects on the flamingos abundance. The dominance of feeding activity in the diurnal behavior of Greater flamingos in the two study regions, similarly to that previously reported by [21], [22]. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We are especially grateful to Dr. Arnaud Bechat (Tour du Valat) for his encouragement and for material support and the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat. We also thank University of Guelma, University of M Sila, and members of Association Ecologia (Djamaa- El Oued) and Association Nationale Algerien d Ornithologie (ANAO). REFERENCES [1] A. Johnson, Eco-ethology of Greater Flamingos in Camargue and in the West Palearctic Etho-ecologie du Flamant, rose (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus Pallas) en Camargue et dans le l Ouest palearctique. Ph.D. Thesis. Universite Paul Sabatier, Toulouse (France), p. [2] P.Isenmann, and A. Moali, Birds of Algeria Les Oiseaux d Algerie. Societe d Etudes ornithologiques de France, Paris, p [3] B. Samraoui, A. Ouldjaoui, M. Boulkhssaim, M. Houhamdi, M. Saheb, and A. Bechet, The first recorded reproduction of the Greater Flamingo Phnicopterus roseus in Algeria: behavioral and ecological aspects. Ostrich, 77, vol 4, [4] A. Bouzid, A. Yousfi, M. Boulkhssaim, and B. Samraoui, First success breeding of Greater Flamingos in the Algerian Sahara Premiere nidification reussie du Flamant rose Phoenicopterus roseus dans le Sahara algerien. Alauda, 77: [5] N. Bouchibi Baaziz, A.Bouzid, M. Boulkhssaim, A. Ouldjaoui, N. Baaziz, A. Boucheker, and B. Samraoui, A new nesting site for the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus in the Algerian Sahara and an account of the in the Algerian Sahara and an account of the 2010 breeding season. Flamingo, Bulletin of the Flamingo Specialist Group, 18, [6] E. Bensaci, A. Bouzegag, E. Guergueb, C. Bounab, H. Brahmia, Y. Nouidjem, A. Zeraoula, L. Bouaguel, M. Saheb, S. Metlaoui, B. Mayache, Z. Bouselama, and M. Houhamdi, Chott Merouane: A new breeding site of Greater Flamingo Chott Merouane (Algerie): un nouveau site de reproduction du Flamant rose Phoenicopterus roseus. Flamingo, Bulletin of the Flamingo Specialist Group, 18, [7] B. Samraoui, M. Boulekhssaim, A. Bouzid, E. Bensaci, C. Germain, A. Bechet, and F. Samraoui, Current research, and conservation of the Greater Flamingo Phnicopterus roseus in Algeria. Flamingo Special Publication, Proceedings of the IV International Workshop on Greater Flamingo in Mediterranean region and Northwest Africa [8] F. Baghdadi, M. Saheb, B. Mayache, Y.Nouidjem, E. Bensaci, A. Bouzegag, E. Guergueb, K. Oudihat, and M. Houhamdi, The Greater Flamingos in the Wester of Algeria: a failure breeding attemps Chott Ech-Chergui (El-Bayadh) -Submitted for publication Le Flamant rose Phnicopterus roseus dans l Ouest Algerien: tentative de nidification echouee dans le Chott Ech-Chergui (El-Bayadh). Flamingo, Bulletin of the Flamingo Specialist Group, 19. [9] C. Bibby, N. Burgess, and D. Hill, Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press Limited, London [10] J. Althmann, Observational study of behavior: sampling methods. Behaviour, 4: [11] S.E. Adair, J. L. Moore, W.H. Kiel, Wintering diving duck use of coastal ponds: an analysis of alternative hypotheses. Journal of Wildlife Managmant, 60, [12] A. Bechet, Greater Flamingo Population in the Western Palearctic and their Estimated Sizes in Flamingo Specialist Newsletters, [13] M. Houhamdi, E. Bensaci, Y. Nouidjem, A. Bouzegag, M. Saheb, and B. Samraoui, Eco-ethology of wintering Greater Flamingos in the Oued Righ Valley Eco-ethologie des Flamants roses Phnicopterus roseus hivernants dans la Vallee de Oued Righ, Sahara oriental algerien. Aves, 45, vol 1, [14] E. Bensaci, Eco-ethology of wintering Greater Flamingos in the Oued Righ Valley Eco-ethologie du Flamant rose Phnicopterus roseus dans la Vallee d Oued Righ (Sahara oriental algerien). Ph.D. Thesis in Biological Sciences. Universite de Guelma (Algerie). 126p [15] F. Samraoui, M. Boulkhssaim, A. Bouzid, N. Baaziz, A. Ouldjaoui, and B.Samraoui, The Breeding of Greater Flamingos in Algeria La reproduction du Flamant rose Phoenicopterus roseus en Algerie ( ), Alauda,78: [16] A. Boucheker, B. Samraoui, R.Prodon, J. Amat, M. Rendon-Martos, N. Baccetti, F.V. Esquerre, S. Nissardi, O. Balkiz, C.Germain, M. Boulkhssaim., and A. Bechet, Connectivity between the Algerian population of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus and those of the Mediterranean basin, Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology, 82:3, [17] Y. Diawara, A. Arnaud, C. Mohamed, and A. Bechet, Monitoring of the Greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus in Mauritania. Flamingo Special Publication, Proceedings of the IV International Workshop on Greater Flamingo in Mediterranean region and Northwest Africa [18] S. Cramp, (Ed.) Handbook of the birds of Europe the Middle East and North Africa: The birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. 1 : OstrichDucks. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Oxford University Press, Oxford. 722 pp [19] A. R. Johnson, and F. Cezilly, The Greater Flamingo. Poyser, Londres [20] A. Froneman, M.Mangnall, R. Little, and T. Crowe, Waterbird assemblages and associated habitat characteristics of farm ponds in the Western Cape, South Africa. Biodiversity and Conservation, 10: [21] J.Boukhriss, S.Selmi, A. Bechet, and S.Nouira, Vigilance in Greater Flamingos Wintering in Southern Tunisia: Age-Dependent Flock Size Effect.. Ethology, 113: [22] L. Bouaguel, M. Saheb, E. Bensaci, S. Bougoudjil, Z. Bouslama, and M. Houhamdi, Status and Diurnal Behavior of the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus in Algerian Eastern High Plains. Annals of Biological Research, 4, 8: Washington: A White House official on Sunday criticised a US court ruling that blocked President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration as a "judicial usurpation of power" and said the administration is considering a range of options, including a new order. Sustained criticism of the judiciary from the White House comes amid concern among Democrats and legal scholars over Trump's view of the constitutional principle of judicial independence as the administration seeks to overcome legal setbacks to its travel ban issued on January 27. The Republican president said on Friday that he may issue a new executive order rather than go through lengthy court challenges to the original one, which restricted entry to the United States of people from seven Muslim-majority countries. "We have multiple options and we are considering all of them," White House adviser Stephen Miller said on ABC's This Week. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams It seems like arguing screaming, shouting or at the very least, extreme eye-rolling is right up there with eating breakfast these days. Wake up, brush your teeth, glance at the latest news and explode! Jeanne Johnson was sick of it. Johnson is a mom of two in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and a local activist. A few years back, she got the city to make its crosswalks more obvious to encourage kids to walk and cars to stop. Last week she wanted to encourage something else to stop: The demonization of everyone who voted for someone other than the someone you voted for. So to a local social hall she invited Guy Benson, a conservative author, Julie Roginsky, a Democratic strategist, and Kennedy, the mordantly hilarious libertarian who has a show on Fox Business. In fact, all three are on Fox all the time, often sparring, but also always happy to see each other. Thats what Johnson wanted her fellow citizens to witness with their own eyes: You can disagree with someones politics, even vehemently, and not despise them as humans. As crazy as that sounds. Kennedy moderated the chat by asking the kind of questions that can stop a, You crazy s- in mid-air. For instance, she wondered, was there ever a time when either of her guests realized the other side was not evil incarnate? Roginsky recalled a time back in college when she and her fellow feminists took a bus to a Rhode Island abortion clinic, where nuns and priests were protesting outside. As Roginsky and her retinue shouted, Keep your rosaries off our ovaries! she looked at the clergy, fervently praying, and suddenly it hit her: These folks werent there to be judgmental jerks. They had come because they truly believe that a fetus is a life that must be saved. For them, blocking the clinic was no different from grabbing the gun from some nut holding a hostage. To this day, Roginsky remains adamantly pro-choice. But instead of seeing pro-life supporters as bad people, she seems them as people. For his part, Benson flashed back on 2009, when Obama was sworn into office on a wave of Democratic euphoria. Conservatives were beside themselves: Here was a President who would pass every piece of liberal legislation this side of Sweden. The Republicans were on the outs, perhaps never to rise again. So Benson said, smirk-free, he truly empathizes with what Democrats are feeling now. He obviously doesnt share their dismay (although he didnt sound very happy about Trump). But he gave a knowing nod to the people who, well, thats just the thing. The room was filled with ardent Democrats and Republicans, and probably some Libertarians besides just Kennedy. And you couldnt tell who was who. For Johnson, that was the point. Those [feuding] people ended up having to sit at the same tables together, she said. Shed deliberately chosen round tables, so everyone would be looking at everyone else, and purple table cloths. Not red. Not blue. Purple. The cookies for the event were iced in purple frosting, Together. Cookies are always an ice breaker. And so was this event. Up on stage, Roginsky and Benson were discussing free speech. Theyd just gotten word about the unrest riots? at the University of California Berkeley, where masked agitators had caused $100,000 in damage as they protested a speech to be given by the right-wing agitator Milo Yiannopoulos. Roginsky was appalled. She is hardly a fan of Yiannopoulos, but free speech wins, she said. Always. For his part, Benson was ready with some good advice for the Democrats. If everything is an outrage, nothing is. In other words, if the left rejects absolutely everyone and everything Trump proposes, their message will get tuned out. Pick your battles, he advised, to get more traction. How did the two opposites manage to stay friends through this election and post-election season? The same way they handle the Twitter taunts the come their way. The trick is to listen generously, said Benson. Dont assume the person who didnt vote your way chose the other candidate out of bigotry, stupidity, or calumny. Assume they had their varied reasons, just like you had yours. Give folks the benefit of the doubt. By the end of the night, said Johnson, she thought she saw that happening. I know how contentious things were, or are, in our community horrible. Just like were seeing on the national stage. But afterward the event, the audience hung around for almost an hour, talking, laughing, and eating those cookies. Lets do this again! they said. Thats an idea no one could argue with. Read Lenore Skenazys column every Sunday morning on Brook lynPa per.com HS Football: North Penn upsets Pennsbury in instant playoff classic With the game on the line, North Penn coach Dick Beck opted to go for the win with a two-point conversion attempt against Pennsbury. Transcription 1 International & Border Programs MSC 3567 P.O. Box Las Cruces, NM /Fax: New Mexico State University Language Credit via Distance Education Guide and Application for CPI Costa Rica Purpose: Provide non-nmsu students opportunities to enroll in pre-approved language institutes under NMSU supervision to study languages for graded NMSU credit. Students complete CANVAS on-line assignments and exams and receive intensive language instruction at approved language institutes.students must have earned a high school degree or its equivalent to be admitted for a non-degree at NMSU; Courses taken in non-degree status may not be used to meet university degree admission requirements and students are not qualified for NMSU administered financial aid. Step 1. Contact Professor Longwell to discuss what language credit you would like to earn as well as the program you have selected. Credit is earned based on the level completed at your Home University. Step 2. Send your completed Distance Education Application and Official Transcripts to: or NMSU International Distance Education Program Office of Education Abroad MSC 3567 PO Box Garcia Annex Las Cruces, NM Step 3. Receive Notification of Admission from the Office of Education Abroad. The office will arrange your admission and send you your acceptance letter with course information and instructions. Step 4. The office will enroll you in the courses that were approved by Prof. Longwell and your NMSU student account will be billed. You are responsible for making payments to your NMSU student account. You can access all this information through your Banner Log-in in your acceptance packet at my.nmsu.edu. Step 5. Travel to the selected language institute and engage in the experience of learning the language and culture in the intensive program. Keep in touch with the course instructor, who will be your academic advisor and the assigned instructor of record for the language you are studying. Forty percent of your grade is based on your reports and quizzes. Sixty percent is based on evaluations of course performance provided by the overseas host institution. Step 6. Request, prior to departing, that your host institution send (or fax to ) your transcripts (official institutional evaluation) directly to the Office of Education Abroad at New Mexico State University. Grades for the courses are not issued until the official institutional evaluation (or a copy by fax) has been submitted. Step 7. Receive an NMSU transcript once language institute s transcript has been received, and the instructor has reviewed your performance and submitted grades. As soon as transcripts are ready after the end of the NMSU semester, we will mail a copy to you and one to the university you designated. NMSU transcripts may only be released when all program costs are paid to NMSU via your student account and to the host language institute. The Office provides only two transcripts at no cost; all others must be requested from the Office of the Registrar ( ). NMSU issues only letter grades (A - F) and does not provide numerical grades. For conversion purposes the NMSU point value is A (4.0, or ), B (3.0, or 80-89), C (2.0, or 70-79), D (1.0, or 60-69), F (0.0, or less than 60). A plus or minus does not change the point value in NMSU s GPA calculation. 2 Guidelines on How Credit is Obtained and Calculated To receive credit at the beginning levels, which are 4-credit courses at NMSU ( ), students must complete 100 recordable instructional contact hours* at the language institute per 4- credit course. If you want credit for both 111 and 112, you would complete 200 recordable instructional contact hours in class. NOTE: *An instructional contact hour is 60 minutes of organized and supervised educational activities, including in-class teaching and organized out-of-class activities that enhance language acquisition. To receive credit for 3-credit courses (all 200, 300, 400, 500 level courses), students must complete 50 recordable instructional contact hours at the language institute per 3-credit course. This means that if you are earning 6 credits, you would need a total of 100 recordable instructional contact hours. It is possible to complete only 50 hours and receive 3 credits, then apply for more credits and stay longer this is entirely up to you to plan with the instructor of record. Credit and grades are assigned only after the instructor has received and reviewed at least a copy of the evaluation forms/transcripts produced by the host language Institute, and the student has completed all exams. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the evaluation from the language Institute is forwarded directly from them to the Office of Study Abroad at NMSU for proper processing. If we do not receive the evaluation forms/transcripts, no credit or grades will be awarded. Students may a copy of the institute s evaluation to the instructor. Cost Summary (Fees paid to NMSU) Study Abroad application and processing fee (non-refundable) $ (Includes the cost of the non-degree application fee and two official transcripts) Tuition per credit all students (effective beginning Spring 2014) $ HTH Insurance (mandatory-price effective beginning August 2013) $ 55/ month NOTE: You also have to pay your host language institute for its instructional costs plus any services such as housing, meals, airport pickup, excursions, etc. you contract with them. Financial Aid Distance Education students are not eligible for financial aid from New Mexico State University and must pursue such opportunities through their own university or other sources Courses Currently Available and Their Requirements 4 Credit Beginning Level Courses: Spanish 111 & Spanish 112 Each 4-credit course requires 100 hours of instructional contact hours of beginning level study at institution abroad, including both grammar review and conversation practice. 3 Credit Intermediate Level Courses: Spanish 211 & Spanish 212 Each 3-credit course requires 50 hours of intermediate level study at institution abroad, including both grammar review and conversation practice. Requires 50 hours of study at language institute with a focus on developing conversational skills. 3 Credit Advanced Courses: Spanish 325: This course requires 50 hours of study at language institute with a focus on developing conversational skills. Spanish 305: This course requires 50 hours of study at language institute with a focus on culture and civilization. Spanish 590 Special Topics (may be repeated with instructor permission) This course requires 50 hours of study in Spanish at institution abroad. Student and instructor will work out individual study plan to meet student needs and instructor expectations. Topics may range from culture to language acquisition. A formal written proposal will be prepared by the student for instructor s approval; limited to graduate students. 3 Application for: Admission Readmission Credit Status: Undergraduate Post Baccalaureate Program to start (Specify date): / / Program to end (Specify date): / / Admission to start: Fall 20 Spring 20 Summer I 20 Summer II 20 Name: Last First Middle Social Security Mailing Address: Street/ PO Box City State/ Province Country Postal Code Telephone: Birthday / / Gender: Male Female Residency: State of Legal Residence Length of time, preceding date of this application, that applicant has resided CONTINUOUSLY in New Mexico: / / If less than 23 years of age, were you reported as a dependent on parent or guardian s federal income tax return for previous year? Yes No INSTITUITION: Costa Rica Centro Pan Americano de Idiomas (CPI) COURSES IN, WHICH YOU WISH TO ENROLL: Please circle (This will be verified by Prof. Longwell). 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(CI) Change of status-in school. (CR) Change of status-readmission 4 High School Degree Required: Name of high school last attended and location (City and State) Date Graduated from high school: Month Year If last name at time of attendance at high school and/or previous college(s) is different from the last name given above, please indicate name(s) under which you were registered: LIST ALL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITIES YOU HAVE ATTENDED OR ARE NOW ATTENDING: If more than FOUR, attach a sheet with the information needed. Academic regulations require that students who have registered at other colleges or universities may not disregard their records at such institutions when making application for admission to this university. Students concealing attendance at another college or university and not submitting a transcript from that college or university will be SUBJECT TO SUSPENSION. COMPLETE NAME OF INSTITUTION LOCATION (S) From (Mo/Yr) To (Mo/Yr) ADM. ONLY ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO RETURN TO THE LAST COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY ATTENDED: YES NO NOT APPLICABLE Have you been awarded a university degree? Yes No IF YES, specify the degree received Granting Institution ADDRESS TO WHICH TO SEND FINAL OFFICIAL NMSU TRANSCRIPT Mailing Address: Street/ PO Box City State/ Province Country Postal Code PERSON TO BE NOTIFIED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Name Relationship Mailing Address: Street/ PO Box City State/ Province Country Postal Code Telephone: I understand that withholding information requested in this application, failure to submit all required documents, or giving false information may make me ineligible for admission to, or continuation at, New Mexico State University. I certify that all of the above statements are correct and complete. I also agree: I am responsible for paying NMSU for Distance Education credit at the rate established as well as paying the host language institute abroad for their instructional and other agreed to costs of the program. I also agree that the Office of Study Abroad is duly authorized official(s) have full authority in my absence to handle all matters at NMSU related to registration and billing for distance education credit and to place a hold on release of transcripts until all program financial obligations are met. In addition the Office may obtain and forward transcripts to my home institution or other institutions as I direct. Applicant s Signature Date of Application 5 Terms of Agreement for Language Via Distance Education Program 1. I agree to return the Non-degree Form and Distance Education Program Master Application fully completed along with proof of academic records. 2. I understand that the Department of Languages and Linguistics at New Mexico State University is responsible for making decisions concerning placement in the correct language course based on information provided (transcripts, placement exams, and/or phone or personal interview). The awarding of credit and issuing grades is determined by the Department of Languages and Linguistics after reviewing all evaluations provided by the language institute abroad and the appropriate language exams. 3. I understand that, to ensure acceptance to the program and enrollment in the proper courses prior to departure abroad, I need to send all required documents at least four (4) weeks prior to the planned beginning date of studying abroad. Materials sent later than this may cause a delay in processing the application and securing enrollment. 4. I will verify with my home university that credits will transfer from New Mexico State University to my institution. I understand that NMSU makes no guarantee of credit transfer but does provide the vehicle for this to take place. 5. I request that an official NMSU transcript that records the title of courses taken, amount of credit granted, and the grade earned be sent to the address listed on the non-degree application form. 6. I am the student named on the Application for the Language Credit via Distance Education at New Mexico State University and of legal age (18 or above). I agree to enter into this agreement by and between the Regents of New Mexico State University, because I desire to participate in a study abroad language program under the terms and conditions hereafter set forth and agree to abide by the NMSU student code of conduct and the host institution s regulations. (Must initial each item below to signify you read and understand all terms.) Office Authorization & Notification I hereby authorize the duly designated delegate in the Office of Study Abroad to have full authority to insure my enrollment in or withdrawal from said university approved program for its duration and until official completion. I agree to notify the Office in writing if I want to withdraw after starting to apply to a program to establish the official date of withdrawal, which determines the application withdrawal policy for study abroad. I understand that an message only to or is acceptable in lieu of a written letter. Travel Risk I understand the safety/health risks inherent in performing this activity and I assume responsibility for these risks. I am aware that I can read about travel advisories and warnings by accessing the U.S. State Department s Student Travel section at Student Account Billing My NMSU student account will be charged for all NMSU tuition, insurance, and any other appropriate expense I am expected to pay to participate in this program. NMSU reserves the right to submit to collections any outstanding debt owed. Tuition & Insurance Refund I understand that should I withdraw from a course after I have been register in the course, I will not receive a refund of the tuition fee or insurance fee and that I am obligated to pay the full amount billed. Transcript Hold I understand that I will be subject to a transcript hold for outstanding debts due to NMSU or a host institution/organization implementing this program for NMSU. Liability Waiver In and for the consideration of participating in the off-campus study abroad program designated on this form, I agree and promise that I will not hold responsible the University, its employees, its agents, or others who are assisting in the supervision and operation of the program I choose for any claims, injuries, damages, losses, illnesses, causes of action or as a result of transportation to and from the program site. Medical Expenses and Health Insurance I understand that the Office will bill my student account for HTH or BETA insurance unless my participation in these insurance programs is waived. In the event I require medical treatment or transportation to obtain treatment while abroad, I understand that I have obtained the required NMSU or program sponsor s insurance, and that all costs associated or incurred that are not covered by this insurance are my responsibility. Credit I will fulfill all course and post-program requirements to receive graded credit. Release of Information Permission I -authorize -do not authorize the Office of Study Abroad, the Office of Accounts Receivables, and/or the assigned academic instructor to discuss financial and academic aspects of this program with my parents, legal guardians, or other designated persons as specified below: Name/relationship to student: (1) (3) (2) (4) Student Signature Date Daylight saving time ends soon, but will it soon be the new normal? I am a retired newspaperman. I am 69 and live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 45 years, Lou Ann. We grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather. More on who I am is here. Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com GENERATION REVOLUTION On the Front Line Between Tradition and Change in the Middle East Rachel Aspden Other Press 262 pages; $24.95 What happened to Egypts revolution? After January 2011, Tahrir Square became a byword for hope, defiance and the unpredictability of history. The Egyptian peoples unexpected revolt baffled political scientists and other experts. Equally puzzling was the alacrity with which so many of the same Egyptians welcomed a new strongman a few short years later. When our robot overlords arrive, will they decide to kill us or cooperate with us? New research from DeepMind, Alphabet Incs London-based artificial intelligence unit, could ultimately shed light on this fundamental question. Home sales across top nine cities of the country declined by 20 per cent in Q3 FY17, compared with a four per cent fall in the previous quarter, showed a new study on Saturday. The re-induction of Marti Subrahmanyam as director on the Infosys board, if it happens, will breach the information technology majors retirement policy, which mandates that its independent directors retire when they turn 70. At a time when cyber threats are on the rise for with increasing cashless transactions and effects of demonetisation, insurers see rise in demand for cyber insurance and cyber liability insurance, in particular. This is despite the fact that the industry base for cyber insurance is currently as low as Rs 60 crore. There are various cyber insurance covers available in the country, but it is the cyber liability insurance which is in maximum demand for the banks, say insurers. Non-life insurers that provide cyber insurance cover include New India, National, ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG, HDFC Ergo and Bajaj Allianz. Country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI), which fell victim to cyber frauds some time back, is now considering insurance to protect its 30 crore customers. "We have always seen maximum security in all our IT systems. We are now considering to avail cyber insurance covers for our customers," SBI Managing Director Rajnish Kumar told PTI here. "We are actively examining the issue. The only thing that we have to ensure is that insurance costs fit into our scheme," he added. Recently, in one of the biggest ever breaches of financial data in the country, customers of 3.2 million debit cards belonging to different were hit by cyber frauds where their ATM details were compromised. Several victims even had reported unauthorised usage from locations in China. The worst-hit card-issuing in the episode included SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, YES Bank and Axis Bank. Banks either had to replace or asked users to change the security codes of as many customers. Even though SBI didn't suffer any big financial losses due to the data compromise episode, still as a precautionary measure, it had blocked 6 lakh debit cards. Bank of Baroda, which had seen around 1 lakh of its debit cards being compromised in the recent episode, is also keen to go for such insurance covers in future. "We are here to ensure protection of our customers and hence we will definitely go for cyber insurance cover as and when it was required for the bank," Bank of Baroda MD & CEO PS Jayakumar said. Insurers said they do see uptick in demand for cyber insurance covers by banks. "We are in talks with quite a few banks to provide cyber insurance cover to them," New India chairman and managing director, G Srinivasan said without divulging any details. "Cyber threat is on the rise in recent times for the banks and hence they must go for cyber insurance cover," he added. "We have also issued cyber insurance cover to a few banks," National Insurance CMD, Sanath Kumar said, adding "even though we provide various types of cyber insurance covers to banks, cyber liability insurance is most in demand." Bajaj Allianz General Insurance chief technical officer, Sasikumar Adidamu said that cyber insurance has seen close to 20% rise at Bajaj Allianz in the current fiscal. He also said that in line with rising incidents of cyber threats, the industry has seen a 10-15% uptake of cyber liability covers. "Proper risk management requires that banks should ensure that not only their systems but also systems of vendors need to be checked as vendor systems can be used to gain access to the systems of banks," said Praveen Vashist, CEO, India, Middle East & Africa, Howden Broking Group. Howden Broking Group is one of the international insurance intermediaries that structures liability covers for various global and Indian companies. "Barring some exceptions, PSU banks have not yet commenced buying cyber insurance. However after the recent issue, related to the hacking of debit cards in the country, PSU banks as well are beginning to ask questions and are exploring cyber policies," he said. The average limits being purchased by most banks range from $10-20 million, which is clearly quite a low limit compared to the exposure that banks are faced with. US-listed Indian banks, on the other hand, purchase limits stands at $75-100 million. "Banks are exposed to a variety of cyber risks ranging primarily from the actual loss of money and securities, liability arising from loss of third party data, loss of business due to denial of service attacks, possible ransom payments due to ransomware attack, loss of key confidential data, risk of possible defacement of the website or mobile applications, siphoning of amounts straight from the source, ATM rollbacks and resultant costs like forensic costs, data restoration or recreation and the like," said AS Manoj, senior vice president, Aon Global Insurance Brokers, an insurance intermediary that deals with cyber risks. For banks that prioritise this risk, cyber insurance proves to be quite comprehensive and cost-effective solution. The insurance providers and the intermediaries have spearheaded awareness by holding initiatives, he said. According to Bharti AXA General Insurance chief underwriting officer Parag Gupta, "in the last 2 years, this segment of the industry has been growing by about 50 per cent annually." Of late, due to increasing cashless transactions and effects of demonetisation along with the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, the segment growth rate has gone up to around 100%. But the base is still small, around Rs 60 crore only, he added. Centre cautions Chief Ministers of vacuum if Real Estate Act timelines not met by April 30 States also asked to comply with the spirit of the Act of Parliament Buyers entitled to relief under the Act from May 1st this year Only four States and 6 UTs notify Real Estate Rules; alleged violations of Act referred to Parliament Committee With buyers entitled to seek relief under the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act,2016 with effect from the first of May this year, the central government has cautioned the States of a serious situation of vacuum arising if necessary institutional mechanisms, as required under the Act were not put in place before that. In the context of only four States and six Union Territories so far notifying the final Real Estate Rules and complaints of violation of some of the provisions of the Act by some States, Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu last week urged the Chief Ministers to take personal interest in ensuring implementation of the Act in letter and spirit. In a letter dated February 9, 2017, to all the Chief Ministers of States, he stressed that Real Estate Act is one of the most important reforms for the sector, which would bring benefits to all stakeholders. It is therefore, my sincere request to please bestow your personal attention to this matter so that the Act is implemented in time and in the spirit with which it was passed by the Parliament". Shri Naidu also cautioned the Chief Ministers stating Appropriate Governments are required to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authorities and the Appellate Tribunals, maximum by 30th April, 2017. The timelines are important as the Act would commence its full operation from 1st May, 2017and in the absence of Rules and Regulatory Authority and Appellate Tribunal, the implementation of the Act would be affected in your State, leading to a vacuum in the sector". The Minister in his two page letter to the Chief Ministers said that the Real Estate Act, 2016 was one of the most consumer friendly laws passed by the Parliament and its timely implementation is the responsibility of both the Central and State Governments and this would not only provide the much needed consumer protection, but would also give a fillip to the sector, benefitting all the stakeholders. Ministry of HUPA had organized a consultative workshop with all the States/UTs on the 17th of last month to review the progress made by them and apprise them of their responsibilities under the Act and the timelines to be met to enable the consumers take benefits of the Act from the first of May this year and the need to ensure that the Rules were not in variance with the spirit of the Act. Over 60 Sections of the Act were notified by the Ministry of HUPA on May 1st last year, including Section 84 under which States were required to notify Real Estate Rules by October 31st last year thereby setting the ground for implementation of the Act. So far, Rules have been notified by only four States and for six Union Territories. Ministry of HUPA, mandated with the responsibility of making Rules for UTs without legislatures has done so for Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep while the Ministry of Urban Development has done so for Delhi. A few other States have been reported to have notified only Draft Rules seeking views and suggestions from stakeholders. States that have notified final Rules are: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. The Ministry has received some complaints of violations of some of the provisions of the Act by some of these States resulting in dilution of the spirit of the Act. The Ministry has referred the complaints to the Committee on Subordinate Legislation of Rajya Sabha. In this back drop, Shri Venkaiah Naidu urged the Chief Ministers to ensure compliance with the Act, as passed by the Parliament. From May 1st this year, under the provisions of the Act, both buyers and developers of real estate property can approach Real Estate Regulatory Authorities seeking relief against the other for violation of the contractual obligations and other provisions of the Act. For this to happen, Real Estate Rules including the General Rules and the Agreement for Sale Rules, Real Estate Authorities and Appellate Tribunals were required to be in place and in a position to start functioning. AAR/KM Pakistan is determined to counter growing threats to peace in the Indian Ocean, particularly from its "nuclearisation" by India, Foreign Affairs Adviser said. Aziz on Saturday said the Indian Ocean faced challenges to peace due to its militarisation, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, increased missile capabilities and power projection by foreign militaries, Dawn online reported. The foreign affairs advisor also listed piracy, illegal fishing; human, drugs and arms smuggling; maritime pollution and climate change as major problems. "This trend is likely to intensify in the coming years," he warned at the ' maritime conference on the strategic outlook in Indian Ocean region, 2030 and beyond evolving challenges and strategies'. "We are aware of our national interests and every effort will be made to strengthen our capacity to ensure that we remain ready to meet the emerging maritime security challenges. For us, to remain oblivious of the developments taking place in the Indian Ocean region is not an option." Aziz said nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean had further destabilised the region. It was in Pakistan's vested interest that the region remained peaceful as 95% of the country's trade took place through the sea and it had over 1,000 km long coastline, an Exclusive Economic Zone of around 300,000 sq km, the Karachi port and the newly built deep-sea port of Gwadar. He said the Indian Navy's substantial expansion was a cause of concern for Islamabad. "Pakistan has a strategic stake in the peaceful navigation and security of the Indian Ocean region." "We realise the economic potential of the region. As the third-largest ocean providing coastline to more than 30 countries, the Indian Ocean provides connectivity not only to important regions in Asia, particularly South Asia and the West Asia, and Africa, it also connects Australia with Europe. Regular dialogue between stakeholders on security and safety have never been so important." He said an estimated 55% of oil reserves in the world and 40% of gas were located in the region. "Today, some 40% of the global trade passes through the Indian Ocean. With the rise of Asia as the global powerhouse, the region indeed offers the unique platform for the globalised world as an attractive trade route. At present ports in the Indian Ocean handle about 30% global trade and half the world's container traffic. But the establishment of a new system of routes and ports will further increase the economic importance of this ocean," he said. Aziz said the Indian Ocean region was not all about war. "It is a catalyst for peace and prosperity, cooperation, collaboration, connectivity and stability and security." He suggested that Pakistan, taking advantage of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), should begin working on two supplementary corridors. "There should be a corridor connecting Pakistan to West Asia and Africa. The West Asian corridor could go by Iran to Central Asia and Moscow and via Iran and Turkey to Europe and a second corridor would pass through or around the Gulf region and penetrate into Africa," he said, pointing out that Africa, in particular, was an upcoming continent with lots of potentials. Ex-Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech, who resigned after a showdown with former chief executive Martin Winterkorn, has refused to testify to German lawmakers investigating a possible government's role in the VW emissions scandal, according to his lawyer. Piech, also VW's former CEO who spearheaded the carmaker's global expansion, gave testimony to lawyers of US law firm Jones Day last April and to German prosecutors in Braunschweig near VW's Wolfsburg headquarters in December, his lawyer said. "These comments were solely directed at the inquirers of Jones Day and the prosecutors respectively. They were not directed at the public media," Piech's Hamburg-based lawyer, Gerhard Strate, said in an emailed statement. He said Piech has no intention "to comment in public on what is being circulated as the alleged content of the questioning". A German media report earlier this week said Piech had informed top directors at VW about potential cheating with diesel emissions tests in the United States six months before the scandal became public in September 2015. Piech has not commented on the report by Bild am Sonntag. The report said Piech raised the issue with Winterkorn and subsequently informed members of the supervisory board's steering committee in March 2015 - a month before Piech was ousted as chairman. A person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Sunday that Piech had raised the issue of excess diesel emissions of VW cars in the United States with Winterkorn in March 2015. The former CEO then replied to Piech that a recall of affected vehicles was already underway and that the problem would be resolved, the person said, adding that Winterkorn last year had given the same account to Jones Day. Winterkorn's lawyer has said his client would not be commenting until he had been granted access to files held by Braunschweig prosecutors. VW has said it might take legal action against Piech over his reported assertions. The supervisory board's labour representatives have since denied the reported allegations, as did Stephan Weil, a member of the steering committee and prime minister of Lower Saxony state, VW's No. 2 stakeholder. Left Party lawmaker Herbert Behrens, who chairs the German parliamentary committee tasked with investigating the emissions irregularities, said earlier this week that the latest escalation required a Piech testimony. Behrens didn't return calls seeking comment while fellow committee member Oliver Krischer, a Green Party lawmaker, criticised the refusal to testify. "This of course damages the (VW) brand and the entire German auto industry if those involved, even if they no longer belong to the company, do not manage to draw a line and clear the air," Krischer told broadcasting network Deutschlandfunk. The eight-member cross-party committee will question Weil and Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt over the scandal on Thursday. The panel was set up last April to clarify whether Germany's federal government and regulators were involved in VW's emissions manipulations or failed to contribute towards their disclosure. Last month it questioned Winterkorn, who denied early knowledge of the cheating. fired a ballistic missile today in an apparent provocation to test the response from new US President Donald Trump, the South Korean defence ministry said. The missile, launched around 7:55 am (local time) from Banghyon airbase in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), it said. The missile flew about 500 kilometres before falling into the sea, a defence ministry spokesperson said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified. "It is believed that today's missile launch ... Is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities," the ministry said in a statement. "It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump," it added. Yonhap news agency said the South Korean military suspected the North might have been testing an intermediate-range Musudan missile. Last October test-fired Musudan missiles twice from the same airbase. On a visit to Seoul earlier this month, new US Defense Secretary James Mattis warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an "effective and overwhelming" response. "Any attack on the United States or our allies will be defeated and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming," Mattis said. Pyongyang in 2016 conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. In January, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the "final stages" of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying "It won't happen." The latest North Korean launch also comes after Trump assured visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally. "We will work together to promote our shared interests, of which we have many, in the region, including freedom of navigation and defending against the North Korean missile and nuclear threat, both of which I consider a very, very high priority," Trump said Friday. Washington has repeatedly vowed that it would never accept as a nuclear-armed nation. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong-Il, in December 2011. Last summer, Simon Barqueras phone started buzzing with a series of disturbing text messages from unknown numbers. One said his daughter had been in a serious accident. Another claimed to be from a friend whose father had died with a link to funeral details. Staff members on Capitol Hill recall Stephen Miller, the 31-year-old White House adviser behind many of President Trumps most contentious executive orders, as the guy from Jeff Sessionss office who made their inboxes cry for mercy. 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. You have certainly heard of Bowe Bergdahl the American soldier captured by the Taliban after he left his post in Afghanistan, the subject of the second season of the podcast Serial and the recurring object, during the presidential campaign, of Donald J. Trumps ire. On January 29, US Special Operations Command launched a raid in Yemen targeting 38-year-old Qassim al-Rimi, the leader of Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. This was the first high-profile special forces operation of Donald Trumps presidency and it resulted in the deaths of at least 14 Al Qaida fighters, over 20 civilians and Navy SEAL William Ryan Owens. A White House official launched a blistering attack on the federal appeals court that blocked President Donald Trumps executive order on immigration on Sunday, calling its ruling a judicial usurpation of power. The Trump Administration has faced multiple legal setbacks to its travel ban issued on January 27, and the Republican president has said he may issue a new executive order rather than go through lengthy court challenges. A 27-year-old lady has been arrested following an alleged racist attack on a Muslim woman in Huntly, New Zealand, which was caught on video. Mehpara Khan, 28, a communications consultant, and her four friends were returning to Auckland from a road trip when they stopped in Huntly to use the bathroom and were abused by a woman walking by. The woman also threw beer cans at them. Khan posted the video of the incident on social media. The NZ Herald reports that the police has taken a woman in custody following yesterday's incident. She is facing charges of assault, assault with a weapon and using offensive language. She will be produced in Hamilton District Court tomorrow. The police said that after being provided with video evidence, staff "acted quickly" to make an arrest. "Complaints such as these will always be thoroughly investigated by police, and victims should not hesitate to report incidents to us," said Waikato West Area Commander, Inspector Naila Hassan. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bill English said that he hasn't seen all the details, but if the incident is as described then it's a terrible thing. He said that it shouldn't happen, adding anyone should feel safe in New Zealand. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Many Arizona Republicans see Jeff Flake through this Alt-Fact lens very conservative but, unlike so many of his colleagues, not unhinged or deranged. He's a Mormon and his very vocal opposition to Trump seems to have been based on the same sense of decency and deep-seated beliefs that Arizona Senator Jeff Flake has a long history-- mostly in the House-- as a right-of-center conservative. His record isconservative but, unlike so many of his colleagues, not unhinged or deranged. He's a Mormon and his very vocal opposition to Trump seems to have been based on the same sense of decency and deep-seated beliefs that most Mormon leaders expressed during the election. Trump did significantly worse in Mormon communities than other Republicans did. In 2004, George W Bush took 80% of the Mormon vote. In 2012 Romney took 78%. Trump won 61% of the Mormon vote nationally. We have written before than Trump's political operatives are hoping to defeat Flake in his 2018 reelection bid, preferably with neo-fascist Trumpist Jeff DeWit, Arizona state Treasurer. Another extremist who would likely be fine with the Trump Regime is extremist former state Senator Kelli Ward, another neo-fascist crackpot. When she challenged John McCain last year, McCain pulverized her 302,532 (51.2%) to 235,988 (39.9%). A Republican mid-November poll looked sketchy for Flake. Trump's favorable rating among Republicans then was 82% and Flake's was just 30%. Wade scored 19% and DeWit came in at 35%. Head-to-head match-ups showed Ward tying Flake 35-35% and DeWit beating him 42-33%. DeWit would have also won a 3-ways primary: DeWit- 38% Ward- 15% Flake- 30% Over the weekend Ward released a new poll of likely Republican primary voters from Political Marketing International. It shows Ward pulling ahead of Flake in a head-to-head match-up, 30% to 23%. Ward didn't released any polling that included DeWit, but she did boast that she was the "most conservative member of the Arizona State Senate in 2015" and reminded whomever reads her stuff that Flake is "one of President Trump's biggest foes." [Note: Political Marketing Strategies is not a well-regarded firm and is pretty much considered one of those companies that delivers whatever results they're paid to deliver. Ward paid them $5,000 for this poll. She is touting it in a press release claiming Flake is "in freefall."] That said, Flake, a freshman, could be in trouble with Arizona Republican primary voters. He's been a tad too independent-minded for most knee-jerk Republicans and if Trump really decides to make an example of him, he could be toast, even though Trump doesn't have an impressive track record interfering in GOP primaries. A North Carolina incumbent he strongly backed, Renee Ellmers, was eviscerated, barely coming in third in a 3-way race (George Holding- 53.4%, Renee Ellmers- 23.6%, Greg Brannon- 23.0%, just 207 votes separating the latter two). And Thursday, Trump's candidate to replace Mike Pompeo in KS-04, Alan Cobb, was badly beaten by run-of-the-mill establishment Republican Ron Estes. Across the country, if not quite across the political spectrum, one of the very worst and most corrupt far-right Democrats elected in November, worthless Blue Dog, Josh Gottheimer (NJ) is well aware he's going to attract major Republican opposition in 2018. NJ-05 sits on the entire northern border of New Jersey with New York, from the Hudson River in the east to just outside of Port Jervis in the west, and the entire northwestern border with Pennsylvania from Milford to beyond the Delaware Water Gap. It's an affluent R+4 district in blue New Jersey. Over 70% of the population is in northern Bergen County's suburbs and towns like Paramus, Hackensack, Teaneck, Mahwah and Lodi (the Soprano's Bada Bing club town). In 2012 Romney beat Obama there by 3 points and this year Hillary managed to have beaten Trump 48.8% to 47.7%. Observer The Observer analysis of the 2018 race is interesting, except that it's based on entirely incorrect numbers. For example they claim Garrett won 125,861 to 101,859 but that was before absentee and mail in ballots were counted and he actually won 156,863 to 146,643. So I'm going to throw out their faulty numbers are just use the bits of the sloppy journalism they got right. Gottheimer beat the incumbent Republican, bizarre extremist Scott Garrett, 156,863 (50.5%) to 146,643 (47.2%). Garrett managed to win in Sussex, Warren and Passaic counties but Bergen County voters were sick and tired of him and gave Gottheimer the 18,000-plus vote cushion he needed. Gottheimer immediately joined the Blue Dogs and started voting with the Republicans. Gottheimer-- who got more money from the banksters than any other non-incumbent running for the House this year ($889,419), outraised Garrett $4,288,192 to 2,055,513. Ryan and the NRCC were happy to see Garrett lose and they shut off the party spigots. Pelosi and the DCCC wasted over $3.8 million boosting a corrupt reactionary will will almost never vote for any progressive legislation. His ProgressivePunch crucial vote score is one of the worst of any Democrat's in the House-- 20% which basically means he's voting with Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy on virtually every one of their agenda items, giving them the opportunity to call their destructive proposals "bipartisan." Gottheimer is already damaging the Democratic brand and alienating Democratic voters. Obviously, he hasn't been involved with any resistance to Trump at all. Bergen County activists already hate him and are unlikely to support his reelection bid-- one that the speculates could be a huge national circus , featuring xenophobe and racist asshole 72 year old Lou Dobbs, a longtime New Jersey resident lives in Sussex County, on a 300-acre horse farm in Wantage.analysis of the 2018 race is interesting, except that it's based on entirely incorrect numbers. For example they claim Garrett won 125,861 to 101,859 but that was before absentee and mail in ballots were counted and he actually won 156,863 to 146,643. So I'm going to throw out their faulty numbers are just use the bits of the sloppy journalism they got right. In 2016... more voters fell off from Trump to Garrett than Clinton to Gottheimer. One can reasonably conclude that Gottheimer will be hurt more by running without a presidential candidate atop the ticket than the Republican challenger will be. Voter registration (as of 11/30/2016): Republicans 144,959; Democrats 142,717; Unaffiliated 222,193. So its a slight GOP edge, but off-year elections tend to favor Republicans, though not necessarily in the first off-year election of a Republican presidency, when voters may be looking to apply a check on the presidents power. ...Prior to Gottheimer, the last time a Democrat won the GOP-leaning 5th was in 1974, when Andy Maguire upset 11-term incumbent Bill Widnall in the Watergate year. Maguire held on until 1980, when Roukema washed him out in the Reagan tidal wave. The biggest question here, of course, is whether the GOP can lure a marquee candidate like Dobbs to run. With a huge national profile and over a million Twitter followers, hed start with a strong base of support. But a Congressional seat might not seem like an attractive prize to a guy whos been hosting his own show on national television for decades and has a closet full of Emmy and Peabody Awards. Republicans will then have to see if Garrett runs again. Hes never been popular among establishment Republicans-- he ran close primaries against Roukema in 1998 and 2000. Garrett lost because of his own quirks and oddities, not because of his party affiliation. His odd refusal to pay dues to the Party unless it disavowed support for gay candidates sent buckets of national money into the coffers of Gottheimer, which hurt all Republicans in the district, especially the more moderate Bergen GOPers. Two conservative northwest NJ Senators live in the district: Mike Doherty, 53 (R-Oxford) and Steve Oroho, 58 (R-Franklin). Doherty was the first NJ GOP pol to endorse Donald Trump. Hes encouraged speculation of runs of his own for statewide office since 2008, but he never pulls the trigger. Others include Assemblyman Parker Space, 48 (R-Wantage) and former state Labor Commissioner Hal Wirths, 51 (R-Wantage). Of strong interest will be whether Bergen can come up with a high-quality, consensus candidate-- with or without Garrett. The bench is a bit depleted up there, but strong choices might include Assemblywoman Holly Shepisi (R-River Vale), 45, seeking fourth term in the Assembly; Assemblyman Robert Auth (R-Old Tappan), 60, seeking third term in the Assembly; Republican State Chairman Samuel Raia, also the Mayor of Saddle River. Of these, Shepisi probably holds the strongest crossover appeal, while Raia has personal wealth. Bergen lining up behind a consensus candidate might just be enough to ensure that person is the nominee. But at this writing, the BCRO might be in denial. Its website still shows Garrett as the Congressman. Gottheimer deserves a primary opponent but I doubt if he has one it will be serious enough to deny him the renomination. There are local activists working to recruit someone to run against him. He deserves to be weakened enough so that he loses. He is inexorably dragging the congressional Democrats further right and further into Wall Street corruption. He could solve the Republicans' problem in NJ-05 by switching parties; it would make the most sense... and he wouldn't even have to change his voting habits. Issuing a clarification on the incident of ceiling collapse, the Unplugged Courtyard on Sunday said it has nothing to do with the accident, adding that it took place next door in the Odeon sweet shop that had been vacant for over a decade. "The property was locked by the landlord. When this happened we got all the guests evacuated from the premise along with staff to avoid any possible mishap," said Nitin Kapoor, Public Relations Officer, Unplugged Courtyard. He also confirmed that there was no one inside the premise when they locked the venue. The open-air rooftop wing of the Connaught Place restaurant collapsed last night, fuelling fears about the safety of the Capital's popular British-era shoppers' stop as a section of another building had caved in 10 days ago. The NDMC has shut down the rooftop sections of 21 open-air restaurants after the previous incident at C Block. Unplugged was on the list too. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Oscar-winner Meryl Streep has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's "over-rated" jibe directed at her, saying she is indeed the most overrated and over-decorated star of her generation. "I am the most overrated and most over-decorated and currently - currently - I am the most over-berated actor.of my generation," Streep said in her speech at the Human Rights Campaign's gala in New York. "We owe it to the people who have died for our rights, and who have died before they even got their own," she added in an emotional tone. The 56-year-old star also talked about arts, humanities and a transgender teacher that she had in middle school. The 'Iron Lady' star, who recently received the gay rights organisation's Ally for Equality Award, said: "As Americans, men, women, people, gay, straight, LGBTG. All of us have the human right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This is not for the first time that Streep has been critical of Trump. During her speech last month at the Golden Globes speech, she got emotional in a speech hitting Trump for being a bully. Streep, while accepting a lifetime achievement award, delivered a blistering condemnation of Trump's imitation of a reporter with disabilities. Without naming the President, Streep said the moment reminded her that "disrespect invites disrespect." President Trump later lashed out at Streep on Twitter, calling her an overrated actress. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Congress worker threw ink on former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan during a rally here. When Chavan stood up to address the gathering yesterday, a Congress worker threw black ink on his face. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik condemned the incident and said this should not be the way of protest in a democracy. "This act cannot be supported in a democratic environment. Strict action should be taken against the guilty," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as four terrorists and three security personnel were killed in the encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district today morning. Four weapons were also recovered from the slain terrorists. At least three soldiers are also injured in the incident that took place in Kulgam's Yaripora. The operation in Kulgam is still on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence expert Major General SR Sinho (Retd.) on Sunday expressed concern over the ongoing gun battle between security forces and terrorists in South Kashmir's and lashed out at the government and politicians for their unconcerned attitude towards the soldiers. "The country is in elections mode and the politicians are least bothered about what is happening. For how long will our soldiers keep sacrificing their lives? I am deeply pained by seeing the unconcerned attitude of the people towards our soldiers," he told ANI. Another defence expert Sunil Deshpande on his part lauded the security forces and appealed to the intelligence agencies to be more alert. "Security forces have done a good job by finding out their hideouts and then encircling them and carrying out the attack. Our intel agencies need to be alert now. Only then, we can carry out such kind of successful operations," said Deshpande. As many as four terrorists, two security personnel and one civilian were killed in the encounter that broke out in this morning. Four weapons were also recovered from the slain terrorists. The Gurugram Police on Saturday cracked down the day light heist at the Mannappuram gold loan branch at new railway road. Out of the seven robbers indulged in the incident, four have been arrested and 30 kg of gold looted from the office has been recovered by the police. "We have recovered most of the stolen property. The looted things are still missing and would be soon recovered and will try to unveil the entire conspiracy as early as possible," said Gurugram police Commissioner Sandeep Khirwar. Khirwar said that few amount of cash has been recovered and rest would be recovered soon, as few of the culprits has not been arrested yet. The police are looking for rest of the gang that robbed the gold and cash worth Rs. five lakh from the branch earlier on Thursday. "They carried out the recce few days bank to examine the security measures taken by the branch. We would apply for their police remand today and will further investigate the exact role of each of the individual involved in this crime," he said. Earlier on Thursday, the Gurugram Police had released a CCTV footage of the seven robbers who, allegedly looted gold and cash from the Mannappuram gold loan branch . They had also attacked a guard, Mukesh Kumar and a customer with knife, who was later admitted to the hospital with multiple stab wounds. They also sprayed foam on CCTV cameras to avoid being identified. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, in what was termed as a 'show of force' against U.S. President Donald Trump, as reported by The Guardian. According to South Korean military sources, the missile was launched from an area in the country's western region around Banghyon, North Pyongan province, the same area where the midrange Musudan weapon was tested by the country on October 15 and 20, 2016. An official from the U.S. military revealed that the launch was being closely assessed. "The flight distance was about 500km. South Korea and the United States are jointly conducting a close-up analysis on additional information," said the South's joint chief's office, according to a report in The Guardian. In 2016, the North conducted two nuclear tests and a series of rocket launches, aiming to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programmes. Kim Dong-Yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul said the launch could have been a Musudan or similar missile designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. In the wake of this missile launch, South Korea's Presidential office has summoned for an emergency meeting with regards to national security. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 9.30 a.m. Addressing the nation in his annual New Year speech, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un revealed that preparations for launching an intercontinental ballistic missile are underway and is now in its final stage. The Trump administration has promised to be tough with Kim's regime over its weapons programme. This is the first missile that has been launched after Trump's appointment as President of the U.S.A. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said that the North Korean ballistic missile test on Sunday was meant for provoking Tokyo and the region. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is presently visiting the U.S., was likely the main audience for North Korea's missile launch. "Considering the launch was immediately after the Japan-US summit meeting was held, this is a clear provocation to Japan and the region," CNN quoted Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as saying. Abe called the missile test "absolutely intolerable" during a joint news conference with US President Donald Trump in Florida. According to reports, the projectile fired was an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). It flew 500 kilometers (310 miles) before crashing in the sea. "This is clearly directed at Japan," said Carl Schuster, a professor at Hawaii Pacific University and former director of operations at the US Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center. Japan and North Korea do not have active diplomatic relations and North Korea's hostility toward Japan stems from its close relations to South Korea and the United States. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump signing an executive order that effectively suspends immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days, the U.S. refugee programme for 120 days and Syrian refugees from entering the country, America has been garnering eyeballs of defence experts across the world to discuss the viability of the move. Defence Expert Qamar Agha on Sunday said he is not sure how this 'vetting' would help America to contain militancy. "What Trump is talking about in the name of security requires a strong vetting and people will have to prove that they have no past records, no connections with militant organisations or never have been involved in any anti-American activities in their respective countries. This will be very difficult for a person to prove. It amounts to saying that he won't allow people from these countries to come to U.S.A. Now, since this order was prevented by the San Francisco court, he is trying to bring a modified order," he told ANI. Furthermore, Agha revealed that barring people to enter America from the aforementioned Muslim-majority countries is bound to increase chances of attacks on America, thereby diluting foreign collateral ties of America with these countries. "In the past too, vetting was a criteria to distribute Visas for entering America. This is not going to particularly help him in containing militancy as militants also infiltrate from countries like Afghanistan, or Nigeria, countries with strong presence of the Boko Haramis. This can only create more enmity with these people. These people may not try to come to America but can try to hit American interests and American alliance in the region," added Agha. Post the suggested 'Muslim-ban', Trump has been in the midst of negativity from across the world. Early in February, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had suspended all actions to implement Trump's immigration order after a federal judge in Seattle issued a ruling to temporarily block the executive order on immigration and refugees. "In accordance with the judge's ruling, DHS has suspended any and all actions implementing the affected sections of the Executive Order entitled 'Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States'. This includes actions to suspend passenger system rules that flag travellers for operational action subject to the Executive Order," DHS acting press secretary Gillian Christensen said in a statement. President Trump blasted the ruling in a series of tweets saying, "The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!" "When a country is no longer able to say who can, and who cannot, come in & out, especially for reasons of safety &.security - big trouble!" he added. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection also alerted airlines that the U.S. Government would quickly begin reinstating visas that were previously cancelled and it advised airlines that refugees in possession of U.S. visas will be admitted as well. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Condemning the Kulgam encounter, Union Minister in Prime Minister's Office, Jitendra Singh on Sunday said Pakistan has emerged as an epicenter of terrorism. Singh said sooner or later the same terrorism might also threaten to consume the soil from which it originates. "There have been a series of evidences and it's no longer a secret that the entire terrorism on the Indian soil, particularly in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is promoted and exported from Islamabad," he told the media. Singh further stated that now the entire world is coming round to the Modi Government that Pakistan must contain the export of terrorism from its soil. "The sooner it does the better it will be not only for Indian subcontinent but for Pakistan as well," he added. As many as four terrorists, two army personnel and a civilian were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam this morning. At least three army men also sustained injuries in the encounter. The operation is currently underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Philippines will provide a visa-on-arrival facility to the Chinese tourists this year. Quoting Zaobao.com, the China Radio International (CRI) online reported that the remark was made by Wanda Corazon Teo, the Secretary of the Philippines' Department of Tourism. With this, the Philippines is aiming to attract one million Chinese tourists to the country in 2017. Besides making it easier for the Chinese tourists to get visas, the Philippines is also planning to stage more tourism promotions tailored to Chinese tourists besides increasing the number of charter flights from China to the Philippines. According to official data recently issued by the Philippines' Department of Tourism, China had replaced Japan as the third largest source of tourists in 2016 after South Korea and the U.S. Earlier, the relationship between the Philippines and China significantly improved after the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Beijing last October where both sides agreed to move on from a bitter row over islands in the South China Sea. His visit came months after a tribunal in the Hague ruled that Beijing did not have historic rights to the South China Sea in a case brought by the previous administration in Manila. The move marked a reversal in foreign policy of the Philippines. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee Edward Snowden's lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, has termed media reports on Russia considering to send his client back to the United States as "speculations." "Those are certain speculations, which come from the so-called sources of the U.S. intelligence services," Russia's state-owned news agency TASS quoted Kucherena as saying. Kucherena even said that he does not see any reason for extradition of his client. He said the U.S. intelligence services are adding information on this topic, from time to time, as it still remains in the U.S. political sphere. Snowden's counsel further said that his client observes all Russian laws as he has a residential permit to live in Russia. Asserting that Russia is not trading human rights or freedoms, Kucherena said that there was no reason to raise and discuss this topic in the country. "At no level - be it economic or political - the topic of Snowden could be a subject of trade," he said. Reacting to the reports, Snowden said that these threatening rumours are emerging as he has, days ago, criticised Russian government's oppressive new "Big Brother" law. "Days ago, I criticized the Russian government's oppressive new "Big Brother" law. Now, threatening rumors. But I won't stop," he said in a tweet. Snowden said that he does not know if rumours are true, but he is not afraid about it. "I don't know if the rumors are true. But I can tell you this: I am not afraid. There are things that must be said no matter the consequence," he said in another tweet. Snowden had copied and leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013, without prior authorisation and revealed numerous global surveillance programs, many run by the NSA and the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance. He has been charged by U.S. Department of Justice with two counts of violating the Espionage Act of 1917 and theft of government property. Snowden went to Russia in 2013, where he remained for over one month after which Russian authorities granted him asylum for one year and later extended it for three years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Sunday extended his support to the application filed by Karnataka Government in the Supreme Court, requesting to delete the name of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa from the disproportionate assets case. "In DA case Karnataka Govt has now filed an Application seeking deletion of JJ's name. That is a legal issue that the SC may use to review (sic)," Swamy tweeted. While in another tweet, Swamy hit out at Tamil Nadu Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao for delaying the decision amid the ongoing political crisis in the state. "TN Guv must decide CM issue by tomorrow otherwise a WP under Art 32 of Constitution can be filed charging abetment of horse trading (sic)," he tweeted. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary V.K. Sasikala Natarajan yesterday clearly stated that the delay in her swearing-in ceremony is nothing but an attempt to "create division in the party". "All party MLAs are fine and happy. We were waiting patiently till this moment for a reply from the Governor. Needed measures will be taken. From tomorrow onwards, we would begin a new kind of protest. Delaying tactics is an attempt to create divisions in party," she told reporters after meeting with the MLAs backing her. Sasikala's comments came after Tamil Nadu acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam alleged that he was told to quit the Chief Minister's post to protect party's discipline and failure to follow would be a violation of party discipline. Calling Sasikala as the "temporary general secretary", Panneerselvam said, "The Council can only appoint a temporary general secretary. Proper elections have to be held to elect a general secretary according to the party bye-laws. People are on my side. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump, on Sunday, lashed out at Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, saying that the latter is not smart enough to run for president. Trump took to his twitter handle to state, "I know Mark Cuban well," adding, "He backed me big-time but I wasn't interested in taking all of his calls. He's not smart enough to run for president!" It came after Cuban, who is a frequent Trump critic, in a veiled attack against the U.S. President, advised the CEOs to be American citizens before speaking out on politics. He had earlier criticised Trump's travel ban stating that the plan will do more harm than good. "It wasn't thought out, it was rushed, it was ridiculous. And when something like that happens, it calls into question the management skills of the guy in charge," CNN had earlier quoted Cuban as saying in reference to rollout of the Trump's immigration ban. Trump's executive order, earlier this year, suspended immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days, which have raised terrorism concerns. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States has refused a visa to Pakistan Senate Deputy Chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, who was to travel to New York to represent the country at the UN-sponsored International Parliamentary Union (IPU) being held there next week. Following this development, Pakistan Senate chairman Raza Rabbani announced a boycott of the event. According to a report in Dawn, the chairman has also directed that no Senate delegation will visit the U.S. unless Washington or the U.S. embassy in Pakistan give an explanation for the delay in issuance of visa to Haideri. According to an official statement released by the Senate Secretariat, Rabbani has also directed that "no delegation, member of Congress or diplomat of the U.S. will be welcomed by the Senate of Pakistan, Senate standing committees and senators in their official capacity [until] this issue is resolved". Haideri was not directly in contact with the U.S. embassy in Islamabad and all correspondence in this regard was carried out by the secretariat on his behalf. The secretariat staff was told on Saturday that the embassy would inform them about the status of the visa on February 14, the last day of the IPU hearing. This indicated that the U.S. had decided not to allow the deputy chairman to attend the conference. This impression was strengthened by the fact that the embassy had already granted a visa to Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Senator Lt-Gen Salahuddin Tirmizi, the other member of the delegation. Haideri belongs to the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), which openly opposes U.S. policies, particularly the country's role in the ongoing war against terrorism. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, on Sunday, said that the saffron party's condition is degrading gradually and claimed that her party would form the government in Uttar Pradesh. "In the first phase of the voting, BJP's condition seems worse. In the Lucknow press conference, Amit Shah's pale face reflected that. I would say that the BSP would form government with full majority in Uttar Pradesh," Mayawati said. "This makes it clear that the BJP has accepted its defeat in the Uttar Pradesh elections," she said. Mayawati said the press conference, arranged by Shah, which was intended to boost the morale of their party members, showcased that the BJP has accepted defeat. "This conference was arranged in order to encourage and boost the morale of their own party members, because he knows that the BJP will lose in the elections. Apart from this, there was nothing in their press conference," she said, adding that she is very much confident that BSP will lead in all the subsequent phases. The former chief minister further said that the BJP's silence on demonetisation issue has failed to fool the people of Uttar Pradesh. "BJP does not have any reply to BSP's question on demonetisation and corruption issue and it is not succeeding in making fool out of people in the Uttar Pradesh elections," Mayawati said. Signaling a shift in his party's poll narrative, BJP president Amit Shah today said that Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party is the main rival for the party in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Till now, the BJP had maintained that the Samajwadi Party was their prime rival in the UP assembly polls. The party has been taking on Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in all the poll rallies. But, BJP president Shah today sought to shift his party's focus and poll strategy to counter the BSP. Amit Shah also claimed that the BJP 'will win 90 seats in the first two phases of elections'. The seven-phase voting in Uttar Pradesh began on February 11 and will conclude on March 8. Votes in the politically crucial state will be declared on March 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The bar on women's entry to the night sessions of the Syrian Mar Thoma Church's famed Maramon convention that began here on Sunday will stay due to security reasons, its supreme head said. "There is a group here, who are trying to get media attention by raising non-issues. They want their names to be printed in newspapers and show their faces on TV. At this convention, there are four sessions where women can enter, but it's not possible in the night sessions and that's not going to be changed," said Metropolitan, Joseph Mar Thoma, in his inaugural address at the week-long 122nd edition of what is billed as Asia's biggest Christian convention. "It must not be forgotten that our Church has always taken the lead by giving due importance to women and we were the first to give voting rights to women. The non-entry to women in night sessions is on account of security and it's not a ban," he said. This convention, held on the banks of river Pamba, has over the years become the flagship programme of the Thiruvalla-headquartered Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, which claims to have a following of a million. The convention is held under the aegis of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association. Incidentally, for the past one month, a group of Mar Thoma Church members under the name and style of 'Naveekerna Vedi' (Reformists) -- which has been in existence for over a quarter century but does not have the approval of the Church -- raised the issue in the Church meeting, but the matter was not taken up for discussion. After that they have been trying to gain public support to the idea of entry to women in the night sessions, but it has failed to get acceptance. The Mar Thoma Church, which defines itself as apostolic in origin, universal in nature, biblical in faith, evangelical in principle, ecumenical in outlook, oriental in worship, democratic in function, and episcopal in character, has been able to make inroads in the education sector and runs numerous educational institutions. The origin and growth of this annual get-together for a week can be traced to the great revival movement which gathered momentum along with the reformation in the ancient Syrian Church of Malabar under the leadership of Abraham Malpan. --IANS sg/vd/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AIADMK General Secretary V.K.Sasikala on Sunday said that if some people think that she would get scared at being threatened due to a woman, they were mistaken. Addressing party legislators housed at a beach resort near here, Sasikala said: aceIf they think I can be threatened because of me being a woman then it would not happen." In an extempore speech, she said: "I was with a lion (late Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa). I am the little new lion. They tried to net me. This lion will come out the net." She told the legislators that those who are with the lion are also lions. "I will not fear anybody. Nobody can shake this party and the government. I will not back track from a decision taken," she said. "I will sacrifice my life to protect the party and government," Sasikala said. "If you are all with me, we will do our duty to the party and the people. I will take the right decision," she added. "I am telling from here to Delhi that nobody can do anything to the party. "Amma (Jayalalithaa) and I have seen Chennai jail and also the Bengaluru jail. We have captured power after coming out of jail," she said. Sasikala said she could see a vast change in the faces of legislators after her address to them on Saturday. Without naming anybody, she said people had enquired about her and what kind of a person she is. "They were told that I was with Amma (Jayalalithaa) for 33 years and does not fear anybody and will not back track on a decision," she said. She urged the legislators to work hard so that in next Lok Sabha elections the party would win 40 seats (39 in Tamil Nadu and the lone Puducherry seat). --IANS vj/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Rana Daggubati has praised his "Ghazi" co-actor Atul Kulkarni and says that without him, the film would have been incomplete. Rana on Sunday morning took to Twitter to compliment Atul and also said that he has been a "solid pillar of strength" to the "Baahubali" star. "Sir you have been in every which way been a solid pillar of strength to 'The Ghazi Attack'. 'Ghazi' wouldn't have been complete without you," Rana tweeted. The forthcoming Telugu-Hindi bilingual drama, which is slated for release on February 17, is based on the mysterious sinking of PNS Ghazi submarine during the 1971 war between India and Pakistan. Rana plays Lt. Commander Arjun Varma in the movie. Directed by debutant Sankalp, it also features Taapsee Pannu and Kay Kay Menon. The film is partially based on the book "Blue Fish", penned by the director himself. The story is about an executive naval officer of the Indian submarine S21 and his team who remain underwater for 18 days. The film also stars late actor Om Puri in a pivotal role. --IANS dc/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The website of the Home Ministry was non-functional on Sunday and officials said experts were finding out if it had been hacked. The website's landing page is drawing a blank and the site itself has become inaccessible. The problem most probably began early in the morning. "I don't know when the site developed the snag," ministry spokesperson K.S. Dhatwalia told IANS. "Details will be available after we find out the glitches. "We are checking," Dhatwalia said, adding he was not sure when the website would become functional. The spokesperson had earlier said it was not a case of hacking as the site was being reconstructed. The site, like all government websites, is maintained by the National Informatics Commission. Indian government websites have often come under attack from suspected Pakistan hackers. Last week, the government informed the Lok Sabha that over 700 websites linked to the central and state governments were hacked in the past four years. Experts attributed the frequent hacking of Indian websites to lack of adequate security measures in the virtual world. --IANS rak-sar/ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. Central Command and Central Special Operations Command are at the very center of the U.S. fight against terrorism. "Those serving at CENTCOM have bravely fought across the theater of war in the Middle East, and bravely battled a vicious enemy that has no respect for human life," said President Donald Trump in a recent speech to the Central Command. He expressed the nation's gratitude to all serving overseas, including all of U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan. United States Special Operations Command has dispatched its legendary warriors to the most secret, sensitive and daring missions in defense of the United States of America. "No enemy," said President Trump, "stands a chance against our Special Forces." The President noted that even though U.S. forces are well-trained and well-prepared, ISIS presents a very large challenge. "We're up against an enemy that celebrates death and totally worships destruction," said President Trump. "ISIS is on a campaign of genocide, committing atrocities across the world. Radical Islamic terrorists are determined to strike our homeland as they did on 9/11; as they did from Boston to Orlando, to San Bernardino." Europe also has suffered catastrophic terrorist attacks in Paris, Nice, Brussels, and Berlin. The United States is delivering a message in a unified voice, said President Trump: "To these forces of death and destruction, America and its allies will defeat you. We will defeat them. We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism, and we will not allow it to take root in our country." A two-day conference of Parliamentary speakers of South Asian nations will be held here in Madhya Pradesh on February 18-19, officials said on Sunday. Indore is the Parliamentary constituency of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Parliamentary presiding officers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will participate in the meet along with hosts India, and will discuss various issues related to democratic and Parliamentary affairs, an official said The arrangements related to the conference were reviewed at a high-level meeting here on Saturday by officials from the Lok Sabha Secratariat. The conference will be held in Indore for the first time. Prior to this, the meet was organised at places like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa. The conference will also witness a cultural programme depicting India's heritage. Those attending the conference will also be taken out for an excursion to historical and tourist places, mainly Lal Bagh Palace and Rajbara, in Indore and Mandu in Dhar district of the state. --IANS hindi-sm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the Jawaharlal Nehru University students' 'Occupy Ad-Block' protest continuing for the fourth day on Sunday, the university administration issued another denunciation of the demonstrating students and called their agitation a "criminal act". "The agitating students have no basis for occupying the Administrative Block building, physically stopping the staff and officials from entering the administration building. This trespassing is criminal and violation of the law of the land," a statement by the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) authorities read. The students have been staging a sit-in protest at the Administrative Block of the university, which has the offices of senior university officials, in order to seek a response from the Vice-Chancellor on the adoption of a University Grants Commission (UGC) notification on M.Phil. and Ph.D. admissions. The notification -- which proposed 100 per cent weightage to viva and reducing entrance examination to a qualifying criteria -- was adopted by the JNU Academic Council (AC) in its meeting on December 26 last year despite protests from almost half of the Council's members. The students along with many teachers have raised their objection to the order being passed unilaterally in the Council meeting and have asked the authorities to reconvene the Council to discuss various aspects of the notification. The university has told the students that it would abide by the egalitarian spirit of the JNU in admission policy, which will include reducing the viva to 20 per cent and allocating 'extra points' to candidates from backward regions on account of their being deprived of equal opportunities. However, it has stuck with the clause which imposes a cap on the number of students which a faculty member can guide. "JNU Admission Policy has all the socially inclusive admission policies of JNU while adopting 2016 UGC gazette notification. Less marks for viva, deprivation points, concessions to Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes categories... however, will be following the UGC notified upper limits on how many research scholars a faculty can guide," the administration statement said. The students, some of whom have been on an indefinite hunger-strike against the notification, have argued that the concerned clause will in effect mean a cut in the intake of students for M.Phil. and Ph.D. streams. --IANS vn/vgu/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had embraced corrupt leaders who were kicked out of the Congress. "Modiji says he is fighting against corruption. However, he has embraced those corrupt leaders whom we expelled from the party (Congress)," Gandhi tweeted. The Gandhi scion, who held a road show here on Sunday, also said the Congress threw garbage out of Uttarakhand but Modi brought it back in his party. --IANS spk/py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Taapsee Pannu is very excited about the release of "Running Shaadi", and says the character she portrays in the movie is similar to her real self. "I am very proud of 'Running Shaadi". Dada (Shoojit Sircar, who has produced the film) gave me 'Pink' after seeing what I could do in 'Running Shaadi'. I can tell you this without hesitation that my character Nimmi, in this film, is the closest to the person that I am in real life." How? "Like Nimmi, I am a Punjabi, a sardarni. But I am a little wary of the way Punjabi men and women are portrayed in our films. They are always loud, always aggressive, forever singing dancing screaming. Yes, all this is a part of the average Punjabi's DNA, but all sardars are not boisterous all the time." "A Punjabi woman also has a softer and more gentle side. This, I've shown in 'Running Shaadi'." Taapsee's biggest temptation to do "Running Shaadi" -- which also features Amit Sadh -- was the opportunity to break away from stereotypes. "The Punjabi girl I play is different from what we see. The Bihari guy Amit Sadh plays is not the stereotypical Bihari speaking person in the sing-song voice. In fact, when Amit was researching for his character, he met a Bihari gentleman who told him, 'Bihari is not a language. It's an attitude'." "That one sentence became the basis of Amit's character. Like I said, this girl in 'Running Shaadi' is the closest to the kind of person I am, while the girl in 'Pink' was very different from who I am." The fact that she played a character very close to her heart helped Taapsee a lot in "Running Shaadi". "I took the liberty of asking for changes in scenes and constantly questioning him. Amit Roy (the film's director) was very flexible. He was worried about my accent.But I got it right. I had such a ball shooting with the two Amits." "We would shoot for 12 to 13 hours at a stretch, But I never felt the weight of the long hours. That's the spirit I want to shoot in," she said. Taapsee is confident of scoring a post "Pink" success with "Running Shaadi". --IANS skj/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Valentine's Day is coming and as love blooms or advances for many young in age or heart, consider its course in difficult situations. Truth is the first casualty in wars, but so is romance. The conflict doesn't even need to be a shooting war - even undeclared conflicts like the Cold War can be daunting and hazardous for lovers - particularly if they are on opposing sides. But like many other human misfortunes, love in the Cold War with all its travails, tragedies but (some) triumphs too, makes for some memorable but haunting stories. Most were adapted for the screen and have become iconic films but also remain equally well-read books too. Love is always not genuine - initially - in some cases, being either an amoral tool for different, usually sinister, motives or even accidental. But then the best-laid plans, or even intentions, of humans can (and do) go awry, for love, true to its overpowering nature, can subvert all other reasons and motives, make hardened men (and women) act atypically or recklessly, and can achieve unexpected outcomes. The most famous arguably, though not the first of its kind, was a bleak story by a retired intelligence operative who went on to become a most celebrated writer of the espionage genre. "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold" (1963) was David Cornwell alias John Le Carre's third novel but successful enough to convince him to turn a full-time writer, earn him renown (especially after the 1965 film adaptation) and remain a major influence on the genre. It is about Alec Leamas, a burnt-out spy, being sent to (the then) East Germany for a mission, whose motive only becomes evident in the narrative progresses - and offers a sharp look at how amoral even liberal democracies can be in security matters. It, however, strikes a more deeper, mournful chord, in its cynical manipulation of romance, especially when this draws in Leamas' oblivious English girlfriend. Liz, an idealistic Communist, ultimately ends up paying a price for the operation's success and Leamas unhesitatingly chooses his own course too from atop the Berlin Wall. And possibly the first Cold War novel to use romance as a key plot element was Ian Fleming's "From Russia With Love" (1957). The fifth in his James Bond series and purportedly among US President John F Kennedy's 10 favourite reads, it sees the British spy service receive an intriguing offer. A young cipher clerk, Tatiana Romanova, posed in Istanbul, has fallen in love with Bond - after seeing his photo in a file and wants to defect. She makes the offer irresistible by promising to bring out a Spektor, a Russian decoding device much desired by the British, but has a condition - she wants him to come there and escort her. Though we come to know of what the fiendishly intricate Soviet plot this masks right away, the thrill is in reading to know if Bond and his agency will fall into the trap, how it will play out and what will happen eventually. It also became the second Bond film. Another classic where love is used to seek other motives, though much more positive, could be seen in Frederick Forsyth's "The Devil's Alternative" (1979) - one of his rare, early books not to be adapted into a film. It sets a fiendish set of interlocked options before the US President, with each promising to lead to a major disaster, before British secret agent Adam Munro, who is getting some vital information from his former Russian lover, steps in. And it is the only at the end where Munro learns how he was set up. But there are also those where the individuals concerned seek to make their own destiny, and there are some helpful people around. In this strain is the neglected classic - Evelyn Anthony's "The Tamarind Seed" (1971), which inverts the usual order by having a Soviet male character. British Home Office employee Judith Farrow, holidaying in the Caribbean after a failed affair with a married British minister, meets vacationing military attache Feodor Sverdlov and they fall in love, despite the hackles it raises on both their sides. Will they have a future together - or even survive for it is the crux of this pulsing adventure, which also became a noted film starring Julie Andrews and Omar Sharif. Then the last in this series, for it came as the Cold War was winding down was Le Carre's "Russia House" (1989), made next year into a film starring Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer. British publisher Bartholomew "Barley" Scott Blair, visiting Moscow for a book fair, meets an enigmatic Russian man who is impressed with his views and chooses him as a recipient for some secret information. The conduit is Katya with whom Blair falls in love. But pressed to obtain more information while his source and Katya are in danger, our hero must decide whom to betray - his country or his love? What would you do? (Vikas Datta is an Associate Editor at IANS. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) --IANS vd/vm/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korea fired what is believed to be a ballistic missile into its eastern waters early Sunday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The presumed intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday) near Banghyeon in North Pyongan province of North Korea, Xinhua news agency reported. The projectile is estimated to have travelled about 500 km, according to the JCS. It landed in waters off North Korea's east coast, according to local media reports. Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missiles near the same place, where an airfield is located, in October last year. It was North Korea's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since US President Donald Trump took office on January 20. South Korea's military said Pyongyang's launch of ballistic missile was a provocative act in violation of UN Security Council's resolutions, which ban North Korea from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch, the military believed, was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of armed protest against the Trump administration's hard-line stance toward North Korea. --IANS lok/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 200 kg explosives were seized by the Afghan National Police in Kunduz province, a police official said on Sunday. "Based on a tip-off, the ANP intercepted a vehicle on the outskirts of Kunduz city and recovered 210 kg of explosives late Saturday night," Xinhua news agency quoted the official as saying. A militant was held, the vehicle was confiscated and the explosives were destroyed safely by a bomb disposal team. The timely discovery of the explosives has foiled terror attacks and saved the city from an expected tragedy, the official said. The Kunduz province and neighbouring Baghlan and Takhar provinces have been the scene of heavy clashes over the past couple of months as Taliban has been trying to challenge the government forces in the once relatively peaceful region. --IANS py/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Protests against Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organisation that provides reproductive services, took place across the US, the media reported. #ProtestPP, a national coalition opposed to abortion rights that seeks to end any public funding for Planned Parenthood, said more than 200 rallies were planned in 45 states on Saturday, ABC News reported. "The time has come to defund America's abortion giant," #ProtestPP said on its website. "Join us at the Planned Parenthood facility in your community as we protest and pray for an end to Planned Parenthood's massive government subsidy, and an end to abortion in our country." Mary Alice Carter, interim vice president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said today's (Saturday) rallies "are designed to intimidate patients seeking basic health care services at Planned Parenthood." "Patients don't go to Planned Parenthood health centres to make a political statement -- they go to receive quality care from a provider they know and trust," Carter said in a statement. Planned Parenthood supporters also rallied on Saturday in a show of solidarity with the organisation, which provides a variety of health services including cancer screenings, HIV testing and STI/STD treatment as well as family planning, birth control and abortion. Carter expressed gratitude for the counter-protests, though she cautioned in a statement against rallies being held immediately outside the organisation's health clinics. Planned Parenthood serves more than 2.5 million patients each year in over 650 health centres across the country. Abortions account for 3 per cent of its services, according to the organizstion's annual report from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2014. However, US Federal law bars government funding from paying for abortion services except in cases where the woman's life is in danger or if the pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, ABC News reports. Republican lawmakers have proposed bills to cut off public funding to any organisations that offer abortions, a move that Planned Parenthood supporters believe would threaten the availability of the organisation's health services to women. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, whose movie "My Name Is Khan" on Sunday clocked seven years since its release, feels sad that the film's plot about the plight of Muslims in the US after 9/11 is still relevant in present times. The 2010 drama film, which also featured actress Kajol, told the story about Rizvan Khan, who embarks on a journey to meet the US President after his son's killing and attempts to change people's perception about religion. Shah Rukh tweeted: "It's kinda sad too that 'My Name Is Khan' is still relevant. But thanks Karan (Johar), Ravi, Kajol, SEL Shibani Niranjan Deepa Jimmy and all cast/crew for a special film." The actor's message, it seems, hints at US President Donald Trump's controversial executive order to temporarily bar entry into the US to refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations. The order suspends for 120 days the entry of all refugees and the issuing of visas for 90 days for citizens from seven countries -- Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran -- until new mechanisms can be put in place to screen them more effectively. Karan, who helmed the film, thanked Shah Rukh, who essayed the role of Rizwan Khan in the film. "Thank you Rizvan for spreading your love, your message, your innocence... Seven years of 'My Name Is Khan'," Karan tweeted. Brazlian author Paulo Coelho, who is popular for his thought provoking literary works, also congratulated Shah Rukh. Coehlo on Saturday night took to Twitter, where he shared a screenshot of one of his previous tweets which mentioned that Shah Rukh deserved an Oscar for his work if Hollywood was not manipulated. In a fresh tweet along with the screenshot, Coelho wrote: "'My Name Is Khan' and I am not a terrorist' Congratulations SRK for the seventh anniversary of this wonderful movie!." The message in the screenshot read: "His first and (only movie) I watched (this year, even it was released in 2008) was 'My Name Is Khan'. And not only the movie was excellent, but SRK deserved an Oscar if Hollywood was not manipulated. He kindly offered to send the other titles -- As you probably guess, it is not easy to find them in Switzerland." --IANS dc/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US retailers Sears and Kmart's websites no longer sell products from the Trump Home line, which is owned by the Trump Organisation, a Business Insider report said. As of Friday, a search for Trump Home items on both retailers' websites yielded no results, except items sold by third-party sellers, the report issued on Saturday said. A Sears spokesperson told the Business Insider that the company is looking into the disappearance of the Trump line. As of Tuesday, Sears was still selling 19 Trump Home items online and Kmart was selling 13 items, according to Shannon Coulter, the brand strategist who started the #GrabYourWallet boycott against retailers selling products owned by US President Donald Trump's organisation. It is unclear if Trump Home merchandise is still for sale in the retail stores. Last week, luxury retailers Nordstrom officially cut ties with Ivanka Trump's fashion brand, and her line of clothing and accessories also disappeared from Neiman Marcus' website. Home Shopping Network stopped selling a Trump Home line of lamps. On Wednesday, President Trump weighed in, saying Nordstrom's treatment of his daughter is "unfair". --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Film: "SI3(Singam 3)"; Language: Tamil; Director: Hari; Cast: Suriya, Anushka Shetty and Shruti Haasan; Rating: *1/2 Don't let the agitated agile ambience of unlimited energy fool you. This is a work of illimitable laziness. The writing is slothful, so much so that it often as though the script is a pretext for the fights. The direction is a muddle of rapidly moving shots with no room for the dialogues and characters to grow. It chokes the breath out of the actors. The performances are so over-the-top, they topple over and fall into the territory of unintentional humour. The overwrought film opens with a parliamentary session in Andhra Pradesh where there are name plates in front of political dummies with announcements like 'Opposition Leader'. There is a law-and-order and situation in Hyderabad and Tamil Nadu's 'super cop' Singam must be brought in. At this point in the passionately heroic plot, the entire audience began to cheer, clap and whistle in anticipation of Suriya's grand entry. Suriya's introductory fight on a railway station has goons being fist-flown into space like flying saucers while a wide-eyed open-mouthed Shruti Haasan watches the tumultuous 'tamasha' and even rushes to Singam for his autograph. In case we think she's playing a workless bimbo, Shruti is a journalist out to trash Suriya's reputation with an expose that goes way off the mark. Quite like this film. Sickeningly self-glorifying the corrupt 'system' is here no more than a pretext for Suriya to unleash his own brand of brutality laced with dialogues that run across the lengthy film with ear-splitting emphasis. In a fight in a car park, a goon who misbehaves with a lady, is lectured on respecting women. I was taking notes. There was blood on the floor and mayhem on the horizon as Suriya packs the punches with rapid-fire motions to rival the questions and answers on Karan Johar's talk show. Elsewhere, the film's main villain catches hold of a Caucasian woman's head and bangs it (the head) and the rest of her, all over the glistening floor. This is what you get when you leave your country to seek work in Indian cinema. Not willing to let go of his fans' expectations for even a second, Suriya spins and somersaults in muddy action scenes and snazzy dance floor numbers. The plot sinks its teeth all the way from Hyderabad to Sydney with stopover at various waste lands where the NRI villain has dumped toxic ingredients. Yeah yeah, we know the feeling of being dumped with waste material. "Si 3" feels like the leftovers from the first two parts assembled together in a hyper-strung display of brute force. The fights are so amateurish in execution that we never get a chance to see the film's superstar-hero do anything that is within the outer limits of believability. Throughout the tedious tribute to outlawry Suriya's "Singam", never wears a khaki uniform -- perhaps indicative of his superior law-providing status. The film is filled with forgettable goons and policemen who behave like buffoons; yelping, screaming and dancing around the police station like tribals on a night out of revelry. Everyone in the film seems pumped up with medication that has nothing to do with good health. The two leading ladies come and go wearing looks of unadorned adoration each time Suriya passes by. We know Anushka Shetty playing Mrs Singam with an expression of condescending devotion, is in this film because she was in the other segments of the franchise. But what is Shruti Haasan doing here? More to the point, what are we supposed to be doing in a film that drags a franchise by its neck to a point of no return? With his talent for character makeovers, Suriya deserves a lot better than this. And so what if this is a successful franchise? "Singam" feels as tasteless rubbery and redundant as A chewing gum that's been in the mouth too long. You can't spit it out because the ushers are watching. --IANS skj/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The first National Women's Parliament concluded here on Sunday with Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan calling up on all political parties to back the bill for providing reservation to women in the legislative bodies. Addressing the valedictory session, she said that respectfully giving reservations to women is the need of the hour. Earlier, talking to reporters on the sidelines of the conclave, Mahajan urged upon all political parties to back the long pending bill aimed at providing 33 percent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha in 2010 but it lapsed following dissolution of 15th Lok Sabha. The Speaker said that empowering women is necessary to make resurgent India and urged the Women's Parliament to contribute their best for mitigating problems of women to help their empowerment and enable national development. She opined that agitating for reservations is not fight against men, but it is only asserting the basic human, civil and political rights. "The women empowerment really means respect for women for her human dignity, freedom to choose way of life and active participation in decision making process in participatory parliamentary democracy," she said. Mahajan told the conclave that the Parliament is making consistent efforts for policy formulation and programme implementation towards empowerment of the women. She mooted the idea of Parliamentary Group under the chairmanship of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for discussing ways and means for empowerment of women. Noting that women are change vehicles in global scenario, she said decision-making power was necessary for women. Naidu said that the state government proposes to start a novel programme titled 'Thalliki vandanam' (Salutations to mother) soon. He expressed the confidence that under the leadership of Mahajan, the women's reservation bill will be passed in Parliament. He also announced 'Amaravati declaration' which will be circulated to all the state governments for taking suitable action to provide equal opportunities to women and ensure their participation in socio economic development of the nation. Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasad Rao said that 22,000 young women participated in the event and discussed the socio economic political challenges for women's empowerment. More than 405 women members of legislative assemblies and 92 women Members of Parliament, Union and State ministers participated in the conclave. Eminent women from all walks of life deliberated various issues related to women's empowerment. --IANS ms/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Tamil Tiger leader Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan has formed a new party to voice the concerns of the Tamils in Sri Lanka, the media reported on Sunday. Muralitharan alias Karuna, who broke away from the LTTE in 2004 and was sworn in as a deputy minister in the previous government, blamed the main Tamil party -- Tamil National Alliance (TNA) -- for not doing enough to represent the concerns of the Tamils, Xinhua news agency reported. He formed the Tamil National Freedom Front Party with the assistance of his close members. Muralitharan was the former Tamil Tiger leader in the eastern province and bolted from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2004. After leaving the LTTE, he formed Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP), a splinter faction. After giving up arms and entering politics, he was appointed a National List MP for the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the party of former President Mahinda Rajapakse. He became the Minister of National Integration in 2009. He later joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the largest party in the UPFA. Muralitharan faces corruption charges for alleged misuse of state vehicles during the previous government. --IANS py/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) More than 200 whales stranded on a remote beach in New Zealand have refloated themselves and have returned to the sea, the media reported on Sunday. Volunteers are using two boats to guide the 17 pilot whales that were stranded at Golden Bay on Sunday morning to the rest of the their pod and try to coax them out to deeper waters, the New Zealand Herald reported. The whales who refloated themselves late Saturday night were now swimming east towards Collingwood, beach authorities said. Volunteers discovered that the whales had successfully got back into the water when they went down to the beach to continue their rescue effort, a senior official said. The group were from a different pod to the 416 whales that were stranded on Thursday night. Seventeen were still stranded on the beach - 8km further into the bay than where another group were found on Thursday - on Sunday morning. The environmental group Project Jonah, which is assisting with the rescue, has a plane flying over the bay to keep track of the whales' movements, the BBC reported. It is not clear why the whales continue to arrive on the 5km-long (three mile-long) beach next to Golden Bay. Herb Christophers of New Zealand's department of conservation told the BBC that the whales were trying to get round the top of South Island, but if their navigation went wrong they ended up on the beach. In the shallower waters, the animals' use of echo location was impaired. "It's a very difficult place if you get lost in there and you are a whale," he said. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unidentified gunmen shot dead a youth from Telangana in California in the US. V. Vamshi Reddy, 27, was killed near his apartment, according to information reaching his family in Warangal Urban district. Reddy's friends informed his family about the incident over telephone. The motive behind the crime and other details were not known. The youth, who had gone to the US in 2015, recently completed his MS and was looking for a job. His parents collapsed on hearing about the killing of their only son, a family friend said. The family has urged the Telangana government to take steps to bring the body home. --IANS ms/py/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nearly 72,000 residents in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki were evacuated on Sunday morning ahead of a massive operation to defuse a WW II bomb, authorities said. The 250-kg bomb, believed to be dropped by either British or US forces in 1943-1944 targeting Nazi German facilities in Greece's second-largest city, was discovered during excavation works at a gas station in Kordelio-Evosmos district a few days earlier, Xinhua news agency reported. As a precautionary measure, while a Greek military bomb disposal squad will be working in the area for some six to eight hours according to initial estimates, authorities decided to proceed to the biggest such evacuation operation in post-war Greece. City authorities have been instructing -- through leaflets and media during the past few days -- all residents living within two km around the gas station to leave their homes by 10 a.m. Buses were available to transfer the affected to schools, stadiums and cafes early on Sunday, while bed-ridden patients were transferred on Saturday. Refugees and migrants living in nearby accommodation camps were also temporarily evacuated. Around 1,000 security personnel have been deployed to the area, the police said. They knocked on doors to make sure the houses were empty before experts start to defuse the detonator. According to the army, the squad has disposed of dozens of similar bombs. However, it was the first time in decades a bomb of such a size was found in a densely populated urban district in Greece. According to the plan, once the detonator is defused, the bomb will be transferred to an army base located about 30 km away. Authorities have sealed off the route. During the operation, train services and traffic will be halted. --IANS py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Palestinian diplomat Salam Fayyad has been appointed as the new UN special envoy to Libya and the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya. The appointment was announced on Saturday by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The US, however, objected to the choice of Fayyad, saying the US was "disappointed to see a letter indicating the intention to appoint the former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister to lead the UN Mission in Libya", Xinhua news agency reported. "For too long the UN has been unfairly biased in favour of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel," US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley said. The US objection was condemned by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, with its member Hanan Ashrawi saying the objection was "unconscionable". "We hope that saner voices will prevail and the US will take back this irrational and discriminatory decision immediately and not deprive the UN of such a highly qualified individual," Ashrawi said in a statement. Fayyad, 64, was the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority from 2007 to 2013. He is also a former Finance Minister. Fayyad replaced German diplomat Martin Kobler, who has served in the post since November 2015. Kobler sponsored peace dialogue sessions between Libya's political rivals for over a year in order to end the state of political division in the country. Eventually, a peace agreement was signed by the rivals and a new government of national accord was appointed. However, the country still suffers political crisis despite the signed agreement. --IANS py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Sunday expressed concern over protests in Baghdad that left several people dead and urged the Iraqi government to protect demonstrators. At least five people were killed on Saturday amid anti-government demonstrations that called for electoral reforms in Iraq, Efe news reported. "The right to freedom of peaceful assembly is the cornerstone of democracy and must be respected and protected by citizens, government, and security forces at all times and in all circumstances," UNAMI said in a statement. The note added that citizens have the right to express their opinion peacefully and the government and the security forces must respect that. "Citizens have the right to express their opinion, to request reforms and changes, and to have their voices heard... But they must do so peacefully and in full compliance with the law," the statement read. "The government and security forces must respect and protect the right of citizens to stage peaceful public protests and must act with restraint," it added. UNAMI welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi's decision to investigate the circumstances of the violent repression against Saturday's protest, which was called by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Baghdad Governor Ali al-Tamimi said in a statement that security forces fired tear gas and live bullets when some demonstrators tried to break the security cordon. At least four demonstrators and one policeman were killed, while 320 civilians and seven members of the security forces were wounded during the protest. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The first phase of the elections to the 403-strong Uttar Pradesh state assembly, that ended on Saturday, was marked by many firsts in the electoral history of the politically crucial state -- a major one being the absence of many veterans and political heavyweights from the campaigning. The front-ranking name in the list of these politicians is of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. She has been almost out of public life ever since she took ill last year during a roadshow in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources in the Congress confirmed that 'Madam' was unwell and not fit enough to hit the dusty roads of Uttar Pradesh and plunge into the high-decibel campaign. She is, however, working the wires from her high-security 10, Janpath residence in New Delhi. Of late, the 71-year-old Italian-born widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi has spoken to some candidates in party pocket boroughs of Amethi and Rae Barely, asking them to "adjust to the alliance compulsions" with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and withdraw from the race. She is strategising with her daughter Priyanka Vadra and son and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi behind the closed doors. The second noticeable absentee is Bharatiya Janata Party patriarch Lal Krishna Advani, who has been forced into virtual retirement by the new-age dispensation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and partgy President Amit Shah. Right from the Ram Janmabhoomi movement of the 1990s, the veteran Sindhi politician has always been a star campaigner for the party. Not any longer! Another BJP veteran and master strategist of the caste matrix in Uttar Pradesh, Kalyan Singh is also out of the campaigning scene as the crucial polls unfold. Holding the office of the Rajasthan governor, the Lodh stalwart is for now bound by constitutional propriety and cannot campaign for a political party. Though his son Rajveer Singh is a Lok Sabha member and his grandson Sandeep Singh is contesting on a BJP seat from Atrauli, an assembly constituency he represented eight times and held since 1967, the 85-year-old 'babuji' is not actively involved in the hurly-burly of election . He is, however, invoked by Prime Minister Modi at election rallies as a "symbol of good governance". Samajwadi Party (SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, recently edged out by son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav as the party President, is known for his political 'charkha dao' (a wrestling master-stroke). The one-time wrestler has gone into a sort of oblivion in the 2017 polls. Once a man in high demand by party candidates to seek votes for them, Mulayam now cuts a sorry figure as his party and family are bitterly divided. So far, his close aides confirmed to IANS, 'netaji' has only confirmed he would canvass for his younger brother Shivpal Singh Yadav in Jaswantnagar and younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, who is contesting her maiden election from Lucknow Cantt. He showed up on Saturday to seek support for Shivpal. Shivpal, who enjoyed the No.2 status in the Samajwadi Party since its inception 25 years ago, is now a lone figure. Having crossed swords with his estranged nephew Akhilesh, he has since been pushed to the sidelines and has not been involved in any list of star campaigners for the ruling party. At one point, till the last elections, he was the party's favourite 'chacha' (uncle) who had a helicopter at his disposal during the polls. Also missing from the act are leaders like Amar Singh and former actress Jayaprada -- both now expelled from the Samajwadi Party. While the duo was out of the SP during 2012 state assembly polls too, the wily Thakur had floated his own political outfit, the Rashtriya Lok Manch, in 2011 and fielded candidates in 360 of the 403 assembly seats in the 2012 polls -- not winning even a single seat. Film actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha is also absent from the campaign and is likely to remain so in the rest of the six phases that will be conducted over the next one month. The Patna MP is known to have angered the party leadership with his barbs against top leaders, including the Prime minister. Multanpur MP Varun Gandhi has also failed to make the cut. Having fallen from the party high command's grace, he was not included in the initial list of star campaigners for the state elections but was later added hastily for some of the phases. The 36-year-old has since chosen not to accept the campaign invite and close aides confirm his snub. "Bhaiyya-ji will not campaign," a close aide confirmed to IANS. Former Lucknow MP and a close protege of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lalji Tandon too has walked into the sunset. While his son Gopal Tandon is contesting on the BJP ticket from Lucknow (East), Lalji has not hit the campaign trail so far. His 'kothi' in the old city's Chowk area, which was once the hub of a heady mix of 'thandai our rajniti' has now fallen quiet, again signaling the generational shift in the saffron camp. Three-time Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kesharinath Tripathi, an eminent lawyer and respected Brahmin face of the BJP, has been forced to give the elections a miss. He is the West Bengal Governor. One of its most prominent faces in the state, former UP Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Nirmal Khatri has also been sidelined and is not seen during the elections. (Mohit Dubey can be contacted at mohit.d@ians.in) --IANS md/vm/tb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In Rejecting Refugee Priority, Middle Eastern Christians Act Like Abuse Victims The time since President Trump's executive order temporarily halting some Middle Eastern immigration has been distressing for me as an Iraqi Christian immigrant. I've said many times, that as completely integrated as I am as an American, I cannot deny that "Iraqi Luma" is part of who I am. It took me years to overcome the desire to reject that part of my identity, and to accept that to thrive I must find a way to integrate East and West within myself. So I'm concerned about what I'm hearing from some of the priests representing Iraqi Christians in Iraq. Patriarch Louis Sako of Baghdad said: "Every reception policy that discriminates (between) the persecuted and suffering on religious grounds ultimately harms the Christians of the East" He went on to explain that prioritizing Christians is not good because it invites harsher treatment from Muslims, increasing tensions and accusations that Christians communities are "foreign bodies... supported and defended by Western powers." The Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo, Antoine Audo SJ, said "speeches" or "measures and laws" that seem to privilege Christians "feeds fanaticism and extremism." Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, on the other hand, although more positive about the development, said that the media puts Christians in Iraq "at greater risk" when they "cry out that this is a 'Muslim Ban.'" He wrote in an interview: "Here in Iraq we Christians cannot afford to throw out words carelessly as the media in the West can do. I would ask those in the media who use every issue to stir up division to think about this. For the media these things become an issue of ratings, but for us the danger is real." Don't Help Us Or We'll Get Beaten Again It's true that part of what's going on, especially from Sako and Audo, is that these religious leaders don't want their flocks to flee. I can understand the desire to stay. "As Christians," Audo said, "we ask to be helped not to emigrate, but to have peace in our Countries, in order to continue our life and our witness in the land where we were born." Contrast those responses with that of Anglican Canon Andrew White, better known as the Vicar of Baghdad. When his parishioners in Baghdad were getting killed, he responded with, "I just say, 'I will stay, I will not leave you,' but I can't advise them to stay." The liquidation of Christianity from the Middle East is heartbreaking. But what is going on here with these representatives of Iraqi Christians is more than just the desire to stay in their homeland. Christians in Iraq and their leaders sound like abuse victims. I don't want to paint with a broad brush. There are many Iraqi Christians who desperately want to leave Iraq and are grateful for whatever help they can get. I believe Warda is the most balanced of all the leaders. His interview with Crux magazine is required reading for anyone desiring candid answers about Christians' situation in Iraq. Warda is an anomaly. Most church leaders, it seems to me, sound just like spousal abuse victims: "Please don't help me, he'll get mad and beat me up again." It's the same type of victim mentality: "Don't help us," these Christian leaders say, "because they'll increase our persecution." Asking for Decent Treatment Is Asking For It This "battered woman syndrome" in Middle Eastern Christians runs deep. This mental conditioning has been a plague on Middle Eastern Christians for a long time. In her book "Christianity in Iraq," Suha Rassam recounts Muslim-Christian relations in the years when Iraq moved from British rule toward independence, under the monarchy a military coup toppled in 1958. The constitution that the British helped Iraq draft gave full and equal citizenship rights to all minorities. Dr. Rassam tells of how, when the provisional constitution provided for specifically Christian representations, "the Syro-Chaldean hierarchy opposed it, maintaining that they sought no special rights and that they trusted to the goodwill of their Muslim brethren that they would be treated as equal citizens to the Muslims." Why would they do such a thing? Here in the West, every single minority group desires guaranteed representation. Our democratic sensibilities, rather than encouraging a tyranny of the majority, are for the most part responsive to minority needs, and what minority group here hasn't taken advantage of that? But this type of thinking is foreign to Middle Eastern Christians' minds, given their history of being terrorized by the Muslims they live under. Standing up for representation is a sure way to get cut down. When Iraq's old constitution was being drafted, the memories of the last decades of the Ottoman rule were still alive, and as Rassam writes, "the massacres of these communities [Armenians, Syrian Orthodox, Syrian Catholics, etc.] were partly attributed to Western European policies. And the failure of the Europeans to stand by their promises to them. One of the Iraqi newspapers warned: 'Do not forget the fate of the Armenians and the Assyrians who put their trust in Christian powers and were practically exterminated in the process.'" When Helping Hurts It's true that Western intervention helped the Christian communities at times. But Rassam says much of it led to greater tragedy for Christians, complicating the relationship between Muslims and Christians. She writes: "The Christians were seen [by the Muslims] as collaborators with the Europeans and identified with their policies." What Americans and most people in the West don't realize is that not only do these Christian have hundreds of years of oppressed mentality to overcome, but that the Muslims, just like wife-beaters, increase their wrathful acts upon their victims when they seek help. The increase in violence is usually triggered by a move of any Western power to help the Christians. But the answer cannot be for America or the West to do nothing. That's what the Obama administration did, and the persecution did not stop. The answer, as difficult as it is for Americans to accept, is exactly what President Trump is trying to do: give priority to the Christians who want a chance to flee the violence. Surely the wholesale removal of Christians from the Middle East is a tragedy of historic significance, but the removal of Middle Eastern Christians from the world altogether would be far worse. North Korea on Sunday fired a ballistic missile into its eastern waters, with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe denouncing it. The intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7.55 a.m. near Banghyeon in North Pyongan province, Xinhua news agency quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying. The projectile is estimated to have travelled about 500 km and landed in waters off North Korea's east coast. The launch came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before North Korea marks the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father Kim Jong II. During a joint conference with Trump, Abe called on Pyongyang to comply fully with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Abe called the test "absolutely intolerable". He said Trump had assured him of US support and that his presence showed the President's determination and commitment, The Japan Times reported. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the US stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent." Kim Jong Un had said in his New Year address that North Korea had reached the final stages of readiness to test an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the US. South Korea's acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said his country would punish North Korea for the missile launch. The Presidential office convened an emergency national security council meeting chaired by top presidential security advisor Kim Kwan-jin, Yonhap news agency reported. According to South Korea's Foreign Ministry, Seoul would continue to work with allies including the US, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against Pyongyang. According to the ministry, Seoul would make Pyongyang realise that it would "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programmes. The ministry said it was a violation of UNSC resolutions and a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It was North Korea's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since US President Donald Trump took office on January 20. The UN Security Council's resolutions ban North Korea from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of a protest against the Trump administration's hardline stance toward Pyongyang, South Korea said. Concerns had persisted about North Korea's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test-launch following its fifth nuclear test in September. Pyongyang test-fired a long-range ballistic rocket in February last year, about a month after detonating its fourth atomic bomb. Musudan has a range of 3,000-4,000 km that can put the entire Japan and the US military base in Guam in its target range. --IANS py/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Kangana Ranaut, who flagged off the fifth edition of Max Bupa Walk for Health here on Sunday, urged women to take out time from their schedules to walk for better health and fitness. "It's a myth that staying fit is expensive and complicated. It's actually not. What you just need to do is take out 30 minutes from your daily life and dedicate it to walking," Kangana said in a statement. "I ensure that my workout involves walking, it enhances one's mental, emotional and physical health. I want to specially tell all women out there that while you juggle different roles, don't neglect your health," added the actress, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film "Rangoon". Kangana flagged off the event at the SNDT Women's University at Juhu here amid thousands of spirited Mumbaikars. It was a 5-km walk for adults and 2-km walk for children and senior citizens. People from all walks of life, including health enthusiasts, Mumbai's famous walking communities like iconic Dabbawalas, Mumbai Moms, Mumbai Instagrammers, Mumbai Photowalk, Streets of Mumbai, joined the initiative. "The initiative mirrors our commitment to shake people from this inertia and encourage them to walk towards a healthier, more successful life, said Ashish Mehrotra, Managing Director and CEO of Max Bupa. After Mumbai, the walk will be held in Delhi on February 19 and conclude in Bengaluru on February 26. --IANS dc/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Merely wearing a police uniform may change the way you perceive others and evoke a bias in you towards those considered to be of low social status, a new study has found. The study conducted at McMaster University in Ontario state of Canada raises important questions about stereotypes and profiling, and about how the symbolic power and authority associated with police uniforms might affect these tendencies. "We all know that the police generally do an excellent job, but there has also been a great deal of public discourse about biased policing in North America over recent years," said Sukhvinder Obhi, Associate Professor at McMaster University. "We set out to explore whether the uniform itself might have an impact, independent of all other aspects of the police subculture, training or work experiences," Obhi added. Wearing police attire, the participants in the study were shown photos of individuals wearing hoodies and it was noticed that they were distracted. Their reaction times slowed, indicating that the images of hoodies were attention-grabbing. This bias towards hoodies only occurred when participants were wearing the police-style garb. "We know that clothing conveys meaning and that the hoodie has to some extent become a symbol of lower social standing and inner-city youth. There is a stereotype out there that links hoodies with crime and violence, and this stereotype might be activated to a greater degree when donning the police style uniform," explained Obhi. The study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology explained that this behaviour is especially important for police officers who might unconsciously perceive a threat where one does not exist or vice versa. --IANS qd/sm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yale University will rename one of its residential colleges, replacing the name of an alumnus remembered as an advocate of slavery with that of an alumna who was a pioneering mathematician and computer scientist, the media reported. Calhoun College will be renamed to honour Grace Murray Hopper, who helped transform the way people use technology, the BBC reported. Hopper earned Yale degrees in the 1930s and became a US Navy rear admiral. The Ivy League university on Saturday said the move ends the controversy over the formerpolitician and defender of slavery John C. Calhoun, whose legacy led to campus protests in 2015. Calhoun, a member of the Yale class of 1804, was a senator from South Carolina and a leading voice for those opposed to abolishing slavery. He served as Vice-President from 1825 to 1832. "The minute that the announcement came out, people stuck their heads out of the window and yelled 'Wahoo!'" Julia Adams, a sociology professor who is head of the just-renamed Grace Murray Hopper College, said on Saturday. The decision to rename Calhoun College reverses one made last year, when Yale President Peter Salovey said he did not want to erase history, but confront it and learn from it, The Washington Post reported. By the beginning of the next academic year, the name of alumna Grace Murray Hopper will be added to the building, and the residential college will be known by that name. Students' T-shirts will have the Hopper name. However, the university will not chisel off the "Calhoun" or remove other traces of the name on campus. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On Saturday, several schools in Delhi that claim to be affiliated to Vidya Bharati, the education wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, organised Matru-Pitru Divas, or mothers-fathers day. Geeta Bal Bharati, a school in east Delhi invited paternal and maternal grandparents of students to the school to felicitate them. Other Vidya Bharati-affiliated schools held similar events. The Matru-Pitru Divas was planned as an answer to Valentines Day, which, according to the Hindu right wing, is a westernised celebration of romantic love, and therefore decadent. This time, Valentines Day falls not only on a working day Tuesday but also on the eve of the second phase of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and the single phase of elections in Uttarakhand. Just when the Tata Group issue was cooling down, another unnecessary imbroglio has emerged, this time at the iconic Infosys. Parallels can be drawn between the two cases. The controversy raised by N R Narayana Murthy and some other old-timers of Infosys over governance issues could not have come at a worse time for the company. The entire global information technology industry is mutating and Indian software exporters are under notice to reinvent themselves in order to survive. In these challenging times Infosys, Indias second-largest software company, has been trying to take the automation and innovation route under Vishal Sikka, with positive financial numbers and share price to show. The controversy will destabilise both Mr Sikka and Infosys, and it needs to be asked if Mr Murthy and those lining up behind him have done the right thing, the right way and at the right time. The charges Mr Murthy has made are serious indeed in a newspaper interview, he has linked the severance payments to two senior executives to hush money. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Infosys board has followed perhaps the only option open to it it appointed a legal firm to look into the matter and engaged with shareholders. The choice of the firm cannot be questioned as Mr Murthy himself is part of its external advisory board. What is intriguing, however, is that Mr Murthy has simultaneously downgraded the chances of such an investigation uncovering anything substantial by saying that any trace of misdeeds can be erased within that period of one year when the payments were made. If Mr Murthy is convinced that an allegation involving financial irregularity cannot be established either way, what was he trying to achieve by making a public issue of it? The two people who are in the line of fire, Mr Sikka and the current Infosys chairman, R Seshasayee, had Mr Murthys blessings when they joined. Both these appointments happened in October 2014 and Mr Murthy has said corporate governance standards started falling from June 2015, barely seven months after he removed himself from the scene. The parallel with the Ratan Tata-Cyrus Mistry affair is stark. Mr Murthy has of course taken pains to say that he has nothing against Mr Sikka but the fact that large severance pay was handed out under his watch makes the CEO a prime target of the whole affair. There is no doubt that cultural issues are at the root of this conflict. Mr Murthy belongs to a school that believes there should not be too great a differential between the remunerations of those at the top and those at the bottom. On the other hand, Mr Sikka belongs to the school of thought that sees remuneration being linked wholly to performance. Mr Murthy has often described India as a poor country where capitalism is nascent but the fact is that the software industry earns its bread globally and has to attract top managers from the international marketplace a reason why many large overseas shareholders have publicly reposed faith in Mr Sikka. In a video that recently went viral, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat was photoshopped as Bahubali, hero of the south Indian movie dubbed in multiple languages. At a time when the majority of the ruling state Congress generals have switched sides, some party leaders admit Rawat is fighting a lonely battle against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the run-up to the February 15 Assembly election. Can Rawat perform the Bahubali feat in real life? This is a question haunting the Congress and BJP alike. Though the BJP and the Congress are the two main parties in the state, some others such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party and Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), and independents are expected to win four-five seats this time. A group of Congress leaders say Rawat will sail through as the opposition camp is leaderless. Who is BJPs general? How can they fight without the commander? asked Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Kishore Upadhayay. The BJP is claiming the Modi wave is sweeping the hill state. Be it real or fake, we are not afraid of any Bahubali, said a BJP spokesperson. Though most pre-poll surveys have given the BJP a majority after the election on February 15, an air of despondency hangs heavy at its headquarters in Dehradun. When asked whether the party will get a majority or not, Hamari sarkar ban rahi hai na (We are forming the government), said a BJP leader warily. According to an estimate, the BJP is hoping to win 34-36 seats in the 70-member House. Another estimate suggests the partys position could touch even 40 or beyond if a Modi wave works. It depends on how effective the four crucial rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the fag end of the campaign have been. According to a calculation by some BJP leaders, the party has at least 10 seats in its kitty after it fielded some strong candidates such as Umesh Sharma Kau in Raipur, Dehradun district; Satpal Maharaj in Chaubattakhal, Pauri district; and Shailendra Mohan Singhal in Jaspur, and Yashpal Arya in Baajpur, Udhamsingh Nagar district. Most of these candidates are Congress rebels. The majority of these rebels are said to be winning candidates because of their good work in their constituencies. This factor appears to have tilted the balance in favour of BJP. The rebellion in the Congress is more severe this time. The party faced two rounds. In the first round, nine MLAs quit the Congress when they revolted on March 18 in the Vidhan Sabha last year. A month later, Rekha Arya, a Congress MLA from Someshwar, too joined BJP. Last month, former PCC chief Yashpal Arya, along with his son Sanjiv, quit. All the 11 former Congress MLAs are contesting the election on the BJP ticket. After the distribution of tickets, nearly one dozen Congress leaders (not MLAs) revolted and decided to contest independently in the election. There are at least eight rebel-held seats for which the Congress has not found any strong candidates, which sends the message that the ruling party is contesting 60 seats or fewer. Where are the candidates against the rebels? We are fighting in fewer than 60 seats, giving a virtual walkover to BJP in the remaining 10, said a top Congress leader. But, the BJP is on a sticky wicket in the absence of stalwarts such as B C Khanduri, Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, who are not contesting because they are all Lok Sabha members. The party has also not projected any chief ministerial candidate. It is relying mainly on the aura of Narendra Modi, who in a way is directly pitted against Rawat. The BJP is also plagued by rebellion. Even state BJP President Ajay Bhatt is not comfortable in Ranikhet, Almora district, where a party rebel is trying to ruin his chances. Former Vidhan Sabha speaker and seven-time MLA Harbans Kapoor is not sure of victory as he faces a tough contest against Congress leader Suryakant Dhasmana in Dehradun Cantt. After the 11 Congress rebels were awarded the ticket by the BJP high command, the resentment was strong in the BJP camp. The BJP cadre also appeared a bit confused. At one time, the challenge posed by the BJP rebels looked very serious. But the party brass was able to coerce and placate nearly four-five leaders who had threatened to contest as independents against the official party candidates. Former state BJP chief and sitting MLA Tirath Singh Rawat, who was denied the ticket from Chaubattakhal, has been given the post of BJP national secretary. Similarly, three MLAs Mahavir Singh Rangad (Dhanaulti), Chandra Shekhar (Jawalapur) and Vijya Barthwal (Yamkeshwar) who too were denied the ticket have been promised top posts in case BJP comes to power. BJPs position has been weakened at the prestigious Nainital seat after it put up Sanjiv Arya, son of Yashpal Arya. Khanduri also faced flak when daughter Ritu Khanduri Bhushan was given the ticket from Yamkeshwar. The Congress, on its part, has fielded a couple of BJP rebels. Shailendra Singh Rawat, who was denied the ticket by BJP from Kotdwar, is contesting as a Congress candidate from Yamkeshwar against Khanduris daughter. BJP leader Asha Nautiyal, who was unsuccessful last time from the Kedarnath seat, has been given the ticket by the Congress against Shailarani Rawat of BJP. Even state Congress chief Upadhayay is not too sure of winning from Sahaspur where Aryander Sharma, a Congress rebel, is playing spoilsport. Despite a rebellion, some state Congress leaders say CM Harish Rawat will sail through the polls since the Opposition is leaderless. Photo: PTI At least 11 people were killed and three others injured today in a collision between a bus and a van in central Bangladesh. The bus collided with the van this morning in Narsingdi district, killing 11 passengers of the van, the DailyStar quoted the officer-in-charge of Belabo Police Station as saying. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, he said. The mishap happened two days after 13 people were charred to death and 20 others injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a van hauling gas cylinders in Faridpur district. Hundreds of people die in road accidents in Bangladesh every year. Bad roads and rash driving cause most of the accidents. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three persons have been arrested in connection with the theft of Nobel replica and other valuables from Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi's Kalkaji residence in southeast Delhi. While the stolen items including the Nobel replica have been recovered, the citation that was stolen along with the replica has not been found yet. The three accused brothers, Rajan alias Natta (25), Vinod (35) and Sunil (28), have had previous involvements in burglary and robbery cases. While expressing hope that the citation will be recovered soon, child rights activist Satyarthi thanked Delhi Police for the "brilliant and speedy recovery" of the stolen items. Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik also tweeted about the case being solved. "Was greatly concerned about theft of Shri Satyarthi's prestigious Nobel Medal replica. Proud that @DelhiPolice recovered it in quick time," he tweeted. Traditional policing played a big role in solving the case, said R P Upadhyay, joint commissioner of police (Southeast). Citing the theft of Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel Prize medal in 2004 from Visva Bharati University's museum in Santiniketan, he said that the theft of Satyarthi's Nobel replica was a "very important case" for them. "For us, it was a case of national pride. 10 teams were working on the case and exploring different angles," he added. "In the CCTV footage that was recovered, two faces were muffled and one face was hazy and despite developing them, we didn't have a clear picture of the accused," he said. Apart from technical surveillance, the cops also focused on record-based surveillance, he said. The theft happened in the wee hours on February 7 and police was informed about the theft at Satyarthi's flat in Aravali Apartments around 9 AM. "When the police team reached the spot, the main door of the house was found broken. Rakesh Senger, who works with Satyarthi's Bachpan Bachao Andolan, was the first to discover the theft. "He told police that Satyarthi had gone to USA and the house was locked. The house was inspected by the crime team and the photographs of scene of crime were taken," said DCP (southeast) Romil Baaniya. Senger informed police that replica of Nobel Peace prize and citation had been stolen along with other expensive jewellery articles and other medals. "During investigation, it was found that two other flats, that were also locked, were also burgled," Baaniya added. More than 50 people were identified following the analysis of burglaries with similar modus operandi in 2016-2017. In the record, police found a similar modus operandi in a burglary case in the year 2016. Rajan (one of the accused) was arrested for a burglary in Shivalik Apartments in 2016. "On the basis of the modus operandi adopted by accused persons, criminals of the local police station as well as from the nearby police stations were shortlisted and efforts were initiated for their verification and interrogation. "During this exercise, out of other suspects, Rajan alias Natta, who had previous criminal history of burglaries in the area, came out as a strong suspect," said the DCP. Police began searching for Rajan and the police team came to know that he had changed three houses in Sangam Vihar in the last one week, which further strengthened the suspicion on him, he added. Police also learnt that the three accused used to go to Ghaziabad at night to sleep. "Police teams had started collecting information about Rajan and his associates. Several teams were constituted under the supervision of inspector Ved Prakash SHO (Kalkaji) and under the overall supervision of Amit Goel, ACP (Kalkaji)," said Baaniya. Raids were conducted at different places and Rajan was apprehended from Sangam Vihar near Aggarwal Sweets and some of the stolen articles were recovered from his residence. He further disclosed that he had committed the burglaries in Aravali Apartments along with his two brothers, Vinod alias Pinki and Sunil alias Sonu, who are residing in the other house at Sangam Vihar and rest of the stolen articles are with them including Nobel Prize replica. Rajan's elder brothers were arrested from their house in Sangam Vihar. The Nobel Prize replica along with other articles were recovered from their residence. During interrogation, they told police that when they had carried out the burglary, they didn't realise the value of the replica of Nobel prize but after watching it on TV, they realised it. Therefore, they couldn't dispose it off. The accused brothers are natives of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and were residing in the jhuggis near Aravali Apartments since their birth. The jhuggis were removed in the year 2005-06 and they along with their family shifted to Sangam Vihar. But they continued working in the same locality as labourers or painters. Hence, they were well aware of the topography of the area and they decided to commit the burglary in the same area. While committing the burglary, they had used the passage from the empty land in front of Aravali Apartments, which is covered with the iron shed. They had bent the iron shed to make a passage to go through the vacant land. They had jumped off from gate number 8 of the apartments that is closed during the night and is open during daytime. The CCTV footage shows they entered around 1.07 am and were there till 3.53 am. Sunil has eight, Vinod 10 and Rajan has six cases of burglary and robbery against them. (REOPENS DEL 45) Satyarthi thanked Delhi Police and said, "I had complete faith in the government, the police and the people of this great nation. I thank the Delhi Police for the brilliant and speedy recovery of the items stolen from my residence and I hope that the Nobel citation is recovered soon as well. Nothing can deter my mission to work towards my children." He said that he hopeful that the citation, that is one of the most invaluable items, is also recovered soon. "My sense is that for the thieves, the citation was just a piece of paper and they might have thrown it somewhere," he added. Apart from replica of Nobel Prize, two laptops of Dell and Sony make, one Rado wristwatch, one Apple iPad, four imported branded pens, gifted to the Nobel laureate, two cameras, gold and silver jewellery and silverware have been recovered. The child rights activist won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. He shared the prize with Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai. Satyarthi had presented his Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Pranav Mukherjee in January, 2015. The original medal has been preserved and is now on display at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, his office said. Nearly 30 per cent work on casting of the monumental bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, billed as the world's tallest sculptural work, has been completed, says noted artist Ram Sutar. Sutar was commissioned to craft the artistic modellings for the majestic 522-ft-high 'Statue of Unity' that will be installed on Sadhu Bet near Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. The sculptor, who turns 92 on February 19, and known for his iconic statues of Mahatma Gandhi, one of which sits in the lawns of Parliament, is being assisted by his son Anil (59) in this project. "It was my dream to sculpt the tallest statue in the world and with 'Statue of Unity' I have come closer to realising that dream. The bronze statue would stand as a symbol of inspiration for generations and about 30 per cent of the casting work has been completed," Ram Sutar told PTI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid its foundation on October 31 on the birth anniversary of the 'Iron Man'. The project is expected to be finished by 2019. "The casting work is being done in a foundry in China. For the final statue, we made iterative scale models of 3 ft, 18 ft and 30 ft statues. The face itself would be 70-ft in height and we have made a scale model of 15 ft for final rendering," Anil said. The father-son duo, who hail from Maharashtra, work out of their studio in Noida, where an impressive statuary of iconic personalities greet visitors. "We were also selected for the Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj grand memorial, planned to be built in Arabian Sea, off the coast of Mumbai. The last date to receive the tender for the contractor's job is February 14. "Once that is decided, we will begin working with them for this project. For this, 25 ft and 50 ft scale models would be used before designing the final statue," the 59-year-old sculptor said. Modi had laid the foundation for this Rs 3,600-crore grand memorial last December. The proposed memorial's main feature will be an imposing 192-m-tall statue of a triumphant Maratha king riding a horse. The statue will be surrounded by an art museum, amphitheatre, auditorium, exhibition gallery and other facilities. Ram Sutar, a gold medallist from Sir J J School of Arts, built one of his first statues -- 'The Bodybuilder' in 1948. This art and other striking scale models of his past works are being celebrated at an ongoing exhibition -- Ram Sutar Retrospective -- at the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society here. Besides, various models of Gandhi, tall statues of Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, all in standing pose, a seated B R Ambedkar, and his other celebrated works have been showcased. "During his career, spanning over six decades, he (Ram Sutar) has designed nearly 700 statues, out of which 350 include those of Gandhi, in various sizes and poses, like standing, sitting, thinking, walking, in busts," Anil said. Sutar shot to fame with the 45-ft-high Chambal monument at Gandhi Sagar dam in Madhya Pradesh, 'Chambal Devi' carved out of one monolithic stone. A scale model of the head of one of the horses in the 'Krishna Arjun' monument at Kurukshetra in Haryana has also been displayed. 2-D plans of the Shivaji memorial, models of Sai Baba in his iconic sitting posture, first President Rajendra Prasad, a bust of smiling Gandhi, two dancing female figures are among the other exhibits at the fortnight-long retrospective which end on February 14. "The smiling Gandhi bust is unique in many ways. The pillar carrying the bust has four iconic figures on its sides -- Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ, Karl Marx and Rabindranath Tagore. It was built in 1948 by my father and is installed in a public space at our native town in Maharashtra," Anil said. "95 per cent of the works, models of which are on display, were converted to sculptures for installation. A few projects, my father had proposed did not see fruition, like the Gandhi statue for 'Kranti Maidan' near India Gate, towering statue of Gandhi in Arabian Sea," he said. But, Sutar's matchless oeuvre, nonetheless, is overwhelming, which also includes, 16 statues in Parliament -- Gandhi in meditative pose, equestrian Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Nehru, Indira, among other sculptures. "A statue of Jyotiba Phule, surrounded with accompanying sculptures on a grand pedestal, was planned to be installed in Mumbai, but then it couldn't see its finality. The exhibition also displays it scale model," Anil said. "For the Commonwealth Games, we had also proposed a 'Progress' monument of 250 ft height near the banks of Yamuna River in the biodiversity park area, as a symbol of continuous progress of the country. The then Delhi government had liked it but it was eventually not implemented," he added. "My father had also worked on the design of various statues and fountains installed in Noida and Lucknow during the Mayawati government. We are also trying to establish a museum of his works, as a lasting memory," he said. A 36-year-old man from Pune received heart of a brain dead person from Surat giving him a new lease of life. A team of doctors from a private hospital in Mulund successfully transplanted the heart. The donor heart was transported in a chopper in 2.02 hrs from Surat covering a distance of 278 kms, a release issued by Fortis Hospital in Mulund said. The recipient from Indapur taluka in Pune district was suffering from Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The donation became possible when a 48-year-old man was declared brain dead at a hospital in Surat. The chopper took off at 3.04 PM and landed in Mumbai at 4:16 PM. It was then transported in an ambulance to reach Mulund for an immediate transplant, it said. "The surgery has been concluded and the recipient is now stable. We will continue to monitor him in the ICU for the next 48 to 72 hours," said Dr Anvay Mulay of Fortis Hospital. "Heart transplant has now become a real viable treatment option for patients with end-stage cardiac diseases, who tend to otherwise have poor quality life surviving on medications," said Dr S Narayani, Zonal Director of the hospital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of residents of a quake-hit city in the southern Philippines sought refuge on the streets as aftershocks hit the region today, two days after a quake killed six. The 6.5-magnitude quake struck Surigao and nearby areas of Mindanao island late Friday, injuring 202, with more than a thousand homes destroyed or damaged, according to officials. People who had fled their damaged homes wrapped themselves in blankets and sacks for a second night as they slept side-by-side on the pavement Saturday, an AFP photographer at the scene said. The state seismology office recorded 130 weaker quakes in Surigao, a city of 152,000 people, and in the predominantly agricultural region around it since the quake struck, though there were no additional reports of casualties or damage. "The people are terrified about the aftershocks," Romina Marasigan, spokeswoman for the government's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council told reporters. "This was the first time Surigao had suffered a quake this strong. The previous one occurred in the 1800s," President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman Martin Andanar, a native of the region, said over government radio. Duterte flew to the region on Sunday to inspect the response effort, which officials said has shifted to relief and rehabilitation after the last of the dead and injured were pulled from the rubble. He was accompanied by a military transport plane loaded with generator sets, solar lamps, high-energy biscuits, mosquito nets and blankets for the displaced residents, Marasigan said. Early today, long lines of people carrying pails and jugs queued for water rations supplied by fire trucks after the quake cut off tap water supply. "We're still being hit by aftershocks, and as of now we do not have tap water supply. The people are suffering," provincial information officer Mary Escalante told ABS-CBN television in an interview. "Buildings that suffered structural damage have been closed," she said, adding some schools and gyms that were meant to serve as evacuation centres were among those damaged by the quake. The quake also damaged bridges and roads and knocked out the power supply, though electricity was restored in most of Surigao yesterday. An average of five earthquakes, most of them undetectable except through instruments, hit daily across the Philippines, which lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. The last lethal quake that hit the country measured 7.1-magnitude. It left over 220 people dead and destroyed historic churches when it struck the central islands in October 2013. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The has sought certain clarifications from its mines counterpart with regard to imposition of minimum import price on aluminium and a decision on such a protectionist measure will be taken in a fortnight, a top official said. The development follows a parliamentary panel stating that the Centre is considering more measures to safeguard the interest of the aluminium . "They (the commerce ministry) raised certain queries. We are sending replies of those queries to the commerce ministry," Mines Secretary Balvinder Kumar told PTI. Asked how soon a decision on imposition of MIP on aluminium is expected, Kumar said "in 10-15 days". The government had earlier said that it was considering imposing a minimum import price (MIP) on aluminium, a move that may help stem a rise in cheaper shipments from overseas, hurting domestic manufacturers. The domestic manufacturers had earlier called for restrictions like MIP on aluminium imports, similar to the one on steel. China, the biggest producer and consumer of metals, is exporting surplus aluminium amid weak domestic demand. In August last year, the Aluminium Association met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and pitched for protective steps against cheap imports. The situation is alarming as 50 per cent of the metal consumed in India is coming through imports, the body had said. According to data, primary aluminium producers incurred losses of around Rs 4,025 crore last fiscal, much higher than Rs 1,480 crore in 2014-15. India's annual aluminium consumption is 3 mt and production capacity 4 mt. Nearly half the consumption is met through imports, mostly from China. Import of aluminium had increased by 159 per cent in 2015 compared to 2011 levels, sources said. A toll attendant was brutally beaten up allegedly by the former chairman of Gurugram Block Samiti after he asked him to pay toll fee at the Khidki Daula plaza here, with the entire incident captured on camera. According to police, the incident occurred at around 9:30 PM yesterday when the victim, Akshay who works as a toll attendant at the plaza asked the former chairman Hoshiyar Singh to pay the fee. "After being stopped by Akshay and asked to pay toll fee and show the registration certificate of his car to check whether he enjoys exemption, Singh lost his temper and stepped out from his SUV. He then began to thrash the toll attendant in a fit of rage. He also dismantled the computer screen and machines in the cabin," Manish Sehgal, ACP (PRO) Gurgaon Police said. The entire incident was captured in the CCTV cameras installed at the toll plaza. "The police was informed by the toll company manager and a complaint was filed here about the attack," the officer said. "We are investigating the case and will take strict action against Hoshiyar Singh. The CCTV footage is being probed," Gurgaon Police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State-run BSNL is expecting to complete its portion of mobile network roll-out project, funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), in the North East by 2018-end. "The project was approved in September 2014 but it came to BSNL in April 2016. BSNL is expecting to place execution order in April after which roll-out of the project will start in July and should be completed by December 2018," a source told PTI. The project is part of the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North-Eastern Region (NER) which was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2014 but is yet to be rolled out. The project proposal entails an estimated expenditure of Rs 5,336.18 crore which is to be funded from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The project envisages providing 2G mobile coverage in identified uncovered areas and seamless mobile coverage along National Highways in the North-East region. Under this project 8,621 villages out of the 9,190 unconnected villages are to be covered by 6,673 towers. The project has been divided into two parts where tough terrain, which includes two districts of Assam and Arunanchal Pradesh, has been given to state-run telecom firm BSNL for installing about 2,100 mobile towers and the rest was kept for private telecom operators. Bharat Broadband Network opened tender for installing about 4,500 towers under the project after two years in 2016 but received no bids. "BSNL received bids from five companies but has not been able to finalise it because of external influences which are delaying the project. There have been multiple exchange of letter between the Department of Telecom and BSNL in this regard," an industry source said. A BSNL official, involved in the project, denied the allegation saying that the process is running smoothly and communications with DoT and USOF have taken place for clarifications and more transparency. "Technical bids were conducted but after discussion it has been decided to retest telecom equipment to generate more competition. The government wants to assure that fair opportunities have been given to bidders in fray. Retesting will be completed in March after which execution order will be placed to successful bidders in April," the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As a part of its multi-pronged strategy to deal with Naxal problem, the Chhattisgarh police have set up a base camp in the rebels' stronghold of Bijapur district to expedite construction of a road on a national highway that leads to the neighbouring Telangana state. The camp was set up on February 8 near Taarud river between Bhadrakali and Tarlaguda, around 500 kms from here, to particularly facilitate the construction of bridge over the river on the under-construction strategically important Bhopalpatnam-Bhadrakali-Tarlaguda road. "The construction of this road will yield fruitful results in a long-term. The roads can only bring development and administration to the people of interior villages in the Maoists' affected zone," Bijapur Superintendent of Police K L Dhruv told PTI. The 38-km-long patch of the under-construction Bhopalpatnam-Bhadrakali-Tarlaguda road falls on the Jagdalpur-Warangal National Highway. The patch starts at a distance of around 50 kms from Bijapur town in south Bastar. Inspite of being a part of the NH, it could not be constructed due to Maoist violence as they don't allow any development activities to take place, the SP said. The road is not accessible during monsoon as it totally collapses in rains and could only be used during summer, that too after repair work is done, he said. On October 25, 2015, atleast 37 vehicles and machines engaged in theconstruction of this road were set ablaze by ultras at three different locations. Besides, 15 vehicles and machines engaged in road construction were set on fire by Naxals between Tarlaguda and Annaram last month, he said. The Maoists spread propaganda that construction ofroads would affect the tribal culture and distort their lifestyle. But, actually they fear that it will speed up the movement of security forces and development works in Bastar thereby uprooting them from the region, he said. "To ensure safety to the construction work and people engaged in it, we decided to set up police camps on this route. In December last year, a camp was set up at Rampuram village near Chintabagu river while now the second one (has come up) near Chandur village close to Taarud river," Dhruv said. "Another police camp is likely to be set up soon on this road," he further said. "The construction of bridge on Chintabagu river has already been started while it will also start soon on Taarud. The construction of bridges on these two rivers will be a great success for security forces as well people of the region," the SP said. Over 50 per cent of the road construction work has been completed and the contractors have assured that in next 6-7 months, it will be fully completed. After its construction, Hyderabad could be reached only in six hours from Bijapur, he said. Notably, the Chhattisgarh government has decided to lay 5,376 kmof roads in a time-bound manner by March 2018 in the state, particularly in the Naxal-affected areas. The indefinite strike by drivers working with app-based cab aggregators was today called off partially as five unions agreed to run taxis in Delhi-NCR following the Delhi government's assurance. However, Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi (SDAD) which claims to represent 1.5 lakh of drivers in Delhi-NCR, said that it has not withdrawn its strike which will also continue tomorrow. As five drivers' unions, out of six, have withdrawn their support from the strike called by SDAD, commuters who have been facing hardship in hiring cabs for the last three days, may have some respite from tomorrow. The development comes after a delegation of drivers' unions met Delhi Transport Minister Satyendar Jain who assured them of fulfilling most of their demands. Thousands of drivers are on the indefinite strike since Friday in Delhi-NCR to protest against "low fares" and "lack" of basic amenities from app-based taxi aggregators. "The Transport Minister has assured us that their fares from the existing Rs 6 per km will be increased. In the meeting, the minister also assured drivers' unions that app-based cab aggregators including Ola and Uber will not charge 25 per cent commission on every booking," said Balwant Singh, President of Rajdhani Tourist Drivers' Union. Singh said that on Tuesday, transport minister has called a meeting with drivers' unions and representatives of Uber and Ola where all issues of drivers will be addressed. Among the unions which have withdrawn their support from the strike are Commercial Drivers Union, East Delhi Driver Ekta Union, Delhi NCR Radio Taxi Union, Rajdhani Tourist Driver Union, he said. However, Ravi Rathore, vice president of Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi, said that drivers associated with his union will remain on strike tomorrow. He said that he could not attend today's meeting with the Transport Minister due to engagement with drivers who have been staging dharna at Jantar Mantar for their demands. "Our union represents around 1.5 lakh drivers, who work with app-based cab aggregators in Delhi-NCR, and they all will remain on strike tomorrow as well. We will not call off our strike until our demands are met. We demand that fares be increased from the existing Rs 6 per km to Rs 21 per km. 25 per cent commission by aggregators on every booking should also be stopped," Rathore said. He claimed that Telangana taxi drivers association has also extended support to their strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A committee formed by the Centre to double farmers' income by 2022 is considering major reforms in the agriculture sector, like adopting a profit-centric approach and to aim at increased productivity and reduced cost of cultivation. The inter-ministerial panel, constituted in April last year, is also looking at suggesting market reforms in a big way and increasing focus on sub-sectors of agriculture like animal husbandry, poultry and fisheries. "What we (are) really looking at is to recommend strategies that would be practical in nature and would help both the governments at the national level and state level and also down the line to adopt practices which are very practical in doubling the income of farmers," the committee's Chairman Ashok Dalwai told PTI in an interview. He was in Hyderabad last week for an event. The committee has been holding consultations with different stakeholders, including ICAR scientists, farmers and professional bodies, and it would submit its report by April this year, said Dalwai, who is the additional secretary in the Union Ministry of Agriculture. Noting that the majority of farmers in the country are small and marginal, he said making farming viable is the "biggest challenge". The principle of profit generation in agriculture comes from looking at what is the gross output and what is the cost of cultivation, he said. "Gross output, which has been the approach so far, has been to increase production at any cost. But we would like to increase production on a sustainable basis such that resources are not compromised, in all crops, all commodities and all sub sectors of agriculture. So, the gross output in terms of value to farmer," he said. The post-harvest management, involving how the commodity is stored, transported and marketed assumes enormous importance, he said. Another important thing being examined by the committee is the role of important drivers of growth like animal husbandry, poultry, fisheries and horticulture. "Considering that consumption patterns are changing today, people are now going for high value produce like meat, milk, egg and fruits and vegetables ... The farmers can produce those things. It has to be a market-led demand-driven approach. This is what the committee is looking at," he said. The committee feels that there is a need to focus on increasing productivity by introducing better technology and better farm management practices as land availability is limited, Dalwai said. The panel is examining reducing the cost of cultivation by cost-effective management of inputs, including fertilisers and seeds, right from manufacture to supply-chain till they reach farmers, he said. Highlighting the importance of market reforms, Dalwai said that the Centre would like to bring in a model Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMC) Act as the APMCs were set up about 60 years ago, but it has been seen that they have also become monopolies. "We now need to introduce greater competition so that both public sector and private sector markets are functioning and the farmer is able to reach the consumer as directly as possible by avoiding the intermediaries. Therefore, we need to expand the market, create a universal, integrated market for the state and the nation," he said. There is criticism that the APMCs force the farmers to sell their produce only to middlemen approved by government in authorised markets. The APMC model Act has been sent to the state governments for their opinions, he said. An expert panel has been set up to look at statutory changes that may be required to remove inter-state restrictions on sale of produce by farmers and create an environment for free-trade. The E-NAM (Electronic-National Agriculture Market), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, is aimed at taking agriculture marketing towards unification and creating marketing efficiency through an online platform, he said. While the minimum support price (MSP) for farmers is an important tool, the government is moving towards greater procurement intervention. Earlier, the government used to procure only wheat and paddy, but the emphasis in the last two years has been on procuring pulses and oilseeds among others, he said. On crop losses due to natural calamities like cyclones, the committee is looking at making crop insurance more robust, Dalwai said. Replying to a query, he said that the committee would be looking at what was the income of farmers in 2015-16 and doubling it by March, 2022. Non-farm income generated from works like dairy and poultry which are other than crop production of farmers is also critical in doubling their income, he said. Political outfit Swaraj India today accused the Centre, the Delhi government and the MCDs of having "failed" in the governance of the national capital. It alleged that the Centre, the AAP government and the three BJP-ruled Municipal Corporations of Delhi have failed in providing security to women, permanent job to teachers and garbage removal, respectively. In a rally at Ram Lila Maidan here, the party pointed out the "failures" of the three layers of governance in Delhi on the concluding day of its month long 'Jawab do, Hisab do' campaign. "Our door-to-door survey results, under the 'Jawab do, Hisab do' campaign, shows that citizens of Delhi are disappointed with all three levels of the governance," Swaraj India's national president Yogendra Yadav said. Party leader Prashant Bhushan said the people have sought accountability of the government as it was on the basis of their votes that they came to power. "The AAP did not fulfil the promises it made to the people of Delhi. Be it the promise of a corruption-free government, ending the VIP culture, bringing in a strong Lokpal, full statehood to Delhi or be it making Delhi safe for women or proving permanent job for teachers, the Delhi government has failed on fronts," Bhushan alleged. The party also passed a "no confidence motion" against the Centre, the state government and the MCDs during its campaign in which citizens demanded accountability from the government. In the "no confidence motion" against the BJP-led central government, they demanded safe and secure environment and full statehood for Delhi besides non interference in matters of local administration through the Lt Governor. In the second "no confidence motion", it was demanded that the AAP-led Delhi government either sought confidence of the people of the capital through a referendum or resigned. Thirdly, Swaraj India, which aims to contest the upcoming MCD polls, raised the issues of garbage disposal, sanitation issues and absence of basic facilities, while resolving to eliminate corruption and the "inspector raj" prevalent in the three civic agencies by putting "capable" persons at its helm. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former finance minister P Chidambaram, who feels the Union Budget for 2017-18 is "aimless and directionless", has said that the government should immediately cut indirect taxes across the board to revive the sagging economy. Demonetisation, he said, damaged India's GDP growth in 2016-17. Further, he fears that its shadow will fall on 2017-18 and some parts of 2018-19. He also said that lack of creation of jobs for the youth is a powder keg and a small spark can lead to a large explosion. Resentment might not be visible but it can be a "silent killer", Chidambaram said. "What is the overarching goal of this Budget? It is aimless and directionless," said Chidambaram, who has presented nine Union Budgets in a span of nearly two decades. "Sometimes, you chase growth. Sometimes, you chase financial and monetary stability. Sometimes, the goal is boosting growth in a slowing economy," he told PTI in an interview. Chidambaram said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley missed an opportunity at reviving the economy hit by demonetisation. "That (cutting indirect taxes) is a tried, tested and proven method of boosting economy. He could have easily cut between four-eight per cent (tax) across the board," Chidambaram said. "It is only up till GST's time and when GST comes, GST will take over. He had a window of about eight months to cut indirect taxes. It would come into force from February 1 and I don't think GST is going to come before October 1. So, he had eight full months to give a boost to the economy by cutting indirect taxes," he said. Asked if the finance minister should still cut indirect taxes now that the Budget has been presented, he said, "Yes, he should. Even now it is not too late." Chidambaram said that slashing indirect taxes would push consumption and in turn perk up production. "If you cut indirect taxes by four-eight per cent, there is going to be a revenue loss, I am not denying that. But just imagine the signal that would have gone to both producers and consumers. And if consumption rises much above the level of the cut, some of the cut will be made up. The idea is to boost consumption which in turn will boost production," he said. Amid proposal to impose higher taxes on aerated drinks in the upcoming GST, beverages major Coca-Cola India says it will be beneficial for the sector if the government differentiates products within new indirect tax regime based on sugar/calorie content to promote public health. The Atlanta-headquartered beverages giant said differentiated tax structure will bean opportunity for it to expand its products range in the country. "Our industry is in beverages business...So to me it will be beneficial to the industry as a whole if the government in order to promote public health were to differentiate products within GST based on sugar/calorie content or other things. It should be based on science/ingredients," Coca-Cola India and South West Asia President Venkatesh Kini told PTI here. Stating that such a step would be "a good thing", he said: "We would be very positively inclined towards any proposal that supports growth of zero/low calorie products. "Kini said being the 'the largest juice player in the country' "if government policy supports range expansion by differentiating based on the content, then it will be great opportunity for us". India will become like other countries in the world such as the UK, where the company sells more Coke Zero than the regular Coke, he said. "That's fine. If the government or the consumers are moving towards lower sugar products, it's good for companies like us. I can't says about other companies but we have a range," Kini said. Aerated drinks have been proposed to come under the demerit/luxury category under the GST rate slabs announced by the GST Council. However, in December 2015, Coca-Cola India had said it would have to shut down some of its factories in India if the government accepted a proposal to impose 40 per cent sin tax on aerated beverages as proposed by a panel headed by Arvind Subramanian, the current Chief Economic Adviser. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thirty-seven people were arrested in the Paris suburbs when clashes erupted after a protest over the assault of a young black man allegedly sodomised with a police truncheon, a police source said today. Around 2,000 people demonstrated yesterday outside a courthouse to demand justice for Theo, a 22-year-old youth worker who required surgery after his arrest last week in the gritty suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois. The protest in the northern suburb of Bobigny near Aulnay-sous-Bois was peaceful at the start but groups of demonstrators later clashed with police and went on the rampage, attacking cars, shops and public property. Several vehicles were torched and bus shelters and shopfronts smashed in Bobigny and neighbouring areas. A little girl trapped in a burning car was rescued by a 16-year-old demonstrator, who was heralded as a hero on social media. The police accused "several hundred" individuals of various "acts of violence and damage." The rioting capped a week of nightly clashes in the northern Paris suburb over the treatment of Theo, who claims a police officer sodomised him with his baton after a stop-and-search check in a housing estate. Around 50 people have been detained since the protests began. One officer has been charged with rape over the affair, and three others with assault. All four have been suspended from their duties. Theo's case has revived long-simmering frustrations over policing in immigrant communities, where young men accuse the police of repeatedly targeting them in aggressive stop-and-search operations and using excessive force during arrests. The police for their part complain of being drawn into a cat-and-mouse game with delinquents and drug dealers operating out of housing estates. In 2005, the death of two teenagers who were electrocuted while hiding from police in an electricity substation sparked weeks of riots in France. Some of the demonstrators in Bobigny on Saturday carried placards reading "Police rape" and "Police kill innocent people". Small rallies took place in other French cities, including Rouen in the north, Nantes in the west and Toulouse in the south-west. Theo is still in hospital where he was operated for severe injuries to the anus and rectal area. He was declared unfit to work for two months. An internal police investigation found insufficient evidence to support allegations that he was raped and said the injuries were not inflicted intentionally. The criminal probe is, however, ongoing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 62-year-old woman was brutally killed today by her son who attacked her with an axe at Kalmanda village in Baran district of Rajasthan, police said. The incident took place around 3.30 PM when Rukmani Devi Mali was roaming around the pond in the village. Her son Dhulichand hit her on the head with the axe, following which she died on the spot, Baran circle officer Vijay Shankar Sharma said. The accused has been absconding since the attack, he said adding the motive behind the murder has not been ascertained yet. A case has of murder had been lodged against Dhulichand and the woman's body was handed over to her family members after postmortem, Sharma said. Police is investigating ascertain the motive behind the crime and family members of the victim will be inquired for the same, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today said Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies have entered the centre of the Islamic State-held bastion Al-Bab, saying its capture was just a "matter of time". "Al-Bab is now besieged from all fronts ... Our forces entered the centre" with Syrian rebels, Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul before leaving for a tour of Gulf countries. Erdogan said it was "only a matter of time" before the allied forces took full control of the flashpoint town. "Daesh forces have begun leaving Al-Bab completely," he said, using Arabic acronym for IS group. Turkish forces and allied rebels on Saturday entered Al-Bab to drive IS jihadists from the flashpoint northern town, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Turkish army launched an ambitious campaign inside Syria on August 24 codenamed Euphrates Shield to clean its border from IS jihadists and stop the advance of Kurdish militia. But the clashes in Al-Bab have proved the toughest in the campaign, with Turkish military fatalities surging. One Turkish soldier was killed and three others wounded in clashes with jihadists today, the private Dogan agency reported, citing military sources. The latest casualty raised the number of Turkish troops killed in the Syria offensive to 67. The three injured troops were evacuated from Al-Bab and taken to hospitals in Turkey's Kilis and Gaziantep provinces near the Syrian border, Dogan reported. Al-Bab is the jihadist group's last stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo and is also being targeted by regime forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A farmer was allegedly burnt to death by unidentified persons in Bihar's Nalanda district, the police said today. Hari Chauhan, a sharecropper, was set on fire late last night at Sumka village in the Tharthari police station area of Nalanda district, SHO Sunil Kumar Rajak said. The son of the farmer, Sanoj Kumar Chauhan, lodged an FIR in this regard, the SHO said adding that the barbaric incident was being investigated. The assailants tied Chauhan's hands and legs and set his thatched hut on fire. They also destroyed the paddy crop he had in his store. The farmer had taken 20 bighas of land on lease from Shiv Kumar Prasad for paddy cultivation. Villagers alleged that the landlord had quarrels often with Chauhan over the share of rice. However, the police said, being physically challenged, the landlord could not himself execute the murder and probably got it done by other persons. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A giant pterosaur - a toothless flying reptile with a 10 metre wingspan - may have been the dominant predator in ancient Romania that terrorised dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, new research suggests. Palaeontologists examined the creature's unusual gigantic neck vertebra fossils and believe it was a formidable carnivore of Cretaceous-age Transylvania. It provides the first evidence of large predatory animals in the region at that time, researchers said. Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and University of Southampton in the UK examined several fossilised remains of the creature, known as Hatzegopteryx, which belongs to the flying reptile group Azhdarchidae. Usually this species' tubular neck bones give them extremely long necks, over 2.5 metres in length in the largest species. However, the researchers suggest Hatzegopteryx had a considerably shorter and stronger neck, and with larger muscle masses. Other remains of Hatzegopteryx include a jaw joint indicative of a half-metre wide skull and reinforced limb bones. Mark Witton, from Portsmouth, suggests that the proportions and structural reinforcement of all these elements are unlike those of any other azhdarchid species and would have made Hatzegopteryx a powerful and dominant predator. "The difference in structural properties between giant azhdarchid neck bones is remarkable - they are in different biomechanical leagues, with Hatzegopteryx many times stronger than anything else on record," Witton said. "This, along with our calculations of neck length and muscle mass, suggests giant azhdarchids may have been radically different in appearance and behaviour. "The large, reinforced skeleton and muscle power would have made it a formidable predator of other animals when stalking ancient prairies and woodlands. It may have even been capable of attacking animals too large or vigorous for other flying reptiles, even the other giants," he said. Witton said that Hatzegopteryx lived in a peculiar island ecosystem where many of the dinosaurs were dwarfed or belonged to relict lineages extinct in the rest of the Cretaceous world. "Ancient Transylvania was a strange place for a number of reasons, including the fact that we've yet to find evidence of large predatory animals that lived alongside Hatzegopteryx, such as giant carnivorous dinosaurs. This is despite centuries of sampling," he said. The study thus potentially provides an answer to a mystery about life in Late Cretaceous Romania. "Perhaps without large predators to challenge them, this island provided an opportunity for giant pterosaurs - already formidable animals - to become the dominant predators," said Witton. The research was published in the journal PeerJ. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government has sought detailed business data from the industry, mainly the IT companies so that it can effectively take up their concerns over the US visa issue with the new American administration. The issues related to visa was discussed during a meeting chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week. It was suggested that the industry body like Nasscom should collate the data and assess the likely impact of the proposed changes in the visa regime by the US. "The government needs solid data to take up the industry concerns with America," sources said. An industry source too stated that they have been advised to share the data "as in how much business will be impacted due to the new American visa policy". Sitharaman on February 9 held detailed discussions with top government officials and industry representatives on the proposed tightening of the US visa regime and its impact on the domestic IT sector. Secretaries from the ministries of external affairs, finance, telecommunication, electronics and IT, commerce as well as DIPP, besides representatives of industry chambers and Nasscom, were present. The proposed overhaul of popular regime by US President Donald Trump has raised concerns among Indian IT firms, as any changes in the visa regime may result in higher operational costs and the shortage of skilled workers for the $110 billion Indian outsourcing industry. Indian IT sector, which contributes 9.3% to the country's GDP, is one of the largest private sector employers of 3.7 million people. The US accounts for nearly 62% of the exports, while EU is the second largest market for the Indian IT services exporters contributing approximately 28%. Recently, a US legislation (Lofgren Bill) has been introduced that proposes doubling of the minimum wages of holders to $130,000. The current H1B minimum wage of $60,000 was fixed in 1989 and has since remained unchanged. Such protectionist stance by the US could also spell more trouble for IT firms that are already facing strong headwinds from currency fluctuation and cautious client spending. When contacted, Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar said, "It was agreed that a joint effort by industry and government is needed to deal with the rising global tide of protectionism". "Industry was asked to provide data on its contribution to the US economy, the size of the India opportunity for US companies and the economic impact to both countries of any restrictive measures," he added. Several students from Kashmir appearing in NEET this year today asked the CBSE to allow them to modify their application forms as they had "inadvertently made a mistake" while applying online. "Many of us made a mistake while filling up the forms online ... We signed the declaration meant for those students from Jammu and Kashmir who are not eligible for admission to medical and dental colleges in the state," Humaira, a candidate for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test 2017, told PTI. As Jammu and Kashmir has opted out of the 15 per cent all India seats quota in medical and dental colleges, students who have studied in the state are not eligible for admission against these seats. However, students hailing from Jammu and Kashmir who have got their schooling outside the state and are not eligible for admission in the state can apply for the 15 per cent all India quota by signing the declaration given under Appendix III of the form. "By signing this declaration, we are right now neither eligible for admission to state colleges nor for the 15 per cent all India quota. "Also, by signing the declaration, we are also now liable for prosecution as mentioned in the form," Benish, another student, said. The students said they had approached the state Education Minister Nayeem Akhtar and chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) seeking their help in getting the declaration cancelled. "However, all these officials did was to issue advertisement in local newspapers restating the rules for filling up the form. "They have also advised us to hope that the NEET authorities will take a considerate view at the time of counselling in case anyone who has filled this form qualifies the examination," they said. As per the existing rules, the online application forms for NEET cannot be modified. The students asked the CBSE chairman to allow the students from Jammu and Kashmir, as a one-time exemption, to modify their application form by cancelling their declarations. "If modification is not possible, we may please be allowed to apply afresh so that we do not lose the chance to sit in the examination this year," they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gurinder Chadha, one of Britain's well-known Indian-origin filmmakers, wants US President Donald Trump to watch her new film on the Partition of India to learn about the tragic events and their resonance in today's world. "We are living in a world that is quite divisive, we have politicians talking about building walls and labelling huge groups of people. The film in a way is a timely reminder of what happens when you start to create divisions," Chadha told PTI, referring to Trump's plan to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. "I would love Donald Trump to watch the film and maybe learn from the events of 1947 and how resonant they are today," she said. 'Viceroy's House,' is set in the last days of the British Raj in 1947 as British India was divided into India and Pakistan, leading to widespread sectarian violence in what has been described as the largest mass migration in human history. The film has been in making for seven years for the 'Bend It Like Beckham' director and is a passion project dedicated to her grandparents, who survived the Partition riots. It is set to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival on Sunday. "Partition sits very heavily for a lot of us. For me, it has been cathartic to be able to go back to this story and trace the geo-political events that led to Partition. And, to also say that it is time to move on," she said. Chadha worked on the film's screenplay with her writer-husband Paul Mayeda-Berges and read more than 20 books as part of an extensive research to formulate her narrative. She is categorical about not letting any of the political leaders "off the hook" and believes Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Lord Mountbatten all had their part to play. "It is very important to say that this film is made from a distinctly British Punjabi perspective. India and Pakistan have their own narratives on this chapter in history. But this is very much my viewpoint based on all the research," said the 57-year-old London-based filmmaker. She also wanted to keep the focus on ordinary people and the staff at Viceroy's House, which was to become Rashtrapati Bhavan, and how they were affected by the decisions made by the political leadership behind closed doors. The cast is led by British actor Hugh Bonneville as Lord Mountbatten and Gillian Anderson as his wife, Lady Edwina Mountbatten. The Indian and Pakistani cast is led by actors Manish Dayal, Huma Qureshi and Om Puri, who passed away last month before he could see the final cut. "I am really sad I didn't get to sit with him and watch it. Om was extremely delighted when he got the script. He used to tell me every day on set in Punjabi that I was doing a very good thing by making this film. He was very proud to be part of a British film with such a Punjabi heart," Chadha said. 'Viceroy's House' will open across UK cinemas on March 3 and get its India release in August to coincide with the 70th anniversary celebrations of India's independence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court has turned down a PIL against the in-principle approval granted by the government for engaging foreign architects to transform Pragati Maidan into a world-class convention centre. A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal rejected two petitions of India Institute of Architects (IIA), saying the "scope of interference by this court in matters relating to tenders is very limited". "The contention of the petitioner (IIA) that the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) should not have invited the bids from the engineering consultants is wholly misconceived and without any substance. The writ petition appears to be based on irrelevant and erroneous assumptions of facts and law," the bench said. The court's order came on pleas challenging the in- principle nod granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) for engaging the services of foreign architects for Pragati Maidan's redevelopment. IIA, registered in 1917 as a voluntary organisation of architects to encourage the study of architecture, said the approval was in violation of the provisions of the Architects Act as the approval can be granted only after a particular foreign architect or agency makes an application for a project while in the instant case, the government granted an open- ended approval to ITPO to hire foreign architects. It had also challenged the notice issued by NBCC inviting e-tender for procurement of the "comprehensive architectural services" for re-development of Pragati Maidan complex into Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre. The bench, however, was not convinced with IIA's stand and observed, "we found that in the letter dated February 26, 2014 (by which MHA granted in-principle approval to ITPO), it was made clear that the specific approval in terms of section 37(1)(b) of the Act would be accorded to the foreign architects as and when they are shortlisted by the ITPO and an application is made to the Central Government for prior permission". "... The 'in-principle approval' that was conveyed to ITPO under the impugned letter, in our considered opinion, cannot be held to be in violation of the provisions of the Architects Act, 1972," the bench said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a heroic act, a cat in Canada saved a family from a house fire as it alerted its sleeping owner to the danger by biting her. The family was sleeping when flames broke out in their mobile home in Clairmont, Alberta. "The family cat bit the mom on the arm fairly hard and kind of woke her up to make her aware that something was not right in the home," County of Grande Prairie fire Chief Trevor Grant told CBC . "It is the first time I've experienced a cat waking a family member up," he said. Firefighters got a call about a house fire last Wednesday and when they arrived, they found a family of four safe from the fire due to the alert feline. Fire crews moved one more cat out of the home and quickly doused the flames. Other than minor smoke damage, the interior of the home was unaffected and no one was injured. Grant said this is not the first time he has heard of animals alerting their owners of potential dangers. He said he has seen it before with a dog but never a cat. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Muslim woman and her friends in New Zealand were targets of foul-mouthed racist comments at a rest stop with a woman yelling expletives and throwing beer cans at them. Mehpara Khan, 28, a communications consultant, and her four friends were returning to Auckland from a road trip when they stopped in Huntly to use the bathroom and were abused by a woman walking by. Khan has posted a video on Twitter that shows another woman flinging cans of what appears to be alcohol at her and yelling expletive-laden abuse. "All of a sudden this woman comes out of the bathroom and starts swearing at us and telling us that we don't belong there and that we are Muslim b......, that need to F-off, basically," Khan was quoted as saying by New Zealand Herald. "She then threw a beer can at me and two at my two friends. I'm covered in beer - I feel disgusting," Khan wrote. "We weren't doing anything, we didn't actually even initially realise she was talking to us," she said. "Once she threw in the line of Muslim b-words that's when we realised she was yelling at us," she said. "At this point, I decided to start filming her." The 27-year-old woman who carried out the attack is shown in the recording ordering Khan and her friends to get back. A police spokesperson said they were "aware" of the video and a formal complaint had been laid. "Police are assessing the information," the spokesperson said Islamic Women's Council's spokesperson Anjum Rahman said she was appalled, but not entirely surprised, by the abuse. "A small number of New Zealanders behaved in that way. She would like to meet with the woman filmed swearing and hurling abuse to help change her attitude towards Muslims," Rahman said. However, Khan has received an outpouring of support after posting the video. "Thanks everyone for your comments and support - this is so overwhelming. I'm still with the police - will try and respond once I'm done," Khan tweeted. "My phone is overrun with positive messages right now. So good to know that we as Kiwis don't accept this as our NZ," she said. The monthly average sales fell 40% during November-December period in the top nine cities as customers deferred their decision to buy homes on the expectation of fall in prices after the demonetisation move, according to realty portal PropTiger.com. The Corp-backed portal, which recently merged .com with itself, tracks primary residential markets of nine cities Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. "Before demonetisation, the monthly average residential sales and launches during July-October months were at around 19,000 units and 18,000 units, respectively, which were affected drastically on account of currency demonetisation. "The monthly average sales and launches were reduced drastically during November-December months by 40% and 49% respectively," PropTiger said in its latest report 'Realty Decoded Q3 FY17'. The government had announced the demonetisation move on November 8, raising hopes of sharp fall in prices in property market, especially secondary or resale segment. sales across these nine cities declined by 20% to 43,512 units during October-December quarter of this financial year from 54,721 units in the previous quarter. The pace of decline in overall sales activity over previous quarter is the highest in the past 12 quarters, it said. The third quarter started on a strong note with October showing a strong performance, but November and December were deeply impacted by the demonetisation drive. The October month contributed about 50% of the sales in the quarter. Among cities, Gurgaon, Noida and Ahmedabad showed a 30 to 40% decline in sales in the third quarter of 2016-17 over the previous quarter. Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai witnessed around 20% fall in sales during the same period, while Kolkata and Pune recorded the lowest levels of fall at 8 and 12%, respectively. On supply, the report said the launches of new homes fell in nine cities during October-December quarter due to decline in sales, stagnant prices, pressure on soaring unsold inventory and a liquidity crunch. Total launches in the third quarter of this financial year fell by 8% to 43,253 units compared with 47,032 units in the previous quarter, indicating the reduction in activity levels across the primary residential markets. "Overall sentiments were negative during the quarter with customers largely resorting to wait and watch strategy in expectation of a steep fall in prices," the report said. Developers were focusing their efforts to lure customers by offering additional freebies such as jewellery, electronic items, automobiles, holiday package and appliances on the purchase of housing units, it added. Builders also offered the price guarantee, rental assurance, subvention and buyback schemes to bring confidence in the sector. International Society for Krishna Consciousness's (ISKCON) food relief foundation 'Annamrita' has bagged the IMC Ramakrishna Bajaj National Quality award. 'Annamrita', which provides food to over 12 lakh students daily through its mid-day meal programme across India, has bagged the award in the NGO category for second time in a row. Everyday more than 12 lakh underprivileged children across India get nutritious, sanctified, hygienically prepared meals from 20 centralised, ISO certified kitchens from across seven states of India reaching out to over 6,500 schools every day, a press release issued here said. ISKCON spiritual leader Radhanath Swami Maharaj said, "Being inspired by Srila Prabhupada - the Founder Acharya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness who was a true visionary and wanted to see a hunger free world- the motto of Annamrita is to serve 'food as pure as nectar' to all." In partnership with the Centre and various state governments and support from many philanthropic donors, corporates and well-wishers, Annamrita has grown from humble beginnings of serving just 900 students in one school, to today serving 12 lakh meals every day, of which over one lakh meals are served everyday in Mumbai itself and nearly three lakh meals everyday in Maharashtra. ISKCON's Food Relief Foundation director RadhaKrishna Das said, "The selection for recognition was done at the panel of judges at a meeting on January 31 chaired by Dr Abhay Bang (Director, SEARCH)." These awards boost Annamrita's resolve and commitment to quality with a focus of reaching out to more children, specially in the non-government aided sections with nutritious, healthy, wholesome meals, the release said. The allocation for the mid-day meal scheme in the Union Budget this year has been increased from Rs 9,700 crore to Rs 10,000 crore by the government and this will support Annamrita to reach out to serve more and more children from government-aided and municipal schools, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Islamophobia" in parts of the world is fuelling terrorism, the head of the United Nations said on a visit to Saudi Arabia today, as anti-immigrant sentiment rises in some countries. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the comment to reporters after talks with Saudi King Salman, Crown Prince and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "One of the things that fuel terrorism is the expression in some parts of the world of Islamophobic feelings and Islamophobic policies and Islamophobic hate speeches," Guterres said at a joint conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. "This is sometimes the best support that Daesh can have to make its own propaganda," Guterres said, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group of Sunni extremists in Syria and Iraq. The jihadist group has also claimed deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia and in Europe. Anti-immigration politicians including France's Marine Le Pen have seen their popularity rise after an influx to Europe of migrants, many of them Muslims fleeing wars in Syria and elsewhere. US President Donald Trump issued an order in late January that denied entry to all refugees for 120 days. It also blocked travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. Refugees from Syria were blocked indefinitely. But the order has faced obstacles and on Thursday an appellate court decided unanimously to maintain a block on Trump's order. Syria's conflict has created 4.8 million refugees and killed more than 310,000 people since it began with anti-government protests in March 2011. Guterres said "we will never be successful in fighting terrorism in Syria if an inclusive political solution is not found for the Syrian people." A new round of UN-sponsored peace talks is scheduled for February 20 in Geneva. Guterres arrived in Saudi Arabia from Turkey and is to be in Dubai on Monday for the World Government Summit during his regional tour. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel said today it will not allow entry to Peru's fugitive ex-president Alejandro Toledo, wanted in his homeland over accusations he took USD 20 million in bribes. "Toledo will be allowed in Israel only when his affairs in Peru are settled," foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement. The Peruvian government has said it has information that Toledo, whose wife, Eliane Karp, has Israeli citizenship, could try to flee to the Jewish state. Peruvian police launched a manhunt for Toledo, 70, once hailed as an anti-corruption champion, after a judge ordered his arrest. He was initially believed to be in Paris. But the Peruvian government said Friday it had information he was in San Francisco and could try to flee to Israel. Authorities in both countries have been alerted, it said. Toledo is a visiting professor at Stanford University, near San Francisco, where he graduated with a PhD in economics. He denies the accusations against him, branding them political persecution. But he has struggled to explain where the money came from. He originally said it was a loan from his mother-in-law that came from compensation she received as a Holocaust survivor. But his former vice president, David Waisman, himself a prominent member of Peru's Jewish community, said the account was untrue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Lok Sabha MP from Kerala has given a notice to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and sought permission to move a breach of privilege motion against authorities of RML Hospital in Delhi, contending it "mistreated" the MPs who had reached there to enquire about the health of IUML MP E Ahamed. Senior IUML leader and Lok Sabha MP E T Mohammed Basheer today said he had mentioned in his notice that RML authorities "mistreated MPs, including Congress President Sonia Gandhi," who had reached the hospital on January 31 night to enquire about the health of Ahamed, who had passed away in the hospital after suffering a heart attack during the President's address to the joint sitting of Parliament. "It is a contempt to the House. It is an insult to the House. My complaint is against authorities of the RML hospital," Basheer told PTI here. The IUML leader said had given the notice two days prior to the adjournment of the first part of the Budget Session. Besides Sonia Gandhi, other leaders including Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel and MPs from Kerala had reached the hospital coinciding with the complaint by Ahamed's family that the hospital authorities were not allowing them to meet the former union minister. Ahamed died at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on February 1. Basheer expressed hope that the Speaker would accept his notice against the RML authorities. During the session, the Congress-led opposition had disrupted the Lok Sabha proceedings, demanding a probe into the death of the former Union Minister. The Speaker, however, had rejected the opposition's demand for constitution of a parliamentary panel to probe Ahamed's death. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jiro Taniguchi, a legend in Japan's comic art of manga, died in Tokyo at the age of 69, leaving behind an international following for his exquisite line drawing of scenes from everyday life. The artist's French publisher Casterman announced his death on its website, adding that he had been seriously ill, as it expressed its deep condolences to his family. Taniguchi first shot to fame in Japan at the end of the 1980s with the first volume of "The Times of Botchan", which centres around Natsume Soseki, one of Japan's greatest writers. Just over a decade later, he hit the international manga scene with "A Distant Neighbourhood", about a Japanese salaryman who travels back to his childhood -- widely seen to this day as his masterpiece. Taniguchi's work is hailed for its delicate line drawing and intricately-constructed landscapes. Critics have also praised his gentle subject matter for standing in stark contrast to the usual fare of high school romance or sometimes violent pornography consumed by some of Japan's manga fans. In works such as "The Walking Man", the protagonist is occupied less by any specific action as with a fascination with aspects of everyday life -- the things he finds, the scenes he sees and the people he meets on his strolls through suburban neighbourhoods. Taniguchi's detailed landscapes populated by vaguely cartoonish characters drew comparisons in the West with some of the better-known European comic heroes, such as Tintin. Born in 1947 to a modest family in the city of Tottori, 100 kilometres northwest of the old imperial capital Kyoto, Taniguchi had his first cartoon published in 1970. He became especially popular in France, one of the biggest markets for graphic art. "He was seen by French readers, illustrators and publishers as a god, while he presented himself as a regular guy," fellow manga artist Tori Miki said on Twitter. In 2011, the French government awarded Taniguchi the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters -- one of the country's most prestigious prizes. Four years later, the annual cartoon festival in the French city of Angouleme held a retrospective of his work. "He was preparing a new work intended for family readership, a story in three volumes, 'The Millennium Forest,' in full colour, a new approach to manga," his agent and translator Corinne Quentin told AFP in Tokyo. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sixty tiny tots, dressed as Infant Jesus, have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought his intervention for the early release of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a Keralite priest who was kidnapped in Yemen last year by suspected Islamic State militants. The children, aged between 4 and 5, belonging to the Sacred Heart church at Kumbalangi near Kochi, handed over the hand written letters in Hindi, English and Malayalam to Ernakulam MP, Prof K V Thomas, who were present at the function. The children were helped by their parents and church priests in writing the letters, church sources said. Thomas said he would be handing over the letters to Prime Minister as early as possible. "I am planning to go to Delhi on Tuesday night and try to get the Prime Minister's appointment either on Wednesday or Friday," he told PTI. Parish priest and 20 others members are also coming to Delhi and we will try to meet the Prime Minister on Wednesday or Friday, he said. Earlier, special prayers and candle light vigils had been held in various parts of Kerala for the release of the 55-year-old Salesian priest, Fr Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted in March 2016. The priest, who was abducted when IS fighters stormed the Old People's Home in the port city of Aden on March 4, had made an emotive video plea to the Indian President, Prime Minister as well as Pope Francis and the Christian community across the globe to work together for his release. "If I were a European, I would have been taken more seriously by the authorities and people and (they) would have got me released. "I am a priest from India and perhaps, therefore, I am not considered of much value. I am sad about this," he had said haltingly, pointing out that a French woman, reportedly kidnapped in the Yemeni city of Sanana, had been freed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man wanted in an attempt to murder case has been arrested in South West Delhi, police said today. Harish (24), along with his three accomplices, had opened fire on his uncle over a family dispute in the wedding ceremony of his sister on January 30. The victim sustained bullet injuries, a police official said. Acting on a tip-off that the accused would meet his accomplices near a metro station in South west Delhi, police laid a trap and arrested Harish, the official said. "During interrogation, Harish has confessed to his involvement in the crime," police claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ensuing three- tier panchayat polls has thrown up quite a few paradoxes with several candidates not having mobile phones, bank or post office passbooks. As per the sworn affidavits furnished at the district election office, there are instances of candidates in the fray having no movable or immovable property of their own. Penniless nominees neither have mobile phones nor bank savings. As the electioneering for three-tier panchayat polls coming to an end, a number of candidates in the fray are little aware of cashless economy or digitalised empowerment of village body. Of the 117 candidates who have filed their nomination papers for 32 Zilla Parishad zones, around a dozen of nominees do not have a savings bank or postal account. Equal numbers of candidates are bereft of access to mobile phone facility. Take the case of Ranjit Mallick (38), an independent nominee from ZP (zilla parishad) zone-27 in Rajkakina block. "I have no property. I have also no savings. I am yet to operate a bank account as I could hardly save from daily earning to open an account. I am contesting the polls as we poor people are fed with corrupt practices by the elected members of village bodies. Flow of funds for village development is pouring in. But sizeable chunk of it is being siphoned off", he said. Another nominee, Chittaranjan Mallick (25), who has no assets and not used to mobile phone use, said "Our area is hit by poor mobile phone service. The net connectivity here is also erratic. So concept of cashless transaction from smart phones and digitalised empowerment of society is impracticable in far-flung rural pockets". There is almost zero-awareness about the Internet and operational knowledge of computer. Use of mobile phone is also the lower side because of poor network. People are being deprived of the benefit from myriad existing services that provide weather forecasts and market prices through text messages, said contestant from ZP zone-27 in Rajkanika block, Paramanand Mallick (65). Post-demonetization, people who had no access to banks have no doubt opened savings accounts. However they are yet to be familiar with the basics of cashless economy. Two computer sets were installed at the Damarapur village panchayat office. But the sets are hardly being used as the elected members have no operational knowledge. The panchayat office is not covered with net connectivity, said contestant from ZP Zone-18 in Pattamundai block, Sarathi Das (46). Movable and immovable assets owned by at least seven candidates are either zero or meagre by present standard. An estimated 17 candidates own property and wealth over Rs 20 lakh. Incidentally two crorepati nominees have thrown their hats in the ZP poll race this time, according to the sworn affidavits submitted by nominees. Pradip Mallik (31) who is out on the contest for ZP zone-1 in Aul area, has no property whatsoever in sharp contrast to wealthy profile of some of the candidates for the ZP polls. He has a bank account with a deposit of Rs 29 only! Chinmoy Jena, contestant from ZP zone-28 in Mahakalpada block has zero bank balance. He is bereft of no other form of movable and immovable property. It's a healthy development. Many from marginalized families have come forward to take a plunge in the poll race, said analysts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four gangsters, including the "mastermind" of last year's Nabha jailbreak, were today nabbed from a house in Dhudike village of Moga district in Punjab, police said. "Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, who had escaped from Nabha jail last year, and three gangsters have been arrested," Punjab Police, AIG (Counter Intelligence) Gurmit Singh Chauhan said today. The three others who have been arrested are Manvir Sekhon, cousin of Gurpreet, Rajwinder Singh and Kulwinder Singh from the house of an NRI, the officer said. Acting on a tip-off, 25 policemen, including 10 members of police's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, nabbed the gangsters, Chauhan said. "Our operation was so precise that we did not give the gangsters time to retaliate or draw their weapons," he said, adding four weapons and two cars were seized from them. With the nabbing of Gurpreet, so far three of the six Nabha jail escapees have been apprehended. Earlier, Khalistan Liberation Force Chief Harminder Singh Mintoo was nabbed from Nizamuddin railway station in Delhi and Neeta Deol from Indore in Madhya Pradesh. On November 27, Mintoo, another terrorist Kashmir Singh, and gangsters Amandeep Dhothian, Vicky Gounder, Gurpreet Sekhon and Neeta Deol had escaped from Nabha jail after armed men in police uniform tricked the sentries into opening the gates and bolted out with the inmates firing a hail of bullets. Gurpreet Sekhon was the mastermind of the jailbreak and he was allegedly involved in several murders, kidnapping, extortion cases. Manvir and Rajwinder had attacked the jail officials to free the inmates, police said. Kulwinder, a resident of Bathinda, had taken care of the logistics to facilitate the escape of six prisoners, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The official website of went offline today amid reports that it had been hacked. Official sources said Informatics Centre (NIC), which looks after all government websites, took it offline in the wee hours today after some "abnormal technical activities" were observed. Official sources said NIC would host the website soon after a recheck of all security features. Last month, suspected Pakistan-linked operatives had hacked the official website of the elite Security Guard (NSG) and defaced it with a profanity-laden message against the Prime Minister and anti-India content. Similar cyber attacks also targeted websites of ordnance factories as well as railways. More than 700 websites of various central and state government departments have been hacked in the past four years and a total of 8,348 persons were arrested for their involvement in cyber crimes, according to official data released this month. As per information reported to and tracked by the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN), which works under the IT ministry, as many as 199 websites of central ministries/departments and state governments were hacked in 2016, as against 164 in 2015, 155 in 2014 and 189 in 2013. The government has already initiated several policy, legal and technical measures such as audit of the systems and networks, increasing awareness in area of cyber security, sharing threat-related information with stakeholders, issuing advisories on such threats through CERT-IN and Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to address the issue of cyber hacking. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been carrying out his job efficiently due to regular practise of 'Karma Yoga', his yoga guru H R Nagendra said today. "Modi practises yoga for an hour every morning with emphasis on Karma Yoga and because of this, he remains free from any work-related stress and focuses on his work," he said. Nagendra was speaking at a conference of the National Medicos Organisation at AIIMS, Jodhpur. He said that he taught yoga to Modi in the 1990s and the latter had been practising the form regularly. "It is because of the regular practice of yoga that Modi has been efficiently and tirelessly carrying out his job as the Prime Minister," Nagendra stated. The founder of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Center also praised Singapore for being the leading nation in practising yoga diligently. "The people there practise yoga mandatorily every Friday and this is why, the country is clean, corruption-free and youth are away from drugs," he claimed. Terming yoga an effective tool to deal with all kinds of ills, be it physical or social, Nagendra said that a lot needed to be done in India in this regard. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "raincoat" remark against his predecessor Manmohan Singh was a compliment as he had "emerged unscathed" from scandals and scams in the UPA rule. "The Prime Minister was actually quite appreciative of Manmohan Singh. He said that despite scandals and scams ... not withstanding the stigma attached to his colleagues, the former prime minister had an image and character to emerge unscathed. It is a compliment to him," he said. The minister said the Congress leadership was "hesitant" to compliment leaders outside a "particular" family be it Manmohan Singh, P V Narsimha Rao or Sardar Patel. "They are always hesitant to compliment their own leaders for the fear of risking the displeasure of a particular part, particular family or a dynasty," he said. He accused the Opposition of running away from debate in Parliament and said the government was ready for discussing every issue "even if there is dissent". "We are ready for a discussion on any issue even if there is dissent and this has been reiterated time and again by our spokespersons and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. "It is the Opposition which is running away from the argument and the session. It is a burden on the taxpayers' money. People are not going to forgive them for this," the minister told reporters. Jitendra said the Opposition did not have "enough" arguments to discuss the issues and was making excuses to avoid a debate. About the Kulgam encounter in which four militants, two army men and a civilian were killed, the Union Minister in Prime Minister's Office said terrorism on Indian soil is being sponsored by Islamabad. "Pakistan has emerged as the epicentre of terrorism. Sooner or later, terrorism will consume the soil from which it originates. "There is a series of evidence and it's no longer a secret that terrorism on Indian soil, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, is promoted and exported from Islamabad," he said. The minister said the entire world is "coming round" to the Modi government's assertion that Pakistan must contain the export of terrorism from its soil. "The sooner it does the better it will be... Not only for the Indian subcontinent but for Pakistan as well," he added. On the UP assembly polls, Jitendra said: "BJP is way ahead of all the other parties. The people are looking for a change and an alternative to SP and BSP." Asked about the resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for the return of Kashmiri Pandits and other migrants, he said BJP and its government at the Centre and in the state in alliance with PDP is committed to ensuring "dignified and respectable return of KPs to the Valley". "Composite culture in Kashmir is not possible without Kashmiri Pandits," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Astronomers are testing an idea developed by Albert Einstein about a century ago to resolve a longstanding puzzle over what is driving the accelerated expansion of the universe. Researchers have long sought to determine how the universe's accelerated expansion is being driven. Calculations in a new study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK could help to explain whether dark energy - as required by Einstein's theory of general relativity - or a revised theory of gravity are responsible. Einstein's theory, which describes gravity as distortions of space and time, included a mathematical element known as a Cosmological Constant. Einstein originally introduced it to explain a static universe, but discarded his mathematical factor as a blunder after it was discovered that our universe is expanding. Research carried out two decades ago, however, showed that this expansion is accelerating, which suggests that Einstein's Constant may still have a part to play in accounting for dark energy. Without dark energy, the acceleration implies a failure of Einstein's theory of gravity across the largest distances in our universe. Scientists have discovered that the puzzle could be resolved by determining the speed of gravity in the cosmos from a study of gravitational waves - space-time ripples propagating through the universe. The researchers' calculations show that if gravitational waves are found to travel at the speed of light, this would rule out alternative gravity theories, with no dark energy, in support of Einstein's Cosmological Constant. If however, their speed differs from that of light, then Einstein's theory must be revised. Such an experiment could be carried out by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US, whose twin detectors, 2000 miles apart, directly detected gravitational waves for the first time in 2015. Experiments at the facilities planned for this year could resolve the question in time for the 100th anniversary of Einstein's Constant. "Recent direct gravitational wave detection has opened up a new observational window to our Universe. Our results give an impression of how this will guide us in solving one of the most fundamental problems in physics," said Lucas Lombriser, from Edinburgh's School of Physics and Astronomy. The research was published in the journal Physics Letters B. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korea fired a ballistic missile today, South Korea's defence ministry said, the first since Donald Trump became US president. The missile, launched around 7:55 am (local time) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today hailed the US veto of a Palestinian to be named UN envoy to Libya, saying the world body failed to give equal consideration to Israelis. "I was informed of the possibility of the appointment of Salaam Fayyad to a UN position," he said at Israel's weekly cabinet meeting. "I said that the time has come for reciprocity in the UN's relations with Israel and free gifts cannot be constantly given to the Palestinian side," Netanyahu said, welcoming the US veto. "The time has come for positions and appointments to be made to the Israeli side as well," he said, quoted in a statement issued by the prime minister's office. According to Israeli media reports, the Jewish state could accept the appointment of Fayyad, a former Palestinian premier, if Tzipi Livni, a former foreign minister of Israel, were offered the post of a UN deputy secretary of state. UN chief Antonio Guterres yesterday defended his choice of Fayyad to be the UN peace envoy to Libya, a day after the United States blocked the appointment. The choice "was solely based on Mr Fayyad's recognised personal qualities and his competence for that position", said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. "United Nations staff serve strictly in their personal capacity. They do not represent any government or country." Guterres had informed the Security Council on Wednesday of his intention to appoint Fayyad. But the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Washington did not "support the signal this appointment would send within the United Nations", where the state of Palestine does not have full membership. "For too long, the UN has been unfairly biased in favour of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel," she said in a statement. The UN secretary general seeks the unanimous backing of all 15 Security Council members for appointments of his special representatives to conflict areas. Fayyad had been tapped to replace Germany's Martin Kobler, who has served since November 2015 as envoy to Libya, which has been in turmoil on the security and political fronts since a 2011 revolution that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Rajkummar Rao's "Newton" has been showered with praise at Berlinale 2017, where the film made its world premiere. Director Amit V Masurkar's film opened to a good response when it was screened in a houseful theatre at the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival. Rajkummar, who plays the titular role in the political black comedy that centres around an election day in Central India, said in a statement, "I was excited and nervous before the premiere but the kind of response we got after the screening and the way the audience here related to Newton, was very overwhelming." The 32-year-old actor said he is humbled by the reception of the film and cannot wait for its India premiere. Ecstatic after a successful world premiere, Masurkar said, "We were all very happy that an audience so diverse connected to an Indian story so rooted. They appreciated the finer nuances and the subtle moments in the story which we had assumed only Indians would get." The movie was selected in the 'International Forum of New Cinema' and was screened on February 10 at the Zoo Palast one of the oldest and most prestigious venues of the Berlinale, where it received a standing ovation too. The cast Rajkummar, Anjali Patil, Pankaj Tripathi, producer Manish Mundra and music composer Naren Chandavarkar were also present at the red carpet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Buoyed by response from institutional investors from the Middle-East, Canada and the US, plans to come out with bids for monetisation of 10 out of 75 public-funded national highway projects in the first phase. The move follows the government's decision in August last year authorising the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to monetise public-funded highway projects in the country. "Bids are likely to be out by April inviting tenders for monetisation of at least 10 projects on toll operate transfer (TOT)," a senior official told PTI. The official said 10 such projects out of a basket of 75 have been identified for monetisation and several investors, including Canadian Pension Fund, Abu Dhabi Investment Fund and those from the US, Europe and Singapore, have shown keen interest in buying them. "Investors are keen on our projects and we are going to bid out the same," the official said. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has earlier told PTI that monetisation of public-funded highway projects could result in funds in the range of Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh crore initially. Ever since the government's nod for monetisation, has been conducting traffic studies related to such projects, the revenue streams available and their overall viability. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on August 3 last year had authorised NHAI to monetise the public-funded highway projects for mobilising funds. Close to 75 operational NH projects completed under public funding have been preliminarily identified for potential monetisation using the toll operate transfer (TOT) Model. The corpus generated from proceeds of such project monetisation could be utilised by the government to meet its fund requirements regarding future development and operation and maintenance of highways in the country and could address development of highways in unviable geographies. Market feedback indicates that certain institutional investors from outside the country have long-term investment appetite and are keen to participate in operational highway projects with stable toll revenue outlook. These investors generally hesitate from taking construction risk, but are willing to look at de-risked Brownfield road assets, the government has earlier said. President Donald Trump knows a guy. No matter what issue Trump is addressing, he seems either to know somebody with a relevant personal experience or he's got a firsthand tale to recount. When he met airline CEOs on Thursday, Trump said his own pilot, "who's a real expert", had told him about problems with obsolete equipment. When he met business and economic experts a week earlier, Trump cited the difficulties his friends in business were having borrowing money from banks as he spoke about the need to reduce financial regulations. When he approvingly sized up Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Trump said last month that he'd had a "very bad experience" in his own businesses when dealing with the EU bureaucracy. "Getting the approvals from Europe," he said, "was very, very tough." Call him the anecdotal president: For good or ill, Trump processes policy proposals through his own personal frame of reference. "It's all about him," says Jeff Shesol, who wrote speeches for President Bill Clinton. "His frame for Europe, his frame for the airlines, his frame for the banking system ... Is himself." It's not necessarily a bad thing to draw on real-world experiences in developing or justifying policy. Plenty of presidents and politicians have recognised the value of anecdotal storytelling in advancing their agendas. President Barack Obama offered his own improbable life story as a metaphor for the wide-open possibilities available to all Americans. And he frequently drew on the concerns that came up in the 10 letters a day that he read from people who wrote to the White House. Clinton was famous for sketching his encounters with ordinary Americans. President Lyndon Johnson drew on his early experiences teaching disadvantaged Mexican-Americans in stressing the importance of education and economic opportunity for all Americans. "I think it was then that I made up my mind that this nation could never rest while the door to knowledge remained closed to any American," Johnson said after signing the Higher Education Act of 1965. "Great Communicator" Ronald Reagan related the story of a woman who falsely collected welfare payments, then parlayed it into a stereotype of "welfare queens" cheating the system. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a University of Pennsylvania professor specializing in political communication, says that in his first three weeks in office, Trump has surpassed even Reagan in his reliance on the use of "argument by anecdote." "Given the extemporaneous nature of Trump's presidency," she says, "we can reasonably assume that these individual moments are playing a more important role for him" in developing policy than they did for presidents past. The risk, she adds, is that an overreliance on personal experiences "can lead to the assumption that something is typical when it's atypical." With Trump, it's hard to tell exactly what goes into his policymaking. But the billionaire businessman-turned-politician cites experiences from his own, very rarefied world that wouldn't necessarily track those of ordinary Americans. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump, North Korea appeared to fire a ballistic missile today in what would be its first such test of the year. After receiving word of the launch, Trump stood at his south Florida estate with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who called the move "intolerable." There was no immediate confirmation on the launch from the North, which had warned recently that it was ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The US Strategic Command, however, said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium or intermediate-range missile. North Korean media are often slow to announce such launches, if they announce them at all. As of this evening, there had been no official announcement and most North Koreans went about their day with no inkling that the launch was major international . The reports of the launch came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile was fired from around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test-launched its powerful midrange Musudan missile on October 15 and 20. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 500 kilometres. South Korea's Yonhap Agency reported that while determinations were still being made, it was not believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, according to the US Strategic Command. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Jong Un said in his New Year's address that the country had reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its "hostile policy" and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programmes until the US changes its diplomatic approach. Just days ago, it also reaffirmed its plan to conduct more space launches, which it staunchly defends but which have been criticised because they involve dual-use technology that can be transferred to improve missiles. "Our country has clearly expressed its standpoint, that we will continue to build up our capacity for self-defence, with nuclear forces and a pre-emptive strike capability as the main points, as long as our enemies continue sanctions to suppress us," Pyongyang student Kim Guk Bom said today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Infosys' former CFO, today exhorted institutional investors to raise questions about the huge cash pile on the company's books and governance issues, as investors have an obligation to protect their investment. "Capital allocation is very important. Institutional investors should raise those questions. They have a duty...Institutional investors should raise questions on governance because it concerns the company's reputation," Pai told Press Trust of India in an interview. Infosys had liquid assets, including cash and cash equivalents and investments worth Rs 35,697 crore (about $5.25 billion) on its books at the end of December 2016. He asserted that founders, who hold 13% stake in the Bengaluru-based company, had raised these questions like any other investor would. "The founders are investors like anybody else. They hold 13% stake. They have every right to question the Board... Since the largest shareholder has sought clarification, they must also seek detailed clarification," he said. Pai, along with former colleague V Balakrishnan, had sought a $1.8 billion buyback in 2014 just as CEO Vishal Sikka was taking over. "We had raised the issue. We hope that other institutional investors will also raise their voice because the institutional investors have an obligation to protect their investment," he said. Pai explained that shareholders all over the world ask questions about capital allocation when growth slows down for listed companies, that have too much cash on books. "All over the world, for listed companies when growth slows down and there is too much cash, shareholders will ask what are they doing with the cash...About capital allocations. Most Boards around the world will respond with a buyback to show confidence in the company and stabilise the stock price," he said. Pai expressed hope that institutional investors who have a "fiduciary responsibility" to their unit holders, will also ask the same questions, as has been in the case of Cognizant. Last week, Cognizant's Board approved a plan to return $3.4 billion to shareholders over the next two years through share buybacks and dividend, following investor activism. "Why can't Infosys do something like Cognizant has done. That is very important for shareholders. I hope they ask him that at a time when growth is slowing down," he said. He said that while reports of the rift would not impact the company's performance but there is "some reputational damage because of this" and pointed out that the board "has to remedy this situation". Over the last few days, Infosys has come under fire from founders like N R Narayana Murthy who have publicly raised concerns on alleged corporate governance lapses at Infosys. Infosys, however, has denied the allegations and said that its board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Sikka and is very "appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation". Delhi Police have arrested a 40-year-old man and recovered three pistols, one revolver and live cartridges from him. Jay Parkash, who resides in northwest Delhi and is involved in many criminal cases, landed in the police net after a tip-off was received regarding robbery of a Honda Amaze car from Dwarka, police said. "The accused has a track record of committing offences and is involved in many cases of robbery, Arms Act etc in Delhi and NCR. Three pistols, one revolver and 44 live cartridges have been recovered from his possession and an FIR registered in this regard under Arms Act," a senior police officer said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A police personnel was today injuredin an exchange offirewith Naxals in a dense forest of Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said. The skirmish took place in the forest under Bhejji police station limits when a joint team of Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Group (DRG) was out on a counter-insurgency operation, a police official told PTI. The security men were on the operation since morning in the interior parts of Bhejji, located 450 kms from here. While cordoning off a forested part, they came under heavy firing from a group of ultras that led to a gun-battle between the two sides, he said. The ultras, however, soon escaped from the spot. "A jawan belonging to DRG sustained minor bullet injury injuryin the incident," he said. Reinforcement was rushed to the spot and the injured jawanwas being evacuated from the forest, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo says she feels fine and is ready to leave the hospital where she has been a patient since a limousine accident Friday. Szydlo spoke by telephone yesterday with the Wiadomosci program of the state TVP television from a Warsaw government hospital where she is under observation. She says she has received a phone call from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and a "very personal letter" from British Prime Minister Theresa May. Szydlo said she feels "ready to leave hospital today, but it depends on the doctors." She says she is being treated for an injury that resulted from her seat belt having worked property when her limousine hit a tree while trying to avoid a small car. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State-owned power trading solutions company PTC India today reported a 9.07 per cent decline in net profit at Rs 42.57 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2016. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 46.82 crore for the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Total income from operations went up by 7.75 per cent to Rs 3,111.69 crore for the quarter under review in the current fiscal, from Rs 2,887.79 crore for the same quarter a year ago, the company said in a BSE filing. During the quarter under review, the company's expenses stood at Rs 3,058.35 crore, up 8.02 per cent, as against Rs 2,831.17 crore a year ago. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha-Metro) has said its ambitious Rs 11,400 crore Pune Metro project will be operational by 2021. "We have completed 35 per cent of topography survey and geo-tech investigation work and remaining job is expected to be completed over the next few months. "We hope that first line of Pune Metro will be operational in 2020 and second line by 2021," Maha-Metro Managing Director Brijesh Dixit told PTI here. The work on first 10 kms route between Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Shivaji Nagar will start by April this year, Dixit said. "For funding, we have started negotiations with World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Development Bank of China," he added. Nagpur, being the transportation hub of the country, always had large roads. Soon, the city will also get its first Metro, which is expected to carry 3.5 lakh passengers by 2019. Commenting on the progress of Nagpur Metro, Dixit said the 38-km project is estimated to cost Rs 8,600 crore. The company has commenced work on 22 km route and 5.5 km section will be ready in the current year with target of completing the project by December 2019. "We have already completed funding arrangement, under which Germany's KFW will provide Euro 500 million and AFD (French Development Agency) will provide Euro 130 million assistance for Nagpur Metro project. "The funding will be utilised for procurement of rolling stock, cars, electricity supply, traction and other infrastructure facilities," Dixit said. For a Metro rail project, funding and land acquisition are two most important elements, which the Maha-Metro team has managed to achieve through successful tie-ups. Maha-Metro has developed the indigenous technology and the construction cost is estimated at Rs 200 crore per km. The company hopes to keep fares at a reasonable level, he added. Maha-Metro is also considering setting up more metro projects in other cities having 20 lakh plus population as per government guidelines. Maharashtra is the only state in the country where three metro rail projects -- in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur -- are progressing simultaneously. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi has been denied permission to hold a public rally in one of the wards of the city ahead of the February 21 municipal election. The Khadak police station denied the permission citing that the area (which was identified by AIMIM for the rally) was "sensitive" because of its mix population and since Owaisi's speeches were "inciting" and "communal" in nature, there could be a threat to his life. AIMIM has fielded 25 candidates for the poll to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). "Keeping in view the law and order situation, the permission cannot be granted to the rally," stated the letter by Khadak police to party's city unit. The city unit of AIMIM had sought permission to hold a rally in Seven Loves Chowk on February 14. "Yesterday, we received a letter from Khadak police station in which police informed us that the permission to hold a rally in the area had been denied," said AIMIM's Pune city unit chief Anjum Inamdar. He alleged that "police's view is biased in nature and his party condemns such a view". Inamdar said Owaisi has so far addressed over 60 rallies in Maharashtra as well as poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, however, "there is not a single incident where any controversy happened due to his speeches". "The allegations of police about communal and inciting speeches are unacceptable and we will soon seek legal action against the police officer," said Inamdar. He alleged that police were "partial" in their approach and it was a clear cut case of violation of freedom of speech. "This is the same place where Congress state president and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan held a rally last month, however, no objection was taken by the authorities," the AIMIM leader alleged. However, Raghunath Jadhav, senior police inspector of Khadak police station, said the place identified by AIMIM was congested and not even 500 people could gather over there. "Since over 10,000 people are expected to come to the rally, there could be law and order situation, so we have asked them to identify a bigger place such as a ground where large number of people can be accommodated," said Jadhav. Inamdar said they would soon meet the senior officials of Pune police and were also hunting for more venues. "We are finalising on new places but one thing is sure that the rally would take place on February 14," he said. Meanwhile, Owaisi, in a tweet said, "2 years ago I addressed a public meeting and it was successful... Now suddenly I am being denied permission, this is not FAIR." He further requested the police to grant him the required permission. "@PuneCityPolice give permission, impose conditions and if I violate any, arrest me.. I don't take security, you provide me," the AIMIM chief said in another tweet. Queen Elizabeth II will host a spectacular UK-India Year of Culture launch at Buckingham Palace at the end of this month to strengthen the special cultural partnership between the two countries. UK's senior-most Indian-origin minister, Priti Patel, who will be among the key Cabinet ministers at the event, described it as a real demonstration of the strong ties between the two countries. "It will be a spectacular event and a wonderful opportunity to do more to celebrate the India-UK relationship," Patel, Britain's Secretary of State for International Development, told PTI. The Palace had officially announced the date of the reception as February 27 in the monarch's engagements calendar earlier this week: "Her Majesty The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh will give a reception to mark the launch of the UK India Year of Culture 2017." Queen Elizabeth II, 90, is the world's longest reigning sovereign and has become the first British monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee, with 65 years on the throne. The reception is expected to attract hundreds of guests from across various fields in the UK and India, including a senior Cabinet minister from the Indian side. "Throughout the year, we are going to see great works of art, great collaborations, all the cultural aspects coming together and a real demonstration of how strong our cultural ties are. It is going to be really exciting," Patel said. The Conservative party MP, who has completed six months in office as minister in the Department for International Development (DfID), described her last few months in the post as a "humbling and rewarding" experience. She has been on several visits to war-torn regions and has just returned from Lebanon and Jordan, countries at the heart of the Syrian refugee crisis. "It's been pretty humbling, my first six months; particularly where I have been and the state of the world in general. My focus has been on many of the humanitarian crises that have concentrated all our minds, in particular Syria," she said. "The UK has been at the forefront of dealing with the crisis. We have committed 2.3 billion pounds since the start of this conflict. It is our biggest ever response to humanitarian crisis and makes us the second-largest bilateral humanitarian donor. We have helped to get over 250,000 Syrian children into schools and get them educated." Asked about some of the negative rhetoric around refugees coming out of countries like the US under President Donald Trump, she said: "The US are a huge supporter to the refugee crisis, we should not lose sight of that. They are the number one contributor in the region. (REOPENS FGN 6) "We have to make sure that we work together with the international community, whether it is UN agencies or other country donors. It is about how we work together to provide the right support on the ground," Patel said. "I think the British public should be incredibly proud of the fact that their generosity is saving lives and changing lives in difficult parts of the world, from north-east Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia to South Sudan." When she was appointed as the DfID minister by British Prime Minister Theresa May's in July 2016 just weeks after the Brexit referendum, Patel had declared her goal as ensuring that British aid delivers the country's global vision outside the European Union (EU). She sees her job as making sure the international aid system "does what it says on the tin" and delivers for the world's poorest. She explains: "The British public should be proud and feel confident in the way in which their development system and aid is spent. I am not afraid to stop things that I think don't work in our national interest or may not fit with our strategic priorities in Britain post-Brexit." "I want to demonstrate that our aid is working in our national interest and global interest, certainly in terms of supporting our place in the world." This new vision includes a changed aid relationship with India, where the UK focuses on project-based support after its traditional bilateral aid system came to a close in 2015. "We don't give traditional aid to India but India is still home to 290 million of the world's poorest people. So there is more that we can do with regard to supporting poverty reduction, jobs and livelihood and economic development in India," she said. Delhi government's initiative 'Reading Melas' aimed to improve the learning and reading skills of students concluded today with "success" ceremonies being organised at several parks, government schools and other community spaces. Thousands of children, accompanied by their parents, joined the celebration along with School Management Committee (SMC) members. Over 1000 'Reading Melas' were held over the last four months on every Sunday under this campaign. It was organised by SMC members in association with Delhi's government schools. During the "success" ceremonies, children demonstrated their enhanced reading skills with their parents in the audience. During the campaign, SMC members thanked parents for their active support to the government's efforts at home and the hundred of volunteers who joined the 'Reading Melas' to make them a success. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, "The Reading Melas are a remarkable example of the transformative consequences that the partnership between government and communities can result in." He said through the 'Melas' the vision of the Education Department was implemented by the parents with the help of SMCs and the support of the Department. "I am elated by the scale of success achieved by Reading Melas," he said. "The government's focus on upgrading the quality of education offered in government schools has been complemented well by SMCs and activities like Reading Melas," he said. They have contributed towards advancing the involvement of parents and the community in children's education and taking forward the government's mission of making education a public movement, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray today claimed that his party is functioning as a corrective force by being part of governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra to "control" the anti-people policies. "We have seen that if power is not controlled, it becomes uncontrollable. Being in the government we tried to keep (the BJP) in control," Thackeray said. "While being a part of the government, Sena opposed many policies that were anti-India and anti-people and today those policies are stuck. Be it the Land Acquisition Bill or the GST Bill, we made them make the necessary amendments," he said in the final part of his interview to Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana'. Thackeray quipped that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi chooses to hold any election rally in the city for the upcoming Brihamumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, the Shiv Sainiks will go and respectfully invite him to be a part of Sena's victory celebrations on February 23. "Modiji had to conduct 23 rallies in the state during Assembly polls to win. This time, even if he comes, the Sena will win. We want him to be a part of our celebrations," the Sena leader said. He said that the "alliance with BJP actually got over during the 2014 Assembly polls itself." "They had deceived us in the name of talks. The Lok Sabha polls had just finished then, there was a 'Modi wave' but no demonetisation. So they (the BJP) thought the Sena would not get more than 15-20 seats. But we proved them wrong by winning 63 seats (in Maharashtra Assembly polls)," he said. Meanwhile, reacting to Thackeray's comments, MPCC secretary Al Nasser Zakaria alleged that the Sena chief is indulging in "white lies" and it is the "sweetness" of power that keeps him glued to it. "It is absurd of him to say he is doing the job of the Opposition parties. He thinks he can indulge in white lies and people will quietly listen. The truth is that the sweetness of power will keep him glued to it and they will not withdraw support despite being shamed everyday by the BJP," the Congress leader said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Six people were killed and three others injured today when a minibus collided with a truck at a highway tunnel in southern China's Guangdong Province. The minibus rear-ended the truck and then caught fire at the expressway tunnel in Meixian County in the early hours, Meizhou City Public Security Bureau said. Rescuers retrieved six bodies from the minibus while three others were injured and rushed to hospital. The injured are in non-critical condition, state-run Xinhua agency reported. Police blamed the accident on the driver's fatigue as he drove the minibus from Dongguan to Sanming city in neighboring Fujian Province on Saturday morning and returned the same night. The minibus was supposed to carry only seven people but nine passengers were travelling in it, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Important works of ancient Indian mathematicians on topics like obliquity of earth or value of "pi" can now be deciphered from classical texts using a new software application, researchers have claimed. R Anusha, student of Sastra University in Thanjavur, tweaked modules of an engineering software, used for signal processing and circuit testing, to decrypt ancient numerical systems used in classical texts authored by Indian philosophers of yore. Their findings have been published in the science journal Current Science. In ancient times, astronomers and mathematicians represented digits using linguistic phrases, a common practice in civilisations across globe that time. Speaking to PTI over phone, V Ramanathan, one of the authors of the paper and a faculty at the Chemistry Department of the University, explained that in ancient literature and bodies of knowledge, numerals are embedded as words. In India, philosophers, astronomers and mathematicians used three systems-- Katapaydi, Aryabhata and Bhutasankhya which used linguistic phrases-- to represent numbers. In Bhutasankhya system, words for earth and moon were used to depict "1" while those for eyes, ears were used to denote "2". Katapaydi and Aryabhata's system use Devnagri consonants and vowels in a complex manner to depict numerals. Giving an example of such numerical values in ancient scriptures, he said in 'Aryabhatiya', penned by Aryabhata, there is a verse "Bha Apakramo Grihaamsha". Ramanathan, Fulbright fellow and member of INYAS, said the letter 'bha' represents number 24 and this completes the meaning of the sentence which reads as earth's obliquity is 24 degrees. "It is very important to know the coding procedure to correctly decode the number. The software helps in decoding the numbers from words in an error free and fast manner," he said. The Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) is an Initiative of Indian National Science Academy (INSA). It was Ramanathan who seeded the idea in the mind of one of his B Tech students, Anusha, having interests in historical and classical science literature. With active help from C Nithya, another faculty at the University, and R Venketeswara Pai of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Anusha was able to develop a software platform wherein if a particular text from these scriptures was entered, the user can get numerical value associated with it quickening the decoding process. The group plans to make the software open source and also develop an app so that anyone having interest can get down and starts decrypting these texts. Ramanthan cited another text which gives value of "pi" "anunanunnanananunnanityai, ssmahatascakra kalavibhaktoh, candamsucandradhamakumpbhipalair, vyasastadarddham, ibhamaurvika syat". In this, he said, the second and fourth lines are lyrical in nature while the first and third lines are numbers in codes using Katapayadi system of numerals. He said the above verse means that the circumference of a circle with diameter 10000000000 (anunanunnanananunnanityai) is 3.1415926536 (candamsucandradhamakumpbhipalair). "This verse is found in the text called Karana Padhati composed by Kerala mathematician Puthumana Somayaji and dated to the 15th century," Ramanathan said. "pi" is commonly defined as the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.The ratio is constant,regardless of the circle's size. He also cited classic text Narayaneeyam written by Kerala philosopher and mathematician Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri who concludes his collection of about 1000 verses by saying AayurArogyasoukhyam Krishna which gives the number of days passed since the beginning of Kaliyug when this scripture namely Narayaneeyam was completed. "From the above example of Narayaneeyam we see the creative and poetic ways of our thinkers incorporating the time stamp on their composition. They had not only given the accurate information of the time but also have managed poetic excellence by adhering to the metre and other requirements purely from poetry point of view," he said. A senior South Sudanese general has quit, accusing President Salva Kiir and top members from his majority Dinka tribe of "ethnic cleansing". Lieutenant-General Thomas Cirillo Swaka was the country's deputy chief of general staff for logistics and a respected figure among the country's foreign partners. I "have lost patience with the conduct of the president and commander in chief, the chief of staff and other senior officers in the headquarters of the SPLA as well as unit commanders," Cirillo wrote. Kiir and other officers of the SPLA -- the country's national army -- "have systematically frustrated the implementation" of a 2015 peace agreement and sought to "pursue the agenda" of the elders' council of the Dinka ethnic community, Cirillo charged. This agenda, Cirillo wrote, rests on "ethnic cleansing", "forceful displacement of people from their ancestral lands" and "ethnic domination", all crimes against humanity. Concurring sources later told AFP that Cirillo had now left the country, but were unable to say where he had gone. South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but broke out into war in December 2013, pitting the Dinkas of President Kiir against former vice-president Riek Machar and his Nuer tribe supporters. Observers said it later metastasised with other tribes joining one side or the other, often with the hope of getting an upper hand in local conflicts over land and other issues. A peace agreement signed two and a half years later raised hopes of an end to the conflict, but the deal lasted just over two months. Tens of thousands have died in the conflict, despite a 12,000-man UN peacekeeping force posted in the area, while over three million have been displaced. Cirillo accused Kiir and his entourage of turning the country's military into a Dinka "tribal" army that has taken part "in systematic killings of people, rape of women and the burning of villages in the name of pursuing rebels in peaceful villages". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Syria's opposition today announced its 21-member delegation, including 10 rebel representatives, for a new round of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva scheduled for February 20. The delegation will be headed by Nasr al-Hariri, a member of the National Coalition, replacing Assad al-Zoabi, who led the opposition at several previous rounds of talks in Geneva last year. The delegation's chief negotiator was named as Mohamed Sabra, a lawyer who was part of the opposition's technical team during negotiations in Geneva in 2014. He replaces Mohamad Alloush, a rebel from the powerful Army of Islam faction. Alloush served as negotiator during three rounds of peace talks in Geneva as well as negotiations in the Kazakh capital Astana in January organised by Turkey and Russia. Neither Alloush nor the Army of Islam were listed as members of the delegation to Geneva, though it was unclear if the group was boycotting the talks or would be represented by other delegates. No reason was given for the decision to replace either Zoabi or Alloush. The delegation includes representatives from several rebel groups, including Faylaq al-Sham, an Islamist faction active around Damascus, and Liwa Sultan Murad, a battalion close to Turkey. The umbrella High Negotiations Committee (HNC) opposition group said the delegation to the talks would for the first time include representatives from two additional opposition groupings, known informally as the Moscow group and the Cairo group. But representatives from both groups denied they were included in the delegation. In the past, the HNC has opposed including the two rival opposition groupings in its delegation, accusing members of the coalitions of being too flexible with regard to the Syrian government. The Moscow grouping includes former minister Qadri Jamil, and is close to the Russian leadership, while the Cairo grouping includes former foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi. Invitations to the talks in Geneva have yet to go out, having been delayed in part to allow the opposition to decide on the composition of their delegation. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura warned last week that he would pick the opposition delegates to the talks if they could not decide on time. But he later appeared to backtrack and said he would delay dispatching invites. Ahead of the talks, Kazakhstan has invited Syrian rebels and government officials back to Astana on February 15-16, but neither party has said officially yet if they will attend. De Mistura will not attend the Astana meeting, but will send a "technical team," his spokeswoman said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 26-year-old youth from Warangal district in Telangana was allegedly shot dead at Milpitas city in Santa Clara Country of California by a man suspected to be a carjacker, the deceased's father said here today. The incident was said to have happened last morning (as per IST) when Mamidala Vamshi Chander Reddy was returning after completing his part-time shift at a local store in Milpitas. "Vamshi's friends called me on Saturday saying my son is missing and that an incident has taken place wherein a person was shot at. They later informed me that it was Vamshi who got killed," Vamshi's father Sanjeeva Reddy told reporters today. Vamshi had gone to California in 2013 and completed his M.S. In Silicon Valley University. While he was looking for a job in software industry in US he recently took a part-time assignment at a local store. "His friends told me that Vamshi was shot dead by a carjacker who was trying to take away car of a woman at gun point in the parking garage of the apartment," Sanjeeva said. He said Vamshi spoke to him over phone just two days back. "He was worried about finding a software job there. I asked him to come back and find a job here. We wanted to get him married. He said he would come back home soon but we did not expect such a thing to happen to him," Sanjeeva said while fighting back tears. He appealed to Telangana and Central governments to bring back Vamshi's body without delay. Local MLA Aroori Ramesh visited the grieving family and consoled them. He assured to extend all possible help to bring back Vamshi's mortal remains. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tens of thousands of Mexicans protested against US President Donald Trump, hitting back at his anti-Mexican rhetoric and his pledges to make their country pay for his "big, beautiful" border wall. "Mexico must be respected, Mr Trump," said a giant banner carried by protesters in Mexico City yesterday, who waved a sea of red, white and green Mexican flags as they marched down the capital's main avenue under the watchful eyes of thousands of police. Protester Julieta Rosas was wearing a T-shirt with a picture of Trump sporting an Adolf Hitler mustache. "We're here to make Trump see and feel that an entire country, united, is rising up against him and his xenophobic, discriminatory and fascist stupidity," said Rosas, a literature student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). In what looked set to be Mexico's biggest anti-Trump protest yet, some 20 cities joined the call to march made by a group of dozens of universities, business associations and civic organisations. There were 20,000 demonstrators in Mexico City, according to local authorities. Marches in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Morelia also drew thousands of people -- though a planned protest in the border city of Tijuana fell flat. US-Mexican relations have plunged to their lowest point in decades since Trump took office on January 20. Trump, who launched his presidential campaign calling Mexican immigrants "criminals" and "rapists," has infuriated the United States' southern neighbor with his plan to stop illegal migration by building a wall on the border. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled a January 31 trip to Washington over Trump's insistence that Mexico pay for the wall. "This is a time to build bridges, not walls," said 73-year-old protester Jose Antonio Sanchez, who was marching in Mexico City with his nine-year-old granddaughter. American protester Erick Smith, who is married to a Mexican woman, marched with a sign reading "Sorry Mexico." "I came to say that I'm ashamed of my president," he told AFP. "I don't want this wall." Trump has also wrought havoc on the Mexican economy with his threats to terminate the country's privileged trade relationship with the United States, blaming Mexico for the loss of American jobs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana government has issued transfer and posting orders of three IAS officers with immediate effect. Vijayendra Kumar, Secretary, General Administration, Administrative Reforms Department, Chief Executive Officer, Haryana Saraswati Heritage Board, has been given additional charge of Managing Director, Haryana Electronics Development Corporation (HARTRON) and Director General and Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology Department, in place of A Sreenivas. Mohammed Shayin, Director and Special Secretary, Higher Education Department, has been posted as Managing Director, Federation of Co-operative Sugar Mills, an official release said here today. He has also been given additional charge of Director, Supplies and Disposals Department in place of Sreenivas. Sreenivas, Managing Director, Haryana Electronics Development Corporation (HARTRON), Director General and Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology Department and Director, Supplies and Disposals Department, has been posted as Director and Special Secretary, Higher Education Department, and State Project Director, State Higher Education Council (ex-officio) in Higher Education in place of Shayin. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump standing shoulder to shoulder with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a "powerful" message to the world that the US will stand with its allies in the Pacific region to address the "North Korean menace," the White House said today. "Last night, what you saw was the president of the United States sending a powerful and unmistakable signal to North Korea and the entire world as he stood shoulder to shoulder with the prime minister of Japan and declared our steadfast and unwavering support of the alliance. The meaning of that will be lost on no one," said White House Senior Policy Advisor Stephen Miller told Fox . "The message we're sending to the world right now is a message of strength and solidarity. We stand with Japan and we stand with our allies in the region to address the North Korean menace," Miller said. His remarks came after Abe denounced the North Korea's missile launch - the first after Trump became the President - at a hastily organised joint briefing at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. "The message is that we are going to reinforce and strengthen our vital alliances in the Pacific region as part of our strategy to deter and prevent the increasing hostility that we have seen in recent years from the North Korean regime," he said in response to a question. "More broadly, we are inheriting a situation around the world today that is deeply troubling. The situation in North Korea, the situation in Iraq, the situation in Syria, the situation in Yemen, and this president is committed to a fundamental rebuilding of the armed forces of the United States that will again send a signal to the world that America's strength will not be tested," Miller said. He said the important point was that the US was inheriting a situation around the world that is as challenging as "any we have ever seen in our lives." "That's why President Trump is displaying the strength of America to the whole world and it's why we're going to begin a process of rebuilding our depleted defense capabilities on a scale we have not seen in generations," Miller told ABC . Trump had termed Japan as a "great ally" after his meeting with Abe. "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, it's great ally, 100 per cent," Trump said. "North Korea's most recent missile launch is absolutely intolerable. North Korea must fully comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions," Abe said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump today assured Japan it has the full support of the United States following a North Korean ballistic missile launch. "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent," Trump said at a joint conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Japanese leader denounced the launch as "intolerable. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A TV crew was shot dead today after motorcycle-borne gunmen indiscriminately fired upon a DSNG van of a channel in Pakistan's biggest port-city here. The DSNG van of Samaa channel had gone to the North Nazimabad area of Karachi when it came under attack from gunmen on motorcycles who fired indiscriminately on the van. Police said that the van was attacked near KDA roundabout and assistant cameraman, Taimur, received a bullet shot to the head. "He was brought to the hospital with a single shot to the head and he expired after a while," additional police surgeon, Rohina Hasan told the media. A spokesman for the channel said that the van had gone to the area to cover a cracker attack on a police van. A senior police official, Farooq Malik said that the same suspects appeared to be involved in the attack on the DSNG van who had earlier also carried out attacks on DSNG vans of other channels in the same area. He said initial investigations indicated that the cracker attack on the police van was a ploy to get the media to the area to cover the incident and then attack them. A DSNG van of the Samaa channel had also come under attack in September 2015, while another was attacked last year. In other attacks on television channel crew in Karachi, three gunmen had attacked a Geo TV DSNG, killing a Geo employee and injuring another in 2015, while in 2014 three employees of the Express channel were shot dead in an attack claimed by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A is offering a 15,000 pounds-per-year grant for the perfect course for chocoholics a PhD in chocolate. The University of the West of England is offering the grant to study the genetic factors that influence the flavour of the UK's favourite treat. The successful candidate will study how the fermentation of cacao beans leads to specific flavour profiles, according to the prospectus. The three-year position has been created in response to demand from the chocolate industry for more forensic knowledge of different cocoa strains, The Mirror reported. Candidates have until February 27 to apply to the university's Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences in Bristol. The novel chance comes close on the heels of the job offer by Mondelez International behind some of the world's most famous sugary treats like Cadbury, Milka, Prince and Oreo of a part-time chocolate taster. The firm, which posted the role on LinkedIn, is looking for someone who can taste its delicacies and deliver honest and objective feedback within its team of skilled panellists. The successful candidate will then help Mondelez perfect and launch brand new products all over the world for years to come. The UN voiced "grave concern" today over the killing of at least 25 civilians in the escalating conflict in the southern opium-rich province of Helmand, most of them in US air strikes. American bombardment in Sangin on Thursday and Friday killed 18 people, nearly all women and children, the United Nations said, as fierce fighting raised fears the district could fall to the Taliban. A Taliban suicide bomber yesterday struck Afghan army soldiers outside a bank in Helmand's capital Lashkar Gah, killing seven people including child vendors, in what the insurgents called revenge for the Sangin air strikes. "The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan expresses its grave concern at the recent escalation of violence in Helmand province, which claimed the lives of at least 25 civilians, mostly women and children, and injured many more," the world body said. "UNAMA reiterates the need for all parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to take all feasible measures to protect civilians from harm." NATO on Friday said it had launched an investigation into the air strikes, while Helmand's governor rejected reports that civilians had been killed in Sangin. For years Helmand was the centrepiece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan only for it to slip deeper into a quagmire of instability. The US military stepped up air strikes in the province last week to aid Afghan forces who are struggling to stop the Taliban's territory-gobbling offensive. The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of the 14 districts in Helmand, the deadliest province for British and US troops over the past decade and blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency. Lashkar Gah -- one of the last government-held enclaves -- also risks falling to the Taliban's repeated ferocious assaults. The intensified fighting in the province last year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts. UNAMA said 891 civilians were killed or injured in Helmand during 2016, the highest in the country outside of Kabul. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today announced that a university would be set up in the northern part of the state and named after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru. Paying rich tributes to Guru Gobind Singh to mark his 350th birth anniversary celebrations, Khattar also announced to open three new passport offices at Karnal, Faridabad and Hisar, taking the total number of such offices in Haryana to five. Addressing a state level function -- 'Chardi Kalan' on the occasion of 350th 'Prakash Utsav' here, the chief minister said that he had requested Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj that as people have to visit Chandigarh and Gurgaon to get their passports, three new offices should be opened so that the people don't have to travel far for to get their passports. He also announced that the Government College in Assandh would be named after Baba Fateh Singh, the younger son of Guru Gobind Singh and said that 397 vacant posts of PGT Punjabi and 392 posts of TGT Punjabi in the government schools in the state would soon be filled up. Khattar announced that a college, to be set up at Lakhnaur Sahib, would be named after Mata Gujri, the tenth Guru's mother. Apart from this, the road from Manav Chowk in Ambala upto Lakhnaur Sahib via Barala would also be named after Mata Gujri. Khattar said that after Bhagani war in 1688, Guru Gobind Singh while had stayed at Nada Sahib in Panchkula while he was on his way to Annandpur Sahib from Kapal Mochan. Therefore, in his memory, the road from Nada Sahib to Poanta Sahib barring the National Highway part would be named after Guru Gobind Singh, he said. Khattar said since 1966 when Haryana was carved out as a separate state, "none of the previous state governments had celebrated a Sikh utsav in such a befitting manner as was being celebrated by the present state government". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Freebies galore in the manifestos of political parties in Uttar Pradesh where laptops and smart phones are being promised even as loan waivers to farmers remain the mainstay of the assurances. Taking a leaf out of populist schemes from the south, the ruling Samajwadi Party has promised pressure cooker, food grains for the poor and ghee and milk for students besides expanding pension benefits under different schemes to one crore people. The Samajwadi Party (SP), which had caught everyone's attention with its manifesto in the last elections that promised providing students with laptops and tablets, has tried to tame its horses this time. But the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had decimated all rivals in 2014 Lok Sabha elections in the state, has gone a step ahead, promising laptop to every student "without discrimination" along with 1 GB internet data every month for a period of one year. The SP has this time promised laptops to meritorious students and smart phones for all. BJP and Congress, which is fighting the polls in alliance with SP, besides parties like Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) have all promised free wi-fi internet services in all colleges and universities, apparently to cash in on the 'Digital India' wave. Like in the past, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), however, has stayed clear of coming out with a manifesto this elections, with its supremo Mayawati stressing that her party does not believe in making promises but "acting" on them. Congress has promised to provide free school education for every girl child and give free bicycles to girl students from Class IX to XII. BJP, on the other hand, has announced free school education to all students and extending it till graduation for the meritorious ones. Notably, to instill a technical approach and scientific attitude among the students who passed class XII the state government had launched a scheme to provide a laptop to them. In 2012-13 and 2013-14 fiscal years, Rs 3,43,009.91 crore were spent and 14,82,093 students covered in the scheme. In 2016-17, it was proposed to cover 39,600 students, according to an official UP government data on planning. With nearly 20 crore people, Uttar Pradesh remains a populous state. It sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha and it has a 403-member Assembly. The state, however, does not fare well in important sectors like education, health, industry, and agriculture engages over 70 per cent of its people. BSP has announced waiving farm loans of up to Rs 1 lakh, while BJP, Congress, SP and RLD have made a similar promise albeit without announcing any such upper limits. In a bid to woo farmers, parties including BJP and SP have promised round-the-clock power supply while Congress raised a similar pitch with its slogan "karza maaf, bijli half" (loan waiver and 50 per cent reduction in power bills). (Reopens DEL 4) The BJP, in its manifesto called 'Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra', has also promised lower rates of interest on loans to farmers, an assurance which the SP has retained from its 2012 manifesto. SP has promised to raise crop insurance scheme to Rs 7.5 lakh from present Rs 5 lakh, while also setting up a Treasury for Farmers. The issue of pending payments to sugarcane farmers in the state, particularly in western parts, has been simmering for quite some time now with parties highlighting it in their poll documents. BJP has promised clearing all such dues within 120 days of coming to power, while RLD has assured ensuring full payments in just two weeks' time. Almost all the parties invariably have promised modernisation of the mandis and have given assurances of connecting them with technology to ensure fair price to the farmers for their yield and facilitate its sale. Congress listed its thrust areas to boost infrastructure and promised to ensure food security by providing wheat and rice at Rs 3 and Rs 2 a kg, giving nutritious meal in Mid Day Meal scheme and revamping Public Distribution System. BJP said that on lines of the central government's decision, no interview will be held for Class III and Class IV UP government jobs to end corruption in recruitment if it comes to power. BSP said if it gets back to power, quota facility will continue besides reservation will also be extended to the poor among the upper castes, based on their financial condition, even as SP, which promised extra reservation to Muslims in 2012, stayed mum on the matter this time. Mayawati, who has alleged politics of vendetta, said minorities and Dalits were framed and sent to jail during the SP rule while promising that these cases will be reviewed and those found innocent will be freed, as she eyed her traditional vote bank. The Congress manifesto vowed to appoint a police ombudsman to handle cases of police oppression and set up a Criminal Injuries Compensation Board to ensure relief for victims of criminal oppression. Even as its ally SP stressed on "social justice" while boasting of all-round development during last five years, Congress has vowed to provide free legal aid to all members of the SC, ST, OBC communities and appoint Suraksha Mitra to assist in filing of cases committed against Dalits. Uttar Pradesh, which has time and again drawn flak for its law and order issues, notably has a 50 per cent shortage of police staff. According to a recent Union Home Ministry report, UP Police has been working with 1.80 lakh personnel as against a sanctioned strength of 3.64 lakh. While Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has promised three promotions to police personnel on meet basis during the service tenure, BJP manifesto states recruitment of 1.5 lakh personnel on vacant slots. RLD has made a general pitch for early recruitments on all vacant positions under the state government. To ensure the safety of college girls, innovative "anti-Romeo squads" will be set up near colleges to check eve-teasing, said BJP. While BJP once again raked up the issues of 'Triple Talaq' and Ram temple, promising its construction through constitutional measures, Congress promised bringing in law against "hate crimes". On "exodus" of people due to communal tension, BJP said a special team would be formed to check it at district level and the District will be held responsible in such matters. The Ajit Singh-led RLD has notably made a pitch for setting up four new benches of the Allahabad High Court, a demand that has been echoing in far-off parts of the state. An interesting overlap in promises has been seen in BJP and SP manifesto, both of which promised expanding the metro rail network, upgrading 100 police service, 108 ambulance service, among a few others. Framing of policies to ensure ease of doing business, job creations, promotion of local handicrafts, skill development of youth, establishing cold storages among others have found place in manifestos of all political parties. Invariably all parties' manifestos promise improvement in healthcare services with BJP and SP assuring establishment of more AIIMS-like institutes, even as the first two AIIMS in Raebareli and Gorakhpur which were approved for UP in 2009 and 2012 respectively are yet to go operational. US authorities arrested hundreds of undocumented migrants this week in the first large-scale raids under President Donald Trump, triggering panic in immigrant communities nationwide. The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency rounded up undocumented individuals living in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and other cities two weeks after Trump signed an executive order that broadened which undocumented immigrants would be targeted for deportation. According to ICE, however, the operations were "routine." "The focus of these operations is no different than the routine, targeted arrests carried out by ICE's Fugitive Operations Teams on a daily basis," said agency spokeswoman Jennifer Elzea. David Marin, head of ICE's removal operations in Los Angeles, told reporters that approximately 160 people had been arrested in the California metropolis. Some 75 per cent of them had prior felony convictions, he said, adding that some people had been nabbed solely because they were undocumented. By Friday night, 37 undocumented immigrants had already been expelled to Mexico. In a January 25 decree, Trump prioritised the deportation of undocumented males who had been convicted of or "charged with any criminal offense," including misdemeanours. The order was a move to make good on his campaign pledge to crack down on America's undocumented population, estimated at 11 million people. Marin said the operations were planned prior to Trump's swearing-in and were comparable to past actions. He rebuffed reports about ICE checkpoints and random sweeps, calling them "dangerous and irresponsible." "Reports like that create panic, and they put communities and law enforcement personnel in unnecessary danger," Marlin said. The raids, which hit residential areas and workplaces, sparked protests and provoked the ire of elected Democratic representatives, notably in California and particularly in Los Angeles, where the Pew Research Centre estimates around a million undocumented migrants reside. "President Trump's policy change betrays our values," Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said in a statement. "Tearing families apart isn't what this country stands for." In Austin, Texas, where 100,000 unauthorised migrants live, a bystander captured video footage of an arrest, which made local front-page and ignited demonstrations. Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas confirmed the launch of a "targeted operation" aimed at arresting the undocumented. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ELKO -- City Council declared the city was in a state of emergency Saturday after the Humboldt River flooded many low lying areas and displaced people out of their homes. "This is just a formality," said Elko City Manager Curtis Calder. He said the city was covered under the County's emergency declaration, but the city wanted to make sure it was covered for funding from other sources. Elko police and fire departments issued a voluntary evacuation notice Saturday morning for residents in low-lying areas along the Humboldt River. The notice comes after days of rising water pushed the river far beyond its artificial channel through town. Water was pouring into southside neighborhoods Saturday morning. Police are asking residents to stay away from flooded areas along the river. They said driving cars through standing water pushes more water toward homes that are threatened with flooding. Anyone needing help or wanting to volunteer to help should call one of the following numbers: City, 777-7320; City Dispatch, 777-7304; County, 777-2520. The Red Cross set up an emergency evacuation shelter at Elko High School's Centennial Gym. Beds and food are available for people who need a place to stay. Pets are not allowed in the shelter, so officials ask people to find a place for their animals. Emergency crews are visiting affected neighborhoods in Elko, beginning with Lyon Avenue and South Ninth Street, to check on the welfare of residents. Power was temporarily shut off to the area for safety reasons. About two dozen residences were evacuated as a result. Between 50 and 60 city emergency and water personnel worked throughout the day. Much of the water that flooded into streets is likely to turn to ice Saturday night, as the National Weather Service is forecasting a low of 16 degrees in Elko. Police planned to keep an eye on affected neighborhoods throughout the night. A state of emergency has already been declared in Elko County by Gov. Brian Sandoval, Sheriff Jim Pitts and Elko County Commissioners. "Observed flooding increased from moderate to major severity," the National Weather Service reported early Saturday morning. City of Elko crews were busy pumping water back to the river, and some residents were putting sandbags around their homes. Sandbags are available at the City of Elko public works facility, 232 S. Tenth St. Floods are also occurring along northern Elko County's two major rivers, the Owyhee and Salmon Falls Creek. "Both are rivers are deadly," warned the weather service. "Stay away from them. Choose alternate routes if you must travel." U.S. 93 between Wells and Jackpot remained closed. Water from Salmon Falls Creek was reported to be flowing over the guardrails on Friday. Sandoval deployed the National Guard to assist with voluntary evacuation in Montello, where State Route 233 is impassable in two locations. Northeastern Nevada remains under a flood warning through at least 10:45 p.m. Sunday. Pakistan's Senate Deputy Chairman and leader of one of the largest Islamic parties was denied a US visa, leading to the cancellation of a two-member delegation's planned visit to New York to attend a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union at the UN headquarters. Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, the deputy chairman and the secretary general of Jamiat Ulema Islam, was scheduled to lead a two-member Senate delegation at IPU meeting being held on February 13 and 14 at the UN. "The visa of Haidri was put on hold in what can be termed a technical refusal," the Express Tribune reported, quoting its sources. Senator Lt Gen (retd) Salahuddin Tirmizi - who was to accompany Haidri - was granted a visa just two days before. The visit of the two senators has now been cancelled on the direction of Pakistan's Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani who had taken notice of the issue. The move comes days after a US court refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on people from seven Muslim- majority countries, which did not include Pakistan. Trump signed an executive order last month barring citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, fulfilling one of his campaign promises. Citing official sources, the paper said the Senate Secretariat had applied for official visas for them two weeks ago. "They said when the Senate Secretariat checked with the US Embassy about the status of Haidri's passport through official channels, it was told that the US authorities would get back to it by Tuesday, clearly meaning that Haidri could not travel to the US to attend the IPU conference," it said. "It is a technical refusal," a top Senate official said. Earlier, the Senate Secretariat said that there was a delay in issuance of visa to the deputy chairman and the Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani had taken notice of the issue. Rabbani issued directives to his secretariat not to entertain any US delegation or diplomat till the issue was resolved. "No delegation, member of Congress or diplomat of the US will be welcomed by the Senate of Pakistan, Senate Standing Committees and the senators in their official capacity till this issue is resolved," Rabbani had said in a statement issued to media yesterday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Austrian capital Vienna, known for its imperial history and magnificent palaces, is eyeing a 20 to 30 per cent growth in number of tourists from India, especially among the young travellers. "Vienna provides the experiences of a metropolis without the stress factors of a big city. We expect to welcoming 20 to 30 per cent more Indian travellers, especially among the younger group looking to experience the contemporary and vibrant facets of life, in 2017," Vienna Tourist Board Public Relations Manager Isabella Rauter told PTI here. She said Vienna had received a record number of travellers from India in 2016, contributing to 1,15,531 overnight stays, which is a 28 per cent increase from 2015. Indians, she said, are also good spenders, as according to data 44 per cent stayed in four star hotels, 19 per cent in five star and 25 per cent in three star properties. In 2015, the Austrian capital had hosted 89,628 Indian travellers. Overall, Vienna saw 4.4 per cent overnights in 2016, with 1,49,62,000 visitor bednights from 2015. It recorded a total 68,84,000 arrivals, an increase of 4.5 per cent. With an accommodation capacity of around 66,000 hotel beds, Vienna's average room occupancy increased to around 74 per cent compared to 72 per cent in 2015. Young travellers visiting Vienna can lose themselves in music, imperial history or go for bungee jumping by day and dance all night, she said. "This adds to the typically Viennese blend of tradition and innovation," Rauter said, adding that with offerings of best quality of life, romantic Vienna is also expected to attract even more Indian honeymooners. A favourite destination for Indian honeymooners, Vienna has hosted many Indian weddings, including at the Belvedere Palace, one of the palaces of the former imperial family of Austria. Vienna also attracts more than 3,500 conventions and corporate events a year and is one of the world's leading meeting destinations, she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that he will not rest till those who looted the country paid back, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the voters in Uttarakhand to give exemplary punishment in the polls to people who ruined their future. He launched a frontal attack on Congress for "insulting" the armed forces by questioning the surgical strikes, "sleeping" over OROP for 40 years and for "indulging" in corruption. "The time for those who looted the country for 70 years has come to an end. I promise that those who looted the country will have to pay back now. Neither will I rest nor will I let the looters rest in peace till this task is complete. It is time everyone gives an account now," Modi told his last poll rally in Pithoragarh ahead of the February 15 election. He exhorted the people to vote out the "tainted" Congress government that sullied 'devbhoomi's' image turning it into a "lootbhoomi" and "ruined" the state due to its lack of vision to tap its full potential. He also hit out at Congress accusing it of opposing Uttarakhand's creation and said it has now aligned with SP the government of which in Uttar Pradesh then committed atrocities on people agitating for the state's formation. Modi asked the people to take a pledge to hand down exemplary punishment in the polls to those who played with their future so that no future government dares to do so. Describing Uttarakhand as a land of the brave soldiers, he attacked Congress for questioning the veracity of the surgical strikes, which, he said, "insulted the armed forces and the valour of those who made supreme sacrifice for the country". "It is a misfortune of our country that some parties and leaders raise questions about our armed forces and the valour of those who laid down their lives for the country. No one should ever question their bravery," he said. Terming the cross-LoC strikes as a "big incident" in military history which various security agencies across the world are studying, he said when Indian soldiers carried out the operation and demolished terrorist camps without losing a single life, Congress posed several questions including how no one was killed in the attack. "Does it behoove Congress to do this. Is this not an insult to the armed forces? Is this not an insult to the valour of our brave soldiers? You do politics and attack Modi as much as you can, but don't ever raise doubts about our military and the soldiers' bravery," he said. "Did they not make fun and insulted the armed forces by earmarking a mere Rs 500 crore in the budget for OROP which would have cost a total of Rs 12,500 crore. Our government has already paid Rs 6,500 crore to the soldiers as OROP benefit," he said. Earlier, addressing a rally at GITI Maidan in Shrinagar, Modi said Congress had no vision for growth even though the state had great potential in tourism and allied sectors. "It is three months since demonetisation happened but they are still abusing me. Don't you think I should make those who have looted this country ruthlessly by taking away the poor's share and exploited the middle-class for 70 years pay back? I won't sit relaxed until I have made them do so. I have waged a war against corruption and black money for the sake of the poor and nothing can make me step back. I am ready to face anything for the sake of the country's poor," he said. Asking people to give his party a chance to drive it to new heights of development in Uttarakhand over the next five years, he said: "Have you ever thought why despite having such great potential Uttarakhand has lagged behind Chattisgarh and Jharkhand which were created together by Atal Bihari Vajpayee? "In spite of the Maoist problem, Chattisgargh with a BJP government has established itself among the fastest growing states," he said. Similarly, Jharkhand despite being a backward area has begun to attract investors under BJP rule, he said. Modi said that he has grand plans to tap the state's tourism potential and herbal wealth to lure visitors from all over the world to its doorsteps. Alleging that Chief Minister Harish Rawat failed to stop exodus from villages in hills due to lack of job opportunities, he asked why should a state that has the potential to attract the whole world in fields of tourism, herbal wealth and unique traditions in yoga should suffer from migration of young people in search of livelihood. Stressing that the Centre's promotional efforts have popularised yoga all over the world and people from far corners wanted to visit Haridwar and Rishikesh, he said there is tremendous untapped potential in these cities to develop as international yoga destinations. At Khel stadium rally in Pithoragarh, Modi said: "The February 15 Assembly polls are an opportunity for the people of the state to punish Congress. The people should take a vow to dislodge a tainted government and replace it with one led by BJP." Accusing the Chief Minister of not having the courage to face the people of his constituency which falls in Pithoragarh district, the Prime Minister said Rawat's "sense of guilt over cheating his own people had made him flee to constituencies in the plains and contest from there". A Pakistani national was killed today in Saudi Arabia when Yemeni rebels shelled the kingdom's southern border region, the civil defence department said. A rocket hit Arda, which is part of the southwestern region of Jazan, Civil Defence spokesman Yahya al-Qahtani said in a report by the official Saudi Press Agency. "As result, a Pakistani national was killed," he said without naming the victim. At least 115 civilians and soldiers have been killed in southern Saudi Arabia since a Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes in Yemen against Huthi rebels in March 2015 to support Yemen's government. Most of the casualties were Saudi who were killed in cross-border shelling or skirmishes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday said BSP is the main rival in first two phases of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and Samajwadi Party in the rest as he accused Akhilesh Yadav of getting into an "unholy alliance". "As per the trend of the first phase, we will get more than 50 seats (out of 73). In the first two phases we will be getting more than 90 seats (out of total 140). The main rival in these two phases is BSP. In the next phases, the rival will be SP," Shah told reporters here. He claimed that issues like payment of cane dues, loans at zero per cent interest to farmers, anti-Romeo squads to check crime against women, and some other key points in BJP manifesto had attracted youths and common people and they were supporting BJP. Terming the Congress-SP alliance as "unholy", Shah said if SP had considered what Lohia had thought about Congress, it would not have forged the pact. "This is alliance of those who ran corrupt governments. UP is behal(suffering) in this regime and cases of riots, rapes and murders have increased. Due to appeasement on basis of caste and religion, people are harassed and they want development. SP government has failed miserably," he said. "The decision of alliance has been taken to avoid defeat in polls," he added. Slamming SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Shah said he has conceded defeat by sacrificing 105 (of the 403) seats to Congress. On the chief minister's charge that 'acche din' is elusive in UP, he said: "By saying this, Akhilesh has accepted that he has failed. After ruling for five years, he is asking when will acche din come. It will come after March 11, when BJP will form government." When asked about his views on Mayawati's BSP, Shah said: "Both SP and BSP protect each other on corruption. What probe has Akhilesh instituted against BSP leaders against whom there were corruption charges?" On Muslim clerics supporting different parties, the BJP chief said: "BJP does not face any threat nor challenge because of them. It shows desperation of political parties." About opposition's charge that BJP was trying to polarise voters, Shah said: "What have we done for polarisation? It is being said as threat of defeat is looming large over them." He also alleged that the Akhilesh government did not support the Centre for development of the state. "We have given Rs 1 lakh crore per year to UP. Our schemes were not implemented," Shah said, citing examples. Talking about giving tickets to turncoats leading to bad blood among BJP's ticket aspirants, he said no one is an outsider once they join the party. Andrea Y. Gaines, Vice President Virtual Financial Group Louisville Living Benefits Broker Financial Needs Analysis Expansion Announced ID: 1486112 Andrea Y. Gaines, a Louisville, Kentucky living benefits broker, announced an expansion of her services into the states of Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Ms. Gaines provides living benefits plans and free financial needs analysis. (firmenpresse) - Andrea Y. Gaines, a Louisville, Kentucky Living/Survivors Benefits Broker specializing in Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) and alternative living benefits plans, announced an expansion of her services into the states of Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Virtual Financial can provide a FNA and consultations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. More information is available at http://helpyousave247.vfgpro.com/livingbenefits. Financial security is crucial for ones quality of life, especially as the level of unpredictability on todays job market can be significant. Furthermore, injuries and diseases resulting in temporary or permanent incapacity often have a drastic negative effect on the ability to work and remain financially stable, with such situations commonly resulting in unemployment and considerable financial loss. Millions of Americans survive a heart attack, stroke or cancer and are then unable to earn an income afterwards. In the USA every 30 seconds a new case of cancer is diagnosed, every 36 seconds someone suffers a heart attack and every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke. The cost of a severe heart attack including direct and indirect costs is around one million dollars. 60% of all bankruptcies are due to medical issues. Of those that filed for bankruptcy, nearly 80% had health insurance. One in four people with cancer delayed or turned down recommended care because of cost. The reality of many American families is they are under protected and living with too much debt. They fail to save or if they do save they have a poor understanding of of the savings they need to make, poor strategy or they simply do not have enough income to save and are unsure what action to take to deal with that problem. Andrea Y. Gaines has recently become a vice president with Virtual Financial, a financial consulting and living benefits brokerage agency and she is based in Louisville, Kentucky. With the living benefits service the broker provides a personalized Financial Needs Analysis that takes a snapshot of a familys current financial situation. Recommendations are then made based on their goals and objectives allowing the broker to select the products that best fit that familys individual needs. Virtual Financial Groups Associates have access to some of the most respected companies in the industry today. This gives them access to a portfolio of leading-edge products designed to help families achieve financial independence. Through a unique career management plan, Virtual Financial also provides a reliable income source for those unable to make ends meet with their jobs by offering training & expertise towards establishing a real legitimate home-based business. Ms. Gaines offers complete consultations & free financial needs analysis for clients in Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Virtual Financial can provide a FNA and consultations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. Interested parties can find more information on Living/Survivors benefits or statistical footnotes by visiting http://helpyousave247.vfgpro.com/livingbenefits.The main purpose of life insurance is to provide a death benefit. "Tax and/or legal advice not offered by Virtual Financial or its affiliated companies. Please consult with a personal tax professional or legal advisor for further guidance on tax or legal matters. Find more info on this by visiting here: http://helpyousave247.vfgpro.com/anywhere. For more about creating a legitimate income from home visit [http://helpyousave247.vfgpro.com/pro](http://helpyousave247.vfgpro.com/lifestyle). Andrea Y. Gaines, Vice President Virtual Financial Group http://helpyousave247.vfgpro.com/livingbenefits Andrea Y. Gaines, Vice President Virtual Financial Group http://helpyousave247.vfgpro.com/livingbenefits +1-502-694-2033 743 South 44th Street Louisville United States Juristisches zu dieser Pressemitteilung Weitere Pressemitteilungen von Andrea Y. Gaines, Vice President Virtual Financial Group Bereitgestellt von Benutzer:Datum: 11.02.2017 - 21:59 UhrSprache: DeutschNews-ID 1486112Anzahl Zeichen: 3956contact information:Contact person: Andrea Y. GainesTown:Phone: +1-502-694-2033Kategorie:Typ of Press Release: Unternehmensinformationtype of sending: VerAffentlichungDate of sending: 11/02/2017Anmerkungen:Diese Pressemitteilung wurde bishermal aufgerufen.Die Pressemitteilung mit dem Titel:steht unter der journalistisch-redaktionellen Verantwortung vonBeachten Sie bitte die weiteren Informationen zum Haftungsauschlu (gema TMG - TeleMedianGesetz ) und dem Datenschutz (gema der DSGVO ). Dubai attracted 1.8 million overnight visitors from India in 2016, recording a 12 per cent growth over the previous year to become the number one source market in South Asia. The country hosted 1.6 million Indian travellers in 2015, according to data from Dubai Tourism. Data also revealed that overall worldwide, Dubai attracted 14.9 million overnight visitors in 2016, recording five per cent increase over 2015. Overall Dubai attracted more than 14.2 million overnight visitors in 2015. "Expectations on tourism growth from India remain high for 2017 with even stronger bilateral ties being forged between the UAE and India," a release issued here said. The strong performance of the Emirates tourism industry amid turbulent year across the world indicates that progress towards the annual target of 20 million visitors by 2020, is on track, it added. With our international overnight traffic reaching 14.9 million, Dubai has cemented its ranking as the fourth most visited city in the world, critically delivering the highest value to the domestic economy with the country getting number one ranking in terms of spend per tourist compared to any other competitor destination, Dubai Tourism Director General Helal Saeed Almarri said. "The effectiveness of our three-pronged approach is evidenced by the encouraging 13 per cent growth in volumes from South Asia led by India, despite the demonetisation and cash pressures facing the market. Similarly, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) remained the dominant market within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), bringing first time and significant repeat travellers to Dubai," he added. Highlights of 2016, also include the massive 20 per cent boost in Chinese visitors, crossing the half million mark for the first time with 5,40,000 tourists arriving in Dubai and the definitive resurgence of Russian inbound tourism recording a 14 per cent growth in overnight traffic, he said. "Our traditional core markets spanning the GCC, India, UK and Germany, continue to deliver over 40 per cent of our tourism traffic and we remain committed to investing further in driving greater penetration and frequency from these bases where we have built a credible recognition of the Dubai destination offering," he said. Almarri said infrastructure, accommodation, air connectivity, access and policy enablers continue to be the facilitating levers that ensure Dubai remains price competitive and hugely attractive for a broad range of global travellers. LOGAN Utah State University has hired a new police chief, replacing Steve Mecham who recently retired after serving for 39 years. In a press release, the school announced that Michael J. Kuehn had been selected as the new chief and executive director of public safety. He is expected to begin March 1. Kuehn has previously worked for the Utah Department of Public Safety, including serving as deputy commissioner of Public Safety and in nearly all levels with the Utah Highway Patrol, including trooper, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and major. He also served as deputy director over the states Emergency Management division and as deputy commander over the Peace Officer Standards and Training division. He started his career in 1988 as a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. Working at USU will provide new twists and challenges. I look forward to working in a younger community with students who will be our future leaders. Its a neat place to be, said Kuehn. He attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelors degree in psychology and later a masters degree in public administration. He also attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

will@cvradio.com On Monday, the Logan Islamic Center will host an event called Lets Talk, which aims to open a dialogue and create understanding between Cache Valley residents and the growing Muslim community in the region. The event is to be held between 5 and 6 PM. Refreshments will be offered before the two main speakers will address attendees. One of the speakers, Shane Guymon, is a lifelong resident of Logan who converted to Islam in 2014. When asked what he hopes to achieve with his talk, Guymon simply stated, To raise awareness and promote unity. Guymon believes communication is the key to bridging misunderstandings about different cultures. We are a part of the community., Guymon explained. When asked if this event was created in the wake of President Donald Trumps election, or of his subsequent attempt to ban travellers from majority-Muslim countries, Andreas Febrian, president of the Center, said no. We had planned this for many months, Febrian said. Asked what those who attend the event could expect, Febrian, a native of Jakarta, Indonesia who is seeking his Ph. D in engineering at Utah State University boldly stated, A lot of hugs. The Logan Islamic Center is located at 748 North 600 East in Logan. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP on the Centers Facebook page. ELKO -- Residents and business owners near the river woke Saturday morning to encroaching floodwaters as the Humboldt River continued to rise overnight. In some places downtown the water stood nearly a foot deep. People were sandbagging structures along River Street and adjoining byways. Business at La Unica Tortilla on Front Street was proceeding as normal around 11:45 a.m. even though neighboring buildings and streets had flowing water. Later, police officers came to the business to inform the owner that the facility would have to shut down due to the gas and electricity being cut off. My daughter is in Spring Creek getting sandbags, said Rodrigo Mata, father of owner Veronica Cook. We cannot do anything, he said. Several pumps had been installed in the Southside area to remove water from the streets and return it to the river. Some businesses across the river from La Unica Tortilla on the east side of Fifth Street had standing water all along the exterior walls. Many of those in the flooded region felt powerless, incapable of stopping the natural events. Good Time Charlies owners Kimberly Fox and Jim Hylton were hoping for a good outcome but they were very concerned. The business is on River Street and there was active flooding nearby. We have sandbagged the basement windows, said Fox, but all of our inventory is down there. Homeowners in the vicinity were busy pumping water from around and inside their homes. Others were sandbagging furiously. Marquita Samper, who owns a house downtown, had numerous friends helping her sandbag her home. She wished onlookers would not come through the area because trucks moving through the water were producing small waves that threatened to push the water toward houses. Water operator Brent Johnson was helping to secure the area and he advised people to stay away unless they lived there. People should not be driving past Silver Street, he advised. If people want to see the flood they can park above and walk down. A Nevada Division of Forestry spokesperson was overseeing honor camp workers as they filled sandbags. Numerous vehicles were lined up on the street and around the block near Ruby Mountain Resource Center. He said there had been a steady trail of vehicles all morning long. I think its just one of those things, said Knight Cabinetry owner Dana Knight, whose business had not yet been effected. The ground is still frozen and it got too warm too fast. Russell Hardesty, who lives across the street from the cabinet shop, eyed the water with apprehension. I hope its starting to recede, he said. Azteca Market on River Street was still dry early this afternoon. However, Tomas Perrez, the owner was taking precaution and sandbagging the building in case the water rises. At this moment we dont know what will happen, said Perrez. We are expecting high temperatures. I hope the city will help us. Outgoing SWECC President, Senator Nfon VE Mukete Archives Chiefs in the South West region will this Saturday February 18, 2017 elect new Executive to pilot the affairs of the organ for the next two years. The Sun reveals that the elective general Assembly of the South West Chiefs Conference will take place at the Conference hall of Limbe City Council. According to The Sun, aside from the fact that the Fako Chiefs Conference was unable to host the meeting, the outgoing SWECC President Senator Nfon VE Mukete had been unavailable to approve a date for the elective GA. Chief Njombe, President of Buea Chiefs Conference and the scribe Kombe Richard Ndike were elected as candidates for the top job to replace the Senator. But Chief Molinge David of Upper Muea says he cannot be ruled by third class chiefs especially chief Njombe. Calls for reconciliation have yielded no fruits. But the real issue at hand is the Anglophone crisis and stance of custodians of tradition. While North West Fons Union, NOWEFU has strongly condemned usage of force in ongoing crisis, the new executive of SWECC may not speak same language. This could be seen in their motion of support to the Head of State submitted through South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai on January 26, 2017 appreciating the creation of the National Commission on Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism as well as giving their unflinching support to the New deal Government. By Wilson MUSA "I do think what does happen for a lot of women is another year has passed and a lot of them think, 'I can't do this for another year. I need help'." 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 ... Florent Ferriere Le 12/02/2017 a 14:30 Dans / Mots cles : En savoir plus sur : Bugatti Chiron 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. Photo: Mature Times By Tracey Maxfield Finding out you have dementia can be upsetting and frightening for the person with dementia, the caregiver and the family. Suddenly, the life path you were on has now changed direction. Your hopes and dreams for the future may seem unattainable; you may feel helpless, hopeless and lost, but what you need to know is that you are not alone, and it is still possible to live a good life with dementia. The key to living a good life is: to become informed; knowledge is power to talk with your caregiver/family to plan for your future to take control of your life If you let it, dementia can take over your identity and your life. Never forget, you are a person with dementia, and you can have a life with dementia. What you need to know: The type of dementia that you have e.g. Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia: Will dementia medication help e.g. cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne, Memantine); this medication, whilst not curative, may slow the progression of dementia What symptoms might you develop next When should you follow up with the doctor What resources and support services are available to help in your area What financial, legal and health care planning needs to be done That you should continue to eat healthy, exercise, take any prescription medications, socialize, and look after yourself If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or scared and need someone to talk to, you can call the First Link Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 (Alzheimer Society of BC). As you try to understand what a diagnosis of dementia means to you and your caregiver and how it will change your life, you will have many questions and concerns. You will likely want to learn more about your type of dementia, and what education and supports are available to you and your caregiver. There are many on-line sites available to help the person with dementia, and it is important that any information you read is correct and comes from a trusted and audited website. Below are websites that people with dementia and their caregivers have found to be the most helpful and informative. What you need to know: For helpful information, education and resources on dementia: Alzheimers Disease and all other dementias www.alzheimer.ca/bc Lewy body dementia www.lbda.org Frontotemporal dementia www.theaftd.org For advice and support written by caregivers for the caregiver and family: Family Caregiver Alliance family.caregiver.org For real life experiences about living with Lewy body dementia (N. McNamara) and caring for the person with dementia (S. Macaulay & L. Hirsch): myalzheimerstory.com by Susan Macaulay www.alzinfo.org/blogs by Norman McNamara Huffingtonpost.com/author/lisahirsch by Lisa Hirsch For information on community supports/resources, housing, transportation, finances: Kelowna and Lake Country Seniors Outreach Society seniorsoutreach.ca; 250-861-6180 West Kelowna and Peachland Westside Health Network Society westsidehealthnetwork.com; 250-768-3305 Vernon Nexus Community Resource Centre nexusbc.ca; 250-545-0585 Penticton Penticton and Area Access Society accesscentre.org; 250-493-6822 Salmon Arm Seniors Resource Centre [email protected]; 250-832-7000 Kamloops The Centre for Seniors Information www.csikamloops.ca 250-828-3653 This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. You could have the missing piece of the puzzle that will help the RCMP put someone behind bars. Here is a recent crime 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: THEFT FROM MAILBOXES DATE: February 7, 2017 RCMP FILE: 2017-6126 A Canada Post employee attended the Lake Country Detachment to report damage to several mailboxes in the Carrs Landing area of Lake Country. Some of the mailboxes were pried open and others were jammed shut and unable to be opened. It is unknown what, if anything, was taken from the mailboxes. RCMP advise the best way to avoid being a victim of mail fraud is to pick up mail on a regular basis and report any suspicious activity. To find out if you have fallen prey to identity theft they recommend monitoring your financial accounts regularly for any unusual activity and checking your credit report. 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. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Locals Supporting Locals is holding a launch party for their annual calendar this Valentines Day at the Copper Mug Pub. Many people ask, why are we doing a party for a calendar release? said LSL founder Kevin Proteau. These are unique calendars, in the way that they are like information packages with all kinds of information to help educate people about what's going on in their food and community. The night starts at 7 p.m., featuring local acts Timbre Wolves and Cosmic Brew. 50/50 tickets will be sold to benefit the family who lost their home in a fire on Government Street last month. Its been really rough for the last little while here, but everythings getting a little bit better by the day, William Mathison said. But Id like to thank everyone for all this help and support through the tough times. Raffle prizes will also be up for grabs, with proceeds going to Soupateria. Photo: The Canadian Press The federal Opposition leader is criticizing a decision giving complete freedom to a man who beheaded and cannibalized a Greyhound bus passenger in Manitoba. Rona Ambrose says in a Facebook post that the release of Will Baker -- who was formerly Vince Li -- doesn't seem right and that Justin Trudeau must put the rights of victims first. Baker was found not criminally responsible in the killing of Tim McLean in the summer of 2008 due to schizophrenia and has been granted more freedom and privileges every year at hearings by a Criminal Code Review Board. The board's decision on Friday means he will no longer be subject to any conditions or monitoring to ensure he takes his medication. Ambrose says in her post that "now Li is a free man" and that he'll "be living not too far away from Tim McLean's mother." Some of the people who responded to post by the interim Conservative leader noted the killing, sentencing and gradual relaxing of conditions took place while the federal Tories were still in power. Baker started living on his own in a Winnipeg apartment last November but was still subject to rules and nightly monitoring to ensure he took his medication. His doctors described him as a model patient who had not been treated for schizophrenia at the time of his attack. After his arrest and placement at the hospital, he responded well to medication and understood that he must continue to take it to keep his illness at bay, they said. The victim's mother, Carol de Delley, declined comment Friday in a Facebook post. She has been outspoken against granting Baker freedom, arguing there would be no way to ensure he would continue to take his medication. Photo: Flickr - qwekiop147 The Mounties say 21 people crossed the border illegally overnight near a Manitoba community where there has been a surge in people seeking asylum. RCMP say they arrested two groups of people illegally crossing at Emerson, Manitoba, late Friday and early Saturday. They say there were five people in the first group and 16 in the second group. Police say all of the people asked to make refugee claims and were taken to the Canada Border Services Agency port at Emerson so they could do so. An increasing number of refugee claimants, mostly from African countries such as Somalia and Ghana, have been risking freezing temperatures and walking through farmers fields to get over the border and into Emerson in the last few months. The numbers have gone up following planned new restrictions in the United States on refugees. Photo: The Canadian Press Nova Scotia's premier is bringing the legislature back on Monday to "bring an end" to the ongoing contract dispute with the province's 9,300 public school teachers. Premier Stephen McNeil issued a statement Saturday that said after three failed tentative agreements it is clear the province and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union have reached "an impasse." "I want to assure Nova Scotians that I have done considerable soul searching," McNeil said in the statement. "We will table legislation that will bring an end to this dispute as soon as possible." The teachers rejected the latest tentative agreement on Thursday. Union president Liette Doucet said in a statement Saturday that the premier's announcement showed his consistent "lack of respect" for collective bargaining rights. "It's clear that Premier McNeil knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing," Doucet said. "A legislated contract will do nothing to improve the state of our schools and will only further erode the trust between teachers and this government." Doucet said Friday that a work-to-rule campaign that was put on hold last month was to resume Monday, but it was not clear what form it would take. "The strike action by the union has impacted students and their families for too long," McNeil's statement said. "This is not acceptable and can no longer continue." The job action has been controversial for many parents and students, given the fact that field trips, Christmas concerts and sporting events had to be cancelled. The teachers most recent contract expired in July, 2015 and negotiations have dragged on for more than a year. The teachers have been in a legal strike position since Dec. 5, after voting 96 per cent in favour of strike action. When the latest tentative contract was reached Jan. 20, the teachers suspended their work-to-rule campaign. The job action has annoyed many parents and students, given the fact that field trips, Christmas concerts and sporting events had to be cancelled. In early December, the government closed schools on two days' notice as it called an emergency session of the legislature to impose a settlement on the teachers as they began their work-to-rule campaign. But the government faced internal dissent and quickly reversed itself, saying the union addressed its safety concerns amid a disagreement over exactly what had been discussed. Photo: Contributed UPDATE: 10:20 p.m. Murder charges have been laid in a Kamloops death. Kamloops RCMP's Serious Crime Unit confirm Stephen George Fraser, 56, of Kamloops, has been charged with second-degree murder in the connection with the death of a 26-year-old male. The identity of the victim, also from Kamloops, has not been released. RCMP continue to investigate the scene of the Saturday night death. ORIGINAL: 6:30 a.m. Kamloops RCMP are investigating a homicide that happened Saturday night. Police were called to the 9000 block of Dallas Drive about 9:30 p.m. over reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, they located a male being held down by several witnesses. The man was taken into custody, and officers then discovered the body of a deceased male who had succumbed to undisclosed injuries. The death is considered suspicious, Sgt. Darren Michels said in a press release. The investigation is now being led by the Kamloops Serious Crime Section, in partnership with the BC Coroners Service. Anyone with information is requested to contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Photo: CTV File photo. Weather warnings are out for the Atlantic provinces as a major snowstorm is forecast to hit the region overnight. Environment Canada says a low pressure system from south of Cape Cod is expected to rapidly intensify heading into Monday morning, bringing blizzard conditions and winds up to 110 km/h to Nova Scotia. Forecasters say total snowfall amounts by Monday evening will range from 30 to 60 centimetres for the western portions of Nova Scotia, 20 to 30 centimetres for northern and eastern regions and 30 to 40 centimetres in Cape Breton. Environment Canada meteorologist Jason Sheppard at the Atlantic Storm Prediction Centre in Halifax said some areas could even see as much as 75 centimetres. "Those winds, combined with the snow, will give us blizzard conditions for most of Monday and possibly parts of Tuesday morning," Sheppard said. Snowfall amounts between 25 and 40 centimetres are expected in much of New Brunswick, with winds gusting up to 90 km/h, while 30 centimetres of snow, driven by winds gusting up to 100 km/h are expected in P.E.I. Snow and strong winds are expected to hit Newfoundland on Monday night. Environment Canada and police say travel is not recommended during the storm, noting that roads are expected to be extremely hazardous due to widespread poor visibility, and numerous flights in and out of the region have been cancelled. "We haven't had one of this capacity in quite a while. Last year was a bit benign compared to what we're experiencing now at the beginning of this week," Sheppard said. "I suspect there will be some happy kids tomorrow as school is potentially cancelled." Sheppard said the region had been off to a slow start this winter as far as extreme weather is concerned, but explains that a recent shift in the jet stream has put Atlantic Canada right in the path of brewing storms from the U.S. eastern seaboard. After this one, he said another one appears to be on its way for later this week for the Maritimes and possibly Newfoundland. Photo: The Canadian Press Saul Betesh, who's spent four decades behind bars for the high-profile 1977 killing of a Toronto shoeshine boy, has joined a matchmaking website that helps lonesome prisoners find companionship beyond the jailhouse walls. Betesh, convicted of first-degree murder in the sex slaying of 12-year-old Emanuel Jacques, has submitted his profile to a website called Canadian Inmates Connect Inc. He writes in his own words that he hopes to correspond with both women and men. In the blurb, which was posted Sunday, he describes himself as a "druid bard" who enjoys playing role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, making art with stained glass, sewing quilts for charity, watching science fiction and working in the prison greenhouse. "I also play chess but I am not that great," writes Betesh. "In closing, I won't lie to you. My crime was bad, but with treatment and a bit more time, I feel I can once again become a productive member of society. "I will answer all letters, male or female, that are respectful, the others I will trash. I will not write anybody under the age of 20. I hope to hear from you soon." The profile is one of about 200 on the website for both male and female inmates many of whom are locked up for violent crimes. Their profiles are written in their own words. Most prisoners on the site are searching for love. But some, like Betesh, only appear to be seeking pen pals. Betesh writes that he's "67 years young," even though he also says he was born July 20, 1950, which would actually make him 66. He also states his release date is "unknown." Melissa Fazzina, the website's creator, said she received Betesh's application and his $35 fee for the website in the mail last week. She doesn't discriminate against inmates who want to post their profiles based on their crimes. "The same goes for Saul Betesh," Fazzina said in an interview. "I have no problem putting his profile up there. I just believe that everybody should tell the truth." Betesh, who also submitted a photo of himself, wrote that he was doing time for first-degree murder. His current address is the Pacific Institution in Abbotsford. "I'm a bit overweight, but that can be explained by eating all the great prison food for the last 41 years," wrote Betesh, who was found guilty in March 1978 for a killing that stunned Toronto. In the summer of 1977, Jacques was drowned after being sexually assaulted in an apartment. The boy's body was found on the roof of a Yonge Street body-rub parlour. Betesh told police in a statement that he took Jacques to the apartment to pose for photographs. He said he and Robert Wayne Kribs, who would plead guilty to first-degree murder, repeatedly assaulted Jacques. The court also convicted Josef Woods of second-degree murder in the slaying. Fazzina, who started Canadian Inmates Connect around six years ago, said Betesh actually played an indirect role in her decision to start the website. The idea to create the website came after she read a 2011 Toronto Sun story about how Betesh had joined a similar site based in the United States. She thought she could make money, but she quickly realized there wasn't much to be made. Fazzina kept the website going anyway because she says it has helped many prisoners and in the process she has become a public advocate for convicts seeking a second chance. Interested correspondents must communicate with inmates via snail mail since prisoners don't have Internet access. She said the website's popularity began to expand considerably among inmates in 2015 after it featured the profile of killer Luka Rocco Magnotta. Magnotta was convicted of several crimes, including first-degree murder, for the 2012 Montreal killing and dismemberment of university student Jun Lin. The porn actor, whose gruesome crimes seized the attention of people around the world, posted a profile stating that he was searching for his "prince charming." Several weeks after Magnotta's profile went up, Fazzina said she received a letter from him saying he had found what he "was looking for." Photo: The Canadian Press A historic manor in rural Nova Scotia has social media users salivating over the roughly $435,000 price tag for the estate, but it's far from the only bargain in the Maritimes that would make city dwellers swoon over sprawling, rustic property on the cheap. Wanda Graves of Eastern Valley Real Estate says an online listing for the 107-year-old mansion in Newport Landing, N.S., has surpassed one million views on the company's website in less than a week and its Facebook post has been shared more than 36,000 times as of Sunday. Graves says she is overwhelmed by the flurry of interest in the "Mounce Mansion," so-named for the notable family who built the home. She says she's booked with back-to-back showings for eight hours a day and has taken to conducting tours for potential buyers from afar over FaceTime. "We don't normally see that, of course, in this area, so it is a bit of a phenomena to us," says Graves. "Weve had a number of calls asking if the listing is actually real." Nestled atop a hill overlooking the Avon River, the Queen Anne style home is adorned with austere woodwork dating back to the 1910s, walls hand-painted with floral designs and ornate stucco ceilings, according to the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia. The listing says the roughly 7,000-square-foot residence is spread over three storeys including seven bedrooms, a library, two parlour rooms a sunroom and an eat-in kitchen. And all of that $2,300 cheaper than the average price of a condo apartment in the Toronto area, according to the latest report from the city's real estate board. There are plenty of other properties on in the Atlantic provinces that offer the same coastal charm and pastoral acreage for a fraction of what a home would cost in Canada's major cities. On Prince Edward Island, Steven Malayny of Royal LePage County Estates says he's seen a steady trickle of Ontario retirees and Prairie dwellers who are moving to the Maritimes looking for a "slower pace" lifestyle or a late-stage career change. In the western part of the Island, Malany says century-old homes on expansive lots are often listed for less than $300,000. In white-hot housing markets like Toronto and Vancouver, he reckons equivalent properties would be priced well into the six-digit range depending on the neighbourhood, you may have to add another zero. Malany is currently working to sell a cottage-style inn with eight bedrooms and seven baths in the village of Bedeque. The Victorian property was restored by an Ontarian couple to run the four-star bed and breakfast, but now they're looking to turn over their business and land to the tune of about $288,888, says Malayny. Re/Max Harbourside Realty has listed 12 acres of waterfront real estate near Kensington for $269,900. According to the listing, the century-old home comes fully furnished with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and the "private retreat" is surrounded by bucolic meadows and a view of Malpeque Bay. Celeste LeBlanc says Re/Max County Line Realty sold at least six homes in Amherst, N.S., to buyers from Western Canada last year, a significant number of purchases in the town of about 9,500 people. The real estate firm has two properties built in the Victorian era one priced $369,900, the more extravagant estate going for $579,900. Even the more modest home sits on a 13,900 square-foot lot and touts five bedrooms, a master suite equipped with a jet-powered bathtub, maids quarters, an oak staircase, cherry cabinets, and hardwood floors throughout the first and second floors, according to the listing. It's much the same story in St Andrews, N.B. Re/Max realtor Mark Gauley recently sold a historic property for an amount he wouldn't disclose but the listing price was less than $350,000. Originally built around the 1830s, the listing says the five-bedroom home "exudes the character and charm of a bygone era" featuring marble fireplaces, crystal wall sconces, a pedestal sink and original cooking ovens, but also "all the conveniences of a modern home" thanks to a two-storey addition put in about 25 years ago. A short distance from the Maine-New Brunswick border, St. Andrews has been a hotspot for American property buyers looking to take advantage of a favourable U.S. to Canadian dollar exchange rate, says Gauley. As the loonie rallied, Gauley says American home purchases subsided, but he has recently noticed an uptick in interest from south of the border. "We are getting some more Americans sniffing around and buying properties," he says. "Some of it, I would say is (the) Trump effect, believe it or not." 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. Cody Stamper, 24, was stabbed Friday night, and the suspect, Charles Brown, 49, was arrested. Late Friday night, Chattanooga Police responded to a stabbing at 100 block of O'Neal St. Upon arrival, Chattanooga Police located Stamper a block away from O'Neal St holding his bleeding lower abdomen. HCEMS were called and transported the victim to Erlanger for non-life threatening injuries. Victim and witness statements provided police with a detailed description of the Brown. Using that description, police were able to locate the him moments later in the area. Police determined that both the Brown and Stamper were involved in a disorder which escalated and resulted in the suspect brandishing a pocket knife. During that disorder, Brown reportedly cut Stamper in the lower abdomen. Brown was arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Jail. Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available. In the distance an engine roars and rubber burns. Closer to the entrance the smell of burgers sizzling on the grill and the sounds of carnival barkers charging up a crowd with giveaways and promises commingles with a five-piece funk band with a heavy bass riff. Floating in the lights overhead are giant balloons of a Death Star and flying pigs. Then there are the tote bags. The only object more numerous than the tote bags are the nearly 1,000 new vehicles on display at opening day of the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. Its a commonly accepted car dealer equation that to move cars off of lots, you've got to get butts in seats. The best way to get butts in seats is to put on a show, and the 109th installment of the nations largest and longest-running car show feels like everything from a wedding reception to a car carnival, with so much in between. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 A child steers while playing a virtual reality driving game of the NSX supercar at the Acura exhibit at the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place on Feb. 11, 2017. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) The automakers have gotten so good at keeping things fresh and interactive, said Dave Sloan, Auto Show president, whose weariness from putting out figurative fires for the 10-day event that takes a year to plan was kept at bay by an impressive turnout of consumers intending to shop. We attract 65-70 percent people who are going to be in the market in the next 12 months, Sloan said. Im here to check out some SUVs, said Katie Hart, of Carol Stream, who was with a friend and their two grade-schoolers, who were playing in the bed of a Ford F-150. Hart, who had been coming to the show annually since high school, had her eyes on the all-new Volkswagen Atlas three-row SUV. Hart was an early bird, arriving after the ribbon-cutting ceremony that featured Gov. Bruce Rauner, who touted the auto industrys presence in Chicago and Illinois; Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who encouraged showgoers to spend a lot of money"; and Secretary of State Jesse White, who reminded showgoers that licenses can be renewed at the show. The main lot was filled at 11 a.m., one hour after the show opened to the public. Inside, college kids and retirees, boomers and millennials, young families and new couples from every imaginable demographic strolled the 1.1 million square feet of space at McCormick Place, which has grown from the 75,000 square feet of past shows. There are five indoor test tracks this year, up from three last year, and the black-tie kickoff event, First Look for Charity, raised $2.81 million for Chicago-area charities Friday night, up from $2.6 million in 2016. The Chicago show is growing, Sloan said, citing six automakers present in Chicago who skipped the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, widely considered the most important show in terms of product debuts. One of the new products, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT, powered by a 475-horsepower, 392-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 engine, was the object of affection for Stanley Newsome Jr., a 58-year-old retired firefighter from St. Louis who has been attending the show annually for decades. I could probably hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, wet or dry, he said of the SUV. Newsome wanted the performance and versatility of the three-row Durango SRT to transport his son, Corey, who was in attendance, and his granddaughter. Ive been hoping theyd make this for years. For as many attendees intending to buy later in the year, others were there for the spectacle, such as Ashley Junkins, 25, from Bourbonnais, and her friend, Courtney Bragg, 25, of Cary. We both love looking at nice cars, so what better way to spend a Saturday, Junkins said. Younger car admirers were back for a second spin. It was really fun last year, said John Bee, 11, a Boy Scout from La Grange Park who helped set up the Pinewood Derby before the show. The fun part, other than the Jeep Wrangler and other vehicles on the test tracks? "Free swag," his brother, George Bee V, said, holding up his tote bag. The Chicago Auto Show runs through Presidents Day Monday, Feb. 20. Advertisement rduffer@chicagotribune.com Twitter @DufferRobert Earlier this week the Tribune reported that Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office was working with Alderman Tom Tunney (44th) on a new proposed food truck ordinance to replace the one that has been stuck in committee for nearly a year. Some food truck entrepreneurs were concerned about Tunney's involvement because of his restaurant ownership and publicly aired reservations about food trucks in the past. Advertisement Neither Tunney's office nor the Mayor's office would share details on the timing or content of the new proposal. And the Illinois Restaurant Association, of which Tunney is a prominent member and former chairman, has historically been reluctant to comment on specific issues in the ordinance. Its president, Sheila O Grady, says only the IRA is "ready to work with food truck operators, the City Council and the public to ensure that food trucks contribute to Chicago's prominence as a worldwide culinary destination." Advertisement But the Tribune recently obtained notes from a very early meeting at the IRA on food trucks that may shed some light on the association's and Tunney's initial positions. It took place almost two years ago, in August 2010, and brought together 19 members of the association's Government Relations Committee, including the alderman. This week, the IRA verified the authenticity of the document but said it didn't represent the IRA's official position. The Tribune is still waiting to hear back about which, if any, of the committee's specific recommendations the IRA still supports. They include: Starting food trucks in the Park District as an incubator to work out any operational issues. Requiring that all food truck operators have an existing brick-and-mortar establishment. Raising the license fee much higher than the proposed $660 Imposing stringent location and hours of operation restrictions. Requiring mobile vendors to submit a designated route that limits where they are allowed to make sales. Reworking the language of current rules that restrict food truck operation within 200 feet of a similar establishment and 100 feet from a dissimilar one. Creating specific zones where units are permitted to operate. "It would not make food truck owners happy if all of these recommendations made it into the ordinance," said Amy Le who runs the DuckNRoll truck and is organizing a food truck association. "There is nothing in here about protecting the rights of the food trucks and consumer options." Le said that one particularly troubling point was the suggestion for "much higher" licensing fees to reflect "the costs associated with running a brick-and-mortar restaurant (rent, property tax, insurance, etc.)" "What if the food truck owner has a brick and mortar restaurant?" she asked. "So the city is going to double charge them?" The document finished by noting: "The committee agreed that the message must resonate that the introduction of these units would not create new economic stimuli, but would simply transfer the restaurant dollar and spread it more thinly." Le disagreed saying, "We buy from local farmers and businesses and we spend our profits in the community. Some customers tweet that they brought their lunch but are going to buy from us anyway. How is that not creating new economic stimuli?" A holiday cookie may begin with a mix of butter, sugar and flour. But its soul comes from the children, family and friends who shape, bake and embellish those ingredients with vanilla, chocolate, spices, fruits, nuts, brightly colored sugars and icings. And its heart? The sweet memories and everlasting friendships they create. Advertisement You need only read through the essays that accompanied more than 100 entries in this year's Chicago Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest to understand how many of these recipes are much more than lists of ingredients. They are cherished legacies passed with love from one generation to the next, from one neighbor to another. A legacy such as the one Erna Steinbrenner offers family and friends when she bakes up Erna's crescents, this year's first-place winner. She's been baking the nut-filled cookies regularly since she made them for her husband's church choir in 1973, increasing the number of batches to accommodate the sweet tooths of her husband, two sons and their families. "I'm so pleased that the cookies are still enjoyed 40 years later and loved by another generation," she wrote in her essay. Advertisement And there are Meme Baynes' lose-your-friend lemon bars, the second-place winner. The quirky name? Seems that a friend, Chris, requested the recipe, the request slipped Baynes' mind, time passed, said friend seemed miffed (or was she?), so as Baynes wrote: "I turned my kitchen upside down looking for it, and I finally found the recipe and sent it to her." For third-place winner Ron Gaj, his creative spin on a nut tartlet, dubbed holiday cup, was inspired by the cookie-baking frenzy of his childhood. "In my view, activity in the kitchen became the epicenter of goodness just after the Thanksgiving holiday when my mother along with some of my aunts would begin the tradition of making holiday cookies," he wrote. "My all-time favorite were pecan tassies." Such stories and cookies brought honorable mentions for two more bakers. "Home baking is the best part of my holidays," said 86-year-old Aelita Kivirist, in the essay accompanying her entry, Latvian Alexander cake bars. "But my favorite cookie means so much more to me than just another yummy recipe. I immigrated to this country from Latvia in 1950. ... Baking this cookie connects me to my homeland far away." The other honorable mention winner, Susan Stone, wrote about her recipe this way: "Every Jewish holiday, my Grandma Esther made these succulent apricot coconut delights. She would carefully shmeer the jam on each stretch of dough, sprinkle on the ingredients, eyeballing it of course, roll up the logs of filled dough, and bake. When the cookies were out of the oven, cooled, cut, put carefully on the silver tray covered with doilies, sprinkled with the inevitable powdered sugar, she would look at all of us around the table and say, in her best Yiddish, ess gesundheit. Eat in good health! And we did." This year's contest, in its 28th year, came with a first: Readers helped pick the finalists, casting some 4,200 votes online and sending the top 25 vote-getters into the finals. Those cookies were then baked by culinary students at Kendall College (see sidebar for more on the process) before the winners were chosen by a panel of Tribune food writers and other staff members, along with guest judges, James P. DeWan, a culinary instructor at Kendall and writer of the monthly Prep School column for Good Eating, and confectioner Ginna Haravon, owner of Chicago-based Salted Caramel (saltedcaramel.net). Here are the winners' recipes and their stories. And to quote Grandma Esther: Eat in good health! 1st place: Erna Steinbrenner Advertisement "I can't believe my little cookies won," said Erna Steinbrenner, of Downers Grove, when we called to tell her she'd taken first prize. The recipe was given to her by an aunt when a 19-year-old Steinbrenner arrived in America from Europe in 1956. She lived first with that aunt and an uncle in Florida before moving to Chicago a year and a half later. "What did I have? A suitcase, that's all," she told us. "And the recipe." She met her husband Leo on a blind date set up by mutual friends more than 50 years ago. The crescent baking began in earnest in 1973. "I had a husband, two sons, one dog, one parakeet and a part-time job as a seamstress but baking was my passion. I liked to adapt old world family recipes to better fit our busy family," she wrote in her essay. "These cookies are the most requested dessert at family gatherings. 'Did you bring the cookies?' is the question I'm immediately asked. I'm still doubling the recipe and mailing them to my grandson at college." Her advice to bakers: "I like them a little smaller because then you can have maybe a second one." And you don't want to put too much flour because then it gets hard and the cookie is not the same." 2nd place: Meme Baynes Meme Baynes has always loved baking, especially when there are kids around to join her in the kitchen. "I'm the last of six children in a big baking family," the Grayslake mom told us when we called to tell her she'd won second place with her lose-your-friend lemon bars. "My dad cooked a lot, so my brothers learned to cook too." Advertisement It was her mother Wilma who nurtured the family's love of baking in their Elkhart, Ind., home. "At Christmastime, she would make probably close to 12 different kinds of Christmas cookies. We had a big front porch that we would use as a refrigerator and we would make all the cookies and keep them all out there," said Baynes, customer marketing manager with Keurig Inc. "And keep the dogs from going out there." "Grandma Grump is what she named herself so we called her that," Baynes said. In fact, Grandma Grump's peanut butter drizzles helped Baynes win second prize in the Tribune's 2006 cookie contest. Her passion for baking hasn't slowed. While husband Tim may be "king of the grill," kids Tim Jr., Sarah and Kevin all baked, "Kevin's not much of a baker but he loves to eat. He's our test kitchen," she said. And 10-year-old Emma? Yes, she loves to bake and cook. Any advice to new bakers? "It's something my mom taught me: If you have to make a lot of something, it's always easier to do a bar because you just make one pan then cut it up as opposed to doing batch after batch after batch." 3rd place: Ron Gaj When third-place winner Ron Gaj was growing up in Chicago near 18th Street and Ashland Avenue, he lived with his mother, aunt, uncle and grandparents. Advertisement "My mother had four sisters, and my chief job was to lick the cookie bowl clean," he told us, when we asked him about his cookie baking expertise. "My mother would give me those round cookie cutters making those very basic sugar cookies. I remember that. Making the stars or the snowman or the Christmas tree." Gaj, who is retired from his technology consulting business and now lives in Hawthorn Woods with Geri, his wife of 40 years, continued to hone those skills during a stint in the U.S. Navy when he lived off base ("I lived in an apartment with two other guys, and the deal was I cooked and they cleaned."), in a program at a Chicago culinary school and by regularly baking breads. "Particularly now when it's getting colder, when you can fire up the oven now and it's not uncomfortable. I do dinner rolls, baguettes, once in a while a brioche." His tweaking of a classic pecan tassie was inspired, in part, by his aunt, who would add a small amount of chocolate to the original recipe. "Fast forward, now some 60-plus years later, retired and drawn to the kitchen more and more, I find myself every holiday season making all of those cookies and more. My spin," he wrote in his essay, "is simply a variation of my favorite with the focal point being the combination of dark chocolate and raspberry." "Everybody mixes an orange liqueur, a Grand Marnier, with chocolate, and it's the same thing, over and over," he said. "I tried B&B and regular brandy. That was just making the cookie boozy, and that's not what I was looking for." An old friend suggested raspberry, and it worked OK, admits Gaj: "I probably made 12 batches of cookies before I got it right." Kendall students elbow deep in flour Advertisement If you bake 600 or so cookies in a day, you are going to have a few tips. So we headed to a kitchen at Kendall College recently where seven culinary students were busy mixing and baking and decorating the top 25 vote-getters in the Chicago Tribune's Holiday Cookie Contest. Louis Dourlain, executive chef of events at Kendall College, headed up the baking team of Daniel Rodriguez, Connor Bartel, Dain Kim, Yongmin Lee, David Sin, Stephen Finney and Madison Steinkamp. The group had spent the previous evening measuring ingredients for each of the 25 recipes then assembling each recipe's ingredients on a stainless steel tray. (In chef-speak, that's mise en place.) The next day, while the students baked, we asked Dourlain for some keys to successful cookie baking. "Make sure you're really following the directions of the recipes," he said. "Some cookies come right out of the mixer and go right onto a cookie sheet then right into the oven." Others, he added, may need to be chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer. Why chill? "The main reason is that you want to get that butter hard again," says Dourlain. If you take the butter, beat it up with the other ingredients then bake it right away, you can end up with a flat cookie because the butter is practically melted. Depending on the cookie recipe, that chilling period gives the ingredients time to come together. Room temperature matters: Kendall's kitchens are 68 to 70 degrees. "Home kitchens for the most part become warmer than an industrial kitchen due to ventilation. Very powerful vents can control the temperature better compared to most home vents above the oven. ... If this kitchen is 5 degrees colder than the kitchen they're cooking at home, that will make a difference." Advertisement Flour temperature matters too: Make cookies with cold flour and it may not have enough baking time to reach the temp needed to properly brown. Watch a video of the Kendall students baking the cookies and the judges going through their paces, at chicagotribune.com/cookievideo. Erna's crescents 1st place: Erna Steinbrenner Prep: 40 minutes Chill: 3 hours Advertisement Bake: 25-30 minutes Makes: 36 to 45 crescents Vary the nuts, suggests Steinbrenner, who uses walnuts or pecans, and roll the dough nice and thin. "If you don't roll it out enough, the cookie will be too thick," she says. "You want to see the nuts and cinnamon." She also says the well-cooled and glazed cookies freeze well. "I just let them drip nicely then stack them with waxed paper and freeze them. This way you have them all the time." The test kitchen found the dough very easy to work with. Dough: 2 sticks (1 cup) cold unsalted butter 2 cups flour, sifted Advertisement 1 egg yolk (saving egg white) cup sour cream Filling: cup granulated sugar cup finely ground walnuts 1 teaspoon cinnamon Advertisement Glaze: 2 cups confectioners' sugar 3 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 For the dough, cut butter into flour with a pastry blender or a fork. Add egg yolk and sour cream. Mix well by hand. Shape dough into a ball, sprinkle with flour and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill, 3 hours. 2 For the filling, combine sugar, walnuts and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside. Advertisement 3 Heat oven to 350 degrees. Divide dough into thirds. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 14-inch circle. Brush circles with lightly beaten egg white. Sprinkle filling evenly over circle. (Do not over-fill or the filling may seep out and burn.) Cut circle into 12-15 wedges. Starting at the widest end of each wedge, roll to form a tight crescent, bending slightly into a crescent shape. 4 Gently transfer the crescents to parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake the crescents until golden brown, 25-30 minutes. 5 Meanwhile, combine the glaze ingredients in a bowl; mix until smooth. After baking, transfer crescents to a wire rack with parchment paper underneath it; cool slightly. While crescents are still warm, spoon glaze over them. Nutrition information per crescent (for 45 crescents): 102 calories, 6 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 18 mg cholesterol, 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 2 mg sodium, 0 g fiber Lose-your-friend lemon bars 2nd place: Meme Baynes Advertisement Prep: 25 minutes Bake: 45 mintues Makes: 24 (2-inch) squares "Everybody wants to put that cream cheese frosting on as soon as they take them out of the oven, but you can't," says Baynes. "You want to let them cool and then put it on. The big thing is, there's so much flavor in them, I cut them into teeny little pieces so you can just eat a 1-by-1-inch square or a 1-by-2-inch square." We cut them into 2-inch squares, but you can cut them smaller. Crust: 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature Advertisement 2 cups flour 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar Filling: 4 eggs 2 lemons, juice squeezed, zests finely grated 2 cups granulated sugar Advertisement 1/4 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt Frosting: 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened 3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or more to get desired consistency) Advertisement 3 ounces cream cheese 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1 For the crust, heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the butter into flour and sugar in a food processor or mixer, or with a pastry blender. Pat into a 9-by-13-inch pan; bake, 20 minutes. 2 For the filling, beat eggs in a bowl; add lemon juice and zest. (Save a small amount of zest for garnish or zest curls from a third lemon). Add sugar, flour and salt; mix together. Pour over baked crust; bake at 350 degrees, 25 minutes. Cool before frosting. 3 For the frosting, combine butter and sugar in a bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients to achieve a smooth consistency. Spread over cooled bars. Garnish with lemon zest. Chill until set; cut into 1-inch bite-size squares or about 2-inch squares, cleaning knife often because it gets pretty messy. Nutrition information per bar (for 24 bars): 299 calories, 13 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 44 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 76 mg sodium, 0 g fiber Advertisement Holiday cups 3rd place, Ron Gaj Prep: 30 minutes Chill: 1 hour Bake: 25 minutes Makes: 2 dozen Advertisement "Don't think you can put in more raspberry liqueur," says Gaj, "because it will bubble over." To line the cups with the dough, we found it easier to roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thick, then cut circles using a cookie cutter (about 2 1/2-inch diameter); a wine glass also works. This allows you to tuck the pastry evenly into the muffin pan. Pastry: 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened 3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup flour Topping: Advertisement 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 3 tablespoons light brown sugar cup flour Filling: Semi-sweet chocolate chips (you will need about 7 1/2 ounces) 1 small bottle raspberry liqueur (you will need about 4 ounces) Advertisement 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans (about 1/4-inch pieces) Confectioners' sugar 1 For the pastry, blend together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer; slowly add the flour, beating between additions. Once combined, transfer to a bowl; refrigerate, covered, 1 hour. 2 For the topping, place the butter, brown sugar and flour in a food processor; pulse until crumbly. (You can also do this with a pastry cutter or your fingers.) 3 Heat the oven to 325 degrees. To assemble, scoop 1-inch diameter balls of the pastry; place in an ungreased nonstick mini-muffin pan. (The cup size should be about 1 -inches wide by 7/8-inch deep.) Press dough evenly against bottom and sides of each. 4 To each cup, add about 8 chocolate chips, teaspoon raspberry liqueur and 1 teaspoon chopped pecans. Sprinkle each cup with 1 teaspoon topping. (You will have extra topping.) Advertisement 5 Bake until the pastry is nicely browned, about 25 minutes. Cool before removing from pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Nutrition information per cup: 136 calories, 9 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 12 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 14 mg sodium, 1 g fiber Apricot coconut delights Honorable mention: Susan Stone Prep: 40 minutes Chill: 30 minutes Advertisement Bake: 45 minutes Makes: about 3 dozen cookies "My Grandma put in the kitchen sink," says Stone. "I like to play with the ingredients." Dough: 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup sour cream Advertisement 2 cups flour Filling: 1/2 to 3/4 cup apricot preserves 1 heaping tablespoon orange marmalade, plus more if needed 1 tablespoon brandy About 1 cup golden raisins or chopped maraschino cherries or halved dried cherries Advertisement 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, or more as needed 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional Confectioners' sugar 1 Cream butter in a bowl with an electric mixer. Add sour cream. Mix well. Add flour slowly, beating just until it disappears. Form dough into a ball (with floured hands if necessary); press into a disc and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator, at least 30 minutes. 2 Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut dough into 4 pieces. Roll out each into a rectangle, about inch thick. It will be about 8 inches by 11 inches. 3 Combine 1/2 to 3/4 cup apricot preserves with 1 heaping tablespoon orange marmalade and the brandy in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Spread each dough rectangle with a thin layer of the mixed jams, leaving a little space at the edges. (Do not overfill or the jam may seep out and burn; mix up more preserves if you run out. You may have leftover preserves.) Sprinkle on the raisins or cherries, plus the coconut and walnuts, if using. (You may not use all of these fillings.) Roll into tight logs from the long edge. The logs will be about 2 inches wide. Advertisement 4 Put the logs, seam side down, on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake, until they are light brown, 40-45 minutes. Don't be alarmed if some jam leaks out. Cut into 1 1/2 inch cookies on a diagonal. Allow to cool, then sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Nutrition information per cookie: 114 calories, 7 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 18 mg cholesterol, 13 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 8 mg sodium, 0 g fiber Latvian Alexander cake bars Honorable mention, Aelita Kivirist Prep: 20 minutes Bake: 30 minutes Advertisement Cool: 6 hours Makes: about 54 (2-inch-square) bars "By sharing a taste of my heritage through Alexander cake, I remember my roots with each cookie batch I bake," Kivirist wrote in her essay. "But my favorite one to bake for is Liam, my grandson so dear. A hug for grandma brings the greatest holiday cheer." The step of flipping a whole cookie sheet layer of crust over onto the filling seemed a daunting task, but it worked without a kitchen incident. The bars freeze well. Dough: 4 sticks (1 pound) butter 1 cup granulated sugar Advertisement 5 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Filling: 1 jar (12 ounces) seedless raspberry jam cup red currant jelly (one 10 ounce jar) Glaze: Advertisement 2 cups confectioners' sugar Juice from half a lemon 4 teaspoons hot water 1 Heat oven to 400 degrees. For the dough, cream together butter and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer. Mix the flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl. Gradually add flour mixture to the creamed mixture until incorporated; don't over mix. Dough will be very stiff. Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > 2 Form dough into a ball; cut dough ball in half. Spread each half evenly onto an ungreased baking sheet (standard half sheet; 13-by-18 inches). It is important to make sure the dough is even so it bakes evenly. Bake 1 crust, 15 minutes. 3 While the first sheet is baking, mix raspberry jam and red currant jelly thoroughly together in a small bowl. When the first sheet is nicely browned, remove it from oven; spread the jam/jelly mixture evenly in a thin layer over the hot baked bottom crust. Then bake the second crust, 15 minutes. Advertisement 4 While the second crust is baking, make the glaze: Mix confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and hot water together until smooth. 5 When the second crust is nicely browned, remove the baking sheet from the oven. With the crust still in the pan, immediately flip the layer over the bottom crust. Adjust the top layer, still in the baking sheet, until it is lined up with the bottom layer. Then remove the pan. (Pressing on the pan gently helps the crust release.) Immediately spread the glaze over hot cake. Cool in pan for at least 6 hours. Cut into bars, about 2-inches square, or a size you prefer. Nutrition information per bar: 163 calories, 7 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 18 mg cholesterol, 25 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 11 mg sodium, 0 g fiber jhevrdejs@tribpub.com Twitter @judytrib XO sauce can be made at home, like this version from Ming Tsai, above left. The ingredients can vary, but Tsai's includes, clockwise from center, dried scallops, garlic, ginger, dried shrimp and chili flakes. (Styling by Lisa Schumacher) (Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago Tribune) The name is something of a fake XO sauce. The Asian condiment contains no cognac, which is what the XO ("extra old") term famously applies to. Nor is it a sauce in the traditional, smooth sense but more of a chunky relish. Leave any quibbles at the kitchen door, though, for XO's savory, sea-salty, spicy flavor will set your head spinning, especially given the jaw-dropping prices of its main ingredients. Advertisement "It has such a fabulous flavor,'' says Grace Young, a New York City-based cookbook author. "It's salty and spicy. It has heat and sweetness. It's a balance of wonderful flavors coming at you at one time." The sauce is expensive because it calls for, among other things, dried scallops, which can cost hundreds of dollars per pound. That's what makes XO sauce seem so right for celebrations, like the Lunar New Year, which occurs on Feb. 19. Advertisement New Year menus always call for foods symbolic of good fortune. There's shrimp, which sounds in Cantonese like the word for laughter, according to Young; a whole duck, a symbol of fidelity; eggs for fertility; even pot sticker dumplings, whose shape resembles gold ingots of old. It's also a time for luxurious fare. "If a food is not symbolic, we would eat it because we're treating ourselves to something really nice,'' Young adds. XO sauce is just that sort of treat, with a flavor that enlivens even the simplest of dishes, from fried rice to stir-fried Chinese broccoli to roasted oysters. "I love that it has this seafood funk I just adore,'' says Nancy Leson of Seattle, a food writer, KPLU-FM radio food commentator and XO sauce fan. "I love that it takes a plate of boring noodles and turns it into something exotic to my taste buds. I hate to use the word 'umami,' it's so overused, but XO brings up the flavor of simple vegetable preparations, like green beans. It's just a delicious, sexy flavor." "It's not really a sauce but a topping I guess. It's not like a beurre blanc,'' says Ming Tsai, the TV cooking show host and cookbook author, when asked about XO sauce. His version makes a relatively dry and very textured paste. XO sauce is also a relatively new creation. It was invented in the 1980s, according to "The New Food Lover's Companion," which traces its origins to Hong Kong. The name was borrowed from Cognac to lend the sauce status. "I think in the 1980s there was a lot of optimism,'' Tsai says. "Chefs wanted to create something. They thought, 'What can we create and charge a lot of money for?'" Most chefs at upscale restaurants will create their own versions of XO sauce, says Martin Yan, the San Mateo, Calif.-based restaurateur, but nearly everyone will charge you if you request some. Advertisement "It will be $5 or $8 for a dish, a little plate,'' adds Yan. "You only need a spoonful. It will add flavor and give you a kick and also lots of texture, being made from diced this and diced that." At home you can use commercially produced XO sauce. (A 7.8-ounce jar of Lee Kum Kee's XO sauce is $32.95 on Amazon.com.) Or hunt down the ingredients to make your own. The hallmarks of XO sauce are dried scallops and dried shrimp, but secondary ingredients vary by recipe. Tsai's version, for example, calls for diced Chinese sausage, while others use various types of ham. "I'm totally into ham in my XO,'' Leson says. "I've used prosciutto. I've used country ham." When shopping for the dried scallops and shrimp, buy the best quality you can afford. Take a good sniff of whatever you plan to buy, Young says, because fragrance is an indicator of flavor. "I normally go for the more expensive,'' Young says. "Scallops are not sold by type but by quality. No one says they want this kind or that kind but how much they're willing to spend." wdaley@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter: @billdaley Ming Tsai's XO sauce Prep: 10 minutes Soak: overnight Cook: 45 minutes Makes: 2 cups Advertisement Ming Tsai, the television cooking show host, author and restaurateur, offers his take on XO sauce, which produces a drier condiment than you might expect. Look for dried scallops and dried shrimp at Asian markets. If you can't find Chinese lap cheong sausage, substitute an equal amount of bacon or prosciutto. Just add a teaspoon of honey to replace the sausage's sweetness, Tsai says. A vegetarian option would be to replace the dried scallops and shrimp with dried shiitake mushrooms, leaving out the sausage. 1 link (5 inches long) lap cheong sausage, diced 8 cloves garlic, minced (4 tablespoons) 1 piece (3 inches long) ginger, peeled, minced (4 tablespoons) 2 ounces each: dried scallops, dried shrimp 1 1/2 teaspoons red chili flakes Advertisement 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry 2 tablespoons canola oil 1. Soak the scallops and shrimp overnight in a shallow bowl of cold water to hydrate them. Strain. 2. Place the sausage, garlic, ginger, scallops, shrimp, chili flakes and Shaoxing wine or sherry in a food processor. Pulse until a fine mixture is formed. 3. Add 2 tablespoons canola oil to a heated saucepan. Add the scallop-shrimp mixture; cook over low heat until the mixture appears dry, about 45 minutes. Serve warm or refrigerate in a closed container for future use. Winnie Hon's XO sauce Advertisement Prep: 1 hour Cook: 30 minute Makes: About 4 cups Grace Young featured this recipe from Winnie Hon, "a gifted home cook," in her 2004 book, "The Breath of a Wok." Dried scallops and dried shrimp may be found at Asian markets. "Dried scallops look like fresh scallops, except for their golden color," writes Young. Dried scallops are expensive; broken scallops cost less but are equally flavorful, she writes. As for dried shrimp, Young says to buy "bright orange shrimp with a pleasant scent; avoid shrimp that look flaky." Store scallops and shrimp in airtight jars in a cool, dry cupboard for up to a year. 16 dried scallops (about 4 ounces) 5 shallots (about 5 ounces), peeled Advertisement 2 heads garlic (about 5 ounces), peeled 16 fresh red Thai chilies, stems removed (about 1 ounce), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces 3 ounces dried shrimp 2 1/2 cups canola oil 1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon salt Advertisement 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1. In a 9-inch shallow heatproof bowl, soak the dried scallops in about 1/3 cup cold water, 30 minutes. Turn the pieces over; continue soaking, 30 minutes. Almost all the water will be soaked up, and the scallops will fall apart when touched. Pour out any excess water. 2. Put a 1-inch-high steamer rack in a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok. Add water to a depth of 3/4 inch; heat to a boil over high heat. Carefully put the bowl on the rack; cover, reduce heat to medium and steam, 15 minutes. (Check the water level from time to time and replenish, if necessary, with boiling water.) Carefully remove the bowl from the wok. When they're cool enough to handle, remove the small hard muscle from the sides of the scallops. Finely shred the scallops with your fingers. Pour out the water from the wok and dry the pan. 3. Put the shallots in a food processor; pulse until minced, about 5 seconds. Transfer to a bowl. Put the garlic and chilies in the food processor; pulse until minced, about 5 seconds. Transfer to the bowl with the shallots. Rinse the shrimp in cold water; drain. Pat dry with paper towels. Put the shrimp in the food processor; pulse until minced, about 15 seconds. Transfer to a separate bowl. 4. Heat the oil in the wok over high heat until the oil registers 275 degrees on a deep-frying thermometer. Carefully add the shallot-garlic mixture; reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring slowly, until the mixture just begins to show a little color, 8-9 minutes. The oil should have small bubbles and register about 210 degrees. Carefully add the shrimp; continue stirring on low heat until the shrimp is fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Carefully add the scallops, increasing the heat to medium; continue stirring until the scallops are golden, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the pepper flakes, salt and sugar. Cool. Divide into sterilized half-pint jars; refrigerate for up to 3 months. XO shrimp Advertisement Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 5 minutes Makes: 4 servings "This is one of the many ways in which Hong Kong chefs use XO sauce as the dominant flavoring ingredient in a recipe," writes Eileen Yin-Fei Lo in 2009's "Mastering the Art of Chinese Cooking." The shrimp are first blanched in stock to seal them, then stir-fried. Cornstarch may be used in place of mung bean starch; 1 1/2 tablespoons of dry sherry can substitute for 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, says Lo. Sauce: 1 tablespoon each: oyster sauce; Shaoxing wine Advertisement 1 1/2 teaspoons light soy sauce 1 teaspoon each: sesame oil, white rice vinegar, sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt Shrimp: 2 1/2 cups chicken stock 1 piece fresh ginger (about 1/2 inch thick), peeled, lightly smashed, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons peeled, minced ginger Advertisement 1 pound large shrimp (40 count per pound), peeled, deveined, cleaned 1 tablespoon peanut oil 3 tablespoons diced shallots, about 1/4-inch pieces 3 tablespoons XO sauce 1 1/2 teaspoons mung bean starch mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons water 1 For the sauce, mix together all of the ingredients in a small bowl; reserve. Advertisement 2 Place the stock and ginger slice in a wok; heat to a boil over high heat. Add the shrimp; blanch just until they begin to turn pink, 30-40 seconds. Turn off the heat, remove the shrimp with a strainer and drain well over a bowl. Reserve. (Save the stock for another use, discarding the ginger.) 3. Dry the wok with paper towels. Heat it over high heat, 30 seconds. Add the peanut oil, using a spatula to coat the wok with the oil. When a wisp of white smoke appears, add the minced ginger; stir briefly. Add the shallots; stir-fry until they soften, about 1 minute. Add the XO sauce; stir-fry until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp; stir-fry until they are well coated with the XO sauce, about 1 minute. Stir the reserved sauce; drizzle it over the shrimp. Stir to mix until the shrimp are well-coated. Stir the starch-water mixture, pour it into the wok and stir just until any liquid thickens. The shrimp should be well-coated and there should be no moisture in the wok. Transfer the shrimp to a heated dish and serve. Use it Young, Yan and Tsai share ideas on cooking with XO sauce: Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > Dumplings and dim sum: Spoon 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon on top of each piece as desired. Stir-fried vegetables: Add to Chinese broccoli, bok choy or green beans. Advertisement Steamed fish: Try it over salmon or sablefish. Noodle soup: Stir some into the broth before serving. Roasted oysters: Place oysters on hot grill. When the shells pop open, garnish with XO sauce and a squeeze of lime. Pasta: Stir a little toasted sesame oil into the XO sauce to make for a looser consistency, then toss it with noodles or pasta. Or stir some into a scallion and ginger lo mein dish. Fried rice: Try with crab fried rice or on risotto topped with seared scallops. A composed salad in the style of Apicius is one of seven recipes believed to have a specific link to the legendary Roman gourmet. It features cucumbers, chicken livers and other ingredients molded with bread slices moistened with vinegar. (Bill Hogan, Chicago Tribune) Apicius was such an over-the-top foodie, even by the grand standards of the Roman Empire, that his name not only became synonymous with the culinary high life but, so scholars believe, also the popular title for a cookbook formally known as "De re coquinaria" (On cooking). This work, the only known cookbook to have survived from the ancient Greco-Roman world, has for centuries intrigued scholars and cooks with its glimpse of Roman life. "I think if people look into Roman cooking at all, they go to 'Apicius' first," said Rosemary L. Moore, lecturer in history and classics at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. That's why the book still counts, she noted. "What I tell my students is, the way we choose to eat talks about social structures and who we are as people. The study of history, in general, is learning about other people." Advertisement "Apicius" the cookbook shows what mattered to Romans of a certain income and status. "It's doable for people with lots of money," wrote Moore in a follow-up email. And what mattered then in food isn't necessarily what matters now. "It's notable that a recent foodie trend, i.e. locally sourced ingredients, really had no cachet for Romans, since most food would have been locally sourced. What brought prestige was what came from a distance and what was expensive." Marcus Gavius Apicius was certainly hungry for that prestige. He lived in the 1st century during the reign of the Emperor Tiberius and became famed for his love of food. A contemporary biography, "On the Luxury of Apicius," is now lost; most of the surviving anecdotes from the time tend toward the censorious. "One almost feels he was too bad to be true," write Christopher Grocock and Sally Grainger in the introduction to their 2006 translation of "Apicius." Advertisement Apicius gained lasting notoriety, wrote the late historian Phyllis Pray Bober in her book "Art, Culture & Cuisine: Ancient & Medieval Gastronomy," by killing himself when he realized there wasn't enough money left to keep him in the culinary style to which he was accustomed. That style, she wrote, included creating a dish "from the crests of living cocks," parboiling poultry before cleaning and plucking to "seal in the full savor of fat and juices" and killing pigs with doses of honeyed wine. Apicius also fed dried figs to pigs in order to fatten their livers for foie gras. "The special flavor imparted to pork liver as a result of being 'figged' (ficatum) ultimately came to be applied generically to all liver (fegato in Italian)," Bober added. Yet, despite his critics, Apicius clearly had his supporters and admirers. (Pliny, no fan, pinned a fad for flamingo tongues on him.) That may explain why a cookbook created 300 years later bore his name. (Of the roughly 500 recipes, seven are believed to have links to Apicius himself, write Grocock and Grainger.) "By associating his compilation with the name of Apicius, the editor endowed it with a certain credibility that no doubt helped to ensure its survival to the present day," wrote Carol Dery in an essay, "The Art of Apicius," published in "Cooks & Other People," the proceedings of the 1995 Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery. Two 9th-century copies of the cookbook are known to have survived. One is in the Vatican; the other is at the New York Academy of Medicine in New York City. For centuries after their rediscovery in the Renaissance, it was believed Marcus Gavius Apicius actually wrote the book. But modern scholars believe the cookbook was compiled later from various sources. Paul Freedman, a Yale history professor and editor of "Food: The History of Taste," says the complexity of some dishes in "Apicius" has led to debate on whether the recipes should be taken seriously. He compares "Apicius" not to a practical book like "Joy of Cooking" but the more conceptual books published in recent years by such famous chefs as Ferran Adria of the former El Bulli in Spain and Rene Redzepi of Noma in Denmark. "This book was not meant for home cooks but other professionals. He was probably addressing the other chefs of wealthy people," Freedman says. "What the recipes in Apicius share with El Bulli and Noma is a cutting-edge quality and the assumption there's a lot of labor available." Recipes in "Apicius" have been panned for being overspiced, overflavored and as over-the-top as the real man. That criticism is unfair, wrote Grainger in her book, "Cooking Apicius: Roman Recipes for Today," because "Apicius" is a book for cooks, by a cook. Prior knowledge and training is assumed. Advertisement "The numerous spices were used with considerable restraint and in fact the very subtlety of their use is easy to misinterpret, and the results of such misinterpretation would support modern criticism," Grainger wrote, "but with care, the flavours of the various ingredients can be balanced and the results are stunning." Roast lamb with coriander Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 8 minutes Makes: 4 servings Adapted from "Cooking Apicius: Roman Recipes for Today" by Sally Grainger, who based this version on a recipe from the book "Apicius." She suggests using a spice grinder for the coriander seed. Grainger recommends serving the lamb with a sweet "oenogarum," made with fish sauce and white wine, but any light vinaigrette will do. Advertisement 1/2 cup coriander seed Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 double-loin lamb steaks or lamb chops or diced lamb meat 1. Grind the coriander to a medium grain texture, neither too fine nor too coarse. It should be like breadcrumbs. Season with the salt and pepper. Brush the lamb with olive oil; press the steaks into the coriander on all sides as if it were breadcrumbs. If you wish, dice the meat first and thread it onto a skewer. Advertisement 2. Grill, not too close to the fire, until crusty and well done, about 4 minutes per side. Alternatively, roast in the oven at 400 degrees, about 5 minutes. Nutrition information per serving: 426 calories, 30 g fat, 10 g saturated fat, 118 mg cholesterol, 5 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein, 448 mg sodium, 4 g fiber Chicken livers and cucumber salad Prep: 40 minutes Cook: 8 minutes Chill: 2 hours Advertisement Makes: 4-6 servings This "sala cattabia," or composed salad, in the style of Apicius is one of seven recipes believed to have a specific link to the legendary Roman gourmet, according to Christopher Grocock and Sally Grainger in their translation of "Apicius," the ancient cookbook. The original recipe does not include measurements, calls for chicken and goats' sweetbreads and directs the cook to "stand (the pot) in snow for an hour" before serving. Grainger adapted the recipe for her book, "Cooking Apicius: Roman Recipes for Today," using chicken livers and a refrigerator. Raw eggs are called for; a little mayonnaise may be substituted, she writes. Salad: 3 1/2 ounces chicken livers, 2 to 3 large livers 1 tablespoon olive oil Half a cucumber Advertisement 2 tablespoons capers, chopped 1 ounce pine nuts, a generous 1/4 cup 1 to 2 large ciabatta loaves 1/2 cup each: water, white wine vinegar 1 3/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese, about 2 ounces Dressing: Advertisement Freshly ground black pepper 1 level teaspoon celery seeds, toasted, see note 3 heaping teaspoons fresh chopped mint 1 ounce pine nuts, a generous 1/4 cup 1 1/2 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened 2 egg yolks Advertisement 1 tablespoon each: honey, vinegar, fish sauce Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > 5 tablespoons water 1. Prepare the salad ingredients: Cook chicken livers by frying in a little olive oil, then cool and chop them into small pieces; peel and slice the cucumber thinly; drain and chop the capers finely. Cut the ciabatta into thin slices and lay them out on a large tray. Combine water and vinegar; dribble over the bread slices and allow the fluid to be absorbed. Repeat occasionally while you prepare the dressing. 2. For the dressing, grind the pepper and roasted celery seeds in a mortar or spice grinder. Add the mint and the pine nuts; grind to a fine paste. Add the cream cheese, egg yolks and the honey; blend again. Then dilute the paste with the vinegar and the fish sauce. Gradually add the water and blend. 3. Take a two-pint pudding bowl (4-cup mixing bowl); lay a piece of bread, gently squeezed and cut to fit, in the bottom. Sprinkle a little of the liver, capers, pine nuts and Parmesan over the bread; press down gently. Finish with the cucumber, but do not let the slices overlay each other. Add layer of bread and repeat until all the ingredients have been used up. Always finish with a layer of bread. (Alternatively, you can line the inside of the bowl with bread slices, then proceed.) Pour the dressing over the salad; press down gently. Cover with plastic wrap; chill for 2 hours. Turn out onto a plate; decorate with more cucumber slices. Note: Toast the celery seed in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring to prevent scorching, until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Advertisement Nutrition information per serving: 409 calories, 19 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 135 mg cholesterol, 44 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein, 961 mg sodium, 3 g fiber wdaley@tribune.com Spring water, which is filtered through volcanic Icelandic rock, is used to make Martin Miller's gin. (David Hammond) Olympia beer, once a good choice for those seeking cheap suds out West, was brewed in Tumwater, Wash., using supposedly superior "artesian spring water." The slogan "It's the Water" was on every Olympia can. Water is, of course, the principal component of alcoholic beverages, people and the planet. Advertisement When the label on a bottle indicates that the contents are, for instance, 40 percent alcohol, that means the other 60 percent is water. Though we've heard the common complaint about liquor being "watered down," all liquors are watered down. When the liquor like bourbon or gin exits the still, water is added to step down the alcohol level so that other flavors can be appreciated and so that we humans can consume a glass or two without falling down drunk. Advertisement Jack Daniel's distillery was founded in Lynchburg, Tenn., near Cave Spring, which provides limestone-filtered, mineral-rich water for the famous whiskey. Jason Morgan, who works at the distillery, explained that "this water is iron-free, which helps maintain the whiskey's beautiful brown color, and high calcium levels make the water sort of sweet." Across the Atlantic in Britain, Martin Miller's Gin, like all gins, contains botanicals, mainly juniper and fresh citrus. Unlike any other gins, however, Martin Miller's is shipped to Iceland for bottling using Icelandic spring water. Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > As recent news attests, Iceland is subject to volcanoes, sitting as it does between Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Icelandic glacial water, filtered through volcanic rock, is mixed into Martin Miller's Gin. Martin Miller's Gin co-founder David Bromige and I were standing on a cliff overlooking the crashing waters that flowed from a lava field just north of the Martin Miller's distillery in Borganes, Iceland. I had to ask Bromige, "Why go to all that trouble of adding Icelandic water to British gin?" "We draw our water from deep in the ground," he explained. "This is water that fell as rain and snow maybe 1,000 years ago, when the Earth was a cleaner, purer place. As it melts, it goes through a lava field about 900 meters thick. The water then slowly passes through very fine veins that filter it." Though purity is important, it's only part of the story. "As we examined why Icelandic water had such a strong effect on our gin, we discovered it isn't just the purity of the water that's important, but the fact that we don't de-mineralize it," Bromige says. "Most spirit brands use de-mineralized water, and that de-mineralization process affects surface tension, which affects how quickly the water evaporates. The water in our gin doesn't evaporate as quickly, it stays in the mix, so our gin has a very soft nose, with juniper and other elements subdued." Advertisement If you prefer gin with more botanical notes, Hendrick's or Bombay Sapphire might be more to your liking. If you prefer more dialed-down botanicals, Martin Miller's is a mellower choice. Why? It's the water. Alec Baldwin may have logged his 17th turn as host of "Saturday Night Live" this weekend, but he has been a regular presence on the show since October, pinch-hitting as the NBC late-night comedy's resident Donald Trump impersonator. Perhaps subverting expectations, it wasn't Baldwin who started the show but Melissa McCarthy who arrived to preside over the cold open as White House press secretary Sean Spicer. It was a performance that worked all kinds of comedy magic when she debuted it a week prior largely because her first appearance was so unexpected and so hilariously hostile. There's a law of diminishing returns with this kind of thing, not that the concept has ever stopped "SNL." It can be hard to hit something as squarely and thrillingly as McCarthy's initial surprise appearance, so you can understand why executive producer Lorne Michaels brought her back. But here's the issue with recurring sketches: If you don't advance the idea, what's the point? With the "hey, isn't that ?" factor gone from McCarthy's still amazingly ultra-combative performance truly, the human embodiment of ALL CAPS, with metaphorical steam blasting from those ears everything came down to the writing, which was decent, with a side order of standout lines here and there. Advertisement Asked by a reporter about flubbing the mention of a terrorist attack in Atlanta, we got this volley back from the podium: "Yeah, I said that wrong when I said it, and then you wrote it, which makes you wrong!" But there was some "light terrorism this week when Nordstrom's decided to stop selling Ivanka Trump's line of clothing and accessories." Let's step back and admire the subtext and political commentary embodied in that phrase "light terrorism." That's economy in comedy writing. Advertisement Chicago and its crime rate came in for some absurdist exaggerations (long, exasperated sigh), with Spicer insisting: "Eighty percent of the people in Chicago have been murdered and are dead! And that's on you" fingering the assembled media "you did that." Aside from the popularity of the original bit, I suspect it made a return for another more fascinating reason. As Elahe Izadi noted in The Washington Post, "Trump is running the government as a president who cares very deeply about appearances so much so that a 'Saturday Night Live' sketch could affect how he does it." This is an unprecedented phenomenon and one that "SNL" has not had to contend with ever. You have to wonder if this makes Michaels & Co. almost giddy or sick to their stomachs. Maybe both. There's a certain responsibility and a very specific sort of expectation that has suddenly been thrust on the show, and based on this episode, I don't think anyone there wants it. According to Politico, Trump was deeply unnerved that one of his male staffers was impersonated by a woman, which only fueled anticipation that Rosie O'Donnell might turn up as Steve Bannon. That she didn't could be seen as the show pulling its punches; an O'Donnell appearance was guaranteed to generate a reaction from the president on Twitter. I actually think the show revealed its true level of discomfort with this new normal in a later Kellyanne Conway sketch. Let's not forget, this is the same show the same executive producer that feted Trump as host over a year ago. "Where does 'SNL' stand on anything?" I find myself wondering most of the time. The reason for this is that Michaels is not especially politically minded, I suspect, but more of a pragmatist when it comes to ratings and what will get people talking. Back in the real world, rumor has it (if you believe a report out of Washingtonian.com) that someone else, perhaps Carl Higbie, might take over the White House press secretary job from Spicer. If that's the case, "SNL" will probably shelve what should have only been a one-time performance by McCarthy anyway. Brevity is the soul of wit; there's something in that old saw that "SNL" would be wise to embrace. Other observations: An hour into the show, Baldwin finally made an appearance as Trump as a plaintiff on "People's Court." (As a sincere fan of TV court shows, I will always be predisposed to like this type of sketch.) Like the cold open, the writing's the thing, and the sketch only delivered right at the top. Advertisement Announcer: "This is the plaintiff, the president of the United States. He claims that some phony judges are being very mean to him." Judge Marilyn Milian (played by a perfectly no-nonsense Cecily Strong): "All right, thank you. First of all, Mr. Trump, you understand this is a TV court, right?" Trump: "That's OK, I'm a TV president." (Chicago, forever the punching bag, came in for more ribbing in this sketch as well.) "Leslie Wants to Play Trump," a digital short wherein Leslie Jones sincerely (or not) takes up the challenge, had no ideas undergirding the quest. "Is this like a sendup of his fragile masculinity?" she's asked. Nope. "Is it like a 'Hamilton' thing, where you're commenting on race and politics?" Nope again. "It's about giving America what it wants." I did like that it continued the running gag of her (fictional) romance with fellow cast member Kyle Mooney, a joke introduced earlier this season. More Washington faces: Kate McKinnon stepped up briefly in the cold open as newly confirmed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and there wasn't much to see. The impersonation boiled down to costuming and a Foghorn Leghorn delivery. Simply slotting in actors be they "SNL" cast members or guests of the show isn't enough. McKinnon's a legitimate talent, but there was nothing for her to play. If "SNL" is going to swim around in the political waters, it better have a point of view, otherwise it's a whole lot of pointless splashing. That means not only the premise of a sketch but how performers are interpreting real-world political figures. "Weekend Update" was just sort of there. Almost every setup and punchline felt like a first-draft idea. Advertisement Colin Jost: "The Senate voted Wednesday to confirm Jeff Beauregard Sessions as our new Confederate general sorry, attorney general. Sessions was rejected for a position as a federal judge in 1986 over concerns of racism, but don't worry, if there's one thing that usually makes racists better, it's age." MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR McKinnon showed up as yet another political player, this time Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., visiting the "Update" desk for basically no reason other than Warren was in the news this week more than usual. McKinnon's delivery was first-rate, but what's the point of bringing any real-life political character into the world of the show unless the writers have something to say? Also with a desk segment, Leslie Jones and Mikey Day as a couple inspired by "Fifty Shades of Grey," except that Day's character with a cut lip and broken arm was clearly a victim of abuse. So, let's talk about this. Was the scene trying to get at something complicated? About coercion and power and assumptions about gender and which partner in straight relationships might be doing the abusing? I honestly couldn't tell, it landed so badly. It takes more skill than was on display here to find the dark, observant humor in such a premise. Some "SNL" sketches are just a failure of imagination and backbone, and this week's digital short about Kellyanne Conway shed all of McKinnon's previous characterizations about the president's adviser and turned her into a deranged stalker, a la Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction," with CNN's Jake Tapper as her mark. You could argue they were doing exactly what I've been pushing for advancing an idea instead of just repeating it. But like the "Fifty Shades of Grey" bit, the tone was off, and it didn't feel funny even in theory. It was just kind of grim. And it was more about Conway and her apparent insatiable desire to be on TV than about how she's doing her job. This is a key distinction "SNL" isn't really about analysis. Jabbing at quirks of persona? The show can (and will) do that all night long. Right, there was nonpolitical material too. Even if that wasn't what most were watching for this weekend. None of it was especially memorable. Advertisement One sketch that might get some tepid watercooler buzz featured the underused Sasheer Zamata as a very pregnant Beyonce (in light green veil, nice touch) at the obstetrician's office with Baldwin as her doctor: "To be honest, this is a big break for me! I haven't had a hit baby since Suri Cruise." He does an ultrasound, and the twins in utero are played by Kenan Thompson and "SNL" alum Tracy Morgan. Baby Thompson: "You know, I just don't want to make my mama mad, she's having a hard enough time carrying us as it is." Baby Morgan: "I heard she carried two full-grown ladies for 10 years named Michelle and Kelly" aka, the other two from Destiny's Child. Mostly, it's a halfway good idea for a sketch that's never fully realized. RELATED STORIES: Melissa McCarthy on 'SNL' shows the power comedians have under a Trump presidency Advertisement Melissa McCarthy makes surprise appearance on 'SNL' as Sean Spicer In 'SNL's' first post-inauguration episode, Putin roasts Trump on crowd sizes Alec Baldwin returns as Trump on SNL to take on Russian dossier, inauguration plans Chance the Rapper performs on final 'SNL' episode of 2016 Heres the SNL sketch that finally went too far for Donald Trump Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP) Ralph Modjeski may be the most illustrious Chicagoan most Chicagoans have never heard of. A Polish immigrant, Modjeski built nearly 40 bridges in the U.S. and Canada. He was chief or consulting engineer on some of the continent's most famous spans, including the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia to Camden, N.J., and Louisiana's Huey P. Long Bridge. Advertisement Though Modjeski traveled the continent to work, Chicago was his home for many years he opened his first office in the Loop's Monadnock Building in 1893 and was a member of the nearby Union League Club, a prominent social club. "Chicago was the beginning; it was where it all started for him," said Basia Myszynski, who with her husband, Leonard Myszynski, made a documentary about Modjeski called "Bridging Urban America." "I think he knew it was the hub of the transportation world. This is where it was going to all take place." Advertisement The Myszynskis, a California-based team who made an earlier film about Modjeski's mother, actress Helena Modjeska, hope their new documentary will give Modjeski the prominence they think he deserves, up there with other great American innovators like Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. It was recently screened at the Union League Club for a crowd of engineers and Polish-American cultural leaders. I moderated the panel discussion afterward. Ralph Modjeski was influential in the building of the bascule bridges that cross the Chicago River. (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune) Besides private screenings, the film also has aired on several public television stations, and the Myszynskis are communicating with local stations for a possible showing in the Chicago area. Ralph Modjeski (his name was simplified from Rudolf Modrzejewski), was a talented pianist who had initially considered a career in music. He decided instead to study engineering at l'Ecole des Ponts et Chaussees in Paris (School of Bridges and Roads), and graduated at the top of his class in 1885. His first project as chief engineer was the Government Bridge in 1896 across the Mississippi River at Rock Island, Ill., used for freight and heavy military equipment. It was a tricky job because work had to get done before the ice melted and riverboats needed to pass through. Modjeski warned the military that some work should be deferred until the following winter, but he was ignored. He was right a February thaw broke the ice and destroyed part of the new bridge. Just in time for spring river traffic, Modjeski built a temporary lift bridge operated with wire rope to enable boats to go through and trains to run, while the rest of the work was completed. "Being able to improvise and take things head-on I believe that's the brilliance of Ralph Modjeski," said Jeffrey Newman of the engineering firm Modjeski and Masters, who was quoted in the film. The firm founded by Modjeski is now based in Pennsylvania. The bridge, still operational, uses a "swing span," which involves a piece of the bridge swinging out to allow boats to pass, and swinging back to allow freight and other traffic. Another notable Modjeski bridge is the massive Quebec Bridge across the St. Lawrence River Modjeski's team took over after a 1907 disaster killed 75 workers. The Modjeski team created the longest cantilever span in the world at 1,801 feet. Advertisement Although Modjeski did most of his work over wider bodies of water and was a pioneer in the creation of suspension bridges, he also was influential in the building of the elegant bascule bridges that cross the Chicago River, as part of a team that reviewed the original designs. Bascule bridges also are called drawbridges. "He had a fairly strong influence, and as one of these key leaders in the engineering community in Chicago, he was relied upon to really vet that Chicago-type or Chicago-style bascule bridge," said Patrick McBriarty, author of the book "Chicago River Bridges," who is quoted in the film. Modjeski played piano throughout his life an associate remembered listening to him play for hours in the room above the firm's offices and the film ties Modjeski's creative approach to bridge building to his skill as a musician. "There is this humanistic aspect that is needed, not just engineering ..." said Piotr Moncarz, chair of the U.S.-Polish Trade Council, said in the film. "When you add the artistic vision, when you add to it the other half of the brain, then you get bridges that are landmarks." "It's absolutely essential to allow the arts and sciences to meld," said Elaine Chew, a digital media professor at Queen Mary University of London, also interviewed in the film. "Music could be classified as a science. And maybe bridge engineering should be classified as an art ..." "I personally believe his mother taught Ralph the importance of 'harmony,' which was reflected in his bridge designs and structures, bridges beautifully melded into their natural and urban environments," Basia Myszynski said. Advertisement The film also highlights a time when infrastructure work was something that was not considered prosaic but awe-inspiring, with newsreels of ladies cutting ribbons and little girls in white carrying baskets of flowers across new spans. Modjeski was once so famous that his divorce was covered in the newspapers. Modjeski's last big project was the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which opened in 1936. He died in 1940. The film is available at www.bridginguamericafilm.com. Metra 's courtesy poll Rowdy groups and passengers who cough and sneeze without covering their mouths were at the top of a recent Metra poll for most annoying commuter behaviors. Last summer, the commuter rail service started its first courtesy campaign, using cartoon posters that addressed impolite onboard behavior like hogging seats with bags, blocking aisles, personal grooming, putting feet on seats and having loud mobile phone conversations. Efforts to get people to behave themselves are attempted by transit agencies around the world the CTA launched its latest good manners push in 2015. Advertisement Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > In January, Metra asked passengers to vote on other forms of bad commuting manners for the next phase of the campaign. "Taking over the train with a rowdy group" was the behavior that most aggravated respondents, followed by "hands-free sneezing and coughing," "saving a seat for a sometimes imaginary sometimes not friend" and "eating something stinky." Metra customers also don't like customers who prematurely clog aisles before the train comes into the station. "Our campaign will continue to gently remind riders to behave courteously toward one another, and we hope our customers will enjoy the new posters as much of the previous ones," Metra CEO Don Orseno , said in a statement. Lyft signs HQ lease Lyft, the ride-sharing company that is trying to grow its market share in the Chicago area, said it has signed a five-year lease on an approximately 5,500-square foot space in the Old Irving Park neighborhood. The space at 3976 N. Avondale Ave. will serve as Lyft's new Chicago headquarters and will offer driver training and support, the San Francisco-based company said. Uber, the leader in the ride-sharing business, has three driver hubs in the city. mwisniewski@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @marywizchicago A Park Manor neighborhood man was ordered held for allegedly sexually accosting a man inside the shower of a South Loop gym. Christopher Crowell, 29, was charged with criminal sexual abuse and ordered held on $100,000 pending his release on home electronic monitoring. Advertisement Authorities said the 33-year-old victim was taking a shower at the XSport Fitness in the 800 block of South State Street on Dec. 7, when he felt himself being molested, prosecutors said Saturday in a hushed courtroom at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. He quickly turned to find Crowell naked behind him, according to prosecutors. Advertisement The victim yelled and refused Crowell's contact, authorities said. An arrest report also indicated that Crowell began "aggressively'' molesting him. The victim reported the incident to the gym's management, who stopped the defendant before he was able to leave, took his gym membership card and told him they were contacting the police, prosecutors said. But Crowell left before police arrived. Authorities said the victim later picked Crowell out of a photo array, but court records indicate the defendant has no prior criminal record. A joint Chicago police/U.S. Marshal fugitive task force arrested Crowell Friday. A member of the Chicago Fire Deptarment responds to anoverturned vehicle at W 69th Street and Halsted Avenue in the Englewood neighborhood, on Feb. 11, 2017. (Eric Clark / for the Chicago Tribune) An 11-year-old boy has died after a crash involving two sport-utility vehicles and a CTA bus on the South Side on Saturday afternoon. The boy, Kevon Ranson, of the 400 block of North Harding Avenue on the city's West Side, was pronounced dead at 4:54 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Police earlier said Ranson was 9. Advertisement The wreck, which sent nine other people to hospitals, happened in the 6900 block of South Halsted Street in the city's Englewood neighborhood about 4:15 p.m., police said. A dark-colored Chevrolet SUV was westbound on 69th Street when its driver disobeyed a red light and hit a CTA bus traveling through the intersection, causing the boy to be thrown from the SUV, police said. Advertisement The bus then went out of control and hit a dark-colored Mercury SUV. Members of the Chicago Fire Department and Chicago police respond to the scene of a multiple vehicle accident in the 6900 block of South Halsted Street in the city's Englewood neighborhood on Feb. 11, 2017. A 9-year-old boy was killed in the wreck. (Eric Clark / for the Chicago Tribune) Kevon was taken to Comer Children's Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. Nine other people were taken to area hospitals with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. There was not word on charges or citations but police are investigating. Demonstrators march from a Department of Homeland Security office through the West Loop in Chicago on Feb. 1, 2017. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) News that Chicago was one of the cities targeted this week by federal agents in a series of immigration enforcement raids has intensified growing fear and anxiety in immigrant communities even among families with legal status. In the West Ridge neighborhood, South Asian and Arab families with green cards are still shaken by President Donald Trump's immigration order last month banning travel into the United States from seven largely Muslim countries. So when rumors began this weekend that federal agents were visiting Devon Avenue businesses to inquire into peoples' immigration statuses, some residents thought it best to lie low. Advertisement They stopped shopping, thinking twice about whether to leave their homes for unnecessary trips. If they did, they were sure to carry their immigration documents to prove to whoever might stop them that they were authorized to live in the country. "One family, they told me they heard someone ring their doorbell at 9 p.m. at night. It could have been anyone but maybe it was DHS. They held their blankets in their beds and waited," said Shabbir Patel, a community leader at the local mosque, Jamia Masjid. Advertisement "Every time the doorbell rings, they get scared," he said. Federal immigration authorities arrested hundreds of unauthorized immigrants in at least a half-dozen states this week. Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 25 to crack down on the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the country without legal status. Trump's order expanded the list of deportation priorities to include any noncitizen who is charged with a criminal offense of any kind or who is suspected of committing criminal acts, fraud or willful dishonesty while interacting with immigration officials, is the subject of a pending order of removal or has been previously deported and reentered the country. The order gave much broader leeway to ICE officers in deciding whether someone posed "a risk to public safety" and therefore could be detained. Chicago's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office made more than 200 arrests across six states Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Kansas and Missouri during an operation that began Feb. 4 and concluded Friday, said spokeswoman Gail Montenegro. She declined on Friday evening to say if there was a surge recently in the operation. In an emailed statement, however, ICE officials said the operation was routine. But the operation's timing less than one month into Trump's administration has led to a climate of helplessness, neighbors say. A shop owner on Devon asking to remain anonymous said the rumors of arrests and inquiries in the area have affected local businesses. "We've gone days without a sale in our store. People aren't walking on the streets. They come in for necessities, maybe just stop by. But I don't even see the foot traffic ... they feel almost targeted," the owner said. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > ICE officials in a statement said the reports of immigration enforcement checkpoints and sweeps were "false, dangerous and irresponsible." Advertisement "These reports create mass panic and put communities and law enforcement personnel in unnecessary danger," the statement said. "Any groups falsely reporting such activities are doing a disservice to those they claim to support." Some West Ridge families with legal documentation, like visas or green cards, worry those documents could be revoked now by federal agents. Patel attended a meeting of local community leaders Friday where residents vocalized their concern that, should they be netted by federal agents, they wouldn't be able to contact their family members for help, he said. Patel also works at a refugee assistance program at Makki Masjid, a mosque in Albany Park. The program has helped settle refugees from Burma, Syria and Iraq, assisting them financially and with practical advice for living in Chicago. "They've been calling these last three weeks in panic," Patel said, referring to Trump's travel ban. "'Are we gonna get our green cards taken away?' they ask. 'Are we allowed to walk on the streets? Look for jobs? Go grocery shopping?'" Patel has been directing the families, now concerned about the raids, to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. He's also inviting immigration lawyers to an informational meeting next month for families with questions about their rights. "Everything is up in the air," he said. "Every day we pray for each other especially people who are already here through the right process." Only a small piece of crime scene tape is left Sunday Feb. 12, 2017 to remind passersby on Lake Shore Drive around 4200 north in Chicago that a woman was killed trying to cross at this point. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) CHICAGO A 19-year-old woman died early Sunday morning after she was struck by a vehicle on Lake Shore Drive. Police said the woman was crossing westbound into oncoming traffic near the 4200 block of North Lake Shore Drive about 11:50 p.m. and was hit by a Lexus SUV traveling in the northbound lanes. The woman was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Her identity was being withheld. The driver was not issued a citation, according to police. No further details were immediately available. A West Side grandfather was fatally slashed and partially mutilated by his younger brother last September after he sought to spend time with the younger man who may have suffered from mental illness, Cook County prosecutors said in court Saturday. Judge Donald Panarese Jr. ordered the defendant, Robert Cummings, 47, held on $1 million bail for the Sept. 8 death of his brother, Jerry, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Advertisement Robert Cummings, of the 7600 block of South Marquette Avenue, was charged with first-degree murder and is expected to return to court next week. His public defender told the court that he suffered from schizophrenia, while a police report of the incident indicated that he was prescribed medication for mental illness. Standing before the judge, Cummings, a short, stocky man with salt-and-pepper hair, didn't react as details of the bloody attack were read aloud in court and afterward slowly left the courtroom with the aid of a cane. Advertisement His brother Jerry Cummings was discovered unresponsive in the driver's seat of his car near his home in the 200 block of North Lockwood about 1 p.m. that day. He had severe trauma to his neck, including a broken hyoid bone, which acts as an anchoring structure for the tongue. After noticing that the victim was partially clothed, authorities later found that he suffered trauma to his genitals, authorities said. An autopsy determined Cummings died of multiple injuries from an assault and his death was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Robert Cummings had previously stayed at his brother's home in late August, but left after he began acting erratically and police were called to the home on Aug. 31, Assistant State's Attorney Owens Shelby told the court. But when Cummings returned to his brother's doorstep a week later, Jerry Cummings told his live-in girlfriend he wanted to "spend some time" with his brother and would let him stay in his car outside for the night, Shelby said. Nearby surveillance cameras captured Jerry Cummings getting into the car with his brother in the early morning hours of Sept. 8 and never getting back out. Between 4 a.m. and 8:45 a.m., video captured Robert Cummings getting in and out of the car multiple times before completely leaving the car that morning, Shelby said. About a half-hour after Jerry Cummings was discovered, Robert Cummings walked into Loretto Hospital and spoke with staff there. When police encountered him hours later, they noticed his clothing was covered in blood. He later made "incriminating statements" about harming his brother, prosecutors said. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Cummings was released while authorities awaited results of forensic tests performed on the clothing at the Illinois State Police crime lab. The tests later found the clothing had a DNA profile that matched Jerry Cummings, Shelby said. Members of Jerry Cummings' family were stunned by the news of Robert Cummings' arrest. "Just shock," said Jerry Cummings' ex-wife Jackie Vassar, who said she and her daughter, Jashawna, were unaware of the criminal charges. "It was devastating because it happened with Jerry, but we just couldn't figure out who could possibly want to do this to him." Advertisement Vassar, who remained close to her ex-husband said it didn't surprise her that Cummings died trying to help his brother. "He was a real good guy. He would give you the shirt off his back to help you," she said. "If you called him, he was coming." wlee@chicagotribune.com Twitter: @MidNoirCowboy Is the biggest chunk of vacant land on Chicago's lakefront, once home to U.S. Steel Corp.'s legendary South Works mill, finally going to get developed and become a vibrant link in the city's renowned chain of shoreline parks? As Frank Livak, a 64-year-old former machinist at the mill, fished Tuesday along the site's enormous slip, he voiced skepticism about a Spanish housing developer's nascent plan to build as many as 12,000 homes there. Advertisement "You got a hell of a lot of vacant lots" already in the neighborhood, Livak said. Anyone familiar with the litany of big plans and bigger flops for the South Works site, which sprawls from 79th Street on the north to 91st Street on the south, is likely to echo Livak's doubts. Advertisement It's been nearly 25 years since the 1992 closing of the mill, which once employed thousands of people and served as a lifeblood for the neighborhoods around it. Just about all that remains of the demolished mill are unused rail lines and massive concrete walls, roughly 30 feet high and 2,000 feet long. Cranes would lift the raw materials for making steel from ore boats docked in the slip and deposit them between the walls. The list of failures is long. A plan to build a Solo Cup factory on the site fizzled about 10 years ago. So did a $4 billion plan, by Chicago-based McCaffery Interests and Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel, which envisioned more than 13,000 homes and a 1,500-slip marina. After parting ways with McCaffery, U.S. Steel put the parcel up for sale last year. Now, a joint venture led by Barcelona Housing Systems, which makes modular housing, is reportedly closing in on a purchase of the 430-acre property. The firm's website describes plans for 12,000 homes, to be built in four phases of about 3,000 homes each. Renderings show homes laid out in a hollow-square patterns with green spaces in the middle. There would be a marina along the slip, new parkland along the lakefront and plazas interspersed among the modest houses. While the bird's-eye view renderings look rough, almost mechanical, as preliminary plans often do, the local alderman insists this is no pipe dream. "I think it's very real," said Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza, 10th. "It's not just going to be a big Mariano's sign in the middle of a field saying 'Mariano's coming soon.'" At this early stage, details are hard to come by. Calls to the North American office of Barcelona Housing Systems in San Francisco were not returned. Real estate brokers Cushman & Wakefield, which rebranded the site as 8080 Lakeshore after being hired by U.S. Steel to sell the parcel, also did not return calls. A spokeswoman for U.S. Steel declined to comment. Yet some details are trickling out. Advertisement Barcelona Housing Systems wants to build a factory to make the components of the houses on the site, Garza said. She was impressed by the firm's construction techniques, which do not place houses atop concrete foundations but bolt them into the ground. BHS' modular houses are put together like Legos and are expected to be relatively inexpensive. And the alderman does not expect buried residue from the mill to pose health and safety problems. "I grew up in this neighborhood. I'm OK," she said. "I don't have two heads." A visit Tuesday revealed that, despite the lack of new building construction since 1992, the site is less isolated than it once was. Cars now course through the parcel's western side, riding along a 4-year-old section of Lake Shore Drive that is an attractive boulevard rather than an intimidating expressway. Another boulevard at 87th Street extends eastward to the appropriately named Steelworkers Park, which brings visitors close to the massive concrete walls along the slip and offers expansive views of Lake Michigan. In addition, the site is less than a 10-minute drive from the planned Obama Presidential Center, which will be built in Jackson Park. Advertisement Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > In short, there's a nice collection of public spaces percolating here. But that's just a beginning. If Barcelona Housing Systems buys the site, many questions should be on the table: Will its modular houses be durable? Will they offer architectural variety or resemble the monotonous housing complexes that have proliferated in recent years in China? Will the firm make good on its promise to urbanize the site rather than turn it into a series of suburban-style enclaves? And will it make creative use of the concrete walls along the slip, putting distinctive cultural facilities like a South Works museum there, not just the usual shops and restaurants? Garza said Barcelona Housing Systems plans to save and reuse the walls. What recreational activities, like a continuation of the Lakefront Trail and new climbing walls, would be included to draw people from throughout Chicago and the suburbs? And will the new development be economically inclusive, rather than gentrified, making room for continued use by fishermen like Livak? If a marina is built, "we ain't going to be able to fish here no more," the former U.S. Steel machinist predicted. bkamin@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @BlairKamin Chris Hurst, a news anchor for WDBJ7 in Southwest Virginia, walks past an image of his girlfriend, Alison Parker, a reporter who was killed in August. (Timothy C. Wright / For the Washington Post) News anchor Chris Hurst, whose girlfriend and another co-worker were gunned down during a live broadcast in August 2015, will leave the Roanoke, Virginia, TV station and mount a run for the state House of Delegates, he said Sunday. The WDBJ-7 anchor's final broadcast was last Thursday night and he resigned on Friday. Hurst said he plans to file paperwork Monday to run as a Democrat for the 12th District seat currently held by Republican Joseph R. Yost. Advertisement "I can categorically tell you that my life was not going to be like this if it weren't for the tragedy that happened," Hurst said in a phone interview Sunday. "I knew that I couldn't stay at the station because it was just too emotionally painful for me." Hurst, who joined the station as a reporter in 2010 and became evening anchor in 2011, covered crime and courts, with special assignments on mental health and opioid abuse. Advertisement He was struck by personal tragedy on August 26, 2015, when a disgruntled former employee, Vester Lee Flanagan II, 41, opened fire on 24-year-old reporter Alison Parker and 27-year-old cameraman Adam Ward during an early-morning on-air interview at Smith Mountain Lake, about five hours southwest of Washington, D.C. Flanagan, who uploaded footage of the killings to his Twitter and Facebook pages, later shot himself in his car. Hurst and Parker had dated for nine months, and Hurst said they had wanted to get married. In running for office, Hurst said he wants to tackle a wide range of issues, from parity in education funding, to giving businesses and start-ups incentive to relocate to southwest Virginia. He will also work to ensure "fewer families have to go through what I went through," said Hurst, whose plans to run for office were first reported by The Roanoke Times. Hurst supports universal background checks for gun owners and wants to give law enforcement the tools to remove dangerous firearms from dangerous situations - rather than just prevent their sale or transfer. At the same time, he said, "people think that I'm going to try to take everybody's guns away and that's the last thing I wanna do." "People have been raised on hunting, they've been raised on going to the range with their father and mother and learning how to shoot, my brother taught me how to shoot. I just wanna make sure that law enforcement knows who the most dangerous people in our communiteis are." Yost, of Blacksburg, could not immediately be reached for comment. The Washington Post Dozens of volunteers helped serve pasta, salad and dessert to community members Saturday at the annual Have a Heart Gravy Challenge dinner at the First United Methodist Church in Elgin. (Gloria Casas / The Courier-News) Tom Gochis was a regular at the annual Have a Heart Gravy Challenge Community Dinner, attending with his love, Linda Austin, at his side and mingling with friends. This year, the dinner was dedicated in his memory. Gochis, 64, died suddenly in January. Advertisement A booth at the event, held at First United Methodist Church in Elgin, raised money to help Austin with living expenses. The couple had been homeless for years and had just gotten an apartment in October, friends said. Gochis would have wanted everyone to take care of Austin, friend Eric Rubin said. Advertisement The dinner, organized by In the Neighborhood Deli owner Jeff Turner, is a symbol of how Elgin cares, volunteer Jim Koko said. The number of volunteers shows that, "Elgin is a place where there are many people willing to give," he said. Turner, who also organizes Thanksgiving and Christmas community dinners, said about 75 people donated their time to the event. The money raised Saturday will help fund a community dinner in the summer, he said. What motivates Turner to hold the dinners is "it is the right thing to do," he said. "My goal is to bring the community together, all walks of life, to share a meal and talk," he said. Each dinner "exceeds my expectation every year," he said. Saturday's gathering provided a free pasta dinner with salad, drinks and dessert, and gave visitors a chance to rate the "best gravy" or pasta sauce, Turner said. Donations were accepted to help "stuff the ballot box" for the favorite gravy, he said. Friends Olean Singleton and Barbara Parker were among the 300 people who attended. Singleton had salad while Parker tried the pasta and dessert. The two wanted to come out and help with the fundraising. "We have to try and help each other," Singleton said. "I think it's a wonderful idea because you are bringing different people together. I think Jeff really is just so wonderful. He really does a lot." Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. The Northbrook Public Library will be an even quieter place for March 19 accessibility hour for special-needs families. (Irv Leavitt / Pioneer Press) Libraries excel at being quiet. But March 19, when the Northbrook Public Library opens for an hour for people who are sensitive to extra stimulus, it will be even quieter. It's part of an effort by the library to embark on a program friendly to those with autism and other special needs something that has been tried before in Northbrook and at other libraries, with varying degrees of success. Advertisement "We try to be a place for all people, recognizing that not all people can experience things the same ways," said the library's executive director, Kate Hall. During the accessibility hour for special-needs families, it will also be darker. Hall said some conditions, including autism, can create sensitivity to light. Typically, libraries, where people like to see well to read, can be very bright. Advertisement Several calming activities involving smelling and touch will be available for the program, to be held from noon to 1 p.m., said Sarah Rustman, Northbrook's school and special services librarian. Those activities will include the opportunity to pet therapy dogs. Hall said the primary impetus is to give people, especially children, who are currently unable to use the library an opportunity to visit under optimal conditions. The long-term goal, she said, would be to acclimatize them so that, perhaps even just for short periods, they can visit on regular days. Registration is not required, Hall said. Others are welcome, she added, but they are likely to be shushed. "We're not a shushing kind of place anymore, but we will be that day," she said. Hall said the plan is to bring back the accessibility hour every three months. Similar programs have been tried, and suspended, in other libraries and also in Northbrook's, according to former library Youth Services Manager Andrea Johnson. She helped lead a Northbrook program in 2010, she said. "When we did the open house, we opened the entire library an hour early on a Sunday, so it was somewhat costly," she said via email. "At the time, library staff were paid time and a half for Sundays, which added to the expense." Advertisement The program wasn't repeated, she added. At the Glencoe Public Library, Renee Grassi, who headed children's' services there, put together a low-stimulus day about a year later that she said was modeled on the Northbrook program. Since then, Grassi has led library industry seminars in providing services to people with disabilities and is now Youth Services Manager at the Dakota County Library in Minnesota. She said her Glencoe low-stimulus day wasn't repeated, either, because of the cost of staffing an entire library for an extra hour. Northbrook may have a better chance of repeating its one-hour program, Hall said. The staffing will be handled less expensively, through the use of compensatory time and shifting part-timers' hours, she said. Hall said she was unaware until Feb. 8 that Northbrook had previously tried an accessibility hour. She said that the 2010 program had not been advertised, but the North Suburban Special Education Association and other agencies had just been asked to invite families, so there are no flyers in the marketing files. A similar staffing system to the one Hall described was used at the Iowa City Public Library for their program, which began last fall, said Angela Pilkington, the library's children's services coordinator. It has allowed the library to repeat the program every other month, with another area library handling it in the intervening months, she said. Advertisement "We've done it now three times, and we're seeing different families come in each time," she said. "It's been right around 50 people each time." She said the feedback so far has been heartening. "Just a couple of days ago, one of the ladies stopped me, and said my kid's never been in (on a regular day), but now he's here," she said. Pilkington said that so far, that's the only such success she knows of though there may be more. But Glencoe and other libraries have regular programs that are intended to draw people with autism and other conditions requiring low stimulus. Northbrook, for instance, will have a showing at 1 p.m. Feb. 20 of the movie "Zootopia," with lowered sound and dimmed light. Grassi said that efforts like the low-stress hours are important to modern libraries' missions. "Libraries can sometimes be perceived by others as being unwelcoming to those with disabilities," she said. "Before-hours programs like these can help to make the library more welcoming to patrons with disabilities and give everyone the opportunity to be included in their library community." Advertisement ileavitt@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @IrvLeavitt Flash The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired what is believed to be a ballistic missile into its eastern waters early Sunday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The presumed intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday) near Banghyeon in the DPRK's northwestern North Pyongan province. The projectile is estimated to have traveled about 500 km, according to the JCS. It landed in waters off the DPRK's east coast, according to local media reports. Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missiles near the same place, where an airfield is located, in October last year. It was the DPRK's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since U.S. President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20. South Korea's military said Pyongyang's launch of ballistic missile was a provocative act in violation of UN Security Council's resolutions, which ban the DPRK from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch, the military believed, was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of armed protest against the Trump administration's hard-line stance toward the DPRK. Yonhap news agency quoted a military source as saying that Sunday's test-launch was not of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Concerns had persisted about the DPRK's ICBM test-launch following its fifth nuclear test in September last year. Pyongyang test-fired a long-range ballistic rocket in February last year, about a month after detonating its fourth atomic bomb. Pyongyang had test-fired Musudan missiles eight times between April 15 and Oct. 20 in 2016. Except for the June 22 success at which the missile traveled about 500 km, all of other launches failed. Musudan has a range of 3,000-4,000 km that can put the entire Japan and the U.S. military base in Guam in its target range. South Korea's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae convened a national security council (NSC) meeting, which was chaired by top presidential security advisor Kim Kwan-jin. The meeting was chaired by the top security advisor as President Park Geun-hye was suspended following a Dec. 9 impeachment that was passed in the parliament. Attending the NSC emergency meeting were ministers of defense, unification and foreign affairs as well as head of spy agency and senior presidential secretary for security and foreign affairs. Flash Three Katyusha rockets landed in Baghdad's Green Zone on Saturday night, just hours after fierce clashes between demonstrators and the security forces that resulted in the killing of four protesters and one security members, an Interior Ministry source said. The rocket are believed to be launched from Baghdad eastern neighborhoods of Baladiyat and Palestine Street, which both are strongholds of followers the influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. There were no immediate reports of casualties by the blasts in the zone, which houses some of the Iraqi government offices and foreign embassies, the source said. The heavily fortified Green Zone has been frequently targeted by insurgents' mortar and rocket attacks. The roughly 10 square km zone is located on the west bank of the Tigris River, which bisects the Iraqi capital. The attack came after heavy clashes erupted in downtown Baghdad in the afternoon when thousands of people, mainly Sadr's followers, crossed al-Jamhouriyah Bridge to the western bank of the Tigris River. The protesters marched at the gates of the Green Zone sparking clashes with the security forces, who fired tear gas and shot live ammunition in the air to disperse the demonstrators. According to Baghdad Governor, Ali al-Tamimi, the clashes resulted in the killing of four protesters and the wounding of 320 others, 79 of them received wounds by gunshots. On the other side, a statement by Baghdad Operations Command (BOC) said that a security member was killed and seven others wounded by the clashes. The protesters demanded a change in the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), which they argue that the electoral body is under the influence of leading parties. They also demanded real and comprehensive reform in the political process in order to fight the wide spread corruption in the country. Later in the day, Abadi ordered a probe into the casualties of security members and protesters that occurred during the day by the clashes between the two sides, and pledged to prosecute those responsible for the incident. For its part, Sadr political office in a statement held the government responsible for the clashes that killed and wounded many people and security members. "The government abused its unarmed people; fired gas and live ammunition on them and chased them in the streets and alleys despite they did not cross any barriers or bypassing any restrictions," the statement said. Flash The Pakistan Navy carried out a counter terrorism demonstration in Karachi, on Feb. 11, second day of the ongoing multinational Exercise AMAN-17. The Pakistan Navy carried out a counter terrorism demonstration in its Indian Ocean base in Karachi, on Feb. 11, second day of the ongoing multinational Exercise AMAN-17. [Photo by Guo Xiaohong/China.org.cn] During the simulated action, hostages were safely rescued and terrorist hideouts were destroyed. The Pakistan Navys Dolphin Force and Special Operations Forces used versatile platforms including fast maneuvers by hovercrafts and speedboats and insertion of air assault teams from helicopters. The Pakistans SSG-Navy also demonstrated its para-jumping techniques. Before the drill began, the bands of participating countries of AMAN-17 took part in a joint concert, aiming to connect the countries through cultural heritage as well. International naval officials including Pakistans Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Sri Lankan Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral RC Wijegunaratne, and Bai Yaoping, Chinese Deputy Chief of Staff of the North China Sea Fleet and commander of the 24th escort fleet, joined diplomats and observers from various countries to listen to the concern and watch the exercise. Initiated and organized by Pakistan, the "AMAN" (meaning peace in Urdu) so far has been held every other year since 2007. China took part in AMAN-17 with its missile destroyer Harbin, guided-missile frigate Handan and the supply ship Dongpinghu. Flash South Korea denounced the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s test-launch of a ballistic missile on Sunday, the first since U.S. President Donald Trump took office last month. Seoul's foreign ministry said in a statement that the launch was a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the international community. The statement said repeated DPRK provocations are a direct challenge to the international society's concerted will reflected in the Resolution 2321, unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council. Pyongyang fired off what is presumed to an intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile, called Hwaseong-10 in the DPRK, from its northwestern North Pyongan province earlier in the day. It flew about 500 km and landed in waters off the DPRK's east coast. Musudan can put the entire Japan and the U.S. military base in Guam in its target range as it is known to have a range of 3,000-4,000 km. Sunday's launch was the first in 2017 and also the first since Trump was sworn in as the U.S. president on Jan. 20. Seoul's military said it was part of armed protest against the new U.S. administration's hard-line stance toward the DPRK. Concerns had persisted about the DPRK's possible test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the near future as the moves of two DPRK mobile launchers carrying ICBMs were reportedly detected by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities. The Musudan test-launch may be important to the advancement in the DPRK's ICBM technology as the propellant of its three-stage ICBM is believed to be composed of four Musudan missile engines. The DPRK has never successfully tested its ICBM. Under the UN resolution, Pyongyang is banned from testing any ballistic missile technology. Flash The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on Saturday has appointed the Palestinian diplomat Salam Fayyad as the new UN special envoy to Libya and the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya. The United States, however, objected to the choice of Fayyad, saying that the United States was "disappointed to see a letter indicating the intention to appoint the former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister to lead the UN Mission in Libya." "For too long the UN has been unfairly biased in favor of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel," Haley said Friday. The U.S. objection to the appointment was condemned by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization. According to the organization member Hanan Ashrawi, the U.S. objection was "unconscionable." "We hope that saner voices will prevail and that the U.S. will take back this irrational and discriminatory decision immediately and not deprive the UN of such a highly qualified individual," Ashrawi said in a statement. Fayyad, 64, was a prime minister of the Palestinian authority from 2007 until 2013. He is also a former finance minister. Fayyad was appointed to replace the German diplomat Martin Kobler, who has served as the UN special envoy to Libya and the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya since November 2015. Kobler sponsored peace dialogue sessions between Libya's political rivals for over a year in order to end the state of political division in the country. Eventually, a peace agreement was signed by the rivals and a new government of national accord was appointed. However, the country still suffers political crisis despite the signed agreement. As the first foreign leader to visit Donald Trump when he was US president-elect, and the second to meet him since he entered office, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was no doubt confident his exertions had paid off as intended, at least partially. Especially given the impressive signs of personal rapport between the two leaders, or as Trump described it their "very, very good chemistry", and the coveted US presidential assurance of "unwavering" commitment to the US-Japan alliance. Everything would therefore seem to be as good as can be for Abe after his meeting with Trump on Friday and Saturday. Except for the fact his host highlighted a simultaneous willingness to work with China. The Abe administration has spared no effort to curry international, most noticeably US, support for its attempt to contain what it portrays as a growing threat from China. Disappointed that the Barack Obama administration was not willing to wholeheartedly support his standoff with Beijing, the Japanese leader saw brighter prospects ahead with the Trump administration, given its initial tough rhetoric on China. But if, as suggested, the phone conversation Trump had with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday was intended as a "balancing" move before his meeting with Abe, Trumps subsequent confident assertion that he and Xi "are in the process of getting along very well" will not have been music to Abe's ears. Yet if he can liberate himself from the narrow-minded zero-sum mindset with regard to Beijing, Abe will be able to appreciate and take advantage of the reality of the US president's observation that good China-US relations "will also very much be of a benefit to Japan". History has put China, Japan and the US in an awkward situation where the past often undermines any hard-earned goodwill. But it is worth bearing in mind that the recent history of their trilateral relationship has not been devoid of bright spots. There was even a long period of quite friendly exchanges between Beijing and Tokyo. And the most important lesson that can be learned from this is not only do Beijing and Tokyo not have to stand against each other, but the three can work together. The US president has made the insightful judgment that China-US conversations will "work out very well for everybody China, Japan, the United States, and everybody in the region". That perception may not be what Abe wants to hear, but it is something that Japan would be wise to lend an ear to. Spring Festival has become an increasingly popular time for Chinese people to take a well-earned holiday with family. The China National Tourism Administration said the domestic tourism industry earned 423 billion yuan ($61.6 billion) in revenue, and tourists made 344 million trips during the holiday. According to data from tourism companies, here are the 10 hottest tourist destinations in China. 1 Sanya Governments in cities along three pollution "highways" have been told to coordinate their efforts to cut emissions and help prevent the kind of smog that again blanketed the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region on Sunday and is expected to persist for five days. The Ministry of Environmental Protection has identified 20 cities that are required to beef up pollution controls and work to unify emergency response standards. The cities lie on three routes western, central and eastern on which airborne pollutants travel north due to geological and meteorological conditions, according to Xue Wenbo, director of airborne simulation for the Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning. There are eight such cities in Hebei province, five in Shandong province and five in Henan province, as well as Beijing and Tianjin. Researchers have said that tackling emissions in cities along the routes will cut the severity of air pollution in neighboring areas and ultimately help Beijing meet its ambitious target this year. The goal is to reduce the daily concentration of PM2.5 fine particulate matter that is particularly hazardous to 60 micrograms per cubic meter, down from 73 in 2016. The ministry has installed more monitoring stations to facilitate scientific, targeted solutions to the problem posed by the smog highways in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Pollutants discharged from chimneys taller than 45 meters along the routes can reach the capital within hours, according to Chen Jining, the minister of environmental protection. To address that problem, in 2016, the ministry sent inspection teams to 1,239 factories with 45-meter-high chimneys in the 20 cities to oversee measures to cut the rate of excessive pollutants. As a result, the rate fell from 31 percent to 3.79 percent over the 12 months, Chen said. In addition, the ministry also limited or halted industrial production and processing of iron and steel and ordered cities to coordinate their smog responses. "We've found that some cities do not make a timely emergency response or do less than is required, to avoid affecting industrial production," said Liu Bingjiang, head of air quality management for the ministry. Cities should engage in joint controls instead of waiting for others to act, he said, adding that government officials' performance will be assessed by the ministry. The smog across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is expected to reach a peak on Tuesday and Wednesday in terms of severity and coverage, according to the China National Environmental Monitoring Center. Twenty-three cities are forecast to experience severe air pollution on Wednesday, including Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang and Baoding in Hebei province, Jinan and Dezhou in Shandong province, and Zhengzhou in Henan province. Editor's note: A 21-year-old college junior attended eight blind dates arranged by her parents within 10 days when she returned to Wenzhou for Spring Festival. Many Chinese parents try to help their children find a significant other by setting them up on blind dates. But should parents be involved in their children's relationships? Forum readers share their opinions. linda_sun (China) Nothing wrong with a parent trying to set their kid up, so long as the kid is receptive to it. And at times it works out and a happy ending follows. Many young people cannot find a partner because of their narrow life circle. The fast-paced life between home and the workplace make them barely have a chance to meet [people of] the opposite sex. 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. License for publishing multimedia online 0108263 Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detain a suspect as they conduct a targeted enforcement operation in Los Angeles, California, US on February 7, 2017. Picture taken on February 7, 2017. [Courtesy Charles Reed/US Immigration and Customs Enforcement via REUTERS] WASHINGTON - Hundreds of undocumented immigrants from a dozen Latin American countries have been arrested in at least six US states this week, following President Donald Trump's executive order to broaden the scope of immigration enforcement targets. They were netted in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials confirmed Saturday. Among them 161 arrests were made in Los Angeles and some 200 in Atlanta, said local media reports. The authorities didn't reveal the total number of the arrests. Gillian Christensen, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, said the crackdown was part of "routine" immigration enforcement actions. A majority of those detained were serious criminals, including some who were convicted of murder and domestic violence, she said. "We're talking about people who are threats to public safety or a threat to the integrity of the immigration system," she said. However, a Washington Post report said some of the detained are without criminal records, calling it the first large-scale crackdown under the Trump administration. On Jan. 25, Trump issued an executive order ending the previous "catch and release" policy. Under the new order, the immigration enforcement are allowed to target undocumented immigrants with minor offenses or no convictions. Immigration officials acknowledged that as a result of Trump's executive order, authorities had cast a wider net than they would have last year, said the report. The Obama administration has also pursued a more aggressive deportation policy than any previous presidents, sending over 400,000 people back to their birth countries in 2012. However, in his second term, Obama prioritized convicted criminals for deportation. On the 2016 campaign trail, Trump pledged to deport two to three million undocumented immigrants with criminal records. There are estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living across the United States. The welcome ceremony for the first e-visa visitor to Vietnam(Source: vov.vn) Major General Le Xuan Vien, head of the department, said that decree 07/2017/ND-CP, which allowed visitors from 40 countries to apply and receive Vietnamese visas online, took effect earlier this month. Foreigners could apply for visas and pay fees through the website. The process takes only three days for an e-visa valid for 30 days without requiring letters of guarantee or invitation. The first foreigner to receive an e-visa was a British tourist. Britain was among the countries subject to visa exemption for stays of less than 15 days in Vietnam, he added. Vien said the move was an effort by the Government to boost socio-economic development, making it more convenient for foreigners to enter the country without being guaranteed by certain organisations or individuals. It also aimed to contribute to the development of the tourism industry, which hopes to attract between 15 and 20 million tourists in the next two years. Foreigners can apply for e-visas via https://www.immigration.gov.vn. Visitors from the following 40 countries can apply for Vietnams e-visas during the course of the pilot programme: Azerbaijan, Argentina, Armenia, Ireland, Poland, Belarus, Bulgaria, Brunei, South Korea, Germany, Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Cuba, Denmark, Timor Leste, the United States, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Russia, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Myanmar, Mongolia, Japan, Panama, Peru, Finland, France, the Philippines, Romania, Spain, Sweden, China (not applicable for Chinese e-passport holders), Uruguay, Venezuela, Norway, and Slovakia. Currently, about 30 nations issue e-visas. The Vietnamese procedures seem to be simpler than most other nations, as foreigners did not have to be fingerprinted, photographed, or interviewed, Vien said. Visitors could conduct temporary residence declarations online when travelling with e-visas. "E-visas can be accepted at most international airports and 28 border gates in Vietnam," he said. In reply to questions on the management of e-visa holders, Vien said the issuance of e-visas only simplifies procedures for foreigners. The process of approving visas remained the same as before.So far, the Vietnamese Government has signed more than 80 agreements on visa exemption for 13 nations, including Russia, Denmark, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belarus, Britain, France, Spain and Italy./. French soldiers stand guard before the start of the 133rd Nice carnival, the first major event since the city was attacked during Bastille Day celebrations last year, in Nice, France, Feb 11, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] NICE, France - Behind barricades, the city of Nice was holding its Carnival, keeping up tradition but taking precautions seven months after the Bastille Day truck attack that killed 86. Floats in the Carnival's 133rd edition that kicked off on Saturday were led by the King of Energy, this year's theme, and followed notably by a huge Donald Trump with hair dryers trained on his crown of blond hair. France 24 TV quotes a tourism official saying the image was decided before Trump was elected U.S. president. French political leaders need not feel shunned. Presidential candidates are featured. Deputy Mayor Rudy Salles, on BFM-TV, said security was "like in an airport" with 36 scanners, pat downs, police and soldiers. A Tunisian plowed his truck through July 14 revelers in an Islamic State attack. Passengers watch a TV screen broadcasting a news report on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea firing a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, at a railway station in Seoul, Feb 12, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] SEOUL - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired what is believed to be a ballistic missile into its eastern waters early Sunday, Republic of Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The presumed intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday) near Banghyeon in the DPRK's northwestern North Pyongan province. The projectile is estimated to have traveled about 500 km, according to the JCS. It landed in waters off the DPRK's east coast, according to local media reports. Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missiles near the same place, where an airfield is located, in October last year. It was the DPRK's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since US President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20. Republic of Korea's military said Pyongyang's launch of ballistic missile was a provocative act in violation of UN Security Council's resolutions, which ban the DPRK from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch, the military believed, was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of armed protest against the Trump administration's hard-line stance toward the DPRK. People take pictures during the annual Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco. [Photo by June Chang/China Daily USA] San Francisco welcomes the Year of the Rooster on Feb 11 by putting on its annual Chinese New Year Parade. Named one of the 10 parades in the world, the San Francisco one remains night-illuminated and filled with floats, crowing roosters, lion and dragon dances, marching bands, costumed dancers, as well as its 268-feet long Golden Dragon this year. Chinese enterprises operating in the US, the ICBC for example, participated the parade with a novel-designed float. Students at the Confucius Institute of the University of Nairobi entertain construction workers for the Lantern Festival at the CRBC headquarters in Nairobi Kenya on Jan 11, 2017. EDITH MUTETHYA/CHINA DAILY. China Roads and Bridge Corporation employees working on the Standard Gauge Railway project in Kenya were treated to performances by Confucius Institute students for the Lantern Festival. During the event, students and teachers from the Confucius Institute of the University of Nairobi performed a variety of Chinese songs and dances, including one in the style of the Peking Opera female roles known as "Huadan" , Kungfu demonstration, Kuanban and Sanjuban which praised Mombasa-Nairobi Railway project. The strong performances were met with lots of applause, laughter and cheers. Speaking at the event which was held at the CRBC's headquarters in Nairobi, Professor Enos Njeru, who is head of the university's humanities and social science college, said the institute had grown steadily since being established in 2005. "The institute has promoted cultural exchange between China and Kenya. The performances by the students is a clear indication that they understand the Chinese culture," he said. The event was also attended by senior Chinese officials in the country including Guo Ce, from the Chinese embassy in Kenya. The officials praised CRBC for giving its employees an opportunity to enjoy their culture through the performances. They also wished the employees, especially Chinese nationals, a happy lunar year and hoped to continue cooperation and friendship between Kenya and China. The CRBC employees who spoke to China Daily said they enjoyed the performances. "I have really enjoyed the performances by the Confucius Institute. In fact, it was beyond my expectation," Zhou Bin, one of the CRBC employees, said. The Lantern Festival, which marks the first full moon of the new year, means the last wild excitement of the New Year. As Japan prepares to celebrate Valentine's Day, a cranky group of protesters has called for an end to public displays of love, claiming it hurts their feelings. Members of Kakuhido, or the Revolutionary Alliance of Men that Women find Unattractive, unfurled a giant "Smash Valentines' Day" banner as the party-poopers set off to try and overthrow the annual celebration of romance. The grumpy group elicited curious looks from passersby in the trendy Shibuya district where they rallied to buzz-kill slogans such as "public smooching is terrorism!" "People like us who don't seek value in love are being oppressed by society," the group's public relations chief Takayuki Akimoto said. "It's a conspiracy by people who think unattractive guys are inferior, or losers like cuddling in public, it makes us feel bad. It's unforgivable." Previously, the killjoy group has also protested against "housewives who control Japan's future" as their hapless husbands work all hours at the office. Valentine's Day in Japan is a huge moneymaker for the confectionery business as women are traditionally expected to buy chocolates for men. Men reciprocate a month later on White Day, a Japanese marketing scheme dreamed up by confectioners in the 1980s to keep the cash registers ringing. "The tradition of giving chocolates means you're always competing," said Akimoto, 33, blasting what his group calls the "passion-based capitalism" of Valentine's Day. "You're judged by how many sweets you get. It's a business strategy by the chocolate capitalists, it's ridiculous." Valentine's Day originated as an ancient Christian and Roman tradition and Akimoto fumed: "Religious overtones have been twisted and turned into a vehicle to make money." Akimoto claims the group's message has begun to hit home after 10 years of protests. "Recently you hear of more people spending Christmas alone or women growing tired of Valentine's Day. We believe that through our fight, we've helped contribute to that social shift," he said. "Our enemy is formidable, but we are ready for a long, drawn-out war," Akimoto said, adding that the group also plans to target Halloween. Processing shrimp for exports (Photo: VNA) The Vietnamese minister made the call in his recent letter to the Minister of Commerce and Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Australia. On January 7th, the Australian Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources announced the suspension of prawn and uncooked shelled shrimp imports from Asian nations in fear of white spot disease outbreaks in Australia. The ban took effect on January 9th, 2017 and will last for six months. Shrimp shipments which departed the exporting country on or after January 9th, 2017 will be re-exported or destroyed when arriving in Australia. Other shipments en route to Australia will face strict examinations. Right after the announcement, the Ministry of Industry and Trade instructed related bodies and the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia to update relevant associations and enterprises on the information while working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to look for suitable solutions. The Office worked with the Seafood Importers Association of Australia to have common voices in raising concern over the bans negative impacts on Australian shrimp importers and consumers as well as Vietnamese shrimp farmers and exporters. The agency also met with representatives from several shrimp exporters to voice their common concern to the Australian Government. Meanwhile, during his working session with Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Craig Chittick in Hanoi on February 10th, MoIT Deputy Minister Tran Quoc Khanh briefed on huge losses caused by the ban to Vietnamese shrimp farmers and exporters, calling the Australian Government to consider, devise alternative measures and soon lift the ban in order not to impact growing trade relations between the two nations. MoIT will continue working with relevant bodies from the two nations to ask the Australian Government to remove the ban as soon as possible./. (Photo : Getty Images. ) U.S President Donald Trump met Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday at the White House. Abe's visit to White House comes barely days after Trump made a courtesy call to Chinese President Xi Jingping. Advertisement After patching up with China earlier this week, U.S President Donald Trump turned towards Japan on Friday to assure that it will continue to defend its close ally in the Asia Pacific region. Trump's reassurance is believed to be aimed at sending a clear message that U.S foreign policy won't be overhauled without considering the interests of all its close allies. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The U.S president delivered the important message during his one-to-one meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House. Ahead of the meeting, Trump welcomed Abe to the White House with a hug in an apparent gesture that their diplomatic relations was as close as it has always been. At the joint press conference after the meeting, Trump said that he wishes to bring post-World War II alliance with Japan "even closer" as he highlighted both countries mutual interests including North Korea issue and 'freedom of navigation' operation. He also insisted that it is immensely critical that both countries continue to invest heavily to enhance their defence capabilities. About his courtesy call to China's president Xi, the U.S president assured that his long and warm conversation will yield positive outcome for Tokyo as well. "I believe that will all work out very well for everybody, China, Japan, the United States and everybody in the region," he said. Japan is the closest ally of U.S in Asia pacific region, with both countries forming a major alliance to counter china's aggression in South China Sea. Tokyo also counts on America's support to protect its sovereign claim over the East China Sea region. However, Tokyo and Beijing's dispute goes beyond the territorial issues. Both countries have been arch rivals for much of the six decades, with China constantly accusing Japan of not acknowledging its controversial wartime legacy. Meanwhile, Abe and Trump also discussed host of economic issues during their meeting at the White House. The Japanese leader proposed that his country could help U.S to build high speed bullet train across the country. Advertisement Tagsdonald trump, china, China and Japan, Japan, Shinzo Abe (Photo : Getty Images. ) Chinese solider Wang Qi's wish was finally fulfilled as he touched down at Beijing airport on Saturday after spending almost six decades in rival country India. Advertisement Wang Qi, 77, is a Chinese solider, who spent most of his adult life in the rival country 'India.' Ironically, he did not live in the enemy country as an undercover agent, but as a dignified citizen who courted a marriage and raised a happy family along the way. But despite living a happily married life in India, Wang always craved to go back to his home country where his roots and identities were still deeply entrenched. This wish finally came true after he and his family landed in Beijing on Saturday to seek a long cherished re-union with his kin and family members. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Wang Qi arrived at the Beijing airport along with his son Vishnu Wang, daughter-in-law Neha and granddaughter Khanak Wang. They were all received by their close relatives and besides officials of the China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indian embassy. "It was an emotional reunion," an official present at the Beijing airport told Indian news agency. According to information provided by the Indian officials, Wang and his family be flown to Xian city, the provincial capital in Shaanxi province, from there they will be taken to their native village Xue Zhai Nan Cun. Wang Qi got stuck in India after Sino-India 1962 war Wang's destiny changed forever when he accidently crossed the Indian border in 1962, when India and China fought a deadly war. Although the war had got over by the time Wang crossed the Indian border, but this hardly stopped Indian authorities from jailing him. He languished in Indian jail for seven long years before he was released in 1969. The release gave Wang another shot at life, though this life came with many financial hiccups that tested his survival instincts to the core. The embattled Chinese solider was rewarded very well for enduring these testing times, as he landed a job as a watchman and soon got married to a Indian citizen Shushila. He spent most of his life in India in Tirodi village of Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh state. The trials and tribulations of Wang Qi have been very well documented by Indian media. But it took a documentary feature on BBC channel for Chinese social media to take note of this forgotten solider. The documentary prompted the Chinese government to facilitate the home return of this forgotten solider. However, it took long time for Indian and Chinese authorities to work out the necessary modalities for facilitating wang's return to his motherland. Advertisement TagsWang Qi, Wang Qi India, Chinese Solider, China and India Russian Far East. Advertisement Cash-strapped Russia will have to temper its criticism of South Korea's decision to deploy THAAD on account of Moscow's need for multi-billion dollar South Korean investments. Moscow of late has been publicly leaning hard on Seoul in an attempt to persuade the South Koreans to change their mind in deploying the U.S.-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system as protection against North Korean ballistic missiles. The first THAAD battery will be deployed in May with a second by 2018. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Analysts said this show of strength is merely an effort to please China since Moscow has more need of South Korean money to boost the economic development of the impoverished Russian Far East than Chinese approval. Russia has limited funds for developing this remote region. The Russian Far East refers to the extreme east parts of Russia between Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia and the Pacific Ocean. It has an area of 6.2 million square kilometers, or over one-third of Russia's total area, and is infamous for its bitter cold and barren landscape. Despite its mammoth extent, the region has a population of only six million persons, which is half of Moscow's population. One reason why Russia can't condemn Seoul as much as Beijing can is because Russia wants to wean itself from its far too large economic reliance on China, which increased when the west imposed punishing sanctions on Russia in 2014 for Russia's annexation of Crimea and its invasion of eastern Ukraine. That economic reliance on China, however, hasn't been the fillip Russia expected. Trade between both countries plunged in 2015. The volume of Chinese exports to Russia fell 34.4 percent to $32.9 billion. Total trade between China and Russia plummeted by 27.8 percent to $64.2 billion. The volume of Russia's exports to China was slashed by 19.1 percent to $31.4 billion. Chinese economic experts predict the trade picture in 2016 to be as bad or worse than 2015. They believe the future of Russian-Chinese trade will depend on the economic environment in the two countries and on the world situation in general. With things not going in its favor in trade with China, Russia has to turn to South Korea to save the day - and that won't happen if it angers Seoul to please Beijing. Advertisement TagsRussia, South Korea, THAAD, china, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, North Korean ballistic missiles, Russian Far East (Photo : US Army) U.S. Army M1A2SEPV2 Abrams arrive in Poland to strengthen NATO. Advertisement The lead elements of a second major U.S. Army combat unit arrived in Europe on Feb. 9 even as other U.S. units and their tanks took up positions in Latvia and Lithuania, two of three Baltic States threatened with invasion by Russia. The U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division's 10th Combat Aviation Brigade is in the process of offloading more than 700 pieces of support equipment in Antwerp, Belgium prior to their deployment to NATO member countries along the western border of Russia. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Some 2,200 U.S. Army soldiers from the brigade and their equipment will establish themselves at strategic positions threatening any advance by the Russian Army. The brigade was formerly based at Fort Drum in New York State. The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade operates 86 aircraft, including 12 Boeing CH-47 Chinook twin-engine, heavy lift helicopters, and 38 Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk medium-lift utility helicopters also used to transport combat troops to the battle area. A Black Hawk can carry up to 11 combat-ready soldiers. The brigade will remain in Europe from February to November and was sent to Europe to support NATO's Operation Atlantic Resolve. As part of this effort, the United States is deploying troops to Europe that will train in Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia until November. The U.S. military deployment is also a show of force to directly respond to what NATO sees as increased Russian aggression following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and its invasion of eastern Ukraine. The U.S. forces will fight if NATO is attacked by Russia. Under the NATO treaty, an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on the alliance as a whole. Earlier, U.S. Army troops and soldiers of the Czech Land Forces arrived in Lithuania on Jan. 8 to train with the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Previous to their arrival, NATO deployed soldiers of the German "Bundesheer" (the German Federal Army) to Lithuania as part of NATO's push to better defend the two Baltic States. The German battalion now on Lithuanian soil forms part of a 1,200-strong NATO multinational battalion that also includes French, Dutch and Belgian troops. NATO plans to deploy four of these multinational enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battalion battle groups throughout the Baltic States. Also, the United States in January deployed the first contingent of a US. Army brigade combat team to Poland. This entire unit will number over 3,500 well-trained troops of the U.S. Army 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, U.S. 4th Infantry Division (3-4 ABCT). Advertisement TagsU.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Russia, Operation Atlantic Resolve, NATO, Crimea, Latvia, Lithuania (Photo : Getty Images. ) Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Sunday that Tokyo will lodge a diplomatic protest over North Koreas latest missile test through China. Advertisement Japan will lodge a diplomatic protest over North Korea's latest missile test through China, its top cabinet official told reporters on Sunday, soon after the isolated communist country fired a 500 km range ballistic missile. Describing North Korea's latest missile test as "an act of provocation," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that the missile testing was deliberately timed to coincide with a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement According to the available information, the minister did not state when and how Japan will seek to lodge a protest with China. As per the diplomatic norm, the Japanese government may lodge a protest with the Chinese embassy in Tokyo. The Chinese government is yet to issue any statement on the Japanese minister's comments. Meanwhile, North Korea's missile test on Sunday got a quick rebuke from Abe, who is currently on a visit to the United States. "North Korea's most recent missile launch is absolutely intolerable. North Korea must fully comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions," Abe said, through a translator. The U.S. and South Korea have also condemned the missile launch and agreed "to seek all possible options" to stop Pyongyang in the future. Sunday's missile launch is the first test by Pyongyang since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office. The isolated country tested several missiles last year, including powerful nuclear missile test, despite wide scale international protests. International Community's Overreliance on China over North Korea Issue Since China is the sole diplomatic ally of Pyongyang, the global community is overtly dependent on Beijing to hold negotiations with its communist neighbor to give up its controversial missile program. Due to international pressure, the Chinese government has made some diplomatic efforts to convince its communist counterpart. However, Beijing's efforts have been in vain as Pyongyang adamantly continues with its missile program. Soon after winning the U.S. elections, Trump had accused China of not doing enough to curtail North Korea's missile campaign. Advertisement TagsJapan, North Korea, China and Japan, North Korea missile tests, China and North Korea (Photo : USAF) F-22 Raptors. Advertisement China will now have to worry about the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth air superiority fighter, which the U.S. Air Force began deploying to Australia on Feb. 10. Australian defense minister Marise Payne said the deployment of the F-22 is the largest and longest rotation yet of this fifth-generation fighter to Australia. The first three of up to 12 F-22s arrived in Australia on Feb. 10 and will remain in Australia until early March. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The F-22s will conduct integrated training with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B Hornet multirole fighters. The arrival of the F-22s is the first Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC) activity in Australia under the U.S. Force Posture Initiatives. The F-22 deployment to Australia will ensure the stealth fighter, which costs over $150 million each, will have the infrastructure to support a combat role that might be triggered by a war against China over the South China Sea. Australia, which is located at the southern end of this disputed body of water, ensures the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) will be unable to expand southwards without being brought to battle by the Australian Defense Force and the U.S. military. The deployment of the F-22s also means PLAN is bottled-up in the South China Sea and must break-out into the western Pacific by passing north of the Philippines where it can be engaged by carriers of the U.S. Navy. Entering Air Force service in 2005, the F-22 was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter. On the other hand, it also has ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities. The U.S. military is the only user of this stealth fighter. The Air Force considers the F-22 unmatched by any known or projected fighter since the Raptor's combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance and situational awareness gives its pilots unprecedented air combat capabilities. The Air Force has some 180 operational F-22s. Advertisement Tagschina, Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, stealth fighter, U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, South China Sea, People's Liberation Army Navy Church's Gay Marriage Stance Challenged By Retired Bishops The Church is facing an unprecedented challenge to its stance on gay marriage on the eve of a landmark debate on the issue. Fourteen retired Church of England bishops have written to current leaders criticising them for marginalising LGBT Christians in a recent report that refused to change teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman. One bishop went as far as saying the report marked a 'betrayal'. Led by Rt Rev Peter Selby, former Bishop of Worcester, the retired Church leaders accuse bishops of not listening to gay Christians and the pain they feel. 'Our perception is that while the pain of LGBT people is spoken about in your report, we do not hear its authentic voice,' the bishops write. 'The result of that focus on the issue of a change in the law is that your call for a change in tone and culture, while absolutely right, does not carry conviction.' They accuse current leaders of seeing 'their task as managing rather than perhaps enabling or leading the conflicts that are bound to occur'. The unusual intervention of retired bishops on a current debate comes after current CofE bishops published a report saying there was 'little support' for changing the current teaching on marriage. Instead they called for 'maximum freedoms' within current laws and a 'fresh tone and culture of welcome and support' for gay people. The report will be put before the Church's parliament, general synod, next week for a 'take note' debate. Usually a formality, it faces a significant challenge from both ultra-conservatives, who are concerned about the call for 'maximum freedoms', and progressives who are dismayed by the lack of change. A joint-rebellion could force the synod to split into its three 'houses' - the laity, clergy and bishops to vote. It must be accepted by more than half of all three if it is to pass. If it is struck down the report cannot be raised again for the duration of that synod which means it could not be discussed until 2020. The former Bishop of Worcester said: "The people who entered those conversations who were gay or lesbian, or had had various difficult experiences in their lives because of their sexuality, they entered those conversations knowing that they would have to reveal themselves in a circumstance in which that might carry a price in terms of their life and their career. "They feel that what's come out here is a betrayal in the specific sense," he said according to the BBC. "All sorts of ideas are in this report about what they would have wanted, which I don't think are accurate." God Heals Girl Born With Bent Feet, Sparking Growth Of Church In Vietnam One miraculous healing has fuelled a Christian revival in Vietnam, a communist-ruled Southeast Asian country. It started when a Christian missionary, joined by five local pastors, prayed over a two-year-old girl named Mai, who was born with bent feet and could not even stand, much less walk, according to a Christian Aid Mission (CAM) report. Doctors in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon in south Vietnam, had given up on the baby, saying the abnormality could not be corrected. But Mai's parents wouldn't take "no" for an answer. They decided to invite the pastors holding a training session in the hospital to see what they could do with their child. A day after the pastors prayed over Mai, her parents were stunned when they saw their child stand up and walk about one metre before she was brought back to her bed. Brimming with hope, the parents asked the pastors to pray for their child again. The result was quick: Mai was able to walk a few more metres. Her parents asked the pastors to pray once more for her before they return to their home in Dak Lak province. "Not long after that, Mai was able to stand, walk and run like a normal child," one of the pastors told CAM. "Hallelujah! This is a great miracle, that God healed a girl with a birth defect in her feet." The story didn't end there. News about Mai's healing spread, helping spark new church growth in Vietnam. Moreover, Mai's miraculous healing spurred the wife of a local pastor to share the gospel with hospital patients, noting that patients who respond to the gospel are more open to receiving prayer for healing, CAM reported. In two days, a local ministry worker who visited patients in four cancer treatment hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, "saw 50 people receive Christ," CAM's ministry director revealed. In a previous report, a paralysed Vietnamese woman was also miraculously healed of her ailment after a group of Christian missionaries prayed over her. The miracle overwhelmed the Buddhist couple, prompting them to give up Buddha and embrace Christ instead. The husband even became a dedicated preacher who, despite being arrested several times for his preaching, was able to effectively spread God's Word to his countrymen, leading to the establishment of 60 new churches in Vietnam. How To Really Help Overseas Aid I spent 100 this weekend on two dresses. I thought that was a pretty good deal as I bought them on ebay and both were my most utilitarian colour navy. I'd probably never go shopping if every time I went to add my card details I remembered that our average first time loan size is around $150. $150 to transform someone's life by helping them start or grow their business and $1000 in business loans to create nine jobs. If only the two billion people in the world lacking access to formal financial services could reach this funding. In my travels with VisionFund I have seen mothers only able to provide maize for dinner, and while their children's bellies were 'full' there was not enough nutrition. I have seen women adopting orphaned children and then sleeping in what is little more than a bamboo tent. I have listened to widows worrying about how to afford school fees of $10 a month to give their children a better future. In many developing countries, employment opportunities are much too few. Entrepreneurship is one of the few options available to families and they are incredibly resilient and creative in building businesses with minimal resources. Being able to bring a few baskets of tomatoes to market, sell fritters to passers by or produce handicrafts is often the differentiator between abject poverty and improved provision. Now imagine if small business funding was linked to training and also to support for family members such as sanitation facilities, better nutrition, access to education. Now we are starting to capture the potential to transform lives when microfinance is part of holistic support in communities. Microfinance is the term given to financial services for low-income individuals and those without access to typical banking services. It is typically small loans, insurance services and village savings groups, that reach those with few financial options. There are many commercial providers in the market, but not many working from a faith basis. Proverbs 22:9 explains this difference: "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor." This foundation steers our interactions with clients, the goals we have as an organisation and the way we work together as colleagues. What we do is different for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we are ultimately aiming for the children of our borrowers to have a better life and measure our success on this basis. Secondly, we are providing integrated support with our parent, World Vision, the world's largest child development charity. And lastly, we tend to go where others don't want to go to the rural areas that are most difficult to reach and to serve mainly women clients. As microfinance enables women to grow their incomes, it helps them provide brighter futures for their children. Women and children in rural areas have particular needs that must be considered. For example, primary age children in rural areas are twice as likely to be out of school as children in urban areas of the same country. Women spend 80 cents of every dollar earned on their families, including nutrition, education, medicine and housing. It is key that these earnings impact vulnerable, rural communities and especially the children within them. This vulnerability is what encourages us to go deeper in the places most difficult to reach, to help the vulnerable with a hand up. Proverbs 14:31 says, "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him." Most of our clients have few possessions, they have not had a formal education and there is typically little paperwork to prove their ability to repay. While we have developed a number of ways to assess loan criteria around these challenges, it still requires faith. We believe that our clients want to provide a better life for their children, and given the means will work hard to do so. There is good reason to 'not refuse the one who would borrow'. Our global loan repayment rate is 98.7% and last year we served 1.2m clients. Over 4.4m children benefitted from their parents' business success through us. We have been asked "...to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do" in Galatians 2:10. Indeed, building financial inclusion in fragile communities is a blessing for those who give, even more so than those who receive. Watching communities grow through employment, and children's lives improve is our gift. Amanda Kamin is global director of marketing and communications at VisionFund International. To learn more about the power of financial inclusion to change lives, read their social performance report which has just launched. ISIS Uses Flesh-Ripping 'Biter' Torture Device On Girl As Punishment For Stepping Outside Her House, Killing Her The Islamic State (ISIS) never runs out of new ways to shock the world with its savagery and cruelty. The terrorist group recently re-introduced a new tool to torture and kill people. It's called the "Biter," a medieval metallic torturing device that rips apart the flesh of its victims, The Christian Post reported. A 10-year-old girl in Mosul named Faten became the Biter's latest victim after the ISIS "morality police," called the Hisbah, arrested her for the "crime" of stepping outside the boundary of her family's house while doing some house chores in Mosul, according to the Daily Mail. The ISIS is known to follow a strict implementation of Sharia law. One of the forbidden acts is for a woman, even a girl, to step outside her family's home, even at an extremely short distance, unaccompanied by her father, husband, or a male relative. After the girl was caught, the Hisbah police talked to her mother, telling her that one of them had to be punished, the Russian news outlet Sputnik reported. Believing that the punishment would not be that severe, the mother elected to have her daughter take it. The all-female ISIS al-Khansa brigade then produced the Biter torture device, whose sharp metallic jaws were even doused with poison. The device tore the girl's flesh, causing her to suffer excruciating pain as she bled to death, a witness said. This was not the first time that the ISIS used the Biter to punish women accused of violating Islamist law. In December 2014, the Syrian media activist website Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported how the ISIS police used the Biter to punish a 24-year-old mother who was found breastfeeding in public, according to the Daily Mail. Fortunately, the mother survived her punishment unlike Faten. However, the woman suffered extreme pain and was badly injured when her torturer placed the object with "a lot of teeth" on her chest and pressed it hard. The ISIS used the Biter again in February 2016 when a woman who escaped from Mosul and fled to Kurdistan told The Independent that her sister was also victimized by that torture device. The woman said her sister was punished just for the "crime" of forgetting to wear her gloves in public. Mobster Finds Jesus In Prison, Becomes A Pastor Preaching God's Word To Ex-Yakuza Gangsters In Japan No oneno matter how dark one's past wasis beyond redemption. This biblical truth has once again emerged, this time in Japan where a former yakuza mobster now finds himself as a well respected "sensei," the Japanese word for pastor or wise teacher. Tatsuya Shindo has tattoos all over his body and a missing pinkie finger to remind himself and other people of his unsavoury past. But when he walks inside June Bride, a former bar and karaoke club converted into a church in Saitama Prefecture on the outskirts of Tokyo, "electricity fills the room," CNN reported. The 44-year-old pastor preaches with such intensity to his congregation of around 100 people that he seems to pulsate with "energy from above," according to the news outlet. Some of his parishioners are just like himformer gangsters who have seen the light and embraced Jesus. "Before, we were in rival gangs, firing guns," he said in a recent sermon. "Now, we're praising the same God." Shindo told CNN that starting at age 22, he had been arrested seven times and imprisoned three times. He said he was also a former drug addict. His transformation came when he began to read the Bible while in solitary confinement. He said God's Word softened his heart and enlightened his mind as Jesus vanished the darkness inside him. He said he began to develop an insatiable hunger for God's Word. When he left prison for the last time, he vowed to dedicate his life to spreading the gospel. With the blessings of his mother, he converted the karaoke bar owned by his parents into a church, which is now teeming with worshippers. Shindo is just one of many people with dark past who eventually turned to the light held by Christ. In January, a high-ranking leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group reportedly became a follower of Christ after he met a Christian missionary whom he had earlier planned to kill. Meeting the ISIS leader named Muhammad (not his real name), Peter (not his real name), a ministry worker from the Leading the Way ministry of Dr. Michael Youssef, shared with him the gospel, specifically about the love of God through Jesus Christ and his offer of salvation to those who believe. Despite his Islamist extremist belief, Muhammad was touched by what Peter said and decided not to kill him. God then appeared to Muhammad in a dream, convincing him to turn away from Islam and follow Jesus instead. North Korea Missile Launch Tests Trump North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea early on Sunday, the first such test since US President Donald Trump was elected. The White House indicated that Washington would have a calibrated response to avoid escalating tensions. The test was likely to have been of an intermediate-range Musudan-class missile that landed in the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea's military, not an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which the North has said it could test at any time. The launch marks the first test of Trump's vow to get tough on an isolated North Korean regime that last year tested nuclear devices and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate in violation of United Nations resolutions. A US official said the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in response, but these would be calibrated to show US resolve while avoiding escalation. The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting Trump's previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This was no surprise," the official said. "The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this." The latest test comes a day after Trump held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and also follows Trump's phone call last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I just want everybody to understand, and fully know, that the United States of America is behind Japan, our great ally, 100 per cent," Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, speaking alongside Abe. He made no further comments. Abe called the launch "absolutely intolerable" and said North Korea must comply with UN Security Council resolutions. China is North Korea's main ally but has been frustrated by Pyongyang's repeated provocations, although it bristles at pressure from Washington and Seoul to curb the North and its young leader, Kim Jong Un. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump and his aides are likely to weigh a series of possible responses, including new US sanctions to tighten financial controls, an increase in naval and air assets in and around the Korean peninsula and accelerated installation of new missile defense systems in South Korea, the administration official said. But the official said that given that the missile was believed not to have been an ICBM and that Pyongyang had not carried out a new nuclear explosion, any response will seek to avoid ratcheting up tensions. Trump has pledged a more assertive approach to North Korea but given no clear sign of how his policy would differ from Obama's so-called strategic patience. In January, Trump tweeted "It won't happen!" after Kim said the North was close to testing an ICBM, but his aides never explained how he would do so. The missile was launched from an area called Panghyon in North Korea's western region just before 8 am (2300 GMT Saturday) and flew about 500 km (300 miles), the South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. "Our assessment is that it is part of a show of force in response to the new US administration's hardline position against the North," the office said in a statement. A South Korean military source said the missile reached an altitude of about 550 km. While Seoul initially said the missile was probably a medium-range Rodong, it later said the launch was likely of a Musudan, which is designed to fly up to 3,000-4,000 km. The North attempted eight Musudan launches last year. Only one of those launches - of a missile that flew 400 km (250 miles) in June - was considered a success by officials and experts in South Korea and the United States. Kim said in his New Year speech that the country was close to test-launching an ICBM and state media have said such a launch could come at any time. The comments prompted a vow of an "overwhelming" response from US Defense Secretary James Mattis when he traveled to South Korea earlier this month. Once fully developed, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 9,000 km (5,500 miles) from North Korea. ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,500 km (3,400 miles), but some are designed to travel 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or more. North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile-related tests last year and was seen by experts and officials to be making progress in its weapons capabilities, although until Sunday no ballistic missile launch attempt had been detected since October. Its repeated missile launches prompted Washington and Seoul to agree to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile battery in South Korea later this year, which is strongly opposed by Beijing, which worries the system's powerful radar undermines its own security. Sunday's launch comes at an awkward time for South Korea, where President Park Geun-hye has been stripped of her powers after a December parliamentary vote to impeach her. Her fate will be decided by the Constitutional Court, which is hearing arguments on whether to uphold or overturn the impeachment. Thousands Urged To Vote Muslim And Against Christian In Jakarta Thousands of Indonesians gathered on Saturday at a mosque in central Jakarta, where religious leaders urged them to support a Muslim candidate during next week's contentious election to select the capital's governor. Millions of Jakarta residents head to the polls on Wednesday to pick the next governor of the sprawling city, in a contest analysts say has shaped as a proxy fight ahead of a presidential election in 2019. Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population but recognizes six religions and is home to hundreds of ethnic groups and adherents of traditional beliefs. In Jakarta, the Christian and ethnic Chinese incumbent, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, faces two Muslim contenders - Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, the son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and former education minister Anies Baswedan. Purnama is in the extraordinary situation of campaigning for election while he is on trial for blasphemy, making weekly court appearances to defend himself against charges of insulting the Muslim holy book, the Koran. "On February 15, we are happy to vote for a Muslim leader," one speaker, Maulana Kamal Yusuf, told a crowd of men and women in white robes who had poured into the vast Istiqlal mosque from the early hours for mass prayers. "Jakarta will be led by a Muslim leader who submits to the will of Allah," he added, urging his listeners to choose Yudhoyono or Baswedan. "Jakarta will be a religious city." Security around the mosque was tight, with armed military and police officers standing guard. Saturday is the last day before a 'quiet period' in which candidates and their supporters are barred from canvassing for votes. Yusuf also asked his audience to support Habib Rizieq, the head of hardline Muslim group Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), who has been reported to the police for allegedly insulting the state ideology, Pancasila, and state symbols. The allegations against Rizieq "go against justice," a senior official of the group has previously said. Muslim groups led by FPI have held rallies demanding that Purnama be jailed for the alleged insult, a sensitive topic in a country where the population of 250 million is mostly Muslim and Chinese-Indonesians officially make up just over 1 percent. One of the biggest rallies in November last year was attended by hundreds of thousands. Dear Abby: My boss wants to do a day of community service with the staff to help others and improve relationships in the workplace. I thought it was a great idea; a lot of my co-workers were unsure and wanted more information about what specifically we would do. My boss said she would get more information and send it out to us. However, a few of my co-workers are outright opposed to the idea and think they shouldn't be required to do it. A year ago when this came up, one of them said they shouldn't have to give up their free time. I think it's wrong to turn down a chance to help others when they are able. What should I do to make sure my boss's intentions are understood while not being off-putting or appearing holier-than-thou? Bleeding Heart Dear Bleeding Heart: The person who should be making her intentions clear is your boss. It should not be your responsibility. Frankly, I can see both sides of this question. Some companies do this not only to "do good," but also to build goodwill in the community and team spirit in the office. Usually, participation is voluntary. Dear Abby: My boyfriend and I have been together for two years. He's eight years younger than I am. We have a great relationship except for our worldviews. While I am liberal, he is very racist. When the subject comes up, our conversations can become very heated. I believe everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, but both of us have a hard time validating our opinions for each other. My boyfriend never directs his racist comments toward anyone in particular, but it's hard for me not to take it that way. One of my best friends is African-American, and my son is currently dating someone who is biracial. How do we agree to disagree without anyone being upset or hurt in the end? Open-Minded in Indianapolis Dear Open-Minded: After two years of togetherness, your boyfriend knows full well that one of your best friends is African-American and that your son is dating someone who is biracial. You may never be able to broaden his mindset, but the next time he makes a racist remark, if you haven't already, tell him you don't want to hear it because it makes you uncomfortable. Make sure he understands that if he says anything that could possibly hurt your friend or your son, the romance will be history. P.S. You must be desperate for companionship to have tolerated this for two years. DearAbby.comDear AbbyP.O. Box 69440Los Angeles, CA 90069Universal Press Syndicate This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Photography is taken to another level as more advanced technology is developed - technology including drones. Chinese tech firm DJI specializes in drone and aerial photography and they have begun SkyPixel Photo Contest, an annual submission competition for artists around the world to participate in. BIRD'S EYE: Aerial video of Houston's January floods captures severity of storms Last year's competition included a Texan in Lubbock who captured an astonishing photo of a thunderstorm rolling into the college town. The cloud formation photographer Darin Kuntz obtained in his drone photography looks much like a mushroom cloud from an atomic bomb. SkyPixel / Darin Kuntz To see more of the beautiful photography highlighted by SkyPixel as their best submissions, click through the gallery above. SkyPixel's goal in the competition is to highlight the incredible work "dronies" (the nickname for drone photographers) are able to achieve with DJI's technologies. "Through this competition, we aim to show the world why aerial imaging is the next evolution of photographic art, and highlight new talents found on SkyPixel," the website says about the contest details. TEXAS OVERFLOWING: Google Earth aerial photos show just how flooded Texas was in April 2016 The grand prize winner of 2016 won prizes worth over $5,000, which included a new DJI drone, an Epson printer and other tech prizes from DJI. The company plans to continue their annual photo contest and more information on the photo contest can be found here. At least 65 entries are already saddled up for a Downtown Conroe tradition. The 52nd Annual Go Texan Parade will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in downtown Conroe. The "Ropin' in Dollars for Scholars" themed parade will be presented by Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Houston Metro Go Texan Committee, Conroe/Willis/The Woodlands Subcommittee, and Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce in an effort to promote the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and raise money for Montgomery County students' scholarships. There's still time to enter into the parade which on average sees about 80-100 floats during nonelection years and 140-150 entries on election years, according to Go Texan Parade Chairman Will Evans, who said the committee plans to announce supporting organizations to provide credit and make the event more personable. This year will also feature two Grand Marshals, who are both residents and longtime Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Volunteers: Barbara Ann "Babs" Causey and Trudie M. Underwood. Evans hopes the community will turn out to support the historical heritage, support the kids, get involved, and take pride in the Go Texan tradition. "Kids will work on these floats months at a time," he said. "It's nice to see someone come out and show appreciation." The downtown Conroe route will once again start and stop on Metcalf Street close to North Frazier Street. For those interested in participating, commercial entries (no donative value) is $50 for the first vehicle with one additional vehicle at $10. Political entries (no donative value) is $100 for one vehicle only. The fee is waived for elected officials currently not running for office. There is no fee for the nonprofit/youth entry. Entry classifications include horses, marching/walking, judged float and other. Judged floats shall be deemed a vehicle on which the frame or platform shall not be less than 8 x 12 ft. completely decorated, including the sides and ends thereof, and any object thereof, and completely concealing the wheels of the vehicle, according to the parade committee. Floats should bear the name of the underwriter and the theme depicted. Check or money orders should be made payable to Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with entry no later than 4 p.m. Feb. 17. Please return entry forms to the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 2347, Conroe, TX 77305 or their physical address at 505 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX 77301. For more information, call 936-756-6644 or email courtneyg@conroe.org. Go Texan 5K Run/Walk The Go Texan Stampede 5K/Run and Walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 25 at Heritage Place Park at 500 Collins St. in Conroe. Entry fees are $25 before Jan. 31 and $30 before Feb. 17. Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers. "We always promote crossing the finish line in boots," Evans said. "Some of the people run with the boots on their back until the last quarter mile and then put on the boots. That's kind of funny to watch." Registrations are due by Feb. 17. Information packets are available for pick-up at the Chamber of Commerce at 505 W. Davis Street in Conroe from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 21-24. To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/27222174256 or contact the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce at 936-756-6644 or www.conroe.org, or mail the completed form to the Chamber of Commerce, 505 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX 77301. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed nearly $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit www.rodeohouston.com. 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. Hundreds of undocumented immigrants arrested in at least 6 U.S. states (Xinhua) 09:24, February 12, 2017 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detain a suspect as they conduct a targeted enforcement operation in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on February 7, 2017. Picture taken on February 7, 2017. (Courtesy Charles Reed/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via REUTERS) Hundreds of undocumented immigrants from a dozen Latin American countries have been arrested in at least six U.S. states this week, following President Donald Trump's executive order to broaden the scope of immigration enforcement targets. They were netted in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials confirmed Saturday. Among them 161 arrests were made in Los Angeles and some 200 in Atlanta, said local media reports. The authorities didn't reveal the total number of the arrests. Gillian Christensen, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, said the crackdown was part of "routine" immigration enforcement actions. A majority of those detained were serious criminals, including some who were convicted of murder and domestic violence, she said. "We're talking about people who are threats to public safety or a threat to the integrity of the immigration system," she said. However, a Washington Post report said some of the detained are without criminal records, calling it the first large-scale crackdown under the Trump administration. On Jan. 25, Trump issued an executive order ending the previous "catch and release" policy. Under the new order, the immigration enforcement are allowed to target undocumented immigrants with minor offenses or no convictions. Immigration officials acknowledged that as a result of Trump's executive order, authorities had cast a wider net than they would have last year, said the report. The Obama administration has also pursued a more aggressive deportation policy than any previous presidents, sending over 400,000 people back to their birth countries in 2012. However, in his second term, Obama prioritized convicted criminals for deportation. On the 2016 campaign trail, Trump pledged to deport two to three million undocumented immigrants with criminal records. There are estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living across the United States. 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. Photo provided by Ren Lili (alias) to Beijing Times shows Xie Feng (alias), the man who was beaten at Vietnam border. [Photo: Beijing Times] A Chinese man's pre-wedding photo-shoot turned into a nightmare after as he was beaten by Vietnamese frontier officers, the Beijing Times is reporting. The paper says 28-year-old Xie Feng (alias) was left with soft tissue damage and four broken ribs on February 7, as he was returning to China through the port in Mong Cai with his mother and fiancee, after a trip to Vietnam to shoot wedding photos. Ren Lili (alias), Xie Feng's fiancee, told Beijing Times that the three of them handed over 330 yuan (about 48 USD) in total to frontier inspection staff and a security guard, as they entered Mong Cai port on January 25. Photo provided by Ren Lili (alias) to Beijing Times shows Xie Feng (alias), the man who was beaten at Vietnam border. [Photo: Beijing Times] However, on their return trip, Xie had been told by a friend that he didn't need to hand over any money. Then he turned around and started to head out of the customs hall. Ren said he was about to make a phone call to his friend as he wanted to check if that was true. "Then a woman who was asking for money started shouting something in Vietnamese, and seven or eight frontier officers rushed over to beat him," Ren said. Xie was handcuffed and brought back to the customs hall by force. The officers bound his feet and took him to an office on the second floor where they continued to beat him, Ren said. Their passports were also taken away, she said. Photo provided by Ren Lili (alias) to Beijing Times shows the woman who asked for money from the three Chinese at Vietnam border. [Photo: Beijing Times] Eventually, they put an exit stamp on Ren's passport and allowed her to leave. Once she arrived on the Chinese side she turned to the Chinese frontier officers for help. Xie and his mother were then allowed to leave with the help of Chinese frontier officers, and Xie was rushed to hospital. Ren also made contact with the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam and called the police during the incident. Photo provided by Ren Lili (alias) to Beijing Times shows a group of Vietnamese frontier officers. [Photo: Beijing Times] The China Embassy in Vietnam told Beijing Times that they had received a call about the incident at the time it happened, and lodged solemn representations with Vietnam's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Beijing Times reported. The Embassy said the incident was "shocking" and they were "indignant"; they said they had asked the Vietnam side to investigate the case thoroughly and severely punish those who were involved in the attack in accordance with the law, according to Beijing Times. 12DARCY-TRAVELBAN.jpg President Trump hinted to reporters on Air Force One that a new, revised Executive Order on Immigration could soon be issued. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Friday, on Air Force One, President Trump told reporters a new Executive Order, relating to the travel ban from 7 predominantly Muslim countries, could be issued as earlier as Monday. It would be wise for the administration to rework the original order to pass legal muster, if that's possible. Four Federal Judges blocked the original order from being enforced, all on the same grounds. Two of those Judges were appointed by Republican presidents. The odds do not look good for the Trump administration winning future legal fights with the order remaining in its current form. At least one objection raised by all the judges should be an easy fix. The Trump administration needs to draft an order that explicitly excludes green card holders, permanent residents and those who already have visas after having gone through extensive vetting. A bigger judicial objection to overcome is the Trump team's claim that refugees and immigrants from the seven countries present an immediate security danger to the US. Department of Justice lawyers were unable to make a sound case for that to the judges. The 9/11 attackers came from Saudi Arabia. Terrorists in recent European attacks came from France, Belgium and Germany. Recent domestic attacks in the US were carried out by ISIS inspired lone wolfs who were American citizens. The Pulse Nightclub shooter was born in New York City. Even before the travel ban order was issued, it takes an average of two years for someone coming from the 7 countries listed to be fully vetted. Many have been approved after that time, but many have also been rejected. It's been argued that the Trump travel ban, as written, makes the U.S. less secure, not more secure. It hands the terrorists a powerful propaganda tool. It makes it harder for moderate Muslims to help US forces. It increases the pressures on good US friends in the region like Jordan. It increases the targets on their backs and the backs of all US soldiers and citizens. There have been two good outcomes of the court rulings. They show the "checks and balances" the founding fathers wrote into the U.S. Constitution are in fact working. It shows the Judicial Branch is in fact separate and equal to the Executive Branch, and not just some twig. The other good outcome of the rulings, is that if the EO is revised, this time the Director of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State,DOJ, Congressional leaders and other pertinent individuals who were left out of the loop on the original EO, will now be fully apprised. It's being reported that the new extreme vetting measures imposed by Homeland Security may included requesting the social media accounts/addresses of applicants. Maybe not a bad idea. US employers already have been known to vet the social media accounts of job applicants. Male green card and visa applicants would be well advised to wear extra long red ties and slick their hair back like Don Jr. and Eric Trump. Female applicants should wear Ivanka Trump apparel or at least say their "American Dream" would be to buy Ivanka apparel. The Pledge of Allegiance will soon be rewritten to include a pledge not to watch "Saturday Night Live" and not shop at stores that don't sell Trump brands. 59th Annual Grammy Awards - Red Carpet Roll Out Seating placards for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards appear inside the Staples Center on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, The Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, Feb. 12. (Matt Sayles) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a Northeast Ohio teenager will be sharing the same arena as Beyonce, Adele and other stars at tonight's 59th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony at the Staples Center. Jane Finley, a 14-year-old from Bay Village, and her family has been granted the wish of attending this year's ceremony. Finley is battling Hodgkin's lymphoma and has been undergoing treatment at Cleveland's Clinic Children's, according to Make-A-Wish's Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana chapter. A press release reads: "Battling Hodgkin's lymphoma, Jane is undergoing treatment at Cleveland Clinic Children's. She is happiest while singing, acting and reading about her favorite celebrities in glossy magazines. Her surprise reaction to learning her wish would be granted drew excitement and tears..." You can see footage of Finley learning her wish had been granted, below: The moment 14-year-old Jane found out her wish to go to the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs is going to be granted. Get the tissues ready! Posted by Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana on Monday, December 5, 2016 The Grammys air tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS. Make-A-Wish will be documenting Finley's journey throughout the night on its Instagram page. kasich.jpg Joseph Testa, Ohio's tax commissioner, argues that Governor John Kasich's tax cuts will benefit businesses and consumers. (Lisa DeJong/Plain Dealer/file photo) Joseph Testa is Ohio's tax commissioner. Guest columnist Joseph W. Testa was appointed Ohio Tax Commissioner by Governor John Kasich in January 2011. He is the 18th tax commissioner to lead the Ohio Department of Taxation. Testa has more than 30 years of public service, including 25 years as an elected official in Franklin County. He served as Franklin County Recorder for seven years and County Auditor for 17 years. "The times, they are a-changing" - a true adage in just about every aspect of our lives, even in a seemingly inflexible business like mine, which is taxes. Yes, times change even for taxes, and those changes -- specifically state tax cuts over the past six years -- have benefited every Ohioan just as it's contributed to an improved business climate for those who create jobs in Ohio. We can see the results. Over the past year, our state has been highly ranked by a number of encouraging national surveys that spotlight our strong, business-friendly environment for job creation and economic success. For example, Chief Executive magazine ranked Ohio among "America's Top 10 Best States for Business for 2016," a leap of 34 spots since 2010. As a result of this improved business climate, Ohio has created 450,000 new private-sector jobs since 2011. That time span reflects a period when Ohio removed the income tax for many small businesses, eliminated the estate tax or death tax, adopted an earned income tax credit to help lower-income taxpayers and reduced overall income tax rates for Ohio workers by more than 16 percent. Summing up, Gov. John Kasich and the General Assembly have worked to restrain the size of government and let Ohioans keep more of their hard-earned money at every turn, instead of growing the size of state government. In all, more than $5 billion has been returned to Ohio taxpayers through tax cuts. And Gov. Kasich wants to do more. The governor's two-year budget, which he recently proposed to legislators, continues to make tax reform a priority to keep Ohio competitive for job growth. He is pushing to simplify the state's tax system by reducing the number of tax brackets from nine to five. His budget also provides additional tax relief for low- and middle-income families. In fact, as a result of these changes, some 350,000 more lower-income Ohioans will pay no state income tax at all, and all Ohio workers will receive an overall tax reduction. Definitely, with these and earlier Kasich reforms, times are getting better, but Ohio must continue to find ways to make our tax code easier on Ohioans' pocketbooks and friendlier to job creation. That's why the governor has proposed moving away from a heavy reliance on income tax to more of a consumption-based model where Ohioans have more control over how they are taxed. It's a philosophy that's supported by many of the nation's top economists, who agree that not all forms of taxation are created equal and some are more harmful to job creation. While Gov. Kasich's budget proposal increases taxes in some areas to order to drive down the income tax, taken as a whole, it produces an overall tax reduction of $39 million. There is one final tax reform measure the governor is proposing that doesn't have much impact on an individual's taxes, but would result in a much-needed improvement to Ohio's tax climate for businesses. I say "much-needed," because Ohio currently has the most complex and costly local government tax system in the country when it comes to taxing business income. It's all because of the way we apply the municipal tax on net profits. Businesses are obliged to pay this tax to every city in which they earn income. For many companies, that means filing dozens of separate local income tax returns and trying to sort out the differing rules, forms and other requirements of each and every municipality claiming taxes. This bureaucratic nightmare can cost businesses more in time and resources to file than the actual taxes owed. The governor is proposing to centralize the filing system for this tax at the state level. Businesses would file one form, in one place, and the state would send the money back to the appropriate city and village. Municipalities would retain control over rates and tax credits, while ending up with an estimated $9 million more every year because the state would administer the tax at considerably lower cost than under the existing scheme. Given time, Gov. Kasich's tax proposals will save businesses time, money and frustration. And every Ohio taxpayer will come out ahead. That's more change for the better. Editor's note: This version was substituted for the prior version at 7:45 p.m. at the request of a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Taxation, who said that, through miscommunication, the wrong version of the op-ed inadvertently had been submitted. Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts, and stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Notification Settings (in blue) just below. Readers are invited to submit Opinion page essays on topics of regional or general interest. Send your 500-word essay for consideration to Linda Kinsey at lkinsey@cleveland.com. Essays must also include a brief bio and headshot of the writer. Essays rebutting today's topics are also welcome. Donald Trump In this March 14, 2016 file photo, Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump holds a plane-side rally in a hanger at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in Vienna, Ohio. (Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press) WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Donald Trump will make one of his first presidential trips to Ohio on Thursday, where he plans to sign legislation and deliver a speech. The Vindicator of Youngstown reported that Trump will visit Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in Trumbull County's Vienna to sign a bill that reversed an Obama Administration "Stream Protection Rule" intended to keep coal mines from dumping waste into streams. That legislation was sponsored by Marietta GOP Rep. Bill Johnson, who described the rule as "the centerpiece of the Obama Administration's War on Coal" and said it "would jeopardize thousands of coal jobs, and put a majority of our country's coal reserves off limits." Niles-area Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan said overturning the rule " will do nothing to reverse the decline of the coal industry, which has been hurt by the lower cost natural gas discoveries in our region." He said the law Trump will sign is bad for health, the environment, and sportsmen who rely on pristine streams for hunting and fishing. Trump visited Ohio more than a dozen times during his presidential campaign. The state's voters backed him by a 51.7 percent margin, compared with a 43.6 percent tally for Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump's first stop on a December "Thank You tour" to thank his campaign supporters was in Ohio. On the campaign trail, Trump said Clinton and Obama were engaged in a "War on Coal" and that he would "save the coal industry and other industries threatened by Hillary Clinton's extremist agenda." WASHINGTON -- According to federal law, you must pay payroll taxes on all employees you hire. This includes household workers. Stating the obvious? Then consider the matter of President Donald Trump's nominee for labor secretary, Andrew Puzder, who failed to pay taxes on a maid he hired. She happened to be an undocumented immigrant. Puzder has said that when he learned about her immigration status, he went back and paid the taxes. But that raises a question posed by labor-rights activists and ethics watchdogs: If he believed until then that she was authorized to be in the United States, why did he ever think he didn't have to pay those taxes? "Whether she was documented or undocumented, Mr. Puzder had a legal obligation to pay payroll and other employer taxes," said Christine Owens, executive director of the National Employment Law Project. "Her immigration status makes no difference." Puzder isn't the only Trump Cabinet pick facing such a question. Trump's nominee for budget director, U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney, a Republican from South Carolina, has acknowledged failure to pay more than $15,000 in payroll taxes for a babysitter. Employers, whether corporations or individuals, are obligated by law to pay these taxes, which fund Social Security and Medicare. Mulvaney says he has since made good. Another Trump nominee, Commerce Secretary-designee Wilbur Ross, says he learned recently that he had employed an undocumented household worker. He said he discovered this when preparing for a Senate hearing on his nomination, and he fired the employee. But he said taxes were never an issue because he had always paid them as required. Not the first, but we're talking about labor: It is too soon to know whether any of these lapses will derail the nominees. Ross's lapse appears benign in the context of the others. And Cabinet nominees of Democratic presidents have certainly faced similar scandals. Remember the Clinton-era "Nannygate" and the early withdrawals of two of President Barack Obama's nominees? But for Puzder, the question is more relevant because he is CEO of CKE Restaurant Holdings, the parent corporation over Hardee's and Carl's Jr. fast-food restaurants. This is "a particularly troublesome situation for secretary of labor, and also someone who comes from a business that hires a lot of low wage employees," said Richard Painter, a former chief ethics officer in President George W. Bush's White House. Painter now teaches law at the University of Minnesota. "He apparently did not care enough about the Social Security of his own hired helper to pay the taxes each year," Painter said in an email to cleveland.com. "The question is not just about law compliance but how much he cares about low wage workers, including those whom he himself has employed. When taxes are not paid, it is the worker who suffers in when lower Social Security benefits are paid in retirement. Does he care?" Robert Weissman, president of the watchdog group Public Citizen, said this is just one of the issues that trouble him. "If you look at Puzder, he could be in charge of the worker protection agency," Weissman said in a telephone interview. Yet Puzder "has shown antipathy toward core principles that the Department of Labor is supposed to uphold." The Labor Department has charged CKE and its restaurants with wage violations a number of times, as critics from labor unions and worker rights groups note. But an analysis by Bloomberg BNA found that Hardee's and Carl's Jr. had fewer wage and hour violations than their competitors. How this plays out: Will the CEO's personal failure to pay taxes on a household employee prompt "no" votes when his confirmation comes up? A Senate hearing on Puzder has been delayed repeatedly. Mulvaney had hearings before the Senate Budget Committee and Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, both of which approved him along partisan lines. His confirmation could come to the Senate floor as soon as next week. Sen. Rob Portman, an Ohio Republican, has not yet said whether the personal tax issues will be a factor in how he votes for these nominees. Jennifer Donahue, communications director for Sen. Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat already opposing most Trump nominees, said Brown is most interested in the nominees' attitudes and policies that will affect Ohio workers. That suggests Puzder and Mulvaney are unlikely to get Brown's support. Puzder has made comments critical of his own company's workforce, calling fast food workers "the bottom of the pool." "In other words, you're not getting the Microsoft guys," he said in one speech. Mulvaney has called Social Security a "ponzi scheme" that must change, despite Trump's insistence during the election campaign that he would save it from cuts. Mulvaney said recently that a higher Social Security eligibility age should be considered. These views upset Democrats, but Republicans hold a Senate majority. And while failure to pay taxes has caused disruptions in other administrations' nominations, the Trump White House so far has proved to be different. watch now Americans are expected to spend $18.2 billion on Valentine's Day, according to the National Retail Federation. Unfortunately, some of that amount may be diverted by counterfeiters attempting to cash in on that with phony goods. "Valentine's Day is coming up. So you'll see an uptick in counterfeit colognes, perfumes cause those are common gifts," said Jason Molina, an assistant special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigation's New York field office. Counterfeit goods are estimated to bring in $600-$700 billion a year worldwide, according to Molinaand that figure is growing. In fiscal year 2016, the Department of Homeland Security counterfeit good seizures were up 9 percent over the comparable year-ago period. Not only is that money diverted from legitimate business, it can also fund other illicit activities. "Billions of dollars that are made from these items can go to fund terrorist organizations and go fund other criminal elements throughout the world," said Molina. Agents and investigators from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security are on the front lines of trying to stop the phony goods from entering the country. It's the proverbial needle in the haystack, as eleven million shipping containerseach with as many as 2,000 boxesenter the U.S. annually through various ports. Government agents inspect a shipment from China CNBC Recently, CNBC was on site when investigators examined a shipment entering a port in the Metropolitan New York-New Jersey. The entire shipment was believed to contain counterfeit perfumes, tucked away in just one of 3,000 containers that arrive at this hub daily. With so many containers arriving each day, investigators say it's impossible to check each one. If CPB attempted to check every shipment, they say it could potentially grind economic activity to a halt. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimates that total North American freight activity is worth billions a year. "We want to try to facilitate the legitimate cargo from coming into the country, and concentrate on the small percentage of volatile merchandise," said Al D'Onofrio, a CPB inspections chief. Agents rely on what they call a risk based approach, checking the containers they think could be the most dangerous. One way to filter shipments is by manifests, which are filed before the containers arrive. A government agent inspecting a shipment finds a bottle of what is believed to be counterfeit Chanel perfume. CNBC The International Monetary Fund's Christine Lagarde is one of this year's attendees of the Bilderberg Meetings. International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Christine Lagarde on Sunday urged financial regulators not to undo the framework put in place after the 2008 financial crisis, insisting that supervision of big banks should not be loosened and governments must prevent another meltdown. Lagarde told attendees at the World Government Summit in Dubai that the fund was "mindful" of President Donald Trump's attempts to roll back the Dodd-Frank Act, a regulatory reaction to the worldwide financial pandemic triggered by the housing market downturn. Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order, directing the Treasury secretary to submit recommendations within 120 days for changes to the financial system regulations enacted under the 2010 law. The president argued that the policy is holding back the economy and stopping businesses borrowing money. Lagarde, however, urged regulators not to let banks "do whatever they please." She called for authorities to have the right "buffers" in place in case of another shock to the financial system. "I'm going to be very mindful of where international financial regulation goes. It's very important," Lagarde said in Dubai. Regulators "have a responsibility." The IMF chief did not comment specifically about the pros and cons of the law, but said that the fund would be monitoring Trump's attempts to rework regulation. Dodd-Frank legislation marked one of the biggest reforms in history to the financial sector. Under Trump, it's unclear what part, if any, of the law his administration will be able to roll back or reform. Democrats, as well as some U.S. policy makers, have warned against tinkering with certain parts of the act. "I don't think Dodd-Frank as a whole is going to be repealed, but there may be some adjustments to it," U.S. Federal Reserve Vice Chair Stanley Fischer said on Saturday. "Significantly reducing capital requirements would reduce the safety of the system," Fischer said, speaking of the rule that banks hold a certain amount of assets in the event of an economic emergency. "I certainly hope it's not going to happen." Some politicians including one of the law's chief architects said it could do with some reforms, but killing it would be a mistake. "Yes, there are a couple of particular things where we could tighten it up, but the assault on the major set of plans is greatly mistaken," former Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass, told CNBC in a recent interview. Lagarde also said that new financial technology, or fintech, could have an impact in relation to regulation. She said that monetary authorities have a "special responsibility" to monitor developments in this area. "Because of the fintech that are activating all over the place we need to be particularly mindful in that regard because regulations," Lagarde said. The market will be "full of opportunities and risks in the financial sector.' - CNBC's Saheli Roy Choudhury contributed to this report Two US students learn about TCM at a traditional Chinese medical hospital in Liaocheng, Shandong province. [Photo provided to China Daily] China's trade in medical products grew by 7 percent in 2016, and the segment drove overall trade as well, a key industry body said on Friday. The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products said higher imports show robust demand in the domestic market, suggesting significant growth potential. "The export and import of medicines and health products in China have stepped into a low-growth rate period, under a declining overseas demand and fierce price competition," said Xu Ming, vice-president of the chamber. "With an overall downward pressure on exports, the foreign trade in medicine and healthcare products has achieved a relatively good performance." Also, according to the General Administration of Customs data, although China's exports of medicines and health products in 2016 fell 2 percent from the 2015 level to $55.4 billion, imports were worth $48 billion, up nearly 4 percent, thus brightening the net trade figure. But, the export of traditional Chinese medicine or TCM products saw an overall decline. The drop was due to the slide in exports of essential oil plant extracts. Besides, very few TCM products get registered in Europe, and hence cannot be sold there, the chamber said. "It's critical for more TCM doctors to go abroad, and prescribe their products. Without prescriptions, TCM exports won't increase," Xu said. On the other hand, China saw a significant increase in its export of preparations to developed markets such as Europe, the United States and Japan. In particular, exports of preparations to the US reached $295 million last year, up 40 percent year-on-year. Last year, Chinese drug companies expanded overseas through mergers and acquisitions, and exported their products. Gao Yue, a medicine analyst at Haitong Securities Ltd, said Chinese enterprises have to comprehensively and deeply understand the rules of medicine markets overseas to better organize their operations. North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea early on Sunday, the first such test since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected, and his administration indicated that Washington would have a calibrated response to avoid escalating tensions. The test was of a medium- or intermediate-range missile that landed in the Sea of Japan, according to the U.S. defence department, not an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which the North has said it could test at any time. The launch marks the first test of Trump's vow to get tough on an isolated North Korean regime that last year tested nuclear devices and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate in violation of United Nations resolutions. A U.S. official said the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in response, but these would be calibrated to show U.S. resolve while avoiding escalation. The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting Trump's previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This was no surprise," the official said. "The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this." The latest test comes a day after Trump held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and also follows Trump's phone call last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I just want everybody to understand, and fully know, that the United States of America is behind Japan, our great ally, 100 percent," Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, speaking alongside Abe. He made no further comments. Abe called the launch "absolutely intolerable" and said North Korea must comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. China is North Korea's main ally but has been frustrated by Pyongyang's repeated provocations, although it bristles at pressure from Washington and Seoul to curb the North and its young leader, Kim Jong Un. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump and his aides are likely to weigh a series of possible responses, including new U.S. sanctions to tighten financial controls, an increase in naval and air assets in and around the Korean peninsula and accelerated installation of new missile defense systems in South Korea, the administration official said. But the official said that given that the missile was believed not to have been an ICBM and that Pyongyang had not carried out a new nuclear explosion, any response will seek to avoid ratcheting up tensions. "It won't happen" Trump has pledged a more assertive approach to North Korea but given no clear sign of how his policy would differ from Obama's so-called strategic patience. In January, Trump tweeted "It won't happen!" after Kim said the North was close to testing an ICBM, but his aides never explained how he would do so. Schwab said that globalization has created a "new economic equation" in which labor prices have fallen while those who have capital have benefited. He said the U.S. elections highlighted the "anger of people against globalization and against the elites which they feel have benefited." The man behind the annual gathering of elites in the Swiss mountain retreat of Davos outlined why he believed that led to events such as the election of U.S. President Donald Trump and Britain's exit from the European Union. World citizens are going through an "identity crisis," leading to some of the political upheaval seen across the globe, World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab said on Sunday, addressing the rise of the anti-globalization sentiment. "I would argue, that many people -- with the fast change, which they cannot anymore digest and the complexity of the world many people are going through an identity crisis," Schwab told an audience at the annual World Government Summit in Dubai. "They ask themselves, 'what is the purpose of my life in such a world. What is the purpose if I'm a worker somewhere in mid-America and I have to be afraid of my workplace?'" Schwab spoke about the "Fourth Industrial Revolution", a term he coined two years ago at the WEF, relating to the upcoming changes caused by technology, such as artificial intelligence. The threat to jobs has created a new class of people called the "precariat," which Schwab described as people in a "precarious situation," unsure of how they may survive as they get older. "We do not know how the world really will look like. We know we are in a very emotionalized way; there is emotional turmoil in the world," Schwab said. "Facts do not anymore count, fake news may become more important than reality. So how do we address those realities?" The WEF founder outlined how he thinks the current world identity crisis can be resolved: The U.S. is seeing a "revolution against the system" so governments need to be rebuilt to put "human beings at the center" Nationalism and globalization don't have to be contradictory and countries can have both a national and global identity. He said countries should not shy away from globalization Humankind can actually use artificial intelligence to "humanize roboticization," but the world needs to move away from the "fear of the future" and embrace new technology "Governments have to create a balance between being responsible and accountable to their own populations but they also have to address global challenges," Schwab said. "I am worried, as we all are, about the outcome of some of these elections," Lagarde told an audience at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Sunday. After the shock results of Brexit and Donald Trump becoming U.S. President, the international community is bracing itself for any result. Major countries across Europe including Germany, France and the Netherlands will hold elections, creating uncertainty about the future state of the European Union (EU). International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde has expressed concern over the flurry of upcoming elections in Europe, set against a backdrop of rising support for populist parties. But the IMF head said that the election of any populist candidates might not necessarily be completely negative. She used the election of Matteo Renzi as Italian Prime Minister in 2014, and of Alexis Tsipras in Greece in 2015, as examples. "Remember when Matteo Renzi was elected, everyone thought 'oh my god, what is going to happen with this maverick?'" said Lagarde, adding that when Renzi's administration begun, there was "not much mavericking" that had taken place. In regards to Tsipras, Lagarde said that it has been "difficult" and "laborious" dealing with Greece but "changes are taking place". Greece is now on a third bailout program worth 86 billion euros ($92 billion). But there is an impasse between the country, the EU and the IMF over the implementation of austerity measures. The IMF and Greece have had a rocky relationship over the past few years. On Friday, George Katrougalos, the Greek alternative foreign minister for EU affairs, told CNBC that the country is under pressure from the IMF to overcome the impasse. Lagarde also addressed the election of President Trump, saying it's hard to tell so far from his short time in power, whether fears over the kind of policies he promised to enact would actually happen. "I have not seen enough of the reality to actually compare the assumptions, the fears to the reality of it," Lagarde said. Respect for diversity will be "required like never before" and could help solve Japan's problems of a low birth rate and aging population, the country's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Sunday, just hours after meeting President Donald Trump. Speaking via video link to an audience at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Abe said that Japan is trying to boost the role of women and the elderly in society. "Respect for diversity will be required like never before," Abe said. "Our challenge is to create new economic and social system that includes the active participation of women and promotion of employment opportunities to the elderly where women and the elderly can maximize their hidden potential." South Korea's special prosecutor said it would again summon Samsung Group scion Jay Y. Lee on Monday to question him on suspicion of bribery, as it investigates a graft scandal that has engulfed the country's president. Last month, special prosecution officials questioned 48-year-old Lee for more than 22 hours straight, but a court rejected a warrant to arrest him in the inquiry into a scandal that led parliament to impeach President Park Geun-hye. Lee Kyu-chul, a spokesman for the special prosecutor, told a news briefing the office would decide later, possibly this week, whether to again seek an arrest warrant for Lee after he is questioned on Monday. The special prosecution team would also question two other executives of Samsung, the country's largest conglomerate, on Monday, the spokesman said. The special prosecution had investigated further during the three weeks since the court rejected the earlier application for an arrest warrant, the spokesman added. "We are summoning Jay Y. Lee to check with him on our further findings," Lee, the spokesman, said on Sunday. President Donald Trump, fresh from a round of diplomacy with Japan's prime minister, renewed a feud with billionaire Mark Cuban on Sunday, a familiar foil with whom he's sparred in the past. As the world grappled with North Korea's latest act of aggression firing off a new ballistic missileTrump harangued the outspoken investor in a series of early morning tweets. Along with defending his crackdown on immigration, Trump blasted Cuban as being "not smart enough" to be leader of the free world. Trump tweet The president also took a swipe at recent court decisions that dealt stinging blows to his travel ban, which he insists is necessary for national security purposes. Trump travel ban For his part, Cuban who supported Democratic contender Hillary Clinton in the general electiondismissed the broadside with a simple "LOL". However, Cuban then tweeted an image of a 2016 letter he wrote to Trump, offering him support while imploring him to master the issues he would face as president. Cuban tweet It wasn't immediately clear why Trump lashed out at Cuban, seemingly without provocation, but the two billionaires have a lengthy and checkered history of exchanging trash talk. At the height of the general election, the Dallas Mavericks owner was once approached by a group of dissident Republicans to run as an independent candidate, a move Cuban ultimately ruled out. Trump has made sport of name-calling Cuban on social media, at one point referring to him as "dopey." Cuban often downplays Trump's insults, or responds with thinly veiled criticism. Cuban retort President Donald Trump's anti-globalization sentiments are just a "phase" and will go away, the chairman of Dubai ports operator DP World told CNBC on Sunday. "What Donald Trump wants is fair trade, fair trade versus free trade now," Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said in a TV interview at the World Government Summit in Dubai. "If you look at the U.S. it is open for every product, so for America if American products don't get in easily to China, America will react." He added: "They want fair trade and nobody can object and I think these are legitimate reasons behind what you hear, but none-the-less all these anti-globalization sentiments is going to pass away, it's a phase. "It's a phase where everyone is excited, that's what actually got Donald Trump elected, that feeling that I am losing my job and others are competing with us, unfairly and that is where we are coming from I think everyone is going to abide by the general agreement on trade and tariffs." Peru has been informed by U.S. authorities that they are not planning to keep former Peru President Alejandro Toledo, who is wanted in connection with a corruption probe, from boarding a flight to Israel from California in the coming hours, a source in Peru's Interior Ministry said on Saturday. The U.S. Justice and State Departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment, said it was unclear why the United States did not want to detain Toledo. The government of Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was pressuring for the United States to change its mind, the source said. The dispute threatens to strain relations between the United States and one of its traditional allies in South America. Toledo is booked on an 8 p.m. (0400 GMT) flight from San Francisco to Tel Aviv, the source said. Peru has an extradition treaty with the United States but does not have one with Israel. A judge in Peru issued an international arrest warrant for Toledo Thursday, and the government offered a 100,000 soles ($30,000) reward for any information leading to his capture after he failed to turn himself in to authorities. Peru has said Interpol issued a red alert to 190 member countries to help find him, but Toledo does not appear on its list of wanted persons. Interpol has not responded to requests for comment on Toledo. Prosecutors in Peru allege Toledo took $20 million in bribes from Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht and a judge ruled that he must be jailed for up to 18 months while charges against him are prepared. Toledo, who has earned economics degrees from Stanford University, has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged or convicted of any crimes. Toledo's lawyer said he did not know Toledo's whereabouts and declined further comment. Toledo's wife has Israeli citizenship and Toledo has a long friendship with Israeli businessman Yosef Maiman, who prosecutors accuse of acting as a middleman for at least $10 million in alleged bribes. A former Odebrecht executive has said he personally negotiated the bribes with Toledo in Rio de Janeiro in 2004, prosecutors say. Maiman has not responded to requests for comment. Kuczynski served as finance minister and then prime minister in Toledo's 2001-2006 government, when Peru awarded lucrative highway contracts to Odebrecht. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. Verizon says it will offer unlimited data plans for subscribers, several years after it joined competitors in backing away from bottomless data packages. In a statement, the company said Sunday that with Verizon Unlimited, cellular users would get unlimited data use on smartphones and tablets, in addition to video streaming, hotspot and calls to Mexico and Canada.The plan, which launches on Monday, will cost $80 for unlimited data, calls and texting or $45 per line for four separate lines carrying the same features. There was a catch, however: Verizon added that after 22 GB of data usage on any one line, the company might "prioritize usage behind other customers in the event of network congestion." Verizon also said it will maintain its existing data plans for those who didn't want unlimited data. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.11 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Bulgaria highly appreciates the participation of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR in the market test for capacity allocation of the interconnector Greece Bulgaria (IGB), the newly-appointed Energy Minister of Bulgaria Nikolay Pavlov said in an exclusive interview with Trend. The minister noted that the country considers this as a further proof of the long-term strategic energy partnership between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan. Pavlov reminded that on November 30, 2016 the second bidding phase of the market test for capacity allocation of IGB was completed. "We are satisfied with the outcome of the market test showing increased engagement and growing market interest in the project, and this in turn is a factor for its successful implementation," he said. The minister pointed out that the company responsible for the implementation of the ICGB will continue to provide shippers with conditions for access to the pipeline capacity and an equal and non-discriminatory treatment of all existing and future partners. "The participation of SOCAR in the capacity allocation market test for IGB is an expression of the strong confidence in the development of the project and its key role in the realization of the Southern Gas Corridor," added Pavlov. In addition, this is an expression of the expected development of the gas markets in Bulgaria, South East and Central Europe, i.e. through the diversification of sources and routes of gas supplies, according to the minister. "We highly appreciate the participation of SOCAR in the market test as a further proof of the long-term strategic energy partnership between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan," he added. Azerbaijan Gas International (AGI), a 100-percent subsidiary of SOCAR, applied for pumping Azerbaijani gas through IGB in September 2016. IGB is a gas pipeline, which will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, in particular, the gas produced from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz 2 gas and condensate field. IGB is expected to be connected to the Trans Adriatic pipeline via which gas from the Shah Deniz field will be delivered to the European markets. The initial capacity of IGB will be 3 billion cubic meters of gas. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn The Trump administration is working against an April 10 deadline to delay and alter a controversial Obama-era rule crafted to prevent conflicts of interests when brokers give you retirement advice. The Department of Labor has reportedly requested a 180-day delay and wants to have another round of public comments after President Donald Trump ordered the department to review the regulation on Feb. 3. So what does this mean for retirement savers? Opponents of the rule, which only affects retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k) plan rollovers, say it could limit access to financial advice for ordinary investors. Meanwhile, consumer advocates maintain that the regulation puts clients' interests ahead of their advisors, which can save you money. Many financial firms say they will comply with a fiduciary standard no matter what happens to the regulation. "Though there is a lot of uncertainty now, our firm is committed to fiduciary best practices," said Shelby George, senior vice president of advisor services at Manning & Napier in Fairport, New York. More from Your Money Your Future: The car buyer's guide to Trump's trade war: Buy now or pay more? That '4 percent rule' could spell trouble for early retirees You're responsible for your retirement savings (again). Here's how to deal. She said she expects more financial advisors to offer fee-based advice, provide additional transparency about the fees that they charge clients, and conduct a more rigorous process around the investments they select for clients. For example, LPL Financial, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley are moving ahead with changes they made to comply with regulation. The rule just accelerated trends that were already happening in the asset management and financial advice businesses, said Brian Reid, chief economist for the Investment Company Institute, which represents the mutual fund industry. The ICI has opposed the regulation because it could make guidance more expensive for investors with small account balances. Even without the rule, more brokers are being compensated by fees rather than commissions (see chart below) and more than 80 percent of money going into mutual funds doesn't come with sales charges or marketing fees, Reid said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 12 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 20 times violated the ceasefire in various directions along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry told Trend Feb. 12. The Armenian army was using large-caliber machine guns. Armenian armed forces, located in Dovekh village of Noyemberyan district, in Berkaber village of Ijevan district, in Aygepar, Chinari villages of Berd district and on nameless heights in Krasnoselsk district subjected to fire the positions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces located in Kamarli, Gizilhajili villages of Gazakh district, in Alibayli, Aghbulag villages of Tovuz district and on nameless heights in Gadabay district. The positions of Azerbaijani Armed Forces were also fired from positions of Armenian military units located near the occupied Goyarkh, Chilaburt villages of Tartar district, as well as from positions located on nameless heights in Goranboy, Fuzuli and Jabrayil districts. Adequate response measures have been taken by our units in accordance with the operating conditions. 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. What did Eli Drinkwitz say after Missouri's game vs. Kentucky? Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 12 Trend: Azerbaijani extended serviceman, lance sergeant Fuad Gafarov was killed as a result of shelling the positions of the Azerbaijani army by the Armenian armed forces Feb. 11, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said in a message Feb. 12. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry expresses condolences to the family of the killed serviceman. 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. Error 500 Oopsour servers taking a break while we frantically figure out what went wrong. We apologize for ruining your day. If you keep running into this error, please let us know. WINCHESTER, Ontario On Feb. 11, 2017 at approximately 10:09 a.m., Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a report of a single motor vehicle collision on County Road 3 near North Wing Road, North Dundas Township. Investigation indicated that a Dodge pick-up truck, driven by lone occupant Louise HOOGSTEEN (57) of Russell, Ontario, was southbound on County Road 3 when, for reasons under investigation, she lost control causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and subsequently roll over. Morewood Fire Department attended the scene for extrication purposes. The driver was taken to hospital where she was pronounced deceased. A section of County Road 3 was closed to traffic but has since re-opened. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 12 Trend: Turkmen citizens are actively voting in the Turkmen presidential election at a polling station in Baku, the embassy of Turkmenistan in Azerbaijan said Feb. 12. The polling station #1 opened in the embassy of Turkmenistan at 08:00 (UTC/GMT+4) and will be closed at 19:00 (UTC/GMT+4). All the conditions corresponding to the international standards were ensured there. The Turkmen citizens temporarily and constantly residing in Azerbaijan can vote there. Close The state of Arkansas House panel approved on Thursday the sex-selection abortion ban. House Bills 1428 and 1434 would add regulations for clinics to meet and were written to overcome constitutional challenges. The officials said the ban would have little effect because most of abortions occur before the gender is known. The first bill HB1428 by Rep. Robin Lundstrum, R-Elm Springs, would create more rules for clinics to adhere to. The bill would require the Department of Health to immediately suspend a clinic's license if the agency discovered a violation. The HB1428 bill would require abortions to be performed by a licensed physician. Instead of the regular periodic inspection it would be moved to annual ones, and require inspections to include medical records that include signatures for informed consent and parental consent. NW Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported the state would require collecting an annual $500 fee currently the fee is optional. Arkansas requires parental consent for abortions for minors. Exception is unless a waiver is obtained from a judge. The second bill, HB1434 by Rep. Charlie Collins proposed to ban sex-selection abortion. Collins said the ban was still necessary because things could still change especially with the advances in technology. "What's reasonable today and what's reasonable in the future could be very, very different," Collins said to his colleagues on the House Public Health Committee. New Jersey Herald reported Guttmacher Institue research center in favor of abortion rights said Sex-selection abortion has already been banned in Arizona, Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. Collins said under the Arkansas measure the doctor performing an abortion has to ask the patient if she knows the gender of the child. If she does, doctors would need to inform her that is illegal to have an abortion based solely on gender as sex of the child is usually determined at 20 weeks. The bill now is on its way to the full House for consideration. Legislators have outlawed dilation and the most common second-trimester procedure, evacuation abortions. The ban would take effect later this year. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close Jessica Preston, a female inmate who was eight months pregnant had the most terrifying day of her life when she was forced to give birth to her son on the floor of her jail cell in Michigan's Macomb County Jail. Preston was in jail for a driving offense when she went into labor. Preston begged the staff three times and told them she was having her baby. But the staff did not believe her and made her to back to her cell. This would not have happened if the jail medical staff members took her to the hospital. According to News 2, after the dangerous delivery, Preston gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Elijah. Elijah was born a month early and weighed less than 5 pounds. "I pushed him out right on the floor. At this point, I was just in complete shock. I could not believe that it had just happened that way," Preston said in dismay. There was a case in the past were two inmates who were not hospitalized died in the jail cell. Preston asked to be taken to the hospital even with blood on her leg, they did not believe her. Linda Preston, Jessica's mother said the staff just left her daughter to lay there and they didn't care. The staff kept saying 'You're not having a baby,' "and I don't know how anybody could say when she was bleeding," Linda said in disbelief. Hawaii News Now reported, Sheriff Wickersham said the hospital was about three minutes away. Wickersham said he is standing by his staff's decision on the incident. Sheriff Tony Wickersham in response said his staff was on the phone with the doctor and were monitoring Preston's contractions. He added "and the information at that time is that the baby started to come. They took her off the cot, which is close to the wall, put her on the floor, on a mattress and the baby was delivered." See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 12 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Ukraine intends to initiate Baku-Odessa direct flights in summer as part of mutual development of tourist trips, Vadim Sidyachenko, first secretary for economic affairs of the Ukrainian embassy in Azerbaijan, told Trend. "We organized a press tour for Azerbaijani journalists to Odessa in November, but the flight was made through Kiev, he added. At present, there is a great demand for this route. It will be possible to increase the flow of tourists through the direct flights. He added that at present, Baku-Kiev-Baku and Baku-Lvov-Baku flights are made. "Two Baku-Kiev flights are made a day, one of them by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), other - by the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), he said. This is an important index, he said. Another important feature is that the flights were made by 150 seat-planes in 2014, but now by 220-240 seat-planes. The planes are full. Moreover, AZAL carries out Baku-Lvov flight on Sundays, he said. This route is also in great demand, especially Truskavets resorts. We hope that we will create a social benefit program for tourists to be able to visit Truskavets too. We are negotiating this issue too, he said. We think that we will succeed because Azerbaijani people rank first among foreign tourists visiting Truskavets." Sidyachenko added that Ukraine and Azerbaijan show great interest in the mutual development of tourist trips. The Ukrainian tourists are offered to visit not only Baku, but also the districts of Azerbaijan, he said. "The Ukrainians are aware that Baku is a romantic city, where it is possible to have a good time, see beautiful architecture, various restaurants, he said. Moreover, Ukrainian tourists have the opportunity to admire the rock paintings of Gobustan, visit the fire temple Ateshgah and many other interesting sightseeing, he said. We also recommend travel agencies such areas as Gabala, Sheki, Guba, Gusar, Shahdag, Mingachevir, which are very interesting for the Ukrainians," Sidyachenko said. We can't seem to find the page you are looking for. You may have typed the address incorrectly or you may have used an outdated link. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 12 By Fatih Karimov Trend: Iranian and Swedish companies can cooperate in optimization of energy consumption in various sectors, Irans oil minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, said. He made the remarks during a meeting with Sweden's Minister of EU Affairs and Trade Ann Linde in Tehran, SHANA news agency reported Feb. 12. Zanganeh said that Iran welcomes Swedish firms participation in projects for decreasing flaring gas and increasing energy efficiency in oil industry. The two parties also can cooperate in projects concerning reduction emission of greenhouse gases, he added. He further referred to the cooperation of Sweden's automotive company, Scania with Iran's Mammut in production of heavy trucks and buses which began after a Swedish delegation visited Tehran a year ago, saying that the Iranian oil ministry has signed a deal to support manufacturing trucks in Iran which includes cooperation of Mammut and Scania. "We also offered the Swedish companies to work with Iranian counterparts to produce gas-powered buses used for urban transportation, Zanganeh told reporters. While heading a senior economic delegation, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven arrived in Tehran on Feb. 10 for an official three-day visit. As part of the delegation, directors of Swedish well-known companies such as Scania, Ericsson, Elekta, Volvo, ABB, Sensys Gatso Group, Danske Bank, financial agency of EKN, Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority and IF Metal are accompanying the prime minister during his visit. Iranian and Swedish officials signed five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on the sidelines of a meeting between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Stefan Lofven. The signed documents include cooperation in new technologies, higher education and research, road transport, ICT and women empowerment and family affairs. Gov. Dan Malloy has asked blue state Connecticut to put money where its politics are. Many members of the House and Senate are now seeing red. Nothing provokes a not in my backyard reaction like foisting some of the states fiscal problems back on the richer towns, whose individual political machines send Republicans and Democrats to the Capitol with the explicit mission to defend their turf. At stake is the need to provide more resources for cities with sky-high mill rates and failing schools, pointed out in black and white last year when a state Superior Court judge ordered massive changes to the way Connecticut public education, guaranteed under the state Constitution, is funded. Malloy wants to force the issue and at the same time tackle a looming $1.7-billion state deficit. During his term-and-a-half, Malloy has succeeded in alienating public employee unions, hospitals and corporations. Now, most of the states towns are in a snit. Essentially, Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan are being told to help Norwalk and Stamford; Shelton and Oxford to support Derby; Fairfield and Milford to throw a lifeline to Bridgeport; Ridgefield and Redding to give Danbury something for the effort. The lawmakers from suburban and rural districts who run the General Assembly were noticeably uncomfortable the other afternoon when Malloy laid out his two-year, $20.5-billion budget plan. You see, we are a small state and our towns are interconnected, Malloy said in his budget address. We can rise together or we can fall together. We can lift one another up, or we can drag one another down. Our future depends on the decisions we make today. This session. This year. The applause was polite, maybe perfunctory. After all, the General Assembly has until June 7 to rewrite Malloys blueprint into something that an evenly split House and Senate might agree upon. If not, theres the summer, the start of the fiscal year July 1, August, September ... High-earning suburbs that have paid some of the states best salaries for teachers to flock to school systems with engaged parents and goals for college, would have to for the first time pay a third of their teacher pension obligations. So would the troubled inner cities, where teaching is tougher and families are stressed in a daily survival that makes college seem an impossibility. Yet everyone seemingly agrees that cities should be the states economic engines. There was Malloys budget chief, Ben Barnes, facing the music before the budget-writing legislative Appropriations Committee on Friday, talking about the outdated Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) formula. The whole function of the ECS program is based on property wealth, Barnes said. I would argue that when a program like that has fallen into the condition that ECS has reached right now ... what happens is, towns that dont get enough are taxing more heavily. Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Waterbury and 27 other towns and cities would be the chief beneficiaries. These places have very, very high tax rates, Barnes said. I would argue that if we give more money to some of these towns ... its only reasonable that they should use some of that money to keep their taxes low. Higher taxes, crime, poverty: your schools arent going to be as good and we really want their centers to thrive ... to attract residents and business. I think education funding is about helping kids. Its also about a communitys ability to pay. Some of that new money needs to be allowed to help them reduce taxes. Up in the tiers of committee seats was veteran Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, whose city would lose a cool $11 million a year in state aid. Calling it an incredibly devastating cut which really decimates our town and our education funding, Slossberg politely asked for Barnes reasoning. He responded with a litany. While the states formula for funding schools has stayed the same, Milfords school population shrank by 10 percent, in recent years, to about 6,150. Other towns losing big bucks have seen 15- to 20-percent reductions in school populations. The truth is, Barnes said, Milfords grand list of taxable property has grown. The city is well off financially. Shoreline real estate is booming. They have a really tremendous grand list, a long stretch of Route 1, a long stretch of waterfront, he said. The result is, the equalized net grand list per capita is very, very high and comparable to the Gold Coast of lower Fairfield County. With low levels of student poverty, thats how Milford, West Hartford and Groton lose out on paper. The numbers just came out that way, Barnes said. We werent picking on you. Were committed to having a functioning formula. Its an imaginative budget, if not illusory as it gets swallowed up in the legislative process. But the governors job is to give the Legislature a balanced spending and tax plan. Now its up to the lawmakers to figure it out for the NIMBYs back home. Ken Dixon can be reached in the Capitol at 860-549-4670 or at kdixon@ctpost.com. Visit twitter.com/KenDixonCT. His Facebook address is kendixonct.hearst. Dixons Connecticut Blog-o-rama is at blog.ctnews.com/dixon/ 15.2m Americans had confidential personal and financial information compromised last year. A vast database maintained by the US Governments Department of Health and Human Services records every major data breach by a health clinic, doctor, dentist or hospital since 2009. Each entry chronicles how 500 or more confidential records were compromised in a single breach. You will find stories of stolen laptops, leaked paper records, hackers stealing data and employees accessing and disclosing information that should have been beyond their reach - often by accident. But those confidential records contain personal and financial information with a Dark Web market value that far exceeds stolen passwords and usernames. So, researchers at data loss prevention specialists Safetica USA have explored the database to reveal the key findings across the United States last year. The highest number of cases There are two basic ways of looking at which states were worst affected by data breaches last year: by the number of cases, and by the number of individual records compromised. When it comes to the highest number of cases, the list of the worst-hit states closely follows population. Rank State Number of major healthcare breaches in 2016 (at least 500 records compromised) 1 California 39 2 Florida 28 3 Texas 23 4 New York 15 5 Illinois, Indiana, Washington 12 6 Ohio, Pennsylvania 11 7 Michigan 10 8 Arizona, Arkansas 9 9 Georgia, Minnesota 8 10 Colorado, Missouri 7 Source: Safetica USA research, US Department of Health and Human Services data Overall, the number of major breaches across the US increased last year to its highest level on record: 318 cases in 2016 compared to 270 in 2015. California, New York, Texas, Florida and Illinois were also the five worst affected states in 2015. The highest number of records lost A slightly different top 10 emerges if you look at the number of records compromised. A single hacking incident suffered by Banner Health revealed last summer affected 3.7m people and pushed Arizona to the top of the list. Rank State Number of healthcare records compromised in 2016 1 Arizona 4,524,278 2 New York 3,588,554 3 Florida 2,872,912 4 California 1,436,701 5 Georgia 782,956 6 Maryland 659,919 7 Washington 528,837 8 Ohio 513,917 9 Texas 265,018 10 Indiana 257,174 Source: Safetica USA research, US Department of Health and Human Services data The safest states? However, six US states avoided major healthcare data breaches last year, according to the database. Thats not to say they were immune from data loss - just that healthcare organizations in these states did not experience a breach of 500 records or more. Idaho Maine North Dakota South Dakota Vermont West Virginia A further seven states only suffered one case each in 2016: Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. Causes Headlines make you think that hacking is the biggest problem. But the dataset paints a different picture: the biggest threat to data comes from inside an organization. Cause of healthcare data breaches 2016 Unauthorized access/disclosure 41.5% Hacking 31.8% Theft 19% Loss 5.4% Improper disposal 2.3% Unauthorized access and disclosure by insiders was also the biggest cause of data loss in 2015 - followed by theft of paper records or electronic devices like laptops, smartphones or external memory drives. Cause of healthcare data breaches 2015 Unauthorized access/disclosure 38% Theft 30% Hacking 21.4% Loss 8.3% Improper disposal 2.3% Three lessons of 2016 Safetica's forecast suggests that 2017 is likely to be a record year for cases - unless there are significant changes in the healthcare sector. But ask healthcare practitioners why they entered their profession the chances are they wont say to manage IT. Their mission and vocation is providing the best possible medical care and patient outcomes. Theres technology in the marketplace right now that can mitigate the primary risk of healthcare breaches: insider errors and misjudgments. However, the best technology doesn'tt place a heavy burden on staff to learn new processes, adopt new workflows and tailor their activity to a system. Its intuitive. There are three steps towards a solution to the insider threat of data breaches: audit, implement and advocate: Audit data security. Data tends to flow around an organization and into places you never intended it to go. That means files being saved onto laptops, attached to emails, even uploaded to the cloud rather than being stored securely. The first step is to work with an auditing partner who can assess where data lives in a business, how its being used, by whom and on what device. The audit is the first step to understanding weak points in internal processes and working practices that needed to be strengthened. Implement a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution. Theres no better way to mitigate the risk of data leaks than limiting access to confidential files and preventing those files from being saved or sent places they shouldn'tt go. That means having a technical barrier in place that prevents documents from being saved to external drives, screenshots being cut-and-pasted into emails, or data being uploaded to cloud storage or file sharing services. Thats precisely what DLP does. Advocate security with contractors and partners. Every organization is part of a network of suppliers and partners. The Department of Health & Human Services is expecting business associates of healthcare providers to demonstrate data-safe working practices. You should expect that too. So, whether its an IT contractor, marketing agency, maintenance or facilities service, healthcare providers should demand the highest standards of data security from their partners. The end of one year and the start of the next is the perfect time to check. So, what will happen in 2017? This time next year, what story will the dataset tell? More cases? Our forecast suggests the number of cases will top 325 across the United States next year. Will the insider threat continuing to grow? Its within the power of healthcare organizations to write their own end to that tale. Related: The Worst Data Breaches in the U.S., Ranked State by State 4 Reasons Entrepreneurs Need to Know About the New Trade Secrets Law Here's why you should ditch your Hard Disk for a Solid State Drive (SSD) RIGHT NOW Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 12 By Fatih Karimov Trend: Iran exported another powdered milk cargo, worth $320,000 to Russia though Astara border checkpoint, Bahram Pourzarb, head of Astara Veterinary Bureau, said, IRNA news agency reported Feb. 12. The cargo was 100 tons, Pourzarb said, adding that a 24-ton powdered milk cargo, worth $66,000 tons also exported to Georgia via Astara. Iran has exported 400 tons of powdered milk to Russia during the current fiscal year (started March 20, 2016) through Astara border checkpoint. The first cargo worth $34,000 was exported in June, 2016. Iran has exported 424,000 tons of powdered milk, worth $408,000 to abroad through the Astara border checkpoint in the current fiscal year. Astara is situated in Irans border with Azerbaijan and is the countrys door to Central Asia and the Caucasus. We must rethink the U.S. response to infectious disease. Here's why. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 12 Trend: Pakistan and Azerbaijan are likely to sign an oil and gas trade at the end of the month, "Times of Islamabad" newspaper reported. The two countries have already agreed on a draft government-to-government agreement for the energy sector and the cabinet has endorsed the draft. Azerbaijan has offered export of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan, said a senior official of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. It has also expressed interest in constructing a terminal as well as LNG and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storages in a joint venture between Azerbaijans state oil company Socar and a Pakistan-designated company. I was born just two weeks after the NHS itself. In the backstreets of a Northern steel town, healthcare funded by taxation was a precious commodity. The brand-new NHS was the envy of the world. Our kindly GP would come out at all hours. But healthcare was much cheaper then. There were vastly fewer drugs, no pacemakers or artificial joints, and no heart surgery. Fast-forward 69 years. I have been a heart surgeon for more than half of this time and have operated on more than 10,000 patients. But now, having retired, I am on the other side of the fence and I see a service at breaking point. 'Now I am on the other side of the fence and I see a service at breaking point,' writes Stephen Westaby I have experienced it, too. One Saturday morning, my elderly mother with dementia and Parkinsons, develops pneumonia. Realising she will not survive the day, I wish her to be made comfortable at home. Her geriatric specialist agrees and advises that I should call a GP, but none of her practice GPs cover weekends. I can only get help through the 111 non-emergency line, where the only way forward is a questionnaire. After a protracted argument I am referred up the chain and begin the process over again. And then for a third time. My mother becomes increasingly distressed and I am getting nowhere. Time passes. Eventually, perhaps because I am a stroppy surgeon, they agree to inform an agency GP who is covering a huge region, and several hours later a GP arrives as I cradle my dead mothers head in my hands. She passed away, gasping for breath, five minutes before. This is modern rural healthcare. Weeks later, my daughter calls, desperately anxious about her baby who has been vomiting for 36 hours. The NHS edict to seek advice from a pharmacy has not helped. Wisely, the pharmacist was unwilling to make a judgment about a sick baby, now floppy with dehydration. My daughter has no more luck with the 111 service. What do I think? There is an African saying: Health is made at home, hospitals are there for repairs, writes Stephen Westaby (right, on ITV's This Morning) Out of working hours she can only go to A&E. I call ahead to the paediatric emergency unit at Addenbrookes in Cambridge, where they receive excellent care. But it is access to care that is vital. Jumping through hoops? Receiving critical medical advice from call minders, pharmacists or paramedics? This reminds me of barefoot doctors in China 40 years ago. UK spending on health is insufficient. Moving to a hypothecated tax one dedicated to spending on health alone is a possibility. Another is personal insurance. We buy insurance against other hazards and most would be prepared to do so for better healthcare. Yet money is not the whole story. The UK desperately needs to train more doctors and healthcare workers. The health and social care systems must be closely aligned. There is an African saying: Health is made at home, hospitals are there for repairs. My mother was too old for repairs but she contributed to the NHS her whole life. When we tried to access a little care and compassion in the community, we encountered a black hole. Africa would have done better. Britain deserves better. At first sight the Ministry of Defences plan to allow the men and women of our Armed Forces to opt out of fighting duties looks like a satire on the modern world. Even in this mealy mouthed age, the Armed Forces are paid to fight. Think how such an arrangement will be viewed by the less relaxed nations who might one day be our foes on the battlefield. They will regard this as a sign that we have gone soft. It will encourage them to take aggressive risks. There is also the issue of how those who cannot afford to opt out and are wounded in combat might view those who have taken a holiday from the battlefield and dodged danger. It can hardly be good for morale. 'There is no doubt that the forces face a severe recruitment crisis. The opt-out is largely aimed at persuading good people to stay rather than quitting altogether' There is no doubt that the forces face a severe recruitment crisis. The opt-out is largely aimed at persuading good people to stay rather than quitting altogether. But the roots of this go deep. British politicians like to boast about and pose with the military. They enjoy the prestige and glamour this gives to them. Yet since the Cold War ended they have not been prepared to pay the high price for maintaining a modern and effective military. Relentless cuts have led to growing pressure and stress on long-serving officers and NCOs, the indispensable core of all three services. And that in turn has led more of them to leave, making the problem worse. This resort to a desperate measure is a clear sign these cuts have gone too far. Yet there is still time to rebuild the armed services before they are urgently needed. When it comes to national defence, false economy, as we have learned often enough, is no economy at all. Just trust Theresa A perplexed Theresa May has complained to close allies: I dont understand it. I voted Remain. Why do they think Ive suddenly become some crazed Brexiteer? Her outburst, disclosed today by our columnist Dan Hodges, signals a new and complex phase in the post-referendum battle. Mrs May was rightly determined to obey the popular will, expressed in the referendum. She rightly squashed attempts by EU supporters to undermine the outcome. In doing so, she may have given the impression she was keener on a hard Brexit than she actually is. Now she must reassure the large Remainer minority (to which she herself belongs) that their concerns will not be forgotten. She deserves the nations support as she does so. Few have yet realised just how fierce and complex the exit talks will be. There is a great deal of negotiable space between hard and soft Brexit, and if we are wise we will inevitably end up somewhere between those two points. Those who believed that last weeks vote was the end of the controversy are very much mistaken. It has only just begun. A Priti smart move Once again, the International Development Secretary, Priti Patel, has responded wisely to The Mail on Sundays reporting of the Great Foreign Aid Mess. She has given a stern warning to Adam Smith International, a foreign aid contractor, whose scheming activities were exposed here and have now been condemned by a parliamentary committee. We are glad to be playing our part in reforming this bloated and inadequately supervised sector. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Feb. 12 By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend: Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with a delegation headed by a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran Hadi Shoushtari, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said. According to the message, special attention was paid to the intensification of joint activity in the field of transport and transit, construction of roads, as well as electric power and gas. During the meeting, the sides stressed the high level of bilateral relations and great prospects of trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, the message said. During the years of the long-term cooperation, Turkmenistan and Iran implemented a number of large-scale joint projects. The most important project is the Korpeje-Kurt-Kui gas pipeline commissioned in 1996. Iran also purchases electricity from Turkmenistan. The two countries have built 'Dostluk' (Friendship) border dam and implemented the North-South railway project on the basis of a tripartite agreement signed in 2007 with participation of Turkmenistan, Iran and Kazakhstan. The BBC plans to 'question the very concept of civilisation' in a new and lavish TV series. Well, at least they're being open about it this time. The promise is made by one-time Blairite commissar James Purnell, now a senior BBC mandarin. The most interesting thing about Mr Purnell is that he once managed to appear in a photograph of an event at which he had not been present. Some other MPs, who were there, said they had left a space for him to be slotted in later, though he said he had no idea this was the plan. Believe what you like. This is at least better than the old Stalinist practice of obliterating people from pictures in which they originally featured, but it is all too typical of the modern elite's sketchy relationship with ideas of absolute truth or absolute good. Alas, he is now all-too-present at the BBC. Mr Purnell, whose former total political partiality is of course no sort of problem in the supposedly politically neutral Corporation, promises viewers: 'We'll turn to civilisation. Well, Civilisations inspired by Kenneth Clark's seminal documentary series, but in many ways the opposite of the original. Rather than a single view of civilisation, we will have three presenters. Lord Clark the late father of former MP Alan Clark and distinguished art historian behind Civilisation 'Rather than looking at Western civilisation, we will look at many, and question the very concept of civilisation.' That's interesting. Does he think there would even be a BBC unless there had been an agreed concept of civilisation in the now-forgotten, abolished Britain which first created it? Let him wander, some spring morning, out of the dreary new plastic palace (already showing its age) that the Corporation has built for itself in the centre of London, and examine its handsome original headquarters next door. There he will find an inscription in Latin, intended to be the first thing seen by everyone entering the building. I will translate the important parts of it: 'This temple of the arts and muses is dedicated to Almighty God by the first Governors in the year of our Lord 1931 And they pray that good seed sown may bring forth good harvest, and that all things foul or hostile to peace may be banished thence, and that the people inclining their ear to whatsoever things are lovely and honest, whatsoever things are of good report, may tread the path of virtue and wisdom.' It leaves no doubt that the stated purpose of the building and the organisation were explicitly Christian. Much of it is actually taken from the Bible. And it pretty fiercely warns that those things which are 'foul' or 'hostile to peace' are to be banished. But anyone who has many dealings with the BBC, and I have had lots, will know that its idea of what is virtuous, and its idea of what is foul (which sometimes includes me personally), have changed beyond recognition since that inscription was carved 86 years ago. That is why it now rejects the original idea of civilisation, fundamentally European and eventually Christian, which it still just about tolerated in the 1960s when Kenneth Clark's famous series on the subject was made. But what does it favour instead? By offering us three differing ideas, and inviting us to choose which we prefer, it is not, in my view, being open-minded. It is saying above all that it no longer endorses Lord Clark's idea, or its own founding charter. Oddly enough, back in the 1960s, its then Director General, Hugh Carleton-Greene, was the blazing unconcealed spirit of the British cultural revolution. Like others in that era, he went too far, too fast, was too obvious, and so was reined in. His successors, ever since, have been more cautious and more cunning. It looks as if they have done their job so well that they feel safe to come out into the open again. But what will they do with the old inscription, now that it is actually a lie? Anti-terror cops or the new kit for teachers in our schools? There are many falsehoods in modern Britain. One is the alleged 'fall' in crime figures, this week yet again exposed as a deliberate fiddle. Another is the claimed 'improvement' in state comprehensive schools, where in truth classroom behaviour is often appalling and learning almost impossible as a result. Judge Dredd style: Counter-terrorism officers in London When this open secret was revealed a few years ago by undercover TV cameras, the authorities responded by disciplining the brave teacher who had helped expose it. Of course they did. What else would you expect? But now the growing chaos has led to calls for teachers to be equipped with body-cameras. Why stop there? Why not kit them out in the face-masks, goggles, helmets, bother boots, combat gear and heavy artillery sported last week by 'police' officers in Downing Street during a visit by the Israeli premier. If teachers dressed like this, and could also get away with shooting or electrocuting the occasional pupil (as the police get away with shooting and Tasering the odd innocent person), exam results and general performance would soar. I suspect there'd also be many fewer false accusations of sexual harassment, and a sharp drop in bullying. Am I joking? I'm not really sure. The authorities will do almost anything to protect themselves, which is why the police guarding politicians dress up like Judge Dredd and drape themselves with weapons. But any normal person seeking to live an orderly, honest life a private citizen besieged by louts in her home, a teacher struggling to control a feral classroom, a shopkeeper plagued by incessant theft faces arrest and punishment if he or she snaps and lashes out. Surely it is only despotisms where the police protect the powerful, and turn a cold and brutal shoulder to the people? I've worked out why the modern Left hate Donald Trump so much, writes Peter Hitchens I've worked out why the modern Left hate Donald Trump so much, and why anti-Trump parades have become the biggest boost to the Rentacrowd protest industry since the Vietnam War, opposed by millions who didn't know what it was about or where Vietnam was. It's because the President subconsciously reminds them of themselves. Unlike most 'Right-wing' figures, he adopts the habits and practices of the shouty Left. He's shamelessly bigoted, and regards his bigotry as a virtue. He's ignorant, materialistic, unread, foul-mouthed, sexually liberated, sees opponents as enemies to be crushed rather than as fellow citizens to be persuaded or at least respected, and he despises the rule of law. People hate in others what they dislike in themselves. I've seldom seen a better example of this maxim in action. Once again an incident first reported as terrorism turns out to be the random act of a mentally ill person. In this case it was Zakaria Bulhan, who killed retired teacher Darlene Horton, in Russell Square, London, last August. The same thing happened when the equally insane Muhaydin Mire stabbed a random victim at Leytonstone Underground station in December 2015. As it happens, many other violent acts officially designated as 'terrorist' have been conducted by people who were plainly mentally unhinged. And we have also seen several crimes chillingly similar to terror acts including beheadings but where there was no conceivable political motive. Thanks to near-total lack of interest from the police, Government and media, we seldom find out if these people have been taking drugs. Sometimes we do. Mire undoubtedly had been. But why won't we look into this rather obvious connection? This sort of violence is new. So is the widespread use of mind-altering drugs, both legal and illegal. The same goes for the disturbing number of young people suffering from mental illness in general. It would hardly be a surprise if those who took such drugs became mentally ill. Is it the power of the very wealthy pro-drugs lobbies, on the verge of winning their campaign for legalisation, that keeps us from examining this urgent question? I suspect so. If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens, click here A book Justice Secretary Liz Truss co-authored in 2012, Britannia Unchained, is set to be published in China If Theresa Mays newly announced trip to Beijing later this year doesnt end in a bumper post-Brexit trade deal, she can always blame Justice Secretary Liz Truss. The book Truss co-authored in 2012, Britannia Unchained, is set to be published in China. What a pity its contents dont quite match the Prime Ministers boast that we Brits are the best in the world. The British are among the worst idlers in the world, it says. Oops. Two members of that rare parliamentary species North Welsh Tories fell out badly over the Brexit vote last week. Welsh-born barrister and Eddisbury MP Antoinette Sandbach reportedly joined the Tory rebellion because she was appalled by the hopeless speech of Brexit Minister David Jones, MP for Clwyd West. One of Sandbachs Welsh pals said Jones was malu cachuing thats Welsh for talking poppycock, to put it politely. Goofy Angelina gets some sisterly love Elfin Tory peer Arminka Helic, William Hagues ex-Foreign Office aide, talks of pal Angelina Jolie (pictured together, left) as though they are family. Helic calls the Hollywood star the funniest, quirkiest, goofiest person, the coolest sister I never had the best mother. Asked about Jolies split with Brad Pitt, she says protectively: They need their peace and privacy. On top of her claims of sexual harassment at university, Harriet Harmans new memoir reveals sexist insults made by ex-Tory MP Terry Dicks. She says Dicks asked the Commons Speaker to ban her from debates because she was too scruffy. Dicks said: There ought to be a rule, as in some clubs and restaurants, where you must wear a collar and tie and a suit or you are not admitted. Any resemblance between Harman and a lady is entirely coincidental. Charming. Slim pickings for Keir Fans of Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer a would-be successor to Jeremy Corbyn met last week to discuss ways of sexing up his deadly dull image. The best they could come up with was that he studied at Reigate Grammar School in the 1970s alongside DJ Fatboy Slim, the estranged husband of TV star Zoe Ball. If thats the best they can do, Starmer has a fat chance of success. Diane Abbott finally leave her sickbed to vote for Brexit last week Why did Diane Abbott finally leave her sickbed to vote for Brexit last week? The Shadow Home Secretary recovered from the migraine that stopped her backing Article 50 after colleagues dug up her own words on the overthrow of apartheid in South Africa. Back then she hailed the fact that people can struggle and die for the right to vote. Or in her case, just struggle to vote. Hearing that Ukip leader Paul Nuttall has appeared to back water-boarding, Max Chambers one-time law and order specialist to David Cameron suggests Nuttall might like to know what it feels like. Right, Ive got a towel and bucket ready. Where shall we do this? Scary. They were duped and so were we. That was the conclusion of last weeks damning revelation that world leaders signed the Paris Agreement on climate change under the sway of unverified and questionable data. A landmark scientific paper the one that caused a sensation by claiming there has been NO slowdown in global warming since 2000 was critically flawed. And thanks to the bravery of a whistleblower, we now know that for a fact. The response has been extraordinary, with The Mail on Sundays disclosures reverberating around the world. There have been nearly 150,000 Facebook shares since last Sunday, an astonishing number for a technically detailed piece, and extensive coverage in media at home and abroad. The Paris Agreement, a landmark scientific paper the one that caused a sensation by claiming there has been NO slowdown in global warming since 2000 was critically flawed It has even triggered an inquiry by Congress. Lamar Smith, the Texas Republican who chairs the House of Representatives science committee, is renewing demands for documents about the controversial paper, which was produced by Americas National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the worlds leading source of climate data. In his view, the whistleblower had shown that NOAA cheated and got caught. No wonder Smith and many others are concerned: the revelations go to the very heart of the climate change industry and the scientific claims we are told we can trust. Remember, the 2015 Paris Agreement imposes gigantic burdens and its effects are felt on every household in the country. Emissions pledges made by David Cameron will cost British consumers a staggering 319 billion by 2030 almost three times the annual budget for the NHS in England. That is not the end of it. Taxpayers also face an additional hefty contribution to an annual 80 billion in climate aid from advanced countries to the developing world. That is on top of our already gargantuan aid budget. Green levies and taxes already cost the average household more than 150 a year. The contentious paper at the heart of this furore with the less than accessible title of Possible Artifacts Of Data Biases In The Recent Global Surface Warming Hiatus was published just six months before the Paris conference by the influential journal Science. It made a sensational claim: that contrary to what scientists have been saying for years, there was no pause or slowdown in global warming in the early 21st Century. Indeed, this Pausebuster paper as it has become known, claimed the rate of warming was even higher than before, making urgent action imperative. An official report from the European Science Advisory Council stated that the paper had refined the corrections in temperature records and shown the warming rate after 2000 was higher than for 1950-99 There can be no doubting the impact of this document. It sat prominently in the scientific briefings handed out to international negotiators, including EU and UK diplomats. An official report from the European Science Advisory Council stated that the paper had refined the corrections in temperature records and shown the warming rate after 2000 was higher than for 1950-99. So, flawed as it was, the Pausebuster paper unquestionably helped persuade world leaders to sign an agreement that imposes massive emissions cuts on developed countries. No wonder, then, that our revelations were met with fury by green propagandists. Some claimed the MoS had published fake news. One scientist accused me of becoming the David Irving of climate change denial a reference to the infamous Holocaust denier. Yet perhaps more damaging is the claim from some in the green lobby that our disclosures are small beer. In fact, their importance cannot be overstated. They strike at the heart of climate science because they question the integrity of the global climate datasets on which pretty much everything else depends. The whistleblower is a man called Dr John Bates, who until last year was one of two NOAA principal scientists working on climate issues. And as he explained to the MoS, one key concern is the reliability of new data on sea temperatures issued in 2015 at the same time as the Pausebuster paper. It turns out that when NOAA compiled what is known as the version 4 dataset, it took reliable readings from buoys but then adjusted them upwards using readings from seawater intakes on ships that act as weather stations. They did this even though readings from the ships have long been known to be too hot. No one, to be clear, has tampered with the figures. But according to Bates, the way those figures were chosen exaggerated global warming. And without this new dataset there would have been no Pausebuster paper. If, as previous sea water evidence has shown, there really has been a pause in global warming, then it calls into question the received wisdom about its true scale. Then there is the matter of timing. Documents obtained by this newspaper show that NOAA, ignoring protests by Dr Bates, held back publication of the version 4 sea dataset several months after it was ready to intensify the impact of the Pausebuster paper. It also meant more sceptical voices had no chance to examine the figures. Our revelations showed there was another problem with the Pausebuster paper it used an untested experimental version of the dataset recording temperatures on land, which had not been properly archived and made accessible to other scientists. We cannot allow such a vital issue for our future to be mired in half truths and deceptions. This was a fundamental breach of mandatory rules under NOAAs Climate Data Records programme, which Bates had devised. Is it sharp practice? Certainly it carries the stench of Climategate in 2009, when leaked emails showed scientists colluding to hide data and weaknesses in their arguments. It is important to acknowledge the MoS did make one error: the caption on a graph, showing the difference between NOAAs sea data records and the UK Met Offices, did not make clear that they used different baselines. We corrected this immediately on our website. The only fake news in our revelations is the claim that they dont matter. In truth, they are hugely damaging, for they suggest an agreement made by figures such as Barack Obama and David Cameron rested in part on research that had not been published with integrity. This is an age where many have come to question the role of experts. Restoring trust demands transparency. In climate science, this means being open about the fact there are still critical uncertainties: not about the basic proposition that the world is warming, thanks in part to humans, but about the speed at which this is happening; and when it is likely, left unchecked, to become truly dangerous. Al Gore famously said: The science is settled. It is not. We cannot allow such a vital issue for our future to be mired in half truths and deceptions. Whether you love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is fast approaching. And as a result, many lovers are scrambling to organise the perfect date and find a gift for their significant other. To avoid any awkward moments or inappropriate gift choices, Founder of the Sydney School of Protocol, Julie Lamberg-Burnet has revealed her top etiquette tips for the big day. To avoid any awkward moments or inappropriate gift choices, Founder of the Sydney School of Protocol , Julie Lamberg-Burnet has revealed her top etiquette tips for Valentine's Day What should you NOT do at the table? Tuck you napkin under your chin, or into your shirt Use as a handkerchief Forget to use the napkin Blot lipstick on a cloth napkin Crumple a paper serviette Text at the table Advertisement KNOW YOUR TABLE MANNERS If you have decided to enjoy a romantic night out at a restaurant, it's important to be aware of basic table etiquette. 'Wait briefly to see if the waiter drapes a napkin on your lap and unfold your napkin on your lap, with the fold facing your waistline,' Ms Lamberg-Burnet said. 'If you leave the table during the meal loosely fold your napkin and place on the seat of your chair and when you have finished your meal, pick the napkin up by the center, gather loosely and place to left of the plate or if the plate has been removed you may place on the table in front of you.' Ms Lamberg-Burnet also urges people to turn their mobile phones off and to place their keys out of sight and away from the table. Ms Lamberg-Burnet urges people to turn their mobile phones off and to place their keys out of sight and away from the table What should you NOT do when food arrives? Talk with your mouth full of food or chew with your mouth open Use your utensils for talking and gesturing Spear your food with the fork Push your plate away from you when you have finished eating Advertisement BE CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE SAVVY On a restaurant date, it's essential that both parties are aware of the etiquette surrounding cutlery and glassware. Some tips Ms Lamberg-Burnet has shared include starting with the cutlery from the outside and working your way to the centre and using your knife and fork quietly. 'Place your cutlery down when in conversation and between mouthfuls and take time eating to avoid finishing well before your date,' she advised. 'Discreetly remove an object of food from your mouth with your thumb and index finger or better still go to the bathroom and remove!' Julie Lamberg-Burnet (pictured) is the founder of the Sydney School of Protocol KNOW HOW TO TAKE YOUR BREAD AND WINE While it sounds simple, there are simple etiquette guidelines when it comes to the early part of the evening. With bread rolls, diners are encouraged to break off one bite-sized portion of the bread roll, butter it and eat - cutting it or breaking it into lots of pieces is not encouraged. Diners are also advised not to butter the bread in mid air and instead take the butter to the plate and then to the piece of bread. And when it comes to wine? 'Hold your white wine glass by the stem and the red wine by the bottom of the bowl,' Ms Lamberg-Burnet said. 'Offer your Valentines Day guest a beverage and let your guest decide the choice of either wine, cocktails or non-alcoholic choices. If possible find out their favorite drink prior to the date, so you can order this as a thoughtful surprise.' Drinking too much is also a bad idea and can lead to some post-date embarrassment and regret. 'Hold your white wine glass by the stem and the red wine by the bottom of the bowl,' Ms Lamberg-Burnet said OFFER TO SET THE BILL IF YOU ARE THE HOST While this is often one of the most awkward parts of a date, there is a simple solution. 'Generally speaking the host, regardless of gender, pays the bill unless you have agreed to split the bill,' Ms Lamberg-Burnet said. 'Either pre-arrange payment with the restaurant prior to the meal or during a break from the table, to avoid an awkward close to your meal.' 'Generally speaking the host, regardless of gender, pays the bill unless you have agreed to split the bill,' Ms Lamberg-Burnet said What should you NOT do on Valentine's Day? Write sexual or risque comments particularly in a new relationship Overwhelm your date with extravagant gifts in a new relationship Feel compelled to do something out of character on Valentines Day to keep up with others expectations be yourself! Advertisement CHOOSE THE PERFECT GIFT Gifts and cards should be chosen with care and everyone should take into account whether the relationship is short or long term. Choose your gift and words based on the stage of your relationship either a new relationship, longer term relationship, or your spouse/partner,' Ms Lamberg-Burnet said. 'Choose the best florist in your area if you wish to purchase the perfect red roses and keep the message simple "Happy Valentines" handwritten in a beautiful card when in a new relationship. 'Add your own genuine words of warmth, happiness and gratitude when in a longer term relationship.' Ms Lamberg-Burnet suggests a gift that can be enjoyed post Valentine's Day and advises people to be thoughtful of different cultures and personal preferences. The two women sat side by side on the daytime television sofa, chatting politely about current events. Both were attractive and articulate; they were less than a decade apart in age. But there the similarity ended. One was an adult film star and topless model who had starred in more than 60 pornographic movies. The other was the Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Employment. Teresa (pictured left) and Theresa (pictured right) first met on a daytime television sofa Strangers until that week, all that had brought them together that morning was the coincidence of their names. For the former was a 32-year-old called Teresa May without an h from Beckenham in South London, and the latter was Theresa May; vicar's daughter, former City high-flyer, and MP for Maidenhead. Beyond the coincidence of their names, the two women could scarcely have less in common. At the end of their friendly discussion for the television cameras, the pair were said to have enjoyed their conversation so much that they kept it going over coffee in a nearby cafe. Back at Conservative Central Office, the assembled party chiefs and press officers who had tuned into the family-friendly breakfast show, rather than their usual morning fare of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, were beaming. Still reeling from the devastation of the 1997 Election three years earlier, the party was not in a good place, with opinion polls consistently suggesting that William Hague's Tories were struggling to connect with voters. Compared to Tony Blair's New Labour, the Conservatives seemed stuffy and old-fashioned. Glamour model Teresa May was a world apart from her namesake, a vicar's daughter Yet with one appearance on the GMTV sofa, Theresa May was doing more than her colleagues had managed in years when it came to challenging voters' perceptions of her party. Here she was, a modern woman with a sense of humour, non-judgmental about her companion's career choice, well-spoken but not posh; light-hearted, approachable. What a contrast, not only to the traditional female Tory battleaxes, but also to what some saw as their somewhat po-faced, politically correct New Labour counterparts. This Conservative woman was in touch with 21st Century Britain, and wasn't afraid to have a little fun. Theresa May's appearance alongside her near-namesake is estimated by one press officer at the time to have generated more good publicity for the party than everything the entire the Shadow Cabinet had achieved in the previous month. Thank goodness, satisfied Conservatives thought as they watched May chatting away on the GMTV sofa, that the press had picked up on the amusing tale with such glee. Except that the press hadn't, or at least not by themselves. When Theresa May was appointed to the Shadow Cabinet she was greeted by a trickle of letters from the dirty mac brigade - who were confusing her with the porn star Teresa The legend of 'the other Teresa May', as the story came to be known, has been passed down through the ages by Conservative press officers as an example of spin doctoring at its finest, achieving mass breakthrough and positive headlines for weeks all by the simple planting of one small diary story in a broadsheet newspaper. For journalists did not stumble across the 'other Teresa May' they were told about her by one of Theresa May's press officers. And when the story tickled the interest of the public, making headlines first in Britain and soon around the world, the party's press officers pushed it for all they were worth in a deliberate effort to burnish Mrs May's flagging image. It all began with a trickle of letters from the dirty mac brigade. May had been in her new post of Shadow Education Secretary for only a few weeks when, towards the end of 1999, her secretary got into conversation with Peter Craske, who was still covering media for the Education and Employment team. He says: 'The person who ran her office at that time said they had got these weird letters, saying, 'Congratulations.' 'The first one it wasn't too creepy read 'Oh, we've been watching you on television for years, congratulations, good to see someone from that background getting into Parliament.' It didn't really make sense. And then another one came, similar but a bit more creepy, and we put it together and thought, 'Oh, God.' ' The letters were from fans of the popular porn-movie star Teresa May. Somehow, on hearing the news that Theresa May had been appointed to the Shadow Cabinet, these fans had assumed their heroine had decided to enter politics. At one point, May's office even received a phone call from the Granada television channel Men & Motors seeking to book her (Teresa May having earlier played a nightclub hostess in a programme called Lady Lust for the station). Theresa May found it extremely amusing that she was being confused with a topless model May's response on being told she had been taken for a topless model with a similar name was one of amusement. Craske goes on: 'It became a story. If Theresa was speaking at a fundraising party or dinner, it was a good one to kick off with: 'I'm being confused with a porn star.' ' May found that the story of the 'other Teresa May' won her laughs something she sorely needed. Her first months in her new post had not gone well. Far from inspiring the public with his fresh new team, the response to Hague's reshuffle was underwhelming. When May addressed her first Tory Party Conference as a member of the Shadow Cabinet in October, her speech barely raised a mention in the press. By the following month, there was speculation that May would be shuffled out of the Shadow Cabinet after less than six months. One newspaper suggested she had 'yet to make [her] mark' and 'failed to live up to [her] promise', while another described her as 'lacklustre'. Then Craske came up with a cunning plan, one that would both raise May's profile and win her Brownie points by helping the party: he would give the story of 'the other Teresa May' a wider airing. Craske says: 'I gave it to the [Daily Telegraph's] Peterborough Column and they put it as their lead story one morning. It appeared on the Monday, and blimey you just couldn't believe it. Everyone picked up on it.' The story took off, winning the kind of space in the papers that members of the Shadow Cabinet could only dream of at a time when the Blair Government's dominance meant they were largely ignored. Craske goes on: 'It was on the front page of The Express and The Sun. It was in every paper: 'Shadow Minister confused with porn star.' ' Andrew Lansley, whom Hague had appointed Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, could only admire Craske's chutzpah and how sporting May was, as she posed for photographs and gave quotes to accompany the story. 'It was Pete's idea to embrace 'the other Teresa May',' Lansley says. 'At a time when you're in Opposition and no one pays you the slightest attention, to own it and get noticed is rather brilliant.' At one point, as the story made headlines around the world, Lansley remembers being in May's office and 'Craske came in and said, 'Thumbs up, result!' The PM used the situation to raise her profile within the Conservative Party 'Theresa was in the Straits Times in Singapore.' By the end of the week, the broadcasters had got in on the action. Craske says: 'It led to a funny piece on [BBC Radio] 5Live, then on the Wednesday or Thursday, the Today programme picked it up and wanted to interview both of them. So that morning, both of them were interviewed but not in the same place. Theresa was in Westminster and the other one was wherever she was.' In her part of the interview, Theresa-with-an-'h'-May said gamely: 'I have to confess I haven't actually seen any of the things that Teresa has been involved in. It's up to her how she wishes to earn her living. She may think it's slightly strange that somebody likes to earn their living as a politician. Teresa has chosen a career, she's working at it and I'm sure she does her job well.' Teresa-without-an-'h' was equally complimentary: 'Everyone has to do their job out there and I'm sure she does it very well, just like I do my job very well.' Within minutes, GMTV was on the phone. Craske says: 'They were both on the sofa together on GMTV and they got on really well and they were chatting away, and I think they went for a coffee together afterwards.' Teresa was complimentary of her namesake, saying: 'Everyone has to do their job out there and I'm sure she does it very well, just like I do my job very well' When May became Prime Minister last year, there was a new flurry of stories about her near-namesake. Lansley believes that May's embrace of the story is an example of what he would come to see as her clever use of visual imagery to portray herself as a modern woman. He says: 'From quite an early stage, in a world when opposition politicians are congenitally ignored, Theresa managed to get noticed. It is not a small thing.' Craske agrees: 'It put her on the map, definitely. It put me on the map, certainly. It was very, very funny. When we catch up with people who were working [in the Tory press office] at the time we always talk about it 'Do you remember that time?' ' As a press officer, Craske found May's willingness to pursue some of his more unorthodox ideas refreshing. But the happy atmosphere was not shared by everyone on the team. A former whip says: 'When Theresa became a member of the Shadow Cabinet, she was incredibly difficult. ' When complaints were brought to the attention of Patrick McLoughlin, then the Deputy Chief Whip, he backed May to the hilt and compared her favourably to another hard taskmaster, Iain Duncan Smith, the Shadow Defence Secretary. The former whip says: 'I can hear McLoughlin saying, when someone would come in complaining, 'I hear what you say, but we ain't got that many women, and she's good, and colleagues are just going to bloody well have to work with her. Try working with Duncan Smith, for Christ's sake.' ' No one, after all, has ever found a porn star called Ian Duncan Smith. Rosa Prince, 2017 Theresa May: The Enigmatic Prime Minister, by Rosa Prince, is published by Biteback Publishing, priced 20. Offer price 14 until February 19. Order at mailbook shop.co.uk or call 0844 571 0640; p&p is free on orders over 15. Want perfectly proportioned surroundings? Rent a striking home designed by an architect... FRENCH GEOMETRIC GEM Youll want to spend all day lolling in the pool at the Lauzerte House. On a sloping site, it gazes out over the Tarn-et-Garonne countryside Youll want to spend all day lolling in the pool at the Lauzerte House. On a sloping site, it gazes out over the Tarn-et-Garonne countryside, is clad in local timber and has three terraces. It is also eco-conscious, with a green roof and solar panels. INSIDER TIP: The nearby village of Lauzerte is considered one of Frances prettiest. There is a farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings. DETAILS: The Lauzerte House sleeps six and costs from 700 per week, themodern house.com. Fly to Toulouse from 74 return, britishairways.com. SUPER CHIC CAPE COD Hatch Cottage, built in 1960, appears to hover above the hillside in Wellfleet, Massachusetts Hatch Cottage, built in 1960, appears to hover above the hillside in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Its a celebration of cubes, with outdoor decks offering views over the bay and sensational sunsets. INSIDER TIP: If youre heading out, pack a Cape Cod picnic with lobster rolls and fried fish sandwiches from Macs On The Pier at Wellfleet harbour. DETAILS: Hatch Cottage sleeps four and costs from 2,205 for a week, ccmht.org. Flights to Boston from 480 return, virgin atlantic.com. SWISH SHED ON SKYE The award-winning Black Shed, by Rural Design, sits at the foot of Skyes two curious flat-topped hills, Macleods Tables The award-winning Black Shed, by Rural Design, sits at the foot of Skyes two curious flat-topped hills, Macleods Tables. Huge windows in the open-plan living room offer views over Loch Dunvegan. INSIDER TIP: Climb Macleods Tables and reward your efforts with dinner at Lochbay, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the fishing village of Stein. DETAILS: The Black Shed sleeps two and costs from 600 a week in low season, blackshed.co.uk. On Sunday night, Married At First Sight viewers were shocked when Jonathan was caught secretly texting bride Scarlett behind his wife Cheryl's back. The pair were slammed on social media for their actions, with Scarlett urged to apologise to Cheryl and Michael for her actions. But Scarlett has now claimed that Cheryl was completely aware of her interest in Jonathan - and hinted that she might be back together with Michael. Scarlett has claimed that Cheryl was completely aware of her interest in Jonathan - and hinted that she might be back together with Michael 'We still have a friendship... maybe something more. I'm not going to say anything,' Scarlett told TheFix about Michael 'We still have a friendship... maybe something more. I'm not going to say anything,' Scarlett told TheFix. Speaking of the texting scandal, Scarlett insists that it is was simply a kind gesture on her part. 'At the dinner party, I noticed that Jonathan was crying and he said to me, "I just feel so lost, and I have no one to talk to",' Scarlett said, adding that she gave him her number so he could vent. 'At the dinner party, I noticed that Jonathan was crying and he said to me, "I just feel so lost, and I have no one to talk to",' Scarlett said Scarlett also claims that Cheryl knew all about her interest in Jonathan and says both of them had a conversation about it Jonathan also told the website that he only spoke to Scarlett because 'she could communicate better' but that while they would have made a 'cute couple for TV' it wouldn't have worked in 'real life.' Scarlett also claims that Cheryl knew all about her interest in Jonathan and says both of them had a conversation about it. 'Michael had already said, "if you want to go on with someone else, then do it". And I had joked to Cheryl, "If you don't want Jon, I'll take him"... She had said, "He's so not my type, you can keep him, haha." So she knew all of this already,' Scarlett said. 'I had joked to Cheryl, "If you don't want Jon, I'll take him"... She had said, "He's so not my type, you can keep him, haha,' Scarlett said At the commitment ceremony, however, it seemed as though Cheryl was genuinely blindsided by the whole texting scandal At the commitment ceremony, however, it seemed as though Cheryl was genuinely blindsided by the whole texting scandal. 'I hate disloyal people. I heard you last night saying you got paired with the wrong person. And then you swapped numbers and you have been talking to each other,' Cheryl said, who later dumped Jonathan. 'It makes me feel like s**t. I came in with an open heart. To hear that makes me feel like complete s**t. Its a dog move. I'm so betrayed by you, both of you.' But this may not be the end for Cheryl, who is seen back on the show in a teaser for Monday night's episode The furious bride is said to 'drop a bombshell' that is a Married At First Sight first - with many believing she has expressed interest in jilted groom Andrew, a firefighter But this may not be the end for Cheryl, who is seen back on the show in a teaser for Monday night's episode. The furious bride is said to 'drop a bombshell' that is a Married At First Sight first - with many believing she has expressed interest in jilted groom Andrew, a firefighter. Fuel has been added to these rumours with the return of Andrew also confirmed in a preview. I am walking along the Great Wall of China, and I know the visual memory of it will be seared in my mind for ever, writes Joanne Milne Like anyone with impaired sight, I walk unfamiliar routes with trepidation. Sometimes I carry my white cane, but today Im holding my mums arm. Ahead, in my narrow field of vision my sight is so limited I view the world as if through a letterbox I see a winding path flanked by a stone wall. The hike is more rugged and steep than I imagined it would be. I see it now as a metaphor for my life: sudden pitfalls, steep challenges, pleasant grassy tracts and sunlit stretches. I am walking along the Great Wall of China, and I know the visual memory of it will be seared in my mind for ever. All the more so because my sight is worsening, and the memories I capture today may have to sustain me through decades of darkness ahead. I hear sounds, too: the tap of my boot on rock, then a quieter footfall on grass. The rasp of my breathing as we climb a steep ascent. And all along, as it always has, my mum Anns presence reassures me. This trip is one of a series of momentous events that have changed my life immeasurably in the past three years. I was born profoundly deaf. The first momentous event happened in spring 2014 when I had cochlear implants fitted and I heard for the time. As my implants were switched on at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, the first sound I heard was my audiologist reciting the days of the week. I cried at the sheer miracle of it, the everyday wonder of sound. My mother captured the moment on video, and more than 12 million people across the world watched on social media the moment when my silent world burst into a dizzying new dimension. And as the weeks and months passed, I built up a new library of sounds, of birdsong, roaring traffic, dripping taps and ticking clocks, which friends and family identified for me. I heard the voices of my loved ones, too; my seven-year-old niece Caseys laughter and the cadences of music all for the first time. The cacophony was overwhelming, but I felt intense joy. Scroll down for video I chose to spread my visits to China, South America, Europe and India over nine months, so I could savour the sights, the new sounds and smells. On each leg of the journey I was accompanied by a family member Yet just as one new sense was opening up, another was deserting me. My sight was irrevocably dimming. Why? I have Usher syndrome, a genetic condition that caused me to be born deaf and since my 20s has been slowly and progressively robbing me of my sight. Now, three years after I heard for the first time (before I had the implants, I relied solely on lip-reading), I fear that the dark is closing in on me. But I will not succumb to despair. I want to wring every drop of joy out of life, imprint on my minds eye in vivid detail the wonderful world around me, and recall as many memorable images as I can. I talked about this ambition in a TV programme last year when I visited the beautiful countryside of the Lake District and Pennines. It was then that an anonymous well-wisher, a businessman in my native Newcastle, offered to fund the trip of a lifetime and pay for me to see some of the most astonishing landmarks in the world. I feel such gratitude to him, and I know the visual memories of my adventure will remain all the more vivid because my sight is fading. In Beijing, my blonde hair makes me a novelty and locals stop to take selfies with me. I love the sound of their giggles I chose to spread my visits to China, South America, Europe and India over nine months, so I could savour the sights, the new sounds and smells. On each leg of the journey I was accompanied by a family member. Meanwhile, I continue my job as head of PR for The Hearing Fund UK, a charity set up by the Osmond singing family, providing hearing aids to underprivileged children and sponsoring music lessons. Since returning from my travels, aged 42, Ive also become engaged. Last week my boyfriend, Steve, a paramedic, asked me to marry him. We met in a cosy pub near my house and knew instantly that we were right for each other. And although Ive been in love before, this is the first time Ive been certain I want to commit. So as I return from one round of adventures, Im moving from my home in Newcastle to Durham to live with my fiance and embark on another adventure this time a lifelong one. Here is the diary of my extraordinary journey around the world... The joy of hearing a llama squawk Im walking along the rocky terrain of the Inca Trail with my aunt Edna, who is in her 70s, to a mysterious 550-year-old citadel nestled between two forest-clad peaks. I concentrate on my footsteps and look down. Mist creeps up the sheltered valleys. A bright yellow flower bursts out of a rock and I spot exotically coloured finches and hear the unfamiliar high-pitched call of another bird. Until I began to hear, Id assumed all the birds on the planet sounded the same, but now I know they have a repertoire of songs and tweets as diverse as music itself, and the subtropical forests of the Andes are thronging with them. At times along the trek the altitude makes me dizzy. Walkers ahead disappear into the cloud that forms a constant backdrop. It feels as if we are walking in the sky, so high up we can almost touch it. Llamas graze on the terraces and I add their strange cry, something between a squawk and a bray, to my library of sounds. When we reach the summit and look down on the 15th-century Inca citadel we feel triumphant. My sense of smell is finely attuned because it used to help me recognise people before I could hear or see them (with no peripheral vision I can only see directly in front of me), and here in the Andes it is the scent of pine forests that linger, and the sounds of nature that stay with me. A day of echoes and A magical pyramid I stand in front of the huge stepped pyramid that overshadows these ancient Mayan ruins, marvelling at the ingenuity of the mathematicians who built it more than 1,000 years ago. It is designed with such geometric precision that during the spring and autumn equinoxes, shadows mimic the descent of a serpent down its northern side. The heat is sweltering. I watch an iguana scuttle past. It looks as prehistoric as its habitat. A musty scent of history, strong, pungent and damp, dominates, and when our guide talks I hear a new echo. Its different from the one that bounces across the walls in the Newcastle Metro. This is a big, ricocheting outdoor echo that I log in my sound archive. Joanne was reduced to tears in 2014 when doctors at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham turned on her hearing aids for the first time At night, before I drift into deep, soundless sleep, I take my implants out and think about the new sounds Ive heard today. Learning them involves intense concentration. I used to feel guilty about admitting to sensory overload. These days I dont. If I need a rest from the hubbub I tune out and retreat again into my world of silence for a while. enjoying the babble of new languages Our bus climbs the ever-narrowing road to the summit of Corcovado mountain, where the giant 30-metre statue of Christ stands, arms outstretched, 700 metres above the sprawling mass of Rio. Having only just become familiar with the sound of spoken English, it is strange and intriguing to hear the excitable rhythms of Portuguese. And here, on the mountain top, tourists from all over the world babble in a dozen alien languages. I scale steps and escalators until the statue of Christ is right in the centre of my field of vision. What I see in the narrow viewfinder of my diminishing sight is acute and in sharp focus, and Im convinced Im more observant than those who take their sight for granted. On Christs chest I notice a heart. Im not religious, but I say a little prayer of thanks that Im here, looking at this miracle of sculptural engineering. I simply ask for strength to face whatever lies ahead. Teeming streets and colourful Saris So as I return from one round of adventures, Im moving from my home in Newcastle to Durham to live with my fiance and embark on another adventure this time a lifelong one After my implants were fitted, I went to Bangladesh to see my childhood friend Amina Khan and fulfil a promise wed shared as 11-year-olds to help the deaf children of her native country. Amina and I were at school together in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. We were drawn to each other by our shared sense of being different. I was set apart by my deafness, Amina because she was the only Asian girl in our school. My mission was to take hearing aids to transform the lives of 500 hearing-impaired Bangladeshi children, and Amina whod returned to her homeland when she was 16 was there to meet me. So when I go to neighbouring India, Im prepared for the explosion of colours, sounds and smells: exhaust fumes, honking horns, every vehicle imaginable on its roads. Im ready for the hustle-bustle of its cities, the crowds and confusion, the proximity of wealth and poverty, of chaos and calm. What strikes me about the Taj Mahal, though, is its breathtaking serenity. It is a perfectly symmetrical ivory marble mausoleum, but as I get close to it, I realise it is inscribed with a delicate pattern of flowers. I visit with Alana, 36, the younger of my two sisters, and there is so much to store in my mental compendium of sights and sounds: sitar music, the fragrant scent of curries, the parched, arid countryside, teeming streets and colourful saris. Ice chinking and gurgling fountains The Trevi Fountain is frozen when my elder sister Julie, 46, and I arrive in Rome, and as a thin winter sun warms the ice I am amazed by the trickle of water as it thaws. I had not known, in my silent world, that water could be so noisy, that it gurgled as it flowed down plugholes, that it roared down waterfalls, or that ice chinked in glasses. In Rome, animated chatter drifts from trattorias with the smell of garlic and cigar smoke. I stand in front of the Colosseum thinking about the gladiatorial contests, dramas, animal hunts and even executions that took place there and now I can even imagine the shouts and applause of the crowd. My blonde hair was a real novelty The time I am spending with my mum in China is precious, as life is so busy we dont see enough of each other. In Beijing, my blonde hair makes me a novelty and locals stop to take selfies with me. I love the sound of their giggles. As we walk along the Great Wall on a cold, bright day, we reflect on my life, laughing and crying by turns. Mum, 72, who worked in an office while she raised her three daughters, and my dad Al, 74, a retired cable contractor, never made me feel marginalised by my deafness. Mum fought for me to go to mainstream school. She was there with a hug and consolation when bullies spat on my back on the school bus, knowing I couldnt hear them. She strides in step with me, holding my arm as we walk a tiny portion of this 5,500-mile wall, and I reflect that I owe my independence and resilience to her determination that my life should be as rich and diverse as her other daughters. Shadows may be closing in around me, but now I have another new sense to compensate for my diminishing sight. I am also blessed with safety, security and a happy home. But most cherished of all is the love of my family and friends that envelops me. The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain The story This is the enthralling story of two boys who begin a lifelong friendship when they meet as five-year-olds at kindergarten in Switzerland in 1947. Although both are only children, in other ways they are complete opposites. Gustav Perle is withdrawn, struggles academically and lives a precarious existence in a tiny flat with his impoverished single mother. Anton Zwiebel is from a wealthy Jewish family, has an effortlessly beautiful mother and is a musical prodigy. Both are destined to suffer disappointment and unhappiness before resolving crippling emotional issues to discover contentment in their later years. Along the way, we learn what happened to Gustavs father a police officer who died in mysterious circumstances why his mother is so embittered and how the family was reduced to poverty, having once lived a comfortable life in a smart apartment. It is a story of betrayal that has a direct effect on Gustavs upbringing and his complicated relationship with Anton. A moving, humane and memorable novel. The taster He listened to Antons excitement as he talked about the piano competition. Anton said, It may be a bit frightening to play in front of so many people. My mother says theres a pill I could take to stop me getting nervous. She also says Id better get used to it, because thats probably going to be my career in life, being a concert pianist Im a prodigy. That means Im more brilliant at playing than almost everyone else of my age. The author Rose Tremain is one of our most successful novelists, having won both the Orange Prize and the Whitbread Novel of the Year. She says that she wanted The Gustav Sonata to be like a Swiss watch quite simple and beautiful on the outside, but with a lot of very complex workings going on inside. Rose writes exclusively about the background to the novel at youreadinggroup.co.uk, where you will also find suggested topics for your own book club discussion. Buy the book and save 30 per cent The Gustav Sonata is published by Vintage, price 8.99. To order a copy for the special price of 6.29 until 12 March 2017, go to you-bookshop.co.uk or call 0844 571 0640; free p&p on orders over 15 Who? The Australian actress stars in this years hotly anticipated BBC drama SS-GB, which is set in Nazi-occupied London. Whodunnit? While 31-year-old Maeves first role was aged five in a very experimental art-house film in Australia, youre more likely to recognise her from 2015s BBC Agatha Christie special And Then There Were None, playing accused murderer Vera (alongside Charles Dance, Sam Neill and Aidan Turner). The series converted her to the magic of Christie. I admire her so much. She was an incredible woman and did such a huge amount of work. Now Maeve divides her time between projects in Australia (she was born in Sydney) and London, alongside her boyfriend, a fellow Aussie, who is doing a PhD in the UK. Primetime Based on the 1978 novel by Len Deighton and adapted for TV by the writers of Bond reboots Casino Royale and Spectre, SS-GB follows the premise that Germany won the Second World War. Maeve plays Sylvia Manning, resistance fighter and sometime lover of lead character detective general Douglas Archer (Sam Riley), who is investigating a black market murder when he becomes embroiled with US journalist Barbara Barga (played by Hollywood star Kate Bosworth). Filming took place all over London an amazing experience, says Maeve with Spitfires parked in front of Buckingham Palace and Nazi stormtroopers spotted in Highgate Cemetery. It was much to the alarm of locals, recalls Maeve: I think they had to postpone filming because they hadnt warned the residents! Dream role? I have a sweet spot for female warriors Id love to do something like The Hunger Games. SS-GB will air on BBC One this month Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 12 By Fatih Karimov Trend: Iran expects increase in its crude oil exports to the European countries during the current year, Ali Kardor, head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), said. Giving the fact that certain European countries have expressed willingness to import crude oil from Iran, the countrys export to Europe likely to witness increase in 2017, Kardor said, Tasnim news agency reported. He further said that the Islamic Republic currently exports 600,000 to 700,000 barrels of oil to Europe on a daily basis. Currently foreign countries have hired about 30 Iranian tankers for oil transport, he said, adding that some foreign countries employ Iranian tankers to carry their purchased crude oil from Iran, which indicates Irans high potential in this regard. Kardor also said that all of the problems in the way of insurance of Irans oil tanker fleet have been resolved following the removal of the international sanctions against the Islamic Republic last January. During January, three Iranian super tankers reached Europe. After several years of suspension regarding the sailing of Iranian oil tankers to EU due to sanctions, the first Iranian oil ship reached Spain's Algeciras and two other Iranian tankers also left Persian Gulf to Netherlands. Irans oil exports to EU reached 622,581 barrels a day in January, according to Bloombergs calculations. The view of Hotel Kompas from Lapad beach Where Perched overlooking the beautiful Lapad beach and gazing out to the Adriatic sea, less than 4km away from the medieval Old Town, the newly designed Hotel Kompas offers a breath of fresh air with its modern interpretation of Dubrovniks rich culture. What Thanks to its incredible popularity, Dubrovnik is now synonymous with being the location of the majority of Games of Thrones most memorable settings. And deservedly so, many an afternoon can be spend wandering around in admiration of its grandeur and when it comes to retreating, Hotel Kompas and its recent redesign offers a breath of fresh air amongst the history of one of Croatias oldest towns. The crisp graphic interiors have been designed by Croatian artists and every bedroom features original minimalist pieces that really wow on entry. Its relaxed feel and attentive accommodating staff makes Hotel Kompas a perfect choice for younger travellers who value local aesthetics and quality. Interiors at Hotel Kompas designed by local artisans Being built into the cliff face offers you the unique advantage of enabling sea views from all 173 rooms, so no arguments or haggling at check in! The Sphere restaurant offers an extensive a-la-cart menu of Croatian and international dishes, and is located on the ground floor which mere steps away from the beach for an after lunch paddle to work off their gloriously rich cuttlefish risotto. Or of course there are the gorgeously stylised in and outdoor pools for the perfectly posed Instagram post should you be so inclined! Exterior dining space Next stop, the bar, and with their guests in mind the team at the Zenith bar, have lovingly curated a rather impressive cocktail list. YOU recommends (no implores) you to order one to accompany the magnificent sun set over the ocean from your hill side perch, there is no bad seat in the house! Take your seat at the Zenith Bar Being sat on the Adriatic Sea unsurprisingly the quality of the areas seafood dishes cannot be beaten (see my previous point re the cuttlefish risotto!). As well as the Sphere restaurant at Hotel Kompas be sure to visit both Pantarul and Otta Taverna for fresh local dishes and expertly selected Croatian wine lists, you will not be disappointed! But be sure to book as these places are very popular with locals due to the fresh local produce and reasonable prices, if you are a big group in peak season you may struggle to get a table. Out and about It goes without saying a Game of Thrones tour is a must, you certainly will not struggle to find a provider in the old town, and usually your tour guide is in full medieval dress to offer you full immersion into the fantasy! The Old Town is truly a place of wonderment, but as a recommendation try to visit in the morning before the influx of cruise ships as the said admiration of your setting can be dampened when viewed through the never-ending throng of guided tourist groups! Away from the hussle and bussle back to the serenity of Hotel Kompas, be sure to exit at the beach level and take a stroll along the Uvala promenade and treat yourself to an indulgent gelato, you are on holiday after all! Hotel information Transfer: Less than 30 minutes drive from Dubrovnik airport. Hotel Kompas, from 113 per night, adriaticluxuryhotels.com Starring Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson as Lord and Lady Mountbatten, and set against an exotic and lavish backdrop at the time of the Raj, the powerful new film Viceroys House tells the incredible true story of the final months of British rule in India and is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. The films release will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the independence of India and the founding of Pakistan. Viceroys House tells the true story of Lord and Lady Mountbatten, played by Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson, and their 500 Hindu, Muslim and Sikh staff, as they guide India along the road to independence The Viceroys House was the home of the British rulers of India. Charged with handing India back to its people, the Mountbattens lived upstairs, where the political elite wrangled over the birth of independent India. Downstairs, among the 500 Hindu, Muslim and Sikh servants, the social impact of this divide is reflected through the eyes of a pair of young lovers whose sweeping romance is forbidden. Viceroys House will be in cinemas nationwide from 3 March, but You readers can see it first and free at 20 cinema screenings taking place across the UK on Wednesday 22 February. To see the trailer go to mailonline.co.uk/you To book tickets Visit showfilmfirst.com and enter the code 508746 Terms and conditions: Offer open to UK residents. There will be 5,000 tickets in total. Tickets will be offered on a first come, first served basis via the website. Maximum two tickets per reader. Screenings will take place on the dates and at the times and locations specified on the showfilmfirst.com website. Tickets are strictly non-transferable. No cash alternative. For full terms and conditions go to showfilmfirst.com Viceroys House will be in cinemas nationwide from 3 March Photographs: Kerry Monteen, Bend It Films/Pathe, Pathe Productions Limited 2017 Pangolin is a nocturnal mammal and looks more like living pinecones The time-honoured postal department had become part and parcel of Mohammed Shamim Hasan's sprawling poaching trade. The revelation came when a joint police team from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh arrested a wildlife smuggler, Shamim, who was in the illegal business for over two decades and had established networks with international poachers. During interrogation, he told the authorities that his gang was using the Indian postal service to transport Pangolin scales to Kolkata from where the consignments were sent to Nepal, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries through the porous border areas of West Bengal, Manipur and other Northeastern states. Police learnt that besides Hasan, there are several other wildlife smugglers, who have been trafficking parts of wild animals which includes horns, ivory and skins, send their supplies packed in parcels through post offices. Arvind Chaturvedi, UP special task force's additional superintendent of police, told Mail Today: 'Shamim is a notorious poacher who has been dealing in trading nails and skins of endangered animals such as tigers, leopards and other animals.' Last month, Indonesian customs officials seized more than a ton of frozen pangolins bound for Singapore. (file picture) 'But recently he started selling the scales of the Pangolin, which is the most trafficked mammal across the world. 'One mammal has around 1.5 to 2 kg of scales and close to 10 active poachers in the forests of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra were killing 15-20 animals daily for him.' Pangolin, which is known as a shy animal has brown scales, made of keratin, a substance also found in human skin and hair. Pangolins face a major threat from poaching as it is hunted for the protein-rich flesh and for the scales used in folk remedies The scales sell at a high cost in Thailand, Vietnam and China, allegedly for its medicinal properties to treat asthma, rheumatism and arthritis. The mammal's meat is an exotic delicacy in some coutries of South east Asia. In India, Pangolins face a major threat from poaching as it is hunted for the protein-rich flesh and for the scales used in folk remedies. The ant-eating animal has been listed under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species. Wildlife experts claim if poaching continues, the pangolin would soon be extinct. Hunting or trading pangolins in India is a criminal offence and can lead to imprisonment between three to seven years and can also amount to severe fine. Shamim has engaged local nomadic tribes for catching and killing, and has groomed non-trade people as carriers. Smugglers wrap them into tight packets before being transported through the postal department 'Pangolin poachers are active in Hoshangabad, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Baitul and Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh. Once the animal is killed, the scales are given to non-trade people to bring them over to Kanpur. Shamim's gang would put them in tight packets and transport it through the postal department,' Chaturvedi explained. 'The gang earlier used manual mode of transport, and later shifted to private courier services but had to stop if after the courier department became vigilant and started asking questions about the contents. 'The smugglers then started dispatching contraband wildlife articles through the postal department as the contents of the parcels are not verified or scanned. 'They used to change post offices and book the material under fake names and addresses.' 'Even when these parcels are intercepted, it becomes difficult to track the sender because of the fake addresses.' 'We have highlighted the issue to the postal department and have also alerted the wildlife crime control bureau about the misuse of postal services.' 'It can be fixed by installing scanners at the point of booking parcels and by making use of transparent bags,' said Chaturvedi. The list of items includes ivory articles, tiger nails, snakeskin, seashells, herbs, orchids, etc. The arrest of Shamim is seen as major success for Madhya Pradesh forest department's special task force. The department claims that it has arrested 122 people involved in poaching since the STF became active in March 2015. His arrest came after MP's STF caught two members of a nomadic tribe in January who killed more than 100 jackals and were carrying 10 leg-hold traps. During interrogation they revealed Shamim's name as one of the main buyers of animal skin and other parts. Local poachers usually paid Rs 6,000 for pangolin scales weighing around 1.3 to 2 kg. It takes Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 more to parcel and send it to Kolkata through post. Postal department allegedly parceled the goods without scanning or verifying it The gang earned Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 for each consignment, but in the international market, the cost of the same material would be 30 times more. In 2001, police had seized a huge consignment of nails and skins of tigers, leopards and other animal from Shamim's house. In 2013, his brother Shakil too was arrested with pangolin scales and skin from Kanpur. Shamim belongs to Khaga town in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district, which has been an infamous hub of the tannery industry since the colonial era. Arvind Chaturvedi claims that pangolin poachers are active in MP forests MP's Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Ritesh Sirothia says his teams found many post offices that were being used to illegally smuggle contraband wildlife articles in packets below four-five kg in weight. The addresses given were fake and even the postal department did not maintain the records beyond six months. Sirothia said 29 districts of the state have been affected by pangolin poaching. 'Constant crackdown and Shamim's arrest will put some brake on the illegal trade,' he said. According to our information, rate of scales at international borders was $1,000 (Rs 66,800 based on present rates) a few years ago, but after crackdown this has gone up to $2,500 (Rs 1.67 lakh),' he said. The officer, however, said the forest department lacks powers and resources to track these poachers through electronic surveillance and internet as even illegal traders are going high-tech. Terming it an 'abnormally high', a top railways official told India Today TV that most of these 16 instances of rail sabotage in 2017 have occurred in non-traditional Left-wing extremism (LWE)- affected areas, and does not carry the signature of Maoist subversive activities. 'There were 45 incidents in 2016, including seven blasts, three instances of track tampering, 27 cases of sabotage and attempt to sabotage and eight agitation related incidents. 'In 2017, in the first 40 days, there have already been 16 cases and this is abnormally high,' Mohammed Jamshed, Member Traffic, Railway Board told India Today TV. Railway board claims that in 2017, in the first 40 days, there have already been 16 cases and this is abnormally high The stunning revelation by Bihar Police about a suspected Pakistan's notorious counter-intelligence agency ISI plot to spread terror on the rail tracks has led to railways transfer sensitive cases to the NIA. 'Explosives kept at the track in East Champaran, the derailment of the Patna-Indore express on November 21 near Kanpur and the Koneru derailment have all been referred to the NIA,' said sources. Subsequently, with iron rails being found placed across the railway track, to cause derailment of another train in Mumbai, the CBI has been roped in to probe the matter. On Saturday, gelatin sticks were found next to the rail track near Mumbai, prompting the railways and Maharashtra Police to launch investigations. The Indian Railways is spread over 1,10,000 track kilometres across the country. Police and locals at the railway tracks after a blast near Buxar station 'There are three traditional trouble spots. The North Frontier pocket - Upper Assam has Bodo and ULFA agitation. 'The Asansol-to- Gaya track and the Dantewada- Jagdalpur track where Maoists carry out their subversive activities are three pockets of trouble.' 'However, more often than not, Maoists issue a warning in advance before they remove fish plate or destroy rail track. 'Their aim appears to be to cause more damage to infrastructure than people,' sources added. What is alarming this time is the loss of life and no one claiming responsibility for the incidents. Like the one in Mumbai, there have been instances of big boulders being brought from elsewhere and deliberately put on the tracks. A police man collecting samples from railway tracks after a blast near Buxar station The NIA has sought cooperation from the Nepal Police in connection with the interrogation of Shamul Hoda, a suspected ISI operative arrested in Dubai and deported to Nepal late last week. Hoda is suspected to be the mastermind of an ISI plot to derail trains and cause massive loss of life in India. The Bihar Police initially busted three people - Motilal Paswan, Umashankar Patel and Mukesh Yadav - for reportedly planting explosives on the rail track in east Champaran. Fortunately, the explosives were detected and a tragedy averted. On sustained interrogation, the three confessed to having allegedly been paid by Brij Kishore Giri, their handler in Nepal who in turn had been paid by Shafi Sheikh and Shamsul Hoda. Bihar Police claims that the three were been paid Rs 3 lakh each for planting the explosives. Investigators painstakingly tracked down Hoda in Dubai and intelligence officials kept an eye on his movements and phone calls. During interrogation, Hoda revealed the plan to derail trains and kill people, the intelligence officials passed on the audio link to their counterparts in the Middle- East. Hoda was deported to Nepal where the police arrested him. A team of NIA sleuths is also travelling to Nepal to question Hoda in connection with the Kanpur and Koneru derailments. But with 1,10,000 km rail track across the country vulnerable to subversive and anti-national elements, the railways is now desperately working to devise ways to secure the rail line. The first phase of Uttar Pradesh elections witnessed a little more than 63% turnout. The fate of as many as 839 candidates (BSP-73, BJP-73, SP-51, Cong-24, RLD-57 and others-561) in the 73 constituencies were thus sealed in EVM machines. Polling was marred by stray incidents of violence and faulty EVMs. A report from Baghpat said RLD workers obstructed Dalits from exercising their franchise leading to a clash. Voters in 15 districts queued up to cast their votes in the first phase of Uttar Pradesh election In Meerut, BJP leader Sangeet Som's brother Gagan Som was detained for carrying a pistol inside a polling booth. Police confiscated around Rs 19.6 crore cash, liquor worth Rs 14 crore and drugs worth Rs 6 lakh. '10 cases of paid news have also come to light and action has been initiated,' deputy election commission Vijay Dev said. While the highest turnout was reported from Etah district (72%), the lowest was reported from Ghaziabad district (57%). Elderly voters walking out of the polling station after casting her vote during the first phase of the assembly elections in Dadri Meanwhile, UP minister Radhey Shyam Singh allegedly threatened to set a local journalist on fire for not supporting him during the elections. According to a report in Deccan Herald, In a Taliban-like diktat, Uttar Pradesh Minister Radhey Shyam Singh allegedly threatened to set a local journalist afire for not supporting him during the ongoing Assembly elections in the state. The journalist has filed a complaint with police and has handed over the mobile audio of the alleged threat to the Superintendent of Police, Kushinagar, Raju Babu Singh. A disabled girl Ranjan Gupta, 26 year arrives to cast her vote as she shout slogans bharat mata ki jai during the first phase of the assembly elections in Noida Singh said he had received the complaint and the matter would be investigated. In the past too, the minister was accused of abusing and threatening local government officials over phone. Kushinagar goes to polls on March 4 in the penultimate phase of the seven-phase assembly elections ending March 8. The high-profile Noida constituency from where Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's son Pankaj Singh is contesting, recorded 51 percent polls. The Election Commission has directed police to lodge FIRs against SP candidate Sunil Choudhary and BSP candidate Ravikant Mishra, both contesting from Noida, for violating the model code of conduct. Public rallies of various prominent leaders have become the call of the day. PM Modi in his recent public address took a pot shot on UP CM Akhilesh Yadav. He said, 'Akhileshji says 'kaam bolta hai' (work speaks for itself). 'Even a child knows it is your 'karnama' which speaks for you.Mothers pledge their mangalsutra and farmers their fields for the jobs of their sons,' added Modi. This news couldn't have come at a better time than this. On February 14, the day Aero India 2017 begins, the IAF will be the proud owner of its very own indigenous all weather Airborne Early Warning and Control system popularly known as the AEW&C. This aerial platform is meant to be a force multiplier that will guide the IAF's fighter aircraft during combat. IAF will be the owner of indigenous all-weather airborne early warning and control system, AEW&C. It will have the capability to detect incoming fighters, cruise missiles and even drones from both Pakistan and China. For DRDO chairman Dr Christopher, it will be a momentous day indeed. He was the programme director (airborne early warning and control system) and director of Centre for Air-Borne Systems in the DRDO before being elevated to the topmost rank. Speaking exclusively to India Today, he said his association with the early warning system programme goes back to 1985 when it all started. He also had a narrow escape having flown on the same test aircraft as a flight engineer that crashed in January 1999. 'I flew on that same test aircraft, the previous sortie, the last but one sortie before it crashed,' he told India Today. The requirement of the IAF is for 8 AWACS-I aircraft The indigenous AEW&C system has been developed by Bengaluru-based CABS and integrated onto a Brazilian built Embraer-145 aircraft. It is equipped with a 240-degree coverage radar and can detect, identify and classify threats in the surveillance area and also act as a Command and Control Centre to support air defence operations. Director general of Aeronautical Systems (Aero) Dr CP Ramanarayanan participated in the final trials of the AEW&C. 'I was on board this Jodhpur bound flight and it was heartening to see all the functional performance requirements were met meticulously,' he says. According to him the users (IAF) observed that this was such a trial they have never undergone. So while the second AEW&C will be handed over to the IAF in a few months time, the third which was initially to be with CABS, will also be handed over to the IAF. China has more than 20 AWACS and Pakistan has 8 AWACS, India on the other hand has just this one AEW&C and three Phalcon systems. To play catch up, in March 2016, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the building of two AWACS-India. These systems will be much more powerful and capable than the AEW&C and will involve mounting an indigenous 360- degree coverage AESA radar on an Airbus A-330 jet. 'As far as the functionality is concerned, both are identical. However, the new one is much more capable with extended range and better angular coverage,' Dr S Christopher says. The requirement of the IAF is for 8 AWACS-I aircraft. Dr Christopher has said the file will be moved to the cabinet committee on security and they are hoping to secure clearance anytime soon with a developmental time frame of close to seven years. It's day 5 of the political turmoil in Tamil Nadu where both VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam have staked claim to the chief minister's chair. Tamil Nadu governor Vidyasagar Rao, who must take a decision on whom to invite to become the next CM, has maintained silence on the issue. However, a note that surfaced on Friday night indicated that he is not inclined to invite Sasikala to the post. Tamil Nadu governor V Rao is not inclined to invite Sasikala to the post In a boost to the OPS camp, an MLA and three MPs of AIADMK joined Panneerselvam, after deserting Sasikala, who met legislators supporting her and threatened to hold protests on Saturday against the delay in swearing her in as CM. 'We waited till today. Tomorrow, we will protest in another form,' Sasikala said when asked to comment on the absence of response from the governor even 48 hours after she staked claim to form the government. In a boost to the OPS camp, an MLA and three MPs of AIADMK joined Panneerselvam, after deserting Sasikala Referring to the delay by Vidyasagar Rao in inviting her to form the government, she said it appeared such delay is intended to facilitate a split in the party. Governor Vidyasagar Rao is undecided on who should be the next CM Meanwhile, school education minister K Pandiarajan, along with MPs P R Sundaram, K Ashok Kumar and Satyabama switched over to the CM camp. In the evening, party veteran C Ponnaiyan also drove to Panneerselvam's residence and offered support. After these switchovers, Panneerselvam camp now has seven MLAs, including him. Rattled by the desertions, Sasikala, who has been elected leader of the AIADMK legislature party on February 5, drove to the resort, 100 km from Chennai, in an attempt to prevent MLAs who have been put up there for three days from switching sides. On the other hand, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, who has backed Sasikala, had a 30-minute meeting with Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan. 'Only OPS has the capacity to lead the party. He was selected by Amma herself,' Ponnaiyan said. A Chinese soldier, who lived in India for 53 years after he crossed the border post in the 1962 war, finally returned home along with his Indian family to get an emotional reunion and a hero's welcome. He was given an offer to make a new home for himself and his Indian family there. As Wang stepped off an airplane in Xian province, he was greeted by dozens of relatives. Wang Qi with his Indian family and his relatives in China. He was offered a home in his native village Wang Qi's return has evoked huge interest among the Chinese media, as several newspapers have published his story on the front-page. Wang was whisked away to a city hotel, and the exhausted 77-year-old will visit his home village in the coming days. He was accompanied by his son Vishnu Wang and daughter Anita. Dozens of members of the Wang clan welcomed him with banners and bouquets of flowers. Nephews and nieces born after he was caught in India had a surreal first meeting with one of their family's oldest members, simply known as 'the Indian uncle'. His two brothers shed tears after seeing him. They last met when they were barely teenagers. The Chinese government issued him a passport in 2003, but Wang's greatest regret is that he was unable to visit China and meet his mother before her death in 2006. (Picture for representation) In the quiet and remote village of Xuezhai, Wang's relatives were waiting in anticipation. His old family home where his brother and sister-in-law live has been decorated, while provincial government officials told Mail Today that they have directed local authorities to make his old plot of land available should he choose to stay on. 'We think it is up to Wang Qi if he wants to stay here. We will be more than happy if he chooses to stay on,' Wang Zengwei, an official in the village Party committee, said. Wang has been living with his Indian family in Tirodi, a village in Madhya Pradesh, for the last six years. He was sent there after being jailed for crossing the border in 1963. After serving the jail term, he married Sushila, a girl from the village. Though he has a family in India, for long he was a man without a country, as neither India nor China pushed his case. The Chinese government issued him a passport in 2003, but Wang's greatest regret is that he was unable to visit China and meet his mother before her death in 2006. To visit his mother's grave is the first thing that Wang plans to do after visiting his native village. In China, Wang's story has been used for propaganda by the government authorities. The government is publicizing Wang's return to highlight India-China relations in a good light. 'We have to thank the Indian authorities. This is a special case and they have given it special attention,' said his nephew Wang Yingjun. 'We thank our country and the foreign ministry to make this happen so quickly. We are very happy and grateful,' he added. In its fight against the looming winter smog over the NCR, the Haryana government has decided to follow the Beijing model. The state is in talks with a Holland-based company to set up smog free towers in Gurugram and Faridabad, the two districts adjoining the national Capital that contribute to nearly one-fifths of air pollution in the region. A smog-free tower is a seven metre-high air purifier, the largest in the world, which takes in polluted air particles and expels cleaner air. Haryana is now looking to Beijing as it continues its fight against deadly NCR smog like this Beijing, often dubbed Asia's smog-chimney, installed several such units in October last year to handle the worsening air condition in the city. 'Haryana surrounds most of the National Capital from south, west and north side and it becomes our responsibility to share the burden of NCR's fight against deadly air pollution,' Vipul Goel, state industry and environment minister told Mail Today. 'We are aggressively looking at a tech-enabled pollution free environs in Delhi's backyard in Faridabad and Gurugram to start with.' Goel said he came to know about the smog-free towers installed in Beijing and its positive feedback in China through the media. The state is in talks with a Dutch company to set up seven-metre high air purifiers like these units seen in the Chinese capital Beijing The minister got in touch with the Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde who was behind the clean-air project in an industrial park of the Chinese capital. He will be soon visiting Beijing with a team of experts and officials. Each air purifier tower, which contains three small in-built purifiers and an outer shell, is effective within the radius of 300 metres to 7 km, claims its manufacturer. One unit of the giant purifier costs somewhere between Rs 1.8 and Rs 2 crore and it takes about three months to produce a single unit. Once on the ground, it shows instant results, according to the company. Vipul Goel, state industry and environment minister, said it was Haryana's responsibility to share the burden of tackling pollution as it surrounds the national Capital Goel said that he is keen to push for installing the air purifiers in the two districts before the onset of winter. Haryana will also simultaneously employ a conventional mode in its fight against pollution and plant about 2.5 crore saplings in the current year. 'We planted about 2.3 lakh trees in just three hours in a similar drive recently,' he said. Schoolchildren, joggers and office-goers alike sport masks to get relief from the polluted air However, officials associated with the move, said the final details of the purchase were not yet out. 'We have not decided on the numbers yet, but at least 10-15 in Manesar-Gurugram area alone would be required to bring down smog levels there and at least three to five in Faridabad at critical junctions would be adequate to start this tech-enabled fight against pollution in NCR,' said an anonymous state government official. Such a move by Haryana would be a welcome move for Delhi, currently battling worsening air-pollution levels in a decade and between November and January each year, triggering severe respiratory ailments for children and the elderly. People wear masks to protect them selves from the dangerous levels of air pollution The National Green Tribunal too has raised concerns about the perennial smog blanket every winter all over the NCR and advised the states to thrash out a joint action plan to minimise Delhi's air pollution levels. Experts say that the standing air purifier sucks in 75 per cent of the particles in the nearby air that are dangerous to humans, and then spits out clean air into the surrounding space. It has already made a difference to Beijing air, claims local Chinese media. The units are movable and can be reinstalled to a different site. The Haryana government is also mulling a viable solution to end crop burning by local farmers. Crop burning in fields of Haryana and Punjab contribute significantly to rising Delhi's air pollution levels. But with local politics involved, an immediate step is unlikely soon, hinted officials adding, 'but we are putting up 19 ambient air quality monitors to assess the peak pollution time causing the rise in Delhi's air pollution levels'. Three brothers were arrested on Sunday for the theft of a replica of the Nobel Peace Prize medallion and other valuables from the house of laureate Kailash Satyarthi's in south east Delhi on Tuesday. While the stolen items, including the replica, have been recovered, the citation that was also stolen has not been found yet. The three accused brothers, Rajan alias Natta (25), Vinod (35) and Sunil (28), have had previous involvements in burglary and robbery cases, police said. Kailash Satyarthi thanked police and expressed hope that the citation that remains missing will also be recovered soon A number of items were stolen from his house (pictured here as police dogs searched the premises for clues following the raid on Tuesday) Child rights activist Satyarthi thanked Delhi Police for the brilliant and speedy recovery of the stolen items and expressed hope that the citation will also be recovered soon. Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik also tweeted about the case being solved. 'Was greatly concerned about theft of Shri Satyarthi's prestigious Nobel Medal replica. Proud that @DelhiPolice recovered it in quick time,' he tweeted. The three brothers accused of the theft were arrested on Sunday after a large operation The items recovered by police after Kailash Satyarthi's home was raided on Tuesday R P Upadhyay, joint commissioner of police (south east), said that for the police, it was a case of national pride. 'Ten teams were working on the case and exploring different angles. Traditional policing played a big role in solving the case,' the officer said. 'In the CCTV footage that was recovered, two faces were muffled and one face was hazy and despite developing them, we didn't have a clear picture of the accused,' he said. 'Apart from technical surveillance, the cops also focused on record-based surveillance,' he said. The laureate won the Nobel Peace Prize of 2014, which he shared with Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan The theft had taken place in the early hours of February 7 and police were informed about the theft at Satyarthi's flat at around 9am by a colleague of Satyarthi. There was no one at home as Satyarthi had gone to Bogota, Colombia, for a peace conference. When the police team reached the spot, the main door of the house was found broken. Rakesh Senger, who works with Satyarthi's Bachpan Bachao Andolan, was the first to discover the theft. 'The house was inspected by the crime team and the photographs of scene of crime were taken, said DCP (southeast) Romil Baaniya. During investigation, it was found that two other flats, that were also locked, were also burgled', Baaniya added. More than 50 people were identified following the analysis of burglaries with similar modus operandi in 2016-2017. In the record, police found a similar modus operandi in a burglary case in 2016. Rajan, one of the accused, was arrested for a similar burglary last year as well, the cops said. Leader of the Daesh terrorist organization Abu Bakr Baghdadi was possibly injured during an airstrike carried out by the Iraqi Air Force in the city of Qaim on February 9, Sputnik reported citing Iraqi media. Leader of the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) terrorist organization Abu Bakr Baghdadi was injured in an airstrike in western Iraq, local media reported on Sunday, citing sources in security agencies. Baghdadi was possibly injured during an airstrike carried out by the Iraqi Air Force in the city of Qaim on February 9, the Alhurra channel reported citing intelligence department of the countrys interior ministry. According to the media, Baghdadi sustained heavy injuries and was sent to Syria, while several other terrorists were eliminated. Reports of Baghdadi being injured or killed appeared several times over the past months, but none of them have been confirmed. Chaos threatens to continue on the streets of the national Capital as a large section of cabs will remain off the streets as their indefinite strike enters its fourth day. Thousands of drivers have been on strike since Friday in Delhi-NCR to protest 'low fares' and 'lack of basic amenities' from app-based cab aggregators. However, five drivers' unions, out of six, withdrew their support from the strike called by Sarvodaya Drivers' Association of Delhi (SDAD) on Sunday. The indefinite strike started on Friday over pay and conditions from app-based aggregators The development comes after a delegation of drivers' unions met Delhi transport minister Satyendar Jain who assured them of fulfilling most of their demands. But there will be little respite for commuters who have been struggling to hire cabs for the last three days as a large section of cabs will remain off the streets on the first day of the week. SDAD, which claims to represent 1.5 lakh drivers, said it has not withdrawn the strike which will continue on Monday. However, five drivers' unions, out of six, withdrew their support from the strike called by Sarvodaya Drivers' Association of Delhi (SDAD) on Sunday 'Our union represents 1.5 lakh drivers, who work with app-based cab aggregators in Delhi-NCR, and they all will remain on strike tomorrow. We won't call off the strike until our demands are met,' said SDAD vice president Ravi Rathore. 'We demand that fares be increased from the existing Rs 6 per km to Rs 21 per km. 'Also, the 25 per cent commission by aggregators on every booking should be stopped,' he added, claiming that the Telangana taxi drivers' association has also extended support to the strike. With cabs off the streets, auto rickshaws have seized on the opportunity and are asking for a fortune for even small distances. Other modes of transport have been overcrowded due to the extra passenger load Meanwhile, Delhi Metro has remained overcrowded due to the extra passenger load. Incidentally, neither the Delhi transport corporation nor Delhi Police have come forward to address the issue. The drivers are demanding that in case fares are not raised, the companies must provide them incentives. The government, along with the Centre, had come up with a policy setting the rate slab for private cabs operating in Delhi-NCR. However, government sources say they have to frame a fresh policy within two months due to a HC direction. 'We are keeping a watch on the situation. We will come up with a fresh policy for private cab aggregators,' said a government official, adding that for the time being, there will be alternate measures such as an additional fleet of 200 DTC and cluster buses from Monday. Among the unions which have withdrawn support from the strike are Commercial Drivers' Union, East Delhi Drivers' Ekta Union, Delhi NCR Radio Taxi Union and Rajdhani Tourist Drivers' Union. 'The transport minister has assured us that existing fares will be revised. In the meeting, he also assured drivers' unions that app-based cab aggregators will not charge 25 per cent commission,' said Balwant Singh, president of Rajdhani Tourist Drivers' Union. How should authorities react if there is an affair between officers serving in field areas together? And what will be the support system for families of defence couples when both are deployed away from home for many days? As the clamour for allowing women in combat roles is rising, these are a few of the many legal and social issues being discussed by the armed forces while preparing a comprehensive policy under the Defence Ministry. 'We have to address all possible legal fall outs as well as prepare answers to issues that may arise before women are inducted in combat roles,' a military official told Mail Today. A comprehensive policy is being thrashed out by the Defence Ministry to address matters relating to women taking on combat roles in India's armed forces After the Narendra Modi government planned to open up more avenues for women officers, the Air Forcestarted training them on experimental basis for flying combat aircrafts. Women will shortly undergo armament training at Kalaikunda air base in West Bengal. Forces are now trying to find answers for sensitive issues such as an affair between a lady officer and a jawan and how to deal with it. 'There is no clarity on this aspect,' the official added. Sources in the military said it would be the Army and Navy where the effects would be felt more as personnel are deployed outside their bases for days or even months at a stretch. The Indian Coast Guard recently became the first of India's armed forces to deploy women in combat roles 'If a warship sets out for sails, it remains on the high seas for months and similarly, if an infantry battalion is deployed on the LoC or Siachen Glacier, it has to be there for at least 90 days,' an official said. Another major issue forces are encountering is of officers falling pregnant and how the forces would have to find their replacement. 'One position cannot be allowed to be left vacant for one to one-and-half years from the time the lady officer is pregnant till a few months after delivery. Therefore, requisite manpower would have to be deployed,' the official added. But one of the biggest issues forces feel would arise in future is about providing family support to female officers. 'A foreign lady General from a militarily powerful country had come to India recently. When autho-rities asked her how she managed her family, she said due to lack of infrastructure support, she preferred not to have children,' said an official. 'Now, we cannot have a situation where we can ask lady officers not to have children. But if women are inducted, we have to provide a complete infrastructure to support their families where children can be taken care of,' he added. Policy makers are also looking at a situation where both husband and wife have to leave for a long deployment. 'We will have to have answers for this situation such as creating facilities where the child can be kept and taken care of for that period,' he further said. Another issue is that of matching up to physical standards that are applicable to male officers and cannot be made lenient in any way for women. Wang Qi, the 77-year-old Chinese army veteran who returned to his homeland on Saturday after 54 years in India, has not yet decided whether he will eventually settle in China or return to his home in Madhya Pradesh, his family has said. Since his emotional reunion on Saturday in Xian with his brothers and sister, Wang has been swept up in a whirl of media attention and feted by the government. His return has been celebrated by the Chinese media and has received non-stop coverage for the past few days. For long Wang was known as a man with no country but he returned to China at the weekend for an emotional reunion with his long-lost relatives While Wang's wife Sushila, whom he married in the village of Tirodi in Madhya Pradesh where he has lived since 1969, and daughter Anita did not accompany him on the long journey to China because of health reasons, he was joined by his son Vishnu Wang, his daughter-in-law Neha and grandson. As Wang, in the coming days, reunites with long-lost relatives, the family will also, in the weeks ahead, have to decide on his future. The 77-year-old is thought to be keen 'on spending the last years of his life in China' as one acquaintance said, but his wife remains in India, where his son and daughter and their families reside. Wang with his family in Tirodi, Madhya Pradesh where he has lived since 1969 'This is a decision, the family has to sit together and decide, whether my father and us stay or go back, and when we go back,' Vishnu Wang told India Today, speaking at the hotel where the Wang family has been residing since their arrival. They have been hosted by the local government in the town of Xiangyang, near Xian, which is an hour away from the remote and difficult-to-reach family village of Xuezhai where Wang Qi's brothers live. Wang is expected to travel to the remote village on Monday and pay respects at the grave of his mother, who passed away seven years ago. Wang Qi with his Indian family and his relatives in China. He was offered a home in his native village He never had the chance to see her again after being jailed in 1963 after entering Indian territory shortly after the Sino- India War of 1962. Vishnu spoke of his father's joy at reuniting with his brothers, who last saw him as a young 20- year-old. 'My father met with his family for the first time after 54 years, his older and younger brother, and sister. He couldn't stop crying,' Vishnu said. Since his emotional reunion on Saturday in Xian with his brothers and sister, Wang has been swept up in a whirl of media attention and feted by the government 'We are thankful to both India and China governments for taking the good decision of allowing him to come to China. I'm also so happy, that for the first time he has been able to come here.' The family's only regret was Wang being unable to see his mother. 'The only thing I'm sad about is he was waiting for so long to see his mother, but its a source of sadness for our family that she was not alive to see this,' Vishnu said. As Wang, in the coming days, reunites with long-lost relatives, the family will also, in the weeks ahead, have to decide on his future The family faces a difficult decision in the weeks ahead, as Wang Qi decides whether to return to his family in India, or relocate with his wife, even as his children live in India. Wang is a Chinese citizen, and was issued a passport by China in 2003. He has been granted a one-year visa by India, relatives said, which would allow him to return to his home in Madhya Pradesh. China has unusually given his son Vishnu and his family a two year visa that is rarely granted to foreign citizens, underlining the significance Beijing has attached to the case. Tyres are arguably the most important component of any car as they're the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road. But many motorists are overlooking the significance of their rubber by continuing to drive on them when they've deteriorated to illegal levels. According to new research, 10,766 Britons were handed endorsements for being caught with defective tyres fitted to their car in 2016. With a maximum fine of 2,500 for each balding tyre, motorists are risking having to pay 27 million a year for this simple maintenance check. Going bald? According to new research, almost a quarter of vehicles that fail an MOT do so because the tyres fitted to the car have too little tread. The study by Confused.com found that 2.5 million cars failed an MOT in the previous 12 months for driving with bald or defective rubber. That accounted for almost a quarter (23 per cent) of all MOTs failed in the country. But the issue becomes more costly if you're found to be driving with dangerous rubber before the MOT test comes around. Not to mention the fact that driving with too little tread is highly dangerous and could lead to serious injury or death in a crash. According to an freedom of information request submitted by the comparison site, almost 9,000 drivers were handed penalty points for the offence last year alone. Motorists need to ask themselves if its really worth risking three points on their license and enormous fines of up to 2,500 per tyre. Listed as a 'CU30' offence, being caught with defective tyres is an automatic three-points on your licence. A driver can be forced to pay a fine of up to 2,500 for each balding tyre - amounting to 10,000 if you're driving with to-the-carcass rubber on all four corners. Those motorists who were issued fines by the police had to shell out an average of 2,700, suggesting motorists are being caught with more than one illegally deteriorated tyre each time. WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TYRES? If the tread depth of the tyre is less than 1.6mm, then you need to buy a replacement. A punctured tyre can be repaired, but a drivers should replace it if is punctured again, even if in a different area to the first. Tyres can be deemed defective if they've deteriorated due to age - exposure to heat, sunlight and rain can damage the rubber over time, making it hard and less grippy, even if there is more than 1.6mm of treat across the entire surface area. Check for signs of cracking on sidewalls of tyres that are four or five years old. Further evidence that it's not a case of one just one balded black ring is that the average number of penalties issued last year during these instances was six - with potentially other tyres and car defects contributing. A whopping 38 per cent of those caught said the additional points for dodgy tyres were enough to see them being disqualified from diving. More than a third of motorists admit they are totally unaware of the dangers, with 35 per cent admitting they only knew their tyres had surpassed the minimum 1.6mm of tread depth allowed by law when it was pointed out during a service or MOT. Of the 2,000 UK adults polled by Confused.com, another 28 per cent said a friend or relative informed them that their tyres needed to be replaced. The comparison firm said the issue may only get worse with the Department for Transport currently weighing up an extension to the MOT period for new cars from three to four years. Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, said: 'We understand that arranging to have your tyres changed seems like a hassle, and we know some drivers are concerned about how big a hole its going to burn in their pockets. 'But motorists need to ask themselves if its really worth risking three points on their license and enormous fines of up to 2,500 per tyre.' Janet Thornton: The founder of Inspired Energy We round-up the Sunday newspaper share tips. Midas looks at Inspired Energy and the delisting of a tip that went wrong United Cacao. Questor looks at Inmarasat. Midas in the Mail on Sunday - Inspired Energy Inspired Energy helps firms cut their power bills. Based in Kirkham, Lancashire, its shares are 12p and should move considerably higher over the next few years, says Midas. The company was founded by Janet Thornton in 2000 after she had worked in the energy consulting industry for almost a decade. She believed companies energy needs were not being properly addressed and Inspireds growth suggests she had a point. Today it has more than 1,600 corporate clients, whose energy bills range from 5million to 80million a year. Customers include many of the UKs top food makers and industrial groups, such as car repairer Kwik-Fit, surfaces specialist Formica and Muller Milk and Ingredients, the UKs largest milk group. In each case, these businesses want help and advice on how to cut their energy bills. Inspired offers two services it buys gas and electricity for clients and advises them on how best to manage their energy needs. Customers benefit because Inspired has substantial buying power. It has also developed considerable technical expertise, so its market knowledge is second to none. And contracts are often fixed for a couple of years or more, so firms can be clear about energy costs over the medium term. Midas verdict: Inspired Energy has done well in recent years, profit growth has been strong and dividends have risen consistently. Yet the shares have barely moved in a year and are seriously undervalued. Buy now and watch them rise. Midas in the Mail on Sunday - United Cacao United Cacao has been a disastrous investment. Recommended by Midas in December 2014 at 159p, shares in the Peru-based cocoa business were delisted from AIM last week at 50p. All AIM companies need to have a nominated adviser, Uniteds resigned in early January and the group was unable to find a replacement within the one-month time limit. New chairman Constantine Gonticas is urgently seeking cash to keep the business going. He is also talking with brokers and alternative trading platforms to find a way for investors to sell their shares. Midas verdict: United Cacao seemed like an excellent investment. Global demand for cocoa is rising, the supply is shrinking and United was building an estate in Peru, where the climate is ideal for cocoa production. But the company has been badly managed, finances were allowed to dwindle to a parlous level and Gonticas is now fighting to keep the business afloat. If he finds the necessary cash, it will come at a heavy price and current shareholders will bear the brunt. Sadly, therefore, if Gonticas finds a suitable share trading facility, investors should sell if buyers can be found. Inmarsat is one of the world's leading satellite firms Questor in the Sunday Telegraph - Inmarsat Satellite firm Inmarsat is involved in a venture with Deutsche Telekom to bring faster in-flight internet to the world, says Questor in the Sunday Telegraph. Last week it completed testing the satellite section of the European Aviation Network and in the middle of this year a satellite will be launched to hook up passengers in Europe to cabin Wi-Fi. This should be a major improvement on the service some airlines already offer. Lufthansa, Air New Zealand and British Airways owner IAG are among customers awaiting installation. Questor says that the market for these passenger connectivity services is expected to grow from $700m in 2015 to nearly $5.4bn by 2025, according to Euroconsult analysts. A successful launch would be good news for Inmarsat which has seen turbulence in recent years. It dropped out of the FTSE 100 last year and an up-and-down ride in expectations has seen shares slide by a third over the past year. Questor says: The investment case for Inmarsat is made if you can see through some short-term turbulence to the longer-term potential, especially in aviation. Trading at 13 times next years earnings, Inmarsat has cheapened considerably. The dividend yields 7 per cent and looks safe. This is a good entry point. Buy. Wisconsin-based cheesemaker Sargento Foods Inc. is recalling seven cheese products because of a possible bacterial contamination. Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC of Middlebury, Indiana, notified Sargento that it supplied the company with a Longhorn Colby cheese that may be contaminated with Listeria monocyctogenes. No illnesses have been reported. Scroll down to see all of the cheeses being recalled Sargento has recalled its Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Longhorn Colby with sell-by dates of April 12 and May 10, 2017, and 8-ounce packages of Sargento Chef Blends Shredded Nacho & Taco Cheese with sell-by dates of June 14 and July 12, 2017 Listeria monocytogenes (pictured) can cause food poisoning in pregnant women, newborn babies and those aged over 60 and it can lead to deadly conditions including meningitis LISTERIA: KEY FACTS Listeria is a foodborne illness that is especially dangerous to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. It rarely causes serious illness in healthy people and can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. Because it can be so serious for some people, outbreaks of listeria generally cause more deaths than other pathogens, such as salmonella or E. coli. Scientists recommend people with a weak immune system should avoid soft cheese unless it is labeled as made with pasteurized milk. Advertisement In healthy individuals, eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may lead to common food poisoning symptoms, such as diarrhea or an upset stomach. But the bacteria can cause listeriosis - a serious systemic infection - in people with weak immune systems. The recalled products are 6.84-ounce packages of Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Longhorn Colby with sell-by dates of April 12 and May 10, 2017, and 8-ounce packages of Sargento Chef Blends Shredded Nacho & Taco Cheese with sell-by dates of June 14 and July 12, 2017. The products were packaged at the Sargento plant in Plymouth, Wisconsin, and were distributed nationwide. Sargento also recalled some products that were packaged on the same line as the affected cheese and distributed nationwide. No other Sargento products are affected. Sargento said that customers will be refunded if they contact the company at 1-800-243-3737 or email them via the 'Contact Us' page on Sargento.com. Jim Williams disappeared nearly 40 years ago A painful family mystery has been solved, after authorities in Ohio identified a man killed by a train nearly four decades ago using new technology. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office last week identified James 'Jim' Francis Williams as the man who was fatally struck in the Cleveland suburb of Berea on November 14, 1980. A Michigan native but known drifter and alcoholic, Williams was 35 when he was killed, his brother told Cleveland.com. Louie Williams, 68, last saw his older brother alive in 1974, and has spent painful decades searching for answers in the man's disappearance. 'All those years, my whole family, we never knew what happened to him,' said Louie Williams. Cops in Berea, Ohio likewise spent decades with an unsolved mystery on their hands. On a Friday afternoon in November of 1980, a train engineer passing through the suburban town spotted a body on the adjacent railroad tracks as he passed. Police responded and found a gruesome scene, with the dead man's body severed in two by a train that had passed by earlier. Train tracks to the west of Front Street in Berea are shown in this file photo from 2007. A train engineer made a gruesome discovery on this spot in 1980 The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the grisly death in the November 15, 1980 issue Cops put out a description of the victim as 'an oriental man,' but never managed to make a positive identification. The anonymous victim was buried in an unmarked grave in Cleveland's Potter's Field, and the case remained unsolved. A memorial marks the site of Potter's Field in Cleveland, where the unidentified body was buried in an unmarked grave. It would take nearly four decades to ID the remains Decades later, Dawn Schilens, a forensic analyst with the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office, stumbled upon the case and requested the original police report from cops in Berea. The file contained fingerprints taken from the unidentified body, which Schilens and her colleagues ran through a federal database. They got a hit: an arrest report from the 1960s, in Grand Haven, Michigan. A fingerprint analysis terminal at the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office. Fingerprints led last week to the identification of the body as Jim Williams Jim Williams, then 17, had been arrested with his younger brother Louie for stealing a car and driving it to Indiana. Though Louie, then 13, got off with a slap on the wrist, Jim was arrested and fingerprinted. The brothers are part Chippewa Native American, and investigators worked with detective Sgt. Mike Pins of the Sault Tribe Police Department to find Louie, who now lives in California, using tribal rolls data. Louie Williams was stunned to hear that his brother's fate had finally been solved, and relieved to find closure. 'I've seen it on TV. But to have it happen to me and my family, it's awesome,' he said. Advertisement Water started flowing over an emergency spillway at the nation's tallest dam, on Lake Oroville, for the first time Saturday after erosion damaged the Northern California dam's main spillway. Officials hoped to avoid using Oroville Dam's emergency spillway, fearing it could cause trees to fall and leave debris cascading into water that rushes through the Feather River, into the Sacramento River and on to the San Francisco Bay. Crews prepared for several days, clearing trees and brush. Water began running over the emergency spillway around 8 a.m., according to California's Department of Water Resources. It was the first time the emergency spillway has been used in the reservoir's nearly 50-year history. The dam was finished in 1968, The Sacramento Bee reported. Scroll down for video Water is seen Friday flowing over an emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam in Oroville, California Jason Newton, of the Department of Water Resources, takes a picture of water going over the emergency spillway at Oroville Dam on Saturday The California Department of Water Resources said this is the auxiliary speedway on Saturday around 4.30pm Officials hoped to avoid using the emergency spillway, fearing it could cause trees to fall and leave debris cascading into water that rushes through the Feather River, into the Sacramento River and on to the San Francisco Bay. Workers are seen Friday Water was expected to continuing flowing over the emergency spillway for 38 to 56 hours, agency spokesman Eric See said at a news conference Saturday afternoon. In addition to the emergency spillway, water is also flowing through the main spillway that was significantly damaged from erosion, he said. 'This is a very unusual event for us here in Oroville,' See said. Unexpected erosion chewed through the main spillway earlier this week, sending chunks of concrete flying and creating a 200-foot-long, 30-foot-deep hole that continues growing. Engineers don't know what caused the cave-in that is expected to keep getting bigger until it reaches bedrock. Lake water flows over the emergency spillway, bottom left, at Lake Oroville for the first time in the nearly 50-year history of the Oroville Dam in this Saturday photo The auxiliary speedway is pictured in a grab taken from video that was posted on YouTube Saturday. The California Department of Water Resources said it was shot between 10 and 11am Engineers don't know what caused the cave-in that is expected to keep getting bigger until it reaches bedrock Bill Croyle, the Department of Water Resources' acting director, said officials are continuously monitoring the erosion both on site and through cameras. 'This is mother nature kind of kicking us a few times here,' he said. Croyle said the main spillway will need a 'complete replacement' from the damage. Officials noted earlier this week that the cost of repairing the dam could approach $100million, but they noted the estimate was an early, ballpark figure. Croyle, the Sacramento Bee reported, said he told Gov. Jerry Brown fixing the main spillway may come with a price tag of $100million to $200million. Officials have stressed Oroville Dam is sound and there is no imminent threat to the public. E. Knight uses his smartphone to record muddy water rushing down the emergency spillway Water began running over the emergency spillway around 8 a.m., according to California's Department of Water Resources State officials also had been attempting to rescue millions of hatchery-raised fish imperiled by muddy water flowing downstream alongside the damaged spillway after sections of its concrete walls collapsed earlier this week About 150 miles northeast of San Francisco, Lake Oroville is one of California's largest man-made lakes, and the 770-foot-tall Oroville Dam is the nation's tallest. The lake is a central piece of California's government-run water delivery network, supplying water for agriculture in the Central Valley and residents and businesses in Southern California. Every day, the bodies were delivered to the hospital: battered beyond belief and hideously scarred from months of the most horrific torture imaginable. The corpses were shrivelled from dehydration and starvation, with ribs sticking out and limbs like sticks. Most were covered in purple bruises from beatings, and many were criss-crossed with wounds from knives, or burns from acid, electricity or cigarettes. Scroll down for video Distressing photographs of corpses shrivelled from dehydration and starvation, with ribs sticking out and limbs like sticks have been obtained by the Mail on Sunday One was missing an eye, gouged out during frenzied beating. Another had no head. A third showed signs of acid dripped along the victims back, the vertebrae visible through terrible holes in flesh. Others were riddled with disease. These were the victims of Syrias slaughterhouses: the jails and prisons run by President Bashar Assads regime, designed to terrorise the Syrian people into submission after they dared rise up in revolt. And inside three Damascus hospitals, doctors were forced to cover up the depravity by signing certificates saying the victims died from conditions such as heart failure or breathing difficulties. It was like a scene from hell It was like a scene from hell. We did not even have time to check if they were dead, said one of the doctors known as Nemer Hassan. I have seen so many terrible things. Then the corpses were whisked away to nearby mass graves, buried in their thousands without families being informed, in an effort to hide evidence from any war crime investigations. Such is the appalling banality of evil: industrial-scale torture and murder, backed by a cold bureaucracy to cover up the most revolting crimes of this century. Little wonder that UN experts asked to review the photographic evidence compared such scenes with the horror of Nazi death camps. Sir Desmond de Silva, who co-authored a UN report into Assads atrocities, said the photographs are reminiscent of pictures of people who came out of Belsen and Auschwitz. These are the victims of Syrias slaughterhouses: the jails and prisons run by President Bashar Assads regime, designed to terrorise the Syrian people into submission after they dared rise up in revolt His view was echoed by forensic anthropologist Professor Sue Black, who said reviewing the evidence for the UN had been like going back in time and looking at concentration camps. She added: In this day and age, you really dont expect to be able to witness these sort of things on this sort of scale. In a barbaric twist, it was hospitals designed as sanctuaries for the sick that were used to serve the sadistic inhumanity of a blood-stained dictator, who trained in Britain as an eye doctor. It was here that Nemer not his real name, to protect his family was forced to serve. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week in the German city where he now lives, this affable man in his 30s told tales of depravity and despair. His evidence formed part of a damning report last week by Amnesty International, which claimed up to 13,000 people have died in a calculated campaign of extrajudicial execution by mass hangings at one notorious jail alone. It was dismissed by Assad as fake news just as he dismissed thousands of images of emaciated dead torture victims smuggled out by a security forces photographer. These led last week to the launching of a landmark human rights case in Spain against senior Syrian figures. But revelations from those such as Nemer so chilling and resonant from the worst chapters of recent European history expose what has gone on behind the closed doors of Assads torture chambers. When the uprising against Assad began in 2011, Nemer was training as a surgeon in Tishreen, a huge hospital in Damascus built by the French and run by Syrias Military Medical Services. As protests swelled, Syrias four rival intelligence bodies began dumping dozens of torture victims at the hospital for treatment The dream of every Syrian is to be a doctor since it is a respected, secure and well-paid job, he said. And I liked the idea of helping people. But he soon found himself in a moral quagmire. One day in April two buses, a truck and an ambulance pulled up. They were stuffed with Syrians who had been shot taking part in unarmed protests. It was horrible to see them arrive. They had bullet wounds in their legs and backs but the military police were kicking them on the injured areas as they left the buses. He witnessed one security goon switch off a ventilator keeping an old man alive in the ambulance. We were so surprised to see this they would not even give him a chance. The remainder were taken to an underground emergency room, handcuffed to each other and laid across 200 beds in four rows. Some beds held more than one injured protester. I saw the military police walk across the patients, jumping on them. It was designed to hurt as much as possible, said Nemer. The young doctor began to sterilise his hands to treat a man whose thigh had been shattered by a bullet. Why do that for these animals? asked one military colleague, a member of the Alawite sect like Assad. These people are polluted. Days later, a video from inside the emergency room was leaked on to social media. Security forces immediately placed armed guards on the doors and banned non-Alawites especially Sunni Muslims such as Nemer from entering. But within weeks, as protests swelled on the streets, Syrias four rival intelligence bodies began dumping dozens of their torture victims at the hospital for treatment. I asked Nemer why he thought they spared some people? They wanted to deliver a message to the wider community: this is what will happen if you fight us, he replied. Assads foes were not safe, however, even in hospital. Medics would return to patients they had treated hours earlier to find new burns on their bodies or fouled water from toilets poured on bandages covering freshly cleaned wounds. There were days we felt so desperate. It was just disgusting, said Nemer. A damning report by Amnesty International claimed up to 13,000 people died in a calculated campaign of extrajudicial execution by mass hangings at one notorious jail alone was dismissed as 'fake news' by President Assad (pictured) I would carry out an operation under anaesthetic, clean up wounds, use antibiotics and then screw an external metal fixation on to the bones to hold an arm or leg together. But when I went back, someone from intelligence had pulled it out. Can you imagine the pain that must have caused? The doctors complained about the killings and torture, saying they were in a hospital not a slaughterhouse, but security chiefs brushed aside concerns. Nemer would try to find out names of those chained to the beds, passing on the details to their families. This is a hospital not a slaughterhouse Security officials sometimes casually stubbed out cigarettes on patients when he walked into a room. Yet incredibly, below these atrocities on the eighth-floor, was a regular hospital, which was even used as a showcase for visiting dignitaries. Eventually, Nemer found it too traumatic especially since he was moonlighting in secret field hospitals to help injured protesters. When a mortar exploded in one attack, he rushed outside and almost trod on the severed head of a doctor friend who had taken a break. He was also routinely interrogated for days on end by intelligence officials, who did not trust him since he was Sunni and his roommate was under suspicion. I asked to move to another hospital because I could not handle the situation any longer. His request was granted. Yet Nemers life did not improve when he went to Harasta hospital, on the outskirts of Damascus for the intelligence agencies began documenting their dead and he was forced to collaborate with their activities. Every day they would bring corpses in a jeep or truck. The officials would tell us to write death certificates and we had to ignore the obvious signs of torture and starvation. They would not even let us take a pulse or examine the pupils. UN experts asked to review the photographic evidence compared such scenes with the horror of Nazi death camps. One day after a big battle in Damascus, there were 1,300 bodies. More typically, a flatbed truck would arrive with 20 or 30 destroyed corpses on the back; once, he saw a body slip on to the pavement after a driver took a hospital roundabout too fast. The first time I refused to sign the death certificate but an intelligence person held his AK-47 to my head and said, Do it or die. It was such humiliation inside youre boiling with anger but you cant do anything. This hurt so much. I am a doctor. When I graduated I took the Hippocratic Oath, which was about saving lives. Pictures of the battered, burned and starved bodies were captured by a military police photographer known as Caesar, who smuggled out more than 53,000 images on memory sticks to provide evidence of Assads brutality. The corpses had codes scribbled on skin: the identity number; the unit that killed them; the hospital case file number. It was just like the Nazis documented their evil deeds and, indeed, just as Islamic State catalogue Yazidi women sold into sex slavery. BORIS: I'M SICKENED. NOW END THIS BARBARIC REGIME by Glen Owen for the Mail On Sunday Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has expressed his horror over the pictures Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has expressed his horror over the pictures obtained by The Mail on Sunday and said that they had redoubled his determination to work for the removal of the Assad regime. Mr Johnson said last night: The sickening images show the utter barbarism of Assad and his regime. He has blood on his hands and is responsible for the majority of the 400,000 people killed in Syria over the past five years. He cannot command the loyalty of the people on whom he has inflicted so much suffering and there must be a transition away from this barbaric regime. The recent evidence of human rights abuses in Syria has hardened the Foreign Secretarys resolve after he had appeared to soften his stance last month, when he floated the idea of Assad being permitted to run for election as part of a democratic resolution of the civil war. Mr Johnson made the remarks after new US President Donald Trump had thrown the Anglo-Washington position into doubt by using one of his first interviews after winning the election to say that his focus would be on defeating Islamic State in Syria rather then toppling Assad. Ive had an opposite view of many people regarding Syria. My attitude was youre fighting Syria, Syria is fighting IS, and you have to get rid of IS, Mr Trump had said. But at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Mr Johnson declared that after the torture revelations, he no longer thought that Assad was fit to take control of its democratically elected government. Advertisement This was when Assad started telling the international community that he was fighting terrorists. He began documenting everything so he could say, if challenged, that all these prisoners died from natural causes. Nemer smiled ruefully before adding: And if the certificates were signed by a Sunni doctor, that gave them more protection to argue it was legitimate. The UN agreed in December to start gathering evidence as a step towards prosecuting those behind Syrias atrocities. But since Russia joined Iran in propping up Assad, it seems increasingly likely he will cling on to power no wonder he could say last week he doesnt care about war crimes. Every day they would bring corpses in a jeep or truck Nemer stayed because, like other doctors, he was secretly undermining Assad by signing sick notes for scores of military recruits, knowing they would flee if allowed to return home. Some were so desperate to escape they even shot themselves. Then the surgeon was warned by a friend that he was about to be arrested for anti-regime activities. Nemer fled instantly, bribing his way into rebel-held areas before crossing the border to Turkey. Sadly, his elderly father ignored warnings not to return after getting cancer several months later and with dreadful irony, died in Harasta hospital after being seized by security forces and beaten savagely in a detention centre. One more dead person in a war that destroyed a nation. But at least brave people such as Nemer are bearing witness to evil, speaking out to remind us of the war crimes being committed on all sides of this centurys most distressing conflict. A South Australian man will face unlawful detention and sex charges over the disappearance of a Belgian tourist near Adelaide. The Belgian backpacker was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted by the man who answered her Gumtree ad asking for a farm work job. The 52-year-old is expected to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday after being arrested at a property at Meningie, southeast of the city on Saturday. A Belgian backpacker (pictured) was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a man who answered her Gumtree ad asking for a farm work job He was questioned at length by police and eventually charged with three counts of rape and one count of unlawful detention. The 24-year-old tourist had left her tourist accommodation in Adelaide's CBD and boarded a bus to the rural town of Murray Bridge, southeast of Adelaide, on Thursday morning. She was picked up by the man when she arrived. Police alleged the man drove her in his red Toyota Hilux ute to a property in Meningie, 77 kilometres to the south, where she was sexually assaulted. The ad, posted earlier in the week accompanied by a photo of her feeding a kangaroo, said she was looking for a farm or fruit picking job in Melbourne The tourist managed to send a message to her family and a friend, who raised the alarm and sparked a manhunt across the area on Friday. The young woman also managed to contact a friend in Queensland during her ordeal, which began when her alleged captor answered her internet advertisement. The ad, posted earlier in the week accompanied by a photo of her feeding a kangaroo, said she was looking for a farm or fruit picking job in Melbourne. 'I'm looking for these jobs in Melbourne starting 30 of January. With accommodation stay or hostel nearby. Cuz I don't have a car,' it read. 'I love nature and animals, I eat fruit every day;) it would be nice to do a job like this. If you have something please let me know. Thx.' She was found alone in a house in Murray Bridge at 6pm on Friday after a woman answered a police appeal for help. Dozens of officers swooped on the alleged kidnapper's Meningie farmhouse at about 12.30pm on Saturday, arresting him and seizing the Hilux. Major Crime detective superintendent Greg Hutchins said the man would be charged with abduction and 'very serious sexual offences'. He said the woman's family was relieved she had been found after the terrifying ordeal, but did not say how she got back to Murray Bridge from Meningie. 'I can confirm now she was able to get a message home to her family, and that obviously led to the police (becoming involved),' he said at a press conference. 'My understanding is that she is still with police and is well and unharmed and obviously her family are very grateful for everything that has occurred and that she is safe, obviously her safety is the main priority.' The abducter allegedly lured the victim to Murray Bridge where she arrived at a bus stop at 10.15am on Thursday and was not seen again. She was earlier seen leaving accommodation and getting on a bus, after arriving in the city from Kangaroo Island on February 6. Detective Inspector Greg Huchins said it would be alleged the offences occurred at the Meningie property where the man was taken into custody. She first arrived in Adelaide early in February. The well-travelled backpacker earlier visited Tasmania, Sydney, and China recently and other parts of the globe over the past few years. Syria's main opposition body on Sunday approved a new delegation to take part in Geneva peace talks later this month, which include Russian-backed blocs that have been critical of the armed insurgency against President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reported. The High Negotiation Committee, (HNC) the main umbrella group, said in a statement after two-days of meetings in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, that the new 21-member negotiating team included members of two dissident alliances with which it has previously been at odds. Those two alliances - the so-called Moscow and Cairo groups -- have long disavowed the armed rebellion and insisted that political change can only come through peaceful activism. Their members include a former Syrian government minister with close ties to Moscow. Mohammad Sabra, who was appointed as chief negotiator, told Saudi-owned Al-Hadath news channel that the delegation brought together various groups. He also accused unnamed foreign powers of trying to impose their views on the composition of the delegation. The body also chose a new head of the negotiating team, Nasr al Hariri, a veteran opposition figure from southern Syria. The next round of U.N.-sponsored talks on the conflict, now in its sixth year, have been scheduled for Feb. 20. It is the spectacularly beautiful region of Kenya where Prince William proposed to Kate in 2010. But that peaceful idyll is being ripped apart by a war prompted by one of the worst droughts in Kenyas history. Thousands of herdsmen many armed with machetes, automatic guns and spears have invaded the savannah in search of fertile grazing land for their vast herds of cattle. The growing conflict has left several dead, and there are widespread reports of elephants and other endangered species being killed to protect the cattle. Thousands of herdsmen have invaded the savannah armed with machine guns and machetes in search of fertile land to feed their cattle. The growing conflict has left several dead The trouble in the north of Kenya started three months ago when Samburu tribesmen brandishing spears and automatic weapons forced their way on to Il Ngwesi, a sprawling conservation ranch where the Royal couple had stayed seven years ago. The picturesque Kenyan land was where Prince William chose to propose to Kate in 2010. The peaceful idyll has is being ripped apart because of the drought Two security staff were killed in the ensuing gunfight, and many of the herdsmen were injured during their ultimately unsuccessful invasion. Battles have continued to break out across the vast estates of wealthy white landowners, whose way of life echoes that of the aristocratic Happy Valley set of British and Irish settlers of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. Two weeks ago herdsmen invaded Suyian Ranch, 44,000 acres of savannah and woodland owned by Anne Powys, whose family emigrated from Dorset a century ago to seek their fortune. Police were called in and an armed officer shot dead a 23-year-old herdsman, Lemati Mpoikai, who leaves behind a widow and a four-month-old baby. A lodge was also burned down in the violent clashes with the invaders, who continue to occupy the land with thousands of cattle with no resolution in sight. Miss Powys told The Mail on Sunday she fears a land-grab similar to events in Zimbabwe. She said: I am sure powerful politicians are behind this with elections coming up. I consider myself Kenyan but I see this as the end of everything for us. We have grown up next to these people and now they want to finish us off. Ive been living under virtual house arrest for nearly a month. Our ranch is overrun with herders who have come in illegally and set up camp with thousands of cattle. In the dead herdsmans home village of thatched mud huts, Mpoikais uncle Henry Naiputari said: We had brought our cows on to Anne Powyss land after failed negotiations with her. We herdsmen have 1,000 cows and no grass to feed them. We pleaded with her to lease us grazing until the rains come. We could not agree a price. She wanted to charge us for the calves who do not even eat grass. So we went on her land anyway and this terrible thing happened. Afterwards, I admit, we took revenge by burning down her lodge during the night. Battles have continued to break out across the vast estates of wealthy white landowners as herdsmen fight an increasingly brutal battle for available land to feed their cattle Ian Craig, a friend of the Royals and the conservationist who set up Il Ngwesi, told The Mail on Sunday: I have enormous sympathy with herders who cannot access grazing. If you have cattle and you dont have grass, you are in a terrible situation. We have heard for years about the historical injustice by which huge areas of land are in private hands, but the truth is that there is a Land Act here, and private property, properly leased, must be respected. At Kifuku Ranch, owned by English expats Maria and Anthony Dodds, two pet rottweilers were speared to death by herders, and gunfire can be heard almost daily. Mrs Dodds said they had been forced to move their own cattle to another farm for safety. She said. We are going nowhere. We want the herders to know we are here to stay, whatever they do. All the ranch-owners are helping each other. Its like a wartime spirit. Laikipia police commander Simon Kipkeu said: We are upholding the law against an illegal invasion from people outside of our county. They are trouble-makers and the ranch-owners need our protection. Yesterday, the Kenyan government declared the drought a national disaster. A newspaper in the Dominican Republic printed a photo of Hollywood star Alec Baldwin playing President Donald Trump in a story about the real-life US president. The snafu appeared in the Friday editions of El Nacional, The Daily Dot reported. The photo showing Baldwin as Trump was captioned in Spanish: 'Donald Trump, president of the United States'. A Dominican Republic newspaper printed a photo of Hollywood star Alec Baldwin playing President Donald Trump in a story about the real-life US president El Nacional issued an apology on its website Saturday for the photo mistake. It said in Spanish: 'On Friday El Nacional published a photo of actor Alec Baldwin, who imitates the President of the United States on a television program. 'The picture was sent that day by the Associated Press (AP) with the name of the actor and information about the program, but it was placed as if it were the one of Trump, a situation that went unnoticed for all those who reviewed page 19. 'El Nacional apologizes to the readers and to all those who felt affected by the publication. 'Actor Alec Baldwin imitates President Trump on the weekly program Saturday Night Live on the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), one of the most important in the United States.' Alec Baldwin is seen as President Donald Trump in the opening sketch of Saturday Night Live in this February 4 image Baldwin's appeared in numerous episodes of Saturday Night Live's current season, playing the former reality star-turned-politician. He is set to host Saturday's episode, which will be his seventeenth time hosting the late-night comedy sketch program. Trump has previously criticized Baldwin's portrayal of him. In a December 4 tweet, he wrote: 'Just tried watching Saturday Night Live - unwatchable! Totally biased, not funny and the Baldwin impersonation just can't get any worse. Sad.' The start of Donald Trumps presidency - and his controversial executive orders on immigration and a planned border wall - was met with unique resistance by San Francisco protesters. Using their bodies, thousands of people helped spell 'RESIST!!' in enormous letters on Ocean Beach Friday morning. The word, which seems to be a favorite of anti-Trump protesters, had already been etched into the sand before protesters arrived. Scroll down for video Thousands of anti-Trump protesters used their bodies to help spell 'RESIST!!' in enormous letters on Ocean Beach in San Francisco Friday morning The peaceful protest was organized by Oakland resident Brad Newsham, 65 Since 2006, Newsham, a cabbie and travel writer, has organized a dozen similar events 'When I first started organizing these, the park service was leery of me', Newsham said Upbeat protesters chanted 'We want a leader, not a creepy tweeter!' and carried a variety of signs, one of which read, 'Fight Fascism in USA' Their message of peaceful protest against what they perceive to be an increasingly authoritarian American government was physically underlined by even more people, NBC Bay Area reports. One of the exclamation marks was created by members of the grassroots anti-war organization Codepink, who were clad in neon pink. Upbeat protesters chanted 'We want a leader, not a creepy tweeter!' and carried a variety of signs, one of which read, 'Fight Fascism in USA'. Photos were taken from a helicopter whirring above. This isn't the first protest of its kind that Oakland resident Brad Newsham, 65, has organized. The word had already been etched into the sand before protesters arrived They were protesting against what they perceive to be an increasingly authoritarian American government Photos were taken from a helicopter whirring above Since 2006, Newsham, a cabbie and travel writer, has organized a dozen similar events, including that year's 'Beach Impeach Project'. His first call brought out more than 1,000 volunteers, who laid in the sand on January 6, 2007, to form 100-foot letters on Ocean Beach to spell the word 'Impeach'. Their message was aimed at George W Bush during his presidency. Newsham, who has spent $20,000 of his savings on the 'Beach Impeach Project', has organized other impeachment lie-ins at San Francisco's Crissy Field and Cesar Chavez Park in Berkeley. 'When I first started organizing these, the park service was leery of me', Newsham told the SFist. 'As they should be - I was calling for the impeachment and the imprisonment of their bosses... I had to go through a lot of hoops'. The mass stranding of whales on a remote beach in New Zealand took a sad twist yesterday as a new pod of 240 whales swam aground. The new group has taken the total number of whales beached on the shore to over 650, making it one of the worst incidents of its kind in New Zealands history. The latest pod of whales were washed on the shore only hours after rescuers refloated 100 survivors from the earlier group of 416 stranded whales. Dead Pilot whales line the shore after being stranded for a second time at the remote Farewell Spit in New Zealand A volunteer pours water on pilot whales after anpother mass stranding at Farewell Spit, where 100 whales were refloated During the refloating, more than 100 rescuers braved sharks and stingrays to form a human chain in neck-deep water to ensure the whales did not strand themselves on the same beach again. Yesterday, volunteers who had arrived from all over New Zealand were heading back to the beach at Farewell Spit, in the northern tip of South Island, to help the new batch. The 650 pilot whales all beached along a three-mile stretch of shore, with experts unsure as to what is causing them to swim to ground. One theory is that the whales were attacked by sharks, as bite marks have been found on the bodies of some. Volunteers try to guide some of the stranded pilot whales still alive back out to sea after one of the country's largest recorded mass whale strandings, The tragic decision has been made to euthanise 20 pilot whales that have washed ashore again at Farewell Spit The call has gone out on Saturday evening for volunteers to head to take wet suits, buckets and sheets to a new locations on the spit at the top of the South Island However, other experts said the presence of so many calves and mothers suggested the stranding is linked to seasonal migration. New Zealand authorities have revealed 335 whales are dead, of which 20 were euthanised because of their poor condition. Last night, around 200 whales remained stranded as darkness fell and rescuers had to suspend attempts to refloat them. Experts are sure yesterdays beaching was of a new pod, as all the whales refloated on Friday were tagged. About 75 per cent were dead on discovery but since then hundreds of volunteers have worked to refloat whales at high tides Before a rescue operation could begin, around 275 of the adults and babies had already died Britain's youngest EuroMillions winner has confessed she sometimes wishes she had never bought her winning ticket. Jane Park was just 17 when she scooped 1million with the first ticket she had ever bought in 2013. But she has now confessed the huge win has left her incredibly stressed and she is even said to be considering legal action again Camelot. Scroll down for video Jane Park was just 17 when she scooped 1million with the first ticket she had ever bought in 2013 But she has now confessed the huge win has left her incredibly stressed and she is even said to be considering legal action again Camelot Ms Park, who now owns two properties and calls herself a developer, said: 'I thought it would make it ten times better but its made it ten times worse' Speaking to the Sunday People, Ms Park, who now owns two properties and calls herself a developer, said: 'I thought it would make it ten times better but its made it ten times worse. I wish I had no money most days. I say to myself, "My life would be so much easier if I hadnt won." 'People look at me and think, "I wish I had her lifestyle, I wish I had her money." But they dont realise the extent of my stress. 'I have material things but apart from that my life is empty. What is my purpose in life?' Ms Park toasted her win with Irn Bru because she was too young for champagne Ms Park, from Edinburgh said she believes the age limit of 16 for the lottery is too young, and people shouldn't be able to buy tickets before the age of 18. She also said she has struggled to find a boyfriend who wasn't after her money, is sick of shopping for designer items, and misses cheap Benidorm holidays. Ms Park is reported to be considering suing lottery bosses. She told the paper she could see how people would just blow the money, but family advice stopped her. She said: 'My nana Anne told me, "You might as well have given me a gun." I was like, "Nana, what are you talking about? This is the best thing ever?" But now I totally agree.' However, she did admit she has never considered getting rid of the money to relieve herself of the burden. The 21-year-old has regularly spoken about how winning the windfall changed her life, including difficulty with failed relationships. She dumped ex-boyfriend Mark Scales in 2015, calling him a 'snake' and said friends had claimed he was after her money. Ms Park is facing a charge of driving while over the limit at a McDonald's drive-thru, said to have occurred last October, which she denies. Last November she flashed her surgically enhanced 36FF breasts at a nightclub photo booth while on a Halloween night out with friends. The morning after the event at Glasgow's Distrikt club, Park tweeted that she hoped the photos did not make it onto Facebook because she had her 't*** out'. But when the images appeared on the clubs Facebook page on Sunday, she took them in her stride and even shared them with her 17,000 online followers. The former charity worker spent 4,500 on surgery to boost her breasts from 34B to 36FF at a clinic in Stirling, and has also spent money on lip fillers and Botox. Ms Park said the money has brought stress and she thinks 17 is too young to have won such a huge windfall It was the first ticket she had ever bought and she used it to travel to the US and Maldives, but confessed she prefers Benidorm When she won the lottery in 2013, Park vowed to spend it on a customised white Range Rover, a season ticket for her beloved Hibernian and a holiday in Ibiza with her friends. She later returned to working in a chip shop, saying that she preferred a 'working routine' to a life of leisure, while her love life has featured in the press. The 21-year-old has split up with partners because they've been after her money Park has spoken on TV about her wealth, including ITVs This Morning where she said she preferred High Street fashion to designer brands. She also said that she preferred holidays in Magaluf and Benidorm to hanging out in top resorts in exclusive locations. Last year, she split from boyfriend Connor George after issuing him with a list of rules before he went on lads' holiday to Ibiza. In a hilarious list which she posted online, she told Mr George, then aged 21, that he could not speak to girls. She also designed a T-shirt with her face which she asked him to wear during the week-long holiday on the party island. A representative for Camelot could not be reached by MailOnline on Sunday, but told Sunday People: 'An independent financial and legal panel was set up shortly after Janes win and we put her in touch with another winner, who won at the same age, to share their experience. 'We have been in touch with Jane from time to time since her win to offer ongoing support. It is always up to the winners as to whether they want to take up that support. 'We will continue to support Jane in any way we can if that is what decides she wants.' Lottery age limits are decided by parliament Ministers are set to get a free vote on any confidence motion in Speaker John Bercow after he infuriated Tory MPs by declaring he voted for Remain. Tory rebels are determined to dislodge Mr Bercow from his position and want a vote to be called amid claims the 'scoresheet was mounting up' against him. Anger against the Speaker spilled over after it emerged he told a group of students at Reading University that he backed Remain and supported immigration. Cabinet minister David Lidington stopped short of full support for the Speaker in a round of TV interviews - but did insist it was a matter for MPs and not ministers. Tory sources confirmed a free vote would be allowed. Were a vote to be called, the support of ministers would increase the political danger to Mr Bercow even if he had enough support to win it. The uprising against Mr Bercow - which currently amounts to just a handful of Tories but which could become politically toxic - began after his tirade against US President Donald Trump speaking in Parliament during a state visit this year. John Bercow, pictured, may have broken Parliamentary rules over impartiality as Speaker of the House after he was filmed admitting he voted for the Remain campaign Commons leader David Lidington, pictured on the BBC Andrew Marr programme today, distanced the Government from the row over Mr Bercow, warning he must have support across Parliament to do his job According to The Telegraph, Mr Bercow was filmed revealing how he voted in the EU Referendum at an 80-minute question and answer session on February 3, three days before he made his comments about President Trump. The paper said Mr Bercow claimed 'promises were made that could not be kept' during the campaign and added EU migration was a 'good thing' and immigration from other parts of the world was a 'positive far more than a negative'. It has led to MPs stating he 'cannot come back to the chair' because he is 'in clear breach of guidelines over independence'. WILL THE MOTION SUCCEED IN KICKING BERCOW OUT? Tory MP James Duddridge's Early Day Motion has only one signature - his - and is highly unlikely to ever be debated. He is hoping it will become politically damaging through weight of support. In 2009, when Douglas Carswell tabled a similar motion of no confidence in the then Speaker Michael Martin, 22 MPs signed prompting him to quit. Mr Duddridge hopes that by increasing the pressure on Mr Bercow, the Speaker will also decide it is time to step down from his powerful role. Advertisement Mr Duddridge, who tabled the motion of no confidence in the Speaker over his Trump comments, told John Pienaar the speaker is 'no longer impartial'. Speaking on BBC Radio 5live's Pienaar's Politics, he said: 'I think there will be a vote of no confidence and I think he will go. 'There's absolutely no way Speaker Bercow can sit in the chair on European issues. 'When you become Speaker you must be impartial. He's no longer impartial, he's no longer able to continue to do the role, which is why I think the House will vote him down in a vote of no confidence. In reality he may see the lie of the land and go before he's pushed.' He added he had been 'amazed' by the number of people to privately voice to him their support for his motion. Because the Commons is on recess, nobody can sign Mr Duddridge's motion - which currently only has his own name attached - until February 20. Mr Duddridge's motion alone will not be enough to trigger a Commons vote on the Speaker but it could produce the momentum necessary to make one inevitable. Tory MP James Duddridge, pictured on Sky News, has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Speaker, branding Mr Bercow's attempt to interfere in President Trump's state visit 'wholly inappropriate' Former culture secretary John Whittingdale said the number of supporters was 'mounting up'. He told ITV's Peston on Sunday: 'John was elected with a very firm pledge that he wouldn't stay for more than eight or nine years, and we are pretty much getting close to the end of the that period. 'So, I wouldn't expect him to stay for much longer.' Mr Lidington, the leader of the Commons, distanced Theresa May's administration from the row in an interview on the BBC One Andrew Marr programme. He said: 'There will be strong reaction among some MPs to what he said at Reading, particularly after what he said about the state visit earlier in the week. Ultimately, the Speaker has to command the confidence of the House of Commons as a whole. 'John has his very strong supporters as well as his strong critics in the House of Commons, but we shall have to see how members as a whole respond. 'It is really important for the very independence of the Speaker's office that the Speaker, whether they start as a Conservative MP, a Labour MP, or whatever, is independent of Government. 'Speakers, if anything, should be towards the people who are not in Government, as, actually John Bercow probably has done in the way that he has used urgent questions that we have found inconvenient.' Labour deputy leader Tom Watson offered a strong signal of support, describing Mr Bercow as 'one of the great Speakers the House of Commons has seen' on the BBC. The Speaker, pictured, is already facing a vote of no confidence over his attack on Donald Trump But a spokesman for the Speaker told the Telegraph he had been 'even-handed' in his official approach to EU matters. The spokesman said: 'The Speaker's impartiality is required on matters of debate before the House, and he has been scrupulous in ensuring that both sides of the argument are always heard.' He added: 'How he voted and whether or not he said how he voted after the event is completely irrelevant. It had absolutely no bearing on his impartiality.' The latest row comes after it emerged Mr Bercow has told friends he wants to stay on as Speaker until 2020, despite the formal moves to force him out after his attack on Mr Trump this week. Mr Bercow pledged that he would serve for nine years when he took over as Speaker in June 2009. Under this timetable he would step down in June next year. But he has refused to commit publicly to a departure date in recent years. And a senior Tory source said he was now canvassing opinion about the idea of staying in post until the next election in May 2020 almost two years beyond his promised exit date. 'John is being very vague about it,' the source said. 'He did promise it would be nine years but it now appears to be 'about nine years'. He still has a good relationship with his local Conservative Association and is suggesting he wouldn't want to put them through a by-election campaign. 'In the end, it's up to him. He promised he would go after nine years but there is very little anyone can do about it if he decides to changes his mind.' Labour deputy leader Tom Watson told the BBC's Andrew Marr that Mr Bercow was 'one of the great speakers the House of Commons has seen. Ministers were privately infuriated by the 'insult' to Mr Trump, who was invited by Theresa May to make a state visit to the UK in June. On Thursday, former Tory minister James Duddridge took the rare step of tabling a motion of no confidence in Mr Bercow, saying he had 'overstepped the mark'. Mr Duddridge said the attack on the US President was 'the straw that broke the camel's back', following long-running concern about anti-Tory bias. 'It was wholly inappropriate and it means that he can no longer reasonably chair, as Speaker, any debate on those subjects.' Mr Bercow, pictured with wife Sally, has also denied stopping the Commons being warned about a police probe into Labour MP Keith Vaz He added: 'I have got absolute confidence that a majority of MPs will be in the 'he's not doing a good job and should go' category. 'How many of those will go as far as voting in a vote of no confidence and how many will sign up to an EDM, I genuinely don't know.' Fellow Tory Alec Shelbrooke said that although he disagreed with Mr Trump's 'discriminatory' travel ban, Mr Bercow had gone too far. He said he would back the motion to eject him, saying Mr Bercow had 'politicised the office of Speaker and his position is untenable'. Tory Andrew Bridgen became the third MP to call publicly for Mr Bercow to quit yesterday, saying: 'Speaker Bercow's position is untenable, he needs to be replaced before President Trump's state visit.' According to The Times, donations to help the Speaker keep his parliamentary seat reportedly included a sum from Narinder Chadha - chair of the management board of Mr Vaz's Silver Star charity. However a spokesperson for Mr Vaz told MailOnline the newspaper's story was 'wrong' and that Mr Chadha denies having spoken 'this year' to The Times. The newspaper reported an alleged conversation with Mr Chada in which he is said to have confirmed that he gave the money after a request from the MP for Leicester East. Mr Vaz's representatives deny this saying that Mr Chada will be complaining to IPSO over the Times article. In total, the Speaker accepted 41,000 from donors thought to be linked to Mr Vaz, according to the newspaper. The Times claimed Mr Bercow refused to tell Mr Vaz to resign as chair of the Home Affairs select committee after Tory MP Andrew Bridgen privately warned him the Labour MP was being investigated by police - an investigation Mr Vaz later said he knew nothing of in September 2015. A spokesman for Mr Bercow, pictured, said how he voted in the Referendum had 'no bearing on his impartiality' The Speaker later interrupted Mr Bridgen when he attempted to talk about the allegation in the Commons, according to The Times. A spokesperson for the Speaker told the MailOnline that 'a personally defamatory attack on another Member[ was not allowed] on the floor. The Speaker allowed....[Mr Bridger to speak] on matters of public record, and stopped him when he sought to embark on other allegations, and again when he sought to reveal the contents of confidential correspondence with the Speaker.' Mr Vaz did eventually step down as chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee last year after he was caught meeting two male prostitutes. This scandal was said to be unrelated to the police investigation in 2015. A spokesman for Mr Bercow added the role of Speaker did not give him the right to tell an elected member of a select committee to step down. North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast early on Sunday, South Korea's military has claimed. It is the first time the isolated state has tested such a device since US President Donald Trump took office. The missile was launched from an area named Panghyon in North Korea's western region just before 11pm and flew about 300 miles, the South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in statements. 'Our assessment is that it is part of a show of force in response to the new U.S. administration's hardline position against the North,' the office said. North Korea has fired a ballistic missile into the sea today, according to South Korea, in a first weapons tests since Donald Trump took office It comes as President Trump warned North Korea that defeating its nuclear threat was a very high priority following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe called on Kim Jong-un to abandon his countrys nuclear missile programme and not take any further provocative action. A joint statement said: The US-Japan alliance is fully capable of ensuring the security of Japan. 'The United States is fully committed to defending its homeland, forces, and allies, through the full range of U.S. military capabilities. Kim Jong-un previously told his nation that Pyongyang is in the final stages of being able to launch a nuclear missile. US intelligence services believe he may be plotting a launch to test the new President. Meanwhile South Korea' military said Seoul and Washington were analyzing the details of the launch. Yonhap News Agency said South Korea was assessing the launch to confirm whether it was a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile, which has a designed flight range of 1,800 miles. The US military also said it had detected a missile test launch by the North and was assessing it, according to a US defence official in Washington. The North tried to launch a Musudan eight times last year but most attempts failed. It comes as President Trump, second right, and Japanese President Shinzo Abe, second left, pictured with wives Akie Abe and Melania Trump, called on the North Korean leader to 'abandon' his country's nuclear programme One launch that sent a missile 250 miles, more than half the distance to Japan, was considered a success by officials and experts in the South and the United States. South Korea's presidential Blue House said a National Security Council meeting was called and chaired by President Park Geun-hye's top national security advisor. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in his New Year speech that the country was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and state media have said such a launch could come at any time. The missile launched on Sunday did not appear to be an ICBM, Yonhap cited a South Korean military source as saying. Kim's comments prompted a vow of an 'overwhelming' response from U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis when he travelled to South Korea earlier this month. Taxpayer-funded IVF will be limited to women with HIV and cancer patients under plans being considered by one local NHS authority. Doctors in Richmond, South-West London, want to restrict fertility services to cut costs. But experts fear the move will cause 'huge distress' to couples struggling to have a baby but who cannot afford private treatment, and that it opens up the possibility of a 'postcode lottery'. Conception: A 'thermograph', or heat picture, of artificial fertilisation Richmond's clinical commissioning group (CCG) the local body which pays for health services needs to make savings of 13 million in the next financial year, and has launched a public consultation on the IVF proposals. The document states: 'There is not enough money for us to do everything we would like to for the people of Richmond. 'We have to prioritise and make difficult decisions to secure the future of local health services for everyone.' It then asks whether there should be 'no change' to IVF services meaning women aged 39 or under who meet certain other criteria would be eligible for a single 'cycle' of IVF or if fertility treatment should only be funded in 'limited circumstances'. 'Access to IVF would be limited to patients who are infertile following cancer treatment, or to prevent transmission of chronic viral infections (such as HIV),' it explains. Professor Adam Balen, president of the British Fertility Society, warned: 'This will cause huge distress for couples. Everybody has the right to start a family.' He added that fertility treatment was cost-effective and now achieved 'extremely good success rates', and that he feared the move would increase the risk of a postcode lottery for IVF. The cut would only make a modest contribution to the Richmond CCG's planned savings, as it currently spends around 400,000 a year on fertility treatment. A gang has stolen antiquarian books worth more than 2 million by abseiling into a warehouse in a daring Mission: Impossible-style heist. One of the books stolen was a 16th century copy of Copernicus (pictured) A gang has stolen antiquarian books worth more than 2 million after evading a complex security system by abseiling into a warehouse in a daring Mission: Impossible-style heist. Three raiders climbed on to a roof, bored holes through reinforced glassfibre skylights and descended 40ft on ropes like commandos, somehow avoiding sophisticated motion sensor alarms. They escaped with more than 160 books, many from the 15th and 16th Centuries, that were being stored in a warehouse near Heathrow before being flown to the United States. In an astonishing display of audacity, they are thought to have spent several hours in the warehouse. Experts say the jewel in the haul was a 1566 copy of De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium by astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Worth an estimated 215,000, it contains his theory that the sun is at the centre of the universe. Brian Lake, of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association, said: Quite honestly I have never heard of a heist like this involving books it is extraordinary. Nothing like this has hit the rare books trade before. There were also early works by Italian scientist Galileo, Isaac Newton, Leonardo da Vinci and a 1569 edition of Dantes Divine Comedy. Experts have been trying to fathom out what the gang might do with the books. They believe the most likely scenario is that they were stolen to order. One source familiar with the case said: They would be impossible to sell to any reputable dealer or auction house. Were not talking Picassos, or Rembrandts or even gold bars these books would be impossible to fence. Three raiders climbed on to a roof, bored holes through reinforced glassfibre skylights and descended 40ft on ropes like commandos, somehow avoiding sophisticated motion sensor alarms It must be for someone specialist. There must be a collector behind it. The books belong to three different dealers working at the very top of the market and altogether they form a fantastic collection. A dealer based in Padua, Italy, who lost 680,000 worth of books in the raid, including the Copernicus, said: It was clearly a robbery done to order. It was a specialised gang. They took only books, nothing else. The 'jewel' in the haul was the 1566 copy of De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium by astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (pictured). Worth an estimated 215,000, it contains his theory that the sun is at the centre of the universe I dont know how they knew they were there. Maybe they hacked our email. Police said the raiders struck in Feltham, Middlesex, in the early hours of January 30. Inside, they were seen on CCTV ignoring expensive electrical goods and instead making straight for six sealed metal trunks containing the books. They were being held at the depot ahead of this weekends 50th California International Antiquarian Book Fair. Four containers were prised open and, one source said, the raiders checked the books against stock lists, throwing the ones they didnt want away. The selected books were placed in holdalls, pulled up to the roof using ropes then lowered to a getaway van. Laura Chesters, of the Antiques Trade Gazette, said: Some of the books are incunabula, which means they are from the first half-century of printing the second half of the 15th century. The international rare book associations have been alerting the trade so they are aware which books have been taken. London has become a major centre for the illicit trade in manuscripts and historic books, with dozens of works being recovered by police. Scientific works are particularly in demand, leading to speculation that an individual collector dubbed the Astronomer by investigators had been commissioning thefts of works by Copernicus and Claudius Ptolemy, a Greek astronomer. Books worth millions of pounds have also been taken from underfunded libraries in Russia, Poland and the Ukraine. Many are believed to have found their way to the UK. But sources close to the Feltham heist inquiry say it is normally individual books that are stolen. One said: It is unbelievably rare to have so many books seized in one go. Ive seen nothing like it. The Met Police confirmed the theft and appealed for information. A report released by the US Senate provided information on the 580 individuals convicted of terrorism in America since the 9/11 attacks. The conservative non-profit Center for Immigration Studies claim they obtained a copy of the information, which was originally released in 2016 by the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest, then chaired by new Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The CIS asserts that 72 of those convicted of terrorism hail from the seven countries addressed by President Trump's controversial immigration ban. Scroll down for video A report released by the US Senate provided information on the 580 individuals convicted of terrorism in America since the 9/11 attacks - and the conservative non-profit Center for Immigration Studies claims 72 of those convicted of terrorism hail from the seven countries addressed by President Trump's controversial immigration ban Their analysis maintains that of the 580 convicted terrorists, 20 came from Somalia, 19 from Yemen, 19 from Iraq, seven from Syria, four from Iran and two from Libya. The right-wing think tank, whose motto is 'pro-immigrant, low immigration,' also claims that 17 of those 72 entered the country as refugees. Twenty-five of the 72 eventually became US citizens and spread about 16 states, their report says. The most populated state by the group was New York, with ten living settling there, Minnesota and California both harboring eight, and Michigan with six. Critics of the Senate report argued that many individuals on their list were mislabeled as terrorists, as they were convicted of comparatively low-level crimes such as identity fraud or making false statements. The CIS claims that 33 of the 72 terrorists from Trump's banned countries were convicted of severe crimes, such as 'use of a weapon of mass destruction, conspiracy to commit a terror act, material support of a terrorist or terror group, international money laundering conspiracy, possession of explosives or missiles, and unlawful possession of a machine gun.' The conservative non-profit Center for Immigration Studies claims to have obtained a copy of the information, which was originally released in 2016 by the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest, then chaired by new Attorney General Jeff Sessions The seven countries that were banned in Trump's executive order, in red, the countries Trump has business ties to, in yellow. The CIS analysis maintains that of the 580 convicted terrorists, 20 came from Somalia, 19 from Yemen, 19 from Iraq, 7 from Syria, 4 from Iran and 2 from Libya The article comes in the wake of an impromptu interview given by President Trump aboard his Air Force One aircraft on Friday where he discussed his travel ban. He maintained confidence that his administration would 'win' regarding his immigration executive order, despite it coming to a startling halt in a federal appeals courts this week. He said: 'We will win that battle. The unfortunate part is that it takes time statutorily, but we will win that battle. We also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand new order.' President Donald Trump told reporters traveling with him to Florida that he is considering 'just filing a brand new order' as a way of responding to a federal appeals court panel that halted his new immigration order Trump gave no details of any new ban he is considering. It's possible that he could rewrite the original order to explicitly exclude green card holders, or permanent residents, said a congressional aide familiar with the matter. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told reporters late on Friday that taking the case to the Supreme Court remained a possibility, after another White House official said earlier in the day the administration was not planning to escalate the dispute. 'Every single court option is on the table, including an appeal of the Ninth Circuit decision on the TRO (temporary restraining order) to the Supreme Court, including fighting out this case on the merits,' Priebus said. 'And, in addition to that, we're pursuing executive orders right now that we expect to be enacted soon that will further protect Americans from terrorism.' UN Secretary General Guterres says that talks on reconciliation in Yemen that have been underway for almost two years should be revived, Sputnik reported. The talks on reconciliation in Yemen should be revived, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday. "I am a Catholic, and Catholics believe in resurrection. So if the talks are "dead," they can always be revived. And I believe we must do it for one very simple reason because of the suffering of the people of Yemen," Guterres said at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Adel Al-Jubeir. Guterres arrived at Saudi Arabia within the framework of his first visit to the Middle East as the UN Secretary-General. "One of the reasons for this visit is the opportunity to support our Special Envoy [for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed] in his work. And his work is to do everything possible in accordance with the international law and international resolutions in order for the end to become possible, in order to end the suffering of the people of Yemen," Guterres explained. Yemen's civil war between the internationally recognized Aden-based government and the Houthi movement backed by army units loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh erupted in March 2015. The Saudi-led coalition of Persian Gulf countries began the same month and has since been criticized for hitting civilians, causing disproportional child casualties and damaging vital non-military infrastructure. On Saturday, leaders of the Houthi called on the United Nations to terminate the mandate of the Special Envoy, claiming that he sympathized with the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemeni president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The helmet of one of Britain's greatest heroes of the Second World War, who shot down 29 enemy aircraft, has been found in a Spanish flea market He was one of Britains greatest heroes of the Second World War an RAF ace who shot down 29 enemy aircraft, becoming the countrys most decorated fighter pilot of the conflict. Group Captain John Bob Braham, who claimed 19 of his kills at night, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross each three times. Despite his astonishing achievements, Braham is described as the forgotten air ace and now, to add to his mystique, what is believed to be his leather flying helmet has been discovered on sale in a Spanish flea market. Antiques collector Jose Fernandez was trawling through a market on the Costa del Sol when a friend snapped up the helmet for 15 just under 13. Recognising it as an authentic Second World War relic, Mr Fernandez, 43, persuaded his friend to part with it for 60, or about 50. But it was only when he got home and found an original document listing campaign medals with the initials of Group Capt Braham tucked inside the helmet that he realised who its original owner could be. Group Captain John Bob Braham (right), who claimed 19 of his kills at night, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross each three times. Pictured, Group Capt Braham with navigator Bill 'Sticks' Gregory (left) Last night Mr Fernandez said he was trying to authenticate the precious item, which comes complete with its oxygen mask and radio plug, by speaking to the RAF and antiques experts in Britain. The Malaga-based antiques enthusiast said: The stallholder didnt have a clue what it was. He said friends had given it to him. It wasnt until I got home and had a proper look at it that I discovered a document inside with the initials J. R. D. B. on it. After doing some research on the internet, I came to the conclusion that it must have belonged to the RAF pilot John Braham. The Mail on Sunday tracked down Brahams eldest son Mike, 75, a retired Canadian naval officer from Ottawa, who said: Id love to know the helmets story. Obviously its impossible to know if it was his, but its certainly the right vintage. Pictured, Branham's autobiography, Scramble. Braham was Britains most successful pilot in twin-engine aircraft The initials on the paper are certainly my fathers but it doesnt look like his writing. He was shot down over Denmark in 1944, so there are any number of ways the equipment could have found its way to Spain in the intervening decades. Braham was Britains most successful pilot in twin-engine aircraft. His night- time tally was bettered only by Wing Commander Branse Burbridge, who holds the Allied record of 21 after-dark kills. Brahams first airborne victory occurred during the Battle of Britain in August 1940.He flew Mosquitos, Blenheims, Hurricanes and Beaufighters. His war came to an end on June 24, 1944, when he was downed by German fighters and became a prisoner of war until freed in May 1945. Years later, one of the men who shot him down, Robert Spreckels, contacted him and the pair met for a drink. In his 1961 autobiography Scramble!, Braham wrote: In spite of world tension and hatreds my very personal ex-enemy is now counted among my company of close friends. Braham died aged 53 of a brain tumour in 1974 in Canada, where he emigrated to with his family after the war. Mike Braham has written a biography called My Father, The Forgotten Air Ace, available on Amazon. Theresa May has distanced herself from hardline Tory enemies of Brussels by saying she is not some crazed Brexiteer. The Prime Minister made it clear at a private meeting last week that she will not risk economic suicide by jumping off a cliff with a hard Brexit and secretly supports some demands by Remain Tories. Mrs Mays outspoken comments at a Downing Street meeting reflect her frustration at claims by Eurosceptic Tory MPs who boast they have forced her to take a tougher stance. The PM has reached out to Remain Tories - and secretly supports some of their demands Her remarks were disclosed after she won Commons support for the Brexit Bill, paving the way for talks with the EU on the terms of Britains departure. The Mail on Sunday has learned Mrs May is irritated at suggestions she has been won over by hardline Brexiteers. We can reveal that she: Sympathises with rebel Tory MPs who have warned that leaving the EU without a deal could be disastrous; Apologised to them after they accused one of her own Ministers of ruining her attempt to extend an olive branch; Will only walk away from EU talks if all else fails. In a clear signal of her attempt to ease tensions with Remainers, Mrs May invited ex-Cabinet Minister Nicky Morgan to No 10 to end their trousergate feud after the former Education Secretary criticised her 900 leather trousers. Mrs May recently met with ex-Cabinet Minister Nicky Morgan to end their 'trousergate' feud They had a friendly meeting on Tuesday and the Prime Minister promised to address Mrs Morgans concern that MPs should have the right to vote on the outcome of EU talks even if there is no deal. In a meeting with aides in No 10 shortly before Mrs Morgan arrived with fellow pro-EU Tory leaders Dominic Grieve and Alistair Burt, Mrs Mays tone caused surprise. Trump's rally in Brexit heartland Donald Trump will address a crowd at a stadium when he comes to Britain later this year, it was reported last night. Proceeds from tickets for the rally would go to UK war veterans, according to a plan said to be under discussion by a source close to the new US President. The Brexit heartland of the Midlands is one contender to host the rock star-style event, while London and Cardiff have also been mentioned as possible locations. The suggestion comes after House of Commons Speaker John Bercow controversially told MPs that he would not allow Mr Trump to speak in Parliament on the upcoming State visit. Mr Trumps imposition of a travel ban on seven majority Muslim countries since overturned by a US judge has sparked widespread criticism. A Downing Street spokesman said: A date has not been set and arrangements will be set out in due course. Advertisement I dont understand it, she protested. I voted Remain. Why do they think Ive suddenly become some crazed Brexiteer? Im not going to just jump off a cliff. This refers to claims that leaving the EU with no deal would be potentially suicidal economically. The MoS understands Mrs May has no intention of following the advice of some Tory Eurosceptics who say Britain can leave the EU with no deal and fall back on World Trade Organisation tariffs. Insiders say Mrs May privately backed attempts by Tory MPs to water down the Brexit Bill, even though the Government defeated them. Mrs May ordered the rebel amendments crushed because she believed it would make a mockery of her negotiating strategy if other EU leaders saw her humiliated. There was more bad blood after Brexit Minister David Jones was accused of wrecking Mrs Mays bid to defuse the revolt when he spoke just before the main Brexit vote. His panicky statement that Mrs May would not go back to the negotiating table if MPs reject any EU agreement led to cries of a trick by Remain MPs. One rebel said: The PM said to me she was very sorry and that Jones made a mistake. Meanwhile, the PMs clarification of her Brexit position is revealed in Dan Hodges MoS column today. Priti Patel (pictured) warned Adam Smith International (ASI) that its 300 million of Government contracts would be axed unless it addressed its systemic cultural failure A profiteering fat-cat foreign aid contractor exposed by The Mail on Sunday was last night condemned as appalling by the International Development Secretary after a powerful committee of MPs vindicated this newspapers investigation. Priti Patel warned Adam Smith International (ASI) that its 300 million of Government contracts would be axed unless it addressed its systemic cultural failure. Ms Patel also said her Department for International Development (DFID) had hard lessons to learn over the apparent complicity between it and poverty barons who skim millions off the UKs annual 12 billion foreign aid budget. MPs on the International Development Committee (IDC) set up its probe into the billions spent by DFID on contractors in response to a series of revelations by this newspaper about wasted funds. We also revealed how Peter Young, ASIs head of strategy, had encouraged glowing testimonials about its work to be sent to the IDC investigation by recipients of UK foreign aid, in an attempt to blunt criticism. Committee officials who had sifted through suspiciously similar submissions launched a separate inquiry into the testimonials. They concluded that ASI acted improperly by soliciting them and applying pressure to beneficiaries to submit evidence with implied or explicit references to continuation of funding. In its report, published today, the committee said it deplored the attempt to unduly influence its work, and were very concerned by the serious lack of judgment displayed by ASI the UKs biggest specialist aid contractor. MPs also raised questions about DFIDs role in the process, after learning about a phone call between a department official and ASI, which the latter interpreted as a request to drum up endorsements. Labour MP Stephen Twigg said: 'This is a reflection of the culture within one organisation responsible for delivering aid projects for the UK' We also revealed how executives at Adam Smith obtained secret DFID documents and used them to win new Government business. Ms Patel was furious that ASI had made use of the improperly obtained, sensitive documents. A source close to Ms Patel said: Priti thinks it is appalling. She regards ASIs conduct as indicative of systemic and cultural failings, which have left a clear question over its ethical integrity. No new contracts will be awarded unless ASI can demonstrate that it has remedied this very serious issue. Damningly, the source added that Ms Patel was deeply sceptical of the culture in her own department as highlighted by the officials call to ASI saying: DFID has some hard lessons to learn. Last night Labour MP Stephen Twigg, the IDC chairman, said: Our report concludes that the aid contractor [ASI] acted improperly. This is a reflection of the culture within one organisation responsible for delivering aid projects for the UK. The wider issues this raises will be considered in the committees inquiry into DFIDs use of contractors. We are grateful to The Mail on Sunday for investigating this issue. ASI said: We asked for testimonials from beneficiaries in good faith Our own investigation concurs with the committees findings that the way we did so overstepped the mark, which we sincerely regret. To ensure his does not happen again we have taken rigorous steps to tighten procedures. An Oregon woman has hit out against United Airlines, in the wake of the death of her Golden Retriever. Kathleen Considine wrote a Facebook post concerning her seven-year-old dog Jacob - and the way he was allegedly treated. She says her dog was unresponsive after finishing his trip from Detroit, Michigan, to Portland, Oregon. Considine, whose Facebook profile says she lives in Bend, wrote that her pet was taken to an emergency vet and 'he was pronounced dead after 8 min of CPR'. She alleged the airline has assumed 'zero responsibility' for Jacob's death. An Oregon woman has hit out against United Airlines, in the wake of the death of her Golden Retriever. Katherine Considine is pictured with her beloved Jacob Considine wrote a Facebook post concerning her seven-year-old dog Jacob - and the way he was allegedly treated Considine claimed in the post: 'Jacob was supposed to fly from Detroit to Portland with a 1 hour layover in Chicago. 'At 80 pounds, Jacob needed a giant crate for his journey and there was question as to whether or not it would fit on the plane. 'The airline agent in Detroit confirmed Jacob would fit on his first and second flight, no question.' She said her dog had earlier undergone a physical and 'was cleared for airline travel with no previous health concerns'. Considine wrote: 'When Jacob landed in Chicago, it was found that the airline agent LIED and he did not fit on the plane to Portland. 'He was then sent to a kennel over night, 20 HOURS, until the next flight out he could fit on. 'The airline DID NOT ALLOW my mother to send food with Jacob, due to the intended short duration of his journey, even though it is mandated that the crates have a food bowl and their website states they may have a zip lock bag less than 1 pound of food attached to the top of their crate. Considine, whose profile says she lives in Bend, wrote that her pet was taken to an emergency vet and 'he was pronounced dead after 8 min of CPR' 'When Jacob finally arrived in Portland, he was disoriented and non-responsive. The United agent said the airline may have given him medication, but he didn't know. 'The airline DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to give medication, especially without telling us what, when, or why. 'After his three hour journey to central Oregon, Jacob was still non-responsive, and getting worse. My very best friend who I was expecting to trample me with kisses barely even acknowledged my existence.' According to Considine, 'After rushing Jacob to the emergency vet when his breathing became scarce, he was pronounced dead after 8 min of CPR. 'His stomach flipped due to the stress of his journey that was 20 hours longer than expected, and suffocated his organs.' She claimed: 'United Airlines "PetSafe" program is cruel. They treat animals like baggage. They did not care if Jacob had food or water or any time out of his cage. 'They are incredibly rude and have shown no sympathy for my dog's death. I would have received the same responses if they were to have broken my guitar in baggage.' Considine claimed: 'United Airlines "PetSafe" program is cruel. They treat animals like baggage. They did not care if Jacob had food or water or any time out of his cage' Considine's Facebook post has already been shared more than 17,000 times on the social media platform. United Airlines said in a statement to DailyMail.com on Saturday evening: 'We were saddened to hear of Jacob's passing after we returned him to the care of his owner. 'Our PetSafe team is committed to the safety and comfort of all the pets that travel with us. 'We worked to ensure Jacob's comfort throughout his entire journey and he showed no signs of distress nor behave in a way that would suggest he was unwell while in our care. 'Though we understand little can ease the grief that accompanies the loss of a pet, we've been in touch with Ms. Considine to offer our condolences and discuss this matter further.' Considine's Facebook post has already been shared more than 17,000 times on the social media platform Britain's two new 6.2 billion aircraft carriers have been heralded as the beginning of an exciting era in naval warfare but due to a manpower crisis, they will be crewed by some of the saltiest sea dogs of modern times. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that this week the Ministry of Defence will begin a recruitment drive begging ex-sailors who have retired or been made redundant to come back to man the ships. Normally, only sailors aged up to 59 are considered for duty. But a shortage of personnel has led naval chiefs to appeal to mariners aged 60 and above to apply for key posts. Britain's two new 6.2 billion aircraft carriers could be crewed by sailors aged over 59 because of a manpower shortage, after a failed recruitment drive in 2015 saw only a few hundred sailors brought in Admirals have also been forced to waive rules which say that applicants for top jobs must have served in the Royal Navy in the past five years intended to ensure their skills are up to date. Such is the severity of the manpower shortage that applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, irrespective of how long ago they last went to sea. Sailors paid off by the MoD as part of various redundancy programmes are also being invited to apply for jobs on the new aircraft carriers and across the Royal Navy fleet. The old sea dogs are being enticed with five-year contracts under the Royal Navy's Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) scheme. In 2015, the Royal Navy asked the MoD to provide 4,000 additional personnel but only a few hundred sailors were brought in. As of January 1 this year, the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines had 29,190 personnel down from 29,530 in 2016 and ten per cent less than their operational requirement. At 920ft long and displacing 65,000 tons, the new carriers are the largest British warships ever built. Each will carry 40 aircraft and will be crewed by 700 sailors and officers. Each carrier is the height of a 12-storey block of flats. HMS Queen Elizabeth is due to start sea trials this summer, with sister ship HMS Prince of Wales following a year later. The final piece of construction on the Queen Elizabeth will be the fitting of her 25ft-wide propellers by divers at the Rosyth dockyard in Scotland. A Navy spokesman said: 'We are gauging interest in Reserve service across the fleet. Specific requirements have yet to be determined but all are welcome to apply.' Ross Smith was attacked by the beaver when he investigated the brown creature Wildlife experts yesterday issued a safety warning - after a chef was attacked by a wild beaver. Ross Smith was driving along a country road with his friends when they spotted a mysterious brown creature on the grass verge. When the 20-year-old got out of the car and went to investigate, the animal turned nasty and, snarling, leapt at him. The 3ft long beaver is believed to be one of a colony of the animals living wild in Lintrathen Loch, near Kirriemuir in Angus. Extraordinary mobile phone camera footage of Mr Smith's encounter now been posted on the internet, prompting a leading academic to warn the public not to approach the furry rodents. Although it is not clear what provoked the beaver to attack, one of his friends can be heard asking: 'Is that a platypus?' Mr Smith, who works in a cafe in Edzell, captured the encounter on his mobile phone and shared it online. Fortunately he was not hurt by the animal, which he estimated to be about a 3ft (1 metre) long and to weigh about 25-30kg (55-66lbs). He and his friends Shaun Kidd, also 20, and Reece Kettles, 22, were taking a leisurely drive in the countryside when they glimpsed the nocturnal creature waddling down the road in broad daylight. He said: 'We were just away up at Lintrathen Loch and we were on our way back to Kirriemuir. There's not very much to do around here so we had gone for a drive. 'We had just come past Kinnordy and we saw this big sort of animal in the road. Ross and his friends saw the brown creature on the side of the road and decided to see what it was 'We thought it was a big cat or something so we got out and that's when I started videoing. 'All of a sudden Shaun was like, 'It's a platypus!' but we knew it was a beaver.' 'He's a wee bit simple sometimes. 'It was big, about three and a half feet long. It was about 25 or 30 kilos, you wouldn't want to go up against it. Ross said the animal was about 30kilos and he would not want to have fought it. It isn't clear what provoked the animal 'I wouldn't want to fight with it, not at all. It would chew your leg off. 'I was trying to get closer to it and then it just started looking at me and growling and that was when it jumped. It was making this sort of a hissy growl noise. 'It all happened pretty quickly. It was pretty scary. ' The footage, just 14 seconds long, shows the beaver walking along a single track country road on a balmy spring afternoon. As the group of friends get nearer, it moves onto the grass verge. The young men's voices can be heard saying: 'Is it a platypus?' and, 'What's it doing here?' before the animal dramatically leaps towards the camera, hissing and baring its teeth. Screams and then whoops of laughter are then heard as the three friends beat a hasty retreat towards their vehicle. Mr Smith reported that the beaver did not appear unduly stressed by its brush with humanity. He said: 'We ran away back to the car and it just continued doing its thing. 'It started keeping itself to itself again and just carried on walking down the side of the road. 'When I told my family and showed them the video they thought it was hilarious.' He added: 'It was funny, it was scary, it was just a bit weird as well. 'We weren't expecting it at all. Especially in broad daylight, you wouldn't expect to see a beaver walking about.' Animal experts have warned that these animals should not be approached and provoked. Ross wasn't hurt in the incident, but others have been in similar attacks Although the encounter ended without injury, there could have been much more serious consequences. In 2013, a 60-year old ex-serviceman in Belarus bled to death after a beaver bit through a main artery in his leg. He had been trying to have his photograph taken alongside the creature whilst out on a fishing trip with two friends. That attack also happened during daylight hours. Dr Goran Hartman, a senior lecturer at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, is one of the world's most respected academic experts on beavers. He said: 'All animals get scared when cornered and all animals with teeth will, in that situation, try to use them. 'Show the beaver some respect and keep a distance. Don't try to pick them up. 'If they bite it's going to hurt of course, definitely. If you come across one, stay a few metres away, and if the animal gets nervous, increase the distance. 'Beavers usually active in the night, evenings and early mornings. 'I would expect an animal like this was a sub adult, a two year old, just having a look about. Regarding the likelihood of them harming the public, he said: 'It is rare, I wouldn't say they are aggressive animals. But I wouldn't go around patting a strange dog either.' Beavers were formally recognised as a native species in Scotland in December last year, following a long running campaign by environmentalists. A 4m official trial at Knapdale forest in Argyll was overshadowed by illegal releases and escapes from private collections in Tayside. Beavers have been blamed for flooding and their presence remains controversial due to damage to farmland and mature woodland in the area. Thirty-four troops across the Armed Forces are having medical treatment to change gender, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. The figure has emerged for the first time after a Freedom of Information request to the Ministry of Defence's Surgeon General Secretariat. The treatment is available on the NHS and may be limited to hormone therapy for some patients, while others will undergo surgery costing at least 20,000 in each case. Thirty-four troops across the Armed forces are undergoing medical treatment to reassign their gender, a Freedom of Information request has revealed. Hannah Winterbourne, 27, (pictured) became Britain's first transgender officer after she began her transition in 2013 It is not known whether the troops are being treated at public expense or from their own pockets. Last year, Guardsman Chloe Allen became Britain's first female infantry soldier when she started gender reassignment treatment and changed her name. She joined up in 2012 as a man. Guardsman Allen of the 1st Battalion, the Scots Guards, is understood to be one of the 34 troops who recently started hormone therapy. Should she deploy to a war zone, the soldier from Cumbria will also become the first woman allowed to engage the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. In 2015, Captain Hannah Winterbourne became the Army's most highly ranked transgender soldier and the first to become an officer. Captain Winterbourne, 29, who had previously completed an operational tour of Afghanistan as a man, is now one of the leading officers in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. She has said: 'In Afghanistan, I was acting for everyone around me. I was sharing a tent with seven men and I realised I could not go on as things were.' The number of troops who have already completed transgender treatment before or after joining up has not been revealed. An MoD spokesman said last night: 'We seek to recruit and retain talented personnel regardless of gender identity.' In a job ad posted on Gumtree, a Perth business seemed to disfavour 'bogans' There is an job opportunity for drivers near Perth - but bogans need not apply. A small business in Perth has been criticised by legal experts for discriminating against 'bogans [and] rough people' in a Gumtree job advertisement. 'Must have good references. Drug free, also child and pet friendly. No bogans or rough people need apply,' the advertisement read, according to Perth Now. The advertisers were looking for an international student with computer skills and a driver's licence for an 'admin and driving role for family business.' A legal expert told Perth Now the language in the ad was questionable, though not illegal. 'A statement that "bogans need not apply" may not be contrary to anti-discrimination law, but those involved in the hiring of candidates should explain the genuine requirements of the position,' said Lynn and Brown Lawters associate Kate Bretherton. She defined bogan as 'associated with unsophisticated people of low social status' and said that the use of the word in the advertisement suggested the company might be selecting candidates based on their socio-economic background. 'While not unlawful, [this] should be avoided,' Ms Bretherton said. The advertisement appeared to have been taken down from Gumtree as of Sunday. North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast early on Sunday, the first such test since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected, and his administration indicated that Washington would have a calibrated response to avoid escalating tensions. The test was of a medium- or intermediate-range missile that landed in the Sea of Japan, according to the U.S. defense department, not an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which the North has said it could test at any time. The launch marks the first test of Trump's vow to get tough on a North Korean regime that last year tested nuclear devices and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate in violation of United Nations resolutions. Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump appeared together for a statement Saturday night in a ballroom at Trump's south Florida estate Mar-a-Lago. 'North Korea's most recent missile launch is absolutely intolerable,' Abe said through a translator. Scroll down for video Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday that Trump has assured him of U.S. support and that Trump's presence showed the president's determination and commitment Trump said on Saturday: 'I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent' Trump, left, and Abe, right, leave the room after making statements at Mar-a-Lago A man watches a TV news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday He added that the North must comply fully with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, but also noted that Trump had assured him that the U.S. supported Japan. 'President Trump and I myself completely share the view that we are going to promote further cooperation between the two nations. And also we are going to further reinforce our alliance,' he said. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: 'I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent.' With that, they left the room, a surprise of sorts given that the usually outspoken Trump neither condemned nor denounced the launch. In the opening days of his presidency, Trump's diplomacy had a rocky stretch that included contentious phone calls with the leaders of Mexico and Australia. In contrast, the first visit by a foreign leader at his Mar-a-Lago estate was a friendly weekend of meetings, dinners and golf that suggested the new president was willing to invest time in developing close personal relationships with leaders he feels he can work with. President Trump, second from right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, stop to pose for a photo with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, second from left, and his wife Akie Abe, left, before they have dinner at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday 'Having a great time hosting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the United States!' tweeted Trump Saturday morning, posting this picture of the two sharing a high-five The president and first lady Melania Trump hosted a delegation dinner with Abe and his wife on Saturday night at his Mar-a-Lago estate. At the time Trump ignored a shouted question about the North Korea launch. Focusing on the positive, he said the Abe visit had been 'very very good' and that he and the Japanese leader 'got to know each other very, very well' over their two days of meals, meetings and golfing. Trump and Abe, both frequent golfers, left Mar-a-Lago early Saturday morning and headed north to one of Trump's golf courses in Jupiter, Florida. Trump later posted a photo of them giving each other a high-five on the golf course and tweeted, 'Having a great time hosting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the United States!' Pro golfer Ernie Els joined them on the greens. As their husbands golfed, Mrs. Trump and Akie Abe toured the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in nearby Delray Beach. It was Mrs. Trump's first solo event as first lady. The women had lunch together at Mar-a-Lago. The two couples touched down in Florida on Friday afternoon and headed straight to Mar-a-Lago, where they enjoyed a late dinner at its crowded patio restaurant. First Lady Melania Trump, right, and Akie Abe, wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, take a tour of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach on Saturday Senior Counselor Steve Bannon stands next a Japanese flag after Trump and Abe delivered remarks on North Korea at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday Bannon is seen after Trump and Abe spoke to the press following the launch by North Korea of a ballistic missile They were joined by Robert Kraft, the owner of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, and several interpreters. Paying members and club guests took in the scene and mingled with Trump and Abe into the night. A U.S. official said Saturday the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean 'provocation' soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in a response, but these would be calibrated to show U.S. resolve while avoiding escalation. The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting Trump's previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'This was no surprise,' the official said. 'The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this.' The latest test comes a day after Trump held a summit meeting with Abe and said he agreed to work to ensure a strong defense against North Korea's threat, and also follows Trump's phone call last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. People watch a TV news channel airing an image of North Korea's ballistic missile launch published in North Korea's Rodong Sinmun newspaper at the Seoul Railway Station (June 2016 photo) China is North Korea's main ally but has been frustrated by Pyongyang's repeated provocations, although it bristles at pressure from Washington and Seoul to curb the North and its young leader, Kim Jong Un. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday morning. Trump and his aides are likely to weigh a series of possible responses, including new U.S. sanctions to tighten financial controls, an increase in U.S. naval and air assets in and around the Korean peninsula and accelerated installation of new missile defense systems in South Korea, the administration official said. Approximately 49,000 US troops are stationed in Japan, with about 28,000 in South Korea, CNN reported last year. But the official said that given that the missile was believed not to have been a threatened intercontinental missile and that Pyongyang had not carried out a new nuclear explosion, any response will seek to avoid ratcheting up tensions. The missile was launched from an area called Panghyon in North Korea's western region just before 8am (6pm ET Saturday) and flew about 300 miles, the South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga speaks on a missile launch by North Korea at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo Sunday, February 12 'Our assessment is that it is part of a show of force in response to the new U.S. administration's hardline position against the North,' the office said in a statement. The South's military said Seoul and Washington were analyzing the details of the launch. The Pentagon said on Saturday: 'U.S. Strategic Command systems detected and tracked what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 4:55 p.m. CST. 'The launch of a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile occurred near the northwestern city of Kusong.' It added: 'The missile was tracked over North Korea and into the Sea of Japan.' The launch never posed a threat to North America, it said, but did not state whether it believed the launch had been a success or failure. The Pentagon said its forces would 'remain vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and are fully committed to working closely with our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies to maintain security'. Yonhap News Agency said the South Korean military was assessing the launch to confirm whether it was a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile, which has a designed range of 3,000 km (1,800 miles). South Koreans watch a TV news program showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's New Year's speech in this January 1 file photo The North tried to launch a Musudan eight times last year but most attempts failed. One launch that sent a missile 250 miles, more than half the distance to Japan, was considered a success by officials and experts in the South and the United States. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said the missile had apparently landed in the Sea of Japan but not within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 'We can absolutely not accept these continued provocations by North Korea, and have protested strongly to them,' Suga said. Kim said in his New Year speech that the country was close to test-launching an ICBM and state media have said such a launch could come at any time. Kim's comments prompted a vow of an 'overwhelming' response from U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis when he traveled to South Korea earlier this month. Once fully developed, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 5,500 miles from North Korea. ICBMs have a minimum range of about 3,400 miles, but some are designed to travel 6,200 miles or more. North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile-related tests last year and was seen by experts and officials to be making progress in its weapons capabilities, although until Sunday no ballistic missile launch attempt had been detected since October. Its repeated missile launches have prompted Washington and Seoul to agree to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile battery in South Korea later this year, which is strongly opposed by Beijing, which worries the system's powerful radar undermines its own security. Kim Jong Un watches the test of a new engine for an intercontinental ballistic missle (ICBM) at a test site at Sohae Space Center in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in April 2016 North Korea has test fired a ballistic missile, Sputnik reported. The missile was fired in the direction of the Sea of Japan at around 7:55 am February 12, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. It was fired from Banghyeon in North Pyongan Province; the flight path has not yet been determined. "The military is determining if the missile is the Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile," a military source told Yonhap. The Musudan missile's range is estimated at about 3,000 kilometers. The test had been expected for some time, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un reportedly having announced a test in his New Year's Eve address to the nation. It was also suggested that the country might test an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this month to mark former leader Kim Jong-il's birthday, or that it would test a medium-range weapon. It is unknown what type of missile was fired. US President Donald Trump has taken a belligerent stance on North Korea. In response to reports that the country was in the final stages of developing a missile that could reach the US at the turn of the year, he tweeted, "North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen!" Last month, the US provided $1 million in flood relief to the rogue nuclear state after flooding and typhoon damage killed hundreds and left thousands homeless. It was the first such aid to have been provided in five years. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests since 2006. The country claims to be capable of conducting a nuclear strike on the US. Just last week, US military authorities expressed concern that the country could not handle an escalation of tensions with North Korea without withdrawing from some of its other global commitments. A hospital is investigating whether a recovering stroke patient was wrongly placed on a controversial death pathway. Walter Prescott was admitted to hospital after suffering a fit in the care home where he was being rehabilitated following a stroke. The 62-year-olds family claim that when he was discharged back to the care home two days later, shocked staff discovered the hospital had placed him on an end-of-life regime that could have led to his death within days. Walter Prescott (pictured) was placed on an 'end-of-life regime' which could have led to his death within days His sister Helen said the ex-railwayman quickly recovered after being taken off the regime. A doctor at the care home, Priory Highbank in Bury, Greater Manchester, has now complained to nearby Fairfield Hospital about its care of Mr Prescott. Police are already probing the death of Mr Prescotts mother, Hilde, aged 88, in similar circumstances in another hospital. Miss Prescott, 63, said: I was shocked, I thought, 'Not again.' Greater Manchester Police said they were reviewing the deaths of six patients at the hospital where Hilde died Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan after complaints over end-of-life care. The NHS Trust responsible for the Infirmary strongly rejects Miss Prescotts claims and says it is confident the police will conclude there was no wrongdoing. But critics said the cases suggested doctors were still unnecessarily shortening the lives of patients several years after the Government scrapped the controversial Liverpool Care Pathway. Under the LCP, patients thought to be close to death were sedated and had food and fluids withdrawn. But there were cases of neglect and painful dehydration. Greater Manchester Police are already probing the death of Mr Prescott's mother at another hospital in similar circumstances Mr Prescott, unable to speak following throat cancer, was admitted to Fairfields stroke unit in November. His sister said that on his return to the care home, its staff said the Trust had put him on end-of-life care something she would never have agreed to, after her experience with her mother. If I and the care home had not taken action to restore his normal medication, he could have been a gonner in about two days, she added. He is quite with it certainly not end of life. Professor Patrick Pullicino, the neurologist who helped expose the LCP in 2012, said there were still big concerns over NHS palliative care. He called for new fully evidence-based guidelines. Fairfield Hospital, part of Pennine Acute NHS Hospitals Trust, said an internal inquiry is under way. Priory Highbank said it did not comment on individuals. Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust said: We can confirm Mrs Prescott was already very, very poorly when she was repatriated to Wigan Infirmary from another hospital. WWL absolutely refute the claims the patient did not receive the most appropriate care. WWL does not, nor at the time in question, use any version of the Liverpool Care Pathway. WWL are helping police with their investigation which has been instigated at the request of the families. We anticipate the police investigation will conclude there has been no criminal wrongdoing on the part of WWL. Advertisement Stunning images captured the thousands of Buddhist monks who gathered to pray in silence in celebration of Makha Bucha Day. Devotees donned traditional orange dress when they gathered outside the colossal 1,000 acre Wat Phra Dhammakaya Temple in the north of Bangkok on February 11 for the annual festival. Makha Bucha Day is held in celebration of the god Buddha's teachings and takes place in the third lunar month of the Buddhist calendar. This year 1250 monks gathered to be 'ordained by the Buddha' and take part in the festivities. Makha Bucha is one of the most important holidays in the Thai calendar and is finalised with a haunting candlelight ceremony where visitors sit kneeled on the floor as they pray. Stunning images captured the thousands of Buddhists months who gathered to pray in silence in celebration of Makha Bucha Day Makha Bucha is one of the most important holidays in the Thai calendar and is finalised with a haunting candlelight ceremony where visitors sit kneeled on the floor as they pray Wat Phra Dhammakaya IS colossal 1,000 acre temple that was founded in 1970 by Maechi (nun) Chandra Khonnokyoong and Luang Por Dhammajayo Makha Bucha Day is held in celebration of the god Buddha's teachings and takes place in the third lunar month of the Buddhist calendar Thousands of Buddhists sit outside the Wat Phra Dhammakaya Temple with candles during the yearly ceremony in the north of Bangkok An Australian fugitive who played a cat-and-mouse game with American authorities has been convicted in Brazil of using a fake passport. Bruce Sholtz Macedo, from Sydney, is wanted in the United States where he faces two manslaughter charges and up to 20 years in jail over a 2008 car crash that killed two men and seriously injured a woman. He was allegedly drink driving during that crash in Florida but has maintained he wasn't driving. Bruce Scholz Macedo faces 20 years in jail for a 2008 car crash that killed two men The Sydney man taunted the FBI for seven years while on the run and living in Brazil Scholtz Macedo taunted the FBI for seven years after leaving the U.S. believing Brazil would not seek to return him to the United States. However, Brazilian authorities have prosecuted him over the forged passport he used to enter the South American country, The Sun-Herald reported. He has so far avoided jail however Interpol would arrest him if he tried to leave Brazil or return to Australia. His family live in Sydney, where he grew up and went to school. 'I miss that place,' he told Fairfax Media. 'I would love to come back and visit.' Several prominent political journalists have stepped forward to reveal that Google has detected state-sponsored attempts to break into their email accounts. Among the journalists are high-profile political reporters who have covered the U.S. presidential election or foreign affairs. Some getting the warnings fear that Russian hackers hope to compromise them by releasing embarrassing emails that expose the backstage workings of D.C. journalism, Politico reports. 'The fact that all this started right after the election suggests to me that journalists are the next wave to be targeted by state-sponsored hackers in the way that Democrats were during it,' one journalist who received the warnings told Politico. The Atlantic's Julia Ioffe shows a warning she received in this tweet from January Targeted? Political journalists Ezra Klein, Johnathan Chait, and Julia Ioffe (left to right) The journalist is referring to the 2016 release of emails from Democratic National Committee staffers, which multiple U.S intelligence agencies attributed to hackers backed by the Kremlin. The hacked emails revealed petty remarks and disparaging comments made privately, and were damaging to Democrats, who ultimately lost the presidential election. 'I worry that the outcome is going to be the same: Someone, somewhere, is going to get hacked, and then the contents of their gmail will be weaponized against them and by extension all media,' the source fretted. New York Magazine's Johnathan Chait, who frequently pens columns critical of Donald Trump, said he began receiving warnings about attempted account breaches shortly after the election in November, and has continued to receive them through recent weeks. Journalist Julia Ioffe told the Washington Post that she received this warning in November New York Magazine's Chait, center, says he's received multiple warnings of attempted hacks Vox Editor-In-Chief Ezra Klein also was told he was a target in the weeks after the election. Julia Ioffe, a journalist for The Atlantic who has reported extensively on Russia, and often critically of Russian president Vladimir Putin, has also gotten multiple hack-attempt warnings, the Washington Post reports. Attacks on journalists have been a longstanding feature of life in Russia under Putin, and insults targeting the 'dishonest media' have been a fixture of Donald Trump's election campaign and presidency. Trump has called the media 'the opposition party,' and labeled critical reporting from a variety of major news outlets 'fake news.' Advertisement Dozens of properties remain under threat and at least one person have been hospitalised after suffering burns - as firefighters continue to battle nearly 100 blazes across New South Wales. Emergency warnings remained in place for blazes near Mudgee in central west and Dondingalong in the mid north coast late on Sunday night. Fires near Boggabri in north-western NSW, Port Macquarie on the mid north coast and Dunedoo in central west have since been downgraded. The RFS said several properties have been destroyed by the fire - but could not confirm numbers until assessment teams inspect affected areas on Monday. The fire danger will remain very high on Monday in the North Western fire area [Moree Plains, Narrabri, Walgett and Warrumbungle], an RFS spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. 'There will be one total fire ban on Monday in the North Western fire area only, including Narrabri,' he said. 'For the rest of the state, we are looking at high to low on Monday. Conditions will certainly ease.' There's the potential for damaging winds 'but the good news is it should be all easing off by the early hours of Monday', Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Neil Fraser said. Despite fire dangers remaining in place for the North Western and the Greater Hunter areas [Cessnock, Newcastle and Port Stephens], Mr Fraser said no part of the state would face severe, extreme or catastrophic conditions. 'The ratings are dropping right away with the cooler air coming across,' Mr Fraser said. 'The only part of the state still in the 30s is the northern inland areas.' Scroll down for video Residents watched as a ferocious blaze rip through the town of Uarbry in NSW on Sunday A family has left a sign in front of their Uarbry property to indicate they have evacuated safely Residents in affected areas have been told it was too late to leave as more than 2,500 firefighters battle to contain 97 blazes across the state, as 37 fires are uncontained while two remain at emergency level. Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said a southerly change on Sunday night could make the bushfire situation worse, with firefighters expected to have hours of work ahead of them. 'This is the worst day we've seen in the history of NSW when it comes to fire danger ratings and fire danger conditions,' Mr Fitzsimmons said. One firefighter was taken to hospital with burns and others sustained minor injuries, deputy RFS commissioner Rob Rogers told the ABC on Sunday night. A resident was flown to a Sydney hospital for treatment after suffering serious burns fighting fire at Boggabri, near Narrabri in north western NSW. The Baptist Church at Aberdare, Cessnock in the Lower Hunter Region of NSW was reportedly destroyed by the fire just five minutes after an evening service finished. No one was reported injured. The Baptist Church at Aberdare, Cessnock in the Lower Hunter Region of NSW was reportedly destroyed by the fire just five minutes after an evening service finished Homeowner Warren Jarvis (pictured) has spoken of his heartbreak after losing his property and farm animals to the ferocious bushfire in the township of Cassilis in central west NSW TWO EMERGENCY WARNINGS IN PLACE ACROSS NSW Spring Hill Rd, Dondingalong A bush fire is impacting the area of Ballengara Road, Pipers Creek Road, Spring Hill Road and Rainbows End Road, Dondingalong, 10km south of Kempsey. Properties are under direct threat. It is too late for residents to leave. People in the area need to seek shelter as the fire front arrives. White Cedars Road, Kains Flat A bush fire is burning near White Cedars Rd, Kains Flat, north east of Mudgee. The fire is currently out of control and is moving quickly in an easterly direction. Under these fire conditions, fires can be uncontrollable and move quickly. There are properties under threat. Residents around Wollar and Cumbo should leave now towards Bylong if it is safe to do so. Do not delay. Advertisement Meanwhile, two people have been charged for lighting fires at Mango Creek on central coast and Orange in central west. A third person, a 32-year-old man, was arrested on Sunday afternoon after two fires were deliberately lit at Nabiac on the North Coast. He is being questioned by police. Dozens of properties were threatened near Dunedoo where the blaze stretched over tens of kilometres, Mr Fitzsimmons said, and there may have been one home lost in Boggabri. 'At this stage, we have got some unconfirmed reports of homes being lost, sheds being lost and machinery being lost, and other agricultural assets being lost on some of these fire grounds,' Mr Fitzsimmons said. 'It's extremely volatile, we see increased wind strengths, we see very erratic and dangerous fire behaviour, we see spotting activity going in all sorts of directions.' A massive blaze has ripped through the township of Cassilis in the central west of New South Wales on Sunday More than 2,000 firefighters are battling more than 80 blazes across NSW, including Cassilis and surrounding area Residents of Uarbry, Turill and Cassilis have been urged to seek shelter with the emergency crew warning it is too late to leave Deputy Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said the fire was moving quickly - about 12km/h. 'The information we have is that a number of homes have been impacted by fire in that area,' he told the ABC. 'We have to get in there and have a look at that later on.' Residents of Uarbry, Turill and Cassilis have been urged to seek shelter with the Rural Fire Service warning it is too late to leave. The fire was burning in catastrophic conditions and would spread quickly, an RFS emergency warning said at about 3pm. 'It will be difficult for firefighters to contain the fire,' it said. 'Homes are not designed to withstand fires in these conditions and may not offer safety.' The fire was at 3pm burning in an easterly direction towards Cassilis, the warning said. Firefighters are battling to contain more than 80 blazes across New South Wales, with red indicating catastrophic fire danger The highest-level catastrophic fire danger was declared across vast areas of the state (pictured) for Sunday after temperatures rocketed to 47C on Saturday People to the east of Cassilis were advised to leave towards Merriwa if the path was clear, while people to the north of Ulan were told to move south towards Mudgee. Large areas of NSW are experiencing unprecedented fire danger conditions over the weekend as a trough produces hot, dry and gusty winds. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a catastrophic fire danger warning for the Greater Hunter, Central Ranges and North Western regions and extreme or severe danger warnings for many surrounding areas. Residents were advised to avoid fire-prone areas such as thick bushland or paddocks. The Golden Highway was closed and other local routes may also be shut down at short notice, the RFS added. Residents on isolated rural properties have received emergency text alerts warning them about quickly-spreading bushfires near Port Macquarie. A ferocious fire has ripped through the township of Cassilis and surrounding areas in central west of New South Wales The Rural Fire Service has warned an incoming southerly wind change will present significant dangers to firefighters The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued emergency declarations for small regional villages as unprecedented fire danger conditions continue to deteriorate (pictured of thick smoke in the township of Cassilis in central west NSW) The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued emergency declarations for small regional villages as unprecedented fire danger conditions continue to deteriorate. It comes after the RFS on Sunday afternoon upgraded its bushfire advice to an emergency warning for residents of the Beechwood area. 'The fire is spreading quickly under worsening conditions,' the RFS said. 'The fires are impacting a number of isolated rural properties in the area.' Residents in the Hollisdale, Lower Pappinbarra and Beechwood areas have been urged to seek shelter as the fire front gets closer. Emergency alert telephone warnings have been issued to those in the region. 'The fire is burning under extreme fire danger conditions,' the RFS said in its upgraded advice. 'Under these conditions fires may spread quickly, cut roads and threaten properties.' A fire burning in Leadville, near Dubbo, on Saturday afternoon NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said fire conditions were considered 'worse than Black Saturday' The Leadville fire is one of at least 53 burning during Saturday, with worse to come on Sunday The New South Wales Rural Fire Service posted this picture from Wimbledon Road, Georges Plains Two-year-old Robbie Buchan was just five months old when he lost all four limbs to meningococcal disease. His young mother Desiree Scofield, 24, from Perth, noticed a rash on his back which quickly spread all over his tiny body in October 2014. 'Robbie rolled over, his shirt came up and his blanket came down and that's when I saw three small spots on his back,' Ms Scofield told Daily Mail Australia. Two-year-old Robbie Buchan (pictured) was just five months old when he lost all four limbs to meningococcal disease Robbie's young mother Desiree Scofield (pictured), from Perth, noticed a rash on his back which began to spread all over his tiny body in October 2014 Robbie (pictured) had contracted meningococcal B, a life-threatening infection which in this case quickly developed into severe blood poisoning 'We rushed (to hospital) and were there within 10 minutes. By that time the spots had turned into a rash that covered his entire back... within another ten minutes his entire body was covered.' The infant had contracted meningococcal B, a life-threatening infection which in Robbie's case quickly developed into severe blood poisoning. Doctors were forced to amputate his legs from the knee down. He lost most of his right arm and his left was cut from the elbow. 'We've been told on numerous occasions by medical staff that if I ignored the rash or waited another 20 minutes he would not have survived,' Ms Scofield said. Ms Scofield said she feels blessed that Robbie is still alive Doctors were forced to amputate Robbie's legs from the knee down. He lost most of his right arm and his left was cut from the elbow Ms Scofield said: 'We've been told on numerous occasions by medical staff that if I ignored the rash or waited another 20 minutes he would not have survived' Meningococcal B is preventable but the vaccine isn't available on the national children's immunisation program and can only be bought on the private market. That's something Robbie's mother is determined to change. 'We've seen a keen interest in multiple states across Australia to add vaccines that protect against meningococcal strains... but we need all states to have these vaccines available to protect our children and teenagers,' Ms Scofield said. She said adding meningococcal vaccines to the national immunisation program would not only protect the vulnerable, but 'create a herd immunity which will see the elimination of this disease all together'. 'We as Australians deserve the confidence that our children will not be struck down by a vaccine preventable disease,' she said. WHAT IS MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE? The rare and life-threatening disease occurs when different strains of the bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis, attacks membranes covering the brain and spinal chords. It can take between 3-10 days before any symptoms begin to appear. The symptoms which may not all be present at once include, high fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, irritability, and drowsiness. The disease causes the body to feel unwell very quickly causing blood poisoning (septicaemia) and inflammation around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Meningococcal is easily spread through coughing, sneezing or close contact with infected people. Once diagnosed, one in 10 people will die from the disease. If you survive, one in 30 are left with severe scars, loss of limbs or severe brain damage. There are 13 strains of the Bacterium around the world, two are common in Australia. Meningococcal B and C. Both strain B and C are vaccine preventable in all age groups. The meningococcal C vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program. Once diagnosed, one in 10 people will die from the disease, according to the Australian department of health. Advertisement The brave youngster was only recently released from hospital after finally beating the infection Two people are dead and searchers fear the worst for a missing 15-year-old boy after snowmobiles plunged into freezing waters during an ice fishing derby in New Hampshire. Snowmobiles plunged through the ice of frozen Lake Winnipesaukee in two separate locations as sportsmen descended on the area Saturday, hospitalizing two in addition to the dead and missing. 'This is the kind of day you never want to see happen. Its horrible and its so tragic,' New Hampshire Fish and Game Col. Kevin Jordan told the Union Leader. Rescuers searched for the missing 15-year-old until the sun set on Saturday Thousands of people were on frozen Lake Winnipesaukee for the annual ice fishing derby Jordan was uncertain whether the snowmobile riders, who have not yet been publicly identified, were from the area or out of town, and it was also unclear whether they were taking part in the Meredith Rotary Club Ice Fishing Derby, or simply riding for fun in the area. Thousands of people were on the ice for the annual ice fishing derby, WMUR reported. Rescuers from the Alton Fire Department respond to scene of the missing boy Ice fishermen are shown participating in the Meredith Rotary Club Ice Fishing Derby Saturday A custom snowmobile is seen at Lake Winnipesaukee on Saturday The first incident took place around noon, when three snowmobiles went through the ice about 300 yards off shore. One man escaped the freezing water quickly and is expected to recover. Searchers pulled another rider from the water and tried to revive him, but he was pronounced dead after transport to an area hospital. A third man was found dead in the water hours later, with the aid of sonar search equipment. Around 4pm, a father and son on snowmobiles broke through the thin ice elsewhere, near Rattlesnake Island. The father was rescued, but the son, 15, was still missing when searchers were forced to return to shore at sunset. The search is set to resume Sunday morning, but authorities fear the worst. A teenage boy was injured after dozens of Sudanese youths went on a stampede through a family festival in suburban Melbourne and stole mobile phones. Video footage captured the moment up to 70 African youths, some as young as 10, ruined Summersault 2017 on Saturday night as the fireworks started at 10pm. Jack McLaughlin, 16, a student at Lake View Senior College, was 'jumped on' as his mobile phone was stolen outside Caroline Springs police station, in Melbourne's northwest. His mother Debbie Tesoriero said her son needed brain scans, after having no recollection of the stampede at the recreation reserve, but was able to go home on Sunday evening. Jack McLaughlin (pictured) was injured during Summersault 2017 on Saturday night 'We are on our way home, his tests were all clear,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'We are so relieved right now.' 'Our understanding is that he was knocked out,' she told 7News from her son's hospital room earlier on Sunday. 'He didn't know where he was, didn't know what day it was. 'The police were there, they called an ambulances and the ambos said we should definitely take him to the hospital and check him out.' Jack said he just wants his mobile phone back. Jack McLaughlin (pictured in hospital) was 'jumped on' as his mobile phone was stolen A teenage boy was injured in festival as a stampede of youths rampage through a festival 'We're very lucky, very fortunate it wasn't worse. As a parent this is terrifying,' she previously told the Herald Sun. 'Some of these kids are as young as ten years old, there were hundreds there but not one parent. To me that is shocking.' A witness, who didn't wish to be identified to protect her safety, said the youths stole mobile phones from people filming Melton City Council's fireworks display. 'They were only Sudanese, there were no other cultures in the pack,' the mother of two told the Herald Sun. Video footage captured the moment hundreds of African youths, as young as 10, ruined Summersault 2017 on Saturday night as the fireworks started at 10pm 'It was intimidating, they have no fear.' The woman claimed a police station nearby did nothing to deter them. Victoria Police confirmed an investigation was underway into a large youth of groups who ran through a crowd during a fireworks display, snatching smart phones from people who were filing the event. 'Six people have reported their mobile phone being stolen and two reports of assault has been made to police,' spokeswoman Leonie Johnson said. Residents of Caroline Springs has slammed police for not deploying more officers to patrol the event. The youths stole mobile phones from people filming Melton City Council's fireworks display Victoria Police confirmed an investigation was underway into a large youth of groups who ran through a crowd during a fireworks display Only six officers were patrolling the event, which thousands attended, the Herald Sun said. A boy named Tom said his friend was kicked in the head, but authorities did nothing. There was hardly any police there and security just sat there and did nothing, said 16-year-old said. Seventeen-year-old Shannon needed six stitches after suffering a gash on his chin when he was hit out of nowhere. But Melton City Councils acting chief Maurie Heaney told the Herald Sun that police and security had been on site until large crowd numbers vacated the festival site. Independent pharmacies are struggling to keep Blackmores vitamins in stock because tourists are buying them in bulk. Chemists across Sydney are finding it difficult to restock products from the vitamin and supplement brand - which is incredibly popular in China - due to low warehouse supply, Fairfax Media reported. The most in-demand products include fish oil, cranberry capsules, vitamin C as well as eye supplement Macu-Vision, according to Kim Wood, store manager for Blakes Pharmacy in Potts Point. Sometimes I come in and the whole shelf has disappeared and getting in stock has been hard for close to a year now, Ms Wood said. Independent pharmacies are struggling to keep Blackmores vitamins in stock because tourists are buying them in bulk. File photo Karen Koenig, who manages Strathfield Boulevarde Pharmacy, believes priority is being given to large discount chemists who order entire pallets of products. Ms Koenig says the problem isnt just with Blackmores but many Australian companies who she claims are focusing on the overseas markets and the big players. We get pushed right down to the bottom and yet we are the ones servicing local Australian customers, she said. But David Fenlon, Blackmores managing director for Australia, insisted that discount pharmacy chains were not being prioritised over smaller stores. However, Mr Fenlon conceded that demand from Chinese consumers did affect supplies 18 months ago. Since then, the company has doubled capacity in order to meet the requirements of retailers and customers, he told Fairfax Media. The Sydney-based firm has seen incredible success thanks largely in part to high demand in China. The companys net profit increased by115 per cent to $100million in the 2016 financial year. After a wildly successful debut, Melissa McCarthy was back as White House Press Secretary for the second straight week - this time wearing items from Ivanka Trump's line during Saturday Night Live's cold open on NBC. McCarthy poked fun at Spicer's testy back-and-forth exchanges with the press corps and complained of 'light terrorism at Nordstrom' - a reference to the retailer's decision to stop selling Ivanka Trump's clothing line. 'First of all Id just like to announce that Im calm now and I will remain calm as long you sons of b****,' the faux Spicer said before gathering himself. 'Im not gonna do that because thats the old Spicey and this is the new Spicey and Ive been told to cut back on the gum-chewing so Im now limiting myself to one slice a day,' Spicer says as he holds up a large block of bubble gum. After a wildly successful debut, Melissa McCarthy was back as White House Press Secretary for the second straight week Spicer vowed to contain his anger by 'cutting back' on the amount of chewing gum he will consume The cold open also featured a cameo by 'Attorney General Jeff Sessions,' played by Kate McKinnon. Trump was reportedly dismayed that Spicer was portrayed by a woman on SNL. McCarthy poked fun at Spicer, mispronouncing the names of foreign countries and leaders. When he struggles to utter the name of the wife of a central Asian leader, an exasperated Spicer says: 'I'm just gonna pass on that one. Lets just call her Connie.' This time, Spicer was sporting items supposedly from Ivanka Trump's line during Saturday Night Live's cold open on NBC Spicer complained about 'light terrorism at Nordstrom's' and urged the White House press corps to buy Ivanka Trump-brand bracelets Spicer also shows off shoes supposedly from Ivanka's line. The spoof of the White House press secretary poked fun at Kellyanne Conway's comments this week urging people to buy Ivanka Trump products The SNL cold open featured a graphic with the price similar to those seen on television shopping channels 'Now Im gonna open it up for questions, and Im probably gonna freak if you ask stupid ones.' Spicer calls on New York Times correspondent Glenn Thrush. When 'Thrush' asks about the Trump's administration's response to a federal court striking down its travel ban, an aggravated Spicer looks up at the sky and says: 'You're testing me, big guy.' McCarthy revives her portrayal of Spicer as a belligerent press secretary who is combative with reporters Spicer's propensity to chew gum is also exaggerated in the SNL McCarthy skit 'Now Im gonna open it up for questions, and Im probably gonna freak if you ask stupid ones,' Spicer tells reporters after he finishes his gum 'Spicer' also joked that the Trump administration would take its case to the People's Court. 'That isnt real,' Thrush replies. 'It is real,' Spicer says. 'The cases are real. The rulings are final. Dont "f" with me, Glenn. Next question. This turkey.' Spicer was then asked about the administration's plan for 'extreme vetting.' 'It means its extreme,' Spicer says. 'You know what? Spiceys gonna explain it so you dumb babies can understand it.' 'It means its extreme,' Spicer says. 'You know what? Spiceys gonna explain it so you dumb babies can understand it' Spicer then uses his famous props - taking out a Barbie doll and another doll with darker skin 'This is a nice American girl back from a dream vacation,' Spicer says of Barbie. 'We know shes okay because shes blonde, so she gets in' 'Were gonna pat her down, read her emails, and if we dont like her answers, which she wont BOOM Guantanamo Bay' Spicer then uses his famous props - taking out a Barbie doll and another doll with darker skin. He then takes out a male doll meant to represent a 'TSA agent' who inspects the dolls. 'This is a nice American girl back from a dream vacation,' Spicer says of Barbie. 'We know shes okay because shes blonde, so she gets in.' 'Whos up next? Its Moana,' Spicer says, referring to the dark-skinned doll. 'Were gonna pat her down, read her emails, and if we dont like her answers, which she wont BOOM Guantanamo Bay.' The cold open also featured a cameo by 'Attorney General Jeff Sessions,' played by Kate McKinnon (above) Spicer was then asked about 'a terrorist attack in Atlanta' - even though there wasn't a terrorist attack there. 'I said that wrong when I said it, then you wrote it, which makes you wrong,' Spicer tells a reporter. 'Thats why youre here. Obviously I meant Orlanta.' When asked if he meant Orlando, Spicer replied: 'Look, the problem is all these terrorist incidences youre not reporting on. 'I have a whole list of things you never even write about.' Spicer proceeds to mention fictitious events like 'the Bowling Green massacre' as well as 'the slaughter at Fraggle Rock' and 'the night they drove old Dixie down.' 'Then there was 'light terrorism when Nordstrom decided to stop selling Ivankas line of clothing and accessories, and thats Nordstroms loss,' Spicer said. 'These are high-quality products.' At this point, Spicer begins to show off some products he says are from Ivanka's line. When another reporter asks if Spicer was 'mentally okay,' Spicer rams the reporters over with a Segway affixed to the podium 'You don't have a chance against Spicey,' the rampaging press secretary says Last week, 'Spicer' on the SNL skit used his podium to ram into a reporter whose question he did not like 'Im wearing one of her bangles right now,' Spicer says. The screen then displays graphics similar to those seen on television shopping networks - with the price of the product, an 800-number, and promises of a 'money back guarantee.' 'Dont even get me started on her shoes, because these babies are real head-turners.' Spicer then pulls up his leg and shows off his heeled shoes. After McKinnon's appearance as Sessions, Spicer then fields a question about Chicago. 'As you know we do need someone whos gonna bring back law and order,' Sessions said. 'The murder rate is over 80 per cent in Chicago. 80 per cent of the people in Chicago have been murdered.' When a reporter played by Cecily Strong says that data contradicts Spicer's claim, the press secretary takes out an air blower and blows air up her skirt. 'That was me blowing away their dishonesty,' Spicer says. When another reporter asks if Spicer was 'mentally okay,' Spicer rams the reporters over with a Segway affixed to the podium. 'You don't have a chance against Spicey,' he says. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy kept his post on Saturday after his People's Party (PP) reelected him to head the party, Sputnik reported. Among other party members to hold on to their posts was Defense Minister Maria Dolores de Cospedal, the secretary general of the conservative PP. "Everyone stays, I did not replace anyone because they did their jobs well," Rajoy told journalists. The prime minister submitted the only party leadership list, which was voted on at the end of the 18th party congress. It was upheld by 95.65 percent of ballots cast. No one was injured by the cab A naked man allegedly hijacked a cab and drove it through a crowded Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia before crashing into a curb. At 3.30pm the unidentified 51-year-old man weaved the cab through the popular area. Pedestrian Kyra Howell had to dart for cover. 'I honestly saw my life flash before my eyes', Howell told Action News. Scroll down for video A naked man allegedly hijacked a cab and drove it through Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia before crashing into a curb A handful of people dragged the driver out of the smoking cab and held him down until police arrived at the scene He struck two parked cars before finally crashing into a moving vehicle and then a curb at 18th and Walnut streets. A handful of people dragged the driver out of the smoking cab. Brandon Thompson was one of the witnesses who pulled the man out of the cab and held him down until police arrived at the scene. 'I ran up and grabbed the wheel and he was still trying to fight', Thompson told Action News. 'The only thing on my mind was that he needed to be stopped'. At 3:30pm the unidentified 51-year-old man weaved the cab through the popular area Police said the man stole the car around 3 pm from cabdriver Michael Emmanuel, 42, who was dropping off a customer on the 2000 block of Locust Street The man allegedly pulled a 49-year-old woman out of the idle cab by her hair and threw her to the ground. When Emmanuel got out to help the woman, the suspect jumped into the driver's seat and drove off Josh Schonewolf told Philly Mag that he was in the park running errands at the time of the incident. 'It was pretty effing scary', said Schonewolf. 'People were running inside and stuff. When they pulled [the man] out of the cab he was all red and naked and crazy'. Police said the man stole the car around 3pm from cabdriver Michael Emmanuel, 42, who was dropping off a customer on the 2000 block of Locust Street. The man allegedly pulled a 49-year-old woman out of the idle cab by her hair and threw her to the ground. The man, who police said appeared to be under the influence of some sort of substance, was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries When Emmanuel got out to help the woman, the suspect jumped into the driver's seat and drove off. 'When she paid me, he came to the passenger side door, and grabbed the lady from her hair, from her collar, and dragged her on the street', he told Action News. 'He took off his clothes, opened the door, ran in the car, and drove off'. The man, who police said appeared to be under the influence of some sort of substance, was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported. Disappointed passengers disembarked the hapless Norwegian Star cruise ship on Sunday after their vacations were ruined due to an engine failure. The luxury liner lost propulsion power on Thursday morning en route to New Zealand and had to be towed to Melbourne - along with its 2,000 passengers. 'It wasn't as desperate as some people were saying but it was very disappointing,' said an American tourist, Ashley Wagner, who spoke to the Age newspaper after stepping ashore at Melbourne's Station Pier. The Norwegian Star will have to be towed back to Melbourne after it lost power early on Thursday morning 'We were two days at sea and were supposed to see New Zealand,' said her husband, Trevor Wagner. 'We are cutting and running.' Passengers told the Age the cruise company offered them a full refund, a 50 percent discount on a future trip, as well as flight tickets to New Zealand. After the unexpected power loss on Thursday, some passengers took to social media to tell of their fate. 'We're adrift 70 miles out of Melbourne,' one wrote on Twitter. '2nd Azipod broke. Getting towed back to Melbourne.' Another wrote on Facebook: 'We have no engines for propulsion! We are afloat in the ocean!' Passengers described the ship as 'dead in the water' The ship is now expected to skip several ports of call One man on board said 'devastated' passengers were in a state of panic The 16-year-old ship has been plagued with technical problems in recent times. Passengers missed half of their stops and spent three extra days at sea because of engine problems on a voyage last month, according to the Age. After a technical review, the ship was expected to be repaired and ready to depart Melbourne within five days, the cruise operator said. Alec Baldwin returned to Saturday Night Live as host for the 17th time - a record in the 42-year history of the hit NBC variety show. As expected, the actor reprised his role as President Donald Trump, portraying America's 45th commander-in-chief as a bumbling buffoon and would-be authoritarian. This time, SNL portrayed Trump as a plaintiff in the television version of The People's Court, the daytime television court show. 'This is the plaintiff, the president of the United States,' the narrator says. Alec Baldwin returned to Saturday Night Live as host for the 17th time - a record in the 42-year history of the hit NBC variety show Trump faces off with the 'three judges' from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals who last week upheld a federal judge's stay of Trump's travel ban 'He claims that some phoney judges are being very mean to him. He's asking for broad, unchecked power. 'Will he get it?' At this point, the captions made famous by the show flash on the screen as the sound of typing is heard: 'President Donald Trump, plaintiff.' Trump faces off with the three judges, played by actors, from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals who last week upheld a federal judge's stay of Trump's travel ban. 'These are the defendants,' the narrator says. 'They're three judges from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals who heard the case for Trump's travel ban and said, "Not in our house".' 'Mr. Trump, you understand this is a TV court, right?' the judge, played by Cecily Strong, says. Strong is spoofing the real People's Court judge, Marilyn Milian 'They're accused of letting bad hombres pour into this country.' When Trump is asked to swear to tell the truth, he declines to say, 'I do,' as the judges did. 'I'm good,' he says. 'Mr. Trump, you understand this is a TV court, right?' the judge, played by Cecily Strong, says. Baldwin portrays America's 45th commander-in-chief as a bumbling buffoon and would-be authoritarian 'I signed a tremendous travel ban. I didn't read it, but I signed it,' the president says. Trump is then asked if he wants to bring in a character witness Strong is spoofing the real People's Court judge, Marilyn Milian. 'That's okay,' the president replies. 'I'm a TV president.' 'So, your travel ban has been rejected as unconstitutional once again, but here you are,' the judge says. 'What are we doing here, man?' 'Well, thank you, judge,' Trump says. 'Or what do we call a lady judge? A flight attendant?' The president says his character witness is 'someone who has known me for years. He's family. He's an incredible person with impeccable credentials - Vladimir Putin' A shirtless Putin, played by Beck Bennett, struts into the courtroom and give high-fives and fist-bumps to the Grim Reaper (Steve Bannon) 'I signed a tremendous travel ban. I didn't read it, but I signed it,' the president says. 'People took pictures of me holding up the paper very official. 'And these judges have been very disrespectful. I'm right. They're wrong. I want the ban lifted. I also want $725.' After the judge replies that 'a woman who fought for custody of a snake' had a better case than the president, she said she would turn to the judges. That's when Trump interjected: 'So-called.' 'That is enough!' the judge scolds him, to which Trump replies: 'I'll allow it. I'll allow it.' When the judge asks him for 'one legitimate reason why we need this ban,' he says: 'Of course I do. It's so simple. 'The bad people, they're pouring in and you see them and it's ISIS and San Bernardino and Chicago. 'Look at Chicago. It's hell. There are bad dudes coming in here, bad hombres, bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do' Trump says, breaking into a riff of the theme song from the show Cops, Bad Boys, sung by Inner Circle. Trump is then asked if he wants to bring in a character witness. 'This is Russian President Vladimir Putin,' the narrator says. 'He's an authoritarian dictator who has invaded other countries and killed long-time rival. He's President Trump's long-time crush' 'Everybody, come on, lay off President Trump,' Putin says. 'This man is a great friend. He's my little American happy meal' The president agrees. He says his character witness is 'someone who has known me for years. He's family. He's an incredible person with impeccable credentials.' When the character playing Trump's son, Donald Jr, gets up thinking that the president is referring to him, Trump says: 'Vladimir Putin.' Donald Jr, played by Mikey Day, sits down. 'This is Russian President Vladimir Putin,' the narrator says. 'He's an authoritarian dictator who has invaded other countries and killed long-time rival,' the narrator says. 'He's President Trump's long-time crush.' A shirtless Putin, played by Beck Bennett, struts into the courtroom and give high-fives and fist-bumps to the Grim Reaper (Steve Bannon), Donald Jr, and Eric Trump (played by Alex Moffat). 'Vladimir is an amazing person. He knows me better than anyone,' the president says. 'Everybody, come on, lay off President Trump,' Putin says. 'This man is a great friend. He's my little American happy meal.' 'He would do anything for you,' the Russian president says. 'He would go against his own country just to make you happy.' The sketch ends with Trump losing his case and the judge refusing to reinstate the travel ban 'See you at Mar-a-Lago, baby,' Putin says as he leaves. Trump is then scolded by the judge, who tells him: 'I want one day without a CNN alert that scares the hell out of me.' The sketch ends with Trump losing his case. The People's Court episode ends with a teaser for the next show, which will have Trump taking Nordstrom, the retail chain that no longer carries Ivanka Trump's brand of clothing, to court. Scorching temperatures across Australia over the weekend led to an influx of alien-like sea lizards and blue bottles washing up on shores along the east coast. Queensland surf life savers were busy enough on Saturday, performing a staggering 57 rescues as roughly 90,000 people flocked to the beaches to escape the heat. But at Coolangatta's Greenmount Beach, life savers were forced to close the beach when hundreds of glittery Margined Sea Lizards began stinging swimmers. Coolangatta's Greenmount Beach was closed on Saturday after swimmers started getting stung by Margined Sea Lizards (pictured) Queensland surf life savers were busy enough on Saturday, performing a staggering 57 rescues as roughly 90,000 people flocked to the beaches to escape the heat The sea lizards, similar in appearance to blue sea slugs, are mesmerising in appearance but not particularly harmful The state life saving service said the sea lizard's sting could typically cause painful irritation for unfortunate swimmers - but was otherwise harmless. Locals took to Facebook to post photos of the mesmerising sea creatures, which by Saturday afternoon had mostly washed up along the Gold Coast beach's shoreline. 'What was that about full moons and comets tonight? Now Australian beaches are being invaded by margined sea lizards. Plague of frogs next?,' tweeted one man. Others posted images on Instagram, comparing the unique creature to an 'alien'. Some claimed the sea lizards were Glaucus atlanticus' - a type of blue sea slug that look similar to margined sea lizards but have a much more dangerous sting. A change in tide on the Gold Coast on Saturday brought in a number of blue bottles, wreaking havoc on swimmers in the water (sting pictured) A nine-year-old boy drowned and another is fighting for life after their inflatable rubber ring flipped and they were swept out to sea. A 49-year-old man who swam out to save them almost drowned before the trio was pulled from the water by men in dinghies. Paramedics did CPR on the boy after they were called to Tin Can Bay, near Fraser Island, at 1pm on Sunday but could not revive him. A nine-year-old boy drowned and another is fighting for life after their inflatable rubber ring flipped and they were swept out to sea A 49-year-old man who swam out to save them almost drowned before the trio was pulled from the water by men in dinghies near Tin Can Bay (pictured) The other boy was airlifted to Nambour hospital and the man rushed to Gympie Hospital by ambulance, both in critical condition. Tin Can Bay police senior constable Jason Griffin said the young children got into difficulty while swimming in the channel off Norman Point. 'The children have gone out for a swim with an inflatable toy and lost the toy and were dragged out with the outgoing current into deeper water,' he told the Gympie Times. He said the area was usually fairly safe to swim in, but a full moon with a large tide did not help conditions. A local passer-by has helped police save a four-year-old boy left inside a car in hot weather. The woman noticed a young child appearing asleep in a car parked in a shopping centre on Sunday in New Farm, inner Brisbane. She called her husband, concerned about the hot conditions, who alerted police who arrived on the scene quickly to remove the child via an unlocked door. The four-year-old boy was found in a car in the underground car park in a shopping centre in New Farm Queensland The police said they placed the child in a vehicle with air conditioning to cool down. The young boy was taken to Lady Cilento Hospital as a precaution. Queensland has experienced a scorching heatwave this week with New Farm reaching 36 degrees on Sunday. 'A man is assisting police with their enquiries in relation to the incident,' Queensland police said in statement. 'Police are urging the community never to leave children unattended in vehicles particularly in the current severe heatwave conditions being experienced in southern parts of Queensland.' Leanne Brown (left) is said to have fallen out with Dawn Ward (right) over an unpaid loan Two Real Housewives of Cheshire stars are said to be at war over a 500,000 loan. Leanne Brown, 40, who is married to former Manchester United player Wes, 37, is said to have loaned the cash Ashley Ward's wife Dawn, 43. A source told The Sun on Sunday that money was loaned to Mrs Ward, an interior designer, four years ago and it hasn't been paid back. Mr and Mrs Brown are now said to be taking legal action against Mrs Ward and the disagreement has jeopardized the friendship between the two. The source said: 'Dawn asked to borrow the cash. They agreed, but with interest payable after six months. 'It seems to them she took advantage of their kindness and has no intention of giving it back. 'The tension between the pair during filming is palpable. Last week tempers flared on set again and a glass was smashed.' Mrs Brown and her husband, former Manchester United player Wes (far left), are said to have loaned 500,000 to Mrs Ward, who is married to retired player Ashley Ward (right) A spokesperson for Mrs Ward said: 'We have been friends for years and have completed many business deals together and everybody is aware that money is owed on both sides. We have tried to arrange a meeting to clear this up but the offer has not been accepted.' A spokesperson for Leanne Brown has been contacted for comment. In June last year, Mrs Ward was found guilty of one count of common assault after 'prodding' eighties pop star Sinitta. Mrs Ward, an interior designer, is said to have advised the Browns on whether or not they should purchase their house in Cheshire (above) The two star in the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Cheshire, and tension on set has been said to be 'palpable' London's Westminster Magistrates' Court heard Sinitta suggested that Mrs Ward's husband of 21 years had cheated on her and she hit back by calling Sinitta a 'has been' one-hit wonder who was 'hanging on to Simon Cowell's' coat tails. Sinitta Malone, who had previously told the court that she was 'shocked' and 'humiliated' after being shoved and having a napkin thrown at her, later told police 'my cheek was sore and bruised' after an attack. Mrs Ward stood quietly in the dock as District Judge Elizabeth Roscoe told her that she would be bound over in the sum of 500 for three months and ordered her to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. No costs were awarded. A chance meeting between a young teenager and a Masai warrior twice her age might have seemed the unlikeliest of matches - but six years on the couple say their love is stronger than ever. Christina and Juma Hassan are planning to renew their vows just months after securing a permanent visa for the Kenyan-born dancer to stay in the UK with his wife and their four-year-old son, Selim. The pair first met 11 years ago when Juma visited his wife's home town of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, as part of a UK tour with his traditional African dance troupe. True love conquers all: Christina and Juma Hassan, with their son, Selim, are looking forward to renewing their marriage vows, now that Juma has a permanent visa to stay in the UK Christina Miles was just 16 when she fell for the dancer, who grew up thousands of miles away as one of six siblings from a family in Mombasa. She moved around the country with him while he performed with his troupe, but when work dried up Juma was no longer allowed to stay on in Britain. Desperate to stay together, Christina, now 19, defied her family's wishes and agreed to marry Juma in a swiftly-planned wedding in 2010 - but her new husband was still deported back to Kenya. The couple were not allowed to apply for a spousal visa until Christina turned 21, meaning they spent their first year of marriage thousands of miles apart. Love at first sight: Christina was just 16 when she first met husband Juma during a dance tour They were finally reunited when Juma returned to the UK on a work visa, having secured a job at Blackpool Tower Circus as a dancer, but it would be another five years before he would get the right to permanently live here. Speaking to The Sunday Mirror, Christina said: 'People thought we wouldnt last but look at us now. We are proof that true love conquers all.' She added: 'Anyone who doesn't believe in love at first sight should be inspired by our story.' The couple revealed they now plan to renew their vows at a mosque in Blackpool. Juma, who has found work as a kitchen porter, described his wife as 'my everything'. He added: 'We were so happy when we had our little boy together and all I want to do is keep them happy and secure.' The mother of kidnapped girl Shannon Matthews has been attacked in a chip shop by a woman outraged after recognising her following a hit television drama. Karen Matthews, 41, was buying a fish supper in a chip shop 200 miles away from her home in Dewsbury, west Yorkshire, when she was recognised by a member of the public. Matthews, who was jailed for her part in a kidnap plot to claim a 50,000 ransom for her daughter's safe release, has been living in the south of England under an assumed name since leaving prison. Karen Matthews arranged the kidnapping of her daughter Shannon to claim a 50,000 ransom Matthews was jailed for eight years for her role in the kidnapping of her daughter Shannon Karen Matthews, pictured in December, has moved to the south of England after her release Her case has returned to public prominence as a result of a BBC drama, The Moorside, featuring Sheridan Smith as family friend Julie Bushby, has attracted criticism over its treatment of the story. The BBC has been accused of breaching its own editorial guidelines by broadcasting the hard-hitting two part drama. Matthews, who faked her daughter's kidnapping in order to make money has claimed she is now in fear for her life. One source told Joe Hinton in the Daily Star Sunday: 'Karen things this is just the start and wonders how many more attacks she will suffer. 'She was glad it was just a few peas but next time it could be worse. She was living quite a peaceful life until this programme came along. But Karen being Karen, she doesn't think it is anything to do with what she did by kidnapping her daughter.' Matthews plotted with her accomplice Michael Donovan, pictured, to claim ransom money for her daughter's safe release The source added: 'She is a long way from Dewsbury and has only been recognised a couple of times in a year. But now with this new drama on the telly she's petrified. The show is bringing her crimes to the attention of lot more people, who were younger at the time and weren't aware of what she did.' Matthews served half of an eight-year jail term for her part in her daughter's kidnapping, claims she is innocent. Her daughter, who is now 18, is living under a new identity. According to The Mirror, Matthews has told friends about the constant threats. She told a friend: 'I cannot go out of the door. I'm frightened out of my life. I'm shaking like a leaf. I'm s*** scared to even get any shopping or anything. 'I know I can't stop it but why does it have to be dragged up again? Why don't they just leave me alone and let me get on with my life?' The drama, starring Sheridan Smith as family friend Julie Bushby, aired on Tuesday. It centred on the hunt for Shannon, who was nine when she disappeared from the Moorside estate in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, in February 2008. In what became a cause celebre, she was missing for more than three weeks until it emerged that Shannon's mother Karen Matthews had staged the kidnap with her accomplice Michael Donovan in order to raise money from publicity. The BBC1 programme was made by ITV Studios and watched by 7.2million viewers. Karen Matthews' cousin, Susan Howgate, said that the controversial drama would 'bring everything back' and cause unnecessary pain. 'Family members will get grief like they have done in the past. I've had a lot of trouble, and same with my auntie. People keep saying stuff to her still,' she told ITV's Good Morning Britain. Her anger was shared by Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine went missing nearly ten years ago. They accused the BBC of 'poor taste' and said it was an 'appalling' and 'insensitive' decision to air The Moorside. Diane Abbott has been branded 'deluded' and 'out of touch' by police officers after she criticised a move by two forces to give spit hoods to all their frontline staff Diane Abbott has been branded 'deluded' and 'out of touch' by police officers after she criticised a move by two forces to give spit hoods to frontline staff. The Shadow Home Secretary faced a backlash for tweeting: 'No evidence that spit hoods are necessary or useful' after Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary announced the roll-out on Wednesday. The decision followed 432 reports of their officers being spat at since April last year. The mesh fabric hoods - put over suspects' heads to stop them spitting and biting - have been branded 'primitive, cruel and degrading' by human rights group Liberty. Campaigners say the equipment has been used unnecessarily in the past, including on children and disabled people. Responding to Ms Abbott's comment, Metropolitan Police Superintendent Roy Smith tweeted: '@HackneyAbbott always open to ideas - would you be willing to meet one of my colleagues infected with Hep C after being spat at to discuss?' It was followed by a flood of angry tweets accusing the Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington of being 'completely out of touch with reality'. Many claimed they had been spat at and some said they had to wait months for test results to find out if they had been infected with deadly diseases. Ms Abbott faced a backlash for tweeting: 'No evidence that spit hoods are necessary or useful' after Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary announced the roll-out Responding to Ms Abbott's comment, Metropolitan Police Superintendent Roy Smith tweeted: '@HackneyAbbott always open to ideas - would you be willing to meet one of my colleagues infected with Hep C after being spat at to discuss? The outspoken Corbynite - who has more than 131,000 followers - failed to respond to a single tweet despite being bombarded with messages for two days. Traffic officer Shona Gillen wrote: '@HackneyAbbott u can meet me as well. I got bitten by someone with HIV & hepC and spat in face. Is there another solution??' Sergeant Sean Underwood, of Avon and Somerset Police, tweeted: 'Get my blood results tomorrow after spat at twice, in face by someone with more diseases than I can name!' Officer Emma Marie, from Wales, said: 'Completely narrow minded & out of touch! You need to go out on a Saturday night & see what a police officer has to deal with.' Paul, a frontline officer from Doncaster, wrote: 'Really, how many times have you been spat at in the house of commons? I have lost count in custody. No idea.' A dog handler for Avon and Somerset Police tweeted: 'Not necessary!!! I'll just continue to get spat at then!!! Ridiculous deluded statement.' Traffic officer Shona Gillen wrote: '@HackneyAbbott u can meet me as well. I got bitten by someone with HIV & hepC and spat in face. Is there another solution??' Sergeant Sean Underwood, of Avon and Somerset Police, tweeted: 'Get my blood results tomorrow after spat at twice, in face by someone with more diseases than I can name! Jo Brooke-Williams wrote: 'Of course not Diane, that's why I had to put my life on hold for six months whilst I waited for test results to come back.' A Norfolk Police officer said: 'thanks 4 support, every day 4 the last 16yrs I've put others 1st in the face of adversity, been assaulted and spat at!!' An anonymous firearms officer added: 'Again, so out of touch with reality. Thankfully, there's no chance of you becoming Home Secretary any time soon.' In July 2016, Ukrainian police officer Arina Koltsova died after a suspect with tuberculosis spat in her face Prolific tweeter Ms Abbott kept silent even when challenged by a woman claiming to be the widow of a police officer who died from hepatitis C after being spat on. She also ignored a tweet from Policing and Fire Service Minister Brandon Lewis asking: 'Have you spoken to officers who have suffered from being spat at?' Acting Inspector Steve Chalcraft, of Sussex Police, tweeted the Labour MP: 'Spit hoods protect many officers from disgusting & dangerous assaults. They also negate the need to use force on the head.' Simon Newport, chairman of the North Wales Police Federation, wrote: 'When you have something useful or appropriate to say I may listen. What utter rubbish you speak.' Tony Green, secretary of the Humberside Police UNISON branch, added: 'Disappointing and ridiculous comment. You should be speaking out against assaults on our police staff members.' Staffordshire Police Superintendent Elliott Sharrard-Williams urged her to reply, tweeting: 'Mrs Abbott, will you be responding to any of the concerns raised regarding your comments?' But she ignored the criticism and instead spent the time re-tweeting Labour press releases and links to her blog posts. The outspoken Corbynite - who has more than 131,000 followers - failed to respond to a single tweet despite being bombarded with messages for two days The latest controversy comes after the pro-European MP was accused of 'pulling a sickie' and missing a crunch vote on the Government's Brexit bill. Ms Abbott was mocked for coming down with a migraine just before the ballot - having been debating in Westminster just hours earlier - leading to claims she 'bottled it'. Despite calls for her to step down, she joined colleagues for the final Commons ballot on Wednesday and voted to trigger Article 50. POLICE OFFICER WHO DIED AFTER SHE WAS SPAT AT In July 2016, Ukrainian police officer Arina Koltsova died after a suspect with tuberculosis spat in her face. The 35-year-old collapsed on the job and was later diagnosed with the deadly lung disease. Paying tribute at the time, a friend said: 'Arina wanted to change something for our country. Joining the police was a conscious choice, she wanted to change things for the better.' Her police department said: 'This is an irreplaceable loss for the whole of Kiev police. Fond memories of Arina will remain in our hearts forever.' Advertisement She then reportedly told Brexit Secretary David Davis to 'f*** off' when he tried to kiss her in the Commons bar after the vote. Last year it was revealed that 17 of the UK's 49 police forces used spit hoods, with four more considering their introduction. Martha Spurrier, director of Liberty, has previously spoken out against the equipment, saying: 'A spit hood is a primitive, cruel and degrading tool that inspires fear and anguish. 'We have seen many cases where the police use them unnecessarily and without justification, including on children and disabled people.' Lawyers have also raised fears that officers might not be able to see whether suspects are breathing if their face is covered. Defending the latest roll-out, Assistant Chief Constable David Hardcastle said the hoods were needed to protect staff from 'unacceptable and potentially dangerous behaviour'. He said: 'Our officers put themselves at risk every day to protect the public and we want to ensure that they have the appropriate equipment to deal with the challenges they face. 'Everybody should be able to go to work without the possibility of being assaulted, including being spat at.' US President Donald Trump has been informed about the newest missile launch by North Korea and is monitoring the situation, Sputnik reported. "We are aware of the missile launch by North Korea. The President has been briefed and we are continuing to closely monitor the situation," the official told journalists in Washington. An unidentified ballistic missile blasted off early Sunday from North Korea's western province of North Pyongan and flew some 300 miles before plunging into the Sea of Japan. Retail giant Amazon has been criticised for selling books that promote the notion that the Holocaust was a 'hoax.' There are dozens of books and pamphlets available to buy on the internet store's UK site that claim the genocide was exaggerated or even completely fabricated. Titles listed include The Myth of the Extermination of the Jews by Carlo Mattogno, which is available as a Kindle download for 99 pence, and The Hoax of the Twentieth Century: The Case Against the Presumed Extermination of European Jewry by academic Arthur Butz. The front covers of The Hoax of the Twentieth Century: The Case Against the Presumed Extermination of European Jewry (right) and The Myth of the Extermination of the Jews (left) The latter can be instantly downloaded for the Kindle and bought on Amazon's Prime membership as a paperback. An independent Amazon seller is advertising the notorious Holocaust denial pamphlet Did Six Million Really Die? which was written by in 1974 by a member of the far-right party the National Front. In the book The Six Million: Fact or Fiction Paperback the author, Peter Winter, accuses Holocaust survivors of 'outright lies and forgery'. Winter's book and other similar titles were listed for sale in Germany, France and Italy where Holocaust denial is a crime. After being contacted by The Sunday Times last week Amazon promptly decommissioned the books for sale from the aforementioned countries. However the works are still available to UK customers as denying what is considered to be the deadliest genocide in history is not illegal. The Myth of the Extermination of the Jews is available on Kindle download for just 99p Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, labelled Amazon's decision to allow the purchase of such books as 'shocking and wrong'. She said: The Holocaust was one of the most well documented and researched periods in history, yet even in 2017, over 70 years later, there are still those who deliberately deny, denigrate and belittle the memory of the Holocaust. 'Holocaust denial is highly offensive and the intent is anti- semitism, pure and simple. To have this offensive material widely accessible via any retailer is shocking and wrong.' There are dozens of books and pamphlets available to buy on the internet store's UK site Although some Amazon reviewers have left scathing comments on the website others have applauded the authors for their work. One review said that The Six Million: Fact or Fiction Paperback was an 'excellent source of information' while another claimed The Six Million: Fact or Fiction is a 'must read in these times of long accepted facts.' Historical records and extensive research concur that six million Jews were killed by Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany and its collaborators in a number of concentration camps in German occupied territories. A further five million non-Jewish people were murdered in such camps bringing the total up to 11 million deaths. An autistic boy was repeatedly punched in the face in a horrifying attack by three teenagers that was filmed and posted on social media. The 15-year-old was surrounded on a large swing in a skate park on Fishery Point Road in Bonnells Bay, near Newcastle, at 5.30pm on Saturday. They relentlessly taunted the terrified boy, making threats while swinging him around violently before punching him in the face several times. An autistic boy was repeatedly punched in the face in a horrifying attack by three teenagers that was filmed and posted on social media All three teenagers, aged 19, 17 and 16, were arrested on Sunday morning at a Tuggerah shopping centre and charged with robbery in company. The victim screamed in terror throughout the attack, covering his face with his arms and kicking wildly with his legs while protesting he 'didn't do anything'. The boys egged each other on to abuse him more, with the person filming at one point urging the others to 'make him cry'. They later upended the swing, dumping him on the ground before kicking him just before the video ended. The 15-year-old was surrounded on a large swing in a skate park on Fishery Point Road in Bonnells Bay, near Newcastle, at 5.30pm on Saturday They later upended the swing, dumping him on the ground The victim suffered cuts and bruises to his face and body and both he and his mother reported the ordeal to police. Three videos of the attack were posted online by one of the attackers, who captioned them '[victim's name] the girl bashed for talking s**t'. He posted a follow-up an hour later bragging '3.5k views on bashing the MRISSET snitch'. It's not clear why the 15-year-old boy was targeted, but the taunts his attackers used made reference to his mother knocking on their door. He was then kicked in the head just before the video ended Three videos of the attack were posted online by one of the attackers, who captioned them '[victim's name] the girl bashed for talking s**t' He posted a follow-up an hour later bragging '3.5k views on bashing the MRISSET snitch'. A post from a Facebook account claiming to be the victim wrote: 'i got kicked in the face and the ribs got puched (sic) got my head slammed into a concrete wall.' 'I am all good know rhey (sic) are just f**king c**ts who think they could pick on me all the time.' Hundreds of people leapt to the victim's defence when they saw the video, calling Dean and his friends pathetic cowards and 'maggots'. The videos on Facebook earned him unanimous abuse for the shocking acts that were depicted Many threatened reprisal attacks and one even bet a video of them beating beaten would get more views than theirs. Several people claiming to know the trio posted the address and a photo of the house they were all said to live in, and a woman claiming to live there said many people had come looking for them but they were not home. The 19-year-old was granted conditional bail to appear in Wyong Local Court on March 8 and the other two were granted conditional bail to appear at a childrens court on March 7. French presidential hopeful Francois Fillon and his British-born wife Penelope will be indicted for fraud this week and could be sent for criminal trial immediately. The 62-year-olds are currently under investigation for a range of charges including embezzlement after helping themselves to hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of taxpayers cash by setting up a series of allegedly fake jobs. Mrs Fillon, a solicitors daughter from Wales, has been fighting tooth and nail to prove she was secretly a high-powered parliamentary attache and literary consultant for decades. French presidential hopeful Francois Fillon and his British-born wife Penelope will be indicted for fraud this week and could be sent for criminal trial immediately But she has provided zero material proof to financial prosecutors, who will indict the couple this week, according to leaks from the enquiry published today by the Journal du Dimanche newspaper. This could prove fatal to the conservative Mr Fillons increasingly desperate campaign to become head of state following a two-round election this Spring. After almost two week of detailed enquiries, the PNF financial prosecuting unit will release its conclusions this week. They will certainly call for a criminal prosecution, and this could take the form of a direct summons to criminal court, the newspaper reports. Both Fillons face more than a decade each in prison if found guilty Both Fillons face more than a decade each in prison if found guilty, but still insist they are popular enough to become President and First Lady of France this May. This would allow them presidential immunity from prosecution, meaning they could technically postpone their trial until Mr Fillon has completed his five-year term of office. However, the prospect of a family of alleged criminals living in the Elysee Palace is one that has seen Mr Fillons popularity rating plunge. Current polls suggest that he will lose the first round of the elections, having been favourite to win outright before the scandal broke. Charles and Marie, the couples two oldest children, are also said to have dishonestly taken on jobs as parliamentary assistants, earning thousands for doing nothing. All charges have been denied by the Fillons. Mrs Fillon earned money despite not being able to produce any emails or telephone records showing that she was a high-powered political aide. The Fillons have not yet commented on todays revelations, although last week their lawyers claimed the fraud enquiry into their personal fortune was illegal She had no identification badge for the National Assembly in Paris, insisting that she worked discreetly and in the shadows at the couples sprawling manor house south west of Paris. Both the Fillons, who are devout Roman Catholics, were also filmed categorically stating that Mrs Fillon did nothing except accompany her husband to events, and occasionally hand out leaflets. The Fillons have not yet commented on todays revelations, although last week their lawyers claimed the fraud enquiry into their personal fortune was illegal. Advertisement Britain will warm up next week as icy Scandinavian winds that have dusted the country with snow give way to a warmer breeze from the south-west. Temperatures could reach 13C (55F) by Valentine's Day, on Tuesday, making the UK warmer than Barcelona, where it is expected to be around 10C (50F). But make sure you hold onto your hats, as forecasters expect gales of up to 60mph before the wind calms down by Thursday and Friday. This picture, taken today, shows a snowman and snow woman created by Elizabeth, aged 4, and Faye, aged 6, in Nenthead, Cumbria Forecasters are predicting a dramatic climb in temperatures later this coming week as milder air drifts in. Pictured: A man walking through a snow-covered street in Nenthead But make sure you hold onto your hats, as forecasters expect gales of up to 60mph. Pictured: Cars in whiteout conditions this morning on the A66 in northern England The wind is expected to calm by Thursday and Friday. This snow plough was out clearing a flurry of snow off the A66 this morning This driver had to get out of his car to clear the road ahead amidst snowy conditions this morning in Fleet Moss, Yorkshire Dales A tractor with a snow plough attached clears a road in the Yorkshire Dales this morning where snow fell several inches deep Temperatures could reach 13C (55F) by Valentine's Day, which could make the UK warmer than Barcelona, where it is expected to be around 10C (50F). Pictured: Locals sledging down a slope in Cumbria This farmhouse was dusted with snow in a picture postcard winter scene near Alston in Cumbria Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: '13C highs are possible on Tuesday, remaining mild later in the week. But we expect cold spells ahead in February and March, risking wintry conditions' There will be spots of sleet in parts of eastern Scotland tomorrow morning, but rising temperatures - up to 11C in the south west - will put an end to any snowfall elsewhere. Pictured: A snow plow at work in Nenthead A yellow weather warning for snow is in place until 3pm on Sunday across north west and north east England, Yorkshire and Humber, and the West and East Midlands. Pictured: An icy road sign in Northumberland Waves crash over Souter Lighthouse in South Shields as high winds and rough seas hit the Northumberland coast The seas were also stormy along the coast at Roker Pier and Lighthouse in Sunderland, where huge waves crashed over the promenade In Sunderland it is currently 3C with scattered showers and a 20mph wind. Gales are expected in many parts of Britain next week A cyclist rides along on a snowy Buttertubs Pass in the Yorkshire Dales, with a tractor following slowly behind A snowy scene on the North Yorkshire moors yesterday, as a mini cold snap brought snow and freezing conditions to parts of the UK A car sits on it's side after a snow fall near Wilsden, West Yorkshire, on Sunday. The RAC said they expected a spike in the number of calls from motorists Highways England said on Sunday: 'Snow will continue to fall over the highest routes of the Pennines during the first part of the night but their intensity is not likely to add any degree of disruption' Your browser does not support the iframe HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later. The graphic above shows that air from Scandinavia is pushing through and bringing with it snow, sleet and the biting cold. A yellow weather warning for snow is in place until 3pm on Sunday across north west and north east England, Yorkshire and Humber, and the West and East Midlands. There will be spots of sleet in parts of eastern Scotland tomorrow morning, but rising temperatures - up to 11C in the south west - will put an end to any snowfall elsewhere. As the new week begins on Monday the weather will become warmer and more pleasant. Charles Powell, from The Met Office, told MailOnline: 'Top temperatures today are not going to get much above 6C, and 2 or 3C in parts of northern England and eastern Scotland. 'It will dry out tonight and the only places that will see further bits of rain, sleet and snow tomorrow morning will be parts of eastern Scotland. 'Elsewhere it should a dry start, sunny in Wales and southern England, but with gales around the coasts of England, the north coasts of Cornwall and Devon.' This photo, taken yesterday, shows a vehicle sidelined in a ditch near Hamsterley, in County Durham, as the icy and snowy conditions made roads hazardous Yesterday, sheep gathered in a snow-covered field near Castleside, County Durham, as the country braced itself for freezing weather Mr Powell said the mercury will peak at 11C in the south-west on Monday, but high winds will make it feel colder. 'Around the middle of the week, things are going to turn a bit warmer but the high winds will remain. 'Temperatures will creep up, and we will start to feel it a bit warmer because of a change in wind direction. 'Towards the end of the week we could see high pressure building in again. 'It will be more settled with lighter winds on Thursday and Friday and temperatures will moderate at around 9 or 10C.' Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst added: 'Sunday feels as cold as Saturday due to biting easterly winds. 'And winter's not over just because it turns milder from Monday. '13C highs are possible on Tuesday, remaining mild later in the week. But we expect cold spells ahead in February and March, risking wintry conditions.' This is the moment when a bouncer was run over by a saw-wielding ex soldier after he attacked drinkers with an 18-inch saw. Howard Young, 48, was doing paperwork in the back of Miss Jones bar in Cardiff when he got a call telling him there was an attacker at the front of the building. Mr Young said he was expecting a man with a sword, but instead he was confronted with builder Mark Burgess, who was attacking revellers with a saw he had retrieved from his van. Scroll down for video Shocking CCTV footage shows Mark Burgess wielding a saw at revellers in Merthyr Road, near Miss Jones in Cardiff, while taxis try and dodge him One man was captured on CCTV desperately running away from Burgess while he was on the rampage Shocking CCTV footage shows Burgess arguing with drinkers before heading to his van, grabbing the saw, and then wielding it at drinkers in the middle of Merthyr Road on November 6. While recounting the horrifying incident, Mr Young said: 'We ran to the front door and brought the customers inside to get them out of the way. 'Then myself and my colleagues went out looking for this guy attacking people in the street. 'It was frightening.' Mr Young said he could see then Burgess was armed with a saw, not a sword. 'He attacked a couple of people and then he went to his vehicle. They tried to stop the thug driving off. Howard Young (left) has recounted the moment when he was run over by Burgess (right) who arrived at the bar with a saw The three minute footage shows Burgess arguing with several people in a bus stop outside of the Miss Jones bar He is then seen going to his van, which is parked on double yellow lines opposite, and obtaining a saw 'My colleague opened the door of the van and I said 'Get the keys, get the keys.' 'But he put his foot down and swerved out to the right and ran over me.' Mr Young was at the side of the van. 'The driver's door was open so it hit me,' he said. 'I stayed on my feet but I travelled backwards. 'My concern was trying to stop him leaving and getting him out of the vehicle. 'It could have been much worse.' Burgess went on the rampage after spending the day of the Wales versus Australia autumn international drinking in the city centre. He walks back towards the group, brandishing the saw, and starts to attack the drinkers Burgess then got back in his van and several men are seen trying to stop him from driving off The 35-year-old, of Llanrumney, then drove to Miss Jones, where he parked on double yellow lines. He couldn't get in because it was closing - so he threatened to 'slash' and 'stab' people. One man suffered a wound to his arm that needed four stitches. His girlfriend was left with cut hands after trying to stop the assault. 'All we could think of was to protect who we could and get the saw off him,' Howard said. A CCTV camera captured the incident that showed Burgess brandishing the weapon. He denied dangerous driving after being arrested. A breath test showed he had 61 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the limit is 35. They manage to get the door open but Burgess escapes, and runs over Mr Young in the process A breath test showed Burgess had 61 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the limit is 35 The Miss Jones bar in Whitchurch High Street was where the shocking incident took place Mr Young, of Rumney, said: 'I'll probably see him again because he lives in the same area as me.' He felt Burgess had 'got away with it' because he was spared jail. Cardiff Crown Court heard Burgess had previous convictions for drink-driving, drunk and disorderly behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was given a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, after admitting drink-driving and making threats with an offensive weapon. Burgess initially hit the headlines in December after spending 350 making a wooden shelter with a fire alarm, light, insulation and a lock for a couple living on the streets. The skipper of a racing yacht has described the moment a 'rogue wave' tore off its mast and left his crew stranded in the Atlantic Ocean for nearly two days. The 60ft Clyde Challenger was caught in stormy conditions as it was returning to the UK from a four-and-a-half month trip and had to be rescued by a Royal Navy warship. Its crew of 13 Britons and one American waited 20 hours for HMS Dragon to reach them as the Type 45 destroyer was diverted 500 miles from a routine deployment. The 60ft Clyde Challenger was caught in stormy conditions as it was returning to the UK from a four-and-a-half month trip and had to be rescued by a Royal Navy warship Crew members of the Clyde Challenger with Royal Navy sailors after the rescue Roy Graham, the Challenger's skipper, said the problems began five days after leaving the Azores, in the mid-Atlantic, when a large wave threw the yacht into chaos on Thursday evening. The 66-year-old Scot said: 'We lost our mast and the rigging, that was the problem. We got hit with a rogue wave coming in the opposite direction. It hit us and knocked us over and dragged the crosstrees into the water, which dragged the mast into the water and snapped it at deck level.' Four crew members were clipped on deck at the time but Mr Graham said they would have been submerged for several seconds, adding: 'To them it probably felt like minutes.' Its crew of 13 Britons and one American waited 20 hours for HMS Dragon to reach them in a rescue boat The professional sailor said: 'There were maybe a few doubts in my mind but when I knew HMS Dragon was coming for us, I knew it was going to be a positive outcome. We are really pleased the Navy took up the challenge to come and rescue us.' Travelling at a top speed of around 30 knots, the warship arrived at the yacht's position some 610 miles south west of Land's End at around 2.30pm on Saturday and the crew were rescued by 5pm. HMS Dragon Captain Craig Wood said he was 'proud' of the actions of the seamen who operated the rescue boats Elisabeth Ligethy, from Glasgow, said she had been below deck and was thrown 10ft when the wave hit the yacht. The 62-year-old, who retired shortly before setting off on sailing tour last year, praised the Navy crew for the rescue, saying: 'The hospitality extended to us just beggars belief.' The UK Coastguard said it received an emergency beacon alert at 8pm on Thursday and several vessels responded to a call for assistance before an RAF C130 Hercules was scrambled to the scene on Friday morning. US Air Force jets from RAF Mildenhall joined the search, while chemical tanker CPO Finland attempted to rescue the crew three times but was hampered by bad weather. HMS Dragon Captain Craig Wood said he was 'proud' of the actions of the seamen who operated the rescue boats and praised the 'really professional' Challenger sailors: 'This was about as challenging as we would like to put them (sea boat teams) out in. HMS Dragon leaves Portsmouth Harbour ion October 21 to intercept and escort two Russian corvettes sailing north towards the English Channel 'We rewrote a couple of pages of the textbook today but it could not have gone any better.' The Clyde Challenger, which is owned by Lewis Learning Ltd, was designed and built to compete in the Clipper round-the-world yacht race and is also used for corporate, private and charity charters, according to its website. A statement on the company's Facebook page said: 'We are extremely grateful for this news and extend huge thanks to all those involved in standing over the yacht, organising and executing the safe transfer of the crew.' A stepfather who raped his two stepdaughters 'every night they were alone together' for a decade has been jailed for 11 years. The 43-year-old, whose name is suppressed to protect the victims, was in a de facto relationship with their mother and both girls called him 'dad'. He abused the older girl from December 31, 2005 when she was five until April 24, 2015 when she was 15, escalating from 'inappropriate touching' to rape over time. A stepfather who raped his two stepdaughters 'every night they were alone together' for a decade has been jailed for 11 years Crown prosecutor Michael Cowan QC said the man told the girl he 'loved her' and 'its our little secret', according to the Townsville Bulletin. The Townsville District Court heard the girl told police her stepfather abused her 'every night they were alone together'. The vile predator started on the younger sister in December 2007 when she was six and the abuse lasted until January 2015 when she was 15. In one of the countless times he raped her, he even climbed on to her top bunk bed while her sister slept below, and a week later while her mother was in the kitchen. He abused the older girl from December 31, 2005 when she was five until April 24, 2015 when she was 15, escalating from 'inappropriate touching' to rape over time The shocking abuse was not discovered by police until April 22, 2015, when the older sister called Kids Helpline. Defence barrister Alex Raeburn tried to mitigate the crimes by telling the court his client had two sons with the girls' mother and had set up a trust fund for the victims. 'Some remorse has been shown by my client knowing that what he was doing was wrong,' he said. Judge John Baulch SC said there was 'little doubt' significant damage had been done to the sisters from the 'awful abuse'. The Townsville District Court (pictured) heard the girl told police her stepfather abused her 'every night they were alone together' 'You were a father figure to these children and you betrayed the highest levels of trust that can be reposed on a human being,' he said. The man was deemed a moderate to high risk of reoffending by a psychologist's report and would need significant rehabilitation. He would have to serve at least 80 per cent of his 11-year sentence after the court pronounced him a serious violent offender. Police handcuffed an autistic 12-year-old for fighting with his brother at school. Colin Gow was throwing a drinks bottle at his brother Keiran, 13, who is also autistic, when officers were called. Police said they handcuffed him to 'protect the boy' and 'staff and officers'. Colin Gow was throwing a drinks bottle at his brother Keiran, 13, who is also autistic, when officers were called (Colin with father and mother Colin Snr and Sharon) Distraught father Colin Sr said his son was left 'distressed and sobbing'. The cuffing follows a period where there has been a string of calls from Lanark Grammar, in Lanarkshire about Colin's behaviour. 'It broke my heart to see my son in handcuffs, he said. 'It wasn't the way to deal with this incident.' The family is now demanding an urgent review of how police and school authorities reacted. A female police officer, accompanied by a male colleague, handcuffed Colin shortly before school was due to finish on February 2. Colin, who also has the spinal condition spina bifida and is 5ft 1in, is now 'terrified' of police. He required hospital treatment at Wishaw General Hospital. Police and education chiefs at South Lanarkshire Council insist the restraining was to keep everyone 'safe from physical harm'. Colin who attends a special unit at Lanark Grammar was in a corridor when he got into a row Keiran. Their father drove to the school after being told what happened. 'The first thing I did was ask the officer to take the handcuffs off - he was clearly very distressed - and I put my arms round him to comfort him,' he said. Colin claims one of the police officers later said it had not been made clear to them the boy has autism and additional needs. Autism specialists have advised Colin and Sharon to take a hands-off approach and let the school's dedicated staff deal with any issues. Colin is taught separately in a class designed for children with additional needs but is integrated into the main school for assembly, school dinners and break time. Colin who attends a special unit at Lanark Grammar was in a corridor when he got into a row His parents were initially optimistic their son would flourish in such an environment, particularly given the school's excellent reputation and high number of specialist staff. But mother Sharon said Colin is not getting the support he needs. South Lanarkshire Council's head of education, Carole McKenzie, confirmed the police were called as a result of 'concerns for the pupil's safety'. She said the boy was attempting to leave school grounds without permission, which his parents deny. Superintendent Louise Skelton, of Police Scotland, said officers quickly established 'no criminality'. She said: 'In order to protect the boy involved, staff and officers, handcuffs were deployed in an effort to keep all parties safe from harm. Officers remained with the boy until he was left in the care of a relative. 'Police Scotland has been engaging with the family. No complaint has been received at this time.' A man had to be lowered nearly 100ft down the middle of a cathedral by firefighters after getting his foot stuck in rope while bell ringing. Ian Bowman, who was part of a touring group from Widecombe, Devon, may have broken his back and suffered a nasty cut to his head when he was dragged up a few feet from the ground and then fell to the bell tower floor high-up in Worcester Cathedral. Crowds gathered as fire engines, blue lights flashing and sirens blaring, pulled up outside the cathedral as darkness fell on Saturday afternoon to bring the man, thought to be in his 50s, to safety. A fireman starts to bring Ian Bowman from the clock tower (right). A firefighter pulls the rope slowly (left) as the man nears safety About twenty firefighters from Malvern and Worcester, including a team specialising in rope rescues, took part in the operation which lasted almost two hours during an evensong service. After opening the cathedrals trap doors on the ceiling they carefully lowered the injured man about 80ft from the bell tower. He was then taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by paramedics who loaded him into a waiting ambulance outside. Speaking from his home in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon, Mr Bowman, 51, said: 'I am waiting for a call to see if I have fractured my spine or not. 'I might have to go to Torbay Hospital if that is the case and that is quite a drive away but I am not sure yet. 'I want to get my health sorted before I talk about what happened.' Mark Regan, ringing master at Worcester Cathedral, desribed the event as a 'freak accident.' He told the Worcester News: 'Ian Bowman, an experienced ringer from Devon, got his foot caught in a rope and he fell and hurt his head. The cathedral's trap doors on the ceiling had to be opened in the rescue 'He got his foot caught when a rope was moving and he went up in the air a couple of feet and landed awkwardly. 'He is fine, emergency services were brilliant. They had been here to practice, so they knew what to do. It was quite dramatic.' Group Commander Grant Wills, of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, tweeted: 'Technical and challenging job to rescue one male from bell tower, professional crews a credit to the community they serve' The Anglican Worcester Cathedral was built between 1084 and 1504. Its facade featured on the on the reverse of 20 note issued by the Bank of England between 1999 and 2007, A spokesman for West Mercia Police said officers were not called to the incident. Regan said it as 'very reassuring' to know the firefighters knew how to deal with his kind of situation but stressed the accident was not caused by any safety issue connected to bell ringing. He added: 'It is not a safety issue, it is clearly a freak accident. 'It has nothing to do with the safety of bell ringing, it was a freak accident.' The village is famous for its Church of Saint Pancras which was dubbed the 'Cathedral of the Moor' because of its magnificent 120ft (36.5m) bell tower. Two children were killed and another critically wounded in a grenade explosion in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday, officials said. The children of a shepherd family were playing in a mountainous village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when they found the hand grenade and accidentally set it off. The two brothers aged nine and 10 died, while their seven-year-old female cousin is in a critical condition. Pakistani officials claimed the two brothers were playing with a grenade when it detonated killing them instantly, their seven-year-old female cousin was also seriously injured, file photo The Kyber Pakhtunkwa province in north west Pakistan, where the two children died, has been attacked by Taliban elements under the control of Maulana Fazlullah, pictured Another local government official, Aizaz Ahmad, confirmed the details. The village is close to the Swat Valley, where the army sent 30,000 troops in 2009 to battle Taliban fighters led locally by cleric Maulana Fazlullah. He had taken control of the valley and waged a campaign of violence, including beheadings and attacks on girls' schools. Pakistani officials say that Fazlullah fled to neighbouring Afghanistan during the offensive. In 2013 Fazlullah became chief of the wider Pakistan Taliban group. North Korea said on Monday it had successfully test-fired a new type medium-to-long-range ballistic missile on Sunday, Reuters reported. State-run KCNA news agency said that leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test of the Pukguksong-2, a new type of strategic weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. KCNA added that the missile was fired at a high angle in consideration of the safety of neighboring countries. Isolated North Korea fired the ballistic missile into the sea early on Sunday, its first such test since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected in November. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he would present 'responsible policies' in talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, signalling to the Israeli far-right to curb its territorial demands in the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu leaves for Washington on Monday and will see Trump at the White House on Wednesday for their first meeting since the Republican's inauguration last month, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and policy towards Iran on the agenda. During his 2016 election campaign, Trump indicated his presidency would be a boon for Israel and tough on Palestinians. This stands in contrast to an acrimonious relationship between his predecessor Barack Obama and Netanyahu that included clashes over settlement building and Iran's nuclear program. Scroll down for video Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. Netanyahu travels to the U.S. tomorrow Netanyahu said on Sunday he would present 'responsible policies' in talks, signalling to the Israeli far-right to curb its territorial demands in the occupied West Bank. Pictured: Palestinians in the West Bank village of Dwora, with Adora settlements in the background Trump talked of moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, naming an ambassador who backs Israeli settlement on occupied land which Palestinians seek for a state and exerting no pressure on Israel for peace negotiations, which collapsed in 2014. But he has since toned down his pro-Israel bravado ahead of Netanyahu's visit, a change that could help the prime minister keep in check ultra-nationalist coalition partners calling on him to push a more militant agenda. 'To believe there are no restrictions now would be a mistake,' Israel Radio quoted Netanyahu as telling members of his Likud party with respect to settlement expansion now that Trump is in office. On the eve of Netanyahu's departure for Washington, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the ultra-nationalist Jewish Home party, publicly cautioned him not to mention the words 'two-state solution' in talks with Trump. Bennett's party is also promoting the annexation of parts of the West Bank. Netanyahu has stopped short of endorsing those positions - steps that would put Israel at odds with long-standing U.S. and European policies - while speaking of building in major settlement blocs Israel intends to keep in any future peace deal. Trump has toned down his pro-Israel bravado ahead of Netanyahu's visit, a change that could help the prime minister keep in check ultra-nationalist coalition partners calling on him to push a more militant agenda Netanyahu said: 'My primary concern is Israel's security, strengthening our solid alliance with the United States.' Pictured: Palestinian laborers work at a construction site in a new housing project in the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, near Jerusalem In public remarks to his cabinet on Sunday, he seemed to urge the far-right to tone down its expectations. 'I understand there's great excitement about this meeting,' he said. 'But my primary concern is Israel's security, strengthening our solid alliance with the United States.' That, Netanyahu said, 'requires responsible policies, policies that are given careful consideration. And that's how I intend to act.' He did not elaborate. His comments appeared to echo remarks Trump made in an interview published on Friday in the pro-Netanyahu Israeli daily Israel Hayom. Calling on Israel 'to be reasonable with respect to peace', he said settlements 'don't help the process.' He added: 'Every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left.' In recent weeks, Netanyahu approved the construction of some 6,000 settler homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, drawing Palestinian and international condemnation which the Trump administration did not join. Trump old the paper: 'Israel has had a long history of condemnation and difficulty. And I don't want to be condemning Israel.' A car has plunged into a pool in the backyard of a Gold Coast home. The blue Subaru can be seen submerged in the pool with friends and neighbours helping the homeowners remove the vehicle. Multiple helpers had to jump in the pool and attach ropes from a truck to the car in an attempt to remove the vehicle. Scroll down for video Neighbours and friends helped remove the car that had plunged into the swimming pool Ropes were attached to the blue Subaru to help haul it onto the truck The car was eventually pulled out and heaved onto the back of a truck. A man can be heard claiming it is the second time a vehicle has ended up taking a swim in the pool. It is believed the car was parked on a steep hill when the handbrake failed causing it to roll into the pool. New Jersey metalcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan were among 13 people hospitalized after their tour bus was rammed by a semi truck in Poland on Saturday night. The band were traveling to a Sunday-night gig in the city of Krakow when they were struck from behind by the speeding semi at around 8:20pm. The bus was partially in the emergency lane when it was struck, Aneta Wlazlowska from Radomsko police said, according to Naszemiasto Warsaw. Injured: New Jersey band The Dillinger Escape Plan (lead singer Greg Puciato seen in Berlin on Friday) were hospitalized in Poland Saturday after a semi truck slammed into their tour bus Although the band members were among the 13 people taken to hospital, none of them were seriously injured, Wlazlowska said. However, they were submitted to hospital for tests. Police said they were also taking blood tests to check that the drivers were sober. A pregnant woman who was also on the bus was not hurt, she added. The most injured person in the incident was the 31-year-old driver of the truck, who had to be cut out of his truck's cabin by the fire brigade. He had a spinal injury, cuts and bruises. The driver of the band's tour bus has a broken collarbone. The brunt of the impact was taken by a trailer containing supplies that was being pulled by the tour bus, police said. Photos show the trailer almost completely crushed. The rear of the bus was also badly dented. The band were travelling from a Saturday night gig in the Polish city of Warsaw. Their Sunday-night Krakow gig has been canceled. Of the 13 taken to hospital, 11 were US nationals. The next date on the band's tour is in Leipzig, Germany, on Tuesday. Stella's big sister Keeva was born the same way three years earlier She arrived as Ms Dalton and husband Sean raced to Caboolture hospital Rebecca Dalton gave birth to baby Stella in the back of a ute on Wednesday A woman gave birth in the back of her ute on the way to hospital just three years after her first child arrived the same way. Rebecca Dalton's water broke two minutes after she and her husband Sean jumped into their Mitsubishi Triton soon after 2am on Wednesday. They were less than five minutes from Caboolture hospital at 2.26am, opposite the town's showgrounds, when baby Stella couldn't wait any longer. Scroll down for video Rebecca Dalton woman gave birth in the back of her ute on the way to hospital just three years after her first child arrived the same way They were less than five minutes from Caboolture hospital at 2.26am, opposite the town's showgrounds, when baby Stella couldn't wait any longer 'I didn't think it was going to happen as quick as what it did,' Ms Dalton told 9 News. 'We make a good team so whatever it is, Sean drives well and I deliver well I guess.' Mr Dalton said he was more relaxed this time around than when their first daughter Keeva was born just as he hit a speed bump at 80km/h pulling into the hospital. Three-year-old Keeva, who was also born in the ute, plays with her little sister Keeva with her parents days after she too was born on the way to hospital, just as they arrived 'I heard her sort of start having her contraction and then it just went silent and I've just gone "oh no, it's happening again",' he said. 'We knew everything was alright so we just kept powering on.' Ms Dalton was just worried her husband would be upset about her messing up their beloved car a second time. Two Ohio missing teen girls were found safe after apparently taking a five-day joy ride in a stolen car after police tracked them down using Facebook. Haley Flowers and Trinity Goodwin, both aged 16, were located after an NYPD officer messaged one of them on Facebook, convincing her to go home, authorities said. The girls ran away from Lancaster, Ohio on Monday, allegedly driving away in a 2008 Pontiac that's owned by Goodwin's mom. Haley Flowers (left) and Trinity Goodwin (right), both aged 16, were found safe on Saturday after disappearing five days ago. Police say the girls took a five-day joy ride in a stolen car from Ohio to New York City Haley's mother noticed that her daughter shared a photo of a Times Square billboard on Facebook and she contacted the NYPD to help located the girls. Officer Delgado used the social media site to message Haley (above missing flyer) and tracked down both girls Saturday Haley's mother, April Flowers, noticed that her daughter shared a photo of a Times Square billboard to her Facebook page. She then identified where the photo was taken - at the Crossroads of the World inside of a McDonald's located on 7th Ave. and 46th Street. The concerned mother then called several NYPD precincts until she spoke with Officer Alex Delgado from the Midtown North stationhouse. From there, officers went to the fast food burger chain but were unable to located the girls. Delgado then decided to ask the worried mother if he could send her daughter a message on Facebook, and as expected, the girl responded. Goodwin (above with her mother) was charged with possession of stolen property for allegedly stealing her mother's car. She is awaiting arraignment as of Sunday The officer was able to convince the teens to meet in Duffy Square on Saturday night at a T-Mobile store, officials said. Goodwin is also wanted in Ohio on a warrant and is expected to be extradited back to the state 'It is crazy. My daughter went to New York, Times Square. I have no idea how she got there,' April Flowers said. 'She stayed there for a week and survived. How? She had nowhere to stay, nothing. Almost a week!' Haley's parents were traveling to New York to pick up their daughter. As for Goodwin, who is wanted on an warrant in Ohio, authorities say she was charged with possession of stolen property for allegedly stealing her mother's vehicle. As of Sunday morning she was still awaiting arraignment and the state of Ohio is looking to extradite her, according to the New York Post. A family has been left 'sickened' by callous thieves who stole a charity box raising money for an operation to help their nine-year-old daughter walk again. Kareena Hayes, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has launched an appeal on JustGiving to raise 10,000 to privately fund the much-needed surgery. Doctors have told the schoolgirl it is unlikely she will ever walk unaided again unless she has the operation. Callous thieves stole a charity box raising funds for cerebral palsy sufferer Kareena Hayes, 9 The Marmalade and Tea cafe in Derbyshire wanted to support the campaign and placed a charity box on their counter to raise money. But the heartless thieves smashed their way into the premises and stole money from the till, as well as the charity box - including the photograph of Kareena that was attached to it. The youngster, who lives in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, has now appealed for the money to be returned. She said: 'I'm very angry and upset. I'm poorly and cannot walk well and they would have known that money was for me. How could they? 'I'm really nervous for the treatment and we really need the money. For someone to take it is terrible. 'I try and get on with my life as best I can. This is just terrible. I don't understand why anybody would want to take from me. 'I was very shocked when I heard somebody had taken the box. I feel sorry for my dad. He looks after me. I love him so much.' Marmalade and Tea cafe in Derbyshire had been helping fundraise for the 10,000 operation Kareena, who lives with her dad Craig Hammond, 39, and brother Nathan Hammond, 11, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was just one. Doctors have recommended an operation called selective dorsal rhizotomy, which improves muscle stiffness and mobility in cerebral palsy sufferers. Her father Craig, who is also Kareena's full-time carer, said: 'I cannot understand why somebody would want to do that. 'It's sickening. I feel very sorry for them [the cafe], because it's not something they needed either. 'We were really pleased that they had included a box for her. We're both going to go in the cafe in the next few days to see them. 'We're really thankful for the help that we have had so far. It has been fantastic and will make such a difference. 'This operation could really mean her walking can improve.' The family has so far raised 775, and received a 2,500 donation from the charity Caudwell Children, which helps transform the lives of disabled children across the UK. Craig added: 'If we can get the funding together for the operation then it's a very long process. 'She will need intense physiotherapy for two years and she will have a long way ahead of her. 'She's very brave. I'm very proud of her. I think she's brilliant and doing well.' Cafe owner Emily Jeffrey has now appealed on Facebook to help Kareena reach her target Emily Jeffrey, who owns the Marmalade and Tea cafe, said she feels 'absolutely heartbroken' and was 'really horrified' when she realised the charity box had been taken. She added: 'The box was tied to the till and that was ripped off. It had a photograph of her on it. They would have known it meant raising money for a poorly girl. 'For that money to have been taken away from her for an operation and her family is horrible.' On a Facebook post, Ms Jeffrey appealed for everyone to help Kareena reach her 10,000 target. 'It would be amazing to have a positive outcome from this sad and disruptive situation,' she wrote. Derbyshire Police is linking the incident with a similar theft at a nearby shop on the same night, in which a charity box was also taken along with sweets. A spokesman for the force said no-one had been arrested for either theft, committed on February 8, but anyone with information should call police on 101. Anybody who wants to raise money for Kareena visit can visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kareena House minority leader Nancy Pelosi demanded on Friday Donald Trump's national security adviser, Lt Gen Mike Flynn, be suspended and lose his intelligence clearance until an FBI investigation into his actions is concluded. Flynn allegedly held secretive phone calls with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak before Trump stepped into the Oval Office in which he promised the easing of sanctions imposed by Barack Obama. If he did, that would put him in breach of the 1799 Logan Act, which bans private citizens from negotiating with foreign powers that are in dispute with the US, The Huffington Post reported. Angry: Nancy Pelosi (left) wants Trump national security adviser Mike Flynn suspended while the FBI investigates him. Flynn (right) allegedly spoke to Russia out of turn in December In a statement, Pelosi demanded that the Lt Gen be suspended and restricted from accessing intelligence until the FBI's investigation into his call is concluded. 'President Trump's kowtowing to Vladimir Putin is endangering our national security and emboldening a dangerous tyrant,' she said. 'What do the Russians have on President Trump that he would flirt with lifting sanctions and weakening NATO? 'The President and his National Security Advisor have given the Russians the impression that whatever they do, they are not to worry, because the Trump White House will not stand against their aggression. 'General Flynn should be suspended and have his intelligence clearance revoked until the facts are known about his secret contacts with the Russians.' Flynn is alleged to have made the phone call on December 29, the day that Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Russian interference in the presidential election. The accusations against Flynn emerged in January, and were subsequently denied by Vice President Mike Pence. Denial: Flynn has denied promising Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak (pictured) an easing of sanctions on December 29, the same day that Obama placed them 'They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia,' Pence told CBS News's 'Face the Nation' on January 15. The claims were addressed again in a Washington Post report on Thursday, in which 'senior US officials' interpreted Flynn's statements to Kisalyak as 'inappropriate and potentially illegal' promises of an easing in sanctions. Flynn denied the claims twice in an interview on Wednesday, but on Thursday he told the Post through a spokesman 'that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn't be certain that the topic never came up.' The FBI confirmed on Wednesday that they are currently investigating Flynn. In her statement, Pelosi also demanded an FBI investigation into the wider 'financial, political and personal ties between President Donald Trump and Russia.' And she added that 'Congress must also launch an bipartisan, independent, outside commission' into 'Russia's on the election and this Administration.' She said that Republicans, like Democrats, should be 'alarmed' at the 'mortifying coziness the Trump Administration has shown with Putin.' On Friday Flynn's top deputy, Robin Townley, was fired from National Security Council after being denied security access by the CIA. It's unclear why Townley's request for 'Sensitive Compartmented Information' clearance was rejected. But Flynn and his allies believe it was motivated by Townley's skepticism at the intelligence community's techniques, sources told Politico. The Logan Act was created as a result of George Logan's unauthorized negotiations with France in 1798, and enacted by President John Adams in 1799. Those found guilty of breaking it can face imprisonment for up to three years, and be made to pay a fine. Only one person has ever been indicted for violating the act: Francis Flournoy, a Kentucky farmer who, in 1803, wrote an article suggesting a separate Western nation allied with France. He was never actually prosecuted. The Belgian backpacker who was allegedly abducted and raped by a man in rural Australia sent a chilling message to a friend saying she feared for her life. The 24-year-old tourist had managed to contact her only friend in Australia on her laptop after she was allegedly kidnapped by the man who answered her Gumtree ad seeking farm work. The friend, who speaks little English and was working more than 3,000km away on a passionfruit farm in Atherton, Queensland, passed the message along to the farm's owner Chris Newman. 'It said: 'I don't want to run away because he said he'll shoot me',' Mr Newman told the Adelaide Advertiser. The Belgian backpacker who was allegedly abducted and raped by a man in rural Australia sent a chilling message to a friend saying she feared for her life The movements of an allegedly abducted 24-year-old Belgian backpacker in South Australia He said the two women had met when they worked together in China and kept in touch, texting each other once or twice a week. '[The friend's] English is not the best, but she said, 'I don't know what to do, I don't even know the number for the police',' he added. Mr Newman added that the note gave clues to the backpacker's location - as she revealed she had been taken two hours from Murray Bridge and also described going over two ferries. A manhunt was launched after she also managed to get a desperate message to her family in Europe who alerted police. Police swooped on the alleged kidnapper's farmhouse in Meningie at around 12.30pm on Saturday. The 52-year-old was taken to the Murray Bridge police station and interviewed at length. The 24-year-old tourist had managed to contact her only friend in Australia on her laptop after she was allegedly kidnapped by the man who answered her Gumtree ad seeking farm work He has been charged with three counts of rape and one count of unlawful detention. The man has been refused police bail and is expected to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday. The backpacker, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had left her accommodation in Adelaide's CBD and boarded a bus to Murray Bridge on Thursday morning. She was picked up by the man when she arrived, and police allege that he drove her in his red Toyota Hilux ute 77km south to a property in Meningie, where she was sexually assaulted. She was discovered at a motel in Murray Bridge on Friday afternoon after a tip-off from a member of the public. The well-travelled woman arrived in Adelaide early in February after stints in Tasmania, Sydney and China recently after visiting other parts of the world over the past few years. She posted an ad on Gumtree (pictured) earlier in the week along with a picture of herself feeding a kangaroo, saying she was looking for a farm or fruit-picking job She posted an ad on Gumtree earlier in the week along with a picture of herself feeding a kangaroo, saying she was looking for a farm or fruit-picking job. 'I'm looking for these jobs in Melbourne starting 30 of January. With accommodation stay or hostel nearby. Cuz I don't have a car,' it said. 'I love nature and animals, I eat fruit every day;) it would be nice to do a job like this. If you have something please let me know. Thx.' Meanwhile, Premier Jay Weatherill fears the alleged sex attack could put overseas tourists off from visiting South Australia. 'There's a significant reputational issue here,' Mr Weatherill said on Sunday. 'But people should be rest assured that perpetrators of crime will be detected and they will be held to account and appropriately dealt with.' He also called the matter an 'awful incident' and said he hopes it will be investigated quickly. 'We don't want to see any individual in our state the victim of a crime,' he said. 'These are awful incidents and we want to eliminate them entirely if we can.' Advertisement A large fire ripped through the township of Cassilis and surrounding areas in the central west on Sunday Dozens of properties have been destroyed and at least one man was hospitalised for burns as firefighters tackled almost 100 blazes across New South Wales overnight. Fire crews are bracing to save the township of Cassilis in the central west from the blaze as strong winds are expected to shift the flames towards the small community of about 300 people. On Sunday afternoon residents from outlying areas were urged to sought shelter in Cassilis, east of Dunedoo, and fire crews were still on standby on the ground on Monday. Out-of-control fires near Boggabri in north-western NSW, Port Macquarie on the mid north coast, Dondingalong, Dunedoo and Mudgee in central west have since been downgraded. More than 2,000 firefighters battled to contain 97 blazes in what authorities described as the state's worst bushfire conditions on record. Assessment teams will inspect affected areas on Monday to learn how many properties have been damaged. The NSW Rural Fire Service has warned fire danger will remain 'very high' in the North Western and Greater Hunter areas on Monday - as damaging winds could make the bushfire situation worse. 'There will be one total fire ban on Monday for the North Western areas,' an RFS spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. Scroll down for video Distraught farmers watched as a ferocious blaze rip through the town of Uarbry in New South Wales on Sunday A family has left a sign in front of their Uarbry property to indicate to authorities they have evacuated their home safely Firefighters battling bushfires in Muogamarra (pictured) to defend hundreds of properties under threat across NSW 'For the rest of the state, we are looking at high to low on Monday. Conditions will certainly ease.' Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Neil Fraser said there's the potential for damaging winds 'but the good news is it should be all easing off by the early hours of Monday'. Despite fire dangers remaining in place in some areas for Monday, Mr Fraser said no part of the state would face severe, extreme or catastrophic conditions. 'The ratings are dropping right away with the cooler air coming across,' Mr Fraser said. 'The only part of the state still in the 30s is the northern inland areas.' Cassillis resident Stella Cornish, 79, said the fire was the worst she has seen - as she revealed she has lived in the town for most of her life with her husband Doug, 86. 'By god, this morning all hell broke loose. I said to one of the firey guys that we have never seen it this bad,' she told Fairfax Media. Residents in affected areas were told it was too late to leave as they were urged to seek shelter. Despite most of the fires are under control, RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said firefighters are expected to have hours of work ahead of them. 'This is the worst day we've seen in the history of NSW when it comes to fire danger ratings and fire danger conditions,' Mr Fitzsimmons said. A four-wheel-drive parked near a bushfire in Wauchope in the Mid North Coast of NSW as fire crews tackled the blaze Hundreds of fire crews rush to save properties near Cassilis, Mudgee and Wauchope for much of Sunday Out-of-control bushfires burned through the night across NSW as firefighters worked desperately to contain the blazes Fire in Dunedoo left properties under threat, as hundreds of residents were forced to flee from their rural properties On Sunday, dozens of properties were threatened near Dunedoo where the blaze stretched over tens of kilometres, Mr Fitzsimmons said, and there may have been one home lost in Boggabri. 'At this stage, we have got some unconfirmed reports of homes being lost, sheds being lost and machinery being lost, and other agricultural assets being lost on some of these fire grounds,' Mr Fitzsimmons said. 'It's extremely volatile, we see increased wind strengths, we see very erratic and dangerous fire behaviour, we see spotting activity going in all sorts of directions.' One firefighter was taken to hospital with burns and others sustained minor injuries, deputy RFS commissioner Rob Rogers told the ABC on Sunday night. A resident was flown to a Sydney hospital for treatment after suffering serious burns fighting fire at Boggabri, near Narrabri in north western NSW. The Baptist Church at Aberdare, Cessnock in the Lower Hunter Region of NSW was reportedly destroyed by the fire just five minutes after an evening service finished. No one was reported injured. The Baptist Church at Aberdare, Cessnock in the Lower Hunter Region of NSW was reportedly destroyed by the fire just five minutes after an evening service finished Homeowner Warren Jarvis (pictured) spoke of his heartbreak after losing his property and farm animals to the ferocious bushfire in the township of Cassilis in central west NSW A massive blaze has ripped through the township of Cassilis in the central west of New South Wales on Sunday More than 2,000 firefighters are battling more than 80 blazes across NSW, including Cassilis and surrounding area Residents of Uarbry, Turill and Cassilis have been urged to seek shelter with the emergency crew warning it is too late to leave Meanwhile, two people have been charged for lighting fires at Mango Creek on central coast and Orange in central west. A third person, a 32-year-old man, was arrested on Sunday afternoon after two fires were deliberately lit at Nabiac on the North Coast. He is being questioned by police. Deputy Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said the fire was moving quickly - about 12km/h. 'The information we have is that a number of homes have been impacted by fire in that area,' he told the ABC. 'We have to get in there and have a look at that later on.' Residents of Uarbry, Turill and Cassilis have been urged to seek shelter with the Rural Fire Service warning it is too late to leave. The fire was burning in catastrophic conditions and would spread quickly, an RFS emergency warning said at about 3pm. 'It will be difficult for firefighters to contain the fire,' it said. 'Homes are not designed to withstand fires in these conditions and may not offer safety.' The fire was at 3pm burning in an easterly direction towards Cassilis, the warning said. Firefighters are battling to contain more than 80 blazes across New South Wales, with red indicating catastrophic fire danger The highest-level catastrophic fire danger was declared across vast areas of the state (pictured) for Sunday after temperatures rocketed to 47C on Saturday Thick plume of smoke hover above the township of Cassilis in the central west of NSW for much of Sunday People to the east of Cassilis were advised to leave towards Merriwa if the path was clear, while people to the north of Ulan were told to move south towards Mudgee. Large areas of NSW were experiencing unprecedented fire danger conditions over the weekend as a trough produces hot, dry and gusty winds. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a catastrophic fire danger warning for the Greater Hunter, Central Ranges and North Western regions and extreme or severe danger warnings for many surrounding areas. Residents were advised to avoid fire-prone areas such as thick bushland or paddocks. The Golden Highway was closed and other local routes may also be shut down at short notice, the RFS added. Residents on isolated rural properties have received emergency text alerts warning them about quickly-spreading bushfires near Port Macquarie. A ferocious fire has ripped through the township of Cassilis and surrounding areas in central west of New South Wales The Rural Fire Service has warned an incoming southerly wind change will present significant dangers to firefighters The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued emergency declarations for small regional villages as unprecedented fire danger conditions continue to deteriorate (pictured of thick smoke in the township of Cassilis in central west NSW) The NSW Rural Fire Service issued emergency declarations for small regional villages as unprecedented fire danger conditions continue to deteriorate. It comes after the RFS on Sunday afternoon upgraded its bushfire advice to an emergency warning for residents of the Beechwood area. 'The fire is spreading quickly under worsening conditions,' the RFS said. 'The fires are impacting a number of isolated rural properties in the area.' Residents in the Hollisdale, Lower Pappinbarra and Beechwood areas have been urged to seek shelter as the fire front gets closer. Emergency alert telephone warnings have been issued to those in the region. 'The fire is burning under extreme fire danger conditions,' the RFS said in its upgraded advice. 'Under these conditions fires may spread quickly, cut roads and threaten properties.' A fire burning in Leadville, near Dubbo, on Saturday afternoon The Leadville fire is one of at least 53 burning during Saturday, with worse to come on Sunday The New South Wales Rural Fire Service posted this picture from Wimbledon Road, Georges Plains Corrie McKeague (pictured with his girlfriend April Oliver) went missing on September 24 after going on a night out with his friends Corrie McKeague's mother has said she will withdraw the 50,000 reward money to help find her son if no-one comes forward with information. Nicola Urquhart, 48, said the hefty cash sum, offered by an anonymous business couple, would be removed if no new details about the gunner's whereabouts come to light. It means anyone with information has until Saturday, February 18, to come forward if they wish to benefit financially. Writing on the 'Find Corrie' Facebook page, Nicola, who previously admitted the chances of finding Corrie alive are now slim, said: 'As most of you will be aware, back in early December 2016, a 50,000 reward for information leading to Corrie being found was offered. 'The reward was kindly and very generously put forward by a business couple, local to Suffolk. It was their wish that they remained anonymous. 'At this moment in time, the offer of a reward hasn't brought to the fore the information we had hoped for. 'Following discussion, we consider it sensible that the offer of a reward should not remain in place indefinitely. His mother Nicola Urqhuart (above) has said people have until Saturday, February 18, to come forward with any information. After that, the money will be withdrawn Officers said they will now search a landfill site near Cambridge, 30 miles from where he was last seen It comes after his mobile phone signal travelled at the same rate of a moving lorry which went between Bury and Barton Mills 'As such, we have decided to leave a reward in place for one more week. On 18th February 2017 the offer of a 50,000 reward will be withdrawn. 'On behalf of my family, I would wish to publicly thank from the bottom of our hearts the couple concerned. 'Not only have they offered what would be to most of us, a life-changing sum of money in the shape of the reward, they have also given their time and made great efforts to assist us find Corrie. 'We will be forever grateful to them for this.' Corrie vanished following a night out with friends in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on September 24, sparking fears he may have tried to walk the ten miles back to RAF Honington. This was the last sighting of Mr McKeague. CCTV shows him walking down Brentgovel Street in Bury St Edmunds at 3.25am The landfill site in Milton, Cambridgeshire, is where the waste collected from Bury St Edmunds that morning was deposited CCTV shows a waste lorry made a collection in the area Mr McKeague was last seen shortly after the last confirmed sighting of him at 3.25am Earlier this week, detectives hunting for missing Corrie announced plans to search a landfill site 30 miles from where he was last seen. Officers will search waste collected from an area known as the horseshoe in the hope it will reveal clues as to the gunner's whereabouts. The tip in Milton, Cambridgeshire, has not been used since police first alerted the site owners that they may need to inspect it early in the missing person's investigation. Suffolk Police said the search, due to start on February 22, will be a 'considerable task' as the area identified is more than 920 square metres of waste down to a maximum depth of eight metres. Signals from his mobile phone appeared to correspond to the speed of a moving vehicle and place him on the route of a local bin lorry which went between Bury and Barton Mills One theory is that it might have been picked up by a bin lorry collecting rubbish from Greggs, as the vehicle's movement matched that of the phone But the lorry was seized in the early stages of the inquiry for forensic examination and did not reveal any traces of him, but police kept the waste collection line of inquiry under review It is estimated that it is likely take a team of specialist search trained police officers six to ten weeks to complete the work required. Police have so far spent more than 300,000 in their search to find him, including using Cadaver dogs, trained to sniff out dead bodies. The investigation is one of the most expensive ever carried out by Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies. His family have also raised more than 50,000 to draft in private investigators to help and have organised three private searches in their desperate hunt for clues. The next is due to take place on Sunday, February 19. Corrie is originally from Fife in Scotland and moved down to Suffolk to live at RAF Honington where he worked as a gunner and team medic in the air force. Anyone with information about his disappearance is asked to call the incident room at Suffolk Police on 01473 782019. Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 12 Trend: A Turkish serviceman was killed and two were injured in the attack of militants of the Islamic State (aka IS, ISIL, ISIS or Daesh) terrorist group in Al-Bab city, northern Syria, Turkish Hurriyet newspaper reported Feb. 12. According to the newspaper, five Turkish servicemen have been recently killed in the city. In general, more than 60 Turkish servicemen have been killed in northern Syria since the beginning of the Shield of the Euphrates operation. On Aug. 24, 2016, the Turkish Air Force, with the support of the coalition aircraft, launched an operation to liberate the city of Jarabulus from the IS militants in northern Syria, near Aleppo. The operation was dubbed the Shield of the Euphrates. Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has so far claimed over 500,000 lives. Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The IS, YPG and PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria. Women wearing the burqa or niqab could now face two weeks' jail or a $1,500 fine if they refuse to show their faces in court when asked by a judge. The new law, proposed by the Victorian Opposition, would give judges and magistrates more power to punish bad behaviour in court and settle any misconceptions around contempt of law. The fines could be handed out to witnesses or members of the public for refusing to stand, yelling or protesting in court. Women wearing the burqa or niqab could now face two weeks' jail or a $1,500 fine if they refuse to show their faces in court The new law, proposed by the Victorian Opposition, would give judges and magistrates more power to punish bad behaviour in court This includes Muslim women wearing a burqa or niqab. The law would have to be passed by the government but Opposition Leader Mathew Guy said their was a growing disrespect for authority in the court room. 'The idea that a defendant can dictate to a judge what they will or will not do is one of the reasons why there is a growing disrespect from some people for our laws and our way of life,' he told The Herald Sun. The fines could be handed out to witnesses or members of the public for refusing to stand, yelling or protesting in court - including Muslim women wearing a burqa or niqab 'Whether it is bikie gang members, professional protest groups, or anyone else no one is free to pick and choose what laws they wish to follow.' New South Wales have already adopted similar laws after a witness wearing a veil refused to remove the headpiece when giving evidence. Labour might support a liberal immigration policy in London with tougher curbs elsewhere in the country, Tom Watson has said. The deputy leader of the party said the idea was not yet fully developed or ready for a manifesto. Labour has been wrestling with immigration for years and since the Brexit vote last year has been deeply divided between London MPs who promote the benefits of migrants and those from other communities where voters are deeply opposed. Labour deputy leader Tom Watson said the party could support a liberal immigration policy in London with tougher curbs elsewhere in the country In an interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr today (pictured), the deputy leader of the party said the idea was not yet fully developed or ready for a manifesto Mr Watson told the BBC's Andrew Marr the party's solution was at an early stage. He gave no details on how it might work - such as where the border on a London zone might be drawn or how migrants might be stopped from moving between the zones. Asked whether immigration should be higher or lower, Mr Watson said: 'I don't think you can say that. 'I think you can actually say London requires more liberal immigration policies but there are other parts of the country where immigration may be putting pressure on public services like schools and hospitals. 'That's why I think when we come out of the EU we can have an immigration policy that maybe addresses both those issues. 'These are nascent ideas, we're not ready to make them robust in a manifesto yet but they're certainly the debate that is going on in the Labour party right now and in wider circles.' A spokesman for Mr Watson said: 'Tom was sketching out some ideas about the approach we might take in the future in an attempt to stimulate debate. He made it clear that this is not Labour Party policy' Prime Minister Theresa May has placed getting immigration down to 'sustainable levels' is a crucial part of her Brexit strategy Labour has previously proposed an 'immigration dividend' that would see areas of high immigration given extra Government cash to prop up public services. In a new year speech, leader Jeremy Corbyn said he is not 'wedded' to free movement of people with the EU - but the section was watered down amid fears it was too hard line. Labour's difficulty on the issue go back almost a decade after Gordon Brown came under fire for proposing 'British jobs for British workers' in 2009. Prime Minister Theresa May has placed getting immigration down to 'sustainable levels' is a crucial part of her Brexit strategy. Six years after the Tories were elected on a promise of getting net migration to the tens of thousands, the number of people coming to the UK has risen to near record highs of around 330,000. Questions have been raised over Parm Sandhu's role as co-director of a private police training company A senior officer in the Metropolitan Police has been unveiled as the co-director of a private police training company, despite strict guidelines concerning outside business interests. Parm Sandhu, borough commander of Richmond Upon Thames and the highest ranking Asian woman in the Met, is co-director of Rod Jarman Associates (RJA), which 'provides advice, training and development to all aspects of policing and community safety,' The Sunday Times reports. The company's website states that it also provides training to the Abu Dhabi Police Force. When asked about Parm Sandhu's role with RJA, the Met said her interests had been 'registered'. The Met's own rules on outside interests state that officers should not have business interests or second jobs that are deemed 'incompatible' with their duties, ruling out any type of private security work or roles that use 'specialist police skills or knowledge'. Last March, 19,711 police officers in the UK had registered second jobs or business interests. The number of police officers taking second jobs while still receiving their taxpayer-funded salary has also risen more than 30 per cent in five years, despite a threatened crackdown on moonlighting. Despite its stringent rules, the Met Police also disclosed that at least five of its officers work in security despite the regulations stipulating this is not permitted. Sandhu, who was honoured with an Asian woman of achievement award in 2006, has been registered as a co-director of RJA since 2010, alongside her partner, Rod Jarman, a former Met deputy assistant commissioner. Former Met deputy assistant commissioner Rod Jarman was incorrectly named as the owner of a house owned by Sandhu that was turned by criminals into a cannabis factory in 2010 Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb, a former member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said: 'It is appalling that a senior officer has outside interests that appear to breach the Met's own rules. 'The Yard needs to conduct an urgent review to see how this was allowed to happen.' A former Met police source said: 'You are not supposed to profit from your work when you are a serving police officer.' 'Appalling': Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb has urged the Met to investigate the claims On a separate issue, questions have also arisen over why journalists were told that a house turned by criminals into a cannabis factory in 2010 was owned by Jarman - when Land Registry records in fact prove that Sandhu was the owner. Speaking to MailOnline at the time, Jarman said: Despite 31 years experience of policing I didnt see it coming. It is an absolutely awful thing for people to find their home has been destroyed for somebody elses illegal gain. The criminals caused 48,000 of damage and ran up a 20,000 electricity bill for the powerful lighting used to grow the cannabis at the 400,000 property in Abridge, Essex. But The Sunday Times discovered the house was actually owned by Sandhu from 2006 until 2013. Regarding the claim that Sandhu's outside interests might conflict with her current role, a Met Police spokesperson said: 'The Metropolitan Police Service has full confidence in Parm Sandhu and has no concerns about any of the previous roles she has filled within the organisation. 'The officer has registered her business interests. The business interest was registered in line with the Met's policy. 'Business interests are approved by a member of staff's line manager and senior leadership team locally within the Borough or Unit that the staff member works within. [They] are reviewed by an individual's line manager annually.' Regarding the cannabis factory incident from 2010, the spokesperson added that Essex Police issued a report that was 'swiftly and correctly recorded internally'. A woman returning to the United States from Vietnam brought 22 pounds of illegal animal meat with her. US Customs and Border Protection said it confiscated and 'destroyed by steam sterilization' 22 pounds of raw chicken, pig and cow meat including brains, hearts, heads, tongues and feet at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on February 4. The passenger, who was not identified, did not declare the items but was referred for a baggage exam, through which the items came up, WFAA reported. A woman returning to the United States from Vietnam via Dallas Fort Worth Intl brought 22 pounds of illegal animal meat with her including brains, hearts, heads, tongues and feet The unidentified passenger, who was travelling on Feb 4, did not declare the items but was referred for a baggage exam, through which the items came up Dallas CBP Director Cleatus Hunt Jr said: 'These kinds of meat products are potential carriers for harmful diseases that could result in devastating effects on our agriculture industry.' There are no direct flights between DFW and Vietnam, but her flight path was not released and it is unclear where or if she would have had to recheck luggage. The woman is a permanent US resident, NBC5 reported. CBP said in a statement that it seizes 4,638 prohibited animal or plant products daily. Donald Trump is to appoint a Sound of Music-obsessed concert pianist as the new ambassador to Austria. Patrick Park, a long time friend of the president, received an unofficial, handwritten note from Trump saying 'on to your next chapter, Ambassador!' according to Palm Beach Daily News. Park, a concert pianist and industrialist, is a good fit for the role of ambassador to Austria which has a rich musical history - and home of world famous composers Joseph Haydn and Ludwig van Beethoven. Patrick Park (right, with Trump and Melania at the 58th International Red Cross Ball at The Mar-a-Largo Club in 2015) is to be appointed the ambassador to Austria It is also the setting of Park's all time favorite move, The Sound Music. 'Really, I've seen it like 75 times,' he said. 'I know every single word and song by heart. I've always wanted to live in the Von Trapp house.' Park had only praise for Trump who has been a friend for two decades. 'I have known this man almost 20 years. Seeing the great things he has done makes me want to be part of his team. I'm excited beyond words,' he said. Patrick Park, a long time friend of the president, received an unofficial, handwritten note from Trump saying 'on to your next chapter, Ambassador!' (Park with Trump and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter at the same event in 2015) Park had only praise for Trump who has been a friend for two decades (Park with Nathalie, Melania and Donald Trump at the 20th Anniversary Discovery Celebration in 2011 in Palm Beach) Park said that his family had served in the military so he was 'thrilled' to serve his country as an ambassador. And he has already been mingling with fellow diplomats in anticipation of his new role. But his first official trip to Austria would include a visit to the Von Trapp home. 'I'm flying to Vienna to check out the embassy, and then I'm going to Salzburg to see if the Von Trapp house is for rent,' he said. 'And then I'm going to learn to like schnitzel and sachertorte.' Donald Trump has accused CNN of trying to silence Bernie Sanders after the Vermont Senator joked that the network was 'fake news'. Sanders was speaking to the network's Erin Burnett about alleged ties between the president and Vladimir Putin - as well as a New York Times report claiming national security adviser Michael Flynn discussed US sanctions on Russia with the country's ambassador prior to Trump's inauguration. During the interview, Sanders sarcastically mimicked Trump by dubbing CNN 'fake news'. Moments later, there was some sort of technical fault and the Vermont Senator's connection was dropped. After making the 'fake news' remark, Sanders was seen looking off to the side as his connection dropped out Trump was quick to seize on the glitch and suggest Sanders was shut off for questioning the network. 'While on FAKE NEWS @CNN, Bernie Sanders was cut off for using the term fake news to describe the network. They said technical difficulties!' he tweeted on Sunday morning. However, a transcript of the interview makes it clear that not only was Sanders joking with his description, but CNN knew he was as well. After being shown a clip of Trump saying he had not seen the report about Flynn's alleged Russian involvement, Burnett asked Sanders if it was a problem that the president was not aware of the claim. Trump seized on the technical error and used it to suggest Sanders was being silenced by the network 'Well, I don't know, maybe he was watching CNN fake news, what do you think?' Sanders said dryly, before adding: 'that was a joke.' Burnett then replied: 'I know it was a joke. I'm saying, you don't buy what he said, obviously?' But Sanders lost his feed before being able to answer, and was heard saying: 'I'm not are we on?' Burnett, who could still hear Sanders, then cut to commercial and said they had 'lost connection' with the Senator. But Sanders was clearly joking when he called CNN 'fake news' - and host Erin Burnett (left) was seen trying to hold back laughs as he did so CNN said Trump's claim Sanders was 'cut off' was 'false' - and posting the full transcript of the interview to prove it When the show returned from break, Sanders was back on the air and continued his discussion with Burnett. 'Senator Sanders is back with me and I want to apologize to our viewers obviously for that technical issue. And Senator, you had just been talking, joking about, you know, CNN fake news but obviously the reports about General Flynn,' Burnett said, before Sanders cut in. 'Well, here is the point, Erin. It is not a joke,' he said. 'When you have a president who attacks people in the media, who make critical remarks of them... when you have a president who attacks a judge who rules against him is a so-called judge, indicting the entire judiciary, clearly we have a president who does not understand what our constitution is about, what democracy is about and I think there is a fear in this country of this nation under Trump moving into a more authoritarian mode.' Trump (pictured on February 10) has routinely attacked the media - especially CNN - throughout his campaign and time in the White House Since Trump's tweet, CNN has released a statement denying the president's allegation. 'False... he was not cut off. Those are the facts,' it read, before providing a link to a transcript from the interview. Trump routinely attacked the media throughout the campaign, and has continued to do so since taking office. CNN has bore the brunt of the president's outbursts, with Trump refusing to take a question from reporter Jim Acosta during a press conference and describing the network as 'fake news'. Sen. Al Franken would have said something to President Donald Trump, when the POTUS met with senators at the White House Thursday and called Franken's Democratic colleague, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, 'Pocahontas.' 'Mr. President, with all due respect that's racist,' Franken told CNN's Jake Tapper he would have said. 'I'm on Indian Affairs. This is completely unacceptable. You really should stop doing this. It doesn't serve anybody.' At a meeting with senators, the new president taunted the Democrats about Warren, saying 'Pocahontas is now the face of your party,' Politico first reported. Scroll down for video Sen. Al Franken defended his Senate colleague Elizabeth Warren, calling President Donald Trump's nickname for the Massachusetts Democrat 'racist' President Donald Trump (left) mocked the Democrats on Thursday for Sen. Elizabeth Warren's (right) prominent position saying, 'Pocahontas is now the face of your party' Much like 'Lyin' Ted,' 'Little Marco' and 'Crooked Hillary,' Trump had used the nickname for Warren before. He was referring to her family's claim to have Native American ancestry, which became part of Sen. Scott Brown's campaign against her in 2012, as the sitting Republican senator tried pushing that she used this piece of family lore to get a leg up. Trump was also referencing the Democrat's domination of the news cycle this week, after she was scolded in the Senate for trying to read a letter written by Coretta Scot King that was against Sen. Jeff Sessions, Trump's nominee for attorney general. Sessions was confirmed and sworn in on Thursday, the same day Trump hosted the Senate meet-and-greet at the White House. Talk of Trump's 'Pocahontas' jabs drizzled out of the meeting. 'I heard this from a couple of my colleagues who were there,' the Minnesota Democrat said, adding, 'I would have said something,' before articulating how he would have stood up to the president. Sen. Al Franken was asked by CNN's Jake Tapper if he would ever run for president. Franken said he wasn't considering a bid Tapper also asked Franken, a former comedian and veteran of Saturday Night Live, to clarify remarks he made Friday while appearing on Real Time with Bill Maher. On the HBO program, Franken told Maher what Republican colleagues were saying a about President Trump. 'Some will say that he's not right mentally,' Franken said to laughs. 'And then some are harsher.' Tapper said, 'So I know that was comedy, but is it true that Republican colleagues of yours express concerns about President Trump's mental health?' Franken answered in the affirmative. 'A few,' the senator said. 'Yes. It's not the majority of them. It's a few.' The concerns stem from Trump's relationship with facts. 'He lies a lot. He says things that aren't true. That's the same as lying, I guess,' Franken said. 'You know, three million to five million people voted illegally. There was a new one about people going in from Massachusetts to New Hampshire.' In the same meeting with senators, Trump claimed that 'thousands' of people were 'brought in on buses' from Massachusetts to 'illegally' vote in New Hampshire. White House Senior Policy Adviser Stephen Miller repeated that claim today during a back-and-forth with ABC's George Stephanopoulos. 'And, you know, that is not the norm for a president of the United States, or actually, for a human being,' Franken said. The Democratic senator was also asked about his political future, as Trump a businessman and reality TV star may have opened the door for the country to elect a comedian president as well. 'Is there ever a time, when you hear this buzz, and you're at home, you look in the mirror and you say to yourself, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and, doggone it, people like me." Maybe I should be president?' Tapper asked, quoting one of Franken's most memorable Saturday Night Live characters. The senator, who has tried to take a serious approach to his work on Capitol Hill because of his comedy past, gave a direct response. 'No, that's never happened,' Franken answered. 'That has never happened.' More cheerfully he added, 'But I appreciate the shout-out to my character Stuart Smalley, which was an extremely popular character on Saturday Night Live.' The Department of Education needs to go back to school. Or at least whoever is in charge of the its Twitter account does - after they committed a series of embarrassing blunders on Sunday morning. Throughout February, the department has been posting links and quotes that pay tribute to African-American icons to celebrate Black History Month. It was W.E.B. Du Bois' turn to be recognized on Sunday, but things did not go according to plan. The Department of Education has been mocked for incorrectly spelling W.E.B Du Bois' name in a tweet celebrating Black History Month 'Education must not simply teach work - it must teach life. W.E.B. DeBois,' a tweet read. It would seem that being the first African-American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University and being a co-founder of the NAACP in 1909 is not enough to ensure your name it spelled correctly in a tweet in 2017. Chelsea Clinton was quick to call out the typo, tweeting: 'Is it funny sad or sad funny that our Dept. of Education misspelled the name of the great W. E. B. Du Bois?' MSNBC host Chris Hayes joined in, saying: 'We all make mistakes, but c'mon now.' 'Welp, this is a foreshadowing of what #BetsyDeVos is going to usher in @usedgov. FFS! It's #BlackHistoryMonth too!' former Democratic congressional candidate in Wisconsin Khary Penebaker wrote. This is the tweet the Department of Education sent on Sunday morning including the embarrassing misspelling A number of people, including Chelsea Clinton and Keith Olbermann, were quick to blast the Department of Education for the typo Political pundit Keith Olbermann also chimed in, tweeting: 'Thanks, Betsy DeVos. His name is W.E.B. DuBois. And to anticipate your next illiteracy, no, you don't pronounce it "web." #DeptOfUneducation.' The blunder quickly spread across social media, with others taking the time to poke fun at DeVos' department. 'OMG, it's DuBois. Who is in charge over there?...oh, wait, I get it,' Jennifer Morgan said. 'I see they left Ms. "DuVos" in charge of the @usedgov Twitter feed,' Jason Tocci wrote. The department eventually corrected the mistake by sending out a new tweet - however in the first message apologizing for the error it made another mistake by giving its 'deepest apologizes for the typo' 'Pretty perfect for this misspelling to take place right after DeVos took the reins,' Jesse Singal added. The incorrect tweet was published at 8:45am, and it wasn't until 12:14pm the account mentioned the mistake - but even that did not go according to plan. 'Post updated - our deepest apologizes for the earlier typo,' a tweet read, before it sent out the same quote and picture as earlier with the correct spelling. Minutes later, a correction for the incorrect previous correction was sent, reading: 'Post updated - our deepest apologies for the earlier typo.' The original blunder has been retweeted more than 1,250 times. People were quick to link the blunder to Betsy DeVos (pictured) - who was one of Trump's most controversial cabinet picks DeVos was one of the most controversial picks for Trump's cabinet, with vice-president Mike Pence having to historically vote to break the tie to see her confirmed. Every single Democrat voted against DeVos getting the gig, as well as two Republicans - Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine. DeVos' critics have accused her of not being a supporter of public schools, with many saying public education will be under threat during her time in charge of the department. The mistake around William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, who died in 1963, is the second high profile blunder for the Trump team during Black History Month. Trump himself came under fire on February 1 after he spoke of Frederick Douglass, and appeared to not know the civil rights icon was dead. 'Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody whos done an amazing job and is being recognized more and more, I notice,' the president said at the time. Douglass died in 1895. A teenage mother and her baby son who went missing in fear of his gang member father have been found safe and well. Lizzy Rivera Colindres and her son Aidan David Castillo Rivera returned home to her house in Springfield, Virginia, on Saturday night a month after vanishing. Fairfax County Police Department said they were both unharmed. 'Lizzy Rivera Colindres returned home last night (February 11) shortly before midnight. Lizzy Rivera Colindres and her son Aidan David Castillo Rivera returned home to her house in Springfield, Virginia, on Saturday night a month after vanishing 'She and the baby boy, Aidan, were in good health. We will continue to work with the family and provide assistance as needed,' a spokesman said. Police feared the pair were with Ivan Castillo Rivas, 18, the baby's father It's not yet clear if the pair were with the baby's father, 18-year-old Jose Ivan Castillo Rivas who has gang ties in the area. Police issued his mugshot as part of the appeal for Lizzy and Aidan's return. It's not clear if they have located him yet. Fairfax County Police Department was not immediately available for comment. At first it was believed Lizzy and her on went with him willingly but police later revealed their fear they were trying to escape him. The pair were reported missing by the teenager's mother on January 15. A friend later told NBC they left wearing just their pajamas. A teenage stowaway has been found clinging to the underside of a lorry after braving the freezing cold weather to get into the country. The 16-year-old Sudanese boy was discovered after the truck was pulled over by police officers who were assisting the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The lorry, which the teenager had clung onto while travelling at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, was stopped on the M3, near Winchester, Hampshire, at 8am yesterday morning (Fri). The 16-year-old was discovered underneath a truck on the M3 near Winchester (pictured) Hampshire police's response team confirmed on Twitter the boy had been found hiding under the chassis after they checked the truck while DVSA staff spoke to the driver. They tweeted: '16 year old Sudanese boy found, hiding under chassis of truck on motorway freezing #stowaway #Winchester #nowsafe.' Hampshire police confirmed the boy had been detained after they stopped the lorry. A police spokeswoman said: 'We assisted with a stop by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency around 8am on the M3. 'A 16-year-old male was located on the lorry. He has been detained and will be passed to the appropriate authority.' The Home Office, responsible for the Border Force, refused to comment on the detention of the teenager. Turkish troops and Free Syrian Army fighters have "besieged" the Daesh-held town of Al-Bab in northern Syria and are now "on the verge of capturing it," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday, Anadolu reported. "Our forces along with the Free Syrian Army [fighters] have reached the [town] center. And the Daesh forces are now in the process of leaving Al-Bab," he told a press conference at Ataturk International Airport ahead of his departure for Bahrain, the first leg of his four-day, three-nation Gulf tour. Erdogan reiterated that Turkey does not have any plans to stay in Syria after Daesh is wiped out, saying Turkey's only goal is to "clear this region of terrorism". Turkey has been carrying out a military operation in northern Syria since last August. Led by Free Syrian Army fighters, the Operation Euphrates Shield, aims to improve security, support coalition forces, and eliminate the terror threat along the Turkish border backed by Turkish artillery and jets. The operation has focused on the Daesh-held town of Al-Bab since early December. "Al-Bab is about to be captured. Manbij and Raqqah are next," Erdogan said, adding their number one priority was to form a safe zone in the country. "The goal is to establish a safe, terror-free zone of 4 to 5,000 kilometers, and to prevent migration from Syria, and ensure the return of [Syrian] people who live now in our camps. "Of course, in order to do this, we also would like to almost build new cities there. I have shared this with Mr. Trump and coalition forces, including Germany in particular," he added. The next step is to establish a no-fly zone, Erdogan said. "Then they [the Syrians] will be able to establish their national army and feel themselves safe." "The train-and-equip program is also of utmost importance," he noted, saying the "FSA is one such army trained and equipped as part of this program," carried out by Turkey and the U.S. A five-year-old boy was rushed to hospital by his horrified mother after he was found chewing on a used condom in the playground. Kindergarten students were playing outside at St. Lucie Elementary School, in Florida, when a teacher spotted the child who had something in his mouth on Wednesday. When she inspected it she found, to her horror, it was a used condom, TC Palm reports. Kindergarten students were playing outside at St. Lucie Elementary School, in Florida,(pictured) when a teacher spotted the child who had something in his mouth The teacher instantly removed the offending item and called the boy's mother who took him to a local hospital. Doctors found he was unhurt by the incident. School officials called the police who said it could potentially indicate prostitutes working in the area. Officers have now ramped up patrols in the area and asked anyone who notices people having sex in public near the school to call them immediately. 'It's pretty clear that someone was likely having sex there or near there, or (it's) a possible prostitution issue,' said Ed Cunningham, public information officer for the Police Department, 'but we are not aware of any specifics.' He said that it appeared to be an isolated incident but school security say that similar items have been removed from the playground in the past. The paternal grandmother of Heather Mack's daughter is fighting to have her brought back to the US. Stella Schaefer, the only child of Heather Mack and her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer, will be two next month and is due to be transferred out of the Bali prison where she has lived since birth with her murderess mother. Mack, now 21, and Schaefer, 23, are serving 10 year and 18 year sentences for killing her mother Sheila von Wiese-Mack and stuffing her body into a suitcase at the St Regis in Nusa Dua, Bali, in 2014. Mack was pregnant with Stella when she was jailed in 2015 and was told that she could keep the baby with her in jail until she turned two. Scroll down for video Kia Walker (right), the paternal grandmother of Heather Mack's daughter Stella (left with her in prison in Bali) is fighting to have the toddler brought back to the US Now Schaefer's mother Kia Walker is fighting to have her brought back to Chicago, insisting she deserves a chance at a better life. 'My granddaughter deserves an equal opportunity to a better start at life, and she deserves to know her grandmother. 'I believe it is in her best interest that she's brought back to America,' she told The Chicago Tribune. She has filed paperwork in Indonesia to become the toddler's legal guardian but Mack is fighting it. She would rather see her daughter be raised in Bali where she will get to see her twice a week in visits. Stella may be raised by a local family or have care provided for her by the state. Her lawyer said that because she is her 'blood mother', she deserves to keep the toddler in the same country as her. Walker has visited her son Tommy Schaefer (above with his daughter in jail) several times. She says the child deserved a better start at life which she believes she will have in Chicago Mack was pregnant when she and Schaefer (above in 2015) killed her mother, Sheila von Wiese-Mack, in Bali in 2014. She was allowed to keep Stella with her in prison for two years after giving birth Mack confessed to killing her mother alone in a YouTube video last week (left) but has since retracted her claims, insisting that Schaefer (right before they were jailed) wrote them and forced her to recite them on camera 'My client Heather Lois Mack as the blood mother of Stella, wants Stella here in Bali, so she has chance to meet Stella twice a week or more, so the relationship and psychological of Stella as well as the Mother more healthy,' he said in an email. The toddler may also stand to inherit her mother's share of von Wiese-Mack's estate. Mack and Schaefer killed her Chicago socialite mother Sheila von Wiese-Mack and stuffed her body in a suitcase Mack's paternal uncle is trying to block the 21-year-old from inheriting the money, claiming she should not profit from her crime. Mack last week retracted a video confession in which she described for the first time murdering her mother, claiming Schaefer wrote the confession and forced her to recite it. In the videos, she said he was innocent of murder and that she only roped him in to her plot to help dispose of her mother's body. She said she killed Wiese-Mack, 62, after learning that she was responsible for her father's death years earlier. The tapes prompted Balinese prosecutors to consider a tougher sentence for the young mother. Her lawyer hurriedly insisted the videos were fake after local law agencies addressed them. Extreme pornography is fuelling an alarming rise in the number of child rapists, a minister has warned. Criminal convictions for rape by those aged under 17 have almost doubled in just four years, according to the latest figures. Experts said vile internet material was influencing children to act out the depraved scenes they saw on mobile phones or tablets. Pornography is fuelling an alarming rise in the number of child rapists, a minister has warned. Convictions for rape by under-17s has almost doubled in just four years (posed by model) Last week an 11-year-old boy admitted seven counts of rape and sexual assault on boys under 13 after watching explicit images online. Magistrates in Sunderland said it was clear online porn had sparked the sex attacks. Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice revealed 120 children were convicted of rape in 2015, the last year figures are available. That was a 74 per cent rise from 69 convictions in 2011. Justice minister Phillip Lee highlighted his concerns at a youth justice conference. He said: We are seeing an internet age driving greater access to more worrying imagery online. In the extreme, the sexualisation of youth is manifesting itself in younger conviction ages for rape. Of the 120 children convicted of rape, 46 were sentenced to detention and 61 received community orders. The remaining 13 were dealt with in other ways. The average custodial sentence was 44 months. The figures come after the Mail campaigned for automatic blocks on porn to protect under-18s. The Government responded by giving families the choice to block online pornography from home networks. But critics have called for tougher rules. A spokesman for Barnardos said: Experience of sexual or non-sexual abuse are risk factors in children displaying harmful sexual behaviour. Last November a boy was convicted of repeatedly raping his younger sister after becoming fascinated with online pornography. The 14-year-old, who was 12 at the time of the offences, pleaded guilty to six charges of rape at Cheltenham Magistrates Court. His internet history showed he had searched terms relating to incest and viewed the material. Experts said vile internet material was influencing children to act out the depraved scenes they saw on mobile phones or tablets (posed by model) And in August 2014, a judge condemned the corrosive effect of pornography after a boy who visited vile websites abducted and raped a girl of ten in Shrewsbury. Last year a damning report, commissioned by the NSPCC and the Childrens Commissioner for England, found that 53 per cent of 11 to 16-year-old boys believed porn they had seen on screen was a realistic depiction of sex. And 94 per cent of children had looked at X-rated photographs by the time they were 14. Chief Constable Simon Bailey, child protection spokesman at the National Police Chiefs Council, said: It is more important than ever to educate young people about sexual relationships and consent. Advertisement It could take weeks of 'dangerous work' before firefighters are able to extinguish 86 blazes burning across New South Wales on Monday morning. More than 2,000 firefighters have spent the past two days battling dozens of fires across the state in what has been described the worst bushfire conditions on record, but it could take days and even weeks before the remaining blazes are declared safe, NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told 9News. Although weather conditions have cooled off and improved overnight, Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the size and intensity of the two largest blazes - Sir Ivans Fire near Dunedoo and a fire just north of Mudgee - will keep hundreds of firefighters busy on Monday. Scroll down for video It could take weeks before firefighters are able to extinguish 86 blazes - 25 which are uncontained - burning across New South Wales as of on Monday morning (pictured) More than 2,000 firefighters have spent the past two days battling dozens of fires across the state in what has been described the worst bushfire conditions on record Although weather conditions have cooled off and improved overnight, Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the size and intensity of the two largest blazes - Sir Ivans Fire near Dunedoo and a fire just north of Mudgee - will keep firefighters busy 'We still have 86 fires across NSW - 25 of those remain uncontained. The two at Watch and Act alert levels are the fire near Dunedoo and the one out near Mudgee,' Commissioner Fitzsimmons said. 'Give you some perspective, that Dunedoo fire, it has an edge around that fire of about 200km of active fire edge. That's the magnitude of operation we are talking about today and over the coming days.' 'Clearly, the weather is going to be of some benefit but there is a lot of very dirty, difficult and dangerous work ahead for firefighters before we can come close to getting these fires under control,' he said. Commissioner Fitzsimmons said assessment teams will work on Monday to evaluate the number of homes, buildings and farms that have been lost. It has been reported dozens of properties have been destroyed, as well as livestock and agricultural assets. The Sir Ivans Fire, which wrecked homes in Cassilis, has destroyed almost 50,000 hectares of land, according to the RFS. No one has been severely injured, but one firefighter has been hospitalised for burns. The NSW Rural Fire Service has warned fire danger is still 'very high' in the North Western and Greater Hunter and a total fire ban has been put in place. Distraught farmers watched as a ferocious blaze rip through the town of Uarbry in New South Wales on Sunday A family has left a sign in front of their Uarbry property to indicate to authorities they have evacuated their home safely. A large fire ripped through the township of Cassilis and surrounding areas in the central west on Sunday (right) Firefighters battling bushfires in Muogamarra (pictured) to defend hundreds of properties under threat across NSW 'For the rest of the state, we are looking at high to low on Monday. Conditions will certainly ease,' a spokesman said. Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Neil Fraser said there's the potential for damaging winds 'but the good news is it should be all easing off by the early hours of Monday'. Despite fire dangers remaining in place in some areas, Mr Fraser said no part of the state would face severe, extreme or catastrophic conditions. 'The ratings are dropping right away with the cooler air coming across,' Mr Fraser said. 'The only part of the state still in the 30s is the northern inland areas.' Hundreds of fire crews rush to save properties near Cassilis, Mudgee and Wauchope for much of Sunday Out-of-control bushfires burned through the night across NSW as firefighters worked desperately to contain the blazes Fire in Dunedoo left properties under threat, as hundreds of residents were forced to flee from their rural properties Cassillis resident Stella Cornish, 79, said the fire was the worst she has seen - as she revealed she has lived in the town for most of her life with her husband Doug, 86. 'By god, this morning all hell broke loose. I said to one of the firey guys that we have never seen it this bad,' she told Fairfax Media. Residents in affected areas were told it was too late to leave as they were urged to seek shelter on Sunday afternoon. 'This is the worst day we've seen in the history of NSW when it comes to fire danger ratings and fire danger conditions,' Commissioner Fitzsimmons said at the time. The Baptist Church at Aberdare, Cessnock in the Lower Hunter Region of NSW was reportedly destroyed by the fire just five minutes after an evening service finished Homeowner Warren Jarvis (pictured) spoke of his heartbreak after losing his property and farm animals to the ferocious bushfire in the township of Cassilis in central west NSW A massive blaze has ripped through the township of Cassilis in the central west of New South Wales on Sunday More than 2,000 firefighters are battling more than 80 blazes across NSW, including Cassilis and surrounding area Residents of Uarbry, Turill and Cassilis have been urged to seek shelter with the emergency crew warning it is too late to leave On Sunday, dozens of properties were threatened near Dunedoo where the blaze stretched over tens of kilometres, Mr Fitzsimmons said, and there may have been one home lost in Boggabri. 'At this stage, we have got some unconfirmed reports of homes being lost, sheds being lost and machinery being lost, and other agricultural assets being lost on some of these fire grounds,' Mr Fitzsimmons said. 'It's extremely volatile, we see increased wind strengths, we see very erratic and dangerous fire behaviour, we see spotting activity going in all sorts of directions.' One firefighter was taken to hospital with burns and others sustained minor injuries, deputy RFS commissioner Rob Rogers told the ABC on Sunday night. A resident was flown to a Sydney hospital for treatment after suffering serious burns fighting fire at Boggabri, near Narrabri in north western NSW. The Baptist Church at Aberdare, Cessnock in the Lower Hunter Region of NSW was reportedly destroyed by the fire just five minutes after an evening service finished. No one was reported injured. Meanwhile, two people have been charged for lighting fires at Mango Creek on central coast and Orange in central west. A third person, a 32-year-old man, was arrested on Sunday afternoon after two fires were deliberately lit at Nabiac on the North Coast. He is being questioned by police. Firefighters are battling to contain more than 80 blazes across New South Wales, with red indicating catastrophic fire danger The highest-level catastrophic fire danger was declared across vast areas of the state (pictured) for Sunday after temperatures rocketed to 47C on Saturday Thick plume of smoke hover above the township of Cassilis in the central west of NSW for much of Sunday A ferocious fire has ripped through the township of Cassilis and surrounding areas in central west of New South Wales The Rural Fire Service has warned an incoming southerly wind change will present significant dangers to firefighters A fire burning in Leadville, near Dubbo, on Saturday afternoon The Leadville fire is one of at least 53 burning during Saturday, with worse to come on Sunday The New South Wales Rural Fire Service posted this picture from Wimbledon Road, Georges Plains Britain is bombarded with 60 significant cyber attacks a month following a step change in online Russian aggression, the cyber security chief said last night. State-sponsored hackers who want to steal defence and foreign policy secrets are among those behind the barrage. Ciaran Martin, head of GCHQs new National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), warned it was only a matter of time before a major breach. Ciaran Martin (pictured), head of GCHQs new National Cyber Security Centre said there were 188 serious attacks in the past three months, many of which threatened national security He said this could echo the 2015 attack on the US Office of Personnel Management in which the details of 25million government staff were compromised. GCHQ, the UKs surveillance agency, expects more online infiltration of soft targets such as councils, charities and universities to steal personal data and research. Mr Martin said there were 188 serious attacks in the past three months, many of which threatened national security. The incidents often involve hundreds of thousands of simultaneous attacks, such as fake emails attempting to infiltrate Government departments. Speaking ahead of the opening of the NCSC by the Queen tomorrow, Mr Martin singled out the surge in Russian activity as the Kremlin sought to assert power and influence against the West. He added: Over the last two years there has been a step change in Russian aggression in cyberspace. Part of that has been attacks on political institutions, political parties and parliamentary organisations. GCHQ, the UKs surveillance agency, expects more online infiltration of soft targets such as councils, charities and universities to steal personal data and research In the lead-up to Britains 2015 general election, GCHQ thwarted an attempt by Russian hackers to interfere in the political process. The CIA has also accused the Kremlin of deliberately intervening in the US presidential election. Russian-sponsored hackers targeted the Democratic National Committee and accessed thousands of emails. Unlike daily online crimes against British citizens carried out by cyber-criminals in pursuit of money, the big attacks include attempts to obtain official secrets. They include Russian and Chinese hackers attempting to second-guess Government policies and obtain an advantage in industry. In the case of government departments, [it is] getting into the system to extract information on UK government policy on anything from energy to diplomacy to information on a particular sector, Mr Martin said. With companies, it could be to steal intellectual property and sometimes you would get states in that business. Piers Morgan' son made an awkward revelation in the midst of the presenter's Twitter spat with JK Rowling - after disclosing that he is a massive Harry Potter fan. The author and Piers became embroiled in an online row after she expressed delight that the breakfast TV presenter was sworn at over his support of Donald Trump. After a heated back and forth between the two, Piers' son Spencer tweeted a selfie in which he showed off a tattoo and matching necklace inspired by Rowling's books. Captioning the photo with 'well this is awkward', Spencer displayed two versions of the 'Deathly Hallows' symbol, which features in the Harry Potter series. Piers Morgan, left, was told to 'f*** off' by a comedian and JK Rowling, right, called the moment 'delicious' sparking a Twitter battle between the pair After a heated back and forth between the two, Piers' son Spencer tweeted a selfie in which he showed off a tattoo and matching necklace inspired by Rowling's books JK Rowling said it was 'satisfying' to see Piers Morgan be sworn at, in a tweet that was retweeted thousands of times - and sparked a row with the man himself Piers criticised JK Rowling for agreeing with free speech until someone refuses to agree with her and called her a liberal Piers obviously wasn't too bothered about his son playfully biting the hand that feeds, as he seemed happy to retweet his son's selfie. The Good Morning Britain presenter received Rowling's ire after appearing on panel show Real Time with Bill Maher, alongside Australian comedian Jim Jefferies. The pair were debating President Trump's attempt to stop people from seven Muslim-majority countries entering the US. DailyMail.com U.S. Editor-at-Large Morgan said the travel ban was not a Muslim ban, to which Jefferies said: 'Oh, f*** off. It's a f****** Muslim ban.' Rowling wrote on the social networking site: 'Yes, watching Piers Morgan being told to f*** off on live TV is *exactly* as satisfying as I'd always imagined.' Morgan replied: 'This is why I've never read a single word of Harry Potter.' JK Rowling told Piers Morgan that reading her books would show him sucking up to the bully means people get burned alive The pair ended up in a Twitter spat for much of the day, throwing insults to one another and reminding the other of ways they had won something over the other Morgan said that 'everything I said was factual'. He added, referring to Jefferies: 'If you think screaming 'F*** OFF!!!' at me changes that, then you're mistaken.' Rowling then asked Morgan: 'Would you like a couple of hours to mock up some pictures of refugees carrying explosives to substantiate your position?' Morgan said: 'I'm under attack from a comic who tells rape jokes, Sulu from Star Trek & an author who writes about wizards.' 'The superior, dismissive arrogance of rabid Remain/Clinton supporters like @jk_rowling is, of course, precisely why both campaigns lost,' Morgan wrote in response. Rowling wrote to her 9.55 million Twitter followers: 'The fact-free, amoral, bigotry-apologism of celebrity toady Piers Morgan is, of course, why it's so delicious to see him told to f*** off.' Morgan shared Rowling's post and described it as 'peak foul-mouthed, minor celebrity anti-Trump hysteria at its most deliciously supercilious'. He called the author a 'liberal', and said that she is 'all for tolerance & free speech, until you refuse to call Trump the new Hitler'. Entering the debate, Star Trek actor George Takei countered Morgan's claim about why he has never read the Harry Potter books. Morgan said: 'I'm under attack from a comic who tells rape jokes, Sulu from Star Trek & an author who writes about wizards. What a morning.' Morgan's appearance on Friday night's episode of Real Time saw him angrily rebuked by Jefferies. The British broadcaster said, over Jefferies's protests: 'This is the hysteria I'm talking about; 85% of the world's Muslims are allowed in the country.' Piers Morgan commented 'what a morning' after the spat, which even drew in George Takei George Takei joined in the spat too, taking the Harry Potter author's side. He said Piers 'lacked imagination' Jefferies said: 'Oh, f*** off. This is what you do, Piers. You say 'He hasn't done this, he hasn't done that, he's not going to do all these things.' 'Give him a f****** chance mate Hitler didn't kill the Jews on the first day, he worked up to it.' He added: 'You just like that you won The Apprentice and you have a famous friend.' The senior policy adviser to Donald Trump has promised that the US will stand by Japan against North Korea - and said it will send the rogue state a message of 'unquestioned military strength.' Adviser Stephen Miller said that although Trump didn't mention North Korea when he promised to 'stand by' Japan during his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday, the speech was 'a show of strength.' Trump would send a 'signal' after a new North Korean missile test by asking Congress to give more money to the military, Miller added in his appearance on CBS News' Face the Nation Sunday. The government would then 'begin a great rebuilding of the armed forces of the United States,' he said, '...once again we will have unquestioned military strength beyond anything anyone can imagine.' Scroll down for video Stephen Miller (pictured) said on Sunday that Donald Trump will ask Congress for money to show North Korea 'unquestioned military strength beyond anything anyone can imagine' Miller's remark after Trump notably did not mention or condemn North Korea or its weekend launch of a new ballistic missile in his response speech with Japanese leader Abe Shinzo That would take time, host John Dickerson noted - so would Trump be providing any more immediate response that might show the US means business? Miller's response was to repeat that Trump's speech was 'a show of strength'. 'Saying we stand with our ally, having the two men appear on camera worldwide to all of planet Earth was a statement that will be understood very well by North Korea,' he said. The remarks came after US Pacific Command confirmed that North Korea had launched a ballistic missile near the northwestern city of Kusong on Sunday, local time. North Korea had warned last week that it was ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch - the first during Donald Trump's time as president - prompted a short joint speech by Abe and Trump, who were at Trump's south Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago. 'North Korea's most recent missile launch is absolutely intolerable,' Abe said through a translator on Saturday night, EST. He added that the North must comply fully with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, but also noted that Trump had assured him that the US supported Japan. 'President Trump and I myself completely share the view that we are going to promote further cooperation between the two nations. And also we are going to further reinforce our alliance,' he said. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: 'I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent.' The fact that he did not directly name North Korea - nor directly condemn or denounce the launch - in the speech was noted by many. However, it was suggested by some analysts that Trump's team had advised him to hold back on making threats that he cannot make good on. The Obama administration had opted to stand back and slowly increase sanctions and diplomatic pressure, playing a waiting game with the Kim regime the was dubbed 'strategic patience'. US Navy confirmed that North Korea launched the ballistic missile on Sunday, local time. Trump said he stands with Japan, but analysts say his options may be limited By comparison, the Trump team have promised a more aggressive approach to the problem, as evidenced by Miller's comments. But the president's options remain limited, analysts say. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the US wanted to shot resolve while avoiding escalation. So direct intervention is unlikely. Instead, the administration is likely to ramp up pressure on Beijing, which Trump has said does not do enough to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic programs. However, China, fearing a flood of refugees, is wary of causing destabilization in North Korea and may be hesitant to go too far. It remains to be seen, however, whether the new administration might go a step beyond Obama's approach and focus on imposing 'secondary sanctions' on firms and entities that help North Korea's weapons programs, many of which are in China. For now they will look at tightening financial sanctions, increasing military assets and joint exercises in and around the country, and accelerating installation of new missile defense systems in South Korea, the official said. On Sunday morning, Trump commended Miller for his TV work. 'Congratulations Stephen Miller- on representing me this morning on the various Sunday morning shows,' he tweeted. 'Great job!' A brawl erupted at a fancy Manhattan wedding-rehearsal dinner after the groom's parents objected to a toast given to the former couple. It prompted both families to call off the $325,000 nuptials, and now both sides are warring over the bill.. The night before Bradley Moss, 32, and longtime girlfriend Amy Bzura, 27, were set to walk down the aisle in what was expected to be an over-the-top ceremony, his parents, Robert and Wendy Moss, hosted the dinner in Union Square at Blue Water Grill on October 28, 2016, the New York Post reported. During the event, the bride's brother, Adam Bzura, was preparing to make a 'heartfelt toast' and present a video tribute. But Moss's parents became offended, according to a lawsuit filed by the bride's father, Bruce Bzura, in Manhattan federal court. The suit claims that Moss's 65-year-old father Robert 'inexplicably and angrily declared that Adam was not allowed to speak at the dinner,' before asking 'Do you know what I can do to you?' The night before Bradley Moss, 32, and longtime girlfriend Amy Bzura (together above), 27, were set to walk down the aisle, his parents, Robert and Wendy Moss, hosted a rehearsal dinner on October 28, 2016 During the event, the bride's brother, Adam Bzura, was preparing to make a 'heartfelt toast' and present a video tribute when Moss's parents became offended, according to a lawsuit filed by the bride's father, Bruce Bzura, in Manhattan federal court. Former couple pictured above The man then reportedly threatened to kick Adam out and that is when the 'events began to escalate', according to the lawsuit. Sixty-year-old Wendy then began to argue with Adam, moments before the groom's brother, Michael, punched Adam in the mouth, the lawsuit states. Robert then allegedly tried to charge Adam, as 66-year-old Bruce struggled to contain him. During the pandemonium, the bride apparently gave the groom an ultimatum - 'Make a choice, me or your mother,' a source told the Post. But the Amy's brother said the ultimatum 'never happened.' The groom seemingly picked his mother, as the ceremony was canceled as his mother reportedly was forced to call guests on the spot to say it the costly wedding was canceled. A fight quickly erupted between the two families in Union Square at Blue Water Grill (file above), as the $325,000 wedding ceremony was called off Now, the parents of the former couple (together above) are in disagreement over who foots the bill for the canceled $1,100-a-head wedding reception, as the Bzuras are suing the Mosses The suit claims that Robert, who owns Long Island Pipe Supple, threatened to cut him out of his will and fire him from the business if he ever married Amy. Amy was reportedly prevented from getting her belongings from inside the East 54th Street apartment she and Bradley shared, as his family changed the locks, the lawsuit claims. The Bzuras were forced to file a court order to allow Amy back inside. However, the night before the hearing, her the groom's family relented and allowed Amy back into the apartment, as she was accompanied by 'an off-duty police officer' to 'pack all of her belongings', the suit states. Bradley then filed a lawsuit against Amy for the $125,000 engagement ring he had given her. It does not appear that she has returned the ring back to Bradley, as the case is still pending in court. The parents of the former couple are in disagreement over who foots the bill for the canceled $1,100-a-head wedding reception. Bradley also filed a lawsuit against Amy for the $125,000 engagement ring that he gave her. Above Amy and her family are pictured together having fun on vacation Bruce, who is the owner of Old Bridge Chemicals in New Jersey, claims that he was going to pay for most of the bill, but that Robert agreed to pay $89,919 cost of the 79 wedding guests invited by his family. Bruce, whose company posts annual sales of $17million, is seeking repayment from Robert in the lawsuit. 'He promised to pay his share, and now he won't pay a penny,' Bruce said according to the Post. A lawyer for the Moss family called the lawsuit 'bogus' and said they 'look forward to answering these baseless allegations,' according to the Post. In the months after the ceremony was called off, there are no photos on Amy's social media accounts of Bradley, as she recently shared a photo with her family poolside as if they have no cares in the world. However, Bradley still has photos of Amy on his personal Facebook page. An internet bride allegedly involved in the murder of her wealthy British husband was awarded 21,000 in legal aid to fight his family, the Mail can reveal. Former stripper Ganna Ziuzina, 38, was granted taxpayer funds in her battle in the UK courts to grab a major share of Barry Prings 1.5million estate. But the Ukrainian has now been told she must pay back the money. However, as Miss Ziuzina is living in a luxury villa in Spain with another wealthy British businessman it is unclear how the Legal Aid Agency will be able to force her to return the cash. Former stripper Ganna Ziuzina, 38 who was allegedly involved in the murder of her wealthy British husband was awarded 21,000 in legal aid to fight his family Miss Ziuzina Ziuzina was granted taxpayer funds in her battle in the UK courts to grab a major share of Barry Prings (pictured together on their wedding day) 1.5million estate She has been ordered to repay the money but it is unclear how the Legal Aid Agency will be able to force her to return the cash because she now lives in a villa in Spain (pictured) She was deemed eligible for legal aid in the UK three months after Mr Pring, 47, was hit by a car and killed in Ukraine in February 2008, even though she did not move to Britain until he died. The Legal Aid Agency confirmed that it is considering court action against Miss Ziuzina, whose legal aid was revoked in August 2012 after she failed to cooperate with an investigation into her financial means. It added: She is liable for all the legal aid costs paid out for her case. We continue to take all possible steps to recover the costs. Details of her legal aid bill followed a Freedom of Information request by the Mail to the Ministry of Justice, which revealed last week that Miss Ziuzina had received 21,165 aid for probate and inheritance matters 14,113 for her solicitor, 5,964 for her barrister and 1,088 in expenses to help prepare the case. The legal aid bill emerged after an inquest three weeks ago heard claims that Miss Ziuzina murdered IT consultant Mr Pring for his money. The former stripper (pictured) has bought two properties on the Costa del Sol A coroner in Exeter, who recorded a verdict of unlawful killing, was told she led her husband to the edge of a dual carriageway on the outskirts of Kiev to hail a taxi after a meal to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. As she went back inside the restaurant to collect a pair of gloves, Mr Pring, from Battersea, South West London, was killed by a speeding vehicle with no lights and stolen number plates. Within days, Miss Ziuzina flew to the UK and tried to move into his London flat and claim his assets, the inquest heard. Mr Prings brother Shaughan described the legal aid payout to Miss Ziuzina, whom he calls a black widow, as ludicrous and a kick in the teeth to his family. He added: She should never have got it in the first place. The Pring family claim that after moving into her late husbands Battersea flat, she sold his Rolex watch, antique furniture, television and even the sofa. She also tried to transfer ownership of his two Kiev apartments into her name. Miss Ziuzina, pictured posing with a gun, has been accused of murdering her husband but the investigation in the Ukraine has been dogged by allegations of corruption, incompetence and a cover-up Police initially treated Devon-born Mr Prings (pictured) death as a traffic accident but it was later upgraded to a murder investigation Barry Pring is said to have been besotted with Miss Ziuzina, then 29, despite friends fears she was a gold-digger. He met her online and started paying her an allowance to stop her lap-dancing. She has denied any involvement in Mr Prings death and refused to give evidence at the inquest. Barry Pring is said to have been besotted with Miss Ziuzina, then 29, despite friends fears she was a gold-digger As revealed in the Mail last month, she has bought two properties on the Costa del Sol, one a 700,000 villa with a swimming pool which she shares with new partner Ivan Lister, a property developer who has a 2million home in North London. The couple have a daughter, born in 2013. Although the legal wrangle over Mr Prings estate has not been resolved, Spanish land registry documents reveal she also found up to 130,000 to buy a flat near her Marbella villa for her father Valeriy and mother Olga. The Ukrainian police investigation into Mr Prings murder has been dogged by allegations of corruption, incompetence and a cover-up. Legal sources believe several people, including a relative and close friend of Miss Ziuzina may have been involved in the murder plot. Police initially treated Devon-born Mr Prings death as a traffic accident. It was upgraded to a murder inquiry only after the Mail exposed the shambolic nature of the investigation. In the wake of the inquest verdict, the Pring familys MP Neil Parish has written to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to ask him to put pressure on the Ukrainian authorities to bring the culprits to justice. Hundreds of angry taxi drivers caused Monday morning traffic chaos on Melbourne's Bolte Bridge. The drivers blocked four lanes of the bridge - a major route to the airport - in response to the government's taxi deregulation reforms. Victorian Taxi and Hire Car Families urged cabbies to cause gridlock from 8.30am to protest changes to the taxi industry after the introduction of ride-sharing. Cabs were seen moving at a walking pace across the bridge as traffic piled up behind them. Hundreds of angry taxi drivers have caused Monday morning traffic chaos on Melbourne's Bolte Bridge Victorian Taxi and Hire Car Families urged cabbies to amass at two locations before they caused gridlock on the bridge from 8.30am Drivers are seen congregating shortly before the protest Cabs were seen moving at a walking pace across the bridge as traffic piled up behind them 'Everyone will culminate at parliament after gridlocking the Bolte inbound and outbound for half an hour,' the group wrote on its Facebook page. 'Lets cause some disruption.' The state government is planning to deregulate the taxi industry, abolishing taxi licences and introducing a single registration for taxis, hire cars and ride-share services like Uber. It plans to compensate taxi licence holders by paying $100,000 for the first licence and $50,000 for another. One angry taxi driver said: 'We are desperate. This is a last measure for us' Cabbies say they will not be properly compensated under the deregulation reforms Taxi drivers are seen chatting during the protest which caused peak hour chaos Police officers talk to a taxi driver. The state government is planning to deregulate the taxi industry But licence holders say the compensation being offered is unfair and could spell financial ruin, with many paying up to $500,000 per licence. Taxi driver Tsim Booky, who took part in the protest, told Nine News the reforms are unjust. 'It's like a loss of income. It's just like losing your job. We've actually paid for our jobs and now we're going to lose them,' he said. 'So we'll keep this up until (Minister for Public Transport) Jacinta Allan resigns.' Victorian Taxi and Hire Car Families urged cabbies to cause gridlock on the bridge to protest changes to the taxi industry The Victorian Taxi and Hire Car Families wrote on its Facebook page: 'Lets cause some disruption' Drivers are seen preparing to head for Melbourne's Bolte Bridge - a major route to the airport Another angry driver said: 'We are desperate. This is a last measure for us.' Victorian Taxi and Hire Car Families spokeswoman Linda De Melis told ABC Radio they aren't opposing industry changes. 'The government can dismantle the industry if they choose, but we as license holders should not have to pay the price for industry reform,' Ms De said on Monday. 'Currently the government is seizing our licences for zero in return.' VicRoads is urging motorists to allow extra time for travel or consider alternative routes. Taxis crawl across Melbourne's Bolte Bridge, causing peak hour chaos Licence holders say the compensation being offered is unfair and could spell financial ruin, with many paying up to $500,000 per licence VicRoads is urging motorists to allow extra time for travel or consider alternative routes An undated file photo of Maulana Masood. (Photo : Getty Images) China blocked a joint move by the U.S., the U.K. and France in the UN to list Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist "conditions" have not yet been met. It is the third time that China has placed a technical hold for such attempts. Advertisement The joint proposal to ban the Pakistan-based Pathankot attack mastermind came weeks after India's bid to get Azhar banned by the UN were scuttled by Beijing last December. China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang revealed that that Beijing wanted the "relevant parties" to consult with each other. He added that this is in line with rules of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the rules of the discussion of the committee. Lu added that there was no consensus reached when the UN Security Council discussed the issue. He added that Beijing and New Delhi "have exchanged views" on the issue and that they hope it will not have a negative impact on their relations. Reacting to the criticism that China is blocking the move at the behest of Pakistan, Lu said that their action is in line with the regulations and procedures. India has issued a diplomatic missive to China regarding its continued block on moves to Azhar. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday that demarches had been served to the Chinese embassy in New Delhi and in the foreign office in Beijing by the Indian embassy. Responding to Lu's statement that there was "no consensus",MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that if China changes its position, there will be a consensus. Swarup also refuted the Chinese stand that India and Pakistan should talk to each other on the issue saying that the matter is not bilateral matter between the two countries but as an issue of global counter-terrorism. He added that India hopes that China will eventually accept this view. The Pathankot attack was committed on Jan. 2, 2016 by a heavily armed group against the Pathankot Air Force Station of the Indian Air Force that resulted in numerous deaths from among attackers and security forces. The attack received wide international condemnation. A Melbourne woman woke up to find an intruder leaning over her bed. Police are searching for the suspect and released an artist's sketch of his face, based on the woman's recollections A Melbourne woman woke up to find an intruder leaning over her bed. The terrifying incident happened at 2.30am on February 5 in the suburb of Hampton Park, police said. When the woman saw the man leaning over her, she cried out for her father. The suspect, who was believed to have entered the home through an open front window, then fled the scene. Police are searching for the suspect and released an artist's sketch of his face, based on the woman's recollections. The suspect was described as appearing to be in his mid-teens. He spoke with an Australian accent, police said. Investigators have requested that no specific information is released about the victim, but said she was over 18 years old, a police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. Detectives from the Dandenong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team are investigating the incident, and are treating it as a case of aggravated burglary. Anyone with information is asked to phone Crime Stoppers. Prison officers have lost control of a major prison to its drug fuelled inmates who cut a hole in a fence so they could easily pick up narcotics thrown in from the outside. An undercover investigation inside HMP Northumberland found prisoners high on drugs, prison blocks left unsecured, and despair among prison officers who are reluctant to try to stop inmates doing as they wish. In one incident a prison officer was filmed lying on the ground, shaking and suffering a fit after being affected by a dangerous cannabis-substitute drug that prisoners were smoking. One prisoner was filmed lying on his bunk completely incapacitated by drugs flowing freely through the jail. Officers found prisoners had balaclavas, black clothing and wire-cutting tools stashed inside the category C jail, and one inmate stalked the corridors with a metal bar before threatening a member of staff. Out of control: This is the moment an inmate threatened Mr Fenton with a large metal pipe he was carrying in the jail as a weapon Crisis: One prisoner was filmed lying on his bunk completely incapacitated by drugs flowing freely through the jail (pictured) Fumes: A prison officer was filmed lying on the ground, shaking and suffering a fit (pictured) after being affected by a dangerous cannabis-subsitute drug that prisoners were smoking Violence: The undercover journalist captured the moment inmates jumped on another prisoner in an extraordinary attack The findings, to be broadcast by BBC One's Panorama tonight, are the latest in a series of disclosures that suggest that prisons are increasingly dominated by criminal gangs, that prisoners are sneaking contraband into prisons, and that the diminishing numbers of prison officers are losing the fight to maintain order. The BBC's Joe Fenton (pictured) spent two months undercover as a custody officer in the prison near Morpeth HMP Northumberland has already had problem with drugs, with prisoners filmed apparently snorting cocaine during rowdy parties in their cells. A mass of damning evidence about the state of the jails has followed the exposure last November of prisoners at Guys Marsh jail in Dorset who posted Facebook pictures of their lifestyle, bragged of gorging on steak dinners, downing booze and taking drugs. Their cells were filled with luxuries, including games consoles and stereos. The Panorama inquiry into HMP Northumberland, a category C prison designed to hold 1,350 inmates, and which includes some serving long sentences, claims that the prisoners are effectively running the jail and that some are openly high on drink or drugs. The inquiry, carried out by a reporter who worked as a prison officer at the jail, found widespread use of the newly-outlawed drug Spice, a cannabis substitute. On the day the reporter began work, 2.5kg of Spice was found in a prison block. However the block was not locked down or searched following the discovery. The BBC's Joe Fenton spent two months undercover as a custody officer in the prison near Morpeth, which houses 1,348 men and is run by private firm Sodexo Justice Services. Ahead of the episode on BBC One at 8.30pm on Monday, he said: 'It didn't take too long to realise that the inmates were, in effect, running this prison. 'I saw prisoners stumbling around drunk, others who were high on drugs and some struggling to cope with addiction. 'Prison officers repeatedly told me they had lost control of the prison. 'I saw officers worried about their safety and losing confidence.' A nurse treats a prisoner who has been taking drugs being smuggled into the prison Officers found prisoners had balaclavas, black clothing and wire-cutting tools stashed inside the category C jail - there was also a hole in the fence to collect drugs One prison staff member said there was 'no discipline at all, we have lost control of the jail, yes they go behind the doors but they run the jail, they do because they get whatever they want whenever they want it.' Inmates binged on alcohol and drugs during a cell-party in a shocking video Last year inmates were seen living it up behind bars as they binge on drink and drugs in a shocking video. In November one prisoner was filmed cutting up what appears to be a line of cocaine during the clip filmed in a cell at HMP Northumberland (above). Another man is captured drinking from a plastic bottle, believed to be holding homemade alcohol, as dance music blares away in the background. Throughout the clip the men are left entirely alone, without a prison officer in sight. HMP Northumberland is a category C prison home to 1,348 inmates and is no stranger to violent incidents and drugs. Advertisement The programme's reporter was told 'you will be assaulted, one way or another you will be assaulted in your career.' One officer said: 'A lot of times stuff happens but I can't respond in the way I would want to because there's not the back up there. I don't feel safe, ever.' The use of Spice has led to serious difficulties for prison officers, the film alleges. In one incident, the programme reports, 'a senior prison custody officer is seen on the ground, shaking and having a fit after inadvertently inhaling the drug, which was being smoked by prisoners.' Spice, a synthetic alternative to cannabis originally developed by accident by US university researchers, was banned last year under the Psychoactive Substances Act. It has been linked to 58 prison deaths. Often smoked like cannabis, it is reputed to be stronger, and has been linked to severe psychotic episodes, hallucinations, panic attacks and seizures in users. Adverse reactions to Spice among prisoners are said to happen in the prison 'frequently'. The programme says that alarms on the outer doors of one prison block were found to be out of action. A nearby internal security fence was found to be holed. The effect, the programme says, is that prisoners were at liberty to leave their blocks and collect packages thrown over the prison outer perimeter wall at night. The undercover reporter also filmed a training class for prisoners on employability skills that Panorama said yesterday 'calls the value of some classes into question'. In the film three prisoners are seen colouring in pictures of Peppa Pig as part of their class. Sir Martin Narey, former Prison Service director and now a Government adviser, said: 'Prisoners colouring Peppa Pig or anything similar is inexcusable. 'The challenge for prisons is to make classroom activity much more useful. Teaching prisoners numeracy and literacy to make them employable. The art of reducing re-offending is not complicated, if you get somebody employable and get them into a job, the probability of them not going back to serious crime is hugely increased.' He added: 'If we take people and lock them up and don't use that period when they are literally captive, to try to do something, which makes it less likely that they'll go and burgle someone's house when they get out then we're just losing a golden opportunity.' Panorama says that alarms on the outer doors of one prison block were found to be out of action Latest Ministry of Justice figures show there were 6,430 assaults on prison staff, about one every 90 minutes, in the year to September. This was an increase of 40 per cent from 4,597 on the previous year. The number of frontline prison officers has plunged from 25,000 in March 2010 to 18,000 in September last year as part of deep cuts to jail budgets. The prison population last week stood at 84,672, not counting immigration detainees. Sodexo, the private sector company which runs HMP Northumberland, told Panorama: 'We are proud of those staff at HMP Northumberland who do a professional job in such difficult circumstances. 'Security and the safety of our prisoners and staff are our top priority, which is why we have made significant investments in these two areas over and above the contract requirements. This has included 3million in a new fire safety system, additional CCTV and improved security technology. We have also recruited an additional 37 staff above the funded headcount. 'We have not seen the footage but after viewing the programme we will of course investigate where necessary and take appropriate action.' The Ministry of Justice said: 'These are extremely serious allegations which are being urgently investigated. The Justice Secretary has been clear that levels of violence and self-harm in our prisons are too high which is why we are investing an extra 100millin annually to boost the frontline by 2,500 officers. 'Every officer will be responsible for a case load of six offenders, making sure all prisoners get the support needed to quit drugs and get the education and training that will help turn their lives around. 'These are long-standing issues which will not be resolved in weeks or months but we are determined to make our prisons places of safety and reform. We have robust processes in place to closely monitor and manage private contractors and will not hesitate to take action when standards fall short.' Moment inmate's brother was filmed throwing 40,000 of cannabis, cocaine, vodka and even mobile phones over the prison wall Podd was caught in CCTV lobbing a vast array of narcotics, syringes, mobile phones and vodka into HMP Northumberland, hidden in plastic sports drinks bottles The haul included 1.5 kilos of cannabis, worth up to 22,500 in prison, as well as cocaine, diazepam, subutex tablets, temazepam, steroids and seven mobile phones In 2014 the brother of a prison inmate was caught on CCTV hurling 40,000 worth of cannabis, cocaine and vodka over a jail fence to help pay off a drug debt racked up by his sibling. Leslie Podd chucked the drugs and alcohol in empty sports drinks bottles, zalong with syringes and mobile phones, over the wall of HMP Northumberland. Leslie Podd was jailed for throwing 40,000 of drugs into HMP Northumberland The haul included 1.5 kilos of cannabis, worth up to 22,500 in prison, as well as cocaine, diazepam, subutex tablets, temazepam, steroids and seven mobile phones. Podd had been persuaded to carry out the offence to help pay off a drug debt for his brother, a prisoner in HMP Durham, Newcastle Crown Court heard in 2014. CCTV filmed at the Northumberland prison shows Podd hurling the contraband on to a patch of grass near the laundry room. Prisoners hid the four bottles inside the jail, but staff found them in a toilet cistern and a laundry box. Now Podd was jailed after pleading guilty to nine offences of conveying banned items into a prison. Recorder Nigel Sangster QC told him: 'You were the stooge given the job to throw it over the wall but you took part in a serious offence. 'Those sent to prison are not meant to have drugs or mobile phones or alcohol in prison. The fact there is so much of it in prison is because people like you make sure people in prison get these things.' The court heard Podd went to HMP Northumberland in a car driven by someone else last April. They immediately aroused suspicion by turning up after visiting time had started. Staff watched on CCTV as Podd eventually got out of the car and walked past the visitors' entrance and headed round the side of the prison towards the laundry block. Staff monitoring the CCTV raised the alarm and all prisoners were stopped and searched. One bottle was found hidden in a toilet cistern while the rest were found in a laundry box. Advertisement Get tough on drug addicts to cut jail population, says minister as she sets the direction of the justice system in major speech Handing criminals with drug and alcohol problems tougher community punishments will lead to a reduction in the prison population, the Justice Secretary will say today. In a major speech aimed at setting the direction of the justice system, Liz Truss will say strengthening non-custodial sentences for low-level offenders will ultimately keep more people out of jail. But she will reject calls to impose shorter sentences in a bid to slash the 85,500 criminals behind bars warning that sex attackers and violent offenders will still face years in prison. Liz Truss will say strengthening non-custodial sentences for low-level offenders will ultimately keep more people out of jail She will dismiss Labour's calls for sweeping sentencing cuts as a 'dangerous attempt at a quick fix'. Shorter terms for the most criminals would be 'reckless and endanger the public'. However, for lesser offenders who would be hit with community sentences such as shoplifters, thieves and burglars the courts must 'get better' at using treatment programmes to break the cycle of crime. The system 'does not work as well as it should', says Miss Truss. She is expected to say: 'I want to see the numbers of people in our prisons go down but it has to be for the right reasons that we are successful in intervening early and tackling the scourge of drugs and alcohol that risks turning lesser offenders into hardened criminals, and that we are getting better at turning lives around in our prisons. 'The wrong approach would be reducing sentences for serious crimes or letting people out early.' Community sentences can include unpaid work, or treatment programmes for drug addiction and mental health conditions. Ministry of Justice research shows community sentences are most effective when they tackle problems that contribute to the offender's crime. Miss Truss will add: 'Early intervention is not a 'nice to have' added extra to the justice system, it is vital if we are ever to break the cycle of crime, punishment and more crime.' The speech, her first on sentencing since her appointment last summer, comes amid renewed concern about out-of-control jails in which prisoners have access to drink and drugs and prison officers struggle to keep order. This month's flagship Prisons and Courts Bill dubbed the biggest shake-up of jails in a generation will focus on reducing reoffending with a rehabilitation revolution, as well as tackling this spiralling jail violence and drug use. Miss Truss has secured an extra 104million a year, to be spent on funding 2,500 extra frontline prison officers, following years of complaints from the prison unions about dwindling numbers. She will also aim to distance the Government from Labour and shadow attorney general Shami Chakrabarti, who has demanded that the prison population be slashed. The Justice Secretary is to say that the rising prison numbers are 'right', because of an explosion in the number of people being sent to prison for the most heinous crimes. Speaking at the Centre For Social Justice think-tank, Miss Truss will say: 'What has actually happened is that the criminal justice system has got better at catching and convicting criminals who have perpetrated some of the most appalling crimes imaginable. Sentence lengths now better reflect the severity of crimes like domestic violence, rape and child abuse. 'It's not that the sum of human wickedness has doubled it's that we have driven that wickedness out from the shadows and put it where it belongs, behind bars. 'The wrong approach would be reducing sentences for serious crimes or letting people out early. 'There are those in Labour who want to turn back the clock and cut the prison population to the size it was in 1990, at around 45,000. 'This would be reckless and endanger the public.' Brexit could lead to the end of European Union, Jean-Claude Juncker has admitted Brexit could lead to the end of European Union, Jean-Claude Juncker has admitted. The EU chief said he feared Britain would divide the remaining 27 members by making different promises to each during negotiations. Mr Juncker, who also announced he would not be seeking a second term as European Commission president, vowed to stop Britain from making separate trade deals with member states. 'The other EU 27 don't know it yet, but the Brits know very well how they can tackle this,' he said. 'They could promise country A this, country B that and country C something else and the end game is that there is not a united European front. 'Do the Hungarians and the Poles want exactly the same thing as the Germans and the French? I have serious doubts'. Britain will trigger formal divorce talks with the EU by the end of March. It will be a major test for the bloc which is also facing challenges as a result of the refugee crisis and the election of Donald Trump as US president. Netherlands, France and Germany are also holding general elections this year, in which populist anti-EU parties are expected to make strong showings. Mr Juncker said the challenges meant it was imperative the EU stick together. 'Now everyone is saying in relation to Trump and Brexit: 'Now is Europe's big chance. Now is the time to close ranks and march together',' Mr Juncker said. 'I wish it will be like this, but will it happen? I have some doubt. Because the Brits will manage without big effort to divide the remaining 27 member states.' Mr Juncker said a protectionist trade policy by the Trump administration would be an opportunity for the EU to forge new trade alliances. 'It would be a change that we have to use. And we should not allow the Brits to pursue trade deals now with others because they are not allowed to do so.' He said that as long as Britain was in the bloc, the European Commission was in charge of negotiating trade deals. Mr Juncker also said he would not seek a second term as European Commission president when his five-year term expires in 2019. He became president in 2014 with the support of 26 out of 28 EU governments. Britain opposed his election, as he was a long-standing advocate of deeper EU integration. Mr Juncker said a protectionist trade policy by the Trump administration would be an opportunity for the EU to forge new trade alliances In his interview with broadcaster Deutschlandfunk, Mr Juncker said he had had 'a fine election campaign' in 2014 'but there won't be a second one, because I won't be putting myself forward as a candidate for a second time'. Conservative MEP David Campbell Bannerman dismissed Mr Juncker's comments. He said: 'The EU will be ended not by Brexit negotiations but by an unravelling of the Euro, shock elections in Netherlands, France and others, and a general loss of faith in the institutions. 'The EU is failing due to its own undemocratic, unaccountable design not the fact the UK is the first to see the light and leave.' Nigel Farage, the former Ukip leader, seized on the remarks as proof that the EU top brass were 'worried and nervous'. 'I am surprised that Jean-Claude Juncker is so worried about the British,' he said. 'From a UK perspective, I am pleased to see his nervousness. 'Up until now we have been constantly told it is going to be us versus the other 27.' He added: 'I think Mr Juncker, for the first time, is in a very weak position. Up until now the line from the Commission and Parliament is 'we will utterly unite and make life very difficult for the UK'. 'I sense there one or two cracks began to show and I also think we are beginning to see industries in member states who need the UK market badly, putting pressure on, so I see it as a great hope for the UK.' Eurosceptic Bill Cash, the Conservative MP for Stone, added: 'It is a thoroughly good idea that he doesn't stand again. In my opinion he has been a very divisive force.' Amazing footage of a life and death struggle between two of Australia's most deadly snakes has been captured. Stunning images of a red-bellied black snake attacking and then eating a smaller brown snake were captured on Saturday on a dirt track in Myponga in South Australia. The video which was posted to YouTube shows a small highly venomous brown snake stuck in the jaws of a large red-bellied black snake. Scroll down for video Stunning images of a red-bellied black snake attacking and then eating a smaller brown snake were captured on Saturday on a dirt track in Myponga in South Australia Sean Shaw who posted the video captioned it by saying that he saw the red-belly chase the brown across the road before it caught up with it and attacked it. The brown snake tries desperately to free itself from the larger predators jaws by biting the bigger snake several times but the bites seem to be in vain. The brown snake is also seen trying to flee but the red-bellied black snake is relentless with its grip on the smaller snake. The brown snake tries desperately to free itself from the larger predators jaws by biting the bigger snake several times but the bites seem to be in vain The brown snake is also seen trying to flee but the red-bellied black snake is relentless with its grip on the smaller snake The tussle lasts for two minutes when vision cuts away and then re-emerges showing the brown snake being engulfed by the larger predator. Mr Shaw told The Advertiser that the ordeal lasted for around 30 minutes and that the snakes eyes may have been bigger then its belly. 'When we left the brown snake was about half swallowed but (the red-bellied) seemed to have stalled!' Snake expert Chris Peberdy who is also known as the 'reptile wrangler' told Daily Mail Australia that even though highly deadly to humans the brown snake's venom would have had little effect on the red-belly. 'The black snake has evolved to develop an immunity to other Australian snakes venom,' Mr Peberdy said. 'It is something quite unique to the black snake and enables them to prey on other reptiles'. Mr Peberdy said the amazing attribute was something that could hopefully be studied and used to help humans. He also said that he had witnessed death adders kill one another even though they had been placed in separate bags and added that it was 'quite amazing that the black snake had developed the immunity'. For a country that tops the UNs World Happiness Report, Denmark doesnt get its due credit. Tell people youre visiting the country and they usually reply: Copenhagen? In contrast, mention western Denmark and youll get blank faces. But this family-friendly area is fabulous and even easier to reach thanks to a new BA service to Billund. Billund is Denmarks second-largest airport and just minutes from the original Legoland. This is an area built on plastic bricks the Lego factory itself is a mile from the theme park. On the surface, Legoland Billund is similar to the Windsor version, but here theres a fruit shop and dogs are allowed in. Importantly, queues can be minimal too in summer, helped by the Danish school holidays being in July, not August. Plastic fantastic: Claudia greets a dragon made of bricks Certainly, it has a kind of calm thats hard to pull off in a theme park. Stay at the Legoland hotel and you can nip in and out a resort pass also gets you into Lalandia, the giant water park next door. Unsurprisingly, Legoland has been the areas big tourism driver. But with typical Danish co-operation it was an instigator of the Happy Pass in 2013, designed to help smaller local attractions. Our drive to pretty Vejle, the regional capital, took us along empty roads bisecting countryside crowned by wind turbines. The landscape is strangely soothing, and its difficult to imagine Vikings marauding over this mild, flat land. One of the biggest collections of old Danish architecture lies north, in Aarhuss Old Town. By contrast, the city also has ultra-modern gallery ARoS, with its fantastic rooftop Rainbow Panorama installation. Shields up! Claudia enjoys a mock Viking battle at Ribe The town of Ribe matches Aarhus for historic charm cobbled streets and squares lined with beamed buildings. We wandered through the fairytale location, fortified by Danish pastries bought by the traditional half-foot measure. Thanks to its strategic maritime position, Ribe was also once a big Viking base. The sky was glowering at the VikingeCenter village, a reconstruction so compelling that people even spend holidays here, farming and living as medieval Scandinavians. In the drizzle, the village smelt evocatively of wood-smoke, wet thatch and animals. Our daughter Claudia wandered through the living spaces, baking bread on a metal spoon and whittling a stick with a lathe. The highlight, though, was warrior-training, where children can learn sword skills, taking on the instructor in mock battles, and fire real arrows from a bow. If there was an adult version of this, youd stay all day. We looked on enviously. Still, we did get to try on a genuine Viking helmet before we pillaged the cafe for tea. A family holiday in Denmark? You wont be disappointed. Andre Balazs the owner of A-list London hotel and restaurant Chiltern Firehouse is expecting his third child at 60, I can reveal. Andres low-key romance with socialite Cosima Vesey, daughter of Viscount de Vesci and great niece of the late Earl of Snowdon, has resulted in her surprise pregnancy. The tycoon, who has dated Hollywood star Uma Thurman in the past, will play his part in the childs upbringing, though he and Cosima, 29, are not a couple. Andre Balazs (left) the owner of A-list London hotel and restaurant Chiltern Firehouse is expecting his third child with socialite Cosima Vesey (right) Andre who is known as the King of clubs has two daughters from a previous marriage, which ended in 2004. A friend tells me: The pregnancy was unexpected but Cosima is delighted and Andre supports her decision. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (pictured) failed to show up at a Bafta nominees party last night in their own home The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge failed to show up at a Bafta nominees party last night in their own home. William is president of Bafta and will walk the red carpet tonight with Kate at the Royal Albert Hall after missing last years event. But the pair missed the party in the Kings Gallery of Kensington Palace much to the disappointment of stars. We hoped William would come it would have meant a lot to the nominees if he had, says my Bafta insider. But our priority is the main event and we are pleased he is at least attending that, with Kate, this year. She's an award-winning British actress. And Thandie Newton oozed star quality as she attended the 18th annual Charles Finch & Chanel Pre-BAFTAs Dinner held at London's Annabel's on Saturday. The youthful beauty, 44, stood out in a colourful silk dress as she posed for photographers. Scroll down for video Turning heads: Thandie Newton oozed star quality as she attended the 18th annual Charles Finch & Chanel Pre-BAFTAs Dinner held at London's Annabel's on Saturday Flaunting a hint of side-boob, Thandie showed off her fabulous figure in the plunging halterneck dress, emblazoned with fun car motifs. Cinched in at the waist and skimming the floor, it made the most of her statuesque figure. Teaming it with a silver clutch and showing off her black pedicure in her peep-toe sandals, her look was complete. Posing up a storm! The youthful beauty, 44, stood out in a colourful silk dress as she posed for photographers And showing off her natural beauty under minimal make-up, she sported a bold red lip and added a touch of blusher to her flawless golden complexion. With her raven hair tumbling in light waves over he shoulder, she looked every inch the Hollywood star. The mother-of-three arrived at celebrity favourite Annabel's for a star-studded dinner ahead of Sunday's BAFTAs. Racy! Flaunting a hint of side-boob, Thandie showed off her fabulous figure in the plunging halterneck dress, emblazoned with fun car motifs Sizzling! Cinched in at the waist and skimming the floor, it made the most of her statuesque figure Thandie, who is a proud vegan and studied Anthropology at Cambridge, narrowly missed out after being nominated for Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe her role in HBO series Westworld. Starring as Maeve Milly, a prostitute in a wild west theme park, she opened up about her nude scenes to The Guardian last month. 'Its so ironic that here I was, utterly, utterly naked and I felt completely liberated. 'Not because I was naked but because it was my choice. Totally my choice.' Westworld, which co-stars Anthony Hopkins and Ben Barnes, was nominated for several Golden Globes including Best Drama TV Series and Best Actress in A Drama TV Series. She and musician husband Gary Clark Jr, tied the knot in April last year. And Australian model Nicole Trunfio has revealed intimate details about her sex life, admitting her man doesn't like her wearing lingerie, preferring when she leaves it off. The remark came as she told The Sydney Morning Herald about their Valentine's Day plans. Scroll down for video 'He likes it off': Australian model Nicole Trunfio has revealed intimate details about her sex life, admitting her man doesn't like her wearing lingerie, preferring when she leaves it off After recently completing a shoot for lingerie brand Pleasure State, the 30-year-old personality told the publication: 'My husband doesn't like any lingerie, he doesn't care about it.' 'He likes it off,' she added with a laugh. 'Lingerie is more for the woman.' Going strong: Nicole and Gary Clark Jr (pictured) tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Palm Springs, California, in April last year Raunchy: Nicole recently completed a shoot for lingerie brand Pleasure State (pictured) Nicole and Gary tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Palm Springs, California, in April last year. On the day, fellow Australian models Gemma Ward and Jessica Gomes served as bridesmaids. Nicole tied the knot in a breathtaking gown by Australian designer Steven Khalil, who told Daily Mail Australia it was an 'honour' to work with the supermodel. The pair share a son, Zion, two, and the pair are based in the US with their clan. Family: The pair share a son, Zion, two, and the pair are based in the US with their clan They recently moved into a Texan ranch and before that, were based in New York. In January, Zion celebrated his second birthday and in a sweet video, thought he was nine years old and also six years old, when asked by his mother. Nicole captioned the video, gushing over her boy: 'Happy Birthday my love. I am so lucky to be your mama. And Yes! You do act so much older than your age #oldsoul and the sweetest thing I ever did see. #zionthelion,' she captioned the video. She's a romantic at heart. And on Saturday, Gwen Stefani couldn't help but capture a wedding on her phone. The Voice judge traveled to an undisclosed, beach side location, where she witnessed the marriage of an unknown couple from her balcony. In plain sight: On Saturday, Gwen Stefani, 47, traveled to an undisclosed, beach side location, where she witnessed the marriage of an unknown couple from her balcony The 47-year-old documented her adventure on Snapchat. Gwen looked glamourous in her classic dark eyes and red lip combo. Her blond hair was pulled back in a tight, high ponytail. Group trip: The No Doubt front woman was accompanied by a few pals for the outing The No Doubt front woman was accompanied by a few pals for the outing. At one point in her trip, she headed out to the balcony, where she spotted a couple getting married. 'They're kissing, they're kissing, they're kissing!' she exclaimed. Blake was also along for the trip, but was not pictured during her beach day. 'Kiss': At one point, she headed out to the balcony, where she spotted a couple getting married On Friday, the lovebirds were in LA supporting pal Adam Levine as he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Gwen will return as a judge alongside Alicia Keys, Blake and Adam. Season 12 of the hit show will premiere on NBC on Tuesday, February 28. News of Kylie Minogue and fiance Joshua Sasse's split shocked the world last week. And now Rose Byrne, 37, has weighed in on the impact the couple's demise, will likely have on the marriage equality debate in Australia. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at Tropfest in Sydney on Saturday, the Hollywood star said it was 'sad' the Say I Do Down Under campaign has stopped following Kylie's split from Joshua, who spearheaded the campaign following their engagement. Scroll down for video Sad: Rose Byrne, 37, has weighed in on the break up of Kylie Minogue and Joshua Sasse saying she was sad to hear the split would also end their 'Say I Do Down Under' gay marriage campaign 'I'm so saddened to hear that, I just learnt I didn't know that [because] they had separated the campaign had changed,' Rose said on the black carpet at the renowned short film festival. 'I'm really sad, I was so encouraged and impressed by what the campaign was doing. 'I am pro-gay marriage and I think it's ridiculous people can't marry who they want to marry in Australia in this day and age.' Outspoken: 'I think it's ridiculous people can't marry who they want to marry in Australia,' Rose told Daily Mail Australia at Tropfest in Sydney on Saturday night This is the end: Kylie Minogue broke off her year-long engagement to Joshua Sasse last week and as a result the Say I Do Down Under campaign led by the couple also ended In addition to Rose, the campaign had the support of homegrown stars Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney and Natalie Imbruglia. In November, Kylie and Joshua appeared on stage at the ARIA Awards in Sydney to protest for equality. The couple wore the movement's signature 'Say I Do Down Under' t-shirts as they continued the campaign to legalise same-sex marriage. But just months later the pair had split, with their engagement said to have ended over rumours that Joshua had gotten close to actress Marta Milan. Standing up! In November, Kylie and Joshua appeared on stage at the ARIA Awards in Sydney to protest for equality Powerful group: Rose was among a number of homegrown stars including Margot Robbie and Jai Courtney to support the campaign Despite Kylie reportedly being left devastated by the end of yet another long term relationship, it seemed her sister Dannii and family weren't as upset. Showbiz reporter and friend of the Minogue's Peter Ford told Kyle and Jackie 'O' on KIIS FM that her family were 'celebrating' the split. 'Relief is the word. They always had concerns. Dannii is like a sniffer dog. She can suss out a bulls**t artist anywhere and she did not like him,' Peter said. 'Thank god this didn't end up in a marriage. It would have been much messier and nastier.' Trouble in paradise: A source told the Sunday People : 'She started to suspect Joshua over the festive period and they had been arguing since November' Rumour has it: The singer, 48, has allegedly 'ditched' her dazzling engagement ring and is keen to move on from the failed relationship After discussing Kylie and Joshua's split, Rose also hinted she may stick to making children's movies for the near future. When asked on the black carpet what she would be working on after finishing with Peter Rabbit, Rose said: 'Not sure what is next but we will see - maybe another kids movie'. The actress is currently filming the Beatrix Potter classic in Centennial Park, Sydney. Going casual: Also on the Tropfest carpet was veteran actor Sam Neill, who attempted to combat the 40 degree heat in a light cotton shirt and chino pants Fancy seeing you! The Jurassic Park star caught up with Tropfest founder and director John Polson, with the pair happily embracing each other in greeting Stunning: Leading the ladies fashion pack was a stunning 2015 Miss Universe Australia Monika Radulovic 'It's going to be a really good one for him and my nephews,' Rose gushed. 'It's a super cute film.' She was joined at the film festival by a number of actors, actresses and celebrities including Sam Neill and 2015 Miss Universe Australia Monika Radulovic. Rose has been in a relationship with actor Bobby Cannavalesince 2012 and the couple welcomed their first son last year. The Tiangong-2 space lab will receive on-orbit transfer of liquid propellant from Tianzhou-1. (Photo : China Manned Space Engineering Office) China's Tianzhou-1 cargo and resupply spacecraft will be launched by a new Long March 7 rocket in April to dock with the orbiting Tiangong-2 space lab 390 kilometers above the Earth. The 13-tonne, 9m long, 3.35m diameter Tianzhou-1, which is equipped with a 6,500-kg cargo capacity, is designed for refueling and resupplying the future Chinese Space Station (CSS), which will be launched in 2018. Advertisement It will test the on-orbit transfer of liquid propellant to Tiangong-2 during the mission. The spacecraft can also be used to remove waste from the CSS, which will then burn up in the atmosphere along with the deorbited Tianzhou vessel. Thus, the launch is a test of key technologies needed for the CSS in establishing a permanent human presence in space.The CSS will be equipped with three 20-tonne modules that could host up to six astronauts, with groups of three staying for around six months each. The completion of the CSS is scheduled in 2022. Tiangong-2 hosted two astronauts for China's longest human spaceflight mission late last year. Tianzhou-1 and its Long March 7 carrier rocket will be shipped from Tianjin to the Wenchang Space Launch Centre on the southern island province of Hainan in February. Rendezvous and docking with Tiangong-2 will occur three to five days after launch, much slower than the two days taken crewed Shenzhou spacecraft take to dock with space labs. Li Jian of the Beijing Aerospace Control Centre noted that since this approach requires less fuel consumption, more fuel can be transferred to the target.The various compartments of Tianzhou can be used to store food, space equipment and other supplies, along with the propellant required to maintain its orbit. Other science experiments that could be undertaken at Tianzhou-1 in addition to those already running on Tiangong-2 include a cell bioreactor to test the influence of microgravity on mammalian cells. He recently lost out on a SAG award. But Hugh Grant appeared in good spirits a he attended a pre BAFTA party hosted by Charles Finch and Chanel at Kensington Palace with Anna Eberstein on Saturday. The British actor, 56, beamed as he posed with his Swedish TV producer girlfriend, 34, who flaunted her long legs in an LBD. Scroll down for video Hugh Grant appeared in good spirits a he attended a pre BAFTA party hosted by Charles Finch and Chanel at Kensington Palace with Anna Eberstein on Saturday The geometric-print black dress skimmed the tops of her thighs, hugging her toned curves perfectly. Accentuating her toned pins, she wore a pair of ankle strap pointy court shoes and accessorised with a golden clutch. Leaving her blonde hair loose, she smiled happily as she posed with dapper Hugh. Happy: The British actor, 56, beamed as he posed with his Swedish TV producer girlfriend, 34 Hugh looked in good spirits after losing out at the SAG Awards last month. The star was up for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the Meryl Streep movie Florence Foster Jenkins. He faced competition from Jeff Bridges, Lucas Hedges and Dev Patel, ultimately losing out to Mahershala Ali for his role in Moonlight. Cheery: Hugh looked in good spirits after losing out at the SAG Awards last month While it is not known where he met Anna, the pair have two young children together - a son John, born in 2012, and a second child welcomed in October 2015. The sex and name of the baby remains a mystery, but the birth was confirmed by Anna's mother to a Swedish newspaper. The star also raises two other children - a daughter Tabitha, four, and son Felix, two, with Chinese beauty Tinglan Hong. She's based in the US with her family, American musician husband Gary Clark Jr, and their two-year-old son, Zion. And Australian model Nicole Trunfio has opened up about raising their biracial boy amid political and racial tensions in America. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Nicole said: 'I think it will be amazing when people stop seeing colour and race and culture and just all become one.' Scroll down for video Family: Australian model Nicole Trunfio has opened up about raising her biracial two year old son, Zion, in the US amid racial tensions. She shares Zion with musician husband Gary Clark Jr Saying she wanted to keep 'positive' after Donald Trump was elected president, she added: 'My son is a product of love and my husband and I are very conscious that we are in an interracial relationship.' She and Gary first welcomed their little boy in January two years ago. The statuesque beauty recently gushed about Zion in an Instagram post, when she shared a video of him thinking his age was both nine and six years old. 'My son is a product of love': Nicole and Gary welcomed their child (pictured) in January two years ago 'Happy Birthday my love. I am so lucky to be your mama. And Yes! You do act so much older than your age #oldsoul and the sweetest thing I ever did see. #zionthelion,' she captioned the video. Nicole - who was previously pictured on the cover of Elle Magazine breastfeeding Zion - also recently spoke about what it was like to take her little man to dinner, alone. 'It was magically mind blowing. The amount you can learn from watching, and being so conscious and present in these moments with your child, is profound and irreplaceable. #wakeup and smell blossoms of your children,' she wrote online. Her boys: The statuesque beauty recently gushed about Zion in an Instagram post, saying she was 'so lucky to be your mama' Nicole is best known for her appearances on several modelling reality shows, including Make Me a Supermodel and The Face Australia. She was the winner of the third season of Make Me A Supermodel in 2002, before going on to win second place on Supermodel Of The World. She also has several acting credits on her resume, including being featured in the Australian film Two Fists, One Heart. The beauty has also appeared in British and Italian Vogue. Her pop-up shop is getting ready to open its doors in NYC just in time for Valentine's Day. And on Saturday, Kylie Jenner stopped by Soho to check out her second brick-and-mortar store. The 19-year-old megastar was joined by her 27-year-old boyfriend Tyga at the pink-themed location before the couple turned business into pleasure and enjoyed a date night together at Nobu in Manhattan. Girl boss duties: On Saturday, Kylie Jenner, 19, stopped by Soho to check out her second brick-and-mortar store Matching: Her caramel ice coffee matched her nude-toned outfit 'Alright, I've pretty much been designing this store over the phone,' Kylie announced via Snapchat, sitting on a plush bed that served as decoration, 'It looks amazing!' 'I put holiday (collection) in here for you guys, Koko collection, birthday edition from last year is here for you guys, the burgundy and The Bronze Palette, a lot of Royal Peach...I got new merch in here and some old stuff.' 'My orange flames was a bestseller so I put this back in and I have the updated flames,' she continued, showing off the goods. Date night: Kylie was joined by Tyga, 27, at the pink-themed location before the couple enjoyed a date night together at Nobu in Manhattan Time for fun: After putting in girl boss hours, the makeup tycoon and her rapper beau headed to Nobu in Manhattan to enjoy a date night in a New York minute Looking good: Kylie rocked a camel-toned outfit for her day-to-night outing Handling it: Kylie spoke with the organizers and employees of her store She approves: 'Alright, I've pretty much been designing this store over the phone,' Kylie announced via Snapchat, 'It looks amazing!' So soon! The store is set to open its doors in Soho on Monday, February 13 Another video shows Kylie talking to an organizer, inspecting the products and giving her approval on the turnout of the pop-up. The temporary outlet will give fans the opportunity to get their hands on Jenner's highly-coveted lip kits (5,500 of them, to be exact), new Kylie Shop merchandise, and older bestsellers. The store is set to open its doors in Soho on Monday, February 13. Responsibility: Another video shows Kylie talking to an organizer, inspecting the products and giving her approval on the turnout of the pop-up Owning it: Kylie posed in front of boxes in the storage compartment of her store New stuff: The 19-year-old showed off her new merchandise Its theme matches that of Jenner's Los Angeles pop-up shop that opened in December and features television screens on the walls playing artistic videos of the young entrepreneur herself. If the New York location is anything like its west coast counterpart, lines will be around the block from the early morning hours. After putting in girl boss hours, the makeup tycoon and her rapper beau headed to Nobu in Manhattan to enjoy a date night in a New York minute. Decked out: Kylie's day-to-night wear consisted of a see-through mesh full-body suit in a nude tone Kylie's day-to-night wear consisted of a see-through mesh full-body suit in a nude tone. The seductive number featured a mockneck and allowed for a peak of the young starlet's matching nude undergarments. Jenner shielded herself from the bone-chilling NYC weather with an orange-brown suede coat that dusted the floor behind her and over-the-knee Le Silla stiletto suede boots ($997). She topped off the outfit with a Givenchy Antigona Medium Braided Satchel Bag in caramel ($2,995), drop diamond earrings, and her 'promise ring,' gifted by Tyga - a massive oval diamond ring worn on her left ring finger. Her dark brown tresses - recently shopped short due to damage from going blonde - were swept up into a sleek top knot. 'We love each other:' In November, the teenager spoke about her relationship with the father-of-one in an interview with Complex For makeup, the youngest KarJenner opted for a subtle brown smokey-eye and a nude, taupe lip. The Rack City rapper wore a black, blue and red sweat outfit with red sneakers and matching sunglasses. He accessorized with plenty of diamonds around his wrist and his own over-the-top diamond ring, thought to have been a gift from Jenner. What an outfit: The seductive number featured a mockneck and allowed for a peak of the young starlet's matching nude undergarments Rockin': The Rack City rapper wore a black, blue and red sweat outfit with red sneakers and matching sunglasses In November, the teenager spoke about her relationship with the father-of-one in an interview with Complex. She said: 'We love each other, we need to be together at all times. We never get mad at each other, we just figure things out.' Kylie's trip to New York also included stopping by New York Fashion Week events, such as Jeremy Scott's show on Friday evening. She is nominated for eight Grammy prizes, including Record of the Year for Drake collaboration Work. And ahead of the big night, Rihanna stepped out for Roc Nation's exclusive pre-Grammy brunch on Saturday in Los Angeles. The 28-year-old pop star flashed a smile and her toned midsection in a bold orange and white mullet crop top. Top of the crops! Rihanna stepped out for Roc Nation's exclusive pre-Grammy brunch on Saturday in Los Angeles Rihanna looked gorgeous in the orange and white striped asymmetrical silk blouse. She teamed the bright look with a crisp white pair of high-waisted ankle-length trousers and matching strappy stilettos. The Barbados born beauty pulled her brunette tresses back into a sleek ponytail and sported a pretty pink lipstick color on her pout. The Diamonds hit-maker accessorized with statement-making orange crystal ear crawlers as well as a David Webb diamond bracelet and blue ring. Orange-ya happy! The 28-year-old pop star - who is nominated for eight Grammy awards - flashed a smile and her toned midsection in a bold orange and white mullet crop top Glowing: The Diamonds hit-maker accessorized with statement-making orange crystal ear crawlers as well as a David Webb diamond bracelet and blue ring The stylish songstress topped off her polished look with a coordinating jewel-toned clutch, white shades, and an orange rock on her left ring finger. Rihanna is nominated for eight different categories including Record of the Year, Urban Contemporary Album, Pop Duo/ Group Performance featuring Drake, and R&B Performance. The 2017 Grammys will air Sunday on CBS at 8 pm E.T. The man himself: Rihanna mingled with Jay Z, Roc Nation founder and longtime friend Good times: RiRi and the expecting father shared a laugh at the celebratory brunch Doing well: The duo shared a high five, undoubtedly celebrating their success Stylish songstress! She accessorized with statement-making orange crystal ear crawlers, loads of bracelets on each wrist, a jewel-toned clutch and white shades In addition to her musical success, the star will soon appear in the female-led fourth installment of the Ocean's casino heist series. The anthology was made modern-day famous by George Clooney and Brad Pitt's Ocean's Eleven, which was a remake of the rat pack's 1960 original version by the same name. Gangs all here: Jaden Smith, 18, was also present at the star-studded brunch Rihanna will appear in Ocean's Eight alongside several of the greats for her role in the film, with this edition's all-girls team of thieves led by Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett. Other members of the cast include rapper and actor Awkwafina, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson and Adriana Lima. Ocean's Eight is set to premiere in June 2018, according to IMDB. A fitness course backed by Biggest Loser trainer Steve 'Commando' Willis has gone into voluntary administration. Sage Institute of Fitness consists of seven campuses around Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and was once touted as a 'leader among registered training organisations'. Steve Willis acts as the celebrity ambassador for Sage and has featured in numerous ads for the brand. Game over: Sage Instute of a fitness course backed by Biggest Loser trainer Steve 'Commando' Willis has gone into voluntary administration The news comes months after the Federal Government rolled out tougher criteria for vocational education and training colleges to be eligible for funding. 'There have not been given any federal government payments since late last year,' administrator George Georges told the Sydney Morning Herald. '[Sage Institute of Fitness was ] meant to be resuming in March, but it has been a number of months and there has been a drying up of cash.' Poster boy: Steve Willis acts as the celebrity ambassador for Sage and has featured in numerous ads for the brand The publication reported that Sage earned more than $32 million through its defunct VET FEE-HELP student loans scheme, while only 45 per cent of students graduated. It comes after a former student James Dixon, 33, slammed Sage, claiming that it offers poor facilities, a lack of training and 'scholarship' which encourages students into racking up thousands in debt. 'The facilities are absolutely s***house,' Mr Dixon told the Sydney Morning Herald in September last year. Reports: The publication reported that Sage earned more than $32 million through its defunct VET FEE-HELP student loans scheme, while only 45 per cent of students graduated 'The facilities are absolutely s***house': It comes after a former student James Dixon, 33, slammed Sage, claiming that it offers poor facilities, a lack of training and 'scholarship' which encourages students into racking up thousands in debt 'If you were paying for your membership at a gym you would ask for your money back. They are expecting students to come out and say I learnt at Sage. It is a joke.' Mr Dixon, a father and full-time worker who was studying the diploma on the side, told Sydney Morning Herald he had been promised a scholarship for the course which charges up to $18,000 in fees. 'When I got to the actual campus they said I need to fill out a VET-FEE Help form. What they meant by scholarship was that they credit $500 off the cost and you get a $15,000 enrollment.' However, Sage claimed it did not engage in any deceptive practices to entice enrollments. Statement: Administrator Ferrier Hodgson has published an official statement on the Sagewebsite He began acting in 1971 at the tender age of just 20. And now, more than four decades on, Geoffrey Rush, 65, has been honoured for his contribution to cinema and his incredibly successful career. The Academy Award winner was presented with the Berlinale Camera on Saturday as acting royalty gathered at the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin. Scroll down for video Honoured: Australian actor Geoffrey Rush has been presented with the Berlinale Camera Award at the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin First presented in 1986, the award recognises 'film personalities or institutions to which it feels particularly indebted and wishes to express its thanks'. Also handed the award alongside Rush was Hong Kong-based film producer and distributor Nansun Shi and Egyptian film critic and author Samir Farid. Rocking his trademark frazzled hairdo, Rush appeared excited as he walked the red carpet before the festival. In a charcoal suit with a large black overcoat, the Australian star looked suave as he smiled and posed for the enormous flock of photographers. Legend: The 65-year-old began acting in 1971 at the tender age of just 20 and has established himself as a Hollywood star over more than four decades Award winner: Rush was presented with the Berlinale Camera recognising 'film personalities or institutions to which it feels particularly indebted and wishes to express its thanks' After receiving his award Rush had the crowd in hysterics as he recounted some of his most memorable career moments. Rush began his career on television before his lead role in the hit 1996 movie Shine catapulted him to stardom. He won an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA and AACTA for his portrayal of pianist David Helfgott. Stylish: In a charcoal suit with a large black overcoat, the Australian star looked suave as he smiled and posed for the enormous flock of photographers Academy Award winner: Rush began his career on television before his lead role in the hit 1996 movie Shine catapulted him to stardom Funny man: After receiving his award Rush had the crowd in hysterics as he recounted some of his most memorable career moments From there he went on to star in other hit films including Shakespeare In Love, Quills, Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Nemo and The King's Speech. The film festival also saw the premiere of Rush's latest film, Final Portrait. Directed by Stanley Tucci, the movie is a biopic about sculptor and painter Alberto Giacometti. Final Portrait is the first film The Hunger Games star Tucci has directed in 10 years and also features Armie Hammer, Clemence Poesy, Tony Shalhoub, James Faulkner and Sylvie Testud. Jennifer Aniston celebrated her 48th birthday on Saturday. And on her special day, the actress' husband Justin Theroux honored his lady love on social media. The 45-year-old actor, who married Jennifer in August 2015, took to Instagram to wish his spouse a 'HBDJ.' Doting husband! Justin Theroux wished his wife Jennifer Aniston a 'HBDJ' on her 48th birthday Saturday and shared a rare selfie of the pair on Instagram Justin's pithy yet sentimental caption included a heart emoji and a hug and a kiss. The Leftovers star shared a rare selfie of the couple which showed the pair surrounded by palm tree leaves. The sweet shot showed Justin and Jennifer's heads touching as they huddled closely together for the picture. In the candid image, the Friends star blew a kiss with her left hand which revealed a solid band on her ring finger rather than her large diamond engagement ring Justin gifted the blonde beauty in 2012. Private pair: Justin rarely shares photos of Jennifer on his Instagram account. Nearly a year ago, the Zoolander 2 actor shared this shot of Jennifer while they were in Paris Justin rarely shares photos of Jennifer on his Instagram account. Nearly a year ago, the Zoolander 2 actor shared a photo of Jennifer looking out at the Eiffel Tower while they were in Paris for his film. And before that in December 2015, Justin shared a throwback shot of Jennifer from the 2013 Oscars for 'Women Crush Wednesday.' Justin and Jennifer began dating in 2011 and became engaged in August 2012, and they were married almost exactly three years to the day after that. 'XO': In December 2015, Justin shared a throwback shot of Jennifer from the 2013 Oscars for 'Women Crush Wednesday' She's garnered two nominations for her work on Hidden Figures and Empire. And Taraji P Henson certainly looked like a winner as she sashayed down the red carpet at the NAACP Image awards on Saturday. The 46-year-old Person of Interest actress looked stunning in a sleeveless black number that fell all the way to the floor. Scroll down for video Head-turner: Taraji P Henson certainly looked like a winner as she sashayed down the red carpet at the NAACP Image awards on Saturday Of course the focus was a very high split that almost reached her waist and showed off her toned legs. A piece of black leather also adorned the garment on the right side, which served as an interesting design element. Some delicate, black strappy stilettos added a few inches to her five-foot-five-inch frame. Accessories included a wide geometric bracelet on her left wrist and some very elaborate gold chandelier earrings which boasted some eye-catching red elements. Eye-popping! Of course the focus was a very high split that almost reached her waist and showed off her toned legs Her raven tresses were brushed to the right side, and also teased up into a tight bun on the top of her head. Pale violet lip gloss, light blush and some particularly distinctive sparkly eye make-up ensured the Hollywood vet glittered for the cameras. While Taraji will have to wait and see if she comes away with a win, 45 winners were announced on Friday, with organizers holding back nine more winners for the live broadcast on TV One. The Barry Jenkins drama Moonlight racked up wins for outstanding independent motion picture, writing and directing. Mahershala Ali, of Luke Cage and House of Cards fame, took home the honors for outstanding supporting actor. Complementary: Some delicate, black strappy stilettos added a few inches to her five-foot-five-inch frame Distinctive: Her raven tresses were brushed to the right side, and also teased up into a tight bun on the top of her head The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story garnered three wins: outstanding directing in a drama series for John Singleton for the episode The Race Card; outstanding actor in a television movie, limited-series or dramatic special for Courtney B. Vance; and outstanding television movie, limited-series or dramatic special. Black-ish also took home a trio of honors for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series, for Laurence Fishburne; outstanding performance by a youth for Marsai Martin; and outstanding writing in a comedy series for Kenya Barris for the episode Hope. The show's star Anthony Anderson will host the proceedings for the fourth year in a row. Other notable victors included Idris Elba for outstanding character voice-over performance for The Jungle Book; Maxwell for outstanding male artist; and Viola Davis for outstanding supporting actress in a motion picture for Fences. The ceremony - to be held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium - was slated to air on TV One, with the red carpet proceedings slated for 7:30/6:30c and the show at 9/8c. Recognized: Hidden Figures earned three Image nominations, as well as three Oscar nominations Menacing: Taraji also earned a nomination for her work in Empire The second group of contestants on My Kitchen Rules were introduced on the show on Sunday. And fans are sure in for a treat, with a range of personalities introduced. 'Married hipster' and contestant Court showed off her extremely sensitive side on the show, with the 'recovering vegan and vegetarian' crying a whopping four times during Albert and Dave's instant restaurant. Scroll down for video She's sensitive: 'Recovering vegan and vegetarian' Court (pictured) cried FOUR TIMES on Sunday's MKR, as Dave and Albert ran their instant restaurant At one point, after Court cried after the main dish was slammed, fellow contestant Matt said to camera: 'Get a tissue and move on.' 'There's empathy and there's 'Court empathy',' he added. Matt's wife Alyse added: 'It's off the Richter scale.' In the hot seat! Albert (L) and Dave (R) cooked up a Cantonese and Asian meal Over it? At one point, after Court cried after the main dish was slammed, fellow contestant Matt (R, seen with wife Alyse) said to camera: 'Get a tissue and move on' While crying, Court told her husband Duncan that she felt bad that Albert and Dave were trying their best with cooking, but to no avail. 'Do you think they're okay, do you think they feel okay in their hearts?,' the brunette said, before bursting out into tears. She also cried after Albert and Dave were slammed for their entree. 'I just feel bad for them, when someone cooks for you it's a lovely thing, you just want to be thankful for that,' Court said to the table. Contestants Della and Tully added about Court: 'She's very senso (sic),' using slang for sensitive. Upset: Court also cried after Albert and Dave were slammed for their entree They tried: An entree of eight treasures fortune bag with scallops was served At one point of the night, Court revealed at the dining table that she is a 'recovering vegan and vegetarian.' 'Every time I eat a piece of meat, I think of it as a life,' she said, adding to camera she thinks about where her food comes from. Seafood lover Josh remarked to camera that Court is in, 'La La Land.' 'When I eat meat, I don't think, "how many kids has this animal had?" or "who it's been hanging out with" or "what kind of life it's led," he added to camera. In another moment, she and Duncan also said they like to pack on the public displays of affection, and have a term, called 'credit card.' They say then swipe each other on the body to show affection, after saying 'credit card'. Interesting: In another moment, she and Duncan also said they like to pack on the public displays of affection, and have a term, called 'credit card' On the evening, Albert and Dave - who moved to Australia with their family from Hong Kong as children - served up their take on Cantonese and Asian cuisine. The brothers - who are from NSW - whipped up an entree of eight treasures fortune bag with scallops, a main of hainan chicken, and a dessert of Hong Kong egg tart with warm banana. They said they wanted to make their mother 'proud' with their dishes and their interpretation of her cooking, but were disappointed when they failed to impress with their entree and main. They put a twist on their entree and main, cooking the entree using an egg pancake as the outside of the bag. Intricate: A main of hainan chicken was whipped up For the main, they skipped cooking a whole chicken and keeping chicken skin, instead using chicken tendors rather than the traditional way. Some bits of their chicken was raw, while other bits were overcooked. Judge Manu Feildel said their egg texture was rubbery for their entree and he wasn't 'very impressed,' scoring it a three. He gave them a score of six for their main, and a nine, for dessert. Judge Pete Evans said he wasn't that much of a fan of the entree, scoring it a four, and thought the way they cooked their chicken for the main 'let you down,' scoring them a three. Tasty! A dessert of Hong Kong egg tart with warm banana was cooked, getting rave reviews 'Foodie friends': Della (L) and Tully (R) were also introduced on the evening However he said he couldn't fault their dessert and gave the pair a nine. The contestants scored the pair 26/50, giving them a grand score of 60/110. Dave and Albert thought they achieved a fair score thanks to their lucklustre dishes, but were glad they pulled off the dessert, which was loved by their competitors. Up next to cook, are bubbly sisters Kelsey and Amanda. How will they go? Up next to cook, are bubbly sisters Kelsey(L) and Amanda (R) Advertisement They are two of the hottest properties in modelling. And Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid teamed up for Alexander Wang's Spring 2017 show on Saturday at New York Fashion Week. The models wore leather bottoms and dramatic eye make-up as they strutted down the catwalk in front of their celeb-pack, which included some of their closest friends and family members. Catwalk queens! Kendall Jenner, 21, and Bella Hadid, 20, ruled the runway at Alexander Wang's Spring 2017 show on Saturday at New York Fashion Week Kendall, 21, modeled leather trousers, booties, and a leather choker as she wore a masculine button down top. While Bella, 20, sported the same booties but with a twist - leather hotpants over black leggings with a statement shirt. Earlier that day Wang revealed he has an upcoming Adidas collaboration, and teased it at fashion week by walking the runway. Meanwhile, Kylie Jenner was on hand backstage to snap selfies with Kendall and Bella, clearly proud of her sister and pal. Street chic: The younger sister of supermodel Gigi Hadid donned a black and white printed top which read, 'Night Of Treason' while making her way down the catwalk Lean limbs: The brunette beauty donned skintight black leather pants which encased her endless slender pins Kendall recently answered questions for a fun Q&A for Vogue. In the session the girls - along with fellow cover stars Ashley Graham, Adwoa Aboah, Liu Wen, Vittoria Ceretti, and Imaan Hammam - take turns asking each other questions. Kendall was asked what tattoo she would give Gigi and the KUWTK star replied that 'it would have something to do with me - right on her forehead'. The leggy brunette then cheekily added that the tattoo should instead go on Gigi's chest and say 'Kenny is the best'. Italian beauty Vittoria asked Kendall what she would choose if she had to eat only chips and guacamole or cheese quesadilla for the rest of her life. Fancy footwear! The Victoria's Secret model added extra height to her statuesque frame in a pair of black leather studded heels Proud: Kylie Jenner, 19, attended the highly-coveted presentation as she showed support for her older sister Picture perfect! The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star posed up a storm and took selfies backstage with gal pal Bella Kendall chose chips and guac as it 'sounds a little healthier'. Gigi revealed that if she wasn't a supermodel she'd probably still be in school and playing volleyball. Meanwhile Ashley, 28, confessed that she's not bad at anything and joked 'because I don't do anything I'm bad at'. Liu, 29, admitted her favorite McDonald's snack is french fries. Who would play Adwoa in the movie version of her life? Morgan Freeman of course, came the response from the British born beauty. Gorgeous gals! The stunning trio posed backstage as Kylie flaunted her taut tummy in a cutout cropped top Lovely in leather: The genetically-gifted stunner wore a pair of black opaque tights and leather shorts The seven women looked fantastic during the photoshoot wearing black turtlenecks and colorful patterned shorts as they danced and posed for the camera. Vogue's March issue declares 'No norm is the new norm' on its front cover and celebrates the changing landscape of the fashion world and women inhabiting their 'own particular gorgeousness' Kendall said: 'With all thats going on in the world, this cover makes such an important statement. Its like, hey, weve got our differences, but those differences are beautiful. Everyone is beautiful.' The edition also features Adriana Lima, Jasmine Tookes and Jasmine Sanders posing in slinky blush tone slips. Discussing the evolving definition of beauty, Vogue invited several designers to share their thoughts including Stella McCartney, Michael Kors and Prabal Gurung. An aerial view of the Shanghai Disney Resort. (Photo : Getty Images News) The strong start of Shanghai Disney Resort partially offset the earnings drop suffered by The Walt Disney Company in the first quarter. The resort received more than 7 million visitors since its opening in June, which could help them to break even this year, according to Christine McCarthy, Walt Disney Company's chief financial officer. She added that Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland also exhibited improved results that helped them boost revenues. Advertisement Shanghai Disney Resort is equipped with a theme park, two themed hotels and a Broadway-style theater, among other settings. Its Chinese New Year celebration was a huge success with its special lineup of activities featuring Disney characters in traditional Chinese costumes. Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger credited the Parks and Resorts segment's promising sales to the opening of the Shanghai Disney Resort. He added that he's thrilled with Shanghai Disney Resort's performance and estimates that it could exceed 10 million in total attendance in its first year of operations. The resort operated at maximum capacity for the entire holiday period and attracted a huge attendance during Chinese New Year. There is still room for development for the Shanghai resort, as similar Disney parks in California and Tokyo drew 18.3 million and 16.6 million visitors in 2015, the organization said. Qi Xiaozhai, a senior consultant at the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, emphasized that China's expanding middle class presents opportunities for growth at Shanghai Disney. Among Walt Disney's four lines of businesses, the Parks and Resorts was the only segment increased revenue and operating income, which expanded by 6 percent and 13 percent, respectively. The operating income for Media Networks, the California-headquartered company's largest segment, posted a 4 percent decline from the previous a year due to higher programming costs and lower advertising revenue at cable service ESPN. Walt Disney welcomed 137 million visitors globally to its theme parks in 2015 and posted fiscal first-quarter earnings per share of $1.55 and a revenue of $14.78 billion. He may only be four but already this tiny tot is a tech wiz. And, if King Cairo has anything to do with, his baby sister Dream will soon be too. On Saturday night Blac Chyna shared a Snapchat of her four-year-old son showing his sibling how to send an emoji. Scroll down for video Doting big bro: On Saturday night Blac Chyna shared a Snapchat of son King Cairo showing his baby sister Dream how to send emojis The doting big brother lay down next to his three-month-old half sister and showed off her superior technology skills. The four-year-old - whose father is rapper Tyga - tapped away on an iPad, which his mom thought they were watching a movie on. Instead, King was assigning emojis to his sister and his mom with Dream allocated a present symbol and Chyna a flower urn. King no doubt got the idea to give his loved ones emojis as his mom has her own line called Chymojis. A bit beyond her years: The four-year-old - whose father is rapper Tyga - tapped away on an iPad, which his mom thought they were watching a movie on Lesson time: Instead, King was assigning emojis to his sister and his mom with Dream allocated a present symbol and Chyna a flower urn So cheeky: The three-month-old giggled away as her mom told her what a pretty girl she was Fortunately the one's provided standard with apple products are not quite as racy as Chyna's. Chyna's ones include the model stripping and twerking and also one which she appeared to be slapping Kylie Jenner. Of course that created some serious family tension, as Kylie dates King's father Tyga and she is the sister of Dream's dad Rob. Different emojis: Fortunately the one's provided standard with apple products are not quite as racy as Chyna's Adult material: Chyna's ones include the model stripping and twerking and also one which she appeared to be slapping Kylie Jenner Across the country: Meanwhile Tyga is currently in New York with girlfriend Kylie supporting her as she sits front row at a myriad of Fashion Week shows Chyna and Rob have been struggling of late with a report emerging that Chyna was seen getting cozy with another man. On Friday, the mom of two was spotted having a meal with a mystery man and not wearing her engagement ring. Meanwhile Tyga is currently in New York with girlfriend Kylie supporting her as she sits front row at a myriad of Fashion Week shows. Having issues: Dream's parents Chyna and Rob Kardashian have been struggling of late with a report emerging that Chyna was seen getting cozy with another man She's previously revealed that she'd love to sleep with him. So it may come as little surprise that Lisa Oldfield is a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. The 41-year-old wife of One Nation founder David Oldfield and star of Real Housewives of Sydney admitted that while she has some doubts about Trump's politics, she's a 'massive fan' on the whole, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Scroll down for video No surprise: Lisa Oldfield has revealed she is a huge supporter of US President Donald Trump Talking about the President's controversial immigration ban, Lisa said she thinks it's an area in which Australia could follow suit - if only prime minister Malcolm Turnbull 'had the guts'. 'I am sure there are people within the country's borders already that are more of a threat but with the terrorist attacks around the world I think he's got reasons to be concerned,' she said. Married in 2001, Lisa spent a lot of time around her husband as he and controversial politician Pauline Hanson formed the right-wing party. Hot fancy: Lisa's revelation comes months after she told Daily Mail Australia she'd love to sleep with him And so it's no wonder the mother-of-two can see the reason Trump appealed to so many Americans. '[Trump] is fantastic, so many people have been disenfranchised for so long,' she said. 'I think it's very hard for, say, a working class family in Pennsylvania, who can barely cover the mortgage and put food on the table, for people to tell them that they are privileged because they are white.' However somewhat incredibly, Lisa says she's not a supporter of One Nation which was formed amid Hanson's claims Australia was being 'swamped by Asians'. Fan: '[Trump] is fantastic, so many people have been disenfranchised for so long,' the wife of former One Nation founder David (right) said One Nation: The mother-of-two married David in 2001 and spent a lot of time around him as he and controversial politician Pauline Hanson formed the right-wing party While she's vocally backed Trump's policies, it appears that her support also extends into the bedroom. In an interview with Daily Mail Australia last November prior to the US Election, she joked about spending a night with the now president. 'I might [try something on] but I think he's a man of honour,' Lisa said. Trying her luck: 'I might [try something on] but I think he's a man of honour,' Lisa said in an interview with Daily Mail Australia last November prior to the US Election Not giving up: Regretting that she hadn't had the 'the good fortune of meeting him', Lisa did admit she would be 'delighted' to have Trump over for dinner if he ever visits Australia Regretting that she hadn't had the 'the good fortune of meeting him', she did admit she would be 'delighted' to have Trump over for dinner if he ever visits Australia. 'We'd probably take him for a shoot, we'd bond over a barbeque - he isn't a drinker so we could have a carafe of left wing tears,' she said. The businesswoman and socialite is set to turn heads as the 'villain' when the first season of Real Housewives of Sydney airs on February 26. Rita Ora was barely recognisable on the red carpet at the annual Clive Davis pre-Grammys bash. The 26-year-old went heavy on the make-up at the exclusive Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on Saturday night. She sported finely preened tinted eyebrows, lashings of mascara and eyeliner and a generous slick of a glossy nude lipstick to ensure a glamorous finish. Scroll down for video Who's that girl? Rita Ora looked barely recognisable at Clive Davis' pre-grammy bash on Saturday night as she sported a drastic new look compared to her more fresh-faced appearance in November (R) The America's Next Top model judge stepped out in a glitzy black jumpsuit from Elie Saab for the star-studded event. The sleeveless onesie was a little cheeky as it was made from sheer fabric with strips of embellished sections hanging from it. As the sequined strips moved when the star walked, the designer added a black panel across the stars bust and she wore a black thong. At the back, the jumpsuit really turned up the heat as not only was the star's derriere visible, the creation was also backless. Designer duds: The America's Next Top model judge stepped out in a jumpsuit from Elie Saab Dared to bare: The sleeveless onesie was a little cheeky as it was made from sheer fabric with strips of embellished sections hanging from it The star then added even more bling, stacking bracelets around one wrist and wearing lots of rings on the other hand. For the big party, Rita's golden blonde hair was styled to one side and had a slight curl in it. Rita had only jetted into town the day before so that she could attend the big bash and go to a friend's party Friday night, which she went to straight from the airport. The star has been making a big impression stateside as the new host of America's Next Top Model. Peek-a-boo: As the sequined strips moved when the star walked, the designer added a black panel across the stars bust and she wore a black thong But it seems not everyone is a fan, after one of the contestants on the rebooted modelling show has accused Rita of treating her unfairly. Aspiring catwalk queen Krislian Rodriguez slammed the star in a video chat with TMZ, claiming 'mean girl' Rita was rude to her because they both share the same ex - Calvin Harris. Brunette beauty Krislian was given the boot early on in season 23 of Tyra Banks' long-running franchise, following Rita allegedly dismissing her for 'oozing sex'. Speaking to TMZ, she alleged: 'Going into the show, Rita already knew who I was so I was at a disadvantage. 'There was definitely some rivalry happening with her, which I didn't understand.' She has a hectic schedule while filming her role on ITV's Britain's Got Talent. And while her bank balance may have been given a boost, Amanda Holden has revealed she doesn't 'have the time or energy' for a romantic Valentine's Day with her husband Chris Hughes. The actress, 45, admits she'll be spending February 14 on the sofa with a takeaway rather than enjoying a night of passion. Scroll down for video Busy lady: Amanda Holden has revealed she doesn't 'have the time or energy' for a romantic Valentine's Day with her husband Chris Hughes Speaking about her upcoming Valentine's Day plans, she wrote in her column for The Sun: 'We just don't have the time or energy any more. 'Pre Lexi and Hollie, we used to pull out all the stops. Id cook us a special meal, light candles, scatter rose petals and dress up in something a bit saucy. Hed buy me a lavish gift and a huge bouquet of flowers. 'Fast-forward 11 years, and this Tuesday will more likely involve a takeaway and a night on the sofa watching Netflix.' However, she added that just being together with her partner is the most important thing for her. Too tired: The Britain's Got Talent judge even said she'll spending February 14 on the sofa with a takeaway Happy couple: Speaking about her upcoming Valentine's Day plans, she wrote in her column: 'We just dont have the time or energy any more' This is not the first time Amanda has spoken out about her relationship with husband Chris. Last year she voiced her fears that her sex life may be 'non-existent.' She was quoted as saying that even the pet goldfish gets prioritised over husband Chris Hughes, explaining to The Daily Mirror that 'we're both so busy'. Strut: Amanda added that just being together with her partner is the most important thing for her. Amanda said: 'He's prioritised after the pet fish,' before explaining: 'We're both so busy. It's about trying to carve out a bit of time for us. 'We have to explain to the girls that they must go to bed and let us have time alone, which is hard. 'My poor husband - he's so far down the list.' Smily: Amanda Holden wowed in a black dress while filming for Britain's Got Talent Earlier this week Amanda illustrated her determination to stand out from the crowds alongside her stunning co-judge Alesha Dixon as they headed to the Manchester rounds of Britain's Got Talent. She wore an eye-wateringly tight pink dress ahead of the initial rounds, as she flashed more than expected, while the stunning Mis-Teeq songstress, 38, opted for a striped mini. He's no stranger to bringing a romance to reality stars. And Osher Gunsberg arrived in the South African jungle to deliver 'messages of love' to the contestants of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here ahead of Valentine's Day. The 42-year-old Bachelor host introduced the show's intruder, Bachelor villain Keira Maguire. Scroll down for video Unofficial god of love: Osher Gunsberg arrived in the South African jungle to deliver 'messages of love' to the contestants of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here A dapper looking Osher chatted with Julia and Chris about his Valentine's Day mission as well as Keira, who he said is hoping find love at the camp. 'They have been in there for weeks, the only people they have seen that aren't camp mates are you two,' he jokingly said to the hosts. 'When they see you, it's put something disgusting in their mouth or jump off something high and frightening. Special delivery: Osher was also there to introduce the show's first intruder, Bachelor villain Keira Maguire He added: 'I'm going to bring them a bit of love and respite from the heat.' With Valentine's day happening on Tuesday, Osher said he would read messages from loved ones to the homesick contestants. 'I am going to be with them to read Valentine's cards, I am going to read them messages of love,' he said. Messages from home: The Bachelor host said,'I am going to be with them to read Valentine's cards, I am going to read them messages of love' Meanwhile, Keira said in her introduction interview package that she promised to bring 'fun, happiness and maybe a little bit of controversy' to the show. 'I may not along with Ash. I feel like I could get along with Kris Smith. I have a little bit of a hint - a little bit of a hunch that I will get along with him,' she said. 'I don't know why. It could be the biceps.' The big awards ceremony takes place on Sunday night. But many of the top actors may be suffering from sore heads at the bash, as they all appeared slightly worse for wear on their way home from the pre-BAFTA party on Saturday night. Redhead Amy Adams lead the pack looking slightly bleary-eyed, while Best Actor nominee Andrew Garfield ran a weary hand through his hair as he ventured home from swanky venue Annabel's in Mayfair, London. Scroll down for video Party animals: Many actors may be suffering from sore heads at the BAFTAs, as they appeared slightly worse for wear after the a pre- party on Saturday - including Amy Adams (above) Had a good night? Best Actor nominee Andrew Garfield ran a weary hand through his hair as he ventured home from swanky venue Annabel's in Mayfair, London (above) The party, hosted by Charles Finch and Chanel, appeared to have been a hit as some of Hollywood's top stars were not seen leaving until the early hours of the morning. Amy Adams, 42, still managed to look as stunning as ever in her form-fitting white gown, despite cutting a slightly disheveled figure on her way out. The Doubt star kept composed in her bardot lace frock, which cinched in at her waist with a sporty striped panel, as she bundled herself into her taxi - her curled hair slightly tousled from a night of partying. Still chic: Meanwhile Amy, 42, still managed to look as stunning as ever in her form-fitting white gown, despite cutting a slightly disheveled figure on her way out Belle of the ball: The Doubt star kept composed in her bardot lace frock as she bundled herself into her taxi - her curled hair slightly tousled from a night of partying Following close behind her was British star Andrew Garfield, 33, who was no doubt in the mood to celebrate ahead of his Lead Actor nomination on Sunday night. The Spiderman star kept casual and cool in a pair of striking khaki strides, paired with a clean cut buttoned coat and smart grey scarf around his neck. Having partied the night away with his Hacksaw Ridge co-stars and fellow nominees at the bash, the 33-year-old looked ready for a good night's sleep ahead of the big event as he headed for home. Man of the hour: Following close behind her was British star Andrew Garfield, 33, who was no doubt in the mood to celebrate ahead of his Lead Actor nomination on Sunday night Off they go: Never failing to look slick was Hugh Grant, 56, who looked as handsome as ever as he left the star-studded event with his stunning partner Anna Eberstein, 34 Suits you! The star, famous for his roles in Love Actually and Notting Hill, made a typically suave exit in his crisp navy suit and tie combo - giving a subtle wave to onlookers Never failing to look slick after a fatiguing evening was Hugh Grant, 56, who looked as handsome as ever as he left the star-studded event with his stunning partner Anna Eberstein, 34. The star, famous for his roles in Love Actually and Notting Hill, made a typically suave exit in his crisp navy suit and tie combo - giving a subtle wave to onlookers. The actor, who has scored recognition in the Supporting Actor category for his role in Florence Foster Jenkins, proved his A-List status as his chauffeur held a hand up to protect him from the pouring rain as he clambered into his car. Early night: Having lost out on the SAG award last month, Hugh no doubt wanted an early night to look his best on Sunday, in anticipation of the result for his role in the Meryl Streep flick Having lost out on the SAG award last month, Hugh is no doubt anticipating Sunday night's results for his role in the Meryl Streep flick - going against Dev Patel, Jeff Bridges, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Mahershala Ali for the gong. Adding to the fray of Brits at the bash was Felicity Jones, who looked as stunning as she had entered in her black gown, layered beneath a glittering jacket. The 33-year-old had kept things demure for the evening in a textured A-line black dress, which she teamed with sheer polka-dot tights and black cross-strap courts. Effortless: Adding to the fray of Brits at the bash was Felicity Jones, who looked as stunning as she had entered in her black gown, layered beneath a glittering jacket Classic LBD: The 33-year-old had kept things demure for the evening in a textured A-line black dress, which she teamed with sheer polka-dot tights and black cross-strap courts With her glossy tresses remaining sleek, The Theory Of Everything actress still looked truly radiant as she left the bash in seemingly good spirits, with a dewy flush to her cheeks. Felicity no doubt made the most of the lavish party, having recently confessed to E! News about her less than innocent ways in the past. 'When did I go rogue? Probably when I was growing up and I was a teenager. At times I was a bit of a rebellious teenager!' she proclaimed in December. Wild child: Lily Collins added a vibrant touch to the departures in a bold animal print coat of yellow, blue and green Oh what a night: Meanwhile Woody Harrelson appeared somewhat worse for wear as he staggered out of the venue behind his fellow screen stars Home time: Keeping things far more casual in a jumper and woolen beanie, the two-time Oscar nominee clutched onto his last bottle as he greeted fans, before being escorted to his car Lily Collins added a vibrant touch to the departures in a bold animal print coat of yellow, blue and green, while Woody Harrelson appeared somewhat worse for wear as he staggered out of the venue behind his fellow screen stars. Keeping things far more casual in a jumper and woolen beanie, the two-time Oscar nominee clutched onto his last bottle as he happily greeted fans, before being escorted to his car. The 2017 BAFTA Awards, which marks the 70th annual ceremony, take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday night. Hosted by Stephen Fry, the ceremony is set to air on BBC One at 9pm - several hours after the event begins live. It will undoubtedly be an exciting night for both the nominees and viewers with competition in each category rife this year. La La Land scored the most nominations in eleven categories, including the power four categories of best film, actor, actress, and best director, while Arrival and Nocturnal Animals followed close behind with nine. Other British films taking the lead at the UK's main film event were I, Daniel Blake by Ken Roach and J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, with five potential wins each. She revealed she is set to marry for the first time after getting engaged to boyfriend George Smart. And Lisa Snowdon certainly showed what attracted her fiance as she posted one of her raciest social media snaps to date. The stunning model, 45, thrilled fans on Instagram on Sunday morning by sharing an image of her flaunting her shapely behind. Scroll down for video Cheeky! Lisa Snowdon certainly showed what attracted her fiance as she posted one of her raciest social media snaps to date - posing in just a thong during her stay at the Le Bristol hotel Wearing just a thong, the TV star does her make up seductively half-naked in front of a bathroom mirror. It comes as the I'm A Celebrity contestant shared the ecstatic news that she's set to wed her new man. The delighted radio host, who has been friends with entrepreneur George for 15 years, announced the joyous news in an interview with The Sun's Fabulous magazine, as she revealed she is happy she never 'settled'. Detailing the romantic pre-Christmas proposal, the beauty revealed the entire scene was a surprise as he presented her with 'the most beautiful diamond ring'. Just the two of us! The sexy snap comes after she revealed she's set to wed her boyfriend of 18-months, George Smart Since going public with their romance, Lisa has been candid about her beau as she previously gushed over 'the kindest, most loving person Ive ever met. In her interview with The Sun, the stunning star revealed the news: 'George proposed on the Saturday before Christmas and it was such a lovely surprise I had absolutely no idea he was going to do it!' 'He did it at home it was just us, it was really low-key and completely unexpected. He chose the most beautiful diamond ring, which I love, and amazingly it fits me perfectly! It was such a great way to start the New Year.' Lisa and George's lengthy friendship saw the couple enjoy a brief fling after they met while both working at MTV - although their eight year age gap drove them apart. Overjoyed! The delighted radio host, who has been friends with the entrepreneur for 15 years, announced the joyous news in an interview with The Sun 's Fabulous magazine, as she revealed she is happy she never 'settled' Yay! In October, Lisa spoke to Hello! magazine about the prospect of marrying her long-time pal and it seems the proposal would not have been a total surprise In October, Lisa spoke to Hello! magazine about the prospect of marrying her long-time pal and it seems the proposal would not have been a total surprise. When grilled over marriage, she said: 'Yes, at some point (we will marry). But theres no pressure because we fit I know well be together forever... 'Hes my best friend. Hes understanding, nurturing and thoughtful and he gets me beyond anyone Ive ever met before. He cares about me and I care about him. It feels like we were meant to be together'. Loved-up: In October, Lisa spoke to Hello! magazine about the prospect of marrying her long-time pal and it seems the proposal would not have been a total surprise That was then: Lisa has enjoyed a number of high profile relationships over the years - most notably her five-year, on-off romance with George Clooney Lisa has enjoyed a number of high profile relationships over the years - most notably her five-year, on-off romance with George Clooney. The brunette beauty is all too aware of the stigma and resonance her relationship has, but clearly has a tongue-in-cheek attitude to her previous love. In an interview with the Mirror in 2013, she said: 'Im always going to be George Clooneys ex. I sometimes think it will be written on my tombstone George Clooney once dated Lisa Snowdon. Candid... Lisa revealed all in her interview with The Sun 'I will have to do something super-radical for people to forget about it. Goodness knows... Im definitely too old for Prince Harry! 'It really doesnt bother me any more. Im so used to the George thing that I take it all with a pinch of salt... People actually ask me what he was like in bed... Usually after a few drinks have made them brave. 'They are like Seriously, though, how was it? What was he like? Now, Id promised myself I wouldnt do this but... Seriously then, Lisa, how was it? What was he like? I never tell.' While Lisa has clearly found happiness elsewhere, her world famous ex-beau has also moved on, after marrying human rights lawyer Amal Clooney in 2014. George and Amal are reportedly expecting twins, with an insider telling In Touch: 'Amal is pregnant with twins: a boy and a girl. 'When George and Amal found out it was twins they were surprised, but also a little scared because they both had said one was enough. But the news that it was a boy and a girl made the them both really happy. They feel like theyve hit the family jackpot.' Both found happiness: George and Amal are reportedly expecting twins, with an insider telling In Touch: 'Amal is pregnant with twins: a boy and a girl' Despite her ex-boyfriend's reported imminent arrival, Lisa is insistent she is not prepared to have children, after she and fiance George both reasoned that they are 'not bothered' about kids. During her recent stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, the model spoke to Ola Jordan, who is also childless, about the reasoning for not having children. She said: 'It's a weird one because it's so hard. I left it kind of late. I didn't find anyone that I wanted to actually be with and I didn't want to have kids to just 'Children enrich your life so much, so of course I wanted to be a mum. But it didn't work out for me in that way.' They're known as the cheekiest chaps on British television. But Ant and Dec got a lot more than they bargained for when they met a fan who had a tattoo of the TV presenters inked on his bottom. Lee Crane, 28, secured his superfan status by having a Lady And The Tramp-style image of the duo tattooed on his rear last year and on Saturday he achieved his dream of meeting them in person to compare the likeness. Scroll down for video Cheeky: Ant and Dec got a lot more than they bargained for when they met a fan who had a tattoo of the TV presenter pair plastered on his bottom Mr Crane met up with the NTA-winning pair - both 41 - at the Britain's Got Talent auditions in Salford, where they posed cheek to cheek with the tattoo for a photo that was posted to their Instagram account. They already appeared to be aware of the tattoo's existence as they captioned the snap: 'Oh god!! The day finally came where we met the tattoo guy!! A #antanddectattoo #tattoo #bum #spagbol'. However, Mr Crane, who previously said he would 'love to meet them and get them to sign it', said they didn't have time to autograph his behind. Bum deal: Mr Crane met up with them at the Britains Got Talent auditions in Salford, where they posed cheek to cheek with the tattoo for a photo He said: 'No, they didn't sign it they were busy boys today.' Mr Crane, who paid 250 for the design, added: 'They found it very funny.' The posterior portrait on Mr Crane, from Thornaby, was done by tattoo artist Steve Bell, who runs the Clockwork Orange parlour in Norton, Teesside. Mr Bell had to leave his client with just Ant on one buttock for months before completing Dec on the other side because he broke his hand halfway through the job. Wary: The NTA winning pair already appeared to be aware of the tattoo's existence Mr Crane said at the time of having his tattoo completed: 'I enjoyed watching them on Saturday Night Takeaway and I'm A Celebrity and I like their singing. My friends and family think I'm nuts but they think it's funny. 'Where's better for two cheeky Geordie lads than on your cheeks?' He added: 'It hurt, for five hours my bum was killing, but it was worth it.' Just last week Ant and Dec were snapped enjoying dinner with Scarlett Moffatt and her new Saturday Night Takeaway co-star Stephen Mulhern. Cheering up: Scarlett Moffatt enjoyed a pick-me up dinner with pals Ant and Dec just days following her heart-wrenching break-up Bonding ahead of the new series of the Saturday night stalwart, Scarlett appeared in jovial spirits following their hilarious night. Captioning the snap, she wrote: 'Such a funny night tonight... pre Saturday night take away dinner... #saturdaynight #takeaway.' Ant and Dec echoed her sentiments about their fun-filled evening together, sharing the same photo while poking fun over the Britain's Got More Talent presenter choice of dessert. They captioned the pic: 'Pre #SaturdayNightTakeaway dins. Of everything on the extensive and imaginative dessert menu @StephenMulhern asked for vanilla ice cream...' Scarlett's much needed catch up with her TV pals came days after it was reported that she has split from her boyfriend Luke. The Gogglebox beauty is said to be 'sad' about the break up, but hopes they can remain friends. The couple looked to be in a good place, having moved in together in London, with Scarlett taking Luke to the National Television Awards where she was working as a backstage presenter. Woo! Scarlett took to Twitter during the National Television Awards where she shared a snapshot with Ant & Dec, who'll she'll work with on Saturday Night Takeaway He's the hunky male contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here. And Kris Smith hilariously used his good looks to charm host Julia Morris during Sunday night's episode. The 38-year-old Myer model was getting ready to take part in a challenge called Jungle's Got Zero Talent, when he decided to make his move. What a man! Kris Smith left host Julia Morris weak at the start of his jungle theme challenge Kris and Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry were the first to step up as Julia explained the pair would be required to play a nursery rhyme on the piano as termites crawled over their hands. Lisa was brave enough to go first, leaving Kris standing beside the House Husbands actress. The Salford-born model soon wrapped his muscly arm around her and playfully nuzzled and kissed her neck. Jungle seduction: Julia was rendered speechless by the hunk and only let out jokingly climactic groan and saying: 'Oh, dear Lord!' Camp heartthrob: He got cosy with Julia wrapping his muscly arm around her and seductively nuzzling at her neck, appearing to even give her a kiss on the cheek She was rendered speechless by the hunk and could be heard groaning as she said: 'Oh, dear Lord!' 'Delightful as always,' he said. Julia's co-host Dr. Chris Brown, jokingly commented: 'We're seeing some other talents on display right now.' Fittest duo in the camp: Kris and Lisa were the first two to finish challenges on the Jungle's got zero talent games 'Yes indeed', she replied smiling. Lisa completed the task, with Kris correctly guessing baabaa black sheep while termintes bit her. Meanwhile, Lisa's arch-nemesis Tom Arnold, who sitting in with the other contestants, was heard saying: 'Suck it up, butter cup!' Teamwork: The model and the Olympian were tasked with correctly guessing a nursery rhyme tune on the piano as termites crawled over their hands The Olympic champion also fared well in the challenge, guessing Kris's song correctly as he was being biting by the ant-like insect. But at least for Lisa, the American actor and comedian was evicted on Sunday night's show. The St Kilda Festival is a free day of Aussie music that occurs every February in Melbourne and a rooftop event at Sunday's event saw stars turn out in full force. Bachelorette Georgia Love looked stunningly chic in a fashion-forward jumpsuit that highlighted her tanned complexion. The form fitting black outfit complimented her curves and showed off the brunette's toned, slender arms. Chic: Bachelorette Georgia Love looked stunningly chic at the fest in a fashion-forward jump suit that highlighted her tanned complexion Slicked back hair and strong eye makeup added to the look while a pair of strappy heels with ties around her ankles completed the outfit. Georgia's man Lee Elliott was looking fashion savvy himself, pairing a denim shirt under a cream suit jacket and white pants. The summery look gave a peek at the hunk's muscular chest and like his girlfriend, Lee was looking like he'd spent a fair bit of time in the sun getting a healthy glow. The pair didn't pose together when they arrived however in social media posts during the event they were seen cosying up behind the scenes. Fash pack: The form fitting black outfit complimented her curves and showed off the brunette's toned, slender arms Hot! Georgia's man Lee Elliott was looking fashion savvy himself, pairing a denim shirt under a cream suit jacket and white pants Hey good looking: The summery look gave a peek at the hunk's muscular chest and like his girlfriend, Lee was looking like he'd spent a fair bit of time in the sun getting a healthy glow Brynne Edelsten also made an appearance at the event, looking boho chic in a retro inspired blue dress with an intricate pattern that cinched in high at her thigh. The blonde had her shapely legs on display to the max with a pair of mesh shoes adding to the sexy, summery feel of her outfit. The former wife of Geoffrey Edelsten was looking quite slender after shedding twenty kilos recently, and her hair was back to blonde after a brunette phase. Boho babe: Brynne Edelsten also made an appearance at the event, looking boho chic in a retro inspired blue dress with an intricate pattern that cinched in high at her thigh Married At First Sight's Erin Bateman rocked a casual look in a very short pale blue dress with a white leaf design that showed off every inch of her slim pins. The brunette covered up her arms in a light denim jacket but her low cut dress gave her a peak of her cleavage. She was looking quite slender, and had a suitable festival look going on with boho brown heeled sandals and her hair in a loose, grungey do. Slim pins: Married At First Sight's Erin Bateman rocked a casual look in a very short pale blue dress with a white leaf design that showed off every inch of her slim pins The Bachelor intruder Steph Dixon looked stunning in a crisp white, semi-sheer play suit that clung to her slim figure. A low cut, deep v-neck showed off her brozned cleavage while her short-shorts made the most of her toned, muscular thighs. The outfit had the added interest of long sashes that cascaded down the beauty's back when she turned. Flirty: The Bachelor intruder Steph Dixon looked stunning in a crisp white, semi-sheer play suit that clung to her slim figure Floating! The outfit had the added interest of long sashes that cascaded down the beauty's back when she turned Danielle Vagner, the owner and Creative Director of Kookai, looked every bit the fashion maven in a skin tight denim play suit. The slim brunette's model figure shined in the figure-hugging fabric and and her slim legs were accentuated by open toed zebra print heels with neon laces. She wore her hair slicked back, nude pink lipstick complimenting her tanned skin and a pair of butterfly shaped sunglasses completing the look. Fashionista: Danielle Vagner, the owner and Creative Director of Kookai, looked every bit the fashion maven in a skin tight denim play suit Killer looks: The slim brunette's model figure shined in the figure-hugging fabric and and her slim legs were accentuated by open toed zebra print heels with neon laces Former Bachelor babe Laurina Fleure looked flirty and fun in a ruffled black mini dress with a floral motif. Her impressive chest was on display thanks to an open v-neck top and her slender collarbones and deeply tanned skin was offset beautifully by the dress. Her toned legs were also being flaunted to their best advantage, a pair of bejeweled heels showing off a grey manicure. Summery: Former Bachelor babe Laurina Fleur looked flirty and fun in a ruffled black mini dress with a floral motif Pretty: Her impressive chest was on display thanks to an open v-neck top and her slender collarbones and deeply tanned skin was offset beautifully by the dress News presenter Candice Wyatt kept things classy in a white shirt with sheer sleeves and a pair of skin tight denim jeans. The figure flattering garments clung in all the right places and a v-net gave just a hint of cleavage. She added some boho touches to the outfit, including camel coloured shoes and a matching pouch bag. Elegant: News presenter Candice Wyatt kept things classy in a white shirt with sheer sleeves and a pair of skin tight denim jeans Cute and cosy: The figure flattering garments clung in all the right places and a v-net gave just a hint of cleavage Former Married At First Australia star, Clare Verrall, looked very summery in a tropic hibiscus themed frock and brown heeled sandals. The outspoken former reality star showed off her curves in the flattering dress which complimented her pale skin tone. She wore her blonde hair in flirty waves and accessorized with long gold earrings. Flowery: Former Married At First Australia star, Clare Verrall, looked very summery in a tropic hibiscus themed frock and brown heeled sandals Former Big Brother 2013 housemate Tully Smyth was all smiles in a sheer blue dress with a feather motif. Her tanned legs were on show thanks to the short length of the outfit, while the sheer fabric revealed her black bra underneath. The beauty looked very bohemian with her long blonde hair worn off her face and and donned a pair of black heels to complete the look. Light as a feather: Former Big Brother 2013 housemate Tully Smyth was all smiles in a sheer blue dress with a feather motif Big Brother Australia's Cat Law and Lawson Reeves looked as loved up as ever, clinging to one another as they smiled for cameras. Cat looked gorgeous in a floral waterfall gown that showed off her bust and a glimpse of leg, topping off the outfit was a gold flower crown. Lawnson meanwhile looked every bit the St Kilda local in sunnies, a fitted faded blue shirt, jeans and brown dress shoes. Smitten: Big Brother Australia's Cat Law and Lawson Reeves looked as loved up as ever, clinging to one another as they smiled for cameras Married At First Sight's Dave Crisp has been known to have a passion for fashion and he put on a good show at the festival. He turned on the charm in a white polka dirt with lavender accents with a grey jacket on top. Black pants and gold accessories gave the look a decidedly fashion forward feel. Hey handsome! Married At First Sight's Dave Crisp has been known to have a passion for fashion and he put on a good show at the festival Susie McLean, star of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, turned up in a fitted white skirt and ruffled off the shoulder top that showed off her slim curves. Her ruffled top added a sense of fun while her pencil skirt featured a high middle slit that showed off a glimpse of thigh. Her slender, tanned shoulders looked lovely against the white outfit. It's all white: Susie McLean, star of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, turned up in a fitted white skirt and ruffled off the shoulder top that showed off her slim curves Former model Caroline Arthur has boasted that she has the world's longest legs and she certainly showed them off at Sunday's event. A tiny black mini skirt made sure those pins were the star of the show, while a leather jacket over a striped shirt gave her a rock chick look. The beauty's slender figure was accentuated by the loose fitting top that had a distressed, ripped feature for a little punk appeal. How's the view up there? Former model Caroline Arthur has boasted that she has the world's longest legs and she certainly showed them off at Sunday's event The Amazing Race Australia star Sarah Roza was ever the bombshell in a skin-tight olive green bodycon dress that made the most of her dangerous curves. The red head flaunted her ample bust in the low-cut dress which showed off a glimpse of her slim pins in sky high black heels. Her fiery hair was complimented by the green dress and the beauty wore a bright pink lip and lined eyes to match the look. Green with envy: The Amazing Race Australia star Sarah Roza was ever the bombshell in a skin-tight olive green bodycon dress that made the most of her dangerous curves Former Australian Idol star Rob Mills showed up looking quite the hipster in black rimmed glasses, a baseball cap and denim shirt. His bright blue eyes were offset by the deep blue shirt and a touch of facial hair gave him a cheeky look. The musical star had fun posing for photos and couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Hip cat: Former Australian Idol star Rob Mills showed up looking quite the hipster in black rimmed glasses, a baseball cap and denim shirt Journalist and radio presenter Jennifer Hansen came along with her husband Alan Fletcher who plays Dr Karl Kennedy on Neighbours. The lovebirds were all smiles in casual apparel perfect for a day of sunshine and music. Jennifer wore a loose black and white frock with her toned arms on show and a pale pink lip that suited her flaxen hair. Coupled up: Journalist and radio presenter Jennifer Hansen came along with her husband Alan Fletcher who plays Dr Karl Kennedy on Neighbours During the exclusive rooftop event, Georgia and Lee posed in social media videos with a friend on Georgia's Instagram Story. Both wore sunglasses and and looked happy and loved up as they sipped drinks, a beer for Lee and what looked like champagne for Georgia. This latest outing comes amidst recent rumors that their could be trouble in their relationship after Lee removed his girlfriend from his Instagram bio. Still going strong: During the exclusive rooftop event, Georgia and Lee posed in social media videos with a friend on Georgia's Instagram Story Former Victoria's Secret model, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and fiance Jason Statham, attend the 21st Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Jason Merritt) Former Victoria's Secret model, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, and fiance, Jason Statham, are expecting their first child together, revealing the big news on her Instagram account last Feb. 9, Thursday. Huntington-Whiteley posted her growing baby bump in a stunning crochet bikini along the beach. Advertisement The British model captioned her photo, "Very happy to share that Jason and I are expecting!! Lots of love Rosie x Photo by @jasonstatham." Very happy to share that Jason and I are expecting!! Lots of love Rosie x Photo by @jasonstatham A photo posted by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (@rosiehw) on Feb 9, 2017 at 10:55am PST Pregnancy rumors first kindled sometime in January when the "Mad Max: Fury Road" star posted a photo of herself along with the words, "Here's to fresh starts and exciting prospects for the new year." Huntington-Whiteley was wearing a loose sweater while caressing a horse in a ranch, which brought up questions regarding her pregnancy as it was rather apparent in her figure. She was also snapped in Los Angeles covering her tummy with her arm a month after. While in an interview with Self Magazine in April 2015 Huntington-Whiteley expressed that marriage was not a priority that point in time, she articulated that she is open to having kids and that such episode is more realistic in the near future. "I totally believe in marriage, but being in a happy relationship is much more important to me," she said while explaining the amount of pressure given to a long-term couple, Us Weekly reported. Fortunately, both affairs took their rightful time in her and the "Fast and Furious" actor's relationship. Huntington-Whiteley, 29, and Statham, 49, confirmed the news of their engagement with E! News in January 2016. This was after the supermodel walked down the red carpet with her beaded Atelier Versace gown and a $350,000 five-carat engagement ring designed by Neil Lane during the 2016 Golden Globe Awards. Besides the eventful announcement, the expecting mother is currently working on her new Spring 2017 Paige campaign at the New York Fashion Week, while her fiance is preparing for the upcoming release of "Fast 8" in April. She announced her pregnancy this week with her fiance Jason Statham. Following the exciting news, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley enjoyed a date night with her actor beau at Soho House in Malibu on Saturday night. The 29-year-old model - who confirmed the pitter-patter of tiny feet on Instagram earlier this week - appeared relaxed as she left the celeb hotspot in her man's car. Scroll down for video Chilled: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley enjoyed a date night with her actor beau at Soho House in Malibu on Saturday night The British beauty - who has her own collection with retailer Marks & Spencers - sported a black top for their romantic outing by the sea. Her eye-catching diamond studs were hard to miss as she sat in the passenger seat, which offset her layered chokers around her neck. Leaving her sandy locks loose, she parted her mane in the centre as her glossy tresses fell down her shoulders in a relaxed wave. Meanwhile, Rosie's other half Jason, 49, appeared less enthused as he left eatery to the glare of bright lights. Exciting: The 29-year-old model - who confirmed the pitter-patter of tiny feet on Instagram earlier this week - appeared relaxed as she left the celeb hotspot in her man's car Chic: The British beauty - who has her own collection with retailer Marks & Spencers - sported a black top for their romantic outing by the sea Not impressed: Meanwhile, Rosie's other half Jason, 49, appeared less enthused as he left eatery to the glare of bright lights Rosie's relaxed appearance comes after she revealed she was expecting her first child this week. The Mad Max: Fury Road actress made the announcement by sharing a picture of her sizeable baby bump in a bikini snap on Instagram on Thursday evening. The image - which was taken by her movie star love - shows the beauty kneeling on the sand in a tropical paradise with her hand resting on her back. Mum-to be: Rosie's relaxed appearance comes after she revealed she was expecting her first child this week She wrote beside the picture: 'Very happy to share that Jason and I are expecting!! Lots of love Rosie x Photo by @jasonstatham' Unsurprisingly, fans were quick to congratulate the couple, who have been together since 2010, taking to Instagram in their droves to leave their comments. Rumours had been swirling since the turn of the year that Rosie was expecting for some time, but she had stayed tight-lipped until now. The Mad Max star has regularly been pictured in recent months covering her stomach and her latest bikini snap indicates she's reasonably far along with her pregnancy. Congratulations: The actress made the announcement by sharing a picture of her sizeable baby bump in a bikini snap on Instagram on Thursday evening The stir around the Victoria's Secret model kicked off earlier this year when she posted a shot of herself clad in a baggy poncho for her 6.7 million followers on Instagram. She captioned the post, 'Here's to fresh starts and exciting prospects for the new year. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2017.' Shortly thereafter, sources told the Daily Mail that the blonde beauty is 'indeed pregnant and ... has been calling in clothes to suit her changing figure.' Rosie, who's been seen in films such as Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Mad Max: Fury Road, has opened up in the past on her thoughts about starting a family with her 49-year-old actor beau. Loved up: She wrote beside the picture: 'Very happy to share that Jason and I are expecting!! Lots of love Rosie x Photo by @jasonstatham' Speaking to The EDIT in 2015, Rosie said, 'Having a family is something I think about for sure, and whether I'd live here in America or in England. But it's not always as simple as that.' She continued, 'I have no idea what will happen, but it'll be interesting to find out, right? And nothing will be perfect, I'm sure.' Three years prior, Rosie, who's been involved with The Transporter star Statham for about seven years, told Elle UK there would come a time in her career when motherhood would take priority over modeling. 'I always see myself working, but definitely being a mum will be a big part of me,' she said. 'I think there is naturally a point where you think, "I dont care about myself as number one any more." I want to care about other things.' She's the Married At First Sight star who recently admitted to being broke and unemployed. But Erin Bateman didn't let any of her issues get her down as she attended the St. Kilda Festival rooftop party in Melbourne on Sunday night. The 26-year-old flew back to Melbourne after attending a friend's wedding in Thailand and she was pictured flaunting her trim pins in a tiny playsuit. Trim pins: Married At First Sight's Erin Bateman showed off her slender legs in a tiny playsuit at the St. Kilda Festival Erin matched the baby blue and white ensemble with a trendy sun bleached jacket. She completed her look with brown heels and a chained, black cross body bag. The brunette beauty kept her look natural with bold mascara and a sophisticated mauve lip. Selfie time: Erin and a blonde gal pal took a photo and shared it on Instagram with the caption, 'we make it work with a good attitude and a decent filter' Cringy: She recently uploaded her audition video for Married At First Sight, calling it 'Awkward as f***' She confidently smiled for the cameras, showing off her pearly whites - even though she appeared to attend the event alone and without her MAFS husband Bryce Mohr. The blogger also shared an Instagram snap from the event with a blonde friend. Both ladies were all smiles in the photo, seemingly enjoying themselves with beverages and the festivities at the function. Erin captioned her photo: 'Fresh off an international flight, to St. Kilda fest. I look like dogs balls but we make it work with a good attitude and a decent filter @togetherevents #stkildafest.' Where's her man: Erin and Bryce were paired on Married At First Sight. The coupl have been subject of persistent rumors surrounding the status of her relationship She recently uploaded her audition video for Married At First Sight, describing it as: 'Awkward AF (as f***).' Persistent rumors surrounding the status of her relationship with Bryce have once again resurfaced with followers on her Instagram asking where her businessman beau is. The former reality star has had an arduous start to 2017 after she revealed that she was 'broke as' and unemployed on her social media. Erin wrote: 'When I HAD a full time income, I was addicted to beauty enhancing activities, which came with a big price-tag.' 'However, being more or less unemployed, I've had to let my common sense take a bit of control over my spending habits,' she added. Isabel Lucas was just 19-years-old when she burst onto our TV screens as Tasha Andrews in Home And Away. But since making her TV debut in 2003, the actress has never coveted the high-profile that some of her peers are desperate for. And the now 32-year-old revealed to The Daily Telegraph on Sunday why she's stayed out of the spotlight. Famous face: Isabel Lucas was just 19-year-old when she burst onto our TV screens as Tasha Andrews in Home And Away 'I like to keep relatively separate from the buzz and keep grounded,' she revealed. 'I prioritise what is important to me and there is a lot happening in the world right now that is distracting us from the more important issues on the planet.' Isabel is a well known environmentalist as well as being a spokesperson for Australian National Breast Cancer and a supporter of World Vision, Women Against Violence and Save The Whales - among others. Priorities: But since making her TV debut in 2003, the actress has never coveted the high-profile that some of her peers are desperate for Opening up: And the now 32-year-old revealed to The Daily Telegraph , in an interview published on Sunday, the reasons why she's stayed out of the spotlight The actress says she aims to be a 'positive' influence in the world and be part of the 'solution' to its problems. The Melbourne native, who starred in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in her biggest film role to date, says she's very aware of what she wants to contribute to society. And Isabel is determined to offer more than just what she produces in her professional life. Activist: Isabel is a well known environmentalist as well as being a spokesperson for Australian National Breast Cancer and a supporter of World Vision, Women Against Violence and Save The Whales - among others Leaving her mark: The actress says she aims to be a 'positive' influence in the world and be part of the 'solution' to its problems Role model: The Melbourne native, who starred in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in her biggest film role to date, says she's very aware of what she wants to contribute to society She said: 'I enjoy other sides of life, not only work, because that is what feeds and stimulates my creativity. I get a lot of nourishment from diary writing and reflecting and slowing down.' Part of controlling her contribution to the world comes in the shape of the products she chooses to endorse and the causes she chooses to support. Isabel, who was recently unveiled as the face of natural skincare brand Sante by ENJO, protested against dolphin culling at a notorious hunting spot in Taiji, Japan ten years ago. And back in 2010, the Daybreakers star scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in order to raise awareness about the global clean water crisis. Advertisement It's one of the biggest nights in film and television, with the stars clamouring to walk the red carpet at the 70th annual BAFTAs ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night. But not every star was turning heads for the right reason with the likes of Caitriona Balfe, Edith Bowman, Heloise Letissier and Sian Welby among those missing the mark when it came to picking out their gowns. Irish actress Caitriona, 37, donned a gown that did nothing for her phenomenal figure, with the garment swamping her slender frame whilst the clashing colours proved to be quite the eyesore. Scroll down for video Frock horror: The likes of Naomie Harris, Zoe Ball and Edith Bowman missed the mark when it came to picking out their gowns for the 70th annual BAFTAs ceremony on Sunday night Also making a questionable fashion choice on the red carpet was Edith Bowman, 43, who opted for a near-hallucinogenic patterned multicoloured gown which did no favours for her physique. Ill-fitting in design, the pretty blonde was swamped in fabric, with swathes of colour and print concealing her lithe frame and hiding her sensational curves. Adding to the unusual nature of the ensemble she wore her golden locks in an 80s style quiff that looked out of place with her gown and exposed a pair of oversized earrings. Too much: Irish actress Caitriona, 37, donned a gown that did nothing for her phenomenal figure, with the garment swamping her slender frame whilst the clashing colours proved to be quite the eyesore Clashing colours: The gown featured several ruffles and splashes of colour which did not flatter her lithe frame Not all the stars opted for gowns, with Heloise Letissier - also known as Christine and the Queens - donning a dramatically flared monochrome suit. Trailing behind her as she walked, the garment billowed behind her on the red carpet, yet despite the oversized nature of her ensemble, her shirt proved to be too small, flashing a hint of stomach. She accessorised with a pair of patent oversized boots which appeared to be a nod to the grunge fashion phase of the 90s and peeked out beneath her flared trousers. Not her best look: Also making a questionable fashion choice on the red carpet was Edith Bowman, 43, who opted for a near-hallucinogenic patterned multicoloured gown that sheathed her sensational figure Another misjudged two-piece was donned by Sian Welby - who for a weather presenter appeared to have misjudged the weather and donned a pair of green sunglasses. She teamed the vibrant specs with an even brighter shirt, which was adorned with silver sequins that dazzled beneath her black blazer. She teamed the garment with tailored trousers and a peep toe shoe boot. Style jail: Not all the stars opted for gowns, with Heloise Letissier - also known as Christine and the Queens - donning a dramatically flared monochrome suit Unusual: Another misjudged two-piece was donned by Sian Welby - who for a weather presenter appeared to have misjudged the weather and donned a pair of green sunglasses Looking worlds away from her typically glamorous self, Best Supporting Actress nominee, Naomie Harris, 40, donned an oversized tulle Gucci gown that flattered neither her frame nor complexion. The baby pink top washed out her flawless complexion, whilst the overload of ruffles shrouded her slender frame. Two large orange roses highlighted her waist, but proved to be too much embellishment on an already busy gown. The skirt flared out to full length, hiding her lean legs, whilst an orange clutch bag clashed with her ensemble. Did she get dressed in the Moonlight? Looking worlds away from her typically glamorous self, Best Supporting Actress nominee, Naomie Harris, 40, donned an oversized tulle gown that flattered neither her frame nor complexion Blooming unusual: Two large orange roses highlighted her waist, but proved to be too much embellishment on an already busy gown Shrouding her figure, Zoe Ball, 46, also donned an unflattering gown, which was black with glittering gold embellishment. The blouson sleeve top did nothing to highlight her svelte wait, whilst the skirt flared out to ankle length, exposing a pair of black pointed heels. Zoe still looked impeccably youthful, however, on the night as her golden locks were styled in loose waves and a neutral make-up palette accentuated her flawless features. Who's that girl? Shrouding her figure, Zoe Ball, 46, donned an unflattering black gown with glittering gold embellishment Hot mesh! Madeline Fontaine may have picked up the award for Best Costume Designer for her role in Jackie, but her own ensemble was a particularly quirky affair as she teamed a fishnet top with a grey tartan jumpsuit The BAFTAs, hosted by Stephen Fry, will be broadcast on BBC One on the day, with high hopes for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's flick La La Land winning big after nabbing 11 nominations. Winners are chosen by Bafta's 6,500 members, except for the EE Rising Star Award, which is voted for by the public. The nominations list was a triumph for BBC Films, whose projects received 10 nominations overall. I, Daniel Blake received five nominations, Florence Foster Jenkins received four and Denial received one. But Hollywood's big flick La La Land will be the one to watch this year, if its string of success is anything to go by. She's something of a rising star and Bryce Dallas Howard made sure all eyes were on her when she attended the BAFTAs on Sunday night. The 35-year-old chose to wear an extreme plunging black cut-out gown as she walked the red carpet at London's Royal Albert Hall. The lovely lady brought her director father Ron along as her plus one - who is best known for playing Richie in Happy Days. Scroll down for video He's her plus one: Bryce Dallas Howard wore an extreme plunging cut-out dress as she joined her director father Ron at the BAFTAs at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday Bryce appeared in high spirits as she posed for snaps with her famous father. Her flame-red locks were styled into an elegant up do which flattered her pretty features, while she showed off her pout with a slick of red lipstick. Ron, 62, was suited and booted in Salvador Ferragamo as he wore a big smile on his face as the pair enjoyed their moment in the spotlight. Put your back into it: She showed off the stunning low detail on her dress and split as she flashed a hint of her metallic heels It's a bling thing: She showed off her statement earrings as she enjoyed her moment in the spotlight The ceremony, hosted by Stephen Fry, will be broadcast on BBC One on the day, with high hopes for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's flick La La Land winning big after nabbing 11 nominations. Amy Adams' two films Nocturnal Animals and Arrival are the closest competitors with nine apiece, and she will face her own battle in the category for Leading Actress for the latter, against Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep and Natalie Portman. Meanwhile, Bryce has revealed she had her first - and last - sip of alcohol on the set of her new movie, Gold. The actress, who plays Kaylene in the drama, shared that she had never had a hard drink until co-star Matthew McConaughey poured her a glass of champagne while they were shooting scenes for the movie. Speaking about the moment in an interview with The Times of London, released on Monday, the flame-haired beauty said: 'Matthew's going around, pops the champagne. It's a party!' Blast from the past: Ron is best known for playing Richie Cunningham in Happy Days which aired from 1974-1984 'He motorboats me - is that what it's called? We're all dancing. He comes up to me like, "Oh Kay baby!" pours champagne and puts it up to my lips. 'And I feel a camera next to me and I smell, and I'm like, "Holy f***, is this alcohol?"I've gone 35 years without a sip, so I'm like "Mmm.'' ' Meanwhile Bryce - who shares Beatrice, five, and nine-year-old Theodore with her husband Seth Gabel, 35 - also revealed she never thought her career would be as successful as it has been, despite being director Ron Howard's daughter. 'I saw there were so many talented people; I didn't make any assumptions that acting would work out. 'I thought I would have a better shot at being a first AD [assistant director].' However, Bryce has no plans to follow in her father's footsteps and quit acting any time soon. 'I don't want to give up acting like my dad did, though. I do have a lot of energy and determination.' She's up for a Leading Actress gong for her bewitching turn in science-fiction flick Arrival. So it's no wonder Amy Adams put in a glamorous appearance at the 70th British Academy Film Awards in London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday evening. The 42-year-old actress exuded elegance in a strapless emerald gown, which was given an offbeat twist thanks to a flirty open back. Scroll down for video Exuding elegance: Amy Adams, 42, put in a glamorous appearance at the British Academy Film Awards in London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday evening Amy looked every inch the red carpet queen in the silky column gown, which effortlessly skimmed her svelte figure. The American Hustle star perfectly complemented her enviably glossy auburn locks with the green shade of her dress. The garment had a playful feel thanks to the revealing back, featuring a velvet bow and a subtle split to showcase her lean legs. Adding to the opulence of her look, the Enchanted star added some dazzling emerald drop earrings and scraped her hair into a sleek topknot. Keeping her make-up subtle to highlight her striking features, the mum-of-one plumped her pout with a nude lipstick and framed her eyes with iridescent shimmer. Chic: The actress exuded elegance in a strapless emerald gown, which was given an offbeat twist thanks to a flirty open back What a tease: The garment had a playful feel thanks to the revealing back, featuring a velvet bow and a subtle split to showcase her lean legs Anchored by Amy Adams's mesmerising performance, Arrival is contemplative science-fiction drama which imagines mankind's shambolic reaction to first contact with an otherworldly race. Like Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, director Denis Villeneuve's picture philosophises and digests before it considers locking and loading a weapon. Meanwhile, glittery Hollywood musical La La Land will battle gritty British drama I, Daniel Blake for the top prize at the EE British Academy Film Awards on Sunday. Emily Blunt, Andrew Garfield and Hugh Grant were among the UK stars hoping to walk away with Bafta acting gongs. Natural beauty: Keeping her make-up subtle, the mum-of-one plumped her pout with a nude lipstick and framed her eyes with iridescent shimmer Adding to the opulence: The Enchanted star added some dazzling emerald drop earrings and scraped her hair into a sleek topknot La La Land, a whimsical love story about an aspiring actress and a jazz musician, leads the nominations with 11 and has already made Oscar history by landing more nods than any other musical. It will go head-to-head with Ken Loach's unflinching examination of life in the UK welfare system for the best film Bafta, after winning the coveted Palme d'Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Also vying for best film will be sci-fi movie Arrival, melancholy drama Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight, a coming of age story about a gay black man growing up in Miami. Blunt received a leading actress nod for her role in The Girl On The Train, while Garfield was nominated for leading actor for playing a US Army medic in Mel Gibson's film Hacksaw Ridge. Looking good: The American Hustle star perfectly complemented her enviably glossy auburn locks with the green shade of her dress While Garfield's performance has won critical praise, he faced stiff competition from winner Casey Affleck, who has already won a Golden Globe for his performance in Manchester By The Sea. They both competed against La La Land's Ryan Gosling, who also scored a Golden Globe, Jake Gyllenhaal for Nocturnal Animals and Viggo Mortensen for Captain Fantastic. Blunt went go head-to-head with Meryl Streep for the film Florence Foster Jenkins, Amy Adams for Arrival, Golden Globe winner Emma Stone for La La Land and Natalie Portman for her portrayal of former first lady Jackie Kennedy in Jackie. Soaking it all up: Amy looked expectant as she took her seat inside She's used to making an entrance on a red carpet - but Hollywood actress Thandie Newton made sure she turned heads on Sunday night. The 44-year-old chose to be glamorously gothic as she arrived at the EE BAFTAs held at London's Royal Albert Hall. She wore a plunging strapless satin dress by Osman which had embroidered flowers going down one side as she made her big entrance. Scroll down for video That's why the lady is a VAMP! Thandie Newton looked glamorously gothic in a plunging strapless gown as she arrived at the BAFTAs at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night Side profile: Adding a vampy touch, she wore a slick of dark berry lipstick while her raven locks were styled sleek, falling down past her shoulders Adding a vampy touch, she wore a slick of dark berry lipstick while her raven locks were styled sleek, falling down past her shoulders. She was joined by her loving husband Oli Parker, who was suited and booted and remained close to his beautiful wife's side. British star Thandie has daughters Ripley, 15, and Nico, 11, and son Booker, two, with director husband. So in love: She was joined by her loving husband Oli Parker, who was suited and booted and remained close to his beautiful wife's side Close: British star Thandie has daughters Ripley, 15, and Nico, 11, and son Booker, two, with director husband Meanwhile, the ceremony, hosted by Stephen Fry, will be broadcast on BBC One on the day, with high hopes for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's flick La La Land winning big after nabbing 11 nominations. Amy Adams' two films Nocturnal Animals and Arrival are the closest competitors with nine apiece, and she will face her own battle in the category for Leading Actress for the latter, against Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep and Natalie Portman. The outing comes after Thandie lost out to The Crown's Claire Foy for the Female Actor in a Drama Series gong at the SAG Awards last month. So close: The outing comes after Thandie lost out to The Crown's Claire Foy for the Female Actor in a Drama Series gong at the SAG Awards last month Will they win? The ceremony, hosted by Stephen Fry, will be broadcast on BBC One on the day, with high hopes for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's flick La La Land She's done this before: Thandie looked naturally beautiful as she posed for yet more pics But ever the optimist, Thandie Newton was quick to put a positive spin on the disappointment with a self-deprecating Instagram snap soon after. The Westworld actress, 44, mimed drowning her sorrows by guzzling a giant bottle of Magnum champagne - cheekily captioning the shot: 'How to lose graciously.' Thandie was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama - which was won by Claire Foy - Series for her work on the HBO show. Who is the lucky winner? Thandie took to the podium to present the award for Best Original Screenplay on the big night - which was won by Manchester By The Sea Making an appearance: Thandie posed in the winners room at the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards She's having a great time: The superstar pulled some very excitable expressions as she made her way into the room Advertisement Jennifer Aniston turned 48-years-old on Saturday and the Friends vet celebrated with a trip to Los Cabos, Mexico. Over the weekend the blonde beauty was seen showing off her incredible bikini body as she relaxed by the pool of her rental. Also with the Horrible Bosses actress was her very toned husband Justin Theroux, who looked like he was in the best shape of his life, as well as her best friend Courteney Cox and her beau Johnny McDaid, 40. Hola! Jennifer Aniston turned 48-years-old on Saturday and the Friends vet celebrated with a trip to Los Cabos, Mexico alongside her husband Justin Theroux She's a 10: Aniston looked at ease as she was seen in the backyard of her villa layering on sunscreen Aniston looked at ease as she was seen in the backyard of her villa layering on sunscreen. The ex-wife of Brad Piit was first seen in a light blue two piece that consisted of a triangle top with spaghetti straps and simple bottoms. The perky LA native also wore her hair down in loose waves. And the Vogue cover vet made sure to accessorize well with a dark pair of Ray-Ban aviators, her shiny gold wedding band and a bottle of Smart Water, which she just happens to be the spokesperson for. With her one and only: The tanned and toned beauty seemed to spend a lot of time with her Leftovers star spouse In syn: The couple met when they filmed the movie Wanderlust and then they went at their Bel-Air home in August 2015 Come just us, amigo: At one point the looker, who lost her mother Nancy last year, raised her arm to say hello to a friend Not bad, JT: A perfect view of his extremely toned abs At one point the looker, who lost her mother Nancy Dow last year after a long illness, raised her arm to say hello to a friend. And there was a brief moment when her Leftovers star husband looked out at the water which gave a perfect view of his extremely toned abs and pecs. The dark-haired TV star added a Supreme camo cap and board shirts. A yellow gold necklace with several pendants, one of which looks to be a gun, hung from around the Mulholland Drive star's neck. The New York City native has said in the past that he works out for his health and state of mind. And it's obvious that he has not slacked as he heads toward his fifties. Often Theroux covers up his physique with dark motorcycle attire that include leather jeackets, jeans and boots. In the mood for some sun: The dog lover looked on the verge of a sunburn as she soaked up the South-of-the-border reys Later, the knockout wore a black bikini top that seemed like it was on the verge of a wardrobe malfunction. When the box-office babe leaned over to chat to a pal, it looked as if she might expose too much. But the always elegant Aniston kept it together. Too bad she covered up her lean legs with a towel. Ready to spill: Later, the knockout wore a black bikini top that seemed like it was on the verge of a wardrobe malfunction Just lounging around: Two pals sat in the pool as Jennifer laid back on a lounge chair Is that a yoga move or is she shifting her towel? The Emmy winner revealed muscular thighs as she lifted her body up Ready for her cover: The daughter of soap opera star John Aniston looked like she could be on the cover of Shape magazine The simple life: It looked as if the Along Came Polly actress was out in the sun and shade for hours. Here she is seen with pal Courtney Also by the pool was her longtime Cox, who she worked with for a decade on the sitcom Friends. Courteney looked toned as well as she showed off sculpted arms and ribbed abs in a black bikini with white piping. She was engaged to Snow Patrol singer McDaid for about a year and then they called it off, citing the distance - he lives in Ireland while she resides in LA with her daughter Coco Arquette from ex David Arquette. But the two got back together and now travel often to see each other. Looking flawless: Cox wore a black two piece suit with a white piping on top as she showed off a mild tan On a role: After Friends, the ex of David Arquette went on to star in Cougar Town Their roomy lair: Aniston and Theroux took their pals to a very large white villa that was right on the beach Jamie Lynn Spears' daughter, Maddie Aldridge, was released from the hospital on Friday following a terrible all-terrain vehicle accident in Louisiana on February 5. Lynne Spears, the mother of Jamie Lynn and Britney Spears, shared an update and message of thanks to social media regarding Maddie on Sunday. 'Maddie is doing great and getting better every day,' Lynne, 61, wrote as the caption for a photo with her eight-year-old granddaughter, which appeared to be taken from a church pew. Power of prayer: Lynne Spears, mother of Jamie Lynn and Britney Spears, shared an update and gave thanks on social media regarding Maddie Aldrige on Sunday following ATV accident 'I really don't know how to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have prayed continuous prayers for Maddie at this very difficult time! Thank you,' she went on. 'God bless you and I know that the huge outflow of prayers created this miracle and has humbled my family and I!' Both of Lynne's famous daughters also shared messages of gratitude with fans following the scare. Thankful mother: Maddie's mother, Jamie Lynn, 25, simply shared bible verses on Saturday, writing 'February 11' and including the hashtag 'Jesus Always' with the photo of the text Two cute: Maddie and Jamie Lynn at Disney Parks in Florida in 2014 Maddie's mother, Jamie Lynn, 25, simply shared bible verses on Saturday, writing 'February 11' and including the hashtag 'Jesus Always' with the photo of the text. Prior to that, she posted an image of a rescue helicopter from the Children's Hospital of New Orleans on Friday. 'Thanks to the amazing first responders, and medical teams at University and Children's Hospital in New Orleans, LA,' the young mother wrote. 'We are headed home with our baby girl as she continues to recover. Above all else we are so thankful for each and every prayer, because we know that is what truly made the difference. Thank you again to everyone. We are truly blessed.' Giving thanks: Prior to that, she posted an image of a rescue helicopter from the Children's Hospital of New Orleans on Friday. Also on Friday, Britney posted her own message thanking the power of prayer of bringing her niece home. 'So grateful that Maddie was able to go home today... it's truly a miracle,' the pop star, 35, wrote. 'Our prayers were heard, and they were answered! Thank you so much for all of your love and support this week. My family appreciates it more than you will ever know [purple heart emoji].' Auntie Brit: Britney Spears, seen at a pre-Grammy party on Saturday, has thanked fans for praying for the little girl Spiritual sisters: Also on Friday, Britney posted her own message Maddie was rushed to the hospital last week following an ATV accident that left her submerged under water for 'several minutes,' according to a statement from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's department obtained by TMZ. She swerved to miss a drainage ditch and flipped over, ending up underwater in a pond. Jamie Lynn and her husband, Jamie Watson, struggled to free their daughter from the ATV's restraints but were unable to do so, leaving her stuck below surface for several minutes before an ambulance arrived and rescue personnel were able to free Maddie. She's one of the more popular contestants on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here. And while Natalie Bassingthwaighte is happily wedded to her former Rogue Traders band mate Cameron McGlinchey, her 'secret' first marriage is rarely mentioned. The 41-year-old's first husband Graham Wilmott has spoken with New Idea in an attempt to clear the air over the mystery surrounding their 18-month union. Scroll down for video Flashback: While Natalie Bassingthwaighte is happily wedded to her former Rogue Traders band mate Cameron McGlinchey, her 'secret' marriage to Graham Wilmott is rarely mentioned 'I don't know why she won't talk about it. It happened, we were married and now we have both moved on, so I don't know why she still feels that way,' he explained. The 49-year-old Campbelltown chef met Natalie when they both worked at a theatre restaurant in Sydney. He said the Wollongong-born beauty was 'progressing as an entertainer' at the time, while he was happy 'in the background catering'. 'I don't know why she won't talk about it. It happened, we were married and now we have both moved on, so I don't know why she still feels that way,' Graham explained about their union They were married in 1998 at St. John's Church in Glebe and only weeks later, Natalie scored a role in the musical Rent and had to move to Melbourne. 'Her career was taking off and that pretty much ended our marriage,' he offered. 'There were no massive arguments or anything like that, she had just moved on.' While Graham reportedly has 'no hard feelings' towards the mother of two, he did describe how her 'partying' lifestyle in Melbourne was 'hard' for him to accept. Whirlwind: They were married in 1998 at St. John's Church in Glebe and only weeks later, Natalie scored a role in the musical Rent and had to move to Melbourne 'I would be trying to call her after a long shift at work to talk, and she'd be out until all hours,' he said. Natalie described their short-lived nuptials during an interview in 2006. 'Basically, as soon as we were married, it was terrible,' she stated. 'It was so disappointing because you obviously think it's forever and it wasn't.' 'Her career was taking off and that pretty much ended our marriage,' he offered. 'There were no massive arguments or anything like that, she had just moved on' British Prime Minister Theresa May, who is invited by China to attend the OBOR Summit this year, has attended the G20 Leaders Summit in Hangzhou, China, in Sept. 2016. (Photo : Getty Images) "Countries who are being invited are regarded by China as friends. And these countries are seen to be powerful influence in promoting China's 'One Belt, One Road' project." These were the words told by a Beijing-based diplomat to Reuters when asked about the invite list to the One Belt, One Road, or simply OBOR, summit to be held in Beijing. Advertisement This diplomatic source, who gave details with the condition to be anonymous, revealed that Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May has been invited by China to attend its major event. According to The News, there was a confirmation from May's team that China is one of the major powers she would visit this year to talk trade relations. May's spokesman told reporters that the trip to China would be a manifestation of the developing close relationship between the two countries which has been observed in the past few years. The News reported that according to Britain's Ministry of Commerce, China is open to the idea of a free trade deal with Britain once the latter leaves the European Union, though the former has said little about it to the public. It can be remembered that May already joined a summit in China. It was a conference of the G20 leading economies which was held in September 2016. OBOR is a development and trade initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in late 2013. It consists of the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt and the sea-based 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. According to the South China Morning Post, the OBOR strategy uses land and sea routes to establish links with 65 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa in the fields of trade, infrastructure, finance, policy and people. State-run news Xinhua reported that OBOR has already boosted trades between China and the participating countries, exceeding $1 trillion in 2015. At an episode of the McKinsey Podcast, Kevin Sneader said: "At one level, OBOR has the potential to be perhaps the world's largest platform for regional collaboration. . . . It's very ambitious--potentially ambitious--covering about 65 percent of the world's population, about one-third of the world's GDP, and about a quarter of all the goods and services the world moves." She plays an undercover CIA agent in her new action film with Orlando Bloom. But Noomi Rapace took inspiration from a different genre as she stormed the red carpet at the 70th British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, 37, harked back to the roaring Twenties as she dazzled in a sharp bob haircut and an opulent fur stole. Scroll down for video Who's that girl? Noomi Rapace looked chic as she stormed the red carpet at the 70th British Academy Film Awards wearing Gareth Pugh at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday Bearing an uncanny likeness to Catherine Zeta Jones' character of Velma in Chicago, Noomi certainly stood out with her dramatic look. Highlighting her slim frame, she rocked a slimline Gareth Pugh column gown with an understated square neckline. Noomi injected extra drama to her decadent look thanks to some black leather fingerless gloves. Keeping to a Twenties theme, the Prometheus star wore a scarlet slick of lipstick and framed her dark eyes with a smouldering charcoal shadow. Unrecognisable: She looked worlds apart from her usual understated glamour (pictured last October) Highlighting her slim frame: She rocked a slimline black column gown with an understated square neckline Turning heads: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, 37, harked back to the roaring Twenties as she dazzled in a sharp bob haircut and an opulent fur stole Noomi, who herself was nominated for a Leading Actress gong at the BAFTAs in 2011 for her turn in Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, seemed happy to return as a guest. The ceremony, hosted by Stephen Fry, will be broadcast on BBC One, with high hopes for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's flick La La Land winning big after nabbing 11 nominations. Amy Adams' two films Nocturnal Animals and Arrival were the closest competitors with nine apiece, and she faced her own battle in the category for Leading Actress for the latter, against Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep and Natalie Portman. Seeing double: Bearing an uncanny likeness to Catherine Zeta Jones' character of Velma in Cicago, Noomi certainly stood out with her dramatic look Glam: Noomi injected extra drama to her decadent look thanks to some black leather fingerless gloves But it's La La Land's high-commended stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling that head up the Leading Actress and Leading Actor categories - with Emma nabbing the win. The movie tells the story of Mia, [Stone] an aspiring actress, and Sebastian [Gosling], a dedicated jazz musician, struggling to make ends meet while pursuing their dreams in a city known for destroying hopes and breaking hearts. Though La La Land continues to be the success story of awards season, Best Film nods also went to Arrival, I, Daniel Blake, Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight. Dramatic: The Prometheus star wore a scarlet slick of lipstick and framed her dark eyes with a smouldering charcoal shadow She's well known for being a Victoria's Secret Angel - so it comes as little surprise that Taylor Hill was dressed in white on Sunday night. The 20-year-old looked resplendent as she arrived at the EE BAFTAs on Sunday night held at London's Royal Albert Hall. She chose a white satin gown which had a very sexy low back detail and a metal body chain. Scroll down for video Winging it: Victoria's Secret Angel Taylor Hill flashed some serious skin in a white satin gown with a metal chain as she hit the BAFTAs at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday Her brunette locks were shiny and sleek and tied in a chic ponytail which had a side parting. With her pristine make-up perfectly applied, the beauty looked incredible as she looked over her shoulder for a series of photographs. The ceremony, hosted by Stephen Fry, will be broadcast on BBC One on the day, with high hopes for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's flick La La Land winning big after nabbing 11 nominations. Dreamy: She chose a white satin gown which had a very sexy low back detail and a metal body chain Amy Adams' two films Nocturnal Animals and Arrival are the closest competitors with nine apiece, and she will face her own battle in the category for Leading Actress for the latter, against Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep and Natalie Portman. Meanwhile, Taylor is very much back to work, having zoomed off on holiday in January. In photos from the trip, she confidently showed off her killer model body on the beach as she topped up her tan in Los Cabos, Mexico. The Victoria's Secret model recently admitted she eats as much as '3,000 calories a day' the week before. Talking to The Times, Taylor confessed that while they are slim, models are incredibly strong and remain in shape by fueling themselves correctly. She explained:'I eat 3,000 calories a day before the VS show. Three thousand!' 'There's no way you look like that and don't eat. You would die. Victoria's Secret girls are like athletes. We're like Olympians. We're strong.' What a woman! Taylor looked stunning in her satin number as she contrasted heavily against the red carpet She's spoken candidly about the cruel and relentless taunts she received during her school days. But Scarlett Moffatt was able to get revenge on one of the former bullies during a recent chance encounter. After bumping into one of the culprits at the supermarket, the Gogglebox star, 26, was not afraid to tell her exactly what she thought, explaining that the taunts had 'ruined' her time at school. Scroll down for video Fighting back: She's spoken about the cruel taunts she received during her school days. But Scarlett Moffatt was able to get revenge on a former bully during a chance encounter Recalling the incident to You magazine, Scarlett revealed: 'She came up to me all smiling and friendly and told me her two little girls thought she was the coolest mum because wed been friends at school. 'Usually Id just smile and walk away. But I had this memory of her coming into school and wearing fake teeth after Id had my bike accident and doing a really horrid impression of me.' The incident was an emotional one for Scarlett, as she explained that although she had laughed along at the time to join in with her classmates, she had spent the night crying alone in her bedroom. No holding back: After bumping into the culprit, the Gogglebox star, 26, was not afraid to tell her exactly what she thought, explaining that the taunts had 'ruined' her time at school The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner revealed: 'So when she used the F-word the "friend" word I shook. 'I told her that wed never been friends and that shed been a bully who had destroyed my confidence and ruined my time at school. 'I told her I hoped her two daughters would never go through what Id gone through or have to deal with anyone like her. 'I put down my basket, walked out of there and felt like cheering.' Cute kid: Scarlett revealed that as a child she was bullied horrifically and although she has laughed along with her classmates, she would spend her nights crying alone in her bedroom Despite Scarlett's horrific torments as a child, she revealed the whole experience had ultimately had a positive effect. She explained: 'Ultimately, it made me stronger as a person. I carried on being myself. 'Winning Im a Celebrity was a huge moment for me in terms of confidence because the bottom line was the feeling that people like me exactly as I am.' Super slimmer: Scarlett has also found some newfound confidence through her staggering three stone weight loss, which has seen her slim down from a size 16 to 10 Scarlett has also found some newfound confidence through her staggering three stone weight loss, which has seen her slim down from a size 16 to 10. Meanwhile, her career is continuing to skyrocket, although this is said to have had an impact on her love life. The Sun reports that Scarlett split from boyfriend Luke Crodden weeks after moving in together as 'she needs to concentrate on her career.' Steve Irwin's father, Bob, hasn't been back to Australia Zoo in more than ten years, after 'an explosive feud' with daughter-in-law, Terri. The 77-year-old conservationist, who started the animal park with his first wife in 1970, revealed the astonishing fact to New Idea, as he opened up about his estrangement from his famous grandchildren, Bindi, 18, and Robert, 13. The publication states that 'money was the driving factor behind the bitter bust-up' between Terri and Bob, who clashed over their vision for Australia Zoo after Steve's death in 2006. 'I don't talk about them': Steve Irwin's 77-year-old father Bob has revealed to New Idea that he hasn't been to Australia Zoo in ten years and is estranged from his famous grandchildren, Bindi and Robert A separate source told New Idea that Bob wanted the zoo 'to remain conservation first, tourist attraction second'. However, 'when Steve passed, Terri started focusing more on the commercial side of things... She wanted a grand theme park like you see in America,' the source continued. When asked by the publication about his grandchildren, Bob 'broke down and became physically emotional' stating, 'I don't talk about them. I haven't been to the zoo in more than ten years.' 'She wanted a grand theme park like you see in America': New Idea quotes an insider who claims that clashing visions for the future of Australia Zoo were part of the reason for Terri's falling out with father-in-law Bob Father and son: Bob was extremely close to his late son Steve (pictured together before Steve's death in 2006) Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Australia Zoo for comment. New Idea also interviewed Evelyn Green, a business owner in Blackbutt, Queensland, near Australia Zoo's satellite property. 'It would break Steve's heart,' Evelyn told the magazine about Bob's estrangement from Terri and his grandchildren. 'Soul mates- in this life and every other': Steve and Terri were married for fourteen years Bob, who suffered a severe heart attack in 2010, now lives a quiet life with his second wife, but explained he is hopeful of a reconciliation with his grandchildren. 'Whatever happens, happens,' he stated. Meanwhile, Bindi last week posted a touching tribute to her mother and late father. Tight-knit family: Terri with children Bindi and Robert Posting a photo of the couple to Instagram, she captioned the snap 'Soul mates- in this life and every other. True love lasts always.' It is clear that Bindi and Robert share a close bond with their mother. 'I love you more than words will ever describe': Bindi recently shared an adorable photo of Terri to Instagram Last month Bindi uploaded an adorable picture of her mother while the pair were out to lunch. 'Can we just take a moment to admire how gorgeous she is?' Bindi wrote beneath a photo of her smiling mum. 'I love you more than words will ever describe Mumma'. Mark Tabone has demanded an apology from New Idea after a story printed in their most recent issue. The gossip magazine claimed Lisa Curry's fiance, who is an Elvis impersonator, had flirted with female fans after a gig, running the story alongside pictures of him beside a woman. Mark posted an angry retort on his Instagram on Monday, slamming the 'sleazy' story while pointing out that he was actually surprising a fan who is suffering from terminal cancer. Scroll down for video Angry: Mark Tabone has demanded an apology from New Idea after a story printed in their most recent issue Alongside a picture of the article, he wrote: 'I can't believe I was papped getting changed to surprise a lady that is suffering from terminal cancer & New Idea turn it into a sleazy story!' He finished the post by saying: 'Shame on you New Idea, I demand an apology!' The publication had made a series of claims about the entertainer, saying that his fiancee Lisa Curry, who is currently on I'm A Celebrity, was 'the last thing on his mind'. 'He was lapping up the attention. The girls couldn't get enough of Mark- and it seems he couldn't get enough of them!' a New Idea 'insider' claimed to the magazine. 'It looked like Lisa was the last thing on his mind.' Jungle-bound! Lisa hasn't had direct contact with Mark since entering the Channel 10 reality show Meanwhile, Mark has taken control of Lisas social media accounts since she entered the jungle and he shared his response to the story on her Instagram. Her voice: Meanwhile, Mark has taken control of Lisas social media accounts since she entered the jungle On Sunday, he shared a photo of his healthy gourmet breakfast alongside a gushing caption dedicated to Lisa. 'Just because Lisa has been away for 3 weeks now & no contact, my good habits are embedded, thinking about her when I order Brekky!' he wrote. Lisa confirmed she was dating Mark back in December 2015, just weeks after splitting with boyfriend of five years Joel Walkenhorst, 33. Couples who diet together! On Sunday, he shared a photo of his healthy gourmet breakfast alongside a gushing caption dedicated to Lisa Romance: Lisa and Mark became engaged in July the following year after Mark popped the question during a lavish holiday in Malta They became engaged in July the following year after Mark popped the question during a lavish holiday in Malta. For Lisa, who separated from Grant Kenny in 2009 after tying the knot in 1984, this engagement marks a significant new chapter in her life. 'When I found myself single, I became quite happy doing my own thing and honestly thought I would never find anyone worth loving again,' she admitted to New Idea. N. Korea fires ballistic missile, drawing tough response from Trump North Korea on Sunday staged its first ballistic missile test since Donald Trump took office, a move denounced by Japan's leader who won "100 percent" backing from the new US President. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose country would be in range of a hostile North, called the launch "absolutely intolerable". South Korea said Pyongyang was testing Trump. The missile was launched around 7:55 am (2255 GMT Saturday) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the South's defence ministry said. People watch the news showing file footage of a North Korean missile launch at a railway station in Seoul on February 12, 2017 Jung YEON-JE (AFP) It flew about 500 kilometres (310 miles) before falling into the sea, a ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified. "Today's missile launch... is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities", the ministry said in a statement. "It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump," it added. The US Strategic Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium-range ballistic missile It was the first such test since last October. Trump responded with an assurance to the visiting Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally. "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent," he said, without elaborating. Abe denounced the launch as "absolutely intolerable" while top government spokesman Yoshihide Suge told reporters in Tokyo it was "clearly a provocation to Japan and the region". North Korea is barred under UN resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology. But six sets of UN sanctions since Pyongyang's first nuclear test in 2006 have failed to halt its drive for what it insists are defensive weapons. - 'Clear provocation' - Last year the country conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. A South Korean army official quoted by Yonhap news agency ruled out the possibility of a long-range missile test, describing the device as an upgraded version of the North's Rodong missile. Seoul-based academic Yang Moo-Jin said the latest test was "a celebratory launch" to mark the February 16 birthday of Kim Jong-Il, late ruler and father of current leader Kim Jong-Un. Pyongyang often celebrates key anniversaries involving current and former leaders with missile launches, Yang, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, told AFP. South Korea's acting president Hwang Gyo-Ahn vowed a "corresponding punishment" in response to the launch, which came on the heels of a visit to Seoul by US Defense Secretary James Mattis this month. Mattis had warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an "effective and overwhelming" response. Trump's national security adviser Michael Flynn, spoke to his South Korean counterpart Kim Kwan-Jin by phone and agreed to "seek all possible options" to curb future provocations by the North, Seoul's presidential office said. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also condemned the launch as a "further threat to regional... peace and stability" and vowed to work with Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo to heap pressure on Pyongyang. In January leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the "final stages" of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying "It won't happen." James Char, senior analyst at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore, said the launch was Pyongyang's "way of showing characteristic defiance against... Trump". - Test for Trump - The latest launch poses a test for Trump, who will need the help of the North's closest ally China to deal with the reclusive state. Relations have thawed in recent days after Trump reaffirmed Washington's "One China" policy in what he described as a "very warm" telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father in December 2011. Map showing the latest North Korean ballistic missile launch Laurence CHU, Kun TIAN (AFP) Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) and President Donald Trump held a press conference after North Korea fired a ballistic missile with Trump saying the US stood "100 percent" behind Japan Nicholas Kamm (AFP) Alexander Wang goes urban gothic in disused NY theater King of cool Alexander Wang ditched the bright lights and glitzy skyscrapers of New York to stage his latest fashion show against a backdrop of crumbling decay in a disused Harlem theater. Celebrity guests Kylie Jenner, rapper Tyga, Zoe Kravitz and ASAP Rocky were among those whisked to the RKO Hamilton Theater -- miles from the ritzy downtown haunts favored by the style glitterati during fashion week. The former cinema, in what is now a gentrifying neighborhood, has been through previous incarnations as a church, an arena, a disco and retail space, perhaps exemplifying the rise and fall of urban communities hard hit by the collapse of manufacturing across America. Alexander Wang, the young superstar who defines downtown cool, ditched the bright lights and glitzy skyscrapers to stage his latest fashion show in a disused Harlem theater JP Yim (Getty/AFP) Its location in West Harlem's Hamilton Heights had another subliminal message of cool: it takes its name from Alexander Hamilton, the founding father and inspiration for Broadway's hottest ticket in town "Hamilton," who lived in the area when it was farmland. The show opened with a thumping beat and blue strobe lighting, as the models stomped out in Wang's signature black and sharply tailored urban cool, all messy hair, tight leather and gothic eye make-up. It was a conservative look, with just a hint of cleavage. Models of the moment Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner were among those who powered down the criss-crossing runway, the lights flashing over the decayed backdrop that made it look like a grandiose nightclub from the past. Wang, the young superstar who defines downtown cool, stuck to his playbook of black, black and yet more black punctuated by occasional grey tweed, animal print and silver metallic fringes on breast pockets. If it was generally body hugging, it was also conservative by fashion standards: necklines were largely high, and cropped shorts and mini rah-rah skirts worn over tight leather leggings. T-shirts were similarly layered over tight long leather sleeves while silver studs decorated the waist line of pants, and jersey dresses made sexy with a diagonal cut over legging-encased thighs. - Cosmic - French sportswear label Lacoste was inspired by space for its last show in New York before relocating to Paris in September as part of a wider exodus of New York stalwarts in search of fresh climes. "This is a look into the future," explained Portuguese designer Felipe Oliveira Baptista. The runway was decorated to mimic Mars with sand and rock formation littered on the ground. "Looking at the future is also a way of being more optimistic," said Baptista, perhaps another nod to the uncertain times. The idea of "a cosmic voyage" was rooted in founder Rene Lacoste's foray into the aircraft industry, setting up a company that contributed to developing the Concorde and Airbus aviation programs. - Trump that - While opposition to President Donald Trump has characterized many a runway show this season, a Chinese designer was delighted to embrace at least one member of the first family. Tiffany Trump, the youngest daughter of the president, sat front row at Taoray Wang accompanied by mother Marla Maples just weeks after wearing the up-and-coming Shanghai label to her father's inauguration. Wang Tao said her clients had been delighted to see Trump kitted out in the brand and gave little thought to a refusal from some designers to dress the first lady because of her husband's politics. "I would rather focus on personal qualities and characters, rather than labeling them," she told AFP backstage. "I'm very open minded. I cooperate with international celebrities and all these leaders." The fall/winter 2017 collection starred her modern take on classic suiting, with a unique twist of East meets West, and an empowering masculine look made feminine when paired with delicate lace negligees. She sent down the runway black jackets, military-style double breasted coats and wide-legged tweed pants -- a powerful look made sexy with knee-high platform boots, lace underlay and pink silk lining on coats. Alexander Wang stuck to his playbook of black, black and yet more black punctuated by occasional grey tweed, animal print and silver metallic fringes at fashion week JP Yim (Getty/AFP) Taoray Wang's fall/winter 2017 collection starred her modern take on classic suiting, with a unique twist of East meets West Angela Weiss (AFP) Cambodian opposition prepares for polls without leader Cambodia's opposition party will head into local elections without a president after its founder's shock resignation, a party spokesman said Sunday, confirming his position would not be filled until 2018. Sam Rainsy, who has been at the forefront of the kingdom's opposition movement for two decades, announced his resignation from the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in a letter posted on social media late Saturday. His surprise departure casts new doubt over the prospects of a party that poses the only viable challenge to PM Hun Sen's authoritarian government in local elections in June and a 2018 general poll. Sam Rainsy, who has been at the forefront of Cambodia's opposition scene for two decades, announced his resignation from the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in a letter posted on social media Tang Chhin Sothy (AFP/File) Rainsy, who has been living in self-imposed exile since 2015 to avoid convictions and charges he says are politically motivated, did not elaborate on the reasons for his resignation. But analysts say it was an attempt to dodge legislation recently proposed by Hun Sen's government that would bar convicts from serving as party leaders and could lead to the CNRP's dissolution if Rainsy stayed on. After a party meeting Sunday spokesman Yim Sovann told reporters a new chief would not be selected until April 2018, months before the scheduled national poll. Rainsy's deputy Kem Sokha will continue to serve as acting leader and guide the party through the local polls, he added. The spokesman hailed Rainsy's resignation as an act of "devotion" to the party to protect it from "demolition". The CNRP made significant gains in the last 2013 national election, riding a wave of frustration over the endemic corruption and rights abuses under Hun Sen's 32-year rule. But the party has been hampered since then by an onslaught of lawsuits that rights groups say is part of the strongman's crackdown on critics as he looks to extend his grip on power. Political analyst Ou Virak called Rainsy's step-down a "new low" for a party that has been floundering under mounting pressure from Hun Sen. Erdogan says Turkish army close to taking IS-held town Turkish troops backed by Syrian rebel fighters have entered the centre of the Islamic State group bastion of Al-Bab and will soon capture it, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday. The town in Syria's Aleppo province is the last stronghold of the jihadist group in the region, and has also been targeted by Syrian government forces. The Syrian opposition, meanwhile, announced the formation of a delegation to attend a new round of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva on February 20. Turkey-backed opposition fighters advance in an armoured personnel carrier outside the northern Syrian town of al-Bab during a drive to retake control from the Islamic State group on February 9, 2017 Saleh ABO GHALOUN (AFP/File) IS has come under pressure from simultaneous offensives in both Syria and Iraq, where the group seized large swathes of territory in 2014 and proclaimed an Islamic "caliphate". Erdogan, speaking in Istanbul, said Al-Bab "is now besieged from all fronts". "Our forces entered the centre," he added, saying it was "only a matter of time" before the alliance of Turkish forces and rebels took control of the town. "Daesh forces have begun leaving Al-Bab completely," he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. Turkish forces and allied rebels entered Al-Bab for the first time on Saturday, from the west, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Britain-based monitor reported heavy clashes inside western Al-Bab on Sunday, as well as on the northern edge of the town, where Turkish forces and rebels were advancing but had not yet entered. One Turkish soldier was killed and two soldiers wounded in clashes with IS, the Turkish Dogan news agency reported. That raised to 67 the number of Turkish soldiers killed since Ankara began Operation Euphrates Shield in August, targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia. - Turkey eyes Raqa operation - Al-Bab has been a key target for both Operation Euphrates Shield, but also Syrian government forces, and Ankara now finds itself effectively jointly besieging the town with President Bashar al-Assad's forces despite opposing his government. Syria's army has advanced towards Al-Bab from the south, and on Monday severed the last road leading into the town, completing its encirclement. Erdogan added that Al-Bab was "not our final target", hinting that Ankara may participate in the fight to recapture IS's de facto Syrian capital Raqa. More than 310,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests, and successive rounds of peace talks have failed to produce a political solution. Invitations to the new talks in Geneva have been delayed while the opposition forms its delegation. On Sunday, the leading components of the political opposition announced a 21-member delegation, with a new delegation head and chief negotiator. The delegation includes 10 rebel representatives, and will be headed by Nasr al-Hariri, a member of the National Coalition, a leading opposition body. The chief negotiator was named as lawyer Mohamed Sabra, who replaces Mohamed Alloush of the Army of Islam rebel group. Neither Alloush nor other Army of Islam figures were listed, though it was unclear if the faction was boycotting the talks or being represented by other officials. No reason was given for there being a new delegation head and chief negotiator. - New Astana meeting - The umbrella High Negotiations Committee (HNC) which has represented the opposition at previous rounds of talks, described the delegation as inclusive. It said it included for the first time representatives from two additional opposition groupings, known informally as the Moscow group and the Cairo group. However, representatives from both groups denied they were part of the delegation. In the past, the HNC has opposed the inclusion of the rival opposition groupings in its delegation, accusing members of the coalitions of being too flexible with regard to the Syrian government. Ahead of the talks, Kazakhstan has invited Syrian rebels and government officials to Astana, where both sides met for talks that ended without any breakthrough last month. Neither side has officially confirmed attendance at the February 15-16 Astana meeting. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is sending a "technical team" rather than participating personally. The last round of talks in Astana was sponsored by regime allies Russia and Iran, along with Turkey, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday Moscow was preparing for the new discussions in the Kazakh capital. He said Moscow wanted to bring more rebels into the process and Jordan was helping on that front, adding that the talks were not meant to substitute for UN-led peace efforts. On the ground meanwhile, Syrian state media said two civilians were killed Sunday by rebel rocket fire on government-held parts of the southern city of Daraa as opposition fighters launched a major operation. The Observatory said at least 15 opposition fighters, including two Fateh al-Sham suicide bombers, were killed in the operation during which at least six members of the regime forces and allied fighters also died. Zones of control in the north of Syria Thomas SAINT-CRICQ, Kun TIAN (AFP) South Sudanese general resigns, citing 'ethnic cleansing' A senior South Sudanese general has quit, accusing President Salva Kiir and top members from his majority Dinka tribe of "ethnic cleansing," according to a resignation letter obtained by AFP Sunday. Lieutenant-General Thomas Cirillo Swaka was the country's deputy chief of general staff for logistics and a respected figure among the country's foreign partners. I "have lost patience with the conduct of the president and commander in chief, the chief of staff and other senior officers in the headquarters of the SPLA as well as unit commanders," Cirillo wrote. South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but broke out into war in December 2013, pitting the Dinkas of President Kiir against former vice-president Riek Machar and his Nuer tribe supporters Charles Atiki Lomodong (AFP/File) Kiir and other officers of the SPLA -- the country's national army -- "have systematically frustrated the implementation" of a 2015 peace agreement and sought to "pursue the agenda" of the elders' council of the Dinka ethnic community, Cirillo charged. This agenda, Cirillo wrote, rests on "ethnic cleansing", "forceful displacement of people from their ancestral lands" and "ethnic domination", all crimes against humanity. Concurring sources later told AFP that Cirillo had now left the country, but were unable to say where he had gone. South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but broke out into war in December 2013, pitting the Dinkas of President Kiir against former vice-president Riek Machar and his Nuer tribe supporters. Observers said it later metastasised with other tribes joining one side or the other, often with the hope of getting an upper hand in local conflicts over land and other issues. - 'Systematic killings' - A peace agreement signed two and a half years later raised hopes of an end to the conflict, but the deal lasted just over two months. Tens of thousands have died in the conflict, despite a 12,000-man UN peacekeeping force posted in the area, while over three million have been displaced. Cirillo accused Kiir and his entourage of turning the country's military into a Dinka "tribal" army that has taken part "in systematic killings of people, rape of women and the burning of villages in the name of pursuing rebels in peaceful villages". Cirillo is from the southern Equatoria region surrounding capital Juba that escaped violence in the beginning of the civil war. Fighting had largely been restricted to the northern states of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei until war broke out in Juba last July. In the past six months, it has expanded into Equatoria, where ethnic killings intensified, particularly in and around the southern town of Yei, prompting tens of thousands of people to seek refuge in neighbouring Uganda. Dinka troops were accused of driving the atrocities, which drew the attention of the international community. It led UN experts in early December to report "ethnic cleansing" in several parts of South Sudan. "Soldiers from the Dinka ethnic group have been strategically deployed and posted in non-Dinka areas to support the policy of land occupation," Cirillo said. They "have appropriated to themselves other people's properties" and "deliberately neglected and left without deployment," he added. A guideline issued by China's State Council says that Di Zi Gui, an ancient book from the Qing Dynasty, should be included in the curriculum of elementary schools. (Photo : Getty Images) A part of a guideline issued by China's State Council in January which says that Di Zi Gui, a book from the Qing Dynasty, should be included in the curriculum of elementary schools has resulted in different opinions from the public. The Book and Its Confucian Origin Di Zi Gui, or Standards for Being a Good Pupil and Child, is an ancient text for children that talks about moral values and etiquette. It was written by Li Yuxiu in the Qing Dynasty during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor. Advertisement The book was based on the teachings of the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius, particularly from his Analects which says: "A young man should be a good son at home and an obedient young man abroad, sparing of speech but trustworthy in what he says, and should love the multitude at large but cultivate the friendship of his fellow men. If he has any energy to spare from such action, let him devote it to making himself cultivated." On Opposing Opinions A Global Times report said that opposing opinions from the public arose from the plan of introducing this book to the school curriculum. One side has been saying that it will promote "mindless obedience" of children to parents or other authorities. The more receptive-to-the-plan side has been pointing to the "essence of culture" that it can promote. Expert Xu Fanchi from the Nanshe Traditional Culture Research Institute in Jiangsu Province considered Di Zi Gui as an exaggeration to obedience with its promotion of unquestioning submission to parents and teachers, the Global Times reported. Xu even said that this book has been used in pyramiding schemes to condition the minds of the members to unreservedly follow the people at higher positions. Furthermore, Xu said, "Familial devotion cannot be taught in a single activity; it develops through the years with the parents setting themselves as examples." On the other hand, Zhang Jian of China's Ministry of Education said that people, including experts, have misinterpreted the book leading them to think the book is wrong. Ren Dengdi, an expert from the Chinese Culture Department of the Beijing Mingyuan University, also told the Global Times that the teaching of Di Zi Gui, although it may go against the critical thinking of the Western culture, is the essence of the Chinese culture. The book can help preserve the Chinese society by instilling in children the respect for parents and authorities, thereby maintaining the power of rulers and social order, according to Ren. White House considering new immigration order The White House confirms it is considering issuing a new order on immigration now that President Donald Trump's travel ban has been halted as it makes its way through the courts. "Right now we are considering and pursuing all options," presidential aide Stephen Miller told Fox television. He said the next step would be either filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, defending the merits of the order in lower courts or issuing a new one. The idea of the White House issuing a modified immigration order that would survive scrutiny in the courts does not convince Democrats Scott Olson (Getty/AFP/File) "The president's powers here are beyond question," said Miller, who is considered one of the driving forces behind Trump's first actions on immigration. Miller insisted the president has the power to keep some people from entering the United States. "We are contemplating new and additional actions to ensure that immigration is not a vehicle for admitting people into our country that are hostile to its nation and its values," Miller said. The order that Trump issued abruptly on January 27 halts resettlement of all refugees for 120 days and that of Syrian refugees indefinitely. It also bars for 90 days the entry of nationals from seven mainly Muslim countries. A federal judge in Seattle issued a stay against the order on February 3. Then a three judge appeals panel in San Francisco voted unanimously last week against reinstating Trump's ban. Among other things, it rejected the argument that the president's actions in the area of immigration cannot be reviewed by the courts. The Trump ban was supposed to be in place while the government comes up with a new system of so-called "extreme vetting" of people seeking entry visas. This could include checks on their social media accounts, according to John Kelly, the secretary of homeland security. "Our immigration system should not be a vehicle for admitting people who have anything but love in their hearts for this nation and this constitution," said Miller, who is 31. "It is a message that I want the world to hear today. This country will protect its borders. It will protect its people," Miller said. The idea of the White House issuing a modified immigration order that would survive scrutiny in the courts does not convince Democrats, who from the outset have charged that Trump's order is simply anti-Muslim and plays into the hands of extremists. Gunmen kill Pakistani TV news assistant: police Gunmen shot dead an employee of a Pakistani TV news channel in Karachi on Sunday shortly after launching a grenade attack on a police vehicle, officials said. Taimoor Abbas, an assistant for privately run Samaa, had gone with colleagues to North Nazimabad neighbourhood to report on the assault on police when the van they were travelling in came under fire. The 22-year-old was taken to hospital but died from his bullet wounds, senior police official Muqadas Haider told AFP. People look into a damaged TV news channel van after an assault in Karachi on February 12, 2017 RIZWAN TABASSUM (AFP) Haider said the unidentified assailants had thrown an explosive device on a police armoured personnel carrier. No one was hurt in the initial attack but when the Samaa vehicle arrived the gunmen started shooting. Nobody has yet claimed responsibility for the assault but counter terrorism department chief Raja Umar Khitab said it was a "targeted attack against both media and police". Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and a major business and industrial hub, is rife with political, sectarian and ethnic militancy. A strategic operation in the city by security forces in recent years has brought a lull in violence, but scattered attacks still take place. Pakistan is ranked among the world's most dangerous countries for the media. 'La La Land' picks up five British Bafta awards Hollywood musical "La La Land" picked up five British Bafta movie awards on Sunday, at a glitzy London ceremony charged with filmmakers' political messages. The dreamy tribute to the heyday of Hollywood musicals picked up gongs for best film, best director and best actress, paving the way for Oscar success later this month. "La La Land" also won in the cinematography and original music categories, while it lost out in six of its 11 nominations at the ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall. US actress Emma Stone (L) poses with the award for a Leading Actress and US director Damien Chazelle poses with the award for a Director for work on the film "La La Land" at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards in London on February 12, 2017 Ben STANSALL (AFP) Accepting the award for best director -- beating off competition from the likes of Ken Loach and Tom Ford -- Damien Chazelle said it was an "incredible honour" and a pleasure to be there along with those behind the film. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) award for leading actress went to Emma Stone, who plays an aspiring actress in "La La Land" and took on a political tone in her acceptance speech. "In a time that is so divisive I think it's really special we were all able to come together tonight, thanks to Bafta, and to celebrate the positive," she said. A throwback to Hollywood's Golden Age, "La La Land" took home seven Golden Globes in January and has been nominated for 14 Oscars. The best actor Bafta award went on Sunday to Casey Affleck, for his role in the American drama "Manchester By The Sea", beating Ryan Gosling who was nominated for "La La Land". Affleck said he learnt to act while attending therapy sessions for children of alcoholics. Kenneth Lonergan's "Manchester" also won the original screenplay award, which the director said he was "overwhelmed" to accept. - Jibe at Donald Trump - Flying the flag for UK filmmaking was Ken Loach's "I, Daniel Blake", which won the outstanding British film award but lost out in four other categories. Set in Newcastle, northeast England, the film tells of one man's battle against the bureaucracy of Britains social welfare system. Accepting the award for outstanding British film, 80-year-old Loach said filmmakers stand "with the people" and took aim at the government. "The most vulnerable and poorest are treated by the government with a callous brutality that is disgraceful," he said. Ahead of the awards ceremony, he urged the public to become politically active. "You should know which side you're on and why and get in and take part in politics. There is no time now to sit on the fence," he told AFP. The glamorous ceremony was woven with political messages, beginning with host Stephen Fry making a jibe at US President Donald Trump who recently described veteran actress Meryl Streep as "overrated". "I look at row after row of the most overrated people in the audience," quipped the actor, after stepping out at the end of an opening performance by Canadian-based Cirque du Soleil. - 'We're rebels' - Affleck praised Streep for her criticism of Trump during a speech at the Golden Globes, saying he was "proud to be a part of the arts community" which speaks out. "For better, for worse, celebrities are looked up to and when they say something people sometimes hear it and they think about it where otherwise they might not," he told journalists. Anticipating the ceremony would be peppered with references to Washington and Westminster, actress Viola Davis said she supported filmmakers taking a stand. "I especially like it in a profession that could be considered narcissistic. But also I think that's what we do as artists. We do, we're rebels, we make political statements," she told AFP, before picking up the best supporting actress award for "Fences". Dev Patel, who was named best supporting actor for his role in "Lion", said he was already a winner before the ceremony. "I already just feel so happy to be here. It sounds like a real cliche but I've got my whole family with me. I'm here on home turf at the Baftas wearing a tuxedo walking this red carpet. I feel like a winner," he told AFP outside the Royal Albert Hall. Other guests braving the cold to walk the red carpet included Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, whose London home Kensington Palace is close to the Royal Albert Hall. US actor Casey Affleck poses with the award for a Leading Actor for his work on the film "Manchester by the Sea" at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 12, 2017 Ben STANSALL (AFP) British filmmaker Ken Loach poses with his award for an Outstanding British Film for "I, Daniel Blake" at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 12, 2017 Ben STANSALL (AFP) Lt. Gen. Hal Moore dies; depicted in film 'We Were Soldiers' Retired Lt. Gen. Harold G. "Hal" Moore, the American hero known for saving most of his men in the first major battle between the U.S. and North Vietnamese armies, has died. He was 94. Joseph Galloway, who with Moore co-authored the book "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young," confirmed Saturday to The Associated Press that Moore died late Friday in his sleep at his home in Auburn, Alabama. Galloway said Moore, his friend of 51 years, died two days shy of his 95th birthday. FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004 file photo, retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, of Auburn, Ala., salutes the crowd during a standing ovation at the state capitol during the Spirit of Alabama Awards in Montgomery, Ala. Moore, co-author of "We Were Soldiers," was one of several recipients of the award, created by Gov. Bob Riley. On Friday, Feb. 10, 2016, Moore, known for saving most of his men in the first major battle between the U.S. and North Vietnamese armies, died. He was 94. (AP Photo/Jamie Martin) "There's something missing on this earth now. We've lost a great warrior, a great soldier, a great human being and my best friend. They don't make them like him anymore," Galloway said. Moore was best known for his actions at the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang, where he was a lieutenant colonel in command of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment. His actions were later reflected in the movie "We Were Soldiers" in which actor Mel Gibson portrayed Moore. The book tells what happened to virtually every trooper involved in the 34-day campaign and the climactic four-day battle in which 234 Americans died at landing zones X-Ray and Albany in November 1965. Galloway, a former war correspondent for United Press International, said Moore was "without question, one of the finest commanders I ever saw in action." "Those of us who survived Landing Zone X-Ray survived because of his brilliance of command. I think every one of us thought we were going to die at that place except Hal Moore. He was certain we were going to win that fight and he was right," Galloway recalled. Galloway and Moore wrote a second book, "We Are Soldiers Still," which he said grew out of a journey back to the battlefields of Vietnam 25 years later. "We went back and walked those old battlefields. At the end of the day, Hal Moore and Col. Nguyen Huu An, the North Vietnamese commander, stood in a circle in the clearing and prayed for the souls of every man who died on both sides." He said the two shared an "instant brotherhood that grew out of combat." "When we were discussing the book contract with a lawyer/agent, he asked to see the contract between me and Hal Moore, and Hal Moore said 'I don't think you understand. This isn't just a matter of money. We have trusted each other with our lives in battle and we have no contract before that.' I absolutely agreed." On a Facebook page managed by Moore's family, relatives said he died on the birthday of his wife, Julia, who died in 2004 after 55 years of marriage. "Mom called Dad home on her day," the statement said. "After having a stroke last week, Dad was more lethargic and had difficulty speaking, but he had always fought his way back." Before serving in Vietnam, Moore graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and then commanded a battalion in the newly formed air mobile 11th Air Assault Division at Fort Benning. Born in Bardstown, Kentucky, he served in the U.S. military for 32 years. Galloway said the family has tentatively scheduled a religious service Friday in Auburn and a memorial service at the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning Army Base in Columbus, Georgia. North Korea reportedly test fires missile, challenging US PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump, who stood with the Japanese leader as Shinzo Abe called the move "absolutely intolerable." There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The U.S. Strategic Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile. The reports came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il. A man watches a TV news program showing a file footage of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with letters reading: "The North fired a missile" at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump's new administration. Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) Appearing with Trump at a news conference at the president's south Florida estate, Abe condemned the missile launch as "absolutely intolerable." Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." Abe read a brief statement in which he called on the North to comply fully with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. He said Trump has assured him of U.S. support and that Trump's presence showed the president's determination and commitment. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement the missile was fired from around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test launched its powerful midrange Musudan missile on Oct. 15 and 20. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles). But Yonhap reported that while determinations are still being made, it was not believed to be an ICBM. The missile splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, according to the U.S. Strategic Command. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Jong Un said in his New Year's address that the country has reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its "hostile policy" and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programs until the U.S. changes its diplomatic approach. Just days ago, it also reaffirmed its plan to conduct more space launches, which it staunchly defends but which have been criticized because they involve dual use technology that can be transferred to improve missiles. Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, speculated the missile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. Analysts are divided, however, over how close the North is to having a reliable long-range rocket that could be coupled with a nuclear warhead capable to striking U.S. targets. South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said that his country will punish North Korea for the missile launch. According to the Foreign Ministry, South Korea will continue to work with allies including the United States, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realize that it will "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. ___ Associated Press writers Kim Tong-Hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Jill Colvin in Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report. A man watches a TV news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017.. North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump's new administration. Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant. The letters read "The ruling and the opposition parties denounce North Korea's missile launch." (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) Rights group files petition to join suit against travel ban SAN FRANCISCO (AP) An immigration rights group has filed a petition to join a lawsuit by Washington and Minnesota states against President Donald Trump's executive order banning travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project filed the petition Friday in U.S. District Court in Seattle. The group last month filed a federal class-action lawsuit against Trump's order on behalf of two U.S. citizens and a legal resident trying to reunite with their children. Plaintiff Juweiya Abdiaziz Ali is a U.S. citizen living in Seattle who started the process last August of bringing her son from Somalia. She says Trump's order has made her worried that her son's visa process will be indefinitely suspended. A man walks up the steps of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals building Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, in San Francisco. A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, dealing another legal setback to the new administration's immigration policy. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) The Latest: UN Security Council to meet on North Korea SEOUL, South Korea (AP) The Latest on North Korea's missile launch (all times local): 11 a.m. The United States, Japan and South Korea have requested an urgent meeting of the U.N. Security Council on North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch. People watch a TV screen in Tokyo showing a live broadcast from Florida of a news conference by U.S. President Donald Trump, right, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on a missile launch by North Korea, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to Trump, who stood with the Japanese leader as Abe called the move "absolutely intolerable." Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant. (Yoshitaka Sugawara/Kyodo News via AP) A spokesman for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations said Sunday night that the meeting is expected to take place Monday. The spokesman spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The North Korean missile is thought to have flown about 500 kilometers (310 miles) before going down in international waters. U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe learned about the launch while in Florida together. Abe called the move "absolutely intolerable," while Trump said his administration "stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." ___ 9:20 p.m. Italy says North Korea's "repeated missile tests" threaten peace and that the country must stop challenging the international community. In a statement Sunday, the Italian foreign ministry expressed "great concern" about the news that the North had launched a ballistic missile. It said the repeated tests, combined with North Korea's development of a nuclear arsenal, "constitute a threat to peace and to international security." Italy said North Korea "must abandon the development" of such an arsenal and "interrupt its path of challenging the international community and of self-isolation." North Korea appeared to fire a missile early Sunday in its first such test of the year. It conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year. ___ 7:10 p.m. In the wake of North Korea's latest missile launch, a top Russian foreign affairs figure says other countries must step up their work to try to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in the lower house of the Russian parliament, was quoted as saying Sunday by the Interfax news agency that North Korea's behavior "is a definite challenge to all of us" and "a reminder that we should not relax and should understand that the situation of the peninsula is quite unstable and may turn into a hot conflict." He added, "In connection with this, we need to work intensively on the Korean dossier and not slow down the pace for all of us." Slutsky was quoted as saying he believed U.S.-Russia cooperation on the matter was possible "however utopian that may appear now." ___ 1:50 p.m. The U.S. Strategic Command says it detected and tracked what it assessed was a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile test-fired by North Korea. It says it did not pose a threat to North America. The command said the launch occurred near the northwestern city of Kusong. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned in his New Year's address that his country was ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile, which could threaten the U.S. mainland. ___ 1 p.m. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is condemning North Korea's latest missile launch as "absolutely intolerable" and President Donald Trump is assuring Japan that the U.S. stands behind it "100 percent." Abe and Trump appeared together for a statement Saturday night following reports that North Korea fired a ballistic missile in what would be its first such test of the year. In a ballroom at Trump's south Florida estate, Abe read a brief statement in which he called on the North to comply fully with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. He said Trump has assured him of U.S. support and that Trump's presence showed the president's determination and commitment. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." ___ 12:30 p.m. South Korea's presidential Blue House says the presidential security director Kim Kwan Jin has spoken with President Donald Trump's national security adviser Michael Flynn over the phone following North Korea's missile test launch. According to the statement, the two officials strongly condemned the launch and agreed that the countries will explore every possible way to suppress North Korean provocations. ___ 11:30 a.m. South Korea says North Korea's missile test-launch, along with Kim Jong Un's threat to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile in his New Year's address, shows the "irrational nature" of a government that "fanatically" obsesses with developing nuclear ballistic missiles. South's Foreign Ministry issued the statement in response to what it said was the North's first ballistic missile launch this year. It strongly condemned the launch as a "blatant and obvious" violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and a "serious threat" to international security. The ministry says that the South will continue to work with allies including the United States, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realize that it will "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. ___ 10:45 a.m. South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn says his country will respond to punish rival North Korea for Sunday's missile launch. According to Yonhap news agency, Hwang says South Korea in tandem with the international community "is doing its best to ensure a corresponding response to punish the North" for its missile launch. South's military has confirmed that the missile launched Sunday flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles) into the sea. Yonhap reported that while determinations are still being made, it was not believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. ___ 10 a.m. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has told reporters the missile test-fired by North Korea did not hit Japanese territorial seas. South Korea's Yonhap news agency says that the Japanese government confirmed that the missile fell in seas between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says South Korean and U.S. military officials are analyzing further details from the launch early Sunday. In response to the launch, South Korea held a National Security Council meeting at the presidential Blue House, which was chaired by Kim Kwan Jin, the presidential national security director. People watch a TV screen in Tokyo showing a live broadcast from Florida of a news conference by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, joined by U.S. President Donald Trump on a missile launch by North Korea, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to Trump, who stood with the Japanese leader as Abe called the move "absolutely intolerable." Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant. (Yoshitaka Sugawara/Kyodo News via AP) A woman walks past a screen showing a TV news on a missile launch by North Korea with a photo of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the map of North Korea in Tokyo, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump, who stood with the Japanese leader as Shinzo Abe called the move "absolutely intolerable." Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant. Letters read: North Korea fired a missile. Chief Cabinet Secretary (Yoshihide) Suga said: "(this is) a clearly provocative act." (Yoshitaka Sugawara/Kyodo News via AP) President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe make statements about North Korea at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga speaks on a missile launch by North Korea at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump's new administration. The missile is believed to have splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Suga told reporters the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. (Muneyoshi Someya/Kyodo News via AP) Congolese music festival for peace draws tens of thousands GOMA, Congo (AP) Enrique Makasi's hometown of Beni in eastern Congo is under frequent siege from rebels, and music is the way he tells the world what is happening. Performing before tens of thousands at the Amani Festival in the regional capital, Goma, the 26-year-old singer hopes to give voice to the hundreds slain and build solidarity to promote peace. "I took to the stage in black to show the world that in Beni, nearly 1,000 people have been killed by the ADF rebels from Uganda and an investigation should be carried out," he said. "The festival is also a way for me to share the word 'amani' (meaning peace in the Swahili language) with colleagues coming from other countries in Africa." In this photo taken on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, performers play music next to a festival tent at the Amani Festival held in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Nearly 36,000 people have gathered in Goma for a three-day festival of music and dance aimed at promoting peace and boosting the global image of eastern Congo. (AP Photo/Al-hadji Kudra Maliro) Nearly 36,000 people gathered in Goma over the weekend for the three-day festival of music and dance aimed at promoting peace and boosting the eastern Congo's generally negative global image. Some have come from as far away as the United States. Hamilton Collins of Cherry Hill, N.J., said he made the journey after reading about the festival online. "I love Congo and I will be here again in 2018," he said while dancing to the music of Burundian group Alfred & Bernard. Eastern Congo has drawn international headlines since the 1990s for rebellions, rape and instability, and multiple armed groups remain active in the region, drawn by its vast mineral wealth. But Goma is a relatively peaceful provincial capital, nestled at the foot of mountains and beside picturesque Lake Kivu. Close by is Virunga National Park, which features the Mt. Nyiragongo active volcano and some of the world's last lowland gorillas. Spreading the message that Goma can host tens of thousands of concert-goers without problems is part of the festival's mission. "We want to promote a positive image of eastern Congo so that foreigners know that in Goma, there is life," said Julien Paluku Kahongya, governor of North Kivu province. In its fourth year, the Amani Festival began on a somber note after one of the organizers, Norbert "Djoo" Paluku, was fatally shot after intervening in an apparent altercation between a young man and local police, according to the festival's Facebook page , which said it was decided to continue with the festival because Paluku had dedicated so much to it. A meeting was to take place with police "to better organize the security of concert-goers." Along with helping to change eastern Congo's image, the festival is also promoting peace by bringing together artists from neighboring countries, said festival promoter Eric de Lamotte. "It is bringing people of all cultures together with music, even if yesterday they were in conflict," he said. Neighboring Rwanda continues to recover from its 1994 genocide and Burundi has been gripped by deadly political violence since early 2015. In addition to local artists, the festival attracts well-known groups from further afield, this year including Sauti Sol from Kenya, which won best group at the 2015 All African Music Awards. "A good neighbor is someone who starts to dance when his friend plays music," said Dunia Abedi, head of the Burundian dance group Komeza Karanga. "All the Burundians are with the Congolese in the struggle for peace," Abedi said. "Music is a force that all of the world hears because it is easy on the ears." ___ Online: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=amani%20festival%202017 In this photo taken on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, people listen to music by performers at the Amani Festival held in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Nearly 36,000 people have gathered in Goma for a three-day festival of music and dance aimed at promoting peace and boosting the global image of eastern Congo. (AP Photo/Al-hadji Kudra Maliro) From protests to 'pussy hats,' Trump resistance brews online NEW YORK (AP) The revolution may not be televised but it apparently will be tweeted. And Facebooked. And Instagrammed. Not long after President Donald Trump temporarily barred most people from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the U.S., social activist Dex Torricke-Barton took to Facebook. "I'm thinking of organizing a rally," he posted. Within a few hours, more than 1,000 people expressed interest. The resulting protest a week later, in front of San Francisco's City Hall, drew thousands more. Torricke-Barton is far from alone. From organizing protests on the fly to raising money for refugee and immigrant rights groups, people have been using social media to fuel the resistance against Trump in ways their organizing predecessors from the 1960s could have hardly imagined. FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2017, file photo, a crowd fills Independence Avenue during the Women's March on Washington, in Washington. Social media is fueling resistance to President Donald Trump, helping people organize protests, raise money for refugee and immigrant rights groups and otherwise get the word out. It's making possible political action that organizers from the 1960s could have hardly imagined. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) ROOTS OF PROTEST In Queens, New York, for instance, a group of 27 women met up to write postcards to their state and local representatives during a "Postcard-Writing Happy Hour" organized through Facebook. And on Ravelry, the social network for knitters and crocheters, members have been trading advice and knitting patterns for the pink "pussy hats" that emerged as a symbol during the Women's March on Washington and similar protests elsewhere after Trump's inauguration. "This is an incredible project because it's mixed between digital and physical," says Jayna Zweiman, one of the founders of the Pussyhat Project. "We harnessed social media for good." In 1969, activists planned massive marches around the U.S. to protest the war in Vietnam. The protests, called the Moratorium, drew millions of people around the world. But "it took months, a lot of effort, a national office of the organization to get it off the ground," says Christopher Huff, a Beacon College professor focused on social movements of the 1960s. "The women's march was achieved at a much larger scale at a fraction of the time." This immediacy is both an asset and a disadvantage. While online networks help people rally quickly around a cause, Huff says, they don't necessarily help people grasp the "long-term effort" required to sustain a movement. ONLINE, THEN OFF In Silicon Valley and across the tech world, Trump's travel ban created a stir that went well beyond the industry's usual calls for deregulation and more coding classes for kids. Between aggregating donations, issuing fiery statements, and walking out of work in protest, tech company executives and employees took up the anti-Trump cause at a scale not seen in other industries. New York-based Meetup, for instance, broke with nearly 15 years of helping people form and join interest groups on a non-partisan basis. "We're vital plumbing for democracy," the company wrote in a Medium post this week. "But after Donald Trump's order to block people on the basis of nationality and religion, a line had been crossed." So Meetup held a company-wide "resist-a-thon" a riff on the hackathons tech companies hold to devise new technologies to help people get involved in the anti-Trump movement known as "the resistance." It then unveiled more than 1,000 new "#resist" Meetup groups that people can join for free (it's normally $15 a month to run a group). As of Wednesday, some 35,000 people had joined the #resist Meetup groups, and scheduled 625 events around the world. Torricke-Barton, who in earlier incarnations wrote speeches for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Alphabet Chairman Eric Schmidt, said he and two sisters of Iranian descent organized their last-minute protest using Facebook groups and Messenger. That's quite a contrast to Torricke-Barton's earlier experience protesting violence in Darfur more than a decade ago. Back then, "lawyers, marketers, communications people would help you get (the protests) off the ground ... networks had to be created in advance," he said. "Now, protests can start without any kind of infrastructure." FOLLOW THE MONEY Shortly after Trump's order, the venture capitalist Bijan Sabet tweeted a link to the fundraising platform Crowdrise alongside an explanation of his support for the American Civil Liberties Union and then asked his followers to do the same. Sabet figured it might take as long as two months to reach his $50,000 goal. It took three days. That weekend, the ACLU raised $24 million, far more than the $4 million it receives in a typical year. Sabet, whose father is from Iran, says he's seeing civic involvement "level up," and that social media is pushing that along. Previously, he said, people would maybe say, "yeah, I'm a bit frustrated, but I don't have all the information, I don't know how to get involved." Now, there's no excuse. LITTLE THINGS The effects of social media aren't limited to huge efforts. A week or so after the election, Marisa Frantz, an art director in Cerrillos, New Mexico, teamed up with her sister-in-law Sarah Bailey Hogarty to create a private Facebook group called "America is Watching." To join, all people had to do was comment "yes." If they then posted their zip code in comments, Frantz would send them contact information for their senators and representative, Hogarty explained in an email. "Like many of us, I was floundering around feeling terrible and afraid," said Hogarty, a digital producer for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. "I wanted to do something, but I had no idea where to start." Hogarty called the group her "foothold to resistance." Now, the group has more than 1,000 members across the U.S. and organizes weekly "calls to action," such as contacting senators and representatives about a particular issue determined by a poll of the group. Groups like this demonstrate how social media has helped "lower the barrier to entry" into social activism, in the words of Tarun Banerjee, a sociology professor at the University of Pittsburgh. "What social media can do really well is spread awareness," Banerjee said. "Can people make President Trump back down because of social media? Probably not. But it can shine the light." ___ Reach Barbara Ortutay on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BarbaraOrtutay South Carolina deputies shoot man to death at troubled motel GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) Authorities say South Carolina sheriff's deputies shot a man to death during an altercation at a motel where they've been called hundreds of times in the past year. Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis tells local media outlets three deputies were patrolling the parking lot of the Super Lodge Motel at around 2 a.m. Saturday when they encountered suspicious activity. Lewis says shots were fired, and a suspect died at the scene. None of the deputies were injured. The coroner later identified the suspect as 37-year-old Jason Robert Mendez of Fountain Inn. The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating, which is standard practice. The races of the deputies and suspect were not immediately released. Dragon Ball Super controversy: Hindu Group wants one of the evil Gods of Destruction removed from DBS (Photo : Twitter/Herms98) It is time for the tournament to begin. The recap of "Dragon Ball Super" episode 78 showcases what happens in "The Universes' Gods are Aghast! You'll Be Obliterated if You Lose at the 'Tournament of Power'." This tournament can lead to the annihilation of the losing side as well their universes. Advertisement Warning: This article contains major spoilers from the recently aired episode. "Dragon Ball Super" episode 78 recap The episode starts off with info about the location where the tournament is scheduled to happen. It is called Nothing World. It is a place without space or time and the fighters can fight as hard as possible with zero casualties. In "Dragon Ball Super" episode 78, it is revealed that the prize for the winning the Tournament of Power is nothing, but if any universe ends up in the losing side, then the Omni-King will blow up the universe. In the beginning, the Omni-King wants Goku and Universe 7 to battle some other universe, as the future Omni-King did not get to see them battle. It will be three fighters from Universe 7 vs. three from Universe 9 at the Omni-King's palace. Meanwhile, Kaioshin and Beerus are upset with Goku. Beerus tells Goku that even if Goku is friends with the Omni-King, the latter will blow up Universe 7 if they lose. Goku assures Beerus that he will get serious and win no matter what. Vegeta is in no mood to leave for the tournament due to Bulma's pregnancy. Also, Vegeta questions the idea of taking Goten and Trunks. Goku takes his other son to the tournament. Goku tells Gohan about the Omni-King's rule, but asks him not to disclose the details to Videl and others. Gohan gets upset with Goku. Meanwhile, Videl is happy about Gohan participating in the tournament. Satan tells Goku that he is willing to help him, but Goku tells him that he is looking for Majin Buu. Elsewhere, Beerus wonders about Satan's presence. Apparently, according to Satan, Buu will listen to only Satan. Goku discloses to Beerus that only Gohan knows about the deadly rule. Beerus warns Satan to not say anything that will start fresh trouble for them. The Universe 9 fighters arrive. The Great priest makes some spectator seats. Goku meets Champa after a long time and the chit-chat begins. The Great Priest asks them to be quiet. The Great Priest goes on to explains the match being the proof of concept for the Tournament of Power. Goku calls the Omni-King, Zen Chan, and everybody freak out. The current match has no rewards but Omni-King wants to make sure that universes take it seriously and he reveals that he will punish the losers. From Universe 9, Basil is appointed the first fighter. Satan wakes up Buu using chocolate and later, Gohan and Satan tell him to play with the dog-looking creature. Basil looks unimpressed as he ridicules Buu. Next week on "Dragon Ball Super" episode 79, we will see Majin Buu vs. Kicker Basil. Thank you, Herms98 for the translation. Stay tuned for more updates. Insider Q&A: Duke University expert James Cox on SEC future WASHINGTON (AP) President Trump has named Jay Clayton, a Wall Street attorney who worked on mergers and IPOs, to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. Last week Trump ordered a review of the 2010 Dodd-Frank law, which reshaped regulation of the banking industry after the financial crisis. He called the law a "disaster." How are the SEC's focus and activity likely to change in an administration that tilts toward easing regulation? We asked James Cox, a professor at Duke University School of Law who's an expert on securities law and a close SEC-watcher. The Q&A has been edited for clarity and length. __ This photo provided by James D. Cox shows Cox, a professor at Duke University School of Law. Cox is an expert on securities law and is a close SEC-watcher. (Courtesy of James D. Cox via AP) Q: How do you think the SEC might shift its focus in the Trump administration under Jay Clayton? A: I think the SEC's at a good point in time to respond to developments. It's time for consolidation of not just rulemaking but its overall mission, because it's been terrifically preoccupied with rulemaking under the Dodd-Frank Act and was consumed with what to do about financial markets in light of the crisis. Now those rules and regulations are behind it. Here's something getting back to the SEC's more bread-and-butter concerns: Before the Democrats gave up the SEC chairmanship, the agency circulated a concept release about how it could rethink disclosure requirements for public companies. They've gotten a lot of feedback on that, and so their challenge now is to address it. __ Q: Could you explain the disclosure issue? A: There's a lot of pressure on the SEC to have scaled disclosure so that the really big companies that are more complex will have more disclosure and the smaller companies for which the cost of disclosure is more significant, will have less disclosure. So what is more, what is less and where do you draw that line? These are things that are waiting for the new SEC chairman to set the tone and go forward. I say this as somebody who's very favorably inclined toward mandatory disclosure and regulation of capital markets. But even I believe there's been regulatory bloat that's occurred. It's possible that we can do more with less. The idea is to get down to the matters that investors are truly worried and thinking about. __ Q: How about the SEC's enforcement efforts? How might the focus change? A: I wouldn't be surprised to see a substantial augmentation of the resources and enforcement being devoted to money managers. Nobody, whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, tolerates fraud being perpetrated against Main Street. We've seen a step-up (in recent years at the SEC) of action against money managers for some really despicable conduct. So I can see how hanging up scalps there may take place. Florida sheriff's office on trial again over fatal shooting LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (AP) The parents of Seth Adams are sure Sgt. Michael Custer is lying about why he fatally shot their unarmed son in the parking lot of the family's nursery business nearly five years ago, even though the sheriff's deputy was cleared by investigators. The family will get a chance to prove its allegations when a federal civil rights trial against Custer and the sheriff's office begins Monday with jury selection. The Adams family and their attorneys say ballistics tests, contradictions in Custer's statements and observations by his Palm Beach County colleagues undermine his account of Adams as an immediate and persistent aggressor in the confrontation. The family said the May 2012 shooting was unjustified and that the investigation was flawed. They are seeking unspecified damages. Custer, then a 15-year sheriff's office veteran, and the sheriff's office have denied wrongdoing. Custer, who had no previous complaints of brutality or violence in his personnel file, said he shot Adams because Adams attacked him for no reason and he feared for his life. A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation cleared him of criminal wrongdoing. This will be the second time in a year the sheriff's office will be in federal court defending itself in the shooting of an unarmed man. Last February, a federal jury awarded Dontrell Stephens $22 million after finding that Sgt. Adams Lin unjustifiably shot him when he mistook Stephens' cellphone for a gun. The shooting paralyzed Stephens. The agency also settled at least three other lawsuits in the last year over questionable shootings, totaling $2.7 million. Both the sheriff's office and Wallace McCall, the family's lead attorney, declined to discuss the pending trial. Some facts about the two-minute confrontation are undisputed. Custer, wearing civilian clothing, pulled into the nursery parking lot about 11 p.m. on May 16, 2012. He parked his unmarked black Ford SUV, but left the motor running and turned off the lights. He was supervising a team trying to capture a gang of ATM thieves, all of them white males in their 20s like Adams. The Adams family said Custer, who is also white, ignored signs banning afterhours parking. Adams, who lived with his brother and sister-in-law on the property, returned home at about 11:40 from Boonies, a bar about 3 miles away. Employees told investigators he played beer pong with friends and chatted amiably with the waitress. He pulled his blue Ford pickup into a space about 15 feet from Custer. An autopsy showed his blood-alcohol content was 0.13, well over Florida's .08 percent legal limit for driving. What happened next is where the trial will be fought. According to court records, Custer said Adams began yelling profanities at him "as loud as a person could" and demanded to know who he was without identifying himself as a resident. Custer said he identified himself as a sheriff's deputy, but Adams again cursed him, said he had no right to be there and started walking quickly toward him. Custer said he showed Adams his sheriff's identification, but that "seemed to make him worse." He said Adams grabbed him by the throat, but he broke free and punched Adams in the chest. Then he pointed his Glock .40-caliber handgun at Adams and ordered him to the ground. Instead, he said, Adams began circling "like a wrestler looking for an angle." Custer, who is 5-foot-8, said he radioed for help and warned Adams, who was 6-foot-4, he would be shot if he advanced. He said Adams went into his truck as if retrieving a weapon. He kicked the truck's door shut and grabbed Adams around the neck, warning he would be shot if he didn't comply, but Adams kept fishing around. He said Adams spun toward him, so he fired four shots, hitting Adams twice in the chest and once in the forearm. Adams died two hours later at the hospital. McCall alleges in court documents that Custer's story doesn't match the evidence. He said Palm Beach Sheriff's Agent Kevin Drummond, a surveillance team member, told investigators he drove past the nursery and saw Custer exiting his SUV and Adams standing motionless near his truck about a minute before the shooting. He didn't think Adams posed a threat or notice any screaming, so he didn't stop. When confronted with Drummond's statement, McCall said, Custer changed his story to say Adams briefly listened to him but again became enraged as he explained why he was there. The attorney also said an officer radioed that he heard shots fired before Custer radioed for help. Custer's neck also had no redness or bruising and gunpowder burns to Adams' forearm, ballistics evidence and a blood trail indicate Custer's shots were fired several feet from Adams' truck, the attorney said. Austrian official defends closing borders to deter migrants SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) Austria's foreign minister says closing the so-called "Balkan route" to migrants seeking to reach central and northern Europe was the right move. Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz held talks with his Macedonian counterpart, Nikola Poposki, on Sunday. He told reporters afterward that closing borders to deter migrants has become an accepted practice despite initial criticism. Earlier, Kurz visited a refugee camp in the town of Gevgelija, on Macedonia's southern border with Greece. He praised Macedonia's role in securing European borders. On Monday, he is scheduled to tour a similar camp in the country's northern border with Serbia. North Korea has fired a ballistic missile in the first such test since Donald Trump took office as US president. The missile fell in seas between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, South Korean officials said. There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The reports come days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Uns late father, Kim Jong Il. Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump Mr Trump assured Japans prime minister Shinzo Abe, who is on an official visit to the US, that America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100%. Mr Abe said the test was absolutely intolerable. Japanese officials say the missile did not reach its waters. In a ballroom at Mr Trumps south Florida estate, Mr Abe read a brief statement in which he called on North Korea to comply fully with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. South Korea said the test launch, along with leader Kim Jong Uns threat to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile in his New Years address, shows the irrational nature of a government that fanatically obsesses with developing nuclear ballistic missiles. Souths Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the launch as a blatant and obvious violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious threat to international security. The ministry says that the South will continue to work with allies including the US, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realise that it will never be able to survive without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. A man watches a TV news programme showing file footage of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Lee Jin-man/AP) Italy warned that North Koreas repeated missile tests threaten peace and that the country must stop challenging the international community. In a statement, the Italian foreign ministry said North Korea must abandon the development of such an arsenal and interrupt its path of challenging the international community and of self-isolation. The US Strategic Command said it had detected and tracked what it assessed was a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile. The command said the launch occurred near the north-western city of Kusong. Kim Jong Un said in his New Years address that the country has reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its hostile policy and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programmes until the US changes its diplomatic approach. Jordan Spieth is in prime position to claim his first PGA Tour title in over a year as he has a six-shot lead going into the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The two-time major winner last won back in January 2016 at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions but he is on course to win in California after firing a seven-under-par 65 in the third round. Jordan Spieth's 12th one-putt of the day. He leads by five. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/euWH80S2J5 PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 12, 2017 Spieth, who did win in the PGA Tour of Australiasia in November, started the day in a share of the lead with world number one Jason Day and American Derek Fathauer on 10 under. Jordan Spieth (Eric Risberg/AP) But he was the only one who could kick on as he fired eight birdies, including five on the back nine, and a single bogey to move to 17 under and in pole position to lift the trophy on Sunday. He leads Brandt Snedeker by six with Dustin Johnson and Kelly Kraft a shot further back on 10 under. Day fell out of the running with a three-over-par 75 while Fathauer went round two over. A peaceful demonstration over the alleged rape of a black youth by police in France has degenerated, with small groups setting at least one vehicle on fire. Youths also threw projectiles at police in a Paris suburb, while the officers responded with tear gas. Demonstrators gather during a protest in Bobigny, outside Paris (Aurelien Morissard/AP) Hundreds demonstrated by the courthouse in the north-east suburb of Bobigny on Saturday, calling for justice for the 22-year-old man arrested in Aulnay-Sous-Bois on February 2 during an ID check by four police officers. Police officers face protesters in Bobigny (Aurelien Morissard/AP) The young man, who is still in hospital, says he was raped with a police baton. The situation has sparked a week of nightly unrest in several small towns with minority populations. A car burns after the protest (Aurelien Morissard/AP) One officer was charged with aggravated rape and three others with aggravated assault. All deny the allegations. An RTL radio van was set ablaze in the unrest. Rolls-Royces quest to bring crewless ships to sea is charging ahead after the engineering giant said it has been working with Government-backed groups on the project. The company plans to release its first fleet of autonomous ships by 2020, in a move that could cut sea transport costs by as much as 20%. Rolls-Royce is now working with bodies in Northern Europe, including the Norwegian Forum for Autonomous Ships established by Norways Maritime Administration and DIMECC, funded in part by the Finnish government innovation investment arm Tekes. It is also embarking on major research projects in Britain and Singapore. Oskar Levander, Rolls-Royces vice president of innovation, told the Press Association that teams are working to develop regulation that will cover the first iteration of commercial ships like ferries and tugboats, before embarking on cargo vessels that will sail across international waters. An artist's impression of a crewless ship (Rolls-Royce/PA) The development will start in a few countries, and these flag states will give the vessel permission to operate before we have international regulations in place. The technology is expected to adopted by major shipping firms that are looking to boost efficiency and profitability amid weak global demand. The industry slowdown has impacted giants like AP Moller-Maersk which unveiled a full-year loss of 1.9 billion US dollar (1.5 billion) earlier this month. But autonomous ships are expected to make waves across the industry not only for the crews that run those ships, but the insurers and security firms that back them. Jonathan Moss, a partner at law firm DWF and international shipping expert, said: The maritime industry as a whole may suffer in terms of employment levels. The massive boom in the maritime security over the past six to seven years will be dampened, as there will be no crew to protect from piracy, and ship cargo will be stored more securely. Unions have already raised concerns about the adoption of crewless ships, particularly as technology out-paces industry training. The pace of change is a challenge to safety and there are also many unanswered questions about the legal implications of the way in which operational and management responsibilities are being taken away from ships staff, a spokesperson for the Nautilus maritime union said. We are concerned that technology is seen simply as a way to cut jobs and cut costs. Mr Levander of Rolls-Royce admitted that skill sets will need to change, with more demand for work in areas like cyber security. However, he said crewless ships are likely to boost on-shore jobs that are generally safer and present a more sustainable lifestyle for staff. The disgraced lawyer at the centre of the controversy engulfing the probe into allegations of British military misconduct in Iraq lost his way after doing very good work, the shadow attorney general has said. Former Liberty chief Baroness Shami Chakrabarti warned that the actions of Phil Shiner should not be used to destroy everybodys human rights. Mr Shiner, who ran Public Interest Lawyers (PIL), was struck off earlier this month after being found to have acted dishonestly in bringing murder and torture claims against Iraq war veterans. The 60 million Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat) probe into claims of misconduct by British military personnel is now to be shut down within months. PIL were behind around 65% of the more than 3,500 allegations received by Ihat. .@UKLabour's Shami Chakrabarti responds to the closure of IHAT and the striking off of disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner #Peston pic.twitter.com/FT0VqVbTJE Peston (@itvpeston) February 12, 2017 Lady Chakrabarti told ITVs Peston on Sunday: In the past Mr Shiner did some very good work that has been upheld by a judicial inquiry into, for example, the torture and killing of Baha Mousa in Iraq. She said: There was a disciplinary tribunal and I have to respect the outcome of that tribunal. I think it is very sad when a public servant who has given good service to the public, when their career ends in disgrace, and thats true whether its a Dr, or a politician, or a lawyer. So, I am very sad and disappointed. It is not for me to speculate on what happened to an individual, but sometimes people lose their way. What I think is important though is misconduct by an individual should not be used as an excuse to destroy everybodys human rights. Lady Shami Chakrabarti (Jonathan Brady/PA) And some of the politics around this, and some of the media coverage, has gone from the terrible misconduct of an individual to an excuse, for example, for pulling out of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects our servicemen as much as it protects everybody else. The Commons Defence Committee report this week said it was deeply concerned the MoD had used public funds to cover the costs of those who were bringing spurious and unassessed cases against the war veterans and about the lack of support for those accused. Ihat investigators used intimidatory tactics, including deeply disturbing methods such as impersonating the police. Serving and retired soldiers have also been spied on, the report found. Mr Shiner also faced calls from Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon to apologise to the soldiers he brought claims against in the wake of the lawyer being struck off. Upbeat musical La La Land triumphed over gritty dramas at the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards. The film picked up five of the 11 prizes for which it was nominated including best film, top director for Damien Chazelle and leading actress for Emma Stone at the annual ceremony hosted for the 12th year in a row by Stephen Fry at the Royal Albert Hall. Here's to the ones who dream...La La Land wins the Best Film award! #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/UlWFibgoPB BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 12, 2017 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were special guests among the stars of the big screen braving a chilly London evening to celebrate the great and good of the film industry. Critically-acclaimed La La Land, the frontrunner for the Oscars later this month, added awards for cinematography and original music to its collection. Ken Loachs hard-edged film about the benefits system in the UK, I, Daniel Blake was the first winner of the night, for outstanding British film award. Dave Johns, Ken Loach, Rebecca O'Brien and Paul Laverty with the award for Outstanding British Film Britains Dev Patel scooped the supporting actor prize for Lion, while US star Viola Davis won the supporting actress title for her role in Fences. Dev Patel with his Bafta for best supporting actor (Joel Ryan/AP) Viola Davis with Bafta award for Best Supporting Actress Leading actor went to Casey Affleck for Manchester By The Sea, which also won original screenplay for its writer and director Kenneth Lonergan. EEs Rising Star award, the only one to be voted for by the public, was given to Spider-Man: Homecoming actor Tom Holland. Tom Holland with the Bafta award for rising star Prince William took to the stage at the end of the evening to award to US filmmaker, actor and comedian Mel Brooks the prestigious Bafta fellowship. Introduced as Prince Bill by host Fry, the royal joked that Bafta had run out of actors to present awards. BAFTA President HRH The Duke of Cambridge introduces the Fellowship award. #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/IVE7Xpp81p BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 12, 2017 Brooks kept the audience laughing during his typical joke-laced acceptance speech, as he promised he would not be selling his Bafta online. Referencing his idols, previous fellowship winners such as Laurence Olivier and Alfred Hitchcock, he said: This is a singular and august honour. Mel Brooks poses with his Bafta Fellowship award (Joel Ryan/AP) Brooks, 90, added: I am very grateful. This is one of the awards that you will not see on eBay, I promise you. eBay has all the others, but not this one. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, it has been wonderful to be here. Much of the evening, from Frys rolling dialogue to the winners speeches, had a political overtone, with plenty of references to global unrest, from Brexit to the US political landscape. Fry made a reference to Donald Trump, who recently described actress Meryl Streep as over-rated. He said: I look at row after row of the most over-rated people in the audience. Another high point of the night saw Fry ask for a kiss from Streep, a request to which she gladly obliged with gusto. That moment when Meryl Streep comes on stage to kiss you! #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/AILpS5Q5Tg BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 12, 2017 Other winners included US prison system film 13th for best documentary, and Lions screenwriter Luke Davies for adapted screenplay. U.S. senators denounce Trump plan to focus counter-extremism program on Islam By Dustin Volz WASHINGTON, Feb 9 (Reuters) - A dozen Democratic U.S. senators on Thursday denounced a Trump administration plan to revamp a government program on countering violent extremism, saying narrowing its focus solely to Islamic threats could jeopardize security and may be illegal. Restructuring the program to omit white supremacists and other non-Islamist groups "would severely damage our credibility with foreign allies and partners as an honest broker in the fight against violent extremism, and prove divisive in communities across our country," Senators Cory Booker, Brian Schatz and 10 others wrote in a letter addressed to cabinet secretaries. Reuters reported last week that Republican President Donald Trump's administration wants to rename the "Countering Violent Extremism," or CVE, program introduced by the previous Democratic administration of Barack Obama to "Countering Islamic Extremism" or "Countering Radical Islamic Extremism." The potential name change reflects a broader goal of Trump's to exclude groups in the program's purview such as white supremacist, whose followers have also carried out bombings and shootings in the United States, five sources familiar with the matter said. CVE aimed to address the causes of why some people are drawn to violence or extremism by providing grants and other resources to community groups to develop prevention efforts, including using social media. Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order temporarily blocking travel to the United States by people from seven predominantly Muslim countries, prompting a global outcry and charges from his critics that he was advancing a white nationalist agenda. Trump has rejected characterizations of the order as a "Muslim ban" and said it is necessary to protect national security. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials who work on CVE met on Tuesday to continue discussions about the proposed changes, according to two sources who have worked closely with DHS on the program. Refocusing CVE efforts largely on Islam would "alienate Muslim organizations and individuals in the United States", the senators wrote to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and Wade Warren, acting administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development. "It will also put U.S. service members, diplomats, development practitioners, and citizens traveling the world at significant risk, and will increase the likelihood of more attacks," the letter said, and could "violate constitutional protections and the rights of American citizens." At least three community organizations have already declined funding collectively totaling nearly $1.4 million awarded under the auspices of the CVE task force, citing concerns about the Trump administration's posture toward Muslims and the possible changes to the program. White House press secretary Sean Spicer declined to comment on the reported changes last week, but said during a briefing that the program was initially intended to focus on "rooting out radical Islamic terrorism." Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere a LESBIAN? 4 things you should know about her alleged girlfriend Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mitteneare and Miss France 2014 Camille Cerf (Photo : Instagram/ Iris Mitteneare) Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere lesbian rumors spread like wildfire online after a malicious report. The newly-crowned Miss Universe is rumored to be dating Camille Cerf. A scandalous rumor broke out that the reigning Miss Universe is a lesbian and is dating another beauty queen. Mitteneare's partner is speculated to be the former Miss Universe candidate Camille Cerf who entered the competition in 2014. People made a big deal out of the sexuality of the two. Advertisement If the rumors were true, this is a huge step forward in gender equality since a prominent figure in a very stereotyped competition has come forward about her sexuality. Mittenaere could be the first lesbian beauty queen.The response on this latest development is positive and is a major step for the LGBT community. Moreover, having a prominent figure like the Miss Universe as a lesbian helps increase efforts in gender equality. The Miss Universe Organization has not commented on the issue yet and what could be the implications of these rumors to Iris' reign as Miss Universe. However, MUO is a strong supporter of women and also advocates LGBT rights and equality. However, the Miss Universe's alleged girlfriend is a great woman and her accomplishment will probably overshadow the issues thrown at her. Here are the four things that people should know about Camille Cerf. 1. She is a beauty queen inside (and out) Camille Cerf is Miss France 2014 and is the country's representative in Miss Universe 2014 where she finished in the Top 15. 2. She is a champion of cancer patients Her advocacy is to create an association that helps people with cancer to live a better life after her father died of the disease. 3. She is a fierce model before she is a beauty queen She is a model starting at an early stage. She was signed by Elite Model Management after she won the Elite Model Look contest. 4. She is an entrepreneur with a dream Camille is a French business woman after she went to business school aspiring to be a press secretary. Khamenei says Sweden has good name among Iranians DUBAI, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Iran's supreme leader said on Saturday the United States and Western powers are regarded with suspicion in the Middle East because of their interference, but that Sweden has a good name among Iranians and is seen as a reputable economic partner. Iran has had relatively good relations with neutral Sweden which has over the years been often critical of the foreign policy of the United States, the Islamic republic's arch-enemy. "America and many European powers have played a role in causing traumatic events in Syria and Iraq, and the people of the region are aware of this interference and are rightly sceptical," state TV quoted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying at a meeting with visiting Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven. "Due to its long relationship with Iran, Sweden is a country with a good reputation in the eyes of our people, and the optimism of nations towards each other will be fertile ground for developing cooperation," Khamenei was quoted as saying. During Lofven's visit, the two countries signed initial accords on cooperation in areas including science and technology, higher education and research, roads, telecommunications, technology, and women and family. Khamenei said many agreements Iran had signed with foreign countries had not been realised, however, and he expressed hope that would not also be the case with Sweden. "We know you to be a man of action and hope you will act in a way so the accords do not just stay on paper," Khamenei told the Swedish prime minister. Lofven said the talks addressed "economic relations and important regional problems, and we will try to implement the agreements". The Swedish prime minister told Swedish journalists the subject of human rights was brought up. Among the issues are the fate of Ahmadreza Djalali, a researcher at Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet who is imprisoned in Iran and at risk of a death sentence, according to Amnesty International. Lofven, however, gave no details on human rights issues, Swedish news agency TT reported. Lofven also met President Hassan Rouhani, who praised "Swedish moderation" in international affairs - especially its support for Iran's negotiations with world powers which led to a 2015 deal to curb Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for a removal of economic sanctions against the Islamic republic. 1-North Korea tests ballistic missile; U.S. to avoid escalation By Ju-min Park and Matt Spetalnick SEOUL/WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea early on Sunday, the first such test since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected, and his administration indicated that Washington would have a calibrated response to avoid escalating tensions. The test was likely to have been of an intermediate-range Musudan-class missile that landed in the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea's military, not an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which the North has said it could test at any time. The launch marks the first test of Trump's vow to get tough on an isolated North Korean regime that last year tested nuclear devices and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate in violation of United Nations resolutions. A U.S. official said the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in response, but they would be calibrated to show U.S. resolve while avoiding escalation. Later, White House adviser Stephen Miller said on the television show "Fox News Sunday" that "we are going to reinforce and strengthen our vital alliances in the Pacific region as part of our strategy to deter and prevent the increasing hostility that we've seen in recent years from the North Korean regime." The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting Trump's previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This was no surprise," the official said. "The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this." The latest test comes a day after Trump held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and also follows Trump's phone call last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I just want everybody to understand, and fully know, that the United States of America is behind Japan, our great ally, 100 percent," Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, speaking alongside Abe. He made no further comments. Abe called the launch "absolutely intolerable" and said North Korea must comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. NATO condemned the missile test in a statement by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who said North Korea "must refrain from further provocations, halt all launches using ballistic missile technology and abandon once and for all its ballistic missile programmes ... " The French foreign ministry also condemned the launch, issuing a statement that said "France reaffirms its solidarity with its partners in Asia-Pacific whose security is threatened by the North Korean nuclear and ballistic programme." China is North Korea's main ally but has been frustrated by Pyongyang's repeated provocations, although it bristles at pressure from Washington and Seoul to curb the North and its young leader, Kim Jong Un. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump and his aides are likely to weigh a series of possible responses, including new U.S. sanctions to tighten financial controls, an increase in naval and air assets in and around the Korean peninsula and accelerated installation of new missile defence systems in South Korea, the administration official said. But the official said that given that the missile was believed not to have been an ICBM and that Pyongyang had not carried out a new nuclear explosion, any response will seek to avoid ratcheting up tensions. "IT WON'T HAPPEN" Trump has pledged a more assertive approach to North Korea but given no clear sign of how his policy would differ from Obama's so-called strategic patience. In January, Trump tweeted "It won't happen!" after Kim said the North was close to testing an ICBM, but his aides never explained how he would do so. The missile was launched from an area called Panghyon in North Korea's western region just before 8 a.m. (2300 GMT Saturday) and flew about 500 km (300 miles), the South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. "Our assessment is that it is part of a show of force in response to the new U.S. administration's hardline position against the North," the office said in a statement. A South Korean military source said the missile reached an altitude of about 550 km. While Seoul initially said the missile was probably a medium-range Rodong, it later said the launch was likely of a Musudan, which is designed to fly up to 3,000-4,000 km. The North attempted eight Musudan launches last year. Only one of those launches - of a missile that flew 400 km (250 miles) in June - was considered a success by officials and experts in South Korea and the United States. Kim said in his New Year speech that the country was close to test-launching an ICBM and state media have said such a launch could come at any time. The comments prompted a vow of an "overwhelming" response from U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis when he travelled to South Korea earlier this month. Once fully developed, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 9,000 km (5,500 miles) from North Korea. ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,500 km (3,400 miles), but some are designed to travel 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or more. North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile-related tests last year and was seen by experts and officials to be making progress in its weapons capabilities, although until Sunday no ballistic missile launch attempt had been detected since October. Its repeated missile launches prompted Washington and Seoul to agree to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile battery in South Korea later this year, which is strongly opposed by Beijing, which worries the system's powerful radar undermines its own security. Sunday's launch comes at an awkward time for South Korea, where President Park Geun-hye has been stripped of her powers after a December parliamentary vote to impeach her. Her fate will be decided by the Constitutional Court, which is hearing arguments on whether to uphold or overturn the impeachment. Trump's hostility to help keep Iran's Rouhani in office, but make his life harder By Parisa Hafezi ANKARA, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Donald Trump's bellicose rhetoric towards Iran now appears likely to help keep President Hassan Rouhani in office for another term, but will make it harder for the Iranian leader's team of moderates to govern. With an election due in three months and a hostile new administration in the White House, Iran's hardliners seem to have backed off from trying to reclaim the presidency for their faction, at least for now. No single candidate has emerged as a potential hardline champion to challenge the relative moderate Rouhani in the vote. Instead, officials speak of ideological rivals uniting behind him as best suited to deal with a Trump presidency. "To protect the Islamic Republic against foreign threats we need to put aside our disputes and unite against our enemy," said a senior official speaking on condition of anonymity like other figures within Iran contacted for this story. "Under the current circumstances, Rouhani seems the best option for the establishment." Still, Rouhani's supporters worry that even though hardliners no longer seem intent on removing him, they will take advantage of confrontation with the Trump administration to weaken the president at every turn. "To cement their grip in power, hardliners will do whatever they can to provoke Trump. From missile tests to fiery speeches," said a former senior official, close to Rouhani. "By making Rouhani a lame-duck president, they will try to prevent any change in the balance of power in Iran." Rouhani, elected in a landslide in 2013 on a pledge to reduce Iran's isolation, is the face of Tehran's deal with the outgoing Obama administration to curb Iran's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of U.S. and European sanctions. Trump and other U.S. Republicans have frequently disparaged that deal, as have hardliners in Iran. For now, the Iranian hardliners appear to have concluded that they still need Rouhani in office, if only so Washington rather than Tehran will be blamed if the deal collapses, said Iran analyst Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group. "With the deal in jeopardy, the system will be in vital need of Rouhani's team of smiling diplomats and economic technocrats to shift the blame to the U.S. and keep Iran's economy afloat," said Vaez. But ultimately, said analyst Meir Javedanfar, any atmosphere of heightened tension with Washington benefits the hardliners and weakens the moderates in Iran. "Now with Trump in charge, Iran's hardliners can sleep easy as they thrive on threats and intimidation from the U.S., it feeds their narrative," said Javedanfar, an Iranian-born Israeli lecturer on Iran at Israel's Interdisciplinary Centre Herzliya. PRESERVATION Under Iran's theocratic governing system, the elected president is subservient to the unelected supreme leader, 77-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a hardliner in power since succeeding revolutionary founder Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. A hardline watchdog body can control the elected government by vetting candidates before they stand and by vetoing policies. Khamenei uses anti-American sentiment as the glue to hold together the faction-ridden leadership, but he will not risk a total collapse in relations with Washington that might destabilise Iran, say Iranian officials. "The leader's top priority has always been preserving the Islamic Republic ... A hardline president might intensify tension between Tehran and America," said an official close to Khamenei's camp. Rouhani's efforts to open up Iran to less hostile relations with the West still have to be couched in the rhetoric of anti-Americanism that has been a pillar of Iranian rule since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. On Friday, hundreds of thousands marked the anniversary of the revolution, taking to the streets chanting slogans that include "Death to America". At such events, Rouhani can strike a note that sounds as hardline as anyone. "We all are followers of our leader Khamenei," Rouhani said in a speech that cast his own re-election bid as an opportunity for Iranians to demonstrate their defiance of Washington. "Our nation will give a proper answer to all those threats and pressures in the upcoming election." For his part, Khamenei said in a speech earlier this week that Trump had shown "the real face of America", echoing the hardline Iranian criticism of the Obama administration's comparatively accommodating stance as insincere or devious. Khamenei dismissed a Trump administration threat to put Iran "on notice" for carrying out missile tests. But he also avoided signalling a break with the nuclear accord, and the speech was interpreted as a sign that he will stick by Rouhani for now. "The leader's speech showed that the leadership has agreed on a less confrontational line. They prefer to wait and see Trump's actions and not to act based on his rhetoric," said Tehran-based political analyst Saeed Leylaz. Ordinary Iranian voters also seem inclined to keep Rouhani in power. Many complain that they have still seen few economic benefits from the lifting of sanctions, and those who hoped Rouhani would reform restrictive social policies say they are disappointed by the lack of meaningful change so far. Nevertheless, there seems to be little appetite to reverse course at the election and restore power to a confrontational hardliner like Rouhani's predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Inter-Shi'ite tension mounts in Baghdad after clashes By Huda Majeed and Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Tension between Iraq's Shi'ite leaders mounted on Sunday as the toll from protests in central Baghdad on Saturday increased to six killed, five demonstrators loyal to the fiery cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and one policeman. At least 174 other protesters were injured in clashes that pitted police and Sadr's followers who had gathered to demand an overhaul of a commission that supervises elections, ahead of a provincial poll due in September. The clashes broke out as the protesters attempted to cross the bridge that links Tahrir Square where they had gathered and the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings, embassies and international organizations. In a statement reacting to the killing of his followers on Saturday evening, Sadr said: "Their blood won't have been shed in vain." He promised "peaceful" retaliation. Several Katyusha rockets hit the Green Zone on Saturday evening but there were no casualties, a military spokesman said. Sadr's military wing, the Peace Brigades, denied in a statement firing the rockets, reacting to the military spokesman who said they seem to have been fired from Baladiyat, a district where the cleric has many followers. The growing tensions come at a bad time for Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi who is trying to focus on a critical battle with Islamic State in Mosul, the last major urban stronghold of the Sunni militants in northern Iraq. Four of the five protesters killed were hit by bullets and the fifth died of unknown causes, according to an updated casualties toll given by an Interior Ministry official. Most of the injured were treated for choking on tear gas, he said. Sadr says the electoral commission is favourable to his Shi'ite rival, former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki, a politician close to Iran whom he accuses of corruption. He also blames Maliki for the failure of the Iraqi army to contain the advance of Islamic State in 2014, as he was then prime minister and commander of the armed forces. The cleric said his supporters wanted to get near the Green Zone to make their voices heard by decision-makers, and had no intention of storming it again. Abadi ordered an investigation into the violence amid claims by the Interior Ministry that some demonstrators carried firearms and knives. Sadr insists his followers were peaceful. In a statement, Maliki's Dawa party accused Sadr without naming him of trying to "distract the Iraqi people in sedition in order to prevent the efforts to get rid of Daesh," an acronym for Islamic State. Sadr is openly hostile to American policies in the Middle East and, at the same time, he has a troubled relationship with Iraqi political groups allied with Iran. Sadr is the heir of a clerical family who suffered under Saddam Hussein, the former president toppled in the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. His Shi'ite rivals had fled Saddam's persecution, returning to Iraq after the invasion. A hardline Iranian-backed Shi'ite leader, sheikh Qais al-Khazali warned Sadr against escalation. "While we stand by the freedom to demonstrate, we stress the need not to allow events to spin out of control and lead to harmful consequences." Sadr's followers held several demonstrations last year to press for anti-corruption reforms and stormed the Green Zone after violent clashes with security forces. Iraqi forces last month completed the first phase of the Mosul offensive that started in October, by removing the militants from the eastern side of the city. They are now preparing to attack the part that lies west of the Tigris river. France's financial prosecutor says no decision made on Fillon PARIS, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The office of France's financial prosecutor said on Sunday it had not taken any decision regarding an investigation in connection with allegations of "fake work" by presidential candidate Francois Fillon's wife. "No decision has been made at this stage of the investigation and no timeframe has been agreed as of today," a spokeswoman said. Cambodia opposition names acting leader after shock resignation PHNOM PENH, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Cambodia's main opposition party named Kem Sokha as its acting president on Sunday after exiled leader Sam Rainsy resigned unexpectedly in the face of a possible ban ahead of elections. Political tension has been growing in the Southeast Asia nation, where Prime Minister Hun Sen is fighting to keep his 30-year-old grip on power and the Cambodia National Rescue Party(CNRP) could stand in his way. An emergency meeting of the party's committee said Kem Sokha, Rainsy's deputy, would become the acting president. "The CNRP knows itself, where it has come from and what it must do," Kem Sokha wrote on Facebook. Kem Sokha had already been filling the role in effect because Rainsy lives in exile. Rainsy announced his resignation on Saturday, saying it was to protect the party. In a video posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, he said there had been a risk that the party would be dissolved ahead of elections. Hun Sen has said the law will be changed to ban anyone who has been convicted of an offence from leading a party. Rainsy has been convicted of a series of defamation charges and has lived in France since 2015 to avoid them. He rejects the charges as politically motivated. Sudanese police finds explosive material in apartment after blast KHARTOUM, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Sudanese security forces have found explosive materials and foreign passports in an apartment they raided on Sunday after a small blast detonated in South Khartoum, the Interior Ministry said. A bomb exploded while the suspect was assembling it, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the alleged bomb-maker, who is on the run, was wounded. "The suspect went to a nearby hospital but the hospital refused to treat him without informing the police, which is what lead him to leave the hospital without receiving treatment," it added. Neighbours said many young Egyptians, Somalis and Syrians live in the apartment building that was raided earlier on Sunday. Security forces are investigating the incident, the statement said. No one has been arrested yet. More than 100,000 Syrians live in Sudan as a direct result of the six-year-old civil war, according to a survey conducted by the Syrian Support Committee in July 2015. The recent Court of Appeal decision on SAITM has generated a huge debate with pro and anti-SAITM groups flooding traditional and social media with opposing positions and perspectives. University students have also taken to the streets and the boycott of classes by Medical Faculty students has raised the stakes in the debate. Not all opinions expressed on SAITM have necessarily been edifying; yet, the vigorous debate that has emerged is a reflection of how invested our society is on the issue of education. The last time there was such a debate in our society on education, was during the 2011-2012 Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) trade union action. Yet the focus on SAITM has also had the effect of narrowing the debate on education to a great extent. There is a bigger issue at stake here than simply the future of SAITM or even the future of medical education in our country. What is at stake is the very foundational principles on which our system of education is and should be based. It is easy to talk glibly of the great heritage of free education in our country and to periodically genuflect before a portrait or statue of C.W.W. Kannangara. What is more important is to reflect seriously on the underlying principles that shaped free education policy in this country. Even a cursory glance at the debates that took place during that period in the State Council show the depth and breadth with which the issues were discussed. Let us consider just one paragraph of the extensive report issued by the Special Committee on Education, chaired by C.W.W.Kannagara: The character of an educational system depends on the character of the society for which it is designed. In a totalitarian system the education system is designed to establish among all sections of the population the opinions of those who for the time being in control of the destinies of the nation. We have assumed that our task was to recommend an educational system suitable for a democracy, and that our main effort must be directed towards deriving a system that would enable every citizen to play his full part in the life of the nation. This appears to us to mean two things. First, it means that the individual must be helped to achieve the highest degree of physical, mental, and moral development of which he is capable irrespective of his wealth or social status. Secondly, it means that the individual as a result of his education should be able to use his abilities for the good of the nation in the fullest possible measure and should be able to pass judgement on affairs of the State and exercise intelligently the franchise that the State has conferred upon him. In other words, democracy requires in the first place a minimum standard of education and, beyond that, equality of educational opportunity. (Chapter II of the Report of the Special Committee on Education 1943). Can anyone deny the relevance of these words more than 70 years later? Unfortunately, contemporary debates on education are ignoring or taking for granted, the purpose and meaning of education, which as stated so eloquently above should be the basis on which an education system is based. What is of most relevance here, is the idea that education is not simply an individual responsibility or one which is of value only to the individual who is educated. Rather, education here is described as having a larger, social value: not only does an educated individual have a larger responsibility towards society, it is in the interests of society to ensure that its people are educated all its people. "At tertiary education, the balance of responsibility shifts somewhat although it is now becoming increasingly common for parents to get involved in their childrens higher education as well" This, I believe, is what should be at the crux of our debates on education today. If we can get this part of it right the meaning and purpose of education all else can follow. Unfortunately, discussions on education today, even when presuming to be about the quality or relevance of education are reduced to technical discussions. Should we include life skills education? Should all universities have Industry links to promote employability? Should teacher training include gender awareness? Should people who could afford it be denied the right to choose their education options? Should tuition be banned on Sundays and Poya days? Should there be a dress code for mothers visiting schools? This is what our debates on education are usually reduced to and, this is what education reforms are reduced to. What is not been discussed is the almost imperceptible shift away from education as having a social value to education simply being about individual development. At most, education is linked to a narrowly defined idea of contributing to economic development thus the current preoccupation with employability, personal skills development and little else. This shift in approach also has an effect on the system of education. Not only does competition and examinations drive the education system, the responsibility for the provision of education as well as ensuring its quality is shifted to the individual. If you are not getting the best out of education, you are not paying enough for it or you are not working hard enough. Naturally there is then an individual price and cost to education which the individual is expected to bear and it follows that the benefits should also be for the individual. If you are below 18 years, it is the responsibility of the family. Notice how invested parents, especially mothers are in education today? Many women have opted out of employment in order to focus on their childrens education. That is because increasingly families are not only paying for education, but they are actually doing most of the educating themselves. You can call it what you want: Charter Schools; School Development Committees; Parent Teacher Associations but families are expected to bear the burden of education in multiple ways. This then naturally means that the more vulnerable and marginalised sections of society are gradually left out of education. At tertiary education, the balance of responsibility shifts somewhat although it is now becoming increasingly common for parents to get involved in their childrens higher education as well. In fact, this has become so accepted that parents are often called upon to vouch or function as hostage for their childrens good behaviour in universities. In my own university, I have seen an increasing trend where parents not only accompany their adult children to universities to discuss subject and career choices, but also do most of the talking during these sessions. In terms of cost, the idea of raising loans for education has become far more acceptable. The assumption being that upon completing education and obtaining employment, the loans will be repaid. Once again, individual responsibility is stressed. Being politically active, engaging in extra-curricular activities, learning at your own pace, not having a definite career path are increasingly not tolerated in higher education. What this also means is that society does not feel as if it has a stake in the education system. Some of the posts in social media show the extent to which this attitude has become normalised. For instance, SAITM students and others going to private institutions are considered to be responsible because they pay for their own education compared to students at state universities who are wasting tax payers money. "Unless we realise our collective responsibility for education and recognise its social value, our interventions in the field of education will remain superficial at best" The idea being that unless you pay for it yourself, you will not value education. But this also means that your responsibility is then towards yourself and not anyone else. The social value of education and the need for society to invest in an educated population is rarely considered. Yet, as a society we complain about the increasing selfishness and self-centredness of youth; we talk about the lack of democratic and civic values among our citizens; we criticise the quality of our leaders and politicians; we bemoan the inefficiency of our bureaucrats, the lack of creativity in our artists, the lack of empathy and sensitivity among our doctors, the narrow vision of our engineers and the corruption amongst our financiers. When we make the connections among these problems and the education system, we focus our reforms on curricula revision and teacher training. So now curriculums must include soft skills, civic and human rights education and teachers must be child centred rather than teacher-centred. Schools must become child-friendly. What we fail to see is that when the education system loses its social value, its social relevance and its sense of social responsibility, we can hardly expect the products that emerge from such a system to think beyond their individual aspirations and desires. You cant teach civic and human rights and expect much within a system that rewards individual success even at the cost of others. It is in this context that the issue of commercialisation and commodification of education highlighted in the SAITM debate needs to be considered. There are certain services, such as health and education at the very least, that need to be above commercial and private considerations. These services are essential for the very functioning of society. They have to be guaranteed and provided equally to all people. And that has to be the responsibility of the government not of individual private enterprise. After all, what is a government for? This does not mean that we do not take into account the massive socio-economic changes that have taken place since 1943. The demand for education has grown (hence the interest of the private sector in investing in education health and education are becoming two of the most lucrative areas in the economy). The unregulated and unplanned growth of international schools is producing school leavers desiring higher education with no chance of entry into the state university system and who cannot afford or do not necessarily want to go out of the country for higher education. How do we cater to this segment of the population? The population with A/L qualifications desiring higher education has increased considerably. Yet, at the same time, certain faculties and disciplines in the state universities are struggling to survive due to lack of students. There is certainly something wrong with the university selection process as well as admission to universities. "What we fail to see is that when the education system loses its social value, its social relevance and its sense of social responsibility, we can hardly expect the products that emerge from such a system to think beyond their individual aspirations and desires" But, the fundamental question still remains: what is the purpose and meaning of education? Unless we realise our collective responsibility for education and recognise its social value (and not simply its individual worth), our interventions in the field of education will remain superficial at best. In the absence of such a debate and leadership in education, crises such as the one before us today in the form of SAITM will only deepen. Let me repeat: The character of an educational system depends on the character of the society for which it is designed. The crisis in education is a reflection of the crisis in the character of our society today. The UN report published on Friday January 28 describing a culture of torture in this county has been described as a wake up call. But its doubtful if its going to wake anyone up. The report by special rapporteur Juan Mendez said there were credible reports to show that the notorious white van abductions carried out routinely under the previous regime had continued under the new government between 2015-16. The government will of course deny this. As the Yahapalanaya government began exhuming bodies, carrying out DNA tests and arresting suspects for murdering and disappearing people during the Rajapaksa years, we believed that the countrys judicial system and human rights record was about to transform itself. Now we know this isnt true. The new regime has not solved a single case. When High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya was murdered by a drug lord, the trial was concluded within a matter of months. But the trials of murdered journalists, a rugby player and several Tamil students are dragging on and some of the suspects have even got back their military ranks. Apart from these highly publicized cases, there are many more lesser folk whose disappearances have not got any hearing at all. This writer expected the white van phenomenon to be a high priority agenda for the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government elected to power with a promise of a clean slate on many accounts. But no one bothered. There was no committee appointed to look into it. A leading Sinhala newspaper carried a story (with a photograph) when several soldiers and a lieutenant in civvies were caught in a citizens arrest at Kolonnawa while trying to abduct a local politician during the previous regime. "As the Yahapalanaya government began exhuming bodies, carrying out DNA tests and arresting suspects for murdering and disappearing people during the Rajapaksa years, we believed that the countrys judicial system and human rights record was about to transform itself. " They were spirited out of the Kolonnawa police station the same night and nothing more was heard of that case. Why hasnt anyone checked about who came in white vans to abduct and torture journalists Keith Noyhar and Poddala Jayantha? In 2009, this writer was travelling with his family in a hired van to Galle. The driver was a friendly young man who got chatty as the miles rolled on. He mentioned that the owner of that rent-a-car-firm was a friend of former defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and that this particular van was hired often to transport abducted Tamil youth from Colombo to Vavuniya. I told him he should refuse to drive that category of passengers because, should there be regime change one day, (though unlikely as it seemed back then) and an investigation into extra-judicial abductions and murders was launched, he would likely get arrested. He must have taken this advice to heart. When I called him after our journey, he never again answered the phone. "Why hasnt anyone checked about who came in white vans to abduct and torture journalists Keith Noyhar and Poddala Jayantha?" But he need not have worried and I need not have bothered. No one remembers the white vans any more (except survivors and victims families) but the phenomenon exists. Its physicality could always be denied but not the principle. The International Truth and Justice Projects (ITJP) executive director Yasmin Sooka called the UN report devastating. It calls for an office which is independent of the Attorney Generals office to investigate and prosecute allegations of torture in Sri Lanka. Keep dreaming! Lithuania Appeals to NATO for more Military Aid Ahead of Biggest Russian War Game in Europe Men of the Lithuanian Ground Forces. (Photo : Lithuanian Ground Forces) Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite again warns the west and NATO Russia is preparing for war and that its upcoming military exercise, "Zapad 2017" (West 2017) is an indication of this intent. Grybauskaite described Zapad 2017, a joint military drill with Belarus (Russia's only militarily credible ally in Europe), a "demonstrative preparation for war with the West." She wants further assurances that NATO and the United States will stand with Lithuania against a Russian invasion. Advertisement "We see that risks are increasing, and we are worried about the upcoming 'Zapad 2017' exercise, which will deploy a very large and aggressive force (on our borders) that will very demonstrably be preparing for a war with the West," said Grybauskaite. "This means that we will be talking with NATO about creating additional standing defense plans, about stationing additional military means and about creating a faster decision- making process." Russia described Zapad 2017 as a response to NATO's reinforcement of eastern European counties Russia has threatened to invade as Vladimir Putin seeks to resurrect the former empire of the defunct Soviet Union. Lithuania said Zapad 2017 will be the largest foreign military drill along its borders. NATO on Feb. 7 sought to allay Lithuanian fears by deploying soldiers of the German "Bundesheer" (the German Federal Army) to Lithuania as part of NATO's push to better defend Lithuania and the two other Baltic States, Estonia and Latvia. The German battalion now on Lithuanian soil forms part of a 1,200-strong NATO multinational battalion that also includes French, Dutch and Belgian troops. NATO plans to deploy four of these multinational enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battalion battle groups throughout the Baltic States. Also, the United States in January deployed the first contingent of a US. Army brigade combat team to Poland. This entire unit will number over 3,500 well-trained troops of the U.S. Army 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, U.S. 4th Infantry Division (3-4 ABCT). Russia has repeatedly assailed NATO member countries along its western border for seeking NATO and U.S. military assistance to counterbalance Moscow's ongoing military build-up after its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014. After claiming South China Sea to be its own sea, telling America to stay off its islands, China is reaching for the Indian Ocean, telling India to stay off its own colony, Sri Lanka. Thats something investors in Southeast Asian markets should keep a wary eye on, as it opens yet another front between the two Asian giants, raising the geopolitical risk of investing in the region. Sri Lankas colonization began back in 2007, when China supplied President Rajapaksaboth military and diplomatic support to crush the Tamil Tigers. Then came high profile construction projects and high interest loans that eventually were swapped for equity, transforming China into an owner of Sri Lankas major port and a key outpost in the Indian Ocean for Beijing. Thats bad news for India, which is becoming encircled by China. Chinas growing involvement in sensitive ports so close to Indias shores fed New Delhis long-standing concerns about Chinese encirclement, writes Jeff M. Smith in Foreign Affairs. For its part, China has repeatedly asserted that it doesnt plan to use the port for military purposes, this assertion coming as recently as last week. But history proves otherwise. In the past three years, Chinese submarines have begun suddenly and repeatedly showing up in the Chinese-operated South Container Terminal in the port of Colombo. For India, the sudden appearance of a Chinese submarine in Sri Lanka was too much to bear, continues Smith.Seventy percent of Colombos transshipment traffic comes from India, and New Delhi has long been concerned over Chinas efforts to expand its presence in the island nation. When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rajapaksa a few weeks later, he reminded him that Colombo was obliged to inform its neighbors about such port calls under a maritime pact. But the same submarine surfaced again in November 2014, catching New Delhi by surprise once more. Apparently, what China says it plans to do with its colony and what it actually intends to do are two different things. And India must either devise a plan to contain China or be prepared to put up with it.(AFP) Keppetipola made a hero after Nine Score years and Nineteen we cannot dedicate, we cannot desecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men living and dead who struggled here have consecrated far above our poor power to add or detract -Extract from Gettysburg address by Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the USA. The President deserves praise for de-gazetting or posthumously awarding medals for personal acts of valour above and beyond the call of duty for their heroic acts and meritorious services against invaders in the past while running a unity government with someone who once initiated a plan to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of Portuguese invasion during his short stint as Prime Minister in 2001-2004. Rajapaksa Wickramasekera Mudiyanselage Bandaranayake Monarawila Keppetipola [Monarawila Keppetipola Dissawe] was the leader of the Uva rebellion 199 years ago. Keppetipola was sent with 500 men by Governor Brownrigg to suppress the rebellion. However, at the request of the rebels, Keppetipola joined them to lead the struggle. His men joined him too. Keppetipola returned the British arms and ammunition to the Governor. The rebellion began in Uva-Wellassa on October 12, 1817 spread to Dumbara, Hewaheta, Harisspattuwa and Nuwara-Kala-Viya, was a great success until it was broken with the disbanding of the rebels. Two new army divisions, including an Indian one were dispatched to Uva by Governor immediately after the news that Keppetipola had joined the rebels. Wilbawe Doresamy was formally crowned by the rebels. Keppetipola was appointed as the Maha Adhikaram (Chief Minister) and the new King urged the fighters to free the country from the invading British. A guerrilla war was waged by Keppetipola, though aware that the rebels were lesser in firepower. On January 10, 1818, Governor Brownrigg castigated Keppetipola and several other leaders of the uprising as outlaws, rebels, and enemies to the crown through a gazette and they were found guilty of high treason, and their properties were confiscated. Keppetipola captured and executed Keppetipola along with Pilimathalawe were captured by Captain ONeil On October 28, 1818. As the troops surrounded the house, Keppitipola boldly came out and greeted Capt. ONeil; he was taken to Kandy, and tried for high treason and sentenced to death in a gruesome crime of history. This national hero is well known for the exceptional bravery that he showed at the instant of his execution, and has been honoured as a national hero of Sri Lanka since then. Honouring their memory, of course is an exercise in generosity. His skull was taken to London by the colonial authorities, but was returned to Ceylon on February 9, 1948; a few days after the declaration of Independence. In 1813, the colonial office recommended Robert Brownrigg appointed as Governor of Ceylon. In 1815, he acquired Central hills of this island through a treaty known as the Kandyan Convention assisted by the defecting ministers of the King, and annexed it to the British Empire, which they thought on which the sun never sets, since its spread around the globe meant that the sun was always visible in at least one of its colonies. [it was Dr. Colvin R. de Silva who once said, Yes, the sun never sets in British Empire, because God never trusted them in the dark]. Another mass de-gazetting planned for March 1 for the rest The genocidal policy of the colonial British during the Great Rebellion of 1818 recognized his achievements; Brownrigg was honoured with the hereditary title by the British Crown in 1816. Brownrigg who defeated the 1818 Rebellion and ordered the beheading of Keppetipola, attained the rank of General before leaving the colony in 1819. [The organizers of the ceremony may revoke the above two gazettes as well before they wind up the de-gazetting process]. It was reported that another mass de-gazetting was planned for March 1 for the rest of the national heroes, to be held in the Maligawa precincts, Kandy. There had been many national, cultural, and political massacres, butchery and slaughter committed by the British and other colonial powers who ruled for 443 years from 1505 to 1948. The Badulla atrocity undertaken by Robert Brownrigg involved the slaughter of adults and children, including babies suckling at the mothers breasts. They destroyed their paddy cultivation the irrigation schemes and other infrastructure as well. Gettysburg address The historical Gettysburg address delivered on November 19, 1863, by Lincoln, [whos four years in office is regarded by historians as the most critical period in American history], was made at the dedication ceremony of Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg, in Pennsylvania, the place where one of the worst battles in American civil war was fought which left over 7000 men dead. [The speech conveys a message to our organizers of de-gazetting ceremonies]. The Union Army defeated confederation. The classic speech demonstrating mastery of thought and expression is generally accepted as one of the most enduring addresses ever delivered by the lips of a man. Dedicating the cemetery to the war heroes, Lincoln began with the now iconic phrase, Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of the field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. "Keppetipola along with Pilimathalawe were captured by Captain ONeil On October 28, 1818. As the troops surrounded the house, Keppitipola boldly came out and greeted Capt. ONeil; he was taken to Kandy, and tried for high treason and sentenced to death in a gruesome crime of history" It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. ButIn a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot desecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men living and dead who struggled here have consecrated far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did there. that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vein - that this nation, shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Lincoln took nearly two weeks to prepare the small speech, lasting just under three minutes. Our national leaders have lacked the courage to write their own speeches. They depend on social scientists. These people have dominated state strategy with incompetent and unproven academic theories. Unnecessary, if not farcical There is no way of undoing these grave injustices. Reversing the record on these shameful crime is farcical and the government needs to concentrate on burning issues of the day instead of wasting everybodys time. The British authorities may have condemned the 1818 rebellion leaders Keppetipola and 18 others as traitors through a Gazette. It is an unnecessary exercise to expose this disgraceful obsolete and archaic British document and trounce it. Those who advised the government to dwell upon erasing the British gazette have resorted to publicity feats. If it necessitates erasing even a small part of the colonial legacy it is an act of distortion of history- besides everything else. It is an act of remembering people who had their own personal concerns, individual ambitions to live peaceful lives. But being confronted with events that affected not just them, but the nation, yet, they could have chosen to remain focused on their personal battles, ignoring what was going on around them. They set aside their personal agendas, their fears, they did not waver. They knew that if they did not use their strength to resist it, then the abuse and violence would continue. These are the people we consider heroes. After all they say - heroes are people like you and me who were placed in unexpected situations, and yet, still preferred to do what is right; do they need Gazettes to become heroes? The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.- Benjamin Disraeli. A novel way of smuggling gold was discovered, when Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport seized sheets of gold worth at Rs.2.5 million from a local man bound for Thiruchirappalli (Trichy) in India, today, making it the first detection of its kind. The Customs officials stationed at the BIA Departure Terminal, on suspicion, searched a man who was to board the UL 131 flight to Thiruchirappalli at 2.00 am yesterday and recovered the gold sheets carefully concealed in his baggage, Customs spokesman, Director Dharmasena Kahandawa said. The officials found two very thin gold sheets about 1.5 feet in length and five inches in width laid under the false bottom of a travelling bag that could deceive the Customs scanners as a simple metal sheet forming part of the bags bottom. Upon inquiry, the man, a resident of Colombo, had told the Customs officials that the gold sheets were given to him by another person to be taken to India on his behalf. He had said that he was an assistant at a gold jewellery shop in Sea Street, Pettah. Deputy Director of Customs BIA, Parakrama Basnayake told Daily Mirror that it was the first time the Customs had come across an attempt to smuggle gold in this form. We have detected many attempts to smuggle gold out of the country, especially to India, in many forms. But this is the first time we found gold sheets, he said. He said smugglers look for new methods of smuggling gold to evade detection. Nowadays people make many attempts to smuggle goods, especially during the severe rush hours at the airport when scores of passengers are channelled through to different flights at once, as the BIA is available for operations only at night due to the ongoing renovations, he said. He said there was also a trend to smuggle goods by sea -- and smugglers take gold in boats to the South Indian coastal areas of Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana) Five companies have won contracts for the export of 50,000 tonnes of rice to Sri Lanka by June, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation. Commerce minister Dr Than Myint held talks with a delegation led by the Sri Lanka ambassador to Myanmar, KWND Karunaratne, at his office in Nay Pyi Taw on January 23 and signed a memorandum of understanding on rice exports. An MRF official said: We invited companies to submit bids for rice exports to Sri Lanka. Only 10 companies applied. Of them, we have selected five companies. Sri Lankas rice production has declined by about 200,000 tonnes after a drought last year. Sri Lanka is reducing rising rice prices and the control of rice millers by reducing import tariffs. Since April, Myanmar has exported 1.15 million tonnes of rice and broken rice, down nearly 150,000 tonnes from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. With more countries offering to buy rice from Myanmar, exports are expected to reach last years level, said Khin Maung Lwin, assistant permanent secretary of the ministry. In 2015-16, the country exported 1.5 million tonnes of rice.(ElevenMyanmar) While claiming that the Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau (GSMB) should be held responsible at the controversial earth removing in Gampaha, President Maithripala Sirisena said today that the engineer and the other officials who authorised the particular licence should be interdicted, pending an inquiry. Attending an opening of the Haritha Sihina educational and environmental exhibition held in Kurunegala, the President said that 60,000 cubes of earth had been removed from the particular place and transported to fill the Muthurajawela marshland. No one has noticed where the soil was being transported. Six months earlier State intelligence reported me that some villagers blaming me, he said. He said that officials had not supervised if the permit holder was operating according the permit. He said that it was GSMB officials under his purview had made the first mistake.Over 20- years soil mining was done at the same place with the support of the State institution, he said. (Thilanka Kanakarathna) he South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine or SAITM Sri Lankas only private university with a licensce to award medical degrees- is again in the news. Once again, for all the wrong reasons. Student unions, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), public university lecturers and trade unions are calling on the government to close down the private medical college. The GMOA, medical students who benefit through the governments free education programme and certain groups of non-government organisations (NGOs) see the private universitys medical degree programme as a threat to free education. Trade unionists have claimed SAITM is the only medical faculty in the world that started without having a teaching hospital of its own, which is not really truthful. The Joint Opposition in Parliament also backs parties opposed to SAITM being granted a licence to award medical degrees. They too claim the University poses a threat to the governments free education programme. What is questionable about the Joint Oppositions motives in opposing SAITM awarding medical degrees is that at the time the private university was set up, it was done with the approval of the self-same Opposition governing the country at the time. The University Grants Commission granted approval and registration to SAITM on August 30, 2011 to conduct the MBBS degree programme, again under the previous regime. In fact, when thousands of students took to the streets in October 2015, demanding the closure of the private medical college, the then Government comprising todays Joint Opposition unleashed anti-riot armed Police, who used tear gas and water canons to break up the demonstration. Around 12-15 students were hospitalised in the aftermath of the protest. The President of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) on one occasion said he would never register students from SAITM. One of his reasons being that SAITM students do not have exposure to forensic medicine and hence cannot complete their clinical training, which is reasonable. In December 2015, at the hearing of an application filed in the Supreme Court by the SAITM students, the Health Ministry gave an undertaking to provide clinical training to the students of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM), at the Avissawella Base Hospital and the Kaduwela MOH. In an effort to resolve their dilemma, an MBBS graduate of SAITM filed a petition at the Appellate Court, as the Sri Lanka Medical Council refused to register medical students who had passed out from the SAITM. On January 31 this year, the Appellate Court after hearing claims of the opposing parties, allowed the provisional registration of SAITMs MBBS graduates, and in its judgement, directed the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) to grant provisional registration to medical students passing out from SAITMs medical degree programme. University students threatened to demonstrate against the judgement. Better sense however, seems to be prevailing and the deans of medical faculties of eight universities have proposed suggestions to resolve the problem. In a nutshell, what the deans have emphasised on is the need to maintain minimum standards for medical education in the country and proposed a process which needs be applied to ensure maintenance of these minimum standards. Lets face facts; Sri Lanka is facing a serious shortage of medical doctors. A study by Professor Lalitha Mendis shows Sri Lanka has a doctor to population ratio of 55.2 per 100,000 population (i.e. one doctor per 1,811 persons). The current specialist per 100,000 population is even worse, being 4.8 (one specialist per 25,000 population). According to statistics published by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2006, only 14.34% could enter the university out of those eligible for university admission. Dr. Tara de Mel (Secretary to the Minister of Education) in 2009 pointed out that 164 students with 3A grades, the highest grade one can secure at the GCE Advanced Level, and 1,464 students with 2As and 1B grades, did not find placement in the universities. The Government universities cannot produce sufficient doctors to meet the countrys needs. Students with a capacity to study medicine cannot enter the medical faculty, despite acquiring requisite standards. There is therefore a need to help the country meet this shortfall, and the country and its peoplecannot be held to ransom to decrepit claims of threats to the free education system. We already have private schools and private universities but the system of free education in the country continues. It is time for good sense to prevail. Its time to end the rumpus in the campus. U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap hosted a dinner for newly-arrived Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The High Commissioner was previously Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC. The first round of tripartite talks to end the Manipur blockade by the UNC (United Naga Council) was held on February 4, 2017. The ministry of home affairs said they had made "substantial progress" and the blockade might be lifted soon. But shortly after that, there was a different turn of events. But before we delve into why that happened, let's get some backgrounder on the blockade. The blockade is in force since November 1, 2016, initiated by the UNC in retaliation for the creation of seven new state districts by the O Ibobi Singh government, allegedly as poll sops. The problem Nagas have is that the state government did not consult the stakeholders before taking the decision. Technically, in the hills of Manipur, there is a thing called "Autonomous Hill Council", a local governing body which takes care of the administration and they have to be consulted with regards to any decision in those areas. (It is provided by the Constitution of India.) So with respect to that principle, the Congress government under Singh violated it and took a unanimous decision of carving out the new districts in the hills. In opposition to that, the UNC blocked NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam), which are the only supply lines to Manipur. And because of that, Manipur is bearing the brunt; grappling with shortage and paying through the roof for goods, fuel, vegetables and other items of daily consumption. The cost of petrol was around Rs 300 a litre in the initial period, now after fuel tankers have been airlifted, it is still selling for Rs 130-160 per litre in black. The state government had declared that it won't roll back the formation of new districts and the UNC had declared they will continue the blockade, unless that and/or other demands are met. After three months, finally the BJP stepped in. (The BJP at the Centre has a "historic framework agreement" with the Nagas. The PM and NSA were flaunting the same. But the agreement has been ever since kept under wraps, so no one really knows what is in the pact.) Manipur is grappling with shortage and paying through the roof for goods. The Singh government seems to be apparently benefiting from the blockade, being the government in power. And the BJP, which was supposedly picking up in the state, lost their grip as they did not take any stand on the blockade despite being in an agreement with the perpetrators - the UNC. And ultimately, like always, the common man is suffering. When the first meeting looked like it was making some progress, it seems Singh rattled, because if the BJP was to end the blockade through the tripartite talks within a week of its intervention, it would dent Singhs chances in the upcoming elections with accusations of being powerless to tackle the situation, or that he wanted to keep it going for personal gains. So it seems Singh took his chances and violated the terms of the agreement at the first opportunity he got during an interview with the reporter of a national magazine, mentioning that the blockade will be lifted on Tuesday and they will "unconditionally release two UNC leaders". And the reporter without realising that he/she was biting the bait that Ibobi had to offer, broke the story of the blockade ending. A miffed UNC issued a press release the following day, saying that the GoM and GoI moved for creating a conducive atmosphere for the next tripartite meeting and it was agreed that none of the parties would go to the press on sensitive matters discussed in the talk. But the chief minister of Manipur has triumphantly stated in the media that the core issue has not been put on the agenda and that the UNC protest would be called off. Also that the UNC resolved to continue to fight against the insidious design of grabbing our land on the pretext of administrative convenience till the same is withdrawn. 1) All speculations, fatwas and edicts aside, a large number of Muslims have voted for the SP-Congress alliance in western Uttar Pradesh, reports suggest. The BSP hasn't emerged as the first choice of the community despite fielding 100 Muslim candidates. Muslims, for instance, have thrown their weight largely behind the Samajwadi Party's Hindu nominees in constituencies like Budhana in Muzaffarnagar district, rejecting the BSP's candidates from their own community. Mustaqim, a papaya vendor in the streets of Budhana, was one of the first to arrive at a polling booth in his area. He frankly speaks about his support to the SP. "I can bring a cycle home, but not an elephant," he said, smiling. He was asked why he didn't press the button against the BSP's symbol. 2) This Muslim leaning towards the SP in western UP is an alarm for Mayawati. The region has been her traditional stronghold. In the last elections, the BSP won as many seats as the SP despite a strong pro-SP wave back then. A trail in these 73 constituencies will spell trouble for Mayawati's party in the next phases of the current vote. Muslims make up 17 per cent of the state population. In western UP, they constitute 26 per cent. 3) Securing considerable Muslim support in western UP is a positive sign for the SP. The SP can now hope this trend will continue in other parts of the state as well. That said, translating Muslim vote into seats in western UP remains a challenge for CM Akhilesh Yadav as the region hardly has a solid Yadav bloc. Nor has western UP any other caste group that could have lent support to the SP, together with Muslims, to help the Yadavs win a sizeable number of constituencies in this part of the state. But if Muslims of western UP had backed the BSP, along with the party's loyal Dalit bloc, they would then have been able to build the foundation of a glorious victory for Mayawati. "I can bring a cycle home, but not an elephant," he said. (Photo: India Today) Another saving grace for the SP is Akhilesh's own sway over young voters. 4) Regardless of the BJP's tall claims, Jats are not hiding their resentment towards the saffron party. Like the 2014 general elections, it's impossible for the BJP to secure overwhelming Jat support this time too. The Jats are a decisive force in most of the 73 constituencies that polled on Saturday. And in most of these boroughs, the Jat vote-bloc was seen divided between the BJP and the Rashtriya Lok Dal. Jat voters, especially the elderly, in rural areas voted for the RLD in order to teach the BJP a lesson. They were heard saying their sole objective was to see the saffron party defeated whether or not their RLD candidates won. In cities though, Jats, especially the young, still liked the BJP. 5) Jats are angry with the BJP for not being given reservations in government jobs. The impact of the Jat agitation in Haryana is clearly visible in western Uttar Pradesh. The community remembers the death of 21 Jats last year in the neighbouring state. The Jats here feel they were used by the BJP in the 2014 elections, post the Muzaffarnagar riot, but were given nothing in return. In Kharad village along the Muzaffarnagar-Shamli road, a senior citizen, Jitendra Malik, is upset with the PM. Narendra Modi, he says, doesn't forget to congratulate Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif on his birthday. But the PM would not post a single tweet on the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the late Jat leader, regrets Malik. 6) Ajit Singh's RLD has dented quite a number of Jat-dominated constituencies to play spoilsport for the BJP. On its own, the RLD will only be able to secure a handful of seats because it has no caste group, other than anti-BJP Jats, standing in its support. 7) The BJP hoped for some gains out of a possible division of Muslim votes. But the first phase of voting is a cause of worry for the saffron party. Despite the full support of upper castes in western UP, the backward communities didn't finally side with the BJP that initially appeared successful in wooing them. 8) Speculations were rife the BJP might lose out for not projecting its chief ministerial face. But the reality is that the party is winning its support mostly in Modi's name. People backing the BJP say they are doing so only because of the PM. The Modi wave is weaker now than it was in 2014, but most of BJP's support is still stemming from Modi's charisma. 9) Polarisation in and around Muzaffarnagar has weakened but hasn't completely vanished. What's strange though is that both the Jats and Muslims - who mostly fought with each other during the Muzaffarnagar rioting - are now voting to defeat the BJP. 10) Demonetisation doesn't appear to be as big an issue on the ground as it was projected to be for the Uttar Pradesh elections. Candidates and leaders spoke about it during campaign but voters didn't really. Urban voters do discuss problems related to the noteban to some extent, but not rural. Other issues have dominated the scene in villages. In the sugar-belt of western UP, difficulties of cane farmers are a significant issue. Jane Sun, currently CEO of Chinas largest online travel services company Ctrip, has embarked on a fulfilling journey to the top of the Chinese travel boom. (Photo : Facebook) Jane Sun has taken on a remarkable climb to the helm as CEO of Chinese travel services company Ctrip, which is currently the largest of its kind in China thanks to a current boom in inbound and outbound travel among mainlanders and foreigners alike. Having started in Ctrip as CFO in 2005, Sun based her leadership on the need to form strategic corporate alliances, which led the company to grow its market valuation from a relatively humble $500 million since her appointment to $25 billion today--a figure that exceeds that of U.S. rival Expedia's $17 billion. Advertisement Sun's success in driving Ctrip to where it is right now does not constitute a mere case of riding on the coattails of China's travel boom. Acquisitions and investments facilitated the upsurge, as the company has the likes of Skyscanner, MakeMyTrip and two U.S. China-focused tour operators under its portfolio. However, Sun - a Shanghai native with overseas experience in the U.S. with KPMG and Applied Materials, does not just dedicate a growth-oriented approach for Ctrip. She helped drove the company to become a model for combating one of China's most daunting social issues: aging. Ctrip currently has female staff running much of its available positions, and Sun is keen on maximizing their potential not just for the sake of the company's growth, but also on a macroeconomic scale focusing on the larger picture of China's aging problem. Under the valuable tutelage of outgoing CEO James Liang, who is also a population scholar, Sun has facilitated one of China's best and most comprehensive programs for incentivizing motherhood alongside the pursuance of career goals--a helpful boost for supporting the country's current two-child policy. Childbirth among female staff in Ctrip is rewarded with a cash gift worth 8,000 yuan, and is further supplemented with benefits such as free taxi transportation for pregnant employees, summer camps for the company's mothers with their children, and work-at-home opportunities for aspiring mothers. Through those programs, Sun embarks Ctrip on an upward trajectory that is not just exclusive to corporate growth, but also to that with positive social repercussions as well. It is through such an approach that makes her position as CEO a truly fulfilling one, more than just one she highly deserves. USS Laboon. (Photo : US Navy) The U.S. Navy plans to deploy two more Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers to ensure the security of the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait off southern Yemen against threats posed by Houthi rebels armed with anti-ship missiles and warships of the Navy of Islamic Republic of Iran Army, and the Navy of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution or the Revolutionary Guards' Navy. Advertisement The two destroyers likely to be deployed to the Red Sea are the USS Laboon (DDG-58) and the USS Truxtun (DDG-103), both of which are Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers. The Pentagon said the two destroyers will patrol the opposite ends of the 2,250 km-long body of water. This deployment, however, will leave them exposed to observation and probable attack by the Iranian Navy and the fanatical Revolutionary Guards' Navy. Currently patrolling the strait, which is the entrance to the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden, is a U.S. Navy squadron consisting of the guided missile destroyer, USS Cole (DDG-67); the USS Makin Island (LHD-8), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and the USS Comstock (LSD-45), a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship. Aboard the Makin Island are U.S. Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Makin Island's air group consists of Boeing AV-8B Harrier II single-engine ground-attack, jump jet aircraft; Bell AH-1 Cobra single engine attack helicopters; Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey multi-mission, tiltrotor aircraft and Bell UH-1Y Venom, a twin-engine, medium-sized utility helicopters. The plan to deploy two more destroyers comes in the wake of unrelenting attacks on warships of the U.S. Navy and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition fighting against the Houthis in the Yemeni Civil War by Houthi rebels allied with Iran. 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Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. 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 Terracotta Army, one of Chinas top destinations for tourists and situated in the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, has a full-scale copy in Anqing City, Anhui. (Photo : Getty Images) In China, there is a growing occurrence of building replicas of world-famous landmarks. The Terracotta Army, one of China's top destinations for tourists and situated in the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi Province, has a full-scale copy some 1,000 km away in Anqing City, Anhui. The copycat is gaining popularity, especially for tourists who cannot go to the original site in Xi'an. Advertisement According to Mail Online, the admission fee to the fake site is 120 yuan which is a bit cheaper than the 150 yuan at the real Army site. The Terracotta Army consists of life-size clay soldiers, horses and weapons. According to National Geographic, they were accidentally discovered in 1974 when workers were digging a well outside the city of Xi'an. The archaeologists sent by the Chinese authorities upon notification by the workers said that the Terracotta Army belongs to an extravagant mausoleum of Ying Zheng who assumed the throne in 246 B.C. at the age of 13 and later on adopted the name of Qin Shi Huang Di, meaning the First Emperor of Qin. The Army was created to escort the first emperor of China into the afterlife, the archaeologists said. According to China Highlights, it is regarded as one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, and one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. Not only international landmarks have been copied in China but even its own. Sections of the renowned Great Wall have been faked in various places in the country. Tiananmen Square has also been replicated. The Pyramids of Egypt, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in France, the Tower Bridge in London, and the White House in Washington, D.C., are among the sites which have been imitated in different parts of China. In addition, if the project called Sanweng Town successfully pushes through, the city of Fuzhou in the Fujian Province would soon see the mockup of Shakespeare's hometown in Stratford, England. HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. It operates in Treasury, Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, Other Banking Business, and Unallocated segments. The company accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and Demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, overdrafts against fixed deposits, and sweep-in facilities. It also provides personal, home, car, two wheeler, business, educational, gold, consumer, and rural loans; loans against properties, securities, rental receivables, and assets; loans for professionals; government sponsored programs; and loans on credit card, as well as working capital and commercial/construction equipment finance, healthcare/medical equipment and commercial vehicle finance, dealer finance, and term and professional loans. The company offers credit, debit, prepaid, and forex cards; payment and collection, export, import, remittance, bank guarantee, letter of credit, trade, hedging, and merchant and cash management services; insurance and investment products. It provides short term finance, bill discounting, structured finance, export credit, loan syndication, and documents collection services; online and wholesale, mobile, and phone banking services; unified payment interface, immediate payment, national electronic funds transfer, and real time gross settlement services; and channel financing, vendor financing, reimbursement account, money market, derivatives, employee trusts, cash surplus corporates, tax payment, and bankers to rights/public issue services, as well as financial solutions for supply chain partners and agricultural customers. The company operates 6,378 branches and 18,620 automated teller machines in 3,203 cities/towns. As of March 31, 2022, it had 21,683 banking outlets. The company was incorporated in 1994 and is based in Mumbai, India. Is Descendants of the Sun actor Song Joong-ki deflecting marriage rumors with Song Hye Kyo by posting more bromance photos with Moonlight Drawn by Clouds actor Park Bo Gum? Yibada reported on Friday that Song Joong-ki is likely the guest of Park Bo Gum in his Feb. 11 fan meet in Bangkok, Thailand. On Sunday, the 31-year-old actor confirmed it by posting two photos on his Instagram account. One photo, which got more than 100,000 likes in 24 hours and more than 400 comments, showed the two bromance partners on stage and a large video screen on the background. Advertisement So Sweet Eendry_sutiarniashih commented that it was a photo of the duet of the two actors. Song Joong-ki captioned the first image with the hashtags #thailand with @parkbogumactor. Adhe_puspa found the photo So sweet. Mey.heang called the pair Bae and bae.calumspuddin confirmed the two handsome actors are her two baes. Ratihradityari did not mince words and described the deep friendship between the two as Bromance. Couple Shirts The second photo posted by Song Joong-ki confirmed the pair is a bromance item since the real photo was taken at the Bangkok fan meet, but the giant video screen behind them showed the two actors in a couple shirt. Both wore identical white T-shirts with blue sleeves. Not surprisingly, the second photo also became viral and got an even bigger number of likes at more than 180,000 and over 700 comments. One comment came from arandyadara who described the background photo as a double kill. Minbasminbas wrote that Song Joong-ki and Park Bo Gum are his favorite actors in the world. Kongkonabharali added the two are handsome hunks together. Like many fans of the two actors, _life_e asked a question that many have observed but are afraid to raise in public: Omg is joong ki and bo gum a couple, like they do everything tgt. Meanwhile, Song Hye Kyo is with some friends miles away in Japan where Park Bo Gum held a fan meet last week. His next itinerary is in Singapore on Feb. 18 and in China, but the date for the China fan meet has not yet been announced yet. Song Hye Kyo continues to be hounded by rumors despite not posting anything on her Instagram account since Jan. 31. Her last post, which became viral, possibly helped sparked marriage rumors after she shared a photo with an unidentified young girl. The rumors further escalated with a Laneige greeting on Feb. 6 to Song Hye Kyos alleged marriage to an Oppa, but the brand immediately changed the post. But where is 35-year-old actress now? Preparing for her alleged wedding? Advertisement Snow Festival Apparently not because Inquisitr reported she is in Saporro, Japan, attending the snow festival which ends on Feb. 12. On her Instagram account, the 35-year-old actress posted on Friday a photo with four friends. The next day, she posted three more photos of snow scenes, confirming that she is not in Seoul. In tags she placed, the first photo which got more than 280,000 likes and more than 1,300 comments Song Hye Kyo identified her companions in the trip as Raymond Chae, a Korean fashion stylist, Yusuke Saeki, a photographer, Il Jung Lee, and Ellen Park, her manager. Her fans, such as bell327, noticed the absence of Song Joong-ki who was in Bangkok on the same day as guest of his bromance partner Park Bo Gum in his Feb. 11 fan meet. Challenge to Song Joong-ki Bell327 wrote, Hope you can spend time together this valentine season. B.ethina issued a challenge to her rumored boyfriend which read: stEP UP NAMAN SONG JOONG KI WER NA U. Citydiela requested Song Hye Kyo to post a selfie with Song Joong Ki. Vmejica hoped Song Hye Kyo would meet her speculated future husband in Japan. On Saturday, Song Hye Kyo posted three snow photos. One picture which showed a red chimney with a green top got more than 165,000 likes. A second image showed what looks like a resort surrounded by four tall trees with no leaves and one smaller with leaves. That photo got almost 200,000 likes, while the third photo, with almost 210,000 likes, showed a snowman with a shovel on the foreground and snow-covered trees. Fans of the SongSong couple pointed out that Valentines Day is just two days away and they are wondering if the two celebrities would be able to celebrate the day together. Students in Richard Hewitts comparative winemaking class at Piedmont Virginia Community College this spring will have a unique opportunity to study their subject in person. Hewitt will lead a tour group of 14 guests on a trip to the Duoro Valley in Portugal, an ancient winemaking region best known for its port wines. Those who can pay the $2,950 fee will tour a 12th-century monastery, stay overnight in a castle and, of course, enjoy some of the best wines the region has to offer. In other words, it is not a typical community college class. Hewitt said he wanted his students to be exposed to a wine culture that is totally different from the one in Virginia which is in its infancy compared with the 2,000-year-old Portuguese tradition. Most of the people in the program want to either become winemakers and open their own wineries, Hewitt said. I think its very important to understand how winemaking is done in other places. The trip is not an official, credited PVCC offering officials say the college doesnt have the budget to cover the insurance costs but it can go toward one of PVCCs non-academic credit workforce credentials in enology, said Greg Rosko, director of the colleges workforce services. PVCC does offer study abroad trips through third-party companies, but the enology trip came about informally. Hewitt, who has been involved in wines and winemaking since the 1980s, now lives in Portugal for part of the year. Richard is sort of marketing this trip to our students, Rosko said. He approached us and asked if any of our students would be interested. Hewitt led his first PVCC-affiliated trip in November, when he brought students to the Alentejo region of southern Portugal. He said he plans to lead fall trips to Alentejo and spring trips to the Duoro Valley each year. To make the trip economical, Hewitt is allowing non-students to tag along on their upcoming trip to the Duoro Valley. They will have more flexibility in their schedules, Hewitt said. When one thinks of winemaking, Portugal may not be the place that first comes to mind. Hewitt said hes interested in the culture there because it is different. Although winemaking in Portugal dates back to the Roman Empire, the country only recently modernized the industry winemakers were forced to adapt in order to compete when Portugal entered the European common market in the 1980s. On the other hand, Hewitt said, winemakers have begun to realize the value of preserving some of the traditional folkways at some wineries in Portugal, people still stomp grapes with their feet, or leave them to ferment in open clay pots. I think the fact that they have their own indigenous varieties is very interesting, Hewitt said. They have wines that dont taste like wines anywhere else. Bob Hartless, a student who accompanied Hewitt to Alentejo last fall, said he didnt think much about Portuguese wines prior to taking Hewitts class. After trying a few and deciding it was worth learning more, Hartless signed up for the trip. Hartless said his favorite parts of the trip had to do with learning about the history and the culture of Portugal through the museums, monasteries and cultural attractions that didnt always connect to winemaking. The highlight, he said, was shopping at a village market on a Saturday morning near one of their hotels. It was just great to, for a moment, pause from all the winemaking stuff, walk down to the village and talk to people, Hartless said. Its a country where I found the people to be very warm and outgoing. Anyone seeking more information on the trip can call PVCC Workforce Services at (434) 961-5227. Hewitt can be reached at rmhewitt@earthlink.net. South Korean actor Ji Sung plays the lead character of Park Jung-Woo in SBS' 'Defendant.' (Photo : YouTube/K WONDERLAND) The latest episode of KBS' "Star Ranking Show" was packed with huge revelations. Known for his taste of the queer and eccentric roles, it will be really hard for anyone to believe that Ji Sung considered ending his acting career to settle down with actress Lee Bo-Young, now his wife. Advertisement Aired on Feb. 11, Saturday, the latest episode of "Star Ranking Show" revealed the list of the most romantic celebrity husband in South Korea. Ki Tae Young topped the list for his endless romantic gestures towards his wife Eugene, including a proposal song he made and visits to her drama sets with personally made lunchboxes. Placing second was Ahn Jae Hyun who recently married his "Blood" co-star Ku Hye Sun on May 20, 2016. Besides Ki and Ahn, Ji was also accorded the honor for nearly giving up his acting career for his wife. It is said that Lee had not considered dating a fellow celebrity at all, so she rejected him initially. Still, Ji remained persistent. In order to win her heart, the critically acclaimed actor told her that he would be willing to give up acting just for her. Currently, Ji is starring in the SBS legal thriller drama "Defendant." In the show, he plays Park Jung-Woo, a genius and skilled prosecutor who finds himself a convict on death row after being framed for the murder of his daughter and wife. Premiered on Jan. 23, "Defendant" has continued its reign at the top of the Monday-Tuesday TV rating race. The show's sixth episode registered double-digit viewership ratings of 15.3 percent and 18.3 percent, according to TNMS and Nielsen Korea, as cited by Soompi. This comes weeks after Ji revealed "Defendant" is one of the most difficult projects he worked on. He admitted that he endured immense emotional exhaustion while filming the SBS drama. "I was constantly in a state of tears since I tormented myself in different ways, by either pushing my limits while exercising or continuously reading the script," Yonhap News Agency quoted Ji as saying during a press conference on Jan. 19. "I keep having dreams of me hanging on the verge of death or saving a family from distress. That's why it's been hard at times, but it also made me wonder, 'What dream will I have today?'" "Defendant" airs every Monday-Tuesday at 10:00 PM (KST). Check out the first episode below: Criticism has been leveled at the decision to deny rezoning of the Adelaide property on U.S. 250 in Crozet, and the process by which the decision was reached. I stand behind my vote to deny Adelaide to uphold important features of the Crozet master plan. I encourage residents to study the facts about this project and the background on zoning and the zoning process. Hopefully, the information here will provide some answers and a broader understanding of the decision making factors involved. I welcome questions from constituents. Did we vote against inclusivity in Crozet? Assertions have been made that the extra 40-plus units being requested for Adelaide (for a total of 80 instead of the approximate 35 by right) would have been starter homes for young families, police and fire staff and retirees, available for use by people of moderate- and low-incomes. Fifteen percent (12) of the units to be constructed in Adelaides 80 units would have met the guidelines for affordability, with a purchase price near $220,000. But the remaining 68 units would not have been affordable by county guidelines, as their offering prices would have been $300,000 to $400,000. In addition, there would have been no requirement that the unit remain affordable beyond the first owner for any of these residential units. Meanwhile, there is no county rule that prevents construction of more affordable units. Supervisors who voted to deny the application have been criticized that they voted against inclusivity and against the recommendations of experts they appointed. There are different interpretations of the elements of a master plan by different groups involved in the process. The staff makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is a hardworking and dedicated group of citizens who study the plans and the recommendations of the staff and make their own recommendation to the supervisors. Their recommendations may or may not agree with those of staff about emphasis on the elements of the master plan. These combined recommendations come to the Board of Supervisors to help us evaluate the plans and determine whether the expectations of the greater community are met. As staff have said, it is up to the board to decide the most important elements of the master plan for a particular application. Does this vote prevent Albemarle from building trails and connections? Supervisors who voted to deny the application have been criticized that their vote prevents Albemarle from building trails and connections and it pressures growth in the rural areas. It forces [the developer] to build closer to neighbors and environmental features. I disagree with these points. The Crozet Trails crew members have built miles of trails through older neighborhoods and over easements dedicated by forward-thinking applicants, who understand that amenities such as these are of small cost and great benefit to the sale of their properties. There are no rules that force an applicant to build closer to environmental features on a property. On the contrary, there is plenty of encouragement to be as protective as possible. By-right development provides flexibility to the applicant to make a community a better place, for new residents and current residents. A by-right development can be done using the current density (for example, one unit per acre) without any zoning process if the application meets the applicable zoning and subdivision regulations. Two recent examples in Crozet of by-right neighborhoods are Foothills Crossing 1 and Westlake. These projects have included many features of applications for rezonings because the applicants wished to do an exemplary job, but they were not required to do so to build their neighborhoods. Some examples of this above-and-beyond design are: Building connecting roads outside the project to further the long range road network. Building or dedicating land for trails to connect new residents to their greater community. Protecting established forests and stream greenways to an extent greater than required. Providing sidewalks and vehicular connections to other neighborhoods. Providing street trees for the increased attractiveness of the neighborhood to, and enjoyment by, residents and prospective buyers. Does this vote permanently eliminate the opportunity for affordable housing? Supervisors who voted to deny the application have been criticized that denial of the Adelaide rezoning permanently eliminates the opportunity for affordable housing. The fact is that there are already many units of affordable housing in Crozet. An exciting new development is that Habitat for Humanity is building affordable units in Wickham Pond. The Wickham neighbors are planning to join the construction crews as volunteer builders and are working to assist their new neighbors. Since Habitat will hold the mortgages, these units will be permanently affordable, rather than just to the first owner. Some other examples affordable units are: Apartments over offices and stores in Old Trail Town Center and Clover Lawn. A soon-to-break-ground apartment project of 123 units of affordable homes with a range of rental costs at the Vue on Jarmans Gap. A soon-to-break-ground apartment and town house project of more than 100 units at Old Trail. An approved town house project on Orchard Road with 15 percent of units affordable. In a November 2016 report to the Planning Commission, the housing officer reported results of county affordable housing policy from 2004 to 2016; more than 1,000 affordable units were proferred: 387 of those 1,000 units are in the Crozet growth area. (Including the Vue, Old Trail, and West Glen, the affordable count jumps to more than 500 units in Crozet.) $1.5 M in cash contributions countywide were accepted, most of which occurred prior to 2007. There were more than 4000 residential units approved for Crozet between 2004 and 2008. Development of these units has been slow, with only 20 percent of the affordable units countywide constructed to date. A bit more than 50 percent of the proffered cash has been received. This delay is due to the recession and the large number of approved units that have not yet been constructed. Cash proffer balances are due at intervals as the project is developed. Remember, 4,000 units were approved for Crozet between 2004 and 2008. The primary reasons for my vote were stated in the resolution I read as part of my motion to deny. Three supervisors thought the density was acceptable at the high end of the range. Three thought the density should be at the low end of the range. A 3-3 tie results in denial of the application. Additional reasons for my vote: New density on the edge of the growth area, surrounded by forest and rural uses, should be at the low end of the range suggested in the comprehensive plan and master plan for Crozet. The site of this application is constrained by slopes, streams, and limited points of visibility for entrance onto U.S. 250. There are hills in both directions, which limits the time when a vehicle entering the roadway can be seen by a driver on U.S. 250. There were no vehicular and pedestrian connections to other neighborhoods, so every trip for services would need to access U.S. 250. Revenue-sharing improvements to the area by the Virginia Department of Transportation are years away. The highest-density buildings were placed at the highway, further encroaching on the rural nature of the state scenic byway. Ann Mallek is a member of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Her district includes the Crozet area. Another treasured voice of the community has been lost. Lost, but not forever silenced. Paul Saunier Jr., a major figure in the local civil rights movement, has died at age 97. Mr. Saunier joined the University of Virginia in 1960 as an assistant to President Edgar Shannon. At a time when the university was seen as unwelcoming to black students, Mr. Saunier and his colleagues sought to reverse that impression. It was daunting work. Race relations were unsettled, black Americans were still severely oppressed, and UVa was looked on as an enclave for rich white boys. Mr. Saunier and his team started to dismantle that reality, one step at a time. Most black families were trusting their sons and daughters to black universities, colleague Ernest H. Ern told The Daily Progress. Paul was able to respond in a positive manner about the universitys intention and good will about wanting to diversify the entering class. The two men traveled to regional high schools, reaching out to principals and guidance counselors. He was good at it, Mr. Ern said, because he was as honest as they come. Once the students were on Grounds, Mr. Saunier worked with them to help them adjust to university life. When UVa decided to fully admit women in 1969, the team expanded their recruitment goals. He really believed in both [missions] in seeing the university co-educate and seeing it become more diverse than it had been, Mr. Ern said. Mr. Saunier also advanced minority rights through his work with the Democratic Party. He was a respected party leader and elder statesman for the entire community. And among other extracurricular activities, he helped to develop and sustain the Ivy Creek Foundation, serving as its founding president. The foundations mission of preserving habitat, history and local recreation opportunities is a long-lasting influence. Mr. Saunier was a Navy veteran. Prior to joining UVa, he worked in public relations in Washington and as a writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He retired from the university in 1972. We knew him here at this newspaper as a man who continued his writing career as a frequent letter writer and occasional contributor of longer commentaries. Through these outlets, among others, he continued to influence community thought and local policies. That is one of the reasons we believe his voice will not be silenced by death. His legacy lives on, in what he accomplished for the University of Virginia, for Charlottesville, for Albemarle County, for the commonwealth of Virginia. His legacy lives on in the generations of men and women whom he influenced, recruiting them to the university and changing their lives and the lives of those who came after him. His values live on, in the characters of his five children. And his voice lives on, in his own writings and in the many inspiring pieces written about him. Conservationists and their allies aim to set aside a nationally unique Civil War site in Culpeper County as a gigantic learning laboratory, they said Saturday. The Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the Civil War Trust and others are working to save Hansbroughs Ridge, a commanding rampart near Stevensburg that sheltered a big part of the Army of the Potomac in the bitter-cold winter of 1863-64. The site is a Virginia Historic Landmark. The VOF board voted Thursday to give the trust a $250,000 grant toward preserving the 174-acre site, contingent on a conservation easement being placed on it. The property, which stretches from State Route 3 north almost to Coles Hill, includes incredibly well-preserved remnants of soldiers camps, field hospitals, defensive trenches and a signal station. It is one of the most fabulous interpretive platforms youll ever witness, historian Clark B. Hall of Richmond said in an interview Saturday. Ive never seen a historic viewscape any more impressive than this one. Plus, this is core battlefield, Hall added. Much of the Battle of Brandy Stations Stevensburg phase happened on this ground. And from here atop the ridge, you can see to Fleetwood Hill, Culpeper Courthouse, Pony Mountain and more of the Civil War sites fought over in Culpeper during the war. The foundation, a quasi-state entity, announced its grant award late Friday via a statement on its website. Were thrilled by this latest announcement by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in support of our effort to protect Hansbroughs Ridge, said Jim Campi, chief policy and communications officer of the 55,000-member Civil War Trust, a national nonprofit group. It demonstrates continued enthusiasm and support from the commonwealth of Virginia for historic battlefield preservation. Preservation of the ridge will complement Culpepers Brandy Station and Cedar Mountain battlefields, Campi said. Ultimately, the property could be incorporated into a state park proposed by an alliance of conservation organizations in Culpeper County, he said. In an emergency acquisition, the trust tapped its cash reserves and bought the property last summer to avert development of a large-lot residential subdivision that was proposed atop the ridge, Campi said. Now, it hopes to secure grant funding and private-sector donations to support the $900,000 purchase from landowners Marvin Jenkins and Joseph Kincheloe. In addition to VOFs grant, the National Park Services American Battlefield Protection Program has pledged a $450,000 grant, the seller will make a $150,000 noncash donation, and a final $50,000 will be sought from trust members and small donors, trust officials said. The planned conservation easement will grant the public access to the ridges previously inaccessible natural and historic resources via an existing road, VOF said. Most of the ridgetop was logged last spring by the previous owners; about 35 acres were kept wooded. Virginia historians say they know of only one surviving place from the wars Eastern Theater that is somewhat comparable. Its the 41-acre Stafford County Civil War Park, which holds three earthen forts and the remains of winter huts that Union troops built to warm themselves in the winter of 186263, a transformative time that many called their armys Valley Forge. Similarly, the following winter was important to resting and refitting soldiers of the Army of the Potomac who had been fighting for two years, and to drilling new recruits. John Haley, a soldier in the 17th Maine Infantry, put it this way: The drowsy lion must have time to collect itself. The armys winter encampments stretched across Culpeper County, numbering more than 100,000 soldiers. Some 20,000 men of the armys 2nd Corps moved into the Stevensburg area, with the bulk of this commandabout 10,000 trioopscamped for five months atop Hansbroughs Ridge and Coles Hill, which remains privately owned, Hall said. Hansbrough Ridges was home not only to infantry and cavalry troops but also to soldiers visiting family members and field hospitals where doctor, nurses and volunteers treated wounded and sickened men. Battles and battlefields garner the most popular attention today, but Civil War soldiers typically were in combat only for hours and days in the course of a year. They spent most of their time on the move or in camp, making preservation of an exemplary site such as Hansbroughs Ridge crucial to understanding their sacrifice, said John Hennessy, chief historian and chief of interpretation at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The winter encampments of the armies were, though quiet, always important, Hennessy said. In 1862-1863 in Stafford County, a battered Union army transformed under Joseph Hookers command. In 18631864, Robert E. Lees army steeled itself for a climactic campaign. In 1864, in Culpeper, a veteran Army of the Potomac witnessed the onset of U.S. Grant and all that implied. In some ways, those are the stories of books, he added. But Hansbroughs Ridge is one of the few places I have seenand certainly, now, the most importantwhere the story of a winter encampment jumps off the landscape. Its hut sites, fire-pits, and earthworks remain as they were left 153 years ago, now worn and sometimes crumbled, but a visible remnant of what was a virtual city, full of both life and drudgery. The trusts land includes the ridges crest as well as its eastern and western slopes, encompassing the Confederate defensive line of the Battle of Brandy Stations Stevensburg phase, Hall said. What the Civil War Trust aims to preserve here is profoundly significant, he said. It has acquired the Confederate defensive line of the Battle of Brandy Stations Stevensburg phase. Men fought all over the top and western slopes of this ridge. In the ebb and flow of that battle, Union artillery shelled Confederates from Hansbrough Ridges western slope. During this artillery bombardment, Confederate Col. Matthew Butler lost his right foot and a scout, Capt. William Farley, was mortally wounded. These pristinely preserved campsites look almost like the soldiers departed yesterday, instead of on May 4, 1864, Hall said. Visitors will be able to walk into their hut sites and imagine men strapping on their haversacks, loading their muskets and walking down the eastern slope toward the Rapidan Rivers Germanna Fordand the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House. Republican gubernatorial candidate Corey Stewart came to Charlottesville on Saturday to defend the citys statue of Robert E. Lee in a downtown park, only to be swarmed by dozens of protesters who shouted him down everywhere he went. It was the harshest reception yet for the provocative chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, who is campaigning for the GOP nomination for governor as Virginias Donald Trump, with a hard-line stance against illegal immigration. A divided Charlottesville City Councils recent decision to remove the statue of the Confederate general gave Stewart an opening to appeal to his base. On social media, he urged people to defend Virginias heritage, likening those who wanted to remove the statue to tyrants and Nazis. But when he tried to take his message to this college town Saturday morning, protesters shouting White supremacy has got to go! drowned out his interviews and conversations. Stewart took it in stride, frequently grinning and trying to chat up his detractors. In an interview, Stewart welcomed the protests and the attention they would bring, believing they would buttress his pitch as a conservative standing up to an intolerant left and political correctness. I am calling them out for who they are, Stewart said. Its really a symptom of the problem of the left and their unwillingness to listen to alternative points of view. He recorded a Facebook Live video with Thaddeus Dionne Alexander, an African-American veteran who became a conservative star online after his Facebook video railing against liberal protesters went viral. Their latest video ran a little more than two minutes and had racked up more than 13,000 views by 3 p.m. Saturday. They have no respect for our heritage, Stewart said over shouts in the video. They have no respect not only to Robert E. Lee, a great American, but they have no respect for Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington or any of the other great American and Virginia heroes. The demonstrators continued to follow Stewart, hoisting signs saying Ban Bigots and No tolerance for white supremacy over his head as they yelled at him to go back to Prince William. Do you need to be escorted to your car? Toby Gray, 51, carrying a giant American flag, asked as Stewart walked down the stairs out of the park. I think I do, Stewart responded, crossing the street to a parking lot. Protesters didnt follow, shouting Whose town? Our town! The protesters outnumbered a group of supporters of the statue, some of whom carried Confederate flags. The statue supporterswho said they were angered by the wave of protests against Trump nationwidesaid the whole exchange left them feeling warmer about Stewart. I wasnt sure about voting for Corey Stewart before, but Id be very honored to vote for him after today, said Isaac Smith, a 20-year-old Charlottesville resident who filmed the rally for a local blog. He backed Trump for president but said he was uneasy about the prospect of having a mirror image in the governors mansion. Id like to see something a little more tempered, a little more mild. Certainly the way Stewart dealt with these people, I think he was an absolute angel, Smith said. Fellow Republican candidate Ed Gillespie, a political strategist whom Stewart derides as Establishment Ed, said in a statement that he doesnt support moving statues but that such decisions are local issues. Gillespie is leading the Republican field in polling and campaign cash for the June primary. Republican distillery owner Denver Riggleman, who, like Stewart, is running a populist campaign, also denounced the statue move and instead recommended using money that would go toward demolition to add a statue of a prominent African-American. The fourth Republican candidate for governor, state Sen. Frank Wagner of Virginia Beach, says he opposes removing the statue, calling it political correctness run amok. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello, who represented the Charlottesville area in Congress from 2009 to 2011, supports the statues removal as part of creating a more inclusive environment. Lt. Gov Ralph Northam, the Democratic front-runner in the gubernatorial contest, has said local communities should make decisions about Confederate symbols, but held up Charlottesville as a model for creating a welcoming community. As Stewart hopped into his Toyota Tundra to go to his next rally in Winchester, he flashed a thumbs-up sign to the handful of supporters who escorted him to the park. This was fun, he said. Las Vegas has odds on everything. I wonder what the odds are on how long Donald Trump will last as president. If I were a gambler, I would probably give 31 odds that The Donald will resign before his four-year term is up. I figure there is a 51 chance that he wont last more than one year. Trump is a rich and important man who is used to things happening when he snaps his fingers. He is not accustomed to being told No! Well, in this job he is going to be rebuked and smacked in the face repeatedly. I wonder how long he can take itor WILL take it. It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks and it is obvious that Trump does not want to jump through any political hoops to move his agenda along. He wants to give orders and have them obeyed. He is already learning that this will not happen as president. The job is not a dictatorship, where all power is vested in one person. There are checks and balances woven into the Constitution and Trump is finding this out. His first smack in the face came when U.S. District Court Judge James L. Robart issued a temporary restraining order against the presidents executive order regarding immigration. Based on public statements and tweets, Trump is not a happy camper regarding that judicial setback. Whether Trumps order was right or wrong is not the question here. The question is how the president will handle defeat. Yes, there are more defeats coming. I have contended from the beginning that Congress will not fund a wall along the 1,951 miles of the Mexican border, a barrier that is likely to have little effect on illegal immigration and one that the next president will almost certainly dismantle. The president does not appropriate money. Congress does. The president does not make constitutional rulings. The Supreme Court does. Trying to run roughshod over both constitutional entities for four years will often be so frustrating that Trumps blood pressure may continually hover at the boiling point. Then there is the family pressure. Based on her facial expressions at public events, Melania Trump does not seemed thrilled to be the first lady of the United States. Will she put pressure on the president to get out of the White House? With few exceptions (like Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan), presidents are usually lifelong politicians who are familiar with the slow and frustrating workings of government. They come into the job knowing what to expect. I dont think Donald Trump did. In fact, I still think he was the most stunned person in America on election night. He ran for the office on a lark, figuring to have some fun and disrupt the political process. Now he has the tiger by the tail and is discovering that the beast does not like getting jerked around. Can Trump tame the tiger or will he just let go? The tweetheart of American politics seems to be getting more and more frustrated, likely wondering why he gave up a lifestyle of the rich and famous to get slapped upside the head on a daily basis. At some point, I think the man will decide he has had enough and step down, not admitting defeat, but rather accepting the fact that he is not cut out for this job. Standing in the wings is Vice President Mike Pence, a capable politician who understands the system, a man who would make a good president and hopefully bring the country back together. Usually we shudder when we ponder the possibility of a vice president assuming the top job, but not in this case. Now Im not saying that Trump should step down, but I really believe that at some point he will, especially if he keeps butting his head against, pardon the pun, a political brick wall. If I were 70 years old, had a young, attractive wife and $6 billion, I know I would. But then, if I were 70 years old, had a young, attractive wife and $6 billion, I would never have run for the job in the first place. Italy and Tunisia on Thursday signed a new partnership agreement that notably calls for stronger joint action against illegal migration. The deal, which also covers cooperation in the fields of culture, health, transport, energy and security, was signed in Rome by Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano and his Tunisian counterpart, Khemaies Jhinaoui. It includes a framework accord on migratory fluxes. Alfano said the two countries were "working in harmony to stop the human traffickers in the central Mediterranean." Italy already has an agreement with Tunisia enabling it to deport nationals of the north African state who arrive as illegal immigrants or breach the terms of their visas. Rome wants to accelerate the procedures involved in such cases, and pressure over this has increased because of Anis Amri, the Tunisian accused of attacking a Christmas market in Berlin on December 19. Amri, who was shot dead by police in Milan five days later, is thought to have been radicalised during a near four-year stint in Italian jails. At the end of his sentence, he was earmarked for deportation to Tunisia but paperwork delays gave him a window of opportunity he used to flee Italy and relocate to Germany. "We have to reduce the delays in the readmission process. It is not the same thing if the country of origin replies in three months rather than one," Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti told a parliamentary committee this week. "If Tunisia had got back us to in one month, he (Amri) would have been deported." More than half a million migrants have arrived in Italy via the Mediterranean over the last three years, the bulk of whom departed from Libya rather than neighbouring Tunisia. Search Keywords: Short link: President Trump is doing what he promised over and over again to do during the campaign: stop illegal immigration and properly vet refugees to make sure we are not bringing in terrorists along with the refugees. Trump obviously is not a politician as he is keeping this promise along with many other promises he made during the campaign. The presidents duty under the constitution and under God is to protect our citizens and our national security. Since the liberal news media does not like Trump, it tends to distort the truth about actions he takes. I would like to look specifically at what Trumps executive order on immigration does and does not do. First, this order temporarily bars resettlement of refugees in the United States. The wording of this executive order states that the ban is effective for 120 days and allows the government to review the USRAP application and adjudication process to determine what additional procedures should be taken to ensure that those approved for refugee admission do not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States. It also specifically bars any Syrian refugees from being resettled in our country. This temporary ban simply gives the government sufficient time to analyze the vetting process for effectiveness in screening out terrorists. Part of President Trumps executive order states that prior to the September 11, 2001 attack, State Department policy prevented consular officers from properly scrutinizing the visa applications of several of the 19 foreign nationals who went on to murder nearly 3,000 Americans. State department policy was to blame that time. Why are we criticizing and protesting against Trump for trying to prevent a repeat of this failure? Now, Charles Schumer and the liberal news media falsely accuse Donald Trump of being inhumane and uncaring about refugees. The truth is that Donald Trump does care about the plight of refugees. He is promoting safe zones in Syria to protect them and is also leading in getting other countries to do so. A statement from the White House last week said, The president requested, and the King (Salman from Saudia Arabia) agreed, to support safe zones in Syria and Yemen, as well as supporting other ideas to help the many refugees who are displaced by the ongoing conflicts. Also, last week President Trump attended a Red Cross fundraiser in Florida. Thanks to his presence, there were 700 people in attendance contributing $50,000 per person and this money went to help refugees. The liberal news media just forgot to report thisor either just focused on the protesters. The order also implements a temporary, 90-day ban on immigration from seven countries that pose the greatest risk for having the possibility of terrorists infiltrating the ranks of those who would legally immigrate from those countries. These seven countries were actually identified by the Obama administration as being of concern and danger. For anyone questioning the necessity of this temporary ban, please check out the Facebook page for Steve Gern, a retired United States Marine staff sergeant from Dallas, Texas, who was working in Iraq until a few days ago, when he had to be sent home for safety reasons. Watch the video Something to Think About. This temporary ban is NOT a Muslim banas the liberal news media is falsely alleging. The fact that these identified countries happen to be Muslim majority countries is no excuse for exempting them. Ninety percent of Muslims in the whole world are not affected by this ban. And 43 Muslim countries are not affected by this ban. If Catholics in the city of Rome were promoting terror and chopping off peoples heads, and if they had been included in this list of dangerous countries, then Rome would also be under a 90-day temporary travel ban. You would think that wanting a president to protect us and to stop that which is illegal would be a no-brainer. If our country is to continue helping refugees and doing all the good it has done for the past century, then the first step is to prevent terrorists from destroying us. Start supporting our president and allow him to do his job! The foreign ministry said the coming days will see increased communication with the US, encompassing all aspects of the two countries' relationship Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed on Saturday Egypt-US relations in a phone call with his newly appointed US counterpart Rex Tillerson, a ministry statement read. Shoukry congratulated Tillerson on his appointment as US Secretary of State earlier this month, saying he looked forward to working with him to strengthen ties between the two countries, the statement added. The foreign ministry said the coming days will see increased communication with the US, encompassing all aspects of the two countries' relationship. In January, US President Donald Trump invited his Egyptian counterpart President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to visit the US. Trump previously told El-Sisi that his administration is committed to maintaining annual US military aid to Egypt. Egypt receives $1.3 billion in military aid from the United States every year. Search Keywords: Short link: A US Congress delegation, headed by Republican Representative Dana Rohrabacher, is currently visiting Cairo Egyptian Defence Minister Sedky Sobhy has met with a US Congress delegation currently visiting the country and discussed a number of points of strategic interest, including combatting terrorism, an army spokesman statement issued Sunday read. Sobhy underlined during the meeting the solid US-Egyptian military relationship that "extends over decades of partnership, cooperation and joint military exercises." The delegation, headed by Republican Representative Dana Rohrabacher, also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry Saturday to discuss the political and economic reform programmes adopted by Egypt. In January, US President Donald Trump told President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi that his administration is committed to maintaining annual US military aid to Egypt. Egypt receives $1.3 billion in military aid from the United States every year. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt will acquire the second B737-800 aircraft, along with seven remaining planes, through a leasing system by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise EgyptAir is scheduled to receive on Sunday the second B737-800 aircraft of a nine-plane deal with Boeing to update its fleet, state news agency MENA reported. The national flag carrier signed the deal with Boeing -- worth USD 864 million -- in July 2016 and has already received the first next-generation passenger plane, for which it paid in full. Last week, an EgyptAir team departed for the US city of Seattle to receive and inspect the aircraft and finalise the paperwork. Egypt will purchase the second B737-800 aircraft, along with the seven remaining planes, through a 12-year leasing system by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE). The remaining planes are expected to reach Egypt by the end of this year. The addition of nine 737-800 Next-Generation (NG) planes to the 20 craft EgyptAir currently operates will make 737-800NGs the largest single-aisle aircraft type in the carrier's fleet. The Boeing 737-800NG is known for its fuel efficiency and lower maintenance and operating costs. Egypt has acquired over 60 Boeing planes since 1966. Search Keywords: Short link: A South Giza prosecution has ordered that political writer and researcher Zizo Abdo to remain in custody pending a court decision on Tuesday after he violated probationary measures imposed on him following his September release from prison, defence lawyer Mokhtar Mounir told Ahram Online. The prosecution says that Abdo, who is a spokesperson for the 6 April Youth Movement, violated his probationary measure last week that mandates that he must report in to a police station three days per week from 4pm to 6pm. According to Abdos defence lawyer, he was unable to report in as scheduled because he was arrested at a cafe in Cairo on Wednesday and held for several hours. Abdo was released in September pending trial five months after he was arrested on charges of inciting to topple the regime. He had participated in an April protest against the government deal handing over two Red Sea islands under Egyptian control to Saudi Arabia. In January, 6 April Movement co-founder Mohamed Adel was released after finishing a three-and-a-half year prison sentence on charges of violating Egypt's protest law, and must serve a three-year probation where he is required to report in to a police station on a daily basis for 12 hours. Adel is facing the same probationary terms imposed on Ahmed Maher, the founder of 6 April, who was also released from jail in January after serving his sentence on similar charges. Search Keywords: Short link: New Delhi: As the rift between founders and its Board widens at Infosys, its former CFO V Balakrishnan today said an interim chairman should be appointed at the earliest to "effectively" engage with its billionaire co-founders. Demanding that Chairman Ramaswami Seshasayee steps down, Balakrishnan said the Chairman should take responsibility for the "lapses" in corporate governance at the Bengaluru-based company. "I think the founders had raised certain issues on governance, which had happened in the last two years and I said the right way for the Board...is not to take a confrontation approach. "Somebody has to take responsibility for all the lapses. That is why I had suggested chairman stepping down, getting an interim chairman and effectively engaging with founders and come to a conclusion," he told PTI in an interview. Balakrishnan -- who worked with Infosys for over two decades -- seemed to be espousing the grouse of co-founders NR Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani and others, who together own 13 per cent of the company. Some of the co-founders have publicly aired concerns about CEO Vishal Sikka's USD 11 million pay and expensive severance packages for former executives, Rajiv Bansal (CFO) and David Kennedy (General Counsel). "...there seems to be a lack of trust between the Board and the founders...Whenever a large shareholder in any public company raises some concerns, Boards generally talk to the shareholders directly, take its concern on board and address those concerns. Here you have the company (Infosys) appointing a law firm to mediate. I don't see any company doing that," he said. He added that the "best way to restart" is for the chairman to step down, get an interim chairman and talking to the founders and addressing all the issues. "If required, re-constitute the board and move on," he said adding that this kind of a "public spat" is always a distraction for any company that affects the morale of employees and client sentiments. Asked about his views on the Board backing Seshasayee, Balakrishnan said: "I don't know whether the Board is fully backing him (Seshasayee) because at the end of the day, the issue is that there are large shareholders who are not ordinary shareholders, who are iconic founders who built the company." "They raised some issues of governance and I think the Board should address that. You cannot hide behind the fact that no we are all together, we are following practices," he said. Balakrishnan went on to say that disclosure levels at Infosys were "very bad" on the large severance payments made in last few years. "It was a big let down. You can't make such a large payment and give some wishy washy statement on why they made the payment. So I think the value system seems to be compromised. The governance disclosures were lacking and somebody has to take responsibility for it. The Board takes the collective responsibility but the responsibility lies mainly at the door of the Chairman," he said. Sikka was paid Rs 48.7 crore in base salary, bonus and benefits last year as compared to base salary of Rs 4.5 crore for a partial period in 2015. His annual compensation was raised to USD 11 million (Rs 74 crore) last year. Sikka, 49, whose term has been extended till 2021, took over as CEO in 2014. Former CFO Rajiv Bansal was paid Rs 17.38 crore or 24 month's salary, as severance package. Its former general counsel David Kennedy received severance payments of USD 868,250 (Rs 5.8 crore) and other reimbursements over 12 months. "I think it is in the best interest of the company for the Board to shed its ego and effectively talk to the large shareholders and settle the issues," said Balakrishnan who along with former CFO T V Mohandas Pai had sought a USD 1.8 billion buyback in 2014 just as Sikka was taking over. The board had not responded to his suggestion then. Citing the example of Cognizant, he said it is a global practice that the Board takes immediate action on concerns raised by shareholders. "They (a section of investors) wrote a letter to the Board that they (Cognizant) reconstitute the board and called for a big buyback... Board spoke to them and agreed. That is how the whole world works. When a large shareholder raises some concerns, they have to engage with them and address the concern," Balakrishnan said. Project was approved in September 2014 but it came to BSNL in April 2016. New Delhi: State-run BSNL is expecting to complete its portion of mobile network roll-out project, funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), in the North East by 2018-end. "The project was approved in September 2014 but it came to BSNL in April 2016. BSNL is expecting to place execution order in April after which roll-out of the project will start in July and should be completed by December 2018," a source told PTI. The project is part of the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North-Eastern Region (NER) which was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2014 but is yet to be rolled out. The project proposal entails an estimated expenditure of Rs 5,336.18 crore which is to be funded from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The project envisages providing 2G mobile coverage in identified uncovered areas and seamless mobile coverage along National Highways in the North-East region. Under this project 8,621 villages out of the 9,190 unconnected villages are to be covered by 6,673 towers. The project has been divided into two parts where tough terrain, which includes two districts of Assam and Arunanchal Pradesh, has been given to state-run telecom firm BSNL for installing about 2,100 mobile towers and the rest was kept for private telecom operators. Bharat Broadband Network opened tender for installing about 4,500 towers under the project after two years in 2016 but received no bids. "BSNL received bids from five companies but has not been able to finalise it because of external influences which are delaying the project. There have been multiple exchange of letter between the Department of Telecom and BSNL in this regard," an industry source said. A BSNL official, involved in the project, denied the allegation saying that the process is running smoothly and communications with DoT and USOF have taken place for clarifications and more transparency. "Technical bids were conducted but after discussion it has been decided to retest telecom equipment to generate more competition. The government wants to assure that fair opportunities have been given to bidders in fray. Retesting will be completed in March after which execution order will be placed to successful bidders in April," the official said. Deal has now come under Oil Ministry's scanner following allegations that OVL might have overpaid Videocon. New Delhi: ONGC's USD 2.475 billion purchase of Videocon Group's 10 per cent stake in a giant Mozambique gas field has come under the Oil Ministry's scanner following allegations that the PSU may have overpaid about USD 200 million, charges that the company vehemently denied. ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), had in June 2013 bought 10 per cent stake in the Offshore Area 1 from Videocon Group for USD 2.475 billion. This stake was later divided between OVL and Oil India Ltd in 60:40 ratio. The deal has now come under Oil Ministry's scanner following allegations that OVL might have overpaid Videocon. Government officials said the ministry has over the past few months asked the company to provide several details of the deal including the basis of the valuation. The inquest by the ministry was acknowledged by senior company officials, who said details have been provided on multiple occasions. Sources said Videocon was in 2012 willing to sell its stake to OVL at a small premium to the price Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production paid for acquiring an 8.5 per cent stake in the same block from Cove Energy for 1.22 billion British pounds (USD 1.9 billion at exchange rate prevalent at that time). The 10 per cent stake, they said, was available to OVL for about USD 2.3 billion or so but the company a year later paid USD 2.475 billion to Videocon. An e-mail sent to ONGC Chairman Dinesh K Sarraf, who was Managing Director of OVL at the time of the deal, for comments received a response from the company stating: "There is no basis to this allegation and ONGC Videsh strongly refutes it." OVL had followed up the Videocon purchase by buying another 10 per cent stake in the same Offshore Area 1 of Mozambique from US energy major Anadarko Corp for USD 2.64 billion in 2014. A year later, Anadarko in its annual filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission said it made a "gain" of USD 1.5 billion or over 62 per cent of the purchase price, from the sale of 10 per cent interest in Offshore Area 1. Woodlands, Texas based energy exploration company Anadarko continues to be the operator of the block, with its stake reduced to 26.5 per cent from 36.5 per cent after the deal. Presently, OVL has 16 per cent stake in Offshore Area 1, which holds as much as 75 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. OIL has 4 per cent and a unit of Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) another 10 per cent stake. Other partners in Area 1 include Mitsui with 20 per cent stake, ENH (15 per cent) and PTTEP (8.5 per cent). Gas from the block is to be converted into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for transportation by ships to markets like India. Bengaluru: Amid founders' outcry over alleged corporate governance lapses at Infosys, CEO Vishal Sikka has talked to senior management team to assuage their concerns and advised them not to get distracted by the ongoing tussle. Confirming this, an official familiar with the development told PTI, "Sikka called the senior management team of the company and spoke to them last night." The official, however, declined to divulge more details. Sikka has reportedly advised senior management officials not to get distracted by the ongoing spat between the board and the founders, and instead focus on company's business and strategy. Sikka's interaction with key senior management comes ahead of his scheduled meeting with investors in Mumbai on February 13. The rift between the founders and the board became public after co-founder N R Narayana Murthy flagged concerns on corporate governance lapses and hefty compensation to Sikka as well as severance packages doled out to former key executives like Rajiv Bansal and David Kennedy. The founders hold 13 per cent in the company. Trade envoy Jeffrey Donaldson and over 40 delegates from British companies arrived in Egypt on Sunday as part of one of the UKs biggest trade delegations to visit the North African country to assess new trade and investment opportunities and identify potential Egyptian partners, the UK embassy announced. 2016 saw investments from UK companies reaching over $30 billion, and 2017 is already delivering on the UKs commitment to further deepen cooperation and help support Egypt's economic growth efforts through increased British investments, Donaldson in a press release by the embassy. This is the first time a majority of these companies have visited Egypt, showing the UK is putting its money where its mouth is in regard to new business, he added. British ambassador to Egypt John Casson highlighted that the UK is starting 2017 with three British business delegations in one week to bring new companies into new sectors in Egypt. This new growth builds on strong foundations: Egypt and Britain are natural economic partners with $2 billion of trade each year and $30.5 billion of investment powering the Egyptian economy since 2011, the ambassador said. The delegation includes the Invest Northern Ireland Trade mission, whose companies cover numerous sectors including energy, healthcare, food and drink, environment, waste management, construction and engineering, according to the statement. Nine other companies brought under the auspices of the Egyptian British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC) focused on infrastructure and construction with regard to trade and investment opportunities in projects such as the new administrative capital and the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Two other missions organised by Scottish Development International (SDI) and the Energy Industries Council (EIC) addressed the evolving opportunities in the Egyptian energy arena. The delegations visit coincided with the Egypt Petroleum Show (EGYPS), the largest annual oil and gas event to take place in Egypt, which was attended by Sir Donaldson, Ambassador Casson, and the UK Director for International Trade Jason Ivory. Search Keywords: Short link: Mumbai: Akshay Kumar had been the most consistent actor in 2016, with all three of his releases, 'Airlift,' 'Housefull 3,' and 'Rustom' grossing over 100 crore rupees at the box-office. And the Khiladi seems to be in no mood to stop, with his first release of 2017, the Subhash Kapoor helmed 'Jolly LLB 2,' grossing nearly 30 crore rupees approximately at the box-office, in just its first two days of release. The relatively 'small' film has been such a huge phenomenon that its virtually stagnated the collections of this year's grand Republic Day releases, 'Raees' and 'Kaabil'. The film grossed approximately 12 crore rupees on its opening day alone, according to boxofficeindia(dot)com. The word of mouth and critical reviews have been so tremendously strong, that Saturday saw a growth of 35%, with the film grossing 16.25 crore rupees (approx.) The growth is estimated to be steady for the coming week, with the Sunday collections expected to be even more phenomenal. Akshay Kumar, who's got a slew of interesting projects lined up for 2017, is expected to cross the 100-crore mark with this sequel to the cult Arshad Warsi starrer 'Jolly LLB,' thereby consolidating his stature as the most dependable and experimental superstar around, at the moment. Mumbai: Actor Rajkummar Rao's Newton has been showered with praise at Berlinale 2017, where the film made its world premiere. Director Amit V Masurkar's film opened to a good response when it was screened in a houseful theatre at the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival. Rajkummar, who plays the titular role in the political black comedy that centres around an election day in Central India, said in a statement, "I was excited and nervous before the premiere but the kind of response we got after the screening and the way the audience here related to Newton, was very overwhelming." The 32-year-old actor said he is humbled by the reception of the film and cannot wait for its India premiere. Ecstatic after a successful world premiere, Masurkar said, "We were all very happy that an audience so diverse connected to an Indian story so rooted. They appreciated the finer nuances and the subtle moments in the story which we had assumed only Indians would get." The movie was selected in the 'International Forum of New Cinema' and was screened on February 10 at the Zoo Palast one of the oldest and most prestigious venues of the Berlinale, where it received a standing ovation too. The cast Rajkummar, Anjali Patil, Pankaj Tripathi, producer Manish Mundra and music composer Naren Chandavarkar were also present at the red carpet. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the lead roles. Mumbai: When Karan Johar came up with 'My Name Is Khan,' it had been plagued by a lot many controversies, but the Shah Rukh Khan starrer had nevertheless got critical and commercial takers. Seven years down the line, the tale of the affable Rizwan Khan, suffering from Asperger's Syndrome, who's mistaken for a terrorist thanks to his surname, still rings hard in the fan's ears. And now, the film has patronage from unexpected quarters, in the form of veteran writer, Paulo Coelho. The acclaimed writer, took to Facebook to appreciate the film, and also claimed that had Hollywood not been manipulative, Shah Rukh Khan could probably have won an Oscar for his performance. Shah Rukh humbly reciprocated by thanking the writer and expressing a desire to meet in person. Earlier, SRK himself had taken to his Twitter feed to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the film, and revealed that he's saddened to realise that the film still holds relevance. Shah Rukh had last been seen in Rahul Dholakia's successful outing, 'Raees'. After controversy surrounding Jolly LLBs name, where an advocate approached Bombay high court to get LLB dropped from the title, Shoojit Sircars latest production Runningshaadi.com met with trouble. A famous matrimonial website demanded a change in the films name, which they believed was a copyright infringement. According to latest reports, Shoojit has given into the demands following a high court battle. Amit Sadh, who is playing the male lead in the film, on his part, confirmed that the film is now set to be called Running Shaadi. A highly disconcerted Amit sighed that there was no point to making films in India at all, if someone keeps having an issue about some aspect or the other. I have no idea what happened, or how this suddenly came to pass. But since the court has ruled for the name to be changed theres nothing much anyone can do but change the name. I just feel for my director, who worked tirelessly for two months on the post-production prints. He is now sitting with a team and will be making the necessary changes for the next two days, he says. According to the actor, the dot com part of the title was relevant, since the two lead characters, played by him and Taapsee Pannu, create a website. It is a humorous take on the fact that even in this day and age, you need to run away and get married. The morale was of course down for a while. But Im just trying to stay positive in the face of it all. Its just a lot of harassment for my director, and I feel for him, he adds. This is not the first time that Shoojit has gotten into trouble over a name, with his 2010 film Madras Cafe, also having faced trouble. It was originally supposed to be named Jaffna, but the title was deemed to be offensive to the people of Sri Lanka. Indeed, several Bollywood films have had to face similar problems, the most recent being Shashank Khaitans directorial, Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya. Even as reports of certain religious factions having a problem with the use of Badrinath, a place of pilgrimage, surfaced in the context of a light-hearted rom-com, the director denied the fact, adding that the name of the film would remain the same. The name of a film is its identifying characteristic. A lot of thought goes into giving any film the right name and to change it would be a huge problem. I have, so far, no knowledge of anyone having a problem with the name and I truly hope that I dont have to change it, he says. Director Eeshwar Nivas, whose film Aman Ki Asha had to be renamed Total Siyappa in 2014, sympathises with the plight of the Running Shaadi team. With Total Siyappa, the problem had been that a publication had a copyright over the name Aman Ki Asha. Originally, we were supposed to work it out with them, but at the last moment, it did not happen and the name had to be changed, he recalls. He adds that some creative freedom should be given to filmmakers when it comes to the names of films as well as other aspects. The name of a film is a brand. To have to change it all of a sudden gives rise to a whole slew of problems. While legal issues like what Running Shaadi is facing cant be helped, I really think that battles over names like Padmavati or earlier Udta Punjab, which had also come under fire for its references to the state, can be avoided, the director added. Director Karan Anshuman also added that it is highly suspicious that the website is expressing their dissent so late in the day, since the movies name had been public knowledge for a long time. The fact that this whole rigmarole is happening so late smells of opportunism on the Web portals part. An audiences first idea of a film depends on the name, so its terribly unfortunate that such a change needs to be made last minute. It puts tremendous pressure on the producers, adds the filmmaker. Actor Vijay is currently shooting for Vijay 61 under Atlees direction in the outskirts of Chennai. Recently, a leaked picture from the shooting spot, in which Vijay was seen sporting a veshti, went viral on social media. If rumours are to be believed, the Bairavaa actor is said to play the role of a cop in Vijay 61. When Atlee and Vijay collaborated for Theri, the actor portrayed the role of a doting father and an upright police officer. However, in Vijay 61, it is unclear whether Vijay is playing dual roles or not. We had reported that Nithya Menen has been roped in to replace Jyothika, who backed out of the project due to undisclosed reasons. In recent developments, we hear that Nithya has joined the sets. After wrapping up the first schedule, the team is expected to go on a break. Atlee and team are also planning to go to the US and UK to shoot some important sequences for the film. Vijay 61 boasts a stellar cast of Samantha, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, SJ Suryah, Sathyan and Kovai Sarala in important roles. While KV Vijayendra Prasad of Baahubali fame has been roped in to write the story, AR Rahman will be composing for the flick. According to the avant-garde French play wright Eugene Ionesco, an abstract painting is like theatre: a construction in action that moves, clashes, balances, transitions and creates new forms, stirring with life. The art of Akkitham Narayanan is an evocation, an act of prayer that holds together the divine forces on a canvas. At first glance, his painting seems strange: full of squares, triangles and vibrant circles. But slowly, the perfect diffusion of tones takes effect and the hypnotising forces begin to interact, making the composition appear to be in eternal motion. Akkitham Narayanans paintings are the result of geometric configuration of abstract forms that create a fusion of the Indian tantrik art and the European geometric art. The Indian element in his composition is the manifestation of the memories of his ancestral home in Kerala and his art education under the renowned artist K.C.S Paniker at the Government School of Arts, Chennai. His mentor, the late K.C.S had once remarked that his works though intellectual and constructivist in character, have a deep emotional quality mainly in the sense of colour and choice of theme. Narayanan further explains this phenomenon, I compose abstract forms that evoke the images of my life with my family in Kerala, where cultural, spiritual and ritualism were very much present. These moments live in me and create the soul of my painting. While the choice of subject necessitates a ritual, Narayanan at work in his studio, is in conflict between the discipline of an ancient ritual and the freedom his emotions demand while painting. He breaks free of this internal conflict by breaking out of the geometric forms through the colours on his canvas. He explains, The diagrams of the Mandala/kalam or Kolam made on the earth, coloured white (rice flour), yellow (turmeric), black (grain of burnt rice grain), red ( a mix of turmeric with lemon) and other elements for religious ceremonies along with the folk forms have had a strong influence on me. My work today is the result of these old and new experiences that I have accumulated before and after my visit to Europe. The colours in his work reveal symbolic meanings of night and day, life, growth, decay and death. He weaves together a world of geometric figures where they seem to have a sensual presence. The mandala transforms itself into a living and visual symphony in his art. The process of creation does not end on the mere application of the colours. Lines are scratched onto the surface: twisted and turned to create a symphony in which colours, shapes and light orchestrate a world of vibrations and energies. His art becomes an act of passage into the unreal which opens into a metascape. Like in the act of meditation, the viewer reconnects, contemplates and addresses ones inner self. In front of his canvas, one often wonders at the power of the moving line in the creation of a mystical space that evokes pure energies like in the rite of Kalamezhuthu. Italian philosopher Benedictto Croce defined art as the expression of sentiment, a pure but vital act of the imagination, which shares imaginations primal innocence. Akkithams art is a celebration of this primitive lyrical intuition. Narayanan will be awarded the prestigious Raja Ravi Varma Award by the Lalithakala Akademi, Thrissur, for his unique contributions to modern painting on February 14. He arrived at his own unique style of painting after an artistic journey of four decades based on the tantric tradition. After a successful solo show in Seoul last year, his solo exhibition is scheduled for October 2017 in Paris. Washington: Alert! Your memories are in danger of being lost if you are sleep derived, suggests a study. Studying mice, scientists at Johns Hopkins have fortified evidence that a key purpose of sleep is to recalibrate the brain cells responsible for learning and memory so the animals can "solidify" lessons learned and use them when they awaken -- in the case of nocturnal mice, the next evening. A summary of their study appears online in the journal Science. The researchers, all of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, also report they have discovered several important molecules that govern the recalibration process, as well as evidence that sleep deprivation, sleep disorders and sleeping pills can interfere with the process. "Our findings solidly advance the idea that the mouse and presumably the human brain can only store so much information before it needs to recalibrate," says Graham Diering, Ph.D., the postdoctoral fellow who led the study. "Without sleep and the recalibration that goes on during sleep, memories are in danger of being lost." Diering explains that current scientific understanding of learning suggests that information is "contained" in synapses, the connections among neurons through which they communicate. On the "sending side" of a synapse, signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a brain cell as it "fires"; on the "receiving side," those molecules are captured by receptor proteins, which pass the "message" along. If a cell receives enough input through its synapses, it fires off its own neurotransmitters. More specifically, experiments in animals have shown that the synapses on the receiving neuron can be toggled by adding or removing receptor proteins, thereby strengthening or weakening them and allowing the receiving neuron to receive more or less input from nearby signaling neurons. Scientists believe memories are encoded through these synaptic changes. But there's a hitch in this thinking, Diering says, because while mice and other mammals are awake, the synapses throughout its brain tend to be strengthened, not weakened, pushing the system toward its maximum load. When neurons are "maxed out" and constantly firing, they lose their capacity to convey information, stymying learning and memory. One possible reason that neurons don't usually max out is a process that has been well-studied in lab-grown neurons but not in living animals, asleep or awake. Known as homeostatic scaling down, it is a process that uniformly weakens synapses in a neural network by a small percentage, leaving their relative strengths intact and allowing learning and memory formation to continue. To find out if the process does occur in sleeping mammals, Diering focused on the areas of the mouse brain responsible for learning and memory: the hippocampus and the cortex. He purified proteins from receiving synapses in sleeping and awake mice, looking for the same changes seen in lab-grown cells during scaling down. Results showed a 20 percent drop in receptor protein levels in sleeping mice, indicating an overall weakening of their synapses, compared to mice that were awake. "That was the first evidence of homeostatic scaling down in live animals," says Richard Huganir, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience, director of the Department of Neuroscience and lead author of the study. "It suggests that synapses are restructured throughout the mouse brain every 12 hours or so, which is quite remarkable." To learn specifically which molecules were responsible for the phenomenon, the team turned to a protein called Homer1a, discovered in 1997 by Paul Worley, M.D., professor of neuroscience, who was also part of the team conducting the new study. Studies showed that Homer1a -- named for the ancient Greek author and the scientific "odyssey" required to identify it -- is important for the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, and for homeostatic scaling down in lab-grown neurons. Repeating his previous analysis of synaptic proteins, Diering indeed found much higher levels of Homer1a -- 250 percent more -- in the synapses of sleeping mice than awake mice. And in genetically engineered mice missing Homer1a, the previous decrease of synaptic receptor proteins associated with sleep was no longer present. To sort out how Homer1a senses when the mice are sleeping or awake, the researchers looked to the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which drives the brain to arousal and wakefulness. By blocking or enhancing noradrenaline levels, both in lab-grown neurons and in mice, the researchers confirmed that when noradrenaline levels were high, Homer1a stayed away from synapses; when it was low, it collected there. To directly test whether the location of Homer1a was related to sleep, the team kept mice awake for four extra hours by placing them in an unfamiliar cage. Some then got two and a half hours of "recovery sleep." As predicted, levels of Homer1a in the receiving synapses were much higher in the sleep-deprived mice than in those that got recovery sleep. That suggests, says Diering, that Homer1a is sensitive to an animal's "sleep need," not just what time of day it is. Diering emphasizes that sleep need is controlled by adenosine, a chemical that accumulates in the brain as an animal stays awake, provoking sleepiness. (Caffeine, the world's most widely consumed psychoactive drug, directly interferes with adenosine.) When mice were given a drug during sleep deprivation that blocks adenosine, Homer1a levels no longer increased in their synapses. "We think that Homer1a is a traffic cop of sorts," says Huganir. "It evaluates the levels of noradrenaline and adenosine to determine when the brain is sufficiently quiet to begin scaling down." As the final test of their hypothesis that scaling down during sleep is crucial for learning and memory, the researchers tested the mice's ability to learn without scaling down. Individual mice were placed in an unfamiliar arena and given a mild electrical shock, either as they woke up or right before they went to sleep. Some mice then received a drug known to prevent scaling down. When an undrugged mouse received a shock just before sleep, its brain went through the scaling-down process and formed an association between that arena and the shock. When placed in that same arena, those mice spent about 25 percent of their time motionless, in fear of another shock. When placed in a different unfamiliar arena, they froze sometimes, but only about 9 percent of their time there, probably because they were relatively good a telling the difference between the two unfamiliar arenas. Expecting that drugged mice that couldn't scale down during sleep would have weaker memories and therefore freeze less than undrugged mice, Diering was surprised that they were motionless longer (40 percent of their time) when returned to the arena where they were shocked. But the drugged mice were also motionless longer (13 percent of their time) when in a new arena. When the shock was given after the mice woke up, the drug made no difference in how long the mice froze in either arena, confirming that scaling down only occurs during sleep. "We think that the memory of the shock was stronger in the drugged mice because their synapses couldn't undergo scaling down, but all kinds of other memories also remained strong, so the mice were confused and couldn't easily distinguish the two arenas," says Diering. "This demonstrates why 'sleeping on it' can actually clarify your ideas." "The bottom line," he says, "is that sleep is not really downtime for the brain. It has important work to do then, and we in the developed world are shortchanging ourselves by skimping on it." Huganir says that sleep is still a big mystery. "In this study, we only examined what goes on in two areas of the brain during sleep. There are probably equally important processes happening in other areas, and throughout the body, for that matter," he adds. Among the events that require further exploration is how learning and memory are affected by sleep disorders and other diseases known to disrupt sleep in humans, like Alzheimer's disease and autism. Huganir also says that benzodiazapines and other drugs that are commonly prescribed as sedatives, such as muscle relaxants and other sleep aids, are known to prevent homeostatic scaling down and are likely to interfere with learning and memory, though that idea has yet to be tested experimentally. Other authors of the report include Raja Nirujogi, Richard Roth and Akhilesh Pandey of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. They want lawmakers to include New Mexico in a federal law that compensates residents near atomic tests (Photo: AFP) Washington: Residents say the world's first atomic bomb test caused generations of southern New Mexico families to suffer from cancer and economic hardship, according to surveys gathered by an advocacy group seeking compensation for descendants. The surveys released Friday detailed residents' stories from areas around the 1945 Trinity Test and argue that many Hispanic families later struggled to keep up with cancer-related illnesses. The health effects of the test have long been debated in New Mexico. "It's the first ever study done on the Tularosa Downwinders," said Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium. "We wanted people to tell their stories in the fashion because it's never been done before." Members of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium have long contended that those living near the site of the world's first atomic bomb test in 1945 weren't told about the dangers or compensated for their resulting health problems. Since then, they say, descendants have been plagued with cancer and other illnesses while the federal government ignored their plight. Chuck Wiggins, director of the New Mexico Tumor Registry, has said data shows cancer rates in Tularosa are around the same as other parts of the state. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death all over New Mexico, he said. On Friday, Wiggins said he hadn't gone through the report yet. "It is detailed and lengthy," he said. "I have not had a chance to systematically review the entire document." Around 800 community health surveys and two community focus groups were used to collect data for the report in partnership with the New Mexico Health Equity Partnership, an initiative of the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Cordova said the report wasn't a scientific epidemiology study but an attempt to gather information from residents who have complained about various forms of cancers in families who had limited access to health insurance. The surveys involved residents of the historic Hispanic village of Tularosa and four New Mexico counties. They want lawmakers to include New Mexico in a federal law that compensates residents near atomic tests. The Trinity Test took place as part of the Manhattan Project, a top-secret World War II nuclear development program run out of the then-secret city of Los Alamos, New Mexico. Residents did not learn that the test had involved an atomic weapon until the U.S. dropped bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the war ended. In 2015, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-New Mexico, pressed the Senate to include New Mexico residents in the law after meeting with Tularosa Downwinders. "The Consortium's Health Impact Assessment Report is important work," Udall wrote in a letter to the group on Friday. "It adds to the body of evidence that people in this area were injured as a result of radioactive fallout and should be compensated by the federal government." Telangana government has allowed cattle feed from Karimnagar distilleries to supply dry barley waste. Except Karimnagar distilleries, all the other are sending bio-liquid waste for cattle. (Representational image) (Photo: PTI) Hyderabad: About ninety per cent of farmers in Padamati Somaram have adopted bio-liquid for cattle feeding. The farmers know about the health hazards in cattle and the hazards this pose to the people who consume the milk of these cattle, but are carrying on with the practice. Mr. Baddam Anjaiah, a local cattle farmer, said he adopted the practice three years back and got more milk from the cattle. A buffalo which gave two litres of milk a day started giving four litres after taking the bio-liquid feed. Then I realised that the buffalos are having missed abortions and the milk is of bad quality. I stopped it two years back, he said. A majority of the farmers have gone in for bio-liquid as cattle feed. A bio-liquid supplier from Nandigama in Andhra Pradesh visits villages once every 15 days and supplies the liquid. Earlier, the liquid was available at cheaper rates, but now the price is Rs 1,500 per 100 litres, he said. Veterinary expert Dr. V. Varaprasada Reddy said there is no feed that incre-ases the milk productivity. Mostly, cattle farmers in villages used to give dry or green grass to cattle. Except that, they dont give the cattle other nutritious food. This led to lesser milk production. Regular deworming of the dogs is very important and their schedule must be followed properly. (Photo: Pixabay) (Representational image) Hyderabad: A retired Army man from Warangal was admitted to a hospital in Hyderabad recently for a condition called Hydatid cysts, which is caused by tapeworms present in the intestines of dogs. It is suspected that the tapeworms were transmitted through the food chain. Two large cysts, were found in the interventricular septum or the stout wall separating the lower chambers of the heart. The 2-D Echo test showed the cysts which were filled with fluid. Parasites keep on increasing inside and as they enlarge, they start affecting the host, causing uneasiness or pain. The cysts were detected in a health check-up after the 37-year-old army man complained of hypertension and uneasiness. The tapeworms enter the body via food, water or close proximity to animals such as dogs and sheep. In this case, the patient didn't have any pet at home and doctors suspect that it could be due to contamination of water or food. Dr K.V. Krishna Kumar, senior cardio-thoracic surgeon at KIMS Hospital, where the surgery was carried out, explained, The formation of these cysts inside the heart region is very rare. We have so far only seen four such cases in India. It is very common to find these cysts in the lung and liver region. Human transmission is by ingesting the eggs of the parasite, eating food or drinking water that is soiled with dog faeces. Those who have pets at home are also exposed to this kind of transmission from the pet to human beings. Person to person transmission of this disease does not occur, Dr Kumar said. Medical history shows that cardiac involvement in hydatid disease is only 0.5 to 2 per cent. The cysts were removed by doing by-pass surgery. The patient is stable but has been asked to not eat raw foods and also to ensure that the food is properly cooked before consuming it. Egyptian police killed two fugitives in a shootout after raiding their hideout in Badr city on the outskirts of Cairo, the interior ministry said on Sunday. The ministry said in a statement that security forces were pursuing one of the two fugitives who was sentenced to life in prison by a military court after being convicted of planting an explosive device at a police station in Assiut governorate in Upper Egypt. The suspect was also accused in two ongoing cases involving planting an explosive device and being a member of a terrorist group. The ministry said that the two suspects fired on police as they closed in on their hideout, leading to a shootout. "The fugitive suspect was planning an attack against vital and important targets," the statement added. Search Keywords: Short link: Bengaluru: The Banasawadi police have busted a racket run by Africans, who were allegedly involved in skimming of debit cards and fraudulently withdrawing money from bank accounts of unsuspecting customers. The police have arrested seven persons including two women in this connection and have recovered cash worth Rs 21.4 lakh from them. The accused are identified as Eremhen Smart, 33, of Nigeria, Martin Nsamba, 25, Jolly alias Nambooze Jolly, 23, Tinah, 23, all the three from Uganda, Kenny alias Ajany Kehind, 32, Oloadeji Olayemi, 34, both hailing from Nigeria, and Vikram Rao Nikkam, 40, of Bengaluru. Police said that Mrs. Payal Mandal, a resident of Kammanahalli and an employee of an MNC, filed a complaint on January 7, stating about a fraudulent withdrawal of money to the tune of Rs 94,318 from her HDFC bank account. After this, within a week's time, 11 similar cases were registered in Banasawadi station alone. On analysing the statements of the accounts of all the complainants pertaining to fraudulent transactions, it appeared that there were some similarities. "Investigations revealed that the accused persons had stolen the security details of the debit cards using a skimming machine in an ATM kiosk at Kammanahalli. Further scrutiny and analysis of the statements of accounts showed that compromised data were used by some unknown persons and fake cards were generated. Using the fake cards, fraudulent transactions were done through a tours and travels agent, who was associated with via.com travel website," the police said. "The information about the agent was gathered from the authorities of via.com and the agent was traced. When questioned, he revealed that African nationals were approaching him to make online bookings of hotels and flights, but he was not aware of the fraud. Incriminating evidence was found and information of the suspects was gathered from the agent. It led to the arrest of Eremhen Smart on January 16. Two mobile phones were seized from him and cash worth Rs 2.64 lakh was recovered. Also, Rs 2.40 lakh that was in the account of the agent of via.com was freezed," the police said. Further, based on his information, the other accused were arrested. "Smart also revealed that the kingpin of the racket was Hillary Kiegen alias Tiger, a Kenyan national, who was in Goa. A team was sent to Goa to nab Keigen, but the police could not trace him. Other accused Tinah, Jolly, Kenny and Olayeni were arrested after it was found that they were swiping the fake cards. Jolly, who is part of the conspiracy, had booked magnetic card reader through the company, Card-Tec India pvt. Ltd. at the behest of Martin and it was delivered to her address at KFC in Calangute in Goa. After the arrest of Martin, Jolly had destroyed the magnetic machine and disposed it in a lake in Dharwad," the police added. There are totally 14 persons, 10 men and four women, involved in the conspiracy and only seven are arrested now. The team is operating in both Karnataka and Goa. The accused has been identified as Sanjay, a resident of Hampinagar and an employee of a private company. (Representational Image) Bengaluru: A three-and-a-half-year old girl was allegedly sexually harassed by a 28-year-old man at a play-home run by his mother. The Vijayanagar police have arrested him and booked him under the POCSO Act. The accused has been identified as Sanjay, a resident of Hampinagar and an employee of a private company. The police said that his mother runs a play home, where more than 25 children are enrolled. The accused visited the play home once in a while. On Thursday afternoon, when he went to the playschool, the girl was sitting alone. Taking advantage of the situation, he allegedly sexually harassed her. After the school, the girls grandparents had taken her home. As she complained of stomach pain, her parents took her to a doctor. That is when she told them about the incident. On Friday morning, her parents filed a complaint based on which Sanjay was arrested, the police said. Panel to summon school official Nearly a week after police registered a FIR against the Principal of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sadashivanagar for sexual assault, Karnataka Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KCPCR) has decided to summons to the Commissioner of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan for not implementing its order. The Principal, Kumar Thakur, was accused of sexually harassing a 12th standard girl student of the same school. According to KCPCR sources, they had directed the KVS Commissioner to keep the accused principal under suspension with immediate effect to protect other students of the school. However, till now it has not implemented the direction. KCPCR Chairperson Kripa Alva said the summons will be issued on Monday and all formalities have been completed. However, sources revealed that KVS has decided to transfer the accused Principal to a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Karwar. "We can't suspend him from the service at this stage. Keeping in mind public pressure, he would be transferred to Karwar soon," sources said. New Delhi: A woman has accused former 'Bigg Boss' contestant Swami Om and his associate of allegedly outraging her modesty by ripping off her clothes, police said on Sunday. A case in this regard has been registered at IP Estate police station, they said. According to the complaint filed by the victim, Swami Om and his associate Santosh Anand allegedly ripped off her clothes on February 7. The victim alleged that the duo attacked her and ripped off her clothes in an attempt to humiliate her in full public view a few days ago at Rajghat area here, police said. She also alleged that they threatened her of dire consequences and abused her. The attackers then fled from the spot after she screamed for help, they said. "Acting on the compliant, a case under section 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of IPC has been registered against Swami Om and his associate. The victim will record her statement on Monday before the magistrate. Police will take necessary action against the accused," said a senior police officer. The officer added that both parties had a history of dispute. The alleged spy was detained by CID and Border Intelligence Police, near Indo-Pak border in Jaisalmer. (Photo: Representational Image) Jaisalmer: A Pakistani spy was detained by CID and Border Intelligence Police, near Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer on Sunday. A joint interrogation is currently underway. Earlier last week, the Rajasthan Police arrested a Jaisalmer resident allegedly planning to share information with Pakistan Intelligence agencies. The accused, Sadiq was interrogated and the seized material was analysed after his arrest. A case was lodged against him under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Out of the four militants, three have been identified as Mudasir Ahmed Tantray, Farooq Ahmed Dar and Azhar Ahmed. Effort was on to identify the fourth one. (Photo: Twitter) Kulgam: In a major breakthrough, four militants of Hizbul Mujahideen were gunned down in a pre-dawn swoop by security forces at a village in South Kashmir, in which two armymen and a civilian also lost their lives. Acting on a tip-off of Jammu and Kashmir Police, a cordon was thrown around Nagabal Village in Frisal, about 70 kms south of Srinagar by the army, police and para-military forces at around 4.30 am, official sources said. They said the intelligence input was clear that militants were hiding in a house in the village following which a cordon was thrown around the locality so that no militant escaped. A repeated check on all the houses yielded no success but the police personnel accompanying the raiding party insisted on a rechecking a house where the intelligence input had suggested about the presence of the militants. The personnel from One Rashtriya Rifles, which forms part of the Victor Force counter-insurgency grid of army in South Kashmir, and Special Operation Group of State police again carried out a search inside the house and located a false ceiling where the militants were hiding. On being spotted, the troops, who were accompanied by the house owners, came under heavy fire in which two jawans identified as Lance Naik Raghuvir Sigh and Lance Naik Gopal Singh Badoria got killed. In the gun battle thereafter, three militants managed to escape in the nearby jungles while four other militants belonging to banned Hizbul Mujahideen outfit were killed. Director General of Police S P Vaid told PTI that security forces had achieved a major success by gunning down four militants. "However, it's unfortunate that two soldiers were martyred and son of the house owner got caught in the cross-fire and succumbed to his injuries," he said. Out of the four militants, three have been identified as Mudasir Ahmed Tantray, Farooq Ahmed Dar and Azhar Ahmed. Effort was on to identify the fourth one. In this phase, 721 candidates are in the fray out of which 69 are female, while there is also a nominee from the third gender. (Photo: Representational Image) Lucknow: The campaigning in Uttar Pradesh has started peaking in the areas where polls are slated for Wednesday. In the second phase, 11 districts having 67 assembly seats will go for polls. As only two days are left for campaigning, top leadership of all political parties including Samajwadi Party, Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal have lined up to address poll rallies in these areas. In this phase, 721 candidates are in the fray out of which 69 are female, while there is also a nominee from the third gender. 15 constituencies in the second phase have been declared as Red Alert Constituencies, the ones which have three or more candidates in fray with declared criminal cases. The first phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls which took on Saturday saw a voter turnout of 63 percent. Srinagar (Uttarakhand): Asserting that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have only progressed in the recently formed states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress of ruining Uttarakhand and playing with the aspirations of the people. "Why did Congress oppose creation of Uttarakhand as a state? Those who cannot think well of the people here, how can they govern?" Prime Minister Modi said while addressing an election rally here. Training his guns on the Congress, the Prime Minister said the former insulted the soldiers by asking for proof of the surgical strikes conducted last year across the Line of Control (LoC). Shifting his focus on One Rank One Pension (OROP), Prime Minister Modi said the Congress Party deceived the soldiers as they had no knowledge of the scheme. "The Congress made a joke out of OROP. It was implemented once we assumed," he said. Extending his support to the commoners, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would not let the ones who looted the common people have a sigh of relief. Reiterating the wonders a common man can do, the Prime Minister said by the support of 1.25 crore people he (who was once only a tea seller) can fight back powerful people. "For 70 years these powerful people looted the nation, they think what can this chai wala do? They are very powerful people but I have blessings of 125 crore people of India and hence this chai-wala is able to fight these people (who looted the country)," he said. Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a rally in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur yesterday, slammed the opposition for asking for proofs regarding the surgical strikes, saying that the time has come for the opposition to pay for their sins. "It has become important to defeat the people who don't have any interest in development and only want to save their seats. Now the time has come when they (opposition) need to pay for all everything that they have done," he said. Uttarakhand goes to polls on February 15. Demanding implementation of 1991 Margdarshan resolution, two organisations of displaced KPs - Panun Kashmir and Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj(YAIKS) - also demanded the Modi government to initiate a structured dialogue process with their leadership on a comprehensive political agenda of the community. (Photo: File) Jammu: The Narendra Modi-led government at the Cente has no objection to setting up of homeland, township or colonies for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley, Union minister Jitendra Singh said today. Addressing a conference of Kashmiri Pandits (KP) in Jammu on Sunday, he said it is for them to decide what they want. The KPs on Sunday demanded implementation of 1991 Margdarshan resolution which allows carving out of a homeland for seven lakh KPs with union territory status in Kashmir. "Whether colonies would be made or clusters or a homeland, whatever will be made (in Kashmir valley for rehabilitation of KPs), Modi government will have no objection. Union Home Ministry will have no objection. But please tell me what is to be set up," Singh said. Demanding implementation of 1991 Margdarshan resolution, two organisations of displaced KPs - Panun Kashmir and Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj(YAIKS) - also demanded the Modi government to initiate a structured dialogue process with their leadership on a comprehensive political agenda of the community. "This year, the KP community is entering 28th year of its exile, after having suffered persecution, genocide and ethnic cleansing resulting into their exodus from Kashmir in 1989-90. "In 1991, a Marghdarshan resolution was passed envisaging a free and full flow of Indian constitution in territory (to be carved out) in Kashmir (for KPs) and called for action," they said in their charter of demands. President of Panun Kashmir Ashwani Chrungoo, YAIKS chief R K Bhat and All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC), in a joint memorandum, handed over a "comprehensive political agenda" to Singh and J&K State JP President Sat Sharma at the seminar here today. Terming KPs as "indigenous people of Kashmir", who are the first stakeholders to the territory, he said that the government is aware of their difficulties and all the issues would be addressed in time-bound manner. State BJP chief Sat Sharma said that displaced KPs will settle in Kashmir this year or the next year and as per their conditions, "if your want Panun Kashmir and homeland, it will be as per your conditions. And we will raise your voice in the Assembly and Parliament." During the function, senior KP leader and President AIKPC H N Jattu was conferred the 'Pandit Amarnath Vaishnavi Samman' for his lifetime achievement in espousing the cause of KPs. Apart from him, an eminent scientist who while working in Brussels invented a new drug for treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis Dr Anil Kaul and President of Khalsa Centre London Babu Harbans Singh Mehta who made immense contribution in the social field were felicitated on the occasion. Fed up with constant threats, the victim consumed acid on February 6, following which she revealed about the incident to her family. (Photo: Representational Image) Palghar (Maharashtra): A tempo driver was arrested from Boisar in Maharashtra for allegedly abducting and raping a woman, while his accomplice for videographing the act, police said on Sunday. According to police, the 22-year-old victim was kidnapped on January 5 while she had ventured out of her house in Boisar for some shopping and was taken in a tempo by the main accused and his friend to a secluded place. The driver then raped her, while the other accused videographed the act, Inspector K Hegaje of Boisar police station said, adding that the victim was also beaten by them. The main accused then started to harass her by making demands of sexual advances and also blackmailed her that he will circulate her video on social media and send it to her husband and relatives, he said. Fed up with constant threats, the victim consumed acid on February 6, following which she revealed about the incident to her family. Later, a case was lodged against the two men on Friday, the officer said. The two accused, who were held yesterday, were booked under IPC sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage), 323 (punishment forvoluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons), 504 (intentional insult), 506 (criminal intimidation), the officer said. Section 376 of the IPC (rape) was slapped against the tempo driver. AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala along with party's MLAs supporting her during the press conference at the resort in Koovathur at East Coast Road where various AIADMK MLAs are camping to decide on the further course of action in forming new government, outskirts of Chennai on Sunday. (Photo: PTI) Chennai: AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala, who is locked in a political battle with acting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, on Sunday said that party MLAs have not been locked up. Rubbishing allegations primarily from the Panneerselvam camp that she had forcibly detained AIADMK legislators to prevent them from crossing over to the CMs side, Sasikala blamed Opposition parties for spreading rumours. You can see truth that non of our MLAs have been forcibly kept here, we are living here as a family, Sasikala said after meeting MLAs at Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur. On a pending Supreme Court verdict in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case against her, Sasikala was dismissive. Let it come, I will see, she said. But she issued a warning to those who had joined the OPS camp. Party workers, and forces now opposing us will not succeed in their attempts. We will now allow it, she thundered. About Saturdays veiled threat to the Governor that she would engage in a different form of protest if he did not make a decision on the political deadlock, Sasikala seemed to adopt a softer tone. Please wait and see our next move. We are working on it. Sasikala broke down while addressing MLAs. You all are aware as to what extent our opponents have gone against us, we must stay together and foil their evil attempts. I think there is a person called Panneerselvam who you had forgotten till now. (But) nobody can even touch this party and government, said Sasikala addressing AIADMK MLAs. Earlier on Sunday, Sasikala claimed that it was difficult to be a woman in politics. She accused her Opposition of circulating a fake letter sent by her to Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao. The heir to Saudi Arabia's throne has been awarded a medal by the new director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, who honoured his counter-terrorism work. Mike Pompeo, making his first overseas tour since being confirmed as spy agency chief in late January, made the presentation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef at a weekend ceremony, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Prince Mohammed, 57, has been interior minister since 2012 and has years of experience in intelligence work. Widely respected in the West for his efforts to combat violent extremism, he oversaw a crackdown on Al-Qaeda which killed security officers and foreigners in the kingdom between 2003 and 2007. In 2009 Prince Mohammed survived with only light injuries an assassination attempt by Al-Qaeda. Pompeo awarded him the George Tenet Medal in recognition of his "excellent intelligence performance, in the domain of counter-terrorism and his unbound contribution to realise world security and peace." George Tenet was the CIA's longest-serving director, from 1996 to 2004. Pompeo and Prince Mohammed also held talks on security issues, SPA said. The prince told SPA that "no attempt will succeed in driving a wedge between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US". It was the latest Saudi reaffirmation of ties between the absolute Islamic monarchy and Washington since President Donald Trump took office on January 20. The United States and Saudi Arabia have a decades-old relationship founded on the exchange of American security for Saudi oil. But ties between Riyadh and Washington became increasingly frayed during the eight-year administration of former president Barack Obama. Saudi Arabia's Sunni leaders felt Obama was reluctant to get involved in the civil war in Syria and was tilting towards its Shia-dominated rival Iran. Pompeo is a strident critic of an international deal reached in 2015 to lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for guarantees that it will not pursue a nuclear weapons capability. In interviews and written pieces, Pompeo has pointed to Iran as the primary source of conflict in the Middle East since Tehran's 1979 revolution -- views which coincide with those of Riyadh. Pompeo had been in Turkey late last week for talks with officials there. Search Keywords: Short link: Jammu: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "raincoat" remark against his predecessor Manmohan Singh was a compliment as he had "emerged unscathed" from scandals and scams in the UPA rule. "The Prime Minister was actually quite appreciative of Manmohan Singh. He said that despite scandals and scams ...not withstanding the stigma attached to his colleagues, the former prime minister had an image and character to emerge unscathed. It is a compliment to him," he said. The minister said the Congress leadership was "hesitant" to compliment leaders outside a "particular" family be it Manmohan Singh, P V Narsimha Rao or Sardar Patel. "They are always hesitant to compliment their own leaders for the fear of risking the displeasure of a particular part, particular family or a dynasty," he said. He accused the Opposition of running away from debate in Parliament and said the government was ready for discussing every issue "even if there is dissent". "We are ready for a discussion on any issue even if there is dissent and this has been reiterated time and again by our spokespersons and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. "It is the Opposition which is running away from the argument and the session. It is a burden on the taxpayers' money. People are not going to forgive them for this," the minister told reporters. Jitendra said the Opposition did not have "enough" arguments to discuss the issues and was making excuses to avoid a debate. About the Kulgam encounter in which four militants, two army men and a civilian were killed, the Union Minister in Prime Minister's Office said terrorism on Indian soil is being sponsored by Islamabad. "Pakistan has emerged as the epicentre of terrorism. Sooner or later, terrorism will consume the soil from which it originates. "There is a series of evidence and it's no longer a secret that terrorism on Indian soil, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, is promoted and exported from Islamabad," he said. The minister said the entire world is "coming round" to the Modi government's assertion that Pakistan must contain the export of terrorism from its soil. "The sooner it does the better it will be... not only for the Indian subcontinent but for Pakistan as well," he added. On the UP assembly polls, Jitendra said: "BJP is way ahead of all the other parties. The people are looking for a change and an alternative to SP and BSP." Asked about the resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for the return of Kashmiri Pandits and other migrants, he said BJP and its government at the Centre and in the state in alliance with PDP is committed to ensuring "dignified and respectable return of KPs to the Valley". "Composite culture in Kashmir is not possible without Kashmiri Pandits," he said. New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday congratulated Department of Defence Research and Development (DRDO) on the successful test-firing of the PDV interceptor missile, calling it a significant milestone in boosting India's defence capabilities. In a message to DRDO Chairman S Christropher, he said, "I extend my hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Interceptor Missile. "India now joins a select group of nations having such an effective ballistic missile defence system. The nation is proud of this accomplishment made by DRDO." Mukherjee said the successful test is a "significant milestone in boosting India's defence capabilities and will provide enhanced security against incoming ballistic missile threats". "Kindly convey my greetings and felicitation to the members of your team of scientists, engineers, technologists and all others associated with this mission. I wish the DRDO continued success in the coming years," he told the DRDO chief. India had yesterday successfully tested the interceptor missile off the Odisha coast, achieving a milestone in developing a two-layered Ballistic Missile Defence System. The country has entered an exclusive club of four nations with developing capabilities to secure its skies and cities against hostile threats, an official statement had said after the test in which an incoming ballistic missile was intercepted by an exo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the Bay of Bengal. Earlier last week, the Rajasthan Police arrested a Jaisalmer resident allegedly planning to share information with Pakistan Intelligence agencies. (Photo: File) Jaisalmer (Rajasthan): Two suspected Pakistani spies were detained by the police on Sunday. One of the suspected spies was detained in Jaisalmer's Dhanana, while the other was detained in Bihar's Bhojpur. Earlier in the day, a suspected Pakistani spy was detained by the CID and Border Intelligence Police near the border in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer. A joint interrogation is currently underway. Earlier last week, the Rajasthan Police arrested a Jaisalmer resident allegedly planning to share information with Pakistan Intelligence agencies. A case was lodged against him under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Chennai: Amidst all the high-voltage AIADMK developments on Saturday, an interesting speculation erupted in the political circles here that the Sasikala camp could well manage the Raj Bhavan wall by propping up another CM candidate to overcome Governor Vidyasagar Raos reservations relating to her Supreme Court verdict. With the debate gathering strength on the social media and elsewhere, the name of former minister K. A. Sengottaiyan figured prominently as the possible alternative prepared by Sasikala. He quickly got himself before the TV cameras early evening to stoutly deny that he was in the reckoning. I am certainly not a CM candidate. There is absolutely no question of anyone other than Chinnamma becoming the CM. Thats unthinkable., declared Sengottaiyan, looking pretty emotional. Some Sasikala supporters have been active on social media recommending that her group should quickly elect another leader of the legislature party before any further erosion happens. Governor Rao would have no option but to swear in this alternative candidate as he/she would have no disqualifying criminal cases. Sasikala could still control the government through her nominee in the CM seat and if the SC acquits her in the DA case, she would even be able to get the puppet make way for her, the Sasi supporters say. If Sasikala does not agree to this, that might lead to the AIADK splitting and the DMK forming the govt albeit a minority one. Natarajan is pretty active now as the master strategist planning all the moves and countermoves on behalf of his wife Sasikala just as he had done during the post-MGR days and got Jayalalithaa into power. Speed is great important for both sides now. For OPS too, it is important how fast he gets the MLAs and MPs over to his side before the Natarajans come up with some master stroke such as proposing an alternative CM candidate, he said. Warangal: A 27-year-old student, Mamidala Vamshi Reddy, was shot dead outside the garage of his apartment in Milpitas in California state on Friday night. He was returning home after completing his shift at a store where he worked part-time. Vamshis parents, Sanjeeva Reddy and Rama Devi, who live in Vangapahad, in Hasanparthy mandal of Warangal Urban district , were informed about the death by Vamshis friends. The parents were told that Vamshi was shot by a person who was trying to carjack a woman at gun point in the parking lot of the apartment. We wanted him to come back: Vamshis family Vamshis friends called me on Saturday saying that my son is missing and an incident had taken place where a person was shot. They later informed me that it was Vamshi who was killed, father Sanjeeva Reddy told Deccan Chronicle. He spoke to me on the phone just two days ago. He was worried about finding a job there. I asked him to come back and find a job here. We wanted to get him married. He said he would be back soon. We did not expect such a thing to happen, said the father breaking into tears. Vamshi studied at a local private school, completed his intermediate in Vijayawada and B.Tech in Bhongir. He left for the US three years ago for higher studies. He completed his MS at the Silicon Valley University a month ago. He was looking for a job while working part time at a local store. Villagers reached Vamshis home in large numbers to condole with the family. One of the neighbours, Vijay Kumar, said, It is unbelievable that such a thing has happened to Vamshi. He was a good-natured boy and the only son. He overcame all obstacles and studied hard to go to that country. Local MLA Aroori Ramesh visited the family and assured them that the state government would do everything to bring back the mortal remains of Vamshi at the earliest. Worried parents plan action The Telangana NRI Parents Association on Sunday expressed concern over the safety of their children in the US under the Donald Trump administration, and said it would take up the issue with the state government and the Centre. The murder of Warangal student Mamidala Vamshi Reddy in Milpitas, California, has compounded their worries. Association president M. Rajkumar said they would meet minister K.T. Rama Rao, TRS MP K. Kavitha and, if possible, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao to seek their intervention. He said the association was trying for an appointment with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Some of the parents gathered at the Somajiguda press club on Sunday to discuss their future course of action. The association is trying to reach parents with children in the US to get them on to a common platform, he said. Chennai: Notwithstanding the Patience is running out threat and allegations against him and the Union Government, the Governor, CH Vidyasagar Rao, is said to be firm in his thinking that all should wait for the Supreme Court verdict in the DA case before taking a call on inviting AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala to form the government. Mr Rao, who turned 75 on Sunday, had a quiet birthday inside the sprawling Raj Bhavan and did not meet many visitors. Sources said the Governor has not yet taken a call on the letter from Ms Sasikala seeking time to meet him to parade before him the MLAs who are supporting her. The Governor had on Friday decided to wait till the apex court pronounces its verdict in the DA case in which Ms Sasikala is an accused. He feels that there should be a reasonable guarantee that the person who is not a member of the Assembly should have the ability to be elected to the Assembly within six months of being named as CM. The Governor has certainly decided to await Supreme Court judgement in the Sasikala case and is in no hurry to either invite caretaker chief minister, O. Pannerselvam or AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala for a show of strength. On Saturday, Ms Sasikala had issued a veiled threat saying, patience was running out and that the delay in inviting her to form the government was aimed at engineering split in the AIADMK. The Supreme Court is expected to pronounce the judgment anytime from Tuesday. Meanwhile, Mr Panneerselvam and Ms Sasikala also sent bouquets to Mr Rao on his birthday. Bhopal: A picture purportedly showing one of the accused in the Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed spy racket, busted in Madhya Pradesh on February 9, in the company of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday sparked a political storm in the state. Opposition Congress here expressed serious concern over the ISI suspects alleged link with several senior BJP leaders in MP including the Chief Minister. In the picture, one of the members of the spy ring, Dhruv Saxena, was seen standing near the Shivraj. It appears that the photograph was taken at a function. Separate pictures showing Dhruv in company of the Chief Minister and also with BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargia have surfaced establishing his links to BJP. It is a matter of serious concern, the Congress spokesman said. State unit president Nand Kumar Chouhan on Sunday however, dismissed the charges of links with the ISI suspect. This is an age of selfie. Anyone can take selfie with any leader or a celebrity. On the basis of selfie, one cannot claim anyones link with a certain person, Mr Chouhan said, adding, I am categorically and repeatedly saying that the accused in the spy racket is not a member of BJP. Anti-terrorist squad of MP on February nine busted the ISI-backed spy racket by arresting 11 people in four districts in the state. The racket used to facilitate their ISI handlers in Pakistan to contact officials in the Indian defence establishment through their parallel telephone exchanges by concealing their identities to extract military related information.s An aerial aerobatics team pose for photos during a rehearsal ahead of Aero India 2017 at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru. The show will run from Feb. 14 to 18. (Photo: DC) BENGALURU: Dr V.K. Saraswat, Member of Niti Aayog and former chief of DRDO, slammed the Indian Navy for putting down the naval variant of indigenous Tejas combat jet. The decision defies logic, he said while addressing an international seminar here on Sunday on the eve of Aero India 2017, and that decision-makers were poorly informed. "When they projected Gripen as an alternative for LCA Navy, I was surprised. LCA MK2 (which is under development) and Gripen, as platforms, have no difference. The GE F-414 is powering both aircraft, so where is the question of low thrust? All that people, who are at the helm of the affairs, have done is bad mouth institutions which have done a wonderful job. Is this the approach to make ourselves self-reliant? Any number of Aero India(s) can take place, but unless you have conviction and faith in your own capabilities, you can't achieve self-reliance," he added. Without naming outgoing Chief of Naval Staff Sunil Lanba, who made a controversial comment present LCA does not meet the carrier capability required by the navy, in December 2016, Dr Saraswat said many decisions by poorly informed decision-makers defy logic, and that they indulge in bad-mouthing of indigenous projects without any technical background. In December, Adm. Sunil Lanba had stated that the naval variant of LCA does not have the capabilities required by the Navy. He said that while the Navy would continue to support manufacturing agencies in development of naval fighter aircraft, they would lookout for 57 multi-role fighters for its aircraft carriers from the global market. SAABs Gripen and Boeings F/A-18 Superhornet aircraft are already in the race to meet the Navys new requirement. Later, Dr Saraswat said the Niti Aayog does not advise the Union government on defence-related issues and therefore would not be able to make a case of the naval version of Tejas. Hyderabad: Victims of the barbaric practice of female genital mutilation in Mumbai have been speaking out about the practice that is prevalent among the Bohra community in India and others around the world. Both the United Nations and the National Commission for Women in India have taken note of this practice. February 6 was declared International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. No one has openly spoken out about FGM in Hyderabad, though hundreds of young girls undergo the procedure every year in the city. Young girls from families in Trimulgherry, Red hills and other parts including Old city have been secretly subjected to this practice. Some girls are taken to Mumbai, Kolkata or Gujarat for the procedure, now mainly carried out by doctors, while others undergo the surgery in hospitals in Hyderabad. FGM is done when the girls are five or six years old. The practice is not discussed much, probably for fear of attracting condemnation. Parents who refuse to follow this tradition are likely to a face community boycott. The Bohra community believes the clitoral head to be unwanted skin, a source of sin that will make women stray out of their marriages. They referred to the clitoral head as haraam ki boti (immoral lump of flesh). Some women from the community in Hyderabad have spoken out, giving details on condition of anonymity. Here, 99 per cent of young girls undergo khatna (FGM), because this is an age-old practice. It is the most secretive practice that happens in the most close-knit community in the city. No one will talk about it here, said a 37-year-old woman, who had undergone FGM when she was seven years old. She said that in Hyderabad even gynaecologists in super speciality hospitals are ready to carry out the procedure. "I cannot reveal the name of the hospitals, but gynaecologists from famous hospitals in the city are ready to do this surgery, and agreeing to do it in secret," she said. In the past, the procedure caused immense pain because of the way it was done. "Earlier, old women (nannys) from the Bohra community used to perform this procedure. They did it without anaesthesia, which causes pain, shock, tetanus, genital sores, excessive bleeding etc. But now things have changed. Surgical procedure with anaesthesia and antibiotics has reduced the risk of infection," said a 42-year-old Bohra community member. One Turkish soldier was killed and three others wounded in clashes Sunday with Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria's Al-Bab region, local media reported, citing military sources. Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies on Saturday entered Al-Bab to drive IS jihadists from the flashpoint northern town, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Turkish army launched an ambitious campaign inside Syria on August 24 codenamed Euphrates Shield to clean its border from IS jihadists and stop the advance of Kurdish militia. But the clashes in Al-Bab have proved the toughest in the campaign, with Turkish military fatalities surging. The latest casualty raised the number of Turkish troops killed in the Syria offensive to 67, the private Dogan news agency reported. The three injured troops were evacuated from Al-Bab and taken to hospitals in Turkey's Kilis and Gaziantep provinces near the Syrian border. Al-Bab is the jihadist group's last stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo and is also being targeted by regime forces. Turkey has suggested that it could turn its sights to Raqa after the Al-Bab operation is complete, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussing both Al-Bab and Raqa in a call with US President Donald Trump this week. Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Friday Turkey's Euphrates Shield would "reach its goal" if Al-Bab was captured from IS group. "Raqa is another issue. Raqa is not something that threatens Turkey's borders," he was quoted as saying in Turkish media. Search Keywords: Short link: The Dalai Lama and minister K.T.Rama Rao (partially) seen at the foundation laying ceremony of the Dalai Lama Centre in Hyderabad on Sunday. Hyderabad: Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama feels that instead of building walls as President Trump does, nations should engage in dialogue to resolve issues, and form regional Union of Nations for peaceful co-existence. Dalai Lama, an admirer of the European Union, said here on Sunday that all countries should develop the spirit of the European Union and join hands, (rather than fighting among themselves). I often express the view that the European Union spirit should spread in a way as to form an African Union and the like. Eventually, Latin American nations too can form into one Union. Sometimes, I feel the new President of America creates a wall. I feel Mexico should instead be a part of the United States. The Dalai Lama was addressing a gathering after performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the new South Asian hub of the Dalai Lama Centre for Ethics and Transformative Values. The theme of the address at the Hitex open arena was Ethics, Values and Well-Being. The Dalai Lama spoke on the need for revival of ancient Indian wisdom and the need for an education system to develop this. I am encouraged to see the plans for the establishment of the centre. Promotion of ethics and values has never been important in our world. I am especially delighted to see the effort taking roots in a country like India, which has a longstanding tradition of ahmisa and karuna, which Tibetians have tried to keep alive for generations. India is an example to the rest of the world as all major religions harmoniously co-exist here, though some problems raise occasionally. In order to achieve a demilitarised world, we must make efforts to create a spirit of dialogue. This is a practical way. The best way forward is dialogue. Whenever there arises some differences in interests or views, let us resolve them through dialogue, he said, stressing on the need to make the 21st Century the Century of Dialogue. The spiritual leader also stressed on the importance of human compassion, that he said should gain precedence over materialistic pursuits. Indias development should focus more on rural development. I prefer seeing more development in rural areas. Theres a need for having more of health and education facilities in rural areas, he said. The CBI has initiated a probe under the relevant sections of the Information Technology Act against the accused. New Delhi: In an instance of breach of security of the judicial database available online, the CBI has for the first time come cross an alarming trend in cyber crime in which documents are being used to forge and fabricate the copy of the FIR to secure regular bail by allegedly manipulating the software of the Patna High Court in a case of economic offence of 2012. Cyber experts believe that such an incident poses a question mark over the security of the database of judicial authorities that are available online. Sources said, The CBI has initiated a probe under the relevant sections of the Information Technology Act against the accused, which includes a senior advocate, Raj Nandan Prasad (AOR No. 3001) of the Patna HC, Chandradeo Prasad and Binod Kumar (both advocates clerks), Kalu Ram and other private persons. Private persons include three residents of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. MHA website hacked, to remain suspended The Union home ministrys website was suspected to have been hacked on Sunday, following which it was immediately blocked by the authorities. Multiple security and intelligence agencies have launched a full-scale probe into the incident. People familiar with the matter said the website will remain suspended as more safeguards were being put in place. The site was blocked immediately by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) after the suspected hacking and some abnormal technical activity were noticed. The NIC provides security and support to the Centres e-governance programmes. Probes are on to ascertain whether some data has either been tampered with or stolen from the website. Apart from some central intelligence agencies, computer emergency response teams are also investigating the hacking, said a senior official. Hyderabad: Home minister N. Narsimha Reddy on Sunday pulled up the traffic police over the improper parking of vehicles in Gandhi Hospital. He witnessed the scene while returning from an event at the hospital. Asked about the issue, ACP, North, A. Muthyam Reddy said, There was a heavy rush of ambulances and other vehicles at Gandhi Hosital, so teh home minister advised us to clear the traffic and arrange the parking area properly. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan (right) shares a lighter moment with Supreme Court advocate Meenakshi Lekhi on the last day of National Women's Parliament in Vijayawada on Sunday. (Photo: DC) Vijayawada: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan made a strong plea for passing the womens reservation Bill in Parliament, at the valedictory session of the National Womens Parlia-ment conference in Amaravati on Sunday. She said everyone says they want 33 per cent reservation for women in Assemblies and Parliament and yet the Bill has been pending for several years. Moreover, she pointed out, this should not be seen as something besto-wed on women. Women are half the population; they manage their families and can play a key role in social engineering, she observed. Ms Mahajan said women should be given decision-making powers. More such forums like the NWP are required to empower women and discuss their problems. She congratulated the Andhra Pradesh government for organising the conference. She strayed from the topic of women to touch on politics when she said that it is great to see Amaravati farmers voluntarily coming forward to give their land for the new capital city and the entire nation should take inspiration from these farmers. Ms Mahajan applauded womens leadership capabilities and gave the examples of P.V. Sindhu, Koneru Hampi, and Saina Nehwal who have won international renown. She said the history of Amaravati shows it had once been the capital of gods. Chennai: Turning emotional, AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala on Sunday exhorted 129 MLAs supporting her to be with me come what may to ensure that she defeats powerful forces that are out to destroy the party and the government. A combative Ms Sasikala also declared she will never go back on the decision (of becoming the Chief Minister) and that she will take right decision at the right time. Meeting the MLAs who are currently lodged at Koovathur near Mamallapuram for the second successive day, Ms Sasikala addressed the media along with her legislators to drive home the point that she still commands majority in the AIADMK Legislature Party and hence she should invited to form the government. After meeting the MLAs separately, Ms Sasikala also addressed them at the conference hall of the Golden Bay resort. Ms Sasikala asked them to take a pledge that they would support her to ensure that the AIADMK Government installed by late Amma carries out people-friendly measures and projects. No one can stop my government. No one can create any hurdles. I am not scared of anyone. I will succeed, Ms Sasikala said. Revealing the number of MLAs supporting her she put the number at 129 for the first time, Ms Sasikala termed herself a little lion because she had worked with the lion (Jayalalithaa) and asserted that people who can form the government are sitting before her. Some people want to split the AIADMK. But the people who are here are the government. The people who can form the government in Tamil Nadu are here. You should all remember that Amma is with us. Media says all of you are locked up, but all of you are independent here. That is the reason why I asked them to record the event, Ms Sasikala said, adding, I will protect the party and the government even by sacrificing my life. During a brief interaction with media, Ms Sasikala refused to comment about pending judgment in DA case and said the MLAs were free at the resort. She also accused chief minister O Panneerselvam of trying to split the AIADMK Government as well as the party. Contending that her goal is to ensure that the Government installed by late Jayalalithaa should be kept alive, Ms Sasikala reminded the MLAs more than once that they should all stay united with her to ensure that the designs of parties like DMK are defeated. If you are with me, we can together work for the people. I am not afraid of anyone. I never go back from my decision and I have never done that. I will take the right decision at the right time, Ms Sasikala said. She said once the government led by her gets installed, the MLAs should visit their constituencies and explain to them the events that unfolded in the meantime. We should also work towards winning all the 40 seats that are stake in the Lok Sabha elections and ensure that the AIADMK scores a hat trick in the 2021 assembly elections. I promise that I will work towards achieving this feat, Ms Sasikala said. She also alleged that many of the women MLAs complained to her they are being threatened by some people. Hyderabad: The representatives of Telangana State and Andhra Pradesh would argue their cases on the sharing of river water in front the five-member expert committee headed by former Central Water Commission chairman A.K. Bajaj. The committee members have arrived in Hyderabad on Sunday. They are expected to hold talks with Telangana irrigation officials on Monday and would visit Vijayawada on Tuesday to hear out the version of Andhra Pradesh irrigation officials. If required, the committee would hold a joint meeting with officials of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in Delhi later. The Committee was constituted by Union water resources minister Uma Bharathi, after the failure of her talks with Chief Mini-sters K. Chandrasek-har Rao and N. Chandrababu Naidu in the apex council meeting held last year. The committee was formed to assist Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) in finding solutions to the contentious issues like Telanganas demand for apportionment of the Godavari waters that are diverted to the Krishna basin through the Pattiseema Lift and future Polavaram Dam and to bring out an operational manual or protocol for the Inter-State dams like Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar. A consensus on these issues which is highly unlikely in the present circumstances would help the KRMB to regulate water supplies among the states. It is also doubtful as to how far the recommendations by the Ba-jaj Committee, which is not a statutory body, would be enforceable as similar matters on sharing of water, allotments to specific projects under Krishna river are pending for adjudication before the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal and also the Supreme Court. While granting clearance for the Polavaram Dam across the Godavari river in 1980, the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal in the final award said that the diversion of 80 TMC ft Godavari waters from the Polavaram to Krishna basin, upper riparian states on Krishna (then Karnataka and Maharashtra, and now Telangana) can utilise 45 TMC ft out of it in addition to their share in the Krishna based projects. After getting the sta-tehood, the Telangana government is claiming that it should get 45 TMC ft from the 80 TMC ft water diverted to the Krishna basin as it was made clear that the upper riparian state will utilise the upstream of Nagarjuna Sagar dam which is now Telangana State only. It is also demanding same share from the Pattiseema diversion to the Krishna basin. However AP contends that Pattiseema is not a part of the Polavaram Project, and as such it need not be liable for any apportionment. On the Polavaram dam, AP contends that there is no diversion of water to Krishna basin as the project has not completed so far and still some clearances for the project are pending with the Centre and it is not bound to consider any sharing. The committee will also have to evolve operational protocol on water releases from the Inter-State dams like Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar. The Telangana government wants Pulichintala dam to be included in the list as several lift irrigation sche-mes are depending on the foreshore water of Pulichintala dam. Medigadda barrage must be 115-m high The Telangana state governments decision to construct a 100-metre high main barrage at Medigadda as part of the Kaleshwaram project will not serve the purpose, says an advisor to the Union water resources ministry. Mr Vedire Sriram, the advisor for Union water resources minister Uma Bharati, felt that the barrage should be 115-metre high to make maximum utilisation of the Godavari river for various districts of Telangana. While the Telangana state government declared new projects on Krishna and Godavari rivers at the cost of Rs 2,30,000 crore, Mr Sriram felt one-third of the budgeted amo-unt (Rs 80,000 crore) was enough to reap the benefits. He was speaking at the launch of his book Optimal Utilization of Godavari Waters: National and Telangana Perspectives in Telugu here on Sunday. He explained that the administration should focus on constructing projects across Godavari, whose water is going into the sea without being properly utilised, than Krishna, where water availability has been observed to be less. Hyderabad: The state government is seriously considering linking the salary of government employees to their taking care of their elderly parents. Government departments have received complaints from elderly parents that their children are neglecting them and not paying for their maintenance. In some cases, the parents have even been thrown out of their homes. One such case was reported from Nalgonda. Sixty similar complaints have been lodged by elderly parents with various departments. The government plans to deduct the salary of such employees and pay it to the neglected parents every month, but first it will consult the employees unions. The Assam government has recently brought in such legislation, which has inspired the Telangana government. The issue of employees neglecting their elderly parents came to light when Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was discussing with officials a scheme to pay a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 to single women from poorer sections, from April 1. A survey had been conducted to determine the number of such women and officials brought to the notice of the CM that during the survey they received complai-nts about some employees neglecting their parents. Some of them lived alone after the death of a spouse and they too sought pension. TRS MLC and chief whip in the TS Legislative Council, Paturi Sudhakar Reddy, who was present at the meeting, said, The CM was moved by this and asked officials to explore the possibility of bringing an Assam-type law in this regard. He said the state government should take responsibility for ensuring that the maintenance amount for neglected parents be taken from their children. He asked officials to hold consultations with employees unions on this. Mr Reddy said that the parents say that because their children are government employees, they are ineligible even for the Rs 1,000 Aasara old-age pension. While their children are ignoring them by not giving them maintenance amo-unt, the government too is denying them Aasara pension. In this way, they are suffering both ways, Mr Reddy said. Lucknow: BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday said BSP is the main rival in first two phases of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and Samajwadi Party in the rest, as he accused Akhilesh Yadav of getting into an unholy alliance. As per the trend of first phase, we will get more than 50 seats (out of 73). In the first two phases we will be getting more than 90 seats (out of total 140). The main rival in these two phases is BSP. In the next phases, the rival will be SP, Mr Shah said. He said that this assumption was based on the feedback received form party workers and leaders who had extensively toured the region. Mr Shah said that in the second phase, the partys expects to win more than 40 seats. He said that his party had received encouraging response from the people who went through its manifesto. He pointed out that issues like prompt payment of cane dues to farmers, loan waiver for small farmers and setting up of anti-Romeo squads had found favour with the voters. Hyderabad: A 34-year-old Uber driver committed suicide in his house at Begumpet after he failed to keep paying back his vehicle loan. M. Kondaiah allegedly could not get enough money from the cab service to pay his EMIs despite working extra hours. He was depressed after officials from the finance firm came knocking at his home, police officials from Begumpet said. As news of the suicide spread, Uber and Ola drivers started a protest on Sunday evening. They alleged that Uber and Tata Finance were responsible for pushing Kondaiah into debt, leading to the suicide. The 34-year-old consumed poison in his house. He was rushed to Gandhi Hospital, where he died. According to police, Kondaiah bought the car seven months ago with financial assistance under the Udan scheme (run by Uber and Tata Finance). He had to pay `20,000 every month. He was not earning much. He had paid the EMIs for three months, and could not pay for the next four months, said Kondaiahs relative. Police booked a case and started an investigation. The passenger had arrived from Singapore by Tiger Airways on Saturday midnight. Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-bound passenger who concealed gold bars in LED lamps and in his rectum was arrested by Air Intelligence Unit officials at the RGI Airport on Saturday night. Police recovered 20 gold bars worth Rs 59.10 lakh from him. The passenger had arrived from Singapore by Tiger Airways on Saturday midnight. While he was walking towards the green channel officials noticed that his movements were suspicious, and intercepted him. Initially, he pleaded ignorance, but later, he admitted smuggling gold bars. He concealed 12 bars weighing 100 grams each in his rectum and eight bars weighing 100 grams each in LED lamp fixtures, a senior official said. Officials seized the smuggled gold and arrested him. His passport was also seized. The case is being investigated. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies have entered the centre of the Islamic State-held bastion Al-Bab, saying its capture was just a "matter of time". "Al Bab is now besieged from all fronts ... Our forces entered the centre" with Syrian rebels, Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul, adding it was "only a matter of time" before the allied forces took full control of the flashpoint town. Search Keywords: Short link: Chennai: Hours after meeting the party MLAs supporting her at a resort near here, AIADMK chief VK Sasikala, who three days ago staked claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu, on Saturday said her party would protest in "another" form, having waited till now. She also wondered if the "delay" by Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao in inviting her to form the government was to facilitate a split in the AIADMK ranks. "We waited till today. Tomorrow, we will protest in another form," Sasikala said when asked to comment on the absence of response from the Governor, 48 hours after she staked claim to form the government. However, she did not elaborate what she meant by protesting in "another form". Referring to the "time delay" by the Governor in inviting her to form the government, Sasikala said it appeared "as if the delay was happening to facilitate a split in our party". Speaking to reporters here after returning from the resort where she held a meeting with her party MLAs, Sasikala said she met all the legislators and they were "all fine", adding that she had the satisfaction of meeting "AIADMK family members". "I feel good," she said. "Please wait and see," Sasikala said when asked if her party was contemplating taking any legal steps in the matter. Earlier in the day, Sasikala wrote a letter to the Governor, urging him to take immediate steps to swear her in as the chief minister at the earliest. She also informed the Governor that she was ready to parade the AIADMK MLAs supporting her before him. In the letter, she wrote that on Thursday, she submitted an "elaborate presentation to invite me to form the government as I have an absolute majority", besides presenting the original letter and true copy of the resolution electing her as the AIADMK Legislature Party Leader. Sasikala said she believed that the Governor would "act immediately to save the sovereignty of the Constitution, democracy and the interest" of Tamil Nadu. Meeting partymen at her residence, Sasikala gave a veiled warning over the "delay" in being sworn in and said, "We are being patient because of our belief in fairness and trust in democracy. But, we can be patient only to a limit. Beyond that, we will decide what to do." Meanwhile, the sprawling Raj Bhavan campus here in Guindy has come under a security blanket with a large police contingent keeping a vigil. Of all world leaders, the most difficult job in the world is that of Theresa May, Britains Prime Minister. Though she was in favour of remaining in the European Union in last summers referendum, succeeding David Cameron as she did, she insisted on assuming charge that Brexit means Brexit. Britains decision to leave the EU was foolish, stirred as it was by fear of immigrants, particularly East Europeans, who were in the country under visa-free rules to take up jobs natives would rather not do. Although immigration became the banner that led the Brexiters to victory, there were deeper reasons behind the move. Britain could never reconcile itself to the fact that it was one among 28 countries and the dominant mover and shaker of the group was Germany, in recent years under the stewardship of Chancellor Angela Merkel. And Britons dreamed of the glory days of their empire, with the country forced to give way after World War II to the new superpower, the US. It was no surprise that in her major policy statement, Ms May announced two decisions: to curb immigration even at the cost of leaving the single market and project the country as a global power. The Prime Minister will seek to make a so-called hard Brexit to clamp down on migration but her other promise is a pie in the sky. Ms Mays first test was her visit to meet new US President Donald Trump; in fact, she was the first foreign leader to meet him after he assumed office. But by harping on the special relationship between the two countries she was seeking the aid of the past, rather than the future, to buttress a key foundation for a Britain bereft of its natural European moorings. True, Mr Trump had undiplomatically welcomed Brexit and even more amazingly cast doubt on the ability of Europeans to stay together. Ms May did extract a concession from the US President about the usefulness of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), which he had termed as obsolete. But just after she left Washington, he passed an order barring people from seven Muslim majority countries, and Ms May was left fumbling to explain her point of view to a home audience. Nor are Britains efforts to revive a dead horse, the Commonwealth, likely to provide much comfort. People belonging to the old empire recall how blithely Britons had said goodbye in heralding their return to Europe they always belonged to. After decades of neglect, there is not much life left in the Commonwealth, which is more notional than real. Britain will start formal negotiations with the EU in March by invoking Article 50, which sets a two-year deadline to complete the process, a daunting prospect. Jean-Claude Juncker, the main EU functionary, has already warned members of the danger of London dividing the EU by promising individual members big concessions. Indeed, the Financial Times has suggested that in realistic terms, Britain can seek extension of the status quo remaining in the customs union, and accepting CJI (European Court of Justices) jurisdiction until permanent trading arrangements can be agreed and phased in. The complexities involved in the process are enormous. However, Ms Mays first big test is to validate her boast of a global Britain. For one thing, it is clear that the UK will have to fend for itself in a world suddenly made more unpredictable by the assumption of office of Mr Trump. Second, British policymakers do not possess tools to bring about the prospect of seeing their country as a global leader. Britain still has a solid industrial base and is an innovative nation. But much as it will seek to retain its status as a world financial centre, the pull of the rest of Europe will be great and as the worlds largest free market, the EU remains unsurpassed. Ms May has largely succeeded in getting past the parliamentary hurdle of leaving the EU, but her major tasks lie ahead. In a sense, it is unchartered territory, both for the UK and the EU. Even while formal negotiations will begin and continue, some of its members, the Netherlands, France and Germany, will be preoccupied with elections checking the rise of far-right forces receiving a shot in the arm by the unexpected victory of Mr Trump in the US. In other words, the tenor of negotiations will be influenced by domestic political factors. One of the sterling qualities of the policymakers and people of Britain alike is that they are pragmatic in their approach to problems. The sooner they can disabuse themselves of the idea of being a future global power, the happier they will be. It is like the ruling BJP in India dreaming of building a future on the past of Hindu kingdoms. Britain as an imperial power has had its day as in the case of the Ottoman Empire Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dreams of today. Yet Ms May cuts a dashing figure and deserves to succeed in her impossible job. At one time she wore a T-shirt, which said, This is what a feminist looks like. But she will have to tone down her rhetoric of making Britain a global power. It is the law of nature that old empires fall to be replaced by new ones. Britain yielded place to the US because it knew that in the circumstances of an impoverished and exhausted power at the end of the Second World War, it had to cede power to a triumphant US. These are early days yet. When and how Ms May makes the transition remains to be seen. In the meantime, she has her hands full at home and abroad. Scotland is grumpy over being denied an option and the trade problems between the shared land border of the Irish Republic, which remains an EU member, and Northern Ireland remain to be sorted out. The print media is also shunned when it comes to giving interviews and the various PR agencies working for top leaders have a reason for this too since there are so many publications and they cannot please everyone, it is easier to avoid everyone! With elections on in full swing in Uttar Pradesh, political leaders have developed a sudden penchant for soundbites and are conveniently ignoring the print media. When it comes to taking journalists on the campaign trail, those representing the print media are strictly not welcome and some netas even ask for just camera persons to accompany them while campaigning. The reason given is they do not ask many questions. The print media is also shunned when it comes to giving interviews and the various PR agencies working for top leaders have a reason for this too since there are so many publications and they cannot please everyone, it is easier to avoid everyone! Samajwadi patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav incidentally started the trend, when the family feud was at its peak. He found it easier to call over an electronic news agency, read out his statement and the rest of the media would go around chasing the news. A senior politician from the party explained: With the media getting physically aggressive, senior politicians like Mulayam Singh feel uncomfortable in the presence of dozens of channels and everyone pushing the mike into their faces. And about the preference for the electronic media, he quipped, Who doesnt like seeing their faces on TV? Building brand BJP Union minister Ram Kripal Yadav has pulled out all stops to downgrade his opponents. On an assignment to canvass the BJP candidates contesting in the upcoming Odisha panchayat polls, he started attacking the Opposition seconds after he alighted from his plane. Being fully aware of the presence of the media at the airport eager for his bite on the ruling BJD in the state, he said: Friends, look all around here. There is no protocol in place here no security for a Union minister. Is this how the ruling BJD treats a Union minister? Such behaviour is not expected even from your bitterest enemy. The ministers blistering attack on the government was lapped up by the media, setting the right tone for a fruitful campaign. He soon called a press conference in which he accused the Naveen Patnaiks government of being a plunderer and alleged that the Odisha CM was incapable of leading the state towards development. This too got a wide coverage in the press. But he was not a man to be satisfied this easily. He played laudi (a stick game played by Lord Krishna) with the Yadavs at an election rally during which he exhorted them to unite on the basis of caste and vote for the BJP. This trick also clicked as his controversial campaign strategy remained in the local news for three days, making sure that Brand BJP reached the maximum number of people possible. The ultimate sycophant Madhya Pradeshs education minister Vijay Shah has proved that he too can teach his boss, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a lesson or two on how to demonstrate loyalty to their leaders. Mr Shah left the political fraternity, including the chief minister, shocked and embarrassed when he unabashedly deified Mr Chouhan by coining the slogan, Upar Bhagwan aur dharti par Shivraj Singh Chouhan (What is God to heaven, Shivraj Singh Chouhan is to Earth). Janam se lekar mrityu tak garib ke liye sochne wala insan/upar Bhagwan and dharti par Shivraj Singh Chouhan (There are two people who constantly worry for the poor from their birth to deathGod in heaven and Shivraj Singh Chouhan on earth), he observed while addressing a convention in MP. He went on to praise his leader, saying, There is no parallel to the chief minister. I will quit politics if anyone can present before me one like our chief minister. He added: I am saying this not to show my loyalty to the CM but out of conviction. I have not seen a person like him in my entire life. Mr Shahs attempt to glorify Mr Chouhan comes close on heels of the latters recent statement describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Gods gift to India. Why this sudden burst of fits and fury by the Chinese state media? Why such unprovoked jingoistic, derogatory and venomous language against the Indian state over an invitation extended to the 14th Dalai Lama by the University of California at San Diego? Why did China warn that overseas Indians would face political consequences if they assist the Dalai Lama? Is it because an Indian-origin academic heads the university? The report in the state-run Global Times states: India is a big country in terms of public diplomacy, but if some overseas Indians make it their business to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and treading on their sovereignty, they will bear the political consequences. How does the Dalai Lama, a living legend in his own right, and a peace-loving Buddhist monk, become a threat to mighty China? What if a counter-question is posed to the Chinese: In what way, how and why, do the universally-declared, Pakistan-bred, supported and ISI-Army funded, trained and guided terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar become Chinas diplomatic and political friends? Is this an aspiring superpower in the making? Notwithstanding their intelligence, the Chinese have made a fundamental error in their judgement. The University of California San Diego, as the name suggests, is in the US and not India, so in case of any grievance against the university the Chinese should take it up diplomatically with that country instead of pointing fingers at its neighbour. At least, one expects slightly better knowledge of geography from our erudite neighbour. Surely Donald Trump will give them a patient hearing after the high-profile telephonic talk between Washington and Beijing. Beijings pro-establishment, ultra-rightist nationalist media considers the Dalai Lama to be wolf in sheeps clothing. How does the same Chinese media regard the likes of Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar? As AK-47, Kalashnikov-toting sheep in wolves clothing? Or, without clothing? Can one refer to this rant as early symptoms of paranoia or lunacy? Is this revival of the Chinese tradition that considered foreigners as uncivilised, barbaric and hostile? Chinese consider the Dalai Lama to be ill-informed and uneducated, thus is not qualified to speak at the commencement ceremony of the university. What is education? A spiritual guru who talks of peace, harmony, ethics is anything but an ignoramus. Does China prefer the sermons to kill kafirs and spread hatred by the likes of Hafeez Sayeed and Masood Azhar? What is clearly evident is Chinese medias lamentable lack of knowledge and analysis of history when it concluded: Since modern times, Indians have enjoyed unity bestowed by the British. They ramified Pakistan, annexed Sikkim, and exploited geopolitical interests from ethnic divisions in Sri Lanka and Nepal. If the Indians indulge in the obsession of intruding on the territorial integrity of China, China will not sit still. Let the Chinese reflect on this: since modern times, the Chinese have been battered and shattered by Western nations on whom the Chinese now bank heavily for trade. As Europe is not impressed with the Chinese attempt to take over their strategic industries, the Chinese have laid a bait: One Belt One Road (OBOR), a project to connect Asia (read China) with Europe via the ancient trading centres, a modern Silk Road. Although China theoretically existed as a geographical entity it never had a unitary polity and always tried to claim something beyond its legitimate and bona fide territory. The Chinese ruined Tibet and obliterated Manchuria from the map (like Poland, which was partitioned thrice by Austria, Prussia, Russia in 1772, 1793 and 1795 respectively, and came alive as a nation-state only after the post-First World War peace conference of Paris through five separate treaties). Taiwan has gone beyond Chinas grasp because of Chinas intolerance. Xinjiang continues to be a cancerous growth with the Pakistan i ISI-Army intermittently using it for their own agenda of proxy, trans-border terror war against China. China can do little fearing Muslim backlash. Beijing threatens Mongolia day in and day out and tries to stop any country attempting to maintain or upgrade normal bilateral diplomatic relations with Mongolia. Pakistan is slowly emerging as a semi-autonomous region of Central Asia, a virtual outpost, like that of Xinjiang and Xizang. China had been incessantly fishing in Indias internal affairs through political parties as well as instigating some people in Indias north-eastern states. China is trying to do the same thing in Indias vicinity through dubious diplomacy in Kathmandu, Colombo and Dhaka. The list is inexhaustible. One does not wish to lengthen it for the sake of the highest regard and respect one has for the great civilisation and culture of China and its wonderful citizens. Before accusing India and threatening New Delhi with dire political consequences, the Chinese need to remember that there are too many subjects on both sides of the serenely-beautiful Himalayas. But one thing should be borne in mind actions or decisions undertaken by Chinese- or Indian-born citizens of the West are not dictated either by Beijing or New Delhi. Hence, it will be totally unwise for both countries to go ballistic over them. As it is, the Sino-Indian territorial problem itself continues to be a knotty issue, so should one open further multiple conflict-ridden fronts? Would it be wise? Thats already food for thought! Separately, Amazon said in the filing that it may face penalties for having delivered consumer products to entities covered by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act, between 2012 and 2016. Amazon.com Inc warned on Friday that government actions to bolster domestic companies against foreign competition could hurt its business, in a possible reference to US President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. In a routine description of regulatory risks in its 2016 annual filing, the world's largest online retailer said "trade and protectionist measures" might hinder its ability to grow. That language has not appeared in Amazon's warning about government regulation in at least the past five annual filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. However, the Seattle-based company has cited trade protection in those filings as a risk to its international sales and operations specifically. The new Republican president has made job creation a cornerstone of his policies, threatening to impose tariffs on imports so companies produce and hire within the United States. Republicans in Congress also have a plan to target imports while excluding export revenue from US corporate income tax, known as a border adjustment tax. The proposal in the US House of Representatives has divided corporate America. Major exporters like Boeing Co have thrown their weight behind it, but a retail association has said it would raise prices for shoppers. It was not clear what kinds of protectionist measures - whether tariffs or other actions - concerned Amazon the most, or from which countries Amazon saw the greatest risk. Amazon so far has declined to comment on Republican lawmakers' border tax plan. It declined comment on the new language in its annual filing, which appeared under the header, "Government Regulation Is Evolving and Unfavorable Changes Could Harm Our Business." The filing did not mention the change in leadership of the White House. Separately, Amazon said in the filing that it may face penalties for having delivered consumer products to entities covered by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act, between 2012 and 2016. Products included apparel, consumer electronics, software and books. Amazon said it processed goods worth about $2,400 for an entity controlled or owned by Iran's government, for example. "We do not plan to continue selling to these accounts in the future," Amazon said. "Our review is ongoing and we are enhancing our processes designed to identify transactions associated with individuals and entities covered by the (act)." Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Samtel Avionics Ltd. (SA), one of India's leading aerospace and defence firms, along with its joint venture companies - Samtel HAL Display Systems Ltd. (SHDS) and Samtel Thales Avionics Ltd. (STAL) - will be showcasing its wide array of military products and expanded range of capabilities at the AeroIndia 2017 from February 14 to February 18, 2017 at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru. Samtel will showcase its indigenous manufacturing capabilities in the domains of system integration, optronics, electronic warfare, EO-IR seekers, guided rockets/missiles as well as the latest products in their proven expertise area of military displays. Puneet Kaura, Executive Director, Samtel Avionics, said, "There is a lot of optimism among the Indian defence players - especially the private defence manufacturers, with the launch of the 'Make in India' programme. The defence industry in India has a continuing focus on self-reliance, and it appears that under the current government, there will be a push for reforms that encourage the private sector to make further inroads into the defence domain." The products on display include Airborne Displays: 24" flat panel display, 19" Land display, 12x9 Smart MFD, ISIS for HTT-40, 7" handheld display, TAC-ELINT : Tactical-Electronic INTelligence, IIR Seeker : IIR Seeker for Guided Rocket, Dual-mode Seeker (IIR+SAL) for Air-to-ground missile, LSAM: Long Range Surface to Air Missile Multi-Function Radar. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Last month, special prosecution officials questioned 48-year-old Lee for more than 22 hours straight, but a court rejected a warrant to arrest him. South Korea's special prosecutor said it would again summon Samsung Group scion Jay Y. Lee on Monday to question him on suspicion of bribery, as it investigates a graft scandal that has engulfed the country's president. Last month, special prosecution officials questioned 48-year-old Lee for more than 22 hours straight, but a court rejected a warrant to arrest him in the inquiry into a scandal that led parliament to impeach President Park Geun-hye. Lee Kyu-chul, a spokesman for the special prosecutor, told a news briefing the office would decide later, possibly this week, whether to again seek an arrest warrant for Lee after he is questioned on Monday. The special prosecution team would also question two other executives of Samsung, the country's largest conglomerate, on Monday, the spokesman said. The special prosecution had investigated further during the three weeks since the court rejected the earlier application for an arrest warrant, the spokesman added. "We are summoning Jay Y. Lee to check with him on our further findings," Lee, the spokesman, said on Sunday. A spokeswoman for Samsung Group declined to comment. Prosecutors have been investigating whether Samsung pledged to provide 43 billion won ($37.54 million) to a business and foundations backed by President Park's friend, Choi Soon-sil, in exchange for support by the state pension fund for the controversial merger of two Samsung affiliates in 2015. The funding included sponsorship for the equestrian career of Choi's daughter, who is under arrest in Denmark, after being sought by South Korean authorities. Samsung and President Park have denied the bribery accusations. South Korea's Constitutional Court is hearing arguments in its case to decide whether to uphold parliament's impeachment of Park, who has been stripped of her powers pending the verdict. The two executives who also face questioning are Park Sang-jin, a Samsung Electronics Co Ltd president and Hwang Sung-soo, a senior company official. Both are also office-bearers of the Korea Equestrian Federation and have previously been questioned in the case. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Findikoglu, 35, is expected to get credit for the time he spent in custody since his arrest in Germany in 2013. A Turkish hacker was sentenced to eight years in a US prison on Friday for his role as one the masterminds behind three cyber attacks that enabled $55 million to be siphoned from automated teller machines globally. Ercan Findikoglu, who went by the online nicknames "Segate," "Predator," and "Oreon," was sentenced by US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto in Brooklyn after pleading guilty in March to computer intrusion conspiracy and other charges. Findikoglu, 35, is expected to get credit for the time he spent in custody since his arrest in Germany in 2013. Findikoglu apologized for the damage he had caused and wiped away tears as he said he had not seen his wife and son since his arrest. "I could have used my skills for good," he said. "Instead I wasted them." Prosecutors said Findikoglu was a leader in a series of cyber heists, which allowed for the simultaneous withdrawal of millions of dollars after hackers infiltrated credit and debit card processing companies. In what were called "unlimited operations," hackers targeted databases those companies maintained for prepaid debit cards and effectively eliminated the card accounts' withdrawal limits, prosecutors said. The processing companies included Fidelity National Information Services Inc, ElectraCard Services, now owned by MasterCard Inc, and enStage. Findikoglu and others then distributed the data to teams of "cashers" worldwide who encoded the data onto magnetic stripe cards to conduct thousands of fraudulent ATM withdrawals, prosecutors said. The biggest heist, in which $40 million was withdrawn, targeted cards issued by Bank Muscat in Oman and involved thieves in 24 countries in 2013 executing 36,000 transactions, prosecutors said. They said two other heists in 2011 and 2012 resulted in $15 million in losses and targeted cards issued by JPMorgan Chase & Co and National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Thirteen members of a New York cashing crew that prosecutors say withdrew $2.8 million in two operations have pleaded guilty. In court papers, defense lawyer Christopher Madiou said Findikoglu's crimes occurred while he was facing Turkish charges that he conspired to produce fake debit and credit cards. In that case, Findikoglu was convicted in 2012 and sentenced to 19-1/2 years in prison. While out on bail, he was arrested in 2013 in Germany, which extradited him in 2015. After completing his US sentence, Findikoglu will be deported and is expected to serve that Turkish sentence, Madiou said. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. As Apple turns 10, since it first unveiled the iPhone in 2007, everyone is looking forward to its next release, celebrating 10 years of its anniversary. Here is a compilation of all the information gathered on the basis of numerous rumours and leaks about the upcoming iPhone 8. Display and design Apples next flagship iPhone 8 is now rumoured to come in stainless steel back, like the one found in the iPhone 4. Apple is expected to dump the aluminium panel it has been using in favour of glass ones, which will further be held using stainless steel back. The next-generation iPhone is expected to abandon its conventional aluminum back cover design and will adopt a new design using two reinforced glass panes and a metal frame in the middle. The metal bezel will be made of stainless steel using a forging process, reported DigiTimes. According to the report, the forging process is being used to enhance iPhones sturdiness and reduces cost and manufacturing time. A spokesperson from the upstream supply chain pointed that the cost of the forging process will reduce by 30-50 per cent as compared to what current unibody CNC machine process cost. A recent report published by The Daily Mail claims that Apple has been granted a patent for a display with openings between pixels. The patent is titled, Electronic devices have displays with openings, and is described as: An electronic device may have a display. The display may have an active region in which display pixels are used to display images. The display may have one or more openings and may be mounted in a housing associated with the electronic device. An electronic component may be mounted in alignment with the openings in the display. The electronic component may include a camera, a light sensor, a light-based proximity sensor, status indicator lights, a light-based touch sensor array, a secondary display, antenna structures, a speaker, a microphone, or other acoustic, electromagnetic, or light-based component. The openings mentioned in the patent is said to be located in the active portion of the display. (Photo: AppleInsider/ USPTO) In other words, this technology would essentially allow external objects placed behind the device to be viewed through the screen. This could prove to be a stepping stone for Apple into the field of Augmented Reality. The patent also includes an OLED screen. Apple is also rumored to be working with Carl Zeiss on an AR project which is expected to go on sale this year. The project is believed to be a wearable headset that can wirelessly connect to iPhones and deliver AR experience to the users. Apart from that, a report from Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Christopher Hemmelgarn suggests that the supposed iPhone 8 will feature a bezel-less design with curved edges on all sides. The analysts claim that the iPhone 8 models will come in the same sizes and that the displays of the smartphone will increase to 5 and 5.9-inches, thanks to the bezel-less design technology. Apple iPhone 8 to feature zer-bezel design. (Photo: 9to5mac) The analysts further stressed on Apples shift to OLED display panels which are said to be more battery-efficient and offer a better colour accuracy. The OLED display panels are also reported to allow the iPhone 8 screen to bend at the edges thereby, introducing an all-new, curved-edge design on the sides of the future iPhone. Performance Last year, tech website DigiTimes published a report that suggested that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) had recently begun taping out design for Apples A11 chipset on a 10nm FinFET process. The report suggested that the iPhone model launching in 2017 is scheduled to sport the aforementioned processor. Other specifications Apple is also expected to introduce support for wireless charging in its next-generation smartphone iPhone 8, confirmed a report from Chinese-language Commercial Times. Citing industry sources, Commercial Times in its report confirmed a Taiwan-based Lite-On Semiconductor has entered the supply chain for the next-generation iPhone 8 by providing GPP bridge rectifier for the support of fast wireless charging.In the statement to the Commercial Times industry sources said that Lite-On Semi has obtained half of the orders for GPP bridge rectifier that will be used in the wireless charger for the upcoming iPhone. Apart from this, Apples next flagship iPhone 8 will also feature the highest level of water-resistance rating than any other Apple iPhone had ever featured, according to a report by Korean Herald. The iPhone 7 holds IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating. (Photo: 9to5 mac) The iPhone 8 will reportedly be IP68 certified, meaning the smartphone will be able to survive submersion for 30 minutes in 1.5 meters of water. Apples iPhone 8 will feature the IP68 rating protection as part of drastic upgrades marking the 10th anniversary of the iPhone this year, an industry source to the Korean newspaper. The upcoming range of iPhone is already said to feature OLED panels from Samsung Display. Apart from this, based on a new report by DigiTimes, citing industry sources, is saying the iPhone will sport the iris technology too. (The technology which could have gained popularity in the market when it came equipped in the Galaxy Note 7.) In addition to an OLED screen, the iPhone 8 will come with wireless charging and iris scanning technology, industry sources disclosed, the report reads. Also the report said that Apple has tabled request to its chip and component suppliers to start trail production, however the delivery of part and components for production will start later only in the second-half of first quarter 2017. Camera According to a report by The Korea Economic Daily, Apple is working with LG Innotek to develop a camera module that is compatible with 3D technology. Apple is now studying how to apply its 3D camera technology into LG Innoteks smartphone camera. Since LG Innotek also has its own 3D camera and related technologies, such joint efforts will likely to bear fruit in sometime within next year, the report read. The report further goes on to suggest that Apple might make use of LG Innoteks 3D dual rear camera module in its future device. Price and release date While no news regarding iPhone 8s expected price has been revealed yet, a new report by Fast Company, which cited a source with knowledge of Apples plans suggests that the device could cost north of $1000. As far as the Indian market is concerned, there were indications that the upcoming smartphone may come at a cheaper price especially given Apples decision to set up a manufacturing unit in India itself. However, later, the rumour was ruled out since the Indian government did not give in to the demands made by Apple. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Washington: The Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in a response to Pyongyang's missile test, but calibrated to show US resolve while avoiding escalation, a US official told Reuters on Saturday. The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting President Donald Trump's previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This was no surprise," the official said. "The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this." Trump and his aides are likely to weigh a series of possible responses, including new US sanctions to tighten financial controls, an increase in US naval and air assets in and around the Korean peninsula and accelerated installation of new missile defense systems in South Korea, the official said. But the official said that, given that the missile test was believed not to have been a threatened intercontinental missile test and that Pyongyang had not carried out a new nuclear explosion, any response will seek to avoid ratcheting up tensions. The Lebanese Hezbollah movement strongly supports the Syria ceasefire agreed upon in Kazakhstan and any truce that could lead to a political solution, its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Sunday. Russia and Turkey brokered a shaky ceasefire in December between rebel groups and the government in Syria, where Hezbollah is fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad. Search Keywords: Short link: Toronto: In a heroic act, a cat in Canada saved a family from a house fire as it alerted its sleeping owner to the danger by biting her. The family was sleeping when flames broke out in their mobile home in Clairmont, Alberta. "The family cat bit the mom on the arm fairly hard and kind of woke her up to make her aware that something was not right in the home," County of Grande Prairie fire Chief Trevor Grant told CBC News. "It is the first time I've experienced a cat waking a family member up," he said. Firefighters got a call about a house fire last Wednesday and when they arrived, they found a family of four safe from the fire due to the alert feline. Fire crews moved one more cat out of the home and quickly doused the flames. Other than minor smoke damage, the interior of the home was unaffected and no one was injured. Grant said this is not the first time he has heard of animals alerting their owners of potential dangers. He said he has seen it before with a dog but never a cat. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The US Pacific Command says a Chinese aircraft and a US Navy patrol plane had an "unsafe" encounter over the South China Sea this week, raising concerns. (Photo: AP/File) Washington: A Chinese military aircraft had an unsafe encounter with a US Navy surveillance aircraft near a contested reef in the South China Sea, the US Pacific Command said Friday. The two planes came within 1,000 feet (300 meters) of each other during Wednesdays incident near the Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by both the Philippines and China, according to Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis. The close encounter comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and China over Beijings moves to establish a presence in disputed areas of the South China Sea by building reefs and atolls into artificial islands. An interaction characterized by US Pacific Command as unsafe occurred in international airspace above the South China Sea between a Chinese KJ-200 aircraft and a US Navy P-3C aircraft, said US Pacific Command spokesman Rob Shuford. The US Navy P-3C was on a routine mission operating in accordance with international law. Davis said the Chinese aircraft essentially crossed the nose of the American plane, causing it to make an immediate turn. We dont see any evidence that it was intentional, the spokesman said, adding that the incident appeared to be a one-off encounter. Clearly we have our disagreements with China over militarization of South China Sea, he said, adding that interactions between ships and planes are largely professional and safe. The KJ-200 is an airborne early warning and command plane, while the P-3 is a maritime surveillance aircraft. The Pacific Command said it would address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels. China responded legally and professionally A Chinese defense ministry official told The Global Times that the Chinese pilot had responded legally and professionally to the US plane when it approached the aircraft. We hope that the US could take the bilateral military relations into consideration and adopt practical measures to eliminate the root cause of air and sea mishaps between the two countries, the official said on condition of anonymity. China asserts sovereignty over almost all of the resource-rich region despite rival claims from Southeast Asian neighbors and has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes. US President Donald Trumps administration so far has taken a tough stance on Chinas claims in the South China Sea, insisting it will defend international interests there. During his confirmation hearings, new US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson raised the threat of blocking Chinas access to the contested islands. Under president Barack Obamas administration, Washington insisted it was neutral on the question of sovereignty over the South China Sea islets, reefs and shoals, calling for the disputes to be resolved under international law. But the US has dispatched aircraft and naval patrols to assert its rights of passage through international spaces. Dominican Republic's El Nacional print edition shows comedian Alec Baldwin doing his impression of President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, next to a photo of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the paper's international page with the Spanish headline: Trump says settlements in Israel dont favor peace." (Photo: Screengrab) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Alec Baldwin does a pretty convincing Donald Trump impersonation - just ask a newspaper in the Dominican Republic. El Nacional published an apology on Saturday after mistakenly running a photo of the actor doing his impression of the US president on Saturday Night Live instead of Trump himself. Accompanying an article in its Friday edition headlined in Spanish: Trump says settlements in Israel dont favor peace, a photo of a scowling Baldwin in a blond wig appears next to a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement posted on its website, the Dominican newspaper said a photo of Baldwin imitating Trump - over the caption Donald Trump, president of the USA - was published on page 19 and the mistake went unnoticed by the newspapers staff. El Nacional apologizes to its readers and anyone who felt affect by the publication of the photo, the statement said. Trump has lashed out at the way Saturday Night Live has lampooned him, saying Baldwins semi-regular portrayal of him stinks. Jenny Santos, of Kearny, was trying to retrieve a hat dropped by her twin sister while the two were on an escalator at about 5:30 a.m. when she reached too far over the railing and tumbled over the edge, a law enforcement official said. (Photo: Pixabay) Jersey City: A 29-year-old New Jersey woman plunged about 30 feet to her death off an escalator inside the famed World Trade Center transit hub known as the Oculus on Saturday morning, police said. Jenny Santos, of Kearny, was trying to retrieve a hat dropped by her twin sister while the two were on an escalator at about 5:30 a.m. when she reached too far over the railing and tumbled over the edge, a law enforcement official said. The official wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the incident and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Port Authority police spokesman Joseph Pentangelo said the woman was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police are investigating. The striking $3.9 billion transportation hub was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava and provides connections between New Jersey's PATH trains and New York City's subways. It opened about a year ago and is used daily by more than 300,000 commuters. Light beams in from the windows in the dizzying, soaring platform to the shopping mall below. Washington DC: President Donald Trump, on Sunday, lashed out at the court again for halting his travel ban and also said that 72 percent of the refugees, who entered the United States following the ruling are from the seven countries that were listed in the ban. "72% of refugees admitted into US (2/3 -2/11) during court breakdown are from 7 countries: Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Iran, Sudan, Libya and Yemen," Trump said in a tweet. The American President also said that his order was for cracking down on illegal criminals as promised during his campaign, in another tweet. "The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed," he tweeted. However, President Trump had on Saturday, termed his country's legal system as "broken", adding that 77 percent of refugees allowed into the US since the travel reprieve, hailed from the very seven Muslim countries he had accused of being havens of terrorism. "Our legal system is broken! 77% of refugees allowed into US since travel reprieve hail from seven suspect countries." (WT) SO DANGEROUS!" Trump said in a tweet. This came a day after a three-judge federal appeals panel had unanimously refused to reinstate the travel ban that restricted immigrants from countries like Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Within minutes of the judges' decision, the President angrily tweeted his intent to appeal. "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump took to Twitter. Within an hour of the judgment, the hashtag #NoBanNoWall started to trend on the social media. Trump's executive order that he signed last week, had suspended immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days, the US refugee program for 120 days, and indefinitely halted Syrian refugees from entering the US The Trump administration had said the seven nations - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen - have raised terrorism concerns. According to reports, the victim has been identified as Vamsi Reddy Mamidala from Telangana. (Representational image) Milpitas, California: A 26-year-old youth from Warangal district in Telangana was allegedly shot dead at Milpitas city in Santa Clara Country of California by a man suspected to be a carjacker, the deceased's father said here today. The incident was said to have happened last morning (as per IST) when Mamidala Vamshi Chander Reddy was returning after completing his part-time shift at a local store in Milpitas. "Vamshi's friends called me on Saturday saying my son is missing and that an incident has taken place wherein a person was shot at. They later informed me that it was Vamshi who got killed," Vamshi's father Sanjeeva Reddy told reporters today. Vamshi had gone to California in 2013 and completed his M.S. in Silicon Valley University. While he was looking for a job in software industry in US he recently took a part-time assignment at a local store. "His friends told me that Vamshi was shot dead by a carjacker who was trying to take away car of a woman at gun point in the parking garage of the apartment," Sanjeeva said. He said Vamshi spoke to him over phone just two days back. "He was worried about finding a software job there. I asked him to come back and find a job here. We wanted to get him married. He said he would come back home soon but we did not expect such a thing to happen to him," Sanjeeva said while fighting back tears. He appealed to Telangana and Central governments to bring back Vamshi's body without delay. Local MLA Aroori Ramesh visited the grieving family and consoled them. He assured to extend all possible help to bring back Vamshi's mortal remains. Khaled Sharrouf -- who made headlines in 2014 when he posted an image on Twitter of his young son holding a severed head -- had his citizenship revoked earlier this year, The Australian newspaper reported Saturday. (Photo: YouTube Screengrab) Sydney: An Islamic State fighter has become the first Australian to be stripped of his citizenship under anti-terrorism laws, authorities and reports said. Khaled Sharrouf -- who made headlines in 2014 when he posted an image on Twitter of his young son holding a severed head -- had his citizenship revoked earlier this year, The Australian newspaper reported Saturday. A spokeswoman for the Immigration Minister Peter Dutton confirmed to AFP Sunday a person was stripped of their citizenship but would not provide or confirm further details. Sharrouf is also a Lebanese citizen, The Australian reported. Sharrouf, reportedly aged 35, left Australia for Syria in 2013 with his family. His wife Tara Nettleton reportedly died last year and Sharrouf was believed to have been killed in a drone strike in Iraq in 2015. But later media reports cast doubt on whether he was dead. The fate of their five children is unknown, the newspaper added. The government has been increasingly worried about foreign fighters returning home. Numerous national security laws, including legislation to strip dual nationals linked to terrorism of their citizenship, have been passed since Canberra raised the national threat alert to high in September 2014. Authorities believe 110 Australians have travelled to Syria or Iraq to fight with terror groups, of which around 60 have been killed. Travellers wait outside the Hamburg, northern Germany, airport Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 after after several people were injured by an unknown toxic that likely spread through the airports air conditioning system. (Photo: AP) Berlin: German firefighters on Sunday evacuated hundreds of passengers at Hamburg Airport after about 50 people were injured by an unknown hazardous material that likely spread through the airport's air conditioning system. All flights were halted for several hours due to the evacuation, but air traffic started running again around 2 pm (local time), airport spokeswoman Karen Stein said. More than 50 people both passengers and staff had complained about breathing problems, burning eyes and nausea. Firefighters were examining them to find out whether they had to be taken to the hospital, the German news agency dpa reported. Those who were evacuated from the airport but not injured had to wait outside the terminals in freezing temperatures. Firefighters designated special areas outside the airport building where physicians were examining those injured by the unknown substance. The cause for the incident was not known, Stein said, "but we're working closely together with the authorities to find out more." The three-year position has been created in response to demand from the chocolate industry. (Photo: Pixabay) London: A UK university is offering a 15,000 pounds-per-year grant for the perfect course for chocoholics - a PhD in chocolate. The University of the West of England is offering the grant to study the genetic factors that influence the flavour of the UK's favourite treat. The successful candidate will study how the fermentation of cacao beans leads to specific flavour profiles, according to the prospectus. The three-year position has been created in response to demand from the chocolate industry for more forensic knowledge of different cocoa strains, The Mirror reported. Candidates have until February 27 to apply to the university's Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences in Bristol. The novel chance comes close on the heels of a job offer by Mondelez International - behind some of the world's most famous sugary treats like Cadbury, Milka, Prince and Oreo - of a part-time chocolate taster. The firm, which posted the role on LinkedIn, is looking for someone who can taste its delicacies and deliver honest and objective feedback within its team of skilled panelists. The successful candidate will then help Mondelez perfect and launch brand new products all over the world for years to come. North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, drawing a strong rebuke from US President Donald Trump who vowed "100 percent" support for key ally Japan at a press conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The missile, the first test since Trump became president, was launched around 7:55 am (2255 GMT Saturday) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the South Korean defence ministry said. It flew about 500 kilometres (310 miles) before falling into the sea, a ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified. "Today's missile launch... is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities", the ministry said in a statement. "It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump," it added. Trump responded with an assurance to visiting Japanese Prime Minister Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally. "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent," Trump said, without elaborating further. Abe denounced the launch as "absolutely intolerable" while top government spokesman Yoshihide Suge told reporters in Tokyo that it was "clearly a provocation to Japan and the region". North Korea is barred under UN resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology but six sets of UN sanctions since Pyongyang's first nuclear test in 2006 have failed to halt its drive for what it insists are defensive weapons. Last year the country conducted numerous tests and launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. A South Korean army official quoted by Yonhap news agency ruled out the possibility of a long-range missile test, describing the device as an upgraded version of the North's short-range Rodong missile. Seoul-based academic Yang Moo-Jin said the latest test was "a celebratory launch" to mark the February 16 birthday of Kim Jong-Il, former ruler and father of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un. Pyongyang often celebrates key anniversaries involving current and former leaders with missile launches, Yang, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, told AFP. South Korea's acting president Hwang Gyo-Ahn vowed a "corresponding punishment" in response to the launch, which came on the heels of a visit to Seoul by new US Defense Secretary James Mattis last week. Mattis had warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an "effective and overwhelming" response. In January leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the "final stages" of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying "It won't happen." James Char, senior analyst at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore, said the launch was Pyongyang's "way of showing characteristic defiance against... Trump". Washington has repeatedly vowed that it will never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation and the latest launch poses a test for Trump, who will need the help of Beijing, Pyongyang's closest ally, to deal with the reclusive state. Relations between the two superpowers have thawed in recent days after Trump reaffirmed Washington's "One China" policy in what he described as a "very warm" telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping. The US leader pledged to honour a decades-old position that effectively acknowledges Taiwan is not separate from China -- a policy that Trump had suggested a few weeks ago he might jettison, angering Beijing. "The recent Trump-Xi phone call would be considered an important platform from which the two powers will move forward," Char said. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father in December 2011. Search Keywords: Short link: UK's senior-most Indian-origin minister, Priti Patel, who will be among the key Cabinet ministers at the event, described it as a real demonstration of the strong ties between the two countries. (Photo: AP) London: Queen Elizabeth II will host a spectacular UK-India Year of Culture launch at Buckingham Palace at the end of this month to strengthen the special cultural partnership between the two countries. UK's senior-most Indian-origin minister, Priti Patel, who will be among the key Cabinet ministers at the event, described it as a real demonstration of the strong ties between the two countries. "It will be a spectacular event and a wonderful opportunity to do more to celebrate the India-UK relationship," Patel, Britain's Secretary of State for International Development, told PTI. The Palace had officially announced the date of the reception as February 27 in the monarch's engagements calendar earlier this week: "Her Majesty The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh will give a reception to mark the launch of the UK India Year of Culture 2017." Queen Elizabeth II, 90, is the world's longest reigning sovereign and has become the first British monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee, with 65 years on the throne. The reception is expected to attract hundreds of guests from across various fields in the UK and India, including a senior Cabinet minister from the Indian side. "Throughout the year, we are going to see great works of art, great collaborations, all the cultural aspects coming together and a real demonstration of how strong our cultural ties are. It is going to be really exciting," Patel said. The Conservative party MP, who has completed six months in office as minister in the Department for International Development (DfID), described her last few months in the post as a "humbling and rewarding" experience. She has been on several visits to war-torn regions and has just returned from Lebanon and Jordan, countries at the heart of the Syrian refugee crisis. "It's been pretty humbling, my first six months; particularly where I have been and the state of the world in general. My focus has been on many of the humanitarian crises that have concentrated all our minds, in particular Syria," she said. "The UK has been at the forefront of dealing with the crisis. We have committed 2.3 billion pounds since the start of this conflict. It is our biggest ever response to humanitarian crisis and makes us the second-largest bilateral humanitarian donor. We have helped to get over 250,000 Syrian children into schools and get them educated." Asked about some of the negative rhetoric around refugees coming out of countries like the US under President Donald Trump, she said: "The US are a huge supporter to the refugee crisis, we should not lose sight of that. They are the number one contributor in the region." "We have to make sure that we work together with the international community, whether it is UN agencies or other country donors. It is about how we work together to provide the right support on the ground." "I think the British public should be incredibly proud of the fact that their generosity is saving lives and changing lives in difficult parts of the world, from north-east Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia to South Sudan." When she was appointed as the DfID minister by British Prime Minister Theresa May's in July 2016 just weeks after the Brexit referendum, Patel had declared her goal as ensuring that British aid delivers the country's global vision outside the European Union (EU). She sees her job as making sure the international aid system "does what it says on the tin" and delivers for the world's poorest. She explains: "The British public should be proud and feel confident in the way in which their development system and aid is spent. I am not afraid to stop things that I think don't work in our national interest or may not fit with our strategic priorities in Britain post-Brexit." "I want to demonstrate that our aid is working in our national interest and global interest, certainly in terms of supporting our place in the world." This new vision includes a changed aid relationship with India, where the UK focuses on project-based support after its traditional bilateral aid system came to a close in 2015. "We don't give traditional aid to India but India is still home to 290 million of the world's poorest people. So there is more that we can do with regard to supporting poverty reduction, jobs and livelihood and economic development in India," she said. In Berlin, police said that around 200 people marched on the streets. (Photo: ANI) Kabul: Thousands of protesters in several German cities demonstrated against the deportation of Afghans failing to secure asylum and asked authorities to stop, stating that Afghanistan was an unsafe country. According to the German Police, around 2,000 protesters came out on the streets in Dusseldorf city and nearly 1,500 others in northern Hamburg city, reports the Tolo News. In Berlin, while police said that around 200 people marched on the streets, the Berlin Refugee Council said there were up to 2,000. Earlier on Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel had announced the governments decision to speed up the deportation of rejected asylum seekers. According to reports, at least 200 Afghan refugees have returned to the country from Europe based on an agreement signed between Afghanistan and Germany last year. Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation's spokesman Islamuddin Jurat said, "We are following the issue very closely and we assure you that the rights of no Afghan will be violated." According to figures by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 6,800 refugees have so far returned to the country voluntarily and the number is expected to increase this year. His remarks come as some analysts viewed the move of detaining Saeed as an assurance to the new U.S. administration of Pakistan's obedience. Karachi: Looking forward to better ties with the Donald Trump administration, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, has said the house arrest of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed is part of the National Action Plan (NAP) and has nothing to do with the foreign policy. His remarks come as some analysts viewed the move of detaining Saeed as an assurance to the new U.S. administration of Pakistan's obedience. While delivering a lecture on 'Pakistan's foreign policy' at the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) on Saturday, Aziz said Pakistan intends to have good relations with all neighbouring countries including India, Afghanistan, China and Russia. He stressed that resumption of dialogue is necessary to resolve the Kashmir issue, adding Indian leaders have no timeframe to start dialogue with Pakistan as currently state elections are underway in India. He asserted that Pakistan will continue its efforts for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan. Islamabad: Pakistan has barred US senators and Congressmen from visiting the Pakistan senate after deputy chairman Abdul Ghafoor Haideri was not granted a visa in time to attend a UN-sponsored event in New York. Pakistan Senate adopted some exceptionally tough counter measures against the US after the incident. Senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani asked the US government and US embassy in Pakistan to explain the reasons for the inordinate visa delay. Mr Rabbani cancelled all official visits of the Senate members to the US and barred all US officials from visiting the Senate of Pakistan, making it clear that the bar would not be lifted until a satisfactory explanation is provided on the matter. No delegation, member of Congress or diplomats of the US will be welcomed by the Senate of Pakistan, Senates standing committees and the senators in their official capacity till this issue is resolved, a statement issued by the Pakistan Senate said. The Senate would also take up this matter for debate when it meets here on Monday as the President has summoned the House session. Senate deputy chairman was scheduled to travel to the United States as part of a two-member delegation. The delegation, comprising Haideri and Lt. General Salahuddin Tirmizi (retd), was to attend Inter Parliamentary (IPU) Hearings at UN Headquarters in New York on February 13. The visit has been cancelled now. Mr Haidri, who is also secretary general of Jamiat Ulema Islam (Fazal), was scheduled to leave for New York on February 10. Mr Rabbanis tough reaction coincides with a US federal appeals courts judgment refusing to reinstate President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, which did not include Pakistan. Incensed over Narendra Modis raincoat remark on ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday retorted that Modi liked to peep into others bathrooms and read horoscopes. The prime minister likes to peep into the bathrooms of others....he likes to google search....he is free to take out horoscope of others, but he should also work for the country, Rahul said, addressing a joint press conference here with his electoral alliance partner and UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav to release their Common Minimum Program (CMP). Rahul said the prime minister has failed to deliver on his promises. He can search google and read horoscope when he is free in the evenings, but he should also focus on other important issues, he added.The Congress vice president said Modi talks like a loser since he is aware of losing UP polls. The prime minister resorts to distraction when he is unable to provide answers to pressing problems...he has failed on demonetisation, black money, national security, farmers,employment, Rahul remarked. Akhilesh, however, adopted a softer approach. Modi's anger proves that he has realised that he is losing the electoral battle, he said. The chief minister also said everyones horoscope was available on the internet. Anyone can read anyones horoscope, he added. Akhilesh also rejected Modi's assertion that the alliance between Congress and SP was in fact an alliance of two families and said it was an alliance between two young leaders. Rahuls jibe came in response to Modis controversial remarks on Manmohan Singh. The politicians should learn from Manmohan Singh...despite so many scams during his regime, he remained above board...one should learn the art of bathing wearing raincoat, the prime minister had said. Modi on Friday also warned the rivals against attacking him and said he had kachcha chittha (detailed information) about them (opponents) and would reveal them if forced. As Hindustan Motors (HM) sells its iconic brand, Ambassador, to French auto giant Peugeot, it not only witnesses the end of an era but also brings forth the inability of most indigenous carmakers to keep up with foreign makers. Experts feel the situation is due to lack of investment into research and development. Industry experts pointed out that the C K Birla-owned Hindustan Motors owe much of its problems today due to lack of initiatives to modernise the Ambassador plant at Uttarpara in Hooghly district of West Bengal. HM introduced the brand in 1957, based on the Morris Landmaster. While the car was a national icon till the 1980s, the inadequacies in it were exposed after Maruti 800 emerged as an alternative. HM announced the BSE on Friday that it has signed an agreement with Peugeot for the sale of the Ambassador brand for Rs 80 crore. Incidentally, this would be Peugeots second venture into the Indian market since it tied up with PAL for assembling and selling Peugeot 309 for three years in the mid-1990s. Earlier this year, Peugeot formed a JV with the C K Birla Group for the latters Chennai plant. A revised package with enhanced monetary compensation announced by the forest department has failed to impress forest dwellers who continue to reside within reserve forest areas. The forest and environment department, on January 5, notified increased compensation package for tribals from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. This decision was taken following a meeting by National Tiger Conservation Authority with the forest department officials in 2016. Vijay Kumar Gogi, additional principal chief conservator of forests, told DH that the package had been arrived at, keeping in mind the present market rate. Calculation of the revised package was based on the market value assessment of the HD Kote sub-registrars office by the chief wildlife warden. Factors like cost of agriculture land procurement and development, settlement of rights, homestead land and house construction, incentives and community facilities were considered before arriving at the revised package. Number of tribals moving out had not seen any increase in the last few years and the new package is a win-win situation for the tribals and the department, Gogi said. However, the new package does not appear to have reached the forest dwellers, a majority of whom are ignorant about it. Siddaiah, a tribal near Anshi Tiger Reserve, said he was neither aware of any revised compensation nor was keen to relocate. It is safe inside the forest. We have been staying here for years. Those who moved out are finding it difficult to make their ends meet, he said. In the meantime, conservationists have written to T M Vijay Bhaskar, additional chief secretary, Forest, Environment and Ecology, saying that the department should improve the package. Praveen Bhargav, trustee, Wildlife First, said the revised package was not beneficial to tribals. He said, in the larger interests of social justice, the government must modify the order by calculating the package based on the old formula. As per the previous package, 40% of the compensation was given for agriculture land procurement and development, 15% for settlement of rights, 30% for homestead land and house construction, 5% for incentive and 10% for community facilities. The government is contemplating on merging all the existing health schemes to bring beneficiaries under a single umbrella. At present, there are several health schemes including Vajpayee Arogyashree, Rajiv Arogya Bhagya and Rashtriya Swasthya Karyakram under the department of health and family welfare. Also, there is Yashaswini scheme under the co-operation department. According to sources with the private hospitals association, the minister has assured this would address several issues such as duplication of BPL cards and overlap of beneficiaries. Shalini Rajaneesh, principal secretary, department of health and family welfare, confirmed to DH that there was a proposal to introduce a single scheme to cover all. As per World Health Organisation guidelines, by 2030, we must achieve universal health coverage. On these lines, bringing everyone irrespective of caste, creed or economic class becomes important. Hence, the proposal, she said. The government will provide health cards to all, which would comprise their previous health records, family details. The same will be linked to Aadhaar card. Linking this to Aadhaar will avoid duplication. These beneficiaries will be eligible to avail treatment either in government or private hospitals. Patients will have to go to government hospitals first and later, to private hospitals. Shalini said the Union government has, on these lines, come out with a draft of the national health protection scheme, wherein the poor will be given health assurance of up to Rs 1 lakh. This would work as a foundation for universal health coverage. Government of India has sought that Karnataka begin these projects in Mysuru and Raichur on a pilot basis. The scheme proposes secondary and tertiary care, wherein the state will bear 40% of the expenditure and the central government the rest. North Korea fired a ballistic missile today in an apparent provocation to test the response from new US President Donald Trump, the South Korean defence ministry said. The missile, launched around 7:55 am (local time) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), it said. The missile flew about 500 kilometres before falling into the sea, a defence ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified. "It is believed that today's missile launch ... is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities," the ministry said in a statement. "It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump," it added. Yonhap news agency said the South Korean military suspected the North might have been testing a intermediate-range Musudan missile. Last October North Korea test-fired Musudan missiles twice from the same airbase.On a visit to Seoul earlier this month, new US Defense Secretary James Mattis warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an "effective and overwhelming" response. "Any attack on the United States or our allies will be defeated and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming," Mattis said. Pyongyang in 2016 conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. In January leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the "final stages" of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying "It won't happen." The latest North Korean launch also comes after Trump assured visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally. "We will work together to promote our shared interests, of which we have many, in the region, including freedom from navigation and defending against the North Korean missile and nuclear threat, both of which I consider a very, very high priority," Trump said Friday. Washington has repeatedly vowed that it would never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong-Il, in December 2011. Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies have entered the Islamic State-held town of Al-Bab in northern Syria, as government forces moved closer to the jihadist bastion, a monitor said. Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency quoted military sources as saying one Turkish soldier was killed and another wounded in clashes with IS in Al-Bab. Turkish forces and allied insurgents have for weeks pressed an operation codenamed Euphrates Shield to drive the jihadists from the flashpoint town. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Turkish forces and allied militias entered Al-Bab from the west and then took full control of its western suburbs after fierce clashes with the jihadists. The fighting coincided with "Turkish shelling and intensive air strikes" on Al-Bab, the Britain-based monitor said. It said at least six civilians were killed by Turkish artillery fire and air strikes. Al-Bab is the jihadist group's last stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo and is also being targeted by regime forces. While Turkish-led forces have been advancing from the north, east and west, Syrian government troops are attacking from the south. On Monday, Syrian troops severed a road leading into the town from the south and by Friday they were just 1.5 kilometres from the southern outskirts of Al-Bab.Turkey began an unprecedented campaign inside Syria in August, targeting both IS and Kurdish militia. After initial rapid progress, the campaign has been mired since December in the deadly fight for Al-Bab. Turkey's Dogan news agency says 66 Turkish soldiers have been killed in the campaign since it started, mostly in IS attacks. And on Thursday, three Turkish soldiers were killed when a Russian air strike accidentally hit their position in an attack targeting IS in Al-Bab. Moscow said it was an accident and is being investigated. Despite backing opposite sides in Syria's conflict -- Moscow is a government ally while Turkey supports the opposition -- the two countries have worked closely in recent months. They helped broker a nationwide ceasefire in place since December 30, and sponsored a round of peace talks last month in the Kazakh capital, Astana. Al-Bab has been under IS control since 2014, when the group seized large swathes of territory in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, proclaiming its self-described caliphate. In recent months, the jihadists have been rolled back in large parts of northern Syria, both by the Turkish campaign but also by a Kurdish-Arab alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF fights with air support from the US-led coalition battling IS in Syria and Iraq, but Turkey regards the Kurdish component of the SDF as "terrorists". Two children were killed and another critically wounded in a grenade explosion in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday, officials said. The children of a shepherd family were playing in a mountainous village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when they found the hand grenade and accidentally set it off, local government official Zariful Maani told AFP. The two brothers aged nine and 10 died, while their seven-year-old female cousin is in a critical condition, Maani said. Another local government official, Aizaz Ahmad, confirmed the details. The village is close to the Swat Valley, where the army sent 30,000 troops in 2009 to battle Taliban fighters led locally by cleric Maulana Fazlullah. He had taken control of the valley and waged a campaign of violence, including beheadings and attacks on girls' schools. Pakistani officials say that Fazlullah fled to neighbouring Afghanistan during the offensive. In 2013 Fazlullah became chief of the wider Pakistan Taliban group. Search Keywords: Short link: A youth was killed and 18 were injured today in clashes between stone pelters and security forces following the gunning down of four militants in an encounter in south Kashmir's Kulgam district. Hundreds of people, mostly youths, started sloganeering after four militants and a civilian were killed in the encounter at Frisal in Kulgam this morning, a police official said. Security forces fired tear smoke shells and several live rounds to disperse the protesters but in vain, the official said. He said 19 people were injured in the security forces' action. One of the four who suffered bullet injuries succumbed. The deceased has been identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo. While 15 injured people have been shifted to Anantnag district hospital, three others have been referred to a hospital here, the official said. He said clashes were going on in the affected areas of Kulgam district till reports last came in. In a pre-dawn swoop, security forces gunned down four Hizbul Mujahideen militants in an encounter at a village in south Kashmir that also left two army men and a civilian dead. Meanwhile, Opposition National Conference (NC) condemned the two civilian deaths at Frisal and demanded an impartial and time-bound probe into the incident. Conveying condolences to the family of the civilians killed in the encounter, NC MLA Homshalibugh Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi said no amount of apology from the administration can bring them back. Larmi demanded that the administration immediately constitute an independent and time-bound enquiry team to put the facts right. NC general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar demanded a judicial probe into the deaths. "The government should order a judicial probe into this incident which has led to civilian deaths," he told PTI. Condemning the firing on civilians, the NC leader alleged that the PDP-BJP coalition government in the state was responsible for the "deteriorating situation" in the Valley. "The Chief Minister said twice on the floor of the Assembly that she has directed the security forces not to trouble civilians and avoid casualties while dealing with militants but today's incident goes against her statements," Sagar said. Making a strong pitch for women's reservation in Parliament and state legislatures, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today said it was something that should be given "respectfully" without any bickering. Asserting that reservation for women was the need of the hour, she criticised those opposing the proposal, alluding to protests against it in Parliament in the past. "When we ask for reservation, it is not like somebody is giving us something. It is because it is important that women should come ahead. They are fifty per cent of the population but in making a nation, they are a full circle. "All of us are for reservation. We don't want something like that...somebody tears off documents in Parliament. Somebody is shouting 'yes, yes, yes' and somebody is saying 'no, no, no'. It is respectfully that the reservation should be given," she said. She was speaking at the valedictory session on the concluding day of the National Women's Parliament here. Addressing a gathering of over 22,000 women including girl students and delegates from across the globe, Mahajan said that empowerment was not women's "fight with man", but whatever she "deserved". Drawing an analogy between a woman's nature and the course of a river, she said that the former, like a brook, does not fight with what comes in its way but diverts and draws a new path. "Like a river, a woman has to make her own path. It is on the banks of a river that life prospers," she said. Earlier at the National Women's Parliament, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu had assured, on behalf of his BJP, that they would pass the women's reservation bill, once they get a majority in the Rajya Sabha. Lauding the initiative undertaken by the Andhra Pradesh government, Mahajan said the convention was a "continuation of our endeavour to empower women and to help them in contributing towards nation building". She said that they could share the practice with legislators and speakers from different assemblies under the Indian Parliamentary Group, which "could be led by Chandrababu Naidu", the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. Mahajan also urged the people to contribute, in their respective capacities, towards mitigating the problems faced by women in helping to empower them to contribute to the country's development. "It is my hope that new perspectives and insights you gained during this convention through the exchange of views and experiences will help you to bring about positive outcomes for women in the society. "We have to now move from development and empowerment of women to women-led development and empowerment," she said. The three-day parliament saw over 29 speakers from different walks of life deliberating on the various challenges concerning women including on women's status and decision-making power, vision for the future and women as change makers in global scenario, among others. Fifty-four round table conferences with girl students from across the country were also held on issues like women's health, their role and participation in politics and their social protection among others. The Narendra Modi-led government at the Cente has no objection to setting up of homeland, township or colonies for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley, Union minister Jitendra Singh said today. Addressing a conference of Kashmiri Pandits (KP) here today, he said it is for them to decide what they want. The KPs today demanded implementation of 1991 Margdarshan resolution which allows carving out of a homeland for seven lakh KPs with union territory status in Kashmir. "Whether colonies would be made or clusters or a homeland, whatever will be made (in Kashmir valley for rehabilitation of KPs), Modi government will have no objection. Union Home Ministry will have no objection. But please tell me what is to be set up," Singh said. Demanding implementation of 1991 Margdarshan resolution, two organisations of displaced KPs - Panun Kashmir and Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj(YAIKS) - also demanded the Modi government to initiate a structured dialogue process with their leadership on a comprehensive political agenda of the community. "This year, the KP community is entering 28th year of its exile, after having suffered persecution, genocide and ethnic cleansing resulting into their exodus from Kashmir in 1989-90. "In 1991, a Marghdarshan resolution was passed envisaging a free and full flow of Indian constitution in territory (to be carved out) in Kashmir (for KPs) and called for action," they said in their charter of demands. President of Panun Kashmir Ashwani Chrungoo, YAIKS chief R K Bhat and All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC), in a joint memorandum, handed over a "comprehensive political agenda" to Singh and J&K State JP President Sat Sharma at the seminar here today. Terming KPs as "indigenous people of Kashmir", who are the first stakeholders to the territory, he said that the government is aware of their difficulties and all the issues would be addressed in time-bound manner. State BJP chief Sat Sharma said that displaced KPs will settle in Kashmir this year or the next year and as per their conditions, "if your want Panun Kashmir and homeland, it will be as per your conditions. And we will raise your voice in the Assembly and Parliament." During the function, senior KP leader and President AIKPC H N Jattu was conferred the 'Pandit Amarnath Vaishnavi Samman' for his lifetime achievement in espousing the cause of KPs. Apart from him, an eminent scientist who while working in Brussels invented a new drug for treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis Dr Anil Kaul and President of Khalsa Centre London Babu Harbans Singh Mehta who made immense contribution in the social field were felicitated on the occasion. Addressing the conference, Chrungoo said the time has come to address the core issues of the geopolitical aspirations of Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir with free flow of Indian Constitution and also their economic rehabilitation. He demanded creation of an additional 1000 jobs in the central departments for the displaced community in addition to the Prime Minister's package. Meanwhile, Bhatt raised the issue of unemployment of youths, claiming that the PM's employment package is 75 per cent incomplete. He demanded that all the 6000 jobs under the sanctioned package be filled forthwith but without the draconian conditions attached with it. Alleging that the government has failed to implement the employment package, he said, those employees, who have fled Kashmir, should be treated at par with the migrant employees in Jammu. In the memorandum, KPs demanded a separate recruiting agency for the community youths as after the lapse of eight years, only 25 per cent of PM special employment package of 2008 has been implemented. Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "raincoat" remark against his predecessor Manmohan Singh was a compliment as he had "emerged unscathed" from scandals and scams in the UPA rule. "The Prime Minister was actually quite appreciative of Manmohan Singh. He said that despite scandals and scams ... not withstanding the stigma attached to his colleagues, the former prime minister had an image and character to emerge unscathed. It is a compliment to him," he said. The minister said the Congress leadership was "hesitant" to compliment leaders outside a "particular" family be it Manmohan Singh, P V Narsimha Rao or Sardar Patel. "They are always hesitant to compliment their own leaders for the fear of risking the displeasure of a particular part, particular family or a dynasty," he said. He accused the Opposition of running away from debate in Parliament and said the government was ready for discussing every issue "even if there is dissent". "We are ready for a discussion on any issue even if there is dissent and this has been reiterated time and again by our spokespersons and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. "It is the Opposition which is running away from the argument and the session. It is a burden on the taxpayers' money. People are not going to forgive them for this," the minister told reporters. Jitendra said the Opposition did not have "enough" arguments to discuss the issues and was making excuses to avoid a debate. About the Kulgam encounter in which four militants, two army men and a civilian were killed, the Union Minister in Prime Minister's Office said terrorism on Indian soil is being sponsored by Islamabad. "Pakistan has emerged as the epicentre of terrorism. Sooner or later, terrorism will consume the soil from which it originates. "There is a series of evidence and it's no longer a secret that terrorism on Indian soil, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, is promoted and exported from Islamabad," he said. The minister said the entire world is "coming round" to the Modi government's assertion that Pakistan must contain the export of terrorism from its soil. "The sooner it does the better it will be... not only for the Indian subcontinent but for Pakistan as well," he added. On the UP assembly polls, Jitendra said: "BJP is way ahead of all the other parties. The people are looking for a change and an alternative to SP and BSP." Asked about the resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for the return of Kashmiri Pandits and other migrants, he said BJP and its government at the Centre and in the state in alliance with PDP is committed to ensuring "dignified and respectable return of KPs to the Valley". "Composite culture in Kashmir is not possible without Kashmiri Pandits," he said. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today said the 129 MLAs, staying in a private resort near here, should be released and they should meet people in their respective constituencies to get a sense of the public mood. He said the legislators should be released from the resort and allowed to meet the people in their respective constituencies. Panneerselvam also alleged that by shedding crocodile tears, Sasikala kept the MLAs on her side. "Let her release them...so that they can go to their respective consitutencies and meet the people and take a good decision," he told reporters here. Stressing that the Tamil people were well aware of the current political scenario, he said, "Not only in India, people across the globe are monitoring the situation." Noting that he was working as per his conscience, Panneerselvam said he did not invite any of his Cabinet colleagues when he had gone to meditate at Amma's (Jayalalithaa) memorial last week after which he said he was forced to quit from the Chief Minister's post. Asserting that he was always a staunch loyalist of Jayalalithaa, Panneerselvam said, "In the last 20 years not even once has Amma criticised me." On whether the administration had come to a standstill due to the ongoing crisis, he said it was not true as he has been meeting government officials everyday. "Every day I am in touch with the officials. Day before yesterday, the Chief Secretary and DGP met me and we discussed several issues. Tomorrow, I'm going to the Secretariat," he said. He said Deepak and Deepa, the niece of late leader J Jayalalithaa, were the only blood relations of Jayalalithaa. "When Amma's mortal remains were in the hospital on the night of December 5, she was not allowed to pay her respects even at that time," he alleged. To a query on the assets of Jayalalithaa, he recalled it was her wish that all her assets go to the party. On a query as to how confident he was about forming the government, he said, "When the Assembly convenes, I will prove my majority there." On the press conference addressed by AIADMK chief Sasikala, he asked why she did not meet the press when Jayalalithaa was hospitalised and why was she speaking to reporters now. Meanwhile, another AIADMK MP extended his support to Panneerselvam, taking the total number of Parliamentarians in his favour to 11. AIADMK MP R Parthiban representing Theni district called on O Panneerselvam at his residence in Greenways Road, Chennai later this evening and offered his support to him. There was tension in JC Nagar after three men desecrated two cement idols at the Maha Ganapathi temple early on Sunday morning. The suspects also thrashed a businessman who objected to the desecration. However, the police arrested two of the suspects and are on the lookout for the third. The suspects are Tabrez (24) and Naeem (24), both residents of Devarjeevanahalli, said the police. The police have deployed additional forces comprising 100 men including two ACPs, 10 inspectors and five KSRP platoons to prevent violence, DCP (North) Labhu Ram said. The trio were loitering under the influence of drugs in an open space next to the 20-year-old temple. They went to a nearby hospital and threatened a security guard. They came back to the temple around 6 am with iron rods and machetes and started destroying the idols of Ganapathi and Saptha Rishis, the police said. A local businessman objected to their act. The duo attacked him causing injuries on his face. However, a few local residents and pourakarmikas chased them. An autorickshaw driver followed them in his autorickshaw and managed to catch Tabrez. He brought him back to the temple where he was thrashed black and blue. Local residents alerted the police, who immediately reached the spot. The residents handed over Tabrez to the police. The desecration of idols is intentional and has hurt the devotees sentiments. We have lodged a complaint against the suspects, temple administrative board chairman B Harish said. The police said the situation is under control and it is not yet clear if the trio did it intentionally or under the influence of drugs. Melodies from varied genres, high-sprited acts and artistes from across the world, were all seen on the same platform at Resonance 2017, an event by Toccata Musical Productions, UK, that was held at Ambedkar Bhavan on Sunday. The event which was a creative synthesis of the finest music from the East and the West intended to promote cultural fellowship and share an array of music. Featuring songs by Michael Jackson, Eagles, Abba, Queen and Elton John, the show showcased a myriad musical styles. The performance by artistes from Toccata Musical Productions, UK and young musicians from the Bangalore Childrens Chorus, also included some beautiful renditions by guest artiste Frank Koine from Kenya. The musical treat which was ideated by Sunil Paulraj, was conducted by Colin Scott and was held in aid of Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysuru. The show saw it all from familiar music to lively dance performances by artistes of Lourd Vijay Dance Studio, which left the audience asking for more. Resonance 2017 also saw artistes like Colet Selwyn, David Matthews, Fiona Keegan and Beatrice Weiss who mesmerised the audience with their musical prowess. Songs like Heal the World, The Prayer and Streets of London left the audience awestruck and Franks version of Malaika received great applause. The audience was left impressed by the many acts on stage. Augustine Prakash, a businessman, who is a three-time visitor, said that this edition offered more variety and enthusiastic performances. It is nice to see that the event also included dance pieces, which made the show very lively. Their musical offering connected to people from all ages and was a perfect mix, he said. Gangster-turned-social activist Agni Sridhar has claimed that the firearms seized by police from his house last week were licensed. Besides, the bottles of foreign liquor brands found in the showcase of his living room were gifted by a friend, he said. Speaking to journalists here on Sunday after a court granted him 15-day interim bail, Sridhar said the firearms belonged to a security agency which he had hired for his personal safety. The guards didnt have the licence documents when police searched my house on February 6. The agencys supervisor is out of town. The licence will be submitted to police when he returns, he said. Sridhar said he gave up alcohol years ago. The bottles were gifted by a friend. My associate Bachchan liked them so much he put them in the showcase, he said. Sridhar denied the charge that he had sheltered history-sheeters Onte Rohith and Silent Sunil who were accused of giving death threats to Congress worker and businessman, Tata Ramesh. He took pains to dispel the suggestion that Rohith and Sunil were involved in the February 2 attack on Dasanapura APMC president, Kadabagere Srinivas. Rohith and Sunil may have threatened Ramesh but they certainly didnt try to kill Srinivas, he said. Sridhar suggested that a section of the media had misreported the house search. Some sections in the media are trying to defame me. They called me a fake progressive thinker, which really hurt me. I am going to sue them for Rs 1 crore, he said. Sridhar also claimed that police didnt slap him during the raid. I was meditating when I heard commotion on the ground floor of my residence and came down. Additional Commissioner of Police (East) Hemant Nimbalkar, DCPs S D Sharanappa and P S Harsha and Narayan were there but I hardly knew them. A policeman hit my guard and I stared at him. An inspector got offended and took me by the scruff of the neck. The officers felt bad about the inspectors conduct, he said. Two hundred years ago, the first cholera pandemic emerged from these tiger-infested mangrove swamps. It began in 1817, after the British East India Co sent thousands of workers deep into the remote Sundarbans, part of the Ganga River Delta, to log the jungles and plant rice. These brackish waters are the cradle of Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium that clings to human intestines and emits a toxin so virulent that the body will pour all of its fluids into the gut to flush it out. Water loss turns victims ashen; their eyes sink into their sockets, and their blood turns black and congeals in their capillaries. Robbed of electrolytes, their hearts lose their beat. Victims die of shock and organ failure, sometimes in as little as six hours after the first abdominal rumblings. Cholera probably had festered here for eons. Since that first escape, it has circled the world in seven pandemic cycles that have killed tens of millions. Artists of the 19th century often depicted it as a skeleton with a scythe and victims heaped at its feet. It stalked revelers at a masked ball in Heinrich Heines Cholera in Paris and kills the protagonist in Thomas Manns Death in Venice. Outbreaks forced London, New York and other cities to create vast public water systems, transforming civic life. Today cholera garners panicky headlines when it strikes unexpectedly in places like Ethiopia or Haiti. But it is a continuing threat in nearly 70 countries. Now, thanks largely to efforts that began in choleras birthplace, a way to conquer the long-dreaded plague is in sight. A treatment protocol so effective that it saves 99.9% of all victims was pioneered here. The World Health Organisation estimates that it has saved about 50 million lives in the past four decades. Also, after 35 years of work, researchers in Bangladesh and elsewhere have developed an effective cholera vaccine. It has been accepted by the WHO and stockpiled for epidemics like the one that struck Haiti in 2010. Soon, there may be enough to begin routine vaccination in countries where the disease has a permanent foothold. Merely creating that stockpile profoundly improved the way the world fought cholera, Dr Margaret Chan, secretary-general of the WHO, said last year. Ready access to the vaccine has made countries less tempted to cover up outbreaks to protect tourism, she said. That has sped up emergency responses and attracted more vaccine makers, lowering costs. More cholera vaccines have been deployed over the last two years than in the previous 15 years combined, Chan said. The treatment advances relied heavily on research and testing done at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, known as the ICDDR,B, Dhaka. While the centres upper levels are quiet and scholarly, its ground floor is the worlds largest diarrhoea hospital. Its vast wards treat 220,000 patients a year, almost all of whom recover within 36 hours. Doctors there save hundreds of lives a day. The ICDDR, was originally the Cholera Research Laboratory, founded in 1960 by the US as part of that eras soft diplomacy. Research hospitals were built in friendly countries both to save lives locally and to act as sentinels for diseases that might threaten America. The wards, which in the rainy season extend into circus-size tents in the parking lot, contain long rows of cholera cots. On each iron or wood frame is a plastic sheet with a hole in the middle. A bucket beneath the hole catches diarrhoea, while another beside the cot fills with vomit. An IV pole completes the setup. Defying expectations, the ward smells only of the antiseptic that the floors are constantly mopped with. Patients with severe watery diarrhoea arrive around the clock. A nurse sees each one immediately, and those close to death get an IV line inserted within 30 seconds. It contains a blend of glucose, electrolytes and water. Cholera spurs the intestines to violently flush themselves, but it does not actually damage the gut cells. If the fluid is replaced and the bacteria flushed out or killed, the patient is usually fine. Within hours, patients start to revive. The techniques perfected here are so effective that the ICDDR,B has sent training teams to 17 cholera outbreaks in the past decade. Usually, the only patients who stay long in the hospital are infants so malnourished that another bout of diarrhoea would kill them. They live for up to a month in a separate ward with their mothers, who are taught how to cook nutritious porridges. Vibrio cholerae travels from person to person via fecal matter. In 1854, epidemiologist John Snow famously traced cases to a single well dug near a cesspit in which a mother had washed the diaper of a baby who died of cholera and he convinced officials to remove the wells pump handle. Because cholera is a threat to all people lacking safe drinking water in China, India, Nigeria, scientists have long sought a more powerful weapon: a cheap, effective vaccine. Now they have one. Preventing plague In the 1980s, a Swedish scientist, Dr Jan Holmgren, invented an oral vaccine that worked 85% of the time. But it was expensive to make and had to be drunk with a large glass of buffer solution to protect it from stomach acid. Later, in 1986, a Vietnamese scientist, Dr Dang Duc Trach, asked for the formula, believing he could make a bufferless version. Holmgren and Dr John D Clemens, an American vaccine expert, obliged. Its just a bunch of killed cells, technology thats been around since Louis Pasteur, said Clemens, who is now the ICDDR,Bs executive director. Seven years later, Dang notified them that he had made a new version of the vaccine that was 60% effective. In 1997, Vietnam became the first and thus far, only country to provide cholera vaccine to its citizens routinely, not just in emergencies. Cases dropped sharply, according to a 2014 study, and in 2003 cholera vanished from Hue, where the campaign focused heavily. But Dang had not conducted a classic clinical trial, and Vietnams vaccine factory did not meet WHO standards, so no UN agency was allowed to buy his vaccine. In 1999, Clemens approached what is now the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I got a letter from Bill Gates Sr. It was very relaxed, sort of, Heres $40 million. Would you mind sending me a report once in a while? With that money, Clemens reformulated Dangs vaccine, conducted a successful clinical trial in Calcutta and found an Indian company, Shantha Biotechnics, that could make it to WHO standards. Rolled out in 2009 under the name Shanchol, it came in a vial about the size of a chess rook, needed no buffer and cost less than $2 a dose. Even so, there was little interest, even from the WHO. The vaccine lacked the publicity campaign that pharmaceutical companies throw behind commercial products. The impasse was broken only when Dr Paul Farmer, a founder of Partners in Health, began publicly berating the WHO for not moving faster. The WHO approved Shanchol in 2011, and since then, the vaccine has slowly gained acceptance. In 2013, an emergency stockpile was started, and the GAVI Alliance committed $115 million to raise it to 6 million doses. Looking back on his long struggle to prove the vaccines value, and then to win acceptance, Clemens offered an explanation that blended wistfulness and cynicism. If this disease had been in American kids, there would have been trials as fast as the Sabin polio vaccine. The Guggenheim Museum is highlighting the work of some of the visionaries who shaped its collection, using the occasion to note immigrants's contributions to American art weeks after President Donald Trump signed a travel ban. A show opening Friday in New York features works collected by founder Solomon R. Guggenheim's niece Peggy Guggenheim, who along with art dealer Justin K. Thannhauser came to the United State to flee Nazi Germany. Paintings and sculpture acquisitions by immigrant art dealer Karl Nierendorf, as well as those of two other Guggenheim contemporaries -- German-born artist Hilla Rebay and Katherine Dreier -- are on display for this tribute to the Guggenheim Foundation's eight decades of support for radical experimentation in art. These collectors held many works by European artists, including Marcel Duchamp, Paul Klee, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso and Vasily Kandinsky, the Russian painter whose art is at the heart of the Guggenheim collection, which holds 150 pieces. There are also works by Americans like Alexander Calder, who created a series of beloved moving sculptures known as "mobiles," Jackson Pollock, Irene Rice Pereira and Claire Falkenstein. "It's no secret that we're going through times with fundamental principles like tolerance and critical thinking being challenged," said Richard Armstrong, director of the Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, in previewing the exhibit. "Many similar challenges faced some of the visionaries of creative expression... We find inspiration in individuals whose beliefs was that art can change human behavior." His comments were a clear reference to Trump's conservative immigration policy. The show is also a reminder of a time when "artists and also dealers fled an earlier war... and found refuge, home and freedom in the United States," Armstrong added. Ever since Trump's election, the art world has expressed its unease in various forms, be it fashion, song, video or photography. A streaming video performance installation that aimed to provide a forum for anti-Trump expression was shut down after it became "a flashpoint for violence," New York's Museum of the Moving Image said. And another New York venue, the Museum of Modern Art, is exhibiting works by artists from the seven predominantly Muslim countries targeted by Trump's executive order, currently on hold after a series of court defeats. With the advent of war and Nazism in the 1930s, several of the European artists presented by Guggenheim through his public collection immigrated to the United States. In the 1940s, New York catered to an "exciting cultural milieu where you had European and American artists encountering one another. It was just a really exciting moment. It was a really fertile period," said curator Megan Fontanella. In all, 160 works by 70 artists are featured in "Visionaries: Creating a Modern Guggenheim," which runs through September 6. It includes a broad range of artists from the late 19th century through the first half of the 20th century. The oldest piece is a painting by Camille Pissarro from 1867. The most recent is Pollock's "Alchemy," from 1947. For the curator, the Guggenheim, whose museum was established in 1939 but only occupied its spiral building near Central Park in 1959, benefited directly from the creativity of artists from abroad. "So many artists and culture figures found refuge here and ultimately helped shaped our institution," said Fontanella. 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: The extreme violence being unleashed on Myanmars Rohingyas has been going on for too long with neither its government nor its people or even the international community doing anything to stop it. According to a report released last week by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), soldiers of the Myanmar Army are carrying out mass killings and gang rapes of the Rohingya that constitute crimes against humanity. The OHCHR report comes close on the heels of reports that the magnitude of the tragedy unfolding in northwestern Myanmar is far more serious than believed. According to two UN officials, the Rohingya death toll in recent months exceeds a thousand, not a few hundreds as previously believed. Since October, when some Rohingya militants were believed to have attacked border posts, the Myanmar military has stepped up its operations against the Rohingyas. According to the OHCHR report, the military has adopted a calculated policy of terror. Increasingly, it is only women and children who figure among the Rohingya refugees streaming into Bangladesh, raising doubts that boys and men are being particularly targeted and killed by the Myanmar forces. Even as the Rohingya people, including children, are being tortured, murdered and gang-raped by the Myanmar troops, the world has turned its back on them. Myanmars civilian government has done nothing to rein in its troops. The countrys constitution gives it little leverage over the army. However, this is an excuse that seems increasingly flimsy and untenable as it cannot remain silent when a section of its people is being exterminated systematically. Anti-Rohingya sentiment runs deep in Myanmar and the military operations against them enjoy support from politicians and the public alike. Indeed, even those who participated in the countrys struggle for democracy, including its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, have failed to condemn the killings. The international communitys lack of sympathy for the Rohingya is unconscionable. The fact that the Rohingya are Muslim could be behind the low support being extended to them by some countries. Islamophobia is turning us into unfeeling, cold and callous people. While some Rohingya youth may be picking up arms and exploring ties with global jihadist groups like the al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, this is no excuse for ignoring the plight of the Rohingyas in general. The UN must follow up on the report and consider ways to push the Myanmar government to halt its ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya. If the Myanmar military is indeed indulging in crimes against humanity, it merits action by the UN, especially since the Myanmar government refuses to halt the killing. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and the officials around him rarely miss a chance to call out Western hostility toward Islam. When Danish newspapers published cartoons a decade ago that mocked the Prophet Muhammad, Erdogan quickly called for checks on press freedom. After the 2015 attack in Paris on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, Erdogan warned that its blasphemous cartoons were wreaking terror on Muslims. And when Donald Trump made Islamophobia a central part of his presidential campaign last summer, Erdogan called for the rebranding of a pair of towers in Istanbul that bear Trumps name. Yet in recent weeks, Erdogan has kept quiet as Trump has taken office and signed an executive order banning immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries.That is in large part because, at least for the moment, Erdogan sees Trumps rise to the presidency as a chance to reset relations with the United States, which had nearly collapsed in the last years of the Obama administration, officials say. Now we have all the prospects of a fresh start, Ilnur Cevik, a senior adviser to Erdogan, said during an interview at the presidential palace in Ankara, the Turkish capital. We have an opening with Mr Trump. Turkish-American relations frayed over differing views on the war in Syria and the widespread belief in Turkey that the US played a role in a failed coup last summer. In recent months, Turkey grew frustrated at the US refusal to extradite Fethullah Gulen, the Pennsylvania-based leader of a religious social movement whom the Turkish government accuses of organising the coup attempt in July. This compounded a longer-running feud concerning US support for the leading Kurdish militia in northern Syria, which Turkey regards as a terrorist group. Now that Trump has entered office, Ankara hopes for a change in the US policy toward the Syrian Kurds. Specifically, Erdogan wants the US to scrap an Obama-era plan to work with Kurds to recapture Raqqa, the de facto capital of the IS, and try instead with Turkish troops and Syrian Arab militias. At the same time, Turkish officials believe the Trump administration is more likely to support extradition of Gulen and could crack down on Gulens supporters in the US, where they operate a network of schools. Hopes are very high in Ankara that Turkey-US relations will be much better under a Trump administration than the previous administration, said Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, director of the Ankara office of the German Marshall Fund of the US, a research organisation. Erdogan does not want to endanger these two issues by speaking out against the Muslim ban. The meeting this past week between Erdogan and Mike Pompeo, the new head of the CIA, was interpreted in Turkey as a good sign as was the phone call Wednesday between the two presidents. And Prime Minister Binali Yildirim reported that his phone conversation with Vice President Mike Pence had heralded a new day in relations. Misplaced hopes What were seeing on the ground is that Trump has stopped the plan, Cevik said, referring to the Obama administrations plan to arm the Syrian Kurds for the offensive on Raqqa. But Washington insiders are more skeptical and say Turkish officials may have misplaced their hopes for specific changes in US policy in Syria. I dont know why the Turks are so confident, said Aaron Stein, a Turkey-focused analyst at the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank. And James F Jeffrey, a former US ambassador to Turkey, said, Theyre just not a strong enough force to be the only US partner in Raqqa. The phone call was most likely a routine conversation, Stein said, while the suspension of the Raqqa plan may yet be lifted once the Trump administration completes a 30-day review of Obama-era policies. Turkish troops and their Syrian allies, who have struggled to take the IS held city of Al Bab recently, may not be the best short-term partners in the fight for Raqqa. Its very simple for the Trump administration, Stein said by telephone. They can either delay the operation for Raqqa into 2018, and entertain using a Turkish force without the YPG, a reference to the Syrian Kurdish force that President Barack Obama considered arming. Or they can go in the next six months with the YPG. The latter seems likelier, Stein said: All indications are that countering the Islamic State is their priority so that doesnt bode well for U.S.-Turkey relations. On Friday, Erdogan approved plans for an April referendum in which Turks will vote on whether to grant him even greater power. While the result is still at stake, Erdogan is unlikely to commit to any compromise on Syrian Kurds, as this could endanger his chances of winning the referendum, said Jeffrey, the former ambassador. But after the referendum, Jeffrey said, then Erdogan may have more flexibility to accept the same or even greater role for the US and the YPG as long as he gets three things. According to Jeffrey, the US would need to convince Turkey of its commitment to engagement with West Asia, clearly demonstrate its opposition to a single Kurdish statelet along Turkeys entire southern border and give Turkey at least a small role in the Raqqa operation. After initial dilly-dallying, the JD(U) on Sunday announced its support for the SP in the Assembly polls to prevent the BJP from coming to power. The announcement was made by JD(U) state unit president Suresh Niranjan Bhaiya at a press conference here. Dalit icon B R Ambedkars great grandson Rajratna Ambedkar was also present. We have extended support to the SP to prevent the BJP from coming to power in Uttar Pradesh... Akhilesh Yadav has ensured the development of the state, Bhaiya said. Rajratna also extended support to the SP, and decried BSP supremo Mayawati for transforming Kanshirams mission into a commission. Former Uttarakhand governor Aziz Qureshi, who also attended the press meet, said Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was more pro-Muslim than his father and SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav. While all parties pin hopes of capturing power in Uttar Pradesh on the support of the Muslim voters, the preference of the community remains unclear. This comes even as polling in the Muslim-dominated Rohilkhand region is barely three days away. Muslims constitute around 35 to over 50% in some of the 11 districts in Rohilkhand, where polling would be held on February 15 in the second phase. In Rampur district, the community forms 55% of the total electorate. Muslim voters are in a position to influence the outcome in more than half of the 67 Assembly constituencies in the region. While some strongly pitched for the Congress-SP alliance, there are many who are not averse to supporting Mayawati. There were still others who are either yet to decide or choose not to reveal their preference. Though the alliance and the BSP have been appealing to Muslims to ensure that their votes were not divided lest it should help the BJP, the community, it seems, is not likely to vote en mass for either of the two main contenders. 'No one party can claim full support of the Muslims. Their votes will be divided not only between the Congress-SP alliance and BSP, but may also go for strong Muslim candidates fielded by other outfits, said Moradabad-based social scientist Mohammed Mustakeem. Mustakeem told DH that the Muslim votes would certainly help the saffron party. Tanveer Khan, the Congress nominee from the Shahajahanpur Assembly seat, disagrees. Muslims are with us. There is no confusion in the community, he said. Salim Sultan, a resident of Rampur, said the community would take a decision a day or two before the polling. Usually, we decide one or two days before the polling. By then it more or less becomes clear who, among the choices, are in a stronger position, said Sultan. Rizvan Ahmed, who sells fruits in Faridpur near Bareilly, echoes Sultans views. Rizvan, a supporter of SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav, said Muslims would choose Akhilesh, but asserted that there were many in his community who would opt for Mayawati. Campaigning for the Uttarakhand Assembly election reached a crescendo on Sunday. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in Srinagar and Pithoragarh, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi led an impressive roadshow in the Haridwar plains. The Congress and the BJP are locked in a keen tussle. Chief Minister Harish Rawat has pitched the election campaign around himself, even as a strong Modi wave holds sway in the hill areas that account for 34 of the 70 Assembly seats. The BJPs attempts to dislodge the Rawat government in March last year with the help of Congress rebels has trumped all other issues, with voters surmising whether the turncoats would stick to the party they have joined in case of a hung Assembly. Uttarakhand comprises two broad divisions Garhwal and Kumaon each having distinct voting patterns in the hills and the plains. Upper caste voters Brahmins and Rajputs dominate the hill regions, while in the plains of Haridwar, Kotdwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Rampur Muslims, SC and ST voters have the ability to sway the elections. In the hills, Bachan Singh, a retired school teacher-turned-shopkeeper, swears by Modi. I have been a BJP voter all my life. I will be loyal to the party. The turncoats will have to abide by what Modi says, said Singh, sitting in his grocery shop in Dhaulidhar village, nestled in the Lower Himalayas en route to Srinagar. On Sunday, Rahuls 75-km roadshow snaked through villages from Manglour, considered the gateway to Uttarakhand as one drives from Delhi to Har ki Pauri on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar. The Congress had planned the route with an aim to woo the minority, SC and ST voters, who dominate the region. The BSP has considerable hold in the region, abutting Uttar Pradesh. We threw trash out of the Congress, and Modi has picked them up and is keeping them in his party, Rahul said during the roadshow. In his rallies in Srinagar and Pithoragarh, the prime minister dwelt at length on the implementation of the one rank, one pension decision of his government. Uttarakhand is home to a large number of serving and retired armed forces personnel. DMK leader M K Kanimozhi has got the permission of a special CBI court to accompany Vice President M Hamid Ansari on his five-day official tour to Rwanda and Uganda later this month. The Rajya Sabha member is an accused in the multi-crore 2G spectrum allocation scam, along with former telecom minister A Raja and others, and has been facing trial for about six years. She is also an accused in a money-laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the 2G scam. Special CBI Judge O P Saini allowed Kanimozhi to travel as part of the vice presidents delegation from February 19 to February 24 following her plea, asking her to furnish a surety bond of Rs 2.5 lakh each in the two cases. The court directed her to submit with it her itinerary, which contains details of her places of stay and telephone numbers during her tour. The special CBI judge ordered his office to release Kanimozhis passport from the courts custody, upon the condition that she will not tamper with any evidence or try to contact any witness during her stay abroad. The CBI, in its reply to Kanimozhis petition, opposed her plea, contending that the court had earlier dismissed the application of another accused Karim Morani for permission to go abroad, on the ground that the case was at the stage of final arguments and therefore it was not proper to let him leave the country. The court said that her case was different from that of the other accused as she was not making a private visit, but would be part of an official delegation. The court also said that it had no reason to believe that she might misuse the liberty given to her. Furthermore, no prejudice would be caused to the prosecution, as the cases are listed for final arguments only, wherein personal presence of the accused is not always necessary, the court said. The court noted that Kanimozhi had always been diligent in attending court proceedings and that her conduct in the court had not been questionable. Kanimozhi stated at the bar that the secretariat of the vice president had been informed about the case pending against her. Around 10 lakh bank employees will go on a day-long strike on February 28. The strike call is to demand criminal action against wilful defaulters and reimbursement of cost of demonetisation to the banks. The government should reimburse the cost of demonetisation to banks. This cost and the business loss during the period of nearly two months will have a cascading effect on the balance sheets of the banks, and the brunt will be borne by the bank employees and officers alone, All India Bank Employees Association General Secretary C H Venkatachalam said on Sunday. Venkatachalam demanded criminal action against wilful defaulters of bank loans as, according to him, only that can reduce such irregularities in the banking industry. All 9 agree He said all the nine bank unions have agreed to go on strike. He said issues pertaining to bank employees and officers, such as the appointment of workmen/officers, employees and directors in the boards of many banks, adequate recruitment in all cadres, removal of ceiling on gratuity, exemption of income tax on superannuation benefits, improvements in pension schemes and issues relating to retirees were yet to be resolved. A five-day working week is another long pending demand of bank employees and officers, he said. Further, every effort is being made to outsource permanent jobs in the banking industry, too, which is fraught with risks, Venkatachalam said. Self-financed technical institutes have launched a front to fight against what they describe as the AICTE bias against them, saying the technical education regulator has framed all the rules for them and let off the deemed and private universities which also offer technical courses. Demanding for a uniform set of regulations for all higher educational institutions offering engineering and other technical programmes in the country, the unaided private colleges on Sunday announced formation of an All India Federation of Technical Institutes (AIFTI) to carry forward their fight. While there are government committees in states to fix the maximum tuition fee that we can charge from students, there is no such rule for the deemed universities and private universities offering technical programmes, said Pradeep Kumar, vice president of the newly-formed AIFTI, at a press conference. The regulations of the All India Council for Technical Institutes (AICTE) require self-financed institutes to have a minimum area of 60,000 square feet to offer just one course, while the deemed universities and private universities can offer any number of courses in just 20,000 square feet area, V K Verma, chairman of Shri Ram College of Technology, Bhopal, said. Money power If you have money, you can get a degree in a technical programme without attending any classes and taking examination. There are many deemed universities and private universities in the country ready to offer you such a deal if you pay for it. There is no one to monitor their functioning, the AIFTI vice president said. More than 8,000 self-financed institutes have been offering technical programmes approved by the AICTE in various disciplines. Of them, over 4,000 institutes offer undergraduate degree programmes in technical education. A total of 554 self -financed technical colleges are operating in Karnataka while 1,201 such institutes are operating in of Tamil Nadu. Deemed and private universities offering technical programmes get their approval from the University Grants Commission. While deemed universities offering technical courses have to submit some details to the AICTE, the private universities offering technical courses are completely out of the ambit of the university, AIFTI president R S Munirathinam, who is also the founder-chairperson of the RMK Group of Institutions in Chennai, said. About 127 deemed universities are operating in the country, besides a total of 176 private universities under the states. While 37 of the total deemed universities are fully run and managed by the government, 11 are government-aided and 79 are fully private deemed universities. There is no regulation to fix their intake while the AICTE regulations require us to admit a maximum 180 students per course. We do not want such discrimination. We want one rule for all, Munirathinam added. State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Sunday demanded that Small Scale Industries Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi be removed from the council of ministers immediately in the wake of I-T raids at his residence and office in Belagavi recently. Unaccounted for cash to the tune of Rs 162 crore was seized during the raids, but the chief minister is shamelessly protecting the minister, Yeddyurappa charged at a press conference. In another raid by the I-T department recently, a large amount of unaccounted for money and properties from Congress MLA M T B Nagaraj were seized. But no action was taken against the MLA. Besides, the chief minister is protecting former minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, who was reportedly involved in a Rs 42-crore fake bill scam in Kushtagi in Koppal district, he charged. He also charged the government with conniving with illegal sand mafia and causing loss of revenue to the state exchequer. A checkpost near Attibele near Bengaluru was closed recently, resulting in some 800 lorries illegally transporting manufactured sand into the state from Tamil Nadu every day. The state is losing royalty to the tune of Rs 6 lakh every day because of this move, he added. The first edition of Sharm's Arab and European Film Festival announced the participation of two critically-acclaimed Egyptian films - 'Ali, The Goat and Ibrahim' and 'In The Last Days of The City' - Ali, The Goat And Ibrahim, directed by Sherif El-Bindary and In The Last Days of The City by Tamer Said were announced as the two Egyptian films to be screened at the first edition of Sharm El-Sheikh Arab and European Film festival in March. The festival will run between 5 and 11 March and is headed by Samir Seif. Artistic director of the festival Ahmed Hassouna said that both films will be premiering in Egypt after they had their world premieres at international festivals and garnered awards. The festival is organised by the Noon Foundation for Culture and Arts (NOONCA). Journalist Gamal Zayda, secretary-general of NOONCA, stressed in a report on Al-Ahram Arabic his keenness to present distinctive contemporary Egyptian films to the local and international audiences of the festival. Ali, The Goat, And Ibrahim had its world premiere at DIFF alongside eight other Egyptian films. Directed by Sherif El-Bendary, Ali, The Goat And Ibrahim was written by Ahmed Amer and is based on the story by Ibrahim El-Batout. Ali, The Goat, And Ibrahim tells the story of a man who believes that his dead girlfriend has been reincarnated as a goat that he names Nada. At the healers clinic, Ali meets Ibrahim, and they are both diagnosed as being cursed. When the healer prescribes a solution to break the spell, it sets them off on an adventure that takes them to the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Nile. The film premiered at the 13th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), where Egyptian actor Ali Sobhy won the Muhr feature award for Best Actor. Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Tamer El-Said,In the Last Days of the Citysees his alter-ego, actor Khalid Abdalla, star as a Cairo-based filmmaker strugging to make a film about the city, which is in a state of uproar. Also starring Laila Samy and Hanan Youssef, the shooting of the film began in 2008, taking the filmmakers to Cairo, Alexandria, Beirut, Baghdad and Berlin and bringing together many talents from the Arab world. The film premiered at the Berlinale, where it received the Caligari award, and later won the Grand Prix at the Polish MFF T-Mobile Nowe Horyzonty Film Festival in Wroclaw. It also won the Grand Prix and the Jury of Youth Best film Award at the Festival des 3 Continents in France, and also garnered the Best Narrative Feature Award at the Arab Film Festival in San Francisco. In October, the film was excluded from participating at the Cairo International Film Festival after it had been accepted, a decision the filmmakers tried to fight. 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: BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa on Sunday accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of taking Rs 150 crore as kickback for sanctioning the controversial steel flyover in Bengaluru. This, according to Yeddyurappa, was part of an effort to mobilise funds for the Congress party. Of the Rs 150 crore, Rs 65 crore has already been paid to the party high command. Details of the amount paid to party bosses in Delhi are available in a diary maintained by Congress MLC K Govindraj, whose residence was raided by income tax sleuths a few days ago, he told reporters here. Though Yeddyurappa claimed he got the information from some Congress leaders and honest officials, he did not release any document to substantiate his charges. He said he will disclose everything at the appropriate time. Let the chief minister and Govindraj deny the charges... The diary makes a mention of the payment. It is part of Rs 1,000 crore he (Siddaramaiah) has paid to the high command... He must resign immediately, Yeddyurappa said. The government wants to implement the flyover project between Basaveshwara circle and Hebbal despite public outcry. Why is it (the government) showing special interest in implementing the project?... It is daylight robbery. It is a classic case of the fence eating the grass. Siddaramaiah is aware of all the details. He should clarify the issue on the floor of the House in the ongoing session, he said, adding that the BJP will seek to move an adjournment motion in this regard in the Upper House. Yeddyurappa said the diary cannot be compared with the Sahara-Birla papers involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming it was only a piece of paper. Govindraj is like a treasurer to Siddaramaiah. He acted like a postman between the chief minister and the party. He has mentioned all the details as to when the money was paid and to whom in the diary... Whatever I am saying, is a fact, he added. He also denied charges by Congress leaders that the BJP at the Centre is misusing the income tax department to destabilise the state government. The government will fall on its own because of its misdeeds, Yeddyurappa added. Union Minister of Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu held a review meeting on Namma Metro on Sunday and instructed the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) to prioritise the 18-km-long Phase 2A which will connect the Central Silk Board junction with KR Puram via the Outer Ring Road. He also laid stress on providing Metro connectivity to the Kempegowda International Airport and asked the state government to send a proposal on cost-sharing for the 72.09-km-long Phase 2, Mahendra Jain, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, who was present at the meeting, told DH. BMRCL officials gave Naidu a presentation on Phase 1, which is expected to be fully operational by April. They said that the Central government had released its full share of Rs 3,073 crore and the state government Rs 5,082 crore for the 42.3-km-long Phase 1. Phase 2 is estimated to cost Rs 26,405 crore. The French Development Agency (AFD) has sanctioned a loan of Rs 1,400 crore while the European Investment Bank has given in-principle approval to lend Rs 3,500 crore, the BMRCL told Naidu. The Central government has allocated Rs 1,400 crore for Namma Metro for the 2017-18 financial year. The state government plans to go for innovative funding to build Phase 2A which is estimated to cost Rs 4,200 crore. On the airport line, BMRCL officials said the state government was considering a feasibility report on various routes. The Centre needs to decide which line should be prioritised, the officials said, according to Jain. Four militants, two soldiers and a civilian were killed in a gun battle in south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Sunday. Another civilian was killed while nearly 20 were injured during clashes between protesters and security forces following the Kulgam encounter. Sources said based on specific intelligence about the presence of six to seven local militants in Frisal village of Kulgam, a joint operation was launched by the army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. As the security forces neared the house where the militants were hiding, they came under heavy fire, in which four army personnel and a policeman were injured. In retaliatory action, four militants hiding in a concrete house were killed, a source said. Two of the injured soldiers succumbed while being shifted to hospital. DGP Shesh Pal Vaid confirmed that seven people were killed in the operation in Frisal. He identified the slain civilian as Adil Reshi, son of the owner of the house where the militants were hiding. However, it was not clear how Reshi was killed. Police said all the bodies have been retrieved and four AK-series rifles, besides other arms and ammunition, have been recovered from the encounter site. Sources told DH that three militants managed to escape. The slain troopers have been identified as Lance Naiks Raghubeer Singh and Gopal Singh. Support grew for Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, locked in a bruising feud with AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala, with six more MPs crossing over to his camp on Sunday. However, all eyes will be on the Tamil Nadu Police, which is expected to submit an affidavit to the Madras High Court on Monday with regard to the AIADMK MLAs who were lodged in a resort. Following habeas corpus petitions charging that the MLAs were detained forcibly, the cases pertaining to the legislators condition will come up for hearing on Monday. A police team went to the resort on Saturday to find out whether the MLAs were being held captive, police sources said. Though there was no official communication from the police, sources said the authorities met all the MLAs and inquired about their status since the petitions charged that the legislators were not only detained forcibly, but also restrained from using phones to contact their families. With no information from the Raj Bhavan about its decision on the fate of the ruling party, Sasikala, who visited the resort for the second consecutive day, said her party MLAs will extend support any time. On the purported delay by Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao in inviting her to form the government and the MPs crossing over to the Panneerselvam camp, she said, You very well know the reason. They (MLAs) were also aware that some people were trying to divide the party, she added. An emotional Sasikala, who extended greetings to the governor on his 75th birthday, claimed she is ready to sacrifice her life to save AIADMK. Meanwhile, five more AIADMK Lok Sabha MPs from Tuticorin, Perambalur, Vellore, Villupuram and Theni switched their allegiance to the Panneerselvam camp, taking the number to 11. Rajya Sabha MP R Lakshmanan also extended support. The chief minister is confident he will have the support of more MLAs very soon. We will prove our strength in the Assembly, he said. Sasikala displayed a copy of a fake letter reportedly sent by her to the governor, threatening to commit suicide if she was not allowed to form the government. A fake letter in my name is doing the rounds in social media, and a friend brought it to my notice. You (media) should also see it. It is very difficult for a woman to be in politics. Have seen that during Purathchi Thalaivis (revolutionary leader, a term fondly used by Jayalalithaas supporters to address her) times also, but she overcame it, Sasikala said. Tension prevailed for several hours when journalists who went to cover the events at the resort were attacked. They staged a protest, demanding action against the attackers. Egypt's second annual Kidathon -- a running event organised for Egyptian youth ages six to 14-- took off Friday morning in 6 of October city's business park Smart Village, with donations going to support child refugees of the Syrian Civil War. The event was organised by youth-focused adventure company Muricata, powered by Inertia in collaboration with Marwa Fayed's Toy Run, to encourage Egyptian youth to embrace healthy lifestyles and contribute positively to society. This year, families registered for the races by donating a toy, to be delivered to Syrian refugee children through the Fard Foundation. The first Kidathon took place in May 2016 and was attended by hundreds of Cairo youth. Building on the event's success, Muricata plans to expand the run to other Egyptian governorates in coming years. Warm-up stretches took place at 10am before the race, and runners were divided into three groups according to age. Accompanied by their parents, children 6 to 8 years old kicked off the event with a two kilometre run at 10:30am, followed by ages 9-11 at 11:00. Runners aged 12 to 14 rounded off the event with a four-kilometre route at 11:30am. After the races, certificates were given to all participants, while the first 18 finishers received trophies. Post-race activities included yoga classes, adventure games and arts and crafts. Kidathon was launched by Omar Samra, an Egyptian banker-turned adventurer, who made history in May 2007 by becoming the first Egyptian and youngest Arab (then 29 years old) to climb Mount Everest. Samra was also the first Egyptian to complete the seven summits challenge -- a climb of the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Search Keywords: Short link: A group of Arranmore Island mothers are organising a fundraiser to benefit four Donegal charities with links to the island and island children. The event will be held Feb. 18th at Earlys Bar, starting at 9pm. There will be a buffet and music by Green Island, aka Paddy, Connie and Peter, along with Jerry Early, Hugh Nancy Rodgers and "anyone else who would like to give us a song or two", followed by a disco with DJ John Bosco, organisers said. Its nice to just give back, said Elaine Boyle, who is organising the event with Sally Brady, Margery O'Donnell, Elaine Sailor, Bernie Green, Anne Sweeney, Florence Calais and Brianne Brady. The charities include Autism Support Dungloe (ASD); the Donegal branch of Down Syndrome Ireland DSI); Beaumont Hospital Foundation (cochlear implant); and Katie Rose Foundation. People have been so generous, Elaine said. Thanks to sponsors' generosity, prizes on the night include a pamper hamper, vouchers, cash prizes and more. They hope to run the event each year for different charities and have been asked why they did not pick just one. You can't pick a favourite child, Elaine said. Each one is as important as the next, so we went with the four. The Katie Rose Foundation has its roots on the island. Fiona and Sean Rodgers of Arranmore began the foundation in memory of their daughter Katie Rose, who passed away in 2014 at age 2 from mitochondrial disease. The foundation works to raise awareness of the rare genetic condition and raise money for research into its treatment and cure. We are so thankful and so grateful to the community of Arranmore, Fiona said. They are just a massive, massive support, both personally and to the endeavours of the foundation. ASD supports children with autism and hosts outings, events and activities; Donegal DSI offers classes and activities for people with Down Syndrome. Ruby Reynolds, who will be 4 in July, was born deaf, but now can hear because of cochlear implants she received at Beaumont. Elaine said they hope to inspire larger communities to hold similar events. We're such a small community, but if we can organise something like this, it may give people a wee kick. See the Arranmore Charity Fundraiser Facebook page for more. The Dixie Echoes Quartet, one of America's favorite Southern gospel quartets, will be in concert on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. at Bay Springs Baptist Church, 1721 S. Bay Springs Road, Dothan. The concert is free, and a love offering will be received. For more information, call the church office at 334-692-3138. Loves Way Church in Enterprise will hold its 33rd Anniversary Homecoming service on Sunday, Feb. 12. Morning worship will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the powerful and anointed ministry of Big Mo. As well as preaching, Big Mo will be singing such songs as When Your Back is to the Wall and The Call. Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall immediately following morning worship service. There will be no afternoon service this year. The church is at 19305 Highway 134 W. about mile outside the Boll Weevil Circle and next to Covington Electric. Call 334-393-6731 for more information. The McKameys will be at Samson First Baptist Church on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. A love offering will be taken. Call 334-898-2213 for more information. Temple Emanu-El will host Neighbor Night on Friday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. Members of the community are invited to attend the Temples worship service, and Rabbi Lynne Goldsmith will explain the parts of the service. There will be a reception following the service. Temple Emanu-El is located at 188 N. Park Ave. Aglow International Meeting will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. at Po Folks in Enterprise. Guest speaker will be Rose Stephens from Dothan. For more information, call 334-406-9683. Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Headland will present A Change is Gonna Come, written by Karen Boyd, on Feb. 18 in honor of Black History Month. Presented by the Performing Arts Ministry, the stage play will begin at 6 p.m. A Wax Museum will be held at 5 p.m. The church is located at 12 Martin Luther King Drive. New Hope Baptist Church in Brundidge will hold its annual Chili Cook-Off and Cake Auction on Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. in the New Hope Fellowship Hall. The church is at 5711 County Road 114. Proceeds from cake auction go to missionaries in the field, Ryan and Philann Stewart with Forgotten Children Ministries and Chase and Kimmey Barbrey with For Life Ministries. For more information, call Judy at 334-475-6098. Patterson Street Free Will Baptist Church will host the Patterson Street Scholarship Banquet on Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. at the church, located at 406 Patterson St. in Dothan. Guest speaker will be Darius McKay. A $10 donation is requested. Grimes Gospel Lighthouse, 1512 County Road 25, Grimes, will host local talent on Feb. 18 and Michael McGowan on Feb. 25. Music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free; offering will be taken. Call 334-983-4654 or 334-714-4658 for more information. Klondyke Gospel Music Center, located between Newton and Ozark at 3885 Highway 123 S., will host: Heartline Trio from Prattville, Feb. 18; Jordans River from Rockledge, Georgia, Feb. 25. Music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact Ron Jeffers, president and concert coordinator, at 334-797-9862. Cloverdale United Methodist Church at 102 Rollins Ave. in Dothan will celebrate their 63rd Homecoming on Feb. 19. The special speaker will be the Rev. Mark Lilly. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a covered dish lunch following the morning worship service. Balkum Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 10014 County Road 53, Headland, will hold a 10th Appreciation service for Pastor James E. and Charlo Melton on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Wilbert Dawsey, pastor of Burdeshaw Street Missionary Baptist Church in Dothan. All pastors and their churches are invited. Dinner will be served in the fellowship hall. Glory To Him Church, 6193 Andrews Ave., Ozark, will be celebrating its 30th Church Anniversary on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. with a special service featuring guest speaker, Dr. Jesse Duplantis. Known throughout the world as the Apostle of Joy, Jesse Duplantis has been sharing a memorable mix of strong, biblical preaching and hilarious life lessons every week on television for years. His unique way of ministering the Gospel and making Jesus real to all generations has made him one of the most loved ministers today. This event is open to the public and everyone is welcome. For more information, call 334-774-7677 or visit www.jdm.org or www.gthchurch.com. The Masterworks Choir of Enterprise will present selections from Mendelssohn's Elijah and other music on Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Enterprise with guest organist Urs Tolotti from North Carolina. Besides several choruses from Elijah, Tolotti will play pieces by J.S. Bach and Mendelssohn. Soloists will sing selections and the program will finish with the WindNotes Youth Choir singing Elijah Rocks. The concert is free but donations are welcome. Enterprise First Baptist Church is located at 302 N. Main St. in Enterprise. For more information, visit the Masterworks Choir's Facebook page or call 334-390-1009. St. John AME Church, 3 St. John St., Abbeville, will celebrate Founders Day on Sunday, Feb. 19, with a service at 3 p.m. The Rev. Eddie W. Thomas, moderator of the Abbeville District Association and pastor of Mary Magdalene Baptist Church in Abbeville and Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Newville, will serve as the guest preacher. The celebration theme is Standing on the Promises of God. Fadette Pentecostal Ministries will host revival services with guest speaker the Rev. Fred Wynn on Sunday, Feb. 19, through Thursday, Feb. 23. Service times will be Sunday at 10:50 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Monday through Thursday services will be at 7 p.m. Fadette Pentecostal Ministries is located at 5161 S. State Highway 103 in Fadette. For more information, call the church at 334-886-2102. Pleasant Shade Missionary Baptist Church will host the Iron Sharpening Iron Conference on Feb. 22 and Feb. 24-25. The conference begins Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. and continues on Friday, Feb. 24, from 6-8 p.m., and culminates on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Revs. Kevin Griffin, Trevor Woolridge and E. Steven Richardson are collaborating to offer teaching that is biblical and relevant to the changing of lives through an abundant relationship with Christ. Lively Stones Ministries Worship Center, located at 2622 U.S. 231 S., Ozark, will host a Black History Month Banquet on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. The Black History Month Committee will be presenting the Henry Jenkins Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award and the Excellence in Education Award. Tickets are on sale now for $25 per person. Call 334-774-1039 for more information and tickets. Rocky Mount Baptist Church in Abbeville will hold a Deacon Ordination on Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. The church is at 457 County Road 42 W. The theme is Stand Faithful to the End. Guest pastor will be the Rev. James Melton of Balkum Chapel Baptist Church in Browns Crossroads. Shady Grove Baptist Church in Dothan will hold a Church Anniversary service on Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. The church is at 1547 Lucy Grade Road. Guest pastor will be Christopher Scott, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, and music will be provided by Antioch Choir. All churches invited. Lunch served from 1-2 p.m. Bethlehem Temple Church of God in Christ, 465 Railroad Ave., in Bellwood will host a Pre-Anniversary Celebration for Elder Sylvester Pritchett and Mother Ethel Pritchett on Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. The theme is Worthy of Double Honor. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Hal Reynolds, pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Abbeville. Call Elder Roy Matthews at 334-464-4149 or Deacon Joseph Killings at 334-798-6433 for information. Center Missionary Baptist Church in Newville will celebrate the Fourth Appreciation service for Pastor Kummel and Mrs. Fleming on Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. The church is at 4344 State Road 173. Call 334-889-4710 for more information. Pastor James Truitt and the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church congregation in Abbeville will be the guests. Seven churches are joining together in March for a spring revival beginning Sunday, March 5, at 6 p.m. and continuing Monday-Friday at 7 p.m. with the final service on Sunday, March 12, at 6 p.m. Zion Chapel Baptist Church will be leading the service on the first Sunday; Victoria Baptist Church on Monday; Woodland Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday; Mount Zion Baptist Church on Wednesday; Wise Mill Assembly of God on Thursday; Hebron Baptist Church on Friday; and Whitewater Baptist Church on Sunday, March 12. Zion Chapel will be hosting each service and is located at 2057 Highway 87 in Elba. Everyone is invited to attend. Rocky Mount Missionary Baptist Church in Abbeville will hold a Founders Day service on March 19 at 11 a.m. The church is at 457 County Road 42 W. The theme will be The Church: Its Nature, its Marks and its Purposes. Guest minister will be Pastor Irvin Stallworth of Unity Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Naples, Florida. Everyone is invited. New Hope Baptist Church, County Road 114 in the New Hope community, will host The Eleventh Hour Gospel Singing Group on March 24 at 7 p.m. For more information and directions, call Joe Wilson at 334-735-3343. Everyone is welcome. Last week was an interesting and predictable week in Alabama politics. Alabama lawmakers gathered in Montgomery for the beginning of the 2017 regular legislative session, but one item would not be on their agenda. The legislatures proceedings to impeach Gov. Robert Bentley that began last spring were suspended at the request of Attorney General Luther Strange. The scrutiny of Bentley follows allegations of an inappropriate relationship between the governor and a top aide, and the possibility that state resources may have been used to facilitate and hide the relationship. Strange told lawmakers his office was conducting an unspecified investigation of its own, and asked the impeachment committee to stand down temporarily. Its an ordinarily reasonable request. Then on Wednesday, Alabamas U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions was confirmed as U.S. Attorney General for the Trump administration. Back at home, Bentley, who held the privilege of choosing Sessions successor in the Senate, named Strange to the seat. Soon, Strange was in Washington being sworn in for his new role. There wasnt a peep about the Bentley investigation. Late Friday, Bentley appointed longtime Marshall County District Attorney Steve Marshall to fill the remainder of the state attorney general term, which is up for re-election in 2018. We urge AG Marshall to put the Bentley investigation at the top of his to-do list. We cannot say whether there is any truth to the allegations against Bentley. However, many people have heard audio recordings of Bentley on a phone call making pillow-talk remarks that would be highly inappropriate if made to an employee. The unfolding scandal in Montgomery, coupled with eyebrow-raising stories such as Bentleys wallet having been taken by state helicopter from his home to the beach house on the Alabama coast, suggests that there is more than sufficient reason to investigate the governors office relationships and use of state resources. With Strange having moved on to greener pastures, Alabama lawmakers should resume impeachment proceedings immediately, and inform Marshall that the AGs office investigation should continue as well. The people of Alabama deserve the truth. A recent article in the online publication al.com posed the following How does a bill become a law in Alabama? It's gotta start with a question: You know what grinds my gears? "The writer lamented that far too frequently laws are proposed to address issues that on the surface nobody would argue with, but as they say on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Upon further review address problems that dont really exist. The Feb. 5 Dothan Eagle included a front-page article which reported a list of bills expected to be pre-filed by House members, including a bill "that would require mandatory civics education...(be) a prerequisite for high school graduation." Who could possibly argue against the need for our students to graduate with a fundamental knowledge of how our system of government works? The trouble is that such a requirement already exists (and has for many years) in documented form in our state course of study for social studies It is a required class in 7th grade and must also be passed by high school seniors to be eligible for graduation. Yet, how many hours of time will be wasted in committee deliberations -- or worse, House floor debate -- detracting from more pressing concerns such as making wise policy decisions about funding of education, highway and prison improvement, and healthcare? To our Wiregrass legislators, I would suggest they keep the main thing the main thing. Dont be guilty of this kind of time-wasting, populist grandstanding. Discourage your fellow lawmakers from expending precious hours and days of debate in committee or on the state house floor over needless and often redundant regulation and legislation. Resist unnecessary distractions from being introduced for discussion that would consume precious time available for the deliberation of more significant topics such as budget reform and infrastructure improvement. Stephen Swann Geneva There is much talk about Muslims of late. I wonder at times how many American citizens really know much about all Muslims and what the Quran teaches them to believe and how to act toward us infidels (non-Muslims), as they call us. I have no ax to grind with Muslims, but we have a constitution in the United States to form and guide our way of life in relation to one another and others. My question to all: How can you go in two different directions at the same time? I feel like Muslims belong together in their countries and we, as American citizens who conform to our Constitution and pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, Under God, with liberty and justice for all, belong together in the United States of America. No unity. Not debatable for me. Ray Connor Daleville Dympna Woods who died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, on November 29, 2016, was an outgoing lady, who made friends easily. Born in Market Street, Dundalk in 1942, and later moved to Pearse Park, she was one of eight children of Bernard and Margaret McEneaney. She was educated by the Sisters of Mercy in the Convent School, Dundalk, and was subsequently employed in the Textile factory. Dympna then worked in PJ Carroll & Co., in both the Church Street and Dublin Road factories, where she made many life-long friends. She met her husband, Peter in the Fairways Hotel, and they subsequently married in 1974. They had one son, Paul. Settling in Omeath with her family, Dympna became very much involved in the local community, making many friends in the process. She was part of the church choir, and as secretary to the organising committee of Active Retirement, encouraged people to join the group. For 25 years, Dympna organised the senior citizens Christmas party. She worked in Carneys shop in the seaside village, and also in Newry. Again, she struck up strong friendships, Sheila McLoughlin among them. She worked on behalf of the Fine Gael party, and enjoyed the interaction with different people that entailed. There was more than an element of fun to Dympna, and she loved dancing and going on holidays with Peter. They travelled to many places together, throughout Ireland, and in England and Wales, and she also made a couple of trips to Lourdes. She was a good cook, who liked to keep up-to-date with technology, and was adept with her computer and phone. Very good at knitting, and using knitting machines, she made and sent knitwear to childrens charities in the Third World. Dympnas popularity, and the affect she had on the people she came in contact with, was reflected in the large numbers at her wake and funeral. Very much loved by her family, she is sadly missed by her husband, Peter, son, Paul, grandchildren, Leah, Cody and Kayden, sisters, May Mitchell (Galway), Bernadette OHanlon (Barrack Street) and Sheila Dawson (Pearse Park), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Dympna was predeceased by her brother, John McEneaney and sisters, Olive Matthews, Breda Hanratty and Margaret, who died in infancy. Requiem Mass in St. Laurences Church, Omeath, was celebrated by Fr. Stansfield, assisted by Fr. McElwee, Fr. Mac Raois and Fr. Shevlin. Readings were given by son, Paul and niece, Sinead Malone, while Prayers of the Faithful were led by grand-daughter, Leah McNally and nieces, Geraldine Devlin, Annemaria McEneaney, Mairead OHanlon, Julia Cleary and Louise McDonald. Tokens symbolising Dympnas life were brought to the altar by sister, Sheila Dawson and nieces, Sheila Sharkey and Rita McGorrian. The Offertory gifts were taken up by sister, Bernadette OHanlon, sister-in-law, Ann Lamb and niece, Suzanne Walsh. Music was provided by Fidelma Bellew and Carmel Rice. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. The sudden passing of Peter Conlon on December 19th shocked both town and county. Peter was born in 1954 to parents Peter and Mary. He went to school in Drumsinnott N.S and Dundalk Technical School. On leaving school he worked for a short time with Joe McArdle panel beating before beginning his cooking life as a junior chef under the guidance of Tommy O'Donoghue in the Imperial Hotel. During his early years as a chef Peter worked in many local hotels as well as The Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan and The Great Southern Hotel, Rosslare. He also spent some time working at The Hilton Hotel in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In 1981 Peter married his wife Margaret (nee Kettle) and they were blessed with five wonderful children Martin, Christopher, Gareth, Deborah and Rachael. Peter's family were his whole life and in order to spent quality time with them he decided to leave the hotel business and in 1984 he set up his own business Conlon's Food Hall. He opened his first shop in Patrick St, moving to Bridge St some 18 months later before finally purchasing his flagship premises at 14 Church St where he also established a state of the art catering facility. In 2007 Peter opened in The Longwalk Shopping Centre and in 2015 he expanded further by opening in The Avenue Centre. He also operated a very successful canteen in St Vincent's Secondary School. Peter loved his business and his wonderful staff became his extended family. He had a wonderful relationship with his customers, valuing each and every person who came through the doors counting them as friends. Peter was involved with many charities and he worked tirelessly to support them. These charities included Vita, Crumlin Children's Charity and Dundalk Parents and Friends of The intellectually disabled for which he organised his Monaghan Way walk over the last few years. There were also many charities he supported privately. Travelling was also a great passion of Peter's and as part of his charity work he travelled to various parts of Africa, Mexico and the U.S.A taking parts in sponsored walks and educational workshops. Peter and Margaret had many happy holidays abroad with their children and in more recent years the two of them enjoyed many trips to various locations in Europe. Peter's greatest pleasure what the time he spent with his family and he always encouraged them in everything they undertook. He was especially proud when his son Christopher joined him in Conlon Food Hall and the business continues to thrive under his leadership. Peter will be sadly missed by his loving wife Margaret, sons Martin, Christopher, Gareth, daughters Deborah and Rachael, daughter in law Melanie, Christopher's partner Orla and Rachael's partner Conor, brother Jimmy, sister Geraldine, mother in law Bridie, sisters in law Margaret and Caroline, brother in law Derek, extended family, loyal staff and wide circle of friends. Peter reposed at his home at Gorteen, Inniskeen until he was taken to Mary Mother of Mercy church, Inniskeen were his moving requiem Mass was celebrated by his friend and cousin Fr. Noel Conlon. The readings at Mass were given by sister in law Caroline Murphy and Rachael's partner Conor McGinnity, Prayers of the faithful were led by Melanie Conlon, Adrian Conlon, Michelle Goss, Marie Markey and Mark Conlon. Presentation of Offertory Gifts was by Christopher and Deborah Conlon. Symbols of Peter's life were presented by Sean Murphy, Zoe, Jessica and Brad Rooney. The beautiful music was by Grainne and Naoise Murphy, Derek Kettle and Tony Hande. A communion reflection was read by Rachael Conlon while Gareth Conlon read a moving and fitting tribute to his Dad. Peter was laid to rest in St Mary's Cemetery Inniskeen, Guards of Honours were provided by Staff of Conlon Food Hall, Inniskeen Grattans, Pupils of St Vincents Secondary School and Pupils of St Daigs N.S where Peter served for many years on the Board of Management. 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Climate change is real and its effects are already visibleeven more so when you can see them play out on the big screen. The 15th Wild and Scenic Film Festival, in Nevada City in January, was rife with such evidence. Unlike most film festivals put on by big production companies, this one is produced by a nonprofit environmental organization called South Yuba River Citizens Leagueand powered by 700 of its volunteers. The organizers passion is clear and so is their intent: to inspire audiences to take action on the challenges facing our planet. With climate change at the top of that particular list and 120 films running over the course of a weekend, its safe to say this reviewer faced no shortage of opportunity to sit back, relax and learn. From the gravely sobering, to the relentlessly hopeful, to the darkly comedic, this years standout climate-related films showcased the range of feeling one might have about climate change. A few themes ran through each, however. Several pointed to a need for a complete transformation of the economic system, connecting the dots between energy, economy and environment. They also highlighted major momentum in the renewable energy sector. But most fundamentally, they went to the experts for the facts, then wove together compelling narratives to bring climate scienceand actionto life. Following are four recommendations for provocative, intelligently made films that can make audiences think, feel and act. [vimeo https://vimeo.com/189104269 expand=1] This harrowing yet dispassionate story opens with stark footage (like this) of soldiers scrambling out of trenches, some to, some away from the mushroom cloud rising in the distancea fitting introduction for a film that suggests we are already perilously close to a new order of global disaster. From there, tension is sustained throughout, as some of our nations highest ranking military and State and Defense Department leaders walk us through eight concrete ways in which climate change is emerging as a grave threat to national security. Graphically illustrating how years of unprecedented drought have contributed to the rise of radicalization in Syria, Afghanistan and Sudan, as well as catastrophes yet to come, such as sea-level rise and mass displacement in Bangladesh, the film lays bare the implications for global conflict. It also shows the vulnerabilities at home, from Katrina to Superstorm Sandys crippling effects on New York City, to projections that the worlds largest military base, in Norfolk, Virginia, is on track for frequent flooding as soon as 2040. The film traverses the world and the offices and libraries of major military leaders to show the cascading impacts of climate-related disasters like extreme weather, drought, sea-level rise and food shortage on other pressures like poverty, conflict, capacity issues and migration, all together making existing vulnerabilities even more fraught. Throughout, we learn the many ways that leaders like former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and George Schultz and Marine Brigadier General Stephen Cheney have worked to call attention to the deep connection between security and climate change. And yet their warnings have often fallen on deaf ears, because some people still dont accept that climate change is happening. In what may be the films most memorable comment, former army officer and artillery tank driver Michael Breen points out that if 99 percent of intelligence experts told him there was an ambush ahead, he would listenhe wouldnt say there was a 1 percent chance of no ambush. In this age of consequences, the film suggests, we cannot afford to ignore the vast majority of scientists warnings. And yet, Breen later argues, were not even engaging in the first line of defense. The story ends with a call to action. Just as the precise future of climate change impacts is unpredictable, so too is the human potential to rise to the challenge. Wrapping up with a veritable PSA for renewables and for programs that connect veterans with clean energy jobs, the film closes with the reminder that there is still time left to act. And time is the one resource we cant replenish. What now? Watch the trailer. Read The Tropic of Chaos, which outlines the convergence of poverty, violence and climate change; and or the Union of Concerned Scientists report on sea rise and naval bases. Learn about the Solar Ready Vets project. read page 1 [vimeo https://vimeo.com/188932447 expand=1] Emma Thompson guides the audience through a journey that chronicles the rise of extreme energy, detailing the economic costs of more intensive energy production and the people and wildlife caught in the crossfire. To set the stage, the film begins with a reminder of the many ways energy is embedded in our daily livesfar beyond the food we eat and vehicles we drive. Thus begins the films crash course in energy and economics 101, with background on how conventional crude oil petroleum was once relatively cheap in economic termsuntil the first few years of the 21st century. Thats when the industry turned to extreme sources, like tar sands, tight oil, shale gas and shale oil, which are all far more expensive to find, extract and process than old wells. In other words, this is not your grandfathers oil industry. Extreme energy extraction, as the film describes, represents a giant step down in terms of energy return versus energy invested (EROI). Thats because once upon a time, investing one barrel of oil in oil development could yield an average of 100 barrels of oil (100:1 EROI). But that was back in the 1930s, when oil seemed to bubble out of the ground faster than people could find it. Fast forward to today, when affordable, easy-to-tap sources are running out. With the intense processes required to extract shale gas, for example, the EROI drops to 10:1and much lower after three years. More than simply being an economic argument, however, the film forces its audience to also consider environmental and human costs. For example, are we adequately accounting for frackings being a major source of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide? What about its impact on humans and wildlife? For example, around Canadas high Arctic regionthe epicenter of unconventional oil and gas explorationmassive ships are conducting seismic testing, which happens around the clock and can be heard half the Atlantic away. An Inuit village mayor shares his concerns that this noise is devastating animal populations that the Inuit hunt to survive. Theres also the Canadian farmer who stands to lose his land to shale gas development, the river conservationist in Utah fighting to protect the Colorado River and the Simon Fraser University professor engaging in civil disobedience to protect public land from exploration. Together, these individuals help the film make its case that many people are already being affected by the energy industrys impact on climateand theyre taking action. What now? Watch the trailer and read The Perfect Storm: Energy, Finance and the End of Growth, which drills into the EROI theory. read page 1 Would any sane person think [individual action] could have stopped Hitler? From this provocative opening question, an irreverent narrator makes a strong case against focusing on personal responsibility in a time of climate crisis. Instead, the argument goes, focus should go to holding corporations and governments accountable. Based on an essay of the same name, the narrative comes to life with vibrant footage thats jarringly incongruous. For example, while pointing out that An Inconvenient Truth suggested personal changes, like swapping out a lightbulb, images of manufacturing plants and snarled traffic flash across the screen. Core to the filmmakers perspective is the idea that even if every individual did make a radical change, it would always be a pittance compared to, say, what the business community and governments might bring to the table. But rather than leaving its audience with a sense of powerlessness, the film lays out one clear way forward: acting decisively together to stop the excesses of the industrial economy. Now what? Watch the movie here. Go on; its short! read page 1 4. The Future of Energy: Lateral Power to the People (Brett Mazurek, Maximilian DeArmon, Missy Lahren, U.S., 2016) The filmmakers on scene for the festival described their film as a love letteran apt description for a film that crosses the country to show people who are enthusiastically pushing away from fossil fuels and toward 100 percent renewable power. We were just looking for people that inspired us, said writer-producer Maximilian DeArmon of the journey that took them across the country to meet an array of civic leaders, energy experts and passionate volunteers who are contributing to the renewable energy revolution. In some cases, the stories are practical success stories. For example, the Republican mayors of Greensburg, Kansas and Lancaster, California, have shown in their towns that advancing renewable power on a large scale can have major benefits and profitability. This, DeArmon said, indicates that investing in clean energy is doable even if the federal government doesnt go for it. The film is aesthetically uplifting, too, teeming with evocative portraits of people and places across our vibrant planet and punctuated by original music from Michael Franti. Theres also the amusing ZNE Cribs edition segment, an MTV-style tour of an enviable green home that produces all its own energy and can even charge a car. But despite its focus on the positive, the film is by no means Pollyannaish. Weaving in psychological and philosophical themes, the narrator poses questions such as, Does relying on dead energy (from fossil fuels) affect our psychology? If so, why continue to use it when we could be tapping into the living energy of the sun? And then theres the real mind-bender: How can people handle the uphill battle it will take to achieve a clean-energy society, particularly at a time when so much doubt exists that one is possible? Eco-philosopher Joanna Masey advises our narrator, Get used to it. There is so much happening on the grassroots level, she says: Just keep going. Closing on a rousing Goonies-esque sentiment that now is our time, the film says we each have a chance to make a difference. The future is in our hands. The question is what do we do with it? Now what? Watch the trailer, read up on experts featured in the film like 350.org founder Bill McKibben and the author of the Third Industrial Revolution, Jeremy Rifkin and check out the filmmakers suggested action plan. Reposted with permission from our media associate Yale Climate Connections. Latest News IIT Delhi celebrates 53rd annual convocation, awards 2200 degrees Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee attended the event as a chief guest NEET PG mop-up round registrations to end today Candidates can lock their choices from 3 pm to 11.55 PM on November 5, 2022 After Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand to have MBBS taught in Hindi from next year The Medical Education Minister said a committee will prepare a draft of the new syllabus after studying the To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020. 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April/May 2017, have been seriously hit nowadays by synchronous personal accusations of wrongdoings launched, all out of a sudden, by various kinds of "Judges" appointed by Out-Going Socialist rulers, both inside France and in EU Parliament, while, on the Contrary, Nobody Else, from the Center and/or the Left is currently eyed by anything similar, despite 5 recent Years spend in all Governing posts (2012-2017). Nobody explained the Surprizing Fact that both the Front-Runner Presidential Candidate, Francois Fillon, (who recently became Leader of the mainstream Center-Right Party of "the Republicans" : See, f.ex. ...), as well as Rightist Leader Marine Le Pen, (Head of the "National Front" and co-ChairWoman of EU Parliament's "Nations and Freedom" Group of MEPs, credited with the Highest score by all Polls, but isolated and losing in the 2nd Round), and even, now, former President Nicolas Sarkozy, (who created Both the Winning "UMP" Party that had brillantly snaped the 2007 Elections, and the New "Republicans"' Party, at the Head of which he had been re-Elected on 2015-2016), have suddenly been all hit by negative allegations and targetted by various personal Sanctions, after all these Years without so serious problems in these regards, but right Now : just 2 Months' Time before the Crucial April 2017 popular Vote... But many criticaly noticed, however, also the Fact that, in Addition to Fillon's Judges being reportedly Appointed by former Socialist Minister Taubira, (author of a Controversial and UnPopular Law against Natural Family's and Childrens' BioEthics, which threw many Hundredrs of Thousands of French People repeatedly at the Strests, protesting for Years against the Imposal of "Same Sex Marriage" and even "Adoption" of Children by Homosexual couples, etc., facing unprecedented levels of Police Brutality, that even CoE's Resolutions officialy Condemned in Strasbourg), and/or being allegedly too close to out-going Socialist President Hollande, it's even during the tenure of Socialist former-Long Time President of EU Parliamet, Martin Schultz, that Marine Le Pen was investigated and condemned to pay back, retrospectively, all the Salaries of her private Office's Director, resulting in a quasi-total Cut to her own salary as MEP nowadays, while Sarkozy was send to a Court also by a controversial Judge, who was curiously Alone to Sign such a decision, Not Endorsed at all by the 2nd competent Judge, the experienced Van Ruymbeke, said to be more objective, (even if Not of the Right). By anOther Timely Coincidence, almost at the Same Time, in North America, New US President, Don Trump, has notoriously seen one of his Landmark Measures, among the most important pre-Electoral Promisses, related to the Fight agains Islamist Terrorism, being Stuck, just because an unknown, unelected Provincial, 1st level Judge, at far away California (which has recently become a Socialist/Dems' stronghokld, with the sole exception of a Tiny, still resisting part of LA's suroundings), apparently arbitrarily chose to Block it, awaiting Higher Rulings from Appeal Judges and/or the US Federal Supreme Court, (where Obama has notoriously Appointed a lot of Judges of his preference, during the last 8 Years : 2009-2017). Almost in parallel, Poland's embattled Prime Minister, Beata Szydlo, has explained to European Organisations, (as, f.ex. EU Parliament at his latest, January 2017 Plenary Session in Strasbourg, etc.), that while the Previous, Socialist Governments had practicaly apointed all 15 Constitutional Court's Judges in the Past, on the Contrary, her New Government, which has Won recently Both the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections, does not intend to appoint more than 5 such New Judges, leaving anOther 8 to be chosen by the already existing Majority in the country's Highest Court. Similar Issues had been raised also in the recent Past, vis a vis Hungary's popular Prime Minister, Victor Orban, (etc), who is also a Center-Right Politician, quite vocal and active at EU level and beyond, with close relations to Poland, particularly in the context of the "Visegrad" Group of EU Member Coutries, (Chech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc). Another Key Point, Common to all those, recently Targetted EU Leaders is also the notorious Fact that they are almost all, in one way or another, more or less Favorable to the development of Good Relations between the EU and Russia, particulalry concernin the current Need to strongly Fight ISIL's Islamic Terrorism, including on searching Peace in Syria, etc. On the contrary, Neither among the Left and Center-Left's Top Politicians have been indisposed nowadys by any Judges' such interferences, be it Melanchon, Hamon or Macron, and including Center-leaning "Republican" politician, former Prime Minister Juppe, as well as various Other "Small" Candidates of the Right and/or the Left, at least until now. Concerning Sarkozy, that controversial decision affecting him now (Comp. Supra and Infra), comes after 5 whole Years since he left power (2012-2017). For Fillon, controversial accusations (See Infra), concern alleged suspicions Dating even Longer, Back in the Past : from 1988 up to 2012, and/or between 2002-2007, with the sole Exception of only 1 year later on 2013. Only for Marine Le Pen, allegations apparently include a post 2014 period. In substance, and a priori, almost Nothing among what some currently repproach to those 3 French Leaders of Right's alternatives, isn't moraly or ethicaly very serious, nor particularly grave : F.ex., No Abuse of Power, No Oppression of Human Rights, No Violation of Democratic Principles, No Harassment against any Citizens, No Embezlement, No Corruption, No Immoral relations, etc. F.ex., in the case of Fillon, it's mainly about his Long-time Choice to Work Together with his Family, particularly his Wife, Penelope Fillon (of British origin), and Briefly also with his 2 Children, that he used to Employ himself among his own Assistants in order to Help him in his Duties as former Elected MP. I.e. Something that about 15% of all Other MPs or Senators also use to do in France. One can imagine what Scandal it would have been, if he had, on the Contrary, f.ex.,, Employed a Prostitute and/or a Blondy Lover, etc., or even if he had followed, mutatis-mutandis, the Bad Example of former Long-Time British "Labour" (Socialist) Prime Minister WIlson, who had notoriously Appointed his Personal Secretary to the prestigious ..."House of Lords", making of her a Noble lavishly subsidized by Public Funds during all her Live, and afterwards Adding even his private Car Driver ! For Sarkozy, it's simply about his alleged Wish to meet and speak with the People, in Transparent, Public Meetings, as often as possible, during the Most Crucial Moment of the 2012 Presidential Election. Some indelicate Staffers in his Party (whose Direction he had been Obliged to Leave to Others, during his Presidential Duties and well beyond : 2007-2014) are accused to have Hidden the exact Amount of Money that they Spend for that Electoral Campaign, under a system of Artificial Bill-Notes, (f.ex. the Cost of a Meeting Room Location would be presented as an unrelated Service, i.e. on protecting Computers from Hacking, etc). But not even that Controversial, Lone Judge who seeks to send him now to Court, does Not Claim that Sarkozy might have been involved in that, Neither that he might have been an accomplice, Not even that he really and clearly New about that : He simply Supposes that it wouldn't seem "credible" (to him) that Sarkozy might have, indeed, Delegated and EnTrusted so many Responsibilities for that (2012) Campaign to Other People, who held Important Jobs inside the Party, (as an Extract from Official Documents, published by "Le Monde", Socialist-leaning Newspaper, reveals). And "Eurofora", after closely Following both the 2007 and the 2012 Electoral Presidential Campaigns, (in addition also to the 2009 EU Parliament Election campaign, etc), is well placed in order to Attest that Sarkozy obviously was much more personaly involved on 2007, than on 2012, Meeting also People on 2007, withOut Spending a lot of Money, but Keeping Closer and Directly connected to Politcians, Citizens, Journalists, etc, in order to Directly and Freely pass his Message, while, on the Contrary, on 2012, some Others had apparently Abused of his Trust, by Choosing to Spend a lot of Money, often even for Unecessary or Superfluous things, while also Cutting him Out of Direct Contacts with the People and/or Journalists, keeping him Behind "Luxury Walls" that Dangerously but systematicaly separated Sarkozy from his "Natural" element : the Direct Contacts and Exchanges with the People and Journalists, etc, (f.ex. in Modern, Equiped Press-Areas or even Special Press-Rooms full of Giant CCTV Screens, Food, etc, but located ...Far Away from Sarkozy, Unlike what had been the case Back on 2007, when he could simply emerge, at any moment, among the Journalists, working in a Simple Room very Near to the Forum where he Spoke, etc). To the point that, even when the Presidential Palace "Elysee" wished to Spread around to the People an "Open Letter" that Sarkozy had written for the 2nd Round of the 2012 Presidential Election, it was, Surprisingly, so Difficult to find it otherwise, than, by ...contacting Directly the Elysee itself ! As for the Substance of the Political Positions transmitted and debated with the People, for the 1st Time, any Experienced person had clearly the Impression that, Unlike what had happened back on 2007, on the Contrary, on 2012, it was No More Sarkozy himself who directly Determined and Shaped the main Political Choices by himself, but rather a quasi-Bureaucratic Mechanism full of various Apparartchick and other Intermediaries, many of whom often reacted according to their own views, instead of simply and faithfully reflecting those of the President... In other words, to put it in a nutshell, the ambiant Impression really felt in practice was that, in fact, Sarkozy himself had been the 1st Victim of what might have been a kind of sly, silent but real Undermining of his 2012 Electoral Campaiogn by a Group of Intermediaries who Sabotaged his Chances ! Perhaps, it's also if and when he Felt also himself something like this going on behind his back, (while he personaly had also the Heavy Responsibility of running the State, particularly at a moment that even the Islamist Terrorism had already Started top Murder Civilians, with the "Merah" affair, etc), that Sarkozy tried, then, desperately, to Directly Reach out himself to the People, by asking for 1 Public Meeting each Day, (as that Judge pointed out). On the Contrary, his main Competitor then, the currently Out-going Socialist President Hollande, who had also, reportedly, reached the Legal Limit of "regular" Electoral Spending, suddenly, suspended a public meeting, but went on to visit "privately" Nevers' province, pretexting of the Anniversary of the Death, in the Past, of a Socialist former Prime Minister (Beregovoy), there where, by a Coincidence, at the Same Moment, Turkish Buisinessmen reportedly searched, then, to Invest their Money into Buying an ailing French Factory linked to a Modern Technology invented in Europe, Returning back to Paris for an Unexpectedly Big Public Meeting at the "Chateau des Vinceness", surprisingly, withOut, finaly, being accused to have bypassed the Limits of Regular Public Funding for his own Campaign, (unlike of what many had prognosticated before that). So that it would seem at least Moraly Schocking to attempt to Punish Today the No 1 "Victim" of what an unscrupulous Group might have done wrong, to the Detriment of Sarkozy himself, i.e. by slyly Undermining his 2012 Electoral Campaign, (Comp. Supra)... --------------------- As for Marine Le Pen, EU Officials reportedly accuse her to have simply used, a more or less important part of the activities of her private Office's Head, (i.e., officialy her "Assistant" in EU Parliament), much More for her well known Duties as also Leader of the "National Front" Party in France, than for her Specific Duties as EU Parliament's MEP : Obviously, a quite Delicate technical Distinction to make in Everyday real Practice, particularly for Politicians who have Both National and European responsibilities. At any case, by sharply Cutting a lot of her own, normaly available resources, precisely at the Last Minute of that "Hot" French Presidential Election of April 2017, such a Measure, (prepared mainly under the recently gone, Long-time former EU Parliament President Martin Schulz, who notoriously went Back to Germany to challenge as a Socialist Candidate the ChristianDemocrat/EPP Candidate to the September 2017 National Elections, Chancellor Angie Merkel), such a Move inevitably Hampers, more or less, also her practical ability to really cope also with her Parallel, but Inevitably criss-crossing Political activities in France and in EU levels, almost at the same time. On the Contrary, however, one among her Competitors in the forthcoming, French Presidential Elections, the Leader of the Left, MEP Melanchon, continues to regularly receive his full normal Salary at EU Parliament, and to naturaly benefit from all his Assistants accredited there, apparently withOut any problem at all... --------------------------------------------- Obviously, however, the Biggest Political Upheaval was provoked recently, by that Sudden series of Accusations against Fillon, (Comp. Supra), who was Widely considered, until now, as almost Ensured to have All Chances to Win the 2017 French Presidential Elecction, after he Succeeded to arrive at the 1st Place, in the Center-Right's "Primaries", back on 2016, (See, f.ex. : ... + ...), since Marine Le Pen would be probably Isolated at the 2nd Round, while the Socialists didn't seem to have any really Dangerous Candidate, able to face the Republicans at the 1st Round, as most Polls used to show. On the Contrary, AFTER the recent Accusations, by Judicial sources' Leakages, Press Reports, etc., suddenly, Fillon's chances apparently diminished, (while Remaining, nevertheless, still Important), to the Benefit mainly of former Socialist Minister of Finance, Emmanuel Macron, (a Center-Left new politician, ambitious to take his 1st chance to face an Election, by Starting from an Atempt to snatch the Top Job). >>> Therefore, it's Important to clearly know whether, all these Sudden Accusations might be True, or not, Justified or Unjust, regularly or irregularly launched, (etc), the Soonest possible Before a long awaited, Democratic Public Debate on the main Positions of each one among the main Candidates, on the most Important Issues affecting Today People's Lives. Ortherwise, Democracy risks to be obviously Hurt, in a Country particularly Important for Europe and the World, as France, (an UN SC Permanent Member, and Part of the Franco-German "Core" of the EU), as well as People's Right to participate in Free and Fair Electoral public Debates and Votes for a well inormed Choice of the Candidates that they prefer, would face a Danger of Biais. Concerning at least the Main Facts, at first, the Amounts of Money reportedly received mainly by Fillon's Wife (and, for a much Smaller Part, by his 2 Children) while Employed by him as "Parliamentary Assistants", apparently, don't really seem exagerated, but rather quite of an Average Level, Compared to Other Cases, at least for the Longest Period of Time, (i.e. that of 1988-2007, etc). It seems that, Afterwards, i.e. when Fillon, becaming Prime Minister, gave his Constituency to anOther MP, instead of roughly the Half, as it was the case Before, his Wife would have started to receive almost the Full Amount of Money legaly allocated by the French Parliament to each MP for the payment of his/her Assistants or Assistant. But that would have durated during a comparatively Shorter period of Time, and, at any case, it seems that, according to the French Laws, it's the Right of every MP to dispose as he/she wishes of the Funds destinated for his Assistance. F.ex., Fillon and/or his Successor apparently could even have Kept all those Funds for themselves, using them as they found best in relation with their MP duties, without even paying any Assistant at all, or Sharing it between several Aqssistants, if not giving it all to just 1 Assistant, etc. Last, but not least, it seems that Ordinary "Financial Prosecutors", (who depend mainly from the competent Governemental Ministries, would Not have legaly a Competence in order to Directly Interfere in the Worlk of Democraticaly Elected MPs, (who shoud, Normaly, be Monitored only by the Parliament's Highest Authorities themselves, also because of the Basic Constitutional Principle of the "Separation of Powers"). I.e., by anOther Timely "Coincidence", something almost Similar to one among the Legal and Political Arguments reportedly used, Nowadays, also by the New US President Don Trump, against some Local Judges' attempts to Block his main Decisions on National Security issues for the Prevention of more Islamist Terrorist Attacks, as those who have Recently Targetted and Killed a lot of Innocent, Civilian People, both in Europe and inside the US itself, (Comp. Supra)... It might, however, be true that, eventualy, the Level of a Salary received Later-on, in 2013+, by a Private Magazine ("Review of 2 Worlds"), where Fillon's Wife had found anOther Job, as a Litterature Expert, thanks also to one of the Owners, before being apparently Obliged to Resign, after a Conflict with the Chief Editor, could seem to be somewhat Bigger than normaly expected, at least according to some Medias. But, at any case, it's also a Fact that she didn't stay there but Only for the Short Time of just One (1) Year, so that this can't be considered as so important as some had claimed, (particulary, in comparison with the Huge Political Stakes for all People and Europe in the forthcoming April 2017 French Presidential Election, which, apparently shouldn't face a Big Upheaval, only for so little)... Thus, the main Focus of Fillon's Critics pointed at Claims accusing his Wife about so-called "Fake Work", i.e. allegations that Salaries would have been Paid, all these Years, (practicaly from 1988 up to 2013+ : Comp. Supra), withOut any kind of useful relevant Work having ever been provided by her at all : An apparently quite Exagerated and Risky Claim, quite Difficult, moreover, to unquestionably Prove in real Practice, particularly given the Nature of everyday Family relations in such matters, (f.ex. SMEs, MPs, Shopkeepers, Craftsmen, Journalists, Writers, Artists, and other Independent Workers, etc). From what is known on public, Penelope Fillon managed to present a notable Number of Texts she had Drafted (and some of them Published, even with that Hostile Chief Editor : Comp. Supra) while Employed by the above-mentioned Private Media for 1 Year, (where she had also been reportedly Asked to give, in Addition, several "Strategic Analysis", orally). For the rest, Fillon's Family apparently Used to Work Together, his Wife Helping him in his Political Activities right from the Start, i.e. since 1988 (Comp. Supra), as many Married Couples notoriously do, particularly in such kind of cases, and/or Similar ones (Comp. the various concrete examples already cited above). Parliamentary Assistants who work at the Constituencies of MPs, do Not need to always have any Badge and/or Email also at the National Assembly's headquarters in Paris, as several Media observed. At any case, Each MP has the Right to use the Funds allocated by the Parliament for his Assistants as he thinks Best, and, it seems, that he/she can even Keep that Money, in all or in part, as many MPs actually do. Last, but not least, as we already Noted Above, ordinary Financial Prosecutors should Not, normaly, interfere so harshly in the activities of Democraticaly Elected MPs, who should be Monitored mainly by the Parliament's Authorities, because of the Respect due to the Bacic Constitutional Principle of the "Separation of Powers", between Parliamentarians and Government, described Historicaly by French Philosopher Montesquieu, and generaly Endorsed by Modern Democracies Worldwide, (Comp. Supra). Some Critics have Argued that, at least Certain among those generaly accepted Legal points, should, normaly, be Abolished in the Future, and it's true that Fillon himself reportedly acknowledged that some points should be Rectified, as a matter of general principle for all involved. Moreover, "Eurofora" does Not possess all the required Factual and Legal Elements, and does Not Intend to pursue in further Detail this matter, which is Not yet 100% Public, Neither clearly inside our main Scope of Journalistic Activities and Aims. Given also the undeniable Fact thatn what is really at Stake in the forthcoming April 2017 Presidential Election is, both for France and Europe, by far, too Important to let it be, eventualy, jeopardised by any kind of hasty, last-minute attempt to slander political adversaries, and/or Bypass a normal Democratic Debate on the main Issues which affect People's Lives and Forge their Collective Future. Particularly when there is also a recent Astonishing precedent of the Popular Mayor of Historic, Aix en Provence City, (UNESCO protected Cultural Heritage site), the 4 Times re-Elected in a row, Maryse Joissains-Masini, (another Center-Right politician from the "Republicans", atypical Daughter of a former Communist during the NAZI Invasion and Occupation at World War 2), Famous for having strongly supported, as a Lawyer of Victims of Fatal Medical Errors, the "Principle of Precaution" in BioEthics, who, shortly after Daring Contest the Legitimacy of the 2012 Election of Socialist President Hollande (who Decided now Not to Participate in the 2017 Election), suddenly Faced, just for Promoting a Municipal Agent reportedly Harassed in the Past by a former Socialist Municipality, and Hiring a Defender of Animals in her private Office, even an ..Arrest, as if she was a Criminal, with Accusations by a local Prosecutor for allegedly ...Abusing of an Illegal Interest and/or Stealing Public Funds (sic !) in his view... (.../...) *** ("Draft"News, as already send to "Eurofora" Subscribers/Donors, earlier. A more accurate, full Final Version, might be published asap). *** The often-heard assertion that a scientific consensus exists in favor of orthodox Darwinian theory is true on the surface, but otherwise deceptive. Yes, a large majority of scientists if pressed, especially in public, would hastily affirm that neo-Darwinism explains the development of complex biological forms. We know, however, that this apparent agreement conceals a great deal of intellectual and personal turmoil, just behind the facade. The unanimity is maintained by a tight discipline that includes outright censorship. Thats why every year Discovery Institutes Center for Science & Culture recognizes a Censor of the Year, an outstanding example of a person or institution that contributed to this pro-Darwin consensus through intimidation, agitation, or professional retaliation. Now, with the debate about intelligent design (ID) taking place on an increasingly international stage, we reach across the Atlantic to name Germanys Natural History Museum in Stuttgart as our 2017 Censor of the Year. If you follow us at Evolution News, youll already have an inkling of the story that lies behind this choice. On Friday we announced a new Senior Fellow with the CSC, the distinguished German paleo-entomologist Gunter Bechly, formerly curator of amber and fossil insects at the Natural History Museum. In welcoming Dr. Bechly, a specialist in dragonflies, we left out one thing. After coming out as an ID sympathizer in 2015, following his private exploration of the evidence for design in nature, Bechly was the victim of retaliation and censorship by his institution. Though the addition of Dr. Bechly to our scientific community is a wonderful boon to us, the ensuing parting of the ways with his museum came with heavy personal, professional, and health costs. As told in the documentary Revolutionary (see an excerpt below), his doubts on evolution were first stirred in 2009 when he organized an exhibition to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of Species and the 200th anniversary of Darwins birth. The exhibit included a display of a scale weighing the Origin against a collection of ID books by Michael Behe, Stephen Meyer, William Dembski, and others. Bechlys mistake was to actually read those books. This commenced a journey for him, motivated by scientific curiosity, not religion. As he recalls in the film, he had no religion to begin with, but only a love of and fascination with nature and animals. He kept his interest in and support of ID private until October 2015, when he broached the subject on Facebook and a personal web page. Even then, Gunter kept his ID writing strictly separate from his work for the museum. But word got out. He has shared it all with us, though some must be kept back, including names and positions, to protect innocent parties. It began with strange smiles from colleagues, icy faces, and backstabbing gossip, moving on finally to open hostility. Without warning, his applications to acquire new fossil material say, a collection of mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber were blocked by unprecedented bureaucratic obstacles. He learned that a position he relied on, his amber preparator (handler), was proposed to go unfilled after its previous occupant retired. Emails among his fellow scientists asked, Have you already heard that Bechly has become a creationist? How shall we react and what can we do about it? Conspiratorial meetings took place behind his back, as a colleague wondered, How can we help Gunter? as if he were unwell. Co-workers placed phone calls to scientists outside the museum to ask if they knew about Bechlys turn to creationism. He was told that the large amber collection he was responsible for as curator would be moved away from his office. He was directed to resign from a position as ombudsman for the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation), a research-funding group. A colleague sought to draw out evidence of his heresy in a seemingly friendly email exchange, after which Gunter was summoned for a discussion of his future at the institution. Says Dr. Bechly, he was told that as a big threat to the credibility and reputation of the museum, he was no longer welcome, and that it would be appreciated if I would decide to quit. The museum also informed him that colleagues no longer want to collaborate with him. To reinforce the impression that Bechly would no longer enjoy a comfortable, supportive, and productive professional life there, the museum deleted his webpages (which made no mention of ID) and erased him from its own website. It dismissed him as scientific head of a major exhibition he had conceived and designed, Life in the Amber Forest. Dr. Bechly was now forced to report as an underling to a colleague with no expertise in his area. He asked if he was being accused of any misconduct, and received the answer that, no, that certainly wasnt the case. On the contrary, his 17 years of work at the museum had been exemplary. Seventeen years of fine work! And he was being gradually forced out over privately held views. After a few days of soul searching and long discussions with my wife, says Bechly, I decided that it did not make sense anymore to continue working in a hostile environment that makes productive research and collaboration with colleagues impossible. He resigned this past December, and now joins us. It was offensive, humiliating, and unfair, Bechly concludes in an apt summary. A few weeks after his resignation he received a troubling medical diagnosis of severe heart problems. He faces heart surgery later this month. His story reminds us of many other cases, some involving past Censors of the Year. It recalls in particular evolutionary biologist Richard Sternbergs experience at the Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History. That was after Dr. Sternberg published a peer-reviewed article by ID proponent Dr. Stephen Meyer in a journal that Sternberg edited, Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. (I wrote about that in the Wall Street Journal and at National Review Online.) For his offense editing an article! Sternberg suffered retaliation including being denied access to specimen collections, having his master key taken away from him, and an internal investigation of his religious and political belief. As with Bechly, colleagues refused to work him, and he was eventually forced out of his position. This is how the consensus for Darwinian evolution is maintained. Oh, not only or primarily through outright censorship. Vanity is the single most effective tool that ensures uniformity of opinion. Men are monsters of vanity males especially, but women too. The pressure to be on the prestige side of any significant disagreement is intense, a fact often unacknowledged unless you are pretty honest with yourself. This holds across science, the media, education, politics, religion, and other fields. Dr. Bechly was among the contingent of ID-friendly scientists present at the Royal Society meeting (New Trends in Evolutionary Biology) in London last November. Another scientist on hand, we noted, a senior figure with views on Darwin overlapping with ours but allergic to ID itself, was visibly skittish about even being seen talking with us. So it goes. Doubts about Darwin are also held in check by fear of what will happen to you if the suspicion gets around that youre in league with the creationists. That word alone a masterpiece agitprop tool in the hands of Darwin enforcers, applied to everyone from Biblical literalists to the most sophisticated scientists examining objective evidence of design in nature does all the work of intimidation needed to keep most people in line. But fear of punishment is a major factor too. When a scientist really does cross the line, as Gunter Bechly did, the hammer almost always comes down, ruthlessly. So it proved at Stuttgarts Natural History Museum. Gunters case, like others, is revealing. We know of many science professionals whose career or research would be endangered if we said a word here about their ID sympathies. Instances like that come to our attention all the time, and prudence keeps us from saying more. Someday, a tipping point will come. Numerous closets will open in a swell of confessions: Ive doubted the straight Darwin story for years. Ive long suspected that design or teleology of some kind must have played a role in evolution, but I would never admit it till now. And at that time well stop giving out Censor of the Year awards. But that day has not yet arrived. Im on Twitter. Follow me @d_klinghoffer. Hi there.. I may mark some points on 3rd and 4th questions: 3.what expenses can we reduce and by how much, by living in a 3bed apartment instead of a villa? Or they would cost the same? - well, it completely depends on the location that you are comparing with. A 3 bedroom villa normally costs higher rather than such apartment (in the same area). But if you compare villa in e.g. DubaiLand community, and 3 bed apartment in JBR - villa might look even cheaper. You can find a nice (big) 3bedroom apartment in Dubai marina for 185-190K dirhams, however with the same amount or for even less, you can get a separate villa in Al Furjan area, or Springs (that is roughly 15 minutes driving distance from Marina. 4.what costs do tenants have to pay besides the rent when renting a property?Any fees/deposits etc? - Rental amount (normally by PDC cheques) - brokers normally charge 5% fee on rental amount (some even try to get a 10% for furnished ones, but you can always negotiate) - home owners normally get 5% deposit for unfurnished (and sometimes 10% for furnished) apartments: this is the security deposit (refundable upon vacating the premises if everything in the property is at the same condition as was given) - there is ejari registration - make sure that landlord will pay this fee (although it is not much) - you will be paying for DEWA bills (for water and electricity) - there is also A/C (cooling) - some buildings are with chiller free and some without. so if chiller is separate, than you have to pay depending on your usage Once you have a 3 months salary certificate + bank statements accordingly, you can even get a house at your own, you will not have to pay the full amount, as you can apply for mortgage (home loan). As per UAE Central Bank, you can get up to 75% loan of the property value as an international purchaser. Hope above info finds you well... Cheers! Bekhruz Hi everybody, I moved to Charente-Maritime last July with my French husband. I am thinking of opening a small cattery here, run to English standards from our home that is situated between Jonzac and Pons. I have 16 years experience working in the family business in the UK running a Kennels and Cattery and have just passed the CCAD (Certificate de Capacite Animaux Domestiques), enabling me to work with domestic animals here in France. Before I invest, I thought it would be a good idea to do a bit of market research to see if it is the sort of service that would be of interest to any of you living here. I am also a dog groomer and would be looking to incorporate this into my business plan. It will be a very small and personal service and I would love to hear from you as to what you would consider an ideal cattery if you were to use one. Tracy I have an MBA and I have already got SAQA evaluation for my bachelor and masters degrees. At that time, I thought it should be enough to get my highest two degrees evaluated. Now I've sent a member registration application to IBASA for business analyst. They have not yet replied but I'm suddenly thinking - Did I also need to get my school-leaving certificate evaluated by SAQA?! Either for this stage, or for the final visa application stage? Should I get it done now or wait & watch? Thanks... A state plan to make it easier and cheaper for the public to access court records online is causing concern for many of the states elected district and county clerks, who fear the change could gut their budgets and violate their constitutional responsibility as custodians of the records. Bexar County collects more than $1 million a year in fees for copies of court records from both clerks offices. The total combined 2016-17 budget for both departments is about $16.6 million, according to county documents. This is a very important revenue stream, Bexar County Clerk Gerard Gerry Rickhoff said. We keep the lights on with this money. District Clerk Donna Kay McKinney concurred. Thats a lot of money for us, but the smaller counties, thats a lot of money for them, she said. The Texas Supreme Court is pushing to have public records made available through re:SearchTX, a searchable database run by Tyler Technologies, a private vendor. Judges use the system now; the plan would give the public access to the same system. But the elected clerks in more than half of Texas 254 counties, including Bexar, are adamantly opposed to re:SearchTX. They want to sell our records and keep the money, McKinney said at a Dec. 13 county commissioners meeting. And the clerks continue to be responsible for the maintenance and security of the files, with less revenue to support the services. Commissioners adopted a resolution opposing the top courts plan, as have numerous others across Texas. The clerks in opposition also have the support of state Rep. Travis Clardy, R-Nacogdoches, who has filed a bill that would stop the plan. He believes that clerks and commissioners courts should decide whether to participate. Paul Watler, a respected media attorney and past president of the Texas Freedom of Information Foundation, said its important for the public to have access to its records. Local court clerks have an important role to play in processing online court filings, Watler acknowledged. But they do not own those records, and the people who do own them should have ready and convenient access. Treating court records as a revenue source at the expense of public access to information about the courts and judicial proceedings is at odds with our system of democracy. Watler emphasized that the Legislature and county governments must ensure that the clerks vital functions are adequately funded. But the actual cost of providing access to electronic court records is a fraction of the cost in the paper system, Watler added. It is simply unrealistic to expect that revenues to counties can be held at analog levels in a digital world. The fees that district clerks charge are mandated in the Texas Government Code under the Judicial Branch. Section 51.318 specifically states what the clerks can charge for records, judgments, orders, pleadings or papers on file or of record, including certificate and seal on each page. The state allows clerks to charge up to $1 a page and up to an additional $1 per page for certified copies. Bexar County lists prices for copies of documents on its website. Civil court records currently are available online to official users. Rickhoff said no decision has been made on whether to add criminal records, which are now required to be filed electronically. McKinney and Rickhoff said allowing a private company to put sensitive documents online impedes their ability to be responsible for those records. Both said there is no guarantee that the records put online with a private company would be secure enough for the sensitive information in the documents, such as adoptions, expungements, Social Security numbers and dates of birth. Records are full of sensitive information, Rickhoff said. Inventory, in probate, has bank account information and all assets. How will we ensure data we redact from our records is also redacted in the copies Tyler plans to provide to customers? McKinney said sealed records are another concern. Only five people in my office can see sealed records, so were going to put them on the internet? Theyre going way too fast. Were all very leery, she said. Watler countered that records that are sealed still would be sealed. The Texas civil justice system already has sufficient safeguards in place to deal with any need for sealing of court records and protecting personal privacy, Watler said. Those issues need not stand in the way of public access to electronic court records. The database could go live by September, McKinney said. ezavala@express-news.net Twitter: @elizabeth2863 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Im no prognosticator, but I think its a safe bet that Sheryl Sculley wont be voting for Manuel Medina in this years mayoral election. Medina, the boisterous chairman of the Bexar County Democratic Party, has positioned himself as the rogue outsider in the mayoral sweepstakes, firing wildly at everything from the Vista Ridge water project to what he views as excessively high property tax appraisals. But his most consistent target has been Sculley. During a Feb. 7 town hall at the studios of radio station KTSA, Medina and the two other major candidates in the race Mayor Ivy Taylor and District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg were asked by a listener to rate the performance of Sculley and answer whether she deserves her rich compensation, which amounts to $450,000 in base pay and up to $100,000 in bonuses this year. Taylor said Sculleys skill at managing a 12,000-employee organization and a $2.5 billion municipal budget make her worth every penny. Nirenberg employed an old Babe Ruth joke (in which the Yankee slugger defended his request for a bigger salary than President Herbert Hoover received by saying, I had a better year than he did) to make the same point. Medina disagreed. Its not her performance that concerns me, he said. Its her politics. Medina cited two examples: Sculleys acrimonious battles with police and fire unions over the past three years and her appearance at a November 2016 Tech-Bloc rally to advocate in advance of a City Council vote for the extension of a pilot program for ride-hailing companies. If Medinas point was that Sculleys appearance at the rally crossed the line separating policymaking (the province of the council) and policy implementation (the responsibility of city staff), it was not very persuasive. As a rule, city staff makes recommendations on how the council should approach particular issues, and Sculleys public support for the ride-hailing ordinance fell within the bounds of that tradition. Also, Medinas depiction of the situation that Sculley went out promoting ride-share when she knows half the council members are against it was an exaggeration. Although a few votes were up in the air until the last minute, the council ultimately approved the ordinance 9-2. Medina concluded his answer by suggesting that City Hall might not be big enough for both him and Sculley. As mayor, we will talk about her, whether she stays or not, he said. I think shes going to walk away if Manuel Medina is elected mayor. This amounted to the harshest stance on Sculley that weve seen from a serious mayoral candidate since then-Mayor Phil Hardberger persuaded her to relocate from Phoenix in 2005. The closest comparison is the 2015 campaign of former Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson. Adkisson frequently argued that a leadership void in the mayors office had allowed Sculley to assume too much power. He also said Sculley didnt deserve a bonus because her collective-bargaining battles with the police union meant that she had failed to perform the core function of her job. That argument didnt resonate for Adkisson, who finished a distant fourth in the 2015 race. With a collective-bargaining deal now in place between the city and the police union, it seems even less likely that Medina will get much traction with it. KLRN backlash On Friday, this column looked at the decision by Arthur Rojas Emerson, the president and CEO of public-television station KLRN, to spike a commentary by Texas Week host Rick Casey that was critical of U.S. District 21 Congressman Lamar Smith. Emersons action met with a swift denunciation from TX21Indivisible, a group of Smiths constituents organized against the Republican agenda supported by Smith and President Donald Trump. The organization released the following statement Friday afternoon: The fact is Lamar refuses to meet with 30 percent of his district that resides in San Antonio and Austin. We believe Lamar Smith should hold a town hall rather than try to intimidate local journalists. Come talk to the voters. Stop hiding behind President Trump. And to Mr. Emerson, we must say that many of us are consumers of and donors to public television. Silencing or censoring your journalists for any reason, especially for political ends is chilling and completely unacceptable. "We're not scientists, we're practical people - it is about finding these natural barriers and going down to the sea horizon and pushing the first lot of topsoil out of the way and getting into the sea horizon and using that clay as a seal to stop water movement," he said. Fayetteville woman says anti-abortion laws hurt her mom, then herself Judy Pittard said her and her mother's pregnancy complications that required abortions were made worse by the decisions of "old men in big buildings." Trust Karan Johar to bring the most unusual pair of actors on his coffee couch. In the current season, Karan Johar will soon have the Rangoon star cast on his talk show. The interesting twist here is that both Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan have something to do with Kareena Kapoor Khan. According to reports, Saif and Kangana (the actress will make her debut appearance on the show) will be joined by Shahid Kapoor. Shahid is Kareena's ex boyfriend while Saif is her husband now. Going by the frank talk that he indulges in, KJo asks them what do they do when they come across each other. To this, both Shahid and Saif, who are fathers to new born babies, give a safe reply. They tell Karan that they get along well and talk about their babies. Saif asks about Misha and Shahid about Taimur. Shahid appeared in the latest season of the show with wife Mira and it became the most talked about of all the episodes that have been aired so far. Similarly, in the episode that will air this Sunday (February 12), cast of Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, are also all set to make an appearance together. They had previously appeared separately in Koffee With Karan Season 5 with Shah Rukh Khan and Arjun Kapoor respectively. Koffee With Karan airs every Sunday at 9 pm on Star World and Star World HD. WATCH: Koffee With Karan Frankfurt am Main (ots) -- KfW study: only 16% of SMEs rely on e-commerce - Share in total turnover is still low - Retailers, wholesalers and young businesses are pioneersE-commerce, the selling of products using online channels, still plays only a minor role in the German SME sector. A representative study conducted by KfW Research on the basis of the KfW SME Panel shows that small and medium-sized enterprises currently generate only EUR 153 billion a year through digital channels - a mere 4% of the SME sector's overall turnover. Only a small portion of SMEs, 16%, currently auses the opportunity to deliver their products or services to their customers online. In other words, eight in ten SMEs are not yet generating any turnover through digital channels. But KfW's analysis also shows that the digital transformation is slowly but surely reaching SMEs. The newer a company is in the market and the younger its owner is, the more important e-commerce is for its turnover.According to estimates by KfW Research, transactions with businesses (B2B business) currently make up the biggest share of digital turnover of SMEs by far, at EUR 144 billion. Component supplies in the engineering and motor vehicle industry play the biggest role here. In retail consumer business, all German SMEs combined generate only EUR 9 billion through e-commerce. For comparison, Amazon, the biggest online retailer, sells products worth around EUR 8 billion annually in Germany alone.Trading companies are the digitisation pioneers among SMEs, which is hardly surprising. One in three retailers and wholesalers conduct e-commerce - either in direct contact with the end consumer or as another company's supplier. Their share of online turnover is the highest, accounting for 25% of the SME sector's overall turnover. In all other sectors the online sales channel is much less important. Among the SME service providers, some 13% are active in e-commerce and the turnover they achieve through this channel is 17%.Even if the SME sector has not yet fully embraced e-commerce, whether or not an enterprise uses this mode of trading makes a significant difference for its performance. KfW's analysis revealed that small and medium-sized enterprises with extensive e-commerce activities are more optimistic about the future and have higher turnover growth. Recently, the mean turnover growth rate of SMEs with considerable online turnover (more than half) was as high as 15% - almost four times that of businesses without e-commerce turnover (4%). It also showed, however, that the strong competitive pressure in online business is having an impact, narrowing companies' range for setting prices and thereby adversely affecting their profitability. According to the KfW survey, the average profit margin of small and medium-sized enterprises with e-commerce is around 4% while that of SMEs without e-commerce is 8% - twice as high."Across much of the SME sector, digital selling is still in its infancy. But that also means small and medium-sized enterprises are not yet making enough use of the opportunities e-commerce offers for business", said Dr Jorg Zeuner, Chief Economist of KfW. "Even if not every sector is equally suited for e-commerce, businesses on a broad front face evolving customer needs. Both end consumers and business customers increasingly demand permanent availability, fast delivery times, real-time advice, individual offers, user-friendliness and mobile capability. Digital sales channels could provide the answers for many SMEs. In addition, turnover can be generated online that would not have materialised through classic channels - for example by tapping into new, digitally savvy customer groups or expanding the sales area into new regions."The current special analysis of the KfW SME Panel on the topic of e-commerce is available at www.kfw.de/fokus (English version forthcoming).The figures refer to the year 2015 as these are the most up-to-date representative data.Originaltext: KfW digital press kits: http://www.presseportal.de/nr/41193 press kits via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_41193.rss2Contact: KfW, Palmengartenstr. 5 - 9, 60325 Frankfurt Kommunikation (KOM), Christine Volk, Tel. +49 (0)69 7431 3867, Fax: +49 (0)69 7431 3266, E-Mail: Christine.Volk@kfw.de, Internet: www.kfw.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. SEOUL (dpa-AFX) - The Spokesperson of the European union called on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea or the DPRK not to raise tensions further and to re-engage in a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community, in particular the Six-Party Talks. The High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini will speak in the coming days to the Foreign Ministers of international partners to further discuss the international response. Earlier today the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has launched a ballistic missile, another violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions. The Spokesperson noted that the DPRK's repeated disregard of its international obligations is provocative and unacceptable. The DPRK must halt all launches using ballistic missile technology and abandon once and for all its ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, as required by the UN Security Council. 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. Protect America, an Austin, TX-based provider of wireless home security in North America, closed a growth equity investment of undisclosed amount. The company will use the funds to expand existing partnerships, develop new channel to accelerate growth, and conduct new product research and development as well as customer experience initiatives. Founded in 1992 and led by Scott Fleming, CEO, Protect America provides wireless home security systems, fire protection and home automation solutions. The company is developing a digital customer resource named Support Hub, an innovative bank of security knowledge and tutorials designed to be accessed and searchable by homeowners with home security questions. The digital resource will use video and other multimedia as supporting tools to enable homeowners to install, operate and maximize the value of their custom security and home automation systems. Protect America is a Rockbridge Growth Equity portfolio company. FinSMEs 12/02/2017 Washington: A US air raid in northern Syria has killed a top Al Qaeda member who had close ties the terror network's late leader Osama bin Laden, the Pentagon said on Thursday. Abu Hani al-Masri died in the drone strike in Syria's northwestern Idlib province last Saturday after air strikes killed 10 Al Qaeda operatives near Idlib a day earlier, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis announced. Masri is alleged to have set up and run Al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan during the 1980s and 1990s. He "recruited, indoctrinated, trained and equipped thousands of terrorists," the Pentagon stated. He also had close ties to fellow Egyptian Ayman al-Zawahiri, who became Al Qaeda leader when Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan by US forces in 2011. "These strikes disrupt Al Qaeda's ability to plot and direct external attacks targeting the US and our interests worldwide," said Davis. Al Qaeda's influence in Syria operates largely through an affiliated jihadist group, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS), formerly called the al-Nusra Front. JFS, which at one stage controlled most of Idlib province, was one of the groups excluded from the ceasefire negotiated by Russia and Turkey in December. Intelligence suggests JFS's leadership structure is still intertwined with Al Qaeda's. Mexico City: US president Donald Trump's proposed wall along the southern border with Mexico is unlikely to deter migrants fleeing violence, poverty or a lack of opportunities, a Mexican immigration official said. "There is no way to stop a person who wants to migrate or to cross the border," Rodolfo Figueroa Pacheco, a representative of Mexico's National Migration Institute in the border state of Baja California, told Xinhua news agency on Thursday. "The real solution to the migration issue lies in the countries that expel migrants," said Figueroa, referring to policies that exacerbate violence, drug trafficking and poverty in Central America and other regions. "Our obligation is to ensure that those who are in Mexico are orderly, safe and have their rights respected," he said. Undocumented migrants have many ways to cross borders, noted Figueroa, adding "there's the maritime route and the overland route, the use of fake, borrowed or rented documents, and there are also tunnels and ramps. That is to say it is very complicated and difficult to deter." Mexico's geographic location has made it a springboard for migrants who are driven not just by the promise of a better life, but often by the destruction of their own way of life, as the current refugee crisis shows. "We can't change our geography. Baja California is where it is, so our proximity to the US turns us into a natural corridor for migration," said the official. Fences with floodlights, sophisticated sensors and cameras lead many migrants to avoid the overland route and find an underground alternative to cross. Esteban, an undocumented migrant who has sneaked across the border several times, said: "The sewage system is one of the best (options), as it takes you straight to San Diego." "The exit is close to a shopping centre. You arrive, change into clean clothes and no problem. Sometimes you go in groups or individually." Some of the "other ways" are dangerous, especially for women and minors, said Salome Limas, an activist who works at a migrant shelter called Casa Madre Assunta. Shelters usually offer migrants a place to stay for up to 15 days, enough time for those who have already travelled long distances to rest and recover before attempting a potentially dangerous crossing, said Limas. Women who decide to risk the crossing at present, she said, are mainly those who were deported from the US, "but must go back there, where they have homes, husbands or children". Last year, according to government figures, some 250,000 undocumented migrants crossed the border, most from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Independent groups say the number is close to 400,000. Panama City: The two main partners of Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm at the centre of the so-called 'Panama papers' scandal, were arrested on Friday, a media report said. The arrests of Ramon Fonseca Mora and Jurgen Mossack came hours after the Panamanian authorities accused them of being involved in the "Lava Jato" corruption case in Brazil, Efe news reported. Fonseca, a former aide of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, and Mossack, were transferred from the Public Prosecutor's Office headquarters to police custody, defence lawyer Elias Solano said. The Panama Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files from the database of the world's fourth biggest offshore law firm, Mossack Fonseca. The records were obtained from an anonymous source by the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, which shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). The ICIJ then shared them with a large network of international partners. The documents showed myriad ways in which the rich exploit secretive offshore tax regimes. Twelve national leaders are among 143 politicians, their families and close associates from around the world known to have been using offshore tax havens. ZURICH Swiss voters have clearly rejected plans to overhaul the corporate tax system, in a setback for government efforts to abolish low tax rates for thousands of multinational firms while encouraging them to stay, projections by broadcaster SRF showed.Most Swiss recognise the country needs tax reform to avoid being blacklisted as a low-tax pariah. But new measures proposed to help companies offset the loss of their special status breaks had created deep divisions."It is so clear that you can already say the measure will fail," political analyst Claude Longchamp of the gfs.bern research and polling institute told SRF around half an hour after polls closed.SRF said voters appeared to have rejected the tax plans by about 60 percent to 40 percent.Switzerland has been in the European Union's firing line for years because cantons (states) have a special tax status for foreign companies that means some pay virtually no tax other than an effective federal tax of 7.8 percent.The country agreed with Brussels in 2014 to abolish this status because it allowed some foreign firms to pay far lower tax on overseas earnings - an attractive perk for around 24,000 multinationals looking to lower their tax bills. To offset the introduction of higher tax rates the government also proposed giving companies tax breaks on research and development (R&D) in Switzerland, profits from patents developed there and deductions for excess company equity.In addition, many cantons say they would also reduce corporate tax rates for all companies to reduce the fiscal burden and dissuade multinationals from leaving. After parliament approved the measures last year, critics gathered the 50,000 signatures needed to trigger Sunday's referendum, which can overturn the parliamentary vote.The No campaign was led by a coalition including the Social Democrats, Greens, trade unions and church leaders who feared the public would bear the brunt of reduced company tax revenue through cuts in public services or higher personal taxes.Those backing the government say the reforms struck a balance between abolishing the tax breaks criticised by Brussels and new measures that will keep Switzerland competitive. The stakes are high for Switzerland, already coming to terms with the end its long-cherished tradition of banking secrecy. If multinationals pull out, the economy could suffer.The changes also come at a time U.S. President Donald Trump is considering slashing corporate taxes and Britain has hinted it could cut its rates when it leaves the EU. (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Toby Chopra and Hugh Lawson) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. New Delhi: Three persons have been arrested in connection with the theft of Nobel Prize replica, citation and ornaments from Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi's house in southeast Delhi's Kalkaji area. Rajan, Sunil and Vinod were arrested and the stolen Nobel replica, citation and other jewellery items recovered, said a senior police officer. Further details were awaited. Two other houses in the same area as Satyarthi's had also been broken into, police said. A replica of the Nobel Peace Prize and its citation awarded to Satyarthi were among the valuables stolen from his southeast Delhi residence in his absence on 7 February. It was during his dinner with the President of Panama, his wife and other dignitaries, including the Indian ambassador to Panama that he learnt of the theft. The child rights activist won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. He shared the prize with Pakistan's education activist Malala Yousafzai. Satyarthi had presented his Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Pranab Mukherjee in January, 2015. The original medal has been preserved and is now on display at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, his office said. Satyarthi on Saturday said that he was pained at the theft of his Nobel citation and ornaments given to his wife by his mother as they were precious for the family. He also said that the theft has strengthened his resolve to continue working for the cause of children and he has not thought about hiring additional security. Chandigarh: Four gangsters, including the "mastermind" of last year's Nabha jailbreak, were on Sunday nabbed from a house in Dhudike village of Moga district in Punjab, police said. "Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, who had escaped from Nabha jail last year, and three gangsters have been arrested," Punjab Police, AIG (Counter Intelligence) Gurmit Singh Chauhan said on Sunday. The three others who have been arrested are Manvir Sekhon, cousin of Gurpreet, Rajwinder Singh and Kulwinder Singh from the house of an NRI, the officer said. Acting on a tip-off, 25 policemen, including 10 members of police's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, nabbed the gangsters, Chauhan said. "Our operation was so precise that we did not give the gangsters time to retaliate or draw their weapons," he said, adding four weapons and two cars were seized from them. With the nabbing of Gurpreet, so far three of the six Nabha jail escapees have been apprehended. Earlier, Khalistan Liberation Force Chief Harminder Singh Mintoo was nabbed from Nizamuddin railway station in Delhi and Neeta Deol from Indore in Madhya Pradesh. On 27 November, Mintoo, another terrorist Kashmir Singh, and gangsters Amandeep Dhothian, Vicky Gounder, Gurpreet Sekhon and Neeta Deol had escaped from Nabha jail after armed men in police uniform tricked the sentries into opening the gates and bolted out with the inmates firing a hail of bullets. Gurpreet Sekhon was the mastermind of the jailbreak and he was allegedly involved in several murders, kidnapping, extortion cases. Manvir and Rajwinder had attacked the jail officials to free the inmates, police said. Kulwinder, a resident of Bathinda, had taken care of the logistics to facilitate the escape of six prisoners, they said. New Delhi: Former finance minister P Chidambaram, who feels the Union Budget for 2017-18 is "aimless and directionless", says the government should immediately cut indirect taxes across the board to revive the sagging economy. Demonetisation, he said, damaged India's GDP growth in 2016-17 and fears that its shadow will fall on 2017-18 and some parts of 2018-19. He also said lack of creation of jobs for the youth is a powder keg and a small spark can lead to a large explosion. Resentment may not be visible but it can be a "silent killer". "What is the overarching goal of this budget? It is aimless and directionless," said Chidambaram, who has presented nine Union Budgets in a span of nearly two decades. "Sometimes, you chase growth. Sometimes, you chase financial and monetary stability. Sometimes, the goal is boosting growth in a slowing economy," he told PTI in an interview. Chidambaram said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley missed an opportunity at reviving the economy hit by demonetisation. "That (cutting indirect taxes) is a tried and tested and proven method of boosting economy. He could have easily cut between 4-8 percent (tax) across the board. "It is only up to GST time and when GST comes, GST will take over. He had a window of about 8 months to cut indirect taxes. It would come into force from 1st of February and I don't think GST is going to come before October 1. So, he had eight full months to give a boost to the economy by cutting indirect taxes," he said. Asked if the finance minister should still cut indirect taxes now that the Budget has been presented, he said, "Yes, he should. Even now it is not too late." Chidambaram said slashing indirect taxes would push consumption and in turn perk up production. "If you cut indirect taxes by 4-8 percent, there is going to be a revenue loss, I am not denying that. But just imagine the signal that would have gone to both producers and consumers. And if consumption rises much above the level of the cut, some of the cut will be made up. The idea is to boost consumption which in turn will boost production," he said. Chidambaram disputed the government's contention that the Budget has stepped up investment. "It is not correct. The total expenditure of the government as a proportion of GDP has fallen. Look at the number for the three years 2015-16, 2016-17 Revised Estimate and 2017-18 Budget Estimate. Total expenditure was 13.09 (per cent of GDP), increased to 13.36, but falls to 12.74 in BE of next year. That is a decline of 0.62 per cent and 0.62 per cent of the GDP represents about Rs 90,000 crore. "Why did you cut back expenditure as a proportion of GDP by about Rs 90,000 crore that could have been used for enhancing spending on infrastructure as well as on social welfare schemes... expenditure in several social welfare schemes as proportion of GDP has fallen. You don't look at absolute number, absolute number will look larger but as proportion of GDP, it has fallen," he said. Chidamabram further said the government should not have reduced expenditure as percentage of GDP and it should have spent on projects and schemes that stimulate the economy. On demonetisation, he said, it is now universally accepted it has damaged GDP in the current year - from 7.6 per cent in 2015-16 to 6.9 per cent as RBI says or 6.75 per cent as Economic Survey says or 6.6 per cent as IMF says or 6.0 per cent as CMIE says. "It is now common ground that the GDP has been affected. The damage is one percentage or more. This will not stop with 2016-17. The shadow of demonetisation will fall on 2018-19 also. 2017-18 definitely and part of 2018-19," he said. He said 75 per cent of all small, micro and medium enterprises have shut down post junking of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. "And if you shut down an industry or business, revival is not easy. He has to go through several hoops again. From going and stabilising credit with banks, beginning with that he has to go through hoops all over again," Chidambaram said. Jaitley, he said, did not make any revised estimate of direct tax collection for 2016-17 and has kept both personal income tax and corporate tax receipts at the same level to the last digit of the budgetary estimates. On indirect taxes, the finance minister made an additional gain of Rs 16,000 crore in service tax, but lost Rs 13,000 crore in Customs revenue, Chidambaram said, adding that the only gain made was in excise duty of Rs 69,000 crore. "Which means he has sought to tax the people of India on diesel and petroleum to get this additional (about) Rs 70,000 crore," he said. Talking of the present global situation, he said most countries of the world have slowed down or are in a recession. Even the mighty Chinese economy has slowed. "There are only four engines of growth - one is government expenditure, other is exports, third is private investment and fourth is private consumption. "Of the four engines, three engines are not firing at all. The fourth engine of private consumption suffered a serious damage after demonetisation. Which is the engine you can rev up today? The only engine you can rev up today is government expenditure. The other three engines are sputtering. Therefore, I advocate that you must step up government expenditure," he said. The government of India has committed to providing every person living in rural India safe and adequate drinking water. That means enough water to drink, cook, bathe and water livestock that is safe for these purposes. By its guidelines, this is quantified at 70 litres per capita per day (lpcd) by 2022. This means a family of five will get 350 lpcd preferably from a tap in or near its house. How feasible is this and what are its financial and environmental costs? Are there plans to handle the downstream effects of the enormous amounts of waste water this is likely to produce? To meet this commitment, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation needs to raise service levels by 175% from the current 40 lpcd. The 2017-18 budget has allotted Rs 6,050 crore for this, up 25% from Rs 5,000 crore the previous year (revised estimates are higher at Rs 6,000 crore, making this a nominal increase). States are expected to provide a matching amount, taking the total funds for rural drinking water to Rs 12,100 crore. Is this enough? The government plans to provide this water through piped schemes. But the implications of moving to PWS from hand pumps, that supply over 60% rural households with drinking water, are huge. According to its plans, the Government will provide 90% of rural Indian people a piped water connection in the next five years. For this, it must invest Rs 61,600 crore, or about Rs 12,320 crore a year, to ensure they get enough water of a stipulated quantity (norms stated by the Bureau of Indian Standards). Therefore, it will take a major effort to provide 90% of all people in rural India a piped water connection. Currently, of 176 million rural households, only about 27 million (15.3%) have access to piped water. This is way below the half-way mark of 88 million households that should have been achieved this year under the Ministrys perspective plan. Execution of rural drinking water projects has been tardy. Till December 2016, only 44.5% funds had been used and 53.5% works completed. In the preceding five years, expenditure has averaged 78%. As there has been no major institutional shakeup in the state public health engineering departments (PHEDs) that execute these schemes, it is reasonable to assume this years expenditure will be in the same range or about Rs 9,360 crore. At an operational level, piped schemes pose other problems. The public health engineering departments (PHEDs) that are tasked with this work are short-staffed especially engineers. In Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, they have no staff below the block level. Shifting to PWS will therefore entail involving private operators with attendant problems of tariffs and allegations of profiteering. Connections costs are between Rs 1500-2000 per house or Rs 300-400 per person and the tariff collected, about Rs 30 per house. Research shows these schemes recover only about 40% of their running costs. Their maintenance record is abysmal. A look at the expenditure on maintenance by PHEDs shows they spent just 5% of the allotted funds in 2016-17 and about 15% in the preceding two years. There is anecdotal evidence the PHEDs time to fix a complaint is upwards of 30 days in most states. Piped schemes installed so far, especially those covering multiple villages, have been less reliable than hand pumps. They fail because of power fluctuations that burn out motors, leaking pipes and when sources dry up. It costlier to fix these than a hand pump and the local hand pump mechanics are not trained or equipped for the job. Piped water schemes are hard to install and run and are financially unviable. In contrast, the hand pump economy is well-entrenched and lubricated. The average hand pump is designed to provide about 15 lpcd drinking water to about 300 people and costs anywhere between Rs 50,000 and Rs 250,000 to install, depending on the soil conditions and depth. This works out to Rs 170-800 per person. Operational costs are low unless major repairs are needed that average once in two years. In many states, there is an army of barefoot hand pump mechanics who charge reasonable rates to fix faults. A huge economy has been built around hand pumps. There are millions of suppliers, drillers and repair people, barefoot hand pump mechanics, servicing this demand promptly and at low cost. In conclusion, piped schemes will saddle panchayats with an expensive system they have no ownership over and cannot manage. A looming water crisis is the next problem with supplying more water. According to the World Resources Institute, 54% of the country faces high to extremely high levels of water stress, i.e., people in these areas do not have enough water through the year for their daily needs. Indias water shortages are due to pollution and overexploitation. Piped systems are supposed to use surface water, but more than 80% is unfit for human use without treatment per the Central Pollution Control Board. Surface water sources are also unevenly distributed so where they are far from the point of use, large, complex systems will be needed, that are costly and prone to leakage and breakdowns. The other source, groundwater, is severely exploited in densely populated regions as well. Overall, India is currently consuming about 76% of its usable water resources. Of this 87% goes to agriculture, 15% to industry and energy and 7% for domestic purposes. The rest is for ecological flows, however inadequate, and none for additional supply. This leaves little head room for expanding water supply. The best one can hope for is to meet future demands due to population growth and changing lifestyles. The final problem with providing more water is disposing the large amounts of waste water higher supply levels will generate. Assuming conventional sewage treatment plants are financially and technically unviable in villages, the choice is to make unconventional plants such as artificial wetlands. These require land and capital investments; their running costs are relatively low. Land for such purposes is not readily available in most parts of rural India, especially in densely inhabited areas where such structures would be most useful. They can be paid for out of the Swacch Bharat Mission funds and other pots of money, but a quick look at the kind of projects being prepared under this component shows wetlands are not on the list. It is unlikely this option will find currency with engineers or local politicians who profit from infrastructure-heavy projects. Urban India has largely messed up sewage treatment and unless timely steps are not taken, rural India will follow a similar trajectory. There is evidence that providing piped water in Haryana has led to severe pollution of its other surface water bodies. Therefore, to meet the NRDWP target a few things are needed. Providing water through handpumps is more realistic than moving to PWS given the time frame, costs and vast market for manual supply systems. A realistic supply level is needed, say 55 lpcd, against the 70 lpcd proposed, so water resources arent stretched to the breaking point. The issue to be considered is quality over quantity since this water must meet the highest (BIS) standards, being for human consumption. This is critical since surface water must be treated before being supplied. Augmenting and conserving water is necessary. It makes practical sense to use both surface and ground water simultaneously and judiciously. Rainwater harvesting and conservation must be promoted to make more water available locally. This is an inexpensive way to increase the quantity of both surface and ground water. Water conservation especially in agriculture is imperative to reduce consumption by the largest user. This can be effected by changing crops and irrigation systems from flood to drip systems or sprinklers. Wastewater treatment systems must be built along with the supply infrastructure, alongside increased capacities and additional human resources to manage these systems. Institutionally, if PHEDs are to make and manage all this, they will need more staff especially at the lower levels. Panchayats bear the primary responsibility for planning and monitoring and need to be empowered and trained to discharge these functions. The existing network of training institutions and their curriculum must be revised to reflect government priorities and schemes in some level of detail. Mass information campaigns are needed to inform people about the programmes and what they mean so they can make appropriate demands on policy makers and executors. All ministers and prime ministers who take office in India make this promise: "I do swear in the name of God that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties... and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will." This oath is taken from the Constitution's third schedule. There is also an oath of secrecy that the minister "will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person or persons any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as such Minister." How seriously do our ministers and leaders take this promise to be faithful the constitution, which means essentially to uphold the law? This week, BBC reported this news: "An Indian minister says she made rape suspects beg for their lives and ordered police to torture them." Uma Bharti, the water resources minister, claims she told the men's accusers to watch as they were hung upside down. "Rapists should be tortured in front of victims until they beg for forgiveness," she said. "The rapists should be hung upside down and beaten till their skin comes off," the minister is reported to have said. "Salt and chilli should be rubbed on their wounds until they scream. Mothers and sisters should watch so they can get closure." What the minister is claiming to have done is essentially a criminal act. The law and the constitution do not allow for what Bharti did because the process for handling crimes is clear. The police register a case and investigate, the state prosecutes and the judiciary decides. What Bharti is boasting she did is violating the constitution and law she swore to uphold. We expect mobs on the subcontinent to hand out punishment without trial. To have ministers doing it and then being proud about it says something about how the law is treated in India and how seriously ministers take their oath of office. The other thing is that these boasts about punishment to rapists should be contrasted with India's actual record of action on that crime. None of the seven survivors of gang rape in the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013 who filed FIRs have got justice yet. One of the women has died while the other six have been fighting against the system to be heard. The women have been threatened by their alleged rapists and have received no support from those who are advertising their great actions against sexual violence. A massive movement was launched in India after the incident in Delhi known as the Nirbhaya case in which a young woman was sexually assaulted and murdered. After it, changes in law and in procedure were made to ensure that victims and survivors of such violence received speedy justice. The reality is that there is no change on the ground, as the Muzaffarnagar gangrape cases show. And so, on one hand, we have a total failure of the state on its actual performance and delivery on sexual violence and rapists. And on the other hand, we have these statements about what fabulous things ministers have done to address these crimes. The unusual thing about what Bharti said is this. She will likely not even be aware that she is violating the constitution because she is convinced she is doing the right thing. And the right thing, in the perspective of people like her, is not necessarily the legal thing. She swore, "that I will do right to all manner of people." But the distinction between an accused and a convict does not really exist in a society which believes that there are people who come from "good families". Those who do not come from good families must possibly be bad by birth and should be punished for that. The civilised idea of law is that it grants protection to the accused and that is why we have the phrase "presumed innocent until found guilty". But that goes against the primitive thinking exhibited by our minister. All the focus in that oath is on that line about "unity and integrity of India". That is sacred and those who are accused of violating that sentiment, even verbally, will be thrashed, again without trial. The rest of it, the bearing of faith and allegiance to the constitution of India as by law established, is incidental. The Bombay Black exhibition at the ongoing Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai is about the city's relationship with the colour black. A part of the project that features several contemporary artists, this photo series has portraits from rural Maharashtra. Padma Shri winner Sudharak Olwe, award winning photojournalist Helena Schatzle, along with advocate Sujit Nikalje and journalist Shraddha Ghatge travelled to Beed, Satara and Pune to discover what sort of oppression Dalits face in rural Maharashtra. Among the photos is one that captures the despair of the Udage family. The 25-year-old bread winner of the family, Manik Udage, was hacked to death for celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti in 2014. A contractor by profession, Manik was threatened not to celebrate the event by men from the upper cast. When he didn't take the threats seriously, Manik disappeared and his brother Shravan found Manik's mutilated body two days later. But that was just the beginning of Shravan and his mother's problems. Though the men responsible for Manik's death have been apprehended, Shravan and his mother have been under constant pressure to take back the case against the accused men. They haven't even found a permanent lawyer to fight their case yet and have to live under 24 hour police protection because of threats. Speaking of the photo series, Olwe says he is passionate about this work for one reason: "It is about giving downtrodden people a voice. My camera and I, we want to give them a voice. These images are a gateway to bringing change. These people I photograph, they are human beings too, just like you and me; and yet they have to go through so much. " "Maharashtra is such a progressive state and the fact that this [dalit oppression] is happening is not good. They are polarising and diving the state with caste politics. It is a land of Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule and Samartha Ramdas." "Because these atrocities are happening around Maharashtra I felt it was necessary to visit them and see what is happening. A photo can capture emotion that can touch a raw nerve and propel people to make a change," Olwe concluded. Special Public Prosecutor for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case Ujjwal Nikam, who visited the exhibition on 9 February, also noted that the Dalit atrocities in rural Mahatrashtra have reached an extreme level. "It is upsetting that it has come to this. I am honoured that people have faith in me, faith that I can help them achieve justice," he said. The Paradhi tribe: Termed as a 'criminal tribe' during the British Rule, the Paradhis, though denotified in 1952, are still struggling for their basic rights as they live under the shadow of their past identity and rigid orthodoxy. About 17 Paradhi families lost their houses which were allegedly vandalised by the neighbouring upper caste families. All they now have is an open place with only one broken tent covered with a black plastic sheet as their roof. Rohan Kakade: Just a day before he turned 19, Rohan Kakade was brutally murdered. A Mahar (lower caste) boy from Satara, Rohan was murdered by five men over suspicion of having an affair with the sister of one of the accused. The perpetrators chopped off Rohans head, burnt his body and dumped it in some hilly area near Jadhavvadi waterfall. Sagar Shejwal: The 24-year-old nursing student who lived in Shirdi had his whole life ahead of him until he made a fatal mistake of changing his phone's ringtone to a one that praises Dr Ambedkar. In May 2016, Shejwal was assaulted and killed by upper caste men who were intoxicated. Salave Guruji: Salave Guruji, a 69-year-old retired primary school teacher, was lynched by an angry mob of upper caste people with sticks, swords and iron rods when he came to resolve an ongoing dispute between two castes in Bagh Pimpalgaon in 2009. All photos courtesy Sudharak Owle and Helena Schatzle. Text courtesy Shraddha Ghatge. The Black Bombay exhibition is on at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival; at the Jehangir Art Gallery until 13 February 2017 New Delhi: The ninth edition of the India Art Fair that was held in the capital over 2-5 February 2017, exhibited a rare mix of colours, grandeur and, with its continued focus in nurturing global interest in South Asian arts, showcased works of emerging as well as established artists from the region. The three-day fair was joined by participating South Asian galleries like Britto Arts Trust from Dhaka, Nepal Art Council from Kathmandu, Theertha International Artists' Collective from Colombo and Blueprint 12 from New Delhi. An extensive array of art programmes, ranging from the exhibitions on the works of renowned artists like MF Husain to the subtle narratives that emerge from the sketches of the 20th century political artist Chittaprosad Bhattacharya, found a display, spanning the outdoor and indoor fair space. The Speakers' Forum at the fair also had an exciting programme that presented artists, curators, critics, administrators, academics, gallerists and collectors. In an attempt to explore the future of museums, Richard Armstrong (director, Solomon R Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, New York) and Sheena Wagstaff (Leonard A Lauder Chairman of Modern and Contemporary Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York) came together in a panel discussion. The two experts together explores the subject in a lively discussion before the audience. "BMW Art Talk: The Art of Collecting" was another much anticipated session in which Thomas Girst (head of Cultural Engagement BMW Group, Munich) and Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi (president and director of the Sharjah Art Foundation) looked at the diverse field of collecting. Sharing their perspectives on South Asian art were Pooja Sood (director of Khoj International Artists Association, New Delhi), Alessio Antonelli (director of Gasworks, London) and Boon-Hui Tan (director, Asia Society Museum, Singapore) in a session "Perspectives from Networks of South Asian Art". The Speakers' Forum also facilitated intimate conversations between collectors from India and across the globe with speakers who provided a glimpse into their private collections. Some of the well-known names featured in the segment were French art collectors Jean-Conrad and Isabelle Lemaitre; Brussels based collector Frederic de Goldschmidt and one of India's leading art collectors, Anurag Khanna. "Focused initiatives are planned with individual collectors, large groups and delegates from prestigious institutions, many of whom are coming for the first time, including Santa Barbara Museums, Singapore Art Museum, Palais de Tokyo, Paris, Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Oxford, Rhode Island School of Design, United States and The Guimet Museum in France," the organisers, MCH Group, Angus Montgomery and founding director Neha Kirpal said. The 2017 edition of the fair also featured both longstanding representatives of Indian art and new exhibitors from around the globe who are keen to develop relationships with the Indian art market, including Kalfayan Galleries (Athens), Grey Noise (Dubai), 1x1 Gallery (Dubai), Sabrina Amrani (Madrid) and Lukas Feichtner Galerie (Vienna). Founded in 2008, India Art Fair is one of South Asia's leading platform for modern and contemporary art. With inputs from agencies. All images: Firstpost Time and again, art and cultural practices take a U-turn to return to their roots to find the comfort of the familiar. In classical music and classical dance, this is a constant process. You have to continue being within the framework of what is decided as a traditional approach and find new ways of expression. You find musicians singing the same ragas with a newness. You find dancers performing the same pieces on stage but transformed with new choreography. However in theatre, it has been a different ballgame. Over the years, theatre has evolved as the most democratic of performing arts. You find new plays, new playwrights, new ideas and themes have constantly found a home in theatre. That has also blurred several lines, including that of quality and content. A return to classics was bound to happen soon enough. And this is what unfolded at the ongoing Bharat Rang Mahotsav. The international annual theatre festival held by the National School of Drama, Indias premier institution for theatre studies, is a yearly pilgrimage for scores of theatre and stage lovers across. Now in its nineteenth year, it has become a benchmark for any actors, theatre directors, lighting and costume designers and other enthusiasts to be a part of. This year was a return to traditional drama from across the spectrum. The festival paid rich tributes to the theatre legends Kavalam Narayana Panikker from Kerala and Heisnam Kanhailal from Manipur, both of who made their exit from this world last year. Panikkars play Uttar Rama Charitam opened the festival. The classic written by Bhava Bhuti in the 8th century has been a subject of various academics and scholars. While this play was performed in Hindi, the same troupe performed Bhasas famous farce Madhyama Vyayogam the next day in Sanskrit. If the beauty of the language was one thing to look out for, the structure of the play and how Panikkar directed it was another delight. From simple costumes to a stark stage design, how Panikkar presented this ancient play spoke volumes of what one could do with a traditional form of art. The encounter Bhima has with his son Ghatotkacha in this play continues to evoke a sense of Hasya Rasa among audiences till now, centuries after it was written. How did Bhasa manage to remain so timeless? The thirteen plays ascribed to Bhasa were discovered less than a century ago by the brilliant scholar Pandit Ganapati Sastri. Out of these thirteen, several have been the regular repertoire of Koodiyattam, the worlds oldest Sanskrit drama tradition that survived in remote villages of Kerala till it was recently revived. Most of these plays are based on the larger stories like the Mahabharata. Almost nothing is known about Bhasa but scholars and researchers from 1920s have placed him in the era before Kalidasa. We know that several other poets like Bana held him in high esteem. Among the plays that survived are Madhayama Vyayoga, Pancharatram, Swapna Vasavadattam, Dootavakhyam, Karnabhaaram, Urubhangam and so forth. These have been edited in the earlier available classical series published from Trivandrum. Many of these have been performed in dance and drama in the last few decades. At the current NSD, we got to witness several adaptations of Bhasa. From Manipur the legendary Ratan Thiyam presented Urubhangam, nothing short of a spectacle. It didnt take a packed hall to understand and enjoy the performance even if a large part of them were cut off from the native language. In Mohe Piya, directed by Waman Kendre with the Rangpeeth group from Mumbai, we saw a different adaptation of Bhasas Madhyama Vyayoga. With a different and more contemporary treatment from what Panikkars group presented, the play stood out for some exceptional acting. Among performances that continue to be practiced the way they were always was the Draupadi Vastrabharanam in the Theru-k-Koothu style from Tamil Nadu. In an adaptation of seventh century dramatis Bodhayanas famous Buddhist farce Bhagavadajjukeeyam by director Surya Mohan Kulshreshtha from Lucknow, there was a lot of colour, adherence to some of the dictates of Sanskrit drama and lots of over acting by amateur actors. However the play was thoroughly enjoyable and a packed Kamani auditorium was in splits. Can a play from the seventh century induce such laughter even now? Without it being outdated? What is it that can hold it together when a whole host of modern dramas are fall flat on their faces? It set one thinking on the ideas of Rasa and how it can be delivered in an effective way if the dramaturgy is proper. In Prothom Protho, performed by Abdullah Al Manum theatre school that came all the way from Bangladesh, we saw the dilemma of Karna, a day before the big Mahabharata war. Struck between his loyalties to the Kauravas and his own blood brothers, the Pandavas, Karna is forced to choose in front of his mother. Some excellent acting by Md Nur Jaman Raja as Karna. Last but not the least was the innocence and freshness of Abhishek Bhartis approach in directing a well-known Dogri folk love story Kunju Chanchlo as the play Blood and Beauty. Once again, a folk narrative that had the charm and flavor of its native culture, now presented with a new fervor. It stood out for its melodious music from the hills and actors who seemed to genuinely enjoy presenting it. In all this varied selection of plays, what stood out was the rich and comfortable fragrance of tradition. One cant go wrong with content that is time tested and has been handed down generation after generation as song, poetry or stories. In such a wide range of adaptations from across the Indian landscape, we saw the beauty of theatre come alive in these traditional stories. The stories presented in these plays have an immortal quality to them. The plays themselves hail from fifth to tenth centuries. And yet, they invoked a sense of pride and cultural ethos that most modern theatre seems to have wandered away from. In the stories and plays of Bhava Bhuti, Bhasa, Bodhayana, Kalidasa and other ancient playwrights, the stage still gets to breathe its best. Indian theatre tradition roots itself in several time-tested practices of dramaturgy. Be it the Natya Shastra, the oldest treatise we have on performing arts, or the countless commentaries on it, theatre has grown layer upon layer of understanding. At the current festival, we were fortunate to get a small glimpse of the power of tradition. Veejay Sai is an award winning writer, editor and a culture critic. He writes on Indian classical music, dance, theatre, food, travel and lifestyle. He lives in New Delhi. He may be contacted at vs.veejaysai@gmail.com Mumbai: On Sunday, former Finance Minster P Chidambaram slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "raincoat" barb at Manmohan Singh and said even US President Donald Trump had praised his predecessors in his speech. The senior Congress leader said he wondered whether former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee would have used such language in Parliament. "The remarks (by Modi) were in absolute poor taste. If he had made these remarks in a public meeting in Varanasi or a BJP parliamentary meet or in a closed door meeting, I would not have cared a bit. "(But) speaking from a place where people like Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee had once spoken...it made me wonder if they would have used such phrases. Parliament has its own sanctity. You must respect all those who have formerly occupied this office," he said. In a scathing attack in Rajya Sabha, the PM had said one should learn the art of "bathing with a raincoat on" from his predecessor Manmohan Singh as there was not a single taint on him despite so many scams having taken place during his regime. Comparing Modi with Trump, Chidambaram said though he had several disagreements with the US President, he respected the latter for starting his first presidential speech remembering his predecessors. The Congress politician was in the city to campaign for 21 February elections to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Referring to protests in his home state Tamil Nadu over holding of Jallikattu (a bull taming sport), he said they were "symbolic" as they represented different concerns, anxieties, angst of people who finally converged and demonstrated. "Many youth who had converged there (at Chennai's Marina beach) may not even have seen Jallikattu. But their coming together gives me hope that people are aware and concerned about what is happening in the country today," the former minister said. On administration of Mumbai, Chidambaram said the megalopolis was one of the worst governed cities in eastern part of world. "This place (Mumbai), which was once a magnet for foreign investors and a part of the plan to make it into a financial centre in late 1990s, lost out to other cities in the region. "There is no dearth of human resources, talent, technology and money. It's all there. But there is still a big hole that needs to be filled," he said. BMC, currently ruled by the Shiv Sena-BJP combine, is going to polls on 21 February. Is Congress a democratic party that is guided by its own constitution, let alone that of the country? It is a question worth asking, with the Election Commission (EC) not in a mood to grant the party further time beyond 30 June for conducting its already overdue internal elections on the one hand and Indias oldest party attributing motives to and questioning the timing of the decision of the Commission on the other. Now, Congress is literally demanding a second extension till 31 December, 2017 by the Commission on the dubious ground that it cannot hold organisational elections before June, busy as it is with the ongoing Assembly elections. In fact, Congress has gone to the extent of saying that on a jurisdictional basis, the EC could not fix a date for any political party for holding polls, for which the party is not fully ready. It may be noted that under the Guidelines prescribed by the Election Commission of India in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every registered political party of the country must be run by the rules and regulations that are in consonance with the Constitution of India in such a manner that two/thirds of its leaders in various party organs are democratically elected by the members, that no leader can have veto power, that no leader can have a fixed tenure of more than five years, and that there are periodic elections within maximum five years. Assuming that the Congress had held such elections at its 83rd plenary in Burari on the outskirts of Delhi in December 2010, when it also amended its constitution to increase the tenure of the Congress President and other office bearers from three to five years, organisational polls were due in 2015. On 26 May, 2015, the EC wrote to the Congress, asking a status report in this regard. Later that year, the party requested the EC to extend the deadline for conclusion of internal elections until December 2016. The reason that it cited for the extension, which was granted by the EC, was that the party could not hold membership drives due to Assembly polls in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Tamil Nadu as well as drought and floods in several other states. However, the party did not stick to this deadline either. On the other hand, it sought on 16 December, 2016, another extension until 31 December, 2017. But this time, the EC has rejected the plea. It remains to be seen how the EC is going to react. But one thing is clear: Congress has exposed once again the lack of inner democracy in the party. This, in turn, is an irony, given the fact that Congress that led the country in gaining independence had in the past a clear chain of command from the block level to the national level such as All India Congress Committee (AICC) and the Congress Working Committee (CWC). In the resultant pyramidical structure of the party, one was to move to the top through democratic elections below, that is from the block, district, state (Pradesh Congress Committee or PCC) to the AICC and CWC. The important leaders of the party had, thus, to earn their positions. This was in sharp contrast to the present situation in which one joins the party today to become a minister tomorrow. In the past, therefore, the leaders of the Congress had nothing to fear about their status and positions from the big bosses of the party. For instance, against the wishes of Jawaharlal Nehru, Purushottam Das Tandon got elected as the party president by the AICC in 1950. Similarly, in 1963, Nehru was forced to constitute a CWC in which 10 out of 13 members had differed with him on most of the policy issues. In yet another example, despite every possible effort of veteran Kamraj in 1965, Morarji Desai could not be toppled from the party high command. In a sense, this vibrant democracy was the innate strength of the Congress. However, things started to change after Indira Gandhi assumed charge. Congress gradually became a highly centralised organisation. The upward mobility of a party worker now depended more on the favour of the top leadership than ones work at the grassroots. In fact, things deteriorated to such an extent that under Rajiv Gandhi, more than ten PCC Presidents were not even PCC members and some AICC general secretaries were not even members of the AICC, not to speak of being members of the CWC, which according to the party constitution, should have been the case. This, incidentally, was a big irony as it was Rajiv Gandhi, who in the beginning of his party leadership, had promised to hold the organisational elections to get the Congress rid of power brokers. Besides, it was under the premiership of Rajiv Gandhi that the Representation of People Act, 1951 was amended in 1989 to include Section 29, which deals with the provisions for registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India. Rajivs widow Sonia Gandhi became the Congress president in 1998 under controversial circumstances that saw the humiliating sacking of Sitaram Kesri, who was elected president in 1997 for a threeyear term. She was re-elected in 2001, but she continued until 2005 by breaking the rule of three-year tenure. That year, she got herself re-elected but again broke the rule of three-year tenure to continue until 2010. That year, the party amended this rule and made the tenure of the party president five years. After this amendment, Sonia should have sought a fresh term in 2015. But that has not happened; seven years on, she remains in charge. Even otherwise, many features of the Congress constitution are being more honoured in the breach than in the observance. Take, for instance, the criteria for being a Congress member that include, among others, that he/she is a habitual weaver of certified Khadi; that he/she abstains from alcoholic drinks and intoxicant drugs; that he/she undertakes to perform minimum tasks including manual labour as may be prescribed by the Working Committee; that he/she does not own any property in excess of the ceiling laws applicable to him/her; that he/she subscribes to and works for promoting the principles of secularism, socialism and democracy; does not, directly or indirectly, openly or otherwise, adversely criticise the accepted policies and programmes of the party, except through party forums; and that he/she shall subscribe to the periodicals approved by AICC.(this provision makes one wonder why the Congress-owned National Herald newspaper was closed given lakhs and lakhs of registered Congress members). How many Congress members today fulfil these criteria? Incidentally, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is the partys highest decision-making body. Congress, in its letter to the EC for extension of polls-date has cited the resolution of the CWC that has extended Sonia Gandhis presidency by the end of 2017. It has argued how ECs deadline was "in conflict" with a resolution of CWC, which is the party's highest decision-making body, implying that any contravention could then amount to violating the very party constitution the EC seeks to uphold. But then, does the CWC adhere to the partys stated constitutional terms? Not really. The CWC, according to party constitution, shall consist of the President of the Congress, the Leader of the Congress Party in Parliament and 23 other members of whom 12 members will be elected by the AICC, as per rules prescribed by the Working Committee and the rest shall be appointed by the President. The President shall appoint a Treasurer and one or more General Secretaries from amongst the members of the Working Committee. The President will have power to appoint one or more Secretaries / Joint Secretaries from elected members of the AICC. The Secretaries / Joint Secretaries will discharge the duties as may be assigned to them by the President. Ordinarily members of the Working Committee will be appointed from amongst the members of the AICC but in special cases, delegates who are not members of the AICC may be appointed; provided however, that a delegate so appointed shall cease to be a member of the Working Committee if he is not elected as member of the AICC within six months of his appointment." However, the fact remains that in the last 45 years, elections to the CWC have been held only twice 1992 and 1997- when PV Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesri were presidents respectively. That means that in the rest of these 45 years that the party has been under the strict control of the Gandhi family (Indira, Rajiv, Sonia Rahul), CWC has been filled with nominated members rather than elected ones. Even the post of Vice President that Rahul Gandhi occupies does not find a mention in the party constitution; it was created in 2013 especially for him. So where is that Congress which under Gandhi and Nehru heralded democracy in the country? New Delhi: The Election Commission wants students to learn from the secondary school level how to become responsible voters. In a bid to educate 15 to 17-year-old 'future voters', who would enrol as voters when they turn 18, the Election Commission has asked the Union HRD Ministry to introduce 'electoral literacy' in the curriculum at the secondary school level. And till the time the subject becomes part of the curriculum, the Commission has asked the HRD Ministry to ask the NCERT to bring out a booklet on elections and electoral process "that may be included in the list of supplementary reading material for schools at appropriate level". Last July, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi had written to HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar requesting him to include 'electoral literacy' in the curriculum. "It is felt that introducing electoral literacy curriculum in a systematic manner will go a long way in strengthening electoral literacy. Therefore, EC proposes that the same may be included in the curricula and as co-curricular in schools at secondary level and if required even at higher levels," Zaidi wrote to Javadekar. In August, Javadekar responded saying the poll panel's request was examined in consultation with NCERT which prepares the National School Curriculum Framework for the country. "The current textbook materials of the NCERT are based on National Curriculum Framework, 2005. The suggestion of the Election Commission will be taken into account when NCERT takes up next revision of the curriculum. I would like to inform you that at present the ministry is engaged in the process of preparation of a New Education Policy," Javadekar said. He also said existing Political Science textbooks prepared by the NCERT have many details about the electoral process. Not willing to wait, Zaidi has now written again to the Union minister requesting him that as an interim measure, the NCERT can be asked by the government to come out with a booklet on election and electoral process. The CEC also informed the minister that several democracies across the world have electoral literacy as part of their school curricula. The poll panel launched a unique programme this January called 'interactive school engagement' under which close to 5,000 electoral registration officers, district election officers and the Chief Electoral Officers visited one school to interact with the students of Class IX to XII, in the age- group of 15-17 years, took question-answers, shared creative contents, distributed badges and administered pledges. In India, over 62 million persons fall in the age group of 15 to 17 years and have been described as 'future voters' by the Election Commission. "Every year, 20 million persons out of the future voters turn 18 to become first time voters. Future voters have generally not been in the focus of the Commission. Now, under Systematic Voter Education Programme, the Commission will lay special focus on this group in the year 2017 and onward. We hope that the first time and future voters will get encouraged to be part of electoral process," Zaidi had said at the National Voters Day on 25 January. Imphal: Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday announced that the Centre will soon airlift fuel and cooking gas for the people who have been facing hard times under an economic blockade since 1 November, 2016. The United Naga Council (UNC) has imposed an indefinite blockade in protest against the state government's plan to create seven new districts which, it claims, will lead to usurpation of large tracts of "lands of the Nagas". "If the blockade cannot be ended in two days, the central government shall airlift fuel, LPG and other PDS items," said Javadekar, who is on an electioneering tour in Manipur. Addressing an election meeting here of BJP candidate Okram Joy, Javadekar said: "During the last 15 years of the Congress rule, even potable water cannot be supplied to the people. The unique all-women market in Imphal city is in a pathetic condition. The state government is responsible for the present crisis." He also addressed several election meetings of BJP candidates in Imphal. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, however, claimed that the present impasse was the result of an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah). "Let us see who wins the people or the BJP-NSCN(IM) nexus. The BJP is angry over the creation of the seven new districts which is for administrative convenience," the Chief Minister said while addressing an election meeting here. Speaking at an election meeting of Congress candidate RK Imo, Chief Minister Ibobi said: "It is incomprehensible why the BJP is angry over the creation of the new districts. This party and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) are against it. We have waited over three months in the hope that good sense will prevail. Now we will see who wins the face-off." Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei, who also spoke at the meeting, said no one supports the "anti-people blockade" and that people should unite against it. Civil society organisations have also underlined the need to join hands to face the blockade observing that "the creation of the new districts is a long-standing demand of the people". Congress has already declared Harish Rawat as its chief ministerial candidate, but the BJP has projected no one so far. There are at least half a dozen aspirants who may claim the chief minister's post, but it will be a herculean task for the BJP to finalise the name. Meanwhile, Rawat is being projected as the 'Bahubali' of Uttarakhand who can take the state to 'new heights'. Inspired by the movie Bahubali, a popular video doing the rounds on social media shows Rawat carrying the state on his shoulders, moving ahead of his opponents with BJP president Amit Shah, BJPs in-charge Shayam Jaju and former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna staring at Rawat helplessly. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be seen in the video. This video apart, Congress campaign has gained momentum on social media. A website called hardakobolo.com has photos of Rawat all over its page. There is also a form that can be filled by the visitors on the website to share their grievances with Rawat. The website also has a WhatsApp number. Harda means Harish bhai in Kumaoni dialect. The slogan has spread throughout the state which is making the BJP uncomfortable. In media interactions, jan sabhas and election rallies, Rawat never fails to mention the injustice done to him by the Centre and former Congress leaders who rebelled against him and joined the BJP. He claims that it was a conspiracy plotted by Modi and Shah to bring down his government, but the plan never succeeded. He claims that this election is to save "uttarakhandiyat". "It is a struggle between this spirit and the evil spirit of khand khand Bhajapa (segregated BJP)," he has said. It it too early to say if Rawat's emotional card will bring him back to power as BJP is also putting up a tough fight. This is the first ever state election in which almost all the Cabinet ministers have visited Uttarakhand for rallies and media interactions. Shah has even gone to rural areas like Ghansali tehsil of the Tehri Garhwal district to address a jan sabha for the BJP candidate from Ghansali constituency. Modi is scheduled for a jan sabha in the remote Pithoragarh district. As far as star campaigners are concerned, BJP has an edge over the Congress. Almost all party bigwigs have addressed election rallies, whereas from Congress, vice-president Rahul Gandhi is the only star campaigner. The party seems to depend more on the 'Harish impact.' Congress is trying to send out the message that against Harda, all BJP bigwigs are forced to visit the state. Hence, the moniker 'Bahubali.' The probable chief minister faces in BJP, include Satpal Maharaj, a former Congress leader, former Congress chief minister Vijay Bahuguna, three former chief ministers of BJP: Bhagat Singh Kosiyari, Gen BC Khanduri and Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, all three are Lok Sabha MPs and were denied tickets for the Assembly as per the party high command strategy, and there are three more names, as of now the dark horses, Ajay Bhatt, state BJP president and a party candidate from Ranikhet seat, and is facing a tough situation because of the rebels, Yashpal Arya, a former senior Congress leader and prominent Dalit leader who switched sides from Congress to BJP soon after the election dates were announced, and Anil Baluni, currently a BJP spokesman, brought into the party headquarters fold, when Shah took charge. Though central election in-charge of BJP for Uttarakhand and a Cabinet minister, JP Nadda, has made it clear that the chief minister would be selected from the MLAs." When asked about the chief ministerial candidate, this was Nadda's vague reply, "The organistation always tries that leadership should be consistent and can march forward with sincerity, so we are focusing on that. Looking back the last three Assembly elections, chaos can't be ruled out. Many BJP leaders are not happy with Bahuguna who has gained a certain affinity with the central party leadership. Though Bahuguna is not contesting the election, his son is the BJP candidate from Sitarganj, opposite Congress candidate Malti Biswas. If the Congress rebel group wins 9 to 10 seats then Bahuguna may come out in the open to claim the chief minister's post. However, the other three BJP MPs have the same intentions if their supporters-candidates win big. Satpal Maharaj is also said to have close relations with Sangh. Recently, Bahuguna hit out at Rawat, saying, The public knows that Rawat has two faces, dual character. His style of functioning is now clear to all. And this election is not against Congress, it is actually against Harish Congress. To save his chair and his ambitions, Rawat has made so many compromises which have affected the state badly and pushed it backward. State Congress president Kishore Upadhayay hit back saying if Rawat is so weak and corrupt then why are all the Centre ministers, the prime minister and the party presidents visiting the state. Upadhayay also said that the BJP does not have chief ministerial candidate but are focusing on Modi and his governance. He made fun of the BJP posters which says Atalji ne banaya Modiji savarange (Atal Bihari Vajpayee made it, Modi will develop it)." I am happy to see his face and name in any of the state constituencies from where he (Modi) would be contesting the Assembly election. It is good in a way and the country will get rid of him. Amid all these war of words, an interesting fact of Uttarakhand power politics is that in the last 16 years, no chief minister was able to complete the five-year term except ND Tiwari in 2002. Kolkata: West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Saturday attacked Amartya Sen and questioned his contribution to the nation. "A fellow Bengali among us has won the Nobel Prize and we are proud... But, what has he done for the state? What has he given to the nation? No one in Bengal understands him. "He is in extreme pain because he was removed as the Chancellor of Nalanda University. Such people are spineless and they can be purchased or sold, and can stoop to any level," Ghosh said while addressing a gathering. Sen, who has long been a critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had withdrawn his candidature for a second term as Nalanda University's Chancellor in 2015. In a letter to the Governing Board of the University, he had said, "It is hard for me not to conclude that the government wants me to cease being the Chancellor of Nalanda University." Criticising Sen, the BJP state president, who is known for his controversial remarks, also said "There was a time when the farsightedness, ideology and self esteem of Bengalis was a matter of pride. Unfortunately, things have completely reversed today." Reacting to Ghosh's comments, former Lok Sabha MP Krishna Bose said, "I'm ashamed of hearing this sort of indecent attack on Sen. These comments are below my dignity and do not even qualify for criticism. I believe, comments like these also doesn't matter for Sen as the nation knows him well." Jadavpur University Vice Chancellor Surnajan Das also termed Ghosh's comments as "unfortunate" and "uncalled for". Sen responded on Sunday, saying he had "no objection to the criticism". "I do not have any objection. He has done what he has felt and has the right to do so if he feels so," Sen said. The attack by Ghosh, who is known for his often foot-in-the-mouth observations, against the Bharat Ratna awardee drew all-round criticism for the second day in a row. West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary hit out at the BJP leader, saying, "When a person is respected and honoured around the globe, who is Dilip Ghosh to question him? Actually, this is the culture of BJP and RSS." "They cannot think beyond Deendayal Upadhyay, Vir Savarkar and the person who killed Mahatma Gandhi... They do not think that other than these people anybody else has done anything for the country. That's why these days we are seeing Narendra Modi humiliating Manmohan Singh in such a demeaning manner," Chowdhury said. ISTANBUL President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday the final goal of a Turkish incursion into Syria was not just to retake the city of al-Bab from Islamic State, but to cleanse a border region including Raqqa of the jihadists.Turkish-backed Syrian rebels are pressing a major offensive on al-Bab, 30 km (20 miles) south of the Turkish border. The advance risks putting them in direct conflict with Syrian government forces who are closing in on the city from the south."The ultimate goal is to cleanse a 5,000-square-km area," Erdogan told a news conference before his departure on an official visit to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.He said Turkish forces had no intention of staying in Syria once the area had been cleared of both Islamic State and Kurdish YPG militia fighters, whom Turkey sees as a hostile force.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said rebels backed by heavy Turkish air strikes fought Islamic State north and southwest of al-Bab on Sunday. Turkish forces have advanced into the city from the west in recent days, and now control around 10 percent of the city and all of its western suburbs, the Observatory said.Syrian government forces and allied militia have also made gains south of al-Bab, near the town of Tadef, since Friday, reaching an area 1.5 km from the city, it said. Turkey believes recent IS attacks in Turkey, including a New Year's Day shooting in an Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people, have been steered from al-Bab and Raqqa, and it regards a clear-out of the towns as a national security priority.Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said last week that Turkey had presented a detailed plan to oust Islamic State from Raqqa and that strategy discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration were under way. Turkey has repeatedly said it wants to be part of the U.S.-led operation to retake Raqqa, but does not want the YPG, which has been backed by Washington, to be involved. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk in Istanbul and Ellen Francis in Beirut; Writing by Nick Tattersall; Editing by Stephen Powell) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Beirut: Turkish troops backed by Syrian rebel fighters have entered the centre of the Islamic State group bastion of Al-Bab and will soon capture it, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday. The town in Syria's Aleppo province is the last stronghold of the jihadist group in the region, and has also been the target of an assault by Syrian government forces. The Syrian opposition meanwhile announced the formation of a delegation to attend a new round of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva on 20 February. Islamic State has come under pressure from simultaneous offensives in both Syria and Iraq, where the group seized large swathes of territory in 2014 and proclaimed an Islamic "caliphate". Erdogan, speaking in Istanbul, said Al-Bab "is now besieged from all fronts". "Our forces entered the centre," he added, saying it was "only a matter of time" before the alliance of Turkish forces and rebels took control of the town. "Daesh forces have begun leaving Al-Bab completely," he said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. Turkish forces and allied rebels entered Al-Bab for the first time on Saturday, from the west, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Britain-based monitor reported heavy clashes inside western Al-Bab on Sunday, as well as on the northern edge of the town, where Turkish forces and rebels were advancing but had not yet entered the town. One Turkish soldier was killed and two soldiers wounded in clashes with Islamic State jihadists, the Turkish Dogan news agency reported. That raised to 67 the number of Turkish soldiers killed since Ankara began its Operation Euphrates Shield in August, targeting both Islamic State and the Kurdish YPG militia. Al-Bab has been a key target for both Operation Euphrates Shield, but also Syrian government forces, and Ankara now finds itself effectively jointly besieging the town with President Bashar al-Assad's forces despite opposing his government. Syria's army has advanced towards Al-Bab from the south, and on Monday severed the last road leading into the town, completing its encirclement. Erdogan added that Al-Bab was "not our final target," hinting that Ankara may participate in the fight to recapture Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital Raqa. More than 310,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests, and successive rounds of peace talks have failed to produce a political solution. Invitations to new talks on 20 February in Geneva have been delayed while the opposition forms its delegation. Today, the leading components of the political opposition announced a 21-member delegation, with a new delegation head and chief negotiator. Tokyo: As Japan prepares to celebrate Valentine's Day, a cranky group of marxist protesters have called for an end to public displays of love, claiming it hurts their feelings. Members of 'Kakuhido', or the Revolutionary Alliance of Men that Women find Unattractive, unfurled a giant "Smash Valentine's Day" banner as the party-poopers set off to try and overthrow the annual celebration of romance. The grumpy comrades elicited curious looks from passers-by in the trendy Shibuya district where they rallied against commercialism and chanted other buzz-kill slogans such as "public smooching is terrorism!" "Our aim is to crush this love capitalism," the group's public relations chief Takayuki Akimoto told AFP. "People like us who don't seek value in love are being oppressed by society," he added. "It's a conspiracy by people who think unattractive guys are inferior, or losers like cuddling in public, it makes us feel bad. It's unforgivable." Previously, the killjoy group has also protested against "housewives who control Japan's future" as their hapless husbands work all hours at the office. Valentine's Day in Japan is a huge money-spinner for the confectionery business as women are traditionally expected to buy chocolates for the men in their lives from lovers to work colleagues. Men reciprocate a month later on White Day, a Japanese marketing brainwave dreamt up by confectioners in the 1980s to keep the cash tills ringing. "The tradition of giving chocolates means you're always competing," said Akimoto, 33, blasting what his group calls the "passion-based capitalism" of Valentine's Day. "You're judged by how many sweets you get. It's a business strategy by the chocolate capitalists, it's ridiculous." Valentine's Day originated as an ancient Christian and Roman tradition and Akimoto fumed: "Religious overtones have been twisted and turned into a vehicle to make money." Japan is experiencing a loss of mojo with couples apparently too stressed or busy to have sex, frustrating government efforts to raise the birthrate as policymakers struggle to cope with a shrinking population. Akimoto claims the group's message has begun to hit home after 10 years of protests. "Recently you hear of more people spending Christmas alone or women growing tired of Valentine's Day," he said. "We believe that through our fight, we've helped contribute to that social shift." Kakuhido was founded in 2006 by Katsuhiro Furusawa, who began reading the Communist Manifesto after being dumped by his girlfriend and came to the conclusion that being unpopular with the opposite sex was a class issue, fuelling his anti-Valentine message. Akimoto offered some advice for would-be disciples of the spoil-sport group, which also protests White Day and Christmas. "We're saying you don't have to enjoy Christmas or Valentine's Day," he said joylessly, adding that Kakuhido is also taking aim at Halloween. "Just spend the day doing normal things. Our enemy is formidable, but we are ready for a long, drawn-out war." Seoul: North Korea fired what is believed to be a ballistic missile into its eastern waters early Sunday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The presumed intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday) near Banghyeon in North Pyongan province of North Korea, Xinhua news agency reported. The projectile is estimated to have travelled about 500 km, according to the JCS. It landed in waters off North Korea's east coast, according to local media reports. Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missiles near the same place, where an airfield is located, in October last year. It was North Korea's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since US president Donald Trump took office on 20 January. South Korea's military said Pyongyang's launch of ballistic missile was a provocative act in violation of UN Security Council's resolutions, which ban North Korea from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch, the military believed, was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of armed protest against the Trump administration's hard-line stance toward North Korea. By Ju-min Park and Matt Spetalnick | SEOUL/WASHINGTON SEOUL/WASHINGTON North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea early on Sunday, the first such test since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected, and his administration indicated that Washington would have a calibrated response to avoid escalating tensions.The test was likely to have been of an intermediate-range Musudan-class missile that landed in the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea's military, not an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which the North has said it could test at any time.The launch marks the first test of Trump's vow to get tough on an isolated North Korean regime that last year tested nuclear devices and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate in violation of United Nations resolutions.A U.S. official said the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in response, but they would be calibrated to show U.S. resolve while avoiding escalation.Later, White House adviser Stephen Miller said on the television show "Fox News Sunday" that "we are going to reinforce and strengthen our vital alliances in the Pacific region as part of our strategy to deter and prevent the increasing hostility that we've seen in recent years from the North Korean regime." The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting Trump's previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity."This was no surprise," the official said. "The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this."The latest test comes a day after Trump held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and also follows Trump's phone call last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping."I just want everybody to understand, and fully know, that the United States of America is behind Japan, our great ally, 100 percent," Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, speaking alongside Abe. He made no further comments.Abe called the launch "absolutely intolerable" and said North Korea must comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. The French foreign ministry joined the condemnation, issuing a statement that said "France reaffirms its solidarity with its partners in Asia-Pacific whose security is threatened by the North Korean nuclear and ballistic programme." China is North Korea's main ally but has been frustrated by Pyongyang's repeated provocations, although it bristles at pressure from Washington and Seoul to curb the North and its young leader, Kim Jong Un.China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Trump and his aides are likely to weigh a series of possible responses, including new U.S. sanctions to tighten financial controls, an increase in naval and air assets in and around the Korean peninsula and accelerated installation of new missile defence systems in South Korea, the administration official said.But the official said that given that the missile was believed not to have been an ICBM and that Pyongyang had not carried out a new nuclear explosion, any response will seek to avoid ratcheting up tensions. "IT WON'T HAPPEN" Trump has pledged a more assertive approach to North Korea but given no clear sign of how his policy would differ from Obama's so-called strategic patience. In January, Trump tweeted "It wont happen!" after Kim said the North was close to testing an ICBM, but his aides never explained how he would do so.The missile was launched from an area called Panghyon in North Korea's western region just before 8 a.m. (2300 GMT Saturday) and flew about 500 km (300 miles), the South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said."Our assessment is that it is part of a show of force in response to the new U.S. administration's hardline position against the North," the office said in a statement. A South Korean military source said the missile reached an altitude of about 550 km. While Seoul initially said the missile was probably a medium-range Rodong, it later said the launch was likely of a Musudan, which is designed to fly up to 3,000-4,000 km.The North attempted eight Musudan launches last year. Only one of those launches - of a missile that flew 400 km (250 miles) in June - was considered a success by officials and experts in South Korea and the United States.Kim said in his New Year speech that the country was close to test-launching an ICBM and state media have said such a launch could come at any time.The comments prompted a vow of an "overwhelming" response from U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis when he travelled to South Korea earlier this month.Once fully developed, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 9,000 km (5,500 miles) from North Korea. ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,500 km (3,400 miles), but some are designed to travel 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or more.North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile-related tests last year and was seen by experts and officials to be making progress in its weapons capabilities, although until Sunday no ballistic missile launch attempt had been detected since October.Its repeated missile launches prompted Washington and Seoul to agree to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile battery in South Korea later this year, which is strongly opposed by Beijing, which worries the system's powerful radar undermines its own security.Sunday's launch comes at an awkward time for South Korea, where President Park Geun-hye has been stripped of her powers after a December parliamentary vote to impeach her. Her fate will be decided by the Constitutional Court, which is hearing arguments on whether to uphold or overturn the impeachment. (Additional reporting by Jack Kim and Yun Hwan Chae in Seoul, Phil Stewart in Washington, Ayesha Rascoe and Kiyoshi Takenaka in Palm Beach, Elaine Lies in Tokyo, and Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by Tony Munroe and Raju Gopalakrishnan, Larry King) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Andreas Rinke | BERLIN BERLIN Former foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected Germany's president on Sunday, the 12th person to hold the largely ceremonial post in the post-war era.Steinmeier, a Social Democrat who had served as foreign minister until last month, won 931 of the 1,239 valid votes by lawmakers and representatives of Germany's 16 federal states. There 103 abstentions and 14 votes were invalid.After Bundestag president Norbert Lammert announced the results, all representatives held a standing ovation except for a few dozen members of the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.The anti-immigrant AfD, which has no lawmakers in the lower house but holds seats in 10 of Germany's 16 state parliaments, is forecast to be the third-largest party after a general election on Sept. 24. The AfD filed its own candidate, who received 42 votes."I have faith in him to lead our country in these difficult times," Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is seeking a fourth term, said after the vote.The Kremlin said in a statement that Russian President Vladimir Putin had congratulated Steinmeier in a telegram and invited him to visit Moscow. Steinmeier last year drew criticism when he said NATO's decision to stage military manoeuvres in eastern Europe amounted to "sabre-rattling". His Social Democrats prefer a softer stance towards Russia than Merkel's conservatives.Russia wants the European Union to lift sanctions imposed over its annexation of Crimea and backing of separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. The German constitution mandates that a special assembly is convened to elect presidents. It includes 630 lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house and an equal number of representatives from the federal states.Current President Joachim Gauck steps down on March 18. (Additional reporting by Hans-Edzard Busemann in Berlin and Jack Stubbs in Moscow; Writing by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Susan Fenton and David Evans) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. AMMAN Syria's main opposition body on Sunday approved a new delegation to take part in Geneva peace talks later this month, which include Russian-backed blocs that have been critical of the armed insurgency against President Bashar al-Assad.The High Negotiation Committee, (HNC) the main umbrella group, said in a statement after two-days of meetings in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, that the new 21-member negotiating team included members of two dissident alliances with which it has previously been at odds.Those two alliances -- the so-called Moscow and Cairo groups -- have long disavowed the armed rebellion and insisted that political change can only come through peaceful activism. Their members include a former Syrian government minister with close ties to Moscow. Mohammad Sabra, who was appointed as chief negotiator, told Saudi-owned Al-Hadath news channel that the delegation brought together various groups. He also accused unnamed foreign powers of trying to impose their views on the composition of the delegation, an apparent reference to Russia. The body also chose a new head of the negotiating team, Nasr al Hariri, a veteran opposition figure from southern Syria. The next round of U.N.-sponsored talks on the conflict, now in its sixth year, have been scheduled for Feb. 20. The HNC said in the statement the goal of the negotiations was a political transition under U.N. auspices in which Assad had no role in the future of the country. But it steered away from its previous insistence the Syrian president should leave at the start of a transitional phase.The HNC also said foreign powers had no right to present a vision of Syria's future political system without the consent of Syrians. Russian last month tabled the draft of a proposed new constitution for Syria, though it insisted the document had been circulated for the purposes of discussion only. The HNC represented the opposition in Geneva talks last year. But it was not invited to recently convened talks in the Kazakh capital, Astana. The indirect talks between government and rebel delegates in Astana were held with the aim of shoring up a ceasefire brokered by Turkey and Russia. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Tom Perry, editing by Larry King) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. With the rise of the right-wing in America and the Europe, free trade and globalisation that marked the post World War II decades is on the backfoot. The surprise victory of Donald Trump in the American elections, his constant rants against free trade, immigration and linking refuges from seven Muslim countries to terror, has been a major morale booster for these forces. Much of the narrative, though ill-formed is populist. This is easy to understand in India where tirades against appeasing minorities by the larger Sangh Parivar family is accepted without question by the vast majority of citizens even though it is well documented that the vast majority of Muslims here are on the bottom rung of the social and economic heap. In America too, Trump based his campaign on making America great again. According to Trump, the US, which had so long promoted multilateral trade pacts like the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) has suffered. This is not true. If anything, America has become rich through trade. The US continues to be the worlds foremost economic power with a 17 trillon dollar economy. In fact, the job market is improving and the US economy is looking up. But who cares for facts, these days it is the alternative facts of Kellyanne Conway and her ilk that dominate the narrative. Considering the rise of these forces, it is clear that liberal values are under attack. Brexit showed the way and Donald Trumps win cemented it. Middle Americas support for Trump echoes Britains Brexit referendum. There is a major gap between those who live in the major cities and its periphery and those who are in the rural heartland. For instance, during Brexit, London voted differently from the rest of Britain. As in America, so too in Britain, the anti-foreigner sentiments, fuelled by job losses and resentment of immigrants, and the rise of ultra-nationalist sentiments are confined to the interiors. The cultural divide between the liberal sophisticated city folk and the provincial middle class has also opened up. There is the feeling that all the goodies have been grabbed by the urban population. Peoples frustration against the political establishment, represented by the Washington elite, both Republican and Democrats and their families and friends who profited from one another led to anger against politicians. Hillary Clinton was seen as the epitome of all that was wrong with the system. She was accused of helping the Clinton Foundation and using her position as secretary of state to get enormous financial support from foreign governments. Whether all the accusations were valid is not known but in politics perception is everything. Bernie Sanders, a little-known politician was embraced by the younger Democratic voters. Sanders, like Trump, was not seen as a Washington insider. The elite are not just the politicians, but writers, journalists, bureaucrats, the college educated, businessmen and Hollywood theyre are all part of this system. Globalisation has also had its downside. Free trade benefitted the conglomerates and big business, bringing them enormous profits but at the cost of jobs in the developed world. So a class of super-rich corporate tycoons, has left rural America poorer than ever. The 2008 financial crisis and a long period of depression accelerated the process. The rich were getting richer while the rest were stagnating. Liberal values, including free movement of people from poorer countries to US and Europe, are now being blamed for job losses in middle America. While there is point for free trade and equity, the constant passionate denouncement of globalisation does not match the facts. Donald Trumps rise in the US is encouraging right wing parties across Europe. France, the Netherlands and Germany have elections in 2017. In France, Marine Le Pen of the National Front is set to win the first round of presidential elections according to the latest polls. She needs to win the second round too. But, for the moment, Marine Le Pens conservative anti-immigration, anti-EU agenda is resonating among people. France has been repeatedly hit by Islamist terror: the Paris attacks, the Calais strike, and the Charlie Hebdo killings have frightened and angered people. So rise of a nationalist like Le Pen is understandable. She is promising a referendum to allow people to decide whether they wish to remain in the EU. France and Germany are two major European nations that have worked tirelessly for the EU. Le Pen also wants to restore the French franc and says that the euro has not helped the French economy. Again this is not a fact. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel is under attack by the right wing for her generosity towards Syrian refugees. Fake pictures of Merkel holding the hands of a Syrian refugee adopted by a German family that falsely implicated the teenager as a terror suspect went viral on the internet. The Syrian refugee and his adopted family have gone to court against Facebook for circulating false and dangerous propaganda. In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders of the Party for Freedom is being dubbed the Trump of the Netherlands. He is anti-immigration, wants mosques and Islamic centres across the country to be shut down and headscarves banned. His anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rants are gaining traction among voters. His party is expected to do well in the elections and maybe even win. His populist and fiery speeches are being lapped up by adoring crowds. In the Netherlands, the economy is picking up yet Wilder continues to paint a gloomy picture. So is globalisation on the run? While the world will become protectionist for some time, this cannot be the answer. Some self-correction is expected for example there will be a move towards a fair and equitable distribution of wealthbut globalisation will continue to be a major force. WASHINGTON The United States is committed to the security of its allies in the Pacific region and will bolster its allies there against any hostile actions from North Korea, a White House official said on Sunday."The message is that we are going to reinforce and strengthen our vital alliances in the Pacific region as part of our strategy to deter and prevent the increasing hostility that we've seen in recent years from the North Korean regime," White House adviser Stephen Miller said on the television show "Fox News Sunday." (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Alan Crosby) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Tripoli: Palestinian diplomat Salam Fayyad has been appointed as the new UN special envoy to Libya and the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya. The appointment was announced on Saturday by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The US, however, objected to the choice of Fayyad, saying the US was "disappointed to see a letter indicating the intention to appoint the former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister to lead the UN Mission in Libya", Xinhua news agency reported. "For too long the UN has been unfairly biased in favour of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel," US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley said. The US objection was condemned by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, with its member Hanan Ashrawi saying the objection was "unconscionable". "We hope that saner voices will prevail and the US will take back this irrational and discriminatory decision immediately and not deprive the UN of such a highly qualified individual," Ashrawi said in a statement. Fayyad, 64, was the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority from 2007 to 2013. He is also a former Finance Minister. Fayyad replaced German diplomat Martin Kobler, who has served in the post since November 2015. Kobler sponsored peace dialogue sessions between Libya's political rivals for over a year in order to end the state of political division in the country. Eventually, a peace agreement was signed by the rivals and a new government of national accord was appointed. However, the country still suffers political crisis despite the signed agreement. WASHINGTON A White House official launched a blistering attack on the federal appeals court that blocked President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration on Sunday, calling its ruling a "judicial usurpation of power."The Trump administration has faced multiple legal setbacks to its travel ban issued on Jan. 27, and the Republican president has said he may issue a new executive order rather than go through lengthy court challenges. "The president's powers here are beyond question," White House adviser Stephen Miller said on the "Fox News Sunday" program. Miller referred to immigration law that the executive order is based on that gives the U.S. president broad powers to restrict who enters the country on national security grounds.However, the same law forbids discrimination on race, sex, nationality or place of birth or residence. The case also could involve First Amendment protections involving religion.The executive order Trump issued banned entry into the United States to refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries, triggering nationwide protests and legal challenges. A week later, a federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order that put the president's travel ban on hold, eliciting a barrage of angry Twitter messages from Trump. The judge's suspension was upheld by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Thursday.Miller, appearing on several television news shows, criticized the court and its ruling."The 9th Circuit has a long history of being overturned and the 9th Circuit has a long history of overreaching," he said on the Fox news show. "This is a judicial usurpation of power." The powers to restrict entry into the United States "represent the very apex of presidential authority," he added."We have multiple options and we are considering all of them," Miller said while appearing on ABC's "This Week." Those include formulating a new executive action, appealing the 9th Circuit panel's decision to the full appeals court and appealing the emergency stay to the Supreme Court, he said. If the Seattle lawsuit goes to trial, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson said on Sunday he will depose Trump administration officials to uncover "what truly motivated" the president's executive order.Documents and emails authored by administration officials may contain evidence that the order was an unconstitutional attempt to ban Muslims from entering the United States, and Ferguson said on ABC's "This Week" that he will use "every tool" at his disposal to bring those to light. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Julia Harte; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Alan Crosby) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. A California Islamic school wanted to keep an open mind before Donald Trump took office. But less than a month into Trump's presidency, the school rejected $800,000 in federal funds aimed at combatting violent extremism. The decision made late Friday night by the Bayan Claremont graduate school's board to turn down the money an amount that would cover more than half its yearly budget capped weeks of sleepless nights and debate. Many there felt Trump's rhetoric singling out Islamic extremism and his travel ban affecting predominantly Muslim countries had gone too far. It also made the school the fourth organization nationwide under the Trump administration to reject the money for a program created under President Barack Obama known as countering violent extremism, or CVE, which officials say aims to thwart extremist groups' abilities to recruit would-be terrorists. Bayan Claremont had received the second-largest grant, among the first 31 federal grants for CVE awarded to organizations, schools and municipalities in the dwindling days of the Obama administration. The school had hoped to use the money to help create a new generation of Muslim community leaders, with $250,000 earmarked for more than a dozen local nonprofits doing social justice work. But the fledgling school's founding president, Jihad Turk, said officials ultimately felt accepting the money would do more harm than good. It's "a heck of a lot of money, (but) our mission and our vision is to serve the community and to bring our community to a position of excellence," Turk said. "And if we're compromised, even if only by perception in terms of our standing in the community, we ultimately can't achieve that goal," he said, adding that accepting the funds would be short-sighted. The school's internal debate is also emblematic of handwringing among grassroots and nonprofit organizations involved in the program in the last couple weeks. At Unity Productions Foundation of Potomac Falls, Virginia, officials said they would decline a grant of $396,585 to produce educational films challenging narratives supporting extremist ideologies and violent extremism "due to the changes brought by the new administration," according to a private message to donors reviewed by The Associated Press. And in Dearborn, Michigan, Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities said last week it was turning down $500,000 for youth-development and public-health programs because of the "current political climate." Ka Joog, a leading Somali nonprofit organization in Minneapolis, also turned down $500,000 for its youth programs. The Homeland Security Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. A U.S. official said the Trump administration has been discussing changing the Obama administration program's name, established as a presidential strategy in 2011, to an iteration of "countering Islamic extremism." The official, who has knowledge of the discussions, was not authorized to speak publicly about the proposal and spoke on condition of anonymity. All told, more than 20 percent of the roughly $10 million awarded by the Homeland Security Department has been rejected. And other groups have signaled they may follow suit, should the name change. Turk said school officials already had reservations about the CVE strategy under Obama because they felt there's no clear or proven pathway to violence for someone with a particular extreme ideology. The group went ahead, despite worries by some activists that the program equated to a government surveillance program, because it believed the previous administration wasn't hostile to their faith. But amid what Turk called Trump's "fixation on the American Muslim community," it became clear that the president's actions were more than campaign-trail rhetoric, he said. "It was becoming more and more apparent," Turk said of Trump, "that he's actually looking to carry out all the scary stuff he said." Internet trolls on Sunday blamed new Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for a typo on the departments Twitter feed that misspelled the name of a prominent African-American sociologist, but a spokesman said the mistake was made by a longtime employee. The tweet included a quotation attributed to W.E.B. Du Bois that incorrectly spelled the sociologists last name with an "e." The mistake immediately drew hundreds of responses mocking the department's misspelling. DeVos, a wealthy political donor, was confirmed last week as President Trumps pick for Education secretary. But she faced a difficult Senate confirmation process in large part because of her support for voucher programs and other alternatives to public education and because she purportedly never taught in a public school. On Friday, DeVos third full day on the job, she was temporarily blocked by protesters from entering a District of Columbia public school. By midday Sunday, the U.S. Education Department had posted a new tweet with the correct spelling and an apology. However, the post drew another round of critics because it included another typo, which was later fixed. One commenter tweeted: "I love that your initial apology for a typo included a typo. We don't need any further proof that DeVos runs this account." Another post urged further rebuke by urging people to make this go viral. Still, the department under DeVos leadership received some support amid the dozens of negative comments. As a public school teacher, it's important to embrace failures and learn from them. Slow down, it isn't a race. Proofreading helps, one person wrote. A spokesman for the Education Department said Sunday the misspellings had been made by a longtime department employee. He said a new review process was being put in place with additional staff to prevent future tweet errors. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The United States and Japan held a joint press conference on Saturday night following reports that North Korea fired a ballistic missile in what would be its first such test of the year. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned North Korea's latest missile launch calling it, "absolutely intolerable." President Donald Trump assured Japan that the U.S. stands behind the country completely. The United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent, Trump said during the conference at Trumps south Florida estate. Abe read a brief statement in which he called on North Korea to fully comply with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. He said Trump has assured him of U.S. support and that Trump's presence showed the president's determination and commitment. North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump's new administration. More on this... North Korea reportedly test fires missile, challenging US A spokesman for U.S. Strategic Command said in an emailed statement to Fox News that the, "U.S. Strategic Command systems detected and tracked what we assess was a North Korean missile launch. The missile splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, according to the U.S. Strategic Command. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The appropriate officials remain vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and are fully committed to working closely with our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies to maintain security, the spokesman said in the statement, adding that the launch was from a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile. The missile launch reports come as Trump was hosting the Japanese leader and just days before North Korea is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Trumps assertions about widespread voter fraud in the 2016 elections re-emerged this weekend, with a top Trump adviser saying Sunday the White House has provided enormous evidence to support claims while still producing no evidence. The White House has provided enormous evidence with respect to voter fraud, with respect to people being registered in more than one state, White House policy adviser Stephen Miller told ABCs This Week, amid calls for Trump to provide evidence for his claim. Trump has argued since November that voter fraud cost him the popular vote, which he lost to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton by several million ballots. However, the White House has yet to provide evidence, at least publicly, to support the argument. This morning, on this show, is not the venue for me to lay out all the evidence, Miller said. But I can tell you this: Voter fraud is a serious problem in this country. The issues of voter and voter-registratration fraud came into play again last week after a closed-door meeting with senators and former New Hampshire GOP Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who with Trump lost that state on Election Day. Trump purportedly said in the meeting that thousands of people were brought from Massachusetts to New Hampshire to illegally vote. Miller said Sunday that he has worked on election campaigns in New Hampshire and that the situation is widely known in the states political circles, though he did not provide any hard-copy evidence. Go to New Hampshire. Talk to anybody who has worked in politics there for a long time, he said. Everybody is aware of the problem. Trumps claim about New Hampshire prompted a Federal Election Commission official to urge the president to share evidence supporting his allegation so it can be investigated. And Trump last week told Fox News that hes going to have Vice President Pence lead a commission to investigate voter-registration fraud. The president in recent weeks has gotten some support on the issue from fellow Republicans who have said voter fraud has occurred in their states. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said he doesnt want to spend federal money to investigate the issue. North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows told reporters at the recent Republican retreat in Philadelphia that hes aware of instances of voter fraud in his congressional district but was uncertain about the extent. Miller said Sunday that Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach has evidence of vote fraud in his state. I suggest you invite Kris Kobach onto your show, and he can walk you through some of the evidence, Miller said. And last week, a Mexican national was sentenced to eight years in prison for voter fraud in Texas. The womans lawyer suggested that people in that region believing Trump's claims about election rigging led to the conviction and harsh sentencing, calling it the 800-pound gorilla" in the jury box. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller said Sunday that the White House is considering and pursuing all options to impose an immigration travel ban, now that Trumps executive order on the issue has been halted in federal court. Miller, an immigration hawk, told Fox News Sunday that new executive orders to protect Americans from hostile intruders are under consideration, as are potential legal challenges. We are contemplating new and additional actions to ensure our immigration system is not a vehicle for terrorists, said Miller, who was instrumental in crafting former Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions' policies on illegal immigration. (Sessions is now the U.S. attorney general.) A federal appeals court recently halted Trumps Jan. 27 executive order to temporarily ban travel from seven mostly Muslim nations. And the Trump administrations attempt last week to have the ban lifted was denied. Miller on Sunday argued the appeal court has overstepped its authority, reasserting the presidents powers and expressing confidence that Trump will prevail in his promise to stop radical Islamic terrorists from entering the United States. The three judges made a broad, over-reaching statement, Miller said. The presidents powers here are beyond question. Something good is going to come out of this. The powers of the president will be confirmed. In response to assertions that the executive orders were hastily crafted and executed, Miller argued they were drafted by congressional experts and reviewed by lawyers and top federal agency officials. He also argued that the three executive orders on immigration signed last month essentially remain in effect and that they have already profoundly improved our national security. Miller also said that Assistant to the President Steve Bannon, who is considered a driving force behind Trumps immigration policies, had no role in the so-called roll out of the executive orders, which immediately created problems for travelers, including those with green cards, arriving at U.S. airports. An ancient marble slab that wound up on display in a midtown Manhattan art gallery after being stolen in Greece 30 years ago has been returned to Greek officials. The large sarcophagus fragment worth $500,000 was stolen from a burial ground near the port city of Thessaloniki and its whereabouts had long been a mystery despite an international search. The 400-pound artifact dates from 200 A.D. and depicts a battle between Greek and Trojan warriors, the New York Post reported. The Royal-Athena Galleries agreed to forfeit the piece when presented evidence of its theft, the paper reported. The owner of the gallery declined to comment, Courthouse News Service reported. The Consul General of Greece, Konstantinos Koutras thanked New York State prosecutors for recovering the fragment. Sadly, in the past, our country has suffered from the cruel and continued smuggling of its antique artifact, and even to this day, a very important part of our heritage remains scattered throughout the world, he said. The piece will be part of an exhibit at the National Archeological Museum in Athens that is open to the public. Convicted Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof wants a new federal trial. Roof's attorneys made that request Friday. The 22-year-old Roof was sentenced to die earlier this year for killing nine black members of Charleston's Emanuel AME Church in June 2015. Part of Roof's argument challenges the government's assertion that his crimes violated a federal commerce clause. They argue Roof's actions happened in South Carolina and involved only "incidental and everyday use" of areas affected by the commerce clause, like the internet or purchases from another state. Roof also faces a death penalty trial in state court. ___ Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP . Read more of her work at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/meg-kinnard/ A notorious con artist who previously posed as a high school student 10 years his junior, lied his way into Princeton on a track scholarship and was arrested for stealing $50,000 worth of jewels from a Harvard museum pleaded guilty last week to a pair of felonies that could send him back to prison. James Hogue, 57, could receive between one and three years in prison when hes sentenced next month, The Aspen Times reported. The most recent charges come after Hogue in September was found living in an illegal shack on a Colorado mountain. When police knocked on the door of the cabin, Hogue slipped out a window and evaded authorities for two months. But investigators eventually caught up with him, tracking down his SUV, which was filled with stolen ski jackets, ski pants, $17,000 in cash and records showing eBay sales, according to The Aspen Times. But should Hogue wind up in the slammer, it would be familiar territory for a man who has made a life out of pretending to be other people. He has served numerous prison sentences, but gained infamy due to his impersonations, even making a list of Time magazines Top 10 Imposters. As a youthful looking 26-year-old, Hogue pretended to be a 16-year-old student, enrolling at a school in Palo Alto, Calif., during the 1980s. Several years later, however, he pulled off his greatest scam. Hogue, going by the name Alexi Santana, told admissions officers at Princeton University he was a self-educated athlete from Montana, where he owned a horse and herded cattle, The Washington Post reported. He claimed his dad, an artist, died in a car crash. His mom, a sculptor, was supposedly dying of leukemia in Switzerland. Hogue was soon accepted to the elite school, making the deans list and varsity track team. But the lies came crashing down on Hogue at a Harvard-Yale-Princeton track meet in 1991 when a Yale student recognized Hogue/Santana as the man who posed as a high school student in Palo Alto. He was arrested and faced a slew of counts, including wrongful impersonation. He ended up spending nine months in prison and paid back $22,000 in financial aid. The next year, Hogue gained employment as a guard at a Harvard museum but he was charged with grand larceny after he was alleged to have stolen $50,000 worth of gemstones. Hogue quickly violated his probation by trying to pose as a graduate student at Princeton, though he didnt enroll in classes, Time reported. The police officer who arrested him in November said Hogues latest alias was David Beefrom Ontario, according to The Washington Post. But I knew it was him, Aspen police officer Dan Davis said. That could be because of Hogues extensive history in the area. He was arrested twice in the late 1990s in Aspen, once for bike theft and pushing a cop and a second time for attempted theft of hair regrowth treatment and food, The Washington Post reported. A burglary spree about 7,000 items worth $100,000 several years later earned him a five-year term in federal prison that started in 2007. If youre going to text a hit man, make sure you have the right phone number. A Washington state man allegedly foiled his own murder-for-hire plot when he accidentally sent a message with details of the planned killing to his former boss. Snowhomish County cops arrested Jeff Lytle, 42, on Wednesday. His bail was set at $1 million after probable cause was found on two counts of criminal solicitation for first-degree murder domestic-violence. Hey Shayne hows it going. You remember you said that you would help me kill my wife. Im going to take you up on that offer, Lytle is accused of writing in a text message obtained by KIRO7. SEX OFFENDER CHARGED IN MURDER OF COLLEGE STUDENT life insurance is worth 1 million and if you want a bonus you can kill [Lytles 4-year-old daughter]. Her life insurance is 500K. if you can make it look like a robbery gone wrong or make it a accident she works at Walmart she gets off at 11:00. Ill split everything with the insurance 50/50. Lytle, who lives in Monroe, told authorities the texts were only written to vent, he did not mean to actually send them and perhaps his daughter had mistakenly sent the texts, according to court documents viewed by KIRO7. Lytle also said Shayne was not a real person and he was not attempting to solicit anyone to kill his wife and daughter, The Seattle Times reported. Lytles wife told police the couple had been married for seven years and were in the midst of financial difficulties since Lytle was out of work, according to The Seattle Times. A massive crowd took to the streets in North Carolina on Saturday in opposition of President Donald Trump and to a state law limiting LGBT rights for an annual civil rights march. The "Moral March on Raleigh" was led by the North Carolina NAACP for an 11th year. Officials in Raleigh didnt provide any information on crowd numbers. Organizers of the event predicted about 20,000 protesters. The surface area that the crowd covered neared the march's previous peak from 2014. March participants promoted different issues from gerrymandering and immigration to public education. The protesters also want a House Bill 2 repeal, which limits LGBT rights and which bathrooms transgender people can use. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Two shootings involving police and replica guns in a 9-hour span are under investigation in Oregons largest city. The shootings in northeast and southeast Portland Thursday left a teenage robbery suspect dead and a homeless man critically wounded, according to local media reports. Police said Quanice Hayes, 17, and Don Perkins, 56, were armed with realistic-looking replica firearms when they were shot. The Oregonian reports that Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler on Friday called the Hayes shooting a tragedy, while a Black Lives Matter affiliate condemned it. Police were searching for a black man wearing a hoodie,' claimed to have found a gun near the scene and have spent over 24 hours trying to get their story straight before releasing details," Dont Shoot Portland said in a statement, according to the paper. Family described (Hayes) as someone who spent all their time being the caretaker of their young siblings. He wanted to grow up, work hard, and be somebody. Wheeler urged the community to unite in our sorrow before jumping to conclusions about the teens death. Anytime there's a shooting, that's concerning, Wheeler said, according to the Oregonian. When an officer-involved shooting involves a death, it's even more so. And when the person who is killed is a black teenager it taps into deep historical wounds. We can't sit here today and ignore what's happening across our country. I'm not assigning blame. I'm not assigning judgment today. What I am doing is this: I'm affirming that the events that happened here in Portland are happening all too often. Portland Police Chief Mike Marsham said it was hard to tell the guns were fake, Fox 12 Oregon reported. He said in looking at the photos myself, it would be extremely difficult for anybody in a moments notice to know that they are not actual firearms, according to the station. Hayes was shot around 9:20 a.m. Thursday as cops were looking for him in connection with a gunpoint robbery in front of a motel two hours earlier. Police said he matched the description of the suspect in the holdup. Perkins was shot around 6:30 p.m. Thursday after he called cops threatening suicide. Cops found him in a park, where he was living in a van. A woman told the Oregonian she saw officers shoot Perkins after he yelled at them, Shoot me! Kill me! The three officers involved in the two shootings were placed on modified duty, pending investigations, according to reports. A Missouri man who described himself as a leader of the Ku Klux Klan was found dead Saturday, three days after he was reported missing. Frank Ancona, 51, of Leadwood, was found on a bank of the Big River near Belgrade Saturday by a family fishing in the area, Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobson told the Park Hills Daily Journal. According to Fox 2 Now, police consider Ancona's death to be suspicious and have taken one person into custody in relation to the investigation. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Ancona described himself as an "imperial wizard" of the Traditionalist American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. A website for the group features a photo of Ancona in a white hood and robe standing in front of a burning cross. The paper said it had quoted Ancona in the past about reports to curb lealetting by the group in the town of Desloge. Click for more from Fox2Now.com. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 The U.S. Army has begun unloading dozens of Chinook, Apache and Black Hawk helicopters at a port in northern Germany so the aircraft can be moved to a base in Bavaria. German news agency dpa reported Sunday that 94 helicopters and several trucks from the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade in Fort Drum, New York were sent to the port of Bremerhaven. Most of the equipment is bound for an Army base in the town of Illesheim, but dpa says some will be assigned to rotating stints in Lithuania and Romania. The deployment is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which foresees the continuous presence of an American armored brigade combat team in Europe. The mission is meant to help allay concerns from Poland and other NATO allies over an increasingly bellicose Russia. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Serbia's defense minister says the country is getting a shipment of Russian fighter jets, supplies that could worsen tensions with neighboring states. Defense Minister Zoran Djordjevic said after returning Sunday from one of his frequent visits to Moscow that six MiG-29s will be delivered to Serbia. Djordjevic says Russia also is providing experts to upgrade the aircraft acquired from Russian Army reserves. Serbia's arming has triggered alarms in the Balkans, which was engulfed by a bloody war in the 1990s that killed more than 110,000 people and left millions homeless. Serbia formally has been on the path to joining the European Union, but under pressure from Moscow has steadily slid toward the Kremlin and its goal of keeping the country out of NATO and other Western institutions. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Hundreds of passengers at Hamburg Airport were evacuated and more than a dozen flights canceled after some 68 people were injured by a hazardous material that likely spread through the airport's air conditioning system. The airport said in a statement that police and firefighters had concluded from their initial investigation the substance most likely was pepper spray. Authorities still are working to determine how it got into the airport's air conditioning system, the statement said. The 68 injured people both passengers and staff members had complained about breathing problems, burning eyes and nausea. All outgoing and inbound flights were halted for about one hour due to the evacuation and unknown health hazard; 14 flights were canceled altogether and several planes also were diverted. Air traffic delays continued throughout the afternoon. Evacuees who were uninjured had to wait outside in freezing temperatures. Firefighters designated special areas outside the airport building where physicians examined people with physical symptoms of exposure. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 North Korea appeared to fire a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump, who stood with the Japanese leader as Shinzo Abe called the move "intolerable." There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it was ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The U.S. Strategic Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile. North Korean media are often slow to announce such launches, if they announce them at all. As of Sunday afternoon, there had been no official announcement and most North Koreans went about their day with no inkling that the launch was major international news. The reports of the launch came as Trump was hosting Prime Minister Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il. Appearing with Trump at a news conference at the president's south Florida estate, Abe condemned the missile launch as "absolutely intolerable." Abe read a brief statement in which he called on the North to comply fully with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. He said Trump had assured him of U.S. support and that Trump's presence showed the president's determination and commitment. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile was fired from around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test-launched its powerful midrange Musudan missile on Oct. 15 and 20. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles). But South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that while determinations were still being made, it was not believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, according to the U.S. Strategic Command. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Jong Un said in his New Year's address that the country had reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its "hostile policy" and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programs until the U.S. changes its diplomatic approach. Just days ago, it also reaffirmed its plan to conduct more space launches, which it staunchly defends but which have been criticized because they involve dual-use technology that can be transferred to improve missiles. "Our country has clearly expressed its standpoint, that we will continue to build up our capacity for self-defense, with nuclear forces and a pre-emptive strike capability as the main points, as long as our enemies continue sanctions to suppress us," Pyongyang student Kim Guk Bom said Sunday. "We will defend the peace and security of our country at any cost, with our own effort, and we will contribute to global peace and stability." Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, speculated that the missile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. Analysts are divided, however, over how close the North is to having a reliable long-range rocket that could be coupled with a nuclear warhead capable of striking U.S. targets. South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who is also the acting president, said his country would punish North Korea for the missile launch. According to the Foreign Ministry, South Korea will continue to work with allies, including the United States, Japan and the European Union, to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realize that it will "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. ___ Associated Press writers Kim Tong-Hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Jill Colvin in Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report. The chairman of Pakistan's senate says the body will not welcome any U.S. delegation, member of Congress or dignitary in Islamabad. The move comes after the U.S. failed to issue a visa to the senate's deputy chairman, a member of the right-wing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam political party. Chairman Raza Rabbani says in a statement that no Pakistani senate delegation will visit the U.S. until an explanation for the delay in issuing a visa to Maulana Ghafoor Haideri is given by U.S. authorities. A U.S. embassy spokesman in Islamabad said Sunday they could not comment on visa cases due to privacy laws. Haideri was to travel Sunday to New York to attend a meeting at the United Nations. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is known for pro-Taliban and anti-U.S. stances. Britain's Royal Navy says a warship has rescued 14 sailors after their racing yacht lost its mast, leaving them stranded in the mid- Atlantic. Britain's Coast Guard received a mayday signal from the 60-foot (18-meter) Clyde Challenger late Thursday. Royal Air Force and U.S. Air Force planes helped search for the yacht, and a passing chemical tanker attempted a rescue but was hampered by bad weather. British destroyer HMS Dragon reached the vessel, 610 miles (980 kilometers) southwest of England's southern tip, on Saturday afternoon, and managed to rescue the 14 crew members 13 Britons and one American. Petty Officer Max Grosse, chief bosun's mate on HMS Dragon, said the Atlantic swell made conditions "enormously challenging." The crew members were treated for minor injuries. Their vessel could not be recovered. The first face to face meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Trump could be the most important meeting for Canada in decades between leaders of the two neighbors. Trudeau will be at the White House on Monday at a time many Canadians fear Trump will enact protectionist measures that could hurt their economy and worry the new president could be as combative as he was with the leaders of Mexico and Australia. Trudeau, 45, and Trump, 70, have vastly different outlooks on the world. Trudeau is a liberal who champions global trade and has welcomed 40,000 Syrian refugees. Trump is a protectionist and his moves to restrict entry of refugees and immigrants are expected to come up Monday. But Trudeau is expected to emphasize common economic interests. "We're going to talk about all sorts of things we align on, like jobs and economic growth, opportunities for the middle class - the fact that millions of good jobs on both sides of our border depend on the smooth flow of goods and services across that border," Trudeau said. But Trudeau also said they are "going to talk about things that I'm sure we disagree on and we'll do it in a respectful way. Canada will always stay true to the values that have made us this extraordinary country, a place of openness." After Trump signed the executive order pausing entries to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority nations, Trudeau tweeted that Canada welcomed people fleeing persecution, terrorism and war. Trudeau said "diversity is our strength." His spokeswoman said Trudeau was looking forward discussing Canada's immigration and refugee policy with Trump. But Trudeau isn't expected to poke the new president like his headstrong father, late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, did to previous presidents during the almost 16 years he was in office. Tall and trim, Justin Trudeau channels the star power of his storied father but is less confrontational. American relations are crucial for Canada as more than 75 percent of the country's exports and 98 percent of its oil exports go to the U.S. About 18 percent of U.S. exports go to Canada. There are fears Canada could be sideswiped if Trump targets Mexico in a re-negotiation of the North American Free Trade agreement. But Wall Street tycoon and Trump adviser Stephen Schwarzman has said "things should go well for Canada" if the president reopens NAFTA because the northern neighbor has a balanced trade relationship with the United States. Schwarzman, who leads Trump's economic advisory group, said other countries have large trade unbalances and markets that aren't as open to American trade as Canada's. There's no indication Trump views Canada as a problem or an economic adversary but Trump is unpredictable, said Roland Paris, a former senior foreign policy to Trudeau. Paris called it a very important moment in U.S.-Canada relations and said he's cautiously optimistic the two will can have a constructive relationship focused on increasing economic ties. "Canadians expect their prime minister to do two things: uphold Canadian values and to have an effective constructive relationship with the president of the United States. That's a balancing act and it's not necessarily going to be easy," Paris said. Canada has not been the subject of a Trump tweet but fears remain about Trump's impulsiveness. "We're dealing with someone who has abused the Mexican president and the Australian prime minister," said Robert Bothwell, a professor at the University of Toronto. Bothwell said Trudeau should avoid confrontation considering the stakes and how delicate the situation is. "Most American presidents have been pretty level headed. You have to go back to the monarchs of the Middle Ages or Roman Emperors. How does Nero feel today? Is his stomach acting up? What does the emperor decree?" Bothwell said. "We're back in the Roman empire. We haven't had anything like this." A new cardiology clinic opened inside Novant Health U.Va. Health System Culpeper Medical Center recently, providing continuous cardiology services in the area. The 6,000-square-foot newly renovated clinic space includes seven exam rooms and four diagnostic rooms for echocardiography, exercise stress tests, nuclear stress tests and vascular ultrasound, according to hospital spokeswoman Ashton Miller. Dr. Kwame Akosah and Dr. J. Cullen Hardy, both board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiologists, will provide cardiology services as part of the new clinic. Greg Napps, CEO of Culpeper Medical Center, informed a group of retired hospital employees last September that the new clinic was being built in the area of the hospitals former administrative offices near the main entrance. We are glad to now offer additional cardiology access through our partnership with U.Va. Health System, Napps said. We have known for some time that there is a local need for cardiology services and the new suite will allow us to better serve our community and our patients. Renovations to enhance the lobby of the hospital began during summer 2016. I am excited to see patients in our new clinic and to work alongside a dedicated team that cares for patients with a variety of cardiovascular conditionsfrom coronary artery disease to heart failure, Akosah said. And because of our unique relationship with U.Va. Health System, we are able to offer the same level of care provided at an academic medical center right here in the Culpeper community. Napps added that the new cardiology physicians will be available 24/7. Meanwhile, the administrative staff that used to be inside the hospital was relocated to the Ruby Beck house across the street from the hospital to make room for the cardiology clinic. After receiving his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 1985, Akosah completed his internship in 1986 and his residency in 1989 from St. Vincents Hospital Medical Center of New York. He completed his fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine in 1992. Hardy received his primary degree from Tulane University, completed his residency at the University of Virginia and completed his fellowship at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. To make an appointment with Culpeper Medical Center cardiology services, call 540/829-4400. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy With all of our modern-day concernscareers, family, politics and morestress, it seems, is inevitable. We all experience it, yet stress impacts each of us differently; your roadblock might be someone elses speed bump. Recognizing when youve reached your limit and learning how to manage stress appropriately are critical to maintaining good health. Thats because stress takes a significant toll on our bodies. In fact, an estimated 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related complaints. Some stress-related symptoms you may be familiar with, such as headache, insomnia and irritability. But did you know stress also can increase your risk for serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke? The stress response To understand why stress is harmful, it helps to take a closer look at how the body responds to it. Emotions like stress and anger trigger the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline, which increases your heart rate and blood pressure, and cortisol, which increases sugars and retains salt in the bloodstream. Although normal and useful in some instances, this fight-or-flight response eventually may cause problems if the response is enacted too frequently. Unfortunately, the body doesnt differentiate between acute stress and chronic stress, so the response is the same. In the past, our bodies would have returned to a relaxed state after a threat subsided. Today, our stress response is activated constantly, so the body doesnt know to shut off the stress hormones and they continue to be elevated in the bloodstream even after the crisis has passed. Four of the most common bodily systems impacted by this constant activation of stress hormones include: Heart: Symptoms may include chest pain, irregular heartbeat and heart attack. Gastrointestinal: Symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. Cognitive/emotional: Symptoms may include depression, irritability and forgetfulness. Behavioral: Symptoms may include a change in eating habits, insomnia, use of substances like alcohol and procrastination. Your immune system also may become compromised due to too much stress, so if you find yourself constantly under the weather, its time to look at ways to reduce your stress load. If you experience symptoms regularly, or they become severe, talk to your doctor or visit the emergency room. How to be stress-free While you cant eliminate stress from your life entirely, there are steps you can take to keep it in check. These include: Get moving. Embrace mindfulness. Eat healthfully. Talk to a friend or loved one. Keep a journal. Get organized. Dont overcommit. Improve sleep hygiene. Help others. Get a checkup. Its no coincidence that exercise tops the list for stress relief. Exercise boosts endorphins, or feel-good chemicals, in the brain. It takes your mind off of your day-to-day worries and helps lower your blood pressure. Just as beneficial is the practice of mindfulness, which may include yoga, meditation, deep breathing or tai chi. At its most basic, mindfulness is paying closer attention to your body and your feelings. Even taking a brief moment to reflect and breathe when stress is mounting can increase those happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine, while decreasing the level of the stress hormone cortisol. Perhaps the most important step you can take to combating stress is to make time for you. Theres no doubt that can be a challenge. But with University of Virginia Club Red, you have an ally. Since it began a decade ago, this womens heart health initiative created by the UVa Heart and Vascular Center has celebrated Heart Month in grand style. And this year is no exception. The theme for 2017: So long, stress. Hello, healthy! Dr. Brandy Patterson is a cardiologist at UVa Heart and Vascular Center and a UVa Club Red clinical ambassador. Stafford County sixth-grader Cael Perry spends plenty of time working on merit badges with his Boy Scout troop. But on a Thursday evening in late January, the work hit a little closer to home. It might determine where he goes to high school. He and his troop were among about 400 peoplemostly parentsat a Colonial Forge High School redistricting workshop and information session, where everyone present bent over maps and worksheets to tackle the difficult question of which neighborhoods to shift out of the popular but overcrowded school. Normally, Caelthe only member of the troop who seemed likely to be affected by a zone changewouldnt be thinking much about high school yet. But his parents have been thinking about it for years. In fact, its why they moved to Stafford County when their children were starting school. They have one child already at Forge, and expected their other children to attend, as well. People move to Stafford for the schools, said his mother, Aubrianne Perry. She feels the county has the best balance between affordable living and good schools in the D.C. suburbs. Perry said that with the clear forecasts of crowding, she cant understand why the district is facing this problem, and why the county didnt plan better for a sixth high school. These developments are building at a rapid rate, she told a reporter at the Jan. 26 meeting. Youve got to be able to school your kids. Youre kicking out families who have lived here for years. Its an emotional issue for some. At a subsequent meeting last week, some attendees got into heated arguments and booed one anothers comments, according to some who were there. The sixth school Perrys sentiments were echoed by many at the meeting, where the call for a sixth high school was the most resounding demand as around 20 groups worked to recommend which neighborhoodsor area planning units, called APUscould and should be shifted to use available school space more efficiently. The meeting was intended to draw feedback from the community and to educate the public about the redistricting process, School Board members said. Administrators shared four-year goals for redistricting, which involve moving about 400 students out of Forge, about 275 students into North Stafford High School and about 125 students into Mountain View High School. They are looking at about 20 APUs now in the Colonial Forge zone. Changes will affect rising ninth-graders in the fall of this year. All rising 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders will have the choice to stay put, although grandfathered students who are moved to another school zone will have to provide their own transportation if they choose to stay at Forge. The guidelines said siblings of grandfathered students wouldnt be allowed to transfer. Transportation routes could also affect final redistricting. At the end of the meeting, a facilitator or spokesperson from each group addressed the whole crowd, and school administrators took notes and collected feedback. The feedback was combined into a report available on the schools website. The School Board is not bound to follow the report, but will consider the feedback at a work session Thursday. The boards commitment not to shift current students out of Forge and instead look at rising ninth-graders hasnt settled the concerns of many parents. What I think Im hearing is, First things first, we want a new high school, said Kate Trenkelbach, the staff facilitator for a group that broke off from the larger crowd to hear one another better. Criticizing BandAid solutions and saying the district needs construction, not paper, group members wanted more information about the long-term plans. School Board members have said there is a sixth high school in the capital improvement plan, or CIP, but its construction was delayed due to cost. In 2014, a committee discussed sites near Clift Farm or Westlake. More recently, School Board discussion has focused on a new school in the southern part of the county. The school is expected to cost at least $120 million, Rock Hill Supervisor Wendy Maurer told the group. The replacement Stafford High School, opened in 2015, was a $70 million project, she said, but the district already owned the campusand administrators have said construction costs can rise up to 5 percent each year. The $120 million is based on a 2020 or later construction start, Maurer said, not present day. Maurer, the chairman of the supervisors Finance, Audit and Budget Committee, said it was theoretically possible to start construction on a new high school by 2020 and open it by 2023, and to do it without a tax increase. But it would be painful, she said, and require paying cash for repair and maintenance projects such as new roofs. Maurer wants to start fresh to create a joint CIP with the schools that would have a new ranking system for projects. Personally, I want to strip everything off the CIP, she said. Its going to take a lot of work. The income achievement gap Even if that 2023 date were met, Colonial Forge would be bursting at the seamsclose to 20 percent over its capacity of 2,150 students, according to information provided by the school district. For a minimum of six years, redistricting is the only option. Theres just one problem: No one wants to leave. Forge has been open for less than 20 years, but in 2016, U.S. News & World Report ranked it 30th of the almost 1,000 high schools in Virginia, and 1,017th nationwide. The reportwhich includes criteria such as college readiness, graduation rates and performance of higher-needs populationsreviews thousands of schools nationally, but selected only 113 for ranking in Virginia. Brooke Point, also in Stafford, was the only other area school included. It stands at No. 54 in the state and 2,618th nationally. Many factors affect the performance of a schools students. But one of the most common correlations to more successful performance on everything from test scores to graduation rates is family income. The income achievement gapthe average difference in success between a child whose family income was in the top 10 percent and a child whose family income was in the bottom 10 percenthas widened significantly, according to a often-cited 2011 Stanford University study. And thats not because low-income students performance is getting worsebut because high-income students performance is getting better. This may be in part a result of increasing parental investment in childrens cognitive development, study author Sean Reardon wrote. Stafford is one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, and all of its high schools have exceeded state benchmarks by a wide margin for the past three years. But consistent with Reardons study, many of the differences in ranking seem to correspond to income levels. The median income for the Colonial Forge zone is the highest in the county at $121,000. Brooke Point, the school ranked 52nd in the state, has the secondhighest median income, at $112,000. North Stafford is the lowest at $79,000. Community, identity But do the students make the school, or does the school make the students? Some parents feel their child will have the best chance at the strongest school. Others feel that their child can succeed anywhere that offers them strong support and a chance to challenge themselveseven if its not technically the best-ranked. Robert Porzeinski, who lives in the Augustine North neighborhood just south of Colonial Forge, has one Forge graduate, one junior and one rising ninth-grader. He feels strongly that the strength of the high schools reputation was the draw for more development in its zoneparticularly the new Embrey Mill subdivision across from the high school. Embrey Mill hasnt added that many students to Forge yetbut as construction continues, district officials expect it to be a significant source of the increasing crowding in the school. At best, the county planned badly, Porzeinski said. At worst, he feels tricked. My wife and I knew it would be a problem as soon as we heard about Embrey Mill, he said. Were 90 seconds away from being asked to go somewhere else [to make room] for kids that dont even live in the county yet. Augustine North did not seem to get recommendations to move at the workshop. But as one of the single largest neighborhoods, with about 310 students who could be transferred, some were concerned it would look like a simple swap. If that were to happen, Porzeinski feels that his eighth-grader might be deprived of the community his other children have enjoyed and that his youngest already feels a part of. He and other parents at the meeting argued that whatever happens, siblings of current and former Forge students should be grandfathered, and not made to move. In a later email to The Free LanceStar, supervisors and School Board members, Porzeinski said he believed that not only are the countys officials quite capable of predicting student populations, they literally planned it. The county approves the zoning (or rezoning in many cases), the housing density, building permits, budget, roads, and school construction. If there is an overcrowding problem in our schools, our Stafford County representatives own it! he wrote. If the county was not committed to building the infrastructure for new developments, the developments should not have been approved. In an email response, Maurer said that because the School Board is the sole authority on districting and redistricting decisions, discussion of districts would not have been appropriate for the Embrey Mill Community Development Authoritythe group of supervisors that oversaw county responsibilities in connection with the neighborhoods development. Parent Joy Nodurft, who has one rising eighth-grader, was also frustrated by the planningnot only for overcrowding in general, but particularly for discussing redistricting when incoming freshmen should be visiting schools. All county high schools postponed orientation, which some parents feel makes the transition to high school harder, and students who might be affected arent sure how to plan for registration. But Nodurft is a little less concerned about exactly where her children end up, she said. Her family was affected by a redistricting in Stafford before, and was happy with the result. I think some people feel their school reflects their socioeconomic status, and I dont feel thats always the case, she said. More information on redistricting is available at staffordschools.net under the School Board tab. Spotsylvania County resident Laurie Haller pushed her daughters wheelchair among about 70 protesters Saturday afternoon in downtown Fredericksburg. She carried a poster that read: Im Here To Fulfill MY Bucket List.Standing UP For HealthCare For My Precious Grandchildren Whose VOICES Are Small But Mine Is Loud and Persistent. Haller, 54, who has six grandchildren, wanted to attend last months Womens March on Washington, but her daughter, Holly, was in the hospital at the time. So mom and daughter took part in the smaller Fredericksburg rally, which the grassroots group Virginia Organizing held to show support for the Affordable Care Act. Republican U.S. senators last month approved a budget blueprint that would allow them to repeal significant parts of the health care law without the threat of a filibuster. Holly Haller, 24, who recently signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan, did not have insurance when she underwent an appendectomy last year, her mom said. But she said Obamacare has helped defray costs related to major complications from that surgery. She definitely needs health care, said Laurie Haller, who also signed up for Obamacare after her husband lost a federal contractor job in November. Its going to be a lengthy, ongoing process. Two Fredericksburg police officers escorted her and the other demonstrators, who marched from Riverfront Park on Sophia Street to the nearby Central Rappahannock Regional Library headquarters and back. As the group walked along Caroline Street, one of the demonstrators repeatedly shouted: When our health care is under attack, what do we do? Stand up and fight back! the rest of the protesters responded in unison. Spotsylvania resident Duane Edwards, a Virginia Organizing member, asked demonstrators to sign a petition urging U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R1st, to have a town hall meeting about the issue. Wittman, who said he supports repealing and replacing Obamacare, is holding a private health care listening session Monday at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. Meanwhile, Laurie Haller said shes always wanted to attend a protest with her brother, Bill Botts, who is the former executive director of Rappahannock Legal Services in Fredericksburg. She said she was too young to join him in protests during the 1960s and early 70s. Botts told fellow demonstrators that he has helped more than 1,000 people sign up for Obamacare coverage as a volunteer health care navigator. He called his first year volunteering the most incredible and inspiring year of my life. People came from all walks of life, united by the common desire to lead healthy lives, he said in written remarks. He noted that he enrolled supporters of Republican President Donald Trump, who on the campaign trail vowed to replace Obamacare with something great. Haller, who says her family plan costs $108 a month, said she worries about Republican proposals to repeal and replace the law. Her daughter, a self-employed nanny who is recovering from a severe stomach injury she suffered during an appendectomy, pays $40 a month for her Affordable Care Act plan, Haller said. She is wheelchair-bound, and uses a stomach tube and a peripherally inserted central catheteror PICC lineto administer antibiotics. And we dont knowfive, 10 years down the road evenwhat shes going to have to deal with. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is looking to expand into Stafford County by building a satellite emergency room in the bustling area off U.S. 17. The facility, a free-standing emergency department, or FSED, would provide emergency services to patients around the clock. The center would offer various diagnostic services, including CT scans, but would not admit patients. The Spotsylvania hospital already is serving people from Stafford, according to an application filed with the Virginia Department of Health. The hospital has to obtain a certificate of public need from the state and submitted 193 pages of documents, descriptions and letters supporting it. Within those pages, officials with the Spotsylvania facility mentioned repeatedly that more than one-third of the 38,300 patients served in its emergency room in 2015 live closer to the proposed U.S. 17 facility than the hospital itself. Having a free-standing emergency department in Stafford would allow these patients to obtain emergency care faster and with less travel through burdensome traffic, wrote Henry Wicker, chief of staff of the Spotsylvania hospitals medical executive committee. Hospital officials would not discuss any aspect of the proposal with the newspaper. We are in the application phase of this process with hopefully great news to share in the future, said Susan Coleman, director of marketing and communications at the Spotsylvania hospital. CT SCANS IN DEMAND The Spotsylvania hospital, which opened near Cosners Corner in 2010, would build the new center on a 1.73-acre parcel at the entrance to Celebrate Virginia North. Its at the corner of U.S. 17 and Banks Ford Parkway, in front of Lowes and next to Merchants Tire and Auto Center. The 10,820-square-foot emergency department would employ 5.4 full-time workers and cost about $821,000 to build. More than half the cost would be devoted to a CT scanner. A computerized tomography, or CT, scan takes a series of X-ray images from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional slices of bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside the body. The scans provide more information than plain X-rays and are used to detect tumors, abscesses or other abnormal conditions. Theyre in great demand at the Spotsylvania hospital, according to documents filed. In 2015, the facility performed 12,426 scans. When the application for the Stafford operation was filed four months ago, the Spotsylvania hospital was on track to perform 13,563 scans in 2016. The Spotsylvania hospital stated it needs the additional scanner at the proposed Stafford facility, both for patients and to stay competitive. Nine of the 11 CT scanners currently operating in Planning District 16the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Staffordare affiliated with Mary Washington Healthcare, the parent company of Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg and Stafford Hospital. Approval of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Centers project is necessary both to meet SRMCs clear institutional need for an additional CT scanner and to ensure that SRMC remains a viable competitor to PD16s dominant health system, the application states. LOSSES IN 2015 Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is a privately held hospital owned by HCA Holdings Inc., an investor-owned hospital chain that owns 78 hospitals through the United States. In the applicationwhich can be viewed on fredericksburg.comthe financial data speaks only to HCAs expenses and net income, not specifically to that of the Spotsylvania hospital. But a 2016 report from Virginia Health Information, a Richmond-based nonprofit that reports on all hospitals in the state, provides insight. The Spotsylvania hospital lost $11.8 million in 2015, the report states, while it admitted 6,208 patients into its 133 licensed beds. It logged 25,696 days of patient care. Spotsylvania hospital officials wouldnt comment on the financial report. The hospitals numbers are similar to losses reported by Virginia Health Information after the Spotsylvania facility opened. It suffered $25.5 million in losses in 2010 and $17.1 million the following year. APPROVAL PENDING The Spotsylvania hospital submitted a zoning application to Stafford County, asking if the stand-alone facility is allowed under the propertys current zoning of urban commercial. Zoning Administrator Susan Blackburn said it wasnt and that a conditional-use permit is required. Staffords Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors would have to hold public hearings on the matter before voting to approve or deny it. The property currently is vacant and owned by Redus Virginia Commercial, a land-investment company thats bought and sold land in Celebrate Virginiaand elsewhere in Fredericksburg. Redus purchased the property in June 2010 for $3.9 million, although the parcel currently is appraised at $1.3 million, according to Stafford County tax records. Stafford officials arent saying much about the proposal. Gary Snellings, the Board of Supervisors member whose district includes the U.S. 17 facility, said he hadnt heard about the plan until the newspaper contacted him. He said he thinks its a great idea and will support it. As one might expect, the competition does not. The region already has four emergency rooms within 13 miles of the proposed building, said Eric Fletcher, vice president of Mary Washington Healthcare. That includes the three hospitals and the Emergency and Outpatient Center at Lees Hill, also operated by Mary Washington Healthcare. Building expensive, excess capacity is not a good prescription for controlling health care costs, Fletcher said. A decision on Spotsylvania hospitals certificate of public need should be made in May or June, Virginia Department of Health officials said. If approved, the free-standing emergency department in Stafford would take about 20 months to build, giving it an opening date of January or February 2019. Editors Note: The Free LanceStar invited Del. Mark Cole, RSpotsylvania, to write an op-ed piece about redistricting. He serves as chairman of the Virginia House of Delegates Privileges and Elections Committee, which has rejected many redistricting reform bills. He declined, saying he was concerned about pending litigation in federal court over a dozen House districts in the Tidewater and Richmond areas. Del. Cole is welcome to comment on redistricting in a future Sunday Forum piece. VIRGINIAS problem with election-district gerrymandering is worse than you think. Most know of it as a partisan issue, but thats a narrow view. It is a bipartisan issue. Gerrymandering is the practice where legislators draw their own voting districts based on political data to ensure their re-election. Virginia lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have abused it, and both sides need to fix it. In 2011, for the first time, Republicans and Democrats jointly gerrymandered our commonwealth. Each controlled different chambers of the state legislature and agreed to protect their own chamber in exchange for passing the others gerrymander. But the problem is more than thatits personal. Politicians regularly carve out their political foes. Right here in Spotsylvania, Democrats attempted to remove then-Supervisor Bryce Reeves home from the 17th Senate District in advance of the 2011 election. House Republicansas testified to by Del. Chris Jones, who led their gerrymandering effortscarved out numerous political foes and squeezed multiple incumbents together, costing many their seats without anyone casting a vote. If you wonder why most General Assembly seats are uncontested by the other major party, you need look no further than the majority partys ability to control who gets to run. The first step to redistricting reform is making this practice illegal. One of the best ways to recognize gerrymandering is by the squiggly district lines that run through neighborhoods, carving them up for no discernible reason. Its hard to get good people to run for office, especially if they have to move their families to do so. Which leads to the next stepkeeping neighborhoods and localities together. Rarely is there a need to split up cities like Fredericksburg. Yet a walk along William Street to Sunken Road to Hanover Street and Lee Avenue would trace the jagged border between Del. Mark Cole and House Speaker Bill Howells districts. Republicans and Democrats in the Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates have repeatedly proposed adding common-sense rules to stop gerrymandering districts. Unfortunately, Cole has voted against every single one of themeven the one that would merely prohibit carving out ones political foes. Ive listened closely to the House Republican leadership on their objections to reform. Theyre the primary impediment to fixing this system now, even if a significant number of GOP legislators dont agree with the leaderships obstinance. The most common objection is that there is pending litigation. While truethe U.S. Supreme Court may strike down a dozen House seats as a racial gerrymanderwe are not discussing racial gerrymandering. And even if a ruling impacted reform, a constitutional amendment takes two years to pass through Virginias system. That gives us plenty of time to stop the process next year if Im wrong. The other common refrain is that we have so much time before 2021s next redistricting. Assuming the House remains in Republican control, the governorship and the Senate are up for grabs. But wouldnt it make more sense to set fair rules today before we know who could control the process? The closer we get to 2021, the harder it will be for us to consider these reforms. Ohio, New York and Nebraska have all passed reforms through their legislatures well in advance of pending redistricting. The worst response Ive heard is that the Democrats gerrymandered forever, and now its the Republicans turn. This logic fails basic standards of decency. And Im not sure the computerized, hyper-gerrymandered state we are in today is comparable to pen-and-paper efforts of years past. Republicans should be the party of less government. And I cannot think of a more powerful tool to give elected officials than complete control over who is in their voting district. Thats too much. While multiple factors go into drawing districts, including the federal Voting Rights Act and equal population, the process can yield better results for competition and communities. A 2011 college student competition held by the Wason Center for Public Policy produced dozens of maps that easily met various legal criteria and increased competition while following the good-government rules listed above. In short, we can do better. Republicans are for this. Theres not enough space to list all of the Republican support for reform, but here are some highlights: Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Ohio Gov. Kasich, Maryland Gov. Hogan, Gov. Allen, Attorney General Cuccinelli, Congressmen Tom Davis and Scott Rigell, Virginia state Sens. Norment, Hanger, Vogel, Reeves and Sturtevant, and enough House Republicans to make the House leadership afraid of a floor vote. There are always excuses to delay or obstruct reform. It is my hope, and the hope of over 74 percent of Virginians, that we get beyond those excuses and address this today. Brian Cannon is executive director of OneVirginia2021, a nonpartisan effort to amend the Virginia Constitution to reform legislative and congressional redistricting. TO the ramparts! The dread hand of fascism draws near. Mainstream liberals have rediscovered Hannah Arendt. Orwells 1984 is streaking to the top of the sales charts. Every third magazine article is a dire warning about how were sliding into authoritarianism unawares. Celebrities are eagerly sharing wild-eyed Medium posts with titles such as Trial Balloon for a Coup? Suddenly, everything has echoes of the Third Reich. Or not. It isnt unreasonable to worry about the Trump presidency, which in just 15 days managed to shock and alarm the reasonable of every constituency. But the fascination that some on the left have developed with authoritarian conspiracy theories as a reaction to our new administration is enough to make one cast them a skeptical eye. If anything, it sounds like some almost want their worst political nightmares to be true. But why? One reason could simply be a desire to place a confusing situation within an understandable narrative. Against expectation, an inexperienced, scandal-plagued former reality-television star won the 2016 election even though he lost the popular vote. The first days of Donald Trumps presidency have been an unruly tumble of offensive executive orders, surprise firings, bungled press statements and near-universal expressions of disgust from experienced policymakers and political elites. For many liberals used to administrations thatwhatever their flawstended to run on time and align with tradition, it is difficult to conceive of a president so unprepared and unaware. So maybe, they tell themselves, he isnt unprepared and unaware. Maybe its all part of a larger, nefarious plan. This would make sense of something otherwise alarmingly off-kilter. It may be a creeping evil, but at least its ordered. And more than just creating a sense of structure, such whispers of trials to come impart a sense of meaning. Barack Obamas 2008 campaign carried a heart-swelling, underdog message of hope and change, a cause that caught up and energized the young liberals who supported him. The following eight years had their ups and downs, but little matched that excitementincluding Hillary Clintons lackluster run. But now, a chance to join the fight against fascism? To identify with beleaguered populations threatened by a looming authoritarian regime? To become part of The Resistance? In an increasingly secularized and atomized age, we search for things that promise meaning and connection. At the extreme, individuals are drawn to radical movements such as the Islamic State. On a lesser scale, it could mean as much (or as little, depending on how real the threat is) as becoming a latter-day Weatherman. Less philosophical, but no less important, could be the fact that its all rather . . . fun. Many on the left were quick to deride this sort of email-chain and blog-based theorizing when it appeared on the right after 2008, but its seductive pleasures are now a bit easier to understand. One cant deny the thrill of sharing a solemn Facebook post and immediately being thanked for ones insight. It is also true that much of this mental doomsday prepping is taking place on social media, where hysteria has always flourished. To follow a minute-by-minute cycle of news is to be constantly threatened by illusion, posited academic Alan Jacobs last month. When it comes to the Trump administration, the more frightening, it seems, the better. But what if the fears are valid? If authoritarianism really is a threat, it will take more than sharing articles online to create a real resistance. That fascist immigration ban? One recent poll found that 48 percent of Americans support it. Engaging with those whose views on the Trump administration differ will have more of an effect on the future of the republic than whipping up frenzies in our online bubbles. Similarly, doomsday speculation is less useful than the engagement in which many, to be fair, have already taken partprotesting, advocating locally, calling representatives, getting, as Rep. Dave Brat, R7th District, despaired, in their grill. Constant outrage and simmering fear are more likely to wear people down than keep them alert. Of course speculation is tempting. Worry can even be useful. But hysteria? Less so. Christine Emba edits The Washington Posts In Theory blog. Crime by illegal immigrants takes heavy toll Only legal immigration should be allowed in the United States. Please urge you senators and congressman to follow the rule of law, uphold the Constitution as they have sworn to do and protect their constituents, U.S. citizens. Edwin Ramos, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, killed three innocent Americans. He was a member of a violent gang and had been convicted of two felonies as a juvenile, yet he was allowed to remain in the country. Carlos Montano, a Bolivian, had a criminal history but federal authorities released him on his own recognizance after two previous arrests. Montano, whose license was revoked after a drunken-driving conviction, was behind the wheel when his car crossed a median and slammed into a vehicle carrying three nuns. The two survivors were critically injured. Last summer, a Haitian illegal immigrant who had spent 17 years in prison for attempted murder, savagely stabbed a young woman in Norwich, Conn., then stuffed her body in a closet. Deportation orders had been issued for Jean Jacques, dating back to 2002, but his home country would not accept him. An illegal immigrant and member of the MS13 gang killed a teen in Gaithersburg, Md., last year. Oscar Delgado-Perez, 28, of El Salvador had been deported twice in the last two years, according to The Washington Post. Nevertheless, he was never removed and, along with two fellow gangbangers, he stabbed an 18-year-old more than 40 times in a park as the teen begged for his life. This bloodshed by criminal, illegal immigrants must stop! Rose Davis Spotsylvania 8 pm. (23) (PBS) (26) (PBS) Mercy Street After the Second Battle of Bull Run, Hopkins and Emma set out to rescue a stranded group of wounded Union soldiers. Lisette, a hospital observer, discovers the truth about a young soldier, shocking Foster. Hopkins and Emma share an intimate moment. (N) (BRAVO) The Real Housewives of Atlanta The ladies finally reach the woods of Georgia for a fabulous weekend of glamping, but are shocked to learn that theyll be spending their first night sleeping in tents. Later, Marlo confronts Kenya over unresolved issues, leading to an argument. (N) (CNN) Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Bourdains Roman holiday takes a cinematic turn, influenced by his tour guides, actress Asia Argento, screenwriter Abel Ferrara, and a host of larger than life Romans who take him inside a Rome for the locals. (R) (DISC) The Dark Side of the Sun What would happen if the sun took out our electrical system for an entire year? Scientists and engineers are building the worlds largest solar telescope and launching the first ever solar probe into space to help us predict and prepare for solar storms. (N) (HD) (FOOD) Guys Grocery Games Four chocolate masters compete to turn this rich treat into sweet and savory dishes that could earn one of them up to $20,000. First, they have to flip a German chocolate cake into the ultimate lunch. (N) (HD) (HIST) Roots Kunta is born to an esteemed family. In 1767, he is betrayed by a rival family and sold to British soldiers. Brought to America and sold to a Virginia planter, Kunta resists his new name and enslavement, finding help in Fiddler, an assimilated slave. (R) (HD) (HLN) Forensic Files A couple was murdered during what looked like a drug deal gone awry. But police found no drugs in the home of the victims and there were no traces of the victims blood on the clothing of the suspects. The victims dog eventually led police to the killer. (R) (NICK) Crashletes Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk offers Crashletes some pointers with Ramp-Age; Rob Gronkowski counts down his Top Five Wannabes, while Stevie and Brandon get introduced to the Walk of Shame! (N) (HD) 8:30 pm. (5) (FOX) (35) (FOX) Son of Zorn When Craig runs off to get some perspective on his relationship with Edie, a road trip ensues to bring him back. Meanwhile, Alans Zephyrian legs actually make him popular at school, but his desperation to fit in seriously puts off his lady. (N) (HD) (HGTV) Beachfront Bargain Hunt Brent and Tracy have been married for 25 years and live in a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana. For as long as theyve been together, the charming community of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, has been their ideal setting for a relaxing weekend getaway. (N) (HD) (NICK) Jagger Eatons Mega Life Jagger and his brothers have always wanted to be sumo wrestlers, so they meet up with Yama and Byamba to learn Japanese Sumo Wrestling and step into the ring like stars. Theyll eat, nap, and have fun like real sumos. (N) (HD) 9 pm. (23) (PBS) (26) (PBS) Masterpiece Classic At loose ends in a foreign land, Albert finds a noble cause. Victoria gets her way at court and resorts to a folk cure in the bedroom. Francatelli does Miss Skerrett a favorfor a price. (N) (HD) (30) (MHz) Mammon Journalist Peter Veras receives a tip from an anonymous source about a scandal in the financial world. (N) (A&E) Hoarders Overload Davids mammoth three-acre hoard has been deemed a blighted property by the city and he risks losing his home if he doesnt get it cleaned up. Nora has been hoarding to deal with the devastating death of her son. (N) (HD) (CNN) Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Parts Unknown explores the Sicilian way of life, which puts a premium on savouring family, life and food. Bourdain travels in search of those foods as he eats his way around the island. (R) (DISC) Alaska: The Last Frontier For the Kilchers, each day presents new conflicts from Mother Nature and one another. With unseen footage and fan questions, they show us how to survive the Alaskan wilderness and each other. (N) (HD) (HGTV) Caribbean Life Greg and Halyna love the outdoors, but living in Toronto, Canada means cold weather most of the year. Their jobs allow them to work internationally, so Greg wants to return to the endless summer of the Dominican Republic. (N) (HD) (WGN) Blue Bloods Danny and Baez investigate when a homeowner shoots an intruder, only to find out that the intruder is a hitman. Also, a young attorney attempts to bring justice to his mother who Erin put away on a murder charge 12 years ago. (R) (HD) (SHOW) Homeland Carrie handles her client. Sauls trip takes a turn. Quinn investigates. (N) 9:30 pm. (5) (FOX) (35) (FOX) Bobs Burgers With Valentines Day approaching, Tina, Gene and Louise each find themselves wrapped up in love-caused chaos. Meanwhile, Bob decides on a romantic gesture in order to impress Linda. (N) (HD) (HGTV) Caribbean Life During a family vacation to the Bahamas, Patrick and Alesia discovered the beautiful islands of Exuma. They instantly fell in love with the seclusion, welcoming people and stunning blue water. (N) (HD) 9:35 pm. (DISN) Liv and Maddie: Cali Style Liv, Maddie, and the rest of the Rooney family are excited to start their new life in California. As the school year begins, the Rooneys cousin, Ruby, returns home from a summer trip. Meanwhile, Joey and Parker attend their new school. (R) 9:55 pm. (BET) A Very Soul Train Valentines Day Hosted by Bill Bellamy and LeToya Luckett, celebrate Valentines Day with some of the most memorable performances in Soul Train history. Featuring Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, En Vogue and more. (R) (HD) 10 pm. (23) (PBS) Tales From the Royal Wardrobe Examine the significance of the royal wardrobes of English monarchs over the last 400 years. Learn why most kings and queens have carefully choreographed every aspect of their apparel. (R) (26) (PBS) The Queen at 90 This uplifting celebration of the Queens 90th birthday features remarkable footage from around the world and affectionate contributions from those who know the Queen, including members of her family and leading public figures. (R) (30) (MHz) Mammon Suspected by the police, Peter continues his own investigation. (N) (32) (PBS) Front and Center New artist of the year winner Brett Eldredge takes the stage. (CNN) Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown On the island of Naxos, Bourdain dives to a sunken ship wreck, drinks raki with the local residents and samples cuisine fresh from the fishing boat. (R) (DISC) Everest Rescue Across the Himalayas, pilots are stretched to breaking. Ryan confronts an uninvited climber trying to hitch a ride at 17,500 feet. Jason attempts his highest ever rescue. Lorenz learns some grim realities of flying in the Himalayas. (HD) (DISN) Stuck in the Middle The whole family chips in to give Georgie a last minute quinceanera, while Lewie and Beast track a hurricane headed their way. (R) (DISNXD) Lab Rats In an effort to get out of training duties, Adam enlists Leos help to create a duplicate Adam using Davenports experimental cloning device. (R) (E!) The Royals Eleanor and Queen Helena consider romantic invitations as a Privy Council meets to determine who will reign as the one true King of England. At great risk and consequences, Jasper reveals to Liam information that presents a new mystery for the monarchy. (N) (HD) (FOOD) Cake Wars Four Cake Wars champions return to take on the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. (N) (HD) (HGTV) Island Life Holly and Chuck are living a hectic lifestyle in Raleigh, North Carolina, keeping up with their busy careers and their 5-year-old ball of energy, Hailey. They want to slow things down and give Hailey a backyard of endless beaches to play on. (N) (HD) (HLN) Forensic Files The 29-year-old, pregnant wife of a young, successful attorney is found dead in her Michigan home of a gunshot wound to the head. Blood spatter analysis and a painstaking investigation led police to the truth. (R) (NICKJR) PAW Patrol Penguins have been eating Capn Turbots fish, and its up to the PAW Patrol to get them back to the South Pole. A new dolphin pup gets stuck in a shallow stream, and Ryder and the PAW Patrol have to get her back home in the Bay. (R) (OXY) Snapped After a man is found dead on his boat, questions surface about his past and his wife. (R) (TOON) American Dad Stan is upset at the idea of becoming a grandfather after Hayley and Jeff announce theyre trying to have a baby. Steve and Klaus join a drug gang after Steve decides to take being an uncle extra seriously. (R) (USA) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit When a man is found dead in a parking garage, detectives learn that he may have been hiding a secret life. When they go undercover at a swingers club, they meet a popular woman and her jealous boyfriend. (R) (HD) (HBO) Girls (N) (HD) 10:05 pm. (HIST) Roots After much hardship, Kunta is sold once again. He marries and fathers a daughter, Kizzy. She grows to be a strong, wilful woman who is sold to a poor farmer. (R) (HD) 10:15 pm. (AMC) Talking Dead Guests discuss The Walking Dead episode, Rock in the Road. (N) (HD) 10:30 pm. (35) (FOX) The Big Bang Theory When Leonard and Sheldon meet their new neighbor, Penny, Leonard is excited, but Sheldon is less enthusiastic when he feels his friend is only chasing a dream hell never catch. (R) (65) (CW) The King of Queens When Carrie insists that Doug join an overeaters support group, he secretly opts out. (R) (DISN) Bunkd Luke returns to camp and decides to take Griff and Zuri on an adventure to prove that he can be just as responsible as the other CITs. (R) (DISNXD) Lab Rats When the school mascots costume is stolen by the rival team, Adam seeks revenge by taking their mascot, a llama. (R) (HGTV) Island Life A couple of art dealers have decided to open a second gallery on the island of Nantucket. After a weekend visit, the couple decided the historic community would be the perfect place to expand their business. (N) (HD) (HLN) Forensic Files When a four-year-old girl is found unconscious in a parking lot, police concluded it was a hit and run vehicle accident, and left it at that. But the girls mother was determined to find out exactly what had happened. (R) 10:50 pm. (NICKJR) Blaze and the Monster Machines Stripes loves his jungle horn, a special instrument that can summon all the animals in the jungle. But when a jealous Crusher steals it, Blaze and Stripes must speed after him in a wild chase to get it back. (R) 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. Scottish farmers who want to convert to organic can apply to the Scottish government for support under a new scheme. Farmers have until March 31 to apply for the five-year agreements which will start in 2018 and are guaranteed for the full five years. The payments are front-loaded for the first two years to support conversion, with reduced support available for a further three years. See also: Why the organic farming market could be back on track There will be two opportunities to apply for the funding the current window and again in 2018. Any land is eligible but areas of rock, scree, water, dense bracken and similar non-productive areas should be excluded from applications. The maximum eligible area for each application is 1,000ha See also: Video Scotland launches ambitious organic food plan to build farming resilience Scottish government figures show spending on organic food and drink reached 57.8m last year, a rise of 11.7% on the previous year. The Soil Associations policy director Peter Melchett welcomed the payments saying: The demand for organic food is growing strongly in the UK, and is currently outstripping home-grown supply. Export markets for British organic produce present a further opportunity for British farmers to prosper, if the right government policies are in place. Soil Association Scotland is one of the bodies able to certify organic farmers for the scheme, and is welcoming applications with a new support package for farmers interested in converting. The association has released guidance for farmers interested in applying, but will discuss individual applications. See also: UK land farmed organically reaches seven-year low Earlier this month organic leaders welcomed the announcement by Defra minister George Eustice the government would continue to support the sector post Brexit as it provided welcome stability. In a meeting with the English Organic Forum, Eustice told senior industry representatives he did not want to undo any existing organic regulations or standards which had so far encouraged UK organics to grow. Scheme facts Funding is only currently available in Scotland. Windows will open in other parts of the UK later in the year Funding is only available in Scotland. Windows will open in other parts of the UK later in the year Payments are front-loaded in the first two years to support conversion Farmers must apply with a viable unit for support up to a maximum of 1,000ha Farmers should consider their market carefully as although currently growing, agreements will tie farmers into the organic market for at least two years The association urges applicants to analyse their system holistically, considering crop rotation and animal health planning. The Zoological Society of London has voiced concerns about Defra plans to allow further badger culling in hotspot areas of bovine tuberculosis. In a response to a government consultation on the issue, the society said it had three main areas of concern. Defra wants to authorise the continued culling of badgers in areas which have already undergone four years of culling But the society said Defras plan to license further culls moved away from the empirical evidence that it used to justify its culling policy. See also: Defra plans long term badger cull to combat bovine TB Outlining its first concern, the society said culling had not yet delivered any measurable benefits, so prolonged culling might deliver no benefits at all or even cause prolonged harm. The second concern is over plans to abandon restrictions on the proportion of accessible land, which the society says risks patchy culls. Strong evidence This is a cause for concern because there is strong evidence that patchy culls risk worsening cattle TB rather than reducing it, said the societys consultation response. The third area of concern is over Defra proposals that Natural England should issue further cull licences only if a prior cull is judged effective. The society warns that asking for licensing decisions based on judgement without evidence could cause difficulty for a science-based organisation such as Natural England. In a further response, the society says it has grave concerns that Natural England cannot evaluate whether licensed culls have met Defras stated criteria for effectiveness. It says Defras estimates of badger numbers have proven highly inaccurate. Without reliable estimates of initial population size, any estimate of population size reduction is likewise unreliable, says the societys consultation response. Unknowable population Unfortunately, now that culls have commenced in these areas the initial badger population size is unknowable, it adds. The society also cautions that Defras recent claims of successful culls are equally unreliable. It says the effectiveness of badger culling would be better measured as the reduction in cattle TB it delivers, rather than the reduction in badger numbers it achieves. The NFU, which believes bovine TB must be controlled in wildlife if it is to be controlled in cattle, has also submitted a response to the consultation. The government consultation closed on Friday (10 February). The government will now consider the responses before deciding whether to license further culls. A new online poker room, GlobalPoker.com , has opened this month promising payouts to players in the US via PayPal. But how? PayPal has not permitted its platform to be used for Internet gambling in the States for well over 15 years. Speaking to the audience of TwoPlusTwo.com , a rep for the new GlobalPoker.com explained how the process works: You purchase our Goldcoin packages and we will give you the same amount in free $weeps, which you use at our cash game tables. The rep added that We only just started about 2 months ago, but already over 1000 players cashed out over $120,000 in winnings. Of course the first question posed by the savvy folks at TwoPlusTwo dealt with how the PayPal option was possible. The company response: Global Poker is very much aware that PayPal do not allow any gambling transactions. Therefore, considering we've got PayPal as our payment method it's a guarantee that what we're offering to our members is a legit online gaming. This is exactly the same as how Chumba Casino does their payments for a couple of years now and haven't encountered any issues with PayPal. Let's not forget that both are under the same umbrella of VGW. Currently, Americas Cardroom is the leading and one of the few, along with Ignition online poker rooms catering to the US market. GlobalPoker.com is not to be confused with the ranking site Global Poker. - Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com SALEM Mid-valley legislators Sherrie Sprenger, R-Scio, and Andy Olson, R-Albany, say they oppose a legislative bill which would impose a $1,000 tax every five years on owners of vehicles that are at least 20 years old. Both also said they did not believe House Bill 2877, which came out of the House Revenue Committee, would gain any traction. And in that regard, the two legislators may have been right on the money: News reports Friday afternoon suggested that the bill had been scrapped. KATU News of Portland spoke with a Committee of Revenue representative who said it would not be considered by the state Legislature. The tax would be collected by the Department of Transportation and would be directed to the State Highway Fund. Vehicles registered as antiques would be exempted. When I first heard about this, I thought it was ridiculous, just one more way to punish folks who cant compete with Portland liberal standards and dont want to, Sprenger said, noting that she and her husband, Kyle, own two vehicles that are more than 20 years old. Sprenger noted that the proposal is a committee-based bill, but that doesnt mean everyone on the committee likes it. Its just one way of moving it into the hopper." She said the bill is a legislative indictment of poor Oregonians. Olson echoed Sprengers sentiments, noting that, It just surfaced out of the Revenue Committee a couple days ago. Due to the governors projected $1.8 billion budget shortfall, the Legislature will be turning over every rock looking for revenue, Olson said. This bill does not take into consideration the rural environment of our state, or the folks who try to maintain their vehicles for a long time. Many are not in a financial position to purchase anything newer and others just like to keep their vehicles a long time because it is fiscally prudent. Olson said he believes the bill would be opposed by Republicans and Democrats alike, and noted that, as a tax measure, "it would take a three-fifths majority approval to pass." The proposed tax also would affect many farms that own older grain trucks as part of their operations. Although they may be more than 20 years old, they do not necessarily have a lot of miles on their odometers because they are used only during harvest seasons. If vehicle owners failed to pay the tax, the state could impose a distraint warrant for its collection, similar to collection of delinquent income taxes. Rep. Phil Barnhart, D-Eugene, chairs the House Revenue Committee. He could not be reached for comment. There is a saying, When you gotta go, you gotta go! We all know the truth of that statement, but on the day of the women's march, it was truer than usual. For starters, I was in Colorado Springs and arranged to hitch a ride to Denver with a total stranger who made her van available for six strangers. I left my sons house at 5:50 a.m.m to drive to the meeting place in North Colorado Springs. Tucked into the van I ate my breakfast and drank my hot and spicy cocoa. We arrived at the first metro stop in South Denver about 7:40 a.m., bought tickets, and waited for the 8-something train. We arrived at the downtown metro station 9-ish. All seven of us needed to use the facilities. We asked directions and were pointed toward the Chestnut Pavilion. We entered and rode down the escalator only to find the universal problem of public bathrooms. Warning: Continue reading at your own risk. The rest of this story is true (not a single alternative fact). The first problem was a time issue. We had about a mile to walk to Denver Civic Center and had about 25 minutes until the start of the March. The second problem was one of wait time. The line waiting for the womens bathroom reached nearly across the length of the pavilion. The line entering the mens bathroom was nearly non-existent. Being 70 years old gives me a bit of authority and a friend once told me, Remember, be brash! So, when I said, Come on, ladies, we are using the mens room. Surprisingly, about 40 women followed. The few men ahead of us looked shocked, but no one said a word, not excuse me, not sorry. A couple of confused looking men didnt know what to do. Someone directed them to, get in line. There is not too much more to report. There was a bit of grumbling from two of the men who refused to wait their turn. We let them have their moment. And we made it to the march. Most interestingly, the womens and mens lines ended up the same length and, to my total surprise, quite a number of men were waiting patiently in the womens line. No one was upset and most seemed to be having the time of their lives. Is there a moral? For me it is, Whats the big deal? We were all (or mostly all) in stalls. We are all (or mostly all) considerate human beings. If you are not, we could provide single-person bathrooms for those who cannot share, but that might be a really long line. Oregon State University played a pivotal role in mid-valley Civil Defense during the Cold War era. The university was set up to accommodate thousands and thousands of people should evacuations be required, with the basements of buildings laden with supplies. University professors and administrators also participated, both by lending their expertise in fallout shelter design and by joining with other university extension programs in Civil Defense organizing. The buildings A Benton County fallout shelter map dated Oct. 10, 1968, lists more than 55 fallout shelter sites, with a majority of them on campus. Many of the buildings have changed names and/or functions, but most of them remain just as they were listed in 1968. Gill Coliseum was the largest shelter site, accommodating more than 9,400 people. Others with large capacities included Weniger Hall (6,400), the Memorial Union (5,700), Cordley Hall (4,400) and the then-Kerr Library (3,215). All of the supplies are long gone, said Joe Majeski, director of facilities services at OSU, although his department still has some of the official Civil Defense drums, which are used now for storage of tools, grass seed and fertilizer. The drums are labeled with instructions on how to use them as a toilet. There were tons and tons of supplies all over campus, said Majeski, who has worked for the university since 1986. But the supplies expired and he added the crackers didnt taste so great. The campus also was once dotted with those familiar fallout shelter signs with the yellow and black triangles. Majeski said that his staff has been pulling down the signs during recent decades because we didnt want to give people a false sense of security. Majeski and the Gazette-Times went on a bit of a scavenger hunt at OSU looking for the shelter signs but came up empty- handed. Not to be denied, Majeski found a couple of less-official signs in Covell Hall that have definitely seen better days. The tour also included an effort to find access to a shelter site that once existed in the tunnel between Waldo Hall and Snell Hall. The Waldo opening was not accessible because it contains sacred tribal artifacts. We tried to access the Snell opening, but it had been walled up. On a visit to the agriculture building, Strand Hall, we negotiated a low-ceilinged basement hallway that was more than 100 yards long. This end would have been full of barrels, Majeski said, noting an earthen wall at the end of the basement. There was a much lower student population then. There were more nooks and crannies. Now, the utilization of space is at a premium. Plus can you imagine if you survived a nuclear blast and this is where you were sent to live with hundreds of people, Majeski said. It would be a dismal space if you had to stay down here a year. The bureaucracy College of Engineering files from 1961 held in the universitys Special Collections and Archives Research Center at the Valley Library, show that OSU experts in architecture and engineering were tabbed to assist with Civil Defense efforts. Three then-Oregon State College faculty members, Dr. Herbert R. Sinnard, the department head for architecture, civil engineering Professor Thomas J. McClellan and Gordon W. Beecroft, an assistant professor in civil engineering, participated in an Office for Civil Defense Mobilization professional development program for architects and engineers. The three faculty members trained other architects and engineers in fallout shelter design and evaluation and conducted workshops in Coos Bay, Grants Pass and sites in Eastern Oregon. The trio also took advanced courses at the University of Pennyslvania on blast shelter design and radiation shielding. A Feb. 24, 1961 news release from the office of Oregon Gov. Mark Hatfield noted the participation of the college and highlighted the fact that Oregon was just one of eight schools involved in the program. Documents of Corvallis radio station KOAC then the precursor of what became Oregon Public Broadcasting reviewed on microfilm at the universitys archives detail the organizational challenges that OSC faced in participating in Civil Defense through the states Corvallis-based Continuing Education program. James W. Sherburne, vice-chancellor of the program, is the main character in a drama that featured regional and national conferences, battles over budgets and letters that dialed down the big picture to its smallest components. A Sept. 4, 1964 informational bulletin from the Armys Office of Civil Defense Mobilization in Region 8, based in Everett, Washington, notes how to prepare and submit vouchers using standard forms 1034, 1034A, 1035 and 1035A. A Jan. 11, 1965 Sherburne letter expresses concerns about how the program is being evaluated and the attitudes expressed by extension directors at a conference. Several letters cover budget and accounting issues and note the accomplishments of the program. A Feb. 2, 1965 letter attempts to trace what happened to an expenses check that Sherburne was due. March 3, 1965 letter from Sherburne to Region 8 headquarters tries to clear the air regarding the educational policy implications and increased costs of the regional work. Most poignantly and perhaps presciently a Mrs. Harlan P. Bosworth Jr. of Jacksonville, Oregon, takes the college to task in a series of letters for involving itself in non-educational operations. Sherburne notes, with what seems like more than a smidgen of frustration in a Nov. 4, 1964 letter to Mrs. Bosworth that: It is regrettable that the present educational programs on emergency preparedness conducted in every state of the Union by state universities is confused with Civil Defense programs organized by various state governments. To compare the educational programs with the state programs would be as absurd as some of the statements we have heard during the recent political campaign. Safety during Carnival : Concrete barricades against possible terror attacks Siegburg Police are advising local Rhine-Sieg districts to block off key areas to traffic during Carnival parades to avoid a Berlin-style attack. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Local districts in the Rhine-Sieg area should protect against terrorist attacks during the Carnival period. The district police are recommending cordoning off events using concrete blocks and lorries. Police spokesman Burkhard Rick said: In particular, the barricades will protect stationary events with large numbers of people against the types of attack in Berlin or Nice. As well as concrete blocks, large vehicles or other obstacles could also be used. Rick said these could also be used to block problem entry points at the side of Carnival parade routes but that in the end, it is up to each district to decide. In Much and Ruppichteroth, the polices approach has been criticised. The responsibility has been shifted to the local districts, said Ruppichteroths mayor Mario Loskill. One has no choice but to follow the recommendations. The council has therefore now bought 16 concrete blocks each weighing 1.6 tonnes for a total of just under 1,400 Euros. Among other things, these will be used to secure the storming of the town hall. Much has also bought concrete barricades. We and Much bought the barricades together to get a bulk discount. I am of the view that we are not in as much danger in Ruppichteroth as in large cities like Berlin or Nice, said Loskill. The police see it differently. After the European terror incidents, there is a potential danger of terror throughout Europe. Federal and homeland security officials have been reporting for months that a large number of radicalised Salafists also live in the Cologne-Bonn area, says Burkhard Rick. There is therefore an increased danger of a terror attack without being able to specify a particular city or district. That means comprehensive and universal security measures must be applied. Head of the Public Order Office in Siegburg, Ursula Thiel, agrees. It is correct and important to protect carnival parades and large events, she said. Access roads were blocked during the Siegburg Christmas market and the same will happen at the market square on Weiberfastnacht (Womens Carnival Day), during the Rosenmontag (Shrove Monday) procession and during the smaller town processions. Organisers in Siegburg are using city vehicles, fire engines and private cars to secure squares and routes. They have the advantage they can be moved quickly in case of an emergency, says Thiel. In future, they are also considering buying concrete barricades. BHIM app finally debuts on iOS: How to setup and use Features oi -Prajith Finally, BHIM app is now available on the App Store. Almost a month after its launch on the Android, BHIM is now available on the App Store for iOS users. Currently, the BHIM app on iOS supports only Hindi and English languages. Also, the BHIM app, at the time of writing this article, offers support only to 35 banks. It is expected to add more banks along with other local languages in the future, though. Also Read: BHIM app already has over 14 million registrations, says Ravi Shankar Prasad Just after a month of its introduction on the Play Store, the app has seen over 14 million registrations. Yesterday, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad stated that The recently launched BHIM app by the government of India will unleash the power of mobile phones for digital payments and financial inclusion. So far, over 140 lakh people have adopted the BHIM app. BHIM app for iOS, a la Android has a transaction limit of Rs. 20,000 per day. Furthermore, users can send not more than Rs. 10,000 for each transaction they make. BHIM app now supports seven regional languages, update brings many new features How to setup the app? Step 1: Install the BHIM app from App Store. Do note that there are several fake apps with the name BHIM on the App Store so cross check if the app is created by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Step 2: Once installed, open the app on iPhone and choose your language either Hindi or English. Step 3: Next, verify your mobile number. Step 4: Set a passcode and select your Bank you want to use for transactions. Step 5: Then, you have to set up a 4-digit UPI PIN to make transactions later on. Step 6: Now, youll be redirected to a new page where you can either Send, Request or Scan and Pay money. Step 7: Select either of the options based on what you intend to do and enter the intended persons mobile/payment address which will be in the format (mobile number@upi or name@upi). Thats it, you are good to go now. 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 Nokia 5 tipped to launch on February 26: Here's everything to know News oi -Sneha Everything about the upcoming Nokia 5 Android phone. After Nokia stir the entire smartphone space by announcing its Android smartphone - Nokia 6 last month, the smartphone pioneer is now all prepped up to set a benchmark in 2017. All eyes are on the Mobile World Congress where Nokia is rumored to unveil a wide range of smartphones which include both high-end and mid-ranged devices. Alongside just launching Android phones, Nokia is apparently working on bringing back N-series models again. To recall, its just a decade back that having a Nokia N-series phone was a big deal. Well, situations are going to be pretty much similar again. However, the Finland-based firm hasn't confirmed any of the rumors surfacing the web yet. SEE ALSO: Nokia to announce a new N-series phone - N95 at MWC 2017 MWC is almost knocking the door, and Nokia has already sent out the press invites for February 26. This is the day when Nokia shall unveil the most awaited Android phones which include - Nokia P1, Nokia D1C, Nokia Heart, Nokia 5, Nokia 8 and more. We have already given a detailed insight on the rumored specs of the upcoming Nokia smartphones. Today, let's take a look at how Nokia 5 is going to look like and get a detailed insight on the specs it might come packed with. Nokia 5 will feature a 5.2-inch Full HD display and is going to be a sub-ranged phone, probably a cheaper variant of the already announced Nokia 6. Alluring Nokia P1 and Nokia 8 concept and teaser videos surface online Under the hood, Nokia 5 will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430, clocked at 1.4 Ghz, and will be running on the latest Android 7.0 Nougat operating system. Further talking about the storage capacity, the smartphone might feature a 2GB of RAM with 16GB internal storage capacity. On the camera front, Nokia 5 will feature a 12MP rear camera, while fitting a 7MP selfie shooter at the front. Well, if the rumors are to be believed, both cameras will support full HD video recording. For now, Nokia hasn't revealed any information on Nokia 5. However, assumptions are such that the smartphone might make its first public appearance on Feb 26. 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 Pentagon Downplays 'Close Encounter' Between US, Chinese Planes Over S. China Sea By Jeff Seldin February 10, 2017 The United States is downplaying the severity of what is being described as a "close encounter" between U.S. and Chinese military aircraft over the South China Sea. "We don't see any evidence that this was intentional," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said Friday, describing the incident as a "one-off." According to U.S. officials, during Wednesday's encounter, a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft passed about 200 meters (1,000 feet) in front of a U.S. Navy P-3 plane on a routine mission in international airspace near Scarborough Shoal, between the Chinese mainland and the Philippines. As a result, the P-3 was forced to make an immediate turn. Both planes were in "normal radio contact" following the incident, Davis said, describing the communications as "professional." Close call was accidental Despite the early indications that incident was accidental, the Pentagon says it will still be reviewed, and that U.S. military officials would be in contact with their appropriate Chinese counterparts. "Clearly we have our disagreements with China over militarization of the South China Sea, over their reclamation of the islands and some of their broader strategic objectives," Davis said. "But when it comes to simply the [military] interactions, those are largely professional and safe." The close encounter between the two aircraft comes as tensions between the U.S. and China are heightened because of China's moves to create man-made islands in the South China Sea. A message from China? In an interview, Dr. Thomas G. Mahnken, president of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, told VOA that while there is an effort by the Chinese to exert control over the South China Sea and treat it like Chinese airspace, it's important to acknowledge that pilots do sometimes make mistakes. "If we look at the totality of Chinese behavior, it's some mixture of those two things, and the challenge for American policymakers and American soldiers is to disentangle what's deliberate and what is unprofessional," he said. "We don't want to lump in a deliberate behavior with unprofessional, poor piloting." Mahnken said he thinks the Chinese are trying to create an atmosphere where U.S. officials tacitly acknowledge that large parts of the international waters in the South China Sea are Chinese territory. "They want us to avoid operating in and near these artificial features they've created," Mahnken said, referring to man-made islands erected by the Chinese as military bases near the Philippines. It is important, Mahnken said, for the U.S. to remind the Chinese that under international law, the islands "do not exist." "It's perfectly legitimate for the United States, and in accordance with our long-standing policy, to essentially treat those man-made features for what they are: They're hazards to navigation. They're not Chinese sovereign territory," he said. "So we should operate around, above, near those man-made features routinely, limited only by the safety of our ships and the safety of our aircraft." VOA's Mandarin service contributed to this story. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 11, 2017 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 22 strikes in 30 engagements in Syria: -- Near Al Bab, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units. -- Near Ar Raqqah, 10 strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed three tactical vehicles, three fighting positions, two vehicles, an ISIL headquarters, a tunnel system, and a weapons-storage facility. -- Near Ayn Isa, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position. -- Near Palmyra, nine strikes engaged seven ISIL staging areas and destroyed two tactical vehicles. Strikes in Iraq Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft, as well as artillery and rocket artillery conducted 13 strikes consisting of 50 engagements in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government: -- Near Al Huwijah, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building. -- Near Kirkuk, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed a logistic node and a vehicle. -- Near Kisik, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed an ISIL checkpoint, a supply cache, and a bunker. -- Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed seven front-end loaders, four watercraft, three mortar systems, two excavators, two supply caches, a vehicle, and a barge, damaged 32 supply routes; and suppressed a mortar team and a sniper team. -- Near Qayyarah, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed a UAV launch site, and damaged six supply routes. -- Near Rawah, two strikes engaged an ISIL staging area and destroyed a vehicle bomb factory. -- Near Sinjar, a strike destroyed an ISIL-held building. Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat it poses to Iraq, Syria, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of targets in Syria and Iraq further limits ISIL's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan reaffirms sovereignty over Diaoyutai Islands ROC Central News Agency 2017/02/11 19:48:56 Taipei, Feb. 11 (CNA) Taiwan on Saturday reaffirmed its sovereignty over the disputed Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea and called for related parties to shelve their differences and jointly develop the islands. "The Diaoyutai Islands are part of our territory. This is the long-standing stance of the government and our position has not changed," said Presidential Office spokesman Alex Huang (). Huang's remarks came after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Saturday morning Taipei time. Abe noted he and Trump had affirmed that Article 5 of the U.S-Japan security treaty covers the disputed islands, known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China. The uninhabited Diaoyutais, about 100 nautical miles northeast of Taiwan, have been under Japanese administrative control since 1972, but are also claimed by Taiwan and China. Huang said the government called on related parties to shelve differences and jointly develop the islands, to resolve disputes in a peaceful way and to safeguard the peace and stability of the region. (By Sophia Yeh and Lilian Wu) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi airstrike leaves ten civilians dead in southern Yemen Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 7:36PM Nearly a dozen civilians have lost their lives when Saudi military aircraft carried out an airstrike against a residential neighborhood in Yemen's southwestern province of Ta'izz. Ten civilians were killed on Saturday afternoon, when Saudi warplanes struck a house in the Red Sea port city of Mukha, situated 346 kilometers south of the capital, Sana'a, Arabic-language al-Masirah television network reported. Later in the day, Yemeni army forces, backed by fighters from Popular Committees, targeted a gathering of militiamen loyal to resigned president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi in the al-Ghayl district of Yemen's northern province of al-Jawf, leaving scores of them dead and injured. Yemeni soldiers and their allies also fired several artillery shells at al-Karas, al-Zaqilah and al-Qawiyah military camps in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of of Jizan on Saturday. There were no immediate reports about casualties and the extent of damage caused though. Yemeni troops and Popular Committees fighters also struck an M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle with a guided rocket in the al-Raqabah al-Hajlah area of Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Najran. According to the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, the Yemeni conflict has claimed the lives of 10,000 people and left 40,000 others wounded. McGoldrick told reporters in Sana'a on January 16 that the figure is based on lists of victims gathered by health facilities and the actual number might be higher. Local sources, however, say the Saudi war, which was launched in March 2015 in an attempt to bring back the country's former government to power, has so far claimed the lives of at least 11,400 Yemenis. The military aggression has also taken a heavy toll on the country's facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The US Naval aviation suffers lack of fighter jets for future conflicts: Commander Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 7:29PM A US Navy commander has warned that with more than half of all Navy aircraft out of services, they are left with "no depth on the bench" for any conflict in the future. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. William Moran told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee earlier this week that the Navy's usable planes are currently being pushed to the limit, CNN reported Friday. He explained that 53 percent of the Navy's total air fleet is now grounded. Sixty-two percent of the Navy's F/A 18s are grounded due to repair delays or because they are awaiting spare parts, according to Moran. The F/A 18 strike fighter jets, which are described as the backbone of naval aviation, were designed to have a lifespan of roughly 6,000 flight hours. "For a variety of reasons, our shipyards and aviation depots are struggling to get our ships and airplanes through maintenance periods on time," Moran told the lawmakers. Moran blamed administration of former President Barack Obama and the congress for having implemented budget cuts and left the navy with an aging, overworked and undermanned air fleet. Problems highlighted by Moran illustrate the US military's "extraordinarily low levels of readiness," John Venable, a senior researcher for defense policy at The Heritage Foundation told CNN. He warned that the problem could also get worse before they get better. While the Navy is now conducting studies to rebuild its fleet, Democratic representative, Adam Smith, said President Donald Trump's administration and the Republican-dominated Congress will be faced with major challenges to fulfill campaign promises, like adding more planes to the Air Force. "You can fantasize about spending as much money as you want, but the reality is we won't be able to fix our military readiness problems without repealing the Budget Control Act," he told CNN. "So far the Republicans haven't been able to show us any plan to do that." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bomb rocks another Afghan city in less than one week, seven dead Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 2:40PM Less than a week after a bomb blast rocked Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, and killed 20 people, another explosion in the city of Lashkar Gah has left seven individuals, including civilians and soldiers, dead. The office of the governor of Helmand province said on Saturday that an attacker detonated his explosives-packed car that was parked next to an Afghan army vehicle in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah. Four civilians and three Afghan soldiers died in the blast. Twenty people were also injured. Helmand governor's spokesman, Omar Zwak, said 16 of the injured were also civilians. He added that the attack was carried out as soldiers arrived at a bank to collect their pay. There has been no claim of responsibility, especially from the Taliban militant group, which controls large parts of Helmand and has always used the area as one of its main bases in years of insurgency in Afghanistan. Lashkar Gah has already witnessed attacks on civilians and security forces claimed by Taliban. Helmand is home to hundreds of foreign troops stationed there as part of a US-led mission to train and advise Afghan security forces. Many of those foreign troops have also been targeted in Taliban attacks. One such attack last week wounded an American special forces soldier. US forces carried out an airstrike last week in Sangin district of Helmand, with officials saying that a number of civilians were killed in the attack. The US military has yet to accept responsibility for the civilian deaths. A US military spokesman confirmed on Saturday that US warplanes had conducted strikes in the district over the past few weeks, but refused to accept that the attacks had targeted civilians. Bill Salvin claimed that US forces had "no evidence that civilians were killed in these strikes." Insecurity remains in Afghanistan years after the US-led invasion of the country in 2001. The deadly explosion in Lashkar Gah came a couple of days after 20 people were killed in a similar terrorist attack outside the Supreme Court building in Kabul on February 7. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh executes five Egyptians accused of aiding army Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 11:26AM Daesh, which is mainly active in Iraq and Syria, claims to have executed five men accused of assisting the Egyptian army which is battling the Takfiri group in the country's restive Sinai Province. In a series of photos released on the messaging application of Telegram, five men introduced as army "elements" are seen lying face down on the ground before a militant shoots them in the back of their heads with a rifle. The location of the shot video, reported by US-based the SITE Intelligence Group that tracks terrorists' online activities, is not specified and still remains undisclosed. The killings seem to have occurred after the Egyptian army announced Friday that it had killed "500 terrorists" since the start of a wide-ranging security operation in Sinai in September 2015. Militants have slain hundreds of soldiers and police officers in the sparsely-populated Sinai Peninsula over the past several years. Daesh has been active in the region through its so-called Velayat Sinai offshoot, which killed a high-ranking Egyptian police officer, named as Colonel Hassan Ahmad Rashad, back in July 2016. Such attacks have increased since the 2013 ouster by the military of Egypt's first democratically-elected president, Mohamed Morsi. Egypt's military launched a large-scale security operation against Daesh positions in Sinai in September 2015, following coordinated terrorist attacks on several army checkpoints that claimed the lives of 21 soldiers in July that year. Militants from the Velayat Sinai Takfiri group, previously known as Ansar Bait al-Maqdis, have claimed responsibility for most of the attacks, mainly targeting the army and police. In November 2014, the group pledged allegiance to the Daesh terrorist group, which is wreaking havoc in Iraq, Syria and much closer in Libya. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kuwait sends forces to Iraq border amid tensions Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 9:6AM Kuwait has deployed military forces to its border with Iraq amid tensions over Baghdad's handover of a waterway's sovereignty to Kuwait city. Four units of Kuwaiti special forces were stationed along the Iraqi frontier on Friday. Kuwaiti security sources said that the deployment is meant to support border troops in an attempt to avert any measures that would fuel tensions. Before the deployment, people on the other side of the border had held a demonstration in the southern Iraqi port city of Umm Qasr, calling on the Baghdad government to revise a 2013 agreement to hand over the Khawr Abd Allah waterway to Kuwait. The Arabic-language al-Watan newspaper reported that the protest was held outside the Umm Qasr governorate office building to denounce the Iraqi cabinet's recent approval of the deal. A local official said that thousands of the demonstrators attempted to advance to the border but were asked to divert their path. Khawr Abd Allah has been in dispute since the early days of modern-day Iraq and Kuwait. Kuwaiti and Iraqi land and maritime borders were demarcated under United Nations Security Council Resolution 833 in 1993, when former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was still in power. However, it took the two countries until 2012 to finalize demarcations where Khawr Abd Allah is located. The cabinet of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi endorsed the maritime deal late last month, arguing that the agreement had been approved by the Iraqi parliament in 2012. Umm Qasr residents, however, say the deal adversely affects Iraq's maritime trade. They have urged the Iraqi government to set up a legal committee to investigate the issue. In a related development, the Iraqi parliament speaker, Salim al-Jabouri, has ensured his Kuwaiti counterpart that the Iraqi government will remain committed to the deal. In a meeting in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Saturday, Jabouri told Kuwaiti parliament speaker Marzouq al-Ganem that Baghdad would comply with its commitments and will respect the sovereignty of neighboring states. Ganem said that there were a small number of people who sought to provoke tensions between Iraq and Kuwait and that they should not be allowed to do so. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Democrats Call For Inquiry, Firing Of Flynn Over Possible Russian Sanctions Talk February 11, 2017 Germany's defense minister said that U.S. demands that NATO partners increase defense spending are "fair," while her U.S. counterpart praised Germany's role in fighting the war in Afghanistan. Ursula von der Leyen said Germany, which spends far less than NATO's target of 2 percent of economic output on defense, understands that it needs to increase spending. "It's a fair demand," von der Leyen said after meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis in Washington on February 10. "If we want to jointly master the crises in the world, namely the fight against terrorism, and also put the alliance on solid footing, then everyone has to pay their share." Von der Leyen, referring to Russia, said it was critical that NATO members remained unified. She said she and Mattis agreed that many global problems, including the war in Syria, cannot be solved without Russia, but at the same time Moscow needs to respect international law and the borders of other sovereign countries. They agreed it was important to "continue to act from a position of strength to extend an outstretched hand to Russia and work out our mutual problems at the negotiating table," she said. Mattis, who as a former Marine general and head of U.S. Central Command oversaw the war in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013, said he has the "highest regard" for German forces there. "The leadership, the maturity, the ethical performance by your troops has been an example for others," he told von der Leyen, wearing a pin on his lapel with the U.S. and German flags. Mattis said he was "doing a lot of listening" in his first weeks as defense secretary, alluding to concerns raised by European allies publicly and privately about statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that NATO has grown "obsolete." Mattis has literally circled the world from East Asia to Europe since taking office to reassure allies that the United States remains committed to its long-standing military compacts. "It's always easier to sit on the outside as a critical observer," Mattis said. "It's much more difficult when you're confronted with the difficult choices that you in responsible positions have had to deal with." With reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-democrats-call- inquiry-firing-flynn-over-russian-sanctions -talk-kislyak/28303417.html Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Antigovernment Protests Set To Continue In Romania After 11 Days Of Rallies RFE/RL February 11, 2017 Mass anticorruption protests are expected to continue in Romania on February 11. On February 10, tens of thousands took to the streets for the 11th day, demanding the resignation of the leftist-led government for trying to curb the anticorruption fight. At least 7,000 protesters showed up outside the government building in the capital, Bucharest, on February 10, while another protest in the southwestern city of Timisoara drew 3,500 people, according to media reports. Thousands rallied in other major cities, such as Cluj, Brasov, and Sibiu. Much smaller pro-government counterdemonstrations were held in Bucharest and other cities. Several hundred protested outside the presidential palace in Bucharest against President Klaus Iohannis, who has come out strongly in support of the anticorruption protesters. The president is elected through a direct vote, separately from the parliament. Iohannis, a former mayor of Sibiu, was head of the center-right National Liberal Party before becoming president in 2014. Massive nationwide protests kicked off on February 1, after the government of Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu issued an emergency decree the previous night decriminalizing several corruption-related offenses. Critics said the decree was aimed at helping corrupt politicians avoid or get out of jail. One of the main beneficiaries of the decree would have been Liviu Dragnea, the leader of the ex-communist Social Democrats (PSD). Dragnea has been convicted of abuse of office and is under trial in a separate graft case. His conviction bars him from becoming prime minister. The huge rallies, the largest since the fall of communism in December 1989, forced the government to revoke the decree on February 5 and led to the justice minister's resignation. However, the demonstrations continued, with protesters demanding the resignation of the entire government, despite it surviving a no-confidence vote on February 8. Grindeanu has so far refused to resign. Meanwhile, a court ruled on February 10 that Senate speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu, accused of making false statements in a property fraud case, can go on trial. The High Court of Cassation and Justice rejected an appeal by Tariceanu, who had argued there were insufficient grounds for his trial. No date was set for the trial to begin. Tariceanu's ALDE party is PSD's junior coalition partner. With additional reporting by digi24hd.ro Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/romania- antigovernment-protests-continue- corruption-fight/28303650.html Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Investigators Allegedly Corroborate Some Statements From Trump Dossier Sputnik News 11:19 11.02.2017(updated 15:58 11.02.2017) US investigators have allegedly corroborated some of the provisions, included in the compromising 35-page dossier on US President Donald Trump, however the White House has refuted the allegations, the CNN broadcaster reported citing multiple intelligence officials. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) In January, CNN and BuzzFeed media outlets reported on memos, compiled by an ex-UK intelligence agent, which allege that Trump had been groomed and supported by Russian intelligence for several years. Among other issues, the report said that during a visit to Moscow in 2013, the US politician had allegedly invited prostitutes to a hotel. The news outlet reported Friday citing former and current officials from the US law enforcement and security agencies that the new information had not confirmed the "salacious" statements from the report, but it confirmed several conversations between Russian officials, mentioned in the dossier. According to the broadcaster, the allegedly confirmed conversations had given the investigators "greater confidence" in the provisions of the report, however it is still unknown whether such intercepted communications relates to Trump. However, White House spokesman Sean Spicer had refuted the information reported by CNN, saying that the White House continued "to be disgusted by CNN's fake news reporting." The memo released in January was dismissed by both Trump and Russia, while then US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper stressed that US intelligence had nothing to do with its contents and did not assess their validity. The UK government also distanced itself from the matter, stating that its author had not worked for it for years. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Commander Warns of Russian, Iranian, Pakistani Influence in Afghanistan By Paul Alexander February 11, 2017 The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan says Russia, Pakistan and Iran are pursuing their own agendas with regard to the fragile country, complicating the fight against terrorism and extremism. "We're concerned about outside actors," General John Nicholson told VOA's Afghan service in an interview. Russia, which had an ill-fated intervention into Afghanistan that started in 1979 and ended nearly a decade later, has been trying to exert influence in the region again and has set up six-country peace talks next week that are excluding the United States. Nicholson worries about Russia's links with the Taliban. "Russia has been legitimizing the Taliban and supporting the Taliban," he said. "Meanwhile, the Taliban supports terrorists. I'm very sorry to see Russia supporting the Taliban and narcoterrorism." Moscow denies that it provides aid to the Taliban and says its contacts with the group are aimed at encouraging them to enter peace talks. Taliban role in peace efforts Despite the Taliban's history of violence and extremism, Nicholson didn't rule out a role for the Taliban in the peace process, saying there were elements in the group that appeared to be more pragmatic about the country's prospects for peace. "Many of its leaders see a better life for all Afghans," he said. Meanwhile, he said Iran appeared to be supporting extremists in western Afghanistan. "But the situation is more complex than with Russia," Nicholson said. "There needs to be a relationship" between Afghanistan and Iran, which have seen a resurgence in trade that has partially compensated for a decline in Afghan economic activity with Pakistan. President Donald Trump's new administration has made a flurry of contacts with top Afghan and Pakistani officials in recent days as it formulates a new policy in the region. That clearly involves pressure on Islamabad to do more to crack down on terrorist groups that hide out near the Afghan border in Pakistan's volatile tribal areas. "We want cooperation from Pakistan against all terrorists," Nicholson said. "We must have pressure on external sanctuaries in Pakistan." Rooting out terrorists would help ease Pakistan's concerns about further attacks on its turf that are seen by many as a penalty for the country's support for the U.S. war on terrorism, he said. "We all hope for a change in Pakistani behavior," Nicholson said. "This is in Pakistan's interest." Congressional appearance The general spoke shortly after appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, where he said he needed "a few thousand" more soldiers to bolster the 8,400 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Nicholson told VOA that the extra troops would serve as advisers, extending that role from the core of the Afghan military down to the brigade level to help the country's troops in what he called a "very, very tough fight" to foster peace. "The enemy is trying to seize cities," he said. "It's a new dimension to the fight." The Afghan military has suffered heavy losses as a result. More than 6,700 of its soldiers were killed last year through November 12, according to a quarterly report from the U.S. government's Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, up from 6,600 for all of 2015. Nicholson discounted recent figures that indicated the Taliban has gained more territory this year and now holds about 15 percent of the land, saying it was the result of a revised Afghan government strategy to focus on protecting urban areas. "This was a wise decision by the government," he said, adding that it had provided greater protection for most of the people. "There's a difference between territory and population. Many areas are sparsely populated." Propaganda war U.S.-led forces also have been losing ground in the propaganda war waged by the Taliban and the 20 terrorist groups that operate in Afghanistan, who aggressively use social media, often with false reports that put the international mission in a bad light, Nicholson said. He sought advice from VOA journalists on the best ways to counter the extremists' message and recruitment efforts, saying "the enemy" was doing a better job than the government and its allies at reaching the Afghan people. "We're trying to be more proactive in communications," he said. The U.S. has been in Afghanistan for more than 15 years and has committed to at least four more years. But Nicholson said even though the internal fight is currently at a "stalemate," the battle is worthwhile. He added that he did see a peaceful future for the country. "I believe it will end well for the Afghan people," he said. "Our Afghan brothers and sisters are worth our support." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Suicide Bomber Targets Afghan Military Convoy By Ayaz Gul February 11, 2017 A suicide car bombing Saturday killed at least seven people and wounded many others in Afghanistan's embattled southern province of Helmand, officials said. The Taliban insurgency took responsibility for the bombing, according to a spokesman for the group, who claimed army officers and soldiers were among the casualties. The attack near a bank in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah was aimed at an Afghan National Army (ANA) convoy, a provincial government spokesman told VOA. Soldiers and civilians were among those killed and wounded, said Omar Zwak. He added that at least 21 wounded people have been sent to area hospitals. The victims were collecting their salaries when the bomber hit a military vehicle with his explosives-laden car outside the bank, said the spokesman. The Taliban insurgency controls most of the province and often claims suicide and other bombings against Afghan security forces. Airstrike probe Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said Saturday it is looking into reports of civilian casualties from American airstrikes in another district of Helmand. Residents and Taliban insurgents in Sangin, the district center, alleged that the airstrikes Thursday night killed at least 20 civilians and wounded several others. Provincial Governor Hayatullah Hayyat, accompanied by military and police commanders, told a joint news conference Saturday in Lashkar Gah that claims of civilian casualties were untrue. He said the U.S. strikes targeted insurgent positions and killed nearly 60 Taliban fighters. Hayyat asked for proof from those claiming the attack caused civilian casualties. A U.S. military spokesman on Friday confirmed it carried out air raids against Taliban positions in the area, and it was looking into allegations of civilian casualties in the strikes. "We are aware of the allegations of civilian casualties, and take every allegation very seriously," a statement quoted the spokesman as saying. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mogadishu Residents Rally, Demand Representation By Ayaz Gul February 11, 2017 Hundreds of people held a rally Saturday in Somalia's capital Mogadishu in support of the country's new president, demanding political representation in the Upper-house of the Parliament and a role in the country's political power sharing system. The rally gathered at the city's main Daljirka Dahson square carrying banners and placards, and chanting slogans in support of the newly installed President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. One banner read: "Hamar [Mogadishu] deserves respect and representation as it is the mother of Somalia and the seat of Somali government." Regional officials and community leaders who attended the rally called for the country's new president and parliament to help the capital get political representation and address the grievances of its residents. The current mayor of Mogadishu, Hussein Yusuf Jimale, led the spirited rally to demand passage of the city's political rights, including voting rights in parliament. "We want to send a message to the country's parliament and the new president that the people of Mogadishu who are the "defenders of the Somali people's rights would not accept to be deprived of their political representation," the mayor said. "We gathered here to support our new president and in the meantime demand our city's political rights," one resident said. Somalia has a parliament that consists of lower and upper houses. The lower house is based on representation of clans through the country's clan-based power-sharing political system, but the upper-house has been based on federal member states' representation. Somalia's Provisional Constitution does not give Mogadishu a status of a federal member state. It reads: "The capital city of the Federal Republic of Somalia is Mogadishu. The status of the capital city of Somalia shall be determined in the constitutional review process, and the two houses of the Somali Federal Parliament shall enact a special law with regards to this issue." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Program) Maj. Gen. Brian Cummings, program executive officer for ground combat systems, in a 15 August 2018 memo, directed M1A2 system enhancement program versions 3 and 4 to be renamed M1A2C and M1A2D, respectively. The Abrams tank closes with and destroys enemy forces on the integrated battlefield using mobility, firepower and shock effect. The Abrams tank upgrade ensures that the warfighter will continue to possess the lethality, survivability and fightability necessary to defeat advanced threats well into the future. The Abrams is the Armys primary ground combat system. The Abrams must be capable of engaging the enemy in any weather, day or night, on the multi-dimensional, non-linear battlefield using firepower, maneuver and shock effect. An increasing array of threat tactics and weapons including advanced explosive reactive armor (AERA), Active Protection Systems (APS) and improvised explosive devices necessitate continual improvement to the Abrams platform so it can meet this mission. For current and recent operations, the Abrams underwent many upgrades and configuration changes in response to evolving threats. Upgrades like the Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK) which includes advanced reactive armor, upgraded belly armor and crew armored gunshields greatly enhanced platform survivability, especially in the complex urban terrain prevalent in Iraq. The Abrams tank upgrade includes two powerful variants: the M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness) and the M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Program) version 2. The 1,500-horsepower turbine engine, the 120 mm main gun and special armor make the Abrams tank particularly lethal against heavy armor forces. M1A1 SA improvements include the Gunners Primary Sight with enhanced thermal imaging capabilities of the new Block I 2nd generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology. Lethality improvements include the Stabilized Commanders Weapon Station and ballistic solution upgrades for the M829A3 kinetic and the M1028 canister rounds. Modifications include Blue Force Tracking, a digital command and control system that gives commanders current information about their location relative to friendly forces, and the Power Train Improvement and Integration Optimization Program (Total InteGrated Engine Revitalization engine and improved transmission), which provides more reliability and durability. Survivability improvements include frontal armor and turret side-armor upgrades. M1A2 SEPv2 upgrades include improved survivability, automotive power pack, computer systems and night vision capabilities. Lethality improvements include Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station and ballistic solution upgrades for the M829A3 kinetic and the M1028 canister rounds. The M1A2 SEPv2 has improved microprocessors, color flat-panel displays, improved memory capacity, better Soldier-machine interface and a new open operating system designed to run the Common Operating Environment software. Both the Gunners Primary Sight and the Commanders Independent Thermal Viewer tank include the improved thermal imaging capabilities of the new Block I 2nd generation FLIR technology. Abrams production of the M1A2 SEPv2 tank was complete FY16-2QFY17. M1A2C [ex M1A2 SEPv3] clearly demonstrates improvements in communications, economy, protection, reliability and survivability. Such results were obtained with the help of a new auxiliary power plant and modernization of the main one, improved booking materials, etc. General Dynamics Land Systems, which developed the SEP v.3 project, initially received an order for the modernization of 45 available tanks. The current SEP v.3 project to some extent prepares the ground for the implementation of the new SEP v.4 upgrade. It implements a modern approach to the formation of a complex of onboard equipment, corresponding to the concept of open architecture. With this approach, future upgrades can be implemented by relatively simple replacement of hardware and software components - as they become available. The M1A2 SEP v.3 project will actually become the basis for future updates to armored vehicles. SEP v.3 also provides a flexible approach to security. Depending on the current situation and existing threats, unit commanders will be able to choose a suitable set of additional equipment. The new set of additional protection will be similar to the TUSK system, including overhead armor, reactive armor and shields for open machine gun installations. At the same time, the new kit will surpass TUSK in basic characteristics. The modern approach of the SEP v.3 project will allow changing the level of protection, as well as changing the weight of the vehicle. Thus, through the use of aluminum alloys, it was possible to lighten the cover plates for the bottom by about a thousand pounds (450 kg). M1A2D [ex M1A2 SEPv4] will be launched for testing in 2021. The project is being created as a "lethal upgrade" that will allow existing tanks to take and maintain a leading position among the main tanks in the world. The improved tank will receive an updated laser rangefinder, color video cameras, an improved turret ring with slip rings, a meteorological equipment complex, ammunition programming tools, radiation warning devices and improved 120-mm shells. The central element of the technical specifications for SEP v.4 is the introduction of a new third generation thermal imaging system. Digital equipment of a new type should have higher resolution and increased detection range. It is also required to reduce the sensitivity of the equipment to various interference. One way or another, improved thermal imagers will allow the tank to find and identify potentially dangerous objects earlier. This will give Abrams clear advantages. Modern scopes with a night channel can lead to an advantage in observation and detection range, due to which the tank is able to detect the enemy before he sees him. All this was clearly shown during the wars in Iraq, when the M1A2 tanks collided with the Soviet-made T-72. The M1A2SEP v.4 project provides for an increase in the firing range and projectile efficiency. In addition, it is proposed to install means for detecting laser irradiation, as well as the use of a circular visual review system. The new meteorological sensors are said to improve the accuracy of current conditions with an understandable increase in fire efficiency. An interesting innovation in the SEP v.4 upgrade will be improved slip rings that connect the hull and turret hardware. With their help, it is planned to reduce the number of necessary "boxes" with equipment that provides communication between various on-board instruments. In new projects, attention is paid to additional protection of equipment. At present, the development and implementation of active protection systems capable of timely detecting and destroying an approaching anti-tank ammunition is accelerating. CEEP The Continuous Electronic Enhancement Program (CEEP) comprises the latest System Enhancement Package (SEP) and the Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK) both for M1A1 and M1A2s operating in Iraq and Afghanistan. This program comprises advanced digital systems and better compatibility for the Armys future combat systems integration. It is a retrofit for SEP models. General Dynamic's CEEP is part of the overall Abrams Tank Systems Enhancement Package (SEP) upgrade and will integrate new technologies that will reduce future obsolescence issues and take advantage of improved processing and display capabilities. The SEP upgrade includes improved processors, color and high-resolution flat panel displays, increased memory capacity and an open operating system that will allow for future technology growth. Other upgrades include the replacement of thermal imaging techniques with a Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) sighting system. This fully integrated engagement-sighting system is designed to provide the tank commander and gunner with significantly improved day and night acquisition and engagement capabilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the most populous state in India, accounting for 16.4 per cent of Indias population. If Uttar Pradesh were an indepedent country, its population of 200 million would be tied for fifth place with Brazil, trailing only Indonesia, the United States, India itself, and China. And this poverty-stricken melting pot of over 200 million people is the biggest prize in India's general election. There is an old saying that the road to Delhi goes through Lucknow [the capital of Uttar Pradesh]. UP has 80 parliamentary seats, the most of any state, and at the 2014 election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept up 71 of them. This helped give BJP a three-decade record of 282 seats in the 545-seat parliament to remove India's grand old Congress party, which sunk to a record low of 44, just two of them in UP. The biggest gains made by the BJP in the 2019 elections came in rural areas, with the middle peasant castes enthralled by the Hindu majoritarian agenda of the BJP, and the rural poor coaxed with targeted welfare schemes, such as an annual subsidy for farmers. The protests remain largely confined to the Sikhs in Punjab (not a natural BJP constituency) and the dominant peasant Jat castes of Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. It is unlikely, or at the very least unclear, that the protests will precipitate a significant withdrawal of support from the BJP in rural areas. The state of Uttar Pradesh, which went to the polls in 2022, has emerged from a period of unusual political quiescence, and is witnessing renewed political mobilization in the forms of rallies and public meetings. The BJPs usual populist tactic of smearing its political opponents as illegitimate or anti-national has come unstuck when facing the son of the soil farmers of the heartland, largely from the Hindu and Sikh communities. India held bellwether elections in the legislative assemblies of five major states : Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Manipur and Uttarakhand. 690 assembly constituencies went to polls that were held in 7 phases in February and March, 2022. Keenly watched was the biggest state of Uttar Pradesh, where the ruling BJP is trying to hold on to power. Main parties in the fray include Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress. In the other major state of Punjab, opposition parties are trying to oust the Congress government. Those in the contest include BJP, Aam Admi Party and Shiromani Akali Dal. Around 184 million voters, including 85.5 million women, are expected to cast ballots in this mammoth exercise. Out of these, 2.49 million are first-time voters. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who belongs to the governing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), declared that the states assembly election can be described as 80 versus 20 percent, not so subtly hinting that he perceives the state elections as a battle between the Hindus, who make up 80 percent of the states population, and the 20 percent Muslim minority. The most populous state witnessed a four-way battle between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), against Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the Congress party. The high stakes election battle in Uttar Pradesh began 10 February 2022. The first phase of the polling tooke place in 58 assembly seats spread across 11 districts in the western part of the state. or the 58 seats, including the nine reserved seats, a total of 623 candidates would be contesting, for which around 2.27 crore people would be voting in this phase. The first phase covered the Jat community-dominated belt of the western UP from where farmers had participated actively in the protest against the Centre's three agri laws in the national capital Delhi. In 2017, the BJP bagged 53 of the 58 seats, while the Samajwadi Party and the BSP won only two seats each. Of the five States that went to the polls, the BJP won four - Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Uttarakhand and Goa - while the Aam Aadmi Party swept Punjab. In U.P., the BJP won two-thirds of the seats and increased its vote share. The Samajwadi Party, its main rival, doubled its 2017 tally, but fell way short of a majority. The partys attempt to mobilise Dalits and Other Backward Classes could not win against the BJPs combination of welfarism, Hindutva discourse and expansive accommodation of OBCs and Dalits. The BJP was also supported by a large number of women in the State. BJPs massive victory in UP has once again proved that the partys traditional vote bank remains intact. In western UP, all the claims made by the opponents regarding the farmers movement and the Jat Muslim alliance were blown away. With the win, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emerged as the first among equals among BJP Chief Ministers but will have to wait longer to rise even higher. The 2022 victory in Uttar Pradesh gave Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath a big boost. The controversial Hindu nationalist politician had emerged as a key BJP leader in the past few years, with some people now seeing him as Modi's successor. Adityanath's remarkable election campaign secured his party over 260 seats in the 403-member state assembly. It was the charisma of Modi and Yogi that after 37 years, a political party has returned to power for the second time in a row. This is the first time in 37 years that a Chief Minister has again raised the flag of victory after being in power for 5 years. This victory of BJP in UP is going to strengthen Brand Yogi and with this strength BJP has got that tonic which will prove to be the most helpful in the race for PMs chair of 2024. The regional Samajwadi Party, which has an alliance with the Rashtriya Lok Dal, put up a stiff fight against the BJP though, trying to capitalize on the ruling party's "mistreatment of minorities" in Uttar Pradesh. But, that was not enough to oust the BJP. Adityanath has a good record on fighting crimes and restoring law and order in the state. Development precedes religion, which is why people voted for him. In the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the Hyderabad-based political party All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen lost deposits in most of the 100 seats it ran for. Though it received more votes than it did in 2017, the Asaduddin Owaisi-led party has failed miserably to deliver in the manner it promised, particularly in Muslim-majority areas, and has not won a single seat in the state. According to poll trends released on 10 Mmarch 2022, the majority of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen's candidates failed to reach the 5,000-vote threshold in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. According to the Election Commission website, the Asaddudin Owaisi-led party received about 0.43 percent of the total votes cast across the state's 403 assembly seats. UP, which has given India nine prime ministers, lies at the center of the country's vast northern Hindi-speaking belt, home to around a third of India's 1.3-billion population and which in 2014 formed the core of the BJP's support. The landlocked region, home to the iconic Taj Mahal and roughly the size of Britain, is also a cauldron of religions and castes. Life in Uttar Pradesh is short and uncertain. Females expect to live less than 55 years and the under-five mortality rate is as high as 141 per thousand. In these respects Uttar Pradesh resembles Sub-Saharan Africa with 53 years of life expectancy and 160 under five mortality rate. Further, the demographic transition of U.P. has been slow. Among all the major Indian states, Uttar Pradesh has the highest birth rate and the highest fertility rate. As the fifth largest and the most populous state of the country, Uttar Pradesh (UP) contributes the major share in the total Lok Sabha seats. UP is always considered as the political hub in India, as it has given as many as five Prime Ministers to the country. Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of members in the Indian parliament and so the election results in UP often decides the fate of the government at the center. Uttar Pradesh has a history of violent riots between Hindu and Muslims. The BJP victory in the state in 2017 increased Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis and BJPs chances of winning a second term in the national elections in 2019. Firebrand Hindu politician Yogi Adityanath, pre-eminent Hindu Hriday Samrat (king of hearts of Hindus), was appointed to the position of chief minister in India's most populous state on 17 March 2017. Adityanath's ascent has prompted widespread questions about India's secular status, and whether Modi, himself a product of a nationalist Hindu upbringing, intends to pursue more religious policies as he pursues economic reforms. Critics saw the elevation of Adityanath, a shaven-headed, saffron-robed Hindu monk, as a move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards redefining the world's largest democracy as a Hindu nation. Adityanath had a history of agitation against minority Muslims in India. Adityanath is saffron-robed Hindu priest, a five-term member of India's Parliament and has more than a dozen criminal cases pending against him, including an attempted murder charge. Akhilesh Yadav made a concerted effort to distance himself from the lathi-wielding Yadav musclemen who had been the backbone of the Samajwadi Party. Critics said the partys cadres had let loose a reign of terror in the past five years that the Samajwadi Party had been in power. It was said that Yadavs "start indulging in goondagardi and grab our property, even our wives and daughters are not safe. Goondagardi (goonadaism - hooliganism) includes physical threats, fights and violence. Right-wing mobs are allowed to attack their opponents without fear of legal action. On the campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh, in February 2017 Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah complained about goondagardi or mob rule in the state, and referred to his political opponents as Kasab Congress, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, an acronym that is reference to the name of the terrorist who was caught in the Mumbai attacks. Yet, his own government is unable to prevent violence from an Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-backed outfit affiliated to his party. Adityanath is supported by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), that provides the ideological base and recruitment pool to the Bharatiya Janata Party and other extremist Hindu groups. The RSS supports "Hindutva" or Hindu-ness as the cultural identity of India and promotes the message of Hindu supremacy in a nation that is constitutionally secular. Critics said the RSS and its hardline Hindu philosophy hardens divisions in society in order to unify Hindu opinion and votes. The temple issue is no longer the election-cry of even the BJP which, in the 1990s, rose to national prominence on the temple promise. Whether the Ram temple will be built is a matter of speculation - but with Yogi as CM of a BJP government with a massive majority, the clamor for the temple was only going to increase. The dispute flared up in 1992 after a Hindu mob destroyed the mosque and nearly 2,000 were killed in rioting between Hindus and Muslims across the country. As an ascetic of the Kanphata yogis (pierced ears) or the Nath tradition of Gorakshapeeth, Gorakhpur, Adityanaths association with the dispute in Ayodhya is not just individual, its institutional. His own guru Avaidyanath, who died in 2014, was an important leader of the Ramajanambhoomi movement. Much like Modi, Adityanath tempered his tone since the March 2017 elections: Ever since he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, Adityanath has sounded like more of a statesman than a rabble-rouser. Gone is the fiery anti-Muslim rhetoric and promotion of Hindu supremacy for which the 44-year-old is known, and in its place is a message of social inclusion more akin to Modi's language since sweeping to power in 2014. On the other hand, Adityanath's devotees at the Gorakhnath temple still say their main mission is to fight against creeping encroachment by Uttar Pradesh's Muslim community. Adityanath's fanbase is diverse: Despite his anti-Islam rhetoric, some Muslims living in his constituency and near the Gorakhnath temple praise the priest saying he takes care of everyone and provides protection regardless of caste and creed. Even though, apart from his rhetorical statements, there is no past precedent that clearly indicate Adityanaths administrative record.Those defending him say he should be given a chance. They also believe that the appointment will be a better platform for Adityanath, and that all the decisions he makes will be somewhat accounted for because he will now be under closer scrutiny. The UP city of Varanasi, where Hindus are cremated on the banks of the holy Ganges 24 hours a day, is where Modi stood for eleciton in 2019, and the 68-year-old's popularity there is unparalleled. He won the seat with a huge majority in 2014, telling voters that he wasn't an outsider - he hails not from UP but from Gujurat - Varanasi's "son of the soil". Locals praise him for his efforts to develop the city dotted with temples and thronging with pilgrims and tourists in a state that is a byword for chronic underdevelopment. An unlikely anti-Modi alliance was formed in 2019. One part of it is the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), headed by Mayawati, the formidable "Dalit Queen" whose championing of India's former untouchables helped her become UP's chief minister four times. She has partnered with her former sworn foes, the Samajwadi Party (SP), led by another former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, and the smaller Rashtriya Lok Dal party (RLD). Absent from the tie-up though is Congress. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says He May Issue New Immigration Order RFE/RL February 11, 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump said late on February 10 that he is considering issuing a new executive order on immigration now that his original January 27 order has been suspended indefinitely by the courts. Insisting that he has the law on his side, despite two defeats in U.S. courts in quick succession, Trump said security concerns necessitate a quicker response than legal channels now allow. "The unfortunate part is that it takes time statutorily, but we will win that battle. We also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand new order," he said, adding that any action would not come before February 13. The original order temporarily barring refugees from the United States as well as visitors from seven predominantly Muslim countries was blocked by a U.S. district court on February 3, and an appeals court upheld that block on February 9. "We need speed for reasons of security, so it very well could be" that issuing a new order is the best course to take, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. Earlier, Trump told a news conference in Washington, "We'll be doing things to continue to make our country safe... It will happen rapidly. We will not allow people into our country who are looking to do harm to our people." White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said, "We're pursuing executive orders right now that we expect to be enacted soon that will further protect Americans from terrorism." Trump suggested the new executive order could be a modified version of the original, "with very little changes in honor of the [appeals court] decision" suspending the order. The White House could rewrite the order to explicitly exclude green-card holders, or permanent U.S. residents, a congressional aide told Reuters. Doing that could alleviate some concerns with the original order expressed by three San Francisco appeals court judges who unanimously agreed to keep blocking the order this week. While the White House said it still is reviewing all its options for appealing the San Francisco court's ruling, including possibly raising it before the U.S. Supreme Court, an unidentified judge on the appeals court on February 10 requested that the court's 25 full-time judges vote on whether the ruling should be reheard before an 11-judge panel, Reuters reported. A rehearing before a broader panel of the same appeals court that blocked the original Trump order is one of the options the White House has been considering. With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, and Reuters Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/trump-may-issue -new-immigration-order-replacing- blocked-one/28303414.html Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Administration May Put Pressure on Hezbollah, Analysts Say By Mehdi Jedinia February 11, 2017 As the Trump administration promises to take a hard line on Iran, U.S. pressure could rise against Iranian proxy Hezbollah, which has a key fighting role in backing the Syrian regime in its fight against rebels, analysts say. In their first meeting next week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to use U.S. President Donald Trump's frustration with Iran to pursue new sanctions against Tehran and seek pressure on Hezbollah, according to analysts. The two leaders will meet at a critical time with the new U.S. administration cobbling together its Mideast strategies. They will be seeking to reboot a relationship that fractured under icy relations between Netanyahu and former U.S. president Barack Obama. Hezbollah known as "the Party of God" is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and European allies, and follows a Shi'ite ideology that calls for the destruction of Israel. It has expanded beyond its Lebanese borders in recent years and has been fighting in Syria on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad and Iran in Syria's civil war. "Iran seeks to annihilate Israel, it seeks to conquer the Middle East, it threatens Europe, it threatens the West, it threatens the world. And it offers provocation after provocation," Netanyahu said in Britain this week. "That's why I welcome President Trump's assistance of new sanctions against Iran," he said, adding that he hopes other nations join in. Netanyahu agenda Netanyahu, whose Israeli forces have struck Hezbollah convoys in Syria, is likely to make the pitch that sidelining Hezbollah is good for the security of the volatile Mideast, analysts say. "It is obvious that not only Israelis but some Gulf rivals of Iran are going to carry their goals on the waves of Trump's anger with Tehran," said Joseph Bahout, a scholar in Carnegie's Middle East Program. "Netanyahu will clearly do his best to convince the U.S. president that hampering Hezbollah is a big part of the security base strategy he tries to share with Trump." Sam Bazzi, a Middle East affairs analyst and director of the Islamic Counterterrorism Institute based in Washington, D.C., said Hezbollah is worrisome on a number of levels, particularly if confrontation with Iran is looming. "I'd say in this particular situation one cannot go to the heart of the regime before paralyzing its long arms: Hezbollah, the pro-regime Iraqi Shi'ite militias, and the Houthis [in Yemen]," Bazzi said. "Organically attached to the Lebanese Shi'ite diaspora, Hezbollah can inflict terror attacks throughout the world, bringing chaos to the West and many other countries worldwide," Bazzi said. "The Iraqi Shi'ite militias loyal to Tehran can attack U.S. and Western troops in Iraq." Both are "very vulnerable" now in Syria and Iraq, said Bazzi. "The U.S. Air Force flies over them, and Sunni and Wahhabi militias wage war against them," he said. "Without the Russian political and military umbrella, the U.S. can wipe out the Hezbollah forces deployed in Syria in a matter of weeks, which would certainly lead to the fall of the Assad regime. This, of course, could trigger chaos in Iran and embolden the Iraqi Sunnis. "Indeed, with Trump's rise to power, many members of the Shi'ite community in Lebanon are increasingly frightened and unsure about the future," Bazzi said. Hezbollah intentions For its part, Hezbollah hopes that Trump is so busy pursuing his "America first" policy that he will leave a lighter U.S. footprint in the Middle East, perhaps even setting the stage for a withdrawal from the region. "The more the U.S. policy turns toward isolationism, the more relieved the world would be from its troubles," Nawwaf Moussawi, a member of Hezbollah in the Lebanese parliament, said last month. Some analysts believe Hezbollah has reasons for optimism and that Trump's possible policy in the region could, by default, strengthen the militant group. "Trump's reluctance toward the fight in Syria will practically provide more room for Hezbollah, a major player in Syria, to grow and flourish," said U.K.-based Middle East scholar Scott Lucas, an editor at the EA Worldview research organization. Others argue that Hezbollah doesn't have the resources to create further instability in the region. "Hezbollah, now at its weakest situation ever in terms of legitimacy and manpower due to the big losses it suffered in Syria, will unlikely create unrest during the newly formed U.S. administration as it does not want to attract Trump's attention to its existence," said Alex Vatanka, a senior analyst at the Washington-based Middle East Institute. Vatanka added that Hezbollah has lost its legitimacy among many Arab nations because of its involvement in Syria, and is transforming itself from a self-defending militant group inside Lebanon to a mercenary force for Iran. However, Hezbollah's supporters believe that the group will pursue its long-held policy of fighting the occupation of what it calls Palestine by Israel, regardless of who is in charge in Washington. "Hezbollah does not see much difference in power transition at the White House and will pursue its mission, which is to continue fighting against occupation," said Salem Zahran, head of Media Focal Center, a pro-Hezbollah group in Beirut. US-Russia dynamic There also are questions about how Trump's seemingly friendly approach toward Russia will affect the new U.S. policy in the Mideast. The Kremlin not only treats Hezbollah as an ally in the region, but also has reportedly armed the group. "Trump's rapprochement with Russia makes the situation more uncertain in the region, and this is what makes [Israel] concerned," said Meir Javedanfar, a Tel Aviv-based analyst. In 2014, Russia's deputy foreign minister, Mikhail Bogdanov met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut to discuss regional developments. "We maintain contacts and relations with them [Hezbollah] because we do not consider them a terrorist organization," the Interfax news agency quoted Bogdanov as saying. Hezbollah also has claimed the group has the Kremlin's blessing. "We are strategic allies in the Middle East right now - the Russians are our allies and give us weapons," a Hezbollah commander who called himself Bakr told the Daily Beast last year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump: Immigration System Will Not Be Tool for Terrorists By VOA News February 11, 2017 President Donald Trump has promised that the country's immigration system will not be used as a tool to advance the cause of foreign terrorists. In his weekly broadcast address to the American people, Trump said he met this week with sheriffs and police chiefs from around the country and pledged that he and his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, would support them in the fight against criminal threats. "We will continue to fight to take all necessary and legal action to keep terrorists, radicals and dangerous extremists from ever entering our country," Trump said. "We will not allow our general system of immigration to be turned against us as a tool for terrorism and truly bad people." He added, "We must take firm steps today to ensure that we are safe tomorrow." New order considered On Friday, Trump said he was considering a "brand-new order" on immigration after an appellate court unanimously let stand a federal judge's ruling that suspended the president's effort to bar refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. The appellate ruling did not say whether Trump's original order was constitutional; that underlying question has yet to be resolved. As Trump headed to Florida for the weekend, he told reporters aboard Air Force One that a new executive order could be issued as soon as Monday or Tuesday, if the administration decided to pursue that course of action. He said such a move might be faster than defending the current rule in court. "We need speed for reasons of security," he said. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus sought to clarify to reporters, however, that "every single court option is on the table, including an appeal of the 9th Circuit decision on the TRO [temporary restraining order] to the Supreme Court, including fighting out this case on the merits." Meanwhile, an unidentified judge on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals requested that the court's 25 full-time judges vote on whether the temporary block of the president's travel ban should be reheard before an 11-judge panel, known as an en banc review, according to a court order. Both sides in the lawsuit have been asked to file briefs by next week. In the meantime, foreign travelers with valid visas can expect to enter the U.S. unhindered. New security measures Earlier Friday, speaking at a White House news conference with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump said he would be announcing new measures to bolster U.S. security next week. He did not disclose any details about the new security measures but said he intended to bar from the United States people who were looking to do harm. Critics have charged that Trump's original order discriminated against members of the Muslim faith. Democratic leaders have urged Trump to abandon the policy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted that Trump should abandon the proposal, "roll up his sleeves" and come up with a "real bipartisan plan to keep us safe." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Democrats would continue to push for the controversial ban to be withdrawn. The Republicans' leaders in Congress, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, declined to comment. Supreme Court split John Banzhaf, a law professor at George Washington University in the nation's capital, told VOA he thought any move by the Trump administration to immediately take its travel ban case to the Supreme Court was unlikely to succeed, because legal experts see the high court as ideologically divided, with four justices most likely favoring Trump's view and the four others likely opposing it. A 4-4 vote would leave the stay of the order in place. However, Banzhaf added, the administration's chances of prevailing in court would rise if the case was delayed until Trump's nominee to fill the vacant ninth seat on the Supreme Court, Judge Neil Gorsuch, was confirmed and installed. Gorsuch was nominated January 31, and the confirmation process is expected to take months. "If they wait until the lower courts decide the underlying, important issues Does the president have this authority? Is it constitutional? by the time that important issue gets up to the Supreme Court, there will almost certainly be nine justices," Banzhaf said. Trump took to Twitter following the appellate court's ruling on Thursday: "See you in court, the security of our nation is at stake." A short time later, he told reporters at the White house that the court made a "political decision," and said his administration eventually would win the case "very easily." Appellate arguments In arguments Tuesday before the 9th U.S. Circuit panel, government attorney August Flentje argued that Trump's executive order was within the powers granted to him by Congress and the Constitution. In opposition, the solicitor general of Washington state, Noah Purcell, said reinstating the travel ban without a full judicial review would throw the country "back into chaos," with families separated and travelers confused and wondering whether they would be able to enter the country. A professor law at Florida's University of Miami, David Abraham, said it would be easier for Trump to replace the executive orders rather than try to fix them. "These orders are tainted beyond recognition and the administration has already backed off substantial parts of them," he said. Trump's original order was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could expire before the issue could get to the Supreme Court. Before then, however, the administration could revise the scope of the order or its duration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nonprofits React to Reports Trump Could Focus on Radical Islam By Masood Farivar February 11, 2017 Advocacy groups are turning away U.S. federal grants to combat extremism after reports that the Trump administration wants to focus its counterterrorism effort exclusively on Muslim radicals. The Reuters news agency reported last week that the Department of Homeland Security planned to change its "Countering Violent Extremism" program to "Countering Islamic Extremism" or "Countering Radical Islamic Extremism" and no longer would target white supremacists and other violent groups. In the final days of the Obama administration, the Homeland Security Department announced $10 million in grants to a diverse group of 31 nonprofit groups and state agencies to combat all manner of extremism, from Muslim extremists to neo-Nazis. Now, at least three of the grantees have responded to the planned revamping and the Trump administration's perceived anti-Muslim policies by rejecting the money. Forgoing grants Ka Joog, a Somali-American youth organization in Minneapolis; Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities, a nonprofit that works in Dearborn, Mich.; and Unity Productions Foundation in Virginia have all spurned their grants. Several others are reviewing their offers, while other grantees such as the Muslim Public Affairs Council are taking a wait-and-see approach. Hoda Hawa, MPAC's director of policy and advocacy, said she'd heard from congressional staffers and government officials that Trump was considering renaming the CVE program through an executive order. "We'd vigorously oppose such a program, and in fact, we'll be working on multiple fronts, including legislative and legal, to stop its creation and implementation," Hoda said. Another nonprofit official said he'd received conflicting information about the reported change, with some officials "reassuring" his organization that no renaming was in the works. A Homeland Security spokesman declined to comment on the report. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said he did not have information about it, but he said at a White House briefing February 3 that it would not be a surprise that "rooting out radical Islamic terrorism" is a major focus of the Trump administration. With its neutral name, the Countering Violent Extremism initiative, launched in 2015, ostensibly sought to combat all violent ideologies, but Muslim critics felt their community of 3.3 million was its real target. Controversy abounds Regardless of whether the administration renames the program, experts say the new White House's growing focus on "radical Islamic terrorism" to the exclusion of other extremists is troubling to many. "The threat today is so diffuse that tomorrow we could have an intermediate or mass casualty event across a spectrum of ideologies of which violent Salafist jihadists are but one," said Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University at San Bernardino. The Department of Homeland Security has said the threat of violent extremism has evolved in recent years, with individuals inspired by the Islamic State terrorist group and al-Qaida posing the "most immediate threat." However, research indicates the level of Muslim involvement in violent extremism in the United States remains relatively low. According to the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, since the attacks of September 2001, far-right extremists have carried out 89 attacks, causing 158 deaths, while Muslim extremists have been responsible for 41 acts of terror, killing 119 people. Levin's data, however, show that "Salafist jihadists" killed a larger number than far-right extremists. Adnan Kifayat, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund in Washington, a public policy and grant-making group, said refocusing the program exclusively on Islamic extremism would make it more difficult for Muslims to cooperate with government counterterrorism efforts. "My sense is that, unfortunately, the Trump administration will only be focused on radical Islam and Middle East-based terrorist organizations and that the administration will continue to associate countering violent extremism with an entire religion, if not an entire region of the world," said Kifayat, who is also head of global security ventures at the Gen Next Foundation, a "venture philanthropy" group that works to create opportunities and confront challenges in education, economic opportunity and global security. "I think we need to invest far more in these programs," Kifayat added. "What we cannot do is have the administration talk about countering violent extremism and then come the kind of executive orders that are simply not going to solve the problems." Constitutional questions Other critics of renaming the program say it could run afoul of the Constitution. "Insofar as the administration is singling out Islam as the root of terrorism, one could argue a violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause because it disfavors one faith tradition and group in contrast to others," said Engy Abdelkader, an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University in Washington. "Policies and tactics that single out innocent Americans on account of their faith practices may also trigger the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause," Abdelkader said. But John Banzhaf, a professor of law at George Washington University in Washington, said the government enjoys broad authority to choose counterterrorism targets and methods. As long as federal agencies can show a "compelling public interest," they can use religion or race as a factor in conducting counterterrorism. "Undoubtedly someone will try to raise legal objections to it, but I think overall it would be constitutional, it would be legal," Banzhaf said of the reported plan to rename the Countering Violent Extremism initiative. Rather than excluding other groups from the program, Banzhaf suggested splitting it up into parts that focus on different strands of extremism. "Each of these is different enough that you'll probably want to have a different program, and this will make people feel a lot better because it's not as if you're abandoning all the others," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi-Trump phone talk a good first step in fostering China-U.S. dialogue People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:41, February 11, 2017 The phone talk held by Chinese President Xi Jinpingwith his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump is a good first step in fostering the China-U.S. dialogue and provides a platform for further cooperation, U.S. experts said Friday. "The phone call was a good first step...for fostering dialogue between Presidents Trump and Xi," Dan Mahaffee, an analyst at the Center for the Study of Congress and the Presidency, told Xinhua in an interview. Trump and Xi held a lengthy and "extremely cordial" phone conversation Thursday night on numerous topics, during which they agreed that the two sides will engage in discussions on various issues of mutual interest. "The fact that it was cordial, and the discussion' s tenor reflects that both leaders understand that while differences remain, they need to be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy," Mahaffee said. Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International peace, told Xinhua that the call "was very important to provide a foundation of stability in the U.S.-China relations as well as a platform for further wide-ranging cooperation and the management of emerging tensions." The call was the first between the leaders of the top two economies in the world since Trump's inauguration in late January. Before Thursday, Trump had already talked on the phone with about 20 foreign leaders except Xi, fueling concerns that the absence of contact between the two leaders could lead to renewed tensions in the China-U.S. ties. The Xi-Trump phone conversation was important to break the ice in the China-U.S. ties, Darrell West, vice president and director of Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua in an interview. "The call helped to open the door on high-level consultation, which is good for both countries," West said. "It is important that China and the U.S. remain in close contact. They are the two leading nations in the world and it is crucial that there are open communications so there are no misunderstandings or (something) that could spiral out of control," he added. The experts agreed that Trump's affirmation of the one-China policy, the bedrock of the China-U.S. ties, paved the way for the phone call, which probably came after Trump and advisers concluded that the costs of not doing so could bring greater costs than benefits. Trump had previously aggravated China by taking a call from Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen after winning the U.S. presidency last November and telling the U.S. media in December that the one-China policy was open for negotiation. "The fact that Trump now embraces the one-China policy will allow the relationship to unfold more naturally," West said, citing that resolving the issue was a prerequisite for addressing every other issue. If Trump continues to question the one China policy, there would be no basis for President Xi to interact with him, said Paal, a former director of the American Institute in Taiwan. Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Xinhua that Trump probably was convinced by his top aides that it was necessary to make the one-China statement "in order to move forward with the U.S.-China relationship in other areas." "The costs of not adhering to the one China policy were very high," Glaser said, though adding that this should not be seen as Trump making a concession. Media reports revealed that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had said in written answers to questions after his Senate nomination hearing that the U.S. should adhere to the one-China policy. As China and the U.S. start negotiations to address their frictions and advance cooperation on various issues of mutual interest, there is a broad range of issues that demand early attention, the experts said. They include the nuclear program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, U.S. trade deficit with China, mutual investments and boosting American exports, Paal said. Mahaffee said at the top of the agenda of the China-U.S. talks should be the issues of maritime disputes in the South and East China Seas, cyber security, as well as trade, investment and currency. "I think there can be discussions aimed at avoiding miscalculation between the nations in the sea, air, space and cyber domains, and I also think that agreements on trade and investment could be reached that would make it easier for companies from either country to invest in the other," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The move is to hand them over to Nigeria, as per reports. North Korea Launches Medium-Range Missile Into Sea of Japan By Lou Lorscheider February 11, 2017 North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan early Sunday, a gesture widely interpreted as a challenge to the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Pyongyang issued no statement about the launch, but experts said it appeared to be a test-launch of an intermediate-range rocket, most likely a model capable of reaching targets in Japan. However, they added, there was no evidence that the Norths test involved a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a weapon that potentially could reach the United States. North Korea made two unauthorized nuclear test explosions last year and launched nearly two dozen rockets in continuing efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared in a speech on New Years Day that his country has reached the final stage in its program to build ICBMs, but Western experts have been skeptical about his forecast. At the time, Trump answered Kims ICBM boast with one of his trademark Twitter messages: It wont happen! Trump briefed on launch, monitoring situation At the time of the launch, late Saturday in Florida, Trump was dining with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. White House officials said the president was fully briefed about the missile firing, and they are closely monitoring the situation. Commenting on the launch reports after their dinner, Trump said: I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent. Abe called North Korea's latest missile launch "intolerable" and urged North Korea to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions. When Trump welcomed Abe to Washington Friday, he emphasized that the United States is committed to the security of its key Asian ally. We will work together to promote our shared interests, the president said at the White House, including defending against the North Korean missile and nuclear threat. The United States has repeatedly vowed it will never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation. Same launch site used 4 months ago South Korean military officials said the missile was launched at 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 Saturday UTC) from a military site at Banghyeon, the same place where the North test-launched powerful Musudan rockets twice in October. Such missiles are estimated to have an effective range of about 3,000 kilometers (1,865 miles). Officials said the rocket crossed the Korean Peninsula from the launch site in western North Korea and headed east over the Sea of Japan, after a flight path of about 500 kilometers (310 miles). North Korea-watchers reported late in January that the North Korean military had loaded missiles aboard two mobile launchers, a sign that test-firings could be imminent. They noted at the time, however, that the missiles appeared to be no more than 15 meters long, which would tend to rule out the possibility that a long-range weapon was involved. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realizing its full military ambitions, especially since it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. However, most experts agree that the North has made considerable progress since Kim took over absolute power in the country following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in December 2011. World's demands ignored For more than a decade, Washington and a vast majority of world governments have demanded that North Korea denuclearize the Korean peninsula. However, Western leaders have yet to devise a plan that would either compel the North to cooperate or create incentives for it to do so. China-sponsored talks between Pyongyang and a six-nation panel have been stalled since 2009, when the communist North pulled out of the negotiations. The North carried out its first underground nuclear test explosion three years before the talks broke down. Washington has since said the six-party talks could not resume until Kims regime in Pyongyang would recommit itself to halting all nuclear tests and scrapping its nuclear development program. That policy was agreed to during the administration of former President Barack Obama, and Trumps government has reaffirmed it. Pyongyang has so far rejected Western overtures and continues to resist world leaders attempts to bring it into compliance with a string of United Nations resolutions. VOAs Brian Padden in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Sputnik News 02:39 12.02.2017(updated 03:47 12.02.2017) North Korea has fired a ballistic missile, the Yonhap News Agency reports, citing South Korean military sources. The missile was fired in the direction of the Sea of Japan at around 7:55 am February 12, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. It was fired from Banghyeon in North Pyongan Province; the flight path has not yet been determined. "The military is determining if the missile is the Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile," a military source told Yonhap. The Musudan missile's range is estimated at about 3,000 kilometers. Based on the missile's launch site, North Korea experts speculate that it is the Musudan and not a longer-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The country tested a Musudan missile late last year. The test had been expected for some time, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un reportedly having announced a test in his New Year's Eve address to the nation. It was also suggested that the country might test an ICBM this month to mark former leader Kim Jong-il's birthday, or that it would test a medium-range weapon. It is unknown what type of missile was fired. US President Donald Trump has taken a belligerent stance on North Korea. In response to reports that the country was in the final stages of developing a missile that could reach the US at the turn of the year, he tweeted, "North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen!" This is the first missile test conducted during his administration. Last month, the US provided $1 million in flood relief to the rogue nuclear state after flooding and typhoon damage killed hundreds and left thousands homeless. It was the first such aid to have been provided in five years. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests since 2006. The country claims to be capable of conducting a nuclear strike on the US. Just last week, US military authorities expressed concern that the country could not handle an escalation of tensions with North Korea without withdrawing from some of its other global commitments. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is currently in the US, meeting with Trump. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Elections in India's Uttar Pradesh Test for PM Modi By Anjana Pasricha February 11, 2017 Piyush Rai emerged from a polling station Saturday morning in Ghaziabad in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state along with his family, fervently hoping his vote for a new regional government will help bring development and jobs for young people. "Even those among us who have post-graduate degrees have no jobs. The law and order situation is so alarming," laments Rai who is convinced that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can improve the situation. A short distance away at another polling booth, the sentiment is completely different among people who crowd around officers searching for their name in the voters list. As he waits to cast his vote, Nadeem Malik slams the prime minister's recent ban on high-value currency notes that created a massive cash crunch. "Our work, which was going well, came to a halt, common people like me took a hit," he says, vowing to support the ruling Samajwadi Party. Crucial mid-term verdict These are among millions of voters in northern Uttar Pradesh state who will deliver a crucial mid-term verdict on Modi and decide whether he can wrest India's biggest political prize from the ruling Samajwadi party. Polls are being held in five states, but none is more crucial to the political fortunes of Modi as Uttar Pradesh. Home to 220 million people, the sprawling state is the country's biggest and polling will be held in seven stages over the next four weeks. It is also among the country's poorest regions, but the battleground state is widely seen as holding the political pulse of the country. "This is a kind of test for Mr. Modi's continuing popularity," says Ajoy Bose, an independent political analyst in New Delhi. Three years ago, the BJP won a stunning victory in the state during national elections, helping it get the biggest parliamentary mandate in three decades. At that time Modi had rallied voters with his promise of economic revival and cleaning up what is widely seen as corrupt governance. Uphill battle But bringing about the radical change he promised and creating the tens of thousands of jobs that India's young population needs has not been easy and many analysts say winning the regional polls will be an uphill battle. The BJP had hoped to capitalize on Modi's radical currency ban last year that aimed at striking at rich people with illegal cash and empowering the poor. Many like Pinky Bharti, a beautician in Ghaziabad, admire the bold move and see him as a messiah who will root out corruption. "He did not distinguish between the rich and the poor, he brought everyone down to the same level," she says. But analysts warn that the high-risk gamble could have also cost him the support of tens of thousands of poor people in remote areas, who were worst affected by the currency shortages, as well as that of traders whose businesses, which depend heavily on cash transactions, slowed down. "If he is unable to form a government there, it will be seen as an erosion of BJP support," warns Bose. The BJP's main opponent is the regional Samajwadi party of incumbent Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav - a savvy young politician who last month struck what many consider could be a winning alliance with the Congress Party. Another contender for power is Mayawati, whose Bahujan Samaj Party draws its support from the lower castes, but who has also made an outreach to Muslims hoping to broaden her base. Predictions vary Pollsters have given varying predictions, some putting the Samajwadi Party ahead, while others say the BJP is in front. Most analysts feel the race is wide open and the contest could be close. Whatever the outcome, Saturday's poll was another colorful celebration of democracy in India. Across towns and villages, by 9 a.m. there were long lines at schools and colleges that had been converted into polling locations. Police and armed guards ensured smooth polling. In this poor state where people tend to vote along traditional caste and religious lines, thousands of illiterate women emerged from their homes enthusiastically, but simply cast their ballots as they were instructed to do by the men in the family. Twenty-five-year-old Suman, who arrived with her two young children simply says she will vote for "the flower," meaning the lotus symbol of the BJP, and finds it difficult to elaborate beyond that. Poonam Puri is also looking forward to voting, and says she will stamp on "the hand," referring to the symbol of the Congress Party. Polling will end on March 8 and results will be tallied on March 11. It will be a crucial count for Modi. "The fact is the rest of his term, Mr. Modi will be looking over this shoulder if he does badly in these elections," says political analyst Bose. On the other hand, if he does well, then he will get breathing space and he will have time to recover." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran military power to serve peace: Air Force Commander IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Feb 11, IRNA -- Iran's military posture is in the service of peace, says Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hassan Shah Safi. General Shah Safi made the remarks on Saturday at a ceremony held to mark the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force day. This is not just a claim, he said. Iran's clear history and what is going on across the region, very well support such an argument, he added. "This is while, we are witnessing today the shelling and killing of Yemeni people conducted by recruiting foreign advisors and by dedicating astronomical military budgets," the Iranian Air Force commander said. General Shah Safi then referred to the sensitive situation in the resourceful and strategic West Asia region and said Iran should maintain a strong stance in the region. "The Islamic Republic of Iran should maintain a powerful stance in the region and through adopting an independence-seeking policy be a world model of self-sufficiency and self-independence," he said. The Iranian Air Force commander also said that Iran is ready to establish military ties with its neighbors to help promote peace and security in the region. The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to hold joint military maneuvers with the regional and other countries and enter military accords with them, General Shah Safi said. 2044**1771 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address West bound by JCPOA to sell 20pc fuel to Iran: Senior MP IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Feb 11, IRNA -- A senior lawmaker announced here Saturday that the Western countries are bound by the July 2015 nuclear deal to sell the 20-pecent enriched fuel to Iran. The last purchase of the 20-pecent fuel goes back to about two decades ago, Mojtaba Zolnouri, chairman of the Majlis nuclear committee, said. Commenting on the entry of five kg of the 20-percent enriched uranium to Iran, the lawmaker said the issue has no relation with the transfer of uranium to Russia. Iran did receive about 230 tonnes of yellow cake after giving its enriched uranium to Russia, the parliamentarian noted, stressing that Iran has bought the five kg of fuel from Russia. Also talking of the Tehran reactor, Zolnouri said it is a research reactor producing radiopharmaceuticals needed for 155 nuclear medical centers to treat 900,000 patients. Rejecting the claims that Iran has given part of its 20-pecent enriched uranium to Russian to recapture it in emergency, the lawmaker said Iran delivered an 11,800 kg consignment of its enriched uranium including 3, 5, and 20-percent fuel to Russia in order to receive the yellow cake according to the July 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Based on the JCPOA, Iran should meet its need to 20-percent fuel for the Tehran reactor from the related countries and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he said, adding those countries have to give the fuel to Iran. 1483**1771 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Intelligence minister: Iran arrests 8 terrorists IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Feb 11, IRNA -- Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi announced that a sum of eight terrorists have been arrested in connection to plotting to carry out terrorist attacks during the ceremonies marking the 38th anniversary of the victory of 1979 Islamic Revolution. "Eight people all of them non-Iranians who were the main core of the conspiracy were arrested for trying disrupt the security of celebrations marking the anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution," Alavi told reporters on Saturday. He noted that during the operation which lasted nearly one week, a secret network of terrorists were identified near Tehran as well as some western and eastern provinces, adding, "Eight terrorists were arrested and all of the arrested people are non-Iranians and some of them were linked to the leaders of Takfiri groups who have recently been killed." In relevant remarks on Friday, Attorney General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri disclosed that the country's security forces have arrested several terrorists affiliated to the Daesh (ISIS terrorist group) near the capital city of Tehran. 'These individuals sought to carry out their plots during the ceremonies marking the 38th anniversary of the victory of 1979 in Tehran," Montazeri said. He reiterated that as per the intelligence obtained the Daesh terrorist group has had plans to conduct terrorist attacks inside Iran. Montazeri said that further information on the plots of the nabbed Daesh operatives would be revealed to the Iranian nation within the next few days. He underlined that if the resistance front, supported by Iran, had not stood up against terrorists, Daesh would have reached the country's borders. 'Know that if you do not slap the enemy in the face outside the country and outside the borders, it will arrive at your gates," Montazeri added. 2050**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's defense power fully peaceful: Air Force cmdr. Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 10:38AM The commander of Iran's Air Force has reiterated the peaceful nature of the country's defensive military power. "The Islamic Republic of Iran's defense power is completely peaceful, and the proof of this assertion is our bright history and developments in the region," said Brigadier General Hassan Shah Safi, the commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). Shah Safi was speaking in a ceremony marking Iran Air Force Day in the capital, Tehran, on Saturday. He described West Asia as a sensitive and strategic region and said Iran should have a powerful presence in the region and adopt independent policies. He also said Iran should be an international role model as an independent country that possesses up-to-date military systems that it has acquired based on self-reliance. Brig. Gen. Shah Safi also said that the IRIAF was ready to conduct joint drills with friendly countries. The IRIAF "is making efforts to establish good military relations with the armies of friendly countries and play an effective role on the path of promoting peace as well as regional and international security," he said. Elsewhere in his remarks, Shah Safi referred to the hostile polices taken by the incumbent administration of US President Donald Trump and said there has been concern around the world that the policies would accelerate the rise of organized violence and racism. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shi'ite Cleric Al-Sadr Pulls Back Protesters After Baghdad Clashes By Edward Yeranian February 11, 2017 Iraq's mercurial Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr urged his supporters to suspend a demonstration Saturday near Baghdad's iconic Green Zone, after violent clashes that left at least four dead and 320 wounded, according to Baghdad's governor. Iraqi security forces fired tear gas at supporters of Sadr after reports they were trying to advance in the direction of the iconic "Green Zone," where government institutions, including parliament and the prime minister's office are located. In later skirmishes, live ammunition reportedly was used, although it was not clear who was doing the firing. Baghdad governor Ali al-Tamimi said in a statement that four people were killed and 320 wounded in the clashes that ensued, as protesters dispersed following a call by Sadr to pull back. Baghdad's security operations command also reported that one of its men was killed and seven wounded. Sadr supporters broke into the Green Zone last year, ransacking parliament and harassing lawmakers. A Shi'ite cleric who supports Sadr told Iraqi media that demonstrators were not trying to harm anyone or disturb government institutions this time around. Demands He claims that Sadr's partisans are protesting corruption in the government, and the electoral commission, and are not trying to storm the Green Zone, but will continue protests until the members of the electoral commission are removed from their posts. Sarbast Mustapha, who heads the electoral commission, remained firm, however, telling Iraqi media that he would not be influenced by popular pressure. He says that he will not step down, except at the request of parliament, and he urged security forces to protect his offices and employees. He urged everyone to abide by the law, since the electoral commission was an institution based on law. Mustapha insisted the protests are merely an "internal dispute among Shi'ite [political] parties," but warned that [upcoming parliamentary) elections could be suspended if the protests continue. Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi issued a statement Saturday, reacting to casualties among protesters, insisting that Iraqis had the "right to protest peacefully." He also called for the setting up of a commission to investigate what happened. Member of Parliament Ali Budeiri, who belongs to Muqtada al-Sadr's movement, insisted that members of his group would not back down on their demands. He insists that all Iraqis are demanding what he calls "deep reforms," and he goes on to insist that the people are the source of all (political) power. Sadr, who has strong ties to Iran's clerical establishment, held numerous protests outside the Green Zone last year demanding the resignation of various government ministers, and over-running the Green Zone, before withdrawing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan's Special Forces, Marines Hold Counter-Terrorism Demonstration Sputnik News 22:59 11.02.2017 As a part of ongoing Multinational Exercise AMAN-17, being hosted by the Pakistan Navy, the country's Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Marines presented a Maritime Counter-Terrorism Demonstration at Manora peninsula, located south of the Port of Karachi, Pakistan, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday. KARACHI (Sputnik) Special Operations Forces and Marines of the Pakistan Navy demonstrated specialized skills to counter acts of maritime terrorism, refine special operating procedures, exchange professional expertise and to enhance interoperability with participating SOF teams. As part of the demonstration, the SOF displayed a high level of coordination in conducting fast maneuvers by hovercrafts, military assault, visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) teams, and deploying air assault teams with helicopters. The forces also coordinated a beach assault and reinforcement, followed by extraction. "The rise of terrorism and instability at a global level has changed the nature of how nations engaged both friends and foes. Special Forces worldwide find themselves in non-conventional wars, peculiar operations and home defense missions which were unseen just a decade ago," a press release from the Pakistani Naval Headquarters reads. As a result, Special Forces play a unique role that includes the tracking of terrorists cells and leaders, disrupting insurgent campaigns and building relationships with international partners for ensuring peace and stability, the statement added. Earlier in the day, bands of participating countries of AMAN-17 presented a musical International Bands display, aiming to connect the countries through cultural heritage. Military bands from Sri Lanka, the Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy also played a mix of their traditional and military music. A large number of personnel of the participating navies, as well as observers, foreign diplomats and senior officials of Pakistan's armed forces took part in the event. The AMAN-17 is the fifth Multinational Exercise of AMAN series, held in Pakistan since 2007. Navies of 37 countries are participating in AMAN-17, including Australia, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, the Unites States and Japan. The drills are being held on February 10-14 in the Arabian Sea off Karachi. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan to Maintain Naval Presence in Indian Ocean - Foreign Office Sputnik News 19:24 11.02.2017(updated 19:31 11.02.2017) A formidable naval presence of Pakistan in North Arabian Sea and West Indian Ocean continues to remain critical for the country in defense of its interests, Sartaj Aziz, foreign policy adviser to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said at the International Maritime conference in Karachi on Saturday. KARACHI (Sputnik) A formidable naval presence of Pakistan in North Arabian Sea and West Indian Ocean continues to remain critical for the country in defense of its interests, Sartaj Aziz, foreign policy adviser to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said at the International Maritime conference in Karachi on Saturday. The International Maritime Conference is one of the main events of the Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN-2017 that is currently taking place off Pakistan's port city of Karachi in the Arabian Sea. "The maritime challenges of the Indian Ocean is well known and effected by key variables such as militarization, the involvement of major and extra-regional powers among other security threats. For Pakistan to remain oblivious of the development taking place in the Indian Ocean is not an option, therefore, Pakistan has to maintain significant naval presence to defend our interests," Sartaj Aziz said. He also noted that India has been steadily increasing the scale and frequency of its conventional naval deployments through the Indo-Pacific region. The official added that Pakistan is an important regional state having a coastline that is over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) long and an exclusive economic zone of 300,000 square kilometers and cannot remain oblivious to the developments taking place in the Indian Ocean as they can have a direct impact on the country's security and prosperity. Satraj Aziz added that nations concerned with maritime security and stability in North Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean should pursue shared maritime objectives in the region. "The dialogue between the stakeholders has never been so important. Pakistan is ready to pay an important role in providing maritime security," the foreign policy adviser said. The AMAN-17 is the fifth Multinational Exercise of AMAN series, held in Pakistan since 2007. Navies of 37 countries are participating in AMAN-17, including Australia, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, the Unites States and Japan. The drills are held on February 10-14 in the Arabian Sea off Karachi. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Successfully Tests Ship-Borne Ka-52K Helicopter Sputnik News 17:54 11.02.2017(updated 21:10 11.02.2017) Russia successfully tested its latest Ka-52K Katran reconnaissance and combat helicopter during the recent Mediterranean cruise by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, Rossiiskaya Gazeta reported. The Admiral Kuznetsov's Captain, Sergei Artamonov, heaped praise on the Ka-52K, which is a ship-based version of the Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and combat helicopter, calling it "the best of its kind around." "The test flights we conducted during the cruise showed that this helicopter has great potential as a weapon and as a major element of our naval airpower," Artamonov said in a documentary aired by Rossiya-24 on Wednesday night. The Kamov designers faced the daunting task of adjusting the new ship-borne rotorcraft for use during naval operations in conditions of high humidity and salinity. The fuselage is covered with resilient anti-corrosion coating and is fitted with folding blades and wings. The Ka-52K's firepower is notably greater compared to its land-based counterpart. It can be armed with torpedoes, depth charges and even heavy missiles capable of sinking an enemy warship. The helicopter is equipped with a laser beam guidance system and Okhotnik video processing system. The onboard Arbalet radar system allows the Ka-52K to effectively perform combat missions even in situations of active electronic jamming. The helicopter can detect hostile vessels at a range of almost 200 kilometers. The Vitebsk optical and electronic defense system effectively protects the Ka-52K against missiles armed with infrared self-homing warheads. The helicopter can be further upgraded to carry Kh1AD and Kh35 anti-ship missiles, which are currently used by Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-29K warplanes and are able to inflict serious damage even to aircraft carriers. In addition, the Ka-52K can carry virtually all types of Western-made airborne anti-ship missiles, which makes it much easier to sell abroad. In 2015 Egypt said it was mulling the purchase of over fifty Ka-52Ks. "The successful tests on board the Admiral Kuznetsov have revived international interest in the3 Ka-52 Katran helicopter," Rossiiskaya Gazeta wrote. The Kamov Design Bureau is a part of Russian Helicopters, which is a global leader in the field of helicopter manufacture and the only developer and manufacturer of helicopters in Russia. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shamkhani: Russian planes' flight over Iran to Syria needs joint decision IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Feb 11, IRNA -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said on Saturday that the use of Iran's airspace by the Russian planes dispatched for fighting terrorism in Syria needs preparation including precise assessment and pre-scheduled planning. Speaking in an interview, he said, "Iran and Russia joint cooperation for fighting terrorism in Syria has lots of dimensions." Shamkhani called Iran and Russia cooperation in field of fighting terrorism quite strategic, adding that any decision for use of Iran's airspace by the Russian airplanes is related to the battleground needs for fighting terrorism in Syria. If the Iranian defense officials confirm the need for use of Iran's airspace by the Russian planes, the Iranian officials could authorize the Russian airplanes to use Iran airspace for supporting anti-terrorism operations in Syria, the official noted. He said that issuing permission for flying over Iran has a complicated process. 9191**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh executes 40 civilians in northern Syrian town: Report Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 2:48PM The Daesh Takfiri terrorist group has reportedly executed more than three dozen civilians in Syria's strategic northern province of Aleppo as they continue to lose ground in battles against government forces. The media bureau of Syria's Joint Operations Command announced in a statement on Saturday that Daesh extremists had rounded up 40 civilians in the town of al-Bab, located some 40 kilometers northeast of Aleppo, and then killed them all. The killings came as fierce clashes continue unabated between Turkish-backed militants and Daesh Takfiris on the fringes of al-Bab. Turkish artillery units also lobbed a barrage of projectiles at Daesh outposts inside and outside of the border town. On August 24, 2016, the Turkish Air Force and special ground forces kicked off Operation Euphrates Shield inside Syria in a declared bid to support the Free Syrian Army militants and rid the border area of Daesh terrorists and fighters from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and Democratic Union Party (PYD). The offensive was launched in coordination with the US-led military coalition, which has purportedly been fighting Daesh extremists since 2014. The incursion was the first major Turkish military intervention in Syria, which drew strong condemnation from the Syrian government for violating the Arab country's sovereignty. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on November 29, 2016 that the Turkish army had marched into Syria to end the rule of President Bashar al-Assad, whom he accused of terrorism and causing the deaths of thousands. The remarks caused consternation in the Kremlin, with Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, demanding that Erdogan clarify anti-Assad goals in Syria. The Turkish leader backtracked on the comments two days later, asserting that the offensives there were aimed only at terrorists. Late on Friday, Syrian army forces managed to retake Abu Taltal village near the town of al-Bab after heavy skirmishes with foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants there. Syrian soldiers and allied forces launched an operation against Daesh positions near al-Tharda region of the eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr on Saturday, killing scores of the terrorists in the process. Syrian Air Force fighter jets also carried out a string of strikes against Daesh terrorists in the al-Makabbat area of the same Syrian province, killing six terrorists and injuring another seven. A motorcycle belonging to the terrorists was destroyed in the aerial attacks as well. Additionally, Syrian aircraft targeted Daesh gatherings in the al- Hamidiyah district of Dayr al-Zawr city, situated about 420 kilometers northeast of the capital Damascus, and the outskirts of a military airport, killing and injuring many of the terrorists and destroying vehicles equipped with heavy machineguns. Syrian troopers and fighters from pro-government popular defense groups also thwarted separate infiltration attempts by Daesh from al-Hweiqa and al-Husseiniya villages into Dayr al-Zawr city, killing most of the terrorists. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria-bound Russian planes using Iran airspace for anti-terror operations: Shamkhani Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 2:9PM A senior Iranian official says Russian warplanes are using the Islamic Republic's airspace for anti-terror operations in Syria. The Russians' use of Iran's airspace continues "because we have a fully strategic cooperation with Russia," Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani told Fars news agency on Saturday. He added that Tehran would "have any cooperation with Moscow on Syria" and noted that Iran would grant necessary permission to Russian planes to use the country's airspace. Shamkhani, who acts as Iran's senior political, security and defense coordinator with Russia and Syria, emphasized that the flight of Russian warplanes over the Islamic Republic's airspace depends on decisions which should be made in advance. "In recent cases, Russian fighter planes have only used Iran's airspace and have not had any refueling operations," he said. The SNSC secretary made the comments in reaction to media reports that six Russian Tupolev-22M long-range bombers had used Iran's airspace and a base in the western Iranian city of Hamedan to target Daesh Takfiri terrorists in the eastern Syrian city of Dayr al-Zawr. Iran and Russia are Syria's main allies and have been assisting the government in Damascus in its fight against foreign-backed terrorist groups, including Daesh. Russia has been conducting airstrikes against terrorist groups in Syria at the Syrian government's request since September 30, 2015, while Iran has been providing advisory assistance to the Syrian government. Russian Defense Ministry said in August 2016 that the country's warplanes had taken off from an air base in the Iranian city of Hamedan to hit Daesh Takfiris and other terrorists in Syria. "On August 16, Tu-22M3 long-range bombers and Su-34 frontline bombers, flying with a full bomb load from the Hamedan air base, conducted a group air strike against targets" of Daesh and Jabhat Fath al-Sham terrorists in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Dayr al-Zawr and Idlib, the Russian ministry said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian forces foil Daesh infiltration attempts in Latakia: Report Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 8:19AM The Syrian army has reportedly thwarted an attempt by Daesh to establish a foothold in the northwestern province of Latakia, killing a large number of the terrorists in the process. The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported the development on Saturday, saying the troops had managed to push the terrorists back as the latter engaged in assaults in three directions against separate areas in the northeast of the province. One Daesh incursion, SANA said, had targeted the town of Kinsabba, situated 50 kilometers away from Latakia's provincial capital of the same name. Thanks to close cooperation between the Syrian military and its allies, Daesh has largely been confined to its so-called headquarters in the Arab country, namely the northern city of Raqqah. Late last year, it only managed to stage a comeback in the ancient city of Palmyra in the central province of Homs. Also on Saturday, the Syrian army and its allies led an anti-terror push against the outfit's members in Palmyra, killing and injuring dozens of them. A military source, meanwhile, said that the joint forces had also stricken the terrorists on Awamid Hill on the outskirts of the capital of Homs Province. The counterterrorism raid likewise slew and wounded dozens of the terrorists. Elsewhere in Homs, the Syrian air force hit other Daesh targets, killing 84 members of the terrorist group. Daesh has been excluded from a ceasefire agreement that is being applied all over Syria. The ceasefire was facilitated by cooperation among Iran, Turkey and Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Army Supported by Russian Warplanes Destroy Daesh Stronghold Near Al-Bab Sputnik News 16:26 11.02.2017(updated 16:53 11.02.2017) The Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday that the Syrian army supported by Russian aviation have destroyed a Daesh stronghold near the city of al-Bab in the Aleppo province. The Syrian army killed over 650 terrorists and terrorists' hardware in their operation to free the town of Tadif near al-Bab. "During the fighting near the Tadif populated area, the [Syrian] government forces killed more than 650 terrorists, destroyed two tanks, four armored personnel carriers, 18 off-road vehicles equipped with heavy weapons, seven mortars and six 'jihad-mobiles'," the Defense Ministry said. According to the Russian ministry, Tadif which is located in Aleppo province's north-east was "one of the most fortified strongholds of terrorists near al-Bab." After liberating Tadif, the Syrian army agreed with Turkey on a demarcation line with Ankara-backed Free Syrian Army opposition fighters. "As a result of the advance, the Syrian government forces have reached a demarcation line with the Free Syrian Army's units as it had been agreed with the Turkish side." Moreover, the Syrian government forces have gained control over a strategic highway leading to Raqqa. "Daesh fighters in al-Bab used to receive arms and ammunition via the highway leading to Raqqa," the ministry said. Currently, the Syrian army is approaching al-Bab controlled by Daesh from the west and south, while the Turkish-led forces are attempting to advance into and liberate the town from the north and the east. On Friday, a military source told Sputnik that the Syrian government forces cut off the retreat path for Daesh from al-Bab. The Turkish military operation in Syria's al-Bab has entered the final stage. Turkey's units entered central al-Bab, the operation is being conducted in coordination with Russia to prevent clashes with Syrian government forces. Al-Bab is one of Daesh's last remaining strongholds near the Turkish border. Capturing the city is of strategic importance to Turkey in order to prevent the Syrian Kurds taking it and unifying their own territories. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh Executes Civilians in al-Bab as Syrian Army, Turkish-Led Forces Advancing Sputnik News 14:32 11.02.2017(updated 14:33 11.02.2017) Daesh terrorists have executed at least 40 civilians in the Syrian northern town of al-Bab, Al Mayadeen broadcaster reported. BEIRUT (Sputnik) Civilians were executed right after being captured. Currently, the Syrian army is approaching al-Bab controlled by Daesh from the west and south, while the Turkish-led forces are attempting to advance into and liberate the town from the north and the east. The Syrian government forces and the Turkish-led forces are not coordinating their actions, since Damascus considers the presence of the Turkish forces a violation of Syria's sovereignty. On Friday, a military source told Sputnik that the Syrian government forces cut off the retreat path for Daesh from al-Bab. The Turkish military operation in Syria's al-Bab has entered the final stage. Turkey's units entered central al-Bab, the operation is being conducted in coordination with Russia to prevent clashes with Syrian government forces. Al-Bab is one of Daesh's last remaining strongholds near the Turkish border. Capturing the city is of strategic importance to Turkey in order to prevent the Syrian Kurds taking it and unifying their own territories. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Could Allow Russia Use its Airspace to Support Operation in Syria Sputnik News 13:43 11.02.2017(updated 13:44 11.02.2017) Tehran and Moscow have been cooperating on a number of issues related to the Syrian conflict and it is possible that Iran will allow Russia use its airspace to support the anti-terrorist operation in Syria, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Saturday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russian jets used Iranian airspace several times for their anti-terrorist campaign in Syria. "Iran and Russia cooperate in Syria not in single case, but the coordination is comprehensive, embracing different aspects; accordingly, Iran's airspace welcomes Russian fighter jets in case they seek hitting terrorists' targets in Syria," Ali Shamkhani said, as quoted by the Mehr news agency. He added that, at the same time, issuing permissions to allow Russian aircraft to use Iranian airspace would require a lot of procedures and approvals made by different Iranian institutions. Earlier, the Russian upper house of parliament's defense committee chair said that Russia could use Iran's Hamadan airbase in case the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier used for anti-terror strikes in Syria moves away from Syria for a new mission. Earlier this week, Russian Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying cruiser returned home from Syria. Iran allowed the Russian strike force to operate from the base in the Hamadan province in mid-August. The jets returned to Russia a week later, after completing their anti-terror mission, which targeted jihadists in Syria. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Army, Rebel Forces Converge on Northern City of al-Bab By VOA News February 11, 2017 Turkish-backed Syrian rebels on Saturday pushed into the Islamic State stronghold town of al-Bab in northern Syria, as nearby Syrian government forces backed by Russia halted their advance at a contact line drawn to keep the rival forces apart. Monitors said the rebel force the mainstay in the Turkey-backed Euphrates Shield campaign gained control of a hospital as it entered the western edges of the town as part of a multisided push to crush the IS militancy. Witnesses reported fierce fighting at al-Bab, located 40 kilometers south of the Turkish border, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. Separately, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Syrian government troops backed by Russian airstrikes had "liberated" the nearby town of Tadef, described in a ministry statement as Islamic State's "most reinforced position near the city of al-Bab." Russia's Tass news agency, quoting the ministry, said the government offensive at Tadef had "destroyed 650 militants," two tanks, heavy weaponry and nearly 20 all-terrain vehicles. Neither Syria nor monitors had confirmed those claims by late Saturday. Analysts describe northern Syria as one of the most complex battlefields in the multisided war, which erupted in 2011 and has since claimed nearly 400,000 lives. With the Syrian army now just kilometers from al-Bab and the Turkish-backed rival rebel force pushing into the city, some analysts warn of the potential for fresh violence between the two sides that could allow IS fighters to flee the area largely unscathed. "It's clear the regime is in a hurry to reach al-Bab," a senior rebel official in the Free Syrian Army told Reuters on Monday. But Mustafa Sejari also warned that his Turkish-backed fighters would not hesitate "to fight government forces if they got in the way" of the rebel offensive against IS. IS extremists seized control of al-Bab in 2014 as part of a large offensive in northern Syria and neighboring Iraq aimed at establishing an Islamic caliphate. Largely Sunni Turkey entered the fray last August, with the aim of clearing its border area of extremists and forcing the withdrawal of thousands of Iran-backed Shi'ite militia currently fighting on behalf of the Damascus government on the Turkish frontier. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan remains in close contact with U.S.: MOFA ROC Central News Agency 2017/02/11 19:38:55 Taipei, Feb. 11 (CNA) Taiwan remains in close contact with the United States, based on the "surprise-free" principle of interaction, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Saturday, in response to a telephone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping () earlier this week. Taiwan and the U.S. maintain close relations, open communication lines and both sides continue to keep in contact based on the principle of "surprise-free," said MOFA spokeswoman Eleanor Wang (), when commenting on the Thursday call between Trump and Xi. "The U.S. is Taiwan's most important ally in the world," she said. Meanwhile, maintaining good ties between Taiwan and the U.S. and stability in East Asia are in the interest of Washington, Wang said. She also took the opportunity to thank senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis, for reiterating the Trump administration's commitment to Taiwan security, based on the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the Six Assurances. Based on the existing bilateral foundation, "we will continue to develop a stronger partnership with the U.S. and jointly contribute to regional peace, stability and well-being", Wang said. According to the White House, Trump and Xi discussed "numerous topics," and Trump committed to honoring the "one China" policy at Xi's request after having suggested in December that U.S. backing for the policy might be contingent on a trade deal with Beijing. Under its backing of the one China policy -- diplomatic acknowledgment that there is only one government of China -- the U.S. has recognized the People's Republic of China rather than the Republic of China (Taiwan) as the seat of the Chinese government. The TRA was enacted in 1979 to maintain commercial, cultural and other unofficial relations between the U.S. and Taiwan after Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. The TRA also requires the U.S. "to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character." The Six Assurances given to Taiwan in 1982 by U.S. President Ronald Reagan include pledges not to set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, not to hold prior consultations with China regarding arms sales to Taiwan and not to play a mediation role between Taiwan and China. They also include assurances that the U.S. will not revise the TRA, alter its position regarding Taiwan's sovereignty, or pressure Taiwan to enter into negotiations with China. (By Elaine Hou) ENDITEM/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish Court Formally Charges Nightclub Massacre Suspect By VOA News February 11, 2017 A Turkish court has formally charged an Uzbek man with murdering 39 people and wounding scores of others in a New Year's Day shooting rampage at an Istanbul nightclub. A court in Istanbul on Saturday charged Abdulgadir Masharipov with belonging to an armed terrorist group Islamic State possession of heavy weapons, attempting to destroy constitutional order and murder. Masharipov fled from the scene of the shootings but was arrested 17 days later in Istanbul, after a nationwide manhunt. Authorities said he received terrorist training in Afghanistan and that he had confessed to the attack on the Reina nightclub in the early hours of January 1. In a separate incident linked to the Islamic State group, the Anadolu news agency reported Saturday that a court in southern Turkey had charged two suspected IS terrorists with plotting to carry out a "sensational" attack in Europe. Mahamad Laban, a Danish citizen of Lebanese origin, and Swedish citizen Mohammed Tofik Saleh were taken into custody earlier this month. They were said to have confessed after 10 days of interrogation. Quoting an unnamed source, Anadolu said the suspects initially told police they were traveling from Europe to Syria to help provide humanitarian aid. However, police found that the two men had been trained in the use of explosives and firearms during the last three months. Investigators were reported to have learned that the wife of suspect Saleh filed a legal complaint in Sweden in 2014, alleging that her husband had left for Syria to join other Islamic State extremists. Also, in the southern city of Gaziantep, near Turkey's border with Syria, police arrested four Islamic State suspects Thursday who were thought to have been planning attacks inside Turkey. Authorities said they recovered suicide belts and explosives during the arrests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK jets intercept two Russian bombers in intl. airspace Iran Press TV Sat Feb 11, 2017 3:5AM The UK has scrambled its fighter jets to intercept two Russian bombers in the international airspace, claiming that they were flying on the edge of British territories. The Royal Air Force (RAF) confirmed that its Typhoon Eurofighter aircraft were sent to "monitor" Russian Tu-160 "Blackjack" bombers flying in Britain's "area of interest," UK media reported Thursday. "We can confirm that quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby scrambled to monitor two Blackjack bombers while they were in the UK area of interest," a RAF spokesman told the Evening Standard. "At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK territorial airspace," he admitted. A Voyager air-to-air refueling aircraft accompanied the Typhoons during the hours-long flight. The Russian Blackjacks flew between the Shetland and Faroe islands, then down the west coast of Ireland and over the Bay of Biscay, the Independent reported. The bombers were reportedly intercepted by French and Spanish fighter jets too. They did not violate the French airspace either. The Soviet-era Tu-160 is the world's largest combat aircraft and has been modernized to carry long-range nuclear cruise missiles. It has yet to be confirmed if any of the Russian planes were armed during the Thursday encounter. Surprised that the flight is even news for the RAF, Russia's Defense Ministry said the bombers did not violate international rules. "They flew over neutral waters in the Barents and the Norwegian seas, as well as in the Atlantic Ocean," said Defense Ministry spokesman Major Gen Igor Konashenkov. "All flights by the Russian military aircraft are carried out in strict compliance with international regulations on the use of airspace over the neutral waters, without violating borders of other countries," he added. The spokesman added that he couldn't understand why RAF pilots "view monitoring Russian jets and warships as an extraordinary event and the main news of the day." The UK and Russian military forces have had several close contacts over the past weeks, with London sending jets and warships to escort Russian fleets passing through the English Channel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Charitable giving to organizations that work to slow climate change have increased in the past year, and many more groups are receiving funds than just a few years ago. But despite the increases, giving from individuals and foundations to climate-related causes remains a stubbornly small percentage of overall charitable giving, according to a new report by the ClimateWorks Foundation. Members of the Supreme Courts conservative majority are questioning the continued use of affirmative action in higher education. In lengthy arguments Monday, the justices wrestled with persistent, difficult questions of race. The justices heard from six different lawyers in challenges to policies at the University of North Carolina and Harvard. Those policies consider race among many factors in evaluating applications for admission. One conservative justice likened affirmative action to giving some college applicants a head start in a footrace. But a liberal justice said universities are the pipelines to leadership in our society and suggested that without affirmative action minority enrollment will drop. Q: After knee-replacement surgery, my doctor told me to take three or four ibuprofen tablets every four hours for pain. It did not help the pain much, but I developed severe ringing in my ears. After a few years with no ibuprofen, the ringing has almost stopped. A: NSAID pain relievers such as diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), meloxicam (Mobic) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) all can affect hearing or trigger tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The Nurses Health Study queried nearly 56,000 women about their use of pain relievers over two decades (American Journal of Epidemiology, Jan. 1, 2017). Those who took acetaminophen or an NSAID at least twice a week for more than a year were about 10 percent more likely to have hearing loss. Q: Most people think that the old-fashioned cough medicine terpin hydrate has been banned. Thats not true. Although its no longer kept in stock at pharmacies, it can be ordered from a compounding pharmacy. Four years ago, I came down with a bad cold and wicked cough. I asked my doctor if he could write a prescription for terpin hydrate and was surprised that he was willing to do so. I contacted my local compounding pharmacy, and they said they dont carry it in stock, but they would place a special order. Last week, I came down with another bad cold and was coughing constantly. I went back to my doctor, who asked if the terpin hydrate had worked. When I said yes, he rewrote the prescription and the pharmacy filled it. Within 48 hours it made a HUGE difference, instead of taking three weeks for the cough to run its course. A: Terpin hydrate was a popular cough medicine in the early 1900s. By the late 1980s, however, the Food and Drug Administration found inadequate evidence to support its continued sale. This expectorant disappeared from pharmacy shelves, but compounding pharmacies might still make and dispense it. Like you, many readers remember it to be quite helpful for calming a hard-to-treat cough. It is made from oil of turpentine. Q: I have had Hashimotos disease since the late 90s. The doctor who diagnosed it said generic levothyroxine is fine as long as the pharmacy doesnt change pharmaceutical suppliers. How do you know when they change? A: Hashimotos thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the thyroid gland. As a result, the gland loses its ability to produce adequate thyroid hormone. The usual treatment is levothyroxine, also known as T4. Brand names are Levothroid, Levoxyl and Synthroid. Any of these forms of levothyroxine can be helpful, but they are not always interchangeable. That is why your doctor recommended sticking with the same generic manufacturer. You will need to talk with the pharmacist about that. Your doctors report that your thyroid is fine is not specific enough. Youll want to get the results of your tests and keep track. Our revised Guide to Thyroid Hormones offers more details on interpreting test results and treating hypothyroid symptoms. It is available at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. GREENSBORO Vivid images filled Erik Kirzingers mind as CIA Director George Tenet described how covert operatives had sacrificed their lives for the country. At that ceremony in 2000, those heroes would have their memorial stars unveiled, or names revealed in the Book of Honor, at the intelligence agencys headquarters in northern Virginia. Years before, Kirzinger had embarked on a personal quest to learn what happened to his uncle, a CIA contract pilot killed during a 1952 mission. It led to the Rockingham County mans own private mission: to ensure that families of CIA Cold War contractors killed in action received recognition and closure for their lost loved one. As Tenet spoke, Kirzinger pictured each scene. The idea came to me that they should have an art collection of the milestone events in the CIAs past, Kirzinger said. He set in motion a project to commission paintings for the CIA Museum. They would depict missions dating from World War II, through the Cold War, to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan missions declassified after decades of secrecy. Kirzinger recruited donors who would commission artists. He led the research to ensure accurate depictions of each scene. This year, Kirzinger spread those images beyond CIA walls and into public view. He published a 2017 combination wall calendar and art book that reproduces 12 of the paintings and tells the gripping stories behind them. The more people who are exposed to the artwork, Kirzinger said, the more they understand the wide-ranging and various lengths that the CIA will go to collect intelligence, whether its 90,000 feet in the air with the A12 aircraft, or 17,000 feet at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean trying to retrieve a section of a Soviet submarine. The Secret Ops of the CIA calendar has brought praise from customers and contacts and an article in The Washington Post. For intelligence history to be memorable and relevant, it cannot be relegated solely to books and articles known only to specialists, wrote Nicholas Dujmovic, former CIA deputy chief historian. It needs to come out of the shadows, it needs to be made visual, through images that spark the imagination. Kirzinger has sold about 1,750 copies of the calendar with requests for more, through www.cia-art.com, the International Spy Museum in Washington and Amazon. His determination, persistence and dedication to this worthwhile storytelling, factual history are unprecedented and a deserved honor to his uncle and others who sacrificed so much for our country, said Ann Mills-Griffiths, who heads the board of the National League of POW/MIA Families. *** Kirzinger, 65, never worked for the CIA. He fought fires for the U.S. Forest Service and worked as a logger in the Pacific Northwest and on a cattle ranch in Montana. After returning to the Triad, he started a sports-marketing business and helped to develop a Chinese restaurant home-delivery franchise. He took care of his elderly parents, George and Betty Kirzinger, until their deaths in the last decade. For nearly two decades, he has spent thousands of volunteer hours on research, calls and meetings with government officials for the United States and foreign countries, pursuing his passion to help honor CIA operatives of yesteryear and their families. His uncle was among them. When Kirzinger was just a year old, back in 1952, his mother received word that her brother, a pilot from Kentucky, was missing. They didnt know that Norman Schwartz was secretly employed as a CIA contractor, flying for an airline called Civil Air Transport. To keep secret the CIAs clandestine actions in China during the Korean War, Schwartzs family and that of co-pilot Robert Snoddy, were told that the men had crashed into the Sea of Japan on a routine flight from Tokyo to Seoul. Betty Kirzinger spent years writing to presidents, former POWs, foreign leaders and the International Red Cross to learn more. The loss had devastating effects on my grandparents, who went to their graves thinking that the cover story that his plane crashed into the sea of Japan was true, Erik Kirzinger said. It would be 20 years before the government acknowledged the truth to Schwartzs family. Schwartz and Snoddy were flying to Manchuria to extract a spy when their plane was shot down. The pilots were killed. CIA officers John Downey and Richard Fecteau were captured, tried and imprisoned for 21 years and 19 years, respectively. In 1998, Erik Kirzinger took up his familys quest for information. His mother asked him to try to have his uncles remains repatriated from China and buried next to their parents in Louisville, Ky. His search for guidance led to Mills-Griffiths and league adviser Richard Childress, former Asian Affairs director for the National Security Council. They became his mentors as he learned to navigate a system filled with secrecy. Kirzinger heeded Childresss advice: Respect the institution. If you do, eventually you are going to find someone in the system thats going to take you under their arm and assist you, Kirzinger said. Sometimes it takes awhile to find that person. But he or she is out there. He wrote to Tenet and to the Chinese ambassador. Thanks to Kirzingers letter, Tenet honored Schwartz and Snoddy in 1999 with memorial stars at CIA headquarters and the agencys Distinguished Intelligence Cross, its highest medal for valor. It would be another year before their mission was de-classified and their names added to the Book of Honor at the 2000 ceremony. The Chinese government initially denied knowing about Schwartzs final flight. But in 2002, it agreed to let members of the U.S. Armys Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii dig up wreckage believed to be Schwartzs plane. An elderly villager led searchers to a site where he said he buried the two Americans. Scientists found remains, but determined through DNA that they belonged to Snoddy. Kirzingers work was not in vain. His efforts led to a process at the CIA for aiding other families of missing Cold War contractors. It prompted the CIA to assign a casualty-assistance officer, to help the families of contractors killed in hostile action. He spurred the CIA to pay for repatriation, identification and burial of those whose remains were recovered and related travel costs for next of kin. This guy dealt with foreign ambassadors, the State Department, DOD (Department of Defense), Congress, various private associations, and built a strategy to get it done, said Childress, who now lives in Hendersonville. Hes persistent, quiet and polite. If one channel doesnt work, he tries another one. Kirzinger urged recognition for other heroes. He discovered how American CAT pilots flew deadly missions to resupply French expeditionary forces during the first Indochina War in 1954. In a mission at Dien Bien Phu, pilots Wallace Buford and James B. McGovern, aka Earthquake McGoon, were killed. Kirzinger wrote to the French ambassador, asking whether the French had ever thanked the surviving pilots. It prompted French President Jacques Chirac to award seven surviving CAT pilots the Legion dHonneur, the countrys highest medal for valor. Another inquiry spurred the British embassy to unearth a citation that it had awarded to World War II American-born spy Virginia Hall, who worked undercover for British intelligence, the Office of Strategic Services (predecessor of the CIA) and then the CIA. You never knew where my research would take me, Kirzinger said. The heroics of Schwartz, Snoddy, Buford, McGovern, Hall and others would be depicted in the paintings in the Intelligence Art Gallery at CIA headquarters. Kirzinger pitched his idea to CIA Museum Curator Toni Hiley. He volunteered to find artists and donors and to research the scenes. Eriks vision for the collection ran parallel to our own desire to create a world-class art collection, Hiley told The Washington Post. (The CIA declined to be interviewed for this article.) Kirzinger wanted the paintings to depict not just success stories, but to show the subjects self-sacrifice and ingenuity. He recruited military and aviation artists, such as Dru Blair of Blair, S.C. Kirzinger and Hiley provided Blair with archival photographs and documents. Downey and Fecteau supplied details. The Southern Museum of Flight in Alabama sent photos of museum aircraft. Blair created six paintings, three of which appear in the 2017 calendar. Ambush in Manchuria on Novembers page shows the downing of Schwartzs plane. It was donated by Alan Seigrist, son of legendary CIA contract pilot Connie Seigrist. Im grateful that I was allowed to participate in the telling of these stories, Blair said. So is Bruce Walker. A CIA case officer for 17 years, he trained Tibetan resistance groups who fought Chinese invaders in the 1950s and 1960s. Now 84 and living in San Francisco, Walker wanted to pay tribute to the Tibetans. He commissioned a painting depicting a mission in which Tibetans found important information on Communist China when they ambushed a Chinese army truck. Kirzingers efforts produced about 18 paintings without costing taxpayers a penny, he points out before he bowed out and the CIA brought the effort in-house. His work did not go unnoticed by the CIA. In 2010, at the unveiling of Ambush in Manchuria, Hiley surprised him with the Agency Seal Medal, awarded to people outside the agency for significant contributions to its intelligence efforts. He was a brilliant negotiator with a vision for the collection and the calendar, Walker said. Walker encouraged Kirzinger to pursue the calendar idea. He helped Kirzinger and Alan Seigrist finance it. Kirzinger recruited Greensboro friends for calendar design, editing, printing and website work. Before publication, he submitted it repeatedly to the CIA to ensure its accuracy. The calendar displays the CIAs seal. But the agency required him to add the disclaimer that the CIA does not approve, endorse or authorize use of its name, initials or Seal. The CIAs in-house employee gift shop doesnt stock the calendar. But that hasnt dissuaded Kirzinger from plans for a spinoff day planner and a 2018 calendar. He now has a coffee-table book of paintings and mission stories in the works. He is proof that one person can make a difference, Childress said. Its a cliche, but in this case its true. BURLINGTON, N.C. Police are looking for a man who robbed a convenience store at gunpoint Saturday night. According to a police news release, at 9:10 a.m., officers responded to Joe's Shopwell Mini Mart at 1204 Apple St. in reference to a robbery. The store clerk said a black male entered the store, pulled out a firearm and demanded money. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The clerk was not injured and did not require any medical attention. There were no other patrons inside the store at the time of the robbery. The robber is described as a black male, about six feet tall and 280 pounds. He was wearing black pants, a black hoodie, a black toboggan, and white shoes. He left the store on foot and was then seen fleeing in an unknown make and model vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3503 or anonymously to Alamance County-Wide Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100. GREENSBORO Guilford County jailers are trained to watch for old grudges between inmates. Many of the men and women in the countys jails learned their contempt for each other in high school, according to Guilford County Sheriffs Lt. J. Maynard. If they end up in a cell block with former rivals, inmates will go to the office and say theyve got enemies in there, Maynard said. The guys got into a fight before, he said. Or they say, Weve got a beef. Those neighborhoods and their rivalries stay with young men and women, Maynard said. To help prevent conflict or violence from happening, many deputies are trained to recognize Security Threat Groups, which are sometimes called gangs, but are not always gangs. The idea is to assess incoming inmates and identify the potential for clashes they might have in the jail. Another round of training will take place later this year. Our main goal here is to keep them safe, Maynard said. We have to do a special type of classification of all inmates. And some we have to go a little deeper because of who they can or cannot be housed with or even be in the same pod with. Deputies use a number of ways to determine if an inmate is part of a gang, including tattoos or self-admission, though gang tattoos are seldom seen anymore, he said. Some officers specialize in different groups, such as sovereign citizens, who believe they get to decide which laws apply to them. Officers are trained to communicate with individual groups. Maynard said he has attended a Greensboro Police Department class focused on dealing with sovereign citizens. The best way to gain intelligence on certain groups is to gather together and share, Maynard said. A department will hold a class and invite other departments to participate. They learn, for example, how gang participation has evolved. Take tattoos, like tear drops under the eye, which once had specific meanings, he said. Those meanings have gone away or changed, he said. It was generally believed years ago that a teardrop tattoo under an eye represented a killing committed or attempted killing. Later, a teardrop came to represent a colleague killed while someone was in prison. Gangs rarely use tattoos as indicators anymore, Maynard said, because they realized that law enforcement understood their meaning. He said the organized classes help officers gain more knowledge, adding he learned new details for identifying sovereign citizens. Law enforcement organizations have to know how to react to different kinds of people, he said. We just try to do our best to keep tabs on it, he said. Our ultimate goal is for the officers to come in and leave safe. And when we leave, the inmates are safe. GREENSBORO William Miller was taking refresher courses in English and math at a local community college when he saw an ad about being a detention officer for the Guilford County Sheriffs Office. Miller, then 56, had no experience in law enforcement. For years he had worked as a service technician, repairing printers and copiers in offices around the Triad. But he lost that job in 2010 during a round of staff cuts. The starting pay with the sheriffs office about $36,000 a year was decent. Plus, the job offered one key benefit. Someone told me, They dont lay people off, said Miller, now 61. So I decided to apply. Detention officers, who manage security and oversight inside the countys two jail facilities, provide an essentially recession-proof service. The jails one in Greensboro, the other in High Point are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with inmates rotating in and out on a constant basis. Its one reason why detention officers never face layoffs or staff cuts. Chronic understaffing is the other. I cannot remember when we had a full complement of detention officers in the jails, said Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes, who took office 22 years ago. Its an issue here, but its a problem all over the country. Detention is a tough job. Not everybody is either tough enough or smart enough to do it. There are currently 60 vacant detention officer positions in Guilford County. The sheriffs office recruits constantly to fill them, attending job fairs and advertising positions online, on TV and in print. Even with those efforts, applications have dwindled. In 2012, 695 people applied for jobs as detention officers. Last year, the number was 227. Jails in other counties face the same problem. The Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office has 46 vacant positions and has noted a downward trend in applications in the past few years, according to Anjanette Grube, a spokeswoman for the agency. Interest has also decreased in Durham County, where 211 positions remain unfilled. Weve seen a decline in interest for both law enforcement and detention officers, but theres less interest in detention services, said Tamara Gibbs, the senior public information officer for the Durham County Sheriffs Office. Its a very challenging job that requires them to wear many different hats, and its a profession few people truly understand unless theyre personally affected by the criminal justice system. Application numbers for detention jobs tend to follow economic trends, which could account for some of the decline, according to Eddie Caldwell, the executive vice president and general counsel for the N.C. Sheriffs Association. When the economy is good, other jobs pay better, so getting good, qualified detention officers is difficult, Caldwell said. Its an intermittent problem thats been around for decades. General perception of law enforcement can also influence interest, according to sheriffs Maj. Chuck Williamson, the commander of the Guilford County Court Services Bureau, which includes the jails. Even though there are good career opportunities, a lot of people just dont see themselves working in a correctional facility, Williamson said. If you go into a classroom of fourth-graders and ask what they want to be when they grow up, they dont say they want to work in a jail. Attracting qualified applicants is only the first hurdle. Once theyre hired, retention is the next challenge. From 2011 to 2015, Durham County hired an average of 21 new detention officers each year but saw an average of 22 resign. Last year, Guilford County hired 45 new detention officers barely enough to offset the 40 who quit. Some were retirees, but others were new hires who didnt enjoy the job, Williamson said. Recently we had three people who left during training, he recalled. One left after 23 days, one left after 44 and one was gone in the third week. They just said it wasnt something they wanted to do. And we certainly understand that. It is not an easy proposition to work in a jail. But we invest a lot in the training program, so we like them to stay. The job is inherently difficult. Detention officers work mandatory 12-hour shifts, half of them overnight, and spend much of their time mingling with inmates, who convene in pods essentially, a cluster of cells surrounding an open living area for hours each day. The daytime staffing plan for the Greensboro jail calls for 88 officers to oversee 880 beds, a ratio of one staff member for every 10 inmates. But the actual staffing levels fluctuate depending on the current jail population and staff vacancies, Williamson said. On a recent Friday morning, for example, 42 officers oversaw 643 inmates, a ratio of one officer for every 15 inmates. But individual ratios are often higher. Typically, a single detention officer is responsible for an entire pod, which usually contains about 48 inmates. Some officers, like Miller, enjoy that aspect of the job, but its not easy for everyone, he said. It can be hard for the younger guards who are around the same age as the inmates, Miller said. Some people think, This is a job I can get to pay my bills. But I see it as a career choice. You have to face people that you might not want to face. Youre going to confront people, and theyre going to confront you. Youre going to have to say no to things. On that recent Friday, five of the 42 officers on duty were working overtime a necessity to maintain minimum staffing levels in the jails. The county spent $1.6 million on overtime pay for detention officers last year, a stress on both the budget and the mental and emotional health of employees, Williamson said. Its a cost you dont want to incur, but you dont have a choice, he said. Officers like to have overtime, but I think if you dont take your days off, it stretches you out and wears you down. I think you need those days off. Working extra hours voluntarily or not can lead to emotional fatigue which contributes to the high turnover rate in the field. It puts a burden on them, said Caldwell, of the state sherrifs association. Eventually, you burn out your trained staff and they leave. And then you have to hire rookies to take their place, so you lose that experience and seniority, which is very valuable in any business. The combination of disproportionate staffing ratios and overworked officers can also pose safety concerns. Altercations between inmates and officers are rare, but they do happen, especially when the jails are understaffed. The example Barnes uses most often to illustrate the difficulties of the job is the risk of being pelted with urine or feces, which happened about six times last year. Members of the training staff do their best to prepare new hires for every contingency, Barnes said, but its a nearly impossible task. Were trying to look at ways to get around that, to make sure that theyre fully aware of what they have to face, he said. But nobody can really know until they get in that position. You wouldnt want to be at a job if there was a chance of having feces thrown at you. But those are the type of things that these guys are forced to deal with, sometimes on a daily basis. Currently, newly hired detention officers spend 28 working days in the jail with a training officer. In March, that will increase to 42 days, according to sheriffs Lt. Mantrese Dodson, who has worked in detention services for 16 years. The hope is to give more hands-on training and make sure that everyone is exposed to different situations, Dodson said. For the most part, people are not quitting because they hate the jail and its a horrible place to work. Its usually scheduling or because its not what they expected. And more training can help that last part. Its unclear how to permanently fix the staffing shortage, though officials generally agree that raising the starting salary would be a good start. In Guilford County, the base salary for an entry-level detention officer is about $36,000 a year, with an additional amount for those who are bilingual or have a four-year college degree. Increasing that significantly to about $60,000 a year would ensure a deep pool of qualified candidates, Caldwell said. Whether its realistic or not, that is the solution, he said. In the absence of more money, Barnes is exploring other options, including a possible retention bonus for employees who hit certain milestones. Next month, hell begin holding monthly lunches with a rotating group of 10 detention officers to discuss concerns and brainstorm solutions for problems in the jails. They can bring problems from their platoons that have been raised by other officers. No one will have their ideas attributed to them, Barnes said. If weve got a problem, lets identify it and fix it. Despite the hardships and the perception of the job as undesirable, many detention officers love their work. The hours are long, but officers work only 14 to 15 days per month. They receive county benefits and have endless opportunity for overtime. But those who speak most passionately about it are the officers who see detention services as a career not just a job. It wasnt that way for Dodson at first. She joined the sheriffs office fresh out of college, armed with a criminal justice degree but no experience. At first, I thought maybe it would be temporary, she said. That first year, I got a good grasp of the job. I liked the people I worked with and I realized there was room for growth and I could make the job what I wanted. Working with inmates never bothered her. Its not as scary as people think, she said. I do training for new officers, and when I talk to a lot of them, their perception of this job is what you see on TV where every inmate is dangerous and disrespectful, she said. Its not like that. You come across people from all walks of life. Working with them has taught me a lot, especially about not judging people. Miller, who found the job almost by accident, wishes only that he had known about it sooner. I didnt know about law enforcement, this side of it, growing up, he said. This job is about knowing how to treat people fairly and have compassion. You need to be able to be gracious, to have an almost servant-type mentality. You get a chance to talk to them one-on-one, find out what theyre going through. Im very at peace with where I am. Faith leaders should remain silent about political issues. Politics is dirty business and we should stick to spiritual issues, which are clean. Thats what we hear a lot these days. This is an appealing argument, but its not true. The prophets of the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament spend much of their time calling the leaders of the people to account and demanding Gods justice be enacted in society. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, the church is meant to be the conscience of the state. Clergy should be helping the faith communities and the larger community to engage in healthy dialogue about what is right and wrong not only in our personal lives but in the leadership and policies that affect our state, our nation and the world. But not to speak is to speak; it is to endorse the status quo. In my Christian tradition, the Presbyterian Church (USA), all honest work is valued, but political office is considered by many to be the highest calling because it affords the politician the opportunity to bring good or evil to the greatest number of people. And Holy Scripture calls people of faith to pray for elected officials and to treat them with at least a modicum of respect, while also expecting that they will serve the people with integrity. At the same time, our elected officials are not to be given adulation or unquestioned authority. After all, they do not come into office with a coronation as kings, queens, masters over us. Instead, they have inauguration ceremonies that mark their beginning as public servants and give us a glimpse of how they plan to represent us. Never forget: Our elected representatives work for us, not the other way around. One of our new public servants is President Donald Trump. Its good to hear that, according to his inaugural address, he is committed to helping people who are poor, that he will try to revitalize American business and manufacturing, and that he is concerned about reducing crime. But many Americans also have grave concerns about our new president. A partial list of reasons: He is rushing forward with the Dakota Access Pipeline that will intrude on Native American sacred space and threaten water supplies. His hastily enacted executive orders have been used to exclude beleaguered refugees from entering the United States and to keep out immigrants from selected majority-Muslim countries (though curiously no majority-Muslim countries with which he has business ties). He is opposed to a constructive, comprehensive immigration reform policy and is instead proceeding with a wall along the U.S. southern border, increased detention and punishment, and unnecessary misery. No person is utterly truthful and no person is completely calm and healthy, but President Trump is repeatedly and demonstrably untruthful about numerous issues, especially those that threaten his image. And he is perpetually combative when challenged. Rather than turn the other cheek, it seems as though no slight, no matter how insignificant, can be ignored. So he battles over how many people showed up for the inauguration, blames the media for his own words demeaning the intelligence community, insults world leaders, makes the absurd and destructive claim of massive voter fraud as the reason for his loss of the popular vote by almost 3 million votes, and takes occasions that should be reserved to honor others (for example, his appearance at the CIA wall) and uses them for rambling self-aggrandizement. While President Franklin Roosevelt used his sunny disposition and charm to help coax the U.S. out of the Great Depression and into a season of hopefulness and compassion, President Trump instead operates from a deep well of narcissism, fear and anger. This is not about being conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat. Mr. Trumps poor judgment and behavior are hurtful to America and to himself. Millions of Americans are filled with profound sadness, yet hope for improvement. In the days ahead, let us continue to contact our president and Congress and hold them lovingly accountable. Let us continue to call our elected representatives to work for the common good. And let us keep praying for wisdom and humility for those who represent us and for ourselves as well. If you live in Guilford County, you may have received a jury summons that begins with these imposing words: Failure to obey this summons is punishable by law. By order of the court, you are summoned for jury service. If you have not, chances are you will if you live here long enough. If you are like most folks, you dread receiving one. If you comply, it is unavoidable that you will be inconvenienced, at the least, and if you are employed and paid by the hour, and your employer does not pay you while you are on jury service, you will lose money because the pay for jury service will not cover your wages. You may sit all day in jury assembly and be released without ever seeing the inside of a courtroom. Or you may be selected as a juror for a trial, and the trial may last a day or several weeks (but most last only a few days). You may be tempted simply to ignore the summons, and many people do so many, sometimes, that not enough jurors are available to conduct a trial. Although nearly 90 percent of people summoned show up, it is not fair to them that 10 percent do not. We should think about why we have juries in the first place. By the time of the War of Independence, the right to jury trial was firmly entrenched in the English justice system as protection against tyranny. Ironically, the denial of that right was one of the grievances against King George that was expressed in the Declaration of Independence. Citing this and other transgressions, the American Colonies declared themselves free states, independent of the kings rule, and they fought a bloody war to sustain that declaration. Then, by adoption of a new constitution, they established the system of government we know and enjoy today, and declared in its preamble that a prime purpose of doing so was to establish justice. That constitution guarantees the right in both criminal prosecutions and in common law civil suits. The right to jury trial was no less important in North Carolina. Our first state constitution guaranteed the right in both criminal prosecutions and civil property suits, and the present constitution preserves and expands those guarantees. The point is, trial by jury has always been considered of utmost importance in this nation and this state. It is just as important that citizens fulfill their obligations to serve when called. It is declared a public duty by statute and should be considered such by all. When citizens fail to perform that duty, justice suffers. In Guilford County, jury trials are scheduled for 47 weeks each year. We need jurors for Superior Court criminal and civil cases, some District Court cases and occasionally cases before the clerk of Superior Court. Some trials, such as capital murder, require more prospective jurors, but we try always to summon only the number that we reasonably expect to need. Last year almost 49,000 summonses were issued. When we have more no-shows than anticipated, trials and justice itself can be delayed. Before you decide that jury service is not worth your while, please remember that you were summoned to be an active participant in your justice system. If selected to sit on a jury, you become an officer of the court, no less than the judge and lawyers. When disputes of fact exist, you and your fellow jurors alone will find where the truth lies. Compliance with the jury summons recognizes the importance of the right to jury trial and your responsibility as a citizen to uphold that right. It also avoids unpleasant consequences of failing to comply. The court has the authority to impose a fine on people who do not report and to enter a judgment that will subject their property to sale to pay it. Please take these words to heart and comply with your summons. You will serve your state and your fellow citizens, and if you are selected to sit on a jury, you may decide, as many others have, that the inconvenience was well worth it. As researchers who study children and families, we asked 300 second- and third-graders in North Carolina how much they worry. The results were eye-opening. We found that Hispanic children worry a lot more than their non-Hispanic peers. Some told us they feared their parents would be taken from them and sent away, a fear that was never mentioned by non-Hispanic children in our study. And this was before the executive order from President Trump that closed the nations borders to refugees and people from predominantly Muslim countries. His message was clear: We dont want you here. Although that order resonated with many segments of the electorate, our research shows that such messages can be harmful to children and families and costly to our communities. In January, we published related research in the Journal of Family Issues that looks at Mexican immigrant families and how connected parents feel to Latino and American cultures. We found that fathers of young and pre-adolescent children who reported feeling connected to both cultures were less stressed. They were warmer, less withdrawn and less harsh with their children than fathers who felt isolated from American culture and identified with Latino culture only. We found that mothers also displayed more positive parenting behaviors when fathers felt more connected to both cultures. In short, parents and families work as a system, and when even one parent felt welcomed and connected to American culture without losing ties to their Latino heritage, both parents had more positive engagement with their child during critical periods of their childs development. Given that more than one in four U.S. children live in a family with at least one immigrant parent, we should work toward helping parents and their children feel integrated into U.S. society rather than isolated. Trying to navigate a new culture is stressful enough. Presented with a one-size-fits-all approach to rejecting newcomers, immigrant families already in the U.S. will find it difficult if not impossible to feel connected to American culture while also maintaining their connection to their native culture, creating social isolation and increasing parental stress. Not only is this connection important to children and families, its important to Americas bottom line. There is no easy answer to the cost of immigration. In our study, we did not ask about parents immigration status, but nearly all of the fathers were contributing to U.S. society by working in jobs such as construction, landscaping and food preparation. And nearly half of mothers were working, too. What we do know is the impact of stress on childrens lives. When families are stressed, children have more behavior problems and delinquency, are more likely to get in trouble in school and have lower grades. This leads to greater financial strains for our society on our schools, social services, law enforcement and health care systems. Because positive interactions with parents at home are one of the key ways to support positive child development, encouraging connection with immigrants rather than instilling fear could prevent some of those societal costs. In the days leading up to his inauguration, Trump said his plans on immigration would have a lot of heart. We understand that our nations immigration policies are not perfect but we urge the president to rescind the executive order and follow through on his promise to show heart for those here now and the generations to come. Nearly eight years ago, a former Republican congressman was invited to UNC-Chapel Hill by a conservative student group. The message he was expected to deliver in a classroom building, that undocumented immigrants shouldnt be granted in-state tuition, wasnt popular with some liberals on campus. A demonstration got out of hand and forced an abrupt end to the talk. The incident was deeply embarrassing to the university. Then-Chancellor Holden Thorpe apologized to the speaker, Tom Tancredo, and expressed UNCs commitment to the protection of free speech. Tancredo returned to the campus two years later and, following a peaceful walkout by some students, spoke without further incident. So, free speech is safe in the halls of higher education in our state. Yet, apparently not safe enough, according to North Carolinas lieutenant governor, Dan Forest. Forest, a Republican, says he plans to work with the General Assembly to enact the Restore Campus Free Speech Act. Recently, in spectacles that have been broadcast around the nation, speakers at college campuses are being denied their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, a statement from Forests office reads. This proposed legislation would ensure the First Amendment right of freedom of speech is upheld on North Carolina public university campuses. One spectacle occurred Feb. 1 at the University of California-Berkeley, where an anarchist group carried out a violent demonstration against a right-wing speaker, forcing cancellation of a scheduled speech. Protests included arson and destruction of property, which should result in criminal prosecutions. Incidents of that kind ought to be handled in the criminal-justice system. Forests approach is to subject the UNC system to new restrictions. It would: Set a policy on free expression that would nullify any restrictive speech codes. Punish students who shout down visiting speakers or deprive others of their right to free expression. Allow those who had their free speech rights infringed to sue the university and recover court costs and attorney fees. Require freshmen to study the promotion of free expression on campus. Promoting free speech is always a good thing. No speaker should be shouted down, and disciplinary action against students who do that can be justified. Yet, unintended consequences could undermine such a sweeping policy. A university might not be at fault, and should not be liable, if an outside group interferes with a campus event. But just the threat of possible lawsuits inevitably would lead administrators to simply not allow controversial speakers in the first place. A one-size-fits-all free-speech policy dictated by the legislature isnt ideal. Universities are perfectly able to craft their own policies with input from faculty, staff and students. Theres a fine line between acceptable protest and disruption. If a student demonstration delays the start of a scheduled speech for five minutes, would that trigger punishment? Or would it have to be 10 minutes or an hour? Forests office said his policy would allow protests but with reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. That sounds like they would be limited to the free speech zones that are so often criticized now. Who would decide where, when and how demonstrators could express their views? Would protests have to be scheduled with an application-and-approval process? Would all students engaging in unapproved protests automatically be subject to punishment? It doesnt seem that the few unpleasant incidents on UNC campuses warrant policing by the power of state government, which always poses the risk of being too heavyhanded. EDEN Retirement is not in Wayne Bloodworth Parliers vocabulary. Nothing slows down this multitalented man who wears many hats. The retired teacher, who taught math to students in Rockingham County and Virginia, substitutes at Holmes Middle and Morehead High schools. And for the past 26 years, Parlier has been the pastor of Meadow View United Methodist Church on Summit Road in Eden. He still finds time to look after the health and financial needs for several of his elderly relatives, including his parents. His father, T.C, 91, still lives independently in the family home in Wentworth, and his mother, Mozelle, 92, is at Morehead Nursing Home. Did I mention he also plays the piano and organ and plies those talents often at his church? A native of Wentworth and a 1965 graduate of Wentworth High, Parlier received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mars Hill College and Master of Arts degrees in elementary education and supervision. He was awarded his principal certification from Appalachian State University. In 1999, after a five-year weekend course of study at Duke University Divinity School, he received a Master of Divinity degree. Certified to teach first through ninth grades, Parlier taught sixth grade at Draper Elementary for more than 22 years. When the sixth grades in the four Eden elementary schools were consolidated into Holmes Middle School, Parlier transferred there and spent the next 15 years in its classrooms. His retirement from Rockingham County Schools in mid-2006 didnt slow him down. Parlier merely took his books across the state line to teach science at Gibson Middle School in Danville, Va., for a year. The commuting was a little tough especially in the winter months on those icy back roads between Eden and Danville so Parlier returned to Holmes. He spent the first year back as a sixth-grade science teacher and the next 18 months teaching eighth-graders science and English until he gave up full-time teaching in 2010. I still sub at Holmes occasionally, Parlier said. And, sometimes, he teaches Bible history and English as a second language at Morehead High. Parlier has held various professional leadership roles with the Association of Classroom Teachers and the N.C. Association of Educators. He served as the president for three years of the local chapter of the state educators association and as the vice president of the district group, comprised of Rockingham and Guilford counties. He also was president of the local and district ACT and has served on the state ACT executive board in Raleigh. Parliers passion for history is evidenced by the 22 years he served as treasurer and on the board of directors of the Rockingham Historical Society. He resigned when he accepted his pastorate at Meadow View. While in college, Parlier was active in and the president of the Westminister Fellowship and attended three world mission conferences. Meeting missionaries is really what inspired me to become a preacher, he said. That preaching career began when Parlier was in his 20s and early 30s, and he often was invited to preach at several Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Between the ages of 16 and 27, Parlier was organist at Wentworth Presbyterian Church, where he also taught adult Sunday school. When I was 27, I was living in Draper and wanted to join a local church that needed me, Parlier said. I sent my membership to First UMC in Draper, but discovered Meadow View UMC needed me more. I called and asked First UMC to send my membership to Meadow View. With his arrival, Meadow View members decided to utilize his musical talents and purchased a used organ. For the next 11 years, Parlier was the church organist and youth leader. In 1984, he married the former Elizabeth Brown, who worked at Morehead Hospital. She retired from Morehead in 2004 and now works at Eden Internal Medicine. Shortly after their marriage, Parlier moved his membership to First UMC in Draper and enrolled in the candidacy study, Do I Really Qualify To Be A Minister? His next course was a psychological test, Are You Really Crazy? He reconfirmed that was the title of the test. For two weeks, Parlier learned how to complete paperwork for a United Methodist church, conduct communion, marry couples and many other duties. An appointment as associate pastor at Snow Hill United Methodist Church in Stokes County quickly followed, and Parlier remained there for two years. He served at Glenco and Midway United Methodist churches for a year, helping with the three-point charge. It was then that Parlier found his permanent pastoral home, returning to Meadow View in 1991 when the members called him as their full-time pastor. The Parliers have two children. Amanda is a nationally board-certified pharmacy technician at CVS in Glen Raven. Nick is a trainer and server at the Cracker Barrel restaurant on Elm-Eugene Street in Greensboro. God has blessed my life with education and ministry and he still has work for me to do, Parlier said. Which means, of course, he has no plans to slow down and/or retire anytime soon. WASHINGTON There is a new sheriff in charge of the United States of America who is more than willing to listen to law enforcement leaders about the issues they face in the communities that span far and wide across the country. On Tuesday, one of those prominent voices at the nations capital was a man who has dedicated the last 30 years to protecting and serving the residents of North Carolinas North Star. The invitation was part of a week-long trip to the nations capital to attend the association's winter conference, where Page also met with fellow members of the NSA Immigration and Border Security Commission for a convened meeting. Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page was one of nearly a dozen sheriffs from the executive committee of the National Sheriffs Association on Feb. 7 that joined President Donald Trump in the White House to discuss immigration, border security and the leadership direction of the executive branch of government. Vice President Mike Pence was also in attendance. An NSA spokesperson told the Huffington Post on Saturday that the group who spoke with Trump was a combination of leadership chosen by the association and certain elected officers who were requested by the White House. The meeting was the first of its kind between the National Sheriffs Association and a sitting president. Members of the meeting were also invited into the Oval Office following the roundtable talk with the president. An honor having the National Sheriffs' Assoc. join me at the @WhiteHouse. Incredible men & women who protect & serve 24/7/365. THANK YOU!! pic.twitter.com/9EMTnH0OrF Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2017 Page also presented Trump with a red hat in the president's office, with white lettering that read, Sheriffs for Trump. We appreciate you being where you are at, said Page to President Trump during the open discussion that focused on several topics, including the opioid epidemic across the nation, border security and illegal immigration. The first responsibility of government is to protect its people as we are elected by the people and you are elected by the people, we got that. When you said there is a new sheriff in town, we relate to that. You are about the rule of law we haven't seen that in many years and we appreciate that. An honor having the @NationalSheriff Association join me at the @WhiteHouse. Incredible men & women who protect & serve 24/7/365. THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/LxNZK39HE0 President Trump (@POTUS) February 7, 2017 Page has been a vocal leader over the last six years in regards to advocating that the U.S. Government enforces existing federal law to protect national borders specifically to help eliminate illegal drug trade. The Sheriff also shared with the President his appreciation for John F. Kelly, who was named the fifth United States Secretary of Homeland Security on Jan. 20. He went to the border, Page said. He looked at the assets and he asked the law enforcement down there whats going on and what can we do to help fix this situation down here. Youve got a good team and youre putting together a good team and you have the support of sheriffs from across the country and we appreciate what you are doing. Page, who was elected as sheriff of Rockingham County in 1998, also served as the President of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association during the 2010-11 term. The former Eden Police officer planned to stay in Washington DC until Feb. 9. The sheriff also has scheduled meetings with Rep. Mark Walker and Sen. Richard Burr during his visit to the capital. MoneyTips Tax season is upon us, accompanied by many new federal tax changes. If you are one of the many Americans struggling to understand how to fill out your tax forms, the IRS yes, that IRS may be able to offer you free assistance. The IRS offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to certain taxpayers that require aid with preparing their returns. The program is generally available to those making $57,000 per year or less, disabled taxpayers, or those who have difficulty understanding English. VITA locations are sprinkled throughout America's community centers, libraries, shopping malls, and other public locations. The VITA program is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who can assist with basic tax preparation questions, and in some cases, electronic filing. Filing advice covers many of the common tax forms and their impacts, including many varieties of 1099 forms. The 1099 forms report income from sources ranging from interest and dividends to Social Security or unemployment benefits and IRA contributions. VITA staff may be able to assist with complex tax issues, such as those including home sales, health savings accounts, and self-employment. Within limits, VITA staff can also address itemized deductions and amended returns. More complex cases such as Schedule C forms with losses may be beyond VITA's expertise and should be taken to a tax professional in any case. Here are the main items that you will need to bring with you to the VITA location: Basic Information Identification for you and your spouse, and birthdates and Social Security cards/Individual Tax Identification numbers for you, your spouse, and all dependents. Identification for you and your spouse, and birthdates and Social Security cards/Individual Tax Identification numbers for you, your spouse, and all dependents. Forms All W-2 and 1099 forms, a copy of your tax return from the previous year, and all 1095 forms (the health insurance statements). All W-2 and 1099 forms, a copy of your tax return from the previous year, and all 1095 forms (the health insurance statements). Supporting Information Any information that documents other income and provides proof of eligibility for any deductions or credits. If you have a refund to be direct deposited, you will need to bring the account information and routing number for that account. Check with VITA or with the IRS for any other supporting documents that you may need before your visit. For more detail on the services provided, review IRS publication 3676-B. If your filing status is "married filing jointly," both spouses must be present at the VITA meeting. For those over age 60 seeking assistance, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax assistance that is targeted toward senior-specific issues such as pensions and retirement benefits/plans. These sites are run through AARP but are also staffed by IRS-certified volunteers. TCE volunteers are typically retirees themselves and are usually associated with non-profits that receive grants to open and maintain VITA/TCE locations. To get more information or find VITA or TCE sites near you, check out the IRS website. Tabs are available that will allow you to locate either VITA or TCE facilities via Google Maps. If you prefer the old school approach, you can also call 800-906-9887 for directions to the nearest location and answers to other questions about the VITA and TCE programs. Both VITA and TCE provide tax assistance to an underserved portion of taxpayers who cannot afford professional tax preparation or have difficulty understanding the necessary rules and required forms. If you think you qualify and need assistance, do not hesitate to call. It is not worth risking potentially expensive tax errors, especially when the assistance is free and IRS-certified. You have probably given the IRS enough of your money over the years; now let them help you in return pun intended. Don't give identity thieves the chance to file a fraudulent tax return in your name. If you would like to prevent identity theft, join MoneyTips Premium. Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels Advertising Disclosure Originally Posted at: https://www.moneytips.com/free-tax-preparation How Seniors Should Handle A 1099-C Should You Use Tax Preparation Software? Preparing For Your Annual Tax Meeting Thursday was a good day for America. A federal appeals court refused to reinstate President Trumps ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority countries and his suspension of all refugee admissions, Syrians indefinitely. A year ago, during the 2016 New Hampshire primary, a Greenwich Time article by Neil Vigdor reported on a Feb. 8 exchange between candidate Trump and a Greenwich man. I dont think they should be moving into Greenwich, Connecticut, Trump said, referring to Syrian refugees. I dont think they should be coming into the United States. What about children? Im wondering if you would be able to look these children in the face and tell them theyre not allowed to go to school, the man asked Trump. I can look in their face and say, You cant come here, Trump responded. This answer drew applause from many in the audience, reflecting an appalling callousness to the plight of persecuted families and children at a time when the world faces the worst refugee crisis since World War II. No Syrian refugees welcome in Greenwich? Last August, the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich welcomed Syrian refugees, without publicity to protect their privacy. A Syrian mother and her three children now call Greenwich home. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich has also sponsored a refugee family. On Jan. 20 Inauguration Day church representatives welcomed six members of an Afghan family (two parents and four children ages 4 to 15) who arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport after a two-year vetting process. Peter Grunow, a member of the churchs Refugee Task Force and designated contact person for the family, was at the airport. Were blessed with a really wonderful family, he said, describing the newly arrived refugees during a recent interview. A committee of 34 people, representing the larger Greenwich community in addition to 10 church members, raised the money necessary to settle the family and help them achieve self-sufficiency. The committee worked with New Haven-based Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS). Founded in 1982, IRIS is a non-sectarian, independent nonprofit refugee resettlement agency. With the impending Trump inauguration, Grunow said IRIS accelerated the resettlement, giving committee members just over a week to prepare for the familys arrival. In one day, members managed to find housing in Stamford and, with enormous volunteer help, furnish the dwelling, stocking it with clothing, towels, sheets, tableware, and kitchen necessities. There was an outpouring of donations, Grunow said. He also remarked upon the Afghan and Iranian volunteers, once refugees themselves, who are now successful, making significant contributions to American society. Grunow is confident this family, gifted with many skills, will likewise succeed. The father, a tailor and flag maker, is also a talented artist. Last year, few imagined Candidate Trump would become President Trump, his Muslim ban too outrageous to be taken seriously, like his proposals for a Muslim registry and Mexican border wall. Now, three weeks into the Trump presidency, the outrageous has become deadly serious, a danger to our democracy, national security, and world standing. And the extraordinary pushback is inspiring. The Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut issued a statement calling upon us all to take a stand and reject the closing of Americas doors to those who seek refuge. Rabbi Vicki Axe of Greenwichs Congregation Shir Ami this week joined Jewish clergy and educators supporters of Truah, the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights in a march to the Trump International Hotel at Columbus Circle to protest the travel ban. We marched with posters expressing solidarity with immigrants and refugees, while singing, chanting, drumming, and blowing shofars, she wrote in an email, noting that she was deeply moved by the courage of 19 rabbis who were arrested. We are all immigrants, Axe said. And we Jews know too well the devastation that results from singling out a group of people deemed unfit to be part of the American dream. Give me your tired your poor ... The chants at the spontaneous gathering of tens of thousands at the nations airports two weeks ago rekindle that American dream. Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here! No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here! Alma Rutgers served in Greenwich town government for 25 years. Her blog is at blog.ctnews.com/rutgers/. 1 rail worker killed, another injured while working One railway worker was killed and another injured after being struck by a cargo train in Uiwang, just southwest of Seoul, officials said Sunday. The accident occurred at 8:20 p.... Published on 2017/02/12 | Source Demand for imported food is growing significantly in Korea. In the markets for beef, grapes, squid and nuts, imports accounted for 55 percent, 71 percent, 91 percent and 93 percent of sales in superstores last year. Advertisement At E-Mart, sales of American and Australian beef rose to 54.8 percent last year, from just 41.4 percent in 2013, beating domestic beef for the first time. Beef imports from the U.S. also exceeded those from Australia for the first time in eight years after the mad cow disease scare. Demand for imported seafood is even higher. Squid from Mauritania accounted for 88 percent of the local market, and sales of Norwegian and British mackerel rose from five percent in 2014 to 15 percent last year. Sales of Senegalese and Indonesian hairtail grew from 14 percent to 19 percent during the same period. The number of seafood exporters to E-Mart increased from four countries in 2008 to 17 in 2015. Imported grapes, mostly from Chile, accounted for 71.7 percent of the grape sales at Lotte Mart, and 92.5 percent of nuts sold at E-Mart were imported. But demand grew mainly because local products are in short supply and therefore expensive. "In the case of seafood such as hairtail and octopus, it became hard to meet demand as local catches declined because of global warming", said a staffer at E-Mart. "But food imports are also increasing because they cater to more variegated tastes and prices have fallen due to free trade agreements". By Panos Kotzathanasis | Published on 2017/02/11 Do-il has just been discharged from the army and returns to his mother's house, where Sun-yeong, his bride to be, and their newborn baby is waiting for him. Despite the fact that he has trouble finding a job and his mother's almost constant nagging, Do-il seems to be happy. This happiness, however, is completely shattered when he learns that the child is not his own, and a bit later, Sun-yeong disappears. As he desperately tries to find her, he learns a number of things for her he did not have a clue about, while he also has to face the struggles of being a single father, a brother who insults and mocks him every chance he gets, and the truth about his mother. Advertisement Son Tae-gyum directs a film that deals with the experience of being a single parent, although his view on the matter is quite different from the usual one, since the single parent is a man, and the kid is not even his. In his despair, Do-il cannot think of anything else than finding Sun-yeong, and his life starts looking like an odyssey, as he deals with her ex-boyfriends, her family, his brother who insists to give the baby for adoption, religion, and a number of other situations, all of which seem to make his situation worse. Son Tae-gyum makes an additional point of highlighting the fact that even the people closest to you can have secrets, as is the case with both Sun-yeong and his mother. Despite the evident drama that permeates the film, as Do-il's situation seems to worsen continuously, the movie ends on a very optimistic note. Furthermore, his final decision seems like a "revolutionary" act, as he eventually ignores everyone around him and does what he thinks is the best. Son Tae-gyum focused the film on Lee Yi-kyung, who plays Do-il, and he delivered in great fashion, as he portrays a desperate man, truly lost in a life that gets worse every day, making him doubt every single decision he has made in his life, from being with Sun-yeong, to leaving the army. Jung Yeon-joo as Sun-yeong has a smaller role, with her absence, actually, being more important than her presence. She has a highlight, though, in the scene that concludes the film. Han Man-wook's cinematography does a fine job of portraying the various urban settings the film takes place in, usually in obscure colors that seem to fit the psychological state of the protagonist perfectly. Son Tae-gyum's editing retains the relatively fast pace of the film, without doing anything impressive, though. "Baby Beside Me" is a very interesting film that presents a different take on a very serious issue, and a great specimen of contemporary S. Korean cinema, as it benefits the most from its direction and the protagonist's acting. "Baby Beside Me"is screening at the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian cinema, running from 7 to 14 February. Review by Panos Kotzathanasis Facebook "Baby Beside Me" is directed by Son Tae-gyum and features Lee Yi-kyung and Jung Yeon-joo. By William Schwartz | Published on 2017/02/11 So you know that scene where the hero is about to start cleansing the world of evil, then the villain pops up and offers vast power for him to instead assist the forces of evil in ruling the universe? In "The King", that hero is low-born prosecutor Tae-soo (played by Zo In-sung). That villain is high-ranking special prosecutor Kang-sik (played by Jung Woo-sung). The scene happens early on, the twist being that Tae-soo accepts the offer, then proceeds to spend the rest of the movie as a largely passive observer. Advertisement "The King" is quite literally a movie about wasted potential. Tae-soo is exactly the kind of guy that a bad dude like Kang-sik needs to worry about. Poor life circumstances notwithstanding, Tae-soo is smart enough to succeed in law school, strong enough to take on just about anyone in a fight, and confident enough to successfully woo wealthy TV announcer Sang-hee (played by Kim Ah-joong) before the main plot ever even gets set into motion. So with all these advantages, why does Tae-soo just decide not to participate in the epic story? Because...well, because it's easier. Sure, be a hero and you get all the glory for maybe like, the last five minutes. But up until that point, it's just parties parties parties for Tae-soo because that's what being a villain is all about. Bad boys don't care about building a lasting positive foundation. They just want to have fun, choosing to be oblivious to the notion that inevitably, someone will take them down simply because nature abhors a vacuum. Indeed, Tae-soo is repugnant less for personally committing evil deeds and more from the generally bland way he stands by and watches compatriots make an obvious mockery of the criminal justice system. If you ever wondered what the villain's henchmen think while one overzealous follower murders a guy right in front of them in a fairly grisly way, you need only look so far as Tae-soo. He thinks to himself "eh that guy probably deserved it" and "do I have any other meetings today?" The political implications of "The King" are also worth noting- this movie could not have been made even five years ago because South Korea's political tenor was much more optimistic back then. Now, writer/director Han Jae-rim feels the need to point out that none of this is new or sensational. There have always been guys like Kang-sik, and they have always been enabled by guys like Tae-soo whose love of money outweighs their love of justice. I should note, though, that while of this is all quite interesting thematically none of it is really all that compelling cinematically. "The King" runs well over two hours long. That's a lot of time to spend watching characters basically just refuse to engage in character development again and again. Even Sang-hee manages to not be all that sympathetic, being, in the end, an opportunistic bully just like Tae-soo. It's a sad state these people are in that the closest they get to a happy ending has to be prompted by the actions of other more typically heroic characters we barely even get to see. Review by William Schwartz "The King" is directed by Han Jae-rim and features Zo In-sung, Jung Woo-sung, Bae Sung-woo, Kim Ah-joong and Ryu Jun-yeol Published on 2017/02/12 | Source Lee Soo-hyun A Japanese documentary released last Saturday depicts the life of a Korean student who sacrificed himself to rescue a Japanese man in a subway station in Tokyo in 2001. Advertisement Lee Soo-hyun died aged 26 while trying to rescue the man, who had fallen onto the track at Shin-Okubo Station in downtown Shinjuku while drunk. The film comes out at a tense time in Korean-Japanese relations after official protests from Tokyo over statues set up in Korea to honor the victims of the Japanese Imperial Army's drafting of Asian sex slaves in World War II. The Tokyo Shimbun on Thursday said "Bridge" sheds new light on Lee's life based on the recollections of his parents and friends. It is being screened until Feb. 17. The title refers to Lee's wish to act as a "bridge" between Korea and Japan. His parents have since created a foundation to give scholarships to students there with donations of 10 million yen from across Japan received after his death. Director Shuto Nakamura said, "I hope this film will pave the way for the two countries to become less agitated and behave more calmly toward one another". "I hope the film will have a positive effect on bilateral relations", Lee's father Lee Sung-dae said. Read this article in Korean Copyright Chosunilbo & Chosun.com By Vasia Orion | Published on 2017/02/11 Welcome to another round of me rambling your Saturday away and sharing new drama information and media. Today I briefly talk about the concept of cable vs. ground-wave and what I feel is a problematic perception when contemplating it. I also share goodies from "The Perfect Wife", including its first lively teaser, and more drama news. Advertisement Talking in Absolutes You may have noticed the casting mess surrounding tvN's "Chicago Typewriter", which is essentially a marketing ploy. I mention this because I often see the perception that cable television is inherently nobler than ground-wave, as this piece also suggests in contradiction to its title. However, drama making is a business looking for profit and the latest tvN example is a good reminder that being critical pays off better than simplifying and idolizing. Thankfully for us, both types of television offer more variety nowadays. The Perfect Smack-fest "The Perfect Wife" is described as a series about a woman who will do everything for her family and "everything" seems to include a lot of physical violence between women. I cannot say this teaser makes the series look very promising in terms of breaking stereotypes, but then again this is drama promotion. The series is a comeback drama for avtress Ko So-young, who wants to create a relatable character. No doubt a good contrast to Sung Joon's rich boy with bad hair. Upcoming Drama Goodies "While You Were Sleeping - 2017" has released a synopsis and short character descriptions while "Radiant Office" brings us stills of Go Ah-sung as a convenience store clerk. In casting news, everyone's favorite mother-in-law from hell, the lovely Park Joon-geum has been cast in "Queen of Mystery", the second show about a housewife-turned-detective this season along with "Housewife Detective". Meanwhile, "Secret Forest" adds rookie actress Park Yoo-na to its cast. Followed Dramas I am finally going through my backlog and "Dr. Romantic" now has its spoiler-free series review. My dramas during the previous seasons overlapped quite a bit and while this month is a bit slow due to that, I am looking at many promising upcoming dramas and I believe I have my picks. Is there something new you are really looking forward to? Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings' Published on 2017/02/12 | Source Young jobseekers do not want potential employers to see their social media accounts, according to a straw poll of 505 people by job portal Career. Advertisement Some 54.5 percent of respondents did not want to reveal their social media accounts on job applications. Six out of 10 said they would have to tailor their social media accounts to employers if there was no way around it. One senior at a university in Seoul shut down his prized social media account early last year and opened a fresh one when he found out that foreign companies here often check them. "I shut down my account to avoid problems", he said. His new account is studiedly bland and only contains photographs and information that highlight his strengths. "It's a shame I have to do this, but I have no choice if I want to land a job", he added. Headhunters say foreign companies often check the social media accounts of applicants. Byun Ji-sung at Job Korea said, "Thousands of people apply for jobs with big Korean companies, so they don't bother to check all the social media accounts. But foreign companies hire fewer people and often look at them because the views and beliefs of new employees can have an impact on other workers". But some Korean businesses also check them when hiring experienced applicants. One 32-year-old who was hired by a major conglomerate last year said, "I was surprised when my job interviewer asked me a question related to my social media posts". In the survey, 76.2 percent of job applicants used social media, with Facebook the most popular at 31.7 percent, followed by Kakao Story (21 percent) and Instagram (20.2 percent). UHERO Slams the Skim By Tom Yamachika, President, Tax Foundation Hawaii On February 2, an interesting report was released by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, also known as UHERO. It examined the "administrative fee" of 10% that is now being skimmed off the General Excise Tax (GET) surcharge for Honolulu rail. The report concluded something that had been obvious to us for a while: the State was making a ton of money off the skim. Since the beginning of the GET surcharge, the report concluded that Honolulus rail surcharge tax revenues have consistently comprised less than 4% of total DOTAX tax collections each year, while the administrative fee has consistently exceeded 100% of DOTAXs annual operating expenditures since FY2011. The Department of Taxations annual report for 2015-16 concluded that the cost of collecting each 100 dollars of taxes was about 35 cents. This was not out of line with its cost in previous years, as reflected in prior annual reports: Year Cost to Collect $100 2016 35 cents 2015 32 2014 33 2013 29 2012 30 2011 35 2010 38 2009 32 2008 47 2007 51 In other words, the States cost to collect taxes is between 0.35% and 0.50%, yet the State retains 10.00% of the surcharge collected. The report also reviewed several local sales taxes in other states that were being administered by state government. In Arizona, Colorado, Illinois and Kansas, the State did its work for free. Eleven states charged a fee based on the cost of administration but that amount was almost always less than 1% of collections. The UHERO report concluded that state government has unnecessarily profited from the Honolulu rail project, that the fee is exorbitant. A more reasonable fee, it said, would be between 0.5% and 1.0% of collections. Our State Department of Budget and Finance sponsored a bill this session to get rid of the skim altogether. At a recent hearing on that bill in the Senate (Senate Bill 938), the Honolulu Mayor and City Council told legislators that tossing out the skim wont be enough to finish the project. Rather, they expressed a willingness to have the State skim off more than the current 10%, if by doing that they could win a permanent extension of the tax. But doesnt this mean that the City is perfectly happy to have the State collect unnecessary or exorbitant profits off the backs of taxpayers in exchange for having the pain on those taxpayers extended without limit? Isnt the amount skimmed by the State an additional State tax on Oahu taxpayers? It certainly looks like Oahu taxpayers are getting the short end of the stick here. Who is looking after their interests? Is this how government is supposed to work? 7000 Hawaii Kai Drive by Andrew Walden Touting its biggest loan ever Hawaiis flailing $150M Green Energy Market Securitization Program (GEMS) scheme recently announced an $861,500 loan to pay for two solar installations on top of high-end rental units at 7000 Hawaii Kai Drive on Oahu. What they didnt tell you: The developer of 7000 Hawaii Kai, Christine Camp, is a board member of Blue Planet Foundationthe locus of green crony capitalism in Hawaii. Blue Planet Foundation Executive Director, Jeff Mikulina, is vice chair of the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA) which oversees the GEMS scheme. After pitching GEMS to the legislature as a scheme to benefit low income homeownerspaid for by a $1.29 per month charge on your electric bill--the program is quickly evolving into just another scam to shovel ratepayer money to rich political insiders and developers. An August 26, 2016 DBEDT PUC filing sought to redirect GEMS funding to several new beneficiaries including associations that administer apartments or condominiums. result(ing) in a reduction of maintenance and common area fees for the associations residents. Camp tells reporters: Were going to be paying 16 cents per kilowatt-hour. And who enjoys those savings? The affordable 3br units at 7000 Hawaii Kai go for $2635 a month. Just seven weeks later at the HGIA Loan Committee October 19, 2016, Camps loans were approved in spite of the fact that 7000 Hawaii Kai had not secured PUC approval for grandfathering its Net Energy metering applications. The State PUC subsequently rejected 7000 Hawaii Kai at its December 6, 2016 meeting on technical grounds. Insider trading is now part of GEMS sales pitch to the legislature. According to minutes of Mikulinas report to the HGIA Board December 23, 2016, the Authority expects to end 2016 with more than $1.0 million in residential PV loans funded. Camps loan would be about 86% of that total. And what future does HGIA envision for GEMS? More cronyism, of course. In its 2016 Annual Report to the Legislature (pg4), HGIA explains it could write more loans if only its Board had more insiders: Board Needs More Energy Stakeholders. ... Changing the composition of the board to include more energy stakeholders would enable the Authority to react more quickly to market changes and deploy capital for green infrastructure investments in a timely manner to help meet the states clean energy goals and objectives. ---30--- Background: Source: press release Cision With the solution for efficient sharing of images, pathologists will be able to easily consult with other pathologists throughout the country or to ask for second opinions. The solution also makes a patients previous images easily available, regardless of where the study was carried out. In addition, the solution makes information readily available for panel discussions and supports their execution. All in all, the nationwide telepathology solution could greatly improve cancer care in the Netherlands. The telepathology project was initiated by the Dutch Society of Pathologists (NVVP) and the nationwide network, Stichting PALGA. The project will be implemented by Sectra, together with the subcontractors Deutsche Telecom Healthcare Solutions and RAM IT. The Pathology Image Exchange solution is based upon a SaaS (Software as a Service) model. Pathology labs which choose to participate will be connected in the coming years. Implementing a pathology solution on this scale requires integration between several different IT solutions throughout the 50 labs. Sectras philosophy and proven track record of implementing standard-based integration is a core strength for us, which makes me extra proud to be part of this unique project, says Dr. Torbjorn Kronander, President and CEO of Sectra. Sectras digital pathology solution Sectra provides a complete solution for primary diagnostics in pathology, including archiving and an advanced review workstation. The solution allows pathologists to make their diagnoses and carry out reporting with higher precision and less time spent per case, thereby improving cancer care. Sectras high-end review workstation provides pathologists with the right environment and tools to perform their work in a digital system and to reduce the pain-points associated with time-consuming and labor-intensive manual workflow. Sectras digital pathology solution also allows seamless sharing of digital slides and patient data in multi-hospital environments, enhancing the workflows around consultations, frozen sections and second opinions. In the US, digital pathology for primary diagnostics is still pending FDA approval. Read more about Sectra's digital pathology solution. Source: press release Cision Saturday's Powerball prize is the biggest ever. Here's the top 10 jackpots Should someone win Saturday's Powerball jackpot of $1.6 billion it would go down as the world's largest lottery prize ever. Mohammad Shamim Ansaris family is into carpet weaving for more than a century. All his brothers are into this business, the younger one, Pervez an exporter running a company of Rs.70 crore annual turnover. This 56-year-old separated from his family three decades back and started his own humble enterprise with a power loom in Bhadohi, a predominantly weavers town, around 45 kilometers from the holy town, Varanasi. The industry was at its peak then and we got orders in bulk from exporters, he said, as he reminisced the glorious days. Soon he added four more looms in his house. All his six sons grew up learning the carpet weaving skills, while they also went to school. Read | UP election phase 1 highlights: 64% cast vote; 4.44 lakh litre liquor seized Today, of the five mills, only one is in use. There is no work order. Over the last few years, the demand has dropped drastically. Kailash Satyarthi got the Noble prize but in the bargain he ruined our industry, he said showing the shut looms. In the lanes and by lanes of Bhadohi and Mirzapur, Indias biggest carpet manufacturing hubs, Satyarthi and his Banchpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) have a bad name. Almost, every weaver and exporter blames the noble laureate for damaging their industry beyond repair. They blame him for defaming Indias carpet industry internationally over child labour issues. Says Abdul Hadi, ex-secretary, All India Carpet Manufacturers Association (AICMA): Over the last three years, exports have dropped to less than half. People are shutting mills and migrating to other places for jobs. A post on BBA website elaborates how in association with other international partners they launched a big consumer awareness drive in European countries and United States about the inhuman malpractices in carpet industry. The post says consumers in these countries were ignorant of how children under the age of 14 years were being severely exploited for spinning the patterns. They were made to work for 14 to 16 hours a day without nutritious food and rest and were also subjected to physical, mental and sexual tortures. Vinay Kapoor, ex-AICMA president and currently chairman of UP Carpet Promotion Council said carpet weaving is an art and a child learns this art from his father seeing him work. Its a cottage industry that is largely carried out in the homes of the weavers. Now if someone big manufacturer has engaged children at his workplace, the entire industry should not be punished, he said. As of records, the export oriented carpet industry directly and indirectly employs more than 25 lakh people. There are around 1800 carpet exporters in the country. Ever since BBA launched the awareness drive, the industry that was spinning an annual foreign exchange of Rs. 1,500 crores got reduced to Rs. 8,500 crore industry. Carpets from Bhadohi embellish the White House floors too. But all is not lost for the exporters as the UPs Akhilesh government has initiated several steps to help the industry retain its lost glory. People associated with the industry are elated and have pledged all support to the CM in the ongoing polls. In order to woo international buyers to Bhadohi and Mirzapur and take them to the weavers home for child right issues, the Akhilesh government has built a four lane road from Babatpur airport connecting the two towns. Construction of two over bridges on railway crossings is also almost complete. The government has built a Rs 200 crore worth Corporate Expo Mart in Bhadohi to hold exhibitions locally, said local journalist, Qaiser Pervez. Kapoor says A little push from PM Modi and this industry has potential to spin Rs. 20,000 crore of annual foreign exchange. Give looms to weavers, relax labour norms and impart training to women to increase their participation, he said. Read | UP election: Politicians aloof towards legacy of knife that made Rampur popular Barbs drowned poll promises being made on Sunday as campaigning peaked with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi ramping up the battle for Uttarakhand, which is heading to become a swing state for the two parties. The BJP is counting on Modis persona to upstage the ruling Congress in the hill state, which votes for a new government on February 15. The Congress is banking on chief minister Harish Rawat -- the son of the soil who last year survived an attempt by party rebels and the rival BJP to dethrone him. But there is no sweeping issue to sway voters for the two arch-rivals, who have taken turns to rule the state after it was carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000. As the stakes are high for all players involved, the shouting matches are increasingly shrill. The time for those who looted the country for 70 years has come to an end. I promise that those who looted the country will have to pay back now. I will not rest and wont let the looters rest either, Modi said in Pithoragarh, at one of the two rallies he addressed on the penultimate day of campaigning. BJP supporters attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vijay Sankalp rally at Srinagar in Uttarakhand on Sunday. (PTI) He accused the Congress of corruption and asked the people to vote out the tainted government for, what he called, turning the Devbhoomi into a Lootbhoomi by failing to tap the Himalayan states potential. Uttarakhand is also called Devbhoomi, or abode of gods, as the state is dotted with Hindu pilgrimage sites. He got a quick response from Gandhi, who has been sparring with Modi ever since he rode to power two years ago vowing to stamp out corruption. Modiji has no right to talk about corruption. All scam-tainted leaders who were earlier with us are now with the BJP We had thrown out trash from Uttarakhand, but he lifted it and put it in his party, Gandhi said, referring to Congress deserters who have joined the BJP ahead of the polls. The BJP has recorded murmurs of dissent in its ranks after it gave tickets to Congress turncoats. About 14 dissidents of the ruling Congress, including 12 legislators, have crossed sides. Congress leader Gandhi was at the foothills in Haridwar, where he held rallies and a 75km road show, when Modi was campaigning in the hill towns of Srinagar, the epicentre of Garhwal politics, and Pithoragarh in Kumaon on Sunday. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi during a road show at Roorkee on Sunday. (PTI) The Prime Minister has spent three days in the state while BJP president Amit Shah attended more than six rallies. Gandhi and chief minister Rawat too had hit the campaign trail hard. The Congress is hoping to gain in the Terai belt of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, which together have 20 seats. Gandhis road show was significant as the BJP has fielded several Congress turncoats in this region, while Haridwar (rural) is one of the two seats being contested by chief minister Rawat. Modi too had addressed rallies in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. The Prime Minister pledged to promote the states tourism, herbal wealth and yoga, and open job opportunities to stop the exodus of people from villages. Congress leaders too offered several sops. But the barbs exchanged by the two parties overshadowed the promises they made, leaving voters confused. The Congress won the previous elections, bagging 32 seats in the 70-member assembly. The BJP was just one seat short. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Dilip Ghosh, who drew all-round flak for making a personal attack on Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, on Sunday claimed he had just questioned the stand of Bengals intellectuals. I stand by what I have said. At a time when Bengal is burning, every day teachers are being beaten up, students clash inside campuses, Bengals most celebrated intellectuals remain silent. I said intellectuals are looking for rewards and therefore remain silent, Ghosh said. Ghosh on Saturday had questioned the renowned economists contribution to the nation. I have not only talked about Amartya Sen but also others. I have named Subodh Sarkar (Bengali poet) too. I never targeted an individual, but the intellectuals of Bengal, he said. Addressing a gathering in Kolkata, Ghosh on Saturday said, A fellow Bengali among us has won the Nobel Prize and we are proud...But, what has he done for the state? What has he given to the nation? No one in Bengal understands him...Such people are spineless and they can be purchased or sold, and can stoop to any level, he said. Sen, however, remained unperturbed over the controversy. He has said what he felt was right. He has the right to express himself. I have no reason to object. If he thinks this requires discussion, he is free to do that, Sen told a local news channel. Soon after Ghoshs comments were aired, civil society condemned him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lashed out at the Harish Rawat-led Congress government for poor development of a young state. Modi sought support from the people to root out Congress and promised BJP, if voted to power, will bring a makeover in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has attained the age of 16 and the next five years are very important for the future of the state, he told an election rally. Raising the pitch of development, Modi said Jharkhand and Chattissgarh came into being along with Uttarakhand but they are far ahead in terms of development because BJP was at the helm of affairs. The Congress rule in Uttarakhand held it back with its rampant corruption, mining mafias and liquor scams. It is high time to do away with the Congress party and march towards a bright future with BJP in state and centre as well, he said. The Prime Minister focused on the distress migration of youths from the hills. It was ironical that the people moving out to cities even for petty jobs and the government could do nothing to stem the tide of migration, he said. I have heard a common saying that water and youth of the hills dont serve their homeland but BJP will make all efforts to see that the saying is belied and the water and youth of Uttarakhand serve their land well in future. Taking a dig at the SP-Congress alliance in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, Modi rapped Congress for slighting the sentiments of the highlanders by joining hands with Samajwadi Party. Uttarakhand has enormous potential with its scenic beauty, medicinal herbs, and opportunities for adventure tourism. It has greatly contributed towards healthy environment. BJP will work hard to consolidate its riches, he added. Modi addressed his last rally at Pithoragarh where he spoke few words in Kumaoni in a bid to connect with the locals. After holding meetings for five hours to fine-tune the partys poll preparations, state Congress chief Kishore Upadhyay scurries out of a Dehradun hotel towards his SUV around 2pm. Lets go, fast, he tells the driver as he sets off for Sahaspur a constituency adjoining the state capital from where he is contesting the February 15 polls. Im over two hours behind my schedule, a worried Upadhyay tells this correspondent as he settles in his car. Upadhyay, who stood like a wall behind CM Harish Rawat after last years political crisis, has been a two-time MLA from Tehri, his home turf. He lost to Independent Dinesh Dhanai in 2012 polls and has been fielded by the party from Sahaspur this time a constituency he admits hes unfamiliar with. In 2012 polls, Congress candidate Aryendra Sharma lost to the BJPs Sahdev Pundir on this seat by a margin of 6% votes.This time, Sharma is fighting as an Independent and may eat into the Congress votes. I got little time to be with the people here (Sahaspur)but Im sure theyll support us against the undemocratic forces, he says, while admitting that the Congress does not have the kind of resources BJP is splurging on its blitzkrieg. On way, Upadhyay stops at Jhajra on Dehraduns outskirts where he inaugurates a poll office; women greet him with garlands. Around 4:10pm, he arrives at Sherpur where a motley crowd has been waiting for him for over two hours. Sensing restlessness among people, Upadhyay is quick to tender a humble apology. Main zarur der se pahucha, par vikas ab dur nahin (I may be late, but development is not far away, he says as the crowd breaks into cheers. In this Muslim-dominated belt, he gently throws in the choicest Urdu words to strike a chord with the locals and makes sure to cut short his speech as he hears the azaan (call for prayer). Congress is the only party which respects the feelings of every section of the society, he says as slogans like Kishore nahin aandhi hai, Uttarakhand ka Gandhi hai and Sahaspur me ek hi shor, Kishore Kishore echo in the background. Besides being the partys state chief, he is also a candidate, which has brought much load on his shoulders. Main chunav ladna nahin ladwana chahta tha (I wanted to help the party in fighting instead of contesting the polls myself), he tells HT. Through the journey, his phone refuses to stop ringing. He fixes schedule for the next day and directs party workers about campaigning in parts of the state. Around 5:15pm, Upadhyay reaches Kainchiwala, a small village that has a mixed population of Himachalis and Muslims. His supporters immediately carry him on their shoulders amid loud sloganeering as he steps out of his SUV. At the nukkad sabha, he hits out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. Humein kaali taakaton aur jumle walon se savdhan rehna hai (we have to be wary of divisive forces that make false promises), he tells the people. Nadeem Hasan, a daily-wage labourer, nods, The BJP MLA didnt do anything for us. Next up, Upadhyay stops by for rallies at Gorakhpur and Singhaniwala before returning to Dehradun at midnight where he holds a meeting with the CM and partys state in charge Ambika Soni. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON If you love to click selfies and not finding the right background, the 31st Surajkund international crafts mela (fair) at Faridabad is the perfect spot for you. Noticing increased trend of clicking selfies among the visitors, the mela authorities have earmarked more than ten spots for clicking selfies so that selfie lovers do not block way of other visitors. Observation of the mela authorities proved true as a large number of mela visitors, especially youth, are seen posing with artists, foreigners, near craft shops, and with anything interesting for clicking selfies. The spots earmarked by the authorities are, however, serving no purpose as selfie lovers are finding their own spots. Such colourful ambience is not visible in any event in Delhi. I am here to click pictures and yes selfies too said Sunaina Chadha, a Delhi resident, while clicking selfies with a group of foreigners. Footfall has been slow in this years mela but it crossed the figure of 1.70 lakh on Saturday. The mela authorities expect the number to cross 2 lakh on Sunday as the mela is ending on Wednesday. Eleven selfie spots have been earmarked this year so that visitors are not inconvenienced by selfie lovers standing in the middle of lanes. We have recorded 8 lakh footfall since February 1 when the mela started. We expect heavy rush on Sunday said Rajesh Joon, spokesperson of Surajkund Mela Authority. The mela usually crosses the million mark every year, said Joon. There will be parking hassles on Sunday but the police authorities claim to have made elaborate parking arrangements to handle the pressure. For the first timers, Johar Jharkhand has been chosen as the theme state for the mela this year. So, do not get shocked if you encounter a man or a woman walking in tribal appearance. A large variety of handicrafts, textile, olive wood products, leather bags, carpets from Afghanistan, tribal artefacts etc. are a big attraction. There are 969 huts spread in six zones and one finds it tough to visit even half of the stalls installed in this huts. The mela, hosted for the first time in 1987, is jointly organised by Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs and Government of Haryana. Not to be missed foreign stalls: A zone is exclusively marked for foreign traders and 10 more stalls have been added this year. Egypt is the partnering nation this year. The foreign traders are, however, facing heat of demonetisation as they do not have card swipe machines or digital modes of payment. The visitors are getting attracted to olive wood products from Tunisia, carpets from Afghanistan, shawls from Nepal, leather products from Syria, or a variety of artefacts from Sri Lanka. Carrying cash is advised as it may be tough to resist urge to buy some of these products. Many customers left our stall with heavy heart as they did not have cash and we do not have card swipe machines, said Mohammad Ismail of Turkistan Temorzada carpets limited of Afghanistan. Clothes, leather bags, products made of colourful stones from Russia have added colours and variety to the foreign zone. How long does it last? Mela being held from February 1 to 15, from 10.30 am to 8.30 pm. How to reach Surajkund? Surajkund is 40 kms from Indira Gandhi international airport. The venue is 30 kms drive from South Delhi Special to and fro bus services are available to Surajkund from ISBT Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, Gurgaon and Faridabad. The nearest metro station is Badarpur on violet line. Tickets Entry tickets are available at major bus stands, railway stations, and online on www.bookmyshow.com. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rajeev Singh, 45, is an angry man. A resident of south Delhis Sangam Vihar one of Delhis biggest unauthorised colonies -- water continues to be his biggest headache. Buying water from illegal tankers every week has become a way of life. And nothing has changed for him in the past two years For a small tanker with a capacity of 2,500 litres, which lasts for five days, we pay Rs 550. For a bigger one, with a capacity of 5,000 litres which is sufficient for 10 days, I shell out Rs 1,100. In summers, rates increase go to up to Rs 1,500. The Jal board tankers deliver water to only those with setting. We dont get that benefit, Singh says. Two years of AAP govt: Read HTs special Not just Sangam Vihar, where only some parts have piped water, Hindustan Times spotted private tankers operating in many colonies across South and West Delhi. So has the government, even after two years, no answer to the tanker mafia? The Delhi Jal Board has already deployed 407 GPS driven stainless water tankers, 300 MS Tankers and 250 new departmental stainless steel water tankers to curb the water mafia. The water supply network has been extended in 1,200 colonies, reducing the demand on water tankers. As soon as network goes to all colonies, the number of tankers will be automatically reduced, DJB chairman Keshav Chandra said. At present, about 83% households of Delhi have access to piped water supply. In the past two years, over 1,200 unauthorised colonies have got access to the water supply network. In the 2016-17 budget, Rs 676 crore was earmarked for this. Work in 300 colonies is targeted to be completed by the end of this year. No-objection certificates for 114 colonies are yet to be issued and technical feasibility in 43 colonies does not exist, a government official said. In the budget, the government waived off 100% arrears for consumers belonging to the E, F, G & H category colonies, 75% in D category, 50% in C and 25% in A & B categories with complete remission of late payment surcharge. It reduced the development charge from Rs 440 per sq m to Rs 100 per sq m in unauthorised colonies, which officials claim enrolled and benefitted almost 130,000 consumers. The AAP government says it is providing 20,000 litres of water free of cost to domestic consumers. For users who consume between 20,000 litres and 30,000 litres of water per month, the service charge is Rs 219.62 and the volumetric charge is Rs 21.97 per 1,000 litres. Customers who use over 30,000 litres a month have to pay Rs 292.82 in service charge and Rs 36.61 per 1,000 litres in volumetric charge. But experts question the feasibility of this model. Jyoti Sharma, president of FORCE India, an NGO dedicated to water conservation, says the intention was right behind this free water scheme but it is sending out a wrong message. The intention was dual: To make life easier for people in the lower income brackets and to encourage people to use less. But a majority of the target populace doesnt have metered connection and so they are not benefitting from the scheme. Making water free is sending a wrong message. It is a signal that is making people less aware of the need to conserve, Sharma said. It can achieve the desired objective only if it there are working meters for all residents. Sharma said. Other experts, too, agree that the vision is there but execution is a problem. Environmentalist Vikram Soni, a professor at Centre for Theoretical Physics, Jamia Millia Islamia, says the AAP government is on the right track but needs to do more and persist with its initiatives. Take the Yamuna Palla floodwater harvesting project for example. This can act as a contingency reserve for Delhi if done. It can also bring the Delhi Jal Board R700 crore as revenue. It is running but needs to be completed. Field trial needs to be done, pipelines need to be installed and wells and water need to be monitored. The water minister has been very proactive but the Jal Board is still dragging its feet. It should move fast, Soni said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Delhi Police on Sunday registered a case against the owner of Connaught Places Unplugged Courtyard, a day after the roof of the restaurant collapsed. No one was injured in the incident. Police blamed unauthorized renovation of the eatery for the collapse. The owner of Unplugged Courtyard was renovating the premises without approval from NDMC. We have booked him under Indian Penal Code Section 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others), said BK Singh, DCP (New Delhi). The restaurant, however, dismissed the allegation and claimed that the damaged portion actually belonged to a neighbouring sweet shop that had been closed for years. Unplugged Courtyard has not suffered even a scratch. The confusion is because the damaged sweet shop and our restaurant belong to the same landlord and share a common boundary wall, claimed Nitin Kapoor, the public relations officer for the restaurant located in CPs L-Block. The roof collapse of Unplugged Courtyard was the second instance of a roof of a heritage building in Connaught Place coming down. A part of the roof of Jain Book Depot in CPs C Block had come down on February 2, raising concerns about the safety of buildings in the citys favourite shopping destination The two collapses have left traders worried. Customers are bound to be scared. But so far, our customers have not said anything about the twin collapses in their feedback. We will wait and observe their response, said Charanjeet Singh, operation director of Warehouse Cafe. Warehouse cafe is one of CPs 21 open-air restaurants whose rooftop sections were shut by NDMC in response to the first collapse. Singh said the decision to shut down the rooftop section had hurt 30-40 per cent of his business. A number of traders believed that a change in attitude with regard to renovation and construction of buildings in CP was the need of the hour. Blanket permission must be given for repair and renovation of unused or damaged buildings in Connaught Place. It is a pain and a lengthy process to get permission from authorities at present, said Vikram Badhwar, secretary, New Delhi Traders Association of Connaught Place. Description Smith Haven Mall invites donors to help save up to three lives at their Valentines Blood Drive to support community hospitals. The New York Blood Center will be at the Smith Haven Mall to collect donations for an emergency blood shortage. Eligibility criteria includes the below: Bring ID with signature or photo Minimum weight 110 lbs Age 16-75 (16 year olds must have parental permission. Age 76 and over need doctors note) Eat well (low fat) & drink fluids No tattoos for past 12 months For questions concerning medical eligibility call 1-800-688-0900. With the Jawaharlal Nehru University students Occupy Ad-Block protest continuing for the fourth day on Sunday, the university administration issued another denunciation of the demonstrating students and called their agitation a criminal act. The agitating students have no basis for occupying the Administrative Block building, physically stopping the staff and officials from entering the administration building. This trespassing is criminal and violation of the law of the land, a statement by the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) authorities read. The students have been staging a sit-in protest at the Administrative Block of the university, which has the offices of senior university officials, in order to seek a response from the Vice-Chancellor on the adoption of a University Grants Commission (UGC) notification on M.Phil. and Ph.D. admissions. The notification -- which proposed 100 per cent weightage to viva and reducing entrance examination to a qualifying criteria -- was adopted by the JNU Academic Council (AC) in its meeting on December 26 last year despite protests from almost half of the Councils members. The students along with many teachers have raised their objection to the order being passed unilaterally in the Council meeting and have asked the authorities to reconvene the Council to discuss various aspects of the notification. The university has told the students that it would abide by the egalitarian spirit of the JNU in admission policy, which will include reducing the viva to 20 per cent and allocating extra points to candidates from backward regions on account of their being deprived of equal opportunities. However, it has stuck with the clause which imposes a cap on the number of students which a faculty member can guide. JNU Admission Policy has all the socially inclusive admission policies of JNU while adopting 2016 UGC gazette notification. Less marks for viva, deprivation points, concessions to Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes categories... however, will be following the UGC notified upper limits on how many research scholars a faculty can guide, the administration statement said. The students, some of whom have been on an indefinite hunger-strike against the notification, have argued that the concerned clause will in effect mean a cut in the intake of students for M.Phil. and Ph.D. streams. The Delhi Police arrested three brothers, all habitual offenders, on Saturday night for allegedly breaking into three flats, including Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthis house, in Kalkaji. The robbers broke into Satyarthis house on February 7 and stole a replica of the Nobel medal with a citation, he won two years ago, his wifes jewellery, wrist watch and several medals and awards awarded to him by different countries. While the replica of the Nobel medal and other medals were recovered from the arrested burglars, the citation of the recognition could not be found till Sunday evening. I have complete faith in the government, the police and the people of this great nation. I thank the Delhi Police for the brilliant and speedy recovery of the items stolen from my residence and I hope that the Nobel citation is recovered soon as well. Nothing can deter my mission to work towards my children, said Satyarthi. The child right activist had earlier described the citation and replica of Noble medal as something of national importance. He had even made a request to the suspects to return it. Read more: Delhi: Satyarthi says he is pained to learn about theft of Nobel citation The burgalrs, identified as Vinod alias Pinki, Sunil aka Sonu and Rajan alias Natta, told police that they dumped the citation somewhere on the way while they were returning to their hideouts in Sangam Vihar after burgling the flats in the Aravali Apartments. Some police officers suspect that the citation may have been destroyed by the thieves after they realised that it was of no use and monetary value to them. Senior police officers, however, are still hoping to recover it. The burgalrs, identified as Vinod alias Pinki, Sunil aka Sonu and Rajan alias Natta, told police that they dumped the citation somewhere on the way while they were returning to their hideouts in Sangam Vihar after burgling the flats in the Aravali Apartments. (Ravi Choudhary/HT PHOTO) Romil Baaniya, deputy commissioner of police (southeast), said, We did not find the Nobel citation from the possession of the criminals but we are trying our best to recover it. Within hours of the arrest, Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik tweeted: Was greatly concerned about theft of Shri Satyarthis prestigious Nobel Medal replica. Proud that Delhi Police recovered it in quick time (sic). RP Upadhyay, joint commissioner of police (southeastern range), said that 10 teams were formed to probe the case and arrest the burglars. Satyarthi had gone to the US when his flat was burgled on the intervening night of February 7 and 8. As we began our probe, we learnt that similar burglaries took place in flats No. 56 and 99, which were also locked, on the same night. The CCTV camera footage was not of much help because two faces were muffled while the third suspects face was not very clear, said Upadhyay. Sticking to their traditional style of investigation, investigators prepared a list of burglars who committed similar burglaries in the past and with similar modus operandi. A list of over 100 such criminals, who had recently been bailed out, was prepared. Most of them were thoroughly interrogated during which names of Rajan and his two brothers surfaced. Rajan was jailed last year for burgling a flat in Shivalik Apartments. We went to his home and found that he and his two brothers were missing for the past few days. The three were residing in the shanties near Aravali Apartments since birth but shifted to Sangam Vihar in 2005-06. But, they worked in the same locality as labourers and were well aware about the topography of the area, the joint CP said. Further probe led to the arrest of Rajan and his two brothers and recover a majority of the items stolen from the three flats. The burglars were unaware of the value of the medals and citation they had stolen from Satyarthis flat. They claimed that they understood the magnitude of their crime only after watching news about it the next morning. The three were so scared that they did not even attempt to dispose off the stolen items, said an officer. Missing JNU student Najeebs mother, Fatima Nafees will lead a protest march in Lucknow on Sunday, demanding action against nine Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members against whom an FIR had been lodged in connection with the case. The march will start from Parivartan Chowk at 1 pm and will conclude at Gandhi Pratima. Earlier, Fatima had led a successful march in her hometown, Badaun. Addressing media persons in Lucknow on Saturday, Fatima made an emotional appeal to the student fraternity to help her in the mission to find her son who had gone missing from his hostel at Jawaharlal Nehru University on October 15, 2016. She also sought action against those allegedly involved in her sons disappearance. Its been nearly four months and the police have not been able to trace my son, she said. On a day when seven-phase polling began in UP, Fatima expressed anger at the fact that student safety and security never became political issues. Replying to queries on if Najeebs family had the district administrations permission to take out such a rally, Shehla Rashid, former JNUSU vice president said, A mother whose son has been missing for nearly four months needs no permission to hit the streets. In Badaun also, permission was denied yet the protest march went off peacefully. Among those expected to join the rally are Shehla Rashid, JNUSU president Mohit Pandey, former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, former JNUSU president Akbar Chawdhary, JNU student activist Umar Khalid and others. Mohit Pandey, who hails from Lucknow, had earlier met chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, requesting him to initiate a probe into Najeebs disappearance, citing bias of Delhi police as the reason. Asked whether he was supporting any political party in the upcoming election, Pandey categorically said, The election is simply a coincidence. For us, the matter of Najeebs disappearance is first and in no way linked with the elections. We have been protesting for four months now and will continue to do so. But we do want Najeebs issue to be made an election issue. Whichever party will take up this issue sincerely, the students will support them. He added, But we urge the people of UP to keep BJP out of UP. They communalised our peaceful campus and caused a boy from UP, who had gone to study in JNU with dreams in his eyes, disappear. We cant allow BJP to communalise UP. Najeebs inconsolable mother was flanked by Pandey, JNU students and family members, who unanimously blamed the BJP-led government at the centre of shielding the nine ABVP activists named in the FIR. We are not campaigning for any political party. But since Delhi police is under home minister Rajnath Singh, we are unhappy with the way this case is being handled by the NDA government. Najeeb went missing from his hostel after he was assaulted by ABVP members. His phone and laptop was found on his bed and all his shoes were also there in the room. Its been four months but the Delhi police has not even touched the ABVP members, said Pandey. Similar protests will also be held in other cities like Jamshedpur, Jabalpur, Hyderabad and two other cities in Kerala on Sunday. The officials of special investigation team (SIT) constituted to probe the alleged Ponzi scam being run by Anubhav Mittal, managing director of Ablaze Info Solution Priavte Limited, have now concentrated their probe on suspicious transactions involving a core group of nearly 200 big gold and diamond dealers. According to officials, some of these 200 dealers were even paid amounts of nearly Rs 80 lakh per month by Mittal and his company and presently under scanner. According to officials, the wrong objective receipts dealt by Mittal and his company totalled nearly Rs 3726 crore while payments were made to the tune of nearly Rs 3000 crore. It is alleged that nearly 6.5 lakh customers were duped under the alleged scam. Read: Noida ponzi scheme: Special probe team grills prime accused Anubhav Mittal The transactions are under scanner, especially to the gold and diamond dealers. There are payments to customers as well. Transactions of Mittals companies are also under scanner but the companies have been incorporated under the Companies Act and not bogus. The companies however are just on papers but their activities and transactions are suspicious, said Rajiv Narayan Mishra, additional superintendent of police, (UP-STF). In connection with gold and diamond, the officials said that heavy payments were made and it is suspected that amounts may have returned back to Mittal. Officials said that the core group of gold and diamond traders received heavy amounts as commission and kept on increasing the clients lower down the chain to increase their commission. Mittal, an engineer who hails from small Pilkhuwa town in Hapur district is on police custody remand which will get over on Tuesday. The police teams on late Saturday night also conducted searches along with Mittal at his Jaypee Greens residence and also his back end office Raj Nagar District Centre (RDC) in Ghaziabad. From RDC office, we recovered more than Rs 7 crore drafts which were submitted by cutosmers and were to be deposited in companys bank account. This office was basically was used for verification of documents of clients of his company. The involvement of his wife Ayushi Agarwal is also being ascertained as she was one of the directors in company and has direct liability. The SIT will ascertain her role and she is being searched by teams, Mishra added. Read: Noida Ponzi scam: Anubhav Mittal had floated bogus companies to swindle investors money Mittal, along with companys CEO sheedhar Prasad and technical head Mahesh Kumar were arrested by UP-STF. Later, they also arrested Atul Mishra, a relationaship manager with Yes Bank, for allegedly entering into a criminal conspiracy with Mittal and providing him prior information about the suspicious transaction report and investigation. Apart from the SIT, helped by UP-STF, the enforcement directorate has already registered a case of money laundering on the basis of FIR registered by the UP-STF in connection with the alleged multi level marketing Ponzi scheme in Noida. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Commuters bore the brunt of the ongoing strike by Ola-Uber drivers, having to shell out significantly more to book and ride in the handful of cabs that did ply in the city on Sunday. I had to take my wife to Escorts Hospital in south Delhi for a check-up. I booked an Uber cab and paid 1.9 times the fare. No cabs were available for our return journey. I tried booking thrice and every time the booking was accepted only for the driver to cancel it later. I finally had to take an auto to return, said 32-year-old Kashmere Gate resident Shahzad Asad. Read: Ola-Uber strike Day 3: Commuters face the heat, aggregator opts for surge pricing Ola and Uber drivers have pulled their cabs off the roads in Delhi-NCR demanding that their companies reinstate bonuses that they had doled out in the initial days, reduce their hiked commission rates, limit the number of cabs registered on the app and shorten working hours, among other issues. With the agitators having threatened to step up their protests, commuters are likely to face a harrowing time on Monday and should be prepared to wait longer and pay more for their cabs. Protesters allege that the number of cab drivers on strike had been increasing, and the demands of a workday will add more pressure. Some drivers have also stopped operating after reports of assault and harassment of drivers surfaced. The question of surge pricing has been on the minds of policy makers in recent times. A Delhi High court appointed committee, headed by the secretary of ministry of road transport and highways had recommended range bound dynamic pricing to be allowed to effectively match demand and supply, in December last year. It had said that the maximum tariff may be permitted up to three times the minimum tariff. Read:Ola, Uber strike hits Delhi commuters, drivers say bigger protest on Monday To increase the availability of taxis during night time, the committee recommended maximum tariff may be allowed up to four times that of minimum tariff from midnight to 5 in morning, the report said. It added that these measures would ensure adequate supply during peak hours and at night. The Delhi government earlier this month had told the Delhi High Court that it was in the process of formulating its own guidelines on app-based taxi aggregators including Uber and Ola keeping in mind the policy drafted by the committee. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The strike by Ola, Uber drivers entered its third day on Saturday, with drivers of the mobile-based cab aggregators refusing to relent. Two leaders of Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi, the union leading the protests, continued to be on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, on Saturday, with more drivers joining the agitation. We wont call off the strike until Ola, Uber or the government reaches out to us and offers a solution. We are ready to launch negotiations and find a middle path in the issue. The problem is that over the past few months, the companies have turned a blind eye to drivers and there is nobody to listen to our problems, said Ravi Rathore, vice president of the union. On Saturday, reports of cab drivers being stopped by protesting drivers poured in from across NCR, affecting the handful of passengers who could avail the app-based cab service by the companies. There were drivers who wanted to report for work but were reportedly hauled up by the protesters. Bhim Yadav, a driver with both Ola and Uber, said that a group of drivers stopped his car in Ballabhgarh area and took away his phone. After pleading and promising that I will head home, they returned my phone, he said. Delhi-NCR has around 1.5 lakh cabs under Ola and Uber and drivers are protesting against the app-based cab companies to demand more money from fares. A driver, on condition of anonymity, claimed that the protestors were not attacking privately owned cabs. They are mainly targeting the cars that have been provided by Ola and Uber. My friends say that around 100 cabs were stopped or attacked in Gurgaon, he said. The drivers are against cabs provided by these companies as they claim they get preference in bookings over private cabs. Atuar Rahman, another driver, took his cab out only in the evening when he thought it was relatively safer. The protesters are mostly active during morning and afternoon and head back home by the evening. So, I am taking bookings now. I personally know at least 3-4 drivers who arent taking out their cars out of fear, he said. Delhi police said there were no untoward incidents because of the strike in the capital. The members of the cab unions too denied that the protesters were engaging in violence. Protesting drivers have been told to only stop cab drivers and explain to them about the protest and their rights. They simply ask them to support the movement and not take duties, Rathore said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Talk about bad air quality in Delhi and the apocalyptic readings of east Delhis Anand Vihar a transport hub and arguably one of Delhis most polluted and congested spots pop up. But Delhis pollution map is much more than this choked corner. When a 2015 study said Delhis air is consistently more toxic than that in Beijing, SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) chief Gufran Beig disputed the finding. He said comparing pollution levels of south Delhis RK Puram with the US embassy in Beijing was not correct because of a huge geographical difference between the two locations. The US embassy is outside the polluted zone of Beijing and has a lush green area on one side and a big water body on the other, both contributing to pollution sequestration. RK Puram is in the middle of Delhi and is next to the congested Ring Road without any sequestration zones, he had said. HT visited seven places in Delhi, where air quality is monitored, with a mobile machine to check if the location had any impact on measuring pollution levels. Stations at RK Puram and Mandir Marg are in green zones, some distance away from emission emitting vehicles. But a few such as those at ITO and Siri Fort are close to the road, and would naturally show higher pollution. The perennially polluted Anand Vihar on the Delhi-UP border is located between a tri-junction of a railway station, bus terminus and a Metro station. The station at the busy Punjabi Bagh is in the middle of a bungalow-dominated neighbourhood. We found a difference in the official pollution levels and HTs measurement (see GRAPHIC). Most experts HT spoke were not surprised. They said it could be because the technology used in the HT machine may be different from the official monitoring stations. It also depends how close to the air pollution the air was measured. The reasons behind the difference in data was different for the sites. At RK Puram, we caught peak traffic hour whereas DPCC data did not record spurt in congestion, while at Siri Fort, the reason might be higher traffic and our monitor being at a lower level than CPCB station. At ITO, the CPCB monitor is inside INSA few metres away from the main congestion point, whereas we were close to the source while at Anand Vihar, the DPCC monitor is at a higher level thereby catching pollutants from all three major sources railway station, bus terminus and Chaudhari Charan Singh Marg. At Mandir Marg, there was marginal difference which might be because of different calibrations of HT and DPCC monitor, while at Punjabi Bagh, we caught pollution levels with higher traffic flow than the DPCC monitor. So why were these locations selected? In Delhi, SAFAR set up an integrated air quality monitoring system along with automatic weather stations at 10 different strategic locations within NCR. The 10 locations were purposefully selected so as to represent all kinds of localities in the NCT As per international guidelines, the correct way to know one index for a city air quality is to consider different microenvironments For a typical metro city, commercial; urban complex; sub-urban; residential; industrial; road side; traffic junction are the microenvironments which should be covered in the monitoring network, a World Meteorological Organisation report says, adding that the SAFAR network met all micro-environment parameters. Apart from SAFAR, air quality in Delhi is monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The three agencies collect air quality data at 28 locations, maximum for any city in India, but do not have a uniform mechanism to disseminate information on a real-time basis. The CPCB is preparing fresh guidelines on the placement of these monitoring stations, said Dr Dipankar Saha, additional director and head of the Air Laboratory at the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The height of these monitoring points should be changed. Uniform height is not the way forward. All stations should have different monitoring heights to get well-mixed, representative data, he explained. A DPCC official said there was no ideal location in a metro city like Delhi for a monitoring station. In Delhi, we have monitoring two hotspots -- one on the airport runway to ascertain the aviation impact, and Anand Vihar to see the impact of other states and vehicular pollution. In other stations, we measure ambient air quality, he said. The DPCC will add 20 more stations to cover other micro-environment zones to provide a realistic picture of Delhis air quality. These will be evenly distributed between industrial, commercial and residential areas and even hospitals. Pollution is definitely bad but not as bad as it has been made out to be. The air quality may be very poor for instance at busy intersections like ITO crossing but that doesnt mean it will be same in Chanakyapuri or Narela in outer Delhi, DPCC senior scientist MP George said. In an unplanned city like Delhi, you cant get optimised stations. Nothing will be enough. But when the number of stations increase, you will get better representative values, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As students continued to occupy the administrative building, the Jawaharlal Nehru University administration said that their act was a criminal offence due which official and academic works were affected. The students have occupied the administrative building since Thursday protesting against the University Grants Commission (UGC) notification that will alter the universitys admission policy. The policy is set to result in seat cuts leading to no admission in the MPhil, Phd programmes at several centres of the varsity. This is because the UGC notification puts a cap on the number of students a professor can provide guidance. Read: Hundreds join Lucknow protest march, demand probe in missing JNU student case In December last year, the administration had barred students from protesting at the admin block. The students demand that the administration meet representatives from different centres, while vice chancellor Jagadesh Kumar wants to meet representatives of the JNU students union. Its sad that I am unable to sign salary papers for the poor contractual labourers due to illegal occupation of admin building. Medical claim bills, fellowship papers, PhD viva documents couldnt be processed on Friday due to illegal occupation, said Pramod Kumar, JNU registrar on twitter. Kumar said he was also stopped from entering the building on Saturday. The VC also added that despite request from top JNU officials several times, the students refused to end illegal occupation of the administration building. The JNUSU said that the #OccupyAdBlock will continue and demanded that the part B meeting of the academic council, in which the UGC regulation was passed, be reconvened. Read: JNU a year after: Belying predictions, campus politics is thriving. Heres why We have written to the parliamentary committee for OBC welfare and the parliamentary committee for ST/SC Welfare as this UGC notification is a direct attack on the principles of social justice enforced by the Constitution, said Mohit K Pandey, JNUSU president. On Tuesday, the teachers association has called for a march to Parliament to protest against the forceful implementation of the notification. They have already taken the matter with the President of India Pranab Mukherjee and asked him to intervene, by virtue of being the visitor of the varsity. A married couple and their 14-year-old daughter were found dead under mysterious circumstances at their rented home in outer Delhis Rajiv Nagar Extension near Begampur on Sunday morning. While the bodies of the woman and her daughter were found on the bed with strangulation marks, the husband was found hanging with an iron rod fitted in the room ceiling. A purported suicide note, apparently written by the man, identified as Rajesh Gupta, was found in his pocket. The note said that the three willingly entered into a suicide pact and nobody should be blamed for their extreme step. It also requested the police not to harass anybody, said a senior police officer. The preliminary probe into the incident hinted that Gupta allegedly strangled his wife, Uma , and daughter, Shweta, before hanging himself. The room in which they were found dead was locked from inside, said police. Though senior police officers do not suspect any foul play, they claimed they will reach to a conclusion only after the autopsy reports are out. MN Tiwari, deputy commissioner of police (Rohini), said that the incident came to light around 9.15am when Guptas neighbours found his home locked and none of the three was responding to their phone calls. Gupta used to wake up early and finish morning prayers before 8am every day. But when they remained indoor till 9am, the neighbours became worried and asked Babloo, who lives with his family on first floor, to check on the family. The room was locked when I came down. The door opened when I pushed it with some force. I was shocked to see Gupta uncle hanging and his wife and daughter lying unconscious on the bed, said Babloo, who alerted neighbours and one of them called the police control room. A police team arrived and broke open the main door. The three were rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors pronounced them dead on admission. Police claim that the incident must have taken place in the night. The exact reason behind the deaths could not be ascertained till Sunday night. The note did not have any details that could reveal that the family members, Gupta in particular, were under stress or facing financial crisis, said an investigator. Their relatives and neighbours also claimed that there was nothing among the family members that could have forced Gupta to allegedly kill his wife and daughter and then commit suicide. A native of Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh, Gupta moved to Delhi for livelihood some twelve years ago. He initially worked as a taxi driver but later purchased a tempo and ferried goods. After my brother-in-law had an accident few months ago, he employed a driver. There was no financial crisis in the family as my brother-in-law earned not less than Rs20,000 every month after clearing all expenses, said Guptas relative Keshav Gupta. No case was registered till Sunday evening. They had to sweat it out in peak summers last year because of frequent power outages and even mourned the death of a resident electrocuted by live wires dangling outside his verandah a usual scene in slums and illegal colonies. Yet, when it comes to electricity, most of the two lakh-odd residents of South Delhis Ambedkar Nagar seem to be happy with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The reason: Low power bills. Our power bills have come down and thats a good thing Kejriwal (Delhi chief minister) has done, said Rupesh Dhaiya, a resident of Dakshinpuri in south Delhis Amebdkar Nagar, a reserved (SC) assembly constituency and a key vote base of the AAP. Read | DVC gives power jolt to new AAP government in Delhi Residents said power outages are common in the area. But they dont mind it. Even on Republic Day, the entire colony didnt have power. The same thing happened a few days later. We have inverters, so it doesnt matter much, said Savitri Rai, who lives in her own house in Khanpur colony. Rai isnt complaining as she has to pay less on her power bills now. In summers, our bills have come down to Rs 1,300 from Rs 2,000 and in winters, we pay Rs 600 instead of Rs 800, she said. With frequent power cuts, summers were not pleasant last year. There was no shortage of electricity but outages occurred mostly due to local faults, officials said. The government may blame distribution companies for the local faults. But it has completely avoided pulling up Delhi Transco Limited (DTL), which is under its jurisdiction for repeated delays in its ongoing projects. As a result, Delhis transmission network is ageing and breaks down frequently, said Pramod Deo, former Chairman, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). Tenants are angry The AAP governments sop of 50% subsidy on power tariffs for those who consume up to 400 units seems to be popular among people who live in their own houses. But tenants are peeved. At least 30% (Census 2011) of all families in Delhi live in rented accommodations and this section claims the benefits are yet to reach them. It (slashing power tariffs) made no difference in our lives. Our landlord charges us the same amount of Rs 9 per unit for the electricity we consume, said Shahbuddeen, a resident of Laxmi Nagar. Read HTs special coverage: Two years of AAP govt HT visited areas such as Sangam Vihar, Deoli, Chittaranjan Park and Anand Vihar and found that almost all tenants complained of the same problem. In most cases, the owners house has the main meter and tenants have sub-meters. The bill comes as one and ideally we should be charged as per the mandated slabs. But that doesnt happen as the rent agreement expects each tenant to pay for their consumed units, based on the highest tariff, with 10 per cent surcharge and service tax, said Zinnia Ray, a resident of CR Park. I and my flat mate consume only about 150 units a month and according to the governments promise, I should be paying Rs 2 per unit. But we are paying Rs 8 or so, she added. However, be it owners or tenants, Delhiites are happy that tariffs have not increased in the past two years. Till 2014, power tariffs were hiked for four consecutive years. Promises A glance at the AAP governments five-point action plan in the power sector reveals it has taken small steps in four of its promises. The partys manifesto promised reduction of electricity bills by half, CAG audit of power discoms, Delhis own power plant, introduction of competition among discoms and Delhi as a solar city. While the first one was fulfilled within 11 days of the party coming to power, the CAG audit of power discoms is sub judice. The promise of making Delhi a solar city is gradually being fulfilled with the government notifying the Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2015 in June 2016. But it is yet to release the list of empanelled companies so that domestic consumers can get solar panels on their rooftops and avail 30% subsidy offered by the government. Two of its promises that Delhi would have its own power plant outside the capital and introduction of competition among discoms - are yet to be fulfilled and may take years before they turn into a reality. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union minister for water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation Uma Bharti feels that rapists should be tortured in front of their victims until they agree to the crime. The law, she feels, can kick in later. Speaking at an election rally at Agra, Uttar Pradesh, last week, the minister said that while she was the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh (December 2003 and August 2004), rapists were hung upside down, beaten till their skin came off, and salt and chilli was rubbed on their wounds till they begged for forgiveness. It is appalling that such views are expressed by a minister, who has taken an oath to uphold the law of the land. At the rally, Ms Bharti made these alarming comments while referring to the rape two women in Bulandshahr in July. She was criticising the ruling Samajwadi Party government for not doing enough to stop the release of the accused on bail. Read | Ordered public torture of rapists when I was Madhya Pradesh CM: Uma Bharti However, a fact check done by Hindustan Times reveals a different story: Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of rapes in India during Ms Bhartis tenure as chief minister, indicating the BJP leaders supposed diktat of public torture of rapists didnt curb actual crimes against women. In crimes against women, Madhya Pradesh had dubious distinction of coming second to Andhra Pradesh and reported 14,547 cases or 10.3% of the total. Read | Fact check: MP reported highest number of rapes in Uma Bhartis tenure as CM Increasing incidents of violence against women across the country is a genuine cause for concern. The harassment victims face while filing a complaint, the delay in conviction from patchy investigation to the prolonged judicial process are problems that need to be tackled on a war footing. But, rather than working to fix these challenges and speed up the processes, one cannot especially an elected representative of the people forget there is a law in place to tackle such offenders. This form of retributive justice she believes in is a medieval concept that does not should not find space in a modern democracy. Ms Bhartis open justification that the law must be bypassed to tackle rape cases is a fit case for opening a governmental inquiry on whether she actually ordered such punishment or not. If she did, then she will have to face legal proceedings. Former Gurgaon block committee chairman and local Congress leader, Hoshiyar Yadav, has been booked on charges of thrashing an operator at Kherki Daula toll plaza on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway on Saturday night. Yadav is also accused of ransacking several toll booths when a toll staff asked him to produce his identity card and vehicle permits for exemption from the toll. The incident has been captured by CCTV cameras. Yadav, along with another person, was crossing the toll plaza around 9:30 pm in an SUV when the toll plaza employee stopped them for payment of toll. Yadav asked the operator to open the boom barrier and exempt them from paying fees claiming to be local residents. The toll plaza employee then asked the driver to produce his identity card and vehicle permit to check whether they could be exempted from paying toll. Gurgaon: Ex-chairman of block samiti booked for attacking staff at Kherki Daula toll when asked his ID for fee exemption @htTweets pic.twitter.com/rpSRD9EhwS HT Gurgaon (@HTGurgaon) February 12, 2017 This infuriated the men in the SUV. They came out of the vehicle, and started abusing and thrashing the employee through a window. Security guards at the plaza tried to stop the scuffle and closed the window. Yadav and his accomplice barged into the toll booth and started beating the plaza employee. The attackers dragged him out of the toll booth and punched him indiscriminately. Efforts to stop the local Congress leader and his accomplice from beating the toll plaza employee went in vain. They then vandalised toll booth no. 10 and threw LCD display monitor, receipt printer, customised keyboards and intercom sets out of the booth. Yadav and the other attacker then barged into toll booths no. 2 and 3 and vandalised equipment. The entire episode has been recorded by CCTV cameras installed in the booths. Kripal Singh, the public relations officer of the Millennium City Expressway Private Ltd., (MCEPL) in his complaint to Kherki Daula police station, said, Yadav opened the boom barriers on all lanes and threatened plaza employees of harmful consequences. Singh informed police that the vehicle belonged to a Surender Singh of Sector 17A in Gurgaon, which neither falls in the list of villages exempted from paying toll nor did the vehicle have an electromagnetic radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Singh said, Yadav and his men ransacked toll booths, damaging electronic equipment and other things worth over Rs 2.5 lakh and inflicted a loss of Rs 2 lakh to the government exchequer. This is not the first time that Yadav got into a fight at Kherki Daula toll plaza. In 2014, Yadav with 200 others vandalised the toll plaza and they were booked by police for rioting. In 2016 too, Yadav was allegedly involved in a fight at the same toll plaza. Police have registered a case against Yadav and others under relevant sections of the IPC and are looking into the matter, a police personnel at Kherki Daula police station, said. After several demands for removing the toll plaza at Kherki Daula on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar had in 2016 assured residents that the toll plaza will be removed. He had said the government was working on a deal to acquire the toll plaza from the NHAI. To acquire the toll plaza, the government has to arrange around Rs 1,500 crore to pay the highway concessionaire MCEPL, which has rights to collect toll on the expressway till 2023. A team of doctors performed the rare dual lobe liver transplant on an overweight patient, where parts of livers from two donors were grafted in to the recipients body. The 38-year-old patient, Purevsuren Dorj, a Mongolian national, had been suffering from constant stomach pain. In June 2016, the doctors diagnosed a liver ailment. Dorj was recommended to undergo a surgery in October, which was finally realised this month. However, doctors came across a road block when it came to a normal liver transplant surgery. Dorjs excess weight posed the problem. He weighed 130 kilogram, which was why liver from just one donor proved insufficient. However, the issue was resolved when Dorjs two brothers, aged 31 and 35, agreed to donate a part of their livers to their brother. Doctors from the liver transplant department of Jaypee Hospital in Noida Sector 128 took around 16 hours to conduct the life-saving surgery. His brothers agreed to donate a part of their livers to the patient, which solved the issue. Dual lobe liver transplant is a very rare kind of surgery, where liver two donors is transplanted in one recipient. In normal cases, only one donor would be enough. But if the recipient is overweight or sized huge, liver from single donor becomes insufficient to perform the normal body functions, explained Dr Abhideep Chaudhary, senior liver transplant surgeon. In dual lobe liver transplant, three surgeries are performed simultaneously, which poses extreme complexities and challenges, Dr Chaudhary said. Meanwhile, Dorj thanked the team of doctors and his brothers for giving him a new lease of life. Prior to the surgery, my life was miserable because of the liver failure. When Dr Chaudhary informed me that I will need two donors for the transplant, I was tensed as I hadnt heard of anything like that before. But he explained to me how it will be done and assured that I could lead a normal life post surgery. It boosted my courage to undergo the transplant. Both my brothers donated their livers, so that I could lead a normal life. All thanks to the doctors and my brothers, I am back to my normal life today, he said. Hollywood star George Clooney and his lawyer wife Amal are expecting a boy and a girl as twins, the actors mother Nina has revealed. It will be one of each! Yes, a boy and a girl. Thats what Ive been told. How marvelous! My husband and I are extremely excited, Nina told radaronline.com from her home in Augusta, Kentucky. While Nina has been told about the babies gender, theres a thing about the twins that the couple has still keep a secret from her. I havent been told their names. That is George and Amals department, she added. George and Amals friend Julie Chen was the one who broke the news of the pregnancy. Follow @htshowbiz for more Actor Lindsay Lohan has revealed that her interest in Islam made her feel scared about returning to the US. The 30-year-old has returned to New York and opened up about the recent speculation that she would be converting to Islam. Ive studied the Quran for quite some time. Its a process to convert to anything. I respect all religions... Its a beautiful religion and I am a very spiritual person. Its something Ive been studying, Lohan told dailymail.co.uk. US actor Lindsay Lohan, left, places a badge bearing a quote from Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (centre) reading World is bigger than five," referring to the UN Security Council's five permanent members - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, on the jacket of his wife Emine Erdogan, right, during a visit at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, Friday on January 27, 2017. (AP) You cant just convert overnight to a religion, she added. However, after US President Donald Trump banned people from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the US, Lohan, who has been spending time in Greece and Turkey, revealed that she was in doubt about returning. I was scared to come here with everything going on because of my personal beliefs, she said. Follow @htshowbiz for more The O Panneerselvam camp got a boost on Sunday with more lawmakers and one former minister pledging support to the acting Tamil Nadu chief minister in the power struggle within Tamil Nadus ruling AIADMK. Sundays developments take the total count of MPs backing Panneerselvam to 10. The AIADMK has 37 members in Lok Sabha. Until recently, all of them were with AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala. Amid mounting pressure from the party cadres and apparent public sentiment, MPs B Senguttuvan, Jeyasingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee, RP Marutharaja, R Lakshmanan, S Rajendran and MLA P Vijayalakshmi Palanisamy switched to the Panneerselvam camp on Sunday. Read | Panneerselvam vs Sasikala: 10 points about Tamil Nadus power struggle Panneerselvam, who was named the chief minister after J Jayalalithaas death in December, quit on February 5, clearing the way for Sasikalas elevation to the states top job. The governor accepted his resignation the next day but on Wednesday Panneerselvam revolted, saying he was forced to resign and was willing to reconsider his decision. Here are the highlights of happenings on Sunday: 10.15pm: VK Sasikala reaches Poes Garden residence in Chennai after meeting AIADMK legislators at Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur. Sasikala returns to Poes Garden residence in Chennai. (ANI Photo) 9.15pm: Panneerselvam says he had earlier said he was forced to resign. I explained to the governor what exactly happened, he says. 9.12pm: Caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam says Sasikala is only an interim general secretary, and Election Commission should hold a poll for the post. 9.09pm: Amma had many servants. Does that mean all of them can become Amma? asks Panneerselvam. 9.08pm: Theni MP Parthiban is the ninth AIADMK Lok Sabha member to extend support to Panneerselvam. OPS assures media that action will be taken against goons who attacked press at Kuvathur. 9.04pm: Amma threw all of Sasikalas family out of Poes Garden and told party members to not have any dealings with them, says Panneerselvam. 9pm: The caretaker chief minister says he didnt go and call any MLA. People are coming of their own will, he says. 8.59pm: Panneerselvam says shedding crocodile tears, passing new remarks every day is not going to help. Will prove everything in assembly, the caretaker chief minister says. 8.57pm: Panneerselvam says: Who is Ammas blood relative? Deepa was crying because she was not allowed to see Ammas body. 8.55pm: Panneerselvam says that in the last 15 years, since 2001, Amma was the one who saved him from numerous problems and had never once said any bad words to him even when she was angry. Read | What could be Sasikalas Plan B if Tamil Nadu governor delays swearing-in 8.52pm: Tamils here and across the globe have said they will not allow Sasikala to become CM, says Panneerselvam. 8.50pm: O Panneerselvam hits out at Sasikala, says people voted for all of the MLAs in the name of Amma. 8.49pm: Sasikala was the only one with Amma inside hospital. Did she come out once to tell people Amma was doing well? asks Panneerselvam. 8.47pm: Many AIADMK cadres who are not even in Chennai are voicing their opinion against Sasikala assuming charge as TN chief minister, says Panneerselvam. 8.45pm: Panneerselvam says even today many AIADMK MLAs are contacting him and telling, for each MLA there are four gundas sitting. 8.35pm: Sasikala breaks down, says after becoming general secretary, she went to Ammas memorial but couldnt get out of there, magnetic power didnt let me go away. 8.29pm: Sasikala urges AIADMK MLAs to pledge for our victory, after which we will visit Ammas memorial and dedicate it to her. 8.25pm: I will achieve everything if you all stand firmly behind me, I wont move away, I will be firm as I have been with Amma, Sasikala tells AIADMK MLAs lodged at the resort. 8.23pm: Sasikala says portrait of Amma has to be installed in state assembly to show gratitude. Some people with us dont want it to happen, she says. 8.20pm: We will form the govt, then visit Ammas memorial, take a photograph and show it to the world. This is our pledge: ANI quoting VK Sasikala Read | Amid desertion by MPs, Sasikala says its very difficult for a woman to be in politics 8.19pm: Sasikala launches strong counter offensive, says Panneerselvam who was a minister for so long, is today all out to destroy. It is same as hitting your eye with your own finger, she says. 8.16pm: Sasikala breaks down while addressing party MLAs, says she will even give her life to protect Ammas legacy, party and carry it forward. 8.12pm: I think there is a person called Pannerselvam who you have forgotten till now, Sasikala tells party MLAs at Golden Bay resort. 8.06pm: You all are aware as to what extent our opponents have gone against us, we must stay together and foil their evil attempts: VK Sasikala. AIADMK tussle | VK Sasikala addresses MLAs at Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur (ANI) pic.twitter.com/nHzIsYdpnd Hindustan Times (@htTweets) February 12, 2017 8.05pm: VK Sasikala addresses AIADMK legislators lodged at Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur. 7.42pm: Party workers, and forces now opposing us will not succeed in their attempts, wont let it happen, says Sasikala. 7.41pm: We are working on it, says Sasikala on being asked if she would protest if not invited to form government. 7.40pm: When asked about pending verdict in DA case, Sasikala says, Let it come, I will see. 7.36pm: Opposition parties are spreading rumours. AIADMK MLAs are not locked up, says Sasikala. 7.34pm: All of you can see for yourselves that no one has been locked up, says Sasikala, as she allows media to enter resort where MLAs have been lodged. You can see truth that non of our MLAs have been forcibly kept here, we are living here as a family: #VKSasikala pic.twitter.com/XaEiwEpBWV ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 7.03pm: Sasikala allows media to enter resort after scuffle AIADMK supporters had with media. All of you can see for yourselves that no one has been locked up, says Sasikala. 6.51pm: AIADMK MP V Maitreyan who had gone to meet the governor returns to OPSs residence 6.31pm: Meeting between Sasikala and AIADMK legislators lodged at Golden Bay resort begins. 6. 10pm: Media persons stage a protest demanding action against AIADMK supporters for allegedly preventing and abusing them at the Kuvattur resort 6.07pm: Posters have been put up outside the residence of OPS in Chennai saying O Panneerselvam is Ammas only political heir. 5.57pm: Police personnel have been deployed outside the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. 5.25pm: Supporters performed Aarti in front of VK Sasikala when she was en route to Kuvathurs Golden Bay resort. #WATCH: Supporters performed 'Aarti' in front of VK Sasikala when she was en route to Kuvathur's Golden Bay resort. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/1b6xUYNY9u ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 5.19pm: Rajya Sabha AIADMK MP V Maitreyan reaches Raj Bhavan to call on governor C Vidyasagar Rao. 5.02pm: Supporters chant slogans for Panneerselvam as he meets and greets the crowd gathered at his residence in Chennai. 5.07pm: Sasikala says the delay in swearing in was only to divide the AIADMK. But AIADMK will not split and stay united to fulfill Ammas dreams 5.02pm: I have extensively worked with Panneerselvam, he is a very nice man. Under his leadership, one can pop his collar and walk, says Manobala I have extensively worked with #Panneerselvam,he is a very nice man. Under his leadership, one can pop his collar and walk: Manobala pic.twitter.com/O6ZuYGM57b ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 5.01pm: Tamil director, producer and actor Manobala extends support to Panneerselvam. 4.47pm: OS Maniman, an MLA from Sasikala camp, says 127 legislators are with Chinnamma and determined to make her CM. OPS has just 6 or 7 MLAs with him, he says. 4.10pm: Sasikala says the letter which claims to have been written by her is false. The letter which claims to have been written by me is false- Respected Chinnamma AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 12, 2017 3: 46pm: Hurdles and betrayals are the path which we have crossed, Sasikala says, adding, A letter has been circulated as if I have written it. It shows there are people who cannot tolerate a lady getting into politics. 3:20pm: Sasikala has left Poes Garden and is on her way to meet party MLAs. She says she is not scared of threats and it was by tiding rough sea that AIADMK reached the pinnacle of its success. She also alleged that the it was the same group that rebelled against Jayalalithaa that is attacking her faction now. True party people are the foundation of AIADMK. We have faith in democracy, Sasikala says. You will come to know why only MPs are going there (OPS). Sasikala told reporters, hinting at who was behind revolt, without taking names. Hurdles and betrayals are the path which we have crossed- Respected Chinnamma AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 12, 2017 2:30pm: Panneerselvam is likely to visit the Golden Bay resort where AIADMK MLAs are allegedly detained, sources tell HT. An MLA at the resort tells news channels that they are there by choice: Staying by choice,no compulsion.Heard that OPS will come here&seek support but he has no right-T.Tamilselvan MLA lodged at Koovathur resort pic.twitter.com/8DVYf1eOkv ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 2:20pm: There are now reports that missing person complaints have been filed in many constituencies for AIADMK leaders, including fisheries minister Jayakumar, MLA R Chandrasekhar. 2:10pm: ANI reports that Tamil Nadus education minister K Pandiarajan, who pledged support to Panneerselvam on Saturday, is meeting VK Sasikalas husband M Natarajan at their residence. Read | Tamil Nadu CM row: 7 reasons why VK Sasikala is in the eye of storm amid AIADMKs power tussle 2:00pm: Waiting for governors response, If nothing comes by today, GS Sasikala will announce next move, says AIADMK MP R Vaithiligam. Whether the next course of action will be protest or legal remedy to be decided by Sasikala. 1:40pm: Soon after the partys official handle tweeted that R Lakshmanan has been expelled from his post as district secretary, ANI reports that he and another AIADMK MP S Rajendran meet Panneerselvam and extend their support. 1:15pm: AIADMK MP R Lakshmanan expelled from Vizhupuram North district secretary post, tweets AIADMK, after reports that he is joining O Panneerselvam. CV Shanmugham will replace him. Announcement-Expelled-Dr.R.Lakshmanan,MP- District Secretary,Vizhupuram North. Minister C.Ve Shanmugham appointed to the post. pic.twitter.com/e1geu85lJX AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 12, 2017 12:45pm: Senior AIADMK leader and former minister P Vijayalakshmi Palanisamy has now sided with Panneerselvam. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy says on Twitter that a writ petition charging abetment of horse trading if the Tamil Nadu governor Vidyasagar Rao does not settle the issue by Monday. Ever since the issue of government formation has broken out, Swamy has been favouring AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala to be sworn-in as chief minister, saying she has the numbers in her favour. 12:20pm: DMK working president MK Stalin to chair a high-level action council meeting of the party on Monday, reports ANI. Read | Panneerselvam vs Sasikala: AIADMK split may help BJP gain foothold in Tamil Nadu politics 11:45am: Another MP, RP Marutharaja from Perambalur, is reportedly at Panneerselvams home. He becomes the third MP to pledge support on Sunday, the seventh in two days. The Tamil Nadu BJP chief, Tamilisai Soundarrajan, says the governor should ascertain if MLAs are being threatened, as the CM said he was forced to resign. 11:15am: Now, former MP Ramarajan goes to Panneerselvams residence: #OPanneerselvam is our leader now, he is following path of M G Ramachandran: Former AIADMK MP and actor Ramarajan pic.twitter.com/wu4MXAaHji ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 10:50am: Missing persons complaint filed for two government ministers - S Valarmathi at Tiruchi police station and R Duraikannu at Papanasam station in Thanjavur. 10:30am: Two more sitting Lok Sabha AIADMK MPs extended their support to acting Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam. The two -- B.Senguttuvan from Vellore constituency and Jeyasingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee from Tuticorin constituency -- visited Panneerselvam at his residence. We expect six more MLAs to join, an AIADMK leader told IANS. With two MPs expressing their support to Panneerselvam, the total number of sitting Lok Sabha members in Pannerselvams camp has gone up to six and one in Rajya Sabha. The AIADMK has 37 MPs in Lok Sabha. Read | Tamil Nadu is in turmoil because AIADMK has no leadership succession policy (With agency inputs) With the party split down the middle, AIADMK presidium chairman E Madhusudanan and AIADMK legal wing chief Durai Pandian have declared that they will move all the appropriate authorities to protect the party and its properties too. Claiming to be the real AIADMK after he was expelled from the primary membership of the party by general secretary VK Sasikala, Madhusudanan questioned her authority. This is the real AIADMK, and it is our prerogative when and who we will be selected as our general secretary, he said. I have already expelled her. Madhusudanan said, adding that a process to elect a new general secretary will be announced soon. Read | Tamil Nadu is in turmoil because AIADMK has no leadership succession policy It is not just the legacy of MGR and Amma and the government at stake, the question is as to who will control the properties of the party and funds. Chief minister O Panneerselvam, who has been removed from the post of the treasurer by Sasikala, hit back by freezing party funds. According to the partys audited accounts filed with the Election Commission, the assets of the AIADMK is worth Rs 224 crore. Madhusudanan has already moved the Election Commission asking it not to accept Sasikalas election as general secretary as none of the procedures were followed in the process. Her appointment itself is not valid and as a consequence all the decisions she has taken as party official are invalid, the top party leader said. Panneerselvam has already written to the Bank of India branch, where the AIADMK operates its account from, not to allow transactions without his consent as he is the legal treasurer of the party. Likewise, moves will be made to safeguard the party assets too and legal steps will be taken at appropriate forums, said a senior leader, but added that the stage for that has not come yet. Read | Setback for Sasikala as AIADMKs Pandiarajan, two MPs join Panneerselvam camp SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON BJP is looking to woo Hindu voters of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh who are temporarily residing in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, by playing the Kairana exodus card. Party activists are allegedly circulating newspaper clippings published in a Hindi daily, about an Allahabad high court order to UP DGP and principal secretary (PS), home, to provide safe environment to voters of Kairana who had allegedly migrated from the town. According to rough estimates, around 10,000-15,000 voters of Mahoba district are residing in Chhatarpur and they can play a key role in the northern states election, especially in Charkhari constituency. BJP, however, claimed that they were just informing people here about the incident, and not influencing voters. Its Harpalpur office in-charge Rakesh Pathak said the UP government had failed to provide a safe environment to Hindus. In Bundelkhand too, people are facing problems like in Kairana, where Hindu families migrated from the town due to extortion by a section of people of the minority community, he said, although he went on to add that people migrated for a livelihood or safety. Samajwadi Party has completely failed in stopping migration of people. They are migrating either for safety or for livelihood, Pathak said. According to sources, a member of a minority community allegedly abducted a Dalit married woman on January 17 in Charkhari and BJP is connecting this matter with the Kairana exodus. Harpalpur municipal council chairperson Mamta Baisakhiya of BJP highlighted the water crisis and poor law and order situation in UP, which, she said, was affecting neighbouring districts in MP. However, Samajwadi Party leader Kaptan Singh, husband of MLA Urmila Rajput, said Brij Bhushan Rajput, son of former MP Ganga Charan Rajput and BJP candidate from Charkhari, had crossed all the limits to win the election. His supporters are threatening the voters, he said, adding that on getting a copy of the newspaper clipping, he would lodge a complaint with the election commission because they are dividing people unnecessarily. Mahoba district collector Ajay Kumar Singh said there are many voters of Mahoba district who are residing temporarily in Chhatarpur district. But I dont have any information of campaigning in Harpalpur. Two civilians and as many jawans were killed in the bloodiest day in Kashmir in a while on Sunday that saw a gunfight between security forces and militants which was followed by violent protests. Four militants were also killed in the encounter, which prompted hundreds of people to descend on the streets of Kulgam in south Kashmir and its adjoining areas. One of the civilians was a protester and the other was caught in the crossfire. The opposition National Conference demanded a probe into the firing, and Kashmiri separatists called for a strike on Monday to protest crackdown by the security forces. At least 21 protesters were injured when police used bullets, pellets and tear gas shells to repel amassing demonstrators. The protester killed in the firing was identified as 24-year-old Mushtaq Ibrahim from Sirgufwara. The youth probably died of bullet wounds, said deputy inspector general of south Kashmir SP Pani, adding that the other injured protesters are stable. We have referred at least 21 wounded youth to district hospital Anantnag, said chief medical officer of Kulgam, Dr Shafi. Most of them have been operated and are out of danger, he said. Dr Shafi said that the total number of injured cant be ascertained as many of them have not provided their details in the hospitals and left for their homes fearing police action. Many of the injured referred to Anantnag have been hit by bullets and pellets in their limbs while some have been hit in vital body parts. Some of the injured people, who were hit in vital areas of their body, have been referred to medical institutions in Srinagar. Security forces had cordoned off a house where the alleged militants were holed up at Kulgams Frisal village on Saturday night before the gunfight began Sunday morning. Late Sunday evening, a police spokesman identified the four militants as locals of south Kashmir. While two belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen, two others were associated with Lashkar e Taiba. The spokesman said that during the initial cordon three militants managed to escape from the spot. The two slain soldiers belonged to 1st Rashtriya Rifles and were identified as Raghubeer Singh of Uttarakhand and Bhandoriya Gopal Singh of Gujarat. Locals said thousands of people, chanting pro-freedom slogans, participated in the funeral of the slain militants and the two civilians in Kulgam. Reports in local news portals quoting eyewitnesses said militants offered gun salute to their slain militant colleagues in Redwani Qaimoh. NC wants probe, separatists call for strike Jammu and Kashmirs opposition National Conference condemned the killing of two civilians in Frisal village of Kulgam and demanded an impartial and time-bound probe. In a statement issued from party headquarters, district president Kulgam and MLA Homshalibugh Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi lashed out at the forces for resorting to indiscriminate and brute force, resulting in death of two civilians and injuries to scores out of which two have been grievously injured. No amount of apology from administration can bring the two civilians back. They didnt deserve to die and therefore it is necessary for the government to identify and punish those who are responsible for the killings, he said. The MLA ridiculed the recent assurances of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti that civilians will be secured in such times. He asked why the forces were not following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). SOP has been confined to papers and rhetoric. It is clear that the forces resorted to indiscriminate use of force and a killing spree, he said. Meanwhile, separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik have called for a complete shutdown on Monday. On February 15, they have called for Kulgam Chalo to protest the killing of the two civilians. They said that such merciless acts will never be tolerated and we are obliged to resent and raise our voice against state sponsored terrorism. The Supreme Court has held that a man cannot claim right over property inherited by his sister from her husband because he is neither her heir nor her family. Legal provisions of the Hindu Succession Act were quoted to point out the succession line. A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said the law was clear that property inherited by a woman from her husband or father-in-law would devolve upon the heirs of the husband and father-in-law only. The bench dismissed an appeal filed by a man challenging a March 2015 order of the Uttarakhand high court holding him to be an unauthorised occupant of a property in Dehradun in which his married sister, who later died, was a tenant. The property was taken on rent in 1940 by the father-in-law of the mans sister. Thereafter the womans husband became the tenant and after his death she became the tenant. The petitioner had asserted his right as a tenant saying he was part of his sisters family. In the facts of present case, the appellant being the brother of deceased tenant cannot be held to be the family as the inclusive list given under the Act clearly omits brother and sister and the same cannot be read therein as the list has to be read and interpreted strictly, it said. The Border Security Force (BSF) is in talks with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for giving training to its troopers for identifying fake notes smuggled through Indo-Bangladesh border. The paramilitary force and intelligence agencies are having sleepless nights over consignments of counterfeit Rs 2,000 notes being seized from the border in past one month. The amount of counterfeit notes that has been recovered by security agencies is a matter of concern. The security features have been expertly replicated, half of the security features of the new Rs 2,000 notes is there in the fake notes. We are in talks with RBI for a training program for our soldiers and officers on ground duty for identifying fake Rs 2000 notes. Hope we will would be able to do it very soon, a senior BSF official told PTI on condition of anonymity. We want our soldiers and officers to have a proper idea on how to identify fake and real notes, either by use of technology or physically. There are 17 features in the Rs 2000 notes, we want our jawans to be well trained in spotting fake notes, even with high number of security features replicated, another BSF official said. The booming trade in fake Indian currency notes using the porous Indo-Bangladesh border especially in the Malda-Murshidabad district, was believed to have taken a hit after demonetisation of Rs 1000 and 500 notes. But alarm bells rang when counterfeit Rs 2,000 notes, which have replicated nearly 50-60 per cent of the security features, were seized. The central security agencies and police intercepted few consignments of Rs 2,000 notes between December 2016 and January from areas near Malda district. On February 8, West Bengal police arrested a youth with 40 fake Rs 2,000 currency notes from Murshidabad district, which is termed as the biggest such haul from the porous Indo-Bangla border region post demonetisation. A Lok Sabha MP from Kerala has given a notice to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and sought permission to move a breach of privilege motion against authorities of RML Hospital in Delhi, contending it mistreated the MPs who had reached there to enquire about the health of IUML MP E Ahamed. Senior IUML leader and Lok Sabha MP E T Mohammed Basheer today said he had mentioned in his notice that RML authorities mistreated MPs, including Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who had reached the hospital on January 31 night to enquire about the health of Ahamed, who had passed away in the hospital after suffering a heart attack during the Presidents address to the joint sitting of Parliament. It is a contempt to the House. It is an insult to the House. My complaint is against authorities of the RML hospital, Basheer told PTI. The IUML leader said had given the notice two days prior to the adjournment of the first part of the Budget Session. Besides Sonia Gandhi, other leaders including Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel and MPs from Kerala had reached the hospital coinciding with the complaint by Ahameds family that the hospital authorities were not allowing them to meet the former union minister. Ahamed died at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on February 1. Basheer expressed hope that the Speaker would accept his notice against the RML authorities. During the session, the Congress-led opposition had disrupted the Lok Sabha proceedings, demanding a probe into the death of the former Union Minister. The Speaker, however, had rejected the oppositions demand for constitution of a parliamentary panel to probe Ahameds death. The Election Commission wants students to learn from the secondary-school level how to become responsible voters. In a bid to educate 15 to 17-year-old future voters, who would enrol as voters when they turn 18, the Election Commission has asked the Union HRD ministry to introduce electoral literacy in the curriculum at the secondary school level. And till the time the subject becomes part of the curriculum, the Commission has asked the HRD ministry to ask the NCERT to bring out a booklet on elections and electoral process that may be included in the list of supplementary reading material for schools at appropriate level. Last July, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi had written to HRD minister Prakash Javadekar requesting him to include electoral literacy in the curriculum. It is felt that introducing electoral literacy curriculum in a systematic manner will go a long way in strengthening electoral literacy. Therefore, EC proposes that the same may be included in the curricula and as co-curricular in schools at secondary level and if required even at higher levels, Zaidi wrote to Javadekar. In August, Javadekar responded saying the poll panels request was examined in consultation with NCERT which prepares the National School Curriculum Framework for the country. The current textbook materials of the NCERT are based on National Curriculum Framework, 2005. The suggestion of the Election Commission will be taken into account when NCERT takes up next revision of the curriculum. I would like to inform you that at present the ministry is engaged in the process of preparation of a New Education Policy, Javadekar said. He also said existing Political Science textbooks prepared by the NCERT have many details about the electoral process. Not willing to wait, Zaidi has now written again to the Union minister requesting him that as an interim measure, the NCERT can be asked by the government to come out with a booklet on election and electoral process. The CEC also informed the minister that several democracies across the world have electoral literacy as part of their school curricula. The poll panel launched a unique programme this January called interactive school engagement under which close to 5,000 electoral registration officers, district election officers and the Chief Electoral Officers visited one school to interact with the students of Class IX to XII, in the age- group of 15-17 years, took question-answers, shared creative contents, distributed badges and administered pledges. In India, over 62 million persons fall in the age group of 15 to 17 years and have been described as future voters by the Election Commission. Every year, 20 million persons out of the future voters turn 18 to become first time voters. Future voters have generally not been in the focus of the Commission. Now, under Systematic Voter Education Programme, the Commission will lay special focus on this group in the year 2017 and onward. We hope that the first time and future voters will get encouraged to be part of electoral process, Zaidi had said at the National Voters Day on January 25. Union urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu has written to chief ministers of states that have not drawn up rules for Indias first real estate law, making a sincere request to speed up the process for mechanisms that will help lakhs of homebuyers stuck with delayed projects. The Union governments Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 which sets up authorities to settle real estate sector cases comes into force from May 1 this year but states first need to decide on specific protocols as land laws fall in their domain. The law is expected to lay down redress mechanisms for consumers in cases such as delayed delivery of flats, a problem that has blighted a largely unregulated sector. In absence of appellate mechanism and a regulator, the consumers will have to rush to the courts if they are in disagreement with the realtor. It will lead to sheer harassment, an urban development ministry official said, explaining the scenario when a central law is in force but mechanisms to implement it are missing. In his letter, Naidu referred to this scenario as vacuum that will hit one of the most important reforms for the sector It is therefore, my sincere request to please bestow your personal attention to this matter so that the Act is implemented in time, Naidu wrote. So far, rules have been notified by only four states -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. The Centre has notified rules for six Union Territories including Delhi. Realtors have particularly opposed putting existing projects under the ambit of the law. The rules announced by some states have diluted the central law, playing into the hands of builders. In his letter, Naidu urged CMs to ensure they pass rules in accordance with the law passed by Parliament. Gujarat has left out all projects that came up before October 2016 while Uttar Pradesh diluted the definition to keep majority of the ongoing projects out of the ambit of the law. Maharashtras rule has kept project-related details that a developer has to upload on the regulators website from public viewing. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hundreds of students from Lucknow University and the Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama came out in support of Fatima Nafees, mother of missing Jawaharlal Nehru University student Najeeb Ahmed, who led a protest here on Sunday. Demanding a thorough investigation into the incident, they raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Rajnath Singh, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh. The students also alleged that Delhi Police did not take adequate steps to trace Ahmed, who went missing from his hostel on October 15 last year. They demanded that the authorities take action against nine members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, against whom an FIR has already been lodged. JNUSU president Mohit Pandey, former union vice-president Shehla Rashid and retired professor Rajesh Mishra also participated in the protest. (HT Photo) The march started from Parivartan Chowk at 1 pm, and concluded at the Gandhi Pratima. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) president Mohit Pandey, former union vice-president Shehla Rashid and retired professor Rajesh Mishra also participated in the protest. The students alleged that Delhi Police did not take adequate steps to trace Ahmed, who went missing from his hostel on October 15 last year. (HT Photo) On Saturday, Fatima had made an emotional appeal to the student fraternity to help find her son. It has been nearly four months since my son disappeared, but the police have not been able to trace him, she said, wondering why the safety and security of students never became a political issue. Similar protests will be held at Jamshedpur, Jabalpur, Hyderabad and two cities in Kerala on Sunday. Fatima had earlier led a march at Badaun, her hometown. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala paraded her MLAs before media on Sunday, though none were allowed to speak to reporters, as she tried to scotch allegations that the lawmakers were being held hostage to stop them from crossing sides. The move came on a day more five more parliamentarians pledged support to acting chief minister O Panneerselvam, who is locked in bitter struggle with Sasikala over Tamil Nadus top job. Sasikala, who is trying to take over the reins and allegedly forced Panneerselvam to quit, drove to the Golden Bay resort near the beach town of Mahabalipuram for the second day running to meet the MLAs, who were kept there since Wednesday night. For the first time since more than a hundred lawmakers were corralled into the resort, media was allowed inside. Look at these people. How free they are and this proves all the false claims being made by those opposing us. They are living here like good family members. They were saying MLAs were kept in detention. But see for yourselves, how free they are, Sasikala said. She alleged that the MLAs were complaining of threats to their family members for supporting her. They are getting threats that their daughters will be taken away. She has alleged that the delay in making her the chief minister was a deliberate design to split the party. The longtime confidante of former chief minister and party supremo, the late J Jayalalithaa, is awaiting the governors response to end the political stalemate. I lived for over 30 years with a lioness. And I have become a lioness and all of you are lions too, she told her lawmakers. OPS will be defeated. Read | Amid desertion by MPs, Sasikala says its very difficult for a woman to be in politics Governor C Vidyasagar Rao is yet to take a decision and speculation swirled that he might not invite Sasikala to form the government till the Supreme Court pronounced a verdict in the corruption case against her. Sasikala appeared unfazed about the top court judgment. Do you have any news in advance? Let it come, we will see, she said. But anxiety is mounting as more leaders crossed sides to the Panneerselvam camp. The mood Panneerselvams home was electric with the arrival of each new MP. Of the AIADMKs 50 parliamentarians a joint figure from both Houses 10 have pledged support to OPS, as the chief minister is called. The five new arrivals on Sunday included RP Marutharajaa, B Senguttuvan, Jeyasingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee, Lakshmanan and Rajendran. Read | Sasikala warns of different approach in AIADMK turf war, OPS camp gets boost But the stalemate remained. Only MPs are coming, the MLAs still seem to be solidly behind Sasikala. But we have to wait and watch if, as minister Pandiarajan, said the trickle will turn into a torrent, said a circumspect OPS supporter. Panneerselvam asserted that at no cost will he and his supporters allow Sasikala to become the chief minister. All the MLAs will come, he insisted. I will remain the chief minister without a doubt. Read | Panneerselvam starts signature campaign to convert Ammas residence to memorial He continued to accuse Sasikala of holding the lawmakers hostage at the resort. Today we have seen what was being shown from the resort. The MLAs have been confined and she is saying they are free. It is not the truth, the chief minister said. Asked why the chief minister was not sending police to free the MLAs, he said that he did not want any law and order problem to erupt. Sasikalas move to allow journalists into the resort is viewed as an attempt to counter negative publicity. But there were reports that several mediapersons were manhandled and abused by AIADMK private guards outside the plush retreat. Read | Panneerselvam vs Sasikala: 10 points about Tamil Nadus power struggle SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The countrys first minority cyber village project has died a quiet death in Rajasthans Alwar, barely 150km from New Delhi, amid the chorus for Digital India. With that died hopes of several schoolchildren who were dreaming big after meeting Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. In February 2014, the government launched a minority cyber-gram project in Chandoli village, where more than 70% of people are Meo Muslims. The project was aimed at training the villagers to become Internet savvy. That year in October, the Facebook CEO visited Chandoli. But three years on, the Congress-led UPA governments project has been shelved. No official reason has been given. The move was surprising as it contradicts the Narendra Modi governments push to bridge the countrys technology divide through its Digital India initiative, with plans to provide e-governance and phone connectivity to the entire population. Read: Zuckerberg leaves a Mark on this Alwar village The Digital Empowerment Foundation, an NGO, ran the project at the Rajiv Gandhi Sewa Kendra in the village. The centre was renamed Atal Sewa Kendra when the BJP-led NDA came into power in 2014. We were asked to vacate the government building in February 2015, said Yousuf Khan, a regional manager of the NGO. The NGO operated for another year out of a rented room but could not sustain the project without funds. Villagers believe the centre was closed because schoolchildren were shooting off mails to the district collector and top bureaucrats about absent panchayat officials, who met at the sewa kendra. That probably ticked many government officials off. The children are obviously oblivious to the machinations, if any. All they know is the centre has been closed and the dream that was born when they met Zuckerberg was crushed. We thought one day we will also make software and websites and bring laurels to our village. With the centre closed, we feel our dream will never fulfill, said Hazrat Sapwan, one of the many child dreamers in the village. Yasmeen Siddiqui, a student of class 8, recalled how she read news from around the world on Google and updated her parents about it, when the village cyber project was operating. It was not just the kids who were captivated by the computer and the worldwide web it gave access to. People like 50-year-old Bhagwati Devi loved going to the centre to learn computers. Its been eight months since the centre closed. The closure is a huge loss, she said. Jamaica has assured India that special care would be taken to safeguard the lives of Indian nationals in the country after an Indian youth was shot dead in a case of suspected armed robbery in Kingston. The assurance came a day after external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had sought information from Indian High Commission regarding a report that a youth from Mumbais Vasai was shot dead and two other Indians were injured by four unidentified men in his Kingston home in a case of suspected armed robbery. We are grateful to Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness for his condolences on the tragic death of Indian national Rakesh Talreja. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has also promised that special care will be taken to safeguard the lives of Indian nationals in Jamaica. Kamina Johnson Foreign Minister of Jamaica has also conveyed her condolences. Jamaican Government is extending complete cooperation to our High Commission, Swaraj said in a series of tweets. According to reports, armed robbers entered 25-year-old Talrejas home, which he shared with two other Indians, in Jamaicas capital Kingston on Thursday evening. After snatching cash and cellphones from his roommates at gunpoint, they entered Talrejas bedroom and snatched his cellphone. They shot Talreja in the back three times. They also shot at his roommates before fleeing the house. Security in the district was stepped up on Saturday, the day Jat groups and state government panel held talks to break the ice. The All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) chief Yashpal Malik has warned that the protests may be intensified if their demands were not met. The community is holding protests for 14 days in over 17 districts of the state. Security around the dharna site at Jassia was intensified with extra companies of central forces. In the city, too, the police and paramilitary forces were deployed in good numbers. Elderly women enjoying hookah at Jassia village in Rohtak on Saturday. (Manoj Dhak/HT Photo) The number of protesters increased further on Saturday with youths taking out rallies on motorcycles. Protesters rallied past finance minister Captain Abhimanyus Sector 14 residence that was burnt by mobs during the last years protest. Many protesters left the dharna site in the evening, but vowed to continue the agitation till all their demands were met. Even as the ongoing pro-quota Jat stir entered the 14th day today, the situation remained peaceful in the state, officials said. The main opposition party in Haryana, the INLD, has openly come out in support of the agitating Jats this time and asked the government to meet their demands. During the fresh round of the agitation, the protesters have been staging dharnas at various places in the state amid elaborate security arrangements. The call for the fresh stir was given by certain Jat outfits, especially those owing allegiance to the body headed by Malik.The agitation by the Jats has remained peaceful till now. A section of the Jat community has been protesting since January 29. Their demands include reservation for Jats, jobs to the next of kin of those killed in violence in the Jat agitation last year, withdrawal of cases against them and action against officers who ordered action against the Jats. Violence during the Jat agitation last year left 30 people dead and over 200 injured. Government and private property worth hundreds of crores was damaged during the violence in February 2016. Besides seeking quota in education and government jobs, the demands of the Jats include the release of those jailed during last years agitation, withdrawal of cases against the protesters and government jobs for the kin of those killed. Five of the 11 people, arrested in Madhya Pradesh for their alleged involvement in a spying racket run from Pakistan, were sent to judicial custody till February 27 by a local court. Judicial Magistrate Shalu Sirohi sent to jail Trilok Bhadoria, Ritesh Khullar, Jitendra Yadav, Jitendra Singh Thakur and Lashkar Pandit from Gwalior. They were arrested on February 9 by the Madhya Pradesh ATS and charged with anti-national activities. Earlier, the court had sent them to police remand till February 12. The prime accused in the case Balram Singh, who hails from Satna, is in police remand till February 14. The others five members of the racket - Manish Gandhi, Dhurv Saxena and Mohit Agrawal from Bhopal, and Mohan Gupta and Sandeep Gupta from Jabalpur - who were produced in the local court on February 10 are in police remand till February 14. MP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had arrested the 11 people on February 9 after the arrest of Satvinder Singh and Dadu along the R S Pura sector on the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir for sharing secret information of strategic establishments to their overseas handlers in November last year. The 11 accused have been charged for passing on crucial information of vital installations in Madhya Pradesh to their overseas handlers. The two had reportedly revealed that they were gathering secret information regarding the locations of the Army and other security forces, and sharing the same with Pakistan on a social networking app. A man was killed in firing by security forces as hundreds of people descended on the streets of Kulgam in south Kashmir and its adjoining areas to protest the death of four alleged militants on Sunday. Health officials said at least 15 youngsters were injured by bullets, pellets and tear gas shells fired by security forces at agitators. The security personnel were attempting to break up protests near Frisal in Kulgam, where four militants, two soldiers and a civilian had been killed in an encounter earlier in the day. Read | 1 civilian, 2 soldiers among 7 dead in encounter in J-Ks Kulgam The deceased protester was identified as 24-year-old Mushtaq Ibrahim from Sirgufwara. The youth probably died of bullet wounds, said deputy inspector general of south Kashmir SP Pani, adding that the other injured protesters are out of danger. We have referred at least 15 wounded youngsters to the Anantnag district hospital, said Kulgam chief medical officer Dr Shafi. We are compiling more reports of the kind from adjoining areas. Some of the injured people, who were hit in vital areas of their body, have been referred to medical institutions in Srinagar. The encounter occurred after security forces received a tip-off on the presence of militants at Kulgams Frisal village on Saturday night. Army sources said they were yet to identify how the civilian who was taken hostage by gunmen had died. Read: Militant at 15, killed at 21: Hizbul Mujahideens poster boy Burhan Wani Pani said all the militants were local residents. We are ascertaining their identities, he added. Kashmir witnessed months of unrest after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani in July last year. Over 90 persons lost their lives in the protests that followed. In a goodwill gesture, the BSF has handed over a 65-year-old Pakistani national, who had inadvertently crossed into Indian territory on February 10, back to his country. Border Security Force (BSF) troops at Barreke border out post in Ferozepur sector apprehended Mohammad Ali, resident of village Sheru Khana in Pakistan, on February 10 as he inadvertently crossed the international boundary, entered Indian territory and reached near the border security fence, a BSF official said on Sunday. The official said Pakistan Rangers were contacted on Saturday and Ali was handed over to them on humanitarian grounds. The Congress in Arunachal Pradesh has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of pushing Hinduism, once again shinning the spotlight on conversions in the state that borders China. The BJP came to power in Arunachal Pradesh the second time in 12 years in December after 33 of the 43 MLAs of the regional Peoples Party of Arunachal switched over. State Congress general secretary Minkir Lollen said on Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modis hidden agenda was to make Arunachal Pradesh a Hindu-majority state through ghar wapsi. Ghar wapsi, the Hindi word for homecoming, is the name of a proselytizing campaign launched by some Hindu outfits to convert non-Hindus and bringing them back into the fold of Hinduism. The indigenous tribes will be insisted upon to adopt Hindutva. The rich tradition and culture of the indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are at stake under BJP rule, he said. The BJP hit back the next day, saying the Congress played a big role in changing the demography of the northeastern state. The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has had a long history in being a catalyst for reducing the indigenous population, while BJP has always stood for policies that support preservation of indigenous practices, tradition and culture, state BJP chief Tapir Gao said. War of faiths The exchange has brought to fore the challenges faced by indigenous faiths such as Donyi-Polo and Rangfra primarily from Christian missionaries. The followers of Donyi-Polo (Sun-Moon) belong to the Abotani group comprising tribes such as Apatani, Galo, Nyishi and Tagin. Adherents of the Rangfra faith, a tribal variant of the Vaishnavism, are mainly the Tangsa tribal people. The Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of the BJP, has allegedly been promoting the indigenous faiths of Arunachal Pradesh. But, many have converted to Christianity over the past three decades, allegedly because of costly and elaborate rituals. Census data say Arunachal Pradesh had no Christians in 1951. By 2001, Christians were the third largest religious group accounting for 18.7% of the states population, behind Hindus (34.6%) and others, mostly Donyi-Polo (30.7%). According to the 2011 census, Christianity is now the states largest religion. Christians bulk of them Roman Catholics account for 30.26% of the states 1.3 million people. Hindus were pushed to the second spot at 29.04%. Though Arunachal Pradesh had 5.56% fewer Hindus in 2011 than in 2001, traditionalists were more worried by the 4.5% drop in the number of followers of Donyi-Polo and other indigenous faiths. Arunachal was the third Indian state after Odisha (1967) and Madhya Pradesh (1968) to enact an anti-conversion law. The Arunachal Pradesh freedom of religion act of 1978 was aimed primarily at checking proselytization. Chhattisgarh in 2000, Gujarat in 2003, Himachal Pradesh in 2007 and Rajasthan in 2008 also passed anti-conversion laws, prohibiting forced or money-induced conversions. The Arunachal anti-conversion law, unlike in the other states, has been ineffective because its rules have not been framed. There is speculation that the BJP government led by Pema Khandu might frame the rules to check missionary activities. Checking conversion has been one of BJPs goals. In 2013, BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu had declared that his party would bring a nationwide anti-conversion law if elected to power. The party needs a majority in the Rajya Sabha to do so. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A man, alleged to be a spy, was detained on Sunday by the intelligence wing of Rajasthan Police near the Indo-Pak border in Jaisalmer district. On a tip-off, Hazi Khan was detained by sleuths of the intelligence department from Kishangarh near Tanot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer. He is currently being interrogated by our team in Jodhpur, additional director general (Intelligence) Utkal Ranjan Sahoo said. Sahoo said Khan was under scanner for the last few days and was detained on Sunday in a case of spying and sharing secret information. He is resident of Jaisalmer district and his in-laws live in Pakistan. Last week, police arrested a Jaisalmer resident, Sadiq, who was allegedly planning to share information with Pakistani intelligence agencies. Police has seized some documents and lodged a case against him under the Official Secrets Act. A 27-year-old Indian techie was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in California on Saturday evening. According to the reports reaching here, Vamsi Chander Reddy Mamidala from Warangal district of Telangana was found dead with bullet injuries near the garage of his apartment at Milpitas in California. He was staying in the US after completing his MS in Computer Sciences from a private university in Silicon Valley. The police, who reached the spot after hearing the gunshots, suspect that a person, reportedly a black, might have shot him dead to rob him of money and car. The incident occurred barely a day after Mumbai youth Rakesh Talreja (25) was shot dead by four unidentified men in his Kingston home in Jamaica in a case of similar suspected armed robbery. Two of his Indian roommates also suffered bullet injuries. Vamsis father Mohan Reddy Mamidala, a farmer from Vangapahad, told media that he had received a call from the US police on Sunday morning stating that his son was shot dead from a close range by an unknown miscreant. Vamsi had completed his B Tech from Vathsalya Institute of Science and Technology at Bhongir in Yadadri district of the state in 2014 and left for the US to pursue his MS. After completing his MS degree recently, Vamsi started doing a part-time job at a departmental store in the US and had been looking for a permanent employment. He was in regular touch with us. He called me on Friday and was worried about the dwindling job opportunities in the US following the restrictions imposed by the new government. I told him to come back to India, if he did not get any job there. But he has now gone forever, a wailing Reddy said. It is learnt the police had taken the accused into custody but they are yet to disclose the details. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tribal bodies in Nagaland said they would go ahead with their indefinite total shutdown starting from Monday to force chief minister TR Zeliang to resign. The tribal groups, under the banner of Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) and Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), have intensified their agitation after Zeliang refused to accede to their demand for his resignation and their three-day ultimatum in this regard ended on February 10. We have decided to go ahead with our indefinite shutdown to force the Chief Minister to step down for his decision to conduct the local bodies elections, besides owing responsibility for the death of three persons, NTAC convener KT Velie told IANS. Velie, however, said that educational institutions have been exempted from the purview of the shutdown. Read | Whos afraid of the Naga Mothers? Nagaland has been under turmoil since last month after the Naga Peoples Front (NPF)-led government decided to hold local body elections in 12 towns across the state. Three people have died and many injured following clashes between the police and the public who are opposing the conduct of the civic elections, where there is reservation for women. Nagaland has never elected a women legislator since it gained statehood in 1963. Read | Nagaland civic polls, opposed by tribal groups, declared null and void On the other hand, four NPF legislators -- Kropol Vitsu, Noke Wangnao, C.M. Chang and Namri Nchang -- asked party President Shurhozelie Liezietsu to revoke the suspension orders of lone Lok Sabha member Neiphiu Rio and sitting legislator Imkong Imchen to pave the way for party unity and reconciliation at the most crucial time. The need of the hour is for the government to listen to the voice of the people and respond in a positive manner so that peace, order and administration can be restored in Nagaland as early as possible, the four legislators said. Read | Men are afraid of us: Nagalands mothers body fights for survival amid quota clamour Meanwhile, police said they were taking all precautions. We have taken all necessary measures to ensure that there is no further breakdown of law and order in the wake of the indefinite shutdown starting from Monday, a police official said. The government continued to shut down the internet and mobile data service to stop the spread of rumours through social networking sites. The Kohima district administration also imposed prohibitory orders banning assembly of more than five persons and carrying of arms in certain areas including Raj Bhavan, Chief Ministers official residence and the Civil Secretariat. Seven people including a civilian and two soldiers were killed in gunfight in south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Sunday, police said, in what was the deadliest encounter in the Valley this year. Four militants were also shot dead and it wasnt immediately clear how the civilian who had been taken hostage by the gunmen had died. The officials said that three more soldiers were injured in the gun battle and four weapons were recovered. The gunfire erupted after security forces received inputs about the presence of militants in the Nagbal Frisal village of Kulgam. Police said they cordoned the village on Saturday night and the encounter began during searches in the early hours on Sunday. The gun battle was raging when the reports last came in. Seven persons have died in the encounter including a civilian, two army soldiers and four militants, said deputy inspector general of south Kashmir, SP Pani. Read| Militant at 15, killed at 21: Hizbul Mujahideens poster boy Burhan Wani He said all the militants were locals. We are ascertaining their identities, he said. The DIG said that they made announcements on public address system for the release of any civilians in the house in which militants were hiding. We made announcements for the release of civilians, some of which materialised some did not. The civilian who was killed was held hostage by the militants, Pani said. He did not identify the civilian but the local reports suggested that he may have been one of the house owners. #UPDATE: Bodies of 2 terrorists recovered during encounter b/w security forces & terrorists in Kulgam's Yaripora (J&K); Operation still on. ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 The last few months have seen a spate in militant strikes in the border state, with gunmen targeting security personnel and defence installation. On February 04, two Hizbul Mujahideen commanders were killed in a shootout on highway in Sopore area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. A superintendent of police and a sub inspector were also wounded in the encounter. On January 16, three militants were killed in Anantnag district of south Kashmir in a gunfight with security forces. Read| For Kashmir, 2016 was a long year of discontent AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala may just spring a surprise plan B if the governor continues to delay inviting her to form the government, party sources have said. According to them, she might pick KA Sengottaiyan who was recently appointed as the partys presidium chairman or powerful minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami to checkmate chief minister O Panneerselvam, who has emerged as a hero after his revolt against Sasikala. Much to the detriment of Sasikala in their battle for power, Panneerselvam has increasingly been consolidating support from party members and more importantly the masses. Sengottaiyan, however, categorically denied that he was a chief ministerial candidate. Asserting that he was completely behind Sasikala, the party official said, We will not rest until we make her the chief minister. Read | Panneerselvam vs Sasikala: 10 points about Tamil Nadus power struggle This remains the official line of the party, even though certain sources indicate that there could be an eleventh-hour replacement if there was further delay in getting the all-important invite from Raj Bhavan. Governor C Vidyasagar Rao reportedly wants to wait for the Supreme Court verdict in the disproportionate assets case, in which Sasikala is an accused, before taking any concrete action. Sources say the court might pronounce its order on Tuesday. Read | Sasikala warns of different approach in AIADMK turf war, OPS camp gets boost Constitutional experts believe waiting for the verdict would present the governor with a window of discretionary power to arrive at a considered view on the issue. Sasikala, however, has hit out against the governor accusing him of deliberately delaying the swearing-in ceremony in an attempt to divide the AIADMK. The AIADMK is strongly united, and wont split irrespective of how much people try, Sasikala told mediapersons in a brief interaction on Sunday, before setting off for the Golden Bay resort. AIADMK members supportive of Sasikala have been housed at the resort to prevent possible poaching by Panneerselvams backers. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Finns and Indians do not share much in common as far as social inequality is concerned but the youth wing of Finlands Social Democratic Party and the youth arm of Indias largest communist party, the CPI-M, want their respective governments to give more rights to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. At a time when young social democrats in the European nation are demanding separate gender identification in passports for the transgender, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has adopted a resolution demanding right to education, jobs and social equality for the LGBT community. A special resolution adopted at the 10th DYFI national conference held in Kerala in early February has demanded special budgetary provisions for education of the transgender community. It also says the community should be treated as socially and educationally backward classes and given reservation in jobs and education institutions like scheduled tribes, scheduled classes and other backward classes. It is a crime to remain silent. Even our political-organisational report says that 4.88 lakh (according to the 2011 census) members of the transgender community in India - 56% of whom are illiterate and 26% belong to scheduled castes and tribes- should enjoy the same rights that the Constitution gives to others, Abhoy Mukherjee, DYFI national general secretary, told HT. DYFI has also demanded scrapping of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which treats homosexuality as crime. The LGBT community has welcomed the solidarity the DYFI has expressed and offered to join the movement the CPI-Ms youth arm has planned. We welcome the resolution. There is a well stated argument regarding transgender people and Section 377. People from the transgender community want skill building and employment, said Pawan Dhall founding trustee of Varta Trust and former country director at Solidarity and Action Against the HIV Infection in India (SAATHII). But only a quota wont do. There should also be talks on some anti-discrimination law as well, added Dhall, a national activist on LGBT issues. Interestingly, it is Students Federation of India, the student wing of the CPI-M, which took the first step. In 2013, Gourab Ghosh made headlines as the SFIs first gay candidate at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University students union election. SFI included the gender agenda long before any organisation in India. In 2016, we decided to include the othersgender option in our membership forms. In the last academic session, the SFI Kerala unit launched a campaign, giving the first membership to a transgender student. Now we have many members from the LGBT community, said Mayukh Biswas, SFI national joint secretary. It is evident that political parties, too, are concerned. We neither belong to the Left nor to the Right but we are ready to join any movement. Reservation in jobs and education is necessary for this vulnerable community, said Ranjita Sinha secretary, Association of Transgender/Hijras in Bengal. She pointed out that though a Transgender Development Board has been set up by the Trinamool government, no major initiative has been taken so far. The board performs under the women and child welfare department which has different priorities. West Bengal is lagging behind as far as welfare of the transgender is concerned, added Sinha who is also member of the board. Muslim activists from Student Islamic Organisation of India (SIOI) are reaching out to youths with a request not to celebrate Valentine Day on February 14 in the larger interest of the country. The activists said the country was affected by poverty, child labour, malnourishment and similar problems, which needed to be addressed. As per a report over 1000 lakh valentine cards are purchased across the country by youths who also spend huge amount on outing, gifts and eateries to celebrate February 14. If we stop observing this day then the country would save crores of rupees, which could be used in removing poverty, feeding poor and other charity purposes, said Mohammad Rafey, SIOI, activist . To sensitise people on the issue, SIOI youth wing members distributed printed pamphlets among people specially college youths and made them promise to contribute for country's development by refraining from February 14 celebrations. The pamphlets highlight major socio-economic problems in the country and requests youths not to waste money on western style celebration. We made youths understand that they do not need any specific day to express their love to their girlfriend or boyfriend rather they should express love to each and everyone in the society throughout the year. In today's scenario when society Is divided on caste and religious lines, love is something which is needed to ensure peace and prosperity in the country, he added. Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, the Hindi heartland of the country, are considered to be incomplete without participation of musclemen and jailed mafia dons. The Robin Hood kind of image of these candidates makes them most sought after, not only among youths but also people of their caste. In Saiyadraja constituency in the naxal region of Chandauli district, two bahubalis (musclemen) are challenging each other. Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Sushil Singh, who is the nephew of mafia-turned politician Brijesh Singh, an MLC, is locked in a fierce battle of ballots with Vineet Singh alias Shyam Narain Singh of the BSP. The two bahubalis will challenge sitting Samajwadi Party MLA Manoj Kumar Singh alias Dabloo, who has a clean image. In the 2012 assembly polls, this clear image of Manoj Kumar had helped him in taking on Brijesh Singh, the incarcerated don of Purvanchal. Manoj managed to defeat Singh by a margin of around 2,000 votes. Sushil Singh, son of former BJP MLC Udaynath Singh alias Chulbul Singh, is sitting MLA from Sakaldiha constituency, Chandauli district. He won the 2012 assembly election as an independent candidate. Several criminal cases are pending against Sushil Singh, including two cases of attempt to murder under Section 307 of the IPC and a murder case under Section 302 of the IPC. As many as 14 criminal cases are pending against Vineet Singh, including murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping for ransom and kidnapping for murder. Canvassing has picked up in Saiyadraja constituency which goes to poll in the final and seventh phase on March 8. The entire muscle power of Brijesh Singh is running the election campaign of Sushil Singh, who is not willing to take his opponents casually. However, giving an edge to Sushil Singhs campaign are two female members of the family- Annapurna Singh, wife of Brijesh Singh and Kiran Singh, wife of Sushil Singh. The two women are reaching out to every nook and corner of the constituency in SUVs, connecting with women voters. Vineet Singh, a former BSP MLC, is banking on the BSP vote bank and his well-spread network in the region to take on Sushil Singh. Vineet Singhs wife and brother are spearheading his election campaign. Vineet Singh courted controversy when a poster showing chief minister Akhilesh Yadav being chased by an elephant was shared from his social media account last year. He tried to set aside the controversy by calling it as a conspiracy against him. However, due to pressure from cops, Singh got a bail revoked in an old criminal case lodged in Ranchi and is at present lodged in Varanasi jail. For campaigning in election, court has granted Vineet Singh 15 days parole. Soon, he will reach Saiyadraja for campaigning. Read more: Sons, daughter of strongmen tread on development path . SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Two Ulhasnagar residents were caught on Saturday night at the international airport for smuggling gold in vest and socks. According to the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officials of Mumbai Customs, they first intercepted and arrested Naresh Sudhamo Matta who had flown in from Dubai. The personal search of the passenger resulted in recovery of six gold bars weighing 1,698 grams and were valued at Rs51.52 lakh. They were concealed in a specially tailored vest, with 10 pockets, that was worn by the passenger, said a high-ranking AIU official. During interrogation, Matta confessed to having carried the gold bars for Prem, the owner of a cloth shop in Ulhasnagar. Though we searched Mattas Ulhasnagar residence, we found no incriminating evidence against him, said the officer. In the second incident, AIU officials intercepted Jeetendra Kumar Khilnani who had arrived from Bangkok. Khilnanis personal search resulted in recovery of two cut pieces of gold bars weighing 400 grams and worth Rs12.13 lakh. They were hidden in the socks worn by him. He also resides in Ulhasnagar, the official said. The AIU officials said they are now investigating whether the accused are frequent fliers and have a history of smuggling gold. Also read: Papayas to diapers: How gold smugglers hoodwinked airport authorities in 2016 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Malabar Hill police have started probing the death of three crew members who died after inhaling toxic gas in the engine room of Orion II barge, anchored alongside Singaporean bulk carrier MV Thor Endeavor, to unload 250 tonnes of wheat on Friday. Commenting on the issue, additional commissioner of police Pratap Dighavkar said, We have been taking expert opinion on whether it was an accident or an act of negligence, resulting in gas leak. An accidental death report (ADR) has been registered, and the owner and the master of the vessel have been summoned for questioning. We will record statement of all the people concerned and conduct a thorough inquiry, said deputy commissioner of police (Zone 2) Dyaneshwar Chavan. In addition, officials from Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) would be inspecting the vessel and submit a detailed report, said an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) official. The official added that the incident occurred around 10.40pm on Friday following which the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC), Mumbai, was informed. We received information that there were nine persons on the barge and due to some gas leakage in the engine room, five members fell unconscious. After the crew members failed to respond, Coast Guard Ship C-154 was immediately prepared for emergency sailing and reached the Orion II at 12.20am, said an ICG official. Crew members Mangesh Bhosle, 27, Jayanta Chaudary, 23, and Kritik Son Koch, 27, were declared dead, while Ganesh Bitaa, 40, and Daud Ibrahim Kurey, 50, the captain, were rushed to the Bombay hospital. Bitaa and Kurey are still undergoing treatment, and on of them is in the ICU. The bodies of Bhosle, Chaudhary and Koch were handed over to their respective families following post-mortem. Also read: 3 dead, 2 in hospital after inhaling toxic gas on barge SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Document medical errors so other doctors can learn from them and not repeat those mistakes, was the advice a group of paediatricians from Canadas McMaster University gave to Indian doctors during a workshop organised by Surya Hospital in Santacruz. Around 105 doctors across India attended this workshop titled Patient safety and quality improvement in newborn and paediatric care on Saturday. Just like any other field, doctors too are bound to make errors. Most of the times medical errors are because of human factors and faults in the system, said Dr Madan Roy, associate professor, department of paediatrics, McMaster childrens hospital, Hamilton. Once there is an error made, there should not be a hurry to play the blame game, he added. According to doctors, two major studies have estimated that in the United States of America 44,000 people die in hospitals every year as a result of medical errors that could have been prevented. They added that these estimates show that the number of deaths caused my medical errors exceed the number of deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer or even AIDS. Over the last four years, we have found at our hospital that acknowledging medical errors and informing the relatives has led to a decrease in suing rates, Dr Roy said Dr Bhupendra Awasthi, founder of Surya Hospital said that medical errors in India are grossly underreported. If the number of deaths related to medical errors are so high in developed countries like the US and Canada, in India the number would be certainly higher, he said. Such workshops are relevant as they are a reminder that we need to have very specific protocols in place when it comes to reporting medical errors, he added. READ MORE A doctor should announce fee before treatment, write it on chambers board: Govt As Eman Abdellatif, 36, the 500kg Egyptian woman, eagerly awaits to undergo a bariatric surgery to help her lose weight, doctors from the Saifee hospital said that she needs to lose another 100kg. Abdellatif has already lost about 30kg in the last two months under the supervision of Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, founder, Centre for Obesity and Digestive Surgery CODS, Mumbai, and chairperson of Institute of Minimal Access Surgical Sciences and Research Centre, Saifee Hospital. Hospital authorities said the decision to bring Abdellatif to Mumbai was taken just three days ago. Moreover, the major struggle was to secure a medical visa from the Indian embassy in Cairo as the officials there refused to believe that Abdellatif was unable to travel to the embassy for a biometric test. Commenting of the future course of action, Lakdawala said that the next 48 hours would be crucial. Eman is currently under observation. Keeping in mind the complexities of the case, before any surgical intervention, she will need a series of medical tests to determine the next course of action. For the next 48 hours, doctors will be conducting a routine body check-up and a complete profile test, he said. The most important test is said to be a special gene study for the 91 different types of genes isolated with obesity-related syndrome. The test will reveal particular biomarkers for Abdellatifs extremely low metabolism, which is contributing to her obesity and the results are expected on Monday. Abdellatif, who weighed 5kg at birth, started putting on weight by the age of 11. Hereafter, she may also need a couple of bariatric procedures at optimal times to achieve best results. There is an entire panel of doctors working hard to try and ensure that she recovers from her current ailments, said Lakdawala. Travel troubles Reaching Mumbai was a huge struggle for Abdellatif and her family, which began with securing a medical visa to seek treatment options in India and Dubai. As Indian laws require visa applicant to record fingerprints with the immigration officer, the familys request to allow a third party to submit her application was rejected even after they informed the officials about her being restricted to the bedroom for more than two decades. They thought the family is bluffing and rejected her application. The movement was put in motion only after Dr Lakdawala tweeted external affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who in turn resolved the issue in two days, said a doctor from Saifee, part of the team monitoring Abdellatif. A top official from the hospital confirmed that another option to travel to Abu Dhabi for treatment was also being considered, but due to the persistence and faith of Abdellatifs sister [Shaimaa Ahmed] on the doctors, she took a final call three days before finalising Saifee. It was only after she conveyed her decision to the management, the hospital trust started making arrangements and set up a special room for Abdellatif within three days by turning an old accounts office into a specialised medical facility. Emans family had tried numerous local hospitals and even consulted doctors from Greece. But none could treat her successfully. In fact, when she had a stroke two years ago, her sister had to run from pillar to post to look for a hospital MRI scanning machine that could accommodate Eman. By the time of prognosis, Eman had suffered a paralytic stroke, said a hospital staffer. Alos read: 500 kg Egyptian woman reaches Mumbai for surgery With an aim to set a record and spread a message on renewable energy, 7,438 students from 59 private and civic schools participated in a solar cooking class in Bhayander on Saturday afternoon. Representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records were present at the event but did not confirm if it had set the worlds largest solar cooking class record. The event, called Maha Suryakumbh, was organised by the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation. The students cooked noodles in solar cookers. The MBMC gave students raw materials and they were taught about solar cooker, said Harpal Singh Sokhi, a well-known chef. Manoj Rathi, an expert in renewable energy, also guided participants. Anil Kakodkar, noted nuclear scientist and former chairman of the Department of Atomic Energy, attended the event.It was an opportunity to motivate students to celebrate solar power. Thats why we titled the event Maha Suryakumbh, said Geeta Jain, MBMC mayor. We followed all guidelines laid down by Guinness officials. We had digitally counted all students, said Jain. Earlier, 3,484 students, led by NGO Keshav Srushti, had participated in a similar event in Bhayander in 2014. It was followed by another solar cooking session where 4,780 students took part in Aurangabad in 2016. Portable solar cooker, an environment-friendly alternative to conventional means, uses Sun rays to heat and bake food. READ MORE Sudarsan Pattnaik creates Guinness World Record for making tallest sand castle Teen has bizarre eye-popping skill A tribal woman from Jawhar in Palghar has become the face of the open defecation-free (ODF) project in Maharashtra. Since the past three days, Sushila Khurkute, 30, has been digging a hole in her village, Nandgaon, to construct two toilet blocks as part of the central governments Swachh Bharat campaign. Her efforts attracted the admiration of Parameswaran Iyer, secretary, Union ministry of drinking water and sanitation, who tweeted about her. He termed her the face of ODF in Palghar and the state. Salute to Sushila Khurkute, Nandgaon, Palghar, Maharashtra. She has dug for over 3 days for a toilet. @swachhbharat pic.twitter.com/BCYbMnCJbD Param Iyer (@paramiyer_) February 10, 2017 The campaign, organised in collaboration with UNICEF, aims to make Maharashtra open defecation-free by March. Nidhi Chaudhary from the Palghar zilla parishad has conveyed this goal to the Centre through chief secretary Swadheen Kshatriya. Khurkute said she and the other women in the village would relieve themselves outdoors. However, after hearing about the Swachh Bharat mission, she decided to construct a toilet block by herself. A mother of two, she has been toiling without any government help or aid from her family. Her husband Hanumant is at work under the states employment guarantee scheme elsewhere in the district. He is hardly home, she said. Khurkute faces a daunting task, as the area she is digging is rocky. A group of UNICEF volunteers touring the village on Wednesday chanced upon her digging. After making inquiries, they contacted the local zilla parishad. We were unaware of Khurkutes project until UNICEF volunteers contacted us, said Chaudhary. The local gram panchayat assured Khurkute that they would help her and gave her building materials such as cement and bricks. We expect the toilet blocks to be ready by February 19. Will will felicitate Khurkute on that day, she added. We want Palghar and Maharashtra to be open defecation-free by 31 March, said Chaudhary. As part of the project, we will spread awareness about hand washing, maintaining menstrual hygiene and constructing community toilets, said Sanghratna Khilare, deputy chief executive officer, Palghar. We plans to construct 79,000 toilets in the district, at Jawhar, Mokhada and Wada, she added. Poor hygiene and malnutrition are connected. Government data shows that around 482 children died between April 2016 and January 2017 owing to reasons included malnutrition. A staggering 29 children died after being bitten by snakes and scorpions while defecating in fields. As many as 93 children reportedly died in August last year. Many lives could have been saved if only toilets had been constructed, said Khilare. Various firms will fund the Swachh Bharat and ODF campaigns as part of their corporate social responsibility. READ MORE Mumbaiites irked by garbage near rly tracks start Twitter campaign Garbage, sewage choke two lakes along Eastern Expressway in Mumbai, NGO finds The case pursuer who submitted an affidavit on behalf of Audi driver Syed Imtiyaz Qadri said that neither Qadri nor he had information that four people were killed in the accident on the intervening night of January 27 and 28 in Ghaziabad. Raj Kumar, case pursuer for Ishaq Ahmad who later turned out to be Syed Imtiyaz Qadri, said that Qadri had identified himself as Ishaq Ahmad, and he was popularly known as Mumbaiya in local circles. Qadri had allegedly impersonated his co-tenant and truck driver, Ishaq Ahmad, of Labhera village in Bareilly. He (Qadri) used to drive autos and local vehicles when I met him in Bareilly. Before he surrendered, he asked me to be the case pursuer. He told me that he had driven the car during an incident in which four people suffered minor injuries. So, I went with him to Ghaziabad court. I had no information that four people were killed, Raj Kumar, of Jogi Nawada in Bareilly, said. Qadri is presently on the run and fled his Peerwada residence in Bareilly. Qadri surrendered before a Ghaziabad court on January 31 and had produced a photocopy of Ishaq Ahmads driving licence as an identity proof. The truck driver, Ahmad, has lodged a complaint with the Bareilly police against Qadri and the Audi owner Dr Manish Rawat. In his complaint, he alleged that the copy of his driving licence was fraudulently used. Circle officer of Nawabganj in Bareilly is investigating the matter. I had a conversation with Qadri after I came to know that he had produced a photocopy of my driving licence in court. He told me that he had to surrender in court in an accident case, in which several people suffered minor injuries. It seems that he was not aware that four people were killed, Ishaq said. Dr Rawat had appeared before the Ghaziabad police and said that Qadri had taken up the drivers job nearly a fortnight before the incident and was staying with him. He had also said that he was present inside the car but his driver was driving the car. The Ghaziabad police have not been able to make any headway in tracking Qadri. They have not been able to trace Qadri even through mobile phone tracking. Locals in Bareilly and even his landlady, Shabnam, claimed that Qadri was in Bareilly in January-end. Our teams are trying to trace him. His mobile phone is switched off. Once we trace him, we will also get in touch with case pursuer and two persons who gave sureties for Qadris bail, Sanat Kumar Mishra, case investigating officer, said. Qadri got bail from Ghaziabad court after two sureties of 20,000, each, were submitted by Bareilly resident Suraj Tiwari and Brajesh Singh, of Olive County high rise in Vasundhara, Ghaziabad, of which Dr Manish Rawat was also a resident. A week after the local court here awarded 20 years to three persons for gangrape and death of 20-year-old architecture student, one of the convicts, Dilpreet, has filed a criminal appeal against the deceaseds kin for giving false statement before the court. The court of additional district and sessions judge Anshu Shukla has issued notice to counsel of the complainant and the cases hearing is on February 18. The daughter of the owner of Sector 22-based eatery, studied at a Sector 34 institute. The court had held Rajat Beniwal, Kamal Singh and Dilpreet guilty for gangrape and death of the victim who died due to drug overdose. The application filed under Section 340 of CrPC for taking action against the complainant for offences under Section 211(2) (false charge of offence made with intent to injure), 199 (false statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence) and 200 ( using as true such declaration knowing it to be false) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), it has been alleged that Dilpreet was falsely implicated in this matter. It also states that none of the names of the convicts were mentioned in the FIR. Dilpreets counsel, Terminder Singh, also said, We have also pointed out that on October 17, the deceased had called Dilpreet and sent him SMS, and also called her mother. But none of this was verified. One of Joginder Singhs statements where he stated that he wasnt aware that his wife and elder daughter were on visiting terms with Dilpreet, has also been reproduced in application. Counsel of the complainant Manish Dewan said, This complaint was filed by the accused with a motive to presurize the complainant and his son who is a brother of deceased girl to resile from their statements . At this stage, it is only a harassment to the parents of the deceased. The victims body was found in a drain on Rajpura Road near Shambhu barrier, 8km from Ambala, on October 21, 2014, though she had died two days earlier. Rajat Beniwal, a resident of Sector 51, was a student at the evening college, PU, Kamal owned a dhaba in Sector 37-D, while Dilpreet was pursuing interior designing at the time of the incident. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police have arrested former Akali sarpanch Gurpreet Singh Babbu, Amarpal Singh Pala, Jaswant Singh Nihang and Vikramjit Singh Vicky for allegedly killing a Dalit man at Palasaur village, 10 km from Tarn Taran, on February 6. Two women Pawanpreet Kaur and Harpreet Kaur had already been arrested in the case. Thirty-three-year-old Surjit Singh was killed and his brother Jaswant Singh was injured after a group of around 50 Akali workers, including former sarpanch Gurpreet Singh, allegedly barged into their house and opened fire on the family at Palasaur. Also Read | Punjab: 1 killed as ex-Akali sarpanch, aides attack Dalit family in Tarn Taran Thirty-three-year-old Surjit Singh was killed and his brother Jaswant Singh was injured after a group of around 50 Akali workers, including former sarpanch Gurpreet Singh, allegedly barged into their house and opened fire on the family at Palasaur. Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Harjit Singh said the accused were arrested on Saturday. He said an unlicensed a 12-bore gun and four cartridges were recovered from the former sarpanch, while a 32-bore revolver and three bullets were recovered from his brother Amarpal Singh. Sharp-edged weapons which were used in the attack were also recovered from Vikramjit Singh, the SSP said. We would present the accused in a court and seek their police remand for interrogation, the SSP said. The attackers reportedly held a grudge against the Dalit family, also supporters of the Akali Dal, after the two groups were involved in an altercation during an election meeting on January 29. This led to a scuffle during which the Dalit family reportedly thrashed one of the rival members. In retaliation, Gurpreet, along with his aides, allegedly stormed into their house two days after the elections. In all 25 gunshots were fired. While Surjit was shot in the forehead and died on the spot, his other brother, Jaswant, received a bullet injury in his leg. Thirty-seven people were booked in the case. Patients witnessed high drama at the civil hospital as all the doctors went on a mass strike outside the hospital to protest against the alleged misbehaviour of a patient and his relatives with staff on Saturday. The patient, however, refuted all allegations and claimed that the doctors did not treat him properly. All the doctors stopped their work and gathered outside the hospital to sit on a strike. The civil surgeon Dr Rajiv Bhalla had to visit the civil hospital to take stock of the situation. The protesting doctors also lodged a complaint with Division 2 police over phone and asked the station house office Pawan Kumar to visit the spot. Patient Bhupinder Singh, who was admitted on Friday, narrating his side of the story to police. (Gurminder Singh/HT Photo) They demanded an FIR against the three people who were accompanying the patient Bhupinder Singh (48) who was admitted to the hospital on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, when the staff of the surgery ward where Bhupinder was admitted asked him to go in for an X-ray, he asked for a wheelchair. Staff members said while he was advised to go in for an X-ray at around 7am, he did not go there till noon. Later, when Bhupinders relatives asked the staff for a wheelchair, they told him that a patient was taken to the operation theatre on a wheelchair and they would have to wait. Hospital staff alleged that one of them started recording the nurses and misbehaved with them. However, Bhupinder said his son was recording a video to show what the actual scenario was in the hospital. Dr Harish Kirpal and Dr Devinder Kumar from the orthopaedic department alleged that the patient and his son, a Class 12 student, also misbehaved with them. Division 2 police registered a case against three, including the patients son, under Sections 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 294 (obscene acts and songs whoever to the annoyance of others) and 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code. Bhupinder was admitted to the hospital under a medico legal case after his back was injured in a fight on Pakhowal road. Bhupinder claimed that he was not administered proper treatment. Bhupinder Singh, patient under medico legal case Afghan officials and local residents said Sunday that 22 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed during a joint operation carried out by U.S. and Afghan forces last week in the southern Helmand province. The presidential envoy for security in Helmand, Jabar Qahraman, said the raid against Taliban insurgents in the Sangin district killed 13 people from one family and nine from another. We are saddened to hear the news of civilians being killed, he said. When the Taliban use civilians as their shield against security forces, such incidents occur. U.S. Navy Cpt. Bill Salvin, a military spokesman, said we are working diligently to determine whether civilians were killed or injured as a result of U.S. airstrikes carried out to support Afghan forces in and around Sangin. The investigation is continuing and has not reached any conclusions, he added in a written statement. The U.N. mission in Afghanistan meanwhile expressed grave concern at the violence in Helmand, saying its initial inquiries suggest airstrikes by international forces killed at least 18 civilians, nearly all women and children. Hameed Gul, a local resident, said he lost nine members of his family, including his mother and sister, in Thursdays raid. Its all lie that they were attacking the Taliban, he told The Associated Press in the Helmand provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, where he was staying at the time of the raid. Kareem Atal, the head of the provincial council in Helmand, said a man, two women and two children who were wounded in the raid have been brought to Lashkar Gah for treatment. Helmand has seen months of heavy fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban, who have repeatedly attacked Lashkar Gah. A suicide bomber targeting soldiers in the city on Saturday killed at least seven people. The Taliban have stepped up attacks across Afghanistan since the U.S. and NATO formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014, leaving a smaller contingent of troops behind to focus on training and counterterrorism. Buckingham Palace is offering a 30,000 pounds annual package for a job to run Queen Elizabeths personal Twitter account, having 2.77 million followers. A job advertisement has been placed on the Queens official website seeking a new digital communications officer to join a fast-paced and dynamic team. The full-time role will involve managing the Queens Twitter account and letting the world know about her work and the Royal Familys public role. Tasks will include writing posts on the Queens social media accounts including Facebook and YouTube as well as documenting state visits, award ceremonies and Royal engagements, The Sun newspaper reported. The Royal job comes with a comprehensive benefits package and the perks include 15% employer contribution pension scheme as well as training and personal development. The online advert reads: Its knowing your content will be viewed by millions. Its finding new ways to maintain The Queens presence in the public eye and on the world stage. This is what makes working for the Royal Household exceptional, it said. According to the advertisement, the right candidate must be university educated with an eye to the future and experience of managing websites. They also need to be innovative and with creative flair and have good photography and video skills. The advertisement, which is posting a maternity cover role, reads: The reaction to our work is always high-profile, and so reputation and impact will be at the forefront of all you do. The Queen also personally tweeted on her 90th birthday in June last year. She posted: I am most grateful for the many digital messages of goodwill I have received and would like to thank you all for your kindness. Elizabeth R. The monarch has 2.77 million followers on Twitter, as well her own website and Youtube channel. Police fired tear gas after clashes erupted Saturday in the suburbs of Paris as demonstrators protested over the assault of a young black man who was allegedly anally raped with a truncheon while being arrested. Surrounded by a heavy police contingent, about 2,000 protesters, some carrying placards saying Police rape and Police kill innocent people, gathered in Bobigny, northeast of the French capital, to demand Justice for Theo. Theo, a 22-year-old black youth worker, required surgery after his arrest on February 2 in the 3,000 estate in the gritty suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois, when he claims a police officer sodomised him with a baton. Projectiles were thrown at police on a footbridge with several vehicles torched and windows smashed on the sidelines of the protest, police said. Several hundred violent and very mobile individuals committed various acts of violence and damage, said the Paris police prefecture. Read| Police officer charged with rape of man in France, residents march in protest In a statement it listed projectiles thrown against public buildings, four vehicles torched, two shops and a bus station damaged and several bins burned. The police had to intervene to rescue a young child in a burning vehicle, the police said, adding however that no injuries had been reported so far during the protest. Two media vehicles were also attacked, with no casualties reported. The demonstration ended in the evening after police fired tear gas. Theo, who is still in hospital, and his family have appealed for calm after several days of protests over the alleged assault. Rape charges have been filed against the officer and all four police involved in Theos stop-and-search have been suspended pending an investigation. With a presidential election this year, the incident has become highly politicised. It has also underscored the breakdown in trust between young people and the authorities in French suburbs. All the time, we get checks, we get assaulted, they talk trash to us, we say, Shut up... We are given little slaps, a young man of about 20 named Kenzo told AFP. I didnt think it still exists, said 18-year-old Anissa.How can they say its an accident? Rallies took place in other French cities, including Rouen where some 200 people demonstrated, while around 250 gathered in Toulouse and more than 300 in Nantes. Alec Baldwin does a pretty convincing Donald Trump impersonation - just ask a newspaper in the Dominican Republic. El Nacional published an apology on Saturday after mistakenly running a photo of the actor doing his impression of the US president on Saturday Night Live instead of Trump himself. Accompanying an article in its Friday edition headlined in Spanish: Trump says settlements in Israel dont favor peace, a photo of a scowling Baldwin in a blond wig appears next to a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement posted on its website, the Dominican newspaper said a photo of Baldwin imitating Trump - over the caption Donald Trump, president of the USA - was published on page 19 and the mistake went unnoticed by the newspapers staff. El Nacional apologizes to its readers and anyone who felt affect by the publication of the photo, the statement said. Trump has lashed out at the way Saturday Night Live has lampooned him, saying Baldwins semi-regular portrayal of him stinks. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies have entered the centre of the Islamic State-held bastion Al-Bab, saying its capture was just a matter of time. Al-Bab is now besieged from all fronts ... Our forces entered the centre with Syrian rebels, Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul before leaving for a tour of Gulf countries. Erdogan said it was only a matter of time before the allied forces took full control of the flashpoint town. Daesh forces have begun leaving Al-Bab completely, he said, using Arabic acronym for IS group. Turkish forces and allied rebels on Saturday entered Al-Bab to drive IS jihadists from the flashpoint northern town, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Turkish army launched an ambitious campaign inside Syria on August 24 codenamed Euphrates Shield to clean its border from IS jihadists and stop the advance of Kurdish militia. But the clashes in Al-Bab have proved the toughest in the campaign, with Turkish military fatalities surging. One Turkish soldier was killed and three others wounded in clashes with jihadists on Sunday, the private Dogan news agency reported, citing military sources. The latest casualty raised the number of Turkish troops killed in the Syria offensive to 67. The three injured troops were evacuated from Al-Bab and taken to hospitals in Turkeys Kilis and Gaziantep provinces near the Syrian border, Dogan reported. Al-Bab is the jihadist groups last stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo and is also being targeted by regime forces. The leader of Lebanons Hezbollah group says the world will benefit from having an idiot in the White House. Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech Sunday that his group is much stronger than when it was created in the early 1980s and should not be concerned about threats from the West. Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, Nasrallah said we are very optimistic that when an idiot settles in the White House and boasts about his idiocy, this is the beginning of relief for the oppressed around the world. Trump has vowed to take a stronger stance against Iran, which is a key sponsor of Hezbollah and other militant groups in the Middle East. The White House said Iran was on notice after it tested a ballistic missile. The Lebanese Hezbollah movement strongly supports the Syria ceasefire agreed upon in Kazakhstan and any truce that could lead to a political solution, its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Sunday. Russia and Turkey brokered a shaky ceasefire in December between rebel groups and the government in Syria, where Hezbollah is fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad. An angry mob lynched a young Afghan couple who had eloped together after storming a police station where they were being held for immoral acts, officials said Sunday, the latest so-called honour killing in the country. Fateha, an 18-year-old woman who had been forced to marry a man against her wishes, was arrested Saturday along with her lover Hedayatullah, 19, in the Wama district of the remote eastern province of Nuristan. The womans family believed she had damaged their honour. Together with armed villagers they attacked the police station, took the girl and boy outside and shot them in front of the public, provincial governor Hafiz Abdul Qayyom told AFP. Abdul Ghafoor Nuristani, a provincial official, accused the police of failing to protect the couple. But Qayyom said three policemen were wounded in the incident, into which the government had launched an investigation. So-called honour killings are not uncommon in conservative Afghanistan and relations between men and women outside marriage are strictly controlled under local and Islamic practices, with violations often punishable by death. More than 15 years after the end of the Taliban regime, Afghanistan is rife with abuse against women, most often perpetrated by families and relatives who are rarely arrested. President Donald Trump said the United States was 100% with ally Japan late on Saturday night in response to a ballistic missile test by North Korea in an apparent message to the leaders of the two countries meeting at a Florida resort. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was more forthright telling reporters at a hastily convened news conference the test was absolutely intolerable and urged North Korea to fully comply with the relevant (United Nations) security resolutions. The US president, who has sounded more aggressive in the past vowing to end North Koreas weapon testing, said in a short one-sentence statement: I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100%. There was no threat of retaliation or even a response. Just the day before, Trump had said in a joint statement with Abe: The US and Japan strongly urge North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and not to take any further provocative actions. The missile tested by North Korea on Friday flew 500km before plunging into the sea, in the stretch between the Japan and the Korean peninsula, according to the South Korean defence ministry, which first announced the test. We suspect North Korea demonstrated a show of force in order to test the Trump administration and US responses, said a South Korean military official who declined to be identified, according to The Wall Street Journal. The US response did come, but took a while. At a photo-op in the evening, before dinner, Trump ignored a question shouted out by a reporter from the protective pool about the North Korean missile test. He had been briefed about it. A White House official had told reporters earlier in the day: We are aware of the missile launch by North Korea. We are continuing to closely monitor the situation. When North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced earlier this year that his country was close to testing an intercontinental missile, that could reach the US, Trump said in a tweet, It wont happen. That was before his inauguration. In recent weeks, his defence secretary James Mattis assured allies Japan and South Korea, during a visit, of full American support and threatened an effective and overwhelming response to North Korean nuclear attack on the US or its allies. As a candidate, Trump had caused concern at home and in the region saying he would be fine with Japan and South Korea, currently protected by an American umbrella, going nuclear to defend themselves against a nuclear North Korea. He is not pushing it clearly, and the allies may have reasons to feel somewhat more reassured after the Mattis visit, experts noted the absence of South Korea from the short statement Trump read out on Saturday night. . After the US embassy in Pakistan delayed issuing a visa to the deputy chairman of the country's Senate, its chairman cancelled the trip and said no American congressman, delegation or diplomat will be welcomed in the country's parliament till further notice. It is believed that the embassy delayed the visa to Abdul Ghafoor Haideri because of his party's possible links with extremist groups. Haideri is the secretary general of the Jamiat-Ulema Islams Fazlur Rehman faction, known as JUI-F. The party was once close to the militant Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan before parting ways. Haideri was scheduled to head a two-member delegation for a meeting of the Inter- Parliamentary Union at the United Nations headquarters in New York on February 13-14. Senator Lt General (retd) Salahuddin Tirmizi who was to accompany the deputy chairman was granted a visa just two days before. However, the visa of Haidri was put on hold in what was termed a technical refusal. The Senate Secretariat had applied for official visas for the two senators two weeks ago. When the secretariat checked with the US embassy about the status of Haideris passport through official channels, it was told the US authorities would get back to it by Tuesday (February 14), clearly meaning that Haideri could not travel to the US to attend the conference. In its official statement, the Senate Secretariat claimed there was a delay in issuance of visa to the deputy chairman and the Senate chairman Raza Rabbani had taken notice of the issue. Rabbani issued directives to the secretariat not to entertain any US delegation or diplomat till the issue was resolved. No delegation, member of Congress or diplomat of the US will be welcomed by the Senate of Pakistan, Senate Standing Committees and the senators in their official capacity till this issue is resolved, Rabbani said in a statement issued to media on Saturday. The statement said following the directives of the Senate chairman, the visit has been called off. It said Rabbani had ordered that no Senate delegation would visit the US until its diplomatic mission explained the delay in issuance of a visa to Haidri. The US embassys spokesperson, when contacted, said: We cannot comment on visa cases, due to privacy laws. Maulana Fazlur Rehman the chief of JUI-F, which is a coalition partner of the ruling party contacted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and asked him to take up the issue with the US authorities. A TV crew was shot dead on Sunday after motorcycle-borne gunmen indiscriminately fired upon a DSNG van of a news channel in Pakistans biggest port-city here. The DSNG van of Samaa channel had gone to the North Nazimabad area of Karachi when it came under attack from gunmen on motorcycles who fired indiscriminately on the van. Police said that the van was attacked near KDA roundabout and assistant cameraman, Taimur, received a bullet shot to the head. He was brought to the hospital with a single shot to the head and he expired after a while, additional police surgeon, Rohina Hasan told the media. A spokesman for the channel said that the van had gone to the area to cover a cracker attack on a police van. A senior police official, Farooq Malik said that the same suspects appeared to be involved in the attack on the DSNG van who had earlier also carried out attacks on DSNG vans of other channels in the same area. He said initial investigations indicated that the cracker attack on the police van was a ploy to get the media to the area to cover the incident and then attack them. A DSNG van of the Samaa channel had also come under attack in September 2015, while another was attacked last year. In other attacks on television channel crew in Karachi, three gunmen had attacked a Geo TV DSNG, killing a Geo News employee and injuring another in 2015, while in 2014 three employees of the Express News channel were shot dead in an attack claimed by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Sunday called on all armed ethnic groups to sign a nationwide ceasefire. She spoke during Union Day celebrations in Panglong, the same place where her father, independence hero General Aung San, signed a peace deal with ethnic groups in 1947. Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party promised that peace will be their top priority despite conflicts between ethnic groups and the military. Read: UN report says Myanmar Army raped and killed in Rohingya crackdown In recent months, critics have slammed Suu Kyi for not speaking out against military airstrikes and human rights abuses in ethnic areas. Skirmishes, particularly in the north where Kachin insurgents are fighting the army, have displaced more than 100,000 civilians since 2011. Two teenaged brothers were killed and their sister seriously injured on Sunday when a bomb they were playing with exploded in this restive Pakistani city. The incident occurred in Khaista Baba Kotkay area of Buner district bordering Swat in northwest Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The shepherd brothers, aged 17 and 14 years, and their 10-year-old sister found the bomb while grazing their animals in the mountainous area and started playing with it before it exploded, an official said. The boys died on the spot while their sister was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, the official added. Recalling the historic contribution of India and other Commonwealth countries , 45 ruling Conservative MPs have called for fast-track visa services to their citizens as Brexit drives Britain to look for newer trade relationships outside Europe. In a letter to Home secretary Amber Rudd on Sunday, the MPs urged her to extend the hand of friendship to our Commonwealth partners, and recalled that the Commonwealth countries stood with Britain as we faced existential threats from abroad but as we pivoted to Europe, increasingly, our Commonwealth allies were left in the cold. The letter published in The Sunday Telegraph does not seek easier visa terms, but easier conditions for Indian and Commonwealth citizens once they land at Heathrow and other ports of entry. It mentions a scenario faced by many Indians, who wait in long queues at immigration. The lack of consideration for Commonwealth citizens is at its starkest at our border(While) EU citizens are collecting their luggage or exchanging greetings with loved ones, our Commonwealth friends wait tirelessly in the All other passports queue, it said. The MPs, including Indian-origin Shailesh Vara, noted that in 2015, Britain welcomed 2.2 million visitors from Australia, Canada and India alone, who spent over 2 billion pounds. These three Commonwealth states are consistently found among the top five non-EEA nationalities arriving for both business and pleasure. As a signal, the MPs called for signs at border control that class every non-EU national as All other passports should be changed to The Commonwealth and all other passports. This is a small step but one that can be enacted quickly, they said. Secondly, the government must commit to examine ways to reduce wait times for Commonwealth citizens entering the UK, perhaps through the use of dedicated Commonwealth border control gates. The MPs also called for the extension of the Registered Traveller Scheme (RTS) to include additional Commonwealth countries. The facility, aimed mostly at the business traveller, allows some foreign nationals who meet specific requirements to register and use the UK/EU lanes and e-passport gates, dramatically reducing the time spent waiting in line. Prime Minister Theresa May announced during her November visit to New Delhi that India would be the first visa country to be offered the RTS for business travellers. It was also included in the joint statement issued at the end of the visit, but has not been rolled out for India yet. The MPs letter added: In March of this year we will hold the Commonwealth Trade Ministers meeting. The focus of this meeting is renewed trade and friendship between the UK and the Commonwealth. Home Secretary, you are in a position to effect real, positive change in our relations with our Commonwealth partners. It would be a shame to let this opportunity pass us by. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says an operation to liberate Iraqs second-largest city from the Islamic State group should not inflame sectarian tensions. The secretary general said the ongoing operations to free Mosul should instead be a symbol of national reconciliation. Guterres made the comments during a meeting in Istanbul with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today, according to a statement from the secretary-generals office. The recapture of Mosul would effectively break the back of the militant group in Iraq by ending their self-declared caliphate there. But many fear that the battle could give way to sectarian tensions. Guterres is visiting Turkey, five Mideast nations and Germany on his first major trip since taking the helm of the United Nations on January 1. US authorities arrested hundreds of undocumented migrants this week in the first large-scale raids under President Donald Trump, triggering panic in immigrant communities nationwide. The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency rounded up undocumented individuals living in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and other cities two weeks after Trump signed an executive order that broadened which undocumented immigrants would be targeted for deportation. According to ICE, however, the operations were routine. The focus of these operations is no different than the routine, targeted arrests carried out by ICEs Fugitive Operations Teams on a daily basis, said agency spokeswoman Jennifer Elzea. David Marin, head of ICEs removal operations in Los Angeles, told reporters that approximately 160 people had been arrested in the California metropolis. Some 75 percent of them had prior felony convictions, he said, adding that some people had been nabbed solely because they were undocumented. By Friday night, 37 undocumented immigrants had already been expelled to Mexico. In a January 25 decree, Trump prioritized the deportation of undocumented males who had been convicted of or charged with any criminal offense, including misdemeanors. The order was a move to make good on his campaign pledge to crack down on Americas undocumented population, estimated at 11 million people. Marin said the operations were planned prior to Trumps swearing-in and were comparable to past actions. He rebuffed reports about ICE checkpoints and random sweeps, calling them dangerous and irresponsible. Reports like that create panic, and they put communities and law enforcement personnel in unnecessary danger, Marlin said. The raids, which hit residential areas and workplaces, sparked protests and provoked the ire of elected Democratic representatives, notably in California and particularly in Los Angeles, where the Pew Research Center estimates around a million undocumented migrants reside. People attend a demonstration against the immigration polices of U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington Square Park on February 11, 2017 in New York City. (AFP Photo) President Trumps policy change betrays our values, Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said in a statement. Tearing families apart isnt what this country stands for. New reality In Austin, Texas, where 100,000 unauthorized migrants live, a bystander captured video footage of an arrest, which made local front-page news and ignited demonstrations. Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas confirmed the launch of a targeted operation aimed at arresting the undocumented. He has asked ICE officials to clarify whether these individuals are in fact dangerous, violent threats to our communities, and not people who are here peacefully raising families and contributing to our state. Castro said the roundups were part of Operation Cross Check -- a series of large-scale raids that began in 2011 under Barack Obama. The agency conducted the last sweep in March 2015, corralling 2,059 undocumented immigrants deemed threats to public safety. A demonstrator is arrested during a protest and march against the immigration polices of President Donald Trump and other issues on February 11, 2017 in New York City. (AFP) In New York, which hosts the countrys largest population of undocumented immigrants -- 1.15 million, according to Pew -- a few hundred people demonstrated near the immigration services office. Obama deported more immigrants than any of his predecessors, prioritizing the expulsion of repeat criminal offenders or those convicted of serious crimes, including rape, child pornography and gang membership. Undocumented migrants with repeated drunk driving convictions were also targeted. With his decree, Trump -- who vowed as a candidate to deport some three million undocumented immigrants with criminal records -- broadens the scope of the Obama administrations policy, dropping the distinction between convicted criminals and those who have simply been charged. Activists have rallied around the case of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos -- a 35-year-old mother arrested during a routine visit to Phoenix, Arizona who has become symbolic of Trumps hardline measures. The mother of two US-born children was caught in 2008 using a fake social security number and slapped with a deportation order. Authorities had not previously expelled her for practical reasons, however, as she posed little threat. But by Thursday, she was in Nogales, the Mexican border town where she crossed into the US more than two decades ago. The Mexican Foreign Ministry said her deportation illustrates the new reality of Mexican community living in the United States in the face of more severe application of migration controls. The ministry urged Mexican citizens to take precautions and stay in close contact with consular authorities, echoing instructions from immigrant advocacy groups stateside. El Salvador, in Central America, also is home to many recent immigrants to the United States. Their remittances are key to its economy. We are working to ensure that Salvadorans who are overseas, especially... in the United States are protected, Salvadoran President Salvador Sanchez Ceren told local media. The United States has refused a visa to Pakistan senate deputy chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, who was to travel to New York to represent the country at the UN-sponsored International Parliamentary Union (IPU) being held there next week. Following this development, Pakistan senate chairman Raza Rabbani announced a boycott of the event. According to a report in Dawn, the chairman has also directed that no Senate delegation will visit the US unless Washington or the US embassy in Pakistan give an explanation for the delay in issuance of visa to Haideri. According to an official statement released by the senate secretariat, Rabbani has also directed that no delegation, member of Congress or diplomat of the US will be welcomed by the senate of Pakistan, senate standing committees and senators in their official capacity [until] this issue is resolved. Haideri was not directly in contact with the US embassy in Islamabad and all correspondence in this regard was carried out by the secretariat on his behalf. The secretariat staff was told on Saturday that the embassy would inform them about the status of the visa on February 14, the last day of the IPU hearing. This indicated that the US had decided not to allow the deputy chairman to attend the conference. This impression was strengthened by the fact that the embassy had already granted a visa to Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) senator Lt-Gen Salahuddin Tirmizi, the other member of the delegation. Haideri belongs to the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), which openly opposes US policies, particularly the countrys role in the ongoing war against terrorism. Read|US President Trump being urged to get tough with Pakistan Southern Basque Their American IPA, named Boise , is named after the capital of Idaho, USA where there is a large Basque community originating from the first settlers. , is named after the capital of Idaho, USA where there is a large Basque community originating from the first settlers. Kasper is their German-style blonde beer named after the German scholar of Basque culture, Michael Kasper. is their German-style blonde beer named after the German scholar of Basque culture, Michael Kasper. Mugalari is the name given to their pale ale. The Mugalaris or smugglers used the Bidasoa river to run contraband like livestock, sugar, coffee and chocolate across the border. Dois Corvos Brewery Mean Sardine Brewery El Silo Desiderata Barcino Final Thoughts The revolution sweeping Europe has blossomed in Spain and Portugal as craft breweries have flourished on the Iberian Peninsula.Home brewers who shared their beers with family and friends are being encouraged to take the next step and produce larger volumes of their craft beers so discerning beer drinkers can find delights to please their palates. The craft beer scene in the USA has played a part in the boom on this side of the Pond, and it appears the last few years have had the right atmosphere and conditions for people who had brewed a few gallons in a plastic bucket in their garage, on the balconies of their apartments even a rooftop patio in Barcelona or just on top of the stove in their kitchen, to take the brave next step.Armed with a map and a tablet or smart phone in order that we can access the excellent RateBeer website, it is perfectly possible for we craft beer fans to take the ultimate pub crawl from tap room to tap room.We can start in the Basque region, criss-cross Spain, occasionally nipping across the border into Portugal and ending up on the edge of the Mediterranean.Even that wont stop us because the Balearic Islands have their own craft beers waiting for us to enjoy and, right at the end of the crawl, there is a new boy planning to get in on the action.Effectively Spains side of the border with France we find the Bidassoa Basque Brewery in the border town of Irun. The team of enthusiasts with experience in the US and the UK, returned to their homeland and set up the brewery with the Bidasoa river as their inspiration at the same time acknowledging an American influence in their brewing philosophy.BBBs commercial manager Christian Equisoain explained that master brewer Carlos Arrecubieta had been brewing beer at home for many years before helping to set up the brewery. It started in the present premises, and now we have a taproom which is open in the afternoons from Thursday to Saturday until 11pm for visitors to taste our beers, he said.We have had assistance from the Basque government and we are very grateful for it. As far as taxes are concerned, it depends on the strength of the beer. Craft brewing is growing non-stop and in some communities, it is growing faster than in others but I think this growth still has a few years left. There has been at least one microbrewery which has sold out to an industrial producer because craft beers are hurting their sales but there will always be brewers like us who do what we do because we love it not for the money.We find that is a recurring theme all across the peninsula these breweries sprang up through the love of good beer and the desire to share it with others with the same passion. But it isnt something to be taken lightly, it requires guts and a particularly entrepreneurial spirit to start a brewery because the equipment is not cheap and the financial rewards are not huge or even guaranteed! Just like natural selection, the better brewers survive and the poorer ones fall by the wayside and of course, the consumer is the ultimate winner.One such adventurous entrepreneur was Scott Steffens who, along with his wife Susana, heads the Dois Corvos brewery in Lisbon. Scott proudly and bravely admits he has been hanging out in breweries and trying every new beer hes been able to lay hands on for the past 20 years!!Ive been a home brewer since the 1990s when I was in college in the US, he said.When Susana and I moved back to Portugal in 2012 I knew the beer scene wasn't very developed so I brought the equipment along and started making beer at home. Our friends who hadn't been exposed to anything other than industrial beer really liked it and encouraged us and eventually we started the business.I've been hanging out in breweries and trying every new beer I found for the last 20 years, and Susana worked in advertising for a regional craft brewer in Seattle so we felt fairly equipped to venture out and try to fill a big hole in the market.We founded the company in October 2013 and spent more than a year finding a space and procuring equipment. We bought all the pieces ourselves to save money and get exactly what we wanted, rather than buying a turn-key system and we brewed our first batch of beer commercially in July 2015. The reception in Portugal has been great and there's excitement across the spectrum - from lighter easy drinking styles to stronger more challenging styles. The big influx of tourism has helped, but it's the Portuguese who have supported us the most."Navigating various laws in Portugal had been difficult, with people in the same agency often disagreeing with each other, but in general, the government officials want to be helpful. The problem is that small scale breweries are a new thing so there isn't clarity on how to handle them Scott goes on to say.As far as getting an alcohol license, that's fairly straightforward and simple, which I know can be a challenge in other countries. Small producers pay half the applicable alcohol tax in Portugal and financial incentives for starting a business are easier to get outside Lisbon where the economy might not be as strong, and I know some brewers have taken advantage of those. We brew 850 liter batches and brew three or four times a week across a range of styles.Reception of our beer has been very good and we reached our maximum capacity much sooner than expected, so we're in the early stages of expansion right now. We should have a new brewhouse and fermenters online in Spring 2017. We're looking at some international markets and we do ship some beer to France although our lack of stock that we can sell has inhibited expansion internationally for now.Another popular Portuguese brewer is the Mean Sardine which produces several beers to suit different tastes in the brewery in Mafra. Created by Rolin Carmo, the Mean Sardine Brewery is situated in Ericeira, Mafra county.Our brewery is inspired by this beautiful land by the sea, Rolin explains. We make handmade 100% malt beers, unfiltered with no colorings or preservatives and gas is produced naturally in the bottle. We aim to be a local micro-brewery, in the municipality of Mafra, and associate our beers to the county. Our image and names of beers are linked to the sea, influenced by Ericeira.Mean sardine brew two types of craft beers(a Belgian Dubbel), named after a sort of lure used by local fishermen and(a Weissbier), which takes its name from a large, weighted net thrown by fishermen to catch fish.Our Zagaia consists of four types of barley malts, two types of hops added in three stages, candy sugar, yeast and water. It has an aroma of malt, caramel, fruit and some spices. It features a smooth malty taste with caramel and spices. The body is medium and at the same time dry to the palate due to the use of candy sugar. It goes well with grilled, braised and roasted meats, cheeses, tiramisu, chocolate cake and other desserts of medium intensity. It should be served 8 and 12 C, in a tulip type glass.Our Tarrafa brew is brewed with wheat malt, two types of barley malts, hops added in three stages, yeast and water. It has an aroma of cereal (wheat), fruit (banana) and cloves; presents a wheat malt flavor, and spice at the end, and low level of bitterness. It presents cloudy, light body, fresh and a good level of carbonation. It goes well with light dishes salads, fish etc. It should be served cool (5-7C), a tall glass to create a good head and can be served with a slice of lemon or orange.Interestingly, Mean sardine beers are not on sale outside Mafra county although they can be purchased by those who are unable to visit the area.The experience of the landscapes is included in the tasting of beers! Rolin explained. That same philosophy was noticeable with the other brewers interviewed. Breweries on this scale do not need to be in vast purpose-built factories and are often situated in buildings designed for other uses. For instance, the Cervezas El Silo in the Hortaleza district of Madrid has meant a new lease of life for a disused grain silo as the headquarters of a new craft beer already racking up good sales.Two years ago, David Velazquez, Daniel Atienza and Javier Serrano were home brewers but in June 2016 they brewed their first 3,000 liters and the El Silo label was born.Since then we have made another 3,000 liters and in the next few days we will make our third, David said. The productions remain the same size but we are reducing waiting times between each one.Their sales, in addition to via the web, are, for now, in bars and small commerce in Hortaleza but they also have some outlets in Toledo, Cadiz and Ibiza although most of their beer is sold in Hortaleza. El Silo's growth is all the more impressive when Daniel reveals they are nomadic as far as their brewhouse is concerned. They dont have one yet!We do not have our own factory. We are nomad brewers. We are looking for industrial land in Hortaleza for our future factory, because our philosophy is of proximity to our neighbors and that these can benefit from our expansion.Javier explained their mission which revolves around building a relationship with their customers, listening and acting on their tastes and preferences.We want to be the local artisan beer of reference in, at least, the north of Madrid, he said. We believe in measured growth, without adventures that make us lose sight of our customers and in the future, we would like to be able to market a lager as it conforms to the brewing taste of our customers. Despite being happy with the business, we continue to dream of a factory in Hortaleza to, as much as possible, boost the economic fabric of the neighborhood and create a sense of belonging and proximity to the neighborhood.When Santiago Garcia, a chemist specializing in oenology, the study of wine and winemaking, began to produce beer in his homes garage so his brother could sell it to his co-workers, their mother wasnt very happy with the idea. Now, a few years later, these brothers from Mairena del Aljarafe, along with their partner Sebastian, are proud of their creation, Desiderata. This beer, made by Bears & Dreams in Seville, is becoming increasingly popular. The Desiderata website explain...The desire to create a traditional and natural beer using the most modern techniques constantly evolving in search of new trends. The result is a range of beers with good body, rich aromas and varied shades.They produce a Pilsen, an American IPA, a wheat beer, a porter and a dubbel.Barcelona brewers Barcino brew four ales including, a Pale Ale, and a gluten-free ale. The message on their website perfectly illustrates the craft brewers raison detre and motivation.We are three friends who were tired of drinking the beer on offer in Barcelona. Back in 2011 we started brewing our own craft beer using a 5-gallon system on our rooftop patio right in the heart of the Gotic neighborhood. At first we brewed just for ourselves and for some similarly-minded friends who own bars and restaurants in the area. By keeping our focus on quality rather than quantity, things have grown steadily for us and we have joined the grassroots Barcelona craft beer revolution.So, our craft beer taproom crawl reaches Spains sun-kissed beaches and the sparkling Med beckons us to try the craft beers on the Balearic Islands.Finally, and although it might not be politically correct to mention it here, it is hoped a new craft brewery will be opened on the Rock of Gibraltar in time for the summer tourists.The team led by Dean McClelland, an Irish financier resident in Gibraltar since 1999, is committed to opening a visitor-friendly craft brewery on one of several historical sites in Gibraltar.There are still some details to be ironed out but the hope is that the Olde Rock Brewery will be up and running in time for summer 2017.The Gibraltarian, British and Belgian brewers on the team have already started testing their not-so-secret ingredient: Rock Conditioned Water. The beers will be based on the very ESSENCE of Gibraltar: they will use a mixture of desalinated clear blue Mediterranean water that has trickled through the Rock before purification. No ingredient could be more Gibraltarian than that!Due to the tiny size of the local beer market in Gibraltar, which only has a population of 30,000, the brewery will focus on producing craft beers which are impressive enough to gain a following in - and be able to compete with - established craft beer markets such as those in the UK, Spain and beyond.So there you have it. By no means a definitive list of almost 1,000 craft beer producers, but hopefully an evocative taste of what can be just around the corner for the craft beer-loving adventurer on the Iberian peninsula. See you there! It seems like a beef has ignited between Offset and American Airlines. In a recently deleted Instagram rant, the Migos rapper explained that hed been kicked off an AA flight for talking on the phone. Heres an excerpt of what he said: Fuck American Airlines, he starts. Pussy ass niggas kicked me off the plane for motherfucking talking on my phone. And he was a Black nigga. You a real ho. Lame ass nigga. Dont get mad at me cause you work at the airport. Fuck American Airlines. Dont nobody need to take that cheap ass flight anyway Thats the shit you send your hoes on And Im bout to take a private on yall hoes. Kick me off the plane, Ill go private. Jason Derulo also had issues with American Airlines this week, accusing the airline of racial profiling. Check out Offsets Instagram rant below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Offset This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Higher oil and gas prices should spur bigger mergers and acquisitions across the energy sector in 2017, including consolidations among pipeline companies and land deals among exploration and production companies, according to an analysis by the bond credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service. Mergers among pipeline companies will be aimed at cutting costs and paying down debt, Moody's said, while acquisitions by exploration and production companies will seek to focus drilling programs to become more efficient. Companies are trying to sell land that isn't essential to their strategies to buyers with adjacent operations. Moody's expects more of that this year. Improving stock and debt markets should also support increased M & A activity, which could spread to refiners and oil field services firms. "As oil and natural gas prices stabilize at higher levels, increasing confidence in industry prospects will spur further acquisition activity in 2017," the Moody's analysis said. The industry has seen a burst of acquisitions in recent months, particularly in the Permian Basin in West Texas, where drillers have rushed as oil prices have risen about $50 a barrel. Companies small and large have snapped up land in what has become the nation's premier oil-producing region. Exxon Mobil joined the frenzy last month, paying $6.6 billion to buy several private companies and 275,000 acres in the Permian controlled by Fort Worth's Bass family. More Information Parsley Energy's big Permian buys: April 2016 23,000 net acres for $359 million May 2016 30,000 acres (mineral rights) for $281 million August 2015 9,140 net acres for $400 million January 2017 23,000 net acres for $607 million February 2017 71,000 net acres for $2.8 billion POE1col6 BottomRule Wis nim vullut nulla facidunt nim exerilisim ver sim volenisit ip eugue ver summolor ipiscil landiamet ipis aliquating etuero core POE1col6 BottomRule Wis nim vullut nulla facidunt nim exerilisim ver sim volenisit ip eugue ver summolor ipiscil landiamet ipis aliquating etuero core See More Collapse Exxon Mobil said that's enough land to pump oil there for two decades. Among other companies buying into the land rush is Parsley Energy of Austin, which this past week continued the run of high-priced acquisitions. Parsley said it will pay $2.8 billion to Double Eagle Energy of Fort Worth to buy the rights to undeveloped acres in the heart of Permian. The sale is scheduled to close by April 20. It's the 10th large purchase in the area by Parsley and will add 71,000 net acres to the company's Midland portfolio, bringing its total Permian acreage to 227,000, one of the largest holdings by independent production companies in the basin. If the Double Eagle acquisition closes, it would add 23 drilled but uncompleted wells, 3,300 horizontal drilling locations, and about 3,600 barrels of oil and gas per day. "It's really been remarkable what Parsley's been able to do," said Jackson Sandeen, research firm Wood Mackenzie's chief Permian Basin analyst. "The company's been on a tear." The purchase buys land across six Permian counties for about $37,000 an acre, a price at the upper end of recent averages. Moody's has warned that prices in the Permian are rising faster than values may support. This year is shaping up to be even hotter in the Permian than 2016, when companies spent more than $24 billion on Permian mergers and acquisitions - "a huge year," Sandeen said. Less than two months into 2017, companies have already spent $12 billion on Permian deals, half of what was spent in all of 2016. The ocean depths are even lonelier than usual with the offshore oil and gas sector ensnared in an ongoing downturn with no clear end in sight. The deep-water projects are simply more time-consuming and expensive, and offshore drilling companies are forced to watch the onshore shale areas boom back to life, at least in West Texas and other select regions. There are simply too many offshore drilling rigs chasing too little work. Many rigs are being idled or scrapped, but Rob Saltiel, president and chief executive of Houston driller Atwood Oceanics, called it "both puzzling and worrying" that the industry isn't scrapping even more rigs. That slowed attrition rate only delays the eventual balancing of supply and demand, he said. Still, more of the competition is falling by the wayside. Houston-based Hercules Offshore filed for bankruptcy twice. Houston's Paragon Offshore remains mired in bankruptcy. Vantage Drilling, also of Houston, filed as well but later emerged from it last year. Seadrill and Pacific Drilling are teetering on the edge of bankruptcy or some other restructuring. Others big players like Transocean and Noble Corp. are struggling but surviving. Noble, which operates out of Sugar Land, posted a massive $1.3 billion quarterly loss on impairment charges from retired or idled rigs. Atwood has continued to bring in enough money to stay afloat by reaping revenues from contracts signed before the oil bust and by dramatically cutting costs and idling rigs. You can only lose so much money if you don't spend it. Atwood has cut its workforce by about 60 percent in two years, from nearly 2,000 workers to just more than 800. Executives contend that drilling safety and reliability haven't suffered. Another local player maintaining a slim profit is Diamond Offshore, but that doesn't mean president and CEO Marc Edwards sees much reason for optimism. In fact, Edwards said he doesn't expect any offshore rebound until 2019 or even 2020. "Offshore drilling is cyclical in nature, and despite some stabilization in the price of oil, we have yet to see a floor in the declining demand of deep-water assets," he said. "We are now entering an unprecedented third consecutive year of declining investment in offshore spend." Diamond recently built its Ocean GreatWhite rig to do exploration work with BP off Australia, but BP canceled the program. The optimistic slant is BP must pay Diamond at a reduced rate to keep the rig sitting idle because of the pre-existing deal. A company like Diamond may be well-positioned for an eventual rebound, but the wait will be painful. There's only so much comfort to be taken when the reason for optimism is a pre-existing condition. Likewise, one of Atwood's positives is finding work for its Atwood Condor rig in waters off Australia. The bad news is that rig will move out of the Gulf of Mexico, costing 86 Gulf Coast workers their jobs. They'll eventually be replaced by their Australian counterparts. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It was Betty Newton's husband, Stephen, who came up with the cute French name for her clothing and accessories boutique. A bientot opened in a small garage in 1996. It eventually moved to a storefront, but few knew how to pronounce it. "My husband didn't realize no one spoke French in Houston, and everyone spoke Spanish," Newton said. "A bientot" means, "See you soon." It's the Spanish equivalent of "Hasta luego." But in the beginning, no one got that, Newton said. After two decaces in business, A bientot not only is a fixture in the fashion retail landscape, but it is also in the vocabulary of Houston's most stylish shoppers. How did Newton get her start? "I found that running a store was cheaper than renting a storage unit. It was a complete accident," she said. "It never dawned on me that I would have a store, but I feel a little lucky. It's a dream job." The Houston native graduated from University of Texas, then earned a degree in fashion design at the Parsons School of Design in New York. She worked as a knitwear designer with Liz Claiborne, spending three months of the year in Hong Kong, where the company had factories. In 1988, she married Stephen Newton, who is half French. After the birth of their daughter Elizabeth in 1990, they moved to Paris for her husband's job. There, Newton worked as a consultant for several fashion houses, including Carole Little. They lived in Paris for five years before relocating to Houston. A second daughter, Camille, was born in 1993. Newton started the business selling sweet, French-style girls' dresses, which she had manufactured at a factory in Brenham. The business has grown into jewelry, handbags, women's clothing and even menswear. Five years ago, A bientot moved into a 3,000-square-foot, two-level space at 2501 River Oaks Blvd. Though her store and clientele have grown, Newton acknowledges she's pretty much the same woman who trotted across Paris, New York and Hong Kong, wearing black at every step. "Black is still my very favorite color," she said. "I probably wear too much jewelry. I always have." Home: Houston and New York Style heroes: My parents, Mary and Kenneth Bentsen Number of pairs of shoes: 268 Favorite accessory: A pair of Elizabeth Gage earrings my husband gave me when our second daughter was born. Should toss but can't: A full-length mink coat from 1988. It is great for costume parties. It has huge shoulder pads. Trend she'll never wear: A tattoo On her bedside table: "Agnes Martin, Her Life and Art," by Nancy Princenthal Recent purchase: Stella McCartney landscape-print dress Most regrettable purchase: 200 pairs of shoes Must-have beauty products: Whatever Michelle Wright, owner of Lemon Peel Facial, recommends. First car: A Ford Pinto Most hated household chore: Cleaning my desk Favorite word: Love Favorite food: Scrambled eggs with Sancerre at Sunday brunch Favorite movie: "In the Mood for Love" (2000) Hidden talent: "I am a closeted computer geek. I love taking online classes." Best advice ever received: To marry my husband Surprising talent: I make a mean cheese souffle. NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico - When three men armed with assault rifles stormed the Hotel Dos Laredos looking for Cuban migrants earlier this month, Lester Diaz, 43, escaped out a second-floor window. Soldiers quickly thwarted the attempted kidnapping. But for Diaz, a chef from Havana, the ordeal exposed the vulnerability of his countrymen in limbo here since the Obama administration last month abruptly ended a decades-old policy that had given privileged status to Cubans who reached U.S. soil. "We're afraid," Diaz said, wearing a T-shirt declaring his pursuit of freedom. "And we need protection." More than 500 Cubans have amassed in Nuevo Laredo since the so-called "wet foot, dry foot" rule was eliminated Jan. 12, and still more are expected to arrive in the weeks ahead. Most hope President Donald Trump, who has promised to crack down on illegal immigrants and ordered construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall, will offer them a reprieve. They bide their time near the pedestrian bridge and in city plazas, lining up for food doled out by church groups and kindhearted locals. At night, they take up residence at migrant shelters, churches and hotels, straining resources already stretched thin. With the prospect of stepped-up deportations from the U.S. looming, leaders of this industrial border city say they're bracing for a possible crisis. "We're facing a critical situation," said Jose Martin Carmona Flores, who heads up the Instituto Tamaulipeco Para los Migrantes, a state agency that provides aid to migrants and deportees. 'Final word' Formed after a drug cartel massacred 72 migrants in Tamaulipas in 2010, Carmona's agency is helping mostly road-weary Central Americans, as well as Mexicans deported by the busload. But lately, it seems that concerns surrounding the fate of Cubans have dominated his time, even as other migrants flood the region. At his desk, Carmona fields calls from anxious immigration officials. Among the pressing issues is the shortage of available beds. With only 600 beds across the city set aside for migrants, Cubans already occupy most of the available bed space. The news of several dozen Cubans deported back to the communist island from southern Mexico late last month has many here on edge, and fearful they also could be removed. "If it were up to me, I would look for a way for the Cubans to stay, because I'm pro-migrant," Carmona said. "But the National Immigration Institute has the final word on whether to deport them." Sent back to the border Meanwhile, the humanitarian agency is filled with larger groups of deported Mexicans. Around 40 percent of all deportees to the Southern U.S. border are dropped off in Tamaulipas, though few are from the area. During a typical week, Carmona's agency receives about 900 deportees, yet over the past couple of weeks those numbers have inched upward. Last year, the U.S. deported around 217,000 Mexicans. If that number doubles, as some observers estimate, the pressure will mount on border communities to act. Cubans who express a credible fear of return at international ports are processed by Customs and Border Patrol officers, then placed in a detention facility pending their asylum hearing. 'Unsustainable' issue "As it becomes more difficult to cross the border, there's going to be a greater number of people along the northern crossing points," said Christopher Gascon, chief of the Mexico office for the International Organization for Migration. "We'll see how Mexico reacts." Later this month, mayors from all over Mexico will meet in Nuevo Laredo to begin crafting a response to possible difficult days that lie ahead. "Once the migrants have been here for months, it will be unsustainable," Nuevo Laredo Mayor Enrique Rivas said. "We don't have the funds to handle the problem, particularly in the case of the Cubans." Providing food and shelter to the Cubans mostly has fallen upon religious groups and humanitarian organizations. The Texas Baptists' River Ministry hauls hundreds of dollars' worth food from neighboring Laredo every day. Harrowing journey Up until last month, Cubans had streamed across the border by the tens of thousands. After the sudden rule change, however, thousands of Cubans still in transit became like any other migrant - perilously traversing Mexico toward an uncertain future. After the attempted kidnapping at Hotel Dos Laredos, Carmona's agency was flooded with Cubans fearing for their safety. Some said human smugglers had begun offering to sneak some people across the Rio Grande. One legal alternative being presented to the Cubans is to apply for either a humanitarian visa or refugee status. Those who were assaulted in Mexico qualify for a humanitarian visa, while others could meet the requirements for a refugee visa. But both take months to process, and few appear ready to stay in Mexico despite unease over possible reprisals if they are sent back to the communist island. At a Baptist church, Josley Garcia Lopez, 31, and Glayde Vilches Jimenez, 30, fawned over their newborn daughter. They named her Melania, in honor of the first lady. Vilches walked the Darien Gap over five days while seven months pregnant, an experience that must be lived to be believed, she said. Their daughter is Mexican by birth, which could support their case to remain in Mexico should they choose, but their sights are set on Michigan. "We're not thinking about Mexico," Vilches said. "We're hoping for something positive from the United States." GALVESTON Advocates fighting an often-bitter battle to rebuild public housing damaged by Hurricane Ike are so frustrated by the lack of progress that they filed a scathing, nine-page complaint with federal officials in December contending that the Galveston Housing Authority willfully obstructed rebuilding efforts. While housing authority officials vehemently deny the allegations, the long, hard-fought struggle to rebuild 569 units has left deep wounds, minimal results and distrust among those involved: the Galveston Housing Authority, the Texas General Land Office and the two statewide housing advocacy groups backed by local civil rights groups. "I would characterize the behavior of the Housing Authority as actively trying to slow or prevent the rebuilding of public housing," said Madison Sloan, spokeswoman for Texas Appleseed, one of the housing nonprofits. After eight years, less than half of the 569 units have been rebuilt, and a fundamental disagreement persists over what is needed for construction to progress, according to interviews with the housing advocates, the Housing Authority and the Texas General Land Office. The current contention centers on whose responsibility it is to apply for a HUD waiver needed for construction. The final arbiter in the dispute is the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, which said it could not comment because it was still considering the complaint by the housing advocates, Texas Appleseed and the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service. Under a plan imposed by the Land Office after the city balked at approving its own plan in 2013, the Housing Authority would build 145 units of public housing mixed with units to be rented at market rates, a method that has been shown to reduce poverty, crime and the stigma that comes with concentrating public housing. Forty units had been completed in 2011 under a pro-public housing mayor. The remaining 384 units were to be built by the Land Office on sites scattered around the island. The Housing Authority is nearing completion of its mixed-income housing at two sites. The Land Office has yet to build a single one of its scattered-site houses, but is negotiating with contractors and hopes to begin construction on 87 sites in April. Waiver confusion A communication failure seems to have left the parties involved with different ideas about what's required to complete construction of the remaining public housing units. The advocacy groups believed that the Housing Authority is hindering construction of the 87 scattered-site units by failing to seek a required waiver of competitive bidding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The groups believe construction cannot begin without the waiver. Although responsible for construction, the Land Office believes that the Housing Authority needs to obtain the HUD waiver because it is responsible for issuing housing vouchers to prospective tenants. The Housing Authority and its paid consultant are convinced that no waiver is needed because the Land Office needs to seek competitive bids from prospective contractors, said Deyna Sims, Housing Authority director of real estate and development. Although the Housing Authority and Land Office officials communicate regularly, the disagreement over waivers was never discussed, according to interviews with both agencies. "All they have to do is pick up the phone or send an email asking, can we move forward without a waiver?" Sims said. Sloan said the issue was discussed in an April meeting. "We had an entire meeting where we discussed that these were important steps to develop public housing," Sloan said. "I find it a little unusual that the Housing Authority would not tell the state they had carried out what they had agreed in the April meeting to do." The Land Office was more conciliatory. "Since we are in uncharted waters, there is naturally going to be a level of ambiguity and disagreement," Land Office spokeswoman Brittany Eck said. "This project, with a historic size and scope, is outside the normal operating procedures of both entities and therefore a learning curve for both parties is to be anticipated as we move forward." The advocates sent their complaint to HUD Dec. 21 and copied the Land Office, but did not notify the Housing Authority. Sloan said that normally HUD would notify the subject of a complaint, but Housing Authority officials said they learned about the complaint from a reporter. "I'm flabbergasted," said Buddy Herz, Housing Authority board chairman. "We didn't know anything about it." Mayoral appointees Sloan said the frustration over the slow pace of rebuilding the scattered sites was compounded by comments from Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough during a meeting in Galveston. Yarbrough reappointed Herz and other members of the Housing Authority board appointed by his predecessor, former Mayor Lewis Rosen, elected on a fierce anti-public housing platform. The advocates interpreted Yarbrough's appointments as saying no more public housing was needed, but Yarbrough said he agrees that all 569 units should rebuilt, but only in response to demand. "I don't want to go build 569 units unless there is adequate demand to fill it up," Yarbrough said. He worries that if the number of units outstrip demand it could depress rental values and cause landlords to allow housing to fall into disrepair. "Over time we will finish up the 569, certainly not as fast as (the advocates) would like," he said. The advocates point to a Housing Authority waiting list of 6,573 families, 81 percent of them extremely low income. "The delay has already denied hundreds of families the right to come home after a natural disaster," Sloan said. "More delay means more families don't have homes. There has been a delay of nine years and it's already been too long." We are accustomed to thinking of the Ku Klux Klan as primarily a racist organization. But the Klan of the 1920s pursued a broad array of hatreds. As Houston author Patricia Bernstein notes in the introduction of her book, "Ten Dollars to Hate: The Texas Man Who Fought the Klan," it was racist, certainly, but also virulently anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant and, most especially, anti-Catholic. The Klan of the day also was the "Enforcer of Morality," aligning itself with those who were most appalled by changing norms of conduct. The rise of the Ku Klux Klan of the '20s paralleled the rise of fascism and Nazism in Europe, with the Klan operating under the same basic principles - the idea that a group of men with no legal authority whatsoever could enforce their own standards of "morality" and their own notions of proper allegiance to the nation, and punish those they viewed as malefactors, Bernstein writes. Almost everyone who first hears the story of Ralph Burleson and Fannie Campbell, some of which is excerpted here, assumes that the vicious Klan response occurred because one was white and the other was black. In fact, both Ralph and Fannie were Caucasian, but that did not save them from the rough attentions of the Klan. This excerpt from "Ten Dollars to Hate" relates the vicious flogging and beating of Burleson, a 27-year old World War I veteran, in Williamson County because he was rumored to be having an affair with Campbell, an attractive widow. "The Ku Klux Klan, since its inception," Bernstein writes, "seems to have become as inevitable and indestructible a part of American life as the inclination to evil (yetzer hara), which, according to traditional Jewish theology, is an inevitable part of the human character. "This should not lead us to despair," she adds, "but make us all the more vigilant and well-schooled in the threat posted by organized hatemongering in order to combat it successfully." By Easter Sunday, about six weeks after (receiving a warning note from the Klan about their imagined "affair") R.W. Burleson and Fannie Campbell had forgotten all about the Klan threat. After Sunday dinner they decided to take a ride in R.W.'s new Ford to the cemetery in Weir where Charles Campbell (Fannie's husband who had died in 1918) was buried. The afternoon was fading toward sunset when they turned back west on the Georgetown road to go home. Just as they left the tiny town of Jonah, R.W. passed a car moving slowly with the curtains closed. The car appeared to be full of men, and, for some reason, they were peeping out the back through the porthole window, staring at Burleson and his friends. After Burleson had passed that car, another car with the curtains closed slowed down in front of him and the car he had just passed moved alongside his Ford and forced him to stop. As he stopped, three or four men waving guns - all strangers - jumped out of the car opposite and ordered Burleson to get out of his car. There was no door on the driver's side of the Ford. The men had to heave Burleson over the side. Once they had him out of the car, they began hitting him with their pistols. They knocked him down on the ground, dragged him into the back seat of their car and jammed a sack over his head. After a short ride, the car came to a stop and Burleson was hauled out. The gang locked a heavy trace chain - the kind used to attach a horse to a carriage or wagon - around Burleson's neck with a padlock, and dragged him to a thorn tree on the banks of a creek. The tree was located about half a mile west of the Meridian Highway that became Main Street as it entered Taylor, Texas, a town of 8,000 located a few miles southeast of Jonah. The men threw the heavy chain attached to Burleson's neck over a high branch of the thorn tree. One of them held the end of it and pulled R.W. up close to the tree right onto the stickers, with his head bent back. His arms were tied behind him with a rope. His attackers proceeded to pull off his trousers and rip his underwear in two, dropping it on the ground. Once Burleson was stripped, the men began to take turns whipping him from shoulders to knees with a leather strap which Burleson estimated was about three inches wide, at least three feet long and as thick as his little finger. Each man would whip Burleson 12 or 15 times and then pass the strap on to the next man. All the while they were demanding to know if he had stayed in Fannie Campbell's house after he received the Klan warning and if she had bought him his new car. They also wanted to know if he had had sex with Fannie, whether it was "good," and whether he was going to visit her anymore. When he answered no to the questions about a sexual relationship between himself and Fannie, one of the men said, "Give him some more, the son of a bitch. He will tell it. Just keep pouring it on him." Burleson resisted as long as he could, not only because of his own pride and his fury at this brutal treatment, but because of his belief that he needed to protect the honor of his friend. But it seemed to him that the lashes were being applied more and more vigorously. Finally, said Burleson, he was suffering so much that he decided he had to give his tormentors what they wanted. By the time he had felt the sting of the strap at least 50 times, he began to answer yes to every question. "That was a false answer," he said later. "I decided it was all that was going to stop them and I had stood it as long as I could." After Burleson had told the klansmen what they wanted to hear, the flogging stopped. He was led to the back of a vehicle, which he later identified very precisely as an Overland truck. Before long, the truck stopped at the City Hall square in the center of Taylor. The men pulled Burleson out of the truck, led him to a hackberry tree, and subjected him to one final indignity. They pulled the sack off and without any warning dumped a bucket of creosote over his head. The man holding the chain wrapped it around the tree, tied it loosely and ran. By then the rest of the group had already melted away into the darkness. Burleson managed to untie the chain from the tree and staggered towards the nearest light he saw, carrying the chain with him. He landed on the porch of Mrs. R. Harbor's boarding house, directly across the street from City Hall. Mrs. Harbor sent for Constable Louis Lowe and Burleson was taken to the basement of City Hall. Lowe began to try to rub the creosote off of Burleson with coal oil. Lowe later testified that Burleson's "eyes, mouth, ears and hair were full of this stuff." A hacksaw was used to remove the chain that was still locked around Burleson's neck. By then Dr. W.S. Zorn had arrived. Between them, Zorn and Lowe managed to get Burleson's clothes off, and Lowe saw that the poor man was completely raw from the small of his back to behind his knees with half a dozen to a dozen places where "the skin was bursted and the opening was entirely raw as a beefsteak." There were lash marks and bruises as far up as his shoulders and as far down as his calves. There were also several bleeding cuts on his head. The doctor put dressings on Burleson's wounds, wrapped his head in bandages, and helped him to lie down in one of the firemen's beds. By the time an ambulance came for him about an hour later, Burleson had bled all the way through his dressings and soaked the bed with blood. Constable Lowe later told newspaper reporters that Burleson was "the worst beat-up man" he ever saw. District Attorney Dan Moody, who prosecuted the Burleson case, later said, " there was not one single thing a man could say to Burleson's discredit, so far as his personal or business conduct was concerned." Frequently during his trial testimony Burleson, a man with an excellent reputation, expressed his amazement that he would be so viciously set upon by men he didn't even know. At one point Burleson said of one of his assailants, "I had never seen this defendant before in my life until that day that I know of. I am sure I had never heard his name before, and I had never harmed him or said an unkind word to him in my life. I had never struck him or hurt him or did anything on earth to him or to anybody that was kin to him, as far as I know." The group of unmasked men who abducted Ralph Waldo Burleson on a Sunday afternoon in full view of witnesses and flogged him mercilessly were motivated by their membership in the newly reconstituted Ku Klux Klan, which they believed gave them permission to police their environs and enforce their own code of morality as they saw fit. Where did a group of very ordinary - even sub-ordinary - men, acting without legal authority of any kind, acquire the notion that what they did to Burleson was moral and correct? How did another group of men in Florida decide that they had the right to castrate a Catholic priest? Why did men in a remote corner of northeastern Louisiana think it was an honorable and proper act to murder two young men by means of prolonged and extraordinary torture? How did a cluster of thugs in Central Texas convince themselves they were honor-bound to gun down several men on the public streets of the little town of Sealy? The answer lies in the nature and the power of the 1920s Ku Klux Klan. Bernstein's book, published by Texas A&M University Press, is due out March 8. Michael Paulsen/Staff In 2011 the Texas Legislature reduced funding for public education by $5.3 billion - the largest blow ever suffered by our schools. As a result, requests for the limited resources of our family foundation grew as public-private partnerships and local community initiatives in our region struggled to fill the gaps. Knowing that we would be unable to meet the growing demand, we joined with other philanthropists and grantmakers from across the state to form the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium (TEGAC). Together we have worked to expand and improve educational opportunities for all Texas children through smart state public education policies. One thing philanthropy cannot do is make up for ongoing state cuts to public education. Over the past six years, Texas has failed to restore its investment in public education even to 2011 levels. In fact, the state's share of total state/local funding will have declined from 46 percent in 2012 to 38 percent by 2019 while not even taking into account that the student population in Texas increases by more than 80,000 students every year. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. 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. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. HuffPost Canada is profiling each of the 2017 Conservative leadership candidates, leading up to the May decision. Deepak Obhrai is trying to make a point. Canada has changed. Young people and immigrants understand that, the Conservative candidate tells The Huffington Post Canada over lunch at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, a stones throw away from Parliament Hill. But the Tories base seems unable to accept it, he suggests. Advertisement This party has to be the party of the future, not of the past, he says, tapping his finger against the table. If we want to be a party of the past, we will become a protest party. The 2015 Conservative election campaign, with its barbaric practices tip line, pledge to deport dual citizens convicted of terrorism, and re-emphasis on banning niqabs during citizenship ceremonies, reversed many of the gains the Tories primarily Obhrai and former cabinet minister Jason Kenney spent years achieving within immigrant communities. On and off stage, Obhrai stresses that the Tories are in danger of further alienating a large segment of the population with antagonizing proposals, such as fellow contestant Kellie Leitchs pledge to screen newcomers for Canadian values and require face-to-face interviews. Advertisement Why do you think Im speaking? the Calgary MP asks rhetorically. Obhrai orders a lobster Cobb salad and grabs a piece of bread. He heralds Canadas successful integration model with new immigrants and suggests the base of his party doesnt reflect or understand this experience. When I go to EDAs [electoral district associations], all those white, old men sitting there who think Canada is still in the 1980s, 1970s, those are the ones giving [Leitch] money, he says, munching on a piece of bread. Those are also the people writing to him every time he opens his mouth, he says. Most of the emails are anti-Muslim, many say he is out to lunch. This is a party election, Obhrai adds, lowering his voice and leaning across the table. You have to appeal to the party base, not the general public. Advertisement His voice is now a whisper. This is the base of the Conservative party, the old Conservative party. Leitch, who has drawn attention for praising U.S. President Donald Trumps electoral campaign, is fear mongering, he says. She is not the person that I knew. The two have known each other for years. Although Leitchs party roots lie with the Ontario Progressive Conservatives and Obhrais are with the Reform party, he says he took her to many cultural events. Now, they are on what he calls hello, hello terms. Some people are very afraid of change, Obhrai says. They tell him Canada needs to remain this type of culture without sharia law and all these things. One woman who recently quit the board of his riding association told him Christians are under threat from Muslims and sharia law. Advertisement Are Christians under threat in this country? He shrugs. I dont have time for that. At the same time though, Obhrai seems to relish responding to those who contact him. I keep reminding them that it is the Muslim community that is helping us fight radicalization. Nobody else. It is the Muslim community that is our first strength, he says. They are working with police. They are our first line of defence. There are Muslims who come and say they want sharia law, Obhrai offers without prompting. That fuels this fear of change, he says, but Canadas foundation is based on common law and freedom, which is non-compatible with sharia law. It will never come, he says. "Ive been here for 20 years, for 40 years. Ive gone through the whole experience of racism everywhere. Why do you think Im running?" Even the niqab, Obhrai continues, what is very interesting about the niqab is the second generation that tastes the freedom that we provide, they dont follow those old traditions. He has seen it in his riding, he says, helping himself to a pita crisp. There is a woman, he says, the wife of an imam, who goes to his friends halal store wearing a niqab, but when she goes to Ikea she wears no coverings. That is the freedom that we give. Advertisement Ive been here for 20 years, for 40 years. Ive gone through the whole experience of racism everywhere. Why do you think Im running? The others are not talking about it, he says of his 13 competitors for the leadership. This whole country is built by immigrants, young people. What about them? Are they facing these barriers? Yes, they are. Who is going to talk about this? On the national stage, I stand up and talk about it. Despite the fact I get massive amounts of emails. The lobster salad is delivered. Obhrai declines fresh ground pepper but accepts the offer of Tabasco sauce. Im Indian, he says with a shrug and a smile. Obhrai was born on July 5, 1950, in Tanganyika (known as Tanzania since 1964) in a mountain town called Oldeani near the world-famous NGorongoro Crater. Advertisement His father was a diabetic who died when Obhrai was six. His mother, armed with a bachelors degree, got a job at a bank. If my mother hadnt been educated, I might have been an under-the-tree mechanic, he says, referring to informal shops that pop up in the countryside, literally under a tree. Obhrai went to primary school in Moshi, a town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. He attended high school in Arusha and was later sent to Indore, India, to study at the prestigious Daly College. At the time, Tanzania was a one-party socialist state, India a multiparty democracy. One of the things I realized when I came back and was living in Africa was the [South] Asian community did not participate in the political process of the country, and when the time came, they paid the price. Advertisement In 1972, Ugandan President Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of 80,000 people of Asian heritage. In the decade that followed, Tanzania nationalized banks and businesses, the vast majority of which were owned by Asians. Because they didnt engage with the political system and were not identified as locals, they had to leave, Obhrai says. Obhrai moved to the Britain, where he studied to be an air traffic controller but realized he didnt want to live there. The British think we are coolies, he says, referring to the term used in India for luggage boys. Advertisement He returned home to work in air traffic control, and was on duty the night the Israeli Defence Forces landed at Ugandas Entebbe airport to free the hostages held by Palestinian hijackers in 1976. A year later, Obhrai landed in Calgary with his wife, Neena, (they wed in 1971) and their three-year-old daughter, Priti. Obhrai initially intended to go to Montreal, but with Rene Levesques Parti Quebecois government in power, he was advised to go West. I was working at one of the best international airports, Kilimanjaro International Airport. When I landed in Calgary, it was an old shack! Corrugated roof shack, you know. When I opened the door, I said: What kind of airport is this? Am I in the right country? This is Canada? While Obhrai worked to get an accounting degree and later a job with the city, he threw himself into community work. Advertisement He and Neena also built a dry cleaning business that expanded to three stores. They had two more children: a daughter, Kaajal, in 1978, and son, Aman, in 1984. In the 1990s, Obhrai became the president of the India-Canada Association of Calgary, vice-president of the National Indo-Canadian Council for the Alberta region, president of the Monterey Park Community Association, and president of the Hindu Society of Calgary. He lost his first bid for public office in 1993, as alderman on city council. He tried unsuccessfully to win a provincial byelection nomination for the Progressive Conservatives in CalgaryMcCall in 1995. A year later, he lost another bid for a PC nomination in CalgaryMontrose. Advertisement Obhrai says his first attempt taught him how to run an election campaign; the second how to understand party politics, and the third which he contends was unfairly manipulated helped him build the base he would use for a successful federal campaign in 1997 under the Reform party banner. At first, Obhrai says, the board of the riding association tried to block him from running but Reform party leader Preston Manning intervened, telling him to go for it and to come change the party. Manning declined to comment. But Rick Anderson, who was campaign director at the time and charged with keeping contests fair and open, confirmed that the party leadership did intervene. I dont remember the nature of the problem in Deepaks riding, but I do recall it was one of a handful where the competition was especially intense, and there was some jostling and the rules needed reinforcing, he told HuffPost. Advertisement Obhrai says he didnt realize the amount of institutionalized racism that already existed in the party. I had to fight tooth and nail, he says, leaning in. Thats when Don Martin wrote I was not going to win. Martin, the host of CTVs Power Play, used to write for the Calgary Herald. In July 1997, Obhrai insists Martin wrote a column saying he couldnt win. (Despite a microfiche and Infomart search, HuffPost has been unable to find such an article.) Despite Don Martins negative comments, I won the election. Not a serious candidate Twenty years and seven election wins later, Obhrai is still upset. Over the years, Martin hasnt been too generous to the Calgary MP. In 2005, Martin gave Obhrai a C- grade, writing that hes never see[n] a foreign junket hed refuse and rarely worries the cabinet ministers with the calibre of his questions. He just doesnt leave behind a deep footprint in federal politics. Last summer, Martin also pegged Obhrais odds of winning the Tory leadership at 500 to1. Martin believes Obhrai has a chip on his shoulder. I have nothing against him except he's the comic relief and not a serious candidate, he wrote in an email. Advertisement Obhrai believes the traditional media are not giving him a fair shake. But many party insiders echo Martins comments. Obhrai is funny and entertaining but not a serious policy thinker or leadership material, they say. Obhrai says his strength lies with the grassroots. Not just Indians but whites, Lebanese, Filipinos. His money comes from young people and outside traditional people, he says, which is why I dont register in the polls. Because they go to the traditional supporters. You dont need to write that. Im not interested in that. Im fine, he adds. According to the latest Elections Canada filings, Obhrai has raised $108,333 so far, placing him 11th among Tory leadership candidates for both the total amount of donations and for the number of contributors. The partys brown guy In 1997, after Obhrai won a seat in Calgary East, he was named caucus liaison for what the party called its bridge-building campaign. Obhrai went to ethnic events, held a large Diwali event on Parliament Hill every year, and cemented his role as the brown guy in the party. Advertisement The party asked me to open up the base, to go around bring in new Canadians, young Canadians into the party, he says. A decade later, with the now-merged Conservative party in power, prime minister Stephen Harper promoted Jason Kenney, his parliamentary secretary, to the newly created job of minister of state for multiculturalism. Obhrai says he and Kenney met near the Delta Hotel where Harper was making the offers, and Kenney told him: Take your job back, I dont want it. Kenney, who is now running to lead the Progressive Conservatives in Alberta, says he doesnt remember it exactly that way. Advertisement "Thought he was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard." [Obhrai] was expecting/hoping to be multiculturalism minister, and I was expecting to be a senior minister, Kenney wrote to HuffPost. We had a curry lunch where I told him I was going to be PS for multi, and he laughed so hard he was crying. Thought he was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. Perhaps, I jokingly suggested we swap jobs. At the end of the day, I ended up loving the [multiculturalism] job, which is why I kept it for a decade, but we were both shocked and found it humorous at first. Kenney did throw himself into the job of ethnic outreach with gusto. He was lauded for his efforts, leading some Tories to believe Obhrai feels eclipsed by his successor. Obhrai had a good gig. He served in the entire Harper government as parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs. If there was a meeting in a faraway land the minister didnt want to attend, Obhrai would be there. His office is a collection of mementos from his travels: plates, plaques, ornaments. Advertisement The elder statesman After a few more bites of his lunch, Obhrai pauses. I want you to help me write a little story, he says. During the 2008 election, The Globe and Mails Jane Taber wrote an article describing him as self-praising, he says, because he pointed out to constituents that he was now an elder. She was kind of making fun of it. Obhrais details are off. It was after the 2011 election, after he wrote a letter to The Calgary Herald and to his supporters pointing out that he was the oldest South Asian left in the House of Commons: In my birth country, Tanzania, I would henceforth be referred to by the respectful title of Mzee. In South Asia, I would receive the title of Pradhaan. This means I have now reached the ranks of respected elders. I still look young! The fact remains that Obhrai was bruised by Tabers comment: I didnt understand was why she said that. He explains: In African and Indian language, elders are given the highest degree of respect. Advertisement Two days previously, another reporter had told him that there are no elders in the Western world. Once you become a senior, they are told: Keep going buddy, thank you. They do not have that kind of respect. Now, I understand why their attack was misplaced, he says. He wants everyone to know he was unaware of this so it can be reflected in Wikileaks. He probably means Wikipedia. At 66, the grandfather of two insists hes running to win and should be taken seriously. He is the dean of the Conservative caucus after all the longest serving Tory on the Hill. Despite stating in debates that he has no platform, he has put forward policy. He wants to spend more on the Canadian Border Services Agency to protect the largest porous border in the world. He wants the Business Development Bank of Canada to give start-up loans to students, the unemployed and anyone else with a sound business plan. He wants to cut the $1 billion the federal government spends yearly on settlement costs for landed immigrants. When I came to this country, nobody gave me money. We came prepared to work hard, Obhrai says, adding that he would maintain settlement costs for refugees. Advertisement Obhrai favours low taxes and no deficits, but hes willing to run them when the economy nosedives. He likes the public health care system and wants to invest more in training nurses and would consider creating a pharmacare program. He wants more foreign investment, less regulation and more government investment in green scientific innovation. Specifically, he wants Ottawa to invest in fast-neutron reactors (FNRs) that would recycle nuclear waste from nuclear plants and create carbon-free energy. Hes fine with scrapping the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and would prefer that Canada sign bilateral trade agreements with the United States and Mexico, because, he says, such deals create a more equal level playing field. Still, he supports the free trade deal with the European Union because the region is already integrated. The French factor One of Obhrais biggest challenges as a potential Tory leader may be his language deficit. Despite fluency in Swahili, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujrati, and English, he does not speak French. Look, I speak five languages, its not difficult for me to learn another language, he says. But he has been trying to learn French since July 2015 and still has trouble stringing a sentence together. His incomprehensible French has garnered celebrity attention in Quebec, something he clearly relishes. Advertisement People are saying You are the guy who massacred the language but you were there, you showed respect, he says. Im getting more calls from Quebec City to go back. English media have also been laughing with him. Theres a viral appearance on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and his tips on learning French in a CBC Radio segment (Forget about grammar). From the time I started running, I was told: he wont make it, hell be out, hell be this, hell be that, he wont be able to make the money, he should be out, he doesnt speak French, he doesnt do anything, nobody knows him, Obhrai says. My debates prove that I know what the hell that I am talking about. My French, despite the fact [he doesnt speak it] went very well. Despite the fact [people said] I wasnt going to raise the money, I raised the money. I do not follow their traditional way of [thinking]. Advertisement I create my own script, which is why I am here for 20 years and the others have gone, he says with a big laugh. And I will continue doing that. CORRECTION: An earlier version misspelled Idi Amin's first name. This article has been updated. Also on HuffPost African states prepare for a mass withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). They claim that the world's first permanent Court has punished only African leaders, while letting crimes committed by Western powers around the world go unpunished. While it is true that so far the ICC has only ever charged African criminals, the withdrawal plan has more to do with the global landscape shifting under dictators' feet. African autocrats are increasingly facing arrest, extradition, prosecution and a shrinking space for safe exile. Gambia's longtime dictator Yahya Jammeh stepped down on January 21 only after he found asylum in a neighbouring country that doesn't recognise the ICC's jurisdiction, namely Equatorial Guinea. He also received a golden parachute from the United Nations, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. In a joint declaration, they pledged "dignity, respect, security and rights" for the ousted ruler and his family. One would argue that with such deals, the international community is sending mixed messages. On the one hand, it claims to promote democracy. On the other, it encourages despots to grab power, abuse citizens' rights, steal public funds and enjoy dignified exits. However, ushering ruthless rulers into exile is a long tradition that has undoubtedly contributed to preventing and ending senseless wars. Advertisement Five years ago, the toppled President Zineddine Ben Ali found exile in Saudi Arabia, sparing Tunisians greater chaos and bloodshed. Offering Charles Taylor exile in Nigeria has also contributed to ending Liberia's civil war. Similarly, the former Ethiopian ruler, Mengistu Haile Mariam found asylum in Zimbabwe, which helped resolve Ethiopian civil war. Authoritarian regimes, however, haven't been the main hosts for toppled rulers. This is a major finding of a recent research by Abel Escriba-Folch and Daniel Krcmaric, which examined the destinations of 98 ex-dictators who went into exile between 1946 and 2012. The research found that "the leading destinations include the US with eleven exiled dictators, the USSR/Russia and the UK with seven each, Argentina with six, and France with five." But the good old days when dethroned dictators could retire in the French Rivera are gone. The study's most significant finding is that since the end of the cold war, defeated despots have been struggling to find safe havens, especially in the West. This shift is mainly due to the mushrooming of human rights organizations and international courts, including the ICC. Under public and media scrutiny, Western democracies have been slowly turning against their protegees. France, a long-time refuge for world dictators, refused Ben Ali's request to land in its territory, forcing him to turn around and head to Saudi Arabia. The incident came to symbolise the dictators' desperate search for a safe landing space. Advertisement In another remarkable volte-face, the United States brokered Charles Taylor's exile deal into Nigeria only to end up pressuring the host country to turn him over to the Special Court for Sierra Leone. As for Belgium, it went so far as to taking Senegal to court over Hissene Habre and forcing it to prosecute Chad's notorious dictator. Nowadays, rulers who have blood on their hands are likely to end up behind bars when the halls of power close. When Laurent Gbagbo, former Ivory Coast president, was hauled from his bunker and sent to the Hague, it served notice to tyrants that they can run, but can no longer hide. It is precisely the threat of facing justice that may have weighted in Muammar Qaddafi's rejection of the asylum offer made by Uganda - a party to the ICC - while being investigated. His decision to stay and fight to death turned out to be a kiss of death for Libya. It also made many wonder if the ICC is a victory for justice or a defeat of peace. I remember how several UN colleagues used to argue in private that the Court has made it harder to end wars by removing dictators. They believed that the threat of prosecution will only make the ICC-wanted rulers cling to power, commit more atrocities and fight until the bitter end. This is the opinion held by Alex de Waal and Julie Flint, two of the UK's top experts on Sudan and ICC critics. They strongly opposed the indictment of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on the grounds that it would ruin years of diplomatic negotiations and delay peace. Advertisement Whether peace should be negotiated with genocidaires is a matter of debate. What is clear, however, dictators stand a chance of being prosecuted only after they are toppled or abandoned by their protectors. It's that time of the year and love is in the air! Everywhere we see red hearts beaming from cards and boxes of chocolates, while a dozen roses just doesn't have quite the right impact if they are yellow. Every day we can read about the importance of love, how to get more of it, how to be the best at it, how to make it work, how to keep it alive, how to let go if it doesn't work, and how to trust it and start the process all over again. Love appears to be the most important topic on our minds (along with elections, immigrants and teenage acne, to name but a few). Learning to open the heart, to listen to, respect and trust what we feel, is one of life's most powerful teachings. For the heart is more than just the center of love, it is also the center of our being, the place we point to when we talk about ourselves. When we say, "you have touched my heart" we are really saying "you have touched the deepest part of my being." Advertisement We don't have to go in search of love, or fear giving away so much that we have none left. We can never lose love; we can only lose sight of it. Love could not happen if it was not already an integral part of who we are. How can we lose what is our nature? How can we be left with nothing when love is the source of all life? However, love rarely flows smoothly. We all experience conflicts, hurt or loss, and if the pain is too big to deal with we lock it away inside. This serves to lock us out of our heart. And when we become isolated from love we become mistrustful, uncaring, shallow, hateful, prejudiced and fearful. Fear closes the heart so we can't feel love, as when we close our arms and pull back in defense. Love comes from the open heart, when we open our arms wide to embrace another. All this means that love needs to be remembered, restored and renewed. We remember by holding love close and feeling its presence; we restore those places where love has been forgotten or ignored; and we renew it by being aware of love in every moment. Advertisement The Indian government invited us to speak at a yoga conference being held in Pondicherry, in southern India. When it was Ed's turn to speak he talked about the beauty and awesome power of unconditional love. A man in the audience raised his hand. "Please sir," he said. "What is this love that you speak of? How do I get this love? Where can I find it?" Ed replied: "You awake in love, you bathe in love, you eat in love, you walk in love, and you live in love. Love is within you; it is your true nature; it is who you really are." "Oh sir," the man said, "You have all the right answers!" Too many respond to increased competition by lowering prices. The problem is that lowering the price often comes with unintended consequences. It can lower the image of your product and send the wrong message to customers that recently paid more. What is a company to do? The answer is set the price at the right level by finding out what buyers are willing to pay. What buyers are willing to pay Pricing novices tend to be "inside-out" thinkers. They assume that buyers always want to pay less because they, themselves (inside their own heads), want to pay less. What the data shows is that this is true if the product is validated. If you know and trust the company and the product you are buying, of course, you would like to buy it for less. What if the product is not validated? You never heard of the company, or you have never heard of the product. Time and again, a lower price for an unknown product from an unknown company usually means one thing to the buyer's brain - the product is probably not very good. What gives you control over the price Economists tell you that the market determines the price, and that an economic price is where supply equals demand. Rather than fight with economists, good Marketers know that positioning (product branding) gives you control over the price. The more uniqueness and desirability you put into your positioning strategy, the more control you have over the price you can charge for your product. A few examples should help to illustrate how positioning gives you this control. Advertisement Record-breaking baseball. A baseball sells for a few dollars. The baseball that Barry Bonds hit in the stands to break Hank Aaron's home run record sold for $752,467.20. It was unique, and desired by the man that bought it. Apple's smartphone profits. Even if the iPhone has only a 12.1% share of the smartphone market, Apple commanded 91% of the smartphone profits in the 3rd Quarter of 2016. If you want and iPhone, only one company makes it - Apple. If you want an Android phone, there are a number of choices. Entertainment venue food and beverages. When you go to see a popular professional sports team in a stadium or a movie or concert in a theater, you might notice that the price of candy, popcorn, hot dogs and other items is considerably higher than if you buy them outside the venue. Why? Even if the items themselves are not unique, they have uniqueness because the distribution channel you are in has no competition nearby. If you want to eat or drink something, you have to buy it from the venue at the prices they charge. Once you understand that positioning gives you control over the price, you are ready to develop pricing strategies to help your sales and profits. Advertisement Pricing is more complex than you think. Pricing is one of the fundamental building blocks of marketing. Many believe price is easy to understand when, in fact, it is one of the most difficult. McKinsey points out in an article entitled Shedding the Commodity Mind-set, too many companies leave large amounts of money on the table. Pricing experts know that setting the right price is difficult because, in addition to the physical factors of cost and profit, price is subject to psychological factors. The best companies can do to have control over these psychological factors is to do a great job of branding. And to get the branding right, companies have to know how to develop the right underlying corporate image and positioning strategies. In short, creating a brand image of the product that is impossible, or extremely difficult, to copy is the key to having control over your pricing strategies. If you are able to do that, you will be able to employ the most powerful and effective of all pricing strategies - What The Market Will Bear (WTMWB). What the Market Will Bear In markets where there is little or no competition, companies can employ a pricing strategy that optimizes profits. It is often called a What The Market Will Bear (WTMWB) price. This strategy sets the price based on the maximum price the market will pay for the product. On the one hand, the company wants to realize the highest profits possible in the shortest amount of time to help recoup high start-up costs, such R&D (research and development), production, and marketing costs. On the other, it may not want its profits to be so attractive as to entice cutthroat competition to enter the market within the time window it needs to build market share and establish a leadership position. This strategy typically works because those likely to buy a new product - the Innovators and Early Adopters - are not particularly price sensitive. If there is considerable uniqueness and desirability built into the product brand, your company can employ a WTMWB strategy. If not, you might consider other effective pricing strategies. Gross Profit Margin Target In almost all cases, pricing strategies should begin with a Gross Profit Margin Target (GPMT) strategy. Companies typically know the gross profit margin they need to pay back their expenses and generate positive net income and cash flow. Once your company knows the cost of sales (cost of goods and services sold) of a particular product and the Gross Profit Margin Target it wants, it can easily employ a GPMT strategy. Gross Profit Margin is defined by the formula (P-C)/P, where P=Price and C=Cost of Sales. Anybody can put this formula into a spreadsheet program, and as costs change, recalculate the price that will produce the targeted Gross Profit Margin. Most companies know the GPMT they want. If you don't, there are some common guidelines you can follow. Manufacturers typically aim for a GPMT of 50% Distributors (Wholesalers) usually need a GPM of 10 to 15% Dealers (Retailers) require a GPM of 30 to 50% (the higher percentage is for retailers that have to train people (customers and employees) to use the product and the lower margin is for retailers that are selling a product that does not require after-sale support. The price, or marked-up cost, to achieve these target GPMs is as follows (P=Price and C=Cost of Sales): Manufacturers: P=2C so the formula is (2C-C)/2C = 0.5, yielding a GPM of 50% Distributors: P=1.18C so the formula is (1.18C-C)/1.18, which will give them a 15% GPM Dealers: P=1.5C so the formula is (1.5C-C)/1.5C, for a 33% GPM. When I develop pricing strategies for a client that is a manufacturer, I always start with a GPMT pricing strategy that is twice their cost, or 2C, since that is an easy calculation that will give them their GPMT of 50%. Most Significant Digit Pricing For products that will be sold to consumers, most companies employ a Most Significant Digit (MSD) pricing strategy. Why? Studies and experience show that sales will be significantly higher if a product is priced at say $29.95 or $29.99 instead of $30. Most humans focus on the most significant digit - the "2" in this case. To them $29.95 or $29.99 seems a lot less than $30 even though it is only 1 to 5 less. Even expensive homes in Beverly Hills might sell for $7,995,000 rather than $8 million. There are exceptions. In upscale restaurants, it is usually a mistake to price an entree at $31.95. Instead it will be priced at $32-. For some reason, people do not think the food is as good if MSD pricing is used in a high-end restaurant. Combining all three If a product is positioned as unique, smart marketing companies will typically use all three of these strategies in combination. For example, Apple has priced its iPad Air and iPad Pro starting at $399 and $599 respectively. Apple is using a MSD strategy in addition to a WTMWB strategy because the iPhone has uniqueness built-in since Apple controls the platform. It also aims for a GPMT, which is not officially published, but which is in the 30 to 50% GPM range of well-positioned products in competitive markets. When Johnson & Johnson launched a margarine developed in Finland that lowers cholesterol, it priced a tub of this margarine at between $5.79 and $5.99. At the same time, a tub of regular margarine sold for 99. Based on this pricing, which used MSD and WTMWB strategies, many speculated that J&J priced the product at 8C, which gave it a GPMT of roughly 87.5%. Pricing your products Anti-Gaddafi demonstrators in the Libyan city of Bayda, July 22, 2011 With the future of the Assad regime now well in hand, the Kremlin has turned its attention to another former Soviet client in the Middle East - Libya. The "Libyan Political Agreement" negotiated under UN supervision and announced on December 17, 2015, was supposed to herald the formation of a unity government for Libya and begin the process of stabilizing a country that has been torn apart by four years of civil war. It did neither. Instead, the two rival governments, the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HR) and the Tripoli headquartered General National Congress (GNC), have continued their rivalry. Both sides continue to function as the government of Libya; conduct separate foreign policies and, in many cases, field rival ambassadorial appointments. In the meantime, the Government of National Accord (GNA), which was to have replaced the two rival governments, has failed to establish its authority. Its territorial control is largely limited to a former naval base outside the city of Tripoli, and it is continuing to steadily lose what little authority it had. The GNC originally endorsed the GNA, although in recent months it has turned against it. The HR never accepted the GNA, even though its formal approval was a precondition of the original agreement. Advertisement Part of the impetus for the UN brokered agreement was the success of Islamic State (IS) in establishing a foothold in Libya. The Libyan branch of IS was officially formed on November 13, 2014. There were three separate branches of IS in Libya, corresponding to the three historic divisions of the country when it was under Ottoman rule: Cyrenaica in the east, Fezzan in the south and Tripolitania in the west. The group's genesis was in the Battar Brigade, a militant group of Libyans that were fighting against the Assad regime in Syria during 2012. In early 2014, about 300 veterans of the Battar Brigade returned to Libya and organized the Islamic Youth Shura Council (IYSC). Bolstered by recruits from other jihadist organizations, the IYSC took control of the Libyan city of Derna. Starting in early 2015, Islamic State gradually expanded its territory to also take control of the city of Sirte. This was the largest city controlled by Islamic State outside of its Iraqi-Syrian domain. At one point, it even appeared that if IS was defeated in Syria and Iraq, Sirte might become the organization's new capital. The Islamic State in Libya steadily lost ground over the course of 2015. A rival jihadist organization, the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna, succeeded in expelling IS fighters from the city. Further east, Libyan National Army (LNA) forces loyal to Khalifa Hiftar, with assistance from French Special Forces, succeeded in expelling IS militants from the city of Benghazi. IS, however, continued to retain control of Sirte. On August 1, 2016, in response to a request for assistance by Fayez al-Sarraj, the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Accord, the U.S. launched Operation Odyssey Lightning to help government-aligned forces push IS out of Sirte. AFRICOM, which was charged with the mission, conducted "495 precision airstrikes against Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, heavy guns, tanks, command and control centers and fighting positions." The operation was officially ended on December 16. Advertisement On January 19, however, the Obama administration, in one of its last acts before stepping down, dispatched four B-2 (stealth) bombers to attack two Islamic State training camps in the Libyan Desert, 28-miles southwest of the city of Sirte. It's estimated that 80 IS jihadists. There are between 200 and 1,000 IS militants still operating in Libya, either in cells in Libya's major cities or dispersed in the country's desert south. A sailor signals an AV-8B Harrier pilot assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) to stop aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during Operation Odyssey Lightning, Aug. 11, 2016. While the immediate threat of an Islamic State takeover of Libya is, for now, contained, Libya is no closer to a resolution of its civil war than it was a year ago. In the east, the Libyan National Army (LNA), under the control of Field Marshal Khalifa Hiftar, has emerged as the region's principal power broker. The LNA supports the Tobruk-based House of Representatives and operates under its authority. Hiftar is supported by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and, increasingly, by Russia. The U.S. has repeatedly urged Hiftar to accept the authority of the GNA. He has refused to do so. The Field Marshall is an enigmatic and controversial figure in Libya. A former general in Muammar Gaddafi's military, he took part in the coup that brought the Libyan strongman to power in 1969, only to break with the Libyan leader in the late 80s. He has longstanding ties with Russia, having received training there in the 1970s, but paradoxically also with the CIA. Hiftar came to the U.S. in 1990, along with 300 of his former soldiers, under a CIA sponsored U.S. refugee program. He lived in Virginia for almost 20 years, and in the process also became a U.S. citizen. Hiftar's Libyan National Army has succeeded in gaining control of most of eastern Libya and the main operating oil fields there. In September, the LNA took control of four critical oil export terminals in the Gulf of Sirte, Ras Lanuf, As Sidra, Zueitina and Marsa el Brega, as well as the El Sharara and El Feel oil fields, two of Libya's largest, giving him control of almost all of Libya's onshore petroleum production. On December 20, the Libyan National Oil Company announced that it had reopened oil pipelines from its western oil fields capable of delivering 270,000 barrels of petroleum a day (BOPD), a 50 per cent increase over its current production. Advertisement By January 2017, for the first time since the beginning of the civil war, all nine of Libya's major oil terminals were delivering oil, boosting production to 700,000 BOPD. Libya's National Oil Company has announced plans to increase production to 1.2 million BOPD by the end of the year. If successful, the production increase will largely offset the OPEC mandated production cuts announced in the autumn of 2016. Proceeds from oil sales have been deposited into the Libyan Central Bank and are theoretically under the control of the GNA. Arrayed against Hiftar, and his Libyan National Army, is a broad assortment of rival militias ranging in orientation from jihadist to so-called moderates, although what that latter term actually means in Libya is anybody's guess. The most prominent group is the Misratan militia. Based in the Libyan city of Misrata, the group at one point numbered more than 230 different organizations fielding around 40,000 fighters. It's unclear what its current strength and membership is. It was members of the Misratan militia that led the effort to oust Islamic State from Sirte. The Misratan militia supports the Tripoli-based General National Congress, and has been a stalwart opponent of both Hiftar and his Libyan National Army. Moderate groups within the Misratan Militia originally supported the GNA, but of late have become more ambivalent in their support. The LNA and the Misratan Militias have repeatedly clashed over the last four years. The Islamist groups that make up a significant portion of the Misratan Militia's strength oppose Hiftar's secularist and anti-jihadist policies, especially his belief that all Islamists are de facto jihadists, and have opposed any role for Hiftar in a national unity government. Field Marshall Khalifa Hiftar, Commander Libyan National Army On February 9, Mahmud Zagal, a commander of one of the Misrata militias, announced in Tripoli the formation of the Libyan National Guard (LNG). The size of the LNG is unclear, but it is believed to consist of various groups drawn from the Misrata militias. The LNG claims that it would not get involved in "political party and tribal disputes," and that its main objective was to continue to fight against "the Islamic State jihadist group." The group's relationship with the UN-backed Government of National Accord is unclear as is its relationship with the Tripoli based General National Congress. The LNG is largely seen as a potential counterpoint to Field Marshall Khalifa Hiftar's, Libyan National Army. The third major militia grouping is the Zintan Brigades based in the city of Zintan southwest of Tripoli. The Zintan Brigades are technically allayed with Hiftar's LNA and are considered "moderates" within the Libyan political constellation, and have been fierce opponents of Islamist groups operating in Libya, particularly those aligned with the Misratan militias. The Zintan brigades have, however, maintained a truce with the Misratan militias and cooperated with them in the campaign to oust the Islamic State from Sirte. Advertisement In addition to the LNA, Misratan Militias and Zintan Brigades, there is a range of other armed groups also operating in the country. In the deep desert, there are Tebu militias that control most of the region south of Sabha. In the southwest, there are Tuareg militias that control several oil fields in the area. Both groups have been supportive of the GNA, but neither can do much to aid the unity government. In addition, there are is a range of jihadist organizations that operate independently, although at times they have collaborated with various groups in the Misratan militias. These groups include Ansar al-Sharia and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). At the moment, none of the major armed groups have sufficient strength to overcome the others. While the LNA and the Zintan Brigades collectively control a significant part of Libya, it's not clear that the Zintan Brigades would support the LNA if renewed fighting broke out between the Libyan National Army and the Misratan Militias. With the Government of National Accord widely seen as being on its last legs and a new round of negotiations to create a new unity government imminent, all three of the main groups have a vested interest in cooperating in the organization, and subsequent division of power, in a new government. In the last nine months, the Kremlin has been ratcheting up its support of Khalifa Hiftar; describing him, as quoted in a Bloomberg report, as "a leading political and military figure," and as someone who is "doing a lot to fight Islamic State terrorists and help the government restore control of oil production." At the same time, Russia has criticized the UN organized unity government as ineffective and urged UN envoy Martin Kobler to find a prominent role for Hiftar in Libya's government. Hiftar has been to Moscow twice in the past six months for high-level meetings with the Russian Defense and Foreign Ministers. On January 11, Hiftar toured the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, which was anchored off the Libyan coast near Benghazi. During his visit, he held a video conference with Russian Defense Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Russia has been providing military advice and training, as well as "military experts" to the Libyan National Army, but insists that it has observed the UN mandated arms embargo to supply arms to anyone other than for the UN sponsored Government of National Accord. During the Gaddafi regime, Libya was a major purchaser of Soviet and Russian arms. It's estimated that the Libyan Revolution that overthrew Gaddafi cost Russia some four billion dollars in contracted arms deals. In addition, during the 1970s and 1980s, the Soviet Union operated military bases in Libya, including access to the Okba Ben Nafi airfield (now Methega Airport), the former Wheelus Air Base operated by the United States in the 1950s and 60s. It's possible that Russia is again looking for access to military bases in Libya, as well as restoring its influence with a former Soviet client. Advertisement Major Libyan oilfields, pipelines and oil terminals Libya is not Syria and Hiftar is not another Assad. Nonetheless, there are important and unmistakable parallels between the two countries. Both nations have been torn apart by a ruthless civil war, a war that has created spaces for jihadist organizations in general and Islamic State, in particular, to thrive. Both wars have created waves of refugees that are sweeping into Europe and creating domestic and political disruptions there. Both wars have destabilized their surrounding regions, drawn in jihadists from neighboring countries and facilitated the proliferations of arms to local militant groups. Both countries were former Soviet clients and, in both cases, Russia has aligned itself with military strongmen, while the U.S. and its allies have sought to identify moderate political forces around which it could build broader coalitions. In Libya's case, unlike in Syria, the U.S. played a prominent role in overthrowing Gaddafi and in setting off the chain of events that would plunge Libya into civil war and political chaos. The lessons of Syria, and the resulting flood of refugees, have not been lost on the European Union (EU) either. Libya continues to be a significant source of refugees crossing the Mediterranean into Europe. About 10,000 refugees have already crossed over from North Africa this year, setting up 2017 to be a record year. The EU recently gave the Government of National Accord in Tripoli 3.2 million euros to expand its Coast Guard, even though the GNA controls very little of Libya's coastline beyond the vicinity of Tripoli. A further 200 million euros are slated to help Libya and its North African neighbor's better deal with "refugee-migration issues." The term is "code" for a EU strategy of building and financing refugee camps in Libya to which to return rescued migrant-refugees. The EU has also given the Kremlin unmistakable signals that it would welcome Moscow's help in finding a permanent political solution to the Libyan Civil War. British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson went so far as to openly signal his support that, "Hiftar is in some way integrated into the government of Libya." The Trump administration's position on Libya isn't clear yet. Washington has objected to the appointment of Russian backed, former Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to replace Martin Kobler as the UN Representative to Libya. Nonetheless, Libya could well emerge as the first area of U.S.-Russian cooperation. It is time to stop pretending that Donald Trump has the intelligence, integrity, or understanding to be President. He is not smart, he is not a good person, and he is not even a good businessman. If he was smart, he would not talk about how smart he is all the time. If he was a good person, he would not lie all the time. And if he was a good businessman, he would release the tax forms and other records to prove it. He only knows how to do one thing. It is a technique that got him pretty far on reality television and as a famous-for-being-famous-type celebrity. It has now catapulted him into a job he did not want and is hopelessly inadequate for. He knows it and yet has neither the will nor the ability to learn from his mistakes and rise to the occasion. The sole and only thing Donald Trump knows how to do is what economists call "externalizing." That means making others pay for your choices or behavior. He uses this technique in business and in responding to criticism. Advertisement Trump is a one-trick pony who externalized his costs over and over to make money by using the bankruptcy and tax laws and underpaying his contractors and those who worked for him to force others to pay the costs of his failures while he got to keep the profits. Those gains are probably less than he claims, of course, because otherwise he would show us the details. That's it. That's all he knows how to do. He uses this same technique to deflect any criticism or failure by thuggishly and childishly blaming anyone else, externalizing responsibility, with complete disregard for the truth. This is so reflexive it sometimes also reveals a complete disregard for the consequences. For example, he has bizarrely insisted on staying on as producer of his television competition series, "The New Celebrity Apprentice," yet another of his massive conflicts of interest, and presumably something he no longer has time for. So you'd think he was personally, reputationally, and financially invested in the show's success. But he is so incapable of understanding anything other than his own limited notion of "winning" that instead he tweets about how much better his ratings were than those of the new host, Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is willing to drive his own show into the ground to prevent Schwarzenegger from doing well. The indispensable RoguePOTUSstaff got it exactly right, explaining that Trump doesn't care about succeeding; he only cares about "winning." So anything that goes wrong is always everyone else's fault. With complete disregard for the truth -- or any notion of personal responsibility -- he blames the media, Democrats, China, the CIA, or anyone else who has not paid absolute fealty and lavishly praised him. Remember John F. Kennedy's speech after the failed Bay of Pigs mission, which contributed immeasureably to his reputation for honesty and candor. Compare that to Trump's response to the failed mission in Yemen that resulted in the death of a Navy SEAL and an American child. Not only does he still continue to insist that it was a "winning" mission, but when Senator John McCain, one of the foremost experts on military operations and a member of his own party, criticized him, Trump said via tweets, "Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media. Only emboldens the enemy! He's been losing so...long he doesn't know how to win anymore." Advertisement Note that none of this has anything whatsoever to do with the facts or the substance. Insult is not argument. But Trump never explains why his view is different; he just disparages critics and accuses the other side of bad motives, whether it's a judge who has an ethnic last name or was appointed by a Democrat or a hit Broadway show he has not seen but is sure is "overrated." Tellingly this favorite insult implies that he knows something the rest of us haven't caught onto yet. Trump also tries to obfuscate with "alternative facts" he just makes up. He told a group of sheriffs that the murder rate is up while as they know very well it is down, less than half its peak. Or he makes up a claim of "serious voter fraud" in New Hampshire. If he has evidence for these claims, we deserve to see it. If not, it is clear this is just another attempt to offload responsibility for his actions and statements. Trump is curiously silent when he knows that an inconvenient truth is too clear to lie about. The suspect in the massacre of Muslims at a Canadian mosque is a white man with far right views, so Trump could not find a way to make it fit his narrative. Not even a tweet. But when Nordstrom decided to stop carrying Ivanka Trump's clothing line due to poor sales, that got a response. It is in no way a legal or legitimate topic for him to address via his official Presidential twitter account (and reportedly while attending an intelligence briefing). But he did, not by making a business case but by whining that the decision was unfair -- Nordstrom should carry the brand because "She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing!" One would hope that a man who brands himself as a businessman would recognize that commercial enterprises make decisions based on numbers. Advertisement Trump's response to any criticism or complaint is the same as the Wizard of Oz's: "pay no attention to the man behind the curtain." Or, in the words of Shaggy, that famous exemplar of avoiding personal responsibility regardless of the facts, "It wasn't me." There's an old lawyer joke that if the facts are against you, you argue the law; if the law is against you, you argue the facts, and if the facts and the law are against you, you yell and bang the table. Trump does not know or care whether the facts or law are with him. He goes straight to the yelling and table-banging, and adds some insults just to keep people distracted and agitated. Look at his insistence on denying a conversation between his Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch and Senator Richard Blumenthal, as confirmed by Gorsuch's own White House-appointed spokesman. I hereby suggest a new hashtag: #Trumpsplaining. The problem is that Trump is now in the one job where externalizing costs and blame does not work. The President of the United States must consider all issues holistically because there is no one to externalize the costs onto except for other Americans. For example, consider the wall along the border of Mexico that was one of Trump's core campaign promises. He insisted that Mexico would pay for it, a classic example of externalization of costs. Mexico has said quite clearly that they will not. So, Trump has said that the US will fund it initially, and recoup the costs via tariffs. This overlooks the obvious consequence to US consumers, retailers, and manufacturers who will end up paying for any increase in the costs of sending produce and goods across the border. And Trump's much-touted (by himself) deal with Carrier to "save 1100 jobs" came at great expense to Indiana taxpayers, who now have to pay for the $7 million in tax breaks Indiana had to give to Carrier to "save" those jobs. This is known as a cost, a subsidy, or corporate welfare. Furthermore, the "saved" jobs number is inflated and Carrier is using some of its windfall to automate even more jobs, so that number will decrease futher, not a very good deal for the people of Indiana paying at least $6000 per job "saved." Here are some of the qualities one needs to be President, no matter which party or policies: the ability to handle both legitimate and illegitimate criticism with humility and grace, more than a 140-character attention span, a commitment to understanding other points of view, respect for expertise, a willingness to compromise, curiosity, diplomacy, and a commitment to be open and candid with the American people. Any President has to have a deep understanding of and appreciation for the Constitution and balance of powers. President is not the same as emperor or starship commander. He doesn't get things done Jean-Luc Picard-style by barking "Make it so." Congress and the courts both have rights, obligations, and powers and calling them "so-called" does not make that go away. Advertisement The reversal of the policies of US former President Barack Obama, which had acquiesced to much of Iran's nuclear, regional, and internal priorities, has begun in earnest. The Trump administration has initiated a qualitative shift in relations with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with a view to restore traditional alliances with them as the basis of US interests in the Middle East, to be expanded to include the UAE, Jordan, and Morocco as well. But Tehran's gains during Washington's thrust under Obama to conclude the nuclear deal and forge bilateral relations, in a stark departure from thirty years of hostility, will not be automatically upended under Trump. However, the new administration intends to enforce the deal down to the letter, and will put Iran under extreme scrutiny and threat of accountability. The Trump administration will pour cold water on the warmth Obama wanted to have in the context of American-Iranian relations. The second demand that Obama's administration had met, with regard to something that Tehran had claimed was its right, was its regional role beyond its borders. For that purpose, Tehran used the nuclear deal to blackmail and deter Washington from using its cards to block Iran's expansionist ambitions in the Arab countries, from Iraq to Syria, and from Yemen to Bahrain and Lebanon. Since President Trump assumed the office of president, the pillars of his administration have begun to tackle not just the Iranian project in these countries, but in the same measure, tackle the most important cornerstone of this project, namely, the creation of paramilitary entities parallel to regular armies along the lines of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards in Iran, the Popular Mobilization Units in Iraq, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and various militias backed by the IRGC and its Qods Force in Syria. This is an interesting radical transformation in the new US policy. Thirdly, the Islamic Republic had also obtained from Obama his personal recognition of the legitimacy of its theocratic regime, implicitly pledging not to interfere in Iran's internal affairs and back Iran's opposition. The pillars of Trump's administration are not speaking about toppling the regime in Iran, but at the same time, they have not pledged to respect the legitimacy of the regime, which they have emphasized is the largest sponsor of state terror worldwide. In other words, the new administration is divorcing with Obama's strategic decisions on Iran. If we add to this the Trump administration's apparent bid to restore the strategic alliances with the Gulf countries and Egypt, after relations with them got on the verge of enmity under Obama, it becomes clear that Trump is developing a comprehensive strategy for the Middle East region, in which the key riddle however is how it will be formulated in the context of the extraordinary relationship Trump has suggested he wants to have with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Gulf countries, led by Saudi Arabia, are quite reassured by the signals being sent by the Trump administration, indicating the Gulf's centrality and security have once again become one of America's strong commitments. What Trump said during his campaign, regarding the need for the Gulf nations to pay for US security services, is something that the Gulf countries already understand and accept, and has always been one of the elements understood to be the basis of American-Gulf security relations. Indeed, restoring confidence in US security commitments is priceless for the Gulf countries, particularly after their relations with and Trust in America were fundamentally shaken under Obama, not just because of the American-Iranian rapprochement, but also as a result of the implications of America's coolness for the reliability of her security guarantees. Advertisement The Gulf countries had felt that Obama deliberately marginalized and excluded them from regional engagements. Obama wanted to put them in their place and humiliate them, while simultaneously appeasing Iran and unshackling its hands in the Arab geography, including Saudi Arabia's borders through its intervention in Yemen where it supported the Houthi rebels. They also felt that Barack Obama, deliberately or otherwise, supported Shiites against Sunnis in the sectarian struggle between them by blessing Iran's regional ambitions, and not just as a result of the nuclear deal that gave Tehran the right to acquire nuclear weapons in principle and undermined the principle of nuclear non-proliferation, in return for freezing its non-civilian nuclear activities for just ten years. But the Arab Gulf's bewilderment with the US push to secure Iran's interests at the expense of Arab interests had not started with Obama, but with his predecessor George W. Bush. Indeed, the Iraq War effectively offered Mesopotamia to Iran on a golden platter, in the Arab Gulf view. To the Gulf countries, this was an odd reversal, especially since the US and the Gulf countries had once backed Saddam Hussein himself in his war with Iran in the 1980s. At the time, the US position was on the side of the Sunnis against Shiites in the sectarian equation, until the decision to topple Saddam was made. The Obama era consolidated this shift in US policy, igniting the sectarian war like never before in modern history. Today, President Trump is bringing something new to this equation. Perhaps it is on the mind of US long-term policy to restore some balance vis-a-vis the Sunni-Shiite question, to put out fires, contain the hostility, and be able to once and for all defeat radical Islamism in all forms: ISIS, al-Qaeda, al-Nusra and their ilk from amongst the nihilistic Sunni radical terror groups; and the Shiite militias spawned by Iran in the context of its regional project. Interestingly, Russia in turn is going down a similar path at this time, especially in Syria where it has significant differences with Iran, its strategic military partner there, regarding the fate and role of its proxies after the ceasefire. Advertisement The first stop in Trump's overhaul of the US' Iran policy will be the new strategy to fight ISIS in Iraq. Defenders of Obama's policy say that seeking the help of Iran's influence and military assets in Iraq was inevitable because the goal first and foremost is to defeat ISIS. Iran thus presented itself as an indispensable partner in that war, and for the purpose manufactured the Popular Mobilization Forces, the Shiite-dominated militias, to spearhead the effort. Now, people close to the Trump administration say the US interest no longer aligns with Iran's project to seize and hold territories the international coalition helps deliver from ISIS. For one thing, they say, this could lead to the emergence of new terror groups out of that fertile geography, with terror to dwarf that of ISIS and continue the sectarian war that may generate generations of radical Sunnis and Shiites. There is increasing talk of new approaches to fight ISIS in Mosul, in Iraq, and Raqqa, in Syria. The US-led coalition is effectively capturing territories from ISIS, and is not in absolute need for Iran to finish the job. If true, this would mark a key shift in the US policy under Trump's administration, markedly different from Obama's strategy, with broad and long-term implications. This development is complemented by interesting stances expressed by the Trump administration, which flows in the same direction of its pledge to fight both Shiite and Sunni radicalism. The administration has indicated it might designate the IRGC and the Muslim Brotherhood as terror groups. This would be a huge step that the Trump administration may not be able to implement in one go: First because the IRGC is part of the regime in Iran; and second, because the Muslim Brotherhood are part of the tough equation in Tunisia, Jordan, Kuwait, and Turkey especially. For this reason, people close to decision makers in Washington expect gradual steps that may begin with the Qods Force, currently deployed to Iraq and Syria under the command of shadowy general Qassem Soleimani beyond terror designation - and this issue has ramifications connected to American-Russian negotiations. As regards the Brotherhood, a gradual approach is also expected, beginning with the organization's military wings. Two main players linked to the Muslim Brotherhood are Egypt and Syria. Here too, American-Russian talks are paramount, especially since strained Egyptian-Turkish relations are hovering this point: Egypt's government is absolutely intolerant of the group, while Turkey has adopted the Brothers as part of its regional project, which it has scaled back following a failed coup attempt last year given its immense need for a Russian lifeline (and Moscow's longstanding hostility to the Islamists' rise to power). The intricate overlap of interests, and regional and international entanglements must be closely watched in this fateful period in the Middle East. The Arab region is fatigued by war in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Libya. Some are anticipating Trump to restore some balance to the Arab-Iranian-Turkish triangle. But others fear Israel may yet be the biggest winner. There are also Arab concerns that Trump's belligerence could prompt an Iranian escalation and even a military confrontation, because the majority of Arabs want the containment of Iran and not another devastating war. American-Iranian relations are inseparable from American-Russian and Russian-Iranian relations. But the Gulf countries are now back in the talks and the decisions, and they are thus welcoming the new approach of the US administration, as they prepare keenly for any actions that could help restore the old historical relationship. This week's episode of "Scheer Intelligence," a weekly radio show hosted by Truthdig Editor in Chief Robert Scheer, delves into the changing role of the press under the Trump administration. Scheer interviews Geoff Cowan, a professor of journalism at the University of Southern California and the former director of Voice of America (VOA), the broadcasting arm of the U.S. Information Agency. The two discuss how President Trump has challenged objective truths and why the world needs tenacious journalism more than ever. "You have to have a press that digs into the truth," Cowan remarks. "You can't have a useful debate unless you know the facts." Listen to the full interview below: Advertisement Scheer begins the conversation by asking Cowan if this is "the scariest moment" of his career. "We're living in a time where truth, fact and logic all seem to be called into question," Scheer says. "We seem to be in a situation now where the whole standard of debate [and] argumentation has been challenged." "Right now, the press is considered the enemy, the opposition party," Cowan answers, alluding to Steve Bannon's recent remark that the press should "keep its mouth shut." The two then discuss historical instances of attacks on the press and fears about what will happen to civil liberties under the Trump administration. Scheer and Cowan conclude by analyzing the changes in the Democratic Party that spurred many Americans to vote for Trump. "You're a student of American history," Scheer says to Cowan. "How did we get to this place?" For Cowan, it all comes down to Bannon. "Unlike Trump, who may not think these things through much, I think Bannon is smart. I think he's a reader of history, a reader of literature," Cowan explains. "I think much of what he's trying to do is very dangerous ... and part of it is I think he does believe that the working class has been screwed ... he is focused on those people. And sadly, [most of the rest of us have] lost that focus." Advertisement Here are 5 takeaways from Kansas' 37-16 win against Oklahoma State The Jayhawks are bowl eligible for the first time since 2008. Kansas just topped Oklahoma State for that pivotal sixth win. 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WHIPPLE CREEK REALTY WILLIAM PITT SOTHEBY'S - GT BARRINGTON WILLIAM PITT SOTHEBY'S - LENOX WILLIAM PITT SOTHEBY'S - SALISBURY WILLIAM PITT SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY WILLIAM PITT SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY, LENOX WILLIAM RAVEIS REAL ESTATE Williamstown Realty Group WITALISZ & ASSOCIATES, INC. WOLCOTT REALTY www.HomeZu.com ZOE MELISSA HIRSCH REAL ESTATE Joint Statement from President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Washington, DC - President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held their first official meeting today in Washington D.C. and affirmed their strong determination to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan Alliance and economic relationship. U.S.-Japan Alliance The unshakable U.S.-Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace, prosperity, and freedom in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. commitment to defend Japan through the full range of U.S. military capabilities, both nuclear and conventional, is unwavering. Amid an increasingly difficult security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States will strengthen its presence in the region, and Japan will assume larger roles and responsibilities in the alliance. The United States and Japan will continue to implement and expand defense cooperation as laid out in the 2015 U.S.-Japan Defense Guidelines. The United States and Japan will further enhance cooperation with allies and partners in the region. The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining international order based upon the rule of law. The two leaders affirmed the commitment of the United States and Japan to the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, to ensure the long-term, sustainable presence of U.S. forces. They affirmed that the United States and Japan are committed to the plan to construct the Futenma Replacement Facility at the Camp Schwab/Henoko area and in adjacent waters. It is the only solution that avoids the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The two leaders affirmed that Article V of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security covers the Senkaku Islands. They oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan's administration of these islands. The United States and Japan will deepen cooperation to safeguard the peace and stability of the East China Sea. The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining a maritime order based on international law, including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea. The United States and Japan oppose any attempt to assert maritime claims through the use of intimidation, coercion or force. The United States and Japan also call on countries concerned to avoid actions that would escalate tensions in the South China Sea, including the militarization of outposts, and to act in accordance with international law. The United States and Japan strongly urge North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and not to take any further provocative actions. The U.S.-Japan Alliance is fully capable of ensuring the security of Japan. The United States is fully committed to defending its homeland, forces, and allies, through the full range of U.S. military capabilities. The two leaders affirmed the importance of an early resolution of the abductions issue. They also affirmed the importance of trilateral cooperation among the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The United States and Japan are also committed to rigorous implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions on North Korea. The United States and Japan will strengthen their bilateral technological cooperation on defense innovation to meet the evolving security challenges. The United States and Japan will also expand bilateral security cooperation in the fields of space and cyberspace. The United States and Japan also strongly condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations and will enhance our cooperation to fight against terrorist groups that pose a global threat. The two leaders instructed their foreign and defense ministers to convene a Security Consultative Committee (SCC: "2+2") meeting to identify ways to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan Alliance, including through the review of the respective roles, missions, and capabilities of the two countries. U.S.-Japan Economic Relations The United States and Japan represent 30 percent of the world's GDP and share an interest in sustaining a strong global economy, ensuring financial stability, and growing job opportunities. To advance these interests, the President and the Prime Minister reaffirmed their commitments to using the three-pronged approach of mutually-reinforcing fiscal, monetary, and structural policies to strengthen domestic and global economic demand. The two leaders discussed opportunities and challenges facing each of their economies and the need to promote inclusive growth and prosperity in their countries, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world. They emphasized that they remain fully committed to strengthening the economic relationships between their two countries and across the region, based on rules for free and fair trade. This will include setting high trade and investment standards, reducing market barriers, and enhancing opportunities for economic and job growth in the Asia-Pacific. The United States and Japan reaffirmed the importance of both deepening their trade and investment relations and of their continued efforts in promoting trade, economic growth, and high standards throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Toward this end, and noting that the United States has withdrawn from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the leaders pledged to explore how best to accomplish these shared objectives. This will include discussions between the United States and Japan on a bilateral framework as well as Japan continuing to advance regional progress on the basis of existing initiatives. In addition, the two leaders expressed interest in exploring cooperation across sectors that promote mutual economic benefits to the United States and Japan. The two leaders decided to have their countries engage in an economic dialogue to discuss these and other issues. They also reaffirmed their intent to continue cooperation in regional and global fora. Invitations to Visit Japan Prime Minister Abe invited President Trump for an official visit to Japan during the course of this year, and also welcomed an early visit of Vice President Pence to Tokyo. President Trump accepted these invitations. Vice President Pence's Call with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia Washington, DC - Vice President Mike Pence spoke by telephone today with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia. The two leaders discussed the important bilateral relationship between the United States and Colombia that has existed for many years, and they pledged to maintain and deepen their cooperation on security issues. The Vice President congratulated President Santos for the initial steps in implementing the Colombian peace accord. The two leaders vowed to remain in close communication on bilateral and regional priorities. President Trump's Call with His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar Washington, DC - President Trump spoke yesterday by telephone with His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar. They reaffirmed the close defense cooperation between our two countries and committed to strengthen efforts to defeat violent terrorists. Regarding the situation in Syria, they agreed on the importance of defeating ISIS and establishing the conditions for a successful political transition. The two leaders committed to sustaining their efforts to strengthen economic and investment cooperation as well as stopping terror financing streams throughout the region. More broadly, they agreed on the importance of working with other regional partners to diversify their economies, invest in the region, and provide more effective governance so as to better meet the aspirations of a rising generation. They agreed to remain in close contact on these and related issues. President Trumps Call with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq Washington, DC - President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq to underscore the support of the United States for the Iraqi people in our shared fight against the terrorist group the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). President Trump emphasized the buildup of the United States military. President Trump also congratulated Iraqi forces on their recent progress in Mosul, thanked Prime Minister al-Abadi for his leadership, and expressed condolences for the many Iraqi lives lost in the counter-ISIS campaign. The two leaders discussed the strong partnership between the Iraqi and United States militaries, as well as the great sacrifice by both countries. Both leaders spoke to the threat Iran presents across the entire region. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the long-term partnership between the United States and Iraq grounded in the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. 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 }} It was entirely expected for any acceptance speech Ken Loach may make on behalf of I, Daniel Blake to be politically-flavoured in nature. An outspoken director both in real and cinematic terms, Loach has made himself a leading figure in the fight for social progression, both in his words and in his work - which has time and time again shed light on the inequalities which weigh down the UK as a nation. Winning the BAFTA for Best British Film, Loach used the platform to speak out both against the current state of the benefits systems - which forms the underpinning theme of his film - and the Government's reversal on its promises to accept thousands of refugee children fleeing the terrors of Syria and other deadly conflicts. Recommended Complete list of 2017 BAFTA winners Loach stated, "Thank you to the academy for endorsing the truths of what the film says, which hundreds and thousands of people in this country know, the most vulnerable and poorest are treated by the Government with a callous brutality that is disgraceful, a brutality that extends to keeping out refugee children we promised to help and that's a disgrace too." "Films can do many things, they can entertain, terrify, they can make us laugh and tell us something about the real world we live in - sorry it's early for a political speech - and in that real world it's getting darker and in the struggle that is coming between rich and poor and the wealthy and the privileged and the big corporations and politicians who speak for them." "The rest of us on the other side - filmmakers know which side they are on and despite the glitz and glamour of occasions like this, we are with the people." You can see the full list of BAFTA winners here. 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 }} Most drivers are familiar with the headache of parking: spending what feels like hours circling the streets looking for a space, wasting time and money in the process. Now, the extent of motorists misery has been revealed, with new figures showing British drivers waste an average of four days a year looking for a place to park. According to the British Parking Association, drivers spend an average of 5.9 minutes looking for a space, with 44 per cent of those polled calling the endeavour a stressful experience. Nearly half of people (some 48 per cent) are frustrated by the lack of spaces in their area, and 59 per cent are angry with bad drivers taking up multiple spaces with a single vehicle. Its no surprise, then, that UK Car Park Managements new app CPM is doing so well the app rewards motorists with a tidy 10 commission for reporting illegally-parked vehicles. But this isnt a sustainable solution to Britains parking problem, which has gained prominence in recent times. Poor parking provision not only causes stress for drivers but leads to congestion on roads, contributes to pollution levels and crucially for councils impacts on revenue. The more time spent circling around looking for parking, the less time drivers are paying for it. Recommended Car park app rewards users for snitching on people parking illegally Councils are investing huge sums of money in tackling the issue Leicester, for example, last year unveiled a 2.2m plan to shake up the citys public car parking but the most efficient solutions could prove a great deal more straightforward thanks to big data and smart technology. Theres already a huge raft of information about global parking availability in existence, thanks largely to London start-up Parkopedia. Since the companys creation in 2007 the company has amassed a trove of data ranging from static information such as car park capacities and opening hours to dynamic data that includes real-time availability and surrounding traffic flow. The company has a team of four PhDs working on developing predictive algorithms that calculate, with up to 95 per cent accuracy, the indication of availability at a car park ahead of arrival another example of machine learning amid our increasingly digital existence. This kind of technology depends almost exclusively on localised factors, though, which is why sensor-based innovation likely heralds the future of public parking for the immediate future, at least. Here, flush-mounted, anti-slip sensors are installed in bay parking spaces which then detect whether the space has been occupied by a vehicle. Real-time data is sent back to a main system which informs drivers of nearby parking availability via app and electronic signs around the city. The technology first came to the UK in the City of Westminster in 2014 starting with a pilot scheme of 3,000 spaces which was soon rolled out to the boroughs remaining 7,000 on-street parking spots. Meanwhile, Wales capital, Cardiff, is soon set to unveil Europes first citywide deployment of bay sensor technology following a successful pilot in 2015. This kind of big data simultaneously provides a solution to the problem its monitoring, says Jim Short, technology sales manager at Smart Parking Limited, the company responsible for the schemes in Westminster and Cardiff. Pollution sensors monitor pollution but dont do anything about it. Parking sensors monitor the parking situation and if the data is shared in the right way contribute to streamlining the issue. Take Westminster, for example. Parking space occupancy normally sits around 60-70 per cent, regardless of the time of day. Contrary to what people might believe, the area has sufficient parking resources, its just that people cant find it. This technology remedies that. According to Short, sensor-based parking is likely to become the norm in the UK in the next few years. We use apps for everything. We dont ring up to order a pizza anymore, we use an app. Soon enough the notion of driving around in your car looking for a space will be just as outdated and seem just as bizarre as manually ringing a takeaway. The pod homes that sit on stilts above car parks designed to crack the housing crisis Show all 7 1 /7 The pod homes that sit on stilts above car parks designed to crack the housing crisis The pod homes that sit on stilts above car parks designed to crack the housing crisis Zed Pod A ZED Pod is a small, low cost energy efficient starter home intended for housing young people within city boundaries over existing areas of parking or garages. This avoids having to purchase land to create affordable homes. zedfactory The pod homes that sit on stilts above car parks designed to crack the housing crisis Who is ZED POD for? The occupancy will vary depending on the location of the ZED Pods. The Pods flexible nature allows them to serve as short term accommodation, such as for holiday makers, as well as in a long term scenario for young professionals, or single people wishing to get on to the property ladder in an affordable manner. zedfactory The pod homes that sit on stilts above car parks designed to crack the housing crisis Terraced-Pod By minimising the demand for energy and water, and placing a translucent waterproof solar canopy over the space between the homes, it is possible to provide zero energy bills for the these homes as well as providing zero emissions electricity to charge points integrated in the parking spaces zedfactory The pod homes that sit on stilts above car parks designed to crack the housing crisis The tiny homes could sell for between 50,000 to 60,000 or rented as one bed homes for young couples for around 750 month with around 50 bills on top, according to the architects estimates.The development costs are reduced as there is no need for land acquisition. zedfactory The pod homes that sit on stilts above car parks designed to crack the housing crisis Shanghai POD - Shanghai Art & Design Exhibition Further benefits extend to the prefabricated nature of the pod, which significantly increases speed of construction without effecting the durability of the pod. A typical Pod community can be erected and commissioned in under a month, and within a week on sensitive sites. zedfactory The pod homes that sit on stilts above car parks designed to crack the housing crisis Shanghai POD - Shanghai Art & Design Exhibition The eco-friendly houses, around 74 square feet of floor space, would be complete with solar panel roofs, water recycling systems and electric vehicle charging. zedfactory The pod homes that sit on stilts above car parks designed to crack the housing crisis Communal space under the canopy It is cheap to live in, gives young people privacy, has good shared communal spaces, has good access to public transport and saves key workers from long commutes into city centres with high property values, Bill Dunster OBE told the Independent zedfactory But twiddling with a smartphone app while youre behind the wheel is not conducive to safe driving, which is why some companies are skipping apps altogether and moving straight on to built-in vehicle technology. Real-time data displayed through a cars on-board navigation system is our preferred method of finding a parking space because it minimises driver distractions, says Parkopedias head of operations Christina Onesirosan Martinez. We currently supply this data to 13 car makers. There are very few cars being manufactured now that dont include this kind of technology its basically standard in new vehicles. Of course, new vehicles now boast technology far more futuristic than built-in navigation systems, and the role of park assist technology and autonomous driving cant be overlooked in the UKs ongoing parking battle. Ford recently unveiled a raft of new technologies due to be fitted to its cars by 2018 that aim to make the act of parking itself considerably quicker and easier. According to the car manufacturer, 15 per cent of drivers avoid parallel parking altogether while almost half of those surveyed would rather travel further from their destination that attempt to parallel park. Its hoped, then, that Fords system of on-car sensors and wide-angle video feeds will quell some of these fears, reducing congestion in parking areas and, hopefully, doing away with the shoddy parking that reduces availability for everyone else. But innovators are looking even further ahead. Elon Musk predicts that fully autonomous cars will hit the roads by 2023 and trials are already underway in Milton Keynes to test the technologys viability on British roads. The impact driverless cars could have on our parking problem is significant. If a car is able to technically look after itself, theres no need for it to sit outside a shopping centre or cinema until its owner is ready to leave. Instead, experts envisage a world where the car will instead take itself to a specially-designated high-efficiency parking garage. Without the need for customer stairs, elevators and alleyways for access to individual cars, the space required for such car parks is drastically reduced. Audi is working on such a concept in Massachusetts and has found these garages require 60 per cent less space than traditional car parks, while ParkPlus in Colorado is working on deploying a fully automated parking garage serviced by a robotic valet which can park up to four times as many cars in the same amount of space as a human-led counterpart. Will we see this kind of innovation in the UK? Its perhaps a bit too early to tell, says Martinez. The technology would work, of course, but theres a cultural factor at play here. Valet parking in the US is widely adopted and people are happy to hand keys over for their car for someone else to park autonomous parking is just an extension of that service. In the UK we dont have that mentality and drivers like to know where they parked their own vehicles. But, she adds, a change to this mind set is quite feasible, noting that long-stay airport parking would be a natural starting point for this kind of tech in the UK. Ultimately, parking issues arent a new phenomenon in the UK, she adds. The advent of tech innovation means weve just become more aware of it. The good news for motorists is that we take parking seriously here. Unlike other countries, most UK councils have a dedicated parking department, rather than just bunging it in with transport management. Were definitely ahead of the times, here, and things are set to change for the better very soon. 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 }} So Ozzy Osbourne has recently come out as a sex addict. Following on from episodes with drink and drugs, he is now in rehab on account of having ODd on sex. To the tune of five starlets, according to his wife Sharon. Once upon a time all this would be known as being caught with your trousers down. In flagrante. In the classic era of dirty postcards, it was always the milkman or a salesman of some kind (encyclopaedias anyone? ), and the excuse was that they were delivering or giving someone something. Now the milkman, in this more enlightened age, discovered by an irate husband or in this case wife would presumably say, I have a condition. I need treatment. Call rehab A&E. Osbourne thus joins a distinguished cast of addicts. For years, Russell Brand has ranted publicly about his various addictions, sexual and otherwise. According to one biography, at the last count, Hollywood star Warren Beatty is supposed to have had 12, 367 lovers. In a purely fictional way, Michael Fassbender was similarly exhausting in Shame, a gruelling movie that can stake a claim to being the least romantic film ever made. On the presidential side, so far as I know the Groper-in-Chief hasnt yet come out, but Bill Clinton came fairly close with his zipper problem and JFK, retrospectively, qualified for treatment. He had a bad back, apparently, but a fairly bad front too. He is alleged to have said that he would get a terrible headache if he didnt have at least one woman every three days, or possibly three women every day, if possible. I was once invited to write a book about Kennedy. Ill have to mention the sex thing, I said to the editor, a pleasant woman brimming with enthusiasm. You know warts and all, otherwise no one will believe it. Do you really have to have the warts? said the editor. Couldnt you leave them out for a change? Russell Brand has spoken openly about going to rehab to treat his sexual addiction (Getty) (Getty Images) I was sorry to have to kiss goodbye to that job. She was offering me a shedload of money and instant access to the Kennedy archives and all I had to do was strike a positive note. Which I was willing to do. Just not all the bloody way through. Turned out the whole job was being funded by the Kennedy estate, fed up with too much negative publicity. They thought they could counteract the calumny with a hymn of praise. But one thing I feel I could now say in defence of Kennedy and the age of sixties optimism, before it all went pear-shaped, is that at least he never resorted to the addiction narrative. Although I guess the headache line is not a million miles away. Maybe (reverting to romantic mode) on account of heartache. Legend has it that Raymond Chandler, the alcoholic writer and creator of Philip Marlowe, once wrote the first half of a film they had already started shooting and then he hit writers block. Doctors had told him he couldnt drink again if he wanted to live; but he couldnt write without a drink. So the studio set him up with a typewriter and a bottle and an ambulance waiting downstairs to rush him off to an instant drying-out clinic until the film was finished. With sexoholism its starlets lined up on the couch in place of the bottle. Warren Beatty, pictured with Annette Bening and Jane Fonda, is said to have slept with as many as 12,367 lovers (Getty) (Getty Images) I might as well come clean and admit it. I have an addiction. People who know me well will tell you this. I imagine there are already photographs on Instagram catching me in the act so I might as well come straight out with it. Im an olive addict. Yep. Black or green, classy kalamata or just plain old co-op stuffed. I just cant get enough of them. I get a headache if I dont have them at least twice a day. So far Ive managed not to have them on my cereal of a morning. But Im already looking forward to my next fix and checking the larder. I suffer withdrawal symptoms if I dont get more than my fair share. Unless, of course, on the other hand, Im just indulging or even deluding myself. A couple of other addicts spring to mind, now I come to think of it: Wordsworth (daffodils) and Popeye (spinach). We are all, I suspect, addicted. The thing we are addicted to is the addiction narrative and I think we need to get over it. We need to go cold turkey on the addiction concept. Which has bewitched us, cast a spell, or a curse. Maybe its not too late. Some of my best friends are addicts, one way or another. One writer I can think of reckons the next novel depends entirely on a constant supply of Camels and coffee. He doesnt mention starlets. I dont want to fatally weaken his highly caffeinated hero or put anyone out of a job or anything. But a whole industry has grown up around addiction. Writer Simone De Beauvoir was fired from her job as a high school teacher after having multiple affairs with her students (Rex) Maybe I should go and have a word with sex therapist Paula Hall, who offers treatment for addiction at her London clinic. She speaks well and she writes well (and even has a TED talk on the subject). Maybe she can do something about the olives. I doubt it though. Because this is the thing about sex therapy: it presupposes that there really is an addiction that can be cured, that there is a condition that is susceptible to treatment. I imagine that the pharmaceutical industry has come up with a pill that can switch you off, as well as another pill that can switch you right back on again. In other words, their principal effect is not to fix anything, but rather to convince everyone that they are not responsible for their own behaviour. They are outsourcing willpower. And charging for the service. Someone once asked me: What do you think about Hegel, Marx and Freud? I think I can now answer that daunting question about three heavyweight 19th century thinkers. They re-invented god or destiny in the shape of invisible forces, whether its history, production, or the unconscious. They are all variations on the master-slave narrative, in which the individual has become a slave to something, and everyone can (as Darth Vader would say) feel the Force. Biographers of John F Kennedy have said his wife Jackie often turned a blind eye to his incessant cheating (Rex) The 20th century has helped to amplify and imprint this narrative in our heads. For a brief while I used to work at Ford in Dagenham. The rise of the assembly line, and by extension robotics generally, has contributed to our sense that we are programmed, or, like one of the products rolling off the end of the line, driven, that there is some unstoppable mechanism inside us against which it is useless to struggle. In this respect DNA, even if it helps to nail perpetrators, to some extent lets us off the hook. It was my DNA dun it, your honour. Ive heard something like this at the Old Bailey. But there was a case in the United States where the murderers defence was that his brain made him to do it. Stout denial. The judge duly sent his brain down for life and told him he could choose whether to go with it or not. Its not me, its my condition. My addiction. The word itself has an interesting history. It comes from the Latin, addictionem (sounds like a Harry Potter spell of some kind). But it originally had nothing to do with sitting around smoking pot or watching online porn all day long. The infinitive, addicere meant to deliver (yes, just like the milkman in the dirty postcard), or award or sacrifice. So it implied nobility of action. But the notion of self-sacrifice assumed a different aspect in the 20th century, as if the self had been steamrollered by a compulsion, or need. In the history of addiction, its the dicere part of addicere that predominates, its all about the saying, the language of justification and excuse. Brigitte Bardot played a secretary who must cater to the desires of a writer, played by Maurice Ronet in 1969 film Les Femmes (Rex) The notion of addiction does not appear in Shakespeare, although he may well have taken compounds strange (Jeff MacQuains Coined by Shakespeare notes that in Henry V the word means a relatively neutral inclination) And it doesnt pop up once in the classic Confessions of an English Opium Eater either. Thomas de Quincey (writing in the early 19th century) didnt think he was an addict. Neither did Sherlock Holmes, even if Dr Watson wasnt too happy about it. At most it was a habit. But at some point we invested the notion of habit with some kind of rigidity and power over us. Now addiction has been industrialised and medicalised and reified. In the preamble to Narcotics Anonymous meetings, they dont bother with a definition of addiction, they simply say: We all know what it is, dont we? Im not sure that we do, to be honest. With the sex addiction excuse, theres little the modern day milkman or deliveryman couldnt get away with (Fitzpatrick) Albert Camus in his great essay, The Myth of Sisyphus, didnt speak of sex addiction, he used the phrase donjuanism. At the end of his life he was writing love letters to at least four different women on three continents. He drove his wife up the wall of course, but he still had nothing on Georges Simenon, who boasted of having relations with at least 10, 000 different women (even though he must have lost count surely), which makes his autobiography a rather dull and repetitive affair. But the point that Camus makes is that this very repetition is an absurd gesture, maybe an attempt to inject some meaning into merely chaotic existence. In my absurdist sexonomics, there is always an asymmetry of demand and supply. Addiction is just demand gone mad. Among women writers, Simone de Beauvoir, author of The Second Sex, must have some claim to being among the most prolific of sexual adventurers. She used to be a high school teacher but they sacked her when she kept on having affairs with her students and then passing them on to Jean-Paul Sartre. I guess now she would resort to the flaccid addiction alibi, but then, back in the 1940s, she bravely opted to say: This is just what I choose to do. It was all my idea. The act is mine. My own hero among sexual experimenters of the 20th century is Brigitte Bardot. My best friend Griffo and I, both aged 15 at the time of our odyssey to St Tropez, were convinced that she had an addiction to 15-year old boys. That she was a sex addict, possibly with a side-order of bestiality, was the subtext of the story about her in her film-star days that she had a donkey, nicknamed Romeo stay in her hotel room in Spain (on a shoot with Sean Connery moreover). I remember that she caused consternation, particularly to me and Griffo, when she subsequently had another donkey castrated on her farm in Provence on account of his over-exuberance. A drastic form of what might now be known as Sexit. Im not sure she gave the donkey a vote on the subject either. Im not advocating castration. Almost the opposite. But maybe we could consider cutting off our allegiance to and lazy dependency on the very idea of addiction. Now where are those olives? Andy Martin is the author of Reacher Said Nothing: Lee Child and the Making of Make Me (Bantam Press, RRP 18.99). He teaches at Cambridge University. Follow him @andymartinink 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 }} Police forces across the UK are ramping up intelligence gathering and putting protection in place for vulnerable communities ahead of a projected spike in hate crime when Theresa May triggers Article 50 next month. The move follows a dramatic rise in the number of racially and religiously-motivated crimes reported to police following the June referendum result in favour of Brexit, including assaults and arson. Community groups representing EU nationals in the UK have warned about the potential for an undercurrent of xenophobia to spread after the talks with Brussels get underway. The head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, David Isaac, has also said he is hugely concerned about a backlash against European citizens once the Governments EU withdrawal negotiations begin. In response, the Metropolitan Police, the UKs largest force, said it was initiating a plan to increase intelligence gathering and reassure potential victims of racism and xenophobia. A spokeswoman said the force had witnessed a steady increase in hate crimes in recent years and acknowledged that national and world events, such as the activation of Article 50, could act as a trigger. Where we identify a possible trigger event that could result in more hate crime, we instigate a community engagement plan to ensure those in communities who may be victims of hate crime know that we will not tolerate this kind of crime and that we encourage them to report this to the police, she said. Polish ambassador calls on government to condemn Brexit-related hate crimes Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for hate crime, said the organisation had been in touch with European embassies based in the UK over the threat of increased violence. We know that national and global events have the potential to trigger short-terms rises in hate crime and we saw this following the EU referendum last year, he told The Independent. We have increased the central reporting and monitoring functions to enable us to recognise spikes earlier. This will be used to assess any threats that may arise and inform local police activity. Police in Scotland said they had reactivated community impact assessments, which will allow the force to more easily investigate hate crimes as well as offering increased protection for at-risk groups. West Midlands Police said they were continually reviewing intelligence and community tension. Members of the Polish community march through Harlow exactly a week after the killing of Arek Jozwik (Getty) Should we detect an emerging threat related to the triggering of Article 50 we would intervene swiftly to mitigate that through our officers, partners and communities, Chief Superintendent Chris Johnson. We have a zero tolerance stance on hate crime and recognise the impact it can have on communities. A Government Bill giving Theresa May the power to trigger Article 50 cleared the House of Commons last week without any amendments being made, making it likely that the Prime Minister will be able to stick to her timetable of starting the process in early March. Home Office figures show that hate crimes soared by more than 40 per cent after last years Brexit vote. In July 2016, police recorded a 41 per cent increase compared to the same month a year earlier. Data from 31 police forces showed that 1,546 racially or religiously aggravated offences were recorded in the two weeks up to and including the day of the referendum on 23 June. In the fortnight immediately after the poll, the number climbed to 2,241. In one incident in Telford, Shropshire last year, a student was stabbed in the neck with a smashed drinks bottle because he was speaking Polish. 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 Polish police were also called in to patrol the streets of Harlow in Essex alongside British officers to reassure the public after 40-year-old Polish national Arek Jozwik was killed in what was believed to be a hate crime. Wiktor Moszczynski, of the Federation of Poles in Great Britain, said there remained an anxiety about a surge in attacks on or around the date Article 50 is invoked, despite the increase in police action. If the Brexit negotiations start with a quick settlement of the EU citizens rights issue it might reduce the tension, said Mr Moszczynski. If it does not, then there could be more unpleasant incidents. An undercurrent of xenophobic and unpleasant comments, mostly verbal, has been reported by Polish families. Often these arise in situations involving neighbours or work colleagues or classroom bullies, where there is already an atmosphere of conflict, which is then made more acute by racist comments and threats. A vigil held in Harlow for Arek Jozwik, a Polish man killed in an attack believed to be a hate crime (PA) For the most part these are not reported to the police or to company bosses as Poles prefer to keep their heads low and out of trouble. David Isaac, head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, warned of the potential for increased violence. After the rise in reported hate crime after the referendum, it makes sense to be prepared and plan for any potential spike in hate crimes throughout each point in the process, he told The Independent. The triggering of Article 50 is the next major milestone and we must do all we can to ensure people who may feel at risk are supported. Such is the scale of the problem that the Government has awarded researchers at Cardiff University a 250,000 grant to help monitor Brexit-related hate crime on social media. Professor Matthew Williams, lead investigator and co-director of the Social Data Science Lab at the university, said: "Hate crimes have been shown to cluster in time and tend to increase, sometimes significantly, in the aftermath of 'trigger' events. "The referendum on the UK's future in the European Union has galvanised certain prejudiced opinions held by a minority of people, resulting in a spate of hate crimes. "Many of these crimes are taking place on social media. Over the coming period of uncertainty relating to the form of the UK's exit, decision makers, particularly those responsible for minimising the risk of social disorder through community reassurance, local policing and online governance, will require near-real-time information on the likelihood of escalation of hateful content spread on social media. Police officers monitor the crowds at the Notting Hill Carnival on 29 August 2011 in London (Getty) Other forces said they were awaiting instructions from the Home Office on how to address any potential spike in hate crimes once Article 50 is invoked. But the Government declined to tell The Independent what extra guidance it was giving police forces. A spokesperson said the deployment of resources was an operational matter for local forces, adding: The Home Secretary has been crystal clear that crime motivated by hostility and prejudice towards any group in society has no place whatsoever in a Britain that works for everyone. That is why we have some of the strongest legislation on hate crime in the world. 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 }} The Church of England is facing a fresh crisis over the issue of equal marriage after a group of retired bishops accused it of marginalising LGBT members. In an open letter published online, 14 leading retired bishops wrote that a recent report on same-sex marriage failed to include the authentic voice of the LGBT community and was instead focused on talking about them rather than to them. It said the report read as though bishops saw their task as managing rather than perhaps enabling or leading on the issue. The report, written by serving bishops, upholds the traditional teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman. Currently church doctrine says that LGBT clergy members must be celibate and are forbidden from conducting same-sex marriage ceremonies. In contrast, the Church of Scotland voted to allow members of the clergy to marry their same sex partners earlier this year, even if it did not overhaul its stance on marriage as between a man and a woman. The bishops wrote: Our perception is that, while the pain of LGBT people is spoken about in your report, we do not hear its authentic voice. Our experience would lead us to doubt whether there was an expectation around that canons and doctrinal statements would be changed within any reasonable timescale, and that focus seems to have taken far more time than it would have done if the authentic voices of lesbian and gay people had been allowed to express the major focus of their hopes. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters 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 They suggested that the focus on changing canonical law regarding same-sex marriage, rather than focusing on changing the tone and culture surrounding the issue, demonstrated a lack of conviction. The tone and culture of your document are incredibly familiar weve been there and talked in that tone of voice, and it prevents calls for a change of culture, of course offered in complete sincerity by you, from ringing true, they said. The intervention comes as the Church prepares for its five-day General Synod in London starting on Monday. Officials hope the 500-plus members of its general assembly will accept the reports findings. Unusually, it will not make a formal request for the synod to accept the reports conclusion but merely to take note of it. The three sections of the synod - the bishops, the clergy and the laity will also be asked individually to take note of it, and if just one section rejects it the motion will fail. Campaigners have warned that there is a movement within the synod as many, particularly in the clergy, are in favour of being more accepting towards LGBT members. One of the signatories to the letter, the former Bishop of Worcester Revd Dr Peter Selby, told The Observer: There will be some [serving bishops] who think why dont these dinosaurs shut up, its none of their business. But I hope there will also be some who are glad we have put this on the record. 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 }} Reports of domestic violence have more than doubled in Russias fourth largest city since the Government reduced the punishment for spousal or child abuse from a criminal to a civil one. Police in Yekaterinburg responded to 350 incidents of domestic violence daily since the law was relaxed compared to 150 such incidents previously, according to the citys mayor. Yevgeny Roizman told Russian media: Before, people were afraid of criminal charges this acted as some kind of safety barrier. Recommended Putin signs law partially decriminalising domestic abuse in Russia People got the impression that before it wasnt allowed, but now it is. The law reduced the punishment for attacks that result in minor injuries such as bruises or cuts from two years to 15 days in prison along as they do not happen more than once a year, sparking outrage from human rights groups around the world. The law was instigated by a female ultra-conservative MP Yelena Mizulina, argued it made no sense to break up families for the sake of a slap. According to Rossiskaya Gazeta, the Russian governments official newspaper, between 12,000 and 14,000 women die every year in Russia as a result of domestic violence a figure backed up by a 2010 UN report. 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 Up to one in three Russian women is believed to suffer some form of physical abuse at the hands of a partner, while 40 per cent of all violent crimes and murders take place within the home, according to the Anna Centre, which runs Russias only domestic violence hotline. A popular Russian saying is if he beats you, it means he loves you and tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda carried an article after the law was passed saying that women should be proud of their bruises from violent husbands because some evolutionary psychologists claim they are more likely to give birth to sons. Supporters of the measure, signed by President Vladimir Putin, claim it will give parents greater freedom from state interference to discipline their children. Battering a spouse will now be punishable by a fine of less than $500 (400), 15 days of 'administrative arrest', or community service. The Duma the lower house of Parliament passed the bill in January by 385 votes to two before it was rubber stamped by the upper chamber before being signed off by Mr Putin. "Significant" injuries, such as broken bones or concussion, or repeated offences, would have to result before any criminal charges can be brought. A survey carried out by Russias state-sponsored poll found 50 per cent of Russians were in favour while just 17 per cent said they were opposed to it. Many organisations expressed serious concerns about the law change, including Amnesty International who described it as a sickening attempt to further trivialise domestic violence. 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 }} Brexit poses dangers to the Northern Ireland peace process, Bertie Ahern has warned. The former taoiseach, who helped negotiate the Good Friday agreement, said Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit policy could lead to a hard border between the North and the Republic. May seems to be switching her language. Shes saying not that therell be no border, but that the border wont be as difficult as to create problems, he told The Observer. I worry far more about whats going to happen with that. It will take away the calming effects [of an open border]. Brexit Bill backed: Theresa May allowed to start EU exit negotiations He added: Any kind of physical border, in any shape, is bad for the peace process. It psychologically feeds badly into the nationalist communities. 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 Mr Ahern said the Good Friday agreement was about removing barriers and integrating across the island. He said reinstating a physical barrier would have a destabilising effect. Ms May is set to trigger Article 50 next month, which will formally begin the two-year withdrawal negotiation process, as long as her Brexit Bill passes the House of Lords. 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 }} Donald Trumps state visit will be greeted by the biggest anti-racism protest in British history no matter where in the country the Government moves it to, campaigners have said. Local politicians and activists in Birmingham reacted with anger to suggestions that the trip could be relocated to their city and pledged to flood the streets with protesters to greet the hateful President. The idea of moving the protest to avoid demonstrations in London has reportedly been suggested to the White House, with a rally at the National Exhibition Centre apparently on the cards. Donald Trump's state visit to UK will occur 'around June', London police chief says Recommended Public support Speaker Bercow on barring Donald Trump from Parliament Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood, said Mr Trump and his hateful politics were no more welcome in her city than they were in London. Birmingham is a wonderfully diverse city, home to people of every background, every faith, she said. President Trump with his hateful and divisive rhetoric, policies and Muslim ban is not welcome here. Kerry Jenkins, Labour councillor for the citys Hall Green Ward, said Mr Trump was a racist and a misogynist who is using his power to divide. If these rumours are proven I will be calling on all colleagues and citizens to stand together and demonstrate as we have done many times before in our great city when far right politics has reared its ugly head, she said. Salma Yaqoob, a Birmingham campaigner who previously sat on the city council, warned that if Donald Trump comes to the great city of Birmingham, our diverse communities will take to the streets in our thousands. Cities and towns across the UK have already staged demonstrations against the US President and the cosy approach taken by Theresa May towards his administration. People took to the streets in 36 different locations across the country at the end of last month, with the biggest demonstration in London. There, as many as 40,000 people packed Whitehall at just 36 hours notice. The cross-party Stop Trump Coalition formed in the wake of those protests. It enjoys support from Labour, SNP, Green and Liberal Democrat MPs as well as the general secretaries of major trade unions, including Unison, GMB, FBU, RMT, and the TUC. An anti-Trump protest outside Downing Street on 30 January (Getty Images) Journalists and celebrities including Lily Allen, Paloma Faith, and Frankie Boyle have also officially signed up to the initiative. Owen Jones, writer and co-founder of the group, said: Donald Trumps state visit will be marked by the biggest protest against racism and hatred in our countrys history. It doesnt matter where he goes. We will march in our millions against him, and our governments collusion, in every town and city in Britain. The current biggest protest in Britains history took place against the Iraq war, when at least a million people took to the streets in London in concert with other protests around the globe. Trump considers "brand new" travel ban On Sunday morning, David Lidington, the leader of the House of Commons, confirmed that there was no set venue for the state visit, adding that discussions about its details were still ongoing. The Trump visit is still under discussion between the two governments, he told the BBCs The Andrew Marr Show. As with any State visit theres a whole range of variables so the diaries of the key players on both sides, what makes up a good programme, whens the right timing. In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Show all 32 1 /32 In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London An image of President Donald Trump is seen on a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A view of the skywriting word reading 'Trump' as thousands rally in support of equal rights in Sydney, New South Wales EPA In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome People shout and hold signs during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A protester holds a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille A placard ready 'Pussy grabs back' is attached to the handle bar of a bike during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A young Thai girl holds a "women's rights are human rights" sign at Roadhouse BBQ restaurant where many of the Bangkok Womens March participants gathered in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A Thai woman takes a photo of a "hate is not great" sign at the women's solidarity gathering in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok American expats and travellers gather with the international community in Bangkok at the Roadhouse BBQ restaurant to stand in solidarity in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protetesters gather outside The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Women's March at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Protestors hold placards reading 'My body my choice, my vote my voice' during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome A person holds a sign during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activist Sarah Annay Williamson holds a placard and shouts slogan during the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activists participate in the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A Women's March placards are rested on a bench outside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A women carries her placard ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila Women protesters shout slogans while displaying placards during a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President Donald Trump, in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Protesters take part in the Melbourne rally to protest against the Trump Inauguration in Melbourne, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters take part in the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Womens march on Melbourne protestors marching during a rally where rights groups marched in solidarity with Americans to speak out against misogyny, bigotry and hatred Rex In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau, Macau. The Women's March originated in Washington DC but soon spread to be a global march calling on all concerned citizens to stand up for equality, diversity and inclusion and for women's rights to be recognised around the world as human rights Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila A mother carries her son as they join a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney An infant is held up at a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman attends a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman expresses her Anti-Trump views in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydeney Protesters demonstrate against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia. The marches in Australia were organised to show solidarity with those marching on Washington DC and around the world in defense of women's rights and human rights Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters march from The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square towards Trafalgar Square during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters carrying banners take part in the Women's March on London, as they stand in Trafalgar Square, in central London Reuters Ms May invited Mr Trump on a state visit to Britain while she was visiting him in Washington DC. The Prime Minister pledged to renew the special relationship between Britain and the US and to work closely with the controversial American President. There is currently no date confirmed for the trip, but senior police officers have suggested it could be around June. Mr Trump assumed office in January, despite losing the popular vote by millions, and began his administration with a crackdown against foreigners that was declared illegal by US courts. 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 }} Labour by-election campaigners in Stoke are keeping Jeremy Corbyn away from voters because he is "not a plus on the doorstep", it has been claimed. The party faces a tough battle in the heartland seat, where leader Paul Nuttall is hoping to become Ukip's second MP by defeating Labour candidate Gareth Snell. Former shadow Business Secretary Clive Lewis, who resigned on Thursday over the Brexit vote, said Labour was "hanging on at the fingernails" in the Leave-favouring region. How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Show all 8 1 /8 How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Weetabix Chief executive of Weetabix Giles Turrell has warned that the price of one of the nations favourite breakfast are likely to go up this year by low-single digits in percentage terms. Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Nescafe The cost of a 100g jar of Nescafe Original at Sainsburys has gone up 40p from 2.75 to 3.15 a 14 per cent risesince the Brexit vote. PA How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Freddo When contacted by The Independent this month, a Mondelez spokesperson declined to discuss specific brands but confirmed that there would be "selective" price increases across its range despite the American multi-national confectionery giant reporting profits of $548m (450m) in its last three-month financial period. Mondelez, which bought Cadbury in 2010, said rising commodity costs combined with the slump in the value of the pound had made its products more expensive to make. Cadbury How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Mr Kipling cakes Premier Foods, the maker of Mr Kipling and Bisto gravy, said that it was considering price rises on a case-by-case basis Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Walkers Crisps Walkers, owned by US giant PepsiCo, said "the weakened value of the pound" is affecting the import cost of some of its materials. A Walkers spokesman told the Press Association that a 32g standard bag was set to increase from 50p to 55p, and the larger grab bag from 75p to 80p. Getty How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Marmite Tesco removed Marmite and other Unilever household brand from its website last October, after the manufacturer tried to raise its prices by about 10 per cent owing to sterlings slump. Tesco and Unilever resolved their argument, but the price of Marmite has increased in UK supermarkets with the grocer reporting a 250g jar of Marmite will now cost Morrisons customers 2.64 - an increase of 12.5 per cent. Rex How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Toblerone Toblerone came under fire in November after it increased the space between the distinctive triangles of its bars. Mondelez International, the company which makes the product, said the change was made due to price rises in recent months. Pixabay How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Maltesers Maltesers, billed as the lighter way to enjoy chocolate, have also shrunk in size. Mars, which owns the brand, has reduced its pouch weight by 15 per cent. Mars said rising costs mean it had to make the unenviable decision between increasing its prices or reducing the weight of its Malteser packs. iStockphoto A source told the Telegraph that Mr Corbyn is "not a plus on the doorstep, that's for certain". Mr Corbyn did visit the constituency at the end of January. The Independent has approached Labour for comment. Questioned by Andrew Marr on Sunday morning about Mr Corbyn's "catastrophic" favourability ratings, deputy Labour leader Tom Watson said: "Jeremy knows what he has to do to win an election. This is not the time for a leadership election. He got a second mandate. "He is now the established leader of the Labour Party. It is his duty to lead the official opposition through a period of unprecedented economic uncertainty, and he will be tested in that. "Winning by-elections is obviously a good thing for political parties. I don't know whether we're going to win these by-elections or not, the campaign teams on the ground are running a good campaign, we've got two good candidates. They're quietly confident that we'll get a good result." The crucial contest in Stoke, to be held on 23 February, follows the resignation of senior Labour MP Tristram Hunt last month to become the director of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. At the 2015 general election Mr Hunt, the former shadow Education Secretary and well-known critic of the Labour leader, held onto the seat with a majority of 5,179. Ukip came second in the constituency, just 33 votes ahead of the Conservatives. Recommended Ukip leader Paul Nuttall forced to move house over safety concerns The 40-year-old Ukip leader Mr Nuttall was confirmed as the partys candidate last month and has promised to raise issues the establishment parties would prefer to brush under the carpet. Last Saturday Labour had dismissed suggestions the party had been exploring a collaboration with the Liberal Democrats in Stoke to avoid the Ukip leader gaining ground. The Guardian had claimed a senior figure from the leaders office had asked an intermediary to probe a potential pact between the two parties. It has also launched an apparent "attack ad" against Mr Nuttall, in another move that signifies he is considered a real threat. Mr Corbyn tweeted the video about Mr Nuttall with the warning: "Voters of Stoke, if you value your NHS then dont vote for this man who wants to sell it off #CarefortheNHS." In the footage, MEP Mr Nuttall brands the NHS "a monolithic hangover from days gone by". 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 }} Labour is planning a regionalised immigration policy that would allow higher immigration to London but tighter restrictions on moving to other parts of the country. Deputy leader Tom Watson said on Sunday morning that Brexit presented the opportunity to fine-tune the UKs border controls and that the plan was under discussion by the party. The approach could help resolve Labours dilemma of keeping both its metropolitan support and its support in former industrial areas happy on the issue. Asked whether he thought immigration should be higher or lower across the UK, Mr Watson said: I dont think you can say that. I think you can actually say London requires more liberal immigration policies but there are other parts of the country where immigration may be putting pressure on public services like schools and hospitals. Thats why I think when we come out of the EU we can have an immigration policy that maybe addresses both those issues. These are nascent ideas, were not ready to make them robust in a manifesto yet but theyre certainly the debate that is going on in the Labour party right now and in wider circles. The idea would likely require some kind of work or housing permit system to be introduced as the UK has no internal border controls to stop people settling where they want. Labour has previously proposed an immigration dividend that would see areas of high immigration given extra Government cash to prop up public services. Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has also previously said he is not wedded to free movement of people with the EU. The deputy leader Mr Watson made the comments about the new policy on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show, adding that Labour had to respect the result of the EU referendum result. Were a democratic party, I dont think we had any choice but to respect the result of that referendum, he said. Labour has struggled to strike a plausible tone on immigration over the last decade. In 2009, Gordon Brown was ridiculed for pledging British jobs for British workers effectively co-opting a far-right slogan. He was later caught on camera branding a voter a bigoted woman after she subjected him to a rant about foreigners. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters 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 In 2015, Ed Miliband came under fire after the party sold mugs with the word controls on immigration. However, polling and focus grouping following the 2015 election found that immigration along with welfare was one of the main issues that worried voters in marginal seats. Despite the concerns of some voters, repeated studies have found no negative impact on public services, employment, or wages from immigration. 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 }} Labour has been testing the publics reception to two rising star MPs on the left of the party, leaked documents appear to show. Focus groups were commissioned from pollsters BMG and asked to give their views on Rebecca Long-Bailey and Angela Rayner as well as John McDonnell and Jeremy Corbyn himself. A shadow minister told The Sunday Times newspaper, which obtained the documents, that the focus groups amount to succession planning for replacing Jeremy Corbyn. Recommended Clive Lewis dismisses leadership challenge speculation Responses to Ms Rayner were said to be overwhelmingly negative while Ms Long-Bailey received a more positive reception. The group also believe Mr Corbyn looked "fed up", it is reported. A Labour source described the focus group planning as "routine", but one shadow minister said: They have been focus grouping who could replace him and gone for Becky it is succession planning. This week Mr Corbyn himself told the Manchester Evening News that both Ms Long-Bailey and Ms Rayner could absolutely become leaders of the party in the future, dubbing them both absolutely brilliant MPs. Deputy leader Tom Watson denied that the focus-grouping was related to any leadership succession issue. Angela Rayner, the shadow Education Secretary (Getty) "It wasnt road testing leadership candidates," he told the Andrew Marr Show on Sunday morning. "There was a range of shadow cabinet members there were so called road tested and that this is what we do in our normal run of sort of parliamentary political consultations. "Im just slightly relieved they werent road testing me on the document that was leaked to the newspaper!" Mr Corbyns office this week quashed an unsupported rumour that he had already privately given his inner circle oa date when he would quit as Labour leader. Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Show all 12 1 /12 Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn's reshuffle Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn and the Syria bombing vote Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn asks questions from the public at PMQs, meanwhile backbenchers plot to oust him Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn is unavailable to attend the Privy Council Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Conference rejects Corbyns call to debate Trident Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn At Labour conference Corbyn and McDonnell press for a Robin Hood tax Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyns hopes for a new politics look optimistic in the face of a media barrage Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn enters Labour leadership race One Labour MP, Clive Lewis, said this week that rumours he would challenge Mr Corbyn for the leadership were bollocks. He stepped down from the shadow Cabinet this week so he could rebel and vote against Article 50. Mr Corbyn won a second leadership election less than six months ago with an increased mandate, following a challenge by MPs Angela Eagle and Owen Smith. 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 }} Ministers have been accused of appointing a new Concentrix to root out errors in the benefit system risking a repeat of the US firms blunders which plunged people into poverty. A private firm is being sought to identify claimants believed to have an undeclared partner more effectively, the Government announced. Furious Labour MPs and a trade union warned the move slipped out in a written statement as MPs left Westminster for a week threatened a return to the scandal that dogged Concentrix. A Public and Commercial Services union spokesman said: Alleging people were living with undeclared partners was one of the most contentious elements of the Concentrix scandal. It rings alarm bells that DWP [Department for Work and Pensions] is letting this contract at the same time as taking on responsibility for tax credits debt. Concentrix was hired by HMRC to tackle fraud and error in the tax credit system and stop payments to claimants who were not entitled to them. But 90 per cent of people who appealed against losing their tax credits won their cases a figure described as extraordinary after an investigation by a Commons committee. Both the US firm and HMRC were accused of setting strike rates to stop tax credits, causing people to suffer humiliating hardship and debt and sending many to food banks. After Concentrix was sacked, the Government promised it would no longer outsource tax credit fraud investigation work to private companies. HMRC boss Jon Thompson told the Treasury Select Committee: We will not be going back to the market to seek a third party to help us in any way with the tax credits system. However, Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green said the DWP would appoint an external provider to help claw back money from claimants of the separate Income Support benefit from April next year. He announced a tougher approach to recovering wrongly paid claimants, who could now have their pay docked if they refuse to pay back the money. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters 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 Mr Green justified the decision on the basis that the data provider will not have any contact with claimants directly or any decision-making authority. He added: All cases will be progressed through the existing DWP fraud and compliance processes. We expect to award a contract for around 18 months and will evaluate its effectiveness in order to inform decisions about whether this type of data matching provides a useful indication of undeclared partners for future use in the Universal Credit system. Around 110m is lost every year as a result of fraud and error relating to undeclared partners, the DWP said. 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 }} Government ministers reportedly came within hours of suspending controversial UK arms exports to Saudi Arabia, official documents have shown. On 12 February last year, Sajid Javid, the then Business Secretary, threatened to end the exports by the end of the day, The Observer reports. Court documents show that Mr Javid wanted both former Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon to back continuing the exports, otherwise he would suspend them. A briefing document seen by The Observer, written by an MoD official for Sir Michael, said: the Business Secretary has indicated he will suspend exports if he does not have the cross-government agreement by the end of [the day]. Angus Robertson questions Theresa May over arms sales to Saudi Arabia at PMQs It came as the Government was considering how to respond to a legal challenge brought by campaigners to force ministers to stop issuing export licences for weapons to Saudi Arabia. Part of the document states: Following the advice of senior government lawyers and the Foreign Secretary, the Business Secretary is prepared not to suspend export licences to Saudi Arabia. The next paragraph added that he is considering suspending all export licences related to the campaign in Yemen. However, in the result of an unfavourable judgement in a judicial review it is not clear which export licences would be suspended. The document was disclosed as part of High Court proceedings over the continued sale of arms to Saudi Arabia. 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty The Campaign Against Arms Trade has accused the Government of unlawfully failing to suspend the sale of UK arms to Saudi Arabia, despite evidence that the Gulf state is guilty of repeated and serious breaches of international humanitarian law. The group argues UK fighter jets and bombs sent to the desert kingdom have been used in the conflict in Yemen, in which thousands have died. It recently emerged that the Government refused to stop the sale of bombs to Saudi Arabia after it was privately advised to do so by the top civil servant in charge of weapons exports control. Edward Bell, head of the Governments Export Control Organisation, told Mr Javid it would be prudent and cautious to stop selling to the Saudi regime amid widespread reports of war crimes by its military in Yemen. The war, which has raged since March 2015, has killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, and unleashed a humanitarian crisis in the poorest country in the Middle East. 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 }} People traffickers are reportedly injecting migrant girls with a hazardous contraceptive because of the high likelihood they will be raped on their journey. In large amounts or in girls too young to safely receive it, the hormone, progesterone, can bring on the menopause prematurely and cause mental health issues. But smugglers in sub Saharan Africa are apparently giving it to children as young as 13 who often travel unaccompanied -- to prevent pregnancy following a sexual assault. Sexual violence is an extremely common occurrence on the migrant trail in northern Africa and is often perpetrated by drivers and middle men the very people the travellers depend on to get to Europe. May accused of 'shabby cop out' over decision to end lone child refugee scheme Many come from chaotic and war-torn countries such as Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea. The trend has been noticed by humanitarians working in areas of Europe which are key entry points for migrants, such as on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Helen Rodriguez, a gynaecologist working on the island, told The Sunday Times: They know they are very likely to be raped en route so they have these injections in Ethiopia or Sudan to not get pregnant. However, she said most girls didnt realise the the terrible long-term effects of the contraceptive they were given. Dr Rodriguez told the newspaper nearly a fifth of Eritrean girls she had seen were not menstruating because of the progesterone injections. However, the women have not reported being forced into receiving the contraception, according to Linn Biorklund, the author of an upcoming Doctors Without Borders (MSF) report on the plight of Eritrean migrants. The NGO first noticed the practice in 2015, but there are no statistics available demonstrating its extent. Ms Biorklund told The Independent the injections largely take place in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, where there are a relatively large number of private clinics. She said smugglers may even recommend clinics women and girls can go to. All of the 100 women interviewed in-depth by MSF for the report said they either experienced or witness sexual violence on their journeys. Men also told the charity of their helplessness in watching female relatives get assaulted, not being able to act because they would otherwise be shot. The risk of being raped is just one many migrants must face as they attempt to get to Europe from sub Saharan African countries. The journey is made overland through the desert, which is frequented by bandits, and then across the Mediterranean in dinghies. Last year, more than 5,000 people drowned trying to cross the sea. However, once inside Europe, women and children are not safe from sexual violence. In particular, in the Dunkirk camp, sexual assault, violence and rape are all far too common, a volunteer told the Observer. 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 Minors are assaulted and women are raped and forced to pay for smuggling with their bodies. Despite the massive dangers faced by young refugees, the Government recently voted to scrap the Dubs Amendment, legislation which committed the UK to taking 3,000 child refugees. When the Government voted to end the scheme last week, just 350 children had been given sanctuary. 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 }} Renowned author Margaret Atwood has said the return of the right to power in the United States has sent her classic dystopian novel The Handmaids Tale shooting back up the best-seller lists. She said concerns about womens freedoms under President Donald Trump have contributed to a resurgence in popularity for the book, which describes a repressive and highly stratified American society in which women are forced into domestic servitude and made to bear the children of the ruling class. It follows a series of moves by conservative politicians to restrict access to abortions, and the leak of a draft executive order that would have enshrined conservative Christian beliefs on the subject, as well as on marriage and gender, in policy. It reportedly went unsigned by Mr Trump only after the intervention of his daughter, Ivanka, and her husband Jared Kushner. In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Show all 32 1 /32 In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London An image of President Donald Trump is seen on a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A view of the skywriting word reading 'Trump' as thousands rally in support of equal rights in Sydney, New South Wales EPA In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome People shout and hold signs during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A protester holds a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille A placard ready 'Pussy grabs back' is attached to the handle bar of a bike during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A young Thai girl holds a "women's rights are human rights" sign at Roadhouse BBQ restaurant where many of the Bangkok Womens March participants gathered in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A Thai woman takes a photo of a "hate is not great" sign at the women's solidarity gathering in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok American expats and travellers gather with the international community in Bangkok at the Roadhouse BBQ restaurant to stand in solidarity in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protetesters gather outside The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Women's March at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Protestors hold placards reading 'My body my choice, my vote my voice' during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome A person holds a sign during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activist Sarah Annay Williamson holds a placard and shouts slogan during the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activists participate in the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A Women's March placards are rested on a bench outside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A women carries her placard ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila Women protesters shout slogans while displaying placards during a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President Donald Trump, in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Protesters take part in the Melbourne rally to protest against the Trump Inauguration in Melbourne, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters take part in the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Womens march on Melbourne protestors marching during a rally where rights groups marched in solidarity with Americans to speak out against misogyny, bigotry and hatred Rex In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau, Macau. The Women's March originated in Washington DC but soon spread to be a global march calling on all concerned citizens to stand up for equality, diversity and inclusion and for women's rights to be recognised around the world as human rights Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila A mother carries her son as they join a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney An infant is held up at a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman attends a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman expresses her Anti-Trump views in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydeney Protesters demonstrate against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia. The marches in Australia were organised to show solidarity with those marching on Washington DC and around the world in defense of women's rights and human rights Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters march from The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square towards Trafalgar Square during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters carrying banners take part in the Women's March on London, as they stand in Trafalgar Square, in central London Reuters Atwood told Reuters during an interview at Cubas international book fair: When it first came out it was viewed as being farfetched. However when I wrote it I was making sure I wasnt putting anything into it that human beings had not already done somewhere at sometime. You are seeing a bubbling up of it now. Its back to 17th century puritan values of New England at that time in which women were pretty low on the hierarchy. Sales were also likely boosted by trailers for the books upcoming TV adaptation. A bill was introduced in Oklahomas legislature in February that would require women seeking an abortion to obtain the written permission of the man who would be the father. Republican representative Justin Humphrey introduced a bill that would require a pregnant woman to provide the identify of the father in writing to her abortion provider before undergoing the procedure. First look at the Handmaid's Tale new series released No abortion shall be performed in this state without the written informed consent of the father of the foetus, the bill read. Texas congressman Tony Tinderholt introduced a bill that sought to make it a criminal offence to have an abortion in his state at any stage, regardless of whether a woman had conceived following rape or incest. He said: Right now, they dont make it important to be personally responsible because they know that they have a backup of Oh, I can just go get an abortion. And in Arkansas, a pregnant womans husband will have the power to stop her from having an abortion, even in cases of rape, under a new law. Most second trimester abortions will also be banned by the Unborn Child Protection From Dismemberment Abortion Act, which will make it possible for husbands to sue doctors who carry out abortions for civil damages, or get an injunction to block the termination. In January Vice President Mike Pence attended the anti-abortion March For Life, for which Mr Trump also tweeted his full support. Mr Pence told marchers: This administration will work with Congress to end taxpayer funding of abortion and abortion providers. He added: Life is winning again in America. In Atwoods 1985 novel, a totalitarian theocracy is in power and employs a secret police force to maintain its grip. Abortion is banned and women are categorised into legitimate and illegitimate groups. Handmaids re-educated women who have broken a law are forced to bear the children of Commanders of the Faithful, the highest-ranking men. Unwomen, who may be sterile, feminists, or politically incompatible with the regime, are made to work in agricultural colonies. 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 mentally ill man who stabbed and beheaded another passenger on a bus has been freed from all supervision. Will Baker, formerly known as Vince Li, was granted absolute discharge without monitoring by the Criminal Code Review Board in Manitoba, Canada. A diagnosed schizophrenic, Baker killed 22-year-old Tim McLean, a carnival worker unknown to him, in 2008. A year later, he was found not criminally responsible for the murder because of his mental illness. Baker sat next to Mr McLean on a bus after the 22-year-old smiled at him and asked him how he was doing. Baker repeatedly stabbed Mr McLean after saying he heard the voice of God telling to kill him or "die immediately." Passengers fled the bus while Baker continued to stab and mutilate the young mans body and severed Mr McLeans head and displayed it to some of the passengers outside the bus before he was arrested, witnesses said. Baker was initially interned in a secure wing of a psychiatric hospital but he was given more freedom every year. Last November, he moved to his own flat in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but continued to be monitored to ensure he was taking his medication. His doctor, Jeffrey Waldman, told the review board that he was confident Baker would remain on his medication and continue to work with his treatment team, if he was to be released. Mr Waldman said Baker knows the medication keeps his illness at bay. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The review board concluded that the weight of evidence does not substantiate that Mr Baker poses a significant threat to the safety of the public." Mr McLeans mother, Carol de Delley, previously spoke against granting Baker freedom and said there would be no way to ensure he continued to take his medication. When the boards ruling was announced, she wrote on Facebook: I have no comment today. I have no words. Also commenting on the decision on Facebook, Conservative leader Rona Ambrose said: "I think I speak for a lot of Canadians when I say this doesn't seem right. Justin Trudeau must put the rights of victims before the rights of criminals. Opposition Conservative member of Parliament James Bezan also criticised Baker's release. He said earlier in the week it would be an insult to his family and relatives. But Baker has been defended by Chris Summerville, executive director of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, who has worked with him over several years. "He is no longer a violent person. I will say, yes, he absolutely understands that he has to take his medication and has a desire to live a responsible, moral life and never succumb to psychotic episodes and not to hurt anybody ever again, he said. Bakers doctor said his patient would stay in Winnipeg for the next two to three years and that he is on the waiting list for a post-secondary training course and plans on having a career in the city. Baker emigrated to Canada from China in 2001 and became a Canadian citizen four years ago. 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 scathing obituary which siblings wrote for their evil father said his death took 29 years longer than expected and much longer than he deserved. The unusually honest tribute to Leslie Ray Charping, 75, from Texas, was posted to the website of the Carnes Funeral Home in Galveston, but has since been taken down. Mr Charping, whose hobbies allegedly included being abusive to his family, died of cancer on 30 January. A family member said she wrote the obituary because not talking about domestic violence doesnt make it go away. Women shown how to hide signs of domestic violence by state TV in Morocco The message painted a picture of a violent and drug addicted man who also experienced mental health issues. Mr Charping left behind two relieved children, the obituary said, and countless other victims including an ex-wife, relatives, friends, neighbours, doctors, nurses and random strangers. It continued: At a young age, Leslie quickly became a model example of bad parenting combined with mental illness and a complete commitment to drinking, drugs, womanising and being generally offensive. The obituary said that while Mr Charping was surprisingly intelligent, he also lacked ambition for more than being reckless, wasteful, squandering the family savings and fantasising about get rich quick schemes. It added: Leslies life served no other obvious purpose, he did not contribute to society or serve his community and he possessed no redeeming qualities besides quick sarcasm, which was amusing during his sober days. A funeral for Mr Charping would not be held, the obituary said, but his ashes would be used in the stable of a family donkey. The obituary concluded: With Leslies passing he will be missed only for what he never did; being a loving husband, father and good friend. Leslies passing proves that evil does in fact die and hopefully marks a time of healing and safety for all. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The family members who wrote the statement defended themselves from critics. The anonymous writer told ABC13: I am happy for those that simply do not understand, this means you had good parent(s) please treasure what you have. The woman said peoples concern would have been better during her childhood. She added: I apologise to anyone that my father hurt and I felt it would have been offensive to portray him as anything other than who he was. This obituary was intended to help bring closure because not talking about domestic violence doesnt make it go away. 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 }} One of Donald Trump's senior advisers used a Sunday television appearance to repeat an unfounded claim that "thousands" of people were driven to the state of New Hampshire to vote illegally in November's election. The voter fraud allegation was first made by the President himself in a meeting with senators. Federal Electoral Commissioner Ellen Weintraub called it an "astonishing" claim that "cannot be ignored", and urged Mr Trump to provide evidence. Senior adviser Stephen Miller did the rounds of Sunday politics programmes in the US and was praised by Mr Trump for his performance. During one, he asserted the New Hampshire claim and other fraud claims a number of times without giving evidence for them. The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters On ABC, he told presenter George Stephanopoulos: "I can tell you that this issue, of busing voters into New Hampshire, is widely known by anyone who's worked in New Hampshire politics, it's very real, it's very serious. "This morning, on this show, is not the venue for me to lay out all the evidence, but I can tell you this: voter fraud is a serious problem in this country. "You have millions of people who are registered in two states, or who are dead who are registered to vote, and you have 14 per cent of non-citizens, according to academic research, at a minimum, are registered to vote." Pressed by Mr Stephanopoulos on the basis for his claim, he said: "Go to New Hampshire, talk to anyone who's worked in politics there for a long time. Everybody's aware of the problem in New Hampshire." Challenging Mr Miller a second time, Mr Stephanopoulos said: "I'm asking you as the White House senior policy adviser, the President made a statement saying he was the victim of voter fraud. Do you have any evidence?" Mr Miller replied: "If this is an issue that interests you, then we can talk about it more in the future." Mr Stephanopoulos said: "You have provided absolutely no evidence." Mr Miller, repeatedly glancing out of shot, said: "The White House has provided enormous evidence." He added there were "massive numbers" of non-citizens registered to vote. "That's the story we should be talking about, and I'm prepared to go on any show, anywhere, any time and repeat it and say the President of the United States is correct 100 per cent." President Trump later tweeted: "Congratulations Stephen Miller- on representing me this morning on the various Sunday morning shows. Great job!" Commissioner Weintraub, appointed by George W Bush in 2002, said: "President Trump has alleged an astonishing voter-fraud scheme that he claims denied him and former Senator Kelly Ayotte victory in the state of New Hampshire in the 2016 elections." "As a commissioner on the Federal Election Commission, I am acutely aware that our democracy rests on the faith of the American people in the integrity of their elections." The details Mr Trump related would amount to thousands of criminal acts, she added. 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 }} Republicans in deep-red congressional districts spent the week navigating massive crowds and hostile questions at their town hall meetings an early indication of how progressive opposition movements are mobilising against the agenda of the GOP and President Donald Trump. Angry constituents swarmed events held by Representatives Jason Chaffetz (Utah), Diane Black (Tennessee), Justin Amash (Michigan) and Tom McClintock (California). The crowds filled the rooms that had been reserved for them; in Utah and Tennessee, scores of activists were locked out. Voters pressed members of Congress on their plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), on the still-controversial confirmation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and even on a low-profile vote to disband an election commission created after 2000. House Republicans had watched footage earlier this week of McClintocks raucous town hall in Northern California and his police-assisted exit a warning of what might come. And with Congress scheduled for a week-long recess and a raft of additional town halls starting on 18 February, the warning may have been warranted. On Thursday, participants were spurred to show up by a variety of forces: large-scale publicity campaigns by major opposition groups such as Planned Parenthood; smaller grassroots efforts; or their own deep objections to Trumps presidency so far. Some were Democrats, some were independents and some were Republicans, but most were liberal activists who had opposed Mr Trump all along and were simply looking for new outlets to object to him. What was less clear was where it would all go. If nothing else, the size and tone of the crowds fed Republicans worries and Democrats view that the GOP agenda and the Presidents tone and missteps have activated voters who may have sat out previous elections. Judy Intrator, 63, a data collector from Utah who voted against Mr Trump, said she attended Mr Chaffetzs town hall because the President is stirring up a side of this country thats being let loose, and I'm scared. One way to register her opposition, she said, is to refuse to say Mr Trumps name. Chaffetz speaks during a town hall meeting at Brighton High School (AP) Some attendees admitted that they lived outside the districts in which they attended town halls. But their intensity demonstrated just how rapidly some effective organising tactics, such as those in the Indivisible guide prepared by former Hill staffers, had spread to red America. What had been staid or friendly events became scenes of shouting and emotional pleading, all shared online and on local TV news. I think what weve seen in these last few weeks is that it was sustainable from January into February, said Representative Ben Ray Lujan (Democrat, New Mexico) chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. So the next question is: What does March look like? What does April look like? How do we get through the summer, when its easier to stand outside in some other parts of the country that are cold today, and you continue to see this grow? At Ms Blacks event in Murfreesboro, members of College Republicans at Middle Tennessee State University struggled to find Make America Great Again hats to fill the audience at a town hall on health care and tax reform. Organisers searched through a sea of at least 200 people, many carrying Planned Parenthood signs, to find friendly faces to help fill the 80 or so seats at the Ask Your Reps event featuring Ms Black, the House Budget Committee chairman, and three other local officials. Activists booed and chanted as the group, flanked by armed campus security, handpicked people to help fill the room in the hope of keeping the conversation civil. Inside the room, audience members rose to ask Ms Black for specific proposals to replace ACA programmes that have become a health lifeline for many residents in this mostly rural slice of central Tennessee. Ms Black carefully insisted that House Speaker Paul Ryan (Republican, Wisconsin) has a plan, but that wasnt enough to soothe the crowd. Answer the question! some in the audience shouted. Ms Black demurred on at least one question as the moderator pleaded for respect. The tense, tightly controlled scene inside the small lecture room was a sharp contrast to the frustrated energy just outside the doors. Chants of this is what Democracy looks like and let us in erupted after security officers blocked the majority of hopeful attendees from entering the room, citing fire marshal rules. The peaceful protesters huddled around computers and phones to watch the event streaming live on Facebook, occasionally groaning and renewing their chants. Grecia Magdaleno, 22, clad in a bright pink Planned Parenthood scarf and pink hat, was crestfallen about being barred from the event. She said she showed up to tell Ms Black about her personal experience of having a potentially lifesaving cancer screening at a local Planned Parenthood. They literally saved my life, said Ms Magdaleno, who later went on to organise volunteers for Planned Parenthood groups in the region. Everything is out of control and I felt like I need to be in the mix, said Tanea McClean, a writer from Rutherford County. Ms McClean said she was not politically active before but has shifted her schedule around several times in the months since the election to make sure she can attend political events. New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Show all 27 1 /27 New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People gather for evening prayer at a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Yemeni business owner Musa closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty Mr Chaffetz, who typically draws 60 to 80 people at his Utah town hall meetings, arranged to hold Thursdays event at a high school auditorium in the Salt Lake City suburbs to accommodate the hundreds of people who turned out. Many of them learned of his appearance through a social-media campaign organised by a Facebook group known as Utah Indivisible, which describes itself as the resistance to the Trump agenda. Several police officers stood near the stage while Mr Chaffetz spoke, his words often drowned out by booing and shouting from people who filled nearly all of the 1,000 seats in the auditorium. More officers were outside the school, controlling the large crowd that did not get in. Sarah Klingenstein, 60, a retired teacher, drove an hour from Park City for the meeting, which she said was her first town hall. A registered independent, she said she is accustomed to feeling like a minority in a state that is conservative. But she said she now feels great joining this groundswell. In the past, I would have felt like a lone voice. Theres a point to showing up, and there wasnt in the past. The smattering of Republicans who attended included Chris Hunter, 53, a data analyst who said she is pleased so far with Mr Trumps performance, even if she doesnt always approve of his style. At this point, she said, Im willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, just like I gave Obama. Trump came in like a bulldozer, and I dont think he has done anything wrong. Chris Pinkston, 44, a Trump supporter, said he went to the meeting because he wanted to hear the opposition. I want to understand their point of view, he said. It reminds me of the Tea Party with Obama. Everyone was screaming and not listening to each other. No matter what we say, the other side will hate us. The people in the centre cannot be heard. Tami Sablan shouts as Chaffetz speaks during a town hall meeting at Brighton High School (AP) He said that most of the people at the meeting seemed unwilling to give Mr Trump a chance. I want him to be held accountable, but lets give him a little time, he said. I think hes doing great. His decisions whether theyre right or wrong are decisions and theyre difficult. At least hes making them. Mr Chaffetz said he typically mingles with his town hall audiences after the sessions are over. But on Thursday, he exited the stage and was driven away, leaving behind a crowd outside the high school chanting, Chaffetz is a coward! Remembering how voter anger and heated town halls helped end Democratic control of Congress in 2010, Republicans have begun taking security precautions. Some have avoided in-person town halls, holding forums on Facebook or by telephone instead. Many were briefed on security recommendations for public events and their district offices at a closed-door meeting led by Representative Dave Reichert (Republican, Washington), a former county sheriff. The presentation, according to a person present, included advice on coordinating with local police to secure town hall meetings and devising an escape route in case of threats of violence. In a floor speech, Mr McClintock compared the anger he saw to the aftermath of the 1860 election, which escalated into the Civil War. Recommended Abortion protests to be held in at least 46 US states Mr McClintock and his colleagues had easily been reelected in 2016. The Californians district gave less than 40 per cent of the vote to Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee for president; voters in Mr Amashs district gave her less than 43 per cent; voters in the Chaffetz and Black districts gave her less than 24 per cent. None of the districts made the DCCCs ambitious list of 59 seats that Democrats are targeting to win control of the House. Details of the Murfreesboro event spread online this week with groups such as Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood and the Rutherford County Democrats using Facebook to spread urgent calls to action. Fewer than 40 people showed up the last time the group threw this event, so organisers were totally unprepared. Mr Amash, who did not endorse Trump for president, pointed out during his town hall in Grand Rapids that he has disagreed with Republicans on issues such as the Presidents executive order on entry to the US. His audience was large and less unruly than those that faced his colleagues but was similarly full of dissent. When a grandmother of five asked how Mr Amash would protect her health care plan, he said he supported her feelings and was drowned out by boos. We should make sure theres a replacement at the same time, Mr Amash said. Whats the plan? one man screamed. Whats wrong with it? shouted another. Talk to some of your neighbours; you will find people who have been hurt by it, Mr Amash insisted. Yelling at each other is not going to resolve the problem. Another contentious moment came on the topic of the Department of Education, which Mr Amash has long sought to abolish. This was the home town of newly confirmed Education Secretary Ms DeVos, of whom he said to the distaste of the crowd I believe shell do a good job. Mr Amash explained that he thinks the states would do better to keep the money they give the federal government rather than send it to Washington to be redistributed. The audience doubted that Michigans ruby-red legislature would be fair about that prompting Mr Amash to try for a joke that scored him only a smattering of chuckles. With Donald Trump in office, he said, I don't know why you're all such big fans of the federal government. Washington Post 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 }} At least four Muslim nonprofit groups have rejected more than $2m in federal funding to fight violent extremism, citing President Donald Trumps rhetoric against Muslim Americans and Islam and the new administrations policies as their reasons. The groups had been among the 31 recipients of the first round of Countering Violent Extremism grants, awarded by the Department of Homeland Security in the last week of Barack Obamas presidency. The funds were intended to go to programs that curtailed recruitment and radicalisation efforts by foreign groups, such as Isis, as well as domestic ones like white supremacists. However, in the first weeks of Mr Trumps administration, several Muslim nonprofit groups that had received grants wrestled with how to justify accepting the funds when, in their eyes, the presidents unfair targeting of Muslim Americans ran counter to their missions. For at least four of those groups, the answer was to reject the federal money outright even though the grants would have been a much-needed boost to their budgets. We have and will continue to work with our government where there is no conflict of interest, but given the anti-Muslim actions of the current executive branch, we cannot in good conscience accept this grant, Bayan Claremont, a private Islamic graduate school in California, said in a statement. The school announced Friday that it would reject $800,000 that it had proposed be used for a two-year project called Flourishing Communities to improve interreligious cooperation, civic engagement, and social justice. Trump considers "brand new" travel ban Ka Joog, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit group that supports Somali American youth, said in a statement on 1 February that it would decline its $499,998 CVE grant because the Trump administration and their policies promoted hate, fear, uncertainty and even worse; an unofficial war on Muslim-Americans and Immigrants. The decision was not an easy one, Ka Joog executive director Mohamed Farah told CBS News. It all came down to principle, Mr Farah told the station. $500,000 is a lot of money, especially if you are a nonprofit. But at the end of the day, we work with immigrants, we work with refugees, we work with Muslims. And we believe that this new administration is against everything that we stand for. For that reason, we decided to really alienate ourselves from the ideologies that are coming from this administration. Mr Trump signed executive orders on 27 January that not only suspended admission of all refugees into the United States for 120 days but also implemented new vetting measures to screen out radical Islamic terrorists. Refugee entry from Syria, however, was suspended indefinitely, and all travel to the United States from Syria and six other nations Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen was suspended for 90 days. Mr Trump also said he would give priority to Christian refugees over those of other religions, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network. Those orders have been challenged and blocked, and on Thursday, the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled three to none that the travel ban should remain frozen. Trump has since indicated he may simply file a brand new order rather than take the case to the Supreme Court. (We will win that battle, the president told reporters aboard Air Force One.) In early February, Reuters reported that the Trump administration wanted to rename the Countering Violent Extremism program to Countering Islamic Extremism or Countering Radical Islamic Extremism, removing the focus on domestic groups like white supremacists. The reported shift was met with alarm by Muslim groups that had already been wary of the program. That is concerning for us because they are targeting a faith group and casting it under a net of suspicion, Hoda Hawa, director of policy for the Muslim Public Affairs Council, told Reuters. In recent weeks, the Associated Press reported that at least two other grant recipients have decided to turn down federal funds from the Countering Violent Extremism program: Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities in Dearborn, Michigan, rejected $500,000 for youth development and public health programs, citing the current political climate. Unity Productions Foundation of Potomac Falls, Virginia, said it would not accept $396,585 due to the changes brought by the new administration. The nonprofit organisation, whose aim is to counter bigotry and create peace through the media, had intended to use the money to produce educational films that would combat extremist narratives. The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters A Department of Homeland Security spokesman said on Saturday morning that he would not be able to immediately address questions about the program. It is unclear what would happen to the rejected funds; the AP reported that none of the 31 grants had yet been disbursed. In December 2015, Congress passed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act that earmarked $10m to help states and local communities prepare for, prevent, and respond to emergent threats from violent extremism. On 13 January, a week before Mr Trump took office, then-Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson announced the first round of grants awarded under the program. A total of 31 grants would go to a mix of local governments, universities and nonprofit organisations from across the country. In this age of self-radicalisation and terrorist-inspired acts of violence, domestic-based efforts to counter violent extremism have become a homeland security imperative, Mr Johnson said in a statement. And, I know from visiting numerous communities across this country that very often the best efforts to counter violent extremism are local, tailored to a particular community. Again, this is a homeland security imperative. Many of the 31 awardees were already focused on countering recruitment efforts by Isis in the United States, Mr Johnson said. However, he also pointed out that $400,000 had gone to a group called Life After Hate, which supports the rehabilitation of former neo-Nazis and other domestic extremists. Christian Picciolini, the co-founder of Life After Hate and a former member of a neo-Nazi group, told the AP he was concerned about the Trump administrations desire to change the name to focus on Islamic terrorism. it sends a message that white extremism does not exist, or is not a priority in our country, when in fact it is a statistically larger and more present terror threat than any by foreign or other domestic actors, Mr Picciolini told the AP. Washington Post 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 }} US army veterans are returning to Standing Rock to protect Dakota Access pipeline protesters amid violent clashes with the police. Native American activists are camped near the construction site and some hope the veterans could make it harder for police to remove them. We are prepared to put our bodies between Native elders and a privatised military force, air force veteran Elizabeth Williams told The Guardian. Weve stood in the face of fire before. We feel a responsibility to use the skills we have. Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Show all 21 1 /21 Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Fireworks fill the night sky above Oceti Sakowin Camp as activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline near the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Fireworks fill the night sky above Oceti Sakowin Camp as activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline near the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Native American and other activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Nation listens to speakers during an interfaith ceremony at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Today the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending the months-long standoff. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: An Native American activist rides down fom a ridge which overlooks Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Political activist Cornel West listen to speakers during an interfaith ceremony at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Today the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending the months-long standoff. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Activists hold hands during a prayer circle as they try to surround the entire camp at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country gather at the camp trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. / AFP / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Activists celebrate at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota, after hearing that the Army Corps of Engineers has denied the current route for the Dakota Access pipeline. / AFP / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Chief Arvol Looking Horse (L) of the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Nation listens as political activist Cornel West speaks during an interfaith ceremony at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Today the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending the months-long standoff. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Military veterans from Southern California collect firewood for their campsite at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 03: Activists participate in an art project conceived by Cannupa Hunska Luger, from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 3, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Military veterans are briefed on cold-weather safety issues and their overall role at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Native American and other activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Native American activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Native American and other activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Activists celebrate at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota, after hearing that the Army Corps of Engineers has denied the current route for the Dakota Access pipeline. The US Army Corps of Engineers on Sunday announced they will no longer allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota, marking a huge win for Native Americans and protesters who had long opposed the construction. / AFP / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Clashes with police turned violent last year as temperatures dropped in winter, when around 1,000 veterans formed a human shield between the police and "water protector" protesters. Police used water hoses and tear gas, and one canister badly damaged the arm of a female protester. Hundreds of people were arrested. Native American protesters vowed they would not back down after Mr Trump signed his executive order, overturning decisions made by Barack Obama to halt the construction of the pipeline. It is opposed by a Native American tribe fearful of water contamination from potential oil leaks. What is the Dakota Access Pipeline? So far, military veteran organisation Veterans Stand has raised more then $200,000 for a renewed campaign effort against the controversial oil pipeline. The group will use the money to send supplies to the reservation to help protesters and those who will be affected by the construction of the $3.7bn pipeline. Demonstrators also plan to assemble near Mr Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate to protest his decision. 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 }} One of Americas most celebrated universities is renaming a residential college established in memory of a white supremacist to instead honour a pioneering woman scientist. After years of debate, officials at Yale University said they were changing the name of Calhoun College, which was named for a 19th Century alumni who advocated slavery. Instead, the college will now honour Grace Murray Hopper, a mathematician who studied at Yale in the 1930s, invented a pioneering computer programming language and became a Navy rear admiral. She died in 1992. We have a strong presumption against renaming buildings on this campus, the universitys president, Peter Salovey, said on Saturday. John C Calhoun served as vice president and was a strong defender of slavery (Wikipedia) I have been concerned all along and remain concerned that we dont do things that erase history. So renamings are going to be exceptional. The Associated Press said the announcement appeared to draw a line under a controversy that has simmered at the Connecticut university for many years, and even spilled over into protests on the campus in 2015. The board of trustees of the institution, established in 1701, reportedly decided on Friday that the overriding legacy of former Vice President John C Calhoun, a senator from South Carolina who studied at Yale in 1804, was at odds with the universitys mission. Calhoun was a leading voice among those who supported slavery. John Calhoun. White supremacist. Ardent defender of slavery as a positive good, Mr Salovey said. Someone whose views hardened over the course of his life, died essentially criticising the Declaration of Independence and its emphasis on all men being created equal. The residential college was named for Calhoun when it was established in the early 1930s. The name received new attention last year as protesters on campuses around the country called for universities to address the legacies of historical figures, such as Woodrow Wilson at Princeton University in New Jersey. Chris Rabb, a 1992 Yale graduate, has spoken out against the name since his own days living at Calhoun College when he successfully lobbied for the removal of a stained glass window depicting a black man in shackles kneeling before Calhoun. He said this week that just changing the name would do little. To me the real issue is context. How do you contextualise the choice made in the 1930s and the choice it made ever since to keep it, Mr Rabb, an educator and state representative in Pennsylvania, told the AP. What does it mean now in terms of Yales connections to slavery and issues of social and racial justice in a diverse city? The controversy flared again last summer following the arrest of a black dining services worker, Corey Menafee, who used a broomstick to smash a stained-glass window at the college that depicted slaves. Criminal charges have since been dropped and Yale has rehired Mr Menafee, who had described the image as offensive. 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 }} More than 13 million Indians have voted in the first stage of state assembly elections, the biggest electoral test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi since coming to power in 2014. The world's biggest election this year began in Uttar Pradesh, the first of six stages that will elect an assembly to govern the impoverished state of nearly 220 million people. Mr Modi's nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to victory in Uttar Pradesh three years ago, and the election in the state that follows the shore of the river Ganges will set the tone for the 2019 national elections. More broadly, voters will deliver a mid-term verdict on Modi and his nationalist party after his decision to withdraw 86 per cent of the cash in circulation. The banknote ban was launched by Mr Modi three months ago to purge the economy of untaxed income and the proceeds of crime and corruption, and has disrupted daily life and commerce, and caused the economy to slow. On the campaign trail, Mr Modi has said he had the interests of the poor at heart in making the move his biggest gamble yet. The results will tell us whether Modi continues to enjoy unquestioned support or if it has started to erode, said RK Mishra, an independent political analyst based in the state capital, Lucknow. Amid tight security, voting was conducted in 73 constituencies of western Uttar Pradesh, where violence has erupted frequently over the last few years. Fighting between Hindus and Muslims killed about 65 people in 2013. In the town of Kairana, where residents came to blows last year when the local BJP MP accused Muslims of driving out Hindus, voters from both communities turned out in large numbers. By noon, nearly half of those eligible had cast their vote. Narendra Modi bolsters Indo-US ties with Washington visit The BJP polled 42 per cent of the vote in Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 election, winning 71 of 80 seats on its way to claiming India's biggest national mandate for three decades. But people have shown growing impatience that Mr Modi's campaign promises of development and better days to come have failed to deliver new jobs in a state where per capita income averages less than $750 a year and many communities lack access to power, clean water and basic medical services. It is the Godzilla of states, said BJP national spokesman Nalin Kohli, as he looked out over the darkened streets of Lucknow one evening this week. People tend to vote along traditional caste and religious lines, and successive governments have exploited communal divisions to fire up their power base and poach voters. The situation gets very bad here sometimes there is fighting between groups, between Hindus and Muslims, said Bhagwati Prasad, who sells material for Hindu cremation ceremonies outside a temple in Lucknow. I am a Hindu. If there is a Hindu-Muslim fight I have to stand with the Hindus. The complexity of such politics makes it hard to predict outcomes in India's first-past-the-post system. Any party scoring significantly more than 30 per cent can win by a landslide. Pollsters say it will be tough for the BJP to repeat its 2014 election performance. In not fielding a for the post of chief minister, it risks repeating a tactical blunder that contributed to a heavy defeat in Bihar, another Hindi-speaking heartland state, in 2015. Narendra Modi: The man behind the mask who wants to be Indias Prime Minister Show all 2 1 /2 Narendra Modi: The man behind the mask who wants to be Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi: The man behind the mask who wants to be Indias Prime Minister pg-34-modi-1-getty.jpg Getty Images Narendra Modi: The man behind the mask who wants to be Indias Prime Minister pg-34-modi-2-getty.jpg Getty Images The Samajwadi Party, which runs Bihar and is led by 43-year-old Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, won a majority in the last state election, in 2012, with just 29 per cent of the vote. Mr Yadav has formed an alliance with Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party that, polls show, will be tough to beat. Ranking third, Mayawati, who ran the state from 2007 to 2012 and whose Bahujan Samaj Party draws its support from communities on the bottom rung of India's ancient caste hierarchy. She has fielded a big crop of candidates from the Muslim minority that makes up 19 per cent of the state's electorate. Polls show most Muslims siding with the ruling Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, however. Results from Uttar Pradesh, along with Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur, are due on March 11. 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 }} North Korea has fired a missile into its eastern sea, according to South Korean officials. In what could be an extension of efforts to advance its missile technologies, North Korea launched the projectile from an area in the country's western region, said a government statement. It is the first such test since Donald Trump, currently host to to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, became President of the US. The missile test did not land in Japanese territory, said Japan's government, who confirmed it fell in seas between the island and the Korean peninsula. The launch pad for the test is said to be near Banghyon in North Pyongan Province. This is where North Korea launched a powerful midrange missile, known as Musudan, on 15 and 20 October, according to South Korea. South Korea held a National Security Council meeting in response to the launch. 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 An official from Seoul's Defense Ministry told Associated Press it isn't clear whether the projectile was a ballistic missile. The official didn't want to be named, citing office rules. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, said that the projectile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the US. mainland. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in his annual New Year's address that the North's preparations for launching an intercontinental ballistic missile have reached the final stage. 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 }} More than 300 whales have escaped from a beach in New Zealand after becoming trapped on a shallow peninsula. Two separate incidents at Farewell Spit, South Island, led to around 650 whales becoming stranded over the last few days. The first, on 9 February, was the largest whale stranding on the mainland in New Zealands history, with around 400 whales becoming trapped. Hundreds of volunteers flocked to the beach, helping to keep the whales cool and attempting to refloat them succeeding in about 100 cases. New Zealanders refloat 100 pilot whales Another 200 whales which became stranded yesterday were able to refloat themselves overnight without the help of volunteers. However, around 350 whales have died. Twenty were euthanized. Volunteers are now cautiously optimistic the spate of strandings is over. The Department of Conservation is now turning its attention to the disposal of the dead whales. The beach has been closed off for fear of the decomposing animals blowing up. These things explode from the stomach and if you're standing right there it's not very nice getting a 'gut bomb' on your face," Department of Conservation operations manager Mike Ogle told Stuff. Wildlife officials will use a variety of methods to dispose of the marine animals, including leaving some in sand dunes and others in the water. SeaWorld's killer whales Show all 10 1 /10 SeaWorld's killer whales SeaWorld's killer whales Visitors are greeted by an Orca killer whale as they attend a show featuring the whales during a visit to the animal theme park SeaWorld in San Diego, California March 19, 2014. A California lawmaker introduced a bill to ban live performances and captive breeding of killer whales in the state, a measure that would force the SeaWorld San Diego marine theme park to end is popular "Shamu" shows. Mike Blake/Reuters SeaWorld's killer whales A trainer shows the crowd a killer whale during a show at the animal theme park SeaWorld in San Diego, California March 19, 2014. A California lawmaker introduced a bill to ban live performances and captive breeding of killer whales in the state, a measure that would force the SeaWorld San Diego marine theme park to end is popular "Shamu" shows. Mike Blake/Reuters SeaWorld's killer whales An Orca killer whale is seen underwater at the animal theme park SeaWorld in San Diego, California March 19, 2014. A California lawmaker introduced a bill to ban live performances and captive breeding of killer whales in the state, a measure that would force the SeaWorld San Diego marine theme park to end is popular "Shamu" shows. Mike Blake/Reuters SeaWorld's killer whales Visitors get a close-up view of an Orca killer whale during a visit to the animal theme park SeaWorld in San Diego, California March 19, 2014. A California lawmaker introduced a bill to ban live performances and captive breeding of killer whales in the state, a measure that would force the SeaWorld San Diego marine theme park to end is popular "Shamu" shows. Mike Blake/Reuters SeaWorld's killer whales Trainers have Orca killer whales perform for the crowd during a show at the animal theme park SeaWorld in San Diego, California March 19, 2014. A California lawmaker introduced a bill to ban live performances and captive breeding of killer whales in the state, a measure that would force the SeaWorld San Diego marine theme park to end is popular "Shamu" shows. Mike Blake/Reuters SeaWorld's killer whales Trainers have Orca killer whales perform for the crowd during a show at the animal theme park SeaWorld in San Diego, California March 19, 2014. A California lawmaker introduced a bill to ban live performances and captive breeding of killer whales in the state, a measure that would force the SeaWorld San Diego marine theme park to end is popular "Shamu" shows. Mike Blake/Reuters SeaWorld's killer whales Trainers have Orca killer whales perform for the crowd during a show at the animal theme park SeaWorld in San Diego, California March 19, 2014. A California lawmaker introduced a bill to ban live performances and captive breeding of killer whales in the state, a measure that would force the SeaWorld San Diego marine theme park to end is popular "Shamu" shows. Mike Blake/Reuters SeaWorld's killer whales Trainers have Orca killer whales perform for the crowd during a show at the animal theme park SeaWorld in San Diego, California March 19, 2014. A California lawmaker introduced a bill to ban live performances and captive breeding of killer whales in the state, a measure that would force the SeaWorld San Diego marine theme park to end is popular "Shamu" shows. Mike Blake/Reuters SeaWorld's killer whales Tillikum, a killer whale at SeaWorld amusement park, performs during the show "Believe" in Orlando, September 3, 2009. A killer whale at the SeaWorld amusement park in central Florida killed a trainer on February 24, 2010, police and company executives said. According to the Orlando Sentinel the orca involved in the incident, named Tillikum but popularly known as "Tilly," has a controversial past. Mathieu Belanger/Reuters SeaWorld's killer whales An unidentified trainer works with a killer whale during the "Believe" show at Sea World in Orlando, Florida, in this photograph taken on February 14, 2010. A killer whale at the SeaWorld amusement park in central Florida killed a trainer on February 24, 2010, police and company executives said. Picture taken February 14. Richard Baum/Reuters The cause of the mass strandings will also be investigated. "By taking biopsy samples and doing analyses, we're potentially able to isolate the reason for this, DOC spokesman Herb Christophers told Radio NZ. It could be as simple as interference with their navigation systems, but that's theoretical. He added: "It is thought that because of the nature of this whole Farewell Spit being a very shallow sand spit that it does cause echo-location problems for the whales in finding their way out of that area." 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 controversial right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders says he intends to govern in the Netherlands after the elections, and expects the electorate to rise up if other political parties deny him that option. In a rare 40-minute interview with broadcaster WNL, the far-right leader also compared mosques to Nazi temples and the Quran to Hitlers autobiography Mein Kampf. Mr Wilders does not often sit down for in-depth interviews with Dutch media. The founder of the one-man Party for Freedom, or PVV, prefers to control the narrative through Twitter. The Dutch Trump knows that the media will pick up news from his timeline. Recommended Geert Wilders rises in Dutch polls after hate crime conviction But with five weeks to go until the elections, Mr Wilders is stepping up his campaign. A new video shows he aims to emulate the changes brought by Brexit and Donald Trumps victory. His slogan: The Netherlands is ours again. His one-page, 11-point programme aims to de-Islamise the Netherlands and shut the borders to immigrants. During Sundays interview, he expanded on how he would achieve his goals, some of which contradict the Dutch constitutional right to freedom of religion. Asked how a ban on the Quran would work in practice, Mr Wilders compared it to the Dutch ban on Adolf Hitlers autobiography Mein Kampf. He said he would of course not confiscate Qurans from peoples homes. Previously he has stated that mere ownership of the book, which he calls more anti-Semitic than Hitlers tract, should be a crime. He seems to have mellowed that stance but stood by his position that it should be banned from bookstores and only be available to scholars. He also reiterated his position that mosques should close, saying he would take away their licences rather than closing them by force. One of the reasons for watering down his positions could be that Mr Wilders was clear that he intends to govern. He dismissed vows by other political parties that they would not rule with his party. If his party is the biggest, they would simply have no choice, he claimed. I am sure that if the voter makes the PVV truly big, they will have to. And Mr Wilders repeated his position that he expected people to rise up if his party was not given the chance to govern. You cant just ignore the will of 2.5 million people, he said. One supporter who was happy to take to the streets if that happens was Dave Wetsteijn, a 40-year-old welder from Rotterdam. For sure I want him to be Prime Minister, he told The Independent, adding we cannot just be ignored. Mr Wetsteijn said he lost his job in the port city when his boss hired cheaper Polish labour instead. He is drawn by Mr Wilderss message of putting Dutch people first. Mr Wilderss pledge that no money would be sent abroad for development is also music to Mr Wetsteijns ears. I am living off unemployment benefits, the government should be supporting the local population, rather than focusing on foreigners, he said. Polls predict Mr Wilders will be the biggest winner after the Dutch elections on 15 March, with close to one in five Dutch voters opting for his PVV. But that will give him only roughly 30 out of 150 seats in parliament, forcing him to rely on other parties to form a coalition. Almost all of the 28 parties that are running have already ruled out the option of working with the PVV. That includes Prime Minster Mark Ruttes liberal VVD Party, which is closest to Mr Wilders, both in terms of platform and polling numbers. Sundays interview caused Mr Rutte to resort to Mr Wilderss preferred medium of communication for the first time in six years. From his personal Twitter account he reiterated his earlier pledge that there was zero per cent chance that the VVD would join a coalition with the right-wing outcast. Some PVV voters are counting on other parties sticking to their promises. Gerrit van Hes, a wheelchair salesman from the city of Dordrecht, said the reason he was voting for the PVV was to send a wake-up call to the politicians in The Hague. Its a protest vote, he freely admitted. He said he hoped a large turnout for the PVV would force other political parties to adopt Mr Wilderss views on immigration and the EU. But he said he did not want Mr Wilders to govern. Having Wilders as Prime Minister would not be good for our country, he said. 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 }} Swiss voters decided Sunday that they want to make it easier for third-generation foreigners to get Swiss citizenship. They rejected a complex tax reform initiative aimed at getting Switzerland in line with international standards. The simplified naturalisation of third-generation immigrants measure passed in a national referendum with 60.4 per cent of the vote, Swiss broadcaster SRF reported. It simplifies applications for anyone under 25 whose parents and grandparents have lived in Switzerland for years. The measure gives young people who qualify the same fast-track, simplified access to Swiss citizenship that foreign spouses of Swiss nationals often enjoy. SRF reported that 59.1 per cent of voters rejected the tax reform referendum, which would have scrapped a two-track tax system that offers lower rates to foreign firms to lure investment. Experts say the tax initiative's failure means that overall rates are likely to be set higher which would be a disincentive to companies that bring in jobs and ultimately tax revenues. Many domestic companies, meanwhile, could see their tax rates go down. Recommended Switzerland rejects alliance with UK against EU Critics including regional government leaders and much of the political left had said the initiative would deplete tax coffers for an uncertain payoff. Proponents had countered that the reforms were needed to keep competitive a country that has few exportable natural resources and relies heavily on globalised industries such as finance and pharmaceuticals. The citizenship initiative affects just under 25,000 people, but the long-term implications are far-reaching. Roughly one-fourth of Switzerland's total population of 8.2 million is foreign-born, one of the highest such percentages in Europe. Switzerland, which is not in the 28-nation European Union but is all but surrounded by bloc members, has been taking in foreigners for centuries. As in some other parts of Europe, being born in Switzerland doesn't automatically confer Swiss citizenship. The third-generation foreigners initiative strikes at a Europe-wide dilemma about how best to integrate newcomers, but generally involves people from elsewhere in Europe or Turkey whose families have been in the Alpine nation for decades not migrants and refugees from Africa and the Middle East who have poured into Europe in the last several years, sparking a backlash among many on the political far-right. Sunday's referendum was the latest instalment of Switzerland's direct democracy that gives voters a frequent say on political decisions. A third issue on the national ballot involving infrastructure spending passed with 61.9 per cent of the votes. Voters in the eastern Graubuenden canton, or region, also decided against a bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. Four years ago, the region rejected a similar referendum about the 2022 Winter Games, which were eventually awarded to Beijing. Associated Press 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 }} Three weeks into his presidency Donald Trump has given numerous indications that he wants to put domestic issues first in his effort to Make America Great Again. The security of the United States borders, the protection of its workers and a conservative vision of its culture have all been the subject of executive orders and presidential pronouncements. Little has been achieved without controversy. Most worryingly, his desire for action has already come at the expense of both procedural rigour and the kind of statesmanlike reflection which might have been hoped for in a holder of such high office. The fallout from his attempt to impose a travel ban to the US from seven predominantly Muslim countries has offered a disturbing glimpse of how little regard Mr Trump has for the accepted norms of government. Yet however much President Trump may prefer to focus on Americas internal affairs, it was only a matter of time before his approach to pressing global concerns faced a severe challenge. Following the trial firing of a ballistic missile by North Korea this weekend, the moment may have come. Indeed, for all the talk about defeating Isis, rewriting US policy towards the Middle East and potential changes to Americas relationship with Nato, perhaps it is no real surprise that it is Kim Jong-un who has provided the first major test of Mr Trumps diplomatic mettle. There is no more unpredictable nation in the world than North Korea, which makes President Trumps response to its latest posturing all the more significant. The firing of the missile was timed to coincide with a visit to the US by the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, who declared the test which sent an intermediate-range projectile 300 miles towards the Sea of Japan to be absolutely intolerable. His presidential host, meanwhile, spoke of the importance of Americas great alliance with Japan, behind whom the US would stand 100 per cent. Previously, in a joint statement published on Friday, the two men had spoken of the need for North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Mr Trumps pick as Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis, travelled to South Korea last week on his first official visit outside the US and indicated that any use by Pyongyang of nuclear weapons would be met with an effective and overwhelming response. Such tough language may be emblematic of Mr Trumps own style but it is not very different from the words previous US administrations might have offered. Nonetheless, the strategic situation has changed in important ways. First, North Koreas offensive capabilities have continued to expand for every year of failed diplomacy and ineffective sanctions, the threat it poses beyond its borders has become more substantial. Second, Mr Trump has yet to establish any sort of working relationship with China. And it is ultimately Washingtons relationship with Beijing that holds the key to determining whether Kim Jong-uns ambitions, difficult though they are to read, can be contained. Thus far, Mr Trump has suggested a degree of ambivalence towards the need to build an alliance with China. He has regularly cited Chinese economic advancement as having undermined American industry and he has criticised Chinas military build-up in the South China Sea. His decision to take a phone call from the Taiwanese President shortly after winning Novembers election was unwise, to say the least. On Friday it was revealed that he had finally reaffirmed Americas longstanding One China policy in a telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping; yet questions have been raised about why it took so long for Mr Trump to call his counterpart in Beijing. Certainly, his warm meeting with Shinzo Abe provokes a stark contrast. The greatest danger in respect of North Korea is that its real or imagined threat leads to unilateral action either by America or by one of its allies, South Korea or Japan. The reaction that in turn might provoke from China can only be guessed at. For Mr Trump, then, the challenge posed by Pyongyang is not to his authority but to his ability to stay calm. In the long run, North Korea must be made to understand that it cannot risk attacking another nation. But it is only by effective diplomacy that there can be any chance of Kim Jong-uns regime being brought to heel. And for that to happen, President Trump must understand that Americas most important role in the region is not as Pyongyangs policeman but as the vital glue in the complex relationship between the more rational powers of Japan, South Korea and China. 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 }} Police forces around Britain are preparing for a spike in xenophobic attacks next month, when Theresa May finally sends her letter to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, notifying him of the United Kingdoms intention to withdraw from the European Union under Article 50 of the treaty. Our report today reveals the preparations in place to pre-empt racist and religiously motivated attacks that might occur after the triggering of Article 50. Police plans are based on a rise in hate crime in the days after the EU referendum in June. It cannot be denied that, for some people, that vote was a vote against foreigners and that this word includes many Britons of Asian and Afro-Caribbean origin. However, we should not fall into the mistake of thinking that all or even most of those who voted to leave the EU were racist. The Independent believed and still believes that remaining in the EU would be in Britains best interest, but there were many voters who took a different view, not because they dislike foreigners but because they care about sovereignty or the frustrating, self-serving and self-perpetuating nature of EU rule by bureaucrats. As we also report today, our exclusive ComRes poll finds that a majority of British people think that Donald Trump was wrong to try to impose a travel ban on seven mainly Muslim countries, and that 55 per cent are opposed to a similar policy being followed here. Those who make facile comparisons between support for Brexit in the UK and support for Mr Trump in the US should bear in mind the evidence that British public opinion is not as illiberal as is sometimes imagined. Indeed, it is worth going back to first principles on immigration policy just briefly to establish that the debate is usually a question of degree rather than of absolute principle. Almost every point of view, on either side of the Atlantic, starts by accepting that some controls on immigration are necessary. There are very few who argue for free movement of peoples around the world. Those, including The Independent, who defend free movement within the EU still want to see firm but fair immigration rules enforced at the EUs external border. Now that Brexit seems likely although we are not reconciled to it until it happens the British debate has shifted to the rules we want to devise for immigration from EU countries and the extent to which we want to align them with the rules for the rest of the world. The important point about our poll is that there is only minority support in the British debate for Mr Trumps policy of imposing a total, if temporary, ban on arrivals from a short list of countries selected on criteria that seem to be both arbitrary and anti-Muslim at the same time. Indeed, it is not yet clear whether such a policy is even compatible with the US Constitution, as the Presidents executive order has been struck down by the courts. Against that background, it should be remembered that the perpetrators of xenophobic violence or harassment are a tiny minority of a minority. That they might be emboldened by Brexit, and significant moments such as the Article 50 notification, is terrible, but it does not mean that the whole country has retreated into a smaller and more intolerant version of itself. That the police are taking the threat seriously is itself evidence of how far this country has come. We believe that Britain is a vastly more liberal and compassionate country than it was in the 1950s, and that we will continue to be even if we do leave the EU. The Taoiseach has said he would not rule out a future external criminal probe into the Garda whistleblower smear campaign controversy. Enda Kenny said if allegations of criminal conduct emerged during the forthcoming Commission of Investigation then police officers from outside the jurisdiction may be required to examine what went on. An inquiry led by Judge Peter Charleton is to examine claims senior gardai peddled false rumours of child sex abuse against whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe in order to blacken his name among journalists and politicians. The long-running furore took a dramatic twist last week when it emerged an "administrative error" resulted in a file circulated by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, documenting a complaint against Mr McCabe based on an entirely false statement that he had been accused of child rape. Over the time that false sexual allegation was on record, Mr McCabe was at the centre of exposing routine abuse of the Garda penalty point system. Mr Kenny said: "In order to have a criminal investigation you have to have evidence of criminality and that may well happen, as is the case in any commission of investigation. "When it's completed, or during the course of its work under way, there may be High Court injunctions or there may well be criminal investigations to follow that, so I wouldn't rule it out." He told RTE's This Week that any criminal investigation could run "in parallel" with the commission but he said the police probe would "probably take precedence". The Taoiseach's comments came as the McCabe family rejected an apology issued by Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) for its role in the false rape claim episode. The McCabes questioned the HSE assertion that correct procedures had been followed once the error had been identified and also said the apology had not been made in private to them before a media statement was issued on Saturday. The contention over the HSE apology came after Tusla's official apology to the McCabes was delivered to the wrong house. Meanwhile, Government ministers continue to face calls to explain who knew what about the botched Tusla report before the terms of inquiry for the commission were agreed around the Cabinet table. The Tusla revelations were made public subsequent to that Cabinet meeting - in an RTE Prime Time investigation on Thursday night. Children's Minister Katherine Zappone met Mr McCabe in January to discuss the issue, but Mr Kenny and Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald have claimed they neither sought or were told what was discussed. The Taoiseach said he did not enquire because Ms Zappone was meeting the officer in a "private capacity". Mrs Fitzgerald told RTE's The Week In Politics she was "stunned" by what emerged on Prime Time and said it was all "new to her". Explaining why she had not asked the independent Children's Minister for details of her discussions with Mr McCabe, she said: "I was respecting the integrity of her meeting with him, I was respecting it fully. "There is no conspiracy theory here of me taking certain actions in order to avoid certain things." Sinn Fein is to table a motion of no confidence in the Government in the Dail this week. Mrs Fitzgerald branded the move "opportunistic". Sinn Fein's call for an early election has been rejected by other opposition parties Fianna Fail and Labour. The erroneous sex crime allegations were ultimately used as a slur against Mr McCabe by at least one senior garda. Under-pressure Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan has vehemently denied spreading the rumours or having any knowledge of the smear campaign. Mr Kenny said the central issue the commission had to discover was whether there was "systematic scheming" to blacken Mr McCabe's name. "The central issue here is was there a programme of systematic doing down of Sergeant McCabe based on erroneous sexual allegations and rumours by senior police officers and that's the central and core issue," he said. "It is about the truth and I hope that we can find that in the shortest possible time and provide justice and understanding for the people of the country that they can trust the system." Mr McCabe is not the only officer to come forward to make claims about malpractice within the Garda. However, Mr Kenny said he would not recommend including other whistleblower allegations in Judge Charleton's specific probe, insisting any further widening of the investigation would only delay the process of getting answers around the smear claims. Investment bank Credit Suisse has taken significant steps towards increasing its presence in Ireland ahead of the March deadline for triggering Brexit. A number of sources have said that the bank is laying the groundwork for expanding its operations in Dublin. Late last year, the company registered a new Irish subsidiary - Credit Suisse Fund Services (Ireland) - and over the last four weeks the group has submitted several new documents to the Companies Office in relation to this entity. A new constitution for the company has been filed stating it would "provide all services" connected with the administration of investments, the management and/or advisory of companies and the issuing of shares. Ulrich Roth, a senior Credit Suisse portfolio manager, has also been appointed as a director of the new company. The bank launched a trading floor in the Irish capital in January 2016 to service hedge funds, creating 100 jobs in the process. It is understood that the bank may more than double its workforce here. The Sunday Independent also understands that Credit Suisse is being aggressively pursued by developer Johnny Ronan's company, Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE), to expand its Dublin presence. The company has its Dublin trading floor at the RGRE-owned Kilmore House at Spencer Dock in the IFSC. Expand Close Noreen Doyle of Credit Suisse / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Noreen Doyle of Credit Suisse While the building wouldn't have the capacity to meet Credit Suisse's additional requirements in the event of its expansion in Dublin, sources familiar with the matter said that RGRE may offer the company new premises at Spencer Dock capable of accommodating both its existing Dublin employees and any new employees. RGRE is developing one million square feet of offices, residential and leisure space at Spencer Dock. Credit Suisse has also considered moving jobs to Frankfurt as a result of the Brexit vote. Board member Noreen Doyle said last month that the lender was in the "early stages" of exploring alternative locations to London and was "very pleased" with its operations in the Irish capital. To date Credit Suisse has said it does not have any preferred location. Several other banks are considering Ireland for expanded operations. Many a swan song has been sung for thermal coal markets as renewable power generation and a push towards using more natural gas have gained traction. Yet a coal price spike last year, driven by a Chinese change in regulation that capped local mining operations, has shown how easily markets can swing from oversupply to shortfall. While many analysts and investors see the long-term outlook for coal as bleak due to policies and technological advances that favour cleaner natural gas and renewable in power generation, the shorter-term outlook for the industry has seen a sharp reversal of fortunes. This year, strong demand growth in Asia's emerging markets will create a supply shortfall for the first time in at least half a decade. Consumption could even soon rise past the 2014 peak, according to Asia's largest commodity trading house, Noble Group. Despite coal's high levels of pollution, utilities and governments in emerging economies, at least for now, largely prefer coal-fired power stations over other fuels including natural gas in order to meet soaring energy demand. While gas and solar prices have fallen sharply, coal remains one of the cheapest, easily available, and most easily maintained sources of electricity. More than 10 gigawatt (GW) of coal-fired power stations were sanctioned for construction last year in Southeast Asia, where most new demand stems from, compared to just 4.6 GW of gas-fired projects, according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie. "New markets like the Philippines and Vietnam are starting to seek our coal," the chief executive of Indonesian coal miner PT Bukit Asam, Arviyan Arifin, told Reuters this week. Rodrigo Echeverri, head of thermal coal analysis at Noble, believes this year's global thermal coal market will be 13 million tonnes short of meeting 911 million tonnes of demand, compared with a broadly balanced market in the last three years. The tightness is a result of falling output after some companies including US giant Peabody Energy, filed for bankruptcy, and other miners cut output at unprofitable mines. At the same time, Chinese imports grew by 43 million tonnes as a result of restrictions on local production, while new coal-fired power plants were commissioned in countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Echeverri told a conference in South Africa this month. To meet the imminent shortfall, some miners have again begun ramping up output. Indonesia, the world's biggest thermal coal exporter, said this month it is targeting production of 470 million tonnes in 2017, compared with its previous goal of 413 million tonnes and up more than 8 percent on last year. There are also signs that Australian thermal coal output is picking up, with exports from Queensland hitting a record last year. Even so, the shortfall in supply could reach 28 million tonnes by 2020, meaning more new mines would need to be opened by the mid-2020s to meet demand, Echeverri said. Most commodities, including thermal coal, crude oil, copper or liquefied natural gas , have seen price rises since early 2016 as part of a broad-based rally. Australian thermal coal has performed best, rising 53 percent price versus 48 percent for oil, 25 percent for copper, and just 8 percent for Asian LNG. Because of this, companies focusing on seaborne coal supplies fared better than other miners or oil and gas producers. "For pure coal players, the rise in prices from June 2016 ... provided the catalyst for improved export sales margins given that many producers were actively managing their production costs," said Patrick Markey, managing director of commodity advisory Sierra Vista Resources in Singapore. Reuters Nama's former Northern Ireland advisor, Frank Cushnahan, claimed in 2012 that he had approached the son of the then Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson for assistance in progressing the visa applications of wealthy Chinese investors who were prepared to spend at least 1bn on Nama's Northern Ireland assets. Cushnahan made the claim in an email to Bangkok-based businessman Barry Lloyd on February 1, 2012 in the course of correspondence relating to their efforts to attract international buyers for Nama's Northern portfolio. Having informed Lloyd that he was "progressing the possibility of entrance visas" for the potential Chinese investors, Cushnahan wrote: "I have approached Gareth Robinson, the son of the First Minister, to research and compile the application(s) Could you let me have an update on what, if any, progress you have made?" Asked for comment on Cushnahan's claims in relation to his involvement in preparing the proposed visa applications, Gareth Robinson said: "As the [UK] NCA (National Crime Agency) are investigating the matter I have been making no comment on Nama matters." The email in which Robinson's name is referred to, is just one of a number of exhibits included in an affidavit sworn by Barry Lloyd at the offices of a leading Dublin solicitor three weeks ago, in which he sets out in some detail his discussions and interactions with Cushnahan from December 14, 2010 onwards in relation to the potential sale of Nama assets in Northern Ireland. Today, Cushnahan remains at the centre of the ongoing controversy surrounding Nama's eventual sale in April 2014 of its Northern Ireland loan book for 1.2bn to US private equity giant Cerberus. While Cushnahan has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to the 'Project Eagle' deal, the circumstances surrounding the transaction remain the subject of investigations by the UK's National Crime Agency and the Securities and Exchange Commission in the US. The sale has also been examined by the Dail's Public Accounts Committee, with a report on the matter due to published shortly, and by Stormont's Finance Committee. Contacted for comment, Cushnahan's solicitor, Paul Tweed, said: "My client stands firmly over his earlier statement particularly in relation to lack of context of this latest release to the media. "The significance behind this gradual drip feed of emails is not lost on him." Previously, the businessman and former member of Nama's Northern Ireland Advisory Committee had said he had no comment to make "on these or other selective communications relating to legitimate business discussions, which he was satisfied had been bona fide and lawful". On the matter of an alleged fee which would have been payable to Cushnahan in the event that he and Lloyd had secured buyers in China for Nama's Northern Ireland assets, Tweed said his client knew nothing of this proposed arrangement. Cushnahan has previously confirmed to this newspaper, however, that he had been involved in efforts to secure Chinese buyers for Nama's assets while serving on the Nama's Northern Ireland advisory committee. In a statement on the matter released to the Sunday Independent, the businessman's solicitor stressed that "had any commercial agreement been reached with the Chinese or any other potential purchaser, then my client would have made a full disclosure to Nama". Referring to Cushnahan's involvement in efforts to find buyers for Nama's assets, his solicitor added: "My client had no reason to believe that he was not entitled to encourage the interest of potential buyers and long-term investors from overseas. "I have categoric instructions that any discussions would have related to not only Nama debt but would also have involved other institutional assets, this forming the core basis of Mr Cushnahan's business and expertise over the years." Since the barriers to dairy farmers incorporating their businesses were removed in 2008, there has been a steady stream of company formations resulting in the total number of farming companies now in their thousands. The primary motivation for all those who incorporated was probably, without exception, the prospect of significant tax savings. The question I will attempt to answer in this article is whether their expectations of generous tax savings have been realised. I will answer that question in summary by saying that of the 70 or so limited companies that my firm is dealing with, not one of them has paid more tax that they would have paid had they remained as sole traders. In fact, the tax savings in many cases have been quite staggering, particularly when milk prices are strong. On reviewing many such files, I was scratching my head wondering how the tax could have been met if the farmer in question had remained a sole trader. The problem with farm profit is that it is generally not there at the end of the year in the form of cash at bank, but rather it has been reinvested in buildings, livestock or plant and machinery, or has been applied to reducing debt. This situation prompts the most commonly asked question, 'where is it?', when I'm sitting in front of a farmer reviewing his annual accounts and telling him he has earned a profit of what appears to him to be an outlandish figure. I can report that my job of informing my clients of their tax liability is infinitely easier where he or she is trading as a limited company. I will detail a number of cases to give an indication of the tax savings made. Practices to be avoided Incorporation can have a lot to offer in terms of tax savings and also in terms of a suitable structure to accommodate the farmer and his successor(s). However trading as a limited company involves two layers of compliance, namely compliance with good corporate governance which is overseen by the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and also tax compliance. Good corporate governance means that the all dealings between the farmer and his company have to be at arm's length and have to pass the test of commercial reality. Your dealings with your company can be no different to dealing with a total stranger. In recent years, farming company issues are probably one of the more frequent topics that my firm is consulted on and unfortunately, the level of corporate and tax compliance leaves a lot to be desired in some instances. I will detail the most common practices that give cause for concern. Farm Buildings Buildings built by the company on land it has no freehold or leasehold title to is a common occurrence. Such situations can have legal and taxation consequences in the event of the company being wound up. In all cases where buildings are likely to be erected, a long-term lease to the company of the farmyard and any adjacent land that might be built upon in the future should be drawn up. Herd number and Basic Payment It is important when forming a company that the 'to do list' includes transferring the herd number and Basic Payment entitlements to the company. In some instances, this has not occurred for a variety of reasons and Revenue could take issue. That said, legal opinion would suggest that if the company is clearly carrying on the farming activity, it is the beneficial owner of the BPS payment. Nevertheless, it is strongly advised that the herd number and BPS entitlements are transferred Goodwill Some accounting practitioners appear to hold the view that a farm business contains a marketable goodwill element. This may be the case with certain specialist producers who have carved out a niche market for their particular product and if their farm business was being sold as a going concern, it may attract some added value for this reason. Such added value can be classified as goodwill. However, a normal commercial farm is unlikely to carry any goodwill as nobody will pay any more for it than the collective asset market value. Accordingly, any suggestion to sell notional goodwill to the company to create or augment a director's loan account where no realistic case can be made for the existence of goodwill in the first place should be questioned and a second opinion sought. CASE STUDY 1 Profile This enterprise is based on an 80-cow dairy herd producing 420,000 litres of milk in 2015 with a small beef enterprise and a Basic Payment of 16,400. The taxable farm profit after capital allowances but before any remuneration to the owners in the form of rent or salary was 75,600. The farmer paid himself and his wife a combination of salary and rent of slightly in excess of 40,000 net. There is no off farm income. Tax outcome The salary and rent when grossed up for tax purposes amounts to 51,000 approximately. The farmer and his wife paid personal tax, PRSI and USC of 10,782 and Corporation Tax of 3,075, making a total of 13,857. Had they operated as a sole trader, he would have paid a total of 18,567. There was a saving from trading as a company of 4,710. Comment While a saving of 4,710 is not insignificant, the farmer did incur additional accountancy charges of approximately 1,000 by trading as a company, thereby reducing the saving to 3,710. This could be regarded as a marginal case but the farmer is happy that by trading as a company, he has far greater control over his tax bill and is looking at the cumulative tax he will save over the coming years. CASE STUDY 2 Profile This enterprise is based on a 180-cow dairy herd producing 990,000 litres of milk in 2015 along with a small beef enterprise and a Basic Payment of 26,600. The taxable farm profit after capital allowances but before any remuneration to the owner in the form of rent or salary was 136,000 approx. The farmer paid himself a combination of salary and rent of 30,000 net. His wife is employed off the farm and is paying tax at the 40pc rate. Tax outcome The salary and rent when grossed up for tax purposes amounts to 39,000 approximately. The farmer paid personal tax, PRSI and USC of 8,053 and Corporation Tax of 12,125, making a total of 21,077. Had he operated as a sole trader, he would have paid a total of 59,629. There was a saving from trading as a company of 38,552. CASE STUDY 3 Profile This enterprise is based on a 60-cow dairy herd producing 360,000 litres of milk in 2015 and a Basic Payment of 13,200. The taxable farm profit after capital allowances but before any remuneration to the owner in the form of rent or salary was 43,600. The farmer is single and paid himself a combination of salary and rent of 18,000 net. There is no off-farm income. Tax outcome The salary and rent when grossed up for tax purposes amounted to 22,000 approximately. The farmer paid personal tax, PRSI and USC of 4,023 and Corporation Tax of 2,700, making a total tax bill of 6,723. Had he operated as a sole trader, he would have paid a total of 11,297. There was a saving from trading as a company of 4,774. Comment By present-day standards, this is a relatively small enterprise and many farmers of this size may simply not consider trading as a company. However, the farmer in question considers a saving of 4,724 to more than justify him trading as a company and is more inclined to consider expansion as he feels that tax is not going to be a disincentive which he had always felt was the case when he was trading as a sole trader. Martin O'Sullivan is the author of the ACA Farmers Handbook. He is a partner in O'Sullivan Malone and Company, accountants and registered auditors. www.som.ie. Ph: 051 640397 Concern has been raised at the establishment of a 112m forestry investment fund, which aims to purchase, lease and manage plantations involving the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF). The 112m investment is spearheaded by Dasos Capital, a Finnish-based fund, and is backed by the EIB and ISIF, who are investing 28.5m and 55m respectively. However, the plan has been labelled shortsighted by Roscommon/Galway East TD Michael Fitzmaurice who said it would have "detrimental effect" on small farmers. My worst fears were confirmed this week when I got written confirmation from Dasos Capital that they would not be lending to landowners here to pursue planting, rather their strategy would be to purchase lands and have the larger forestry companies here manage their holdings for them" he said "We again face a situation where European policy making, coupled with our own Governments' insistence on encouraging the plantation of land will result in the widespread afforestation of rural regions. Farmers will find it almost impossible to compete for land holdings against these big multinationals. It will make farming an even more difficult venture for many smaller farmers and indeed younger farmers into the future and it is a short sighted policy by our Government and the EU," he said. "This policy means that our resources will be further denuded as big private companies come in buying up land for forestry to the detriment of local communities and farm families. We have seen vulture funds coming in to this country buying up property in recent years to the detriment of mortgage holders those with distressed loans. In the programme for Government it was agreed that a review of forestry policy was to take place but this new venture ensures that any such review will not now happen, he said. According to last week's announcement, Dasos intends to develop a portfolio of forests across Ireland in the coming years by supporting direct land acquisition, lease contracts, afforestation and other forms of land management. "The Dasos Ireland forestry fund intends to help overcome diverse challenges faced by a fragmented industry and revitalise forestry in rural communities," said Dasos CEO Dr Olli Haltia. It is understood that the fund will target privately owned plantations where subsidies are coming to an end, or have already been fully drawn down. These 20-year-old plantations are generally around 15 years off maturity and harvesting. The announcement was welcomed by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Andrew Doyle, who said the investment would "underpin continued expansion and development" in the forestry industry. However, established players in the sector were not convinced that the fund would be able to secure the vast area of forestry mentioned, given the reticence of Irish farmers to sell land. There are an estimated 19,500 private owners of small forests across Ireland. There was some confusion regarding the exact amount of land being targeted by the investment fund, with the area varying in different press statements from 10,000ha to 18,000ha. Good-quality, 20-year-old plantations of Sitka or Norway Spruce are selling for around 12,000/ha, which means the 112m fund could theoretically purchase around 10,000ha. These plantations at harvest would give a cost-free return of close to 22,000/ha. Meanwhile, Coillte has secured 90m in long-term loans from the EIB. The loans will be used to finance the cost of planting, forest management and forest road construction and maintenance over the next four years. Emmanuele Angione was strolling through Dublin Airport in October 2014 when a brochure was placed in his hand. The Italian entrepreneur and founder of WinMedical, a leading European wearable medical devices firm, spent his flight reading about a programme called Succeed in Ireland. Part of the ConnectIreland initiative created by Taxback founder Terry Clune, the IDA-supervised scheme offers a modest reward of up to 3,000 to members of the public, the diaspora or anyone else with connections to Ireland to introduce potential foreign investors to the idea of investing in Ireland. Angione jumped at the chance to become one of Succeed in Ireland's almost 80,000 "connectors" that have been cultivated by ConnectIreland in 147 countries. Within a year, Angione had convinced Alien Technology Transfer (Alien TT), a London-based consultancy to open a strategic operations centre in Dublin. Last June, Alien TT announced the creation of 19 jobs at its new Dublin office and Angione is fielding queries about relocating to Ireland from several UK-based SME's seeking to establish a European base in the wake of Brexit. Now the scheme is lying in ruins. The IDA and ConnectIreland are locked in a bitter dispute about the number of jobs created - the IDA says 527, ConnectIreland 1,046. At the heart of the dispute is the IDA's verification process. The IDA has formally verified 527 jobs, but ConnectIreland claims it has not been credited for hundreds of jobs it says are already on the ground. Financial rewards are only payable when the jobs are actually on the ground, with hundreds of connectors claiming they are owed monetary rewards for helping to create jobs that have yet to be verified by the IDA. Several have sought legal advice on the issue. Angione, who says he had a hugely positive experience with ConnectIreland, says the decision to shut down the Succeed in Ireland scheme is "madness". "It is so shortsighted," says Angione who is working with SMEs in the UK and throughout Europe which are considering relocating to Ireland in the wake of Brexit. "It's stupid to shut down the programme," added Angione who lives in Dublin with his wife and two-year-old son. "So many SMEs in the UK need to access the single market now. They need to have offices in Europe and their best option is Dublin. I can't believe the short-sightedness behind the decision to shut it down." The dispute has now escalated to the Dail. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O'Connor has ordered a review into the now-terminated programme and the parties are due to meet this week ahead of a looming formal arbitration process. Last Thursday, a Fianna Fail TD told the Dail that ConnectIreland is delivering jobs at a fraction of the cost at which IDA Ireland is delivering jobs and asked if the Succeed in Ireland programme should be extended until that review has been completed. "It is bringing in jobs and linking into a huge global network," said Niall Collins, Fianna Fail's spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation. "If we do not use every avenue we have to create employment, particularly through a scheme that creates jobs more cheaply than IDA Ireland does, we will cut off our nose to spite our face. "There is a dispute between the operator and IDA Ireland, which is fine, but it does not merit not agreeing to continue the programme until the review concludes," added Collins. "The review could indicate that the process could be improved or changed but parking it on one side or discontinuing it would be very silly". So, how did one of the most-feted arms of the State's Action for Jobs Programmes go so wrong? It all started when Clune was invited to the Global Economic Forum to unveil his patriotic vision to generate more than 5,000 jobs through a success-only model to attract FDI to invest in SME's, particularly in rural areas. Two-thirds of all of IDA-verified ConnectIreland projects to date have benefited 15 counties outside of Dublin. Clune proposed to the Taoiseach and others at the forum a jobs scheme whereby the State would only pay ConnectIreland back when it created verifiable, sustainable jobs. Clune ploughed 5m of his own investment funds into the non-profit scheme to get it up and running after successfully tendering to the IDA. "This doesn't make a penny and it was never established to make a penny, it's a patriotic initiative," Clune told the Sunday Independent. Within a short space of time, the scheme leveraged huge goodwill, attracting support from the GAA, IRFU and FAI. ConnectIreland was also supported with a stand at Dublin Airport and endorsements from high-profile business people such as Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary who profiled the initiative over a prolonged period in Inflight, the airline's magazine. Clune, who met the IDA chief executive last Monday (the pair are due to meet again tomorrow) agrees that the relationship between the IDA and ConnectIreland - at its launch projected to bring in some 5,000 jobs - has morphed into a bad, albeit brief marriage. But he still hopes to rescue the relationship before March 26 when all the programme's connectors will have to be informed their efforts are no longer required. "Being an entrepreneur, I'm eternally optimistic that this situation is going to be resolved because it makes sense for Ireland," says Clune. "It does not make sense to close down this not-for-profit initiative." "ConnectIreland has an enormous pipeline of companies which we are working with (952 companies in total) which will be allowed to wither and die. There are thousands more jobs which will be lost if this initiative is not continued." A model wears a creation by designer Simone Rocha, left, during the 2017 Spring/Summer catwalk show at London Fashion Week. Photo: AFP Irish fashion designer Simone Rocha has opened a news store in New York, her second stand-alone shop. The acclaimed designer, who is the daughter of Hong Kong born, Irish-based designer John Rocha, opened her London flagship store on the exclusive shopping thoroughfare Mount Street, in 2015. The young designer has a strong following in the US and it is now her second-largest market after Europe. "America is a real growing business for us now," Rocha told online publication Business of Fashion. "And because Mount Street is profitable, that allowed us to have the funds to open Wooster Street [in New York]." Rocha also has plans to open a shop in Hong Kong, but said she would not overextend the business. She said her business had grown by about 20pc annually in recent years and had earned about $3m in accumulated profit since launch. According to new accounts for her company SR Studio, the company's retained profits of 536,000 (630,000) in the 12 months to February 2016. Rocha owns the business outright and works closely with financial director Donal Bolger. The company now employs close to 30 people. The designer drew attention to potential headwinds as a result of issues such as Brexit. She said that Britain's exit from the Euro would have an impact on her manufacturers in the UK, Portugal and Italy. "It's very concerning what the future will hold," she said. A slew of distributed platforms have been rolled out by tech companies in recent years. Facebook has Instant Articles, Google has Accelerated Mobile Pages, Snapchat has its Discover channels, while Apple has an updated News app (provided you're in one of the countries where it's available). Publishers, having ceded too much distribution power to these online intermediaries, approached their new platforms with caution. But one German publishing giant, Axel Springer, decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em and set up its own app for aggregating and distributing news in February last year. Upday combines editorial aggregation of stories with a feed of news created by an algorithm based on the users' preferences. It comes pre-installed on Samsung phones in the UK, France, Poland and Germany, and has been downloaded from the Google Play Store somewhere between 100,000 and 500,000 times. Now Springer is springing Upday on the rest of Europe. "By the end of Q1 we will have launched offices in Madrid and Milan, covering Spain and Italy respectively," says Robin Hough Upday's managing director in the UK. "By the end of Q2 we will have launched in 10 additional countries - Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal and, of course, Ireland." So what makes Upday different from the distributed news platforms created by its frenemies from Silicon Valley? "We understand first-hand how publishers work and the pressures they are under," says Hough. "We want commercial success, of course, but it has to be something that works for the wider industry at the same time. We are a 'for us, by us' platform and the close partnerships that we have forged with publishers, built and fostered by our journalists, our publishing teams and, ultimately, the fundamentals of our model, underlines that. Those relationships are based on us being a utility, a source of valuable traffic." Springer claims Upday pumps more than two million visits per day to publishers' websites. In some cases it's providing as much as 10pc of the total mobile traffic to a publisher's website. But does Upday offer publishers anything other than traffic? Facebook Instant Articles, for example, promises unparalleled speed, and a cut of all ad revenue that the social network sells against the stories. What carrot is Upday dangling? "Our model is a simple one - we provide referral traffic, pure and simple," says Hough. "There is no commercial arrangement on either side. It keeps things simple and effective for both sides of the partnership." You could say, it also means it's not much of a partnership at all. At best, Upday is a source of traffic. At worst, it's a competitor to publishers' own native apps. But media outlets' 'partnerships' with other distributors aren't particularly fruitful either. A recent study from Digital Content Next, found that publishers are only making 14pc of their digital revenues from distributing their content on third-party platforms. It also found that new promises and platforms have failed to generate meaningful revenue streams. For example, the report says Snapchat is the hardest platform for publishers to work with; its channels are invitation only, require a real commitment and offer limited revenues. In relation to Facebook, the report states that publishers "express deep ambivalence about the platform's commitment to their success monetising on the platform". Some 85pc of the revenues generated in the first half of 2016 from third parties related to video content, with YouTube proving to be the most lucrative social-media platform for publishers. Although YouTube Red, the paid subscription service, wasn't generating any significant revenue for any media outlet using it. So perhaps Upday is the best (or least worst) distribution partner currently available to publishers, and perhaps it's onto something by keeping the relationship simple and offering eyeballs in return for an RSS feed of stories. But Upday wants to have its cake and eat it too - the app will also generate its own revenues as well. It's pitching itself as a mass-market platform, offering data-rich mobile advertising, sold directly and programmatically. Surely that means it will tempt money away from the publishers in the markets where it's running - especially smaller ones like Ireland? That doesn't sound like a partnership. That sounds like competition to me. Actor Seamus Moran played bistro owner Mike Gleeson in Fair City for 12 years and recently portrayed a philandering, irresponsible bookie in TG4's Rasai na Gaillimhe. He is presenting a new series of Hollywood in Eirinn on TG4. What is the most important lesson about money that your career as an actor has taught you? What a rainy day feels like. Our parents always lectured us to "save for a rainy day" but they never told us what that rainy day would look like. Then, of course, one man's rainy day is another man's light shower. Are you better off than your parents? Financially, probably. We have more disposable income but they had a much better quality of life. They lived in the country and despite the difficulties in the 1980s, their kids were able to get work and move out of home, something my own adult children can't do. I'll probably have to work till I'm 70. Apart from property, what's the most expensive thing you have ever bought? A family car - never extravagant, always practical. For myself, I once bought an expensive, light-framed triathlon bike when I was younger. What was your worst job? Digging holes for ESB poles in a valley near Louisburgh. It was the summer after my Leaving Cert and the midges ate me alive! What was your biggest financial mistake? I produced and co-financed a tour of a Ray Cooney farce Caught In The Net in 2007. The director, Mark Lambert was deservedly nominated for an Irish Times Theatre Award but the production lost a packet. What was your best financial killing? I won 150 once on a horse race. It was a hot tip, which I usually ignore, however, this one came almost directly from the horse's mouth. Do you use any money-saving apps? I am not aware that I use any apps. I do use WhatsApp very occasionally. And saving? What's that? Android or iPhone? I have an old iPhone 4 that my daughter gifted me so we could stay in touch while she was in Australia. Do you know how much is in your current account? Just enough to keep the bank from phoning me at work. Have you ever made an insurance claim? Once. Last year, I came off my bicycle at a roundabout that was under repair. I went through the Personal Injuries Board seeking compensation for physio treatment and a new pair of jeans. My claim was refused. The whole process took over six months. I hadn't the time, energy or money to go down the legal route. I feel sorry for anyone who is forced to make a serious insurance claim. Have you ever switched utility provider? Yes. Just last year. It's under review as the locked-in contract ends in July. I'm not sure we're saving much. iTunes or Spotify? Neither. Some CDs. Mostly cassettes. What was the last thing you bought online? Tickets for the Dublin Film Festival, which was quick and smooth. I tried to help my son get Ed Sheeran tickets. Do you have a mortgage? Is it fixed, variable or a tracker? Yes. A tracker. Would you buy Irish property now? No. I'd like to sell up and relocate. But if you're young and can get a mortgage and it's going to be your home for 10 years then yes. Mortgage repayments will almost certainly be less than rent. But getting a mortgage has become ridiculously difficult. What's your favourite Irish coin? The really old florin [two shillings] with the salmon on it. I think it was still in circulation with the 10p coin until the mid-90s. Do you ever haggle? I try and I have to in my business dealings but I'm terrible. I always see things from the other person's point of view. I leave all important haggling to my wife. She's ace. Are US tech companies about to ditch Ireland for fear of being targeted by President Trump? No. Instead, they're conning the Donald (and the rest of us) with 'fake news' American jobs announcements. Last week, Intel's chief executive Brian Krzanich joined Trump in the White House to announce a $7bn, 3,000-job Arizona factory. "Thank you Brian Krzanich, CEO of @Intel," tweeted Trump. "A great investment ($7 BILLION) in American INNOVATION and JOBS! #AmericaFirst." Sorry Don, but you've been had. Intel made the same announcement for the same facility and jobs in 2012, with President Obama cheering from the sidelines. As one commentator put it last week, Intel cooked up some "refried news". The chip giant isn't alone. After Trump's election in November, the huge telecoms group Softbank let him 'announce' that Softbank would invest $50bn in the US. But Softbank had already publicly declared a $100bn tech fund months before that - $50bn was always going to be spent in or around the US. There are other examples. Ford managed to spin a story that it was repatriating jobs to the US (it wasn't). Similarly, Lockheed Martin let Trump take credit for a price reduction in its new F-35 fighter plane, even though the discount was due to a higher-volume order from the US government. It is, of course, possible that Trump isn't being tricked at all and is taking full part in the 'new US jobs' smoke and mirrors. But there are alternative reasons to think that Trump may not be the industrial pied piper who will drain Ireland's multinationals away. For one thing, it's starting to look like the bigger tech multinationals have more sway with him than we thought. The largest ones have been quietly funding Trump's administration before, during and after his election. Pre-election campaign finance documents show that Microsoft contributed $1.8m to Trump's effort, while Facebook donated $1m and Google gave $500,000. Even after he was elected, the tech money kept rolling in. Microsoft gave $500,000 (cash and services) to Trump's 'Presidential Inaugural Committee' at the end of December. Google and Amazon also made cash donations to Trump's regime after his election, according to Politico.com and other US media outlets. They may even still be making such donations now - we won't know until April, when the next batch of campaign finance documents are published. Is this hypocritical on behalf of companies like Google, whose co-founder Sergey Brin publicly led hundreds of workers in protest against Trump's travel ban policy? Maybe. But it also shows that behind the scenes, tech firms may still feel they can exert some measure of control on Trump, even if it's just to temper the worst of the president's populist instincts. After all, buying influence in the US is a mainstream, accepted practice that is traded shamelessly. So even as they're signing public court documents to challenge presidential initiatives, tech companies are also slipping a few dollars the Don's way to keep his phone line open. If keeping US multinational jobs here is important to us, we should be thankful that big tech firms are being so Machiavellian. But they're not doing it for our sakes. And while plutocrats such as Brin, Zuckerberg and Gates are undoubtedly genuine in their personal dismay at the anti-Muslim and 'America First' rhetoric coming out of the White House, it is their own self-interest that will block government initiatives to yank operations back from Ireland to the US. If there is one thing that big US firms cannot afford to do, it's a labour pullback to the States. Cynics might say that Apple and Google have over 12,000 people between them in Cork and Dublin because of tax breaks. But such giant companies have to keep offices, plants and personnel outside the US if they're to survive on a global basis. There is no way that Google and Facebook could run their European operations from San Francisco. There is too much localisation - both for the services and business development - needed closer to the company's customers. And in case you missed it, a huge whack of their quarterly income - billions and billions of dollars - now comes from the European market. There is no chance that they, or the mobs of Goldman Sachs type bankers invested in them, are turning their back on that kind of lucre. Then there's the fear of being usurped. Once territory is ceded, it's hard to win back. Thanks to companies such as Spotify and Soundcloud, the world's investors can clearly see that it's possible to foster and grow competitor companies in Europe. Ireland's annual venture capital flow alone is now running at close to 1bn. If San Francisco was somehow forced to sit out foreign bases for four years, it could hand a massive advantage to European companies. Nevertheless, could 'legacy' jobs in manufacturing be the real target? Last week, most of the spotlight was on HP (or 'HP Inc' as it registers itself in the US). The company's 500-job plant in Leixlip, which makes printer equipment, is to close. And we wondered: did this have any connection at all, even a small one, to Trump's current US jobs repatriation policy? No, it didn't. HP formulated its job-cutting plans in October, when a Trump presidency looked like a long shot. Printers and PCs are on the decline - it's as simple as that. This is probably also the prism that other manufacturing operations here, such as Intel or Apple (which still makes computers in Cork) should be viewed. US multinationals are here to boost their own global dominance. Withdrawing would weaken it. And big money won't let it happen. If Trump thinks otherwise, a few fresh 'refried news' announcements should calm him down. A survey by Munich-based consulting giant Roland Berger has revealed a desire among traditional banks and innovative fintech firms to collaborate more. Photo: Getty Stock A survey of fintech companies in mainland Europe has found that 50pc are eager to expand their geographic presence - and Ireland tops the poll as the most popular country targeted for expansion. The survey by Munich-based consulting giant Roland Berger found that while only 15pc of fintech firms operate in more than a handful of countries today, 50pc plan to be operating in five or more countries in five years' time. And the most popular countries targeted for expansion were Ireland and the UK in joint first place at 47pc, with France in second place at 45pc. The survey also revealed a desire among traditional banks and innovative fintech firms to collaborate more. Nine out of 10 fintechs surveyed said they want to work with traditional financial institutions such as banks and insurers, seeing themselves as "innovators who want classic financial institutions not confusion". The survey results chime with news this week that KBC Bank's Irish operation will be a frontrunner in the digital transformation of the Belgian banking group. The 248 firms surveyed in the report Fintechs in Europe - Challenger and Partner operate in 18 European countries across central, western and southern Europe. When asked to identify key factors in determining the quality of a location, the "availability of know-how and talent" was the most important factors, as cited by 83pc of respondents. "Open-mindedness of regulatory authorities" came in second, cited by 72pc of respondents as important, while 68pc of respondents said that the "availability of strong networks" was key. The majority of fintechs surveyed are active in the investments space, asset management, crowdfunding and payments, with over half pitching their products and services in the B2B landscape. Meanwhile, turnover at Kerry-based fintech firm Monex Financial Services increased to 108m in 2016 from 99m the previous year. Gross profit jumped 19pc from 10,530,162 in 2015 to 12,567,096 last year. The Killarney-headquartered data-processing business now handles 40bn-worth of credit card transactions - a 14pc growth on 2015. Monex DCC offers travellers the choice of paying in their home currency when using their credit card in a foreign currency location. Dubliner David McMurtry's precision engineering firm Renishaw has emerged as a supplier of high-tech laser altimeters used by drones and is also supplying similar laser-scanning components for use in self-driving cars. Though mainly associated with high-tech manufacturing - the firm is known to supply machinery used in the 'mega-factories' of the giant Chinese and Korean makers of Apple and Samsung smartphones - the company of the Clontarf-born former Concorde engine troubleshooter is also developing other such product lines, including medical robots and industrial 3D printing machines. The Bristol-headquartered business, in which the 75 year-old car enthusiast owns a 36pc, 910m stake, employs more than 4,300 around the world, some 200 of which are in Swords, North Dublin. "Our laser modules are used in unmanned aerial vehicles as well as other aircraft, and this is a small part of our metrology business. We've been involved in the 'driverless' sector as far back as the early 2000s, when our encoders [which detect and measure distance] were first used in test vehicles," a company spokesman said. "In relation to where we are today, for confidentiality reasons, we can't say very much, other than that we are working with a variety of companies on the application of products we manufacture, for their possible use in the development of self-driving vehicles. "Our laser altimeters are used in planes, helicopters and UAVs, to measure the distance of the aircraft from the ground, to identify obstacles, and to support accurate flights and landings. "The lightweight and compact design of our modules has made them an especially popular choice for integration into both fixed wing and rotary UAVs," the firm's website explains. A further section outlines how LiDAR (light detection and ranging) laser scanners use Renishaw high-tech measuring encoders. "Self-driving cars, in particular, require sophisticated LiDAR systems to automatically control vehicle speed, distance from other vehicles and braking, in accordance with traffic conditions. "Many of the world's leading LiDAR manufacturers have developed vehicular LiDAR laser-scanning systems with Renishaw's high-performance optical encoders onboard, to provide precise and accurate co-ordinate measurement data for the purposes of road infrastructure mapping and surveying." The company's recently released mid-year results revealed strong demand and the weaker pound had boosted its sales by 21pc and profit by 25pc. It now expects its sales for this financial year to reach 588m-624m, with a profit of between 100m and 124m, McMurtry said. It also revealed how it was expanding its factories in Detroit and Mexico to better service car manufacturing customers, while expanding other capabilities in Chicago and Canada. A boost to the firm's sales may come if a maker of Apple's iPhones begins manufacturing them in India. In relation to the company's concerns about the consequences of Brexit, McMurtry - one of Ireland's most successful businessmen and a leading inventor - told this newspaper: "EU countries accounted for 23pc of our 2016 sales and we have 16 EU subsidiaries. "When it comes to the outcome of the negotiations between the UK government and the EU, we're actively lobbying through trade bodies such as the CBI, Manufacturing Technologies Association and directly with government representatives for the maintenance of simple access to EU markets; no customs administration duties, or tariffs; regulatory equivalence with the EU; continued access to EU academic projects and appropriate access to skilled workers wherever they're located in the world." 'A new 200m buy-to-let mortgage fund launched last month targets property investors looking to either buy into the market or refinance their investment properties.' As far as investments go, buy-to-let property might seem attractive at first glance if you have the funds, but the crisis in the rental property market - along with competition for the few opportunities that exist - means it's a tough nut to crack and not for the faint-hearted. But if you're determined to get into the market, or are already a landlord but want to maintain your portfolio or extend it, what are the financing options available? And what other factors should you bear in mind? A new 200m buy-to-let mortgage fund launched last month targets property investors looking to either buy into the market or refinance their investment properties. The new product - from ICS Mortgages and Dilosk - is open to both individuals and firms and has variable rates starting at 4.49pc on a loan-to-value of 50pc or less. There is also a 10-year interest-only option, too. Trevor Grant of Dublin-based financial advisors Affinity Advisors says the new fund is a welcome addition to what is and remains a fairly limited buy-to-let mortgage market. "Until the arrival of Pepper into the mortgage market early last year there was effectively no availability of buy-to-let finance in the market," he said. Certainly the big banks have been reluctant to go back into the market with all guns blazing having been burnt by arrears issues with some buy-to-let mortgage holders because they made finance to easy to come by. So while it remains to be seen how popular the ICS/Dilosk fund will be, Grant says there is a "level of pent-up demand for this type of finance" - but it won't come from first-time investors. "Primarily it will come from those who bought for cash over the past number of years, borrowers whose existing arrangements are coming to an end with their existing providers and those professional investors who are seeking new opportunities. "Anyone thinking of become a landlord needs to think carefully about doing so and fully understand the underlying financial consequences of becoming one." Meanwhile, rents continue to rise sharply. According to Daft.ie, rents rose by an average of 11.7pc between July and September 2016, the biggest 12-month increase in the entire Daft.ie rental report series, which started back in 2002. Rents are now 5pc higher than the last peak of 2008. But amid the mess that is the property market at the moment, you'll be up against competition from a range of buyers for the limited supply of suitable properties. Property strategist Carol Tallon believes the new fund isn't necessarily going to help anyone trying to get into the market, never mind extend their portfolio. Fighting for scraps "Buy-to-let investors have been fighting for the scraps of the market for the last two or three years. They are struggling to compete with institutional investors, approved housing bodies and local authorities for tenanted or tenant-ready units, and this is going to heat up the market further," she said. "Like the help-to-buy scheme, this extra funding might sound like a positive thing for the market but - in reality - it's not particularly helpful at this time. The only interference that will impact the market in a positive way involves incentivising developments, which means incentives for developers." Making the sums work could be made more difficult if you own property in one of the newly-designated 'rent pressure zones', where annual rent rises have been capped at 4pc. These include the cities of Dublin, Cork and Galway and a number of towns in Meath, Kildare, Wicklow and Cork counties. Tallon recently commissioned rental valuations from an agent in Dublin showing what she says is the discrepancy between market value and the maximum rent that can be obtained for a studio apartment in Dublin 8. Under the new rent cap legislation the studio "must be let at 450 per month when it's actually worth 850 per month". Certainly these zones present a problem if you are letting a property at below the current market rental value, or have simply not reviewed the rent for a number of years. So if an apartment is being let out at half its market value, it can only be increased by 4pc a year, even with new tenants. According to the Private Residential Tenancies board, some 40,000 landlords have left the sector since 2012, and more are likely to leave with the new caps, many property experts have warned. But if you're already committed, Ronan Lyons, economist with Daft,ie, says the opportunities may lie in more rural markets and smaller properties. "I would always recommend looking at the average yields as a way of people spotting where is a good investment from an income point of view. This doesn't always match perceptions, as more fashionable areas tend to have higher prices, relative to rents, and thus lower yields," Lyons says. Therefore, he says, there are rural markets where one and two-bed apartments have quite high yields due to a combination of over-supply from the bubble (which is pushing down sale prices) and strong rental demand (as there is little appetite for buying smaller properties). Conundrum But what adds to the conundrum for landlords is that one of the conditions of the ICS/Dilosk fund (besides a maximum LTV of 70pc and an 80,000 minimum property value) is that any property you buy with their finance must be located in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Louth, Galway, Cork and Limerick, and for properties in other urban centres with population greater than 10,000 people. Many of these areas have just been designated rent pressure zones. Tallon agrees that areas not designated in this way, such as Waterford city or Limerick city, will be likely targets for low-value residential investors (ie less than 200,000). The latest rental report from Daft.ie shows that the average monthly mortgage payment on a one-bed apartment (based on a 30-year, 3.75pc variable rate mortgage with 85pc LTV) would be 235, while the average rent would be 542, with similar mortgage-to-rent ratios in Limerick and other areas. The report also shows clearly that, across the board, the profit margin gets squeezed the bigger the property, particularly with four- and five-bed properties. First-time investors should still be extremely cautious when considering of investing in property, says Grant. "They should ensure that they are fully au fait with the financial and tax implications and obligations of a being a landlord and ensure that they have suitable cash reserves to absorb and unexpected costs or void periods incurred." In the last Budget, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan increased the tax relief on mortgage interest against rental income from 75pc to 80pc in 2017, and signalled that the relief should return to 100pc by 2021. There are several expenses relating to being a landlord that are fully tax-deductible, including insurance, local service charges, repairs and maintenance, registering with the PTRB and estate agency or property management fees. Indeed, the more properties you have, the more it may make sense to hire a property management firm or agent to look after it unless you intend to become a full time landlord. An alternative for those who want exposure to property but without the maintenance costs, the phone calls, dealing with difficult tenants and so on, is to buy shares in a real estate investment trust. So, in other words, if you can't beat them at this game, you can join them instead. Byzantium became Constantinople, then Istanbul. But the city's layers are all jumbled up together, finds Sameer Rahim. During the Gezi Park anti-government protests in 2013, some unusually precise graffiti was scrawled on a broken shop window: "Byzantium - Constantinople - Istanbul - is ours!" The protester was laying claim to the full range of the city's historical traditions: Roman, Christian and Islamic. As the various names for the city suggest, these traditions cannot wholly be encompassed by one nationality or language, much less one emperor, sultan or president. The Turkish republic's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in typically autocratic fashion, decreed in 1930 that Istanbul (Islam-bol) was the city's sole name, and forbade the post office from delivering letters addressed to Constantinople. As the novelist Orhan Pamuk relates, although nationalists were convinced that anyone who used the old name "was an undesirable alien with irredentist dreams of the day when the Greeks who had been the city's first masters would return to chase away the Turk", in reality, "many Ottomans were content to call their city Constantinople". One of the pleasures of wandering the city today - whatever you call it - is in recognising that its layers of history are so enfolded with one another that they are impossible to separate. This is also the pleasure of Bettany Hughes's highly readable jaunt through its past 2,500 years, Istanbul: a Tale of Three Cities. A classical scholar and archaeologist, Hughes is familiar from many a documentary on the ancient world, and through this book she delights in pointing out Greek or Roman monuments hidden in plain sight. I must have walked past the twisting column in the hippodrome opposite the Blue Mosque a dozen times, but only thanks to Hughes do I now know that it was once part of a larger monument commissioned by the Spartan Pausanias to commemorate his victory against the Persians at Platea in 479 BC. Its first home was Delphi - Byzantion being, in Pausanias's day, merely a "confident little settlement". The monument was only brought to the hippodrome by Constantine 800 years later. Its three serpent heads, now missing, can be seen in an Ottoman miniature of 1582, as servants shuffle around it with brooms. One object, three entwining histories. The crescent moon and star on the Turkish flag (and before it the Ottoman) are usually taken as emblems of Islam and have recently been taken up by other Muslim states such as Pakistan and Tunisia. But its origins are pagan: the star and moon, symbols of the witch-goddess Hecate, were found on Byzantine coins in gratitude to her for defending the city against warlike Macedonians. As Hughes notes, Istanbul has always needed to import sacredness. Although it was called the "city of the world's desire", neither Jesus nor Mohammed visited it. Dubbed "New Rome", it couldn't match the eternal city's classical pedigree. So it was fortunate when Constantine's mother, the fervent Christian Helena, returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land laden with pieces of the cross and a nail from the crucifixion (made into a bridle for her son's horse) to consecrate the newly renamed city. It was convenient, too, that Mehmet II, after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, discovered there the grave of one of the Prophet's companions, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, who had died during one the earliest attempts by Muslims to take Byzantium in 672. Subsequently, a mosque was built on the site, Eyup Sultan Camii, and the sultans began to be crowned there. "Constantinople had an urgent need for hallowed gewgaws such as these," writes Hughes, "objects with a kind of radioactive spirituality that would mutate and heat up the city's narrative. Without a headline-grabbing religio-historical past, the city had to manufacture her own significance." Hughes isn't averse to heating up her own narrative with the salacious stories that dot the city's past. The most infamous couple in Byzantine history, Justinian and Theodora, are given their due - especially Theodora. Hughes warns us to take the testimony by contemporary historian Procopius "with a large amphora of salt", (he wrote a fawning account of the royal couple and then, in The Secret History, a damning one). But what he tells us, she says, "rings true both for the age and for the backstory to the remarkable life of this girl from Constantinople". The low-born Theodora used to perform erotic dances in the hippodrome, re-enacting classical scenes. Her most popular turn was dressing (or undressing) as Leda, leaving a trail of grains up to her nether regions for a swan playing Zeus (in reality a goose) to peck. Her distinctive talents were brought to the attention of Justinian, who became so infatuated that he made her joint emperor. Theodora, shrewd and intelligent, then embarked on a series of social reforms that helped prostitutes. A grumpy Procopius complains that she removed harlots in the marketplace to a convent of repentance, where some - unable to adjust to their new life - committed suicide. But at least someone was thinking about women's welfare. In Constantinople, sexual exploitation was endemic, a dark flip side to the fiery polemic poured out by St John Chrysostom, the fourth-century preacher called "golden-mouthed" for his eloquence: "What else is woman but a foe to friendship, an inescapable punishment, a necessary evil - a natural temptation, a desirable calamity, a domestic danger, a detestable detriment, an evil nature painted with fair colours." When the Ottomans took over, the possibility of a female ruler ended. Instead, the many wives and concubines of the sultan - captured as slaves and trafficked from what we now call eastern Europe - competed behind the scenes to promote their sons as the next sultan. Some of these women became extremely powerful, and paid for as many as a third of the city's mosques, as well as a host of schools and seminaries. Even so, the harem was a far cry from the sensual fantasies of European visitors such as Ingres. A captured girl hoping to become the sultan's next lover was more likely to end up the slave of another slave - or to die from tuberculosis, endemic in the crowded Topkapi Palace. The Turkish takeover in 1453 has become fixed in the European mind by Edward Gibbon as the moment the Roman Empire was finally extinguished. And indeed, much of what remained of old Byzantium was dismantled then, and the grand Hagia Sophia church turned into a mosque. But the real destruction of the eastern empire had been done by the crusaders, when they sacked Constantinople in 1204; by 1453, only 20,000 people were left in the city, and its significance was mostly symbolic. The Ottomans liked their titles and in 1517 declared themselves to be caliphs as well as sultans - taking on leadership of the Islamic world; but Suleiman the Magnificent also called himself kaysar or Caesar, and thought of himself as breathing life into the imperial city. Video of the Day Racial interlopers themselves, and mindful of the Koran's guidance to treat People of the Book respectfully, the Ottomans were fairly tolerant of the people they conquered. Each community was allowed to make and police their own laws. (Still, Christians and Jews were distinguished by the colour of their clothes and could not build houses higher than a Muslim.) When Granada fell in 1492, and Muslims and Jews were forced to convert or flee, both groups were welcomed by the sultan. The story goes that when the last caliph, Abdulmecid II, was forced to flee Istanbul by train in 1924, the Jewish stationmaster wept in gratitude for his ancestors' generosity. During World War II, the Turkish Embassy in Paris issued 35,000 passports to Ottoman Jews, disguising them as Muslims, which saved their lives. Today, Syrian refugees flee to the caliphate's old capital, hoping for a safe haven. Istanbul, writes Hughes, is a melancholy place haunted by the "ghosts of the city's enemies who were burnt to death in the public squares or blinded in the corridors of the Great Palace". Pamuk writes that he felt like he grew up in a huge museum, the place weighed down by former glories. But what a museum! You could lose yourself exploring the mosques of Sinan of the Architect, the Armenian or Greek genius who worked for Suleiman; or in the Hagia Sophia, where the wonderful golden frescoes of Byzantium have been preserved; or the nearby fragment of the Milion, which was erected by Septimus Severus in the second century BC as the place from which all distances in the Roman Empire would be measured. Istanbul is still living history. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has tapped into the country's "Ottomania" and begun greeting dignitaries with a parade of guards dressed as Turkish warriors, complete with swords and chain mail. Isil, which has been carrying out terrorist attacks in the city, calls its Turkish magazine Konstantiniyye. Clearly, some are still dreaming of a greater Constantinople in the future. But most are mourning lost dreams. Perhaps the most moving moment in the book comes when Hughes goes looking for the song of the Janissaries. In 1826, the crack troops made up of converted Christian slaves from the Balkans revolted against the sultan's proposals to regulate their power. They were nearly all killed apart from a few who escaped to work in the baths. Hughes tracked down one of their descendants on the Asian side of the city, a religious man working in a shrine. Could he remember one of the Janissaries' famous old songs? "Yes he could - and out came a fluid, mellifluous prayer, a song from the religion of the road, a song of hope and revolution, of piety and of cosmopolitan human heartedness." It's half a century since the last Irish novel was published in Cuba - the rich multi-layered masterpiece that is James Joyce's Ulysses. Now Joseph O'Connor's Star of the Sea, set against the backdrop of the famine and first published in 2004, will be launched in the Cuban capital of Havana. Translated into Spanish, Star of the Sea becomes El Crimen Del Estrella de Mar and will be launched at the Havana Book Fair on Thursday in the presence of President Michael D Higgins. Fittingly the event will take place in Sala Nicolas Guillen - named in honour of Cuba's national poet. "I'm hugely touched to see Star of the Sea receive this amazing honour of being the first Irish novel for 50 years to be published in Cuba. For it to be launched here by President Higgins makes it an even more special and memorable occasion. It's delightful, too, to be in the company of that truly great Irish writer, Colm Toibin, whose work I admire and love so much, and also to be with the novelist Lisa McInerney whose debut novel I had the privilege of reviewing last year before it went on to deservedly win major awards," Joseph told the Sunday Independent. The key theme of Star of the Sea, famine, will have an especially deep resonance in Cuba. Cubans have painful and recent memory of catastrophic food shortages. Between 1990 and 1995, in what is euphemistically referred to as the "special period", an economic collapse led to massive food shortages. Cubans lost an average of 5pc to 25pc of their bodyweight during that period. Star of the Sea has been an international phenomenon selling more than 1m copies and published in 40 countries. But the honour of being published in Cuba is a great thrill, the author admits. "On the night before Christmas Eve, 15 years ago, I sat down at my desk and started to write. That's what I do most nights, and most nights the story doesn't work out. "But that night, the story I started to write turned out to be Star of the Sea, a book that would change my life. Video of the Day "I wrote the book for my beloved wife Anne-Marie and our children, James and Marcus, to whom I owe so much personal happiness. "I wanted to write something that would last, as a way of thanking and honouring them. "The book was lucky enough to find many friends around the time it was launched, none more loyal and supportive than the Sunday Independent's literary editor, Madeleine Keane, who did so much to help it and who shortlisted it for the Sunday Independent Novel of the Year Award that year. "I am also immensely grateful to my colleagues and my creative writing students at the University of Limerick, from whom I learn so much every day," he said. Ava West arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. See PA Story SHOWBIZ Bafta. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire Rafe Spall and Elize du Toit attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday 12 February 2017. Laura Whitmore arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville Film royalty are braving the London cold as they make their way up the red carpet for this year's Bafta ceremony. Among the first stars to arrive at the Royal Albert Hall was Anya Taylor-Joy, one of the nominees for the EE Bafta Rising Star award, the only accolade voted for by the public. Talking to presenter Zoe Ball, she said: "It's my first red carpet of this scale so I'm taking it as it comes, I'm rolling with it." The ceremony is being hosted by Stephen Fry, who last year was subject to backlash following the "bag lady" joke he made about costume designer Jenny Beavan. Expand Close Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. See PA Story SHOWBIZ Bafta. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. See PA Story SHOWBIZ Bafta. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be joining the stars at the ceremony. Prince William will present the Bafta Fellowship, which is awarded annually to an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games. Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley spoke about working with director Kenneth Branagh on his film adaptation of Murder On The Orient Express. She told Ball: "It's so good, it's so great, we do games nights on a Friday, I can't enough of everyone." Expand Close Rafe Spall and Elize du Toit attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday 12 February 2017. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rafe Spall and Elize du Toit attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday 12 February 2017. The film also stars Dame Judi Dench and Johnny Depp, and will see Branagh playing Hercule Poirot. Fashion designer and Nocturnal Animals director Tom Ford said of being nominated in the best director category alongside Ken Loach and Kenneth Lonergan: "I am so honoured to be in their company, I'm honoured to be here." Expand Close Bryce Dallas Howard arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bryce Dallas Howard arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville Asked if he will leave fans waiting long for another film, he said: "I'm working on the screenplay now, so hopefully two to three years. That's a normal wait for a film." Viola Davis, who is nominated in the supporting actress category for Fences, said she was looking forward to seeing William and Kate. Expand Close Daisy Ridley attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Daisy Ridley attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Video of the Day She told Press Association: "I always feel like they are one dimensional to me, I only see them in photos, so I would actually like to see them in person." The actress, who is also nominated for an Oscar for the Denzel Washington-directed film, spoke about the pressure of being labelled the frontrunner during award season. Expand Close Tom Ford attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tom Ford attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire She said: "Here's the thing with the frontrunner thing, everyone else may be on a one-storey building, so if they move, they fall from one storey. I fall from a hundred feet up if I lose, that's how I feel about it." Julia Stiles, known for 10 Things I Hate About You and Save The Last Dance, revealed who she is backing to win in a couple of categories. She said: "I'm presenting the documentary category. I loved 13th, about the prison system in the US. And in terms of narrative, Manchester By The Sea was gripping. There are some amazing performances in that." She said she thinks its star Casey Affleck could take the leading actor prize. Australian actress Nicole Kidman, nominated in the supporting actress category for Lion, said the film had been supported last year at the London Film Festival. "It was embraced here, so you launched us, so thank you London," Kidman said. She also praised her co-star, British actor Dev Patel, who is nominated in the supporting actor category. She said: "I'm just so happy he's the leading man now and that he's been given the platform to become a leading man, and he's taking it with a vengeance and I'm so happy for him." Nocturnal Animals star Aaron Taylor-Johnson said he is a big fan of his rival in the best supporting actor category Mahershala Ali, who stars in Moonlight. He added: "I don't really think about the competition, I feel like we're all here because we've all worked hard. It's just a great privilege to be here." His wife, director Sam Taylor-Johnson, said: "I saw Moonlight on my own in New York in a quiet theatre by myself when Aaron was working. Mahershala has the most compassionate, loving face, and you are immediately drawn to him as a character." Sam said she also is backing Amy Adams to win the leading actress prize for her role in Arrival. She said: "(Amy) really deserves to be here and hopefully win." Anthony Peter (AP) McCoy and wife Chanelle McCoy arriving at the Being AP gala screening at Millbank Tower, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday November 23, 2015. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire Chanelle and AP McCoy on the red carpet before the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award at Odyssey Arena on December 20, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Carrie Davenport/Getty Images) AP McCoy's wife Chanelle McCoy (left) and friend arriving for Ladies Day of the 2016 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire Successful: Chanelle McCoy is the director of pharmaceutical company Chanelle Medical and is married to jockey AP McCoy. Main photo: Charlie Gray Chanelle McCoy, the wife of legendary jockey AP, is tipped to be the new dragon on RTE's Dragons' Den, the Sunday Independent can exclusively reveal. Businesswoman Chanelle, who has been married to AP for 11 years, is set to be unveiled as the new dragon at the show's launch in the coming months. The mother-of-two will breathe new fire into the den, alongside Gavin Duffy and Barry O'Sullivan. She will replace dragon Eamonn Quinn, son of Fergal Quinn, who cannot take part due to a conflict in schedules. Dragons' Den was due to be filmed in January but had to be delayed until this month. Eamonn, the former marketing director and deputy chairman of Superquinn and the son of Ireland's most famous shopkeeper, has commitments in the US so cannot continue in his role. Expand Close Chanelle and Tony McCoy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Chanelle and Tony McCoy While known in social circles as the wife of the national hunt's most celebrated jockey, in the business world Chanelle's main job is director of Chanelle Medical, a pharmaceutical company with 350 employees and an 93m annual turnover. Although the firm carries her name, it was set up by her father Michael Burke in the 1980s and Chanelle joined 16 years ago. The Galway woman has also opened her own boutique, Mojo & McCoy, near her home in Hungerford, Berkshire, England, along with several of her friends, including Laura Lopes - daughter of the Duchess of Cornwall - and Emily Hambro, a member of the banking dynasty. The businesswoman now spends much of her time travelling across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and is so dedicated to her work that she was back at the helm a mere nine weeks after her second child, Archie, was born. Expand Close Chanelle McCoy at the Galway Races. Picture: Steve Humphreys / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Chanelle McCoy at the Galway Races. Picture: Steve Humphreys Last year, her company won the prestigious Pharma Project of the Year - Small award at Ireland's Pharma Industry Awards. The honour was in recognition of the development of a drug treatment which treats musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis, in horses. Chanelle Medical spent five years developing the product in granule format, which was a world first for the equine market. Now, after years cheering on her husband in the world of racing, Chanelle is focusing on her career while AP gets used to playing a more supportive role. Expand Close Chanelle McCoy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Chanelle McCoy Video of the Day He recently told reporters: "I have achieved the things I wanted to, so it is easier for me to live like that now." Chanelle meanwhile was said to have been an influence in AP's decision to call it a day as a jockey. A year before he retired, she expressed her hopes that her husband would retire soon. "I'd like to get him out in one piece," she said. "I want him healthy. He's a dad and I want him to be there for the children." Chanelle met AP at Punchestown, in Co Kildare, in 1996. They married in 2006 and have two children - daughter Eve, who was born in 2007, and Archie, who was born in 2013. AP, whose real name is Anthony Peter, retired in April 2015, just days before his 41st birthday. It was his 20th consecutive season as champion jockey - the rider with more wins than any other. He collected a British knighthood list in 2016 after being named in the New Year's Honours list. (L-R) Stephanie Davis and Jeremy McConnell at the final of Celebrity Big Brother at Elstree Studios on February 5, 2016 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images) Stephanie Davis with former contestant Jeremy McConnell outside the Celebrity Big Brother house after she was evicted during the final of the show at the Elstree Studios, London. Picture: Ian West/PA Wire B(L-R) Scotty T, Stephanie Davis and Jeremy McConnell at the final of Celebrity Big Brother at Elstree Studios on February 5, 2016 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images) It looks like the never-ending Jeremy McConnell/Stephanie Davis drama has reached its conclusion. After what seems like a decade of backbiting and bitching between the pair, best known for their appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, the Irish reality star agreed to undergo a paternity test to determine whether or not he is the father of his ex-girlfriend's baby - on live television. The Dubliner (26), who landed a stint in the CBB house after he appeared on MTV's Beauty School Cop Out in 2013 and a brief romance with former Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter, finally confirmed he is the father of baby Caben Abi, who was born on January 13. After months of denying he was the father, refusing paternity tests and claiming Davis had cheated on him, and earlier this week, he claimed she had named the new arrival after a "fella she met on a night out". Expand Close Stephanie and Jeremy have been dating since leaving the CBB house / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stephanie and Jeremy have been dating since leaving the CBB house But during an appearance on ITV's This Morning, he underwent a paternity test and now said he will rise to the occasion and is determined to be in his son's life - claiming he will fly to Stephanie's home in Liverpool from his Dublin base every weekend. "I'll love this monkey with every bit of me," he said. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Davis has yet to agree to have little Caleb's DNA test to determine the match, but has always maintained that McConnell, whom she split with weeks before she was discovering she was pregnant, is the father. She realised a statement on Twitter expressing her upset at his actions on tv, saying: "Stephanie has felt humiliated by Jeremy denying his own son and foolishly announcing publicly his request for a DNA test. Jeremy has caused Stephanie massive amount of stress, pressure and upset throughout her pregnancy, ruining what for most women is one of the most special time of their lives. "It is upsetting to think that Jeremy would stoop so low to challenge the mother of his child to a DNA test live on TV when it was already in hand. " He claims she insisted he sign an "unreasonable contract" to get the DNA test results, saying: "No man in their right mind would sign that. It's disgusting. She's puppeteering the public. I'm sorry, I just can't." Video of the Day "If he is my flesh and blood then I will step up to my responsibilities. I want to step up to the plate but I'm not being given that opportunity at the moment, my hands are tied. "She banned me from the birth. There was no contact though. My responsibility as a father starts when the baby is born." Irish republican leader, president of Dail Eireann and first Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland Eamon de Valera (1882 - 1975) in his office at Government Buildings. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images) Taoiseach Eamon de Valera takes the salute on the steps of the government buildings in Dublin, after finalising the new Irish constitution. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) 'New Constitution Curtails Women's Rights' was the full-page headline in the Irish Independent on May 6, 1937. It accompanied a lengthy article by John A Costello, the Fine Gael politician and barrister, who attacked the proposed new constitution for its "threats to liberty" and "autocratic provisions". The 1922 Constitution offered full equality "without distinction of sex" but a similar commitment was not contained in its proposed replacement, leading Costello to dismiss it as a 'burnt offering to feminists and feminist associations'. Also of concern was the creation of a new office of president, an 'entirely unjustifiable' novelty according to Costello. He warned that the president would be 'above and beyond the law' and 'the seed of conflict' would be sown between the president and prime minister. These arguments would be expanded upon by many people in the weeks ahead, as a heated debate took place over the proposed new constitution in the summer of 1937. The edition reproduced today - July 7, 1937 - details the final results of the historic double vote which took place in Ireland on July 1, 1937. On that date there was a plebiscite to decide on the new constitution as well as a general election to choose the members of the 9th Dail. The plebiscite was essentially a referendum on the question put before the people: 'Do you approve of the draft constitution which is the subject of this plebiscite?' By July 7, all the results were in and the Irish Independent reported 'Majority for Constitution', as well as providing the final figures in the plebiscite. Focus was also on the results of the general election, where Fianna Fail's support had dropped from 49pc to 45pc. Nonetheless, this was a major victory for Eamon de Valera. He had managed to persuade the country, despite some considerable opposition, to support his constitution, and he would continue in power, becoming the first taoiseach. The issue of women's rights was an important one during the campaign. Then as now, article 41.2 referring to a woman's role within the home provoked much anger, as well as article 40.1 and parts of article 45. The remarkable Gertrude Gaffney, a columnist and foreign correspondent with the Irish Independent, published a series of attacks on the proposed constitution, suggesting that de Valera "has always been a reactionary where women are concerned. He dislikes and distrusts us as a sex". Her article on 7 May called it "the death knell of the working woman", and suggested that women would be sent back to the Middle Ages. Even more controversially, she compared the policies to "Herr Hitler, of whom he [De Valera] appears to be so ardent a disciple". Given what was happening in Europe at the time, with the rise of fascism and the fear of communism, it was understandable that some people would be suspicious of the proposed changes. When De Valera published his draft constitution in May 1937, promising stability and making much use of the fact that the 1922 Constitution had already been amended 27 times, there was much attention given to the article on the new office of president. In an editorial on May 5 entitled, "On the Peacock Throne", the Irish Independent warned of a fear that de Valera would seek the role for himself, and would assume "powers far in excess of those exercised by the ruler of the British Empire". These powers, it believed, "flavour more of Fascism or Hitlerism than of a 'democratic state' for which Eire is declared to be". In a particularly cutting line, it even suggested this was part of the doctrine of de Valera infallibility! As Dermot Keogh and Andrew McCarthy show in their authoritative study, The Making of the Irish Constitution 1937, this theme was taken up by some of the leading Fine Gael politicians, in particular Costello. He warned in the Dail that this was "a tyranny which masquerades under the cloak of democracy". Much of the concern centred on suspicion of de Valera himself, going back to the split over the Treaty and the Civil War. As one Fine Gael TD put it: "We can expect nothing else from a man who has always shown supreme contempt, not merely for parliamentary institutions, but for the Dail itself". In response, Fianna Fail argued that the existing constitution was "a tattered and torn affair" which allowed within its powers the creation of a dictatorship, and noted with some justification that only a new constitution would provide proper safeguards. De Valera spent much of the campaign trying to reassure people that the new office of president would not allow a dictator to seize power, insisting that even people opposed to Fianna Fail policy could vote for the constitution with a clear conscience. Opening the campaign at a rally in O'Connell Street in Dublin on June 16, he spent much of time criticising the Irish Independent, and he was clearly irked by much of its coverage. In response, in an editorial on 18 June the paper recommended a 'No' vote, and described the draft constitution as "a dangerous instrument begotten in vanity and spleen". Conscious of the need to appeal to its readership, Fianna Fail took out a full page ad in the Irish Independent on June 26, the final Saturday before the vote, and it took up the whole front page in place of the usual advertisements. It proved a highly effective way of reaching the electorate. Afterwards de Valera accused the Irish Independent of being biased towards Fine Gael. However, the paper's brilliant and combative editor, Frank Geary, took out his measuring tape and showed that he had given Fianna Fail 56 column inches compared to Fine Gael's 57. The Irish Press, in contrast had given Fianna Fail 92 inches against only 18 for Fine Gael. The reason why the new constitution passed had much to do with the fact that while certain groups were unambiguously opposed (for example, Fine Gael) there was no great union of all the forces against it. It is also significant that many people who voted in the general election chose to spoil their vote or abstain in the plebiscite. Rather than being confused, it is more likely that a significant number were not convinced either way, but were unwilling to block it. It is remarkable to look at the figures on page 12. A figure of 116,196 spoilt or blank ballots was reported on the previous night's count, a substantial number, given that the total vote for ratification was at this time estimated to be 686,042 and the vote against at 528,296. These figures were the provisional returns from the constituencies and it was only on June 17 that Iris Oifigiuil published the official results, which were reported in the Irish Independent and the other newspapers a day later. In the end the official vote was 685,105 for and 526,945 against. This edition of the Irish Independent provides a complete breakdown of the results by constituency. Even more helpfully, it carries a breakdown of the votes for each party in the general election on the same page to allow for a comparison. Only five constituencies voted against the new constitution: Cork West, Dublin County, Dublin Townships (a newly created constituency which returned Costello), Sligo, and Wicklow. In some of these constituencies the vote for Fine Gael in the general election was higher than for Fianna Fail (significantly so in Cork West), but in others Fianna Fail was the dominant party. It becomes clear that the vote for the constitution required much greater support, and in most areas it received it. Fianna Fail won 69 seats in the general election, down eight, but the revision of constituencies (discussed on page 9 of the edition) reduced the number of seats in the Dail and meant that despite the drop Fianna Fail was still able to form a minority government. However, this was the first election in five that its popular vote had fallen. In a revealing commentary on the social class of candidates at the time, there is a box on page 12 which analyses the numbers of lawyers and doctors who ran for election: 19 barristers, ten solicitors, and 12 doctors. Twenty-five won seats, with ten of the 13 successful barristers elected for Fine Gael. As Gerard Hogan shows in his superb work on the constitution, everything fell into place after the plebiscite. Under Article 62 the constitution came into effect 180 days after the vote, in other words Wednesday, December 29, 1937. Douglas Hyde was nominated to become the first president, and was duly elected unopposed on May 4, 1938, and the choice of such a dignified and respected person in the office helped reassure people that this was a democratic role and not a hidden dictatorship. As time went on, and Ireland remained a democratic state, judicial review helped develop the constitution, and the worst fears of its critics were not realised. To quote Brian Farrell, the constitution was 'amended, interpreted and reshaped' until it became over time, 'De Valera's constitution and ours'. Patrick Geoghegan is a professor of history at Trinity College Dublin and presents the award-winning Talking History on Newstalk When Jiggs and Maggie tried to stem the emigrant tide Even the arrival of the high summer in July 1937 couldn't cheer up this bleak land. After five years of Economic War with Britain, the wheels had come off the economy. Fianna Fail's self-sufficiency regime was focused primarily on small farming and rural living and had no answers to scandals such as hospital overcrowding and crumbling urban slums ravaged by TB. In the run-up to polling on the Constitution, a reporter in the West, wrote: "The early train from Sligo to Claremorris yesterday might reasonably be described as an emigrant train, as it carried another large group of young men and girls from their native West to seek work across the water, following in the trail of many hundreds who have gone before them since the beginning of the year. Their last recollection of their home town as they bundled their new suitcases on the carriage racks was a farewell salute in the Nazi style. "There is something pathetic about the manner in which the younger people, especially the girls, cling to each other's company. Many of the emigrants, ostensibly going for harvesting employment, are really determined to get any sort of a job. As one said: 'We are going for anything we can get.' Asked how he felt about losing his opportunity to cast his vote in the election, he said it did not matter much to him." The Dublin Port & Docks Board heard of a crime spree where scores of boys would gather around docked banana boats every day in the hope of liberating fruit "on the sly". Elsewhere, it was reported that: "Bridget Hannon and Christina Coffey, both married, were remanded in custody, for stealing babies' prams. A detective McEvoy stated that prams had been reported missing from various parts of the city. Coffey, he said, had admitted taking 19 prams which had been left by their owners outside shops, cinemas and medical dispensaries." In a Dail debate on De Valera's new Constitution, Frank MacDermot TD tabled an amendment requiring that all voters "can read and write". When that was shot down, he proposed that "responsible" family men should get double voting rights, leading Labour's William Norton to ask what happened when the family head was an irresponsible woman? Besides slum dwelling, another housing crisis swept Ireland. A fine of 5 was imposed on Patrick Brunt for permitting the Leeds Social Club in central Dublin to host an unlawful game - namely 'House' (bingo by another name). The arresting officer said he found 40 or 50 men playing, with Brunt shouting out numbers. One of the men yelled "House!" and went up to collect a three shilling prize. JA Geary of the Chief State Solicitor's Department called House a modern blight, saying the guards were being swamped with complaints from the wives of these men blowing the family budget on gambling. Grim times indeed. One tiny reason to be cheerful was the debut of the comic strip Jiggs And Maggie which would be a reader's favourite of this paper for decades to come. EuroMillions winner Dolores McNamara and her children are suing The Irish Times over "inaccurate" claims that they had 40 houses seized in Detroit due to the non-payment of taxes. According to The Sunday World, Ms McNamara instructed her solicitors to issue High Court proceedings against The Irish Times and a number of other publications based in Limerick and Dublin who ran the story in January. Ms McNamara won the 115 million EuroMillions jackpot in 2005 and has a number of properties in Limerick, Germany and Detroit. The jackpot winner is taking legal action after reports that properties in Detroit had been "seized". "It is important to point out that no properties were seized in Detroit and the reality is that Dolores and her family had divested themselves of the properties in question," a source told The Sunday Word. Independent.ie were unable to contact the McNamara's solicitors Holmes O'Malley Sexton for a comment. Sources say few members of the force are convinced by the Commissioners public statements that whistleblowers will be treated fairly and sympathetically (Stock picture) The Garda's internal "whistleblower" scheme has been almost totally ignored by members of the force, the Sunday Independent can reveal. The only official estimate, given last year by Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, is that "fewer than 10" gardai have come forward since the force's Protected Disclosures Manager office was set up a year ago. This "fewer than 10" figure is understood to include those already in the public domain. Sources say few members of the force are convinced by the Commissioner's public statements that whistleblowers will be treated fairly and sympathetically. Few gardai have even bothered to make inquiries about the Protected Disclosures Manager's office, believed to be located in the Garda Commissioner's office in Phoenix Park. It is understood a garda chief superintendent has 'responsibility' for the office which was set up in the immediate aftermath of Judge O'Higgins's inquiry into the events Maurice McCabe flagged up at Baillieboro Garda Station and its surrounding controversy. Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan gave the "fewer than 10" figure at a public meeting of the Policing Authority after the O'Higgins report. No further gardai appear to have been prepared to speak about corruption or mismanagement in the 12,000-strong force. At the Policing Authority public meeting the Commissioner gave assurances that she and her managers were fully supportive of whistleblowers and even welcomed the idea. When pressed on what was being done to encourage whistleblowers (under the 2014 Protected Disclosures Act, a piece of legislation that took 14 years in gestation) the commissioner told the authority that a new internal system for dealing with whistleblowers was in place. When pressed later by the head of the authority, Ms Josephine Feehily, at the June public meeting, the Commissioner admitted that despite the supposed arrangements of encouraging and protecting whistleblowers "less than 10" had come forward but she did not give an exact figure. It also emerged that an email to all gardai and civilian staff about the establishment of the Protected Disclosures Manager had gone out only on the morning of the public meeting with the authority. But gardai say the idea of becoming a whistleblower became anathema in the aftermath of the May 2015 order by Commissioner O'Sullivan to arrest the former head of the Garda press office, Superintendent David Taylor for alleged 'unlawful disclosure' of information. He was arrested, stripped of his superintendent epaulettes and shoes and held in a cell in Balbriggan Garda Station for 22 hours in May 2014. The Commissioner appointed her husband, Jim McGowan, still then a superintendent, to oversee the 'investigation' which has, nearly three years on, produced no evidence against Superintendent Taylor who remains suspended from duty on reduced pay. When asked by the Sunday Independent if there was any 'conflict of interest' issue over her husband's involvement, Commissioner O'Sullivan, at a press conference in 2015, said she saw none. She also said she had not instructed any senior gardai not to communicate with journalists. A team of up to 18 gardai including the Commissioner's husband were involved in the initial investigation into David Taylor and this number had increased, it is understood, to around 30 gardai. Two of the countrys most senior catholic bishops have expressed serious criticisms of the healthcare system with one warning that the system itself is sick and in need of healing. At a conference at the weekend to mark World Day of the Sick in Sutton in Dublin, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin warned that the crisis in the healthcare system was one of the darkest shadows hanging over a wealthy Ireland. He said on a daily basis people were hearing about systems which are not responding to needs, as well as the failures of a two tier system whose negative effects disproportionately strike the poor, the isolated and the elderly. In a reference to the bureaucratic failures of the HSE, the Archbishop said the healthcare system seemed to be trapped within tentacles of its own making with attempts to address one problem revealing another problem and rendering a definitive solution ever more distant. Paying tribute to highly professional and extraordinarily dedicated doctors, nurses and carers as well as those providing palliative care, Dr Martin said they were most acutely aware of the failings and inadequacies and false spending of systems. He said Irish society had a responsibility to ensure that these healthcare professionals did not lose motivation or leave Ireland through sheer frustration or our lack of interest or recognition of the contribution they bring. Read More Referring to the Churchs changed and changing role in healthcare, he said it was not abandoning the sphere but of focusing on the ways in which individual Christians, communities and institutions can seek out the most vulnerable. At a Mass for the anointing of the sick in St Gabriels parish in Dollymount on Sunday, Archbishop Martin appealed to people to have the courage to work to change the way society cares for the sick. He also called on them to create a culture of respect for life and to defend the integrity and dignity of every person at every stage of their life. Separately, in Sligo cathedral, Bishop Kevin Doran said at a Mass for World Day of the Sick that most people say that, once a person gets into the health system, the care is very good, but that getting in is a major problem. When the sick have to wait too long for treatment and when those who care for the sick themselves become sick from stress, it is perfectly reasonable to feel angry. Dr Doran also acknowledged that many who work in hospitals and nursing homes operate under enormous pressure and with facilities that dont always measure up to what is required. Like many of you here, I am very conscious that, in spite of all the very good people who work in our healthcare system, the system itself is sick and in need of healing, the Bishop of Elphin said. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has accused UK leader Theresa May of putting the peace process in jeopardy. In an interview with the Observer, Ahern said that the British government appeared to have resigned itself to establishing a border between the north and south once the UK leaves the EU - with potentially devastating results. "May seems to be switching her language," he said. "She's saying not that there'll be no border, but that the border won't be as difficult as to create problems. I worry far more about what's going to happen with that. "It will take away the calming effects of an open border. Any attempt to try to start putting down border posts, or to man it in a physical sense as used to be the case, would be very hard to maintain,. It would create a lot of bad feeling." In its Brexit white paper published last month, the UK stated its aim to have "as seamless and frictionless a border as possible between Northern Ireland and Ireland". The British secretary of state for exiting the EU, David Davis, has suggested that the arrangements between Norway and Sweden could be a model to copy, where CCTV cameras equipped for automatic number-plate recognition are in place. However the European parliament's Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt appears to scorn such a model, given that there would need to be customs checks and restrictions on free movement. Ahern said he, too, was unconvinced that current technology could do the job. There are hundreds of crossing points on the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland, with 177,000 crossings by lorries a month, 208,000 by vans and 1.85m by cars. "I haven't found anyone who can tell me what technology can manage this," Ahern said. "The only way of doing this will be a hard border. And any kind of physical border, in any shape, is bad for the peace process," he said. "Psychologically it feeds badly into the nationalist communities. People have said that this could have the same impact on the nationalist community as the seismic shock of the 1985 Anglo-Irish agreement had on unionists - and I agree with that." President Higgins at the Military air base as he waited for cloud cover to clear President Michael D Higgins was left waiting at a military base outside the city of Medellin due to heavy fog on Sunday night - as the Colombian air force made attempts to take him to visit the notorious FARC rebel army in the jungle. President Higgins was the first Head of State to visit a fully demobilised FARC zone - with 128 ex-combatants located at the edge of the jungle in Anori. However, dense fog meant that the take-off of the Blackhawk's was delayed for a number of hours before the trip was eventually made. In an area which was heavily armed by Colombian authorities, President Higgins shook hands and spoke with senior FARC commander, Pastor Alape upon his arrival in the jungle. Pastor Alape is understood to have been a key member of the FARC negotiation team during meetings with the Colombian Government in Havana, Cuba. He has been a member of the FARC since the 1980s and is believed to have had a senior role in the trafficking of cocaine in North Central America. Alape said that the FARC drew inspiration from the IRA and the Peace Process in the North when going to the negotiation table. "Their process has given us a lot of strength and perhaps it is a model for the giving up of arms. We've had a lot of exchanges of ideas and exchanges of experience and the Irish model has been very important for us in this process," he said. "This is why we are so delighted to have the President of Ireland here," he added. In a rousing speech, President Higgins said that the agreement made is just the beginning in Colombia and the whole of Ireland would support them all the way. "Why I said it is a privilege to be here is to be witnessing these very necessary steps on a journey towards not just peace but all the benefits that lie beyond peace," President Higgins said. "Ireland is proud to have played it's own small part in relation to the peace process, but it is a participation that we intend to continue. "When you come out of a long conflict like this, as we would know in Northern Ireland, may I just say this, when the documents have been signed between the people who are at the top of organisations, it is always a proud ceremonial moment, but it is really only the beginning," he added. Just over two months ago, Colombia's largest and richest rebel army and the Colombian Government reached an agreement on a peace process for a conflict that has lasted more than five decades and claimed close to 250,000 lives. The FARC, smaller rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), paramilitary groups and and a vast number of criminal gangs have all been involved in this conflict. As part of the Colombian Peace Agreement, the 7,000 FARC members are undergoing a demobilisation phase and are being set up in 26 different rural assembly zones across the country - though are currently still armed. The disarming phase is due to begin in the coming weeks, while the removal of landmines around FARC areas is also ongoing. A large presence of Colombian special forces was organised for the safety of the President's visit, while two members of the garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) were brought over from Dublin in recent days when the visit became apparent. The demobilisation process includes access to education, health and psychological - with an estimated 70pc of FARC members illiterate. No figures have been made available for the number of child FARC members. At the foot of each FARC zone is a tripartite monitoring mission consisting of six United Nations observers, and four observers each from the Colombian Government and the FARC. Contacts have been on and off between Ireland and the Colombian Government in recent years to provide their expertise based on the peace process in Northern Ireland. Colombia's High Commissioner for Peace, Sergio Jaramillo met with President Higgins on Sunday. Mr Jaramillo said he had been in contact with Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness a number of times and met him most recently three years ago in Bogota for a "practical and sensible" discussion on what worked and what didn't during the Peace Process in the North. FARC members along with the other factions involved in the conflict have been accused of massacres along with rape, kidnap and torture. One of the most important aspects of the peace process is justice for the victims on issues such as war crimes and most forms of serious human rights violations. A Special Peace Tribunal will be in place to deal with such issues - with those who have committed such crimes afforded the opportunity to give the full truth of their crimes to avoid regular prison and instead be sentenced with serious restrictions. The tribunal process is expected to be a long and expensive one - with Ireland committing 3m over the next five years in support, as part of the EU Trust Fund. Further funding to the UN will also be provided by the Irish Government. President Higgins is due to give a keynote address on the Peace Agreement at the National University of Colombia on Monday afternoon. Premium Dan O'Brien Opinion While we catastrophise about Covid, we ignore risk of running out of cash We Irish view the world in an increasingly strange and unhealthy way. We catastrophise about Covid in a way other European countries do not. We focus on how bad the effects of the virus could get, on how many more restrictions might be imposed by Government and how helpless we are in the face of the virus. Premium Eoghan Harris Opinion Misery media fails to give due credit to the Taoiseach Taoiseach Micheal Martin must drive his advisers mad. Unlike Leo Varadkar or Donald Trump, he never bigs up success stories such as the effect of Level 3 Plus on Covid or his visionary Shared Island project. Last Friday, Tony Holohan and RTE cheerleaders seemed to imply Level 5 was responsible for the improved Covid situation. Not so. Not for nothing was Barbara Bush known as 'The Enforcer' Barbara Bush, tougher than her husband and known to her family as 'The Enforcer', is probably the most popular of all ex-US first ladies of recent times. Jackie Kennedy is remembered across the globe for elegance and tragedy, but she was not loved. Rosalynn Carter worked hard and was a noted campaigner on issues of mental health, but she has suffered in retrospect because of her bitterness at his defeat by Ronald Reagan, who is widely perceived to have been as great a success as Carter was a failure. The brittle Nancy Reagan was an essential support to her husband, but was thought to care little for anyone else. Hillary Clinton was loathed by those who thought her a careerist. The likeable Laura Bush did a lot of useful work but lacked her mother-in-law's commanding personality. And although Michelle Obama had rock-star status, that has diminished as she and her husband embrace luxury and celebrity. Betty Ford is probably the closest rival, having been far more effective and formidable than her husband Gerald, the 38th president, and still having a posthumous reputation for her prowess as a campaigner on addiction, not least because so many of the famous troop to the Betty Ford Clinic. Ant and Dec posted a picture on Instagram showing them with Lee Crane and his tattoo of the TV presenters An Ant and Dec fan who had the Geordie duo's faces sharing a plate of spaghetti tattooed across his buttocks has managed to show the bottom inking to his idols. Lee Crane, 28, secured his superfan status by having a Lady And The Tramp-style image of the lads tattooed on his rear end last year and on Saturday achieved his aim of meeting them in person to compare the likeness. Mr Crane met up with them at the Britain's Got Talent auditions in Salford, where they posed cheek to cheek with the tattoo for a photo that they posted to their Instagram account. They already appeared to be aware of the tattoo's existence as they captioned the snap, which shows Crane wearing a blue thong so as to expose the artwork: "Oh god!! The day finally came where we met the tattoo guy!! A #antanddectattoo #tattoo #bum #spagbol" However, Mr Crane, who had previously said he would "love to meet them and get them to sign it", said that they had not had the time to autograph his behind. He said: "No, they didn't sign it - they were busy boys today." Mr Crane, who paid 250 for the design, added: "They found it very funny." Ant and Dec are the hosts of ITV talent show Britain's Got Talent which is currently touring the UK auditioning for this year's series. The posterior portrait on Mr Crane, from Thornaby, was done by tattoo artist Steve Bell, who runs the Clockwork Orange parlour in Norton, Teesside, and who had to leave his client with just Ant on one buttock for months before completing Dec on the other side because he broke his hand halfway through the job. Mr Bell previously said: "He is from the Newcastle area and he is a big Ant and Dec fan. Video of the Day "All in it took five hours, it was two-and-a-half hours per cheek. "Now it is his ambition to get his tattoo signed by them." Mr Crane said at the time of having his tattoo completed: "I enjoyed watching them on Saturday Night Takeaway and I'm A Celebrity and I like their singing. "My friends and family think I'm nuts but they think it's funny. "Where's better for two cheeky Geordie lads than on your cheeks?" He added: "It hurt, for five hours my bum was killing, but it was worth it." Amanda Byram with Des Bishop and Giulia Dotta as they await the judges verdicts. Photo: Kyran O'Brien TV show: Des Bishop with his Dancing With The Stars partner Giulia Dotta Des Bishop has split with his long-term girlfriend after nearly two years together. The Irish/American comedian (41), who is currently waltzing his way to further fame on Dancing With The Stars Ireland, had been seeing Chinese actress Xuan Xuan whom he met in 2014 when he moved to Beijing to start a new chapter in his life. According to the Sunday World, he is back on the singles market as he and Xuan split before Christmas due to the long distance and she was experiencing problems with acquiring a visa. "It was always a long distance relationship from when I left China," Des told the Sunday World. Expand Close Des Bishop on Dancing With The Stars Ireland / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Des Bishop on Dancing With The Stars Ireland "It was impossible to continue, so what you going to do - that's life. It's a pity. "We got on great, but even when we were together, we'd have a major visa drama and her visa was rejected once to go to the States. It was just a major hassle in every way. "I still keep in touch with her, there's just nothing we could do." "I'm free and single at the moment," he added. Expand Close Des Bishop and Giulia Dotta dancing a Cha-Cha. Photo: Kyran O'Brien / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Des Bishop and Giulia Dotta dancing a Cha-Cha. Photo: Kyran O'Brien Des is winning rave reviews for his turn on DWTS Ireland and is paired with professional Italian dancer Giulia Dotta. Bishop, who moved back to Ireland in 2015, said he's "always been a broody guy" and said he still hopes to settle down and have a family one day. Video of the Day "I wanted to have children from my early 20s, it just didn't happen," he told the Irish Independent in 2015. "I get tired even thinking about starting. That's the one thing, when you're older, you don't have the same energy." "But yeah, I guess I'll have kids. Because I've had to nurture two parents through illness, there's also a part of me that thinks, you don't want to be on your own when you're old, you want to have people around. "So it's a selfish reason. It's innate, part of who we are. But if it didn't happen I wouldn't feel like my life is worthless." Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and I were exactly the same age, born on the same day - December 23, 1971 - and maybe that is why I always felt more than simply passing interest, and sympathy, for her. When Tara was tearing up London with her cocaine-fuelled partying, I was having my own party years here in Dublin. So much tamer, so much less glamorous than hers, but undoubtedly motivated by the very same desire: to have fun, to celebrate youth and opportunity; glorious freedom from childhood without, yet, the responsibilities of adulthood. I drifted away from mine unscathed, and Tara did not. But she seemed, I always thought, a decent person. Wild, obviously, probably impossible, but sweet-natured and enthusiastic rather than arrogant or demanding. And, for a drug-addict, strangely guileless. I interviewed Tara in October 2010, when she launched her first novel Inheritance. By then, she had been to rehab, had her septum reconstructed after it collapsed due to cocaine abuse, and had tried, without huge success, to get a TV presenting career off the ground. I told her that she and I were astral twins. We agreed December 23 was a rubbish birthday to have, and she said she would text me to wish me Happy Birthday that year. That day, in the Morrison Hotel, she was jumpy as a cat, pacing around the room, smoking, taking slugs of white wine and bites of a club sandwich, although she finished nothing; even the cigarettes were put out after a few puffs, or left to smoke themselves. Awkward, nervous, twitchy - constantly brushing non-existent hairs off her face - she was also touchingly desperate to be taken seriously. For someone so well-educated and well-connected, she seemed surprisingly unsure of herself. Her commendable honesty - always a feature with TPT, one that often got her into trouble (going on record in 1999 to deny she had slept with Prince William, then a teenager, was one example of something that would have been much better left unsaid) - wouldn't allow her to claim she had actually written the novel, but she was clear that the story was hers, or mostly hers. Inheritance is about a charming but undisciplined aristocratic girl who falls into a very public drugs hell, then picks herself up and makes good with her life. Even then it struck me that the end was more wishful thinking than reality-based. I asked her why she bothered trying so hard to find herself a job, saying that if I had as much money as her (she once boasted that "my grandfather left us a lot of Leicestershire", although really, who knows how these things actually work), I would disappear off into that round of summers-in-Mustique-winters-in-Klosters that the very rich favour. "You have to consider how somebody might feel when they go to bed at night," she said, twisting her hands. "Feeling self-worth, to me, is incredibly important. Having self-worth and self-esteem, which I haven't had in the past - I mean, hey, that's why you become a drug addict, you're not a happy person. Going home and thinking, 'I got a ten pound pay rise today,' is great, no matter how many millions you're got in the bank." That, I suppose, is the whole point - we all need self-esteem and if, for some reason, it is in short supply naturally, then we do what we can to get it. For Tara, that meant faking it at first, with the help of cocaine, then trying to earn it. Video of the Day By the time I met her, Tara's schtick had worn pretty thin in London. The years of falling out of nightclubs with boyfriends who included Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, Matalan heir Jamie Hargreaves and Robbie Williams, wearing designer clothes and clutching cocktails, had made her a figure of fun. With her usual self-awareness, she admitted: "In London, people had started to resent me, but when I came to Ireland, they just thought it was hilarious and they loved it, so I loved coming here. Look, you go where you're popular and where people are pleased to see you, and people were not that pleased to see me anymore in England!" Tara never really did the whole chest-beating mea culpa thing. Again, too much honesty, I suspect. "I'm not saying I'm proud of it," she told me that day, about her cocaine addiction. "It's not something that I condone or advise, but the first part of it was such good fun. I'm not going to be a liar - you don't become addicted to things that are horrible. I suggest don't touch it, but I can't say 'oh my God it was the worst thing in my life!' Listen, I had two years that were absolutely I thought I was fabulous!" She was excited that day, talking about the second novel (hers was a two-book deal) projects in America, TV gigs, a clothing line, an album. "I would like to make it clear, I have a perfectly good brain," she said, adding "It's a shame I have to be 38 and just getting round to proving myself now" I guess she never did prove herself. Not the way she seemed to want anyway. But she was loyal to the end. Her publishers, she admitted candidly, would have preferred her to write an autobiography rather than a novel. Of course they would; it would have been full of the royal family, as well as a literal who's who of British society - but "I would never name names, or kiss and tell," she said. And she stuck to that. The one thing that might have guaranteed her the kind of fame she sought, that would have got everyone talking, was the thing she stayed away from. Tara never did text me on my birthday, but I often thought of her on the day as we both clocked up the years. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour just two months after I was diagnosed with a tumour of the tongue base. Hers was benign, but it may have killed her. There was something dignified as well as very sad about Tara's death. In the years before she died, either due to the brain tumour, or a relapse into drug addiction, or indeed both, she had become frail and reclusive, possibly lonely. "The party world scares me," she said last November. "I am a very quiet person now. I have a better perspective on life." She never did get the happy ending she wrote about, but in her own funny way, TPT made a big impression. An It girl with heart. Amelia Warner and Jamie Dornan attend the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne attend the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Tom Ford attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire Actress Isabelle Huppert attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Rafe Spall and Elize du Toit attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday 12 February 2017. Actress Michelle Williams attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Bryce Dallas Howard attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) J. K. Rowling attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Actress Amy Adams attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson attend the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Millie Mackintosh attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Actress Penelope Cruz attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Taylor Hill attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire Daisy Ridley attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire Jessica Brown Findlay arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville Kelly Macdonald attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Zoe Ball attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Zoe Ball has been left 'devastated' by her boyfriend's death Viola Davis attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire Felicity Jones attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Edith Bowman attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Emma Stone arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville Sophie Turner attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire Laura Whitmore arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville (L to R) Amy Adams, Caitriona Balfe, Emma Stone, Penelope Cruz and Laura Whitmore at the 2017 BAFTAs We track the best and worst fashion moments from Sunday night's BAFTAs. BEST: Laura Whitmore Expand Close Laura Whitmore arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Laura Whitmore arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville The BAFTAs red-carpet host gave thigh-high glamour an angelic twist as she stunned in white in this bespoke Suzanne Neville dress. BEST: Sophie Turner Sansa! We hardly recognised you. Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner could give Jennifer Lopez a run for her money in this plunging metallic Louis Vuitton. BEST: Emma Stone The La La Land star dazzled in this Chanel dress-over-trousers number. We love the slick side-part, minimal make-up and simple accessories. WORST: Taylor Hill Expand Close Taylor Hill attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taylor Hill attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire When you're a Victoria Secret model you can pull off anything and Taylor Hill works this silk, bias-cut number but we can't shake the opinion that it looks like something we would have worn to the Debs in 2002. Video of the Day BEST: Kate Middleton and Prince William Expand Close Kate Middleton and Prince William attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kate Middleton and Prince William attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire Kate channelled the screen icons of Hollywood's golden age in her off-the-shoulder, tiered Alexander McQueen dress. BEST: Nicole Kidman Expand Close Nicole Kidman attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nicole Kidman attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) The Australian actress has the look of someone who knows she's killing it on the red carpert. And so she should. She's a vision in Armani Prive. BEST: Penelope Cruz Expand Close Actress Penelope Cruz attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Actress Penelope Cruz attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Penelope shimmered in her glittering Versace gown. BEST: J.K. Rowling Expand Close J. K. Rowling attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp J. K. Rowling attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) All hail Queen J.K. Rowling. She looked regal in purple, an excellent use of bold colour. WORST: Julia Stiles Expand Close Julia Stiles arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Julia Stiles arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville There's something not quite right about this look. We think it's the hair. An updo or sleek parting would have been better. BEST: Isabelle Huppert Expand Close Actress Isabelle Huppert attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Actress Isabelle Huppert attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) The French actress is an ethereal dream in this bespoke boho dress by Chloe. BEST: Anya Taylor-Joy Expand Close US-born Argentine-British actress Anya Taylor-Joy poses upon arrival at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 12, 2017. / AFP / Justin TALLIS Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp US-born Argentine-British actress Anya Taylor-Joy poses upon arrival at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 12, 2017. / AFP / Justin TALLIS Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images Fashion as art? Rising star Anya Taylor-Joy is red carpet standout in Gucci. BEST: Naomie Harris Expand Close Naomie Harris attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Naomie Harris attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Another Gucci design. The English actress looks like a spring fairytale princess. Sweet without being saccharine. BEST: Amy Adams Expand Close Actress Amy Adams attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Actress Amy Adams attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) The Nocturnal Animals star wore a Tom Ford design, naturally (he directed the film she's nominated for). We're not entirely sold on the shape. It's not for everyone but Amy carries it off. We love the emerald green tone and her earrings. BEST: Bryce Dallas-Howard Expand Close Bryce Dallas Howard attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bryce Dallas Howard attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Expand Close Bryce Dallas Howard arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bryce Dallas Howard arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville Fast becoming of our biggest red carpet crushes, Bryce Dallas-Howard gives a lesson in subtle sexiness in this black Solace London gown. The back is back. WORST: Edith Bowman The clashing print is a bit of an eyesore. BEST: Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne Expand Close Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. See PA Story SHOWBIZ Bafta. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. See PA Story SHOWBIZ Bafta. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire If there's one couple who incites envy on the red carpet it's Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe. The new parents didn't show any signs of sleepless nights as they walked the red carpet. We love the detailing on Hannah's Alexander McQueen dress. WORST: Heloise Letissier (aka Christine and the Queens) Expand Close Heloise Letissier aka Christine and the Queens attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Heloise Letissier aka Christine and the Queens attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire This monochrome mess is giving us a headache. BEST: Michelle Williams Expand Close Actress Michelle Williams attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Actress Michelle Williams attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Michelle never puts a foot wrong on the red carpet. She broke the red carpet status quo with the miniskirt length as she turned to her favourite award ceremony designer, Nicholas Ghesquiere for Louis Vuitton with this silver, embellished number. BEST: Meryl Streep Expand Close Meryl Streep arrives at the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Meryl Streep arrives at the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Another one to break the red carpet rules, Meryl does sophisticated glam in a trouser suit. BEST: Caitriona Balfe Expand Close Caitriona Balfe attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Caitriona Balfe attends the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) This Valentino number may have been too overpowering for some, but the former model proves that she is a stylish force to be reckoned with. BEST: Amelia Warner and Jamie Dornan Expand Close Amelia Warner and Jamie Dornan attend the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Amelia Warner and Jamie Dornan attend the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at Royal Albert Hall on February 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) The Co. Down actor looked dapper in a sharp tuxedo but all eyes were on his stunning wife Amelia Warner as she dazzled in this Ong-Oaj Pairam shimmering rainbow dress. BEST: Tom Ford Expand Close Tom Ford attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tom Ford attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire Tom Ford in velvet burgundy Tom Ford. Was it ever going to be anything less than perfection? WORST: Zoe Ball Expand Close Zoe Ball attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Zoe Ball has been left 'devastated' by her boyfriend's death / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Zoe Ball attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Zoe Ball has been left 'devastated' by her boyfriend's death The red carpet host played it a little too safe. BEST: Felicity Jones Expand Close Felicity Jones attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Felicity Jones attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire We love the demure and gothic romantic twist of the Rogue One actress' dress, designed by Christian Dior's first ever female designer, Maria Grazia Chiuri. BEST: Viola Davis Expand Close Viola Davis attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Viola Davis attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire The unusual colour of this Jenny Packham gown made Viola Davis' dress a standout. WORST: Jessica Brown Findlay Expand Close Jessica Brown Findlay arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jessica Brown Findlay arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville We love the tangerine colour but the shape swamps the former Downton Abbey star. BEST: Holliday Grainger Expand Close Holliday Grainger arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Holliday Grainger arrives for the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain February 12, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville We were in two minds about this dress but in the end decided that it was actually rather charming. WORST: Kelly McDonald Expand Close Kelly Macdonald attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kelly Macdonald attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire The top and bottom half aren't cooperating, they're not even on speaking terms. WORST: Daisy Ridley Expand Close Daisy Ridley attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Daisy Ridley attending the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire We're not sold on this floral panelled dress. Germany has elected Frank-Walter Steinmeier to become the country's new president. Mr Steinmeier, Germany's former foreign minister, was elected by a parliamentary assembly in Berlin with 931 of the 1,260 votes. The special election assembly was made up of the 630 lawmakers in parliament's lower house and an equal number of representatives from Germany's 16 states. The German president has little executive power but is considered an important moral authority. Mr Steinmeier, a Social Democrat, had the support of Chancellor Angela Merkel's "grand coalition" of centre-right and centre-left parties. The presidential vote was one of the last moments of coalition unity ahead of a parliamentary election in September in which Mrs Merkel is seeking a fourth term. Both sides hope to end the "grand coalition." AP The leader of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group Hassan Nasrallah says the world will benefit from having an "idiot" in the White House The leader of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group says the world will benefit from having an "idiot" in the White House. Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech on Sunday that his group is much stronger than when it was created in the early 1980s and should not be concerned about threats from the West. Referring to US President Donald Trump, Nasrallah said: "We are very optimistic that when an idiot settles in the White House and boasts about his idiocy, this is the beginning of relief for the oppressed around the world." Trump has vowed to take a stronger stance against Iran, which is a key sponsor of Hezbollah and other militant groups in the Middle East. The White House said Iran was "on notice" after it tested a ballistic missile. AP Screen grab of the Dominican Republic's El Nacional shows comedian Alec Baldwin doing his impression of President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, next to a photo of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu A Dominican newspaper was trumped by Alec Baldwin after the publication featured an image of the actor dressed up as Trump, rather than Donald Trump himself. El Nacional published an apology on Saturday after accidentally running a photo of the actor doing his impression of the US president on Saturday Night Live. The piece in the newspaper entitled 'Trump says settlements in Israel dont favour peace' ran a photo of Alec Baldwin in a blonde wig beside a photo of Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. "El Nacional apologizes to its readers and anyone who felt affect by the publication," the statement said. Expand Close Photo clarification issued by El Nacional / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Photo clarification issued by El Nacional In the spoof on Saturday Night Live, Baldwin's president Trump made good on a tweeted vow to "see you in court" directed at the three 9th Circuit federal judges who last week refused to lift a stay preventing his immigration ban from being enforced. His chosen venue: "The People's Court," where he was suing the three judges. "I'm right, they're wrong," President Trump erupted. "I want the travel ban reinstated. I also want 725 dollars." Then, as a character witness, he brought in Russian president Vladimir Putin, played by Beck Bennett, who praised Trump as "my little American Happy Meal". Baldwin's appearance on Saturday Night Live was 17th as guest host. With reporting from Press Association North Korea has reportedly fired a ballistic missile in its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to US president Donald Trump. Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant, but Mr Trump backed early criticism by Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who is on a visit to the US. As the leaders held a brief press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, Mr Abe called North Korea's reported launch "absolutely intolerable". There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The reports come days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il. At the president's south Florida estate, Mr Trump followed Mr Abe's condemnation with even fewer words, saying in part: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100pc." Mr Abe read a brief statement in which he called on the North to comply fully with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. He said Mr Trump had assured him of US support and that the president's presence showed his determination and commitment. South Korea's joint chiefs of staff said the missile was fired early on Sunday from around Banghyon, in North Pyongan province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test-launched its powerful mid-range Musudan missile on October 15 and 20. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 310 miles, but news agency Yonhap said that while determinations were still being made, it was not believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The missile is believed to have splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japan's chief cabinet cecretary Yoshihide Suga said the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a host of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programmes. Kim Jong Un said in his New Year's address that the country has reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its "hostile policy" and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programmes until the US changes its diplomatic approach. Just days ago, it also reaffirmed its plan to conduct more space launches, which it staunchly defends, but which have been criticised because they involve dual use technology that can be transferred to improve missiles. Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, speculated the missile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the US mainland. Analysts are divided, however, over how close the North is to having a reliable long-range rocket that could be coupled with a nuclear warhead capable to striking US targets. South Korea's acting president and prime minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said his country would punish North Korea for the missile launch. According to the Foreign Ministry, South Korea will continue to work with allies including the United States, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realise that it will "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programmes. The Tweeter-in-Chief was clearly miffed as he blasted a response to the federal appeals court's unanimous ruling against his immigration ban in ALL CAPS: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" But then, at last Friday's press briefing with the Japanese PM standing alongside, US President Donald Trump suggested his regime was not going to wait for the Supreme Court to take up the matter. "We'll be doing something very rapidly, having to do with additional security for our country. You'll be seeing that sometime next week." Don't wait. Do something. Quick. The staccato beat of Executives Orders will continue as those impacted continue to try to make sense of it all. "Suddenly everything is critical. It's a chaotic situation. It is extremely frustrating," says Dr Haleh Esfandiari, the founding director of the Middle East Programme at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington. Iranian by birth, Haleh fled to the United States 37 years ago during the Iranian Revolution. She knows what it is like to be an immigrant and a refugee. "This business of judging people by their religion," she begins, referring the White House's so-called Muslim Ban, but then, she shifts to reflecting upon her own situation in 1979, when her home country was forced into an Islamic republic by the Ayatollah Khomeini, "we came to this country because we didn't want to be judged by religion." "The people today are offended and they have every right to be offended. "The ban is simply chaotic and not thought through. First, they said everyone from the seven countries were banned. Then there were protests and they said the green-card holders could come. Then they said Christian Syrians could come in. Then they said minorities. But the Shia Islamic sect, for example, are minorities in some countries and not in other countries. So, what does this all mean?" It means, as the three federal appeal judges pointed out this past week, Trump's executive order banning people from seven majority-Muslim counties and nearly all refugees from entering the US, is "reviewable". The notion of "review," as former US acting attorney-general Sally Yates discovered after she was fired for disagreeing with the ban, is not something the Trump White House is open to. During the hearing on Tuesday, in fact, one of the Judges from the Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Michelle Friedland, specifically queried, "Are you arguing that the president's decision is not reviewable?" Eventually, after the question was asked a number of times, August Flentje, the attorney who was presenting for the Administration, admitted it. "Yes." I found that exchange, as I listened to an audio version of the hearing, incredible. That the president could claim "national safety" and a need for "extreme vetting" and then sign an order that instils chaos and confusion without first getting extreme vetting from the judicial department seemed a thin stance to me. However, as I researched this, I learned that US immigration law does allow the president to make independent decisions when the country is in danger. So then, the three judges who decided against the ban, clearly decided not to take this president's word that the country is in danger nor that his executive order does not discriminate against Muslims. At last Friday's press conference, Trump predicted victory claiming, "Ultimately, I have no doubt, we'll win that particular case." So will the US supreme court - with or without president Trump's nominee Neil Gorsuch to tip the current four-to-four balance - decide the matter once and for all? What will the "rapid something" that Trump is promising next week turn out to be? I can't answer either one of those questions now. Yet as Haleh sums up, "We are at our wits end. It needs to be sorted out." Article six of the US constitution refers to "no religious test." For now. Gina London is an award-winning US journalist who is now living in Ireland. CONCORD- As Matthew Machin emerged from under the water a giant smile spread across his face. He had just completed his first experience scuba diving and he fell in love. I loved it. I was very interested to learn, Machin, a senior at the Performance Learning Center, said. Imagine if you were out in a lake or in the ocean and the things you could see and do. Its just exciting, even the thought of it. Machin and his fellow students werent in a lake or ocean, but they did get to try their hand at scuba diving in the pool at the West Cabarrus YMCA thanks to Concord-based SEAkers Aquatic Adventures. Students from Cabarrus County Schools Performance Learning Center had the unique opportunity to try scuba diving with volunteers from SEAkers on Friday, Feb. 10. SEAkers Aquatic Adventure is a North Carolina nonprofit, 501 c3 organization that dedicates itself to bringing scuba education to those who may otherwise never be able to experience the underwater world. The organization focuses on aquatic education and experience for youths, disabled individuals and public servants. SEAkers Instructor Shannon McAteer said this year the organization decided to focus on mentoring and programs for the Performance Learning Center, a non-traditional high school geared toward students who are not succeeding in a traditional school setting. The school also works to prevent students from dropping out. Which is something close to McAteers heart. He also dropped out of high school before returning and eventually getting his doctorate. I was a high school drop out until someone entered into my life in a positive way, McAteer said. This is a way to lift kids up and let them take part in a good sport. Before hitting the pool, McAteer visited the school and spoke with students about his decades of experience in scuba diving and the myriad of career opportunities available in some of the worlds most desirable locations. My goal is to show these students that scuba diving isnt just a fun hobby, its also a fun career that can lead you to jobs almost anywhere in the world, Dr. McAteer said. Several students approached me personally after my address and you could see the excitement in their eyes. After his visit students that were inspired signed up for the field trip to the YMCA. And with the help of McAteer and other volunteers, they strapped on the gear to give it a whirl. It looks like fun. I like the water, junior Michael Molina said as he waited for his turn to hit the water. Shannon came to our class and was telling us it would be a good experience. I want to learn something new. Swimming from one side of the pool to the other, students got used to the equipment and by the time they made it back, most were talking about when they would be able to do it again. I love seeing the smiles on their faces. They go from apprehensive and nervous to big smiles, Rindy Moore, a volunteer with Communities in Schools of Cabarrus County said as she watched the students. And they are learning about science. There is some real-life application stuff going on today. As part of its partnership with the Performance Learning Center, SEAkers is also offering a few eligible students scholarship opportunities that will further develop the skills necessary to become professionals in the scuba industry. For more information about SEAkers Aquatic Adventures visit https://www.seakers.org/#! Or call 980-288-4314. JMC Projects India secures new orders of Rs2,277 crore; Stock gains 2.6% JMC Projects (India) Limited (JMC), a leading Civil Engineering and EPC Company has secured new orders of Rs2,277 crores. The details are as follows: Water Projects in India of... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 2:08 pm Lupin receives USFDA tentative approval for Drospirenone Tablets Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) has announced that it has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug ... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 1:26 pm Bloomberg Report: Pegatron Corp starts production of iPhone 14 in India Pegatron Corp., a Taiwanese contract manufacturer for Apple Inc., has begun producing the most recent iPhone 14 model in India. Pegatron is now the second Apple supplier to manufacture th... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 12:48 pm JMC Projects India allots NCDs for Rs100 crore; Stock rallies over 3.5% The Management Committee of the Board of Directors of JMC Projects (India) Limited at its meeting held on November 04, 2022 has allotted 1000 Repo Rate, Unsecured, Rated, Listed, Rede... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 12:34 pm Nykaa receives shareholders' approval for bonus issue and ESOP; Stock down 1% The Board of the lifestyle retailer FSN E-Commerce Ventures Limited (Nykaa), on October 3, 2022, approved Bonus Issue of Equity Shares in the proportion of 5 (Five) fully paid-up Equity Sh... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 12:03 pm 'Mean Girls' actress Lindsay Lohan recently made headlines when she wiped her social accounts clean and posted the message Alaikum salam on her Instagram bio. This obviously triggered speculations that she has converted to Islam.While rumours were rife about her conversion, Lohan has at last broken her silence on the same. In fact, she not only spoke about Islam but she brought it up a notch when she spoke about her fears post-immigration ban. Lindsay revealed that she felt scared about returning to the US. Talking about the same, she said, Ive studied the Quran for quite some time. Its a process to convert to anything. I respect all religions Its a beautiful religion and I am a very spiritual person. Its something Ive been studying, Lohan told dailymail.co.uk. AFP Anythings possible; this is more of a personal journey. A lot of different religions and spiritualities appeal to me.You cant just convert overnight to a religion, she further added. She explained how her interest in Islam brought about peace in her life. She said that she was fascinated by the way they pray. AFP When President Trump signed the executive ordered and dropped the Immigration Ban bomb on the country, Lindsay was traveling to Greece and Turkey. This decision of banning people from 7 Muslim countries from coming to the US, brought a sense of insecurity in Lohan. So much so, that she was skeptical about returning. I was scared to come here with everything going on because of my personal beliefs, she said. However, unlike her contemporaries and fellow colleagues from the industry, Lindsay has no plans to slam this decision. Moreover, she is calling America to 'join him'. She said, I think always in the public eye youre going to be scrutinized. He is the president we have to join him. If u cant beat him, join him. BCCL On the other hand, Lohan who has been spending a lot of time in Turkey, urged President Trump to visit the country, I think it would be a positive thing for America to show their care and support, and for him to experience what its like for these people experience how giving Turkey has been to the refugees and how many they have welcomed in. [Prime Minister Tayyip] Erdogan has a very big heart, and his country stands by him, she said, without touching on the very recent military coup there. I think we all need to unite like that. She denied her visit to refugee camps was her seeking attention, and insisted her heart was still in movies. Authorities in Austria are investigating reports of a man appearing as body double of German dictator Adolf Hitler in public in Austrian city . Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, then a part of Austria-Hungary in 1889. Austrian authorities are investigating reports of a man appearing in public in Adolf Hitler's birthplace as the Nazi dictator's double, including the distinctive mustache, haircut and clothing. Reuters "I have often seen this gentlemen in Braunau and wonder if this means something," the Oberoesterreichische Nachrichten paper cited a local resident as saying on his Facebook page alongside a picture of the man it said resembled Hitler. Prosecutors, however, have confirmed the report. The man whose age is estimated around 25-30 years was seen at local book store browsing though magazines about WW-II. He reportedly had also identified himself as Harald Hitler in a local bar. The man was also photographed in front of the house where Hitler was born. In December last year, Austrian parliament had voted to buy three storey house where Hitler was born which the government has rented since 1972 to control how it is used. Glorifying Hitler or the Nazis is a crime in Austria, which Nazi Germany annexed in 1938. House where Hitler was born, Reuters Austria's parliament voted in December to buy the three-storey house where Hitler was born, which the government has rented since 1972 to control how it is used. BSF is in talks with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for imparting training to its troopers for identifying fake notes smuggled through India-Bangladesh border. The paramilitary force and intelligence agencies are having sleepless nights over consignments of counterfeit Rs 2,000 notes being seized from the border in past one month. BCCL "A number of counterfeit notes that has been recovered by security agencies are a matter of concern. The security features have been expertly replicated, half of the security features of the new Rs 2,000 notes is there in the fake notes. We are in talks with RBI for a training program for our soldiers and officers on ground duty for identifying fake Rs 2000 notes. Hope we will be able to do it very soon," a senior BSF official said on condition of anonymity. "We want our soldiers and officers to have a proper idea on how to identify fake and real notes, either by use of technology or physically. There are 17 features in the Rs 2000 notes, we want our jawans to be well trained in spotting fake notes, even with a high number of security features replicated," another BSF official said. The booming trade in fake Indian currency notes using the porous Indo-Bangla border especially in the Malda-Murshidabad district was believed to have taken a hit after demonetisation of Rs 1000 and 500 notes. BCCL But alarm bells rang when counterfeit Rs 2,000 notes, which have replicated nearly 50-60 percent of the security features, were seized. The central security agencies and police intercepted few consignments of Rs 2,000 notes between December 2016 and January from areas near Malda district. On February 8, West Bengal Police arrested a youth with 40 fake Rs 2,000 currency notes from Murshidabad district, which is termed as the biggest such haul from the porous Indo-Bangla border region post demonetisation. According to police and security officials, the notes that have been recovered have copied the geometric patterns and the colour scheme both on the obverse and the reverse side including watermark, and the exclusive number pattern of the Rs 2000 currency. AFP More than half of the 17 RBI-listed security features have been replicated in these counterfeit notes, they say. In genuine currency, there are 13 features on the front side including two for visually impaired and four on the reverse. "Unlike samples seized elsewhere which were scanned or colour photocopies, these have been printed using sophisticated dyes. We have sent those notes to RBI but the features of these fake notes are quite tough to differentiate," SP Murshidabad Mukesh Kumar said. According to intelligence officials, the trade of fake notes along Indo-Bangla border, under the patronage of terror groups, is considered to be a financial bloodline for terror modules operating in India. AFP The enormity of the illegal trade in Indo-Bangla border can be gauged from the fact that BSF since January 2015 to November 2016 seized fake Indian currency notes with face value of Rs 3,96,72,500 and had apprehended 42 smugglers. The BSF and the state intelligence agencies in order to fight the menace of fake Rs 2000 notes are also strengthening their human intelligence network in the bordering areas. "We are trying to increase the information network in bordering villages so that we can nab these notes smugglers," a senior state IB official said. Though India isn't at war at present like many countries in Middle-East, yet India had the highest number of bomb blasts in the world in the past two years. According to the statistics of the National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC), which is part of NSG, India's number in terms of having blasts is even greater to countries like Iraq, Syria and Pakistan which are more or less at war for the last decade. BCCL The NBDC analyses and disseminates data related to bombing incidents in India and across the world. Bombshell Tells how India fares when it comes to blasts In 2016, India witnessed over 337 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) blasts. According to Bombshell, the journal published NBDC, nin 2015, a total of 268 IED blast rocked various parts of the country whereas country saw 190 blasts in 2014, 283 blasts in 2013 and 365 in 2012. In comparison, Iraq, one of the most hostile places at present in the world, witnessed a total of 221 IED blasts last year to be in the second spot in the list. Our neighbour Pakistan with 161 IED blasts remained at fourth spot to be followed by another hostile place Afghanistan with 132 IED blasts, Turkey with followed by 71 in Thailand, 63 in Somalia and 56 in Syria. In 2015, Iraq witnessed 170 IED blasts, Pakistan 208, Afghanistan 121, Iraq 170 and Syria 41. BCCL The states which suffered the highest number of IED blasts last year were Chhattisgarh-60, Jammu and Kashmir-31, Kerala-33, Manipur-40, Odisha-29, Tamil Nadu-32 and West Bengal-30. Last year, one among many high-casualty bomb blasts took place in Bihar on July 18. Ten commandos of an elite CoBRA battalion of the CRPF were killed when a squad of 200 Maoists trapped and cordoned the troops and exploded about 22 IEDs in the Aurangabad-Gaya forest area in Bihar. Some of the other major IED incidents in India were: Analysis of IED blasts in India AFP Last year, there was a 26 per cent increase in IED blast incidents vis-a-vis 2015 and casualties have increased by 3 per cent vis-a-vis 2015, according to the NBDC. An analysis of IED data for the last 10 years (2007-2016) has revealed that there has been an average of 277 blasts, 223 fatal casualties and 724 non-fatal casualties over the years. 1. J&K saw an increase in blast incidents and casualties after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, according to the NSG. 2. In the North-Eastern states, Manipur (40) and Assam (11) accounted for 15 per cent of total IED incidents last year. 3. Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected states accounted for 47 per cent of total IED incidents. 4. In the rest of India, Kerala (33) and Tamil Nadu (32) were the most affected states. 5. The average number of fatalities over the last 10 years has been 223 per year. There is a significant decrease in fatalities, according to the NSG. 6. LWE accounted for 65 per cent of total fatalities (73 personnel), while others accounted for 35 per cent (39 personnel). 7. The NSG notes that the higher fatalities in the LWE-affected states indicate that the Maoists are lethal, aggressive and well-adapted to the jungle terrain. The high rate of casualties has been caused by the explosion of high-intensity IEDs. 8. Last year, the preferred targets of Maoists, insurgents and terrorists were public and security forces, according to the NSG. 9. The NSG assesses that in the last five years, terrorists have targeted the common public more than the security forces, which indicates that terrorists prefer to engage the softer target. Worldwide Reuters Top 10 countries which saw the highest number of IED blasts, besides India, since 2012. Biggest bomb blasts in the world in 2016 BCCL On May 23, about 150 people were killed and 200 others were injured when suicide bombers of the IS triggered two explosive devices planted in cars, before blowing themselves at Jableh and Tartous on the Mediterranean coast of Syria. Analysis of worldwide IED blasts Last year, more than 73 per cent of the IED blast incidents in the world took place in public areas, just as in India, according to the NSG. The second most-preferred target of terrorists across the world were security forces. The five policemen accused of extrajudicial killings of six Apo traders in 2005, will on Monday, know their fate as Justices Ishag Bello of the FCT High Court will deliver judgment. Danjuma Ibrahim, Othman Abdulsalami, now at large; Nicholas Zakaria, Ezekiel Acheneje, Baba Emmanuel, and Sadiq Salami were were accused of murdering Ifeanyi Ozo, Chinedu Meniru, Isaac Ekene, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwokike and Augustina Arebun. The deceased, aged between 21 years and 25 years, were returning from a night party in 2005 when they were allegedly killed by the officers. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the allegations, making the trial to go through full stretch of adjudication from 2005 to date. The date was June 7, 2005, when the popular Apo six unaware of the terrible fate that lay ahead set out for a night of fun and merry making. The nation woke up to the horrific news of their deaths at the hands of the police who claimed the five men and woman, gunned down were armed robbers who opened fire first. The case which came to be known as Apo Six captured the attention of the public for a long time. Following the deaths and the subsequent public outcry, an official panel of inquiry was set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Five officers accused of the killings and eight other police witnesses eventually testified that the senior officer involved, Ibrahim allegedly ordered the killings. The report of the panel held that the victims were at a nightclub located at Gimbiya Street, Area 11 in Abuja on the night of the incident. The panel further had it on its record that the face-off between Ibrahim and the group allegedly started when the female victim (Augustina) turned down the senior police officers love advances at the club. The testimonies of the witnesses that formed part of the panels report also said that Ibrahims pride and ego was bruised by late Augustinas refusal to accept his love proposal and, therefore, set out for revenge. The report also said Ibrahim had allegedly gone to a police checkpoint at the end of the street and told officers on duty that there were a group of armed robbers in the area. According to the report which forms the bulk of the evidence in court, when the six young people came in their car, Ibrahim allegedly drove into them, blocking their way and ordered the police officers to shoot. Four of the six died on the spot while Ifeanyi and Augustina had survived the initial onslaught. The report had it that Ifeanyi had called his friends after surviving the burst of gunfire but that was the last they were to hear from him. NAN reports that police officers had testified at the criminal trial that Ifeanyi and Augustina were taken to a piece of rough ground outside town where they were executed. The officers had allegedly planted guns on the bodies of all six victims and pictures were taken of them by a police photographer. It was gathered that the photographer who took the pictures was later to raise an alarm and release the pictures. In a curious twist, Mr Anthony Edem, one of the officers close to the case was poisoned after deciding to confess. An autopsy report from the National Hospital Abuja confirmed he died of poisoning which also formed part of the numerous exhibits before the court. Source: NAN President Muhammadu Buhari has said he would only return to Nigeria when his London doctors certify him well enough to do so. I am extending my leave until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out, Mr. Buhari said in a February 5 letter to the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, informing the National Assembly of the extension of his vacation. The letter was exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday. Although snippets of the letter were publicised by the presidency and the Senate on February 5 and 6 respectively, this is the first time the entire text and copy of the correspondence would be made available. The President wrote, Further to my letter dated 18th January 2017 in which I notified the Distinguished Senate of taking part of my annual leave. During my leave, I took the opportunity to have routine check-ups and consult my long standing doctors in London. In the course of the routine examinations, certain test result indicated the need for a course of medications and further appointments have been scheduled for next week. I am therefore notifying the Distinguished Senate that I am extending my leave until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out. In the circumstances, the vice president will continue to act on my behalf. Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration. Mr. Buhari had on January 18 written the National Assembly, notifying the legislature that he was proceeding on a 10-day leave and temporarily transferring presidential power to Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo. The leave was supposed to last 10 work days, between January 23 and February 6, according to the letter transmitted to both chambers of the National Assembly. The President, whose real medical condition remained unknown, was expected to arrive the country on February 5 for resumption of work on February 6. But the extension of his vacation means Mr. Osinbajo will continue to exercise presidential powers for days or weeks to come. This is the third time Mr. Buhari has transferred power to Mr. Osinbajo since the two leaders were inaugurated in May 2015. The first time was on February 5, 2016 when the President embarked on a five-day vacation; and the second was in June 2016 when Mr. Buhari travelled to the United Kingdom for treatment of what the Presidency described as ear infection. A formal notice to both chambers of the National Assembly on the presidents intention to proceed on leave and hand over power temporarily to the vice-president is in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution. Source: PremiumTimes As seven abducted women and four children were being taken deeper into Sambisa forest, Aisha Bakari Gombi received a call. The voice was familiar: an army commander asking her to assemble a group of hunters to track them down. The seven had vanished earlier that day after a group of Boko Haram militants attacked their village, Daggu. Three local people were shot dead and cars, houses and food stores set ablaze. Daggu is a half-hour drive from Chibok where more than 200 schoolgirls were abducted in April 2014. Both villages are in the region of Borno state in north-eastern Nigeria, which has become all too familiar with such attacks by the worlds deadliest terrorist group. Bakari Gombi grew up near the Sambisa forest, where the extremists still operate despite a military offensive last year that destroyed many of their major camps. She used to hunt antelopes, baboons and guinea fowl with her grandfather. Now she hunts Boko Haram. There are thousands of hunters in the region who have been enlisted by the military on an ad hoc basis. But Bakari Gombi is one of only a handful of women involved and she has become a heroine for hunters and local people alike. Her gallantry has won her the title queen hunter. The first rescue mission in Daggu failed because Boko Haram was heavily armed. But we saw where [the girls] are being held, Bakari Gombi explains the morning after. We could free them if the military would give us better weapons, she adds, eyeing the double-barrel shotgun on her lap. Like many in the rural regions of north-east Nigeria, Bakari Gombi is Muslim but also believes in traditional spirits. One of her rituals is to douse fellow hunters with a secret potion to protect them from bullets. The 38-year-old leads a command of men aged 15-30 who communicate using sign language, animal sounds and even birdsong. Boko Haram know me and fear me, says Bakari Gombi whose band of hunters has rescued hundreds of men, women and children. The Nigerian army began recruiting women in 2011 and, while the numbers remain low nationwide, in this region some women have very personal reasons for joining the counterinsurgency. One of those is Hamsat Hassan, whose sister was kidnapped by Boko Haram two years ago. She has not been seen since. I couldnt fire a gun when I asked to join the Hunters Association in a town also called Gombi, but all I knew was that I wanted to avenge the people who abducted my sister, she says. Hassans grandparents look after her seven children so she is available to hunt whenever her services are called on. While most of the group are volunteers who juggle their commitments with other jobs, Bakari Gombi and Hassan are among the 228 male and female hunters who were recruited on a more formal basis last year by a local government official. But by October the 10,000 naira (25) allowances paid to the hunters had stopped. Two months later most of the team had pulled out of the programme, though some, including Bakari Gombi and Hassan, remained committed to the fight. Bukar Jimeta, the commander of the Gombi Hunters Association, says though Boko Haram is regrouping in the surrounding areas, the collapse of the programme and lack of funds have left them unable to tackle the growing threat. The hunters are not the only ones experiencing financial difficulty. In December a group of Nigerian soldiers uploaded a video to YouTube in which they appealed for equipment, food and water. The army also faces a corruption scandal at the highest level. The former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, is due to stand trial for allegedly stealing 1.8bn allocated for weapons to fight Boko Haram. The hunters believe their tracking skills are vital to the armys counterinsurgency efforts, no matter how under-resourced they may be. Im waiting for a call authorising me to go back to rescue those women and children from Daggu, but I dont know if they will give us more arms, says Bakari Gombi. Whether or not she receives the weapons she requires, she vows that her mission to root out Boko Haram from the forest in which she grew up will continue. Source: The Guardian At least 23 people were killed in an accident along Kano-Zaria road, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has said. The agency said 58 people were also injured in the Friday accident involving a truck loaded with firewood. Musa Ilallah, the North-West zonal coordinator of the agency, said ton Sunday that the accident occurred after the trucks tyre burst before it lost control and skidded into the bush. Mr. Ilallah said some of the dead victims were killed by other speeding vehicles trying to escape the truck. He added that Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, received 58 injured people among whom 23 are in intensive care, another 23 victims were brought to the hospital dead, while the rest of the patients were treated for minor injuries and have been discharged. Barely 24 hours after the accident, NEMA on Saturday promptly responded to an appeal by ABU Teaching hospital, Shika, Zaria to come to its aid with drugs and other medical needs and consumables to compliment its attendance to the overwhelming accident. He added that drugs worth millions of naira were subsequently donated to the hospital. The zonal coordinator, during a visit to some of the critically injured in the intensive care unit of the hospital, expressed satisfaction over the way they were being taken care of by the hospital authorities. The chairman of the hospitals Medical Advisory Council, Adamu Ahmed, expressed appreciation to NEMA for the prompt response to their medical needs and consumables. Some survivors who spoke to newsmen, however said, many of those who died were asleep when the accident occurred near Tashan Yari. The loud sound of the tyre burst killed many of those sleeping who jumped off the bus and were crushed by speeding vehicles, Bello Dorayi, one of the survivors who escaped with a minor injury, said. Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command killed three suspected notorious kidnappers in the Choba area of Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Friday. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Omoni Nnamdi, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, said the operatives also rescued three kidnap victims who were kept at the kidnappers hideout in Choba. The statement said the rescued kidnap victims include two females, Timi Endure and Nasi Fatima, as well as Eze Wilson, a staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Port Harcourt, who was kidnapped on January 20, 2017. It reads in part, The Rivers State Police Command in its onslaught against arm banditry in the State, today 10/2/2017 recorded a significant breakthrough The team tracked and traced kidnappers to their hideout at Choba, where on sighting the Police the hoodlums opened fire and were repelled at the end of which three of them were fatally wounded while two of our men sustained gunshot wounds. Source: leadership Nigerian newspaper headlines February 12, 2017. Punch Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has vowed to ensure the prosecution of the killers of a herdsman, Ahmed Dele. Guardian Suspected Boko Haram terrorists in convoy of vehicles, motorcycles laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) attacked Mussa village in Askira/Uba council area of Borno State, and set it ablaze in the early hours of Saturday. Vanguard In this interview, Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi ADEOSUN, explains the imperatives of the Eurobond and its potentials as a catalyst for Nigerias pathway out of recession. The Nation The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Saad Abubakar has commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun for what he called his commitment to the development of humanity regardless of socio-economic, political and religious differences. Thisday Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has expressed gratitude to all Nigerians supporting President Muhammadu Buhari and also urged them to sustain the tempo. The Sun Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday, condemned the destruction of the foundation laying structure of the proposed Army battalion Southern Kaduna by unknown persons and described the action as unfortunate. Leadership The interception of 661 pieces of pump-action rifles by the operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) A, Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is one out of the many contrabands -arms, ammunition, substandard products, fake drugs -that are exiting Nigerian seaports and land borders on daily basis due to obsolete and non-functional scanning machines at Nigerian entry points No fewer than three persons sustained injuries as the ongoing fight between two factions of the Akwa Ibom State All Progressives Congress (APC) took a new and dangerous turn, at the weekend. A faction loyal to the managing director of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), Obong Umana Okon Umana, had been having a running battle with another faction led by the former minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator John James Akpanudoedehe. The crises however got to the boiling point when the Umanas faction chaired by Dr. Amadu Atai, announced the suspension of the former Minister and later expelled him from the party for what they described as anti-party activities At the party Secretariat, earlier on the same day, Chairman of Umanas faction, Atai, had addressed a press conference affirming the expulsion of the ex-minister, saying the resolution had been agreed by the leadership of his Uyo Ward 6 and the State Exco of the party. But in a swift reaction, Akpanudoedehe, returned from Abuja at the weekend and led his angry supporters in a long convoy from the Ibom International Airport to the APC Secretariat, along Atiku Abubakar Way, Uyo, where they forcefully gained entrance after vandalizing the gate under lock by the Umanas faction. Three persons sustained different degree of injuries and one of the Policemen who attempted to calm the situation was ruffled and shoved aside by angry supporters of the ex-Minister. Armed Policemen stationed by Umanas faction to prevent the opposing group from entering the facility, could only cocked their guns and remain on red alert,while the fiery supporters of Akpanudoedehe vandalized the gate before directing the SUV carrying him and the wife, to saunter into the party office. Akpanudoedehe,who later addressed party supporters in an open van, announced the sacking of the former State Executive, replacing it with a new on chaired by one Mitchel Sunday George. .He described the action of Umanas faction as rubbish, warning that he would never be cowed by those he personally brought into the party. They are impostors who have defrauded women and other members of the party using the party structure.They have been deceiving women and members of the party by collecting money and sold forms for a purported Federal Government empowerment scheme . Why should collect money before registering people to benefit from the scheme?, the ex-Minister fumed .He said his decision to always challenge the atrocities of the Umanas factional Executive angered the Atai-led Exco to orchestrate a campaign of calumny against him.Where were they when I brought the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the State? Where were they when I joined other prominent Nigerians including Asiwaju AhmedTinubu to found the APC?, he queried. In the run up to the 2011 general elections, the ex-Minister had quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the then ACN, where he was given the ticket to challenge former Governor Godswill Akpabios reelection bid .The former Chairman of Uyo Local Government, who won election to represent Uyo at the Senate at the return of democracy in 1999, vowed to challenged incumbent Governor Udom Emmanuel when the bell is toll to kick-start the 2019 political activities. Yes, I will run for Governor to liberate you, he announced, and enjoined his teeming supporters not to be distracted by the ongoing factional feuds in the APC,assuring that the dislodgment of Umanas faction would pave the way for the rebuilding process of the party. Source: leadership The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said the air return made by a Qatar Airways aircraft on Feb. 9 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was caused by a bird strike on one of its engines. The NCAA made the clarification in a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday. The Qatar Airways Airbus A330 with Registration no.A7 AED, Flight no.1408 scheduled operation from Lagos to Doha ,received a push back to take off from the MMIA at 14.45hrs UTC. On board were 256 passengers and 10 Crew members. At 16.18hrs UTC, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) made an air return to MMIA. He took this decision after the aircraft suffered bird strike in flight. The bird strike hit the No.1 Engine. On its safe return to MMIA, diligent inspection was carried out on the aircraft. However, finding disclosed no damage, Adurogboye said. He said since there was no damage, the aircraft was cleared and it recommenced the operation and departed at 17.30hrs UTC. According to him, it is pertinent to point out that the Aircraft Pilot adhered to the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) in undertaking an air return. Adurogboye said this was to carry out an assessment of the impact of the bird strike before continuing the flight. The NCAA wishes to assure Nigerians that it will continue to ensure robust safety oversight of the industry for safe and secure air transportation, he added. Source: Guardian (CORRECTS paragraph 11 to show poll released Sunday shows VVD winning 24 seats, not 26.) By Toby Sterling AMSTERDAM, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Anti-Islam Dutch politician Geert Wilders said on Sunday that promises by other parties not to work with him would be quickly forgotten if, as expected, his far-right Party of Freedom gets more than 30 parliamentary seats in next month's election. He then traded barbs on Twitter with Prime Minister Mark Rutte about who will work with whom after the March 15 vote. Wilders has proclaimed that Europe is about to enter a "Patriotic Spring" in which populist parties will triumph in the Netherlands and France following last year's vote by Britain to leave the European Union and the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president. Freedom leads in most opinion polls, with Rutte's conservative VVD party in second place. But the VVD and other Dutch mainstream parties have said they won't enter into a coalition with Wilders because his platform calls for banning mosques and the Koran as well as leaving the European Union. In his first major televised interview ahead of the election, Wilders said on Sunday that those promises would be ditched if Freedom gets 30 or more seats in the 150-seat Dutch parliament. Alternative coalitions would prove unworkable and shutting him out would lead to a popular "revolt," he said. In response, Rutte tweeted a link to a video clip of himself categorically ruling out cooperation with Wilders. "Zero percent (chance) Geert, ZERO percent. It. Is. Not. Going. To. Happen", he tweeted on his personal account, the first time it has been used in five years. The VVD, however, said Rutte's tweet represented both his personal position and the party line. Wilders, a prolific user of Twitter, quickly shot back: "It's the voters who are in charge of this country Mark, for a HUNDRED percent. And. Nobody. In. The. Netherlands. Still. Believes. You." Pollster Maurice de Hond said on Sunday his weekly poll showed Freedom slipping from 32 to 30 seats, with Rutte's VVD gaining one to 24 seats. Story continues In the interview, Wilders repeated remarks he has made frequently in the past, offensive to many, comparing the Koran to Hitler's "Mein Kampf". A self-avowed admirer of Trump, Wilders said the Netherlands does not need to build a wall to keep out foreigners but should re-establish border controls. In December, Wilders was convicted of insulting Moroccans and inciting discrimination against them for leading supporters in chanting they wanted "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!" of them in the country.. He is appealing the ruling. (Reporting by Toby Sterling) A Nigerian man has landed in serious trouble after he was caught for allegedly participating in a $1.5 million credit card fraud. Babatunde Rasaki from Nigeria who is living in Georgetown, Guyana has been arrested over his involvement in a $1.5 million credit card fraud. He appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday to answer to fraud related charges. Georgetown is the capital city of Guyana. His request for bail was denied. The man was remanded to prison. The Prosecutor alleged that on January 9 and 13, at Georgetown and with intent to defraud, he obtained from the Lucky Dollar store one washing machine, a television set and other articles valued at $582,495, by virtue of an American Express credit card, in the name of Ann Clara Angelino, knowing same to be forged. The second charge read that the accused, on January 10 at Wellington Street, Georgetown, and with intent to defraud, obtained from Gizmos, Gadgets valued at $550,000, by virtue of an American Express credit card in the name of Ann Clara Angelino, knowing same to be forged. Rasaki, who was unrepresented, told the court that on the days in question, he had accompanied Angelino, who is of Brazilian descent and does not speak English, to the business enterprises and made the purchases on her behalf. Bail was refused on the grounds that he does not have family in Guyana or a local address in the jurisdiction. Police are also currently conducting an investigation with regards to the other documents found in his possession. He is scheduled to appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on February 16. Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has approved the dissolution of the management committee of the State Board of Internal Revenue. The State Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Saidu Umar, in a statement, said a nine-member interim management committee had been constituted, pending when a substantive board would be appointed. The commissioner urged the new appointees to develop a holistic road map that would strengthen the board. According to him, the state government will provide necessary support to the new team, headed by Aminu Dalhatu, to enable it achieve optimum results. The governor had at a recent stakeholders forum, promised to reposition the board to enable it to discharge its responsibilities diligently and efficiently. Moruf Oseni, the executive director in charge of North & Retail Directorate at Wema Bank Plc. has been appointed as a member of the Lagos State Economic Advisory Committee whose primary role is to offer advice to the government under the four strategic 2012-2025 Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP). Moruf was named part of the 12-member committee that has representatives from both the public and the private sectors in January. A statement by the state government confirmed the rationale behind its decision to select Moruf as a member of the elite team. The secretary to the state government, Tunji Bello noted that the Wema Bank Executive Director and other members of the committee were selected based on their known track record of integrity, independence of thought and outlook, as well as diverse industry experience. Moruf joined Wema Bank in 2012 after years of experience at global investment banks like Citigroup, Salomon Brothers and Renaissance Capital. He holds an MBA degree from the prestigious Institut European dAdministration des Affaires (INSEAD) in France, a Masters in Finance (MiF) from the London Business School, London and a B.Sc. degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is also a product of Kings College, Lagos. Lagos State government, which has the fifth largest economy in Africa, expects Morufs experience to prove very useful in the Economic Committees output as it helps Lagos to improve its business environment and advance economic development. Moruf will serve on the committee for at least two years. Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed says the Federal Governments Whistle-blowing policy has yielded $151million and N8billion in looted funds. In a statement signed by Segun Adeyemi, the Special Assistant to the Minister, Alhaji Mohammed said the looted funds were recovered via the clues provided by three whistle-blowers who gave actionable information to the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation. The biggest amount of $136,676,600.51 was recovered from an account in a commercial bank, where the money was kept under an apparently fake account name. This was followed by the recovery of N7 billion and $15 million from another person and 1 billion Naira from yet another. The recovered loots do not include the $9.2 million in cash allegedly owned by a former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, which was also a dividend of the whistle-blower policy, All the monies recovered so far totaled over $160million. When we told Nigerians that there was a primitive and mindless looting of the national treasury under the last Administration, some people called us liars. Well, the whistle-blower policy is barely two months old and Nigerians have started feeling its impact, seeing how a few people squirreled away public funds. It is doubtful if any economy in the world will not feel the impact of such mind-boggling looting of the treasury as was experienced in Nigeria. Yet whatever has been recovered so far, including the $9.2 million by the EFCC, is just a tip of the iceberg, Alhaji Mohammed said. He appealed to Nigerians with useful information on looted funds to continue to provide the authorities with such information, saying confidentiality will be maintained with regards to the source of the information. The Minister also reminded Nigerians of the financial reward aspect of the policy, saying If there is a voluntary return of stolen or concealed public funds or assets on the account of the information provided, the whistle blower may be entitled to anywhere between 2.5% (Minimum) and 5.0% (Maximum) of the total amount recovered @PtboSpeedway Peterborough, ON (February 12, 2017)- The 2017 campaign at Canadas Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval has all the makings of being a season of change. Not only will the popular facility celebrate its 50th Anniversary Season of action, when the green flag flies to kick things off, fans at Peterborough Speedway will see some exciting changes when their favourite drivers take to the track. Shortly after last years Autumn Colours Classic, several teams began working on plans that would see them acquire new equipment to allow them to move into a different racing division, or take their existing program in a new direction. Just a few days after concluding the 2016 season, Brandon Feeney closed a deal to purchase one of the best-known cars to ever race at Peterborough Speedway, when he bought The Bus from Crowe Brothers Racing. The move marked the end of the Orono, Ontario natives time in the Battlefield Equipment 4Fun division, where hed raced since 2014 and earned a best point finish of seventh in 2016. Feeney will take the first green flag of the new season in the reworked machine, as he joins the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car ranks. His resume includes time in an ACT Late Model while running weekly at Kawartha, as well as travelling with the OSCAAR Modified and Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup Series tours. After a brief layoff, Tim Burke returned to the short track wars for 2015 in the Renegade Truck division at Peterborough Speedway. The Bancroft, Ontario resident had a strong season and finished second in points, but he relinquished the driving duties to good friend Stephen Bierworth after just one year. The lure of competition will bring the veteran runner back to the sport in 2017, as the #99 machine is set to return to action as part of the 50th Anniversary Season at the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the Liftlock City. Its been about six years since Jeffrey Remington turned a lap at Peterborough Speedway, but the 34 year-old will be back if only for a limited schedule in 2017. This season, hell switch from the Renegade Truck field and return to the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car ranks. The former Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute student says hes looking forward to putting his equipment through its paces again. On the other side of the coin, after recording a pair of feature wins during the month of June, a grinding crash late in the 2016 season may keep Brandon Hannah out of this years action. The pilot of the #47 machine in the Jiffy Lube Mini Stock field had his ride severely damaged, with only the engine, transmission and a set of tires salvageable after the wreck. The 26 year-old says he has some irons in the fire, but knows it could be an uphill climb to get back on the track. Staff and officials at Peterborough Speedway are working hard to put together an exciting 50th Anniversary Season. From the first green flag of opening night, to the final victory lane celebration of the 25th Annual Autumn Colours Classic, 2017 will offer an action-packed calendar. The official schedule wont be released until the Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo March 10 to 12 at the International Centre in Toronto, but the promotional team has confirmed that the popular Toonie Spectator Grandstand Admission/Fan Appreciation Nights presented by Pepsi will return Saturday, June 3, July 8 and August 19. Bullring bullet points: Keep on top of all the 50th Anniversary news at Canadas Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval by logging onto www.peterboroughspeedway.com, liking the track on Facebook or following it on Twitter. Fans can also download the free Peterborough Speedway app on your Smartphone. Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/clarkemotorsports 613.968.6410 Ex- American International Group Inc. Chief Executive Officer Maurice Hank Greenberg admitted to taking part in two deals to make the insurers financial condition look better than it was as part of a $9.9 million settlement with New York that has dragged out for almost a dozen years, the states top lawyer said. The settlement, announced Friday by New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, resolves a legal battle in which Greenberg, 91, and his high-powered lawyer, David Boies, squared off against three successive state attorneys general who accused him of fraud. The accord also includes Howard Smith, AIGs former chief financial officer. As part of the deal, he and Greenberg agreed to give up $9.9 million in bonuses they received from 2001 to 2004, when the disputed transactions were reflected in AIGs books, Schneiderman said. Even after the deal was announced, both sides disagreed on its significance and what Greenberg admitted. Todays agreement settles the indisputable fact that Mr. Greenberg has denied for 12 years: that Mr. Greenberg orchestrated two transactions that fundamentally misrepresented AIGs finances, Schneiderman said in a statement. Greenberg, who has long insisted he did nothing wrong, remained defiant after the settlement. He said the case started because a comment he made upset then Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. No Effect Look at whats happened, Greenberg said. AIG is a shadow of what it was. People lost millions of dollars, billions of dollars, pension funds the same thing. For what? So I can pay $9 million in a payment? This has been going on for 12 years, he added. The settlement I think brings out the facts, in the sense that it had no effect. The things Ive been accused of had no effect on shareholder earnings per share. Boies went further, saying in a statement that Schneidermans remarks were false and misleading and put a positive spin on a settlement that netted a fraction of what the state previously sought. Nowhere in the agreed statement by Mr. Greenberg is there any reference to any accounting being fraudulent, let alone that Mr. Greenberg was aware of any fraud, Boies said. Gen Re Traansaction Greenberg and Smith, in separate prepared statements, both said, As a result of these transactions, AIGs publicly-filed consolidated financial statements inaccurately portrayed the accounting, and thus the financial condition and performance for AIGs loss reserves and underwriting income. The accounting for the Gen Re transaction was correctly restated by AIG in AIGs 2005 restatement. Vincent Sama, an attorney representing Smith, didnt immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Fridays settlement ends a civil case that began in 2005 under Spitzer and inched forward in fits and starts, continuously delayed by a flurry of defense motions and eight pre-trial appeals. Greenberg, a World War II veteran, refused to settle, seeing the trial as an opportunity to redeem himself after he was pressured to resign from the company that he built, over almost 40 years, into the worlds biggest insurer. AIG, which was also accused of wrongdoing, settled quickly, restating its earnings and paying $1.6 billion to settle claims by regulators. Jon Diat, a spokesman for AIG, declined to comment. Spitzer also declined to comment. Two Transactions The lawsuit stems from two reinsurance transactions: a deal with Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s General Reinsurance Corp. used to reverse a decline in loss reserves at AIG, and an agreement with CAPCO Reinsurance Co. Four former Gen Re executives and one from AIG were convicted of accounting fraud in 2008 but won reversals in 2011. Federal prosecutors agreed to drop the charges in 2012 under deferred-prosecution agreements after the former executives admitted aspects of the Gen Re deal were fraudulent. New York sought to bar Greenberg and Smith from serving as officers or directors of public companies and force them to give up bonuses. While the settlement does include repayment of bonuses, it doesnt include the work prohibition, said Eric Soufer, a spokesman for Schneiderman. Greenberg and Smith had argued the attorney general couldnt prove that either transaction was improperly accounted for, that the defendants knew of any alleged impropriety or that the two deals were material to AIG. The settlement comes about five months after a trial finally got underway, one in which Greenberg and Smith took the stand in their own defense. The case was put on hold as the parties tried to reach a resolution with well-known mediator Kenneth Feinberg. The Supreme Court declined a request by Greenberg and Smith to review the case in December. Greenberg is currently awaiting the outcome of an appeal in his lawsuit against the government over the $85 billion bailout of AIG. A trial judge ruled last year that while the U.S. acted improperly by treating AIG more harshly than other firms in peril during the 2008 financial crisis, its investors were due nothing because government inaction would have spelled doom for the insurer. Greenberg is asking an appeals court to rule that he and other AIG investors deserve billions of dollars because the rescue was illegal. Related: Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Fraud New York Reinsurance Gerry Thornton Kevin Smith Ireland introduced a new tax regime for Irish real estate funds in the Finance Act 2016. Under the new regime, Irish investment funds that invest in Irish real estate or assets deriving their value from Irish real estate (described as IREFs) will continue not to be subject to corporation tax or income tax on their profits. However, a 20% withholding tax will apply to certain payments made by IREFs and withholding tax requirements will apply to certain purchasers of IREF units in the secondary market. The regime does not affect the existing tax treatment of Irish investment funds that do not hold Irish real estate assets. It enters into effect for each existing IREF for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1 2017. Withholding tax on distributions and redemptions Irish withholding tax must be charged at 20% on distributions and other payments (including payments on redemption) made by IREFs to their investors. Certain categories of investors are exempt from the withholding tax charge including other regulated investment funds, pension funds and insurance companies resident in either Ireland or another EU member state. It is also possible for foreign investors not falling within the exempted categories to claim a reduction or exemption from the withholding tax under Ireland's double tax treaties. IREFs will be required to complete returns and pay the amounts withheld to the Irish Revenue Commissioners on or before January 30 and July 30 of each year. The 20% withholding tax on distributions, redemptions and other payments is imposed on the amount of the payment that is derived from the profits of the IREF arising from Irish real estate assets (e.g., rental income, gains on disposal and development profits). However, any gains made on the sale of real estate that is held for five years or more will be excluded from the amount that is subject to 20% withholding provided (broadly) that the IREF is a widely-held fund and the investors did not have influence over the real estate assets acquired by the IREF. This exclusion is designed to encourage IREFs to hold Irish real estate over a longer term. Withholding tax on the sale of IREF units Where a unitholder in an IREF disposes of units for consideration in excess of 500,000 ($530,000), the purchaser of the units is required to withhold 20% of the purchase price and pay the amount withheld to the Irish Revenue Commissioners within 30 days as, in effect, a payment on account for the 20% tax due by the vendor on its profit realised on the sale. The vendor may reclaim the excess tax deducted by making a return to the Irish tax authorities of its profit and the tax actually due. The withholding tax may also be reduced or eliminated under Ireland's double tax treaties (depending on the place of residence of the vendor). Reorganisation of existing arrangements The new tax regime also includes provisions to defer the crystallisation of the tax liability on the transfer of the Irish real estate related assets of an IREF to a company (anywhere in the EU) in return for an issue of shares in the company. In order to avail of this treatment, the reorganisation must occur on or before July 1 2017. Similar treatment is available if the Irish real estate related assets of an IREF are transferred to an Irish REIT on or before December 31 2017. Gerry Thornton (gerry.thornton@matheson.com) and Kevin Smith (kevin.smith@matheson.com) Matheson Tel: +353 1 232 2664 & +353 1 232 2045 Website: www.matheson.com BENGHAZI, Libya, Feb 11 (Reuters) - East Libyan forces said on Saturday that they had lost an Mi-35 combat helicopter near the central town of Zalla and that two crew members had been killed. A military official for the eastern-based forces said it was not clear if the helicopter had been shot down or crashed because of a technical fault. The forces lost contact with the helicopter on Friday. Forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), have clashed repeatedly in the central desert region in recent weeks with rival brigades. The LNA has been extending its control towards the west over the past few months, after largely defeating Islamist-dominated opponents in the eastern city of Benghazi. (Reporting by Ayman al-Warfalli; Writing by Aidan Lewis/Jeremy Gaunt) The TaxChambers LLP team is led by partners Sunita Doobay and Vitaly Timokhov and its Toronto location extends the firms growing presence in Canada. TaxChambers LLP advises in all areas of tax including international taxation, commodity taxation, tax controversy and litigation, transfer pricing, corporate taxation for both public and private companies and tax planning for high net worth families. With the addition of TaxChambers LLP, Andersen Global has a presence in 57 locations worldwide. Il 12,7% degli studenti non arriva al diploma, perche abbandona precocemente gli studi. Il 9,7% del totale, quasi un diplomato su 10 nel 2022, senza le competenze minime necessarie per entrare nel mondo del lavoro o dellUniversita. Inoltre, il 23,1% dei 15-29enni in Italia si trova in un limbo, fuori da ogni percorso di lavoro, istruzione o formazione: il numero dei Neet e il piu alto dellUe, oltre il doppio di Francia e Germania. Lo rileva Save the Children che, nel nuovo rapporto Alla ricerca del tempo perduto, la definisce dispersione implicita ed e connessa allimpoverimento educativo e alla poverta materiale. Il rapporto Save the Children In vista della riapertura delle scuole, lassociazione segnala alcuni deficit strutturali a livello nazionale e locale, in termini di spazi, servizi e tempi educativi, mettendo in luce un paradosso: laddove la poverta minorile e piu alta, e sarebbe dunque importante unofferta formativa di qualita, la scuola e piu povera, privata di tempo pieno, mense e palestre. Il rapporto segnala una forte disparita geografica nelle dispersione implicita, che risulta piu alta in Campania, al 19,8%. Save the Children cita i dati Invalsi del 2022: se si guarda alle competenze nelle singole materie, in Campania, Calabria e Sicilia piu del 60% degli studenti non raggiungono il livello base delle competenze in italiano, mentre quelle in matematica sono disattese dal 70% degli studenti in Campania, Calabria, Sicilia e Sardegna. Labbandono scolastico nella maggior parte delle regioni del sud va ben oltre la media nazionale (del 12,7%), con punte in Sicilia (21,1%) e Puglia (17,6%) e valori decisamente piu alti rispetto a Centro e Nord anche in Campania (16,4%) e Calabria (14%). E un dato di fatto, evidenzia poi Save the Children, che vi sia un correlazione tra livello di apprendimento e alcuni indicatori strutturali, apprezzabile guardando i dati in positivo: nelle province dove lindice di dispersione implicita e piu basso, le scuole primarie hanno assicurato ai bambini maggior offerta di tempo pieno (frequentato dal 31,5% degli studenti contro il 24,9% nelle province ad alta dispersione), maggior numero di mense (il 25,9% delle scuole contro il 18,8%), di palestre (42,4% contro 29%) e sono inoltre dotate di certificato di agibilita (47,9% contro 25,3%). Servirebbero stima lorganizzazione 1 miliardo e 445 milioni per garantire il tempo pieno in tutte le classi della scuola primaria statale. Unofferta adeguata di spazi e di tempi educativi sottolinea puo contribuire efficacemente a ridurre le disuguaglianze educative territoriali: Proprio dove i bambini, le bambine e gli adolescenti affrontano, con le loro famiglie, le maggiori difficolta economiche ce al contrario maggior bisogno di unofferta educativa piu ricca. Per questo osserva Raffaela Milano, direttrice dei Programmi Italia-Europa di Save the Children chiediamo al nuovo governo che si formera un investimento straordinario che parta dalla attivazione di aree ad alta densita educativa nei territori piu deprivati: investire il 5% del Pil, al pari della media europea, vorrebbe dire rendere disponibili circa 93 miliardi, contro i circa 71 stanziati nel 2020. SIPTU members in Dublin Bus and Irish Rail will act in solidarity with their colleagues in Bus Eireann, the union has indicated. The Bus Eireann Trade Union Group confirmed earlier this month that the all-out strike will begin on February 20. Bus Eireann's Acting Chief Executive Officer Ray Hernan says payroll will account for 40% of 30m annual savings wanted at the company. pic.twitter.com/HVwdTrFaql RTE News (@rtenews) February 2, 2017 Now the union is set to ballot employees of Dublin Bus and Irish Rail on a plan to engage in strike action also. SIPTU sector organiser, Willie Noone, said: A meeting took place today between SIPTU representatives of members in Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann. At the meeting the clear consensus was that there is a strong commitment by SIPTU members across these companies to display solidarity with workers in Bus Eireann, whose conditions of employment are currently under vicious attack. Willie Noone It was noted that in circumstances where management goes ahead and unilaterally introduces cuts to workers pay, terms and conditions on February 20, that all our members in Bus Eireann, except for school bus drivers, will be in an indefinite strike from that date. It was also highlighted that the likelihood of the dispute spreading to school bus drivers, and the consequential adverse impact this would have to rural areas in particular, is increasing. Due to Dublin Bus not adhering to the settlement terms reached to resolve the recent dispute in that company our representatives are meeting on Monday (February 13) to finalise the arrangements for a strike ballot, which it appears will be overwhelmingly supported. A date for the commencement of that action, if that is indeed the decision of our members, will be set shortly afterwards. The representatives of our members in Irish Rail and Dublin Bus have indicated that they are willing to take whatever appropriate actions are necessary to support their colleagues in Bus Eireann, as they all are members of CIE companies and have corresponding conditions of employment and work locations. President Michael D Higgins is today beginning the second part of his official visit to South America with a visit to the Colombian capital Bogota. Later on this week, he will go to Havana, Cuba where he will meet with President Raul Castro. A man injured in a fall in Worcester Cathedral's bell tower has been lowered 80ft to safety by a specialist rope rescue unit. Pictures of the rescue posted on Twitter by fire crews show the injured man being brought to ground level inside the cathedral on Saturday evening. Burma State Counselor Urges Compromise in Union Day Speech State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi signs a guestbook at Panglong Monument after delivering the Union Day speech on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. / Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy PANGLONG, Shan State While delivering the 70th Union Day address to a crowd in Panglong, Shan State on Sunday, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi asked all of the remaining armed ethnic groups to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) so that they may fully take part in the Union Peace Conference at the end of February. Twice in her 30-minute speech, the State Counselor requested and encouraged the armed ethnic groups to courageously and self-confidently sign the NCA. Id like to reiterate my request to our ethnic armed groups who have not signed the NCA: Sign the text now, and join the 21st Century Panglong. I believe we can achieve peace together with our courage, she said. Only eight ethnic armed groups signed the NCA in October 2015, although 16 groups took part in drafting the NCA text through the ethnic Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT). Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who also serves as chairwoman of the National Peace and Reconciliation Center (NRPC), stressed that self-confidence is the key for undertaking initiatives that will benefit future generations. We all say that trust is needed to achieve peace. And genuine trust, many people say, means that we must build trust amongst the various fighting groups. But when I reflect on this challenge, I find that self-confidence is the very first need. If we find our self-confidence, then there should be no one who will not join the 21st Century Panglong conference, she said. The State Counselor highlighted the importance of Panglong townnot only for Shan State, but for the entire countrybecause of the role that Panglong played when political leaders met here in 1947 to lay the foundations of national unity. If we study the Panglong agreement, we see that it was based on the basic ideas of consultation, discussion, and negotiation to achieve agreement, she said. Todays celebration of the 70th Union Day is not just a ceremony in Panglong; it is our history, said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We are trying to achieve a historic task. If we can make this Union stronger, then the benefits will pass on to future generations. Since Independence, we have never achieved peace throughout the country. We have always been at war in one location or another. But today we have an opportunity as well as a responsibility to end this, she said. Following her speech, the State Counselor held public talks with twelve ethnic representatives from Kachin, Karen, Kayah, Chin, Mon, Arakan, and Burman groups. Their discussion touched on the challenges and weaknesses in the peace process. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi reiterated to the ethnic representatives that the door for peace remains always open, and she pushed all of the ethnic armed groups to participate in the Panglong conference, where they can negotiate the terms of a federal democratic state. The 21st Century Panglong will serve as a framework to seek solutions through negotiation, she said. We can seek whatever we wish through that framework, but no outcome will be 100 percent guaranteed because every negotiation has to reach some sort of compromise, said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We are doing this not for our own benefit, but for the sake of the Union. Before, the culture of negotiating solutions has been very weak in our country, and I accept that. But now we are starting the 21st Century Panglong, and everyone is watching. Several ethnic armed groups, and particularly those represented by the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), have not signed the NCA. These groups have continued to argue that they will not take part in the upcoming peace conference if they are relegated to an observer role. But Khun Myint Tun, the leader of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization, said, he is glad to see Daw Aung San Suu Kyi inviting everyone to talk as equals. Daw Aung San Suu Kyis invitation to our brothers who have not signed the NCA is the similar to former peace negotiator U Aung Mins words, from when we started the peace process. [U Aung Min invited all the groups to take part and said they can walk out at any time.] She said the ethnic armed groups can walk out if they are dissatisfied, but they should join the talks first,said Khun Myint Tun. The ethnic groups have repeatedly requested for the 1947 Panglong agreement and Panglong promise be practically implemented. In her speech, the State Counselor did not touch on the issue of the 1947 agreement, leading some observers think that she is ignoring one of their major concerns. Focusing only on the 21st Century Panglong conference is her weakness. Every ethnic group expects action on the [1947] Panglong agreement, and we want to see that implemented, said Sai Aung Myint Oo, a Shan representative who spoke with the State Counselor on Sunday. Her definition of the Panglong promise, the State Counsellor explained, is finding solutions through mutual consultation and collaboration. On that basis, she said, we are inviting everyone to come to the negotiations and to seek solutions through consultation. Some agreed with the State Counselor in the way she highlighted the spiritual importance of the 1947 agreement. We agree that self-confidence is vital for progress, said Nan Mya Thida, a Karen representative. We have to reflect on the good and the bad impacts, and our leaders must make better decisions. For over 70 years, our country has not been able to achieve a harmonious political system that the people can accept. So to achieve that, we must move forward with self-confidence and courage. The very first African winner of Google Code-in contest in 2016 has been cut off from the Internet. The 17-year-old Nji Collins Gbah lives in Bamenda, which is located in the North-West of Cameroon. It also takes about seven hours by road from the capita. He is now 370km (or 230 miles) from home in his cousin's house following a government shutdown of internet connection in English-speaking regions. Before there was Google's Code Next, which is an educational facility that focused on teaching African-Americans and Latinos how to code, there was Google Code-in. It started in 2010 and is a global online contest for pre-university between the ages of 13 and 17. The participants complete "bite sized" open source programming tasks. 1,340 students from 62 countries completed 6,418 before the end of the competition. 34 teenagers completed 842 tasks and became the contest champions. To enter the contest, the participants only needed to have access to the Internet, a Google Account, a valid postal address and lastly, a valid email address. Nji participated in Code-in, using all the knowledge he gathered from his two years of learning how to code. The Cameroonian teen mainly learned from online sources and books. Nji was in his last year at Government Bilingual High School, Bamenda, Cameroon when he joined the Google Code-in. Apparently, it was also the first time anyone from Africa took part in the contest. Nji ended up finishing 20 of the given tasks, which cover all five categories given by Google. One task can even take a full week to finish. After that, the internet connection suddenly was not available anymore just a day after the deadline for final contest submissions. In the past year, there seems to have been several internet connection shutdowns going on by African governments that insist the move is to prevent violence or the circulation of false election results. The areas include parts of Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Morocco and Uganda. BERLIN (AP) A special assembly elected former German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier by an overwhelming majority Sunday to be the country's new president. Steinmeier was elected in Berlin by the assembly made up of the 630 members of parliament's lower house and an equal number of representatives from Germany's 16 states. He received 931 of the 1,260 votes. Steinmeier succeeds Joachim Gauck, a 77-year-old former pastor and East German pro-democracy activist who did not seek a second five-year term because of his age. The German president has little executive power, but is considered an important moral authority and symbol of the country as its host for visiting dignitaries. "Let's be brave, because then we don't have to be afraid of the future," Steinmeier said in his acceptance speech. He said the world faces "rough times," but that Germany, as a functioning democracy, had the responsibility to fight for stability. "Isn't it actually wonderful, that this Germany, our difficult fatherland, that this country has become an anchor of hope in the world for many," after overcoming wars and totalitarianism, Steinmeier said. Steinmeier is normally studiously diplomatic, but he strongly criticized Donald Trump during the U.S. election campaign. Asked in August about the rise of right-wing populism in Germany and elsewhere, Steinmeier criticized those who "make politics with fear." He cited as examples the nationalist Alternative for Germany party, the promoters of Britain's exit from the European Union, and "the hate preachers, like Donald Trump at the moment in the United States." Steinmeier, a 61-year-old Social Democrat, had the backing in the election of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's "grand coalition" of center-right and center-left parties. Merkel congratulated him on Sunday and said she was convinced he would be an excellent president who would enjoy wide support. "This is a good day for Germany," she said. The presidential vote was likely one of the last moments of coalition unity ahead of a parliamentary election in September in which Merkel is seeking a fourth term. Both sides hope to end the "grand coalition." Story continues Steinmeier has long been one of Germany's most popular politicians. As former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's chief of staff, he was a main architect of Schroeder's 2003 package of economic reforms and welfare cuts. Under Merkel, he served twice as foreign minister from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 until this year, with a stint as opposition leader in between. A few years ago, Steinmeier took a several-months absence from politics, to donate one of his kidneys to his wife Elke Buedenbender. Buedenbender, who is a judge, will not work during her time as first lady to avoid possible conflicts of interest. ___ This story has been corrected from an earlier version to show the surname of Steinmeier's wife is Buedenbender, not Buedenbende. Geir Moulson contributed reporting. Google has notified that some prominent journalists and their email accounts might be the subject of attacks from hackers who are supported by the government. The notification will say, "Warning: Google may have detected government-backed attackers trying to steal your password." "Since 2012, we've notified users when we believe their Google accounts are being targeted by government-backed attackers," said Google spokesperson to Politico. However, the warnings may not necessarily indicate that someone else has already accessed the account. This was Google's way to ensure caution. Keith Olbermann, a Liberal commentator, apparently got the alert about the potential hacks from Google. According to New York Magazine's Jonathan Chait, after the election period he also got a few messages from Google warning him about an attack from a government-backed hacker. Cait says the latest warning was sent two to three weeks ago. Julia Ioffe, a recent writer at The Atlantic, uploaded a Twitter photo that showed the Google warning. She received the notification some time in January. Other people who said they received the warning include Vox founder Ezra Klein, CNN senior reporter Brian Stelter, Times columnist Paul Krugman, New York Times correspondent David Sanger and Yahoo Washington bureau chief, Garance Franke-Ruta. As reported, Russian hackers are being suspected by a handful of journalists who received such notifications. The Russian embassy has not yet provided a reply to this suggestion. "The fact that all this started right after the election suggests to me that journalists are the next wave to be targeted by state-sponsored hackers in the way that Democrats were during it," remarks a journalist who managed to get a notification. The journalist also worries that the outcome would end up being the same. That is, anyone is going to be hacked. The contents of emails can be used against them and all media. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Close VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help tackle the spread of Himalayan balsam on the Isle of Wight. While professional contractors have been recruited in a bid to eradicate other invasive non-native plants, such as Japanese knotweed and creeping wafter primrose, Gift to Nature is gathering a posse of volunteers for a spot of balsam bashing. According to the countryside charity, which manages various green spaces and nature reserves around the Island, Himalayan balsam has blighted areas, including Wroxall Stream, Scotchells Brook and the Eastern Yar. Carol Flux, from Gift to Nature, said: "The balsam is more of a threat to wildlife. It out-competes our native plants. Dense stands of balsam are bad for water voles. The Island is a stronghold for water voles as we dont have another invasive non-native species, mink. "Then, as its an annual, it dies back leaving the banks devoid of vegetation and vulnerable to erosion. This can cause flooding, so it has an economic impact. "There is so much that we need help. We could spray but that would kill everything, so instead we hand pull and scythe. The aim is to stop it sending. Each plant explodes out about 800 seeds." Between late April and early September, Gift to Nature will organise at least two sessions of balsam bashing each week, with volunteers divided into two teams for pulling and scything. Anyone who spots the plant while out and about can pull it up, as it comes up easily and can be left on the ground to compost. It is not poisonous. Carol said: "I think the key to tackling invasive non-native species is working together in a co-ordinated way and with a concerted effort." For further information, call Gift to Nature on 01983 201563 or e-mail info@gifttonature.org.uk Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk A group of Japanese gather to stage an anti-Valentine's Day demonstration march in Tokyo, on February 12, 2017 (AFP Photo/KAZUHIRO NOGI) As Japan prepares to celebrate Valentine's Day, a cranky group of Marxist protesters have called for an end to public displays of love, claiming it hurts their feelings. Members of 'Kakuhido', or the Revolutionary Alliance of Men that Women find Unattractive, unfurled a giant "Smash Valentine's Day" banner as the party-poopers set off to try and overthrow the annual celebration of romance. The grumpy comrades elicited curious looks from passers-by in the trendy Shibuya district where they rallied against commercialism and chanted other buzz-kill slogans such as "public smooching is terrorism!" "Our aim is to crush this love capitalism," the group's public relations chief Takayuki Akimoto told AFP. "People like us who don't seek value in love are being oppressed by society," he added. "It's a conspiracy by people who think unattractive guys are inferior, or losers -- like cuddling in public, it makes us feel bad. It's unforgivable." Previously, the killjoy group has also protested against "housewives who control Japan's future" as their hapless husbands work all hours at the office. Valentine's Day in Japan is a huge money-spinner for the confectionery business as women are traditionally expected to buy chocolates for the men in their lives -- from lovers to work colleagues. Men reciprocate a month later on White Day, a Japanese marketing brainwave dreamt up by confectioners in the 1980s to keep the cash tills ringing. "The tradition of giving chocolates means you're always competing," said Akimoto, 33, blasting what his group calls the "passion-based capitalism" of Valentine's Day. "You're judged by how many sweets you get. It's a business strategy by the chocolate capitalists, it's ridiculous." Valentine's Day originated as an ancient Christian and Roman tradition and Akimoto fumed: "Religious overtones have been twisted and turned into a vehicle to make money." Story continues Japan is experiencing a loss of mojo with couples apparently too stressed or busy to have sex, frustrating government efforts to raise the birthrate as policymakers struggle to cope with a shrinking population. Akimoto claims the group's message has begun to hit home after 10 years of protests. "Recently you hear of more people spending Christmas alone or women growing tired of Valentine's Day," he said. "We believe that through our fight, we've helped contribute to that social shift." Kakuhido was founded in 2006 by Katsuhiro Furusawa, who began reading the Communist Manifesto after being dumped by his girlfriend and came to the conclusion that being unpopular with the opposite sex was a class issue, fuelling his anti-Valentine message. Akimoto offered some advice for would-be disciples of the spoil-sport group, which also protests White Day and Christmas. "We're saying you don't have to enjoy Christmas or Valentine's Day," he said joylessly, adding that Kakuhido is also taking aim at Halloween. "Just spend the day doing normal things. Our enemy is formidable, but we are ready for a long, drawn-out war." Feds laud $83M to better Pell Bridge The congressional delegation of Rhode Island was in Jamestown to celebrate an $82.5 million grant to upgrade the bridge that connects Conanicut Island to Newport. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, a... Local author, illustrator collaborate on book A local woman has turned her digital cross-country teatimes with her granddaughter into a childrens book. Tuesday Tea, written by Debby Furness Saletin and illustrated by Maryann England, both of... Local group asks for rental rules changes A group of residents is expected to present its recommendations on how to improve the ordinance that governs short-term rentals. Member Ron Ratcliffe said the item is scheduled to be... What is your duty of care to people who get hurt on your property? It depends on how they got on your property in the first place. Generally, you have a duty as a homeowner to exercise reasonable care in the maintenance of your property for the protection of lawful visitors. If you know you have a loose brick on the steps leading to your front door which may not be obvious to another person and a lawful visitor turns their ankle (or worse) because the brick pops out, you could be held liable. There are a number of rules and issues with variations of this general framework of slip and fall and trip and fall cases. The standards of care, set forth in case law and statutes, vary and really depend on a number of factors. A common situation is when a person who is not a trespasser has a lawful reason to come to your home and that person falls on ice. While you do have a duty to shovel your sidewalk in Winston-Salem, as Ask Sam noted in a column recently, you do not have a duty as a general rule to warn a lawful visitor of an obviously unsafe condition, or an unsafe condition of which a lawful visitor has as much knowledge as you do. Another common fact pattern involves someone who slips and falls and is injured at your business. Not only does the injured party have to show you are at fault, but the injured party cannot be at fault, too. Nearly all states have a comparative negligence standard, but under North Carolina law the property owner is not liable if the injured party is at fault in any way. There are some limited exceptions, such as gross negligence of the property owner. What about your duty to trespassers? If you are in lawful possession of land, either as an owner, a tenant, or otherwise, you do not owe the general duty of care to a trespasser. There are three main exceptions. 1. You are guilty of willful or wanton conduct, or you intentionally caused harm to a trespasser, except that you may use reasonable force to repel a trespasser who has entered the land or a building with the intent to commit a crime. 2. A child is hurt on your premises and a) you know a child is likely to trespass at the location where there is a dangerous condition; b) you know or should know the child is at an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death; c) the child does not discover the condition; and d) you could have eliminated the danger easily. 3. If you discovered the trespasser in a position of peril or helplessness on the property and you failed to exercise ordinary care not to injure the trespasser. See Chapter 38B-1 and following for the specific statutory language, which you can find online at www.ncleg.net/gascripts/statutes/Statutes.asp or review the state statutes at our public libraries. Years ago I had a client who knew kids were racing their four wheelers down an old logging road on his property. The owner got mad and put up a chain across the road which could not be seen at night. A teenager got hurt when his four wheeler hit the chain and it threw him. This was a problem, and an expensive one. When in doubt, assume the higher duty of care. Talk about potential problems with your insurance company. Consider purchasing an all-risk umbrella policy, which adds another layer of liability insurance at a reasonably affordable premium. Remember: An informed choice is a smart choice. RALEIGH A massive crowd attended Saturdays annual civil rights rally in North Carolinas capital, beefed up by protesters energized in opposition to President Donald Trump and to a state law limiting LGBT rights and which public bathrooms transgender people can use. Organizers of the Moral March on Raleigh, led by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP, has largely focused on state government during its 11 years of existence, more recently against the conservative-leaning agenda Republicans have implemented. Saturday, however, had a more national emphasis, particularly with the arrival of Trump in the White House. Speakers at the end of the downtown march near the old Capitol Building lamented Trumps support to repeal President Barack Obamas signature health care overhaul and Trumps hard-line stance on immigration. Trump last month signed an executive order that barred anyone from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days. Although a federal court has blocked its enforcement, marchers kept the issue front and center by chanting, No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here. I think its a shame, said Laurence Brunet, 30, a Canadian researcher who has lived in Carrboro for just over a year. Any country is so stronger if we just accept everyone. The surface area that the crowd covered neared the marchs previous peak from 2014. Event organizers predicted 20,000 people in their march permit application with the city. Raleigh police dont provide crowd estimates. People cannot stand the things that Trump supports and are appalled and I think thats the big driving force, said protester Dan Zachary, 54, of Chapel Hill, while also holding a sign urging the repeal of the state law known as House Bill 2. Its unsustainable. Its unfair to human beings. The Republican-led General Assembly and then-Gov. Pat McCrory, also a Republican approved HB2 last March in response to the approval of a Charlotte city ordinance expanding nondiscrimination protections. HB2, among other things, canceled that ordinance and prevented other local governments from approving similar protections. While North Carolinas economy continues to improve after the Great Recession, the national fallout over the law has damaged the states brand and caused some companies not to expand in the state. A repeal agreement fell apart in December amid partisan acrimony. Hannah Williamson, attending the rally with others from N.C. State Universitys Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Center, said delays in HB2s repeal are definitely upsetting and are hurting transgender people. Theres a lot of stuff going on that is really not fair to a lot of people, said Williamson, 20, an N.C. State student who identifies herself as queer. The Rev. William Barber, the president of the North Carolina NAACP and the driving force behind the rally, portrayed Trumps election as a right-wing response to recent expansions of equality and justice. Barber used the biblical story of three Hebrew children who refused to bow down to a king at the risk of being thrown into a furnace to urge the crowd to stay strong. Bowing down and standing down is not an option, Barber said. He announced local marches at the offices of North Carolinas congressional delegation later this month and a lobbying day at the Legislative Building in March. Dallas Woodhouse, the executive director of the N.C. Republican Party, said in an email that the agenda supported by the march organizers would create bigger and more expansive government, higher taxes and fewer jobs in North Carolina and does not represent the agenda of most North Carolinians. Republicans have performed well in state elections since 2010, but Barber said the movement made strides in 2016 with Democratic Roy Coopers victory over McCrory and the election of a black judge to the N.C. Supreme Court. A rally speaker announced that the crowd exceeded the total in 2014, when people took up three blocks of Fayetteville Street. Saturdays crowd filled much of the third block as the final marchers arrived. For 33 years, Terry Bailey, an unsung hero, was a seemingly ordinary mailman. Few knew the quiet man who tirelessly delivered their post each day was a former member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of black pilots in the United States Armed Forces. But as Bailey spoke at Mount Zion Baptist Church Saturday, the 91-year-old proudly donned his Red Tails jacket, an emblem of his time with the famed squadron from World War II. It was fantastic and it was exciting, Bailey said of his time as a Tuskegee Airman. I was never afraid, just eager. The handful of attendees sat with rapt attention after having viewed the 2012 film Red Tails, which documents the black pilots sent into air combat in Italy in 1944. Before 1940, black people were barred from flying for the U.S. military, Bailey said, but becoming a pilot was always his dream. In high school, I used to watch the planes go across the sky until they were out of sight, Winston-Salem native Bailey said. I told myself, One day, Im going to fly myself a plane. The opportunity came when Bailey was 18 and stumbled upon an advertisement in the newspaper for the Tuskegee Airmen. Although his parents begged him not to go, he knew it was what he was meant to do, he said. He was sent to Mississippi for testing before he was selected to go to the Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAAF) in Tuskegee, Ala., to learn to fly. Mr. Bailey is being modest. This was the select group of the select group that got to train, Mount Zions Rev. Serenus Churn told the crowd. There were grave misgivings about the mental acuity of African-Americans to be able to fly, so the vetting process was extensive. At the beginning of his training, he had a few close calls, nearly crashing into a B-25 twin-engine bomber plane and once the ground after the plane spun out. But he was eager and a quick learner, he said. Everything you could do with a plane, they made sure we could do it, he said, all the acrobatics. But within two weeks of being certified, World War II had ended. Bailey was told he could stay in the Army, but he could no longer fly, he said. It was a story of disbelief that echoed among the ranks of Tuskegee pilots who returned home. After years of fighting the enemies of World War II, they had never anticipated the battle that waited for them at home. Instead of being welcomed as heroes, the pilots were shunned and stripped of their right to fly. African-Americans were not allowed to become commercial pilots for nearly 20 years afterward, he said. Baileys parents prodded him into going to school at the Hampton Institute where he studied auto mechanics. But in the midst of a racially tense and divided America, he was unable to secure a job as a mechanic, becoming a post office courier in 1952. I was prepared to go overseas, but the war was over, he said. Being a (commercial) pilot was out of the question. The post office was the only place that would hire me. In the years that followed, Bailey never got the chance to become a pilot again, but still has a love of planes. He used to attend the national Tuskegee Airmen reunions 20 years ago, but now less than a third of the 992 certified Tuskegee pilots are still alive, said Bailey, who retired in 1985. But history lives on through the wisdom and stories of those who paved the way for the world today, Churn said. Id heard for years about the courage and tenacity of the Tuskegee Airmen, but I never thought Id have the privilege of meeting a real live hero, Churn said. I think I speak for all of us when I say were very proud of him. Winston-Salem police chased a vehicle in early February on Business 40 and arrested the driver on charges in connection with the stabbing of a man and the assault of a woman. The chase reached speeds in excess of 90 mph with the drivers 2-year-old son reportedly sitting unrestrained in the front seat of the vehicle. Eight days prior to that incident, a police chase that began in Kernersville ended with a stolen car crashing into a building at a produce stand in Winston-Salems Waughtown neighborhood. The cars driver faces charges of felony possession of a stolen vehicle and fleeing to elude police and was also cited for several traffic offenses related to the chase. Kernersville Police Chief Tim Summers said the supervisor on duty Jan. 25 determined that Kernersville polices pursuit into Winston-Salem was justified, and the officer who chased the suspect acted within its policy on vehicle pursuits. No one was hurt in either incident, but the high-profile chases received extensive news coverage in the Triad. The Winston-Salem Police Departments policy for vehicle pursuits states that officers are allowed to pursue someone if officers have a reasonable suspicion that the violator has committed or will commit a violent crime such as murder, rape, armed robbery, kidnapping or a serious assault. Kernersville has a similar policy. Under the WSPDs policy, officers can also pursue suspects who pose an imminent threat of serious injury to a resident or to the officers if the suspect is not apprehended without delay. The policy gives officers authority to pursue anyone suspected of having committed a crime or an infraction. Officers also must consider traffic conditions and pedestrians before deciding to pursue suspects. The decision to start or stop a pursuit of fleeing or eluding motorists weighs the need to apprehend the risks associated with the pursuit, the policy says. After the pursuit ends, the officers field commanders review their pursuits. If necessary, the officers division commander and Professional Standards division commanders review the pursuits. Jeffrey Welty, an associate professor of public law and government at the UNC School of Government, said the police departments policy balances the interests of pursuing criminals and the risks of allowing a suspect to elude capture. As a constitutional matter, a high-speed pursuit that results in the apprehension of a suspect need only be reasonable when comparing the risks of pursuit to the risks of non-pursuit such as letting the suspect get away, Welty said. Police Chief Barry Rountree declined to discuss extensively his agencys vehicle pursuit policy. We review all chases, Rountree said after Wednesdays Public Safety news conference. City Manager Lee Garrity said in an email he agrees with the departments vehicle pursuit policy. (Officers) chase when there is imminent danger that justifies the risk, Garrity said. The officers do not chase for traffic violations, non-violent crimes, etc. On most days, vehicle pursuits of suspects initiated by city police officers are rare events. So far this year, there have been three police chases in the city, according to police statistics. In 2016, there were 14 pursuits that resulted in three crashes. No one was hurt. In 2015, there were 13 pursuits resulting in four crashes, the statistics show. One officer was injured that year. Deaths in North Carolina and nationwide resulting from police chases are rare, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2015, there were 10 deaths in crashes involving officers pursuing suspects in North Carolina, the agencys statistics show. There were 370 deaths in those types of crashes nationally that year. In 2014, there were nine deaths statewide in crashes involving police chases, statistics show. There were 386 deaths nationwide in those type of crashes. Kimya Dennis, an assistant professor of sociology and criminal studies at Salem College, said the police departments vehicle pursuit is similar to pursuit policies of other police agencies throughout the country. The police want it to be a safe chase, Dennis said. They dont want a car crash, and they dont want people to be killed, including the person they are chasing. Most people stop when they see the blue lights, she said. Its rare for people to force a pursuit. At first glance, the police departments policy seems reasonable, said Mark Priano, a spokesman for PursuitSAFETY, a nonprofit organization based in Chino, Calif., which works to reduce deaths and injuries of innocent bystanders and police officers as a result of vehicular police pursuits and response call crashes. But its a discretionary policy and gives officers a lot of authority to chase suspects, Priano said. Its not a restrictive policy, where cops only pursue violent criminals. Fear and panic have gripped Americas immigrant community as reports circulate that federal agents have become newly aggressive under President Donald Trump, who campaigned for office with a vow to create a deportation force. Federal officials insist they have not made fundamental changes in enforcement actions, and they deny stopping people randomly at checkpoints or conducting sweeps of locations where undocumented immigrants are common. But anxiety among immigrants spiked last week after the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency conducted a series of enforcement actions in large metropolitan areas, detaining hundreds of people in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and other cities. Amnesty International USA released a statement Saturday saying reports of the enforcement actions raise grave human rights concerns. Members of the Congressional Hispanic Congress demanded an immediate meeting with Thomas Homan, the acting head of ICE. These raids have struck fear in the hearts of the immigrant community as many fear that President Trumps promised deportation force is now in full-swing, the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Homan. Whats certain is that even if ICE and other officials say this is business as usual, many immigrants find more persuasive the words and actions of President Trump, whose political rise was propelled by anti-immigrant rhetoric, a vow to build a wall on the Mexican border and the promise to deport 3 million criminal aliens. On Jan. 25, five days after taking the oath of office, he issued an executive order titled Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States. Media attention focused on Trumps call for an end to federal funds for sanctuary cities, which do not automatically hand over illegal immigrants who come to the attention of local law enforcement. But the order also expanded the list of deportation priorities to include any noncitizen who is charged with a criminal offense of any kind, or who is suspected of committing criminal acts or being dishonest with immigration officials. The order gives broader leeway to ICE officers in deciding whether someone poses a risk to public safety. For immigrant rights activists, the rules of engagement have clearly changed. Donald Trump has effectively created a way to deport individuals who have been accused, charged or convicted of anything from murder to jaywalking, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA). Fear of being detained or deported could lead many people to avoid going to work, school or to public places in coming days, said Salas. She noted that one person detained by ICE last week had been at his job in a Target store. ICE wants us to believe they have removed a bunch of felons who were just plotting their next crime, said Salas. We know that ICE picked up some collaterals, people who happened to be nearby when officers arrived looking for someone else, and we think what weve just witnessed is how an emboldened ICE will operate. Several undocumented Los Angeles residents told The Washington Post that they did not want to be identified because they fear the Trump administration could use newspaper coverage to craft a list of deportation targets. Under policies crafted during President Barack Obamas second term, priority deportees included people who had been convicted of murder and other violent crimes as well as certain drug offenses and gang involvement. Obamas policies called on ICE officials to avoid detaining, whenever possible, nursing mothers and those with serious medical conditions. ICE last week has put out messages on social media suggesting that the enforcement actions were not part of a major crackdown ordered by Trump. ICE immigration enforcement actions target specific individuals according to the laws passed by Congress, reads a tweet posted Thursday by ICE. ICE spokeswoman Sarah Rodriguez wrote in an email to The Washington Post: ICE does not use checkpoints, nor do we use sweeping raids. We use targeted enforcement actions against specific individuals to make these arrests. Immigration rights activists are hoping to call attention to the actions of ICE while at the same time preventing full-scale panic among people who may be avoiding going to work or riding buses out of fear of being detained. Were not trying to sow hysteria here, so were not reporting rumors, said Elizabeth Alex, a field director in Baltimore County for CASA, an immigrant advocacy group. But it is fair to say we are seeing new tactics across the county. She said ICE agents detained a handful of people after they exited the county courthouse in Towson, Maryland. WASHINGTON Former U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan is recovering from encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, caused by a virus spread by ticks from animals to humans, according to an update Saturday from her doctor and family. Recovery from viral encephalitis varies case by case, with differing symptoms, treatment outcomes, and long-term impact. Encephalitis can inflict long-term brain damage, affecting speech, vision, memory and muscle control. Most cases, though, can be treated quickly and patients are able to fully recover, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The family knows encephalitis recovery is a long process but is pleased with the progress Hagan has made in the last three weeks shes been at the Shepherd Center hospital in Atlanta, said her husband Chip Hagan on Saturday in a statement to McClatchy. The Shepherd Center specializes in spinal cord and brain injuries. The non-profit hospital is recognized as a leader in neurological and neuromuscular research and draws more than half of its patients from out of state, according to its website. Hagans doctor in North Carolina is William Powers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in the neurology department. Chip Hagan said he and his family are grateful for the support and expressions of concern theyve received since Kay Hagan was diagnosed about two months ago. While Hagan is in specialized rehabilitation care, her friends and former colleagues in North Carolina said they are hopeful the vibrant politician, wife and grandmother they know will make a full recovery. The last I heard, she was alert and awake. Shes a very special lady and has always been a fighter, said Walter Dalton, former N.C. lieutenant governor. Hagan, 63, is from Greensboro. Chip and Kay Hagan have three adult children. A former state lawmaker, Hagan occupied a desk beside Dalton on the floor of the N.C. Senate, where Hagan served for 10 years from Guilford County. Before running for office, Hagan was an attorney and a banker. She earned a law degree from Wake Forest. Hagan, whose maiden name is Ruthven, comes from a prominent business and political family in Florida. Her uncle, former U.S. Sen. Lawton Chiles Jr., assisted her campaign. Chiles, a Democrat, also served as governor of Florida. From N.C. state politics, Hagan, a Democrat, went on to be the second woman elected to the U.S. Senate from North Carolina. In 2014, she lost her re-election bid to Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis but stayed in Washington, D.C., as a consultant with the option of working as a Capitol Hill lobbyist with one of the nations most well-known firms, Akin Gump. Hagan has most recently been an Akin Gump public policy adviser for a range of industries, including health care. Researchers estimate around 20,000 cases of encephalitis occur annually in the United States. Recovery is typically long-term. Hagans husband recently connected to a support, advocacy and awareness group founded by an encephalitis survivor in Vancouver, Canada. Wendy Station, president of Encephalitis Global, said she reached out to Chip Hagan and offered him the advice and information thats helped hundreds of others. Most illnesses have a beginning, a middle and an end. Encephalitis does not work that way. After a brain injury, you are recovering for the rest of your life, Station, 61, said in an interview with McClatchy this week. Doctors nearly missed Stations encephalitis in 1999 in a visit to the emergency room with her husband. The staff, she said, thought she had the flu something doctors often mistake the first signs of encephalitis as. Her husband wouldnt leave the hospital, she said, insisting Stations symptoms werent just a common flu. Days before, Station had left her municipal government job early with a severe headache. Her memory was hazy and common activities were confusing, she said. Her temperament suddenly turned grumpy and short-fused. A hospital intern overheard Stations husband explaining her medical issues. Station said the intern was the first to mention encephalitis. They tested me and my life was saved, she said. Station was 44 when she was diagnosed. After being in the hospital for four weeks, she returned home but needed around-the-clock assistance from her parents and family. I looked great. I could walk. I could talk.... But my thoughts just werent working right, she said of recovery. One day at home, still recovering, Station made a cup of coffee for her father. In the kitchen, she couldnt remember which drawer held the spoons. Station first looked in the oven, then the freezer, then headed for the back door to look outside. But her mother intercepted her and showed her the spoon drawer. That was a piece of knowledge I had lost, Station said. That was the first of many, many situations. Slowly, Station has resumed her ability to travel, cook and live mostly independently. But, she said, her personality has changed dramatically since encephalitis and she takes anti-anxiety medicine, of which shes gradually been able to reduce the dosage. You are often left with a chemical imbalance in your brain.... The damage is done, she said. In that way, Station said, encephalitis is often just as hard on loved ones as it is the patient. My family had to get used to the new Wendy ... Wendy 2.0. Hagans support circle is standing close by and her family and friends are rallied around her, said Chris Sgro, who worked on Hagans 2008 Senate campaign and on her staff for 4 years as director of economic development. Bruce Thompson, with Parker Poe law firm in Raleigh, said Hagan is one of the strongest people he knows. Thompson served as legal counsel on Hagans 2008 and 2014 Senate campaigns. Kay Hagan is loved and respected across the political spectrum in North Carolina. She is that special kind of politician who did not change at all when she got to Washington, he said. Others, who have never even met the former senator, are sending well-wishes to Hagans family from across the state. Judith Miller, 62, in Swansboro said Hagans staff had a major impact on her life while Hagan was in office. Hagan helped Miller obtain disability Social Security benefits. It made such a difference to me to know that somebody in Washington really did care, Miller said. She just took such personal interest in my case. Im thinking about her and give her family my love. DURHAM A North Carolina Highway Patrolman shot a 31-year-old man to death Sunday during an "armed confrontation" when he fled following a traffic stop, authorities said. The State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the shooting, which happened at around 1 a.m. Sunday in Durham County. Trooper Jerimy Mathis tried to stop a driver for a lane violation and erratic driving. At first, Willard Eugene Scott Jr., who was black, refused to stop, then ultimately got out of his vehicle and fled on foot, according to the Highway Patrol. Mathis and Scott got into an altercation and Mathis fired his gun, striking Scott, who later died of his injuries at a hospital, the patrol said. Authorities haven't said explicitly that Scott was armed, but the Public Safety Department said in a news release that a handgun found at the scene did not belong to the Highway Patrol. Mathis, who is white, is a 20-year veteran of the patrol. He is on leave while state authorities investigate, which is standard practice. Good for State Treasurer Dale Folwell, who recently persuaded the states debt affordability panel to recommend that the General Assembly begin making annual contributions to a trust fund to benefit the future health-care expenses of retired state employees. The money would address the health-care liability and the smaller current shortfall between what the state is obligated to pay current and future retiree pensions and pension funds its got today, according to The Associated Press. If the recommendation becomes law, the AP reported, the first transfer could be at least $140 million toward the combined unfunded liability of at least $37.8 billion. Given other pressing needs, the legislature may not approve that much. But this is a pressing need, too, and a significant amount should be approved. Winston-Salems Folwell has been beating the drum for this cause for more than a decade. He first filed legislation to set aside contributions in 2006 when he was a state legislator. His first efforts didnt receive much support, but hes kept it alive in some fashion ever since. Its not enough just to say that something needs to be fixed. Somebody actually has to fix it, Folwell told the AP. The contributions face a lot of competition from other needs, such as spending on schools, prisons and courts. But not taking care of the problem now could lead to a crisis point later for workers who have earned these benefits. North Carolina pays for health-care expenses when a retiree incurs them, rather than funding them ahead of time while the retiree is working. Without finances to pay for the benefits, states could be forced to reduce or eliminate some, the AP reported. Folwells not alone in his concern. It is my belief that this unfunded retiree benefit obligation is the biggest issue facing the taxpayers of North Carolina, Sen. Andy Wells, R-Catawba, co-chairman of the Senate pensions and benefits committee, told the AP. State Auditor Beth Wood, a Democrat, also supported Folwells recommendation. But his plan has its skeptics. This is a bold approach that says off the top were going to take a certain amount of money each year to put it toward this liability, Charlie Perusse, Gov. Roy Coopers budget director, told the AP. A committee member, he voted against Folwells recommendation. [Its] not because I dont think this liability is important, but were basically saying this trumps all of those other things. But this is a pressing need that must be balanced with other pressing needs. Folwell also sees potential difficulties with bond-rating agencies if the expenses arent managed, a concern echoed by Auditor Wood. Youre gambling against losing your triple-A bond rating, she told the AP. North Carolina is one of 12 states with the highest grades from all three rating agencies, which keeps interest expenses low, the AP reported. Worst of all, though, would be to ignore the problem, as has happened with too many other issues in our state. A catastrophic data breach. Russian complicity. Blundering institutions. Distrust of government. Reading Edward Jay Epsteins gripping and devastatingly even-handed account of Edward Snowden, How America Lost Its Secrets, provides a Faulknerian reminder, during these days ringing with the same themes, that the past is never dead. Its not even past. Epsteins revelations hit hard and dont stop. Snowden could not have acted alone since he didnt have access to the secret compartments from which he took the most sensitive documents. Vladimir Putin personally authorized Snowdens exfiltration from Hong Kong to Moscow. Snowden turned over to journalists only 58,000 of the 1.7 million documents he touched, the vast bulk of which had nothing to do with domestic surveillance but rather covered Americas overseas spy network, including its most sensitive sources and methods. Epstein struggles to paint a factual portrait of Snowden without it feeling like an ad hominem attack: high school dropout, described by a classmate as having a high-pitched voice, liking the Magic card game, playing fantasy video games, owning two cats and using the online moniker Wolfking Awesomefox. Snowden washed out of Army training in 2004, worked briefly as a security guard at the University of Maryland and then got a job as, of all things, a CIA telecommunications support officer. Two years later, he received an unfavorable evaluation from his superior and was forced to resign. He then went to work for Dell as a National Security Agency contractor in 2009. As a system administrator, he had both the privileges to access vast amounts of data and the mandate to transfer it to backup servers the perfect cover for a whistleblower or a spy. On June 9, 2013, a video of Snowden was posted on the website of the Guardian. Shot in a Hong Kong hotel room, the disclosure begins with My name is Ed Snowden, and goes on to detail how the NSA was spying on U.S. citizens. Snowden comes across as calm, compelling and articulate. Overnight, he became a global celebrity and, to much of the world (including many Americans), the lead standard-bearer for data privacy and personal freedom in the digital age. Most of the public debate since that summer has been over whether Snowden is a hero or a traitor, a whistleblower or a spy. Epsteins answer is both but more spy than whistleblower. And the case he builds, especially in light of disclosures since the U.S. election in November, is damning. Since 9/11, the United States has changed in so many ways that it is already hard to remember the world where we could carry water bottles through airport security and where small-town police departments didnt look like armored cavalry units. But changes like these are only the visible tip of a much bigger, and largely digital, iceberg. In some ways, Snowdens disclosures of NSA surveillance, including a warrant issued under the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act ordering Verizon to turn over all its billing records for 90 days to the NSA, and details of an Internet-monitoring program code-named PRISM, were beneficial. As Epstein writes, the disclosures accomplished a salutary service in alerting both the public and government to the potential danger of a surveillance leviathan and revealed a bureaucratic mission creep that badly needed to be brought under closer oversight by Congress. No rogue operation What Snowden exposed, however, wasnt a rogue operation. It was a series of programs authorized by presidents of both parties and Congress, and approved by no fewer than 15 federal judges. Epstein cites the current NSA director, Adm. Mike Rogers, and numerous others, including former NSA directors Mike McConnell, Michael Hayden and Keith Alexander, and former CIA acting director Michael Morell, laying out the crippling effects of Snowdens revelations: lost capability, impact on our ability to do our mission for the next twenty to thirty years, sources dried up; tactics were changed. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, concluded, I think its an act of treason. The real scoundrel in Epsteins telling is neither Snowden nor the security leviathan he checked; its the muscle-bound bureaucracy of the government and its contractors that allowed this breach to happen in the first place. The 9/11 Commission concluded that one reason U.S. intelligence agencies failed to connect the dots before the 2001 attack was the existence of security-inspired stove-piping between, and within, the agencies. Much of that was stripped away in the following years, perhaps improving coordination, but with the unintended consequence of magnifying the risk of any particular breach, whether by a foreign spy or a disgruntled insider. Whatever his ultimate motives, that Snowden maintained access to government secrets as long as he did was a colossal failure of the system. Five months after being forced out of the CIA, he was working on sensitive systems inside the NSA, first as an employee of Dell and later of Booz Allen Hamilton. Epstein reports that Snowden was able to keep his security clearance because the CIA had instituted a policy several years earlier that allowed voluntarily departing officers to maintain their clearances for two years after leaving. The grace period was intended to make it easier for them to find jobs among defense and intelligence contractors. When his CIA clearance finally expired in February 2011, Snowden applied successfully to renew it. Since 1996, the background investigations required to obtain a clearance had been outsourced to a private firm compensated according to the number of investigations it completed. The picture that emerges is of a self-dealing bureaucracy and a web of private contractors performing core government functions, more akin to Blackwater employees carrying guns and pulling triggers than to contract employees dishing out grits in a mess hall. But the bigger problem is more subtle. Epstein points out a culture clash that will be central to this era of national security policy: libertarian hackers in one corner, animated by a belief that information will be free; privacy advocates in another, convinced that privacy and security are zero-sum; and the national security establishment in a third, united by a conviction that some information is so important that it must remain secret and that secrecy is even possible. The differences in perspective between Washington and Silicon Valley were neatly encapsulated in the recent, bruising debate over encryption technology. The wonks see the world in normative terms: We dont want terrorists to have easy access to encrypted communications, so the government should regulate or outlaw the technology. The geeks, on the other hand, see the world in positive terms: Encryption technology is possible, and therefore people will use it, so the government better learn to live in that world. The challenge arises where these worlds intersect at the nexus of technology, security, privacy and civil liberties where the NSA operates. Will the government, with its salary caps and background checks, be able to compete for the best talent in fields like cybersecurity? And even if it succeeds in hiring and retaining skilled technical talent, can it coexist with a culture of secrecy? Morell makes the point that the NSA had moved in the direction of fostering a culture of openness, reflecting the talent pool from whence its young civilians came: The idea was to spread knowledge and learn from the successes of others, but it created enormous security vulnerability. In this winter of rattled confidence in government, Epsteins welcome reappraisal of the most destructive data breach in the history of U.S. intelligence brings nothing to mind so much as the Roman poet Juvenals timeless question: Who will guard the guards themselves? 02/06/2017 JSU's Zeta Tau Alpha is hosting its 47th annual Big Man On Campus on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 7:30 pm. in the Theron Montgomery Building Auditorium. BMOC is a fun and exciting all male talent show that ZTA hosts each year to raise money for its philanthropy - Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. From the contestants to the audience, BMOC is a blast for all involved! The guys will answer an on stage question, perform a special talent, and strut their stuff as they compete for the crown! Admission to BMOC is $5, but if you wear pink to the event, you will get in for just $3. Last year, BMOC raised over $12,000 for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, and this year, ZTA hopes to raise even more for the cause! Everyone is invited to come out and have fun, wear pink, and support a great cause! For more information, please contact Abbygail Owen at aowen1@stu.jsu.edu. Reddit Email 0 Shares Maan News Agency | BETHLEHEM (Maan) The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) slammed the United States for objecting to a proposal by the United Nations to appoint former Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to head a UN mission, calling the move a case of blatant discrimination on the basis of national identity. After learning of a plan by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appoint Fayyad to lead the UN political mission in Libya, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said on Friday that the US was disappointed, claiming the move showed bias against US ally Israel. For too long the UN has been unfairly biased in favor of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel, Haley said, noting that the US does not recognize a Palestinian state nor does it support the signal this appointment would send to the United Nations. Palestine is a non-member observer state at the UN and its independence has been recognized by 137 of the 193 UN member nations. The United Nations Security Council released a statement on their website on Saturday defending the proposal to appoint Fayyad, saying it was solely based on Mr. Fayyads recognized personal qualities and his competence for that position. United Nations staff serve strictly in their personal capacity. They do not represent any government or country, the statement explained. The UNSC statement also noted that no Israeli and no Palestinian have served in a post of high responsibility at the United Nations. This is a situation that the Secretary-General feels should be corrected, always based on personal merit and competencies of potential candidates for specific posts. It remained unclear whether or not the US objection had ended Fayyads candidacy for the post. Saturday morning, PLO Executive Committee Member Hanan Ashrawi denounced the US attempt to block Fayyads appointment, calling it unconscionable and a case of blatant discrimination on the basis of national identity. It defies logic that the appointment of the most qualified candidate is blocked because it is perceived as detrimental to Israel. It constitutes a blanket license for the exclusion of Palestinians everywhere, Ashrawi said in the written statement. She went on to express hope that saner voices will prevail and that the US will take back this irrational and discriminatory decision immediately and not deprive the UN of such a highly qualified individual. Rather, they should block petty acts of bigotry and vindictiveness and the further victimization of the Palestinian people for the mere fact of their existence. Fayyad served as the Palestinian Authoritys prime minister from 2007-2013. According to UN officials cited by Reuters news agency, Fayyad has the support of 14 Security Council members. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is reportedly set to discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on Wednesday, the same day US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The Israeli government has welcomed Trumps presidency, as right-wing politicians believe they will more easily advance plans to expand Israeli settlements since Trump came forward as a vocal supporter of Israel and expressed opposition to a recently passed UNSC resolution that harshly condemned illegal settlements. However, more recently, Trump has made statements critical of settlements, telling an Israeli newspaper on Friday that, I am not somebody that believes that going forward with these settlements is a good thing for peace. Via Maan News Agency Reddit Email 41 Shares TeleSur The findings of a new U.S.report bolster climate justice movement arguments that transitioning to renewables will not only save the planet but save the economy. The U.S. Department of Energy found that in 2016 solar and wind industries created more electricity generating jobs than coal, oil, and gas combined, despite the fact that renewables still only account for a small fraction of total electricity production. The findings released in last months U.S. Energy and Employment Report bolster the arguments of many in the climate justice movement that a transition away from fossil fuels will not only save the planet but save the economy by generating millions of jobs. The report found that the solar and wind industries including manufacturing, installation, and transmission employed 476,000 workers in the U.S. electricity sector last year, compared to just 187,117 employees in coal, oil, and natural gas electricity generation combined, despite the fact that fossil fuels still account for more than 90 percent of the electricity produced in the country. While solar energy only accounts for 1.3 percent of the U.S. electricity grid, it creates more than twice as many jobs in as the coal industry, which alone accounts for approximately 30 percent of the electricity generated in the U.S. The report suggests that even when it comes to jobs, the Trump administrations priorities are well behind the times. While U.S. president Donald Trump has loudly promised to revive the devastated coal industry by gutting environmental regulations, the solar industry which the president has consistently bashed quietly saw a 25 percent increase in employment in 2016 largely due to the construction related to the significant buildout of new solar generation capacity, the report stated. The report hints at a similar pattern in the manufacturing industry. Both during and after his campaign Trump has trumpeted his plan to revive the U.S. manufacturing industry with bold threats against U.S. car manufacturers who have looked to move production to Mexico. However, in 2016 the report found that almost as many Americans are employed producing energy-efficient products and services as in the automotive sector. There are currently 2.2 million Americans employed in the design, installation, and manufacture of energy efficiency products and services, whereas the entire U.S. automotive industry, including component parts manufacturing, employs just over 2.4 million workers. The energy efficiency industry has a projected growth rate, according to the report, of over 20 percent in both construction and manufacturing related jobs, whereas in the auto sector manufacturing job growth is projected to remain flat. The findings of the report released quietly in January with no response from the Trump white house appears to confirm the conclusions of climate justice activist Naomi Klein, who in her 2016 Leap Manifesto wrote that renewables will not merely light our homes but redistribute wealth, deepen our democracy, [and] strengthen our economy. Via TeleSur Related video added by Juan Cole: Climate State: Now Hiring: The Growth of Americas Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs Reddit Email 105 Shares By Frederic Simon | EurActiv.com | The United States of America. Home of the free. Land of the brave. And, until Donald Trump became president, a beacon of science, research and technology. And Emanuel Macron wants a piece of it. Emmanuel Macron, who emerged this week as the favourite in the French presidential race, made a shock bid to skim the creme of the crop of American scientists. His appeal to US boffins was simple escape alternative fact merchant Trump by moving to France. This is a message for American entrepreneurs, researchers, engineers, working on climate change, Macron says in his video address on social media. I invite you to come to France and join European and French researchers working on climate change here. Because here, you are welcomethis is your nation. That a French politician can say this today with a straight face is in itself incredible. But for many scientists, America is being propelled back to the dark ages. Trump has branded climate change a hoax and a plot by China to weaken the US. He sent a chill down the spines of researchers and scientists by asking them to delete all references to climate change from US governmental websites. Federal agencies like NASA and NOAA have seen their funding cut and have since gone guerrilla, launching alternative Twitter accounts to continue airing the views of independent science. Will the brainboxes heed the call to swap their freedom fries for French fries? Its true, the cheese is much better than the canned goop Yanks splurge into their mouths. But Parisians are not noted for their patience with foreigners mangling their beloved language. Does Macron really believe US researchers will leave en masse to France where top scientists are paid a trifle, and where entrepreneurs and Americans are seen with suspicion as villains and racketeers? And what does Macron gain from making this clarion call during a busy campaign? For sure, his message is meant above all for domestic consumption (which may explain his succulent Franglais). The pull of the American dream remains strong in France where the bureaucracy is legendary and entrepreneurs are burdened by a 3,000 page labour code. As soon as they get the opportunity, successful starter-uppers and engineers are only too happy to pack up for Silicon Valley and leave the Seine behind. As a former Rothschild banker and French economy and finance minister, Macron is only too aware of this. So what is he really saying when he tells US brainboxes I want vous? Something like Ill make France great again! Via EurActiv.com Related video added by Juan Cole: News: Emmanuel Macron offers US scientists new home Democratic Federal Election Commission (FEC) [official website] member Ellen Weintraub [official profile] in a statement [text, PDF] on Friday urged President Donald Trump to present evidence of his claims of extensive voter fraud in New Hampshire. Earlier this week Trump alleged that thousands of voters from Massachusetts had been successful in illegally voting in New Hampshire. Trump further alleged that the voter fraud led himself and Senator Kelly Ayotte [official profile] to lose close races in New Hampshire. Weintraub called the allegation astonishing and noted that if true, the voter fraud would constitute thousands of felony criminal offenses under New Hampshire law. Weintraub further noted the seriousness and specificity of the allegations, urging Trump to share his evidence, so that an investigation can commence. Voter fraud has been a hot button issue of late. Several states have enacted statutes to address the issue, often by setting a stricter requirement for what type of ID is necessary to be allowed to vote. Some have argued [JURIST commentary] however, that having stricter voter ID laws will not improve the integrity of elections. In April 2016 the Arizona Superior Court dismissed [JURIST report] a lawsuit alleging voter fraud during the 2016 primaries. In January the US Supreme Court refused to hear [JURIST report] a lawsuit about a Texas voter ID law, that would limit IDs that could be used to vote to seven specified government issued IDs. On Saturday tech company Oracle [website] appealed the decision [text, PDF] on their lawsuit over Googles use of their software to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit [official website]. Oracle is alleging that Googles Android software violated Oracles copyright, by copying certain code made by Oracle. Oracle lost in the disctrict court, but reasons that the issue should be heard again, as the district court obstructed Oracles case by not letting it present necessary evidence. The district court held that the code used by Google was an allowed fair use under US Copyright law. If Oracle was to succeed in the lawsuit, it could reportedly be worth billions of dollars. Google and Oracle had tried to negotiate a settlement but after the negotiation broke down in 2012 the case was heard [JURIST report] by the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Oracle lost the case [JURIST report] and was ordered to pay $1 million in court costs to Google, following a jury verdict [JURIST report] in favor of Google. The case was later remanded [JURIST report] back to the district court for further consideration of Googles fair use defense, and the court again held for Google. al franken Democratic Sen. Al Franken on Sunday doubled down on a suggestion that some of his Republican colleagues in the Senate are concerned about President Donald Trump's mental health. In an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, host Jake Tapper asked Franken if he was serious when he told HBO's Bill Maher that some of his Republican colleagues "will say [Trump's] not right mentally, and then some are harsher." "Yes," Franken said. "It's not the majority of them. It's a few." The Minnesota senator explained that some Republicans were puzzled and worried by Trump's continued insistence despite no evidence that millions of people voted illegally against him in states like California and New Hampshire. The president asserted last week in a meeting with senators that thousands of out-of-state voters were bused into the state, resulting in his defeat in the state during the 2016 election, a claim that he backed with no evidence. "We all have this suspicion that he lies a lot. He says things that aren't true. That's the same as lying, I guess," Franken said, before noting Trump's voter fraud claims. "'Three million to five million people voted illegally.' There was a new one about people going in from Massachusetts to New Hampshire." He added: "That is not the norm for a president of the United States, or, actually, for a human being." Despite a lack of any corroborating evidence, The Trump administration didn't back down from the president's new voter fraud claims. During a testy interview on Sunday, ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos appeared agitated after repeatedly attempting, and failing, to elicit specific evidence from Trump adviser Stephen Miller to support the president's claims. "Just for the record, you have provided absolutely no evidence," Stephanopoulos said. "The White House has provided enormous evidence," Miller interjected. He continued: "George, it is a fact and you will not deny it, that are massive numbers of non-citizens in this country who are registered to vote. That is a scandal. We should stop the presses and as a country we should be aghast about the fact that you have people who have no right to vote in this country registered to vote, canceling out the franchise of lawful citizens of this country." Story continues al franken Despite his frequent assurances that he is not interested in seeking higher office, Franken's political prospects have become the subject of fascination among many Washington pundits, as he's emerged as a critic of Trump's cabinet nominees and policies. Outlets including the Washington Post and the National Journal last week both published op-eds touting the Minnesota senator's potential strengths in a hypothetical presidential matchup with Trump, citing his history as a comedian and appeal to white voters who backed Trump over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential campaign. Other outlets like CBS News and the New Republic suggested that Franken's viral grilling of Trump's cabinet nominees showed he could be a powerful force in the Democratic party. Many Democratic strategists and staffers have privately speculated about Franken's prospects, but aren't certain of his intentions. It's "way too early," former Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak told Business Insider last week. "I love Al as my senator, but I imagine there will be thousand of boomlets in the next couple years, and about the only thing we should take seriously for the next year is how to stop Trump and win the midterms." NOW WATCH: Trump's Attorney General pick wants access to everyone's phones here's why that's a problem More From Business Insider Mark Cuban US President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday morning to attack billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. "I know Mark Cuban well. He backed me big-time but I wasn't interested in taking all of his calls," Trump tweeted, adding that Cuban is "not smart enough to run for president." Cuban responded with a tweet showing correspondences between Cuban and the Trump campaign where Cuban detailed his reasons for ending his support of Trump. The attack came amid a report from the New York Post, which cited a person close to the White House as saying that the businessman is Trump's "biggest fear" in the 2020 presidential election. The report also singled out Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown and Chris Murphy, as well as Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, as possible opponents to Trump in 2020, but stressed that Cuban posed the biggest perceived threat. "Hes not a typical candidate," a source told the Post. "He appeals to a lot of people the same way Trump did." Cuban regularly criticized Trump's candidacy, becoming a key surrogate for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. After an initial grace period with Trump, he has resumed his criticism with intensity as of late. "I've been crushing POTUS," he wrote on Twitter at the end of January. "He has earned it." NOW WATCH: Barbara Corcoran shares 3 things she's learned from working alongside Mark Cuban on 'Shark Tank' More From Business Insider On Sunday morning, anybody who turned on the political talk shows for their weekly cocktail of angry pushback and dubious facts from representatives of the Trump administration was instead handed a shot glass full of barrel-proof Trumpism. Straight. No Chaser. Whiskey aficionados know that the bottle of 80-proof liquor they buy in the store is really a watered-down version of what comes out of the barrel at the end of the aging process. Barrel-proof whiskey, which approaches 130 proof, isnt for the faint of heart, so distilleries add water to make it more palatable to the average consumer. Related: Looks Like Mexico Will Get a Much Bigger-than-Expected Bill for Trumps Wall Until now, Trumps defenders have been cutting the administrations policy demands with the slick avoidance techniques of presidential counselor Kellyanne Conway, or Vice President Mike Pences patented more-in-sorrow-than-in-anger rebuttals to awkward questions. But Sunday, the administration sent White House Senior Policy Adviser Stephen Miller, the 31-year-old former aide to then-Sen. Jeff Sessions, to appear on four of the five major shows. (CNN is still in the doghouse, apparently.) For those used to other Trump surrogates, Miller cant have gone down easily. Millers default setting appears to be barely suppressed rage coupled with a deep sense of indignation that public reaction to the Trump administrations policies is anything other than immediate and unquestioning acceptance. And in a week where a troubled White House is facing an unusually large number of scandals and embarrassments, he mounted a full-throated defense of virtually everything that came out of the West Wing over the past seven days. What did he think of White House Press Secretary Sean Spicers insistence that the decision by the Nordstrom department store chain to stop carrying the presidents daughters line of clothes and accessories was a direct attack on Trump himself? Story continues I do want to say that Sean Spicer, as always, is 100 percent correct and that what he said is true and important, Miller said. And I agree with it. Related: Trump Finds a New Use for His Bully Pulpit: Protecting the Family Business How about Trumps completely unsubstantiated claim that he lost the state of New Hampshire in the presidential election because of massive and organized voter fraud that involved busing out-of-state voters into the Granite State? On the question of Trumps claims of widespread voter fraud, he said, Im prepared to go on any show, anywhere, anytime, and repeat it and say the President of the United States is correct 100 percent. On New Hampshire in particular, Miller went even further, claiming that the issue of busing voters into New Hampshire is widely known by anyone whos worked in New Hampshire politics. It's very real. Its very serious. The claim left ABC host George Stephanopoulos practically agog in surprise, but he still managed to point out several times that Miller refused, when asked, to offer even a shred of hard evidence that the claim was true. Related: Trump the Populist Is Trying to Hobble a Champion of the Little Guy Miller seemed particularly angry about the decision by a panel of federal judges in California to uphold an order blocking enforcement of the presidents executive order banning refugees and the citizens of seven majority Muslim countries from entering the US. He accused the judges, much as Trump had a few days earlier, of usurping presidential power. (And, in the process, accused them of believing the US should have no border controls at all.) The presidents powers here are beyond question, he insisted on Fox News. There is no constitutional right for a citizen in a foreign country...to demand entry into our country, he said on ABC. Such a right cannot exist. Such a right will never exist. This is an ideological disagreement between those who believe we should have borders and should have controls and those who believe there should be no borders and no controls. On CBS, he declined to specify the administrations strategy going forward, but promised, The end result of this though is that our opponents, the media, and the whole world will see as we begin to take further actions that the powers of the President to protect our country are very substantial and will not be questioned. Related: Appeals Court Rules Against Trump on Travel Ban One issue Miller flatly refused to discuss was the report that National Security Adviser Michael Flynn discussed lifting US sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador before the Trump administration took office and that he misled Pence when he was asked about it. If the allegations are true -- both with regard to discussing sanctions with Russia and misleading the vice president -- there is much speculation that Flynn would have to be fired. There's no information that I have as a policy director for this White House to contribute any new information to this story this morning, he said on ABC. However, he was not reluctant to claim that the chaotic first weeks of the Trump administration have been a huge, even historic, success. The President of the United States has accomplished more in just a few weeks than many Presidents do in an entire administration, he insisted. Related: Trump Plays the Fear Card as He Badgers Judges for Their Vote How members of the public will react to Miller seething at them through their television screens will remain to be seen. But Miller didnt need to wait to find out how the single most important member of his audience felt about his performance Sunday. Congratulations Stephen Miller- on representing me this morning on the various Sunday morning shows. Great job! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2017 Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Nunavut's capital city, Iqaluit, is seen from a distance on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. After leaving Nunavut, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will continue his two day trip to the North as he travels to Yellowknife, N.W.T., for a town hall meeting. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form (Adds Trump tweet, Cato Institute fellow, paragraphs 14, 20) By Doina Chiacu and Julia Harte WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - A White House official on Sunday attacked a U.S. court ruling that blocked President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration as a "judicial usurpation of power" and said the administration was considering a range of options, including a new order. Sustained criticism of the judiciary from the White House comes amid concern among Democrats and legal scholars over Trump's view of the constitutional principle of judicial independence as the administration seeks to overcome legal setbacks to its travel ban issued on Jan. 27. It has also become the backdrop against which U.S. senators consider Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, for a lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court. The Republican president said on Friday that he may issue a new executive order rather than go through lengthy court challenges to the original one, which temporarily barred entry to the United States of people from seven Muslim-majority countries. "We have multiple options and we are considering all of them," White House senior policy adviser Stephen Miller said on ABC's "This Week." Miller sharply criticized the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on Thursday that upheld a Seattle federal judge's suspension of Trump's executive order. He accused the San Francisco-based court of having a history of overreaching and of being overturned. "This is a judicial usurpation of power," he said on "Fox News Sunday." "The president's powers here are beyond question." The Trump administration has defended the travel ban on grounds it will prevent potential terrorists from entering the country, although no acts of terrorism have been perpetrated on U.S. soil by citizens of the targeted countries. The ban's announcement, late on a Friday, sparked a weekend of confusion at airports around the globe and within the federal agencies charged with enforcing it. It also triggered widespread protests and legal challenges. Story continues Aware that a new executive order would allow critics to declare victory against the travel ban, the White House has deflected blame and intensified its criticism of the judiciary. "I think it's been an important reminder to all Americans that we have a judiciary that has taken far too much power and become in many cases a supreme branch of government," Miller said on CBS' "Face the Nation." "One unelected judge in Seattle cannot make laws for the entire country. I mean this is just crazy," he said. Miller's performance on several Sunday news shows won a plaudit on Twitter from Trump, who has himself attacked individual judges and called the courts "so political." "Great job!" Trump tweeted. ATTACKS CONDEMNED Gorsuch condemned the attacks on the judiciary as "disheartening" in private meetings last week with a number of U.S. senators, who pressed the judge to go public. Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist, confirmed the conversations. Legal experts said the Trump administration statements could undermine respect for the constitutional division of powers. Cornell University law professor Jens David Ohlin said that accusing the judiciary of usurping the president's powers demonstrated "an absurd lack of appreciation for the separation of powers." "Miller is coming dangerously close to reviving a discredited and dangerous theory that each branch of government, including the president, has independent authority to decide what the law and Constitution mean," Ohlin said in an interview on Sunday. "In our system of government, the commander in chief executes the laws, but it is the judiciary which interprets both the laws and statutes passed by Congress and the Constitution. That's their solemn duty," he added. Ilya Shapiro, a senior fellow in constitutional studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, said Trump's remarks could diminish popular respect for institutions of law and order by making Americans think "the government's a joke, that you don't have to follow what judges say." Immigration laws give the U.S. president broad powers to restrict who enters the country on national security grounds. But the same laws forbid discrimination based on race, sex, nationality or place of birth or residence. The case also could involve First Amendment protections involving religion. Trump's executive order banned entry into the United States to refugees and citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, except refugees from Syria, who were banned indefinitely. Options for the administration include formulating a new executive action, appealing the 9th Circuit panel's decision to the full appeals court and appealing the emergency stay to the U.S. Supreme Court, Miller said. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Julia Harte; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Alan Crosby and Peter Cooney) Still Standing: Four the Moments legacy honoured at Nova Scotia Music Week When a quartet of Halifax women began singing together a cappella in the name of social justice in 1982, there was little in the way of a music industry at play in Atlantic Canada. And even if there had been, its likely that Four the Moment would ... Richard Harman writes: Prime Minister Bill Englishs Waitangi Day gamble appears to have paid off. His decision not to go to Waitangi itself left him open to criticism that it was the responsibility of the Prime Minister to be at Waitangi whether the mood there was good or bad as Labour Leader Andrew Little put it Yet Little himself has said he now wont go, due to the media ban. Little has been all over the place on this. On the same day where he conceded he would not attend in future (if ban not lifted), he had an op ed appear attacking Bill English for not attending. Own goal. All of this made Labours complaints about the Prime Minister not being there look a little lame. Indeed, privately, Labour MPs at Waitangi, said it might have been better if the party had also reserved its position about attending and left the option open of walking out of Te Tii. Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare said his grandfather, Sir James Henare, a Tai Tokerau leader, had long regarded the Te Tii Marae as trouble and had therefore refused ever to visit it. Little ended up saying that if the media ban were still in place year, Labour would not attend. A pretty bad weekend for Little with his position on Waitangi becoming ridiculous and the backlash to his handpicked Willie Jackson candidature. Meanwhile Bill English got a great reception at Orakei Marae: But in two speeches at Ngati Whatuas Orakei Marae he set out the Governments commitment to the Treaty partnership in one of his most fluent and relaxed presentations since assuming the Prime Ministership last December. And he also had a no drama call with the President of the United States. Englishs decision to bypass Waitangi turned out to be incredibly well judged. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr (Adds CNR declining to comment) ABIDJAN, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Workers at Canadian Natural Resources' (CNR) Baobab and Espoir oil and gas fields in Ivory Coast launched a 72-hour strike early on Wednesday over employment conditions, the head of their union said. "There's no gas coming from any of CNR's platforms now, and that represents around 30 percent of Ivorian production," Imrana Konate, secretary-general of the SISPOO union, told Reuters. "We've said it would be 72 hours, but it depends on progress in discussions with the ministry and company." A CNR representative said the company had no comment to make concerning the strike. The company's Ivory Coast operations produce around 70 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, which is critical for supplying the West African nation's gas-fired power plants. It also pumps between 40,000 and 45,000 barrels per day of crude, mainly for export. SISPOO is demanding that CNR integrate contract employees hired via third-party companies into its workforce. (Reporting by Joe Bavier; editing by Louise Heavens and Jason Neely) Installation view of "Youth." / Courtesy of D Museum By Kwon Mee-yoo An exhibition at the D Museum in Hannam-dong, eastern Seoul, centers on youth, the awkward yet brilliant time of one's life. "Youth is something that everyone experiences and passes by. That's why adolescence is so innocent, passionate and brave," D Museum's curator said. The exhibit, featuring some 240 works including photographs, videos and installations, is divided into two sections and sheds light on the multifaceted emotions of youth. Works on the first floor explore the darker, rebellious side of youth, dating back to the 1950s. "Youth exists throughout human history, but the youth culture as a subculture began after the World War II in England. The youngsters in the upheaval of the society developed their own culture," the curator said. "The youngsters, colliding with social norms, created a unique culture bursting with energy. It carried over to Germany when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989." British photographer Roger Mayne took pictures of children and teenagers of London in the 1950s and '60s, which documented the birth of youth subculture such as hippies. Derek Ridgers is the next generation's photographer who captured various styles of British subcultures such as punks, fetishists, teddy boys, mods and goths since the late '70s. Ryan Garshell is a skateboarder and videographer whose works explore skateboard culture as an insider. It is interesting to see similarities and differences among the youth culture in each country. Russian designer and photographer Gosha Rubchinskiy captures the Russian youth culture developed amid the collapse of the Soviet Union. American artists Dash Snow, who died of a drug overdose at the age of 27 in 2009, took instant photos during parties studded with sex, drugs and violence. Doug DuBois' "My Last Day at Seventeen" series carries portraits of teenagers in Ireland coming of age. Korean artist Lee Kwang-kee's neon signs reading "Your child is only lovely in your eyes" and the music of Swedish rapper Yung Lean, who earned fame through YouTube videos "Ginseng Strip" and "Hurt," spice up the exhibit venue adorned as a club. While the first floor features more daring and defiant works, the second floor is closer to the traditional white cube gallery aesthetic. However, the walls are covered with Ryan McGinley's "Yearbook," a photographic installation of 500 nude portraits of artists taken by McGinley. Also on display is his nude against the backdrop of fantasy-like landscape series inspired by the Hudson River School. Paolo Raeli's photographs makes dull everyday moments shine as he captures his close friends spontaneously. Andrew Lyman's "Chris and Sarah" series show everyday life of an ordinary couple. The use of moving images among photos is an example of how artists employ technology. His other series "Southern Comfort" is displayed in various sizes and shapes of frames, as if over a family's fireplace. Paul Franco's film "FASTbeat" features an interview with fashion brand Vetements' designer Demna Gvasalia, depicting the life and sensibility of youth in this rapidly changing world. The exhibit runs through May 28. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org or call 02-796-8166. By Park Jae-hyuk A growing number of Korean businesses are experiencing the China's economic retaliation over the deployment of a U.S. anti-missile defense system here, a recent survey by the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business (K-Biz) showed Sunday. Up to 26 percent of 300 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) indicated in a recent K-Biz study that they have suffered Beijing's protectionist measures, after Seoul's decision to deploy the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery. Considering the ratio was a mere 5.3 percent before the announcement of the THAAD installment here midway through last year, observers point out that the latest data would refute the Seoul administration's official denial of China's economic retaliations. For example, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has claimed China's recent import bans on Korean cosmetics and groceries were just a matter of inadequate documents, not for political reasons. U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on North Korea accompanied by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., Saturday. North Korea fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to Trump. / Reuters-Yonhap Trump, Abe slam Pyongyang's provocation By Jun Ji-hye North Korea fired a ballistic missile into waters off its east coast Sunday, the first provocation since the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The JCS said the missile was believed to be an ungraded version of the Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), considering its speed. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is currently visiting the U.S., condemned the North's missile launch in a hurriedly arranged joint news conference with Trump hours after the surprise provocation. Trump said he fully sides with Abe in condemnation of the North, but fell short of disclosing how he would react to the North's provocations. The South Korean government also strongly criticized the launch, calling it an "explicit and clear" violation of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions banning tests that can contribute to the advancement of nuclear weapon delivery capabilities. The North's latest provocation is expected to provide a boost to the Trump government's hard-line stance toward the reclusive state and to the planned deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile battery on South Korean soil, scheduled for this year. "North Korea fired the missile from the area of Banghyon air base in Kusong, North Pyongan Province," a JCS official said on condition of anonymity. "The missile was presumed to have reached an altitude of about 550 kilometers and flew about 500 kilometers before landing in the East Sea." The official said military authorities of South Korea and the U.S. presumed the missile to be an improved version of the Musudan, saying there is the possibility the North used a solid-fuel engine this time. The solid-fuel engine poses a greater threat, compared to the liquid-fuel engine, as its fueling would require less time, making it harder to detect a rocket launch in advance. "Last year, the North failed in its Musudan firings many times, so we see the possibility that it could have applied a new technology to the latest launch," he said. Pyongyang fired a total of eight Musudan missiles last year, with only one flying some 400 kilometers. Most of the other missiles exploded right after takeoff. The Musudan has a maximum range of 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers, which is enough to strike U.S. military bases in Guam. The North has heavily relied on liquid fuel for its ballistic missiles so far, but last March it claimed to have successfully tested a solid-fuel rocket engine. At the time, its leader Kim Jong-un said the test would help boost the country's ballistic missile capability. Pyongyang used the solid-fuel engine to test-fire a submarine-launched ballistic missile in August. "South Korea and the U.S. are currently conducting detailed analysis," the official said. The JCS said the isolated state apparently attempted to explore the new U.S. administration's direction of policy related to North Korea by carrying out the military provocation. "The provocation was also probably designed to give a message to the international community that the UNSC resolutions are not working to stop its nuclear and missile program," the official said. The military has been closely monitoring any new activities in the North since its leader claimed in his New Year's Day address that Pyongyang has entered the final stage of preparations to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), in an apparent threat that the North is close to making a nuclear-tipped missile capable of striking targets on the U.S. mainland. Experts have mostly assessed that the North still has a lot of work to do in developing an operational ICBM as its progress in reentry vehicle capability and engine performance remain dubious. Military authorities here have raised the possibility for Pyongyang to launch a Musudan instead of an ICBM if it decided to conduct any provocations. They said any launch will probably be aimed at mastering know-how linked to the Musudan, including the stability of its engine, as part of efforts to advance its ICBM capability. The North's latest launch was detected by an Aegis destroyer of the South Korean Navy and the anti-ballistic missile early warning radar system, the JCS said. Soon after the launch, Kim Kwan-jin, chief of the National Security Council (NSC), convened a session of the Standing Committee of the NSC at the presidential office, during which the government decided to formulate a "strong response" in close cooperation with the international community. After the session, Kim held a phone conversation with his U.S. counterpart Mike Flynn to discuss the North's latest saber-rattling and agreed to explore "all possible ways" to curb Pyongyang's additional provocations. The U.S. Strategic Command also confirmed the North's launch, saying it detected and tracked what appears to be either a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile. Trump cautious about reaction to NK Trump and Abe spoke with one voice, criticizing the North's provocation, at their joint news conference at the former's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Abe denounced the missile launch as "absolutely intolerable" and urged the Kim regime to comply with all UNSC resolutions. He added that he and Trump agreed to promote further collaboration and reinforce the alliance. In response, Trump said, "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." Trump, however, did not make any more comments on how he would react to the North's provocations. After their summit at the White House, Friday, Trump said the two sides agreed to work closely together to cope with the nuclear and missile threats from the North, stressing that defending against the North's threats is a "very very high priority." Some observers say the North's latest provocation may lend weight to the ongoing argument in South Korea as well as in the U.S. on a preemptive strike option against the repressive state. The militaries of Seoul and Washington used to keep a cautious attitude on the option as it could bring about a full-scale war, but such an argument has been frequently mentioned since the North's unpredictable young leader ratcheted up military tensions through his New Year's Day message. In a written answer to questions from Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), Feb. 8, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he would formulate "a new approach to proactively address" threats from the North while keeping all options on the table, including the threat of military force. The previous day, U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. Vincent Brooks also called for boosting capabilities to strike the North during a teleconference hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army in Washington. A man watches a TV news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. The letters read "The ruling and the opposition parties denounce North Korea's missile launch." / AP-Yonhap North Korea on Sunday fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea in show of force against the Donald Trump government's hard-line stance toward the communist state, the South Korean military said. It is the first test-firing of a North Korean missile since Trump became U.S. president on Jan. 20., and the country's first major provocation in 2017. "The missile launch is a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions. It is aimed at drawing attention from the international community, and showing off its nuclear and missile capabilities in protest against the new U.S. government," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a text message. The JCS, however, said the latest missile did not appear to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. The projectile, presumed to be an intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile or a mid-range Rodong missile, flew about 500 kilometers before splashing into its eastern sea after being launched around 7:55 a.m. from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan Province, the JCS said. The relative short range has local experts speculating the projectile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an ICBM. "Seoul and Washington are conducting a joint analysis on additional information to determine if the missile is a modified Musudan missile or the shorter range Rodong missile," it said. The missile's flight distance of 500 km is shorter than the Musudan's estimated range of around 3,000 km. The Banghyon air base is the same place where North Korea test-fired Musudan missiles on Oct. 15 and 20. Last year, the North tested a total of eight Musudan missiles believed to be capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam. In the one "successful" Musudan launch to date, the missile flew some 400 km, well short of its maximum range, but the flight distance was because the North fired the missile at a high angle in order to avoid breaching Japan's airspace. Back then, the Pentagon confirmed after the launch that the missile reached an altitude exceeding 1,000 kilometers. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said in his annual New Year's address that the country's preparations for launching an ICBM have "reached the final stage." The remark was seen as an apparent threat that Pyongyang was close to acquiring the know-how to strike the continental United States. In response to the ICBM threat, Trump pledged last month to stop the North from mastering such ICBM capabilities, saying that the North's development of a nuclear missile capable of striking the U.S. "won't happen," though he didn't say how he would prevent it. There were earlier reports that the North had placed two unidentified missiles on mobile launchers for apparent test-firing. Meanwhile, the Japanese government confirmed the North's missile test and South Korea's presidential office called a national security meeting. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga reportedly said the missile launched by Pyongyang didn't hit Japanese waters. South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said at a meeting convened in Seoul that the country will make a "corresponding" response to punish Pyongyang for its latest missile launch in tandem with the international community. (Yonhap) Thai PM to offer designated industrial estate' for Korean investors This is the third in a series of interviews with leaders of ASEAN and its member states to highlight the importance of strengthening relations with the 10-member bloc following the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). ED. By Kim Jae-kyoung Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha SINGAPORE Hallyu or the Korean wave has played a critical role in bringing Koreans and Thais and other Asian people together, according to Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He said hallyu has emerged as a role model of culture becoming an engine of growth and an enabler of socioeconomic development among nations across Asia. "What Korea has done with the Korean wave is very impressive and has become a model for many countries in Asia," Prayut said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. He said in Thailand, the effect has been so extensive that hallyu is affecting Thai people's daily lives in many areas ranging from culture and academia to politics. "We watch Korean dramas and eat Korean food almost as often as we do Thai. This means our people have been brought much closer," he said. "Coming back to activities in academic circles, I think language is the foundation. Recently there have been a lot of Thai students studying Korean and vice versa. More students and academia exchange programs should be initiated from both sides." Prayut, who took power in a 2014 coup, hopes improved bilateral relations in cultural and academic fields initiated by hallyu will translate into bolstering cooperation in the political arena. "In political circles, we have seen more visits of high levels from Korea. With this momentum, our cooperation will be broadened in the very near future," he said. Known as a fan of Korean dramas, the military general-turned-prime minister said Koreans are good at displaying Asian people's common values in dramas. "In my view, Korean drama has done a lot of research. It is so popular because it brings the shared values and merits of all," he said. "These values are also the core values of Thai society and define who we are." He cited "Descendants of the Sun" as a prime example. The mega-hit military romance drama, which features top Korean actor Song Joong-ki and actress Song Hye-kyo, has been sold to over 30 countries, including Thailand, Singapore and the United States. "That is the reason why I particularly admire Descendants of the Sun' because not only it tells a love story, but it also instills senses of patriotism, self-sacrifice, and citizenship rights and responsibilities, which are very relevant to our society at this point in time," he said. By Kim Jae-kyoung SINGAPORE _ At a time of uncertainty in the global environment, a growing number of Korean companies are looking to develop new markets in Southeast Asia. Their moves came as Chinese economy is losing growth momentum and United States President Donald Trump is employing an America first policy on trade scaring away key trading partners. In particular, with China's restrictions on K-pop and K-drama over Seoul's decision to deploy an advanced U.S. missile defense system, Korea's consumer goods manufacturers are speeding up their forays into ASEAN markets. Among them, Thailand is considered one of the attractive markets for Korean players both in its economic size and geographical location. With GDP of $409.7 billion and population of 68.98 million, Thailand is ASEAN's second-largest economy behind Indonesia. The middle class has been on the steady rise, accounting for 25.6 percent of its total population. Thailand is a production hub of automobiles and electronics goods in the region. It takes up around 50 percent of automobile production in Southeast Asia. In August, POSCO opened an automotive steel plate plant in Thailand with annual production capacity of 450,000 tons. It will provide plates for automakers, such as Toyota and Ford, operating there. In addition, the country is the epicenter of popularity of hallyu or the Korean Wave in the region, with K-pop and K-drama continuing to gain popularity among Thai people. Capitalizing on the popularity of hallyu, more and more Korean food companies and cosmetics manufacturers, such as AmorePacific, are exapanding foothold in Thailand. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, left, shakes hands with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha prior to a Korea-Thailand summit in Bangkok on Oct. 11, 2016. They agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, education and personnel exchanges. / Courtesy of Prime Minister's Office Seoul advised to play key role in AEC integration through in-kind contribution By Kim Jae-kyoung SINGAPORE ASEAN or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will be one of the most promising markets in the coming decade on the back of robust economic growth and huge development opportunities. Following the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) a year ago, the competition is heating up to get the upper hand in the 10-member bloc Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Japan has already been a massive player in the region and China is clearly ramping up efforts to build relationships there. More nations from Europe and other regions are expected to join as they are looking for new partners in the era of Donald Trump's protectionism. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that bolstering strategic cooperation with Thailand will pave the way for South Korea to make inroads into ASEAN markets, particularly the four underdeveloped countries, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV). "I hope that you will use Thailand as your gateway to ASEAN," he said in a recent interview. "Most importantly, I do hope that you will see Thailand as your vital partner to serve vibrant CLMV markets." "Thailand's geographical location with most of its borders connected to neighboring countries as well as strong economic fundamentals and political stability could serve as a dynamic gateway for trade between ASEAN nations and CLMV countries and a hub for the global value chain." He also said that Korea can capitalize on Thailand's geographical advantage to reach untapped large markets in the northeast of India and in the south of China by land through Thailand The military general-turned-prime minister said that South Korea, as ASEAN's fifth largest trade partner, can play an important role in economic integration of ASEAN by sharing its knowledge and experience in economic developments. "Korea could play the role of an in-kind contributor for ASEAN economic integration by enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest and complementary advantages," he said. He believes that the two sides can seek cooperation in areas such as the information and communications technology, electronics, automobile, shipbuilding and human resource development through quality education, upgrading of skills and capabilities and training. "Korea's experience of innovation-led rapid growth will provide extensive knowledge and further deepen ASEAN and Korea friendship and cooperation," he said. Moreover, he stressed that the free trade agreement (FTA) is one of the important driving factors for the development of bilateral economic relations. "In this connection, Thailand will continue to work constructively with Korea on further liberalization of goods under the ASEAN-Korea FTA as well as the conclusion of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement in the near future," he said. The following is an excerpt from the interview. Q: The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) made its debut at the end of 2015. What are the implications of the AEC launch for Thailand? A: The AEC is in fact a continuing process, with a number of economic developments throughout different periods. Back in the year 1992, the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) was initiated by Thailand with the aim to reduce and/or eliminate import tariffs among ASEAN member states, to lower trade barriers, as well as to facilitate trade and investment. Therefore, ASEAN economic integration has taken place over a few decades. Apart from the reduction and elimination of import tariffs, ASEAN has implemented over 500 AEC Blueprint measures in order to establish the AEC as a single market with a free flow of goods, capital and skilled labor across borders in ASEAN countries. The 10-member bloc pursues progressive liberalization of trade in services and cooperation in creating an economic environment that supports business operations and small- and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) capacity with access to finance, innovations, and technology. With regard to changes in the daily life of people, consumers have been provided with a greater variety of choices of products and various qualified services with better prices. Market competition will be enhanced due to imports of products from various sources. In addition, consumers will be more protected by ASEAN products and services in compliance with ASEAN cooperation on consumer protection. Ned Forney, holds up a photograph of himself, Dr. Hyun Bong-hak, and his son Ben Forney at his grandfather Colonel Edward H. Forney's gravesite at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, in 2000. Hyun worked with Col. Forney in the Heungnam Evacuation during the Korean War (1950-1953). / Courtesy of Ned Forney By Kim Bo-eun Ned Forney's story is not the typical depiction of a grandfather, who served as a heroic colonel of the U.S. Marine Corps here during the Korean War (1950-1953). Forney, 53, did not grow up hearing about the extraordinary tales of his grandfather commanding forces during war in fact, he knew little about him. Not only did Colonel Edward H. Forney die when his grandson was two years old; the family just didn't talk much about him. An impromptu meeting in Seoul in 1998 became a life-changing event for Forney. As a high school history teacher in the United States, he was accepted for a program offered by the Korean Society, a U.S.-based non-profit organization promoting bilateral exchange. When Forney arrived in Seoul, he was contacted by Dr. Hyun Bong-hak, who is recognized here for his contributions as a doctor during the Korean War. Hyun had worked closely with Col. Forney, and after losing contact with him, had sought for decades to find connections to his family. The late Forney passed away in 1965. Through Hyun, Forney learned about the Heungnam Evacuation, in which U.S. and Korean troops pulled out of North Korea's then-eastern coastal province to escape Chinese forces that joined in the war in December 1950. At the time, Hyun and Col. Forney led some 14,000 refugees to the South which is depicted in a scene in the 2014 box-office hit "Ode to My Father." Col. Forney served as advisor to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959 and then went back to his home country. After Forney returned to the U.S., Hyun paid a visit, for a KBS documentary titled "Hyun Bong-hak, the Korean Schindler." Forney, his son and Hyun met at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where Col. Forney is buried, for the filming. Hyun passed away in 2007. Forney returned to teaching, but in 2015 came back to start writing a book on his grandfather, Hyun and the Heungnam Evacuation. With help from the Korean government and a local church, he has interviewed 26 surviving refugees, who have relayed tearful memories of the event. "They have told me amazing, heartbreaking stories of leaving their families behind," Forney said in an interview in downtown Seoul, Tuesday. Forney acknowledges the reality of the publishing market, which is why he aims to put together a captivating and accurate compilation. "People do not buy books about the Korean War they are not interested," he said. "However, I have a huge task, obligation and commitment to Dr. Hyun, my grandfather, the people who served and the refugees, to tell this story and to tell it well." "The book's theme is the Korean-American friendship, not only between two men, between the families but also between the two countries," he added. Also as a high school history teacher of 25 years, Forney stresses the importance of knowing about one's history. "Your family's history is part of your history, your community's history, your country's history which is something I have always told my students," he said. Forney lives in Korea with his wife and son. His son, Ben, 29, who also developed an interest in Korea, earned a Korean language certificate from Yonsei University and a master's degree from Seoul National University and currently works at the Asan Policy Institute on North Korean issues. When he is not researching and writing, Forney enjoys going out to eat Korean food, hiking and biking in the city. "I love Korea, its people and its culture and Seoul's energy," he said. Forney, who is originally from Charleston, South Carolina, says he would be happy to stay in Korea, hoping to find a teaching position after he publishes his book next year in the U.S. By Lee Kyung-min Lee Jae-yong The independent counsel team said Sunday it will summon Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong again today over bribery allegations involving the Choi Soon-sil scandal. The team asked Lee and two other executives, Park Sang-Jin and Hwang Sung-soo, to appear at the team's office in southern Seoul at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively. "We have conducted further investigation into Lee over the past three weeks, and we deem it necessary to question him about an allegation that was uncovered so far," said Lee Kyu-chul, the team's spokesman, during a press briefing. The second summons of the Samsung heir comes three weeks after he avoided arrest. The Seoul Central District Court rejected the team's request to issue an arrest warrant on Jan. 19. The summons comes amid the intensifying conflict between the team and Cheong Wa Dae over the face-to-face questioning of Park. The team was set to conduct the questioning inside Cheong Wa Dae late last week, honoring her wish to avoid the public spectacle of a sitting President being summoned as part of a criminal investigation. However, the President abruptly canceled at the last minute saying the team was at fault for leaking specifics about the questioning schedule to the media, an accusation denied by the team. The prospect of face-to-face questioning of the President remains uncertain, as no specifics have since been discussed with Cheong Wa Dae, the team said. The communication channel between the team and the Presidential office remains closed, it added. Depending on the outcome of Lee's questioning, the team will decide whether to seek another arrest warrant for him this week. The team has stepped up efforts to secure evidence to corroborate bribery allegations involving President Park Geun-hye and Samsung by searching the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) as well as questioning Samsung executives. The team believes President Park exerted undue influence with the FTC to help Samsung by trying to enact a pro-business law, which later failed to materialize. The team has been looking into an allegation that that Cheong Wa Dae spared Samsung from newly strengthened FTC scrutiny in 2015. While the financial watchdog initially ordered Samsung SDI to sell off 10 million shares of the Samsung C&T, as part of the strengthened cross-shareholding guideline, it later allowed the group to sell off only half the amount 5 million shares. The allegation so far has been that President Park exercised undue influence with the National Pension Service (NPS) for it to vote for a controversial merger of two Samsung Group's affiliates Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries in exchange for the group's financial support of Choi Soon-sil's daughter Chung Yoo-ra, a dressage competitor. The merger was crucial for Lee to cement himself as the group's heir apparent amid his father's years-long hospitalization. Left: Protesters call for the Constitutional Court to make a swift ruling on President Park Geun-hye's impeachment at a rally in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, Saturday. Right: Members of pro-Park conservative groups call for Park's impeachment to be nullified at Seoul Plaza in central Seoul, Sunday. / Yonhap By Kim Bo-eun This year's largest protests took place Saturday, as the masses gathered in central Seoul to support or fight President Park Geun-hye's impeachment. Despite the bitter cold, with temperatures falling to minus 6 degrees Celsius, protesters set out to make their voices heard, as the Constitutional Court's ruling on Park's impeachment approaches. Participants in support of the impeachment demanded the ruling be made by the end of this month. They also called for the independent counsel investigating the scandal involving Park and her confidant Choi Soon-sil to file for an extension of its probe, as its investigation period is set to expire at the end of this month. "Park is attempting to wait out the counsel team's investigation conclusions on Feb. 28, and the retirement of Justice Lee Jung-mi on March 13, with hopes that the impeachment will be rejected," said Kim Kyung-ja, vice-chairperson of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). The Constitutional Court needs at least seven judges to take part in the ruling and six of them need to support the impeachment for it to be accepted. However, the panel, which originally consists of nine members, is currently down to eight after former court president Park Han-chul retired last month, and the court's acting president, Justice Lee Jung-mi, will retire on March 13. This is why voices are calling for the ruling to be made before Lee's retirement, as with only seven judges, there will be a higher likelihood of the impeachment being rejected. Organizers of the weekly Saturday protests estimated around 750,000 people took part in the rally in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, and over 800,000 nationwide. Meanwhile, at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, pro-Park protesters gathered calling for the impeachment to be rejected, and the counsel team to be disbanded. "The candlelit rallies only represent the hopes of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)," said Chung Kwan-young, head of pro-Park group Park Sa Mo, accusing the opposition's support of the protests as politically motivated. The opposition's presidential race frontrunner Moon Jae-in, former DPK chairman, attended Saturday's protest. Saenuri Party lawmakers including Rep. Kim Jin-tae also attended the counter-protest. Pro-Park groups claimed 2.1 million gathered for their protest, but the figure has been exaggerated, as Seoul Plaza cannot accommodate such a large number. Police mobilized 15,600 officers to the scene to prevent possible collisions between the opposing sides. Pro-Park rally participants reportedly hit a reporter in the face with their fists and flag poles, for taking a video of them. Saturday's rally marked the 15th consecutive weekly one since the first began on Oct. 29, after the influence-peddling scandal erupted. The scale of the rallies is expected to grow this month, as the Constitutional Court's ruling nears. Moon Jae-in By Kim Hyo-jin South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung, an emerging contender from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is challenging the leading position of former party leader Moon Jae-in in the primary race for the presidency. DPK lawmakers say expectations are growing within the party that An could even turn the tables in the actual primary ballot, following the latest opinion poll. A Gallup poll showed Friday that An's support rating rocketed to 19 percent from 10 percent a week ago, narrowing the margin with leading hopeful Moon. Moon's support fell from 32 percent to 29 percent. "With An's rise, we are likely to have a two-way competition in the primary," said Rep. Kim Jong-min. "There's a possibility of An further narrowing the gap by a one-digit margin soon. Lawmakers have started to see An as DPK's candidate with potential." Kim noted that An's support rose from 13 to 20 percent among party members and from 9 to 20 percent in Jeolla region, the traditional home ground for liberal candidates. He interpreted this as a signal that An was being viewed as a candidate competent enough to win the presidential election. Rep. Jo Seong-lae echoed the view, saying that the changing public sentiment in Jeolla region was noteworthy in that liberal candidates' high support rates in the region has led to their final victories in previous presidential elections. An has catapulted to second in opinion polls since former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon renounced his presidential bid in early February while the conservative bloc fail to present any powerful replacement for Ban. As a tactic to differentiate himself from Moon, An has positioned himself as more of a centrist and has laid out a plan to seek cooperative governance even with conservative parties if he secures power. An Hee-jung Rep. Kang Chang-il said An's emergence was beginning to heat up the party ahead of the primary. "Many lawmakers are welcoming An's rising popularity as it can attract public attention to the party's primary," he said, noting that some had feared that the primary could become Moon's one-way race. "They view it important that An, if he passes through the primary, has a higher chance of winning the election, as he is appealing to centrist and rightist voters," he added, wary of strong anti-Moon sentiments among some party members. Meanwhile, it is unlikely that Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, who placed third among liberal contenders in recent polls, will expand his support and make a three-way primary for the DPK. Lee gained steam with his pungent remarks and clear leftist vision during the early stages of the anti-Park Geun-hye candlelit rallies, but his popularity has been sliding as the public softens its antipathy to existing politics. "Lee's leftist stance is working against him in seeking a further boost," said political analyst Rhee Jong-hoon. "Centrist and rightist voters are finding him burdensome while An is seen as a compromising candidate from the liberal bloc." By Kim In-hwan Everyone loves to travel to different countries in order to expand their experience, deepen their knowledge, and extend their horizons in the broadest sense. Some people, however, move to different places: they are born in a region and go to school in another region, and then they find jobs in a city and find a spouse, settling down in another city. An American female professor teaching English at a university in Daegu, Korea was heading home in the United States after working here for almost a decade. She packed all her things and sent the packages by boat. On the eve before her departure, she invited those she had made friends with to her farewell party. The next day she was to leave for Seoul and take a plane home. Some of her close students and friends came to the train station to wish her a safe journey. After another round of hugging and crying, she finally stepped forward to get on the train. On the train she happened to sit by a handsome young Korean man who spoke English fluently. They talked about interesting and famous places in Korea and the U.S. While the train was passing through Daejeon Station, the American professor went to the restroom. When she returned, the Korean man had bought two cartons of orange juice: one for himself and the other for the woman. The train sped on and on until at last it pulled into Seoul Station. All the passengers got off the train except the American lady. The train conductor came up to her and said, "Excuse me, Madam. Here you are at Seoul Station." However, she was in a deep sleep. Finally, the conductor shook her shoulder, and she woke up to find her hand luggage gone, in which she had kept her passport as well as all the money she had earned from teaching English in Korea. The police disclosed that the thief had poisoned her with pills which might have claimed her life. This is not an isolated case. Similar incidents take place because there are always good people and bad ones in every country. About a week ago three young Korean college girls flew from Incheon Airport to Taiwan to enjoy the beauty of the courteous country. One evening they took the Jerry Taxi-Tour, and on the way to a market they were offered yogurt by the driver. A few minutes after drinking the yogurt, the ladies lost balance and fell asleep. Two of them, who were in a state of unconsciousness, were raped by the driver. One of them, who found her stocking ripped, reported the case to the police and to the Korean Embassy in Taiwan. The taxi driver was arrested shortly thereafter. These kinds of unpleasant incidents are taking place everywhere in the world. I think we must do something about this kind of crime. If you don't want to be a victim, please think about my suggestions. First, don't take or eat anything given to you for free. If someone offers some food to you, you have the right to say, "No, thank you," just as these criminals have the right to offer something to you. Second, don't follow strangers just because they tell you to have fun or sell souvenirs at the cheapest prices possible. Keep in mind that professionals are always waiting for you to make one fatal mistake. Third, let's try to show kindness and friendliness to foreign visitors. This is one way to enhance tourism and show the true image of our country as well. Finally, I ask governments all over the world to punish these drug-using criminals heavily so that they can be wiped out completely, and people can travel safely to any place they want to. The writer has been teaching English for over 50 years in Daegu. He taught at Daegu University and Kyungpook National University. He now manages fish and tree farms on Jeju Island. He can be reached at likebosskim@daum.net Two new developments related to Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the world, raise again in stark terms the question of why the United States continues to participate in the effort led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to pound that Middle Eastern country of 27 million into uninhabitable rubble. The first of these, a result of years of extensive U.S.-supported bombing, drone attacks and other military action against one of the factions in Yemen, is that a formidable level of famine is threatening the population of the country, including an estimated 2.1 million children. Humanitarian donors estimate that 12 million Yemenis are already suffering from malnutrition. The United Nations gauges that $2.1 billion will be needed to prevent a crisis of dying Yemenis. It also estimates that donors will respond only feebly, given other demands on resources from other war-damaged economies, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Southern Sudan and Syria. The second development is that even the Yemeni government that the United States and Saudi Arabia support that of President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi, contested by Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen, former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh (a Sunni Muslim) and other elements decided in the wake of a disastrous U.S. Special Forces attack in Yemen Jan. 29 that it will agree to no further U.S. raids and other ground operations in Yemen. U.S. Special Forces assaulted a village deep inside Yemen with President Donald Trump's approval. In addition to one American soldier, a number of Yemeni civilians including women and children were killed, and the intelligence harvest, the alleged object of the exercise, the total of which remains to be revealed, seems to have been meager. One acquisition which the Department of Defense first vaunted, then backed away from, was a copy of a 10-year-old training film that had already been on the internet. Here is a chance for Mr. Trump's new national security team to save some money and stop perpetuating America's participation in what are atrocities in humanitarian terms by ending U.S. military activities in Yemen, as its government has requested. This could include the expensive bombing which has the United States knee-deep in an intra-Islamic struggle between Sunnis and Shiites, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Osprey aircraft lost in the most recent raid alone cost $71 million. Let the Yemenis, Saudis and Emiratis fight it out if they feel the need to. America should not be involved. This editorial appeared on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Trump-Abe approach to determine Korea policy South Korea appears to be losing its chance of influencing the United States in resetting policy in dealing with North Korea. Japan is filling the gap, enabling the Trump administration to react against Seoul's interests in dealing with Pyongyang's missile and nuclear provocations. The power vacuum caused by President Park Geun-hye's impeachment is responsible for the situation, but Japanese Prime Minister Abe's nimble approach makes it worse. The Trump-Abe relationship has emerged after their recent second meeting in Washington, following their first meeting after Trump's election. The likelihood is that Korea will increasingly find less room to have a say in decisions regarding not just a particular North Korean provocation such as nuclear tests and test-firing missiles but in broad, long-term policies like Korean unification. For instance, if the North had fired an intercontinental ballistic missile rather than a medium-range missile on Sunday, it cannot be ruled out that the U.S. would determine reactions by coordinating primarily with Japan. Trump vowed not to let the North test-fire an ICBM, but did not specify possible countermeasures. He has so far matched his words with actions. Emerging from his summit with Abe in Washington, Friday, Trump proclaimed North Korea's threats were a "very, very high priority." The remark came without a reference to Seoul as a party of key interest. Abe, a nationalist with an anti-Korean agenda, had also addressed trade and other thorny bilateral issues with Trump. It is widely reported that Abe brought "gifts" to Trump to the point that he was derided for turning his trip into a kind of subservient diplomacy between big brother and little brother. Preceding the Trump-Abe summit, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis visited Korea ahead of Japan, triggering enthusiastic reactions from Seoul's defense ministry. As pointed out by Stephen Costello, a Washington-based Korea Times columnist, all Mattis did in Seoul was exchange reassurances about commitment to the status quo, meaning there were no discussions about fresh initiatives. Japan is on a fast track with the new U.S. government, while Seoul is stuck in the past. One exception is Mattis' call for diversifying Seoul-Tokyo military cooperation: a point that some see as subjugating the U.S. relationship with Seoul further under their Tokyo ties in handling the North's challenge and, more broadly, the contest with China. Seoul only has a stand-in government with an acting president and a divided National Assembly, incapable of asserting its national interest and having input into the Trump administration's regional policy during its salad days. Alas, the nation is set to pay a lot for this lost opportunity. Samsung Group's de facto leader Lee Jae-yong has pushed for steps to separate his company from its old-style, top-down management culture, but it remains to be seen whether it is serious about change this time or will settle for a cosmetic one. Samsung simplified its seven-rung non-executive "career levels" into four, so those in the four new categories without their ranks can address each other without ranks. It has also abolished its control tower, named the "future strategy room," a structural tool that enables one leader to run the sprawling business empire like an emperor and symbolizes the Lee family's ultimate control. Also gone is the affiliation of Samsung with the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), the business lobby at the heart of the latest scandal, in which conglomerates Samsung included are suspected of bribing President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil. These modernization plans are being pushed by Samsung's leader, the only son of Lee Kun-hee, who has been in a vegetative state since May 2014. It is laudable that the new leader has tried to set an example for family-oriented big businesses to sever ties with the past and forge ahead. But the biggest hurdle standing in the way of Lee's experiment is himself. By Kang Seung-woo Netmarble head office in Seoul Netmarble Games, notorious for a heavy workload on its employees, banned overtime and weekend work beginning Monday amid rising criticisms of its poor working environment. But it remains to be seen whether the nation's leading mobile game publisher's measures will work, with critics saying the plan has been hastily devised to ease negative public opinion toward the Seoul-based company. After two Netmarble employees unexpectedly died last year, many industry insiders blamed the heavy workload, although Netmarble claimed the deaths had nothing to do with working conditions. Midway through last week, Netmarble CEO Kwon Young-sik abruptly announced his company would ban overtime at night and during the weekend. In addition, Kwon said the company would introduce flexible working hours, which would enable employees to have a better work-life balance. He also pledged compensation leaves for those who had to work on Saturday or Sunday. More importantly, manager-level officials are prohibited from giving task-related instructions via messenger after work an issue that has emerged as the most serious among employees. "Because the firm has grown swiftly, we have come short of improving working conditions," Kwon said. "Particularly, we paid little attention to those who work for smaller entities that we acquired, so we have made the decision." Netmarble, founded in November 2000 as an online game service provider, switched to mobile games after a management crisis in 2011. Since then, many employees have had to shoulder a heavy workload. In addition, exponential growth of the mobile game market at home and abroad, sparked by a huge boom in smartphones, has accelerated the cycle of new game launches, putting more pressure on developers and back office staff. Netmarble has been infamously dubbed the "lighthouse in Guro District," where the company is located, because the lights are still on at its towering headquarters even past midnight. Despite Netmarble's measures, Rep. Lee Jeong-mi of the minor opposition Justice Party, questions if they will solve the problem. "Although Netmarble unveiled steps to block overtime and weekend work and to introduce a flexible working-hour system, they cannot provide a fundamental solution to the problems," said Lee, who held a public hearing on the issue last week. "Without employing more workers and phasing in a statutory cap on working hours, the firm is just playing ostrich." According to some gaming industry officials, because the internet and mobile sectors require real-time responses to customers' demands or unexpected server errors, Netmarble's plan will not improve employees' lives. There is also speculation that the measures are aimed at refreshing the company's corporate image ahead of an envisaged initial public offering (IPO). Sales for 2016 reached 1.5 trillion won ($1.3 billion), up 40.4 percent from a year ago, on the global popularity of its latest game product "Lineage 2 Revolution." Operating income also jumped 31.1 percent year-on-year to 295.4 billion won. A man was seen on fire in the MTR station on Friday. Video captures aftermath after fire breaks out on board the train at Tsim Sha Tsui station on Friday evening, as one man is arrested in connection with the incident By Nikki Sun, Clifford Lo, Jasmine Siu, Elizabeth Cheung, Cannix Yau, Peace Chiu A man, declaring he would burn passengers to death, set off a firebomb on a crowded MTR train during Hong Kong's evening rush hour on Friday, injuring at least 18 people and spreading chaos among panic-stricken commuters. The attack on the Tsuen Wan Line as the train was pulling into Tsim Sha Tsui station shortly after 7pm forced authorities to shut down one of the city's busiest transport interchanges, as the platform was turned into a triage zone for shell-shocked victims requiring first aid. A police source said: "A man tried to hurl a lit Molotov cocktail [petrol bomb] on board a packed train when it was about to reach TST platform and he caught fire." The suspect said "burn you to death" before he drew the bottle and lit it, a police source said. Yau Tsim District Commander Kwok Pak-chung said a 60-year-old man, Cheung Kam-Fai, was arrested in connection with the incident. He claimed to have started the fire for "personal reasons". Kwok dismissed suspicions that it was a terrorist attack, saying so far there was no such evidence, but said they would not rule out any possibilities in their investigations. "Our initial investigations show the incident has nothing to do with [terrorism]," he said, adding that 160 police officers were deployed. The Fire Services Department deployed 130 officers. The man was badly injured and was transferred from Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Jordan to Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin, where he was said to be in a critical condition. It is understood that the suspect, who is married with one son and one daughter, had been arrested in the past in connection with minor offences such as gambling. A police source said initial investigations showed he had a poor relationship with his family and had disputes with his wife, and officers believe the move was prompted by his personal and family problems. Police are investigating whether he wanted to attack the other passengers or tried to set himself alight. Government chemists will examine the affected carriage at the MTR depot in Tsuen Wan. Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station remained closed to the public. A group of police officers with bomb disposal equipment were seen going down to the platform to carry out an investigation. Water bottles and tissue paper could be seen strewn on the floor near the customer service centre on the empty concourse in the aftermath of the incident. Passengers on board the smoke-filled train "Extra travelling time can be expected on the Tsuen Wan line. Please allow more time for travel. More details to follow," the MTR said in a statement on its official website. It said no trains would stop at Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. "MTR staff are handling the situation," it said. A victim receives treatment after the firebombing. MTR operations director admits half of city's trains not fitted with CCTV, as company forms investigation panel into handling of incident By Emily Tsang, Elizabeth Cheung In the aftermath of Friday's shocking firebomb attack that left 19 people injured, it has emerged that about half of Hong Kong's MTR trains are not fitted with CCTV cameras, prompting the chairman of the government's transport panel to call for a full review of surveillance measures on the system. Following the incident at Tsim Sha Tsui station, MTR operations director Adi Lau Tin-shing on Saturday said CCTV cameras were not installed on the train involved, nor on trains that came into service before 2004. Transport minister Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung said the MTR Corporation had formed an investigation panel to study how the blaze was handled and possible improvement measures. Guangzhou officials report that more than 30 per cent of live poultry markets are infected with bird flu. By Frank Tang, Stuart Lau Guangzhou officials have advised residents to avoid contact with live poultry after one-third of poultry markets in China's third-largest city were found to be contaminated with H7N9 bird flu. The warning was given on Thursday after the Guangzhou Centre for Disease Control and Prevention found in its latest weekly sample assessment that more than 30 per cent of local live poultry markets were contaminated with the H7N9 avian flu virus. Live poultry markets are a major source of human infection, as previous cases indicate. The result fans fears of a wider spread as the city, which has a population of 17 million people, is a major transportation hub for migrant workers, many of whom are now returning to Guangdong province from their hometowns after the Lunar New Year holiday. Guangzhou announced last month that it would halt live poultry trading in all markets three days a month in the first quarter of the year. The city has had 35 people diagnosed with the virus in the past three years, more than half of whom died, Zhang Zhoubin, the deputy director of the municipal disease control centre, told local media. Adele on feeling devastated by her flubbed George Michael tribute and why Lemonade should have won Adele had to stop and restart her George Michael tribute at the Grammy Awards. Adele appeared flushed but resplendent in green backstage at the Grammys after becoming the first artist to sweep album, record and song of the year twice. As with her final acceptance speech, the singer, who won five Grammys on Sunday night, gushed over the importance of Beyonces Lemonade, saying that she had spoken to her childhood idol both before and after the show. She also said that her mistake during her George Michael tribute, which caused her to drop multiple f-bombs and ask for the song to be started over, left her feeling devastated. My earliest memory of me being a fan was Fastlove, she recalled. When the video came out, I was blown away by how hot he was. I was young, I was about 10 and I heard the vulnerability in that song. After Michael died, Adele told her partner Simon Konecki that she had to be the one to perform his Grammy tribute. At first his family didnt want a tribute, she said, but they later came back to the Grammys specifying that they would allow a tribute only if Adele performed it. I found him to be one of the truest icons, because famous people often create this massive bravado to protect themselves, but for him it wasnt based on a look or an assumption, she said. And he was very British. The British press really gave him a hard time, but he still stayed loyal to the very end. Writing 25 was a difficult experience for Adele, who felt in many ways as if she had disappeared after having her son. I felt the pressure writing 25, and in the process I couldnt find my voice. Im still not sure I did, she confessed. I was gone for so long. I had my baby and raised him through the toddler years, and then slowly edged my way back into work, but I thought that nobody would care. The Grammy means a lot to me, and Im very humbled by that accomplishment but like I said in my speech my album of the year was Lemonade, so a part of me died inside, she said, adding that the prize was largely for her son, who knows, Im a powerful force, he feels it at home and when he goes to work with me. She said that she wrote a lot less of 25 than she did of 21 because, I had a bad drinking problem with 21, so I couldnt really find the inspiration this time around. She wrapped up her time with the press by circling back to Beyonce, who she said became her idol when she was 11. She was practicing a song for an assembly and she suggested to her friends that they do a Spice Girls song, but then her friends played a track by Destinys Child. I remember how I felt when I heard it, and I fell in love immediately with her and that was when I was 11, and Im 28 now, and how I felt when I heard No, No, No was exactly how I felt when I heard Lemonade last year, she said. For her to be making such relevant music for that long of a period I felt like it was her time to win what does she have to do to win album of the year? The Grammys are very traditional, but I thought this year would be the year that they would go with the tide. Im very grateful to have won it, but I felt the need [to do what she did during her acceptance speech] because I love her and I felt she is more worthy. The world of social media can have an air of being a great leveling force, where anyone anywhere can feel he is talking directly to some of the most celebrated, powerful people in the world. Or, it can be a place where famous people can yell at each other. Such was the case Saturday as Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and British media personality Piers Morgan sniped at each other in an extended Twitter spat. Morgan, a former winner on The Celebrity Apprentice who has become an outspoken supporter of President Trump, had appeared the previous evening on HBOs Real Time with Bill Maher. Near the end of the show, Morgan got into a heated exchange with Australian comedian Jim Jefferies over Trump, which escalated when Jefferies fired off an expletive at Morgan. Advertisement Rowling took to her Twitter feed after the show to post to her 9.6 million followers: Yes, watching Piers Morgan being told to ... off on live TV is *exactly* as satisfying as Id always imagined. Morgan, who has 5.49 million Twitter followers, took exception, setting off a back-and-forth between the two. Some excerpts, with some of the more profane tweets omitted: This is why I've never read a single word of Harry Potter. https://t.co/XUJBMs4KKm Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2017 The superior, dismissive arrogance of rabid Remain/Clinton supporters like @jk_rowling is, of course, precisely why both campaigns lost. Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2017 Peak foul-mouthed, minor celebrity anti-Trump hysteria at its most deliciously supercilious: https://t.co/GsvU1Y75OG Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2017 .@piersmorgan If only you'd read Harry Potter, you'd know the downside of sucking up to the biggest bully in school is getting burned alive. J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 11, 2017 FYI: @jk_rowling gave me a Harry Potter wand to auction & help me win Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice. Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2017 Rowlings last post on the matter Saturday was to note winning the top prize at the British Book Award, beating, among others, Morgan. She added the hashtag #StillHurts As people took note of the exchange, other celebrities such as Don Cheadle, Patton Oswalt and Kumail Nanjiani began posting about it as well. Morgan, in replying to celebrities and everyday people alike, seemed to operate from a position of leaving no comment uncommented upon. Apparently feeling it is always best to get in the last word, the TV personality took exception. (Though sometimes it is best to leave the comedy to the comedians.) If it falls to me to stand up for the global basket of deplorables, then so be it. Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2017 Am I the donut? https://t.co/BQJPyOBXbt Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2017 SIGN UP for the free Indie Focus movies newsletter Mark.Olsen@latimes.com Follow on Twitter: @IndieFocus ALSO J.K. Rowling will explore Hogwarts in-depth in three new e-books J.K. Rowling accepts her new duty to be critical of Donald Trump J.K. Rowling: Lord Voldemort nowhere near as bad as Donald Trump The busiest rapid transit rail system in the state could soon become a sanctuary in transit for people who are in the country illegally. The governing board of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system better known as BART may soon consider adopting a policy that would limit its police force from enforcing federal immigration laws. The transit system serves San Francisco and several other Bay Area cities. Im deeply convinced that the train and transit system should not be part of a deportation machine, said Lateefah Simon, a BART board director. Advertisement If BART does end up designating itself a sanctuary in transit, it would be the first such agency to do so. But it would join dozens of cities, including San Francisco, across the country that have declared themselves sanctuaries. The move comes at a time when immigrant rights activists have urged communities to defy President Trump, who has vowed to deport millions of people in the country illegally and pull federal funding from so-called sanctuary cities. Earlier this month, San Francisco sued the Trump administration, charging that its crackdown on sanctuary cities violates the states rights provisions of the U.S. Constitution. San Francisco, one of 400 sanctuary cities and counties in the country, stands to lose more than $1.2 billion a year in federal funding, most of it for healthcare, nutrition and other programs for the poor, according to City Atty. Dennis Herrera. The citys lawsuit contends that Trumps executive order violated the 10th Amendment, which establishes a balance of power between the federal government and states. On Thursday, Simon, of Oakland, and Nick Josefowitz, also a BART board director from San Francisco proposed the idea of studying what it would mean to make the transit system a sanctuary. Specifically, they asked staff to investigate a policy for possible adoption that would limit the cooperation of BART police with immigration enforcement officials. For instance, the proposal would call for restricting assistance to federal agents in enforcing federal immigration laws and limiting BART police officers ability to book a suspect into a jail where the county does not have a sanctuary policy. Also, the policy would call for limiting information shared directly with other federal agencies, such as the Joint Terrorism Task Force, fearing that it may lead to indiscriminate enforcement of immigration laws. We need to know what it [the policy] would mean legally, politically and financially, Simon said. Its important to understand what we would be putting forward to the board. I personally feel like its the right thing to do. An estimated 240,000 immigrants without legal status live in San Francisco, Oakland and Hayward, according to a recent report by the Pew Research Center. Another 120,000 live in the South Bay area of San Jose, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, the report found. Many of these people ride BART every day, Simon said. She said BART officials are there to make sure trains are running on time and safely, not to serve as an arm of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. All of the undocumented folks Ive worked with in my life are just trying to secure their citizenship, and they are working, paying taxes and paying BART fare, she said. I want to be on the right side of history. BARTs existing policy allows transit police to provide services such as traffic control or policing during a federal operation if immigration officials request it, according to its police department policy handbook. Simon said BART police are also permitted to call or turn over to immigration officials people they suspect may be in the country illegally under the current policy. In practice, however, BART police have not contacted or transported anyone to immigration officials in the last four years theyve researched, Simon said. Its my hope that if this passes, itll be a model, she said. I hope it gets picked up by other cities, such as Los Angeles, Boston, Detroit and Washington. cindy.carcamo@latimes.com Follow Cindy Carcamo on Twitter @thecindycarcamo ALSO Raids across the U.S. leave immigrant communities and activists on high alert Immigration arrests heighten fears in Southern California as hoaxes, false rumors swirl Courts ruling on travel ban is the kind of setback that prompts presidents to make big changes. Will Trump? Police are investigating a shooting outside of a Hollywood nightclub Sunday morning that sent three men to the hospital, one of them in critical condition. The incident began with an argument inside of the club that spilled onto the street in the 1400 block of North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles police said. A gunman fired several shots at three men who ranged in age from 20 to 25. One man was hit in the shoulder, another was struck in the knee, and the third victim suffered a gunshot wound to the neck, authorities said. They were taken to a hospital, where the man who was hit in the neck remains in critical condition. The other two are listed as stable. Advertisement The shooter fled on foot. The incident remains under investigation by the Police Department, which has not released the names of the victims. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. anna.phillips@latimes.com Twitter: @annamphillips Workers are expected on Monday to begin repairing erosion at the emergency spillway at Lake Oroville that threatened to flood downstream towns and forced more than 100,000 people from their homes Sunday. Officials said they would use bags of rocks to try to plug the hole at the emergency spillway. Preparations were underway Monday morning, with workers gathering supplies for the repair job and trucks bringing in rocks and other materials. They emphasized the situation remains dangerous at the reservoir and urged residents in communities along the Feather River to evacuate to higher ground. Advertisement The flood danger emerged suddenly when a hole developed Sunday in the auxiliary spillway that was being used to lower the levels of the full-to-the brim reservoir, the second-largest in California. The erosion could undermine the concrete top of the spillway, allowing torrents of water to wash downhill into the Feather River and flood Oroville and other towns in Yuba, Sutter and Butte counties. Sunday night, officials said the threat had diminished because the lake level had dropped and water was no longer washing over the emergency spillway. But the situation at Oroville remained precarious. The two main avenues for getting water out of the lake the unpaved emergency spillway and the main concrete spillway were both damaged. Both spillways are separate from Oroville Dam itself, which state officials continued to say was not in danger. The main spillway, a long concrete chute off to the side of the dam, has a gaping gash in it that forced officials to reduce releases last week. But a new storm system forecast for later this week put water officials on a race against time. Bill Croyle, the acting director of the state Department of Water Resources, said they planned to continue discharging flows at a rate of 100,000 cubic feet per second, with the hope of lowering the reservoir level by 50 feet. Gov. Jerry Brown late Sunday issued an emergency order aimed at speeding up state aid for the Oroville efforts. Ive been in close contact with emergency personnel managing the situation in Oroville throughout the weekend and its clear the circumstances are complex and rapidly changing, Brown said in a statement. I want to thank local and state law enforcement for leading evacuation efforts and doing their part to keep residents safe. The state is directing all necessary personnel and resources to deal with this very serious situation. Earlier in the day, Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said that the hole was developing near the lower edge of the emergency spillway and eroding at a rather significant rate. There was significant concern that [the hole] would compromise the integrity of the spillway, resulting in a substantial release of water, Honea said. We had to make a very critical and difficult decision to initiate the evacuation of the Oroville area. Those in Oroville, a city of about 16,000 people, were asked to flee northward toward Chico, along with Gridley and Biggs. In Yuba County, those in Marysville and other communities in the countys valley floor were urged to take routes to the east, south or west. In Sutter County, evacuations were ordered for Yuba City, Live Oak, Nicolaus and all communities around the Feather River basin. This is not a drill. This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill, proclaimed a Sheriffs Department statement posted on social media. Authorities urged residents to contact neighbors and family members and reach out to the elderly and assist them in evacuating. To slow the erosion on the emergency spillway, state Department of Water Resources officials doubled the flow of water down the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second. The rapid increase drastically reduced the water coming over the emergency spillway. The dam itself is structurally sound, officials said. 1 / 66 An aerial view of the water flowing out of the Oroville Dam main spillway, in Oroville, Calif., on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 66 An aerial view of the water flowing out of the Oroville Dams main spillway on Feb. 21. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 66 Reduced water releases at the Oroville Dam have made damage to its main spillway more visible. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 66 With a reduced flow on Sunday, most of the water being released from the Oroville Dam is not going down the spillway; it has broken through and is flowing down the hillside. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 66 With a reduced flow on Sunday, most of the water being released from the Oroville Dam is not going down the spillway, its broken through and is going down the hillside. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 66 With a reduced flow on Sunday, most of the water being released from the Oroville Dam is not going down the spillway, its broken through and is going down the hillside. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 66 Juan Alvarez reassures his girlfriend, Sarah Hendrix, after helping her move out of her home in rural Maxwell. Water was a foot high and crews had to evacuate 100 people because of flooding-- some by boat. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 66 Ron Chambers lets Duke out of his crate for the first time in hours since the flooding began n Maxwell, Calif. on Saturday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 66 Kevin Anfinson and other volunteers help shovel the muddy sediment that has built up in the salmon raceway at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 66 Fernando Martinez and his mother, not pictured, wade through a road in Gridley, Calif., flooded by the Feather River as it continues to swell from the water being let out of Lake Oroville. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 66 A man in a 4x4 truck turns around on Gridley Road after having second thoughts about making it across the flooded road, which had been closed. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 66 Randy Boheim packs up his tools and emergency supplies in anticipation of having to evacuate his whole family as floodwaters creep closer to his home in an Oroville, Calif., mobile home park. The nearby Feather River continued to swell from the water being let out of Lake Oroville ahead of this weekends storm. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 66 A plantation in Oroville, Calif., sits in floodwaters as the Feather River continues to swell from the water being let out of Lake Oroville ahead of this weekends storm. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 66 Helicopters ferry sand and rocks to the Oroville Dams emergency spillway reconstruction project in Oroville, Calif., ahead of coming rains. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 66 California Water Service district manager Toni Ruggle surveys the Feather River at Bedrock Park downstream from the Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 66 McKenna Harvey, 9, left, Kylie Atteberry, 11, and Brooklyn Atteberry, 7, hold signs thanking workers in the repair effort at the Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 66 A helicopter flies over as water flows from the main spillway at Lake Oroville. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 66 Reconstruction continues in a race to shore up the emergency spillway at Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 66 As rain clouds gather, friends from left, Johnny Eroh, Cody Balmer, Kristien Bravo and Jerel Bruhn hang out by the flooded Feather river in the Bedrock neighborhood of Oroville, Calif., last week. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 66 Evacuees at the Bangor Community Hall in Bangor, Calif., listen to Butte County sheriffs deputies in February as the mandatory evacuation order was lifted. An evacuation advisory was lifted Wednesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 66 Evacuees at the Bangor Community Hall get the news from Butte County sheriffs Deputy Jeff Heath that the evacuation order has been lifted. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 66 Evacuee Sharon Dalton, right, hugs Raiden Ellis, 10 months, and Chris Ellis as they say their goodbyes as she leaves the Bangor Community Hall in Bangor, Calif., on Tuesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 66 David McGlamery returns to his Oroville home with his belongings after the evacuation order was lifted. The family had to retreat to Chico, where they initially stayed at a Walmart parking lot with other evacuees. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 66 Bill Tirey helps family members move back into their home in the Bedrock neighborhood of Oroville near the Feather River after evacuation orders were lifted. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 66 Maria Alancar returns home to greets her pet pig Bacon, who was left behind when the family moved to higher ground in Honcut, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 66 Sulet Lopez, 21, left, Melissa Mendoza, 3, and Yeanet Lopez, 18, pack up their car at the Bangor Community Hall in Bangor, Calif., to head home after the evacuation order was lifted. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 66 Erica Stenholm, left, Ronnie Vaughan, and Brooklyn Jackson, 7, unpack their car upon returning home after the evacuation order had been lifted in Oroville. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 66 Jonah Avina, left, and his wife, Eileen, pray before lunch at the Maranatha Mennonite Fellowship in Bangor, Calif., on Tuesday. The Bangor-area Mennonites are hosting several immigrant families evacuated from the nearby town of Honcut. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 66 Evacuee Estafani Reynoso, left, colors with Mennonite children at the Maranatha Mennonite Fellowship in Bangor, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 66 Crews work on a damaged section of the emergency spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday. (Josh Edelson / AFP/ Getty Images) 31 / 66 An Oroville property is flooded on Monday as thousands were under evactuation orders. (Josh Edelson / AFP/Getty Images) 32 / 66 The Marysville cemetery underwater along the Feather River. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 66 Nirmal Singh, a Sikh priest, conducts a morning prayer ritual as evacuees sleep in the background at the Shri Guru Ravidass, a Sikh temple that has opened its doors for evacuees of the Oroville Dam crisis in Rio Linda, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 66 Kamlesh Nahar, far left, talks to fellow evacuees at the Shri Guru Ravidass Temple. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 66 Maria Lopez reads on her smartphone as she spends a second night in her fathers car in the parking lot of the Bangor Community Hall. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 66 Sharon Dalton finds a quiet spot under a table as she spends a second night with her dog Cruiser inside the Bangor Community Hall. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 66 Verna Chadwick and 10-month-old son Raiden Ellis during a second night in the Bangor Community Hall. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 66 The emergency spillway, left, and the damaged main spillway at Lake Oroville are seen in an aerial photo Monday. (Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images) 39 / 66 A dump truck crosses the primary spillway to deliver boulders to the damaged emergency spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday evening. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 66 Helicopters place large rocks on the damaged emergency spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday evening. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 66 Around-the-clock monitoring continues on the damaged primary spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday evening. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 66 Water rushes down a spillway at the Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 66 California Department of Fish and Game wardens view the damaged spillway on Monday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 66 Bill OKelley, 86, and wife Doris OKelley, 84, of Oroville sit near a flagpole Monday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 66 Coua Tha, of Oroville prepares a meal for her family in the parking lot at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 66 Desiree Garcia and daughter Kaylee Pearl Garcia, 3, of Oroville look over donated clothing Monday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 66 Members of Orovilles Jordan Crossing Mission pray with a volunteer service member Monday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation shelter in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 66 The swollen Feather River flows through Oroville, Calif., on Monday. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) 49 / 66 A building is submerged in Riverbend Park as more water is released from Lake Oroville. (JOSH EDELSON / AFP) 50 / 66 Siblings Zach Soto, 11, left, and Gabby Soto, 13, keep an eye on the Feather River along a railroad bridge in Oroville, Calif., on Monday. The family decided to stay in Oroville as they live on high ground near downtown. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 66 Water flows down the damaged main spillway of the Oroville Dam at 55,000 cubic feet per second into the Feather River. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 66 Water from Lake Oroville flows down the damaged main spillway. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 53 / 66 Water from Lake Oroville flows down the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam toward the Feather River. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 54 / 66 Pacific Gas & Electric crews aided by a helicopter removed transmission lines and insulators from towers standing in the bed of the emergency spillway of Lake Oroville. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 55 / 66 A rainbow appears over Feather River as water cascades down the damaged spillway at Lake Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 56 / 66 Water cascades down the spillway below Oroville Dam. The water is being released by authorities to avoid flooding at Lake Oroville because of recent heavy rain. (David Butow / For The Times) 57 / 66 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. crews move two electric transmission line towers on the bank of Feather River as a precaution if the Lake Oroville Dam emergency spillway needs to be used. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 58 / 66 A California Highway Patrol cruiser patrols Lake Oroville Dam, which is closed to the public due to the damaged spillway. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 59 / 66 Water cascades down the spillway below the Oroville dam. The water is being released by authorities to ease flooding in Lake Oroville because of recent heavy rain. (David Butow / For the Times) 60 / 66 Butte Country Sheriff Kory L. Honea speaks with department of water and power workers at an overlook as the observe runoff from the Oroville Dam. (David Butow / For the Times) 61 / 66 Water trickles down as workers inspect part of the Lake Oroville spillway failure in Oroville, Calif. (Randy Pench / Associated Press) 62 / 66 A boat launch at Bidwell Canyon is still hundreds of yards above the current lake level on Jan. 21, 2016. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 63 / 66 California State Park Ranger Bryan Taylor searches for signs of disturbance or theft as Californias severe drought conditions are revealing historic artifacts at Lake Oroville, June 21, 2014. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 64 / 66 Severe drought conditions are evident as a family treks across a long path back to their car at Lake Oroville, June 21, 2014. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 65 / 66 Houseboats are dwarfed by steep banks that show the water level down 160 feet from the high water mark at the Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge over Lake Oroville on June 21, 2014. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 66 / 66 Houseboats at Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville, January 21, 2016. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The evacuations marked a dramatic turn of events at the Oroville Dam, located about 75 miles north of Sacramento. For several days, officials have been trying to figure out how to get water out of Lake Oroville after the main spillway was damaged. A massive hole was discovered last week on the main spillway and eventually spread across the full width of the concrete-lined channel. Saturday marked the first time the emergency spillway was used since the dam was finished in 1968, and until Sunday afternoon it seemed to be working well. But water from rain and snow continued to flow into Lake Oroville at a rapid pace, causing water levels to rise to emergency levels. Lake Oroville is the linchpin of Californias state water movement system, sending water from the Sierra Nevada south to the farms across the San Joaquin Valley and cities in the Southland. Video from television helicopters Sunday evening showed water flowing into a parking lot next to the dam, with large flows going down the damaged main spillway and the emergency spillway. Officials feared a failure of the emergency spillway could cause huge amounts of water to flow into the Feather River, which runs through downtown Oroville, and other waterways. The result could be flooding and levee failures for miles south of the dam, depending on how much water is released. On Sunday, officials said that although they expected the uncontrolled spill to end, they plan to continue using the concrete spillway to create more storage in the reservoir in anticipation of rainfall later in the week. Were going to continue to flow water down the spillway and lower the lake, said Eric See, a spokesman for the Department of Water Resources. Youre going to see the lake dropping over the next several days. Officials emphasized that despite the damage to the spillways, the dam itself was not at risk of failing. Believe me, in the last several days there have been a lot of eyes on it, said Bill Croyle, acting director of the water department. Oroville Dam is not in any way a part of the damage that occurred. Officials have estimated it could cost $100 million to $200 million to repair the damage to the spillways and other features. Live updates on the Oroville Dam Times staff writers Megerian and St. John reported from Oroville; Hamilton and Phillips reported from Los Angeles. anna.phillips@latimes.com Twitter: @annamphillips matt.hamilton@latimes.com Twitter: @MattHjourno ALSO This is the worst I have seen: Californias roads are in dire shape, says former Caltrans director Inside the black bloc militant protest movement as it rises up against Trump Atop Mt. Wilson, retired engineers keep alive astronomys Sistine Chapel UPDATES: 8:44 a.m.: This story was updated with more information on preparations for repair work. 7:10 a.m.: This story was updated with news that the repair is expected to begin. 1:25 a.m. Feb. 13: This story was updated with news of Gov. Browns action. 11:35 p.m.: This story was updated with new information from the Department of Water Resources. 8:15 p.m.: This story was updated with comments from evacuating residents. 7:50 p.m.: This story was updated with additional background on the flow of water down the spillway and minor editing. 6:55 p.m.: This story was updated with comments from Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea. 6:30 p.m.: This story was updated with additional details and minor editing. 5:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details on the evacuation orders. 4:55 p.m.: This article was updated with news of emergency evacuations. This article was originally published at 1:50 p.m Feb. 12. The movement first made its presence felt in California more than two decades ago, then built its forces amid the protests against the Iraq war. Out of the sea of largely peaceful antiwar demonstrators marching in San Franciscos Financial District in 2003, a more militant subgroup emerged. Its members wore black masks, black jackets, black hoods and helmets. They smashed windows and looted military recruitment offices. For the record: An earlier version of this story described Its Going Down as an organization. It is a website. Since then, the so-called black bloc protesters have become a force in the Bay Area and beyond. They have been blamed for violence during protests in Oakland over corporate power and police abuse, notably the case of Oscar Grant, an unarmed black man who was killed by BART police in 2009. Advertisement Scorned by critics on both the left and right and hunted by police, the black bloc is bringing its radical tactics to the massive protest movement sparked by the presidency of Donald Trump. The masked militants went fist to fist with neo-Nazis at the state Capitol in June, where five of their allies were stabbed. Black bloc tactics also dogged Trumps inaugural ceremonies in Washington, leaving broken windows, vandalized banks and a torched limo. And early this month on the UC Berkeley campus, black bloc militants tore down police barricades, broke windows, started a fire and assaulted Trump supporters. They represented a small percentage of the 1,000 mostly nonviolent demonstrators who went to Berkeley to protest a speech by controversial Breitbart columnist and conservative writer Milo Yiannopoulos, but they dominated the outcome. People protest the appearance of Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley. (Ben Margot / Associated Press) The university had been determined to allow the event in the name of free speech. Within minutes of the blocs assault on the building where the speech would be held, officials shut it down. The protests earned rebukes from students, university administrators and Trump. The angry vice chancellor called the melee an unprecedented invasion of an otherwise peaceful protest. But some leaders of the campus protest called it a smashing success. It wasnt just people dressed in black who were acting militantly and everyone else is peace-loving Berkeley hippies, said Yvette Felarca, a political organizer of By Any Means Necessary, an immigration and affirmative action coalition that seeks to build a mass militant movement. Everyone cheered when those barricades were dismantled. ... Everyone was there with us in political agreement of the necessity of shutting it down, whatever it was going to take. It shows we have the power, Felarca said. I thought it was quite stunning. :: The term black bloc was used to describe the tight wedges of black-clad protesters in helmets and masks who appeared in street demonstrations in Germany in the 1970s, confounding efforts to single out, identify and prosecute individuals. I go through the Bay Area and there are people sleeping in the doorways of million-dollar condos that are empty. ... Is that not violent? Bay Area black bloc militant Its aim was, and still is, direct action. Practitioners care little for speech or to shape public opinion, and the media are held in disdain, as are liberals who espouse nonviolence. Members operate in small squads that organize themselves around flags during the havoc of a protest. Many are anarchists, and anarchist websites such as Its Going Down provide a public platform for reports from the underground. They say they battle police brutality, corporate greed, immigration bans and erosion of civil liberties. The Bay Area has provided a fertile base for the group, especially Oakland, birthplace to the armed militias of the Black Panther movement. I subscribe to self-defense in the very same sense that the Black Panther Party does and that Malcolm X does, said a veteran Bay Area black bloc militant who spoke on the condition that he not be named because much of the groups actions are illegal. He described himself as an employed college graduate, the product of youth incarceration and a household where street respect not pacifism was preached. Which means for me to recognize one type of violence, which is people being beat up for having certain types of political views and being brazen about them, compared to the everyday violence ... like I go through the Bay Area and there are people sleeping in the doorways of million-dollar condos that are empty. ... Is that not violent? he said. That is the most cruel and violent thing I think I have ever seen. The UC Berkeley protest was a call to arms for him and others. For months, protesters on campuses across the country have sought to shut down Yiannopoulos provocative college shows, in which he ridicules transgender people, immigrants who are in the country illegally and others. Yiannopoulos, permanently banned from Twitter for racist and misogynist posts, denies allegations he is a white supremacist. Milo Yiannopoulos speaks at the University of Colorado in Boulder in January. (Jeremy Papasso / Associated Press) In the weeks leading up to the Berkeley event, campus administrators made clear their intent to allow the controversial speaker, part of a larger state university systems adoption of the ACLU mantra to combat hate speech with more speech. After a Yiannopoulos supporter shot a protester during demonstrations in Seattle, UC Berkeley responded to the rising threat of violence by pulling in officers from nine other campuses. They stayed inside the barricaded Student Union building during most of the protest, arguing that to intervene would have escalated the violence. The effect instead was to raise the ante for the black bloc. They were going to allow it to happen until they determined that it was too dangerous for it to actually happen, the black bloc member said. So what other choice did we have? Berkeley put the blame for the violence at the Yiannopoulos event squarely on the black bloc faction, which campus police said numbered 100 to 150 members. They marched onto campus and began immediately throwing rocks, M-80s flares and Molotov cocktails at our officers and the crowd, UC Berkeley Police Department Sgt. Sabrina Reich said. Videos show black bloc members using firecrackers as a shield to get close to the Student Union, where they pulled down barricades. They took turns whacking at its windows with their sticks, rocks and the crowd-control barriers themselves. The bulk of the blows were directed at the Amazon store. Videos also show black bloc members tackling and assaulting Yiannopoulos supporters. There is a strategy behind much of the smashing, according to interviews and published manifestos. The bloc pushes back against police lines, opening and holding space for mass demonstrations as police seek to corral and disperse the crowd. They draw pepper spray, rubber bullets and other uses of force. They say they focus destruction on standard-bearers of capitalism: Bank machines and a campus Starbucks were hit after Berkeley called off the Yiannopoulos speech. Starbucks is a symbol of global capitalization, the black bloc member said. Those activists interviewed expressed no remorse for the property damage. They said it should pressure the university to think twice about allowing such events in the future. They hold the same regard for violence against people. Bloc activists accompanying demonstrators against a white nationalist rally at the Capitol in Sacramento in the summer were met by white supremacists armed with knives. Two law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the June 26 clash. Five people were stabbed, all on the side of the antifa, the anti-fascist movement. One was Felarca, who said assailants used box cutters and knives taped to their protest sticks. She required 24 stitches in her arm and head. Sacramento police said they had been warned about the intent for violence, but they felt unable to stop it and after the fact, thwarted from investigating. Within the anti-fascist movement, blog posts admonish wounded protesters not to speak to police. Felarca and other activists said there is no official coordination with the black bloc, but there is covert communication between longtime street allies. Sometimes it is broadcast to the world, such as Facebook event invitations that call for participants to bring bandannas and other safeguards against pepper spray. But they do recruit. An anarchist group is hosting a two-day conference in Oakland and San Francisco next month to draw newcomers. The black bloc member said he hopes it will help more people find the movement. The people I see coming in are curious about what this direct politics looks like. They have come up in the post-Oscar Grant, post-Occupy sort of political environment, the member said. In the next few years, theyre going to get their wings and theyll start flying. Paige.stjohn@latimes.com Twitter: @paigestjohn ALSO Immigration arrests heighten fears in Southern California as hoaxes, false rumors swirl Trump hints at cutting federal funds to UC Berkeley after violent protests over Milo Yiannopoulos BART rail system may designate itself a sanctuary in transit Karina Macias said she saw a business opportunity shortly after being elected to the Huntington Park City Council. She decided to become a political consultant and parlay her connections throughout the community to help raise campaign contributions for other aspiring candidates. So far, shes had only one client, raising $25,000 for a state Assembly race in 2016. For her efforts, she said, she received a percentage of the contributions raised, which totaled about $6,800 in commission. Advertisement Several of the contributions came from businesses or people associated with them who were awarded city contracts approved by Macias and her council colleagues, according to a Times review of campaign records and interviews. In one case, Macias voted in favor of a city contract for a bus company that Huntington Parks then-finance director complained was completely inappropriate because the deal short-changed city taxpayers. Macias, who is running for reelection in the March council race, denied that contributions she raised as a political consultant influenced her decisions on awarding city contracts to those same contributors. Its not swaying my vote in any way, Macias said. But some government watchdogs said her actions have the appearance of a conflict of interest and questioned whether she should have voted on contracts involving people who donated money to a campaign that paid her a percentage of those contributions. The question is, are these people really giving to the candidate or are they giving to her? said Bob Stern, a government ethics expert and co-author of the Political Reform Act. Its the first time Ive ever seen anything like this. Macias raised money for Efren Martinez, who opened a campaign fundraising committee to run for state Assembly in 2016. He had also raised money for a 2012 Assembly race. On both occasions, Martinez decided not to run. He now has a committee open to run in 2020. In 2015, Martinezs campaign reported paying Macias for fundraising services, campaign filings show. Martinezs financial disclosures show that among his donors was the company that received the citys bus and dial-a-ride contracts, a legal services firm, towing contractors, and a vendor that provides street sweeping and bus stop maintenance. Macias was also paid a $1,000 fundraising salary from another PAC run by Martinez called Saving Local Jobs, which also received contributions from city contractors. However, that compensation was not based on commission. Stern said that although it still raises conflict-of-interest concerns, they arent as serious. In an interview with The Times, Macias confirmed several of the donors she raised money from. Macias said she raised money from Erika Hernandez, wife of the general manager of the citys bus and dial-a-ride contractor Metro Transit Services. Records show Hernandez donated $4,200 to Martinezs campaign on May 29, 2015. That month, Macias and the council majority voted to award Metro Transit the multimillion-dollar bus contract. A little over a year later, she voted to give the company a dial-a-ride contract worth more than $3 million. Macias also voted for a contract amendment with the company that allowed it to lease new buses from the city. The five buses cost Huntington Park $260,000, but it leased them to Metro Transit Services for $100 a month per bus. The citys finance director wrote in an email to the city manager that the bus leases were far below market value and completely inappropriate. Macias also acknowledged raising donations from at least two others doing businesses with the city: Nationwide Environmental Services, the citys street sweeping and bus stop maintenance vendor, and the owners of H.P. Automotive & Tow Service Inc. Macias said she couldnt recall other contributions from city contractors, or denied asking for them. The Times asked her for an example of a contribution she raised that was not associated with a city contractor. She couldnt provide any and didnt return phone calls following up on that request. In the case of Nationwide Environmental Services, Macias made the motion in April to give the company a bus stop maintenance contract worth more than $111,000 over two other bidders for the contract. Macias said she decided to get into the political fundraising business after her parents fell ill and she was forced to quit her day job to care for them. The consulting business is a way to make extra income, and she said she has ambitions to build a more successful company. She said she figured she could ask people shes gotten to know as a councilwoman for the money. She said she told contractors she would be getting paid commissions for delivering the money, but she denied discussing city business with any of the contributors while asking them for money. Thats pretty much my approach to fundraising, Macias said. Martinez described Macias role differently. He said he initially made contact with all of the contributors and got them to commit to contributions. But, the most difficult part of fundraising is collecting on those commitments, so he dispatched Macias to be the bill collector. Macias job was to make sure those people wrote the checks and to collect them, Martinez said. She was paid a combination of commissions and salary for the work, he said. In either case, the fundraising arrangement is problematic, government watchdogs say. Jessica Levinson, a lecturer at Loyola Law School and member of the Los Angeles Ethics Commission, said the commissions give the appearance of a conflict of interest. I would say its a very unusual setup, and one that raises the specter of where her alliances are, Levinson said. It looks like what it might be, which is a kickback scheme, but not necessarily an illegal one. Adam.Elmahrek@latimes.com Twitter: @adamelmahrek ALSO BART rail system may designate itself a sanctuary in transit A tense, historic day at Oroville Dam captured in dramatic videos After upheaval, California Coastal Commission selects veteran insider as new head Alexei Romanoff woke up to a frantic phone call in the middle of the night. There had been an undercover police raid at the Black Cat tavern, a Silver Lake gay bar. It had turned violent. It was Jan. 1, 1967. The band had just wrapped up Auld Lang Syne, and plainclothes officers hiding in the crowd pounced when men began exchanging the traditional midnight kiss to ring in the new year. At least 14 people were arrested and accused of lewd conduct. Several were badly beaten. So, Romanoff and other activists did something bold for an era in which being openly gay could cost people their families, jobs and homes. On Feb. 11, 1967, they held a large public gay rights demonstration that pre-dated the famous Stonewall riots in New York City by two years. Advertisement 1 / 5 Daniel Henning speaks to the crowd on Saturday night outside the Black Cat tavern in Silver Lake. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 5 Alexei Romanoff, 80, left, with his husband David Farah, 58, right, takes part in a reenacted protest on Saturday night in front of the Black Cat. Romanoff was one of the original organizers of the Feb. 11, 1967, protest in front of the Black Cat. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 5 L.A. City Councilman Mitch OFarrell, center, at the reenacted protest in front of the Black Cat. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 5 Jonathan Deniol Rodriguez of Los Angeles takes part the reenacted protest outside the Black Cat in Silver Lake. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 5 Joseph Levy, 87, of Silver Lake watches on Saturday night as members of the LGBTQ community, along with Los Angeles city leaders, gather at the Black Cat to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the demonstration. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) No longer were we saying, Leave us alone and well be quiet, Romanoff said. On Saturday night, the 50th anniversary of the demonstration, they marched again outside the Black Cat on Sunset Boulevard, carrying picket signs with the same words as those in the black-and-white photos of the original protest. Silence = Death, the signs read. Peace in Silverlake. Stop illegal search and seizure. Blue fascism must go. For many, it was a poignant time to be reenacting the protest. Advocates say the Trump administration has stirred new anxieties in the LGBT community, and many fear discrimination the loss of their jobs or housing or the denial of services because of their sexual orientation or gender identity will become more broadly allowed under the guise of religious freedom. Few took comfort in a statement by the White House last month that Trump continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights after a draft of a potential executive order circulated around Washington calling for a scrapping of Obama-era workplace protections for LGBT federal employees. Its a really interesting juxtaposition and a reminder that even though its been 50 years since the Black Cat and weve come a long way, our work isnt done, said Lorri L. Jean, chief executive of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Nearly two years ago, when the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for nationwide same-sex marriage, many people thought the fight was won and questioned if there was even a need for LGBT centers anymore, Jean said. Theyre not asking that now. The Los Angeles LGBT Centers mental health professionals have been inundated with clients overwhelmed by anxiety, and in the days after the election, young people in the centers homeless program were in tears, fearful it would close and they would be back on the streets, Jean said. Staff, too, have been concerned that the millions of dollars in federal funds the center receives would be stripped away, she said. There is reason to be fearful, Jean said. We are going to have to fight back and resist, at every opportunity, attempts to repeal our rights or rescind our progress. Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch OFarrell, who helped organize the Black Cat anniversary event, said there were similarities in whats happening today and what happened the night of the protest in Silver Lake. They demonstrated in an organized fashion in an unprecedented way in 1967, and I feel theres a real parallel to the current resistance, said OFarrell, who represents Silver Lake and is gay. Fifty years ago, there was a resistance to authoritarian rule at the local level from the police and there are parallels to what were feeling today with this administration. On Saturday night, those gathered outside the Black Cat repeatedly broke into chants of, Were not going back! As people dressed in 1960s-era clothing marched in front of the bar, Joseph Levy, an 87-year-old Silver Lake resident who is gay, watched and smiled to himself. I think in some ways, Trump in all his insanity has brought everyone together, with the womens marches and the airports and now this, Levy said. Romanoff, who is now 80 and the only living organizer of the original protest, marched with the crowd, holding his husbands hand and chanting with gusto. The New Years 1967 police raid had stunned Los Angeles burgeoning gay community, he said. Romanoff had previously co-owned a Sunset Boulevard gay bar down the street from the Black Cat called New Faces. Just like at the Black Cat, the windows were darkened and the bar operated discreetly. The night of the raid, two men fled the Black Cat and ran into New Faces. Police chased and arrested them there. That bars then-owner, Romanoff said, was a woman named Lee Roy. When police asked who the New Faces owner was, they mistakenly heard Leroy and assumed she was a man in drag; they broke her collarbone and beat her so badly she was hospitalized, Romanoff said. Officers also dragged the bartender across the room and ruptured his spleen, he said. Two of the men arrested that night, accused of lewd conduct for kissing another man, were found guilty by a jury and were registered as sex offenders. The men appealed, asserting the right of equal protection under the law, but the U.S. Supreme Court did not accept their case. Romanoff was a member of the newly formed group that orchestrated the demonstration a month after the raid, called Personal Rights in Defense and Education, or PRIDE. They organized by secret phone tree, with each member calling 10 or 20 people, and each of those calling more. There were many, Romanoff said, who politely declined, fearful of being publicly outed. Still, hundreds of people gathered that February night. Romanoff recalls the car ride to the demonstration with other PRIDE members as a silent drive. People were terrified. If you look at those old photographs, no one is smiling, Romanoff said. No one is laughing. There was anger, there was fear, but there was determination. Demonstrators that night were mindful not to do anything that could get them arrested by the police officers keeping watch. They didnt dare step off the sidewalk and into the street. They kept moving so they couldnt be accused of loitering. They kept quiet so they couldnt be accused of disturbing the peace. If someone dropped the leaflets they handed out, they quickly picked them up so they couldnt be accused of littering. Fifty years later, much had changed. Saturday night, a police officer clutching a cup of coffee smiled at the reenactment and said to a passerby, This is great, isnt it? He then offered to take a photograph of a man and his wife, who clutched a sign. Romanoff shook officers hands and gave them hugs as passing drivers honked in support. hailey.branson@latimes.com Twitter: @haileybranson At 8 a.m. Saturday, a sheet of water began spilling from the brim of Californias second-largest reservoir and washing down a partly cleared hill to the Feather River. It was the first time in the 48-year history of Lake Oroville that the reservoir was so full that it triggered uncontrolled releases down an emergency spillway. Bloated with storm runoff, the reservoir had gone from 80% full to overflowing in less than a week when managers were forced to reduce releases on Orovilles heavily damaged concrete spillway. Advertisement The emergency spillway was doing what it was supposed to do: letting water out of the huge lake so it wouldnt top the dam. State water officials called the spill a small one and said they expected it to end Sunday or Monday as lake levels dropped below the emergency threshold. The flow rates that we see now pose no threat to the dam and no flood threat to downstream waters, said Bill Croyle, acting director of the state Department of Water Resources. But he made it clear that while this is Orovilles first emergency spill, it may not be the last. 1 / 66 An aerial view of the water flowing out of the Oroville Dam main spillway, in Oroville, Calif., on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 66 An aerial view of the water flowing out of the Oroville Dams main spillway on Feb. 21. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 66 Reduced water releases at the Oroville Dam have made damage to its main spillway more visible. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 66 With a reduced flow on Sunday, most of the water being released from the Oroville Dam is not going down the spillway; it has broken through and is flowing down the hillside. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 66 With a reduced flow on Sunday, most of the water being released from the Oroville Dam is not going down the spillway, its broken through and is going down the hillside. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 66 With a reduced flow on Sunday, most of the water being released from the Oroville Dam is not going down the spillway, its broken through and is going down the hillside. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 66 Juan Alvarez reassures his girlfriend, Sarah Hendrix, after helping her move out of her home in rural Maxwell. Water was a foot high and crews had to evacuate 100 people because of flooding-- some by boat. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 66 Ron Chambers lets Duke out of his crate for the first time in hours since the flooding began n Maxwell, Calif. on Saturday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 66 Kevin Anfinson and other volunteers help shovel the muddy sediment that has built up in the salmon raceway at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 66 Fernando Martinez and his mother, not pictured, wade through a road in Gridley, Calif., flooded by the Feather River as it continues to swell from the water being let out of Lake Oroville. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 66 A man in a 4x4 truck turns around on Gridley Road after having second thoughts about making it across the flooded road, which had been closed. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 66 Randy Boheim packs up his tools and emergency supplies in anticipation of having to evacuate his whole family as floodwaters creep closer to his home in an Oroville, Calif., mobile home park. The nearby Feather River continued to swell from the water being let out of Lake Oroville ahead of this weekends storm. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 66 A plantation in Oroville, Calif., sits in floodwaters as the Feather River continues to swell from the water being let out of Lake Oroville ahead of this weekends storm. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 66 Helicopters ferry sand and rocks to the Oroville Dams emergency spillway reconstruction project in Oroville, Calif., ahead of coming rains. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 66 California Water Service district manager Toni Ruggle surveys the Feather River at Bedrock Park downstream from the Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 66 McKenna Harvey, 9, left, Kylie Atteberry, 11, and Brooklyn Atteberry, 7, hold signs thanking workers in the repair effort at the Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 66 A helicopter flies over as water flows from the main spillway at Lake Oroville. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 66 Reconstruction continues in a race to shore up the emergency spillway at Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 66 As rain clouds gather, friends from left, Johnny Eroh, Cody Balmer, Kristien Bravo and Jerel Bruhn hang out by the flooded Feather river in the Bedrock neighborhood of Oroville, Calif., last week. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 66 Evacuees at the Bangor Community Hall in Bangor, Calif., listen to Butte County sheriffs deputies in February as the mandatory evacuation order was lifted. An evacuation advisory was lifted Wednesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 66 Evacuees at the Bangor Community Hall get the news from Butte County sheriffs Deputy Jeff Heath that the evacuation order has been lifted. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 66 Evacuee Sharon Dalton, right, hugs Raiden Ellis, 10 months, and Chris Ellis as they say their goodbyes as she leaves the Bangor Community Hall in Bangor, Calif., on Tuesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 66 David McGlamery returns to his Oroville home with his belongings after the evacuation order was lifted. The family had to retreat to Chico, where they initially stayed at a Walmart parking lot with other evacuees. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 66 Bill Tirey helps family members move back into their home in the Bedrock neighborhood of Oroville near the Feather River after evacuation orders were lifted. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 66 Maria Alancar returns home to greets her pet pig Bacon, who was left behind when the family moved to higher ground in Honcut, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 66 Sulet Lopez, 21, left, Melissa Mendoza, 3, and Yeanet Lopez, 18, pack up their car at the Bangor Community Hall in Bangor, Calif., to head home after the evacuation order was lifted. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 66 Erica Stenholm, left, Ronnie Vaughan, and Brooklyn Jackson, 7, unpack their car upon returning home after the evacuation order had been lifted in Oroville. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 66 Jonah Avina, left, and his wife, Eileen, pray before lunch at the Maranatha Mennonite Fellowship in Bangor, Calif., on Tuesday. The Bangor-area Mennonites are hosting several immigrant families evacuated from the nearby town of Honcut. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 66 Evacuee Estafani Reynoso, left, colors with Mennonite children at the Maranatha Mennonite Fellowship in Bangor, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 66 Crews work on a damaged section of the emergency spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday. (Josh Edelson / AFP/ Getty Images) 31 / 66 An Oroville property is flooded on Monday as thousands were under evactuation orders. (Josh Edelson / AFP/Getty Images) 32 / 66 The Marysville cemetery underwater along the Feather River. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 66 Nirmal Singh, a Sikh priest, conducts a morning prayer ritual as evacuees sleep in the background at the Shri Guru Ravidass, a Sikh temple that has opened its doors for evacuees of the Oroville Dam crisis in Rio Linda, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 66 Kamlesh Nahar, far left, talks to fellow evacuees at the Shri Guru Ravidass Temple. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 66 Maria Lopez reads on her smartphone as she spends a second night in her fathers car in the parking lot of the Bangor Community Hall. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 66 Sharon Dalton finds a quiet spot under a table as she spends a second night with her dog Cruiser inside the Bangor Community Hall. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 66 Verna Chadwick and 10-month-old son Raiden Ellis during a second night in the Bangor Community Hall. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 66 The emergency spillway, left, and the damaged main spillway at Lake Oroville are seen in an aerial photo Monday. (Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images) 39 / 66 A dump truck crosses the primary spillway to deliver boulders to the damaged emergency spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday evening. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 66 Helicopters place large rocks on the damaged emergency spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday evening. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 66 Around-the-clock monitoring continues on the damaged primary spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday evening. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 66 Water rushes down a spillway at the Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 66 California Department of Fish and Game wardens view the damaged spillway on Monday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 66 Bill OKelley, 86, and wife Doris OKelley, 84, of Oroville sit near a flagpole Monday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 66 Coua Tha, of Oroville prepares a meal for her family in the parking lot at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 66 Desiree Garcia and daughter Kaylee Pearl Garcia, 3, of Oroville look over donated clothing Monday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 66 Members of Orovilles Jordan Crossing Mission pray with a volunteer service member Monday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation shelter in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 66 The swollen Feather River flows through Oroville, Calif., on Monday. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) 49 / 66 A building is submerged in Riverbend Park as more water is released from Lake Oroville. (JOSH EDELSON / AFP) 50 / 66 Siblings Zach Soto, 11, left, and Gabby Soto, 13, keep an eye on the Feather River along a railroad bridge in Oroville, Calif., on Monday. The family decided to stay in Oroville as they live on high ground near downtown. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 66 Water flows down the damaged main spillway of the Oroville Dam at 55,000 cubic feet per second into the Feather River. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 66 Water from Lake Oroville flows down the damaged main spillway. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 53 / 66 Water from Lake Oroville flows down the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam toward the Feather River. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 54 / 66 Pacific Gas & Electric crews aided by a helicopter removed transmission lines and insulators from towers standing in the bed of the emergency spillway of Lake Oroville. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 55 / 66 A rainbow appears over Feather River as water cascades down the damaged spillway at Lake Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 56 / 66 Water cascades down the spillway below Oroville Dam. The water is being released by authorities to avoid flooding at Lake Oroville because of recent heavy rain. (David Butow / For The Times) 57 / 66 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. crews move two electric transmission line towers on the bank of Feather River as a precaution if the Lake Oroville Dam emergency spillway needs to be used. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 58 / 66 A California Highway Patrol cruiser patrols Lake Oroville Dam, which is closed to the public due to the damaged spillway. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 59 / 66 Water cascades down the spillway below the Oroville dam. The water is being released by authorities to ease flooding in Lake Oroville because of recent heavy rain. (David Butow / For the Times) 60 / 66 Butte Country Sheriff Kory L. Honea speaks with department of water and power workers at an overlook as the observe runoff from the Oroville Dam. (David Butow / For the Times) 61 / 66 Water trickles down as workers inspect part of the Lake Oroville spillway failure in Oroville, Calif. (Randy Pench / Associated Press) 62 / 66 A boat launch at Bidwell Canyon is still hundreds of yards above the current lake level on Jan. 21, 2016. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 63 / 66 California State Park Ranger Bryan Taylor searches for signs of disturbance or theft as Californias severe drought conditions are revealing historic artifacts at Lake Oroville, June 21, 2014. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 64 / 66 Severe drought conditions are evident as a family treks across a long path back to their car at Lake Oroville, June 21, 2014. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 65 / 66 Houseboats are dwarfed by steep banks that show the water level down 160 feet from the high water mark at the Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge over Lake Oroville on June 21, 2014. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 66 / 66 Houseboats at Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville, January 21, 2016. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) With northern Sierra precipitation levels tracking ahead of the wettest year on record so far this winter, Oroville managers have a nerve-racking several months ahead of them. Theres a lot of snow up there, Croyle observed. The snowpack in the northern Sierra, which includes the Feather River watershed, is 150% of normal for the date. Statewide it is 180% of average. Reservoirs around the state are making flood-control releases. In Mariposa County, the small reservoir behind Mariposa Dam was overflowing, sending water down its spillway for the first time since the 1950s, said Merced County spokesman Mike North. About 25 homes were flooded Saturday by the swollen Mariposa Creek. This winters turnaround from five parched years has been dramatic. A year ago at this time, Oroville was slightly less than half full. In 2014, it was a little more than a third full and its receding shoreline served as a vivid symbol of the droughts punishing toll on the state. But Californians shouldnt be surprised. If you look at a map of the U.S. and weather variability, California is the most variable place in the country, said Jeff Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This is an extreme. But its not outside of what weve experienced in the past. Completed during the administration of Gov. Ronald Reagan, Oroville is the keystone of the State Water Project that sends Northern California water hundreds of miles to the Southland. As the head of the projects biggest customer, Kightlinger has been anxiously watching since Tuesday, when a hole big enough to swallow a small house opened in the long concrete chute that is the lakes normal spillway. Dam managers briefly shut down releases and then restarted them at a reduced rate as they struggled to keep the lake from rising to a point that would trip emergency spills. Friday they thought they had managed to do that. But it rained Friday night. By Saturday morning the lake level had risen to an elevation of 901 feet the point at which water started washing over the 1,700-foot-long top of the emergency spillway. It snaked down the hill, a shallow rippling stream glinting in the sunlight. Dam managers wanted to avoid that sight for two big reasons. They dont control the emergency releases. Nature does. The spill wont stop until inflow volumes drop below the discharge. And as the water streams down the hillside, it carries sediment and debris into the Feather River material that can clog the river channel, the dams powerhouse and downstream diversion facilities. Crews worked frantically at the end of the week clearing trees and brush from the waters emergency path. Utility crews used helicopters to remove power lines. Booms and boats were brought in to collect debris from the pool at the dams base. More than 10 million salmon were evacuated from the Feather River hatchery downstream because the river water had grown too muddy for them. Water flows down a hillside from the emergency spillway at Lake Oroville depositing mud and debris into the Feather River in Oroville, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Engineers are limiting flows down the damaged spillway so as not to further erode it. But that is also cutting releases, which means that after this emergency spill is over, more may be necessary to counter runoff in future storms. Croyle said the state is already studying repair options, including building a new spillway to replace the broken one. But that work cant begin until the runoff season ends. And it will be expensive. Croyle estimated that it will cost $100 million to $200 million to fix the spillway a bill that will largely go to State Water Project contractors, including Metropolitan. Obviously down the road, well be talking with FEMA and the federal government and the state government about disaster funds, Kightlinger said. But there will eventually be a sizable bill for the state water contractors and ultimately to Metropolitan. Kightlinger said his agency is volunteering technical and engineering assistance to the state to develop repair plans. He agreed that Orovilles earthen dam should be in fine shape. But he said the unprecedented use of the emergency spillway comes with risks of hillside erosion and sending damaging sediment downstream. We just hope they make it through this winter without catastrophic damage and go from there, Kightlinger added. Greg and Doreen Schmidt live in a low-lying area of downtown Oroville, not far from the dam. Once it spills over the emergency spillway, who knows whats going to happen, Greg Schmidt said. But it seems like they have it under control. Nonetheless, Doreen said, I have my bags packed and Im on alert. Ralph Thomas was more sanguine as he watched the roiling dam releases flow under the Table Mountain Boulevard Bridge in Oroville. This aint nothing compared to 97, he said. Back then the water was almost up to the bridge. To read the article in Spanish, click here bettina.boxall@latimes.com patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com Times staff writer Angel Jennings contributed to this report. McGreevy reported from Oroville and Boxall from Los Angeles. ALSO: After battering the north, rains move into Southern California Inside the frantic fight to protect Oroville dam, nations tallest, as spillway rapidly erodes Oroville Dams emergency spillway used for first time amid rising waters; officials say public safe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington on Tuesday hoping to find in President Trump a kindred spirit and compliant ally after eight years of personal friction with President Obama. The reality may be more complicated. As a candidate, Trump signaled he would show staunch support for Netanyahu and his allies in Israel in crucial ways, including backing Israels growing settlements in the West Bank, moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, and tearing up the Iran nuclear deal. He also hinted he might reverse decades of U.S. policy by abandoning the search for a so-called two-state solution that envisions an Israeli nation and a Palestinian nation living side by side in peace. Advertisement But after three rocky weeks in office, Trump has backed down on a raft of foreign policy issues reaffirming the one China policy with Beijing and vowing strong support for the NATO military alliance in Europe and he now appears to be reevaluating his Israel policy as well. Trump has publicly tapped the brakes on his support for expanding Jewish settlements on disputed land in the Palestinian West Bank, for example. On Friday, Trump told an Israeli newspaper that going forward with settlements is not a good thing for peace, a position that puts him far closer to traditional U.S. policy, and to Obama, than before. Settlements dont help the [peace] process. I can say that, Trump told Israel Today, which supports Netanyahu and is owned by American casino magnate and right-wing activist Sheldon Adelson. There is [only] so much land left. And every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left. That appears to put him at odds with Netanyahu, whose government has approved 6,000 new homes in existing settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since Trumps inauguration. It also may put Trump in conflict with his proposed pick for U.S. ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, a fierce advocate and financial backer of the settlements. The first signs of change at the White House came last week, following a three-day visit to Washington by King Abdullah of Jordan, a strategic ally that neighbors Israel and that works closely with Washington against Islamic State, Al Qaeda and other militants. Abdullah was the first Arab leader to meet with Trump, Vice President Pence and others in the new administration. He argued that moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem the disputed city that both Israelis and Palestinians claim as their capital would be so provocative as to threaten his own government. Jordans Hashemite Kingdom is held as the protector of some of Islams most important holy sites, including the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, giving it special authority in the Muslim world. It also is regarded as custodian of Holy Land Christian sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which honors the site of Christs burial. Another shift came after Rex Tillerson was sworn in as secretary of State on Feb. 1 and met with senior diplomats about policies in the Middle East. The next day, after Tillerson telephoned Netanyahu, the White House issued a statement that warned it would not support further expansion of settlements. While the Trump administration did not consider settlements an obstacle to peace, it said, The construction of new settlements or the expansion of existing settlements beyond their current borders may not be helpful in achieving that goal. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj The White House did not deny a Jerusalem Post report the same day that said administration officials had confirmed for the first time that Trump is committed to a comprehensive two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict negotiated between the parties. Officials said Trump would discuss the issue with Netanyahu when he visits the White House on Wednesday. Netanyahu had famously frosty relations with Obama, and he welcomed Trumps election as a chance to find a more supportive partner in the White House. I imagine Netanyahu is looking to reset the U.S. Israeli relationship, said Susie Gelman, chair of the Israel Policy Forum, an advocacy group that focuses on peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Netanyahu believes he can strike common cause with Trump, according to diplomats and analysts, by enlisting Sunni-dominated Arab nations in a coalition against Iran and radical Islam, especially Islamic State. But to keep Arab allies on board, Israel may need to make concessions to the Palestinians on settlements and other issues, several analysts said. They suggested Trump use his dealmaking skills when he sits down with Netanyahu, who is widely known by his nickname, Bibi. Trump should say, Bibi, what do you want? A one-state solution? Then what do you do with six million Arabs?, said Amnon Reshef, a retired Israeli army general who now heads a coalition of former security officials seeking peace with the Palestinians. Or do you want a two-state solution, and I will bring all the Arab states on board? Lets make a deal! he added. Ilan Goldenberg, a Middle East expert who served in the State and Defense departments in the Obama administration, said Netanyahu is unlikely to try to mollify Arab countries. I dont see it happening with this Israeli government, he said. Netanyahu may be more interested in talking about Iran than Palestinian peace and moving the U.S. embassy. Many in Israels security establishment have begrudgingly acknowledged that the internationally brokered 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Netanyahu fiercely opposed, has successfully blocked Tehrans ability to build a nuclear bomb. But Israel wants Washington to do more to punish Iran for supporting Shiite Muslim militants in Lebanon and elsewhere, testing ballistic missiles and other activities that have kept the region on edge. Netanyahu is going with ideas on Iran, said Michael Oren, Israels deputy minister for diplomacy and a former ambassador to the United States. The thrust would be to connect the nuclear deal with Irans other bad behavior. As negotiated by Iran and six world powers, the landmark arms control deal deliberately focused only on easing the threat of nuclear war, not on lesser dangers. It lifted international sanctions in exchange for Iran freezing its nuclear development program and destroying most of its nuclear infrastructure. After the accord was signed, the Obama administration stiffened sanctions on Iran for its support of terrorist groups and its continued development of ballistic missiles. It also signed a 10-year defense deal that provides Israel a record $38 billion in security aid. The Trump administration added new sanctions this month after an Iranian missile test, but publicly acknowledged it was not trying to undermine the nuclear deal. tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter MORE WORLD NEWS In a shift, Trump endorses one China policy in phone call with Xi Jinping Israeli forces face protesters while evacuating West Bank outpost of Jewish settlers An interrupted journey ends in a new life in the U.S. for Syrian refugee family Fearing deportations, Mexico warns its citizens in the U.S. The scale and duration of the protests that have unfolded here over the fall and winter by those determined to block the Dakota Access oil pipeline have created endless logistical challenges. The camps are far from any city, lack electricity and running water and offer no permanent shelters. If people need something, they have to bring it or build it. That includes bathrooms. For many months, the prairie grass provided the only accommodations. Then, in a sign that protesters planned to stay awhile, portable toilets were hauled in. Advertisement Late last fall, though, a new problem arose: The weather started getting cold. Soon it would get really cold, North Dakota cold, as in well below zero. At those temperatures, the contents and occupants of portable toilets can freeze. And so it was that one of the nations largest and longest environmental protests found a solution to an environmental problem that had nothing to do with the fight against fossil fuels. They needed to go to the bathroom, so they created an elaborate composting toilet operation that has become a marvel of efficiency and an unlikely center of community. Everyones happy and relaxed in here, said a woman from Burbank who goes by the name Dancing Fox and is one of scores of volunteers who help maintain the toilets. Youve got hand sanitizers, baby wipes, news bulletins, joking, singing, party lights. She was not kidding. People milled about, chatting, checking fliers posted on a wall. The place is warm and lively and not particularly malodorous. Its minty, Dancing Fox said, perhaps embellishing. Signs next to a composting toilet at the Standing Rock protest camp offer directions for use. (William Yardley / Los Angeles Times) The idea for the toilets came about in November, when a protester suggested to Chief Dave Archambault of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe that he invite global nonprofit GiveLove.org to help create a composting bathroom system to handle the hundreds of protesters who flocked in to help the tribe in its fight against the pipeline. GiveLove, formed by actress Patricia Arquette in response to the 2010 Haitian earthquake, has created composting toilet systems there and in Colombia, Uganda, Kenya, India and elsewhere. But the upper Great Plains presented a new frontier. It was a huge challenge to get it up and running in a blizzard, said Alisa Keesey, the organizations program director. GiveLove staff spent weeks at the camp, building the wooden boxes that serve as toilets, working with others to design and build the spaces and to organize volunteers who would manage the new facility. Arquette herself spent considerable time there, helping build more than 100 of the commodes, Keesey said. By early December, with temperatures plummeting and snow piling up, three toilet operations were opened in large old Army tents. Each includes 13 toilet stalls surrounding a common area with a wood-burning stove that ventilates through ducting in the fabric roof. Wood framing around the sides of the tent is lined with hay for insulation. A composting toilet awaits use at the Standing Rock protest camp (William Yardley/Los Angeles Times) Odor control consists of pine shavings every user is instructed to spread over their business. People also burn sage, and the aroma of the wood stove helps as well. One of the volunteers on a recent weekday was a woman from Montana who goes by the name Peaches and said she is a nurse. Peaches said that the camp, which has swelled into the thousands at times but recently had dwindled to a few hundred people, has had no notable outbreak of intestinal viruses despite the lack of plumbing and the close quarters people have kept, particularly during the winter. We seem to be making up for it with magic, Peaches said. These sorts of situations without running water, without sewage, do tend to lead to spreads of disease. Weve had some upper respiratory flu, but its usually G.I. stuff that you get in these sorts of situations, and thats not happening. The composting process begins at the toilet. The wooden toilet boxes are lined with a green compostable bag, which is surrounded by a white plastic bag. When the wooden boxes become half full, which can happen several times a day, a volunteer uses the plastic bag to remove the compostable bag. The compostable bags are then moved to a shipping container staged on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The actual composting will not begin until the weather begins to thaw. Volunteers will build large compost bins and cover the contents of the toilets with rotted hay or straw. Not all of the camps at Standing Rock are using the composting toilets. The original camp, Sacred Stone, which was established on a bluff above where the larger camp later formed, still uses pit latrines. Some protesters, particularly elderly ones, have been given composting toilets to use at their individual campsites. There is pressure now for people in the larger camp, called Oceti Sakowin, to move. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is urging people to clear out in advance of anticipated spring floods and to help improve relations with local government and law enforcement especially since the Trump administration has approved the last permit for the pipeline, and the fight is now moving toward the courtroom. Keesey said the composting toilets can be moved, perhaps to protest camps elsewhere. Some Native American tribes have expressed interest in using composting toilets on rural reservations that lack plumbing. Who knows the possibilities, Keesey said. This is kind of the next new thing. william.yardley@latimes.com @yardleyLAT ALSO Waning days of the Standing Rock protests: An improvised tribe of Americans looking for justice! Raids across the U.S. leave immigrant communities and activists on high alert Courts ruling on travel ban is the kind of setback that prompts presidents to make big changes. Will Trump? After 32 years in the Senate, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has earned a reputation as a wily legislative wizard and a cynical genius at outwitting Democrats. So when McConnell invoked a little-used Senate rule to silence Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) as she read a letter from Coretta Scott King denouncing President Trumps nominee for attorney general, Congress-watchers figured there had to be a clever strategy behind the move. Sure, millions of people watched a video of Warren reading the letter just outside the Senate chamber. Sure, he turned her into a liberal folk hero. But maybe McConnell was trying to make Warren a front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, figuring shed be a weak candidate. Maybe he hoped to make her the face of the Democratic Party in the 2018 congressional election, to frighten Midwestern moderates. Advertisement Nope. Sometimes a blunder is just a blunder. The reasons for McConnells crackdown against Warren were pretty simple. First, McConnell loathes the Massachusetts senator. He doesnt like her politics; he doesnt like her manner. McConnells late-night error is likely to have long-term consequences. More pointedly, McConnell thinks Warren has been stepping outside the blurry boundaries of Senate courtesy for a while. She has been warned multiple times, not just today, McConnell spokesman Don Stewart told NBC News. Warren has attacked McConnell himself, accusing him of bullying the Senate in his role as majority leader. Her tough speech Wednesday reviving charges of bigotry against then-still-Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) was a last straw, aides said. As unlikely as it sounds when applied to the owlish McConnell, his move against Warren was a crime of passion. There may also have been a practical reason McConnell told Warren to shut up and sit down: It was a gesture of loyalty toward Sessions and not merely because Sessions, as a senator, had been a reliable conservative vote. McConnell and Trump have had an arms length relationship until now; the Senate leader has publicly (if gently) criticized the president several times. Sessions, the new attorney general and a close Trump advisor, will be one of McConnells main conduits to the White House. Still, theres no question that the decision to silence Warren backfired badly. The furor gained the Massachusetts senator far more attention than her otherwise routine speech would have if it hadnt been interrupted. She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted, McConnell said, inadvertently launching a meme that could become Warrens next campaign slogan. The result: The majority leader turned the confirmation vote on Sessions, a loss for the Democrats, into a vehicle they could use to rally their partisan base. Male Democrats took the floor to read Kings letter into the record. When McConnell didnt object, they said that was proof of his sexism. (His hostility was aimed at Warren, not all women, but that point was lost.) Strange as it may seem, McConnells late-night error is likely to have long-term consequences, as well. One, a dent in the majority leaders reputation as a strategist, which was already a little tattered. Hes made mistakes before. In 2012, leading a GOP minority, he demanded an up-or-down vote on a debt ceiling bill in an attempt to divide Democrats but when the Democrats outfoxed him by hanging together, he blocked his own proposal with an embarrassing filibuster. In his first weeks as majority leader in 2014, he promised to open the legislative process to amendments from both sides only to abandon the pledge when it became troublesome in practice. In 2015, he bungled a renewal of the anti-terrorist Patriot Act when he didnt realize that a member of his own party, Rand Paul (R-Ky.), was determined to block the bill unless changes were made. McConnells Senate, in short, hasnt been as orderly and productive as he wanted. More important, the episode showed Democrats that their quickest path to heroism, at least among their supporters and donors, is relentless resistance to Trump and McConnell. They were headed in that direction already, thanks to the grassroots protests that erupted when some of them (including Warren) voted to confirm one or two Cabinet nominees. A Politico/Morning Consult poll released last week showed that most Democrats want members of Congress to stick to their principles, even if that means blocking all legislation and nominees. Thats a problem for McConnell. For his Senate to look like a success, he needs to pass a tax reform bill, a replacement for President Obamas healthcare law, and a series of spending bills. If he keeps the rule requiring 60 votes for major legislation to advance, hell need some Democratic votes. His collision with Warren, even though she represents the progressive edge of her own party, made that harder. Instead, Democrats are now more likely to exploit the tools Senate rules give them to obstruct legislation, demand amendments and force Republicans to vote on measures that will embarrass them or divide them from Trump. McConnell will label them obstructionists, but the Democrats know that obstructionism works that when Congress is gridlocked, most voters will blame the party in the White House. Where did they learn that? From McConnell, of course. That was the strategy he used to frustrate Obama; it was how he became majority leader in 2015. Now he must watch, and fume, as his opponents turn it against him. doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com Twitter: @doylemcmanus Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook MORE FROM OPINION Even coffee shops are political now Measure S isnt a solution to L.A.s housing woes, its a childish middle finger to City Hall. Vote no Should the judiciary defer to the executive on national security issues? Are gender feminists and transgender activists undermining science? In the coffee shop where I am typing, the Band is playing over the speakers (first Atlantic City, then The Weight). On the wall across from me, there is a framed piece of muslin sackcloth printed with the words Cafe de El Salvador. Baristas hand out wooden chips for customers to deposit in one of four jars, casting votes for which charity theyd have the shop donate money to this month; choices include a food bank and a center for mentally ill adults. Near the ceiling, there is a strip of black paint on which is chalked this quotation: There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. William J. Clinton. This coffee shop is called Blue State Coffee. Independent coffee shops everywhere tend to have a liberal vibe, but Blue State, which began in 2004 with the location where I sit in New Haven, Conn., and has expanded to eight branches in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, makes its politics explicit. Conservatives can drink here, of course, but while their money is welcome, their politics are not. Blue State Coffee is a prime example of the politicization of commerce. Where once upon a time profit-minded entrepreneurs were terrified of being identified with one political camp or another, thus alienating potential customers from rival camps, today, theyre embracing partisanship as a strategy. What they lose in mass appeal, they seem to think, they gain in fierce loyalty. Advertisement We saw this gamble two weeks ago, when, in response to President Trumps travel bans applying to seven Muslim-majority countries, Starbucks pledged to hire 10,000 refugees over the next 10 years. There was nothing subtle about CEO Howard Schultzs move; in his letter announcing the plan, Schultz praised trade with Mexico and seemed to express support for the Affordable Care Act. In effect, Schultz was saying that Starbucks had joined the resistance. The same week, Uber canceled surge pricing on rides to JFK Airport in New York City, a move that seemed to undercut a strike called by taxi drivers to protest the detention of foreigners denied entry to the U.S. Sensing an opportunity to stake out turf to Ubers left, rival car-share company Lyft announced a $1 million contribution to the American Civil Liberties Union. But Uber wouldnt let that stand. Faced with numerous deletions of its app, and a vente-sized cup of bad publicity, the company announced a $3-million legal fund for immigrant drivers. It also asked Trump to cancel his temporary travel ban. It sometimes seems as if every company in the strip mall has a political brand. Commerce has, of course, always been political. Businesspeople, more often than not conservatives, have networked and lobbied to fight government regulation, unions and other perceived evils. But the politics used to be conducted on the down-low. The National Prayer Breakfast, for example, began in 1953 as the bipartisan, public face of Methodist minister Abraham Vereides right-wing activism. (He got his start organizing businessmens opposition to the New Deal.) The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was organized by President Taft to fight the labor movement, but then went through a long period of bipartisanship before returning in recent years, under CEO Tom Donohue, to an open allegiance with Republican business interests. All of this was largely invisible to most consumers. Now it sometimes seems as if every company in the strip mall has a political brand. I instinctively recoil every time I drive by the Hobby Lobby near me I cant disassociate it from its evangelical owners successful Supreme Court fight, in 2014, to deny employees coverage for contraception in their healthcare plans. The new Chick-fil-A off Exit 9? Right wing, by virtue of its owners anti-gay political donations. If I am going to be stuck in traffic, Id always rather be stuck behind a Subaru, because at least I can assume Im near likeminded folk Subaru being an early, aggressive seeker of lesbian customers. Later that night, Ill console myself with a movie from gay-friendly Disney and a pint of ice cream from the reliably liberal Ben and Jerrys. (Sometimes too reliable they got suckered by the scientifically suspect anti-GMO panic). Then Ill brush the sugar off with environmentally friendly Toms of Maine toothpaste. Which also will scrub off the stains from my Blue State coffee. And so the circle of virtue is complete. Self-satisfied as my shopping choices make me, I am not sure they are good for the country, even if they are better for the planet. Third places like coffee shops to use sociologist Ray Oldenburgs term for places that are neither home nor work are crucial for organizing social movements. But they also should function as sites of unexpected conversation, the kind that might change our lives as when we meet our soulmate over an extra-hot non-fat mocha or, perhaps, our political views. As a progressive, I am cheered by what the Starbucks and Lyft cases tell us about the country: that people who agree with me have buying power, and thus clout. You have to believe that CEOs at Starbucks, Disney and elsewhere have run the numbers and concluded that our country resembles the popular vote, not the electoral college. There are more of us than there are of them. And thus our capitalist system will be one check on Trumps retrograde policies. But if conservatives avoid Starbucks, then something is lost for me, anyway. And maybe Im losing something by never patronizing Hobby Lobby. Im not sure what they sell, but there are no doubt some mighty fine people buying it. To read the article in Spanish, click here Mark Oppenheimer, a contributing writer to Opinion, is the host of the podcast Unorthodox. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Last Tuesday, in an hour-long oral argument conducted over the telephone, three judges from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals listened to a Justice Department lawyer urge them to reinstate President Trumps ban on travel from seven largely Muslim nations. The lawyer, August E. Flentje, offered several reasons why they should do this, but one in particular seemed to disturb the judges. The judiciary, Flentje claimed, must defer to the executive branch when it comes to national security. This is a traditional national security judgment that is assigned to the political branches, Flentje declared. Are you arguing then, asked Judge Michelle T. Friedland, that the presidents decision in that regard is unreviewable? Advertisement Yes, said Flentje. This sounded eerily familiar an echo from another legal controversy long ago. On Aug. 9, 1950, in a D.C. federal courthouse, a lawyer for the widows of three civilian engineers who died in the crash of an Air Force B-29 requested the accident report, expecting it would shed light on the cause of the disaster. An assistant U.S. attorney balked, insisting the report cannot be furnished without seriously hampering national security because the aircraft in question was engaged in a highly secret mission and carried confidential equipment. In response, a skeptical U.S. District Judge William Kirkpatrick said, I only want to know where your argument leads. The governments attorney made plain where it led: We contend that the findings [of the executive branch] are binding upon the Judiciary. You cannot review it or interpret it. That is what it comes down to. It is beyond question ... that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action. From the 9th Circuit panels ruling issued on Thursday Kirkpatrick was having none of that argument. In June 1950, he ordered the government to hand over the accident report and all related documents. He wanted it known that the type of executive immunity from judicial review asserted by the government had been fully considered and held not sustainable. In an appeal filed to the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in April 1951, the government did more than challenge Kirkpatricks ruling: It challenged Kirkpatricks very right to make a ruling. Most fundamentally, the government now questioned whether any judge could force the executive branch to hand over documents it considered privileged: We believe that the determination of what documents should not be disclosed is necessarily within the discretion and distinctive knowledge of the executive branch. At a hearing Oct. 19, 1951, that assertion received much attention from a three-judge appellate panel led by Judge Albert Maris. What bothered Maris most was the governments assertion of unilateral executive power, free from judicial review, to decide what qualified as a national security secret. In a unanimous opinion filed two months later, upholding Kirkpatrick, Maris wrote: The government of the United States is one of checks and balances. One of the principal checks is furnished by the independent judiciary which the Constitution established. Neither the executive nor the legislative branch of the government may constitutionally encroach upon the field which the Constitution has reserved for the judiciary. More echoes: On Thursday, the 9th Circuit panel, in refusing to reinstate Trumps ban, unanimously rejected the administrations claim that courts cannot review a presidents national security determinations. It is beyond question, the judges said, that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action. Courts owed substantial deference to the executive branch on matters of national security, but there is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy. For the moment, Trump is weighing his options. (On Friday, administration officials gave contradictory information.) Eventually, however, this matter will get to the U.S. Supreme Court. Thats what happened in the B-29 case, titled U.S. vs. Reynolds. The chief justice back then was a Kentucky politician named Fred Vinson, a poker and drinking buddy of President Truman who in his seven years on the court displayed a pronounced inclination to support the government against any challenge to its power. Nowhere was this tendency more apparent than in cases involving matters of national security. In U.S. vs. Reynolds, his perspective prevailed. After hearing oral argument, the justices, by a vote of 6 to 3, decided to reverse Maris and formally recognize, for the first time, the governments state secrets privilege. On March 9, 1953, Vinson, from the bench, announced and read from the decision hed written. The courts, Vinson said, cant abdicate control over the evidence to the caprice of executive officers, but if the government can satisfy trial judges that a reasonable danger to national security exists, they shouldnt insist upon examining the documents. Vinson, in other words, was asking jurists to fly blind. Which is precisely what he did in U.S. vs. Reynolds: Certainly, he concluded, there was a reasonable danger that the accident investigation would contain references to the secret electronic equipment which was the primary concern of the mission. But Vinson couldnt truly know for certain, because the Supreme Court justices never read the disputed Air Force accident report. If they had, they would have seen that the report declassified 50 years later contained no references to a highly secret mission involving confidential equipment. Rather, it documented an airplane crash caused by cockpit errors and shabby maintenance. At bottom, Vinsons opinion represented an act of faith. We must believe the government, Vinson held, when it claims this B-29 accident report would reveal state secrets. We must trust that the government is telling us the truth. As the litigation over Trumps travel ban bounces around the judicial system, everyone involved should keep in mind the chief lesson from U.S. vs. Reynolds: Dont trust the government. Barry Siegel, a former Times staff writer, directs the literary journalism program at UC Irvine. His book on U.S. vs. Reynolds and the state secrets privilege, Claim of Privilege, was published in 2008. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Police have named a suspect they say was an accomplice in a weeklong string of robberies in Long Beach, one of which involved the rape of an elderly woman. Sophia Yim, 31, of Lynwood was arrested Friday morning along with Melvin Earl Farmer Jr., who is accused of carrying out a string of robberies, according to the Long Beach Police Department. Yim, who was previously being held on $20,000 bail, has been booked on suspicion of robbery and is now being held on $100,000 bail. Police said Friday that they were withholding her name due to investigative reasons. Advertisement Farmer is responsible for five robberies, four of which occurred at a senior housing center near Atlantic Avenue and Via Carmelitos, police said. The fifth robbery happened at a separate location Thursday morning. Police say a man knocked on a 90-year-old womans door and forced his way inside when she opened it. The suspect robbed her and attempted to sexually assault her, according to police, but she fought back and a panic alarm was activated during the struggle. The woman was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. After releasing surveillance footage to the media, police said, a tipster identified the suspect as Farmer. Police say the robberies occurred between Feb. 2 and Thursday, and victims were 63 to 95 years old. In most of the cases, the assailant physically assaulted the women before taking purses, cellphones or cash. One was raped, police said. Investigators have not said what role Yim played in the incidents, Sgt. James Richardson said. No information has been provided about the relationship between Yim and Farmer. christine.maiduc@latimes.com For more on California politics, follow @cmaiduc. ALSO After upheaval, California Coastal Commission selects veteran insider as new head Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run in South L.A. A tense, historic day at Oroville Dam captured in dramatic videos A few days after moving into the White House, President Trump put the third-largest city in the country on notice: If Chicago doesnt fix the horrible carnage going on, 228 shootings in 2017 with 42 killings (up 24% from 2016), I will send in the Feds! The presidents ominous if vague tweet to Chicagoans echoed back decades to when federal troops were dispatched to American cities as racial unrest roiled the country. Some activists and politicians have expressed concern about Trumps statement, which received more than 57,000 retweets. While Chicago often has one of the highest homicide counts in the country, its rare for a president to cast his focus on a specific city. Trump, it seems, is planning to change that. He also has hinted at withholding federal money from so-called sanctuary cities that dont comply with his immigration mandates. Advertisement But can a president really send the feds Trumps preferred shorthand into Chicago, or any other city? Here are some answers: Is there a law that allows Trump to do this? Yes, kind of. Under the Insurrection Act of 1807, a president can deploy troops anywhere in the United States under a specific scenario. Whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any State by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, the act reads, he may call into Federal service such of the militia of any State. Indeed, Abraham Lincoln used the act during the Civil War. Brigadier Gen. Henry Graham, right, of the Alabama National Guard asks Gov. George Wallace to step aside on order of the president to allow racial integration at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1963.. (Shel Hershorn / Getty Images) Is the Insurrection Act used often? It has been used, but sparingly. Perhaps the most high-profile example in modern times came in September 1957 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock, Ark., to help desegregate Central High School. Three years after the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark decision in Brown vs. Board of Education which held that state laws allowing separate public schools for black and white students were unconstitutional the Arkansas high school was still segregated. When nine black students tried to enroll, Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus ordered the state National Guard to prevent them from entering, a scene that drew headlines nationwide. Little Rock Mayor Woodrow Wilson Mann asked Eisenhower for help. The president then federalized 10,000 Arkansas National Guardsmen and sent in 1,000 U.S. Army paratroopers. The students were eventually allowed to attend the school, though tensions remained high. Years later the act was once again invoked. In the fall of 1962, President Kennedy sent 30,000 troops to the University of Mississippi when riots broke out over the admission of a black student, James Meredith. In several phone conversations, Kennedy urged Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett to uphold federal law, but he declined. Im a Mississippi segregationist, and I am proud of it, the governor said that fall. A year later, Kennedy federalized National Guard troops and sent them to the University of Alabama to force its desegregation. And more recently, President George W. Bush dispatched thousands of National Guard troops into the Gulf Coast region to help with disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. In each case, the sitting president conferred with local officials before sending in federal enforcement. Police investigate the scene Feb. 6 after two people were discovered shot to death inside a Chicago apartment. (Scott Olson / Getty Images) Could the act be used for Chicago? Not really, legal experts say. Last year, Chicago saw 762 recorded homicides its highest yearlong total in almost two decades, which many attribute to poverty, failing schools and a disconnect between police and the communities they patrol. But the murder toll itself doesnt mean the president can send in troops, says UC Berkeley law professor John Yoo. Simple murder is not a violation of federal law, he said. I dont think the conditions in Chicago have any relationship to federal law. The only way Chicagos situation could possibly fall under the Insurrection Act, Yoo said, is if the murders also violated some aspect of federal law, such as acts committed by drug cartels or terrorists. Sudha Setty, a professor at Western New England University School of Law, said that under the Constitution police powers fall to the states and the federal government doesnt usually have standing to make decisions for cities unless a local jurisdiction asks for help. What does Trump have in mind for Chicago? Its hard to tell, though he has given hints. During the campaign Trump also voiced support for stop-and-frisk in which police aggressively confront people they suspect of crime to be implemented in Chicago. The policy, once used by many police departments, gained traction in New York under two former mayors, Rudolph W. Giuliani, a top Trump surrogate, and Michael R. Bloomberg, a fierce Trump critic. In 2013, a federal judge ruled that New Yorks stop-and-frisk policy had violated the rights of blacks and Latinos. How have Chicago officials responded to Trumps threat? No one has challenged him head-on. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, former chief of staff to President Obama, has said he welcomes federal help in lowering the citys murder count, but not by sending in troops. Theres a lot the federal government can do, Emanuel told a local public television station last month, saying the government could enact stronger gun-control measures or provide money to hire more police officers. Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson said in a statement that his department was more than willing to work with the federal government to boost prosecution rates for gun crimes in Chicago. Asked in August about the possibility of sending state National Guard troops into the city, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, said he had ultimately decided that wasnt a good idea after having discussions with police and the National Guard. Sometimes you get emotional and you say, Well, weve got to do something, he said at the time. Youve got to think these things through and the implications. And the National Guard right now wouldnt make sense. kurtis.lee@latimes.com Twitter: @kurtisalee ALSO Raids across country leave immigrants and advocates on high alert Appeals court ruling was the biggest warning to Trump yet on how hes approaching the presidency Waning days of the Standing Rock protests: An improvised tribe of Americans looking for justice! As the healthcare vote looms, Trump sees opposition from conservatives, both on Capitol Hill and in the media By Kurtis Lee Its a really important vote in President Trumps fledgling first term. Will House Republicans pass a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act a promise from Trump on the campaign trail or reject it? (House Speaker Paul D. Ryan rushed to the White House on Friday morning for a last-minute meeting with Trump as both attempted to corral enough votes.) Trump spent much of the week trying to win support from members of the Freedom Caucus, among the most conservative lawmakers, some of whom are holdouts because they believe the bill does not go far enough. After seven horrible years of ObamaCare (skyrocketing premiums & deductibles, bad healthcare), this is finally your chance for a great plan! Trump tweeted Friday. But even some in conservative media arent all that thrilled about the bill. Here are some of Fridays headlines: Polls: Ryancare even more unpopular than Obamacare and Hillarycare (Breitbart) So, its been clear in recent weeks that the right-wing website Breitbart does not like the new healthcare proposal. The news site has dubbed the current bill Obamacare-lite or Ryancare an homage of sorts to Ryan, who helped craft the legislation and argued it does not go far enough in its overhaul. Most conservatives want to repeal the Affordable Care Act, nicknamed Obamacare, they just differ on what the replacement should look like. For example, some on the far right want to see so-called essential health benefits, such as maternity and newborn care, stripped from the bill.) This piece highlights several of the dismal polls the legislation has received. Among them: A recent Fox News survey that showed 54% oppose the bill, compared with 34% who support it. The article also references an analysis of polling and data by FiveThirtyEight.com, which shows the GOP legislation is more unpopular than Obamacare and President Bill Clintons healthcare reform bill were when they were first introduced. A modest immigration proposal (Weekly Standard) Trumps recent immigration orders have left many immigrants on edge. Through social media and pop-up legal clinics, immigrant rights groups have doled out around-the-clock assistance, as families fear being separated. In this piece, Irwin Stelzer notes that at some point, our border will be secure, resistance to deporting felons will collapse, and we will have accepted the fact that Dreamers will be allowed to stay in this country, probably on a path to citizenship. He lays out his views of immigration reform, citing, among other things, setting an annual immigration limit and adopting a system that has the effect of enriching our citizens by filling that annual quota with immigrants who are likely to increase the well-being of the existing citizenry. Jeff Sessions is Rip Van Winkle on drug policy (American Conservative) Its clear from polls that most Republicans oppose marijuana legalization, while Democrats support it. However, libertarian-leaning Republicans often tend to support legalization. This piece highlights Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions recent comments in opposition to states legalizing pot. The attorney general regurgitates simplistic cliches right out of the 1970s and 1980s about marijuana use. I dont think America is going to be a better place when people of all ages, and particularly young people, are smoking pot, Sessions told reporters on February 26, the author, Ted Galen Carpenter, writes. He adds, Such comments confirm that critics may be right when they label him a drug war dinosaur. He seems either oblivious or scornful about the trend in public opinion regarding marijuana. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print FCC Chairman Pai wants to halt Internet privacy rules before they begin taking effect this week By Jim Puzzanghera (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) The nations new top telecommunications regulator wants to halt tough Internet privacy rules before they begin taking effect this week, arguing they would unfairly impose tougher requirements on broadband providers than on websites and social networks. Privacy advocates and a key Senate Democrat vowed Monday to fight the move as well as a separate effort in Congress to overturn the regulations, which were approved in October on a party-line vote by the Federal Communications Commission when it was controlled by Democrats under President Obama. Following President Trumps inauguration, control of the commission passed to Republicans and Ajit Pai took over as chairman. All actors in the online space should be subject to the same rules, and the federal government shouldnt favor one set of companies over another, a spokesman for Pai said Friday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump says Hollywoods obsession with him led to best picture Oscar gaffe By Michael A. Memoli (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) President Trump is often loath to accept responsibility when things go wrong, but in the case of Sundays Oscars broadcast, he made an exception. As he explained it Monday, it was Hollywoods obsession with attacking him that contributed to the botched best picture announcement, calling the embarrassing episode sad, of course. Accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has apologized for the mix-up that led Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway to announce La La Land as the winner of the top Academy Award prize, instead of Moonlight. But in Trumps eyes, the blame falls more broadly on an entertainment industry so preoccupied with politics that they didnt get the act together, he told Breitbart News. It took away from the glamour of the Oscars, Trump told a reporter from the website, which was once led by his chief White House strategist, Stephen K. Bannon. It didnt feel like a very glamorous evening. Ive been to the Oscars. There was something very special missing, and then to end that way was sad, he added. The ceremony did contain a number of slights at Trump during its telecast, some more subtle than others. Host Jimmy Kimmel openly at one point begged the president to weigh in by tweeting at him. Trump spent part of Sunday night hosting a black-tie dinner at the White House honoring the nations governors, who were visiting Washington for their annual winter meeting. But it appears from excerpts of the Breitbart interview that he may have spent at least part of the evening watching. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Justice Department shifts course in closely watched Texas voter ID case By Del Quentin Wilber The Trump administration has scaled back its assault on a strict Texas voter identification law that federal courts have ruled discriminated against minorities, portending a shift in how the Justice Department plans to pursue allegations of voter suppression. The government revealed its decision in court papers filed in federal court Monday, dealing a blow to civil rights advocates who have relied on federal support to help them knock down the controversial Texas statute. Its a very concerning signal to American voters about the Department of Justices commitment to enforcing the Voting Rights Act, said Danielle Lang, deputy director of the voting rights unit of the Campaign Legal Center, which is suing Texas in the case. The administrations partial retreat in the dispute highlights how Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, a conservative Republican who has championed voter identification measures, is expected to handle such cases. The Obama administration had joined civil rights groups in aggressively challenging the Texas law and other such measures around the country. At issue in the case was how the Justice Department would proceed in a federal lawsuit that alleged the Texas legislature discriminated against minority voters when it enacted the strict voter identification law in 2011. Known as SB 14, the measure requires voters to present a specific form of government-issued photo identification - such as a drivers license, military ID card, U.S. passport or citizenship certificate - to be permitted to cast a ballot. The Obama administration and civil rights groups argued the state pushed the law, in part, to suppress the power of the states minority voters, who frequently dont drive or have a passport. State officials and lawmakers countered that the law was aimed at preventing voter fraud, though there is scant evidence that the problem exists. The law was challenged in court by civil rights groups and the Justice Department under provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which was intended to help overcome legal barriers erected at the local and state level to keep African-Americans from the polls. Last July, a federal appeals court ruled that the Texas law had a discriminatory impact on minority voters. It told U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos to craft a temporary remedy in time for the November elections. Ramos subsequently ordered Texas to permit voters to present other forms of documentation to verify their identities. The judges order is expected to remain in force until she imposes a permanent remedy or Texas addresses the judges concerns. According to the court papers filed Monday, the Justice Department will continue to work with civil rights groups to address those issues but will seek to withdraw from another important aspect of the suit. In the same decision that found the Texas law had a discriminatory impact, the appeals court reversed Ramos finding that Texas legislators had intended to harm minority voters. It ordered Ramos to reconsider the evidence of that finding. If the judge determines discriminatory intent in crafting the voter ID requirements, she could throw out the entire law. Civil rights groups will continue to press that claim. In its court filing, the Justice Department asked Ramos to permit it to withdraw its claim that Texas acted with intent, arguing that it is best to give the Texas legislature time to address the matter. With the loss of their key ally in court, civil rights groups will argue on their own in an effort to prove that Texas acted with a discriminatory purpose in passing the law. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Voting advocates complained that the Trump administration was backing away from a key safeguard of voting rights. The Justice Department decision defies rationality and stands diametrically opposed to positions they have taken at every stage of this litigation, Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said in a statement. This reversal of position was taken despite years of work and effort that the government has invested in fighting the Texas Voter ID law, one of the most discriminatory voting restriction of its kind. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement House Intelligence Chair Devin Nunes warns against witch hunt over Trump-Russia ties By Sarah D. Wire House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) talks to reporters about his committees Russia investigation. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes said on Monday he has seen no evidence from the intelligence community that there was contact between Russia and the Trump campaign. I want to be very careful, we cant just go on a witch hunt against Americans because they appear in a news story, said Nunes (R-Tulare). We still dont have any evidence of them talking to Russia. He said the committee has been briefed on the highlights of what the intelligence community has found, but is still collecting evidence. The committees ranking Democrat, Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), quickly responded, saying the committees investigation is in its infancy and its too soon to reach conclusions about the evidence. We havent obtained any of the evidence yet, so its premature for us to be saying weve reached any conclusion about the issue of collusion, Schiff said. The most that weve had are private conversations, the chair and I with intelligence officials. Thats not a substitute for an investigation. The House and Senate Select Intelligence Committees are conducting separate investigations into Russias reported attempts to influence voters in 2016 in an effort to curtail Hillary Clintons chances and boost Donald Trumps. A leaked U.S. intelligence report on the attempts did not look at whether the effort succeeded. The House committee has expanded a previous ongoing investigation of Russia cyberhacking to include a look at efforts to interfere in the 2016 election, Nunes told reporters Monday. Though it is still in its early stages the leaders of the committee are still discussing the investigations scope Nunes said he expects the findings to be made public. Schiff and Nunes spoke separately to reporters Monday. Schiff said the two agreed privately that they would jointly address reporters about the investigation going forward. Nunes, who served as a member of Trumps transition team, said he continues to be concerned about leaks of classified and sensitive information from the White House and intelligence communities. The leaks one of which resulted in a report about the FBI investigating Trump campaign officials will be part of the committees investigation. A government cant function with massive leaks at the highest level, Nunes said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Appeals court denies Justice Department request to put appeal of travel ban on hold By Jaweed Kaleem (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied the Justice Departments request to pause proceedings in an appeal of President Trumps travel ban. The court in a filing Monday said its schedule for the governments appeal of a lower courts halt on the travel ban will proceed, with the first brief due to the appeals court on March 10. In early February, the Justice Department appealed a Seattle-based federal district judges order blocking enforcement of Trumps executive action. which established a series of immigration and refugee restrictions aimed at preventing potential terrorists from entering the country. Last week, government lawyers asked the appeals court to stop proceedings in the case because the president planned to issue a new executive order and rescind the original one. A three-judge panel of the court previously denied a request from the government to reverse a nationwide stay on the travel ban. The same panel on Monday ruled that the appeal will proceed. Trump has said he will sign a new executive order tailored to deal with court decisions that have largely gone against him. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said he expected the order to be issued mid-week. Spicer has said Trump wants to fight for the current order while also issuing a new one, but the Justice Department has said in multiple court filings that the the current order will be undone after a new one is issued. The states of Washington and Minnesota, which brought the case in Seattle now under review, have pushed for courts to move forward on a review of the constitutional issues. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print No random ICE stops on streets of America, Homeland Security chief tells governor By Lisa Mascaro Gov holds closing media briefing on Capitol Hill to wrap up @NatlGovsAssoc Winter Meeting. pic.twitter.com/3mZMBA4S0o Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) February 27, 2017 President Trump received some unsolicited advice at dinner with the nations governors when Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe told him he needs to do a better job explaining his policies regarding deportations. McAuliffe, a Democrat and chairman of the National Governors Assn., told the president that there has been a chilling effect going on as businesses stay away from his state and as immigrants fear being rounded up. If theyre not going to be deported, we need to hear that from the president, McAuliffe said, recounting his conversation from the governors Sunday night dinner with Trump. What I told the president is these actions are hurting us. McAuliffe, a longtime ally of Hillary Clinton, said Trump agreed in large part. McAuliffe also met privately with Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly, and said the secretary assured him during an hourlong talk that Trumps enforcement actions were only targeting criminals -- despite widespread reports of otherwise law-abiding immigrants being detained for being in the U.S. illegally. He assured me there will be no random ICE stops on the streets of the United States of America, McAuliffe said, referring to the raids being conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. If thats the case, McAuliffe said, Trumps policy does not sound much different than the operations under former President Obama, whose administration deported more immigrants than its predecessors. Obama, however, explicitly put a priority on deportations of criminals, a distinction the Trump administration has done away with as part of the presidents executive action. My advice to him was he needs to let the American public know what theyre doing, McAuliffe said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump: I havent called Russia in 10 years By Brian Bennett President Trump rejected calls for an independent investigation of his ties to Russia, telling a group of business leaders Monday that he hasnt called Russia in a decade. At the start of a White House meeting with healthcare executives, a reporter asked Trump whether a special prosecutor should be assigned to investigate allegations of Russian meddling during the election. In response, Trump mouthed the word no to the executives. As reporters were led out of the room, Trump said: I havent called Russia in 10 years. Democratic lawmakers have ramped up their calls for additional investigations into allegations that Trump allies had been in contact with Russian officials during the election and inappropriately discussed U.S. sanctions against the Moscow regime during the transition. White House officials have denied reports that Trump associates were frequently in touch with senior Russian intelligence officials during the election. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had authorized an operation to damage Hillary Clintons campaign and tilt the 2016 election in Trumps favor. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump: Nobody knew that healthcare could be so complicated By Michael A. Memoli View Twitter post President Trump promised the nations governors Monday that his yet-to-be-revealed replacement plan for the Affordable Care Act would give states greater flexibility and thanked some Republicans in the room who advised him on healthcare. Its an unbelievably complex subject, he said. Nobody knew that healthcare could be so complicated. The remark likely surprised state leaders; spending on Medicaid alone was the second-biggest driver of increased state general fund spending, according to the 2016 Fiscal Survey of States conducted by the National Assn. of State Budget Officers. And it was just eight years ago that Washington dove head-first into a raging debate over healthcare reform under President Obama, which simmered long after his signature health law was enacted. But the finer points of healthcare policy are likely new to Trump, who is immersed in discussions with Republican leaders and his senior staff on that and other subjects ahead of his high-profile address Tuesday to a joint session of Congress. Trump offered no hint as to the details. Republicans have vowed to repeal and replace Obamacare, but their effort has stalled as they debate how to do so and await word from the White House on what Trump wants to do. The president seemed keenly aware of the political ramifications of whatever steps he takes. As soon as we touch it, if we do the most minute thing, just a tiny little change, whats going to happen? Theyre going to say its the Republicans problem, Trump said after telling the governors the easiest thing for him to do would be nothing, and, in his view, watch Obamacare collapse. But we have to do whats right because Obamacare is a failed disaster. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump wants to add $54 billion to defense budget while slashing domestic spending and foreign aid By Brian Bennett President Trump is proposing a massive increase in defense spending of $54 billion while cutting domestic spending and foreign aid by the same amount, the White House said Monday. Trumps spending blueprint previewed a major address that he will give Tuesday night to a joint session of Congress, laying out his vision for what he called a public safety and national security budget with a nearly 10% increase in defense spending. We never win a war. We never win. And we dont fight to win. We dont fight to win, Trump said Monday in remarks to the nations governors. So we either got to win or dont fight it at all. Trump noted that the U.S. has spent nearly $6 trillion on fighting wars since the Sept. 11 attacks but said that cutting military spending was not the answer. Instead, the increase he is proposing would be offset by cuts to unspecified domestic programs and to foreign aid, which would in turn be made up for in part by demanding that other countries pay more for security alliances that have historically been underwritten by the U.S. This budget expects the rest of the world to step up in some of the programs that this country has been so generous in funding in the past, an official from the Office of Management and Budget said, demanding anonymity to discuss the presidents spending plans. Foreign aid makes up about 1% of the budget. This budget speaks for itself, the official said. I dont think this budget has anything to do other than putting Americans first. Trumps call for deep cuts to spending at home is likely to set up major battles on Capitol Hill, where Democrats and even House Republicans will likely be reluctant to pass a spending bill that includes such major reductions in programs for their constituents. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump says businesses cant borrow because of Dodd-Frank. The numbers tell another story By Jim Puzzanghera President Trump was preparing the first step in a key campaign promise dismantling the 2010 DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act when he repeated a frequent criticism of the law. We expect to be cutting a lot out of Dodd-Frank because, frankly, I have so many people, friends of mine that had nice businesses, they cant borrow money, Trump told leading corporate chief executives, including Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Larry Fink of money management giant BlackRock Inc., meeting at the White House earlier this month They just cant get any money because the banks just wont let them borrow it because of the rules and regulations in Dodd-Frank, Trump said. Shortly afterward, he ordered a wholesale review of the landmark act, which was passed in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. But a main reason for dismantling Dodd-Frank often cited by Trump and critics of the law that its slew of tougher financial regulations have significantly restricted bank lending isnt borne out by the data. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Another Trump nominee withdraws nomination to top national security post due to business interests By W.J. Hennigan Philip M. Bilden, President Trumps pick for Navy secretary, withdrew from consideration late Sunday, becoming the second White House nominee to bail on a top Pentagon position due to problems untangling his financial investments. After an extensive review process, I have determined that I will not be able to satisfy the Office of Government Ethics requirements without undue disruption and materially adverse divestment of my familys private financial interests, Bilden said in a statement. He did not detail the issues but he said he fully supported the presidents agenda to modernize and rebuild our Navy and Marine Corps. Bildens withdrawal comes after billionaire investor Vincent Viola dropped out from becoming Army secretary after he decided his extensive financial holdings would hamper his ability to win Senate confirmation. The White House shot down reports that surfaced two weeks ago that Bilden was considering stepping down. Just spoke with him and he is 100% commited [sic] to being the next SECNAV pending Senate confirm, White House spokesman Sean Spicer tweeted on Feb. 18. Bilden, a venture capitalist and Army veteran, was a surprise selection from Trump but had the backing of Defense Secretary James N. Mattis. This was a personal decision driven by privacy concerns and significant challenges he faced in separating himself from his business interests, Mattis said in a statement. While I am disappointed, I understand and his respect his decision, and know that he will continue to support our nation in other ways. Bilden served ten years in the U.S. Army Reserve as a military intelligence officer from 1986 to 1996. He then co-founded private equity firm HarbourVest Partners LLC and spent 25 years there, mainly in the companys Hong Kong headquarters. He also serves on the board of directors of the United States Naval Academy Foundation and the board of trustees of the Naval War College Foundation. Mattis said he intends on recommending a replacement nominee to Trump in the coming days. The withdrawal marks another setback for Trumps national security team, which has struggled to find its footing since the fledgling administration began. Earlier this month, National Security Advisor Michael Flynn was forced to resign after it became public that he held secret talks with a Russian ambassador and then misled Vice President Mike Pence about it. Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster took the job last week after Trumps first choice to replace Flynn, retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Harward, passed on the opportunity. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement New DNC chairman Tom Perez ridicules Trump tweet over rigged vote By Laura King Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez was chosen to lead the Democratic Party over a congressman backed by the progressive wing. (Branden Camp / Associated Press) President Trump claimed Sunday that the race for Democratic National Committee chairman had been rigged -- drawing a quick riposte from Tom Perez, who narrowly won the partys leadership race. Trump insinuated that Perezs DNC victory on the second ballot at a party conference in Atlanta on Saturday was because Hillary Clinton had backed Perez, a former Labor secretary in the Obama administration who was seen as representing the partys establishment forces. Clinton did not make a formal endorsement, but Perezs rival, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, was backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and the partys more liberal wing. Bernies guy, like Bernie himself, never had a chance, Trump tweeted early Sunday morning. Clinton demanded Perez! Perez, appearing on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, told host Jake Tapper that he and Ellison got a good kick out of that, adding: Donald Trump, up in the morning tweeting about us. Sanders, appearing on the same show, said Trump doesnt have a point about the DNC vote. Moments after Perez beat Ellison by 35 votes out of 435 cast, he named Ellison as the deputy chairman of the party, leading to widespread applause. Perez is the first Latino to lead the Democratic Party, and he faces the challenge of trying to rebuild a party that suffered devastating losses in the 2016 election. Republicans now control not only the White House and Congress, but 33 governorships and dozens of state legislatures. In his CNN interview, Perez sarcastically suggested that Trump should address questions about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign rather than concerning himself with the DNC leadership battle. Frankly, what we need to be looking at is whether this election was rigged by Donald Trump and his buddy Vladimir Putin, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House again bats away call for special prosecutor on Russia By Laura King A White House spokeswoman said Sunday that it was too soon to say whether a special prosecutor should look into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign, while President Trump again inveighed against coverage of Russia-related queries as FAKE NEWS. Calls have grown louder from Democrats in Congress for U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from the issue because of his role as a prominent Trump supporter during the campaign, and to appoint an independent special prosecutor to carry out a Russia probe. A few Republicans have joined in that chorus some reluctantly. Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista, appearing on HBOs Real Time with Bill Maher, voiced support Friday for naming of a special prosecutor to probe the Russian connection, though he also said congressional intelligence committees should continue their work. He also said he considered Sessions a friend, but pointed to his role as a political appointee who had worked on the Trump campaign. Issa, who narrowly won reelection, was a vociferous critic of the Obama administration during his former tenure as head of the House Oversight Committee. In that post, he spearheaded an array of investigations on topics from Benghazi to bank bailouts. Some Republicans pushed back against the notion of Sessions needing to recuse himself. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said on NBCs Meet the Press that he had seen no credible information about contacts between the Trump campaign and Russians and no allegations that rose to the level of criminal activity. If we get down that road, thats a decision that Attorney General Sessions can make at the time, said Cotton, who is a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian intelligence agencies hacked Democratic Party computers and used other tactics last year to interfere with the election. The FBI is separately investigating whether anyone on Trumps campaign had improper contacts with Russian authorities during the campaign. On Sunday, White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said congressional investigations on Russia and the campaign should be allowed to go forward before a special prosecutor appointment was considered. I dont think were there yet, Sanders said on ABCs This Week. Lets work through this process. Echoing the previously stated White House stance, Sanders said the Trump campaign had not colluded in any Russian meddling. We had no involvement in this, she said. The president is known to keep a close eye on surrogates performances on the talk shows, and Sanders repeated a prime administration talking point: that questions about possible Trump campaign contacts with Russia amounted to Democratic excuses for losing the election. If Democrats want to continue to relive their loss every single day, by doing an investigation or review after review, thats fine by us, she said. We know why we won this race. Its because we had the better candidate with the better message. Trump himself underscored that notion with an afternoon tweet denouncing media coverage of the ongoing Russia investigations as FAKE NEWS put out by the Dems, and played up by the media, in order to mask the big election defeat and the illegal leaks! Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Whose news is fake? Heres the latest in Trumps war with the press By Kurtis Lee Every president since 1981 has attended the annual White House Correspondents Assn. dinner. That year, President Reagan missed out. The reason? He needed to recover after a would-be assassin fired a bullet into his chest a few weeks earlier. On Saturday, President Trump announced he will not be attending the annual dinner in April, long considered the premier social event of the Washington press corps and typically an evening of good-natured bantering between presidents and the Fourth Estate. Trumps announcement added to the ratcheting tensions between his administration and the media. Almost daily, in speeches or on Twitter, he calls particular news outlets fake, disgusting or dishonest and news organizations have responded by digging in, standing united and devoting more resources to covering a president who has branded the press the enemy. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Crucial group of Americans like Trumps stands, not him, poll finds By David Lauter Trump still gets dismal ratings on temperament but is above water on economy, decision-making, promises of change. pic.twitter.com/Md0H096n9m Carrie Dann (@CarrieNBCNews) February 26, 2017 With the public deeply split in its views of President Trump, one potentially key group stands out -- those who dislike the man, but approve of the direction in which hes moving. Thats a central finding of a new nationwide survey by NBC News and the Wall St. Journal. The new poll confirms what other major surveys have shown: Trump starts his administration with less support than any president in the seven decades of presidential polling. Asked if they approve or disapprove of the job Trump is doing, 44% approve, 48% disapprove. No previous president has begun his tenure with a net negative job approval. Trump has held onto the support of his ardent backers. At the other end of the spectrum, he gets almost no approval from Democrats. In the middle, the poll found, are many Americans -- just over a third of those polled -- who either voted for Trump with reservations, voted for a third party candidate or did not vote at all in 2016. Just over half of that group gives Trump positive marks, the poll found. Their support is enough, currently, to keep Trumps standing from collapsing, and holding them is likely key to his future. Just under one third of Americans say they like Trump and approve of his policies, the poll found. Another one in six approve of most of his policies even though they dislike him. Well over half, 59%, said they did not like him personally. On a separate question, only 43% of those surveyed have a positive view of Trump -- up from the low points of the campaign, but still far below the standing of most new presidents. By contrast, 86% agreed with one of the central lines of Trumps inaugural speech, that government insiders had reaped the rewards of government, while the people have borne the cost. On other issues, the public is more closely divided. The public splits evenly, for example, on Trumps proposed temporary ban on travel from seven mostly Muslim countries. Just over half of those surveyed, 52%, said that the problems Trump has encountered in his first month were unique to this administration and suggest real problems; 43% said they were growing pains similar to those other administrations have had. And by 51%-41%, the public thinks the press has been too hard on the new administration. The NBC/WSJ poll, run by a bipartisan team of two polling firms, was taken by phone, using cell phones and landlines, Feb. 18-22 among 1,000 American adults. It has a margin of error for the full sample of 3.1 percentage points in either direction. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump appears to think Perez at head of Democratic National Committee is good news for Republicans By Evan Halper Congratulations to Thomas Perez, who has just been named Chairman of the DNC. I could not be happier for him, or for the Republican Party! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017 The Democratic Party put its faith in its old guard Saturday to guide it out of the political wilderness, choosing as its new leader an Obama-era Cabinet secretary over the charismatic congressman backed by the progressive wing of the party. Tom Perez, a former secretary of Labor with strong ties to unions, persuaded the spirited assembly of party delegates in Atlanta that he can best help harness a grass-roots outpouring of anti-Trump protest and anger into a Democratic resurgence at the ballot box. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump to Washington reporters: Not going to your dinner By Kurtis Lee I will not be attending the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner this year. Please wish everyone well and have a great evening! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017 The annual White House Correspondents Assn. dinner will be missing a key guest this year: President Trump. On Saturday, Trump tweeted he will not attend the April 29 dinner, considered the premier social event of the Washington press corps -- and typically an evening of good-natured bantering between presidents and reporters with a mix of celebrities watching. His announcement comes amid growing tensions between his administration and the media. Trump has decried stories he doesnt like as fake news, and described unnamed news groups as an enemy of the people. A day earlier, the White House barred reporters from several major news organizations, including the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, CNN and Politico, from attending an off-camera press briefing. In a sign of the growing rift, several media organizations that traditionally sponsor lavish parties around the black-tie dinner had announced they would not do so this year. At the annual dinner, the president usually delivers self-deprecating jokes and often is roasted by a high-profile comedian. The president also greets students who win journalism scholarships and awards, a major part of the evening. Trump has been a frequent guest of media organizations at the dinner in the past, but he always sat at a table in the crowded ballroom, not up at the front dias. President Obama singled Trump out during the dinner several years ago, mocking Trump for raising doubts about whether Obama was born in the United States. This year, as we do every year, we will celebrate the First Amendment and the role an independent press plays in a healthy republic, the White House Correspondents Assn. said in a statement earlier this month about the upcoming dinner. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez named Democratic Party leader By Evan Halper Newly elected Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez (Branden Camp/Associated Press) The Democratic Party put its faith in its old guard Saturday to guide it out of the political wilderness, choosing as its new leader an Obama-era Cabinet secretary over the charismatic congressman backed by the progressive wing of the party. Tom Perez, a former secretary of Labor with strong ties to labor unions, persuaded the spirited assembly of party delegates in Atlanta that he can best help harness a grass-roots outpouring of anti-Trump protest and anger into a Democratic resurgence at the ballot box. We are suffering from a crisis of confidence, a crisis of relevance, Perez told delegates before they chose him in a down-to-the-wire contest with Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, whom the Bernie Sanders wing of the party had rallied round. We need a chair who can not only take the fight to Donald Trump. We also need a chair who can lead a turnaround and change the culture of the Democratic Party, Perez said. The ascendance of an establishment liberal is certain to renew tension between veteran party stalwarts and the unruly progressive movement aligned with Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, both of whom backed Ellison. Some Ellison supporters erupted in protest as the final vote was announced. Perez quickly sought to unite the party by naming Ellison his deputy chair, a move unanimously approved by the 435 assembled delegates, who had supported Perez 235-200. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump chastises media for not reporting minor dip in national debt By Del Quentin Wilber President Trump took to Twitter on Saturday morning to blast the news media for not highlighting a minor dip in the national debt. The media has not reported that the National Debt in my first month went down by $12 billion vs a $200 billion increase in Obama first mo., he tweeted at 8:19 a.m. The media has not reported that the National Debt in my first month went down by $12 billion vs a $200 billion increase in Obama first mo. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017 Trumps tweet came shortly after Herman Cain, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, made a similar comment on Fox News. While the numbers are accurate, Trumps tweet suggests he deserves credit for something that is largely beyond his control, especially since he hasnt yet given Congress any proposals to change tax laws or the financial industry. Considering that Trump hasnt enacted any fiscal legislation, its a bit of a stretch for him to take credit for any changes in debt levels, Dan Mitchell, a libertarian economist at the Cato Institute, told the fact-checking website Politifact. President Obamas first month in office in 2009 was largely taken up with spending bills aimed at easing the massive recession that he had inherited. Trump inherited an economy with low inflation, low unemployment and a booming stock market. The national debt, which stands at just under $20 trillion, is expected to rise by more than $500 billion in the fiscal year ending in September. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Mexico rejects U.S. plan to deport Central Americans to Mexico By Patrick J. McDonnell Mexico has informed the Trump administration that it cannot accept non-Mexican nationals whom U.S. authorities arrest along the border and seek to remove from U.S. territory, the nations internal security chief said Friday. Earlier this week, the Trump administration rolled out a broad immigration crackdown that included a proposal to send non-Mexican detainees apprehended along the U.S.-Mexico border back to Mexico while their immigration cases were pending in the United States. The vast majority of non-Mexican nationals detained along the U.S.-Mexico border are Central Americans. They often travel overland through Mexico to reach the United States. In a fact sheet released Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security said that releasing detained, third-country nationals to the foreign contiguous territory from which they arrived would save on detention and adjudication resources. The idea would be to keep them out pending their hearings on deportation, the fact sheet said. However, Mexican authorities have reacted coolly from the outset to the notion. Now, they appear to have formally nixed the idea. On Friday, Mexicos interior secretary, Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, told a radio interviewer than Mexican authorities had informed a pair of visiting U.S. Cabinet officers Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly that Mexico could not oblige the U.S. request. We told them that our legal framework doesnt allow this, Osorio Chong told Radio Formula, referring to the visit this week of the two Trump Cabinet officials. We told them it is impossible. There is no way, legally, nor is there capacity. In recent years, non-Mexicans, mostly Central Americans, have become a larger proportion of illegal immigrants apprehended along the Southwest border as the relative number of Mexican nationals has declined. In fiscal year 2016, according to U.S. Border Patrol statistics, agents recorded apprehensions of almost 191,000 undocumented Mexican citizens along the Southwest frontier. In the same fiscal year, the Border Patrol said it registered 218,000 detentions of non-Mexican nationals, most of them Central Americans. Cecilia Sanchez of The Times Mexico City bureau contributed to this report. An earlier version of this blog post misspelled Miguel Angel Osorio Chongs name as Osorio Chung. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump blasts FBI over Russia leaks after a brief Twitter hiatus By Kurtis Lee (Alex Wong / Getty Images ) After several days of relative silence on Twitter, President Trumps feed came alive Friday with a direct attack on the FBI. Yes, hes done this before. But recent news reports that suggest his administration pressed the FBI to quell claims that members of his campaign had contact with Russians throughout the 2016 election appear to have inspired a response. The FBI is totally unable to stop the national security leakers that have permeated our government for a long time, he tweeted. And conservative news was all over it. Here are some of todays headlines: Trump blasts FBI leakers (Fox News) Trump has assailed everyone from Democrats to intelligence officials for the leaks which he often refers to as fake news about his ties to Russia. Reports from several news outlets this week, citing anonymous sources, claim Trumps chief of staff, Reince Priebus, asked FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe to publicly dispute media reports that Trumps campaign advisors frequently were in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election. While some reports made it appear Priebus had contacted McCabe, this piece disputes that. Fox News has learned that McCabe indeed had initiated the conversation, asking to speak with Priebus for a few minutes at the end of an intelligence meeting last week, their article reports. Ed Schultz at CPAC: Trump promised Americas heartland a deal (Daily Caller) He was once among the top liberal voices in the country. Now, Ed Schultz, the former MSNBC anchor, is speaking glowingly about President Trump. Between covering high-profile speeches at the Conservative Political Action Conference from Trump and his aides, the Daily Caller popped into a panel at which Schultz provided commentary. Shultz, who now works with the Russian government-funded RT television network, blasted the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, asserting that Trumps claim that it would cost U.S. jobs was a game changer in the 2016 election. Trump went into Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin and he took down the progressive firewall, because he talked to the American people about a deal, Schultz said. It was a Wall Street deal, it was not a Main Street deal, he said, referring to the TPP. Trump is about blowing up Washington as it exists (Rush Limbaugh) Remember when Trump talked about draining the swamp? Since he entered the White House, some conservatives have wondered if Trump means business. Many members of his cabinet including Priebus and Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions are the ultimate Washington insiders. Still, Rush Limbaugh, one of the firebrand conservatives out there, is certain the president will blow up traditional Washington. Whats Trumps No. 1 obstacle? I have concluded that the media is the No. 1 obstacle because of the success they have, he said on his radio show this week. The people in Washington, media is every bit as big a part of the establishment as anybody else is. He added: The media is creating this narrative, if you will, and this picture this series of pictures, this overall image that Trump is stalled, that everybodys opposing him, that his agenda is backlogged. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print After Trump calls media an enemy of the people, White House bars many news outlets from briefing By Noah Bierman Fridays White House press briefing, normally an on-camera affair open to all reporters with press credentials, was turned into an exclusive event for certain outlets hand-picked by the administration. The action came after President Trump on Friday described the media and what he terms fake news as the enemy of the people."On the list were Trump-friendly outlets such as Breitbart News, the Washington Times and OANN, a conservative television network that employs former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski as a commentator. Off the list were some of Trumps favorite targets, including the New York Times and CNN. The Los Angeles Times was also excluded. The off-camera briefing with Sean Spicer, the press secretary, was not solely for conservative outlets. Several mainstream reporters were also allowed in, including the three major broadcast networks and wire services, such as Bloomberg News. Also allowed in were pool representatives who transmit news events to a far larger group of reporters. The Associated Press and Time magazine were also invited but declined to participate in solidarity with other news organizations that were denied entry. The White House Correspondents Assn. protested, as did editors at several of the organizations that were excluded. In a statement, Times editor Davan Maharaj said that it was unfortunate that the Los Angeles Times has been excluded from a White House press briefing today. The public has a right to know, and that means being informed by a variety of news sources, not just those filtered by the White House press office in hopes of getting friendly coverage, Maharaj said. Regardless of access, The Times will continue to report on the Trump administration without fear or favor, he added. 12:30 p.m.: This post was updated with a statement from Times editor Davan Maharaj. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Its a Russian flag! Trickster strikes CPAC before Trumps speech By Matt Pearce Crowd at CPAC waving these little pro-Trump flags that look exactly like the Russian flag. Staffers quickly come around to confiscate them. pic.twitter.com/YhPpkwFCNc Peter Hamby (@PeterHamby) February 24, 2017 As the crowd waited to hear President Trump speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference, little red-white-and-blue flags appeared without warning, handed down the aisles by a man with a green bag, according to a witness. The flags said Trump. They also happened to be the flag of the Russian Federation. He was dressed like any one of us, said Tyler Dever, 20, a student at the University of South Florida in Tampa, who was wearing a suit. He passed them to me and was like, Pass them down, pass them down. Dever, caught up in the moment, passed them down, before someone sitting next to him said, Oh, its a Russian flag! CPAC staff quickly recollected the flags. If it was just a red-white-and-blue flag, I would have picked it out, Dever said. He said it was his first time attending an event like CPAC and was surprised to see a provocateur in the audience, especially beyond the cordon set up by the Secret Service. Someone tried to victimize me, Dever said. You have Secret Service out here, and Id expect it to be fully screened. ... Thank God someone noticed. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump still loves the USC/L.A. Times poll: What it got right and what it got wrong By David Lauter Throughout the fall campaign, then-candidate Donald Trump and his allies loved the USC/L.A. Times Daybreak poll -- the only major survey that consistently showed him winning. A couple polls got it right. I must say Los Angeles Times did a great job, shocking because, you know, they did a great job, Trump declared in his speech this morning at CPAC, the annual gathering of conservative activists. But did the poll get it right? In the simplest terms, no, and after considerble analysis, we know why. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A celebration, and wake, for a campaign legend and a Republican Party that is no more By Mark Z. Barabak (Steve Lopez/Los Angeles Times) It was a cool and rainy day when elders of the Republican tribe recently gathered to honor one of their own. The honoree, Stuart K. Spencer, was unmistakable in his white duck pants and a lime-green sport coat so bright it almost hurt to see. A reformed chain-smoker, he snapped merrily away on a wad of chewing gum. The event marked Spencers 90th birthday, but the mood beneath the surface conviviality was unsettled and gray, like the clouds fringing the mountains outside. If the occasion was intended as a personal celebration, it also had the feel of a wake for a time in politics long passed. Along with former Vice President Dick Cheney and former California Gov. Pete Wilson, veterans of the Reagan years turned out in force. It was Spencer, more than anyone, who took a political long shot and washed-up B-movie actor and helped transform him into the Reagan of legend. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print CPACs reaction to President Trumps speech: Two thumbs up By Matt Pearce Supporters cheer President Trump as he speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md., on Friday. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump loves CPAC, and CPAC loves Trump. As hundreds of Conservative Political Action Conference attendees spilled out into the hallways Friday after Trumps speech to the group, they had glowing reviews of the man who has been tormenting Democrats and the media and transforming the Republican Party. It was fantastic, unbelievable, absolute truth, said Shia L. Lome, 84, a retired Air Force colonel from Deerfield Beach, Fla., appraising Trumps remarks. If he carries through [his promises], this will be the greatest country ever. Lome added that there is no question about it, Trump is his own type of Republican. Whether its conservative or whatever you want to call it, Lome said he is happy as long as [Trump] causes the Democrats heartaches. Kayne Robinson, 73, a former chairman of the Iowa Republican Party, said Trump was simply taking the party in the direction that people want it to go. I think the party is every bit as united behind him as it was behind either of the Bushes, Robinson said. Trump led a revolution in the party, very much like Reagan. ... I think Trump is doing just fine. Frank March, a 50-year-old Army retiree from Fairfax County, Va., emerged from the ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center wearing a red Make America Great Again cap, which carried Trumps jagged signature on the bill. Marchs daughter had gotten the hat signed when she previously met Trump, and he proudly showed off photos of that event. I recognize the signature! a woman exclaimed as she saw the hat. March praised Trumps follow-through and his commitment to workers as incredible. Hes bringing in new people to the party, March said. The hope is, by his follow-through, doing what he said he was going to do, then the non-Republicans who voted for Trump will stick. Helping workers will be one of the ways Trump can make that happen, he said. In politics, youre supposed to help people, March said. Workers are the people. Theyre people who earn money to take care of their families. Republicans should support those people because theyre the ones who make America run. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Donald Trump shows up at conservatives most prominent gathering and defines a new GOP By Noah Bierman President Trump shows up at conservatives most prominent gathering and defines a new GOP. President Trump made one of his strongest pitches Friday to unite the Republican Party and the conservative movement behind a nationalist, anti-globalist ideology that until recently would have been unthinkable for many Republicans. There is no such thing as a global anthem, a global currency or a global flag, Trump said to great applause from thousands of conservatives. Im not representing the globe. Im representing your country. He echoed ideas he has espoused in the past -- denouncing trade deals as the antithesis of economic freedom, warning that the great cities of Europe have been ruined by mass immigration, denouncing intervention in the Middle East by both parties. But while many of the words were familiar, the venue and the passion made Fridays speech remarkable. The comments came at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, just outside of Washington, D.C., the most prominent gathering of right-leaning groups and activists in the country. Such a speech would have been shocking from a conservative, much less the president, at almost any other time in the conferences history. Trump has been popular at CPAC in the past. He credits a speech there with launching his political career. But he snubbed last years event amid a heated primary in which many conservatives rejected his tone and the direction he was trying to move the GOP. I would have come last year, but I was worried that I would be at that time too controversial, Trump said in his speech, which lasted nearly an hour. Trump, the first president since Ronald Reagan to address the group during his first year in office, made clear that he is moving those once controversial ideas to the movements center. In addition to his usual critiques of the media and frequent references to his electoral success, Trump spoke directly of his ambition for reshaping the Republican Party to attract blue-collar voters, the forgotten men and women who helped propel his electoral victory. Im here today to tell you what this movement means for the future of the Republican Party and for the future of America, Trump said. The core conviction of our movement is that we are a nation that [must] put and will put its own citizens first. Later, he added that the GOP will be from now on also the party of the American worker. While Trump tried to unite conservatives, the speech made little effort to bridge the countrys larger political divide. For example, Trump dismissed people who have shown up at town halls around the country to protest reversal of Obamacare. Theyre not you, he said. Theyre the side that lost. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Justice Department rescinds order phasing out use of private prisons By Del Quentin Wilber Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions has jettisoned an Obama administration order to phase out the use of private prisons to hold federal inmates. The new order reverses one issued by former Deputy Atty. Gen. Sally Yates in August that sought to eliminate the departments use of private for-profit prisons, which hold just over 10% of the current prison population. The Obama administration order changed long-standing policy and practice, and impaired the bureaus ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system, Sessions wrote Thursday to announce the reversal. Civil rights and prisoner rights groups decried the Sessions decision, saying private prisons are not as cost-effective or as safe as government-run facilities, citing numerous abuses in the past. The Bureau of Prisons houses about 21,000 of its 190,000 inmates in a dozen private prisons, including one near Bakersfield. Atty. Gen. Sessions has shown that he is not taking the mass incarceration crisis seriously, said Wade Henderson, who heads the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Continuing to rely on private prisons for federal inmates is neither humane nor budget conscious, Henderson added. We need a justice system that can work better for all people. Yates order did not affect facilities used to detain people in the country illegally. The use of private prisons is expected to surge under President Trumps promised crackdown on illegal immigration. Trump has signed an executive order calling for expansion of immigrant detention facilities and authorized the use of private contractors to construct, operate, or control facilities. Stocks in private prison companies have jumped on Wall Street since Trump won the presidential election, and they continued their rise on news of Sessions order. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print CPAC and conservative media prepare for Trump By Kurtis Lee The future path of the Republican Party is being debated in the halls of the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland this week. Will it be the party of Donald Trump, an outsider of the GOP establishment, or House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, the definition of establishment? Or, perhaps, of Richard Spencer, a white nationalist leader of the so-called alt-right movement? (Spencer was kicked out of CPAC on Thursday.) Trump is set to address the conference on Friday, and the conservative media are ready for the much-anticipated address. Tomorrow it will be TPAC when hes here, Kellyanne Conway, a senior advisor to Trump told reporters Thursday. Here are some of todays headlines: Go Big, Go Bold: Walker, at CPAC, pushes GOP to carry out agenda as party controls Congress, White House (Fox News) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, once a Trump foe, is urging conservatives to use the November election as a mandate. Do what you said you were going to do, Walker said to attendees. In the Fox News piece, which leads its website, it notes that leaders at the conference are hoping to use it to strategize about what they can accomplish and to better articulate their values at a time when the very definition of conservatism has seemed to waver. Sweden Democrats: Trump was right (Fox News) Remember last weekend when everyone including many Swedish politicians were really confused about Trumps comments at a recent rally? You look at whats happening last night in Sweden, Trump, at a rally in Florida on Saturday, said about the Scandinavian country that has accepted large numbers of refugees. Sweden. They took in large numbers. Theyre having problems like they never thought possible. Actually, not much happened in Sweden on Friday night. Trump said later that he had been referring to a broadcast on Fox News on that night. Still, recent riots in the country were covered extensively by conservative media. This post notes a recent op-ed penned by Jimmie Akesson and Mattias Karlsson, both leaders of the Sweden Democrats, in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday supporting Trumps characterization of a Muslim immigrant-led crime crisis in Sweden. In it they write, Trump did not exaggerate Swedens current problems. If anything, he understated them. Trump Is Letting DREAMers Stay, And Rush Is Fine With That (Daily Caller) Hes an immigration hard liner, and, apparently, hes OK with Trump allowing DREAMERs to remain in the country. This piece highlights comments by Rush Limbaugh this week. A lot of people think that Trumps caving because if you allow the DREAMers to stay, were talking 750,000 DREAMers, kids, who each have two parents who could come in. Look, this is a-no-win, Limbaugh said this week. Nobodys gonna win anything by deporting a bunch of kids that we let in. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump advisor Steve Bannon rails at corporatist, globalist media By Noah Bierman Steve Bannon to the #CPAC crowd: "If you think they're going to give you your country back without a fight, you're sadly mistaken" pic.twitter.com/ryw7iO0Snr POLITICO (@politico) February 23, 2017 The two men with the most heavily dissected relationship in President Trumps White House held a rare public appearance together Thursday and agreed on one common enemy: the media. Reince Priebus, the chief of staff who is often described as embattled, said he has grown conditioned to the media counting Trump out: during the presidential campaign, the transition and the first month of the presidency. The biggest misconception is everything that youre reading, Priebus said. Steve Bannon, Trumps chief strategist, framed his complaint as an ideological war. He consistently called the media the opposition party throughout a 20-minute joint interview on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference just outside of Washington. Its not only not going to get better, it gets worse every day, Bannon said. Theyre corporatist, globalist media that are adamantly opposed to an economic nationalist agenda like Donald Trump has. If you think theyre going to give you your country back without a fight, he added. You are sadly mistaken. Bannon, former executive chairman of the far-right Breitbart News, seldom speaks in public. His nationalist rendering of Republican ideology is often seen in contrast to Priebus, the former chairman of the GOP, who is viewed as the more mainstream conservative advocate within the White House. The two men said the tension between them portrayed in the media is inaccurate. But as they praised each other, the men made clear that Bannon sees his role as dominant in shaping Trumps policy. Bannon praised Priebus for doggedly keeping the trains running -- one of the toughest jobs Ive ever seen in my life. Bannon talked about being in the first inning of shaping a new political order and beginning the deconstruction of the administrative state. Priebus used more prosaic language and spoke of Bannon as the one who pushes Trump to maintain his bold vision. He is very dogged in making sure that every day the promises that President Trump made are the promises were working on, Priebus said of Bannon. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print In Mexico, Homeland Security chief says there will be no mass deportations of people in U.S. illegally By Patrick J. McDonnell Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly, left, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Mexico City on Thursday. (Ronaldo Schemidt / AFP/Getty Images) Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly, on a visit to Mexico, said Thursday that there will be no mass deportations of people living in the U.S. illegally. Kelly also said U.S. military forces would not be used in deportation efforts and that any deportation cases would go through the U.S. legal system. No. Repeat, no use of military force in immigration operations, Kelly said at a news conference at the Foreign Relations Ministry in Mexico City. None. Well approach this operation systematically, in an organized way, in a results-oriented way, in an operation and and in a human dignity way. Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson are in Mexico City to discuss a wide variety of issues, including immigration and security, with Mexican government officials. Kellys remarks came the same day President Trump called recent raids in the U.S. an unprecedented enforcement effort. You see whats happening at the border. All of a sudden for the first time, were getting gang members out, he said. Were getting really bad dudes out of this country, and at a rate that nobodys ever seen before. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Mexico bracing for long battle with Trump administration, foreign minister tells lawmakers By Patrick J. McDonnell Mexico Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray (Brian Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images) Mexico is preparing for a long battle with the administration of President Trump, its foreign minister reportedly told lawmakers in private comments, adding that the country was prepared to retaliate with new tariffs if necessary. We are here preparing for a battle that is going to be long, Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told federal deputies Wednesday, according to the newspaper La Jornada, which said it had obtained a copy of the comments. This is not going to be resolved in three days. In the reported remarks, Videgaray said Mexico was prepared to retaliate with new tariffs on U.S.-made goods should the Trump administration follow up on its threats to slap an export tax of 20% or more of goods imported from Mexico to the United States. There was no official response from the Mexican Foreign Ministry on Videgarays reported remarks. Videgaray was among the Mexican officials, including President Enrique Pena Nieto, who met this week with a pair of visiting White House Cabinet members, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. The private remarks were apparently made on Wednesday, when the two Trump envoys were scheduled to arrive in Mexico City. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Homeland Security tried to downplay immigration raids as routine. Now Trump says theyre unprecedented By Michael A. Memoli (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) After nationwide immigration raids this month in which more than 680 people were arrested, the Department of Homeland Security issued a nothing-to-see-here statement downplaying the sweeps as strictly ordinary. ICE conducts these kind of targeted enforcement operations regularly and has for many years, the agency said last week, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But President Trump had a different take Thursday, labeling the raids an unprecedented enforcement effort. You see whats happening at the border. All of a sudden for the first time, were getting gang members out, he said before a roundtable on manufacturing. Were getting really bad dudes out of this country, and at a rate that nobodys ever seen before. Under President Obama, deportations peaked at 400,000 people in 2012, touching off widespread criticism from immigration advocates, which prompted Homeland Security to scale back deportations. Last year, deportations fell to 240,000 as the Obama administration focused on targets similar to what Trump described in the raids conducted under his authority: criminals, repeat immigration violators and recent arrivals. Trump also called the sweeps this month a military operation, even though no military resources were involved and the White House has pushed back aggressively on reports that the administration was considering seeking National Guard forces to assist in deportations. Homeland Security said the raids were conducted by ICE agents, U.S. marshals and state and local law enforcement agencies. What has been allowed to come into our country, when you see gang violence that youve read about like never before, and all of the things much of that is people that are here illegally, Trump said. Theyre rough and theyre tough, but theyre not tough like our people. So were getting them out. Of the 680 arrests last week, 161 occurred in Los Angeles and surrounding counties. Three-quarters of those detained in the Los Angeles-area sweeps were from Mexico. Trump noted that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly traveled to Mexico this week on a tough trip. We have to be treated fairly by Mexico, Trump said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White nationalist leader Richard Spencer booted from Conservative Political Action Conference By Matt Pearce Reporters surround white supremacist Richard Spencer during the first day of the Conservative Political Action Conference on February 23, 2017. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) One of Americas most prominent white nationalists, Richard Spencer, was kicked out of the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday after conference organizers gave him credentials to attend and then wavered on whether to let him stay. Spencer, who coined the term alternative right to describe his far-right views on separating the races, came to CPAC to attend a speech that was critical of the alt-right. CPAC organizer Matt Schlapp took pains to distance CPAC from the fringe Spencer represents. The alt-right does not have a legitimate voice in the conservative movement, said Schlapp, adding that nobody from that movement is speaking at CPAC. Read More Just talked to CPAC organizer Matt Schlapp. Said he didn't endorse Richard Spencer's ideas but won't kick him out of the conference. Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) February 23, 2017 Basically their line on this is, if they actually agreed with his ideas, they'd put him on stage, but they don't, and it's a free country. Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) February 23, 2017 Change of plans. Richard Spencer just got kicked out of CPAC. Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) February 23, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Obamacare 101: Are health insurance marketplaces in a death spiral? By Noam N. Levey (Don Ryan / Associated Press) Its been a rocky few months for the health insurance marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act. Even if youre not one of the roughly 11 million Americans who rely on these online markets to get your health insurance, youve probably seen the headlines about rising premiums and insurance companies pulling out of the system. Last week, national insurance giant Humana announced it would stop selling plans on the marketplace. Aetnas chief executive claimed the marketplaces are in a death spiral. Republicans say the marketplaces are Exhibit A that Obamacare is collapsing. So whats the real story? Are these things really kaput or can they be fixed? Heres a rundown of where things stand. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump administration wants tax reform done by August, Mnuchin says By Jim Puzzanghera The Trump administration wants to overhaul the tax code by August, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday, laying out an aggressive timetable in his first significant public comments since taking office last week. Our economic agenda, the No. 1 issue is growth, and the first most important thing that will impact growth is a tax plan, Mnuchin said in an interview with CNBC. So we are committed to pass tax reform, he said. We want to get this done by the August recess. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Loud and angry, protesters turn congressional town halls into must-see political TV By Mark Z. Barabak (Bill Pugliano / Getty Images) They came by the hundreds, in big cities and rural hamlets, to heckle, plead, badger and, in some instances, to protest the protests themselves. Congress is in recess this week, and a citizenry suddenly spurred to action used the opportunity to let their returning lawmakers know just how they feel about the tempestuous last month in Washington. Winners make policy and losers go home, a taunting Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate leader, told an invitation-only gathering in his home state of Kentucky, as about 1,000 protesters gathered outside. Not exactly. The town hall meeting, a throwback to a time of more intimate connection, has become a political organizing tool in the social media age a piece of performance theater and a worldwide stage. Obamacare, immigration, environmental regulation, Social Security, Russian meddling in the 2016 election and Trump, Trump, Trump all poured forth this week in the form of questions, loudly and heatedly. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump administration rescinds guidelines on protections for transgender students By Michael A. Memoli The Trump administration rescinded an Obama-era directive Wednesday aimed at protecting transgender students rights, questioning its legal grounding. Under the guidelines, schools had been required to treat transgender students according to their stated gender identity, and either allow access to restrooms and locker rooms for the gender they identify with or provide private facilities if requested. The Obama administration had said that students gender identities were protected under Title IX requirements, which prohibit federally funded schools from discriminating on the basis of sex. But officials in the Education and Justice departments said that their predecessors failed to make their case, citing significant litigation spurred by the policy. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Americans in Mexico protest Trumps inflammatory rhetoric during Tillerson visit By Kate Linthicum A group of Americans living in Mexico is planning a protest Thursday to send a message to visiting U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Their gripe? President Trumps inflammatory rhetoric. Thats according to a draft of a letter that several groups organizing the protest hope to deliver to Tillerson, who is in town along with Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly for talks with top Mexican officials. The letter, which will be cosigned by the Mexican chapter of Democrats Abroad, as well as other groups, complains about Trumps hostile attitude toward Mexico, which it says is engendering nationalistic sentiments in Mexico. Among Trumps hostile acts, the letter says, is Trumps vow to build a border wall and force Mexico to pay for it. The idea of building a wall ... frames Mexico and Mexicans as foreign invaders, the letter says. It also criticizes Trump for pledging to renegotiate NAFTA, saying, The U.S. and Mexico are deeply connected economies and it is in the interest of the United States to strengthen the regional production network to boost manufacturing employment in the U.S. and ensure the long-run competitiveness of manufacturing in the region. There are more than a million U.S. citizens living in Mexico, and many have been vocal since Trumps election. Last month, thousands turned out for a womens march outside the American Embassy that saw crowds chanting anti-Trump slogans. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Mexico will never accept unilateral American immigration rules, foreign secretary says By Patrick McDonnell Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said defending the rights of Mexican immigrants is the first point in the agenda for talks with U.S. officials. (Christian Palma / Associated Press) Mexico will reject any unilateral effort from the United States to impose immigration or other policies on the Mexican government, the countrys foreign secretary said Wednesday. I want to make clear, in the most emphatic way, that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept measures that, in a unilateral way, one government wants to impose on another, Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said in public comments. That we are not going to accept. He spoke a day after the Trump administration unveiled tough new measures to enforce immigration laws and deport people who are in the country illegally proposals that were widely portrayed in the Mexican media as a prelude to massive deportations. On Wednesday, two top Trump administration cabinet members Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly were arriving in Mexico for talks with that nations officials, including Videgaray. Immigration, trade and law enforcement issues were expected to be discussed at a tense moment in U.S.-Mexican relations. In his reported comments, the Mexican secretary did not single out any specific U.S. proposal as objectionable. Mexican officials have acknowledged there is little they can do to counter U.S. immigration policies. Among other things, the Trump administration has proposed sending non-Mexican citizens detained along the U.S.-Mexico border back to Mexico. Mexican officials would presumably have to sign off on such a plan. Mexico already detains and deports thousands of Central Americans annually who cross Mexican territory with the hope of entering the United States illegally via the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. authorities have worked with their Mexican counterparts to halt the Central American influx. The Mexican foreign secretary made it clear that immigration would be at the top of the list of items to be discussed during meetings with the U.S. Cabinet secretaries. Defending the rights of Mexican immigrants is the first point in the agenda, said Videgaray. He also said Mexico could take the issue of the rights of Mexican immigrants to the United Nations and other international agencies. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Both in power and in turmoil, conservatives head to Conservative Political Action Conference to see whats next By Matt Pearce Josh Platillero (Matt Pearce / Los Angeles Times) The eyes of men in crisp blazers darted toward passing faces and identification badges, looking for a familiar face, a famous name. As Fox News host Sean Hannity prepared to broadcast a live show from a ballroom, a brief chant burst out from the audience: U-S-A! U-S-A! Its that time of year again: Hundreds of Republicans began arriving Wednesday at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Md., just south of Washington, for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. CPAC, as its best known, is a place for conservative political figures and activists to gather, schmooze, hammer out new ideas and audition for starring roles in the Republican Party. And this year, CPAC attendees have a lot to talk about. Their party is in control of Congress, the White House and dozens of state governments across America, and yet not at all at peace with itself. President Trump is expected to address the conference later in the week after winning on a platform of populist nationalism that some conservatives have accused of not being conservative at all. Breitbart News, the brash rising star of right-wing media, is one of the conferences top promoters, but one of its staffers, Milo Yiannopoulos, lost his speaking slot at CPAC and resigned from the news organization after video circulated showing him appearing to promote pedophilia. Some conservatives had backed Yiannopoulos and cried censorship when the provocateur offended liberals at college speaking events, but now they had become offended themselves. Still, as CPAC began on Wednesday, the mood was upbeat. This was a victorious movement, after all. Many new guests were greeted by the sight of Josh Platillero, 23, wearing a cartoonishly large stovepipe hat and a suit the colors of the American flag. I love networking, said Platillero, who recently lived in Knoxville, Tenn., before moving to the D.C. area to work with a conservative nonprofit, the Leadership Institute. Its his second year attending CPAC, and he was excited about the lineup of speakers, which include some of the White House staff. I think our new president is not perfect, but I think hes doing good things, he said. Ariel Kohane, 45, who came from the Upper West Side in Manhattan, stood in the lobby holding signs that read, Jews for Trump, in both English and Hebrew. I love the fact that I can get together with many of my fellow conservative friends and colleagues and we can all be very proud of ourselves with all our accomplishments and the fact that we get to strategize and plan ways to further expand conservatism across America and across the whole world, Kohane said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Pence condemns Jewish center bomb threats and visits desecrated cemetery in Missouri By Jaweed Kaleem (Michael Conroy / Associated Press) Visiting Fenton, Mo., on Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence condemned a string of bomb threats against Jewish community centers around the nation and the desecration of a St. Louis-area Jewish cemetery over the weekend. Speaking just yesterday, President Trump called this a horrible and painful act. And so it was. That along with other recent threats to the Jewish community centers around the country, said Pence, who was visiting the headquarters of the Fabick Cat machinery company. He declared it all a sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil. We condemn this vile act of vandalism and those who perpetuate it in the strongest possible terms. The vice president said it was inspiring how the people of Missouri have rallied around the Jewish community with compassion and support. Among those showing solidarity with the Jewish community is a group of Muslims who launched an online fundraising campaign to help repair the cemetery. Donors had pledged more than $90,000 by Wednesday afternoon. Pence later visited the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Mo., where nearly 200 tombstones had been toppled over the weekend. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trumps move on transgender bathroom access sparks interest By Kurtis Lee (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) For President Trump, commenting on social issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion has never seemed much of a priority. Indeed, throughout the campaign, Trump hardly discussed the topics. When asked about transgender bathroom access at a town hall in April 2016, Trump said people should be able to use whichever bathroom they choose. He then moved on from the question, offering little else. Now it appears his administration is set to wade into the controversy. Its a topic the conservative media loves to explore. Here are some of todays headlines: Return to normalcy: Trump readies reversal of transgender bathroom lunacy in public schools (Daily Caller) What will the Trump administration do about transgender bathroom access? The Caller highlights White House Press Secretary Sean Spicers pronouncement on the issue: This is a states rights issue and not one for the federal government, Spicer told reporters. The lunacy referred to is the federal guidance President Obama issued prior to leaving office directing schools that receive federal funding to allow transgender students to use restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identities. Several states filed suit to overturn the directive, and a federal judge issued a temporary injunction barring its enforcement, which remains in place. Several states, following the lead of North Carolina, are seeking to implement legislation that bans transgender people from using the bathrooms of the gender with which they identify. 66 percent of Trump voters change the channel when awards shows get too political (Daily Caller) When Meryl Streep criticized President Trump last month in her Golden Globes speech, he replied quickly. Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesnt know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes, Trump tweeted. Well, Trump can probably expect more barbs as actors (in overwhelmingly liberal Hollywood) take the stage at the Oscars on Sunday. Lots of Trump voters can be expected to change the channel, according to this piece, which highlights a new poll on the subject. The Hollywood Reporter says that 66% of Trump voters said they have stopped watching an awards show because a celebrity started talking about politics while accepting an award. By contrast, only 19% of Hillary Clintons supporters have done so. Trump talks tolerance, decries anti-Semitism, but media remain skeptical (Fox News) Well, Trump finally did say something to condemn the anti-Semitic vandalism and threats that have taken place since his presidential victory. Anti-Semitism is horrible, Trump said in an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday. In the Fox News piece, Howard Kurtz argues the media should give the president more credit for speaking out. I always think its unfair to blame a political leader for violence or vandalism carried out by people who support him, he writes. I felt the same way about critics who blamed Barack Obama for urban riots or shootings of police officers. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Among Republicans, Trump is more popular than congressional leaders By David Lauter Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) walk together. (Matt Rourke / Associated Press) Amid strain between the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress, the White House holds the high ground, a new survey indicates. Among Republicans, President Trump has greater popularity than the partys congressional leaders. Asked specifically who they would trust if the two sides disagreed, most Republicans chose Trump over their partys leadership. The findings, from a new survey by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center underscore Trumps continued sway with the Republican congressional majority. Although the president has historically low job approval ratings among the public at large, he remains highly popular among Republican partisans and in Republican districts. As for Democrats, theyre strongly in an oppositional mood. Asked if they were more worried that Democrats in Congress would go too far in opposing Trump or not go far enough, more than 70% of Democrats said they feared their party would not go far enough. Only 20% said they worried the party would go too far. Republicans in Congress have eyed Trump warily on several fronts. His positions on trade and entitlement reform break with years of the partys positions. His reluctance to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin has generated tension. And the administrations lack of clarity on healthcare and tax policy have Republican leaders guessing which way to turn on major issues. But Republican partisans have fewer reservations than their elected representatives. Eighty-six percent to 13%, those who identify as Republicans or as independents who lean Republican have a favorable view of Trump, the Pew survey found. By comparison, 57% have a favorable view of Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, with 22% unfavorable and 21% having no opinion. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin is slightly better known, with 65% of Republicans holding a favorable view, 23% an unfavorable view and 13% having no opinion. Asked who they would trust if the two sides disagreed, 52% of Republicans said they would side with Trump and 34% with the Republicans in Congress. Republicans younger than 40 were the only major exception; 52% to 36%, they said they would side with Congress. At the same time, Republican partisans now have a warmer opinion of their party leadership than they had during most of President Obamas tenure. Republicans' approval of their congressional leaders has more than doubled since 2015 https://t.co/KSo1hRMhJj pic.twitter.com/WHTHxCNEFq Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) February 22, 2017 During the Obama years, GOP partisans tended to be frustrated that their side could not reverse the presidents initiatives, even with a majority in the House, starting in 2010, and then in the Senate for Obamas last two years. Their view of the GOP leadership has rebounded strongly since the election. Democrats view of their congressional leadership has been more stable. And both sides widely dislike the other partys leaders. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Supreme Court rejects use of racial stereotypes in death penalty cases By David Savage The Supreme Court rejected the use of racial stereotypes in death penalty cases Wednesday, reopening the case of a black man in Texas who was sentenced to die after his jury was told African Americans are more likely than whites to commit crimes. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said this testimony had no place in a sentencing hearing and appealed to the racial stereotype that black men are prone to violence. Our laws punish people for what they do, not for who they are, the chief justice said in the courtroom. The 6-2 decision faults Texas authorities for refusing to give a new sentencing hearing to Duane Buck, a Houston man who was convicted of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend and seriously injuring her new boyfriend in 1995. Buck was found guilty of murder, but when his jury was debating his fate, his court-appointed defense attorney put on the witness stand an expert who cited statistics showing blacks are more likely to commit future crimes than whites. After hearing this testimony, the jury decided to sentence Buck to death. Years later, Texas state attorneys set aside the death sentences for six other black defendants whose juries heard similar testimony, but they refused to reopen Bucks case. In Buck vs. Davis, the high court said that was a mistake. The jury was deciding the question of life or death, and this is no place for the introduction of a particularly noxious strain of racial prejudice, Roberts said. The court sent the case back to judges in Texas to reconsider the death sentence. Justice Clarence Thomas dissented, along with Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Thomas said Buck was properly sentenced to die for a brutal murder, and he insisted the court should not have heard the case for procedural reasons. Having settled on a desired outcome, the court bulldozes procedural obstacles and misapplies settled law to justify it, he wrote. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print At Rep. Tony Cardenas town hall, Democrats worry about what Donald Trump may do By Kurtis Lee (Kurtis Lee/Los Angeles Times ) They arrived with soggy jackets, hats and umbrellas. The topic was supposed to be the Affordable Care Act. But many who attended Democratic Rep. Tony Cardenas town hall meeting Tuesday night in a crammed auditorium at the Cesar E. Chavez Learning Academies came with a question: What can we -- as Democrats -- do to help you? Show up and vote, said Cardenas, who represents a slice of the staunchly liberal San Fernando Valley. (Hillary Clinton defeated Donald Trump in this district by nearly 60-percentage points in the fall election.) Sign people up, get people involved, he said. At times the meeting had the feel of a therapy session for Democrats, wondering aloud how to function under a Trump administration. Where is the anger among Democrats? asked one man. I want to see more anger. Cardenas, standing at a lectern on an elevated stage, offered a stern look and nodded in agreement as rain could be heard splattering on the roof above. The complaints included Republicans efforts to repeal Obamacare and Trumps new immigration mandates. Trust me, Im pissed. Im upset, Cardenas said. But we have to act constructively. We have to be responsible. Last month, Trump signed executive orders directing the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize the removal of people in the U.S. illegally who have criminal convictions. In addition to speeding up the deportation of convicts, Trumps orders also call for quick removal of people in the country illegally who are charged with crimes and waiting for adjudication. And in recent days, a handful of people who have received protection under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) have been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents nationwide. Cardenas said that for him, the issue is personal. His parents were immigrants from Mexico, who lived in the San Fernando Valley for decades, raising 11 children, he said. Today his district is nearly 70% Latino. Im going to fight for you, he said. Im going to fight for the people who are my immigrant father. When a young man, a DACA recipient, asked him, via Twitter, if hell be safe in the weeks ahead, Cardenas seemed at a loss. I pray that [Trump] doesnt go after you, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Killing with kindness, GOPs McClintock faces down hostile questioners as town hall goes into overti In Somalia, the farm animals are dying. The water holes have dried up. The crops have failed. With no food, water or money, people are trudging off their land, taking the long, dry walk to the nearest town to look for help. A two-year drought the worst since the 1970s in hard-hit northern Somalia has seen three quarters of the countrys livestock perish, leaving pastoralists destitute. In the south, much of which is controlled by the Al Qaeda-linked extremist group Shabab, the situation is almost as grim. Advertisement More than half the countrys estimated population of about 12 million needs emergency assistance, a sharp rise from 5 million in September to 6.2 million at present. Somalia has declared a state of emergency with around 336,000 acutely malnourished children facing the threat of starvation. According to humanitarian organizations, the hunger emergency bears the hallmarks of Somalias catastrophic 2011 famine, when 260,000 people died, mainly women and children, many of them prevented from leaving areas controlled by Shabab. The nation is in need of a massive influx of aid. We are undoubtedly in a crisis, but the situation will even get worse, especially if the April rains perform poorly, said Dr. Fatoumata Nafo-Traore, Africa director for the International Federation of Red Crescent Societies. We need to act decisively, we need to act massively, and we need to act now if we are to prevent a repeat of the awful scenes of 2011. Warnings from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network went largely ignored by the international community in 2011 and is seen by many as one reason so many people died. Confronting the same warning signs, humanitarians are hoping to get it right this time around. An explosion of crises across Africa, however, has put humanitarian agencies and donors under severe pressure. I saw children who were horrendously malnourished. I met Sayeed, who was 5 years old but who had the body weight of an 11-month-old baby. Richard Trenchard, U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization representative in Somalia More than 17 million people in the Horn of Africa and Eastern Africa need aid, and emergencies are also unfolding in Nigeria, southern Africa and Madagascar. In some countries, Nigeria and South Sudan, the emergency has been triggered by fighting. In Kenya, the government declared a national emergency Thursday, and Ethiopia is facing the worst drought in half a century, Nafo-Traore said. South Sudan has also declared a state of emergency. Since the fall of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, Somalia has faced multiple calamities major famines (in 1991-92 and 2011), recurrent drought, clan warfare and an Islamist insurgency. We are no longer talking about drought, or even severe drought, said Richard Trenchard, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization representative in Somalia. What were looking at is famine prevention. If we dont go for massive intermediate intervention now, we will see some areas of Somalia tip into famine in July. Trenchard recently has seen women and children who had been forced to abandon their villages, a sign of a looming catastrophe. In the south, All had left their agropastoral homesteads when their livestock died, he said. They didnt have water because they didnt have money to buy water for their livestock. They had reached that critical point where they could no longer do what theyd been doing. In the north, families dont have farms, but rely only on herding goats, sheep and camels, many which died in the drought because families couldnt pay for water to keep them alive. The price of a 20-liter container of water has tripled to $15, putting it out of reach of most, and food prices have also soared. I saw children who were horrendously malnourished. I met Sayeed, who was five years old but who had the body weight of an 11-month-old baby, Trenchard said. People are already starting to move. When you get massive displacement, it means rural systems have collapsed. The only hope of averting famine and massive rural displacement would be swift assistance to families, including cash to enable them to buy water to keep themselves and their animals alive, Trenchard said. Cash is key at the moment, putting money in peoples pockets so they can buy food and water and keep their animals alive. The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have launched an $864 million appeal to help Somalis, but the droughts reach to many African countries has caused the World Food Program to cut aid rations. By December, the appeal was 47% funded. In 2011, Shabab, designated a terrorist group by the U.S., controlled much of Somalia, complicating aid efforts. In some cases the group refused to let people leave their villages, especially men of fighting age, who were often forcibly drafted. Another complication was confusion on whether aid organizations trying to get food into territory controlled by the extremist group could be sanctioned by the U.S. for cooperating with designated terrorists. Thousands of Somalis managed to walk into northern Kenya to the Dadaab refugee camp in 2011. But since then, after a series of deadly terrorist attacks, Somali refugees have become less welcome in Kenya. The Kenyan government is building a 440-mile border wall to keep Shabab out, and has announced plans to close Dadaab. The camps closure was overturned in Kenyas High Court Thursday, but the government has announced it will appeal, raising questions about where desperate Somalis could go in a famine, should the government win its appeal. Famine is a technical term, measured by several markers, including child mortality, general mortality and other factors. The time lag in collecting and publishing such data, means that famines are often not declared until several months after their onset. In 2011, half those who died had perished before the famine was declared in July. robyn.dixon@latimes.com Twitter: @RobynDixon_LAT ALSO: In a fragile Somalia, the parliament chooses a new president Kenyas High Court rules against government plan to close the worlds biggest refugee camp The practice of female genital mutilation appears to be on the decline in many countries, surveys show In the last five years, North Korea has test fired more than 50 ballistic missiles in an effort to perfect a technology that its opponents fear might someday deliver a nuclear weapon. So the launch of a missile on Sunday that soared 300 miles across North Korea from west to east before crashing harmlessly into the Sea of Japan might have been another of those tests. Or it could have been a test of President Trump. The reclusive countrys leader, Kim Jong Un, didnt detail his governments motives for launching the missile the first such test since before last years U.S. presidential election. State media on Monday morning characterized it as successful. North Korea watchers suggested several possible reasons for the timing, both practical and geopolitical. Advertisement The regime has made missile technology especially a long-range missile capable of reaching other continents a national priority, and the test could have been a logical extension of that effort. The launch might also have been an attempt to discern how the Trump administration, which is still formulating its North Korean strategy after visits to Japan and South Korea last week by Defense Secretary James Mattis, might react. Its possible, too, that the launch was set to coincide with the birthday of Kim Jong Il, the current leaders late father. A test like this serves all three purposes at once, said Sheena Chestnut Greitens, a political science professor at the University of Missouri and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institutions Center for East Asia Policy Studies. Regardless of motive, the action drew strong rebukes from South Korea and Japan as another violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Those rules are aimed, in part, at curbing the rogue states nuclear weapons development. U.S. military officials said the missile never posed a threat to North America, and the test hasnt yet prompted a strong response from President Trump, who coincidentally was hosting the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, for the weekend at his resort in Florida. But Abe called the test absolutely intolerable. Japans capital, Tokyo, is about 800 miles from Pyongyang. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks as President Trump listens at Trumps resort in Palm Beach, Fla., on Saturday. (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) North Korea must fully comply with the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, he said at a news conference in Palm Springs, Fla., with Trump standing beside him. After Abe spoke, Trump said the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100%. He didnt take questions or speak specifically about the test, however. He has said, though, that North Korea is a top priority for his administration. Officials in South Korea, whose capital is within range of such a missile, condemned what they called the irrational nature of the action. It is also a grave threat to the peace and security of the Korean peninsula and the international community as a whole, according to a statement issued by the South Korean Foreign Affairs Ministry. North Korean state media reported Monday that Kim personally oversaw the missile test. The news agency said the missile was a new Pukguksong-2 and was capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. North Korean scientists set the launch angle to avoid violating neighboring countries airspace, according to the report. Military leaders in South Korea said they believe the North is seeking to draw attention to its advancing nuclear capabilities and to counter what was seen as a strong commitment to the U.S.-South Korean alliance, as demonstrated by Mattis recent visit. On that trip, Mattis reaffirmed the policy of extended deterrence Americas commitment to defend South Korea from both nuclear and conventional attacks. He said any nuclear attack by North Korea would be met with an American response that was effective and overwhelming. John Delury, an associate professor at Seouls Yonsei University, said its possible the North chose to perform the test as a reminder of its presence, after the Mattis trip and news about Abes American visit and apparently positive discussions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This is the only way North Korea can get on the radar, he said. Its their way of reminding everyone that they are still here. Some experts had been expecting a missile launch. Duyeon Kim, a Seoul-based researcher at Georgetown Universitys Institute of the Study of Diplomacy, said its plausible Kim wanted to test Trump. She said Pyongyang could also just be pursuing its national objective of improving its missiles. But what is certain is that the North gains knowledge and comes closer to perfecting its missile technology after each test, she said. The test firing comes weeks after Kim gave a televised address announcing that his country was close to being able to deploy an intercontinental ballistic missile a type that in theory could reach the American mainland. The country has numerous missiles, some of them mobile and with modified Russian technology. A day later, Trump took to Twitter, announcing, It wont happen! Trumps confidence was met with skepticism from North Korea security analysts, who noted that the issue has long confounded the international community and that Trump hasnt detailed a strategy for dealing with the North. Despite the United Nations restrictions, Kims regime has escalated its missile and nuclear programs. He has ordered at least 50 missile tests since he took office five years ago, including as many as 24 last year alone. He has also presided over three nuclear tests two of which were in 2016. Just how to deal with North Koreas military threats has befuddled at least three presidents. President Clinton sought a deal with Pyongyang that ultimately fell apart. President George W. Bush famously lumped the country into his axis of evil after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and set tough conditions on any dialogue. And President Obama used a policy thats been defined as strategic patience, during which the Norths missile and nuclear systems continued to advance. Bush and Obama also relied on a host of sanctions imposed by the United States and the international community. But the countrys nuclear program, and the Kim dynasty, have proved resilient. Most North Korean security watchers now believe the country has enough nuclear material to have created as many as 12 bombs, with some estimates as high as 60. That leaves Trump with few good options, perhaps even fewer than previous presidents. Among them: persuading North Korea that its nuclear program threatens the Pyongyang regimes survival. Theres also the possibility of a negotiated agreement involving regional countries and perhaps increased economic and political pressure from China and Russia. One American response has been the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, a defense array designed to shoot down missiles. Mattis and South Korean leaders agreed during a recent summit in Seoul to deploy the system here this year. That system is controversial in South Korea, and its possible that a change in political leadership in Seoul could seek to reverse that deployment. A new presidential election could occur this summer to replace the countrys president, Park Geun-hye, who faces removal from office amid a corruption scandal. Observers such as Delury still believe diplomacy is possible. He said the North hasnt tested a long-range missile the kind that might cause a serious international crisis or even military confrontation by the new administration. This just kind of rattles the cage a little, he said. I dont think it forecloses the possibility of some kind of diplomacy. Stiles is a special correspondent. ALSO Their parents lives were defined by war. Now Vietnams youth are pushing the country toward a new identity South Korea is coping with its worst outbreak of avian flu ever and U.S. egg farmers are benefiting The man just elected as Germanys next president once called Trump a hate preacher UPDATES: 4:55 p.m.: Updates with North Korean media calling test successful and describing missile. This article was originally posted at 2:30 p.m. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germanys long-serving foreign minister who once called Donald Trump a hate preacher, was elected as the countrys 12th post-war president on Sunday by a special assembly in Berlin. Steinmeier, 61, representing the center-left Social Democratic Party, won 931 votes among the 1,239 delegates to the federal assembly, known as the Bundesversammlung, made up of state and federal politicians and celebrities. He will serve a five-year term in the largely ceremonial post. The election of the usually impeccably mannered diplomat, who spent seven of the last 11 years leading the foreign ministry, marked a setback for Chancellor Angela Merkel and her conservative Christian Democrats, who had failed to agree on their own candidate. Advertisement They reluctantly threw their weight behind Steinmeier after criticizing his uncharacteristically sharp comments about Trump, made during the U.S. presidential campaign last year. German President-elect Frank-Walter Steinmeier, center, is congratulated by German President Joachim Gauck and Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday. Steinmeier takes office March 18. (Markus Schreiber / Associated Press) Steinmeier, who faced four little-known challengers, is expected to be above politics and suspend his party membership as president. Still, based on past presidential elections, his victory could give his party a boost going into Septembers parliamentary election, where Merkel is fighting an unexpectedly tight battle to win a fourth term against a popular new Social Democratic candidate, Martin Schulz. The German presidential election in 2004 was a harbinger of political change in parliament when Merkels Christian Democrats, then in opposition, narrowly defeated the candidate from the Social Democratic Party, which had control of the federal government at the time. A year later, Merkels Christian Democrats beat the Social Democrats to take back control of the government. Steinmeier later became the countrys vice chancellor for two years before being crushed by Merkel when he ran for chancellor in 2009. Were living in stormy times, and people are worried, Steinmeier, a highly respected diplomat, said in an acceptance speech to the delegates Sunday. The world seems to be coming apart at the seams. His speech made repeated, tacit references to disconcerting changes in U.S. foreign policy expected under Trump. If the foundations start to wobble in other places, then we need to be even more determined than ever to support those foundations, he said. The United States has long been a beacon of democracy and freedom for post-war Germany, a country where the scars of World War II are never far from the surface. As a result of the horrors of the Nazi regime, many Germans have especially sensitive antennae for the vulnerability of democracies in the face of authoritarian leaders, and there has been fear here that Trump could be in that mold. The history of our republic is the best argument there is against populism, said Steinmeier. Youll find the best answers only in democracies. Steinmeier, who resigned as foreign minister in Merkels grand coalition government last month to run for the higher office, said he was proud that Germany has emerged as an important bastion for stability and role model for peace around the world in the decades since the end of World War II. It also has become the temporary home for more than 1 million refugees from Syria and other turbulent regions in recent years. Isnt it a wonderful thing that Germany has become an anchor for hope for many people around the world? said Steinmeier. Were helping others find the courage not because everything is perfect here in Germany. No, on the contrary, weve shown that things can get better, weve shown that peace is possible after war. Russian President Vladimir Putin quickly congratulated Steinmeier and invited him to visit Moscow. Steinmeier last year was openly critically of NATO military maneuvers in eastern Europe, calling them saber rattling. His party has long advocated a softer approach toward Russia than has Merkels Christian Democrats. In 2010, Steinmeier became something of a folk hero for donating one of his two kidneys to his ailing wife. He takes office March 18. He will succeed Joachim Gauck, a former East German dissident and pastor who decided not to run for a second term. Kirschbaum is a special correspondent. ALSO Syrian war memorial is dividing Dresden, itself a symbol of the ravages of war A divided European Union has one thing in common: Mistrust of Trump Benoit Hamon is known as the Bernie Sanders of France and he just won the Socialist Party primary for president North Korea on Sunday morning deployed what may have been a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, South Korea officials said. The projectile was North Koreas first missile test-firing since Donald Trump became U.S. president last month, and its first provocation since leader Kim Jong Un boasted of his countrys goal to deploy an intercontinental ballistic missile. The type of missile, launched just before 8 a.m. local time from a western province in North Korea, had not yet been identified. Neither had its flight path, according to South Koreas Yonhap news agency. Advertisement North Korea is prohibited from carrying out ballistic missile launches under United Nations Security Council resolutions aimed in part at curbing the countrys development of nuclear weapons. At a brief news conference late Saturday night with President Trump in Florida, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the missile launch absolutely intolerable. North Korea must fully comply with the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, he said. Trump, in a one-sentence statement, did not address the launch directly but said the U.S. stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100%. He and Abe vowed to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance and left the stage without taking questions. South Koreas acting leader, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, responded to the test Sunday morning during a meeting about a recent avian influenza outbreak. North Korea fired a projectile that appears to be a ballistic missile, he said. Together with the international community, the entire South Korean government is trying its best to respond with the relevant punishments. Military sources told Yonhap that they were trying to determine whether the missile was an intermediate-range model, like the Musudan or a shorter-range Rodong. They estimate it flew about 500 kilometers, much shorter than the Musudans estimated 3,000-kilometer range. Japans Kyodo News reported that the missile landed in the Sea of Japan, causing no damage. The test-firing comes weeks after Kim said his country was close to being able to deploy an intercontinental ballistic missile a type that in theory could reach the U.S. mainland. A day later Trump took to Twitter, announcing confidently, It wont happen! Trumps confidence was met with skepticism from North Koreas security analysts, who noted that the missile issue has long confounded the international community and that Trump hasnt detailed a strategy for dealing with the North. Despite the U.N. restrictions, Kims government has escalated its missile and nuclear programs. He has ordered at least 50 missile tests since he took office five years ago, including more than 20 last year. He has also presided over three nuclear tests two of which were in 2016. Harry J. Kazianis, director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, said North Koreas advancing technological capacity over the last decade could someday lead to the ultimate nightmare a nuclear-armed long-range missile. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj On the hardware front, this is a march towards an intercontinental ballistic missile that can hit the U.S. mainland, or maybe Europe, Kazianis said. There are some experts who believe they can do that now; I think theyre a few years off. But every time they test a missile, they get a little bit closer. Were gonna have to see how this plays out, he said. But we have to keep in mind, every time North Korea does one of these tests, theres a danger of one of these missiles taking a wrong turn if one hits South Korea, you bet the South Koreans are going to respond. Or the Japanese theyre gonna respond the same way. Were very lucky that every time these tests happen, nobody gets hurt. Many analysts believe North Korea has enough nuclear material to have created as many as 12 bombs, with some estimates as high as 60. The focus for many security experts has shifted to studying how the rogue state might deliver its weapons. One response has been the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, an array designed to shoot down missiles. U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis and South Korean leaders agreed during a recent summit to deploy the system in Seoul this year. Many experts say urgent action is needed to slow the Norths advancement. I say it as clearly and as loudly as I can, we cannot do nothing, former Defense Secretary William J. Perry said recently at a forum in Washington, D.C. The time for patience is over. Because time is really not on our side. I emphasize that as clearly as possible: Time is not on our side. We have to do something. Stiles is a special correspondent. Times staff writer Jonathan Kaiman in Beijing contributed to this report. MORE WORLD NEWS Senior North Korean defector says his sons were reason he fled An interrupted journey ends in a new life in the U.S. for Syrian refugee family Mexican military helicopter fires on drug kingpin hideout in one of two raids that left 12 dead UPDATES: 8 p.m.: This article was updated with remarks by President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 7:25 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with Times reporting. This article was originally published at 5:55 p.m. Dense desert fog enveloped Queen Alia International Airport outside Amman, Jordan. Zohri A., a Syrian mechanic who was about to fly to the United States with his wife and four children for refugee resettlement, waited nervously to learn whether their flight to Chicago would take off as scheduled. Soon enough, word came down: The flight was canceled due to the bad weather. Zohri and his family took the news calmly, even though they had already sold their scant possessions, vacated their small apartment and dressed in their best for the momentous voyage. Theyd be booked on another flight in coming days, they were assured. Local representatives of the United Nations International Organization for Migration, which deals with logistics for departing refugees, quickly arranged for hotel accommodations for the family near the Amman airport. The children, especially the littlest, 5-year-old Amr, were drooping with fatigue. Zohri and his wife, Samar, went online to let friends and family know they wouldnt be starting their new lives in the United States just yet. Advertisement It was a setback, but not a grave one. Theyd survived wars bloody ruination of their Syrian hometown, Homs, endured years of hardscrabble life in Jordan and undergone an exhaustive U.S. vetting process that had lasted more than two years. They were confident they would overcome this last small obstacle. On the other side of the globe, at the Silver Spring, Md., office of the International Rescue Committee, news of the flights weather cancellation was updated in a multiagency database that keeps track of refugee arrivals. The family, destined for settlement in a Maryland suburb of Washington, D.C., would not be arriving that evening after all. Such routine delays were disappointing, but didnt unduly alarm the offices deputy director, Preethi Nampoothiri, a veteran of hot-zone humanitarian work in Africa and the Middle East. Last-minute glitches happened for a variety of reasons. In any event, traffic that day would be tricky in and around the nations capital anyway. After all, it was Inauguration Day: Jan. 20, 2017. Donald J. Trump was being sworn in as the American president. :: One week later, seated at an ornate table and flanked by aides, Trump applied his signature to an executive order, one of his first as president. Under the order, the U.S. refugee resettlement program was suspended for 120 days, and Syrian refugees were to be excluded indefinitely. Travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Syria, were banned from entry for three months. Tens of thousands of visas were invalidated; within hours, airports across the U.S. and around the world would be thrown into chaos, with hundreds of passengers denied boarding or detained on arrival. Nampoothiri immediately recognized the implications for her organizations work and for families like these soon-expected Syrians. Devastating, she recalled. A real feeling of sadness. The signing was at 4:42 p.m. in Washington, nearly midnight in Jordan, but among the Syrian refugee community, the news raced across messaging apps and social-media platforms. Zohri learned of it by scrolling through his Facebook feed, and he and Samar spent an anxious night. In the morning, their worst fears were confirmed. They would not be allowed to board their scheduled flight. We were speechless, Samar said later. We thought, This dream is over. :: War came early to the western Syrian city of Homs, the cradle of the uprising against President Bashar Assad that began in 2011. Rebels had established a stronghold in the city, about 100 miles north of Damascus. And the army arrived to root them out, whatever the cost to civilians. By March 2012, the situation was dire. Then-U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the General Assembly that month that he had received grisly reports of arbitrary killings and torture by government forces in the city. Before the war, the city was a thriving industrial center with a population of more than 650,000. Zohri worked in specialty truck repair, a good job with management responsibilities and a solid middle-class income. Samar cared for their children. The two oldest were then in elementary school and doing well in classes, especially Noor, who loved to read. We had a beautiful home, Samar said, remembering. A beautiful life, Zohri chimed in. :: Escaping the fighting in Homs, Zohris family had first sought shelter outside Damascus, then made their way to Lebanon. In 2013, they enlisted a smugglers help to get to Jordan, and settled in the dusty village of Mutah. A friend of Zohris from home, Husni, helped him find work in a clothing shop, but because he could not work legally, he accepted pay that was barely enough to live on. Samar worked also, at a bus company also for almost no money. The children could not enroll permanently in school. Their apartment was small and its surroundings squalid; they dared not complain. We could see there was no future for us in that place, said Samar. Early in their stay in Jordan, they registered as refugees with the U.N. Eventually, after a series of interviews, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, referred them for resettlement in the United States. That inaugurated a two-year round of U.S.-mandated vetting: biometric checks, extensive background inquiries, repeated rounds of questioning about Zohris political leanings and the familys reasons for fleeing Syria. When their departure hopes were dashed by the executive order, Samar and Zohri and the children left Amman and traveled back to Mutah, finding themselves back in the same shabby little apartment they thought they had left behind forever. They bought back some of the furniture they had sold days earlier for so little, paying a premium price. The smaller children, sensing their parents distress, were quiet. Noor, the eldest, about to turn 14, was the only one who cried. How will I go to school now? she asked. How will I get an education? At some point in their stay in Mutah, someone had sent Zohri a photo of the family house in Homs, now a pile of rubble. He didnt want to look at it. It wasnt home any more. :: In the United States, legal challenges to the travel ban mounted daily across the country. One landed in the Seattle courtroom of U.S. District Judge James Robart. On Feb. 3, a Friday, he placed a nationwide stay on the executive order. Two days later, Zohri and Samar received a call with the electrifying news: Get ready. You leave tomorrow. Hastily repacking, the family rushed back to Amman for Mondays late-morning flight to Chicago, crowded with a big contingent of Syrians with similar hopes. A family of refugees from Syria arrives at Reagan Washington National Airport on Feb. 7, 2017. (Joshua Roberts / For the Times) When the plane touched down at OHare International Airport, applause broke out in the cabin. Entry formalities went smoothly. While the family waited to change planes for their flight to Washington, a woman came up to Samar and hugged her. As someone from a modest society, the Syrian woman was startled by such a seemingly forward gesture from a stranger but recounting it later, her delicate features bloomed. I began to realize we were home, she said. :: In Silver Spring, the IRC office got word of the familys impending arrival the same day that Zohri and Samar had. They had a little over 24 hours to get ready. Logistics specialist Corey Rheingrover put in a call to the manager of an apartment complex in Landover, Md., where at least half a dozen other Syrian families had been placed. After all the stop-and-go of the past two weeks, was there an apartment suitable for a family of six? It turned out there was, but it was completely empty, with no furniture or household essentials. The Maple Ridge Apartment complex in Landover, Md., where Syrian refugees have been resettled. (Zach Gibson / For The Times) Rheingrover put in his next call to a charity called Mozaic, based in Sterling, Va. On the other end of the phone was a 47-year-old dynamo named Raghad Bushnaq, who had emigrated from Syria in 1989. She swiftly lined up donated furnishings, renting U-Haul trailers and dashing to three separate locations to assemble what was needed beds, a dining set with chairs, a sofa. Husni, the familys old friend from Homs and Mutah, who had managed to leave six months earlier, lived in the same complex. He quickly rounded up neighbors to help assemble furniture and unpack pantry items, toiletries, bedding. At one point, some 18 people were bustling around the apartment, making beds, folding towels, putting groceries in cabinets, toothpaste in the bathroom. The aromas of traditional offerings like mahshi, an eggplant dish, brought by Syrian neighbors wafted through the air. It was really something magical, Bushnaq said of the communal effort. It brought back memories of her own arrival in the United States, when she knew no one except her husband, she said. It was a joyous time for me, coming here as a bride, said Bushnaq. But these people, they are coming because they have lost everything. :: It was a minute after midnight when the family emerged from the connecting corridor at Reagan Washington National Airport. Despite the hour, about two dozen well-wishers had gathered, waving welcoming signs. Ahlan (Welcome) read one in Arabic script emblazoned with glitter. Husni rushed forward to embrace Zohri. Someone handed Samar a bouquet. Little Amr half-hid behind his 13-year-old brother, Mohammad. Ten-year-old Aya, with pink clasps holding her high braids in place, blinked in surprise when she was given a box of chocolates, then smiled shyly. Nampoothiri watched for a few moments before she stepped forward to gently usher the family toward baggage claim. This is the best part of the job, she said quietly. :: Three days later, the family had begun to settle in at their Landover apartment. Like many refugees, they did not want their full names used, still fearing for the safety of relatives back in Syria, but they offered tea to visitors and insisted, just as they would at home, that it be accepted. Theyd seen the Washington Monument from the plane, they said. Zohri had awakened the kids on the drive in to point out the apartment complexs swimming pool. Much work lay ahead. They would need Social Security numbers, health-insurance enrollment. Husni was going to teach them the bus routes. Tests for placement in an English program. A cultural-orientation class was starting next week at the resettlement agency. The children were already on a school-registration list and needed to get their vaccinations. Mohammad, smoothing a pompadour, wondered if he could sign up for the track team and compete in the shot put, his favorite event. Khalid Balajem, a caseworker who brought them home the first night, described the family gawking at the apartments furnishings, which included a car-shaped bed for Amr. The children asked him again and again: Is this really all for us? Arrivals of other refugees would continue, for now. But with the Trump administration planning to cap all refugee arrivals at 50,000 this fiscal year, only about 16,000 more will be allowed in through October. The UNHCR in Jordan has already turned its attention to other countries for resettlements, countries where theres more of a chance of success. Zohris family counted themselves among the lucky ones. laura.king@latimes.com @laurakingLAT Thousands of demonstrators waving Mexican flags and hoisting signs denouncing President Trump marched through central Mexico City on Sunday, the largest mobilization so far here against what many label an anti-Mexican administration in the White House. We are not against the American people. This is about Trump, who is spreading hate and division, said Maria Garcia, a former resident of Chicago who carried an unflattering, papier-mache likeness of the U.S. president as she marched through the Mexican capital. The United States and Mexico are natural friends and allies, but Trump is destroying this, added Garcia, who later publicly burned the Trump effigy. Advertisement Demonstrators march along Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City on Feb. 12, 2017, protesting the immigration and trade policies of President Trump. (Liliana Nieto del Rio / For The Times) More than 20,000 people attended the march, according to an official city estimate. The turnout was relatively modest in a city that regularly hosts massive demonstrations. Organizers dubbed the event Vibra Mexico (roughly, Mexican vibe), and mounted an aggressive social media campaign encouraging people to attend. While Trump was the main target, many participants also carried signs and chanted slogans against Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Coordinated protest marches also took place Sunday in other Mexican cities, including Tijuana, Monterrey, Merida and Morelia. Protesters in Mexico City hoisted signs declaring, Respect Mexico and We are all Mexico as they marched down Paseo de la Reforma, the capitals elegant, tree-lined main street. Police turned out in force to maintain security, and a helicopter hovered overhead, but no violence was reported. The march stretched about a mile and a half to the Angel of Independence, a landmark that is a common site of protests. The turnout and emotion were indicative of the widespread indignation that Trumps various policies on immigration and trade widely viewed here as anti-Mexican have sparked south of the border. We need a real president who defends the rights of Mexicans, who stands up to Trump. Manuel Cevallos, a teacher Trump, pay for your own wall! declared one sign in English, a reference to the presidents plan to build a new barrier along the almost 2,000-mile frontier between the two nations. The proposal has been a flashpoint of criticism here. The Mexican government has rebuffed Trumps insistence that Mexico would pay for the wall. Miguel Posternak, 58, carried a sign in English denouncing Trumps comments during the presidential campaign disparaging Mexican nationals in the United States. Undocumented Mexican immigrants are not criminals or rapists, the sign read. They are hardworking, friendly people. Just ask any American employer and youll see. Another sign declared: Thanks, Trump, for uniting us. Along with the wall, Trumps plans to step up deportations, slap a tariff on products imported to the United States and renegotiate trade deals have all raised ire in Mexico and raised fears of an economic collapse. The Mexican peso has been steadily declining in value against the U.S. dollar since Trump began rising in U.S. electoral polls late last year. Anti-Trump protesters in Mexico City on Feb. 12, 2017. (Liliana Nieto del Rio / For The Times) I came here on my birthday because Trump is trying to divide people, and Im against that, said Arleen Ledezma, 31, a Mexican American hairdresser from Tucson who carried a sign declaring in Spanish: My nationality is the United States but my roots are Mexican. She said she flew down for the day to show solidarity. From a loudspeaker, an activist declared: Donald Trump must respect the dignity of Mexico! The march was one of two major anti-Trump events Sunday. Some stayed away from the demonstrations, viewing them as too supportive of Pena Nieto, who is suffering from near record-low approval ratings amid concerns about corruption, violence and rising prices. This is in no means an event to back the president, said Manuel Cevallos, 62, a teacher who said he lived for two decades in Southern California, and was attending the rally. We need a real president who defends the rights of Mexicans, who stands up to Trump. A Trump effigy at the Mexico City protest on Feb. 12, 2017. (Liliana Nieto del Rio / For The Times) Pena Nieto, who did not attend the march, has spoken repeatedly of unity in recent days. He and other Mexican leaders have vowed to help deported compatriots returning to Mexico and to bolster aid for Mexican immigrants in the United States. But there is little Mexican officials can do to curb Trumps plans to build a wall and accelerate deportations. While Trump was widely assailed, many protesters made the point that their gripe was not with the citizens of the United States. I admire the American people very much, said Antonio Aguilera, 65, who carried a sign assailing both Trump and the Mexican president. The problem in Mexico is that our leaders have robbed so much that we now have little left to fight back against Trump and his policies. Cecilia Sanchez of The Times Mexico City bureau and special correspondent Laura Tillman in Mexico City contributed to this report. ALSO Fearing deportations, Mexico warns its citizens in the U.S. Two countries, one economy: A Mexican town whose chief earners are in the U.S. worries what happens if theyre sent home A human rights activist is slain in Cambodia, and the mystery leads all the way to California UPDATES: 2:50 P.M.: Updates throughout with details, quotes from march. This article was originally posted at 11:15 a.m. The scientists have finally discovered a new cave in Israel. The new cave-the 12th so far- is used by Jews of the Second Temple era to hide scroll containing copies of the Hebrew Bible and other texts. According to FOX NEWS, the archaeologists inside the cave found a blank scroll along with the remains of jars, cloth, and a leather strap. The researchers said this item were used to bind, wrap and hold the scroll. The researchers found that the cave was looted long before the archaeologists excavated it. Inside the cave, they identified telltale signs, broken storage jars, and lids on its edges and in a tunnel in the back. The NPR has reported that scientist claims that they have come to discovering new Dead Sea scrolls in 60 years. The scrolls appear to have been hidden in the desert near Qumran in the West Bank by a Jewish sect known as the essence that existed at the time of Jesus. Oren Gutfeld, an archaeologist at the Hebrew University Institute and director said," the finding indicates beyond any doubt that the cave contained scrolls that were stolen". The scientists also found a string that would have tied the scrolls, as well as pottery, flint blades, and arrowheads. However, the new report has suggested that the excavation of the cave is part of larger operations. The Israel Antiquities Authority is trying to find and excavates the cave in the Judean Desert that may hold archaeological remains. The team of the researchers also found the iron remnants in the cave. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem said this was looted by Bedouins in the 1950s. The students from Liberty University in Virginia are also part of this research. The archaeologist's claims that the important discovery of another scroll cave reveals the fact that lot of work remains to be done in the Judean Desert. Meanwhile, the researchers believe that the new discovery will open the new era of science. A series of tornadoes went through southern Louisiana on Tuesday morning as parts of infrastructures, power lines and trees was flown away and damaged, leaving Louisiana in a state of emergency. Devastation and fear has rocked three locations wherein at least three tornadoes has reached land as confirmed by meteorologist at National Weather Service, Danielle Manning. The tornadoes has landed one in eastern part of New Orleans, another near the town of Donaldsonville and another in the town of Killian. According to reports from WLTX, the first of almost three to six tornadoes landed in New Orleans east at around 11 a.m. with winds 111 to 135 miles per hour. In an instant, it left almost 30 injured, mostly from Sherwood Forest neighborhood where the twister had hit, destroying thousands of the houses and vehicles. Power outages will stay for 3-5 days and 54 reported gas leaks are needed to be repaired while Schaumburg Elementary and Einstein schools in New Orleans east are already in the process of estimating the extent of the damage. The National Weather Service has confirmed in a separate report from KTBS that six tornadoes have hit six different locations in New Orleans but with different strengths. A team from Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with other employees of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and GOHSEP goes with Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards who has declared a state of emergency. These agencies are already collecting all the data needed for Federal Disaster Declaration request. Right now, various efforts to uplift the current situation of the affected areas are being done such as providing hot meals and temporary shelter for those whose houses were severely damaged. Red Cross trucks were also bringing in relief goods and personal care packages, cleaning supplies and tarps while the State Fire Marshal's are still going through the rubble to provide search and rescue. The weather had been unpredictable from a low chance of rain early in the week to a slight chance of severe weather forecast Monday to an enhanced risk of severe weather. In various case, police department usually utilizes the available video footage as an essential evidence to whatever extent of possible seriousness. However, sometimes the speed and frequency of such videos turn out to be such blurry that the required points which may be applicable as an important proof seem to be hazy or unclear. Therefore, in such cases, it becomes difficult for the law enforcement authorities to identify certain objects or persons involved in the disputes or any serious crime. Well, the latest development of technology has the answer for this trouble. Arizona-based entity Taser International is now claiming that they are on their way to implement such AI-driven extension which will make the identification task for Police officials much easier. According to Forbes, the company along with its two companions, recently acquired tech specialist Dextro and another computer vision team formerly associated with Fossil Group, jointly making up such an AI driven development in camera vision with police body cams which would allow the law enforcement officials to identify most pointy and tiny details as well in a video evidence and thereby allowing them to track that person or thing dedicatedly throughout the clip in a real-time manner. The machine is said to be codenamed as 'Axon'. So, this will definitely make it easier for the police department to solve most complicated cases in lesser time. As per a report by The Stack, the new AI-driven technique will sit alongside Taser's cloud storage service, Evidence.com. However, currently, the company has a rough total of 5.2 petabytes of video data stored on its present servers, which is frequently used by the law enforcement agencies. Taser also claimed that this will be a major revolutionary update in the techniques of law enforcement. The company expects that it would save up to two-third of the utilized time by Police departments of major nations which the implement to examining video evidence of numerous cases and disputes. Feb 12, 2017, 4:02am ET Peugeot buys Ambassador name from India's Hindustan Ambassador could morph into Peugeot\'s Dacia rival. PSA Peugeot-Citroen has purchased the rights to the Ambassador name from India's Hindustan Motors. The roughly $12 million deal includes the Ambassador name and all related trademarks. Hindustan will use the proceeds from the sale to pay employees and lenders, a company spokesperson told the Times of India. Peugeot hasn't revealed what it plans on doing with its latest acquisition. It recently formed an alliance with CK Birla Group, Hindustan Motors' parent company, to manufacture cars in India, so some models built for the local market could wear an Ambassador emblem. It could also turn Ambassador into a low-cost brand similar to rival Renault's Dacia division and Nissan's born-again Datsun brand. What's all but certain is that Peugeot won't bring back the emblematic Ambassador (pictured), which was an evolution of the Morris Oxford that debuted in England in 1954. It was one of India's most popular cars decades ago, but sales collapsed in the late 2000s and early 2010s because visual and mechanical tweaks could no longer hide its age. The last Ambassador rolled out of Hindustan's Uttarpara factory in 2014. At the time, the company blamed the decision to stop production on "very low productivity, growing indiscipline, critical shortage of funds, lack of demand for its core product, and large accumulation of liabilities," according to The Economic Times. Photo by Ronan Glon. Feb 12, 2017, 4:20am ET Subaru to test self-driving cars in California California officials gave Subaru a permit to test autonomous tech a few days ago. California officials have granted Subaru permission to test self-driving cars on the state's public roads, according to a recent report. The Golden State's Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) gave Subaru an Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permit on February 9. The Japanese automaker plans to test new features that will gradually be added to its EyeSight suite of electronic driving aids. Notably, Subaru is developing technology that will allow its cars to drive themselves in traffic jams at speeds of up to 40 mph, according to Engadget. The feature is expected to debut on a production model in the next few years. Looking further ahead, company executives predict the brand will offer a semi-autonomous car capable of changing lanes on its own by 2020. As a permit-holder, Subaru must inform the California DMV every time one of its self-driving prototypes is involved in an accident. It also needs to file an annual report that outlines how many times a prototype's autonomous systems were activated, and how many times they were disengaged due to failures. The list of companies allowed to test self-driving cars on California roads includes well-known brands like Volkswagen, Nissan, Ford, Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. More obscure names like Faraday Future, Wheego Electric Cars, Zoox, and AutoX Technologies also have a permit, according to the DMV's official website. Feb 11, 2017, 5:01pm ET Toyota and Tonka join forces to make the ultimate toy truck Unfortunately it will be based on the Hilux and made for Australia. Toyota is working on a concept truck inspired by Tonka toys. Based on the HiLux mid-size pickup, it is currently being designed by Toyota Australia. The local design studio in Melbourne is heading up the project, a sketch of which was shown briefly in a video released this week. The truck appears to have an increased ride height and large fender flares to accommodate meaty off-road tires. According to the sketch shown on CarAdvice, a skid pan, new grille, roo bar-equipped bumpers, and auxiliary light pods on the roof add to the life-sized toy look of the truck. According to Motoring, the project is meant to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Toyota Motor Company, the 45th anniversary of the HiLux, and the 70th anniversary of Tonka, the toy brand known for its rugged play trucks. "It seemed like such a natural fit," said Chief Designer Nic Hogios. "They're both tough, they're both enduring, and to marry the two together is an absolute dream come true." According to the article, Toyota plans show the finished one-off at Australian dealerships later this year. The Australian studio has also been responsible for attention grabbing designs like the Toyota GT86 Shooting Brake. Of course, this wouldn't be the first time Toyota and Tonka have collaborated. In 2015, Toyota USA built a Tonka-inspired 4Runner for the SEMA Show. Melissa Hough searches for info on girl who escaped Nazis Anita Schiller, nicknamed Nitti, kept a personal journal in the lead up to the German annexation of Austria. (Courtesy photo) For Melissa Hough, an impromptu purchase at a flea market provides insight into the experiences of a Jewish girl as the world changed around her in the 1930s. Hough, president of the Slate Belt Heritage Center, said she has been translating and researching a handwritten notation book that appears to have belonged to girl who lived in Vienna before and after Germany annexed Austria in the lead-up to World War II. Hough said she saw the book five years ago at a Philadelphia flea market. It was nestled among various other knick-knacks and the man selling it said it was a diary written in German. When Hough examined the book, she said she realized it was actually a friendship book or what is also known as an autograph book. The book had drawings, poems and well-wishes from friends mostly directed at someone named Nitti. Hough, who briefly lived in Vienna while in college and speaks some German, began to translate the words written by Nitti and her friends. Hough estimates Nitti was about 8 years old when the writings began in 1934. The inscriptions are initially happy and upbeat, such as "Life is a dream/ sweet dreams/ To memories/ of your schoolmate." Colored-pencil drawings of flowers and animals adorn the pages. However, a few years later, those happy words and pictures are replaced with sentiments of a much darker tone, Hough said. German troops marched into Austria in March 1938, and soon after, Jewish children in Vienna were banned from attending regular schools. The fear and gloom that many felt at that time are reflected in Nitti's book. "Friendship in despair/ friendship in death/ friendship in the midst of treachery/ that makes three lasting bridges...," reads one of the later passages. "It was clear she was responding to the political changes that were taking place," Hough said. The German inscriptions seem to stop at about the time of Kristallnacht, which was a wave of anti-Jewish violence that took place in Germany, annexed Austria and other German-occupied territory on November 9 and 10, 1938. Hough said she wondered what happened to Nitti after those fateful times. Hough discovered Nitti's full name, Anita Schiller, lightly pressed in the soft leather cover of the book. There were two English inscriptions dated 1940 from a place called Cockley Cley. "Nitti had escaped to England," Hough said. Through research, Hough said she found a picture on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum website of Anita Schiller and other children who migrated to Great Britain through a program called Kindertransport, which transported about 10,000 Jewish refugee children from Germany and German-annexed territories from 1938 to 1940. Hough also found an online interview of one of the Kindertransport children who mentions Schiller. She is determined to find out what became of Schiller after she arrived in England -- and how the book found its way to America, Hough said. "I want to find out how her book came to be in Pennsylvania," Hough said. "Did she emigrate to America?" Hough said she would like to discover the outcomes of Schiller and her friends and eventually donate the book to an appropriate museum. John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. One of Irelands leading newspapers in reporting the death of Rev. Thomas Maguire in 1847 stated that he was the greatest Irish priest of the first half of the 19th century. Born in Tiroogan, Kinawley, Co. Fermanagh, Rev. Maguire was a staunch Roman Catholic priest, a nephew of Dr. Patrick Maguire, Bishop of Kilmore. Throughout his life, Fr. Maguire enjoyed unprecedented publicity as a cleric, gaining recognition as an orator and debater on what was called The Second Reformation as well as for the famous court case in which he was accused of the seduction of a young Protestant woman from Drumkeerin. Rev. Maguire was defended successfully by Daniel OConnell, among others, in the case. He was a member of The Catholic Association and supported OConnell in pressing the case for repeal of the Penal Laws. He died 2 December 1847 at his residence, Monroe Lodge, Ardrum, near Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, where he had been parish priest since August 1835. He was buried at Templeport in the presence of many mourners. But five weeks later his body was exhumed. His brother Terence and sister-in-law Anna, who lived with him, had died in suspicious circumstances. Arsenic was found in the stomachs of all three. A coroner's inquest found that Thomas Maguire's housekeeper, Mary Reynolds, had murdered him. At the ensuing Leitrim assizes, however, she was acquitted. His death by arsenic poisoning caused a sensation and it has been shrouded by mystery down to the present time. Recent research has thrown new light on the life and times of this brilliant orator. Proinnsios O Duigneain (Prin Duignan) holds an MA in modern history from NUI Maynooth and is a former outreach lecturer for this university. He is the author of Linda Kearns: A Revolutionary Irishwoman; The Priest and the Protestant Woman; St. Josephs College, Manorhamilton; Dromahaire: Story and Pictures; and three pamphlets in the North Leitrim History series. He is the editor of the Irish language anthology Scribhneoiri Cois Teorann. In 1990, he co-founded with his wife Betty the publishing company Drumlin Publications which published Sean MacDiarmada: The Mind of the Revolution by Gerard MacAtasney. From 2013 to 2015 he was Director of the Sean MacDiarmada Summer School in Kiltyclogher. Carrick-on-Shannon & District Historical Society (est. 1992) is open for membership with annual fees of 25 single and 30 family, which entitles to free admission to most Society events. It meets monthly except August, and holds lectures and events in most months. Further information: 086 067 5283. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. I am going to tell you a story. It happens to be true. But bear with me, there is a point to it. The Swinsty cormorant was usually there, perched on a float around 100 metres out from the dam wall at Swinsty Reservoir in North Yorkshire, whenever I ran round it with my dogs. I used to be fascinated by the lone bird and would always look out for him to see if he was there. My imagination ran riot with why he was always there on his own with no mates in sight. I was captured by the romance of his loneliness, I suppose. But one day, about 18 months ago, it all changed. I would often meet a man on the days I ran who I knew slightly, and we would have a chat. One day I came across him by the location of the Swinsty cormorant. I asked him if he, like me, was fascinated by this lone creature. His reply crushed mealbeit in only a small way. He pointed out something very obvious that I had, oddly, never thought of. It was not the same bird there all the timecormorants visited the reservoir in small numbers, so it was fairly evident that the actual bird changed, especially as there was only room for one bird on the float. After that day, I did see a cormorant on the float occasionally, but did not particularly look out for it nor spend any time thinking about it really. I suppose that was when I realized that I, in common with many people, was a sucker for a good story. But when faced with the factsthe evidencewhich blew the story away, I was not particularly interested. The only actual point of interest was the fact that cormorants were regular visitors to the reservoir. Stories and myths are important. You have an emotional tie to them. This is why the Leave campaign during the EU Referendum was so devastating as their slogan Take back control was imbued with emotion and intent, and the implication that control had been taken away. It created an emotional response. The story about giving the NHS 350 million was also a good sellsomething that people could relate to. It was specific and personal to so many people in the UK. In the USA, Trump told a good tale about making America great again, and building a wall to protect the motherland from unwanted immigrants. Stories of the other raise emotions, because there is an implied danger and risk. 2016 was a good year for the story-tellers. So how did progressives react to these stories during both the US Presidential campaign and the EU Referendum? They wore us down with evidencefacts and data. All very interesting, especially if you are a deeply rational person. But difficult to feel passionate about. A new adjective has emerged which readers will be familiar with: post-truth. But looking at this from another angle, some of these post-truth sayings and stories could equally also be called mythical. And in being mythical, these sayings and slogans have a hook, an emotional appeal that draws people in. The evidence attempts to dispel the myth, and can therefore be disappointing at an emotional level. At the beginning, I said there was a point to all this. And this is my point: we, as progressives, need to develop our own myths and stories. We need to connect emotionally to prospective voters. We need to develop a counter-narrative, that is in direct opposition to that peddled by the right wing demagogues and xenophobes, that is engaging, positive and hopeful. But not one that depends solely on facts and evidence. There must be some way of communicating the impact and benefit that our well researched, and evidence-based policies that appeals to people emotionally. A good example is Justin Trudeau, the Liberal Canadian Prime Minister, who often uses stories deftly in his speeches to make connections. As Liberals, we see hope and positivitya better way for us all to live in this world in the policies we strive to create. Now, lets find the stories that can communicate them to everyone. * Helen Flynn is an Executive Member of the LDEA. She is a former Parliamentary Candidate and Harrogate Borough Councillor and has served on the Federal Policy Committee and Federal Board. She has been a school governor in a variety of settings for 19 years and currently chairs a multi academy trust in the north of England. We're sorry that the ministry you were looking for is no longer available on LightSource.com. However, below are some great ministries that offer related content. Enjoy the inspiration, encouragement, and Biblical challenge from these LightSource.com ministry partners! THE PARISH priest of Shanagolden has thanked those who have reached out to him after he was the victim of an aggravated burglary, which gardai have called a frightening ordeal. Canon Tony OKeeffe was locked into a room at his home by three intruders who then ransacked the house before escaping with cash and other items. The cleric was approached when arriving back at the parochial house between 8pm and 8.30pm on the night of Wednesday, February 1. Im enormously grateful to people for their kindness and generosity and interest for my welfare, said Canon OKeeffe. The 72-year-old priest had just returned from saying Mass in Foynes on the evening. He was not injured during the burglary, but he said that he is still a bit shaken. Hopefully, time is a healer, he added. Canon OKeeffe was locked into an upstairs room by the assailants after being forced to hand over money. The culprits, three men, forced their way into the house and threatened the man, making away with a quantity of cash and a CCTV system from the house. After the burglars escaped, Canon OKeeffe managed to free himself and subsequently raise the alarm. No arrests have been made in relation to the incident, but it is understood that gardai are following a number of lines of inquiry. Meanwhile, they have renewed their appeal for information on the incident. In the aftermath of the break-in, gardai said that the three men were described as mid-20s, of average height, and were all wearing hoodies". This must have been a frightening ordeal for the victim and gardai are appealing for any person who may have any information, or otherwise saw or observed anything of a suspicious nature, to contact Newcastle West garda station at 069 20650 or 1800 666 111, said a spokesperson. Niall Collins TD said that the incident shows the degree of vulnerability of people living alone in rural Ireland. A YOUNG man who attempted to bribe a garda after he was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving has been disqualified for four years. Limerick District Court was told Eoin McDonnell, aged 20, who has an address at Thomond Mills, Sixmilebridge, County Clare was stopped at Mulgrave Street shortly before midnight on January 29, 2016 after gardai were alerted to his driving at Upper William Street minutes earlier. Inspector Dermot OConnor told Limerick District Court there was smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle and that the defendants eyes were bloodshot. He added that his face was pale and that he appeared to be nervous when speaking to gardai. Garda Alan Griffin, he said, then arrested the defendant on suspicion of drug-driving and brought him to Henry Street garda station for processing. While in custody, the defendant provided a urine sample which, the court heard, subsequently tested positive for canninaboids. Solicitor Sarah Ryan said her client was not offering any explanation for his behaviour but she asked that the mandatory four-year driving ban not take effect until June 21, next. In addition to the ban, Judge Mary Larkin imposed a 150 fine. Mr McDonnell, who has no previous convictions, is due to be sentenced next month after he previously admitted offering Garda Griffin 7,000 not to proceed with the drug-driving charge. Last month, Limerick District Court was told he initially offered the garda 2,000 while still at the garda station following his arrest and that he offered him a further 5,000 when he encountered him at a pub in Dooradoyle the following day. It was amateurish, said Ms Ryan who said while her client had been arrogant and stupid he had never intended handing over any money. He is due to be sentenced in relation to that matter on March 15. DO not marvel that I said to you, you must be born again - John 3:7. These are the words that Frank Hogan, Castletroy, has preached across countless GAA terraces over many years with his famous sign. Frank Hogan describes himself as a great hurling fan going to many a GAA game. But recently he went through a two year hiatus due to a breakdown in health related to his heart. I was up at a Mayo game in Castlebar and I was not feeling well. I got a taxi to take me to the bus but I collapsed on the floor of that taxi. A Garda came and gave me CPR and only for her I was gone said Frank. Despite this setback, Frank Hogan has set his mind to coming back and preaching the verse that he calls the heart of the gospel. Thankfully I was there to see Kerry win their 37 in 2014. It was appropriate given that my message was chapter 3 verse 7 from Johns gospel. I like holding it up in front of RTE, its like a silent witness, it has a mystery surrounding it and people can look it up if they want." However this was not always the case, Frank initially started off with a John 3:16 sign but people kept on asking me at a Michael Jackson concert, touching my arm all the time and asking about it. It is a very long verse so I couldn't get it out. Thats when someone showed me John 3:7. The influence of John 3:7 goes far beyond the GAA community as Frank explained that people are holding up signs of the passage on streets of Romania and India, people in Israel are also doing it but instead with John 3:22. Over the years Frank has stood amongst many fans from all 32 counties in Ireland at different Gaelic games events. He mentioned that his favourite fans belonged to Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Derry and Kilkenny . When asked what Frank is most looking forward to about his return this year, he responded that it would be Tipperary winning the All-Ireland final in hurling - but he wouldn't mind if Limerick won it either. ON THE FRONT page of last weeks Leader was a gorgeous photo of Limericks latest quads but the OConnells, from Pallasgreen, also have not been forgotten about. Born in 1965, Ger, Paul, Margaret and Catherine became Irelands first surviving quadruplets. In more recent times the Slattery and Downey quads have hit the headlines but a Donegal man found a newspaper from when the OConnells were front page news. Neil contacted the Leader after finding an old copy of the Irish Independent in his home last month. We were moving house and I was clearing out the attic when I came across the paper. It is dated June 14, 1965 so it must have been there for over 50 years. I had a read of it out of curiosity and the front page story was about the OConnell quads. I did a bit of googling and found a Limerick Leader article at the time of their 50th birthday, said Neil, who contacted the newsroom to find an address for one of the OConnells. As Ger is the county notes correspondent for Pallasgreen it wasnt a difficult task. I thought they might like the newspaper. Its gone very yellow and half the story has been eaten at this stage but the original photo and headline are intact. If they are interested Id be more than happy to send on the original, said Neil. They certainly were interested and Neil took a photo with his stepson Paddy Sharpe before he posted on the paper. Ger said it was a lovely surprise and coincidence that Lisa Fenton and Wayne Downeys quads were on the front page of last weeks Leader. The date in June was when we were leaving the Regional Maternity, after spending almost six months there, said Ger. It was huge news at the time with regular updates on their conditions. One such headline in the Leader was, Limerick quads battle on for survival. What is amazing is that when you meet people and when they hear of our birthday they will say I knew where I was or I remember what happened on that day and so on. It's a privilege to get the message from Neil and that he kept the newspaper all this time, which has made its way to Pallasgreen in a very fragile and discoloured state, said Ger. Interestingly the OConnells have hundreds of newspaper cuttings from that time put into albums but the one from Neil is one they don't have. Also, it was great to see the front cover of last weeks edition of the Leader with the Downey quads. And the wonderful story of the Slattery quads from Caherconlish, where Lisa Fenton is also from, who continue to thrive. It is only a few miles from Pallasgreen so there must be something in the water around East Limerick! said Ger, who wished both sets of quads every health and happiness in the future. As tough as it is to raise four tots now, what must it have been like 50 years ago? Gers parents Eileen and James already had seven children when the four were born two months premature. They wouldnt have minded a generous donation of nappies like the Slatterys got from Pampers and the Downeys got from Lidl last week. I often heard our late mother talking about all the trouble she had with the cloth nappies - you can imagine, said Ger, who thanked Neil for his thoughtfulness in sending on the newspaper. TWO LEADING Limerick ICMSA men who have had their properties targeted have issued a warning to fellow farmers and rural dwellers. Tom Blackburn, local chairman of the farm organisation, said there has been an increase in crime in the county since the turn of the year. Along with his own home in Effin being broken into, a house was burgled in Ardpatrick, a car was taken from a farmers yard in Colmanswell, a van stolen in Dromin, house in Kilfinane was ransacked, burglary in Croagh, where cash was robbed, and one in Rathkeale. Waterford Crystal lamps were stolen in that incident and Waterford Crystal bowls were taken from Mr Blackburns abode. Farmers and people living in rural Ireland are vulnerable. It looks like they are targeting farmers. Our house was broken into. It is not a nice experience. There wasnt a pile taken but it is the invasion of your privacy, said Mr Blackburn, who described the perpetrators as professionals. There wasnt a finger print found by gardai. They forced the bottom of the front window and closed it after them. There wasnt a mark after it. It wasnt the first time they had done it. No drawers were left open, they closed the presses after them when they took the stuff . They found the keys of the front door, opened it and closed it after them, said Mr Blackburn. They knew exactly what they wanted because they took crystal bowls and left glasses. They were looking for valuables, they took some wedding presents. There was a blanket on the chair, they rolled them up in it and gone, he added. It happened between 4pm and 11.30pm on December 30 while Mr Blackburn and his wife were out. The thieves also had a taste for spirits as they took whisky and brandy. He spoke to the Leader to warn, This is happening and try and secure your property as best you can. There would be a deep sense of fear out there. The gardai are doing their best but definitely having more gardai on the beat would be an advantage, he said. Like many in rural Ireland Mr Blackburn is installing security measures. Now in most places if anybody is coming they have to ring in advance to make sure the gate is open and you cant blame them. It is very sad. Fellow Limerick ICMSA man and national dairy chair, Gerald Quain had 2,000 worth of goods taken from his Colmanswell farm two years ago. There isnt a farmer who hasnt been affected by crime or knows a neighbour who has, said Mr Quain. A FILM documentary charting the progress of the six Limerick men who fought on the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War will premiere in April. The Limerick International Brigades Memorial Trust (LIBMT) have been working with Framework Films to produce From the Shannon to the Ebro which will be shown at the Belltable in OConnell Street on Friday, April 7. Gerard Doyle, Joe Ryan, Emmett Ryan, Paddy Brady, Frank Ryan and Jim Woulfe all joined the International Brigade in its fight with the Republican side against Francos National Army during the 1936 to 1939 conflict. Ger McCloskey, the PRO for LIBMT says their efforts had fallen through the cracks of history, and this is what prompted the group to launch a major effort to remember them. Already, a memorial has been unveiled to the men at City Hall, and following this, the group received funding from the Irish Film Board to produce the film. Filming has taken place over the last year both in Limerick and Spain. LIBMT visited the Aragon town of Gandesa, where Emmett Ryan of Catherine Street perished in 1938, as well as Belchite in the same region, where Jim Woulfe of Athea died a year earlier. These men have been reborn in a way. They are out there for everyone to remember, Mr McCloskey said. He said that it is hoped that a major archive on Limericks contribution to the Spanish Civil War will open at the University of Limerick soon, with a major historian promising a significant donation. 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. Anish Kapoor pledges $1 million to Syrian refugees The Indian-origin artist will give his winnings of the 2017 Genesis Prize to address one of the largest humanitarian crises of our times /news/talking-point/anish-kapoor-pledges-1-million-to-syrian-refugees-1646906191357.html 1646906191357 story UK-based artist Anish Kapoor, who was named the 2017 Genesis Prize Laureate earlier this month, has pledged to give away the $1 million award to the humanitarian crisis in Syrian. The 62-year old artist, who was born in Mumbai to a Jewish Bhagdadi mother and Hindu father, has been vocal in his support of Syrian refugees. According to the Genesis Foundation, Kapoor will use his $1 million award to help alleviate the refugee crisis. In a statement, reported by the Guardian, Kapoor said, I am an artist, not a politician, and I feel I must speak out against indifference for the suffering of others. There are over 60 million refugees in the world today whatever the geography of displacement, the refugee crisis is right here on our doorstep." He added, I believe that in the current political climate the world over, it is more important than ever that we continue to stand against the abhorrent government policies that are an offence against our ethics and the very tenets of what it means to be human. As Jews, we must question whether this reality is closer to home than we might like, and we must condemn the exclusionist policies and politics of the government that claims to represent us." The Foundation said that it is now a tradition for the Genesis Prize Laureates to direct the $1 million award, as well as matching funds contributed by other philanthropists, to causes they feel passionate about. The laureates also commit to yearlong engagement initiatives developed jointly with the Genesis Prize Foundation. Further details of Kapoors re-gifting" are promised in June. From visiting children at the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordon on the invitation of Unicef, in 2014, to talk to children about art and marching in solidarity with refugees crossing Europe in 2015, Kapoors engagement with the crisis is well known. He donated a 50.5cm x 66cm gouache on paper work for a 2014 Unicef auction, along with other well-known artists such as Olafur Eliasson, Martin Creed and Dan Rees. According to the UN human rights commission, over 4 million people have fled Syria since 2011 to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and a few European states. The Genesis Foundation annually honours individuals who have attained excellence in their chosen profession and displayed dedication to the Jewish community and/or the State of Israel. Kapoor created the Holocaust Memorial for the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in London and the 70 candles for Holocaust Memorial Day in Britain in 2015, commemorating 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazi concentration camp in Poland. MEXICO CITY (AP) An alleged regional leader of the Beltran Leyva drug cartel and 11 accomplices have been killed in clashes with Mexican marines who poured gunfire into a house from a helicopter-mounted machine gun. The federal Interior Department said via Twitter that Juan Francisco Patron Sanchez headed the cartel's operations in the Pacific coast state of Nayarit and in the southern part of Jalisco state. The Navy official identified the dead capo by the criminal nickname "H2." A Mexican Navy official who was not authorized to be quoted by name said Friday that Patron and seven accomplices had opened fire on marines and had barricaded themselves in the upper part of a house in the Nayarit state capital of Tepic. The official said that a helicopter gunship had been called in to provide "dissuasive fire," to suppress outgoing gunfire from the structure on Thursday. Use of such "minigun" weapons from a helicopter gunship is extremely rare in urban areas. They apparently have been used before by Mexican police, but usually only in rural areas. The Navy said the helicopter gunship was used in accordance with its rules of engagement, "with the aim of reducing the level of aggression and reducing the risk of civilian or federal casualties." The Navy said that a grenade launcher and several rifles and pistols were found at the scene. The governor of Nayarit state praised the armed forces "surgical" precision in the gunbattle, and said there had been no civilian casualties. He called the gun battle "proof that Nayarit is, and will remain, at peace." "Yesterday's events were done to protect and safeguard the citizenry," Sandoval said. "We had zero civilian losses." The Navy said a second gunbattle occurred soon afterward near the Tepic airport, when federal forces came under attack from gunmen. They returned fire, killing four members of the same cartel. The U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara issued a notice Friday advising American citizens to avoid traveling to Tepic and barring its own personnel from going there until further notice "due to ongoing Mexican military operations in the city." The Beltran Leyva cartel has been active in the northern state of Sinaloa and the southern state of Guerrero. It has since purportedly expanded into other states, and may have allied itself with Mexico's fastest-growing gang, the Jalisco New Generation cartel. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Washingtons Birthday Celebration Association Founding Fathers 5K Fun Run and Health Fair featuring the first Fun Bike Ride took place on Saturday at the Laredo Medical Center. Clear skies and pleasant weather greeted well over 500 participants of all ages at the Founding Fathers 5K Fun Run & Health Fair, which also featured over 60 cyclist in the events first Bike Ride. The top honors for overall male and female went to Juan Jaquez with an impressive time of 16:14 and Estela Hernandez with an equally impressive time of 18:23. Both Jaquez and Hernandez collected the $200 cash prize for best overall runners. The fittest government award was swept by Laredo Sector of the United States Border Patrol, who has won the award since its inception. The Fittest Business award went to rookie event participant Legacy Gym, which had a strong showing. Taking home the biggest health care group was Laredo Medical Center, which is not only a sponsor, but a highly involved participant. All attendees were also able to take advantage of the outdoor health fair, which offered complimentary screenings of blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose, vision checks, pulmonary function and more. The annual WBCA Founding Fathers 5K Fun Run & Health Fair is an event Laredo Medical Center takes much pride and joy in sponsoring each year, said Enrique Gallegos, LMC chief executive officer. As the leading medical facility in Laredo, we are committed to keeping our community healthy, and we are privileged to be able to partner with WBCA in hosting this family-fun event. The Founding Fathers 5K Fun Run is sponsored by Laredo Medical Center, Bai, and Academy Sports+Outdoors. In-kind sponsors are the City of Laredo Parks and Leisure Services Department and McDonalds of Laredo. The national treasurer of ICSA (Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers' Association), James Reynolds, was recently called to a meeting by the board of directors of which he is a member, where a vote of no confidence was passed in him. It led many to believe that the Ballinalee native was no longer on the board of ICSA, however, he argues that this is not the case, because it is the executive board that has the powers to remove a member, not the board of directors. Speaking to the Leader, Mr Reynolds, who is also vice president of the newly established National Party said that while it was disappointing to see his colleagues on the board of directors pass a vote of no confidence in him, he insisted he was still the national treasurer and would remain so until January 2018 when elections for new officers will take place. Whether or not he puts himself forward for re election then, is unclear. While it is correct to say that my colleagues on the board of directors have no confidence in me, they do not have the authority to remove me, Mr Reynolds told the Leader on Friday. They told me they were removing me because of my involvement in politics and while this is disappointing I remain very much focused on the real issues here - those that concern farmers and the industry as a whole. The National Party, which Mr Reynolds established alongside President, Justin Barrett, contends that the interests of the Irish people take priority above the interests of internationalists, high-financiers and distant technocrats. Meanwhile, Mr Reynolds says there are hundreds of people involved in ICSA, many of whom have political affiliations. While they have their involvement in politics, the politics and the business of ICSA are separate matters, he added, before pointing out that his main concerns at the moment was dealing with what he described as very serious matters within the agricultural industry. GLAS payments have not been delivered yet, continued Mr Reynolds before pointing out that low farm incomes, declining beef and lamb prices as well as the possibility of a hard Brexit made conditions within the domestic agriculture scene very difficult for those in it. It is also estimated that there will be an additional 125,000 cattle for slaughter in the system this year and this will further decrease cattle prices; so as you can see why I have a lot more serious matters to be concerned about. The Ballinalee man said he was very confident he would be remaining on as treasurer of ICSA and would make the decision of whether or not to go for re-election next year prior to balloting taking place in January 2018. He has served three years on the national executive of ICSA- 12 months as treasurer and during the two years prior to that, Mr Reynolds was National Honorary Secretary. Ireland 2040 Our Plan, the new National Planning Framework was launched by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney and the Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Deputy Burke said, This major national consultation is designed to find out how we want our country to look by 2040. Fine Gael in Government is planning ahead for our countrys long term development and success. I strongly people across urban and rural locations all across Longford to get involved and have their say on behalf of their communities and the county they know and love. We can all see, and have had to live with the legacy of previous bad planning. This is the first time a Government has planned 20 years ahead like this. We must deal with the challenges and opportunities brought about by the fact that our population is forecast to increase by 1 million by 2040, more than a fifth of whom will be over 65. We will have 500,000 additional people at work here and a need for at least 500,000 extra homes close to services and amenities. This is a huge challenge, and the planning needs to happen now. We cannot continue the type of unbalanced development that has seen major growth only in the Dublin area and in the east. We need strong well developed cities across the country providing regional balance, encouraging people to live and work outside of Dublin. I will be fighting hard to bring more investment to the midlands and our county, which has been neglected hugely in the past. There are areas of Longford that need investment, and the north of the county cannot be left behind at a time when there is more funding being announced as a result of Center Parcs Longford Forest. I encourage everyone interested in this to check out www.ireland2040.ie , where you can make an initial submission between now and March 16. A draft plan will be published and the public will be given an opportunity to have their say again at that stage prior to the summer. There will also be a series of regional consultations which I hope Longford people will attend to have their say. I will continue to keep local people informed about opportunities for them to contribute to this plan. Happy Sunday to you lovely ones! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit our beautiful wedding blog today. Sunday is rest day for a lot of us (and work day for many others working in the wedding industry sending love and energy if thats you!). But we never really sleep here at Love My Dress were always busy working up content to inspire you and support the brilliant, creative wedding industry we have here in the UK. This wedding is a brilliant example of how to style a wedding in a super cool, fun, colourful and modern way. Isabella, a renewable energy investor who buys wind and solar farms, married Patrick, a Lawyer, on 9 July last year at Brixton East in London. Film by Big Day Films https://vimeo.com/182593103 The couple chose the venue for its cool space and because they wanted to be able to party through to the early hours. And boy did they party! Our highly recommended suppliers and Little Book For Brides member, The Wedding Smashers, absolutely killed it DJing for guests in the evening the pictures towards the end of this feature speak for themselves! We just wanted it to feel fun and festive and to throw a good party. We didnt stress much about a look, (Alina the wedding planner stressed about it instead) but Isabella was keen to have lots of balloons and colours. Photography by Nick Tucker + Joanna Brown We were absolutely delighted and thrilled with how the photography came out. We decided to go with Nick because we loved how he captures moments and the documentary style was way more up our alley he has such a good eye! We knew that the day would fly by, so photography was probably the most important aspect for us (to capture everything for all eternity). So much so that we also hired Joanna Brown, whose work Isabella really admired, to complement Nick by taking photos on film (Nick shot entirely in digital). Both photographers have very different styles Nicks work is cool and clean and Joannas images were more vintage inspired, and warmer. The mix of digital and film images from our wedding by such fantastic artists is something we will treasure forever.Isabella, who apparently adores shoes, wore a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels in the daytime, followed by two pairs of Martin Margielas a pair of clear plexi heels and a pair of dark high tops. Thats one serious shoe lover right there! Isabella wore the coolest of dresses by designer f, a purchase made directly from the Emilia Wickstead atelier on Sloane Avenue. I saw it the dress in Harvey Nichols a week or two before we got engaged and thought, Wow! That dress is awesome I wish I had something to wear it to! then Patrick proposed and I bought it about a week later. It was pretty much meant to be. Its extra lovely when the groom takes time to share his wedding experience Isabella and I met in January 2010 in Washington DC. I was working there and Isabella was visiting a mutual friend. I took a shine to this beautiful but fiery woman to quote Prince, Id never seen a pretty girl look so tough. But Isabella had a boyfriend at the time. And she also lived in Milan. Whereas I lived in DC, and was about to move back to London. So it didnt seem likely that we would ever see each other again, let alone date. However due to an administrative error by her employees and a rare moment of efficiency by the Italian immigration authority, she had to leave Italy due to an invalid visa and ended up in London in six months later. (Un)fortunately, her relationship with the Italian did not survive doing long distance. And the rest unfolded from there. We got engaged in March 2015. I had planned to propose outside a small Parisian church where her parents had married during a weekend in France, but I ended up just asking the question on the spur of the moment, whilst we were having a cup of coffee one morning in our local square, a couple of weeks before the trip. Isabella wore the Black Citrus scent by Vilhelm Parfumerie. The parfumerie is run by a couple who happen to be good friends with the Isabellas sister. They started the company themselves and have an outpost at Libertys apparently their scents are AMAZING! I think I knew on some level that I would be a nervous wreck in the lead up to the trip and the moment just felt right, so I went with it! I can vouch personally for how fabulous these Bubblegum Balloons are Ive purchased balloons many a time from this brilliant party supplier and they are always fabulous (tip remember to order the helium!) My dad accompanied me into our ceremony to the sound of a five-piece choir singing here comes the bride because we had to try to incorporate some traditional elements! Isabella says that walking down the aisle and seeing Patrick there waiting for here there was here favourite moment of the day. Both my engagement ring and tiara wedding band were by jewellery designer Anna Sheffield. We chose her because my college roommate had introduced me to the designs, and I loved Annas style. I then decided to do a custom design. Also we both got gold his and her wedding bands by Cartier. I also borrowed a purple Amethyst rings from my mom on the day, which had actually belonged to my grandmother. The outside of the venue at Brixton East was decorated with balloon clouds matching the ribbons colours the team at Bubblegum Balloons did a great job in delivering our vision. We also had a giant balloons backdrop for the cake table to complement the cake topper and the rest of the theme. The wonderful Flower Appreciation Society are responsible for Isabellas incredible bouquet. I wanted to hold a pink bouquet of summer roses and we wanted the rest of the flowers to be bright and colourful. The Flower Appreciation Societys studio is down the street from our flat and we wanted to keep it local. Together with our planner Alina, we put together all the decor to match our party theme. A canopy of 1,800 meters of colourful ribbon and numerous stands of fairylights designed by Alina and beautifully delivered by Curious Affair dressed the dining room of Brixton East. Because Alina wanted everything to blend in, the beautiful centrepieces by the Flower Appreciation Society perfectly matched the ribbon canopy. There is no party without sparkles, so we had sparkly table numbers and hired the sequin table runners and the cake tablecloth form Pudding Bridge. Final touches included the giant FIESTA letters for the dance floor area. We didnt exchange traditional vows as such at the church, but both of us spoke at the dinner. I read a poem (Love is Not All) by my favourite poet, Edna St Vincent Millay, which I thought summarised the wedding perfectly. Patrick also gave a speech. Cake maker Carla of Fondant Fox has a studio in London Fields which is near where we live in East London and was in keeping with our idea of using local suppliers. Carlas cakes are tasty and beautiful. She also made a delicious gluten free side cake. Patrick really wanted our first dance to be to Diamonds and Pearls by Prince (as he is obsessed with Prince), but its a hard song to dance to. We ended up choosing our song a bit randomly when I was listening to various artists on Spotify and the song Fistful of Love, by Antony and the Johnsons came on its a good mix of romance and jazz and also a good dance song. I bloody LOVE that song one of my faves readers, its beautiful and makes the perfect, perfect first dance song, if you fancy stealing it for your own! Words of Wedded Wisdom Get a wedding planner. It will be worth it. Alina did almost all of the decor design and set up, and made sure the day went smoothly. Also, do not sweat the small stuff! Hehehe! I adore that penultimate image above, it oozes that we are a little tired now but STILL WANT TO PARTY vibe all over it What a gorgeous, gorgeous day enormous thanks to you both, Isabella and Patrick, and to you too Nick Tucker and Joanna Brown you talented so n sos! I hope this wedding has inspired you today you can explore many, many more beautiful weddings here. Love Annabel x LG has a new smart watch, called the Watch Style. This new wearable is a thin and light smart watch built with the help of Google.Theis also considered to be one of the first wearables that run Android Wear 2.0, Googles revamped smart watch operating system. Of course,Googles newest operating system will arrive soon on a handful of other watches, but LGs Watch Style and Sport will be the first wearables to get the update. Google has declared that the Android Wear 2.0 will make a better impression on smart watches compared with the companys last efforts.However, we think that LGs basic smart watch is not the best watch to take advantage of Googles latest improvements.The new LG Watch Style doesnt come with a speaker for answering calls, a heart rate sensor and NFC for mobile payments.The best thing that people will find on the new LG Watch Style is the Apple Watch-like rotating digital crown.These lacks show how basic LGs watch really is. So, people who are in search for a smarter smart watch might want to consider LGs other newest device, the Watch Sport, a better option.But, people should also know that the Watch Sport is a lot larger and costs more than the Watch Style.The new LG Watch Style was released on February 10 and costs approximately 249 dollars. We must say that the new LG Watch Style is very comfortable on the wrist, but it comes with a plastic back, which offers a very cheap feel.People will probably opt for the design of the Asus ZenWatch 3 and Huawei Watch, because they offer a premium feel thanks to their metal chassis. But, this doesnt mean that the new LG Watch Style is so bad. This new smart watch is thin, which means that it is very comfortable to use.Unfortunately, it comes with one of the smallest batteries of any smart watch on the market, only 240mAh.This means that people will have approximately 15 hours paired on an iPhone and 20 hours paired on a Samsung Galaxy device.But, when the Android Wear 2.0 will come on the market, those numbers will probably change, but its not promising so far. Lets talk about the digital crown, which is the start of this smart watch.This crown is situated on the side of the watch and it can be rotated and used to navigate the interface.Using this digital crown is smoother than using a finger. Moreover, it is more helpful for scrolling through notifications when people are wearing gloves.With a single press on the crown, people will go to the app drawer, while a long press on the crown will open the Google Assistant.As we mentioned, the new LG Watch Style doesnt come with a speaker, which means that people cant answer calls with it and the Google Assistant wont speak with users. This means that the watch can only show information on the screen. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > Turkeys bid to join the EU: Have we reached a Point of No-Return? by Sanjal Shastri The year 2016 has been a testing year for Turkeys relations with the European Union (EU). With Austrias Foreign Minister threatening to freeze talks regarding Turkeys EU membership bid, irreparable damage might be done to the relationship between the two sides. Turkey, a land that is described as a natural meeting point between the East and the West, is increasingly finding itself out of favour in Europe. This commentary attempts to look at the possible fallouts of the turbulent year in EU-Turkey ties. Has an irreparable damage been done to Turkeys membership bid? And finally what could we expect in 2017? The migrant deal inked in March was the high point in EU-Turkey relations in 2016. While many critics lambasted the deal for its total disregard for human rights, the fact that the two groups were able to come to the agreement was a major milestone in Turkeys attempt to join the EU. From this high point in March, the journey has gone steadily downwards, now threatening to permanently derail Turkeys bid for EU membership. For Turkey, 2016 has been a particularly testing year. A series of terror attacks and an attempted coup has pushed President Erdogans government to employ emergency powers to deal with the situation. It is the use of emergency powers that has been the bone of contention in the EU. From the alleged ill-treatment of the deputy leader of Turkeys parliament in Germany to the many verbal battles between the two sides, several pressure-points have arisen. Ultimately, the EU voted to freeze all talks of Turkeys membership bid, which is where the situation currently stands. What could possibly be the fallout of this tension? The immediate victim of this could be the migrant deal the two sides struck in March. President Erdogan has already sent feelers that he would not hesitate to scrap the deal as things spiral out of control. Much more than a battle over the use of emergency powers, for President Erdogan, this has become an us-versus-them situation. In such conditions, pragmatism and foresight fall prey to jingoism and hyper-nationalism. Looking at how things have panned out over the past few months, one cannot but fear that the migrant deal would be the first victim in the whole process. Scrapping the migrant deal would have drastic consequences across Europe. The influx of migrants has been a very volatile topic across the 27 EU member-states. Right-wing parties in several countries, including France, Germany and Austria, had been receiving a lot of support for their anti-migrant stand. The migrant deal put breaks on the number of migrants entering Europe, which halted the growth in popularity of the various Right-wing parties. With elections coming up next year, the return of a large number of migrants to anywhere near the 2015 numbers, will mean that Right-wing parties will begin to get more support. Popular support for Angela Merkel, which had fallen in late 2015, had picked up again after a fall in the number of refugees. If there is an increase in the number of refugees, it may seriously damage Merkels chances of getting re-elected. With Turkeys future with the EU in jeopardy, there could be changes in the regional balance of power and security calculations. Currently Turkey, which is a member of the NATO, is a crucial ally of the West. The US and EU have been cooperating closely with Turkey in the fight against the ISIS. If the tensions with the EU continue, Turkey will be pushed to look for a future alliance somewhere else. There have already been signs that the Turkish leadership has begun to look elsewhere. Talks have commenced over a possible partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The last thing the EU would want is for Turkey to move towards Russia. A possible Turkey, Iran, Russia and Syria alliance will not be a bright possibility for the EU. While we are still very far away from getting there, if things deteriorate further between the EU and Turkey, this possible re-alignment would not be too farfetched. The question that thus arises is: have the ties of the EU with Turkey gone to a point of no-return? There is still some light at the end of the tunnel. European leaders like Angela Merkel understand the importance of the migrant deal in the upcoming elections. They realise that pushing Turkey too far will jeopardise the migrant deal. The hope is, therefore, that some sort of understanding would be reached over the next couple of months. There is a lot at stake for the EU to mend fences with Turkey. That being said, the outcome of the French, German and Dutch elections next year will have a lot to say. If the Right-wing parties come out stronger, chances are that Turkey will be pushed beyond a point of no-return. This, however, depends on the Right-wing parties winning a significant number of votes in the upcoming elections. As of today, there is, as mentioned earlier, some light at the end of the tunnel. For many in the EU, Turkeys bid to join the Union has always been a very contentious issue. Despite constant tensions with Greece and Cyprus, promising progress had been made. But 2016 has brought about doubts if such a membership would ever be possible. A debate over emergency powers adopted by President Erdogan is quickly turning into an us-versus-them debate. It puts the all-important migrant deal between the two sides in jeopardy. If this does happen, Europe may again witness an influx of migrants, which will have an impact on the elections planned next year in Germany, the Netherlands and France. Turkey, which has already begun looking for greener pastures with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, may be forced to look towards Russia for a possible alliance. A change of this sort is bound to have serious consequences for the security calculations in the region. While a lot that could go wrong has gone wrong, a point of no-return has not yet been reached as far as the EU and Turkey are concerned. For the EU, there is a lot at stake and one should not be surprised if a deal is struck between the two sides in early 2017. The author is an Academic Associate at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. He regularly writes about issues linked to the Middle East and South Asia. He can be contacted at sshastri93[at] gmail.com Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > Kalpana Dutt From N.C.s Writings The following lines were written by N.C. twentytwo years ago and published in this journals February 18, 1995 issue. It is being reproduced on the occasion of the distinguished revolutionary Kalpana Dutts twentysecond death anniversary which fell on February 8 this year. It came and went with hardly anyone remembering her on that day. Kalpanas birth centenary on July 27, 2013 also went virtually unnoticed. But we in Mainstream have decided to offer our homage to her memory by reproducing the following piece. Incidentally N.C. had also translated Kalpanas reminiscences from Bengali to English under the guidance of P.C. Joshi, Kalpanas husband and the legendary General Secretary of the CPI (1943-48). Kalpana Dutt On February 8 passed away in a Calcutta hospital a frail figure who sixty years ago became a legend in the classical mould. Kalpana Dutt, born in 1913 in a middle-class Bengali home in East Bengal, was a student in Calcuttas Bethune College in 1930 when she came in contact with the group of Chittagong revolu-tionaries whose leader was the great Surya Sen, fondly called Masterda by all his disciples. Soon Kalpana came under the hawks eyes of the police and she had to return to Chitta-gong where she was interned at home. But the young revolutionary, in her secretly main-tained close links with Surya Sens revolu-tionary group, learnt handling firearms and engaged herself in other revolutionary activity. She would have been in the party of revolu-tionaries whose famous attack on the Armoury and the European Club touched off the famous Chittagong upsurge, an incident which electrified the entire nation. Kalpana at that time was serving a short prison term. As soon as she was released she went under-ground and for two years moved with Masterdas team. When Surya Sen was betrayed by a police informer, Kalpana escaped, and moved into hiding for three months, when she was arrested and brought to trial in what was known as the Chittagong Armoury Raid Supple-mentary Case, in which she was sentenced for life. After the nationwide campaign for the release of the imprisoned Bengal revolutionaries, she came out of prison in 1939. Like many other Bengal revolutionaries, Kalpana took to Marxism in prison and after her release, joined the banned Communist Party. It was in those days that the present writer met hera remarkable blend of humility and elegance with unswerving dedication to the cause of the countrys freedom and the uplift of the downtrodden. During the Bengal famine, one saw her totally devoted to organising relief kitchen for the starving and medical relief for the sick in the Chittagong villages. In 1943, about the time of the Communist Party Congress, Kalpana married P.C. Joshi, the popular leader of the Communists. She was fully occupied with her party work in Bengal. When the communal holocaust of the partition overtook Bengal, Kalpana was equally active in relief and rescue work. Then came the period of insensate sectarian adventurism of the Indian Communists under Ranadive, inflicting severe loss on the movement. Joshi and with him Kalpana were thrown out of the party. Bereft of shelter but undaunted in spirit, Kalpana received support from close friends, one of whom was Prof P.C. Mahalanobis who engaged her in his Statistical Institute, where she worked until she retired a few years ago. With the country switching over to election politics after independence, few heard of Kalpana engaged as she was in her silent work. The lure of office and headline publicity never swayed her from utter devotion to the cause of fighting for the underprivileged and dispossessed. She remained unwavering in her conviction and unobtrusive in her dedicated work, no matter whatever the form be. Out of the limelight this gem of revolutionary India was lost in the forgotten gallery of Indias patriots so much so that even the Doordarshan could not spare a few seconds to announce her passing away. Those who have known her in life shall never forget the exquisite serenity of a personality who carried such an unbroken spirit of service to humanity. Patriotism of the highest order in Kalpana shall remain a shining memory for all those who knew her. (Mainstream, February 18, 1995) Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > Unimportance of Awards When the distinguished writers and artists return to the Academies the awards which had been conferred on them, the question to ask is not why they did not do so earlier, say, at a testing time like the Emergency. Writers and artists are a sensitive lot. They react when they feel like and how they feel like. It is, in fact, the duty of the government to find out why they felt that the situation had come to such a pass that they had no alternative except to return their awards. Nayantara Sehgal, Jawaharlal Nehrus niece, who was the first to return the award, said that the space in the BJP Government for dissent had shrunk. Many artistes followed suit. In a letter to the Academi authorities the Hindi poet Manmohan, while returning the award, maintained that the current trend of curbing the voices of dissent and freedom of expression, which was evident in the recent murders of intellectual writers Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and M.M. Kalburgi was disturbing. Indians have experience to register protests. Several writers and artists have recently returned their Academi awards and prizes in protest against the prevailing situation. I am also returning the award to the Haryana Sahitya Akademi, the writer stated in the letter. Indeed, an atmosphere of communal polarisation, hate crime, insecurity and violence is getting denser in the country. Political leaders seem to be promoting or patronising it. The government is only running down the artistes and writers. Freedom of expression is the foundation on which the structure of democracy has been built. The entire building would come down crashing if it is tinkered with. Unfortunately, this is what is happening. This feeling of suffocation has emerged after the advent of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government. There is fear to express a different point of view. One feels that the fanatic fringe in the Hindu community has become bold and has been indulging in acts which are opposed to secularism and which instil fear in the minds of minorities. The Dadri incident is too shameful to be even recalled. A Muslim man was lynched because he had kept beef in his refrigerator. This was on the basis of rumours which were found to be factually incorrect. Whether one should eat beef or not is a matter of personal choice. The Supreme Court of India has also endorsed this viewpoint. Not many among the minorities eat it because of the accommodative culture the country has developed. For the same reason, the Hindus too do not take pork out of respect for the Muslims belief. In fact, India has survived as a nation, despite its diversities, because it has respected the different sensitivities and identities. Other-wise, a vast country like India would have disintegrated long ago. I recall in my brief stint as Indias High Commissioner in London, the admiration which the then British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, had for this country. She told me once that India was an example for the world how the country had remained democratic and united despite the backwardness. She asked me once what reason I attributed to it. I told her that we in India did not think that things were either black or white but we saw a vast grey which we want to expand. This was our pluralism or secularism. Unfortunately, the ideology of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is the anti-thesis of pluralism. The party believes in polarisation. Take the case of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattars recent comments. His reported remarks to a national newspaper were that Muslins can continue to live in this country, but they will have to give up eating beef because cow is an article of faith here. No doubt, the remarks of the Haryana Chief Minister trigged an outrage with the Congress calling it a sad day for Indian democracy and slamming him for his unconstitutional obser-vations. Yet, as was to be expected, the BJP leader said his words had been twisted. I never made such a statement. But if the sentiments of anyone have been hurt with my words, I am ready to express my regret, said Khattar. Understandably, the BJP dissociated itself from the views of Khattar saying that what he had conveyed was not the partys stand or view. Soon after the furore, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said that the views expressed by Khattar were not that of the party. I will talk to him and will advise him. It is not correct to link anyones eating habits to religion. People have to keep in mind the sentiments of others and eating is a personal choice of people, he said. But what surprised me the most was how Naidu disposed of the Dadri incident by passing on the buck to the State. He said that it was a law and order issue concerning Uttar Pradesh and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party should be questioned on it instead of putting the blame on the BJP-led government at the Centre. Similarly, on the issue of the writers protests over growing intolerance and returning their awards he said that it was a systematic and malicious campaign against the government to divert its focus from development and to derail Prime Minister Modis efforts of making India develop and progress further. I agree with Naidu on one point. Some of these writers, who are queuing up to return the awards, failed to react when the Emergency was imposed in the country or when the anti-Sikh riots took place following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. Over 3000 Sikhs were massacred in the aftermath of the incident in Delhi itself. However, I cannot understand the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who all the time talks of an inclusive government. I wish he had spoken on the raging issues. Likewise, I also cannot fathom why the Sahitya Academi has kept mum on the issue. In a nations history, there come certain occasions when people must speak out. If they dont, the nation is doomed to suffer. The author is a veteran journalist renowned not only in this country but also in our neighbouring states of Pakistan and Bangladesh where his columns are widely read. His website is www.kuldipnayar.com Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > Trump, Modi and a Shaft of Worrying Similarities Francis Fukuyama, the celebrated Japanese-American intellectual, who saw the end of the Cold War as the End of History but a Clash of Civilisations as the next stage, has explained the accession of Donald J. Trump to the Presidency of the United States as the rise of an American strongman (being) actually a response to the earlier paralysis of the political system. The thesis also applies perhaps to the rise of another outlier, Narendra Modi, to the top of the pole in India. While Fukuyama believes the checks and balances of the American Constitution have resulted in gridlock with nothing moving because elements in the legislature or judiciary (or both) opposed to any departure from the norm have always been able to thwart forward movement by the executive acting on its own, the paralysis in Indiawhich Fukuyama has not studiedwas on account of a collapse of the will to govern in the final years of the UPA-II. Whatever the underlying reason, the eventual outcome was that in both countries, strong men arose from nowhere who not only bucked the leadership of their own respective parties, but went on to win electoral victories that have left the establishment in both parties stunned into silence and acquiescence. In consequence, the comparison does not end there. Something in their character drove them to seize the opportunity and because the forces of history were on their side, they coasted to their respective victories. As Herodotus, the Greek progenitor of all history, said, Circum-stances rule men; men do not rule circumstances. Yet, those whom circumstance selectshero or villaintend to share many traits of character. It is their character that determines the unfolding of their destiny. So who, as persons, are Trump and Modi? Let us begin with Trump, as the American media in recent weeks has subjected him to microscopic scrutiny. Frank Bruni, the New York Times correspondent, has been perhaps the most scathing of all. Trump, he says, is a legend in his own mind. Modi is not far behind. Both are like the cock crowing at its dawn, not acknowledging that one is a PM with a minority vote of under a third of the electorate, and the other is a President with ten million more Americans having voted against him than for him (three million for Hillary and seven million for other candidates). Instead of recognising that it is not the unvarnished mandate of the people, but quirks in the electoral systemin India, first-past-the-post and in the US the Electoral College votesthat got them elected to high office, and, therefore, displaying a becoming humility, both are braggarts. If Trump compliments himself out loud and lavishly on everything from the magnitude of his wealth to the majesty of his phallus, Modi never lets go an opportunity to attribute his exceptional achievements to his exceptional virtues, spinning tales of his humble origins as a tea-vendor when the truth of the matter is that he is from a middle-class family that held the contract to run a canteen at the Inter-State Bus Terminal in Ahmedabad. Modi compliments himself out loudly and lavishly on the magnitude of his alleged poverty. Both possess what Michael dAntonio, a biographer of Trump, sees as this combative quality, driven by his own emotional needs and his own insecurities (best exemplified, in Modis case, by the 10 lakh suit he had tailored with his name written over every stripe, all in the hope of impressing a deeply embarrassed Barack Obama) and uniquely insusceptible to advice and creative thinking (as we have seen in India through the whole demonetisation drama). The biographer describes Trumps circus as a vanity show. Ours has been on display for the better part of three years: Har Har Modi/Ghar Ghar Modi, Modi as less PM than EMan Events Manager, as this column dubbed him years ago. But it is perhaps in their desperate resort to Twitter that the two leaders most reveal themselves. The quote is from Gwenda Blair, another biographer of Trump, but applies word-for-word to our own Great Leader: this is all about him completely dominating the news cyclesthe use of Twitter to distract from any real questions, emphasis on loyalty, vituperation towards anyone he sees who is disloyal or doesnt toe his line. Ask Advani. Ask Murli Manohar Joshi. Ask Yashwant Sinha. To revert to Fukuyama: He (Trump? Modi?) wants to use his movement to intimidate anyone who gets in the way of his policy agenda. And he hopes to intimidate the mainstream media by discrediting them and undermining their ability to hold him accountable. So, where are the alarming similarities in the policy agenda of these two vain, insecure bullies? First, identifying the other: in Trumps case, the American of colour, both Black and Hispanic, neither of whom endorsed his bid for the presidency. In the case of the African-Americans, it has been estimated that only eight per cent of them voted for Trump, while the Hispanics, of whom the largest contingent is Mexican, voted overwhelmingly for Hillary. So Trump has nominated for Attorney General (the US equivalent of Minister of Law and Justice) Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama who is anathema to most American Blacks who look at Sessions legislative record and recorded statements and conclude that the Supreme Court was right in denying Sessions a federal judgeship in 1986 because his views smacked of racism. On finding that Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, the living icon of Martin Luther Kings movement, was leading the charge against Sessions, Trump tweeted that Lewis, the legendary civil rights activist, was all talk and no action, raising a howl of protest that is going to haunt Sessions through his tenure. Several of those whom Modi has brought to Parliament and appointed to his Council of Ministers are the Indian equivalent of Sessions in terms of their majoritarianism, the views they hold about our minorities, and the issues of community and community relations that animate and agitate them. Modi occasionally slaps them gently on the wrist, but usually just plays along. On Mexicans, three separate issues converge: the Wall and who is going to pay up to $ 20 billion for itTrumps government or the Mexicans; deportation of undocumented immigrants, many of those threatened being from the 16 million strong Mexican community in the US; and the proposed tearing up of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and possibly imposing 20 per cent tariff across the board on imports from Mexico (whether this will pass muster at the World Trade Organisation is another matter) as Trumps revenge for Mexican exports to the US having exceeded US exports to Mexico. All this, but above all, Trumps insulting tweets about the Mexicans over the Wall, have led, within a week of Trump taking office, to an unholy diplomatic row that is shaking the US relationship with all of Latin America, and has resulted in the cancellation of the scheduled visit to Washington, DC of the Mexican President who was doing his best, in the face of strident domestic opposition that might yet bring about his overthrow, to keep relations with Mexicos northern neighbour on an even keel, principally to conserve the boom in growth that Mexico has experienced in consequence of NAFTA. The parallel with Modis Wall (barbed wire fencing) to keep out Bangladeshis sneaking into Assam is striking, the difference being that while Modi wants to keep out only Bangladeshi Muslims to promote his agenda of othering the Muslim community, Trump extends his othering to all Mexicans. This othering includes excluding all Latinos from his cabinet, however well-documented their residence and however unimpeachable their claim to US citizenship. Trump is threatening NATO (being nasty to NATO and nice to Putin, as one former British ambassador to Washington has told The New York Times) even as Modi is unravelling SAARC. Modi says Make in India; Trump responds Make in America. Trump says patriotism ends prejudice; Modi claims cry out Bharat Mata Ki Jai, and all will be well. Deportation to Trump is what sedition is to Modi. Trump seeks to dismantle Obamacare, but finds himself thwarted by the need to incorporate most of its provisions in any alternative scheme he might promote under another name, even as Modi thunders against all his predecessors social security schemes, then ends up merely changing their names. Both hate the independent media, Trump calling journalists the most dishonest human beings on earth because they challenged his claim to having had the largest crowds ever at the presidential inauguration. Modi started out being sweet to the Pakistanis; one wonders how long Trumps honeymoon with Putin will last. Modi rushes through environmental clearances; Trump clears the Keystone XL pipeline and the Dakota Access Pipeline as among his first executive orders, held up by Obama in consideration of environmental and local community concerns. The parallelisms go on and onbut where will it all end? In the US, the end was signalled almost with the beginning when 4.7 million disgruntled Americans, wearing knitted pussy cat hats in reference to Trumps locker room talk, marched against Trump, holding placards that said Love trumps Hate and You know in your guts/The guy is nuts in the largest demonstration ever, protesting Trumps agenda in cities all over the country (and abroad). In India, Modis end will be signalled when the results of the UP and Punjab elections start rolling in. (Courtesy: www.ndtv.com) The author is a former Congress member of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > Trump and Modi hover over the Jaipur Literature Festival by L.K. Sharma The reports of Americas decline are exaggerated. The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) proved it. The POTUSthe President of the United Statesmatters. Donald Trump got mentioned in several sessions. It was yet another victory for Trump. Hovering as a spectre over a literary festival in a distant land is a great achievement, beyond the President of Mongolia and the Supreme Leader of North Korea. If Donald Trump did not tweet about the Jaipur Literature Festival, it was because he was too busy with his inauguration. India got ignored because the good women of this civilisation did not join the international march against the new POTUS. At the JLF, all references to Trump were critical and every scathing remark about him was greeted with a derisive laughter by the audience. But Trump derives oxygen of publicity from critical comments. These energise his cultish constituency. His fans, like the devotees of all cult heads, are ever ready with an abusive and intimidating response to the leaders critics. A quick response team goes to battle on the social media. Soon after moving into the White House, Trump phoned the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a fellow populist leader, and invited him to visit the White House. Trump could hardly complain to Modi against those in Jaipur who misjudged him. They were mainly Americans, Britons and Non-Resident Indians. Political leaders get implicated in literary conversations because the ills of the world are felt most acutely by the sensitive souls. Poets and playwrights spot the emerging dystopia even while politicians falsify a given situation as per their set partisan agenda. That is why the politicians in power consider the writers and poets to be a big nuisance. A democratic leader lets the writers speak even if she is unable to build a nation of their dreams. Another kind of leader, whether elected or unelected, unleashes on writers and other dissenters either the oppressive state machinery or his partys storm-troopers. The use of the non-state actors is a preferred option because it protects his own democratic credentials and no questions are asked by some US-based Freedom Forum established during the Cold War. The prominent Indian writers who had returned their awards protesting against rising intolerance and intimidation of writers and rationalists were not invited to the Jaipur Literature Festival this time but some of those who came pointed a finger at the ills afflicting contemporary India. A famous poet from the Hindi film world barked and celebrated his freedom to bark. So what if he cannot bite, he said, acknowledging the failure of poetry to influence politics! He knows we are not in the romantic age and poets are no longer unack-nowledged legislators of the world. The attack on Trump began at the opening session of the festival. American poet-performer Anne Waldman, in her keynote address, referred to the terrible inauguration in Washington DC. She went further than Meryl Streep, shouting in solidarity with her sisters, daughters, children and all women marching towards Washington to protest against the impending inauguration of Trump as the President. That was just the beginning. Trump kept coming for a dishonourable mention and those making snide remarks included the eminent speakers and moderators. A British writer said he would not even utter the name of the new American President. He didnt have to. American writer Paul Beatty went further in an interview saying there is a reason that people picked this guy (Trump). He is an apparition, but he is both real and unreal, and people see something in him. A Jaipur newspaper quoted a State Minister belonging to Modis party. The eight-column headline said PM Modi has some divine power: Kataria. No devotee of Trump has gone that far. Another English daily carried a long opinion piece arguing that both Modi and Trump are textbook populists. The writer said that Modi matched all the characteristics of a populist leader as defined by Princeton Professor Jan-Werner Muller in his book What is Populism? Both leaders are polarising figures and both do not sit idle for a moment. They tweet and they tweet. They are not afraid of making politically incorrect remarks and very simple statements. They take on the elites fond of articulating complex thoughts. Modi and Trump know what an American columnist said: In tough times, people want someone who can make a compelling pitch and inspire a sense of urgency. Integrity and intelligence are not what the voters are after. Apart from the stray comments by individual speakers, the entire final session of the festival referred to Trump as it was titled: Debate: We are living in a Post-Truth World. It was a topical subject but the debate only proved what some writers have been saying: There is no space left for a real public discourse. The organisers had framed the issue mainly in the context of Trump and Brexit since lies were used in the two campaigns. As the debate progressed, the spectre of Narendra Modi came to haunt it. Since Prime Minister Modi has been blamed for not being truthful while electioneering and while selling his demonetisation decision, his supporters suspect such words as the Post-Truth World. In India, the list of provocative words keeps expanding. Politicians hijack words and phrases to make them seductive or repellent. The frame of reference matters. In contemporary India, anyone uttering the words intolerant or inclusive or secular is branded as a critic of Modi. Trump is cited most by those commenting on the post-truth world. Of course, the argument about the rise of passion as the prime instrument of winning power has been validated in recent years in India, America and Europe. Thus the debate in the JLF reflected the polarisation between the supporters of Modi who saw the slippery slope. If you light a verbal fire around Trump, it will soon reach Modi, they feared. And it did. One speaker devalued the very term post-truth. He detected in it a conspiracy by the liberal media. He told the British critics that what Trump does is not their business. He wanted the audience to pay respect to the wise voters of America. He pointed out with satisfaction that women of India did not join the global protest against Trump! He was not upset by the attack on a fellow journalist launched by Trump at his press conference. Since the expression post-truth is not as simple as lies, there was considerable scope for philosophical musings. What is truth, it was asked and no one was prepared to wait for an answer. The meditation on the nature of the truth involved words such as my truth, your truth. A writer found it necessary to quote Yeats: The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity. In a literary festival, Trump could have even been lauded for his power of imagination and for creating fiction to fight a political battle! Emotion-based politics is closer to literature than fact-based rhetoric. A professor of literature would say that literature is important precisely because it is not bound by facts. It is important because it is not bound up in issues of law, science, medicine or business. It is said that one can gain more understanding about the human heart from Shakespeare than from Freud. Myron Magnet asks in an essay: Can anyone think that the studies of Margaret Mead or Alfred Kinsey tell us anything nearly as true as Ovid or Turgenev? Since both Trump and Modi excite hearts rather than minds, they ought to be invited at the next Jaipur Literature Festival. Modis book of poems could be among the scores of books that are released at the JLF. It will fit into the JLFs intellectual agenda since the organisers say that the festival should not just be a bubble in which the liberals talk to liberals. Going by this policy, this time they invited two leaders of the RSS, a Right-wing cultural organisation that mentors the ruling party. Modi was groomed by the RSS from a young age. Participation by Trump and Modi will fit into the JLFs commercial agenda also. It will gain significant sponsors as the American Embassy and the Indian Ministry of Finance. If the Modi Government accepts the suggestion made at the JLF by a noted TV journalist, it would set up a Ministry for History. That Ministry could sponsor presentations by two non-Marxist historians. Like the truth, there is also My History versus Your History. That may be a topic for the next JLF. Rival historians can then come and fight outside the Groves of Academe! (Courtesy: Open Democracy) The author is a senior journalist and writer who worked in India and abroad (notably Britain) in several major newspapers. Now retired, he is a free- lancer. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > US-Russia Ties: As Trump moves in, Memory mixes with Desire in (...) A close look at the inaugural speech by US President Donald Trump and the outline of the various key plans of his administration that has been published immediately afterward on the White House website on January 20 amply bears out the basis of the cautious assessment in Moscow in recent weeks that while a steady revival of Russian-American relationship is within the realms of possibility, difficulties will remain and there neednt be any illusions about radical changes. For a start, Russia will be one of the few countries that would have no reason to feel perturbed about Trumps emphasis in his speech on America First in any decision he takes on trade, taxes and immigration. Russias economic relations with the US and people-to-people relations between the two countries are minuscule. According to the US Government statistics, trade with Russia stood at a paltry US $ 18.7 billion in 2016a substantial decline from US $ 23.3 billion the previous year. Ironically, despite Western sanctions, Russias share in the European gas market increased by three per cent to touch 34 per cent last year and its number one market, Germany, showed the highest growth in absolute terms10 per cent growth in one year to touch a whopping 49.8 billion cubic metres, with the Nord Stream pipeline operating to its full capacity. So, things can only get better in Russia-US economic relations, with energy cooperation at its very centre, especially with Rex Tillerson as the State Secretary. To be sure, Big Oil will be running a fine comb through the conversation between President Vladimir Putin and Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller in the Kremlinby a delightful coincidence on January 20, just a few hours ahead of Trumps inaugural ceremony in Washingtonoutlining the vast and ambitious plans of expansion on the anvil in Russias oil and gas sector. Equally, Moscow will readily welcome the three significant political assurances in foreign policy that were held out by Trump in his speechthe understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their interests first ... we do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, and, the strong vow to eradicate Islamic terrorism completely from the face of the earth. On the other hand, Trumps determination to reinforce old alliances and form new ones cannot but cause uneasiness in Moscow insofar as it may degenerate into the bloc mentality that has been an underlying feature of the Barack Obama Administrations containment strategy against Russia. This is where the Trump Administrations outline of key plans becomes a mixed bag for Moscow. Three policy frameworks out of the six outlined by the White House could affect Russian interests one way or anotherAmerica First Foreign Policy, America First Energy Plan and Making Our Military Strong Again. The America First Foreign Policy elaborates on the approach to defeating the Islamic State and other radical Islamic terror groups. There is going to be aggressive joint and coalition military operations when necessary. Russia will welcome this. In the context of Syria and Iraqand likely in Afghanistanit may lead to joint or coordinated Russian-American operations. Again, the Trump Administration will breathe new life into the US-led coalition fighting terrorism, involving NATO partners. Interestingly, elsewhere the policy outline stresses that the US will free itself of dependence on foreign oil; embrace the shale oil and gas revolution; and, will remain committed to achieving energy independence from the OPEC cartel while also striving to work with our Gulf allies to develop a positive energy relationship as part of our anti-terrorism strategy. The correlation between the US energy relationship with, say, Saudi Arabia or Qatar (principal backers of radical Islamist groups) with its anti-terrorism strategy in the Middle East is a novel idea. Would Trump be inclined to leverage US energy ties to get the Saudis and Qataris to jettison their bad old ways of sponsoring terrorist groups? If so, it will be a dramatic shift in the US decades-old regional policies and Russia cannot but welcome it. On the other hand, there are going to be three major problem areas. One, Trumps quest to rebuild the US military is his prerogative but his emphasis that the US military dominance must be unquestioned impacts the interests of Russia, which expects an equal relationship with the US. Two, the Trump Team says the President will not allow other nations to surpass our (US) military capability and to achieving that end, will scuttle the defence sequester (capping of defence expenditure) and go back to the Congress with a new budget outlining a plan to rebuild the military. In essence, it is a return to Ronald Reagans approach to speak and deal with Russia wielding a big stick. It is hard to see Vladimir Putin accepting Trumps thesis. This becomes hugely important because a third template of the White House policy outline specifically underscores, We will also develop a state-of-the-art missile defense system to protect against missile-based attacks from states like Iran and North Korea. Russia will not accept this argument. Russia (and China) views ABM deployment as part of containment strategy to deny second strike capability. Given the US superiority in conventional military strength, second strike capability becomes non-negotiable for Russia. Indeed, its capacity to ensure global strategic balance hinges on second strike capability. (Moscow and Beijing recently agreed to develop joint counter-measures against ABM systems and analysts view their plan to establish a joint space centre in Russian Far East from such a perspective.) In sum, Trump is resuscitating the Reagan Doctrine (sans the ideological baggage). Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in Moscow just three days before Trumps inauguration: As for nuclear weapons, strategic stability and nuclear and strategic parity, this is a key issue in Russian-US relations ... we must keep in mind absolutely all factors that influence strategic stability, and there are many factors besides nuclear weapons. They include strategic conventional weapons, including hypersonic weapons that can destroy targets in any part of the world within an hour even without nuclear warheads. Those who have these weapons do not need nuclear weapons. The second factor is the Ballistic Missile Defence system, which is changing the strategic balance. We need to negotiate this issue so that any changes in strategic balance will not destabilise the situation. One more thing that influences strategic stability is the space militarisation plans of the current and previous US administrations. There are also other variables, including the US refusal to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. All these factors ... influence global strategic balance and parity. We are willing to hold talks as soon as the new US Administration assumes office ..., which must be held in a businesslike manner and with full awareness of our responsibility to our nations and to the rest of the world. The Obama Administrations refusal to negotiate lies at the core of the derailment of the US-Russia reset. Russia will regard ABM deployment as the touchstone of Trumps intentions and willingness to abandon the containment strategy. (Courtesy: Asia Times) Ambassador M.K. Bhadrakumar served as a career diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service for over 29 years, with postings including Indias ambassador to Uzbekistan (1995-1998) and to Turkey (1998-2001). Trump Not Pro-Russia, Says Its Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Profiles in courage are absent in Washington, especially on geopolitical issues, notably on relations with Russia. In January, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Trump is not pro-Russia. She distinguished between Russophobe Hillary Clinton and Trumps more responsible comments, calling getting along with Russia a good thing. He clearly prioritized combating ISIS, and by inference international terrorism. This gives certain hope, because it indeed is a challenge, a threat that we all are facing, Zakhavova explained. During a February 9 press briefing, she blasted US-dominated NATO for prefer(ring) to deal with virtual (disconnected from reality) and nonexistent threats. Russia poses none, not now or earlier against any nation. Western and Middle East supported terrorism is real, a scourge vital to eliminate. So far, Russia is the only world power actively combating it. Obama made numerous statements on fighting international terrorism, said Zakharova. Instead he supported it while waging regional war. Trumps comments are well-known, his intentions yet to unfold. After three weeks in office, hes yet to wage war on terrorism as promised, except for a botched Yemeni raid, massacring civilians, destroying a village, showing US policies remain hostile to peace and stability. Continuing drone attacks, largely killing civilians, indicate nothing changed so far. Zakhavova said Russia had no contacts with the State Department. Putin and Trump spoke, not Tillerson and Lavrov, a first step to initiating regular dialogue on mutual interests. (T)he new administration has not published its foreign policy concept, Zakharova explained. I do not know whether it has been formulated or not. There is nothing in the public space, nor have we received any details via diplomatic channels. Its holding things up. Its vital to address this. The new administration should begin by developing a global or, conversely, a regional doctrine, a foreign policy concept, a vision of its foreign policy - either regional or general - and then the first diplomatic contacts can begin and take place, said Zakhavova. Then we can start cooperating as is usual diplomatic practice. Thus far, no contacts of this kind have occurred. Even with a new guy in charge, how Tillerson described himself to State Department personnel day one on the job, he should have by now contacted his counterparts in key countries like Russia and China. Trump has been speaking with foreign leaders almost daily, including Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping. US relations toward Russia are adversarial. Obama plunged them to a new low in decades, including baseless accusations of US election hacking, and piling on illegal sanctions solely for political reasons. Fence-mending wont come easily or at all if Trump doesnt follow through responsibly on campaign rhetoric. Russia is ready to work actively with Washington in areas of mutual interest - no US overtures made so far. Cooperative relations require someone promoting it from the other end, Zakharova stressed. Bipartisan relations are deplorable because of hostile Obama policies. Itll be a while before Trumps intentions are known. By Stephen Lendman http://sjlendman.blogspot.com His new book as editor and contributor is titled Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III. http://www.claritypress.com/Lendman.html He lives in Chicago and can be reached in Chicago at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to The Global Research News Hour on RepublicBroadcasting.org Monday through Friday at 10AM US Central time for cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on world and national topics. All programs are archived for easy listening. 2017 Copyright Stephen Lendman - 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. COLLINSVILLETwo Collinsville men pleaded guilty to distributing oxycodone Friday during a trial in Henry County Circuit Court. Vincent Eugene Jamison and Brenda Giggetts Taylor were both charged in connection with an incident on Dec. 1, 2015. The prosecution dropped a charge of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone against each defendant. According to the prosecutions evidence, Jamison and Taylor were involved in a transaction in which a confidential informant in an undercover drug operation purchased several pills for a total of $80. A state forensics science lab determined the substance to be oxycodone. Judge David V. Williams found Jamison and Taylor each guilty of distributing oxycodone. Williams ordered a presentence report for each and set sentencing for May 3. HENRY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT A March 2 court date was set for Jerome Allen Adams, 40, of Collinsville, who is charged with attempted malicious wounding, maliciously shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, possession or transportation of a firearm by a violent felon and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, all in connection with an Oct. 31, 2016 incident. Arrest warrants and criminal complaints by Investigator T.L. Frye of the Henry County Sheriffs Office allege that a woman (whose address was listed in court records as Bassett and Eden, North Carolina) said she was at a location later determined to be on Bollingbrook Lane when Adams allegedly pulled on the scene at a high rate of speed and jumped out of a vehicle with a gun in his hand. Adams allegedly started cursing and then allegedly shot into a vehicle multiple times. The woman and a 1-year-old child were in the vehicle that was shot at. That vehicle appeared to have seven bullet holes in it. Two other people were on scene, and they confirmed what the woman reported. Also in court this past week, Michael Wayne Richards of Bassett pleaded guilty to felonious shoplifting (after an incident April 6, 2016) and received a sentence of five years in prison, with four years of that suspended on conditions including two years of supervised probation. Joseph Anthony Parks of Martinsville pleaded guilty to shoplifting after an incident May 8, 2016, and received a sentence of five years in prison, with four years and nine months of that suspended on conditions including two years of supervised probation. Cathy Darlene Green of Ridgway, who was charged with grand larceny of a motor vehicle (on April 24, 2016), pleaded guilty to an amended charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and received a sentence of five years in prison, all suspended on conditions including two years of supervised probation and payment of $2,150 restitution and a $50 fine. Quinton Neal Gilbert of Martinsville pleaded guilty to grand larceny (on April 18, 2016) and received a sentence of five years in prison, with four years and four months of that suspended on conditions including three years of supervised probation. Also, Gilbert, who was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (on Nov. 24, 2015), pleaded guilty to an amended charge of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony more than 10 years before, and received a sentence of five years in prison, with four years and four months of that suspended on conditions including three years of supervised probation. HENRY COUNTY GENERAL DISTRICT COURT In Henry County General District Court recently, Robert Dale Spence Jr., 23, of Fieldale, waived a preliminary hearing on a charge of possession of a schedule 1 or 2 drug (on Sept. 5, 2016). A judge certified the case to Circuit Court. William Raymond Handy, 42, of Martinsville, waived a preliminary hearing on charges of credit card fraud and obtaining or withholding a credit card or credit card number from a person (both from incident Oct. 20-22, 2016). A judge certified the cases to Circuit Court. In another case, a $5,000 secured bond was set with certain conditions for Hunter Jacob Meeks, 19, of Collinsville, who is charged with grand larceny of a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta belonging to a Patrick Springs resident. The incident allegedly happened on Jan. 5, 2017. MARTINSVILLE CIRCUIT COURT Recently in Martinsville Circuit Court, the prosecution dropped a charge of possession of a firearm by felon (on Sept. 17, 2016) against David Lamont Hairston of Martinsville. this may trigger our resident dhimmis but c'est dommage.A new comprehensive immigration study has left many liberal pundits and journalists in the mainstream media disillusioned about one of their favourite Canadian myths.It turns out, Canadians support sensible immigration policies.Or, as its spun in a University of Toronto and McGill Institute study, Canadians are not as tolerant and open as we like to think.The study, based on public opinion polling of 1,522 people in late January, found Canadian attitudes towards immigration are mostly positive or neutral.However, it also found there is pushback against open border policies.For instance, most Canadians prefer that newcomers are educated, speak basic English or French and have a job offer before being accepted for immigration.We prefer skilled immigrants to unskilled.About 70% of Canadians surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that people who come to Canada should change their behaviour to be more like Canadians.In other words, Canadians want immigration policies focused on selecting the best candidates and ensuring newcomers integrate into our economy and communities. Thats common sense.When it comes to refugees, Canadians prefer private over government sponsorship (perfectly reasonable, given that private refugees fare much better) and most Canadians believe we should only admit bona fide refugees fleeing real persecution.None of this should be controversial. Canadians want sound immigration policies, and are rightly skeptical of mass migration without proper screening and vetting.And yet, many in the media and even the reports author interpreted this as indicating Canadians are not open-minded enough.The study concludes we do not appear to be an exceptionally tolerant public.An article in Macleans goes further in disparaging Canadians for not being enlightened enough on immigration issues, simply because we want to select the best people to come to Canada.But the study also shows Canadians have an impressive knowledge of our own immigration system.Most Canadians could correctly identify the basic criteria that we use to select newcomers.It isnt out of naivety, bigotry or close-mindedness that Canadians are skeptical about mass migration.Its based on our experiences both at home and around the world.Even a casual observer of Europes hands-off approach to selection and integration of newcomers can see the problems with unchecked migration from a war zone.Its common sense to be wary when ISIS terrorists boast about infiltrating the crowds of migrants with jihadists, and Europe is then hit by a string of deadly ISIS-connected or inspired attacks.Or, closer to home, when the Trudeau Liberals scrapped a portion of the language test for citizenship, Liberal MP Gary Anandasangaree justified the decision by saying, many Canadians may not be able to pass that test.When we shrug our shoulders about isolated communities and second-generation Canadians without language skills, it doesnt lend confidence to the idea that newcomers are integrating and adjusting to life in Canada.Despite the handwringing, Canadians are a tolerant and welcoming bunch.But there are limits to our generosity, and a rightly-held skepticism towards open border policies like those often championed by our prime minister.Canadians are not naive. We can tell the difference between good immigration policies ones that focus on selecting skilled individuals who want to embrace the Canadian way of life and reckless policies based on reactionary politicking and virtue signaling.When it comes to sound immigration policies, Canadians are right; its elites in media and politics that are off base and misguided. Ill give Betsy DeVos this: Shes consistent. On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed DeVos as the Secretary of the Department of Education. It was a 51-50 vote, with Vice-President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote. The confirmation came after The National Education Association, the largest labor union in the world, mounted a massive resistance campaign that flooded Senate offices with 1.5 million phone calls per day from teachers and concerned citizens. The confirmation came after two Republican senators broke party ranks because they could not, in good conscience, vote for DeVos. It came after Senate Democrats held an all-night session Monday night in a last-ditch attempt to prevent the confirmation. So what are Betsy DeVos qualifications for the office? Well, shes never been a teacher, or a principal, or an educational administrator of any kind. She has never attended a public school, and she certainly didnt send her children to one. She does have experience as a manager, as chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party and on the board of directors for the Kennedy Center. But the question is what makes her the most qualified for the highest education office in the country, when she's never seen the issues before? No, Betsy DeVos has exactly one qualification: Shes a multi-billionaire, and she isnt stingy with her money as long as she gets a return on her investment. Her comments in a 1997 Roll Call article highlight this and point to the larger issue in Washington. My family is the biggest contributor of soft money to the Republican National Committee, DeVos said. I have decided, however, to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence. Now I simply concede the point. They are right. We expect a return on our investment. According to FollowTheMoney.org, between 2000 and 2015, DeVos and her husband made $47,559,870 in campaign contributions. Yes, there are two commas in that number. Who is receiving that money? Why, people like Florida Senator Marco Rubio. After promising in a July radio interview to be an important part of a Senate that would act as a series of checks and balances on President Donald Trump, Rubio has since decided to vote in favor of every single one of Trumps billionaire and millionaire cabinet nominees, DeVos included. As the Miami New Times reports, its probably no coincidence that Rubio has received $98,300 from DeVos and her family members, according to Federal Election Commission reports. We all know that politicians receive huge amounts of campaign contributions, and that every organization that donates to a political campaign expects to receive something in return. When a politician votes against environmental protections that would force energy companies to spend a little bit of their vast profits to cut down on pollution, no one is surprised to learn that the politician received tens of thousands of dollars from said energy companies. When a politician votes against any and all gun regulations, we can safely assume that they received money and a coveted endorsement from the National Rifle Association. Of course, if you ask those politicians why they voted the way they did, none of them are going to say it has anything to do with money. Theyre going to start talking about policy minutiae for ten minutes, and then youll start to feel a pounding sensation behind your eyes, and then youll want to go lie down for awhile and try to forget that you ever asked the question in the first place. This is a time-honored American political tradition. Basically, we have a social contract with our politicians. As long as they pretend that all of their decisions arent influenced by campaign contributions, well pretend that we believe them. The reason that the confirmation of Betsy DeVos is so upsetting to so many is because it breaks that social contract. Betsy DeVos is severely unqualified to serve as the secretary of the Department of Education. Her confirmation hearing was an absolute embarrassment. DeVos sole qualification is that shes a multi-billionaire who knows how to toe the party line. With her confirmation, DeVos has proven that pay-to-pay reigns supreme in Congress. The evidence is now undeniable. The question is whether we are going to hold our elected representatives responsible for maintaining the swamp many promised to drain, or whether were going to continue struggling to look the other way. SPRINGFIELD -- Pride Stores celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, having started as a livery stable for the care of horses and carriages in the Indian Orchard neighborhood of Springfield. Slowly, it grew as the horseless carriage took over from the horse and as the gas station with convenience store took over from the full-service gas station with mechanic's lifts. Today, Robert Bolduc, CEO of Pride and grandson of the founder, hires baristas. It's part, he says, of an industry-wide transformation, not just of convenience stores but also of the companies that own those stores. "Some day people will think of Pride not as a gas station that sells food but as a food store that sells gas," Bolduc said recently. "Think of that transformation. Talk about turning around a battleship." At Pride locations, the changes are physical ones, as well as those of business strategy. For instance, there is less space at a Pride shop devoted to groceries. People don't go into a Pride and buy a can of SpaghettiOs anymore, Bolduc says. "But, they do come in and buy a fresh sandwich," he adds. Pride established a commissary kitchen on Cottage Street about three years ago. There, food is prepared and then dispatched to other Pride stores each day. Pride's new stores, and some of its existing ones, have a food court with a deli, coffee bar and maybe a Dunkin' Donuts or a Subway. The company is experimenting with soft ice cream. New stores will have drive-through windows, and existing stores are being retrofitted with them. Floor space inside the store where those SpaghettiOs once sat is being devoted to sit-down eating areas. New Pride locations can seat 27 to 30 people at a time, Bolduc said. Expect to see a Wi-Fi cafe with high-top counters and places where people can plug in and recharge laptops, phones and tablets while they eat or sip. "That's what people want," Bolduc says. "People are eating out three meals a day now. We have become a snacking society." In the months since Springfield's venerable F.L. Roberts gasoline and convenience store chain was sold, one of the biggest changes can fit in a customer's hand. It's a piece of fruit, says Joe Hamza, chief operating officer for retail and marketing at the new owner, Worcester-based Nouria Energy Corp. "We have already enhanced the merchandise, layout and design and added fresher and healthier products to the mix," Hamza said. "Fresh foods, fruits, vegetables. Pieces of fruit you can eat with your hand as a snack. This is what the customer is looking for today." Hamza says convenience stores are merely following a diversification trend in retail that has stores moving across product categories that were once well defined. "Everybody is in everybody's business these days," he says. "Its really not unique to the c-store industry. You see it everywhere today. You see the Walgreens and the CVS get into fresh foods." Nouria Energy Corp., which runs similar businesses throughout New England, bought the F.L. Roberts convenience stores in October for $81.3 million. It was part of a three-way, $92 million transaction that saw F.L. Roberts split into three. Roberts also sold its nine Jiffy Lubes to Atlantic Coast Enterprises for $7 million. F.L. Roberts & Co., a fourth-generation, family-owned business founded in 1920 with an automotive and tire store at the corner of Main and Adams streets in Springfield, retained its wholesale business as Roberts Energy. The F.L. Roberts deal with Nouria wasn't the only change in the Western Massachusetts convenience store market. Big Y Foods Inc. expanded its Big Y Express gas and convenience concept with the purchase of three O'Connell Convenience Plus gas stations: 75 Russell St. in Hadley, 711 Bliss Road in Longmeadow and 1993 Boston Road in Wilbraham. The locations were added to older Big Y Express locations in the Berkshire County communities of Lee and Pittsfield. Matt D'Amour, Big Y vice president of real estate and store development, says the family-owned chain is actively seeking more locations for convenience stores. "It's absolutely our intent to grow this portion of our business," he said. "That's a big part of our strategic thinking." It is easier, he said, to locate a convenience store and gas station on property which Big Y already owns for a supermarket. This creates a campus as has happened in Pittsfield and is similar to what Stop & Shop did as it built fuel stations in its supermarket parking lots. "But we are finding that we don't have to be located with a supermarket to be successful," D'Amour adds. "As long as we are on a traffic route in our core market. That's where our customers are traveling on their way to our stores." The Big Y location in Hadley sits along the Route 9 corridor between supermarkets in Amherst and Northampton. He said Big Y learned the business in partnership with F.L. Roberts in Lee. It branched out when the Roberts family prepared to divest. Big Y learned a lot. At first, the D'Amours thought they would be able to leverage their buying experience from the supermarkets. That wasn't the case, however, according to Matt D'Amour. "We buy a lot of Coca-Cola," he cited as an example, "but for the convenience stores, its a different SKU (the stock keeping unit with which products are coded). It's a whole different supply chain. We had to re-learn how to buy Coca-Cola." The Big Y Express stores help build Big Y's brand, D'Amour says, keeping the chain in the forefront of consumers' minds. As a chain, O'Connell Convenience Plus, of Pittsfield, sold to Global Partners of Waltham, which now owns the O'Connell locations that were not sold to Big Y. Hamza says consolidation will continue, although he stresses that buyouts and mergers are coming late to the convenience store industry compared with other retail sectors. "Our c-store industry is still probably the most fragmented one in retail," Hamza said. "We are still a mom-and-pop operation for the most part, or a family-run business." Hamza joined Nouria a year-and-a-half ago after serving as the vice president of sales and marketing at the Tedeschi chain in eastern Massachusetts. Tedeschi sold out to 7-Eleven in 2015. Nouria will keep F.L. Roberts' popular points-based customer loyalty program, including its relationship with the Jiffy Lube locations now owned by Atlantic Coast, according to Hamza. The partnership will allow Jiffy Lube customers to accumulate gas discounts and car washes. "It makes sense for our consumers," he said. "It gives our customers better value." The Roberts name will stay, he adds. Nouria retains the names of other chains it has purchased elsewhere in New England. At Pride, Bolduc said his long-planned Hadley location at the site of the old Aqua Vitae restaurant on Route 9 will be built one day. Pride is building a larger travel center on Interstate 91 in Connecticut, one that will have a bigger dining area, more food options, be powered by an off-site solar array and offer alternative fuels like hydrogen and propane. Permitting and planning costs make it hard to open new stores, he said. Getting approvals for a new Pride can cost $250,000 or more in legal, engineering, architectural and other services. KILLINGTON, Vt - A New Jersey man died from injuries sustained in a snowboarding accident in Vermont on Saturday, according to a statement released by the Vermont State Police. 26-year-old James Meyers, from Toms River, New Jersey, was snowboarding the slopes of Mount Killington with a group of friends, but at some point he veered off of the trail and struck a tree, according to police. Meyers was not wearing a helmet at the time off the accident, police said. He was quickly taken to Rutland Regional Medical Center for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Vermont State Police were called to the hospital after Meyers' death to investigate the incident. MOULTONBOROUGH, NH New Hampshire Fish and Game Department divers searched Lake Winnipesaukee after three snowmobiles crashed through thin ice during a fishing derby. WCVB-TV reported that officials said two people died on the north shore of the lake near Moultonborough. One person was rescued alive from the cold water but later died at an area hospital. A second person was recovered from the lake. A third snowmobiler broke through lake ice near the south shore town of Alton. Officials continued to search for that person until dark. Officials said they were concerned that the large-scale derby might spark this sort of accident. Thousands of people turned out for the annual ice fishing derby. They say the ice on the lake is variable, and while ice in one area could be very thick in another area it could be almost nonexistent. Officials used airboats that can operate on both ice and open water to travel to the search areas. They had a premature 'smoke in' in Denver last summer to celebrate the imminent legalization of cannabis. I saw a clip on it as a part of a program on the Nat Geo Channel of the developing marijuana industry in Colorado. It ended up in gang related gunfire as dazed, confused zombies ran from the park in terror. So much for the Age of Aquarius. At least it takes the pure poppycock of 'medical' marijuana off the table.. and correctly labels it for just what it is.. a powerful culture based intoxicant.. nothing more. I just don't think anything good is going to come from this. All of the knocks on mj are true. It causes apathy, anti-socialization, isolation, long term health issues associated with smoke inhalation. It takes people out of constructive lives and places them stoned in their parent's basement as life passes them by. Habitual long term use will lead to paranoia, extreme reclusiveness and ultimately psychosis. Anger erupts at Republican town hallsMurfreesboro, Tennessee (CNN)More than seven years after angry anti-Obamacare town halls erupted across the country, raw emotions are boiling over again -- this time, as the Republican Party under President Donald Trump gears up to dismantle Barack Obama's legacy.And the fury is flaring up in some of most conservative corners of the country.On Thursday night, two Republican members of Congress -- Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah and Diane Black of Tennessee -- were each confronted with impassioned constituents during simultaneous events. The shouted questions, emotional pleas and raucous protesters of the evening crystalized the GOP's tough political road ahead as it forges ahead with rolling back Obama's accomplishments, including the Affordable Care Act.In suburban Salt Lake City, local police estimated that some 1,000 people packed into a high school auditorium to see Chaffetz as hundreds more waited outside. For 75 minutes, the congressman confronted a crowd that fumed with resentment of Trump and accused Chaffetz of coddling the President."Folks -- I get one sentence into it, you say I'm not answering the question," an exasperated Chaffetz complained as the crowd repeatedly jeered him. "I am answering the question, OK?"And some 1,700 miles away in the town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Black was met with roughly 100 protesters at a "Ask Your Reps" event hosted by the Middle Tennessee State University's College Republicans.Tempers flareMike Carlson, a 32-year-old student from Antioch, Tennessee, said that as an overweight man, he depended on Obamacare to stay alive."I have to have coverage to make sure I don't die. There are people now who have cancer that have that coverage, that have to have that coverage to make sure they don't die," Carlson said. "And you want to take away this coverage and have nothing to replace it with! How can I trust you to do anything that's in our interest at all?" Your Movie Adventure Awaits CONFIRMATION NUMBER: WQRK8TQ Get excited! You're going to the movies. Here are your order details. A United Kingdom 1h 51m Saturday, February 11, 2017 9:45am ArcLight Hollywood 6360 Sunset Blvd Hollywood , CA 90028 323-464-1465 1 Adult 1h 51m9:45am1 Adult Saturday is supposed to be a day off of work. To help out one of my two office managers, I agreed to work a few hours to serve a client who usually sees a tax professional who is out on medical leave at the moment. But I still had time to see a movie in the morning before work.The film A United Kingdom opened in limited release on Friday and I wanted very much to see it. There are only two theaters in L.A. and two in NYC showing the film. One of the local theaters did not have a showing early enough, but the Arclight in Hollywood had one, according to Moviefone. So I went to buy the ticket right then and there, which means using the Fandango ticket service.That is from the email confirmation I received. So I got to the theater at 9:35 and went to the kiosk and printed out my ticket. The problem was, the ticket was for a showing that began at 9:15. I asked the ticket agent about it and when he asked where I purchased the ticket, he nodded. Then he said "they are a third-party ticket broker and they do make mistakes. Next time use our own website."Believe me I will. I will never again use Fandango. I paid them a "convenience fee" of $1.50 for the convenience of not getting to see the movie I wanted to see. Not very convenient. Scholl Warehouse Sale Scholl Malaysia is having warehouse sale. Enjoy great savings when you visit this sale event from 25 26 February 2017, at Bangunan Siti Hasmah, TTDI, from 9am 5pm daily. Terms and conditions apply. Limited Quantity and designs available, while stock last. Find out how you can make money from home via internet Scholl Warehouse Sale Details Date: 25 26 February 2017 Venue: Bangunan Siti Hasmah, TTDI Time: 9am 5pm About Scholl Love your feet! Scholl is dedicated to developing products that aid, nurture, pamper and care for your feet. Strut your stuff with comfort in Scholls footcare and footwear. Like us on Facebook to get that Great Feet Feeling! Other Ongoing FREE Samples Giveaway McDowell Countys has an epidemic of opioid drug use and overdose drug deaths. But efforts are underway now to combat this serious problem. According to state statistics, McDowell Countys rate of opioid prescriptions is significantly higher than the state average. In 2016, 112 opioid pills were prescribed in McDowell County, on average, for each of the countys approximately 45,600 residents the ninth-highest rate of all counties statewide, according to state health data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. And statistics for 2014 show that McDowell County had high rates of drug overdose deaths between 18 to 20 deaths for every 100,000 residents. That rate was about three times the rate of deaths 15 years earlier, in 1999, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But a new committee is seeking to tackle this epidemic not just in McDowell County but throughout western North Carolina. In addition, a rally scheduled for April 29 at the McDowell County Courthouse will celebrate recovery from substance abuse and confront this local problem publically and in a positive, uplifting manner. Vaya Health and community partners announced recently the formation of the Western North Carolina Substance Use Alliance, a collaboration to reduce the prevalence of alcohol and drug misuse, as well as the number of fatal overdoses, in 23 western North Carolina counties. The alliances s committee includes representatives from Mission Health, which operates McDowell Hospital, according to a news release. The misuse and abuse of alcohol, prescription medications and illicit drugs affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans, reads the news release. In 2015, for the first time in U.S. history, the number of heroin-related deaths outnumbered gun homicides. In North Carolina, 25 percent of the 1,567 drug overdose deaths in 2015 involved heroin. Western North Carolina has been hit particularly hard by the opioid epidemic, which includes heroin, other illicit drugs and prescription pain medications. In 2014, 17 of 23 western N.C. counties ranked among the top in the state in the rate of fatal overdoses more than 20 deaths for every 100,000 residents. Statewide data also show that all but five counties in the region have higher-than-average rates of opioid pills prescribed per person, particular in counties near the Tennessee border. Macon County topped that list with an average of 258 pills prescribed per resident in 2014, and Swain County prescribers wrote nearly two opioid prescriptions, on average, for each of the countys 14,000 residents. The WNC alliance aims to increase collaboration across agencies involved in substance use prevention and treatment, leverage resources to maximize efforts, reduce duplication and establish top priorities for the region. This includes coordinating efforts to increase access to treatment and recovery services, strengthen prevention and education efforts and examine the impact of substance use on overall health and economic development, as a result of lost worker productivity. The alliance will be chaired by Brian Ingraham, the CEO of Vaya Health, which manages publicly funded mental health, substance use and developmental disability services in western North Carolina. Our region is experiencing an epidemic of opioid addiction, as well as misuse of other substances, Ingraham said. By bringing together some of western North Carolinas most dedicated, knowledgeable individuals and agencies, this alliance will allow us to build on each others efforts and make a greater impact as a team than we can acting separately. The alliance will focus its efforts on the 23 counties Vaya currently serves and be guided by both the 2016 report of the N.C. Governors Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use and the first-ever Surgeon Generals Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, also released last year. Four sub-committees will focus on key areas: Safe opioid prescribing and medication-assisted treatment, chaired by Dr. Blake Fagan of the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) Women and perinatal substance use treatment, chaired by Leslie McCrory, substance use consultant for Vaya Health Adult substance use treatment continuum and crisis services, chaired by Chad Husted of October Road, Inc. Child and adolescent treatment continuum and prevention services, chaired by Danielle Arias of RHA Health Services, Inc. (RHA) The alliances steering committee include representatives from Vaya, Mission Health, MAHEC, Buncombe and Henderson county governments, Duke Life Point, High Country Community Health, Project Lazarus, RHA, October Road, the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority and the local criminal justice system. The counties involved in the alliance are: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. In addition, the McDowell Health Coalition, the Substance Abuse Work Group and McDowell Recovery Solutions will hold the Blue Ridge Recovery Rally on the McDowell County Courthouse lawn on Saturday, April 29. Organizer Rev. Danny Hampton of Freedom Life Ministries said previously this rally will celebrate recovery from addiction and let others know that they too can overcome their dependence on drugs or alcohol. It will also be a day that the local community addresses the problem of substance abuse directly and openly. Vaya Health is a partner in this recovery rally, which will seek to lift up those who are recovering from their addictions and encourage others to do the same. For more information about the alliance, visit vayahealth.com. Vaya Health manages public funds for mental health, substance use disorder and intellectual or developmental disability services in 23 North Carolina counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. Access to services and crisis help are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-849-6127. Learn more at www.vayahealth.com. A movement that started through social media among progressives and left-leaning people in McDowell County is seeking to reinvent the local Democratic Party. The leaders say they also want to enact positive change and help the county, state and nation move forward. We want to be a part of something positive, said Jacob Blair, the groups spokesman. Be positively rebellious and rebelliously positive. Blair is helping to lead what has been named the McDowell County Democratic Reinvention Project. It is a group of local Democrats and progressives who want to reinvigorate the local party. This local movement started on Facebook with a posting by musician and former McDowell Tech instructor Freddy Bradburn. Bradburn said felt frustrated and worried about the direction that the United States is heading now that Donald Trump is president. And like many progressive North Carolinians, hes also been concerned about the actions of the Republican-led General Assembly. But living in a conservative rural county, Bradburn knew his left-leaning views and opinions would not be popular here. McDowell County voted overwhelmingly for Trump and supported every other Republican presidential candidate in recent decades. All of the county elected offices are now held by Republicans. Last year, not a single Democrat even filed to run for office in McDowell County. Then there is the state General Assembly, which is dominated by conservative Republicans, and legislation like House Bill 2, which caused controversy and boycotts nationwide and division even here in McDowell. Actions by the GOP-led Legislature resulted in the Moral Monday protests in Raleigh and elsewhere. We are concerned about the direction North Carolina has taken, said Bradburn. I felt voiceless and there are a lot of smart, talented people who are being shut out. Bradburn reached out through Facebook to find out who else in McDowell County shares his worries and frustrations. At first, he was a little apprehensive. He told The McDowell News that he had to ask himself Do I really want to step into this? He immediately found out that numerous other people here felt the same way and thought it was past time that their voices were heard. It kind of has exploded, said Bradburn. I think our real goal is to become a positive force. We didnt want to get into political squabbles. A lot of talented people have come on board. One of the most important things I wanted to do was to get young people involved. Blair is one of those. Hes attended meetings of the Marion City Council and the McDowell County Commissioners and has paid attention to how local government operates. Blair said he hopes this new movement will advocate for positive changes in the local community through citizen participation and volunteerism. I want us to become a volunteer organization, as well as a political organization, said the 28-year-old Blair. We are here to build bridges, build communities. We want work with every charitable organization. Tony Bradley is another person who has joined in this effort although he is older and more politically experienced than Blair. He was president of the McDowell County Democrat Club for several years. He said there was also a Young Democrat Club here in 2008, when Barack Obama was elected president, but it faded from the scene. This is an all-new movement in our county that was started on Facebook but has been encouraged by the recent events in the leadership of our local, state and federal governments and especially our new President, he said in a Facebook message to a McDowell News reporter. Our local Democratic party, including myself, has suffered due to the aging of our members and the failure to bring newer people into the party and keep them involved. However with the recent election and the recent events in Washington there has been a great interest in our local young and middle age people to revive our local Democratic party again. In an interview, Bradley said McDowell will experience change when people from Buncombe, which is more liberal, will likely relocate here because it is about to go through a revaluation. The property values in McDowell are much more affordable. These newcomers will bring different ideas and attitudes to this community. A week ago on Sunday afternoon, Bradburn, Blair and Bradley convened a meeting of like-minded people at the Crooked Door Coffee House. More than 50 showed up. The gathering included more women than men and a few African-Americans and Hispanics, according to Blair and Bradley. Blair said he and others in his group are aware that many Hispanics, who could be undocumented residents, are fearful of what might happen to them under the Trump Administration. We want them to know we stand with them, he said. Mott Buff, chairwoman of the local party, said shes happy to see this movement get underway. She was unable to attend the meeting on Sunday. Yes, there is a positive movement in our county for a bigger and better Democratic Party and as chair, we welcome them, she said. We are excited that folks are wanting to be involved. Long-time Democratic Party leaders Robert Ayers and Don Ramsey were there for this meeting along with local NAACP President Ray McKesson. The group agreed to call their movement the McDowell County Democratic Reinvention Project. They want to work with the local Democratic Party but also focus on community involvement and volunteerism, along with political campaigns. We want to be kind of a separate entity, said Blair in the interview. Following this Sunday meeting, Bradburn asked these people through Facebook to share their thoughts about why they are getting involved. He told them their statements would be provided to a McDowell News reporter for this story. Almost 20 people submitted their statements. I joined because I want to help, said Ann Kernahan of Little Switzerland. The Democratic party needs a simple, plain plan of action. A platform we can all agree on. I'd like to see us less fractured, more focused. A community organized and ready to stand up for Democratic ideals. We can sit back and let the Republicans speak about who we are, or we can do it ourselves, more honestly. I joined because the social and economic needs in the county are heartbreaking and I dont see much being done about them on a local government level, said Janet Patterson of Marion. I joined because my daughter works for Women & Girls Rights internationally at the International Center for Women's Rights in DC, said Gabrielle Marlene Thompson of Marion. As I write this, she is in Dubai working for Womens economic rights in Dubai. She grew up here. She believes in human rights. We need to go forward as a Democratic Party that supports us all. I joined so that I could be the change I want to see, Elizabeth Bush Suttles of Marion. I wanted to be more actively involved in our community and help this community to thrive like those around us, but I wasn't sure what steps I needed to take. I had been losing my faith in humanity, then you all showed up. I had felt like an outcast in this community for so long, and I wasn't sure where I fit in because of my progressive leanings. It was refreshing and comforting to be included in this group and meet other people who share the same views and goals. I wanted to be a part of something that was sure to bring about a positive change in our community. The McDowell Reinvention Project has given me new hope for this change to come about, with people actively wanting to see it improve and become a party for all people, said Justin McGovney, former Marion resident who lives in Boone. And its not just here in Marion but it seems to be happening all across the state and the nation. Lets take this opportunity and have our voices heard and cared for again. Let's make a future together. I joined because I'm invested in McDowell County, said Amanda Elledge Finn of Marion. I came back to McDowell because I believe in the people here; they have good hearts. I'm invested in a career as an educator and administrator that serves McDowell County. We are at a crossroads, we can move forward and enact change here in our own community or we can watch while the country that our founding fathers built is disassembled. Ramsey, who is a city councilman and former Clerk of Court, said many progressive-minded people feel their voices have not been considered by those in power here and elsewhere. They have been ostracized in a conservative community. They have been left out and they haven't been heard, he said. Blair said he hopes this new positive movement will work with other organizations to make McDowell County a better place for all to live. He listed the McDowell Trails Association, More Heart Than Scars, Alive Cubed and the various animal welfare groups as some of the local organizations with which they can find common goals. Bradburn wants to include music and the performing arts in this effort. No one is alone here, said Blair. This is a community for leftists, progressives. We want the arts to flourish. We want to make it fun. They also plan to be a part of the next meeting of the county Democratic Party, which is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Dragons Lair restaurant. Patsy Keever, the past chairwoman for the N.C. Democratic Party, is the guest speaker. Ramsey, who is chairman of the Democrat Club, said hes very encouraged by this new effort. We are going to come out with a positive message, he said. We've been going backwards far too long. Overall, there was a great group of people at the meeting. We're out to combine our efforts and forces and do what is good for our county and our state. Members will also talk about organizing the countys 17 precincts. Members of the McDowell County Democratic Reinvention Project are already talking about how to do that. Another meeting is being discussed to be held at the Marion Depot. My goal is to make the Democratic Party more progressive and electable, said Blair. Bradley, who has worked on this far longer, said Were facing an uphill battle in this county. Its a very conservative county. Its the uphill battles that are worth fighting, said Blair. President Donald Trump will be forced to deal with ongoing threats from North Korea as that country gains the ability to threaten the continental U.S. with a nuclear strike, an official said on Sunday, hours after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into nearby seas. North Korea will probably develop its ballistic missile technology enough to pair with its nuclear weapons to reach the U.S. during Trump's tenure, said Richard Haas, president of the Council on Foreign Relations. Either the U.S. gets the Chinese to help increase pressure on North Korea through sanctions, or Trump will have "a truly consequential decision," Haas said on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS" on Sunday. "Trump is going to have to face a truly fateful decision about whether we're prepared to live with that, a North Korea that has that capability against us, or we are going to use military force one way or another to destroy their nuclear missile capability," Haas said. South Korea's military said the missile fired on Sunday was believed to be an improved version of the mid-range Musudan model. It was launched at 7:55 a.m. local time from North Korea's northwest, the same region where the regime fired a Musudan missile in October. The projectile flew 500 kilometers (310 miles) into its East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, South Korea's joint chiefs of staff said in a text message. The launch drew a joint rebuke from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump during Abe's visit to the U.S., as well as condemnation from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Russia. Abe, speaking at a briefing late Saturday with Trump at the president's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, said the missile test "can absolutely not be tolerated." He called on North Korea to fully comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions. The launch was the first provocation by North Korea since Trump took office on Jan. 20. Trump has vowed to prevent the country from developing the capability to strike the U.S. with a missile. "The United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent," he said on Saturday. Neither Abe nor Trump took questions. The U.S. Strategic Command said in a statement that Pyongyang launched a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile that posed no threat to North America. South Korea's presidential security adviser Kim Kwan Jin called U.S. counterpart Michael Flynn after the launch, the Blue House said in a statement. They agreed to cooperate on ways to deter North Korea, it said. The new president is sending a message of "strength and solidarity" with Japan in response to North Korea's test firing, and the provocation shows the need to bolster the U.S. military as Trump has promised, White House aide Stephen Miller said. "President Trump is displaying the strength of America to the whole world," Miller said on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday. "And it's why we're going to begin a process of rebuilding our depleted defense capabilities on a scale we have not seen in generations." Kim Jong Un's regime has accelerated North Korea's efforts to develop nuclear weapons and missiles that can strike the U.S. and its allies in Asia. In response, the U.S. plans to deploy a missile defense system known as Thaad in South Korea, a move opposed by China, North Korea's primary ally. The missile test came amid signs that Trump, having previously chided Japan for what he said was an insufficient contribution to the cost of housing U.S. troops there, wants to reset his relationship with Abe. While Pyongyang may not have timed the launch during Abe's visit specifically to send a signal to the new U.S. administration, it allowed Abe and Trump to present a collective response. Even as he criticizes Japan for its trade and currency policies, Trump promised during his meeting with Abe in Washington on Feb. 10 that the countries' military alliance covers East China Sea islands that are disputed with China. That suggests a greater recognition that the U.S. needs Japan's assistance in North Asia for two things: to act as a buffer against China, and to help pressure Kim over his nuclear ambitions. The range of the missile fired on Sunday, if confirmed, is greater than an intermediate-range Musudan missile that North Korea fired in 2016, according to Cheong Seong-chang, a senior fellow at the Sejong Institute. "The North's improvement in missile capability shown today will be met by the Trump administration's strong opposition and will likely accelerate the Thaad deployment in South Korea," Cheong said. "That would, of course, trigger a backlash by China, which will likely retaliate against South Korea further." North Korea fired at least 25 projectiles last year, according to the UN, which bans it from pursuing ballistic missile technology because it could be used to deliver nuclear warheads. Pyongyang also detonated two nuclear devices in 2016. Kim said on Jan. 1 that his country was in the "last stage" of preparations to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile, leading Trump to write on Twitter, "It won't happen!" Trump didn't give specifics of how he'd stop Kim's missile development. The UN Security Council unanimously passed a fresh resolution in late November that tightened sanctions on North Korea, including cutting the country's coal exports, after the regime conducted its fifth nuclear test in September. Australia, which co-sponsored the resolution, will consider further sanctions, it said in a statement on Sunday. Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada told reporters on Sunday in comments carried by NHK that the ministry will continue to gather information about the latest test. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan would look to strengthen cooperation on information sharing with the U.S. and South Korea, Kyodo reported. A celebration of the talented student artists at Old Fort Elementary will kick off with an event Thursday evening to help raise money for the schools program. Old Fort Elementarys Winter Arts Festival will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday in the gym at the school. The community is invited to this free event which will feature a bake sale, silent auction, raffle, karaoke and other musical performances. We have been so blessed with local businesses donating gift baskets and gift cards. Whatever money is raised will go back into the art program, said parent volunteer Christy Tilson. The kids are so excited to show off their work. Art tutor Stephanie Lindley told the newspaper community support and outreach is crucial for the success of the schools program. Community support is so vital in helping children broaden their thinking and to be able to see another world of learning, said Lindley. It also opens their minds to do significantly better in the academic realm as well. Helping these kids be more well-rounded is our duty as a community. The organizers of the event handpicked 335 pieces of work from each student at Old Fort so every student would have something on display. We are going to have several watercolors, shadow printing pieces, session on Picasso cubism and 3-D items (to name a few), said Tilson. All of the money raised at the event will go directly back into the arts program. Sometimes we get the scraps, so its nice for students to come into art class and have new items, said Tilson. The festival is still accepting items donations, or items to be raffled or auctioned. For more information, contact stephanielindley@mcdowell.k12.nc.us. 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. Nearly 34 million people live with HIV 3.3 million of the affected individuals are below the age of 15 7000 people contract HIV every day This makes it 300 every hour The right to sexual and reproductive health and care The right to being treated with respect The right to receive quality and accessible care The right to have non-judgmental conversations that are free from stigma Pain or burning sensation during urination Discharge that is unusual and with foul odor Pain in lower abdomen Itching sensation Bleeding that occurs during intercourse or between menstrual periods Pain during intercourse In India, there is a helpline available to provide confidential counseling as well as to answer queries associated with sexual health by the National Population Stabilisation Fund (Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh). The helpline number is 1800-11-6555.There are many sexually transmitted infections that exist, though most people are only aware of AIDS and HIV infections. The other sexually transmitted infections include genital warts , genital herpes, chlamydia , syphilis, gonorrhea, crab lice and trichomoniasis . These are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact but are not limited by the gender, age or personal hygiene of the individual.They are spread by the organisms that are found to thrive in semen, vaginal fluids, bumps, sores and the blood of infected individuals. Other methods of transmission of these infections are through sharing needles, use of un-sterilized equipment for body piercing as well as in tattooing.According to the UNAIDS Report 2012There is an urgent need for prevention of HIV to prevent the continued spread of the disease, especially in countries which have been showing a continuous increase in trend.Education can play a key role in raising awareness about sexual and reproductive health of an individual, offering hope for a productive life. The UNAIDS Inter-Agency Task Team on Education set up a working group called the "Accelerate Initiative Working Group" to increase awareness in sub-Saharan Africa.Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week is celebrated in certain regions of the world from February 12th to February 17th. The Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights is actively raising awareness about opening up about doubts associated with sexual health.The theme for this year's sexual and reproductive health awareness week is "Ready for some pillow talk" which is aimed at having an open communication between doctors and patients which is vital for sexual and reproductive health. This is based onThe symptoms of the disease includeAn individual who suspects the presence of sexually transmitted diseases should visit a good physician. Even when the symptoms disappear, the infection may still remain with the need for treatment to cure it. When the infection remains untreated, it could lead to serious complications that could lead to sterility and could be fatal.WHO has been actively campaigning against forced female genital mutilation, an essential component to healthy sexual and reproductive health. Current estimates show that over 200 million girls and women across the world have been subjected to harmful practices that inflict permanent harm to female genitalia.The sexual and reproductive health awareness Day 2017 is an important day to spread the need to protect the body from harmful practices and to increase education about sexually transmitted diseases that threaten to reach epidemic proportions. Education at the grassroots level, starting form school children will aid in reaching out to individuals early and will encourage healthy sexual practices.Source: Medindia Advertisement The researchers imaged tissue from 101 neurosurgical patients using conventional methods and the new method. Both techniques, they found, produced accurate results but the new method was much faster.That, if applied widely, could change the pace and structure of an operation."By achieving excellent image quality in fresh tissues, we're able to make a diagnosis during surgery," says first author Daniel A. Orringer, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the University of Michigan Medical School. "This eliminates the lengthy process of sending tissues out of the OR for processing and interpretation.""Our technique may disrupt the intraoperative diagnosis process in a great way, reducing it from a 30-minute process to about three minutes," Orringer says. "Initially, we developed this technology as a means of helping surgeons detect microscopic tumor, but we found the technology was capable of much more than guiding surgery."Stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, the technology behind SRH, was developed in 2008, but the hazardous lasers it involved made it unsuitable for use in an operating room. A clinical version has now been developed and tested in the operating room for more than a year at U-M, with the fiber-laser-based microscope mounted right onto a clinical cart that plugs into the wall.To interpret the samples, researchers developed SRH, which creates images familiar to those currently in use.SRH uses virtual coloring to highlight the cellular and architectural features of brain tumors, with a result resembling traditional staining. The pathologist is then able to differentiate the tumor tissue from normal brain as usual."It's very similar to what we currently do in our intraoperative diagnosis, with the exception that the tissue is fresh, has not been processed or stained," says senior author Sandra Camelo-Piragua, assistant professor of pathology at the U-M Medical School.In thestudy, neuropathologists were given 30 specimen samples, processed via SRH or traditional methods. They were told the same information about each patient's medical history and the location of the tumor and asked to make a diagnosis.Those pathologists, the U-M researchers found, were equally likely to make a correct diagnosis whether they used SRH or conventional slides."SRH imaging will ensure that appropriate and good quality tissue is collected to reach our ultimate goal: accurate diagnosis," Camelo-Piragua says.As Orringer and his team continue to improve this imaging technology, they're also teaching a computer how to use SRH images to make diagnoses.They built and validated a machine learning process that was able to predict brain tumor subtype with 90 percent accuracy in a subset of 30 patient samples."The more we feed the computer, the more accurate its diagnoses will become," Orringer says.Using SRH might also improve the workflow for facilities without access to expert neuropathologists. Orringer notes that smaller hospitals may be able to partner with larger systems that do have access, since there are fewer than 800 board-certified neuropathologists compared to the approximately 1,400 U.S. institutions performing brain surgery."Bringing the SRH to smaller hospitals would extend their capabilities because the images can be interpreted remotely," he says. Sample preparation is minimal and the SRH could quickly deliver virtual histologic sections to aid diagnosis remotely.The next step is a large-scale clinical trial, with an eventual goal of showing equivalence between SRH technique for making diagnoses, Orringer says. The prototype system is currently intended for research use only.Source: Eurekalert Advertisement The research found that over-the-counter supplements - commonly advertised to treat obesity and erectile dysfunction problems - are labelled as fully herbal but often include potentially dangerous pharmaceutical ingredients, which are not listed on the label.Professor Burns from Queen's University, who is working to advance knowledge in this area, explained: "Our review looked at research from right across the globe and questioned the purity of herbal food supplements. We have found that these supplements are often not what customers think they are - they are being deceived into thinking they are getting health benefits from a natural product when actually they are taking a hidden drug.""These products are unlicensed medicines and many people are consuming large quantities without knowing the interactions with other supplements or medicines they may be taking. This is very dangerous and there can be severe side effects."The survey raises serious questions about the safety of slimming supplements containing Sibutramine. Sibutramine was licensed as the medicine Reductil until 2010, when it was withdrawn across Europe and the US due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes associated with the use of the drug.Tadalfil and sulfoaildenafil were among the most frequently undeclared ingredients in products for erectile dysfunction. When taken with other medicines containing nitrates, they can lower blood pressure drastically and cause serious health problems.Professor Burns noted: "This is a real issue as people suffering from conditions like diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension are frequently prescribed nitrate containing medicines. If they are also taking a herbal supplement to treat erectile dysfunction, they could become very ill. People who take these products will not be aware they have taken these substances and so when they visit their doctor they may not declare this and it can be difficult to determine what is causing the side effects. It is a very dangerous situation."Professor Declan Naughton explained: "This work highlights the vital role research and, in particular, techniques like datamining, can play in informing regulators about current trends in supplement contamination. This is very important to ensure effective testing strategies and, ultimately, to help keep the public safe."Dr Michael Walker commented: "The laboratory tests we describe in our paper will assist regulators to tackle this problem proactively to protect consumers and responsible businesses."Source: Eurekalert Known for training the creme-de-la-creme of the society, IITs have majorly been synonymous with courses for engineering and medical technology. However IIT Kharagpur is setting a new trend and this move can open up new avenues of a brighter future for Indian students. The premium institute is introducing a first-of-its-kind school on Quality and Reliability (Q&R) which aims to improve the quality of life and carve students into global citizens whose primary focus will be on quality. BCCL Every time we hear someone say theyre from IIT, we automatically assume that they must be either mechanical or electrical engineering students. Our families too, focus on certain courses only instead of asking us which field we are interested in. We hope that this school will give a new approach to education and people will now look forward to the school of Q&R will equal passion. BCCL This school will also focus on working towards the trinity of the 3 Ps i.e. Process, Planet and People that is said to target Engineering, Human and Natural systems. According to the Director of IIT Kharagpur, Prof. P. P. Chakrabarti, the school will bring together students and faculty members of various disciplines and will offer courses, research and mission-mode programmes to bring about a social transformation, while working closely with other academic units in the institute. Reportedly, Dr. Subir Chowdhury, the Institutes notable alumnus, will be supporting this initiative. In times where people still put a lot of emphasis on conventional courses, this move will not just help students come out of their comfort zones and try their hands at newer fields, but will also drive us out of the habit of only mugging things up and not learning anything. For all those 12th standard students looking forward to their board exams, we are sure this news will cheer you up. Source: Indian Express That time of the year is here where some people will be going on dates with their significant others while the rest of the us will be sitting at home either binge-watching Game of Thrones or some action movie on Netflix yes, we are talking about the much hyped Valentines Day. On one hand, couples see this as an opportunity to profess their love, buy gifts and plan dates, singles look at it as a reminder that this year too they will be sincerely loved only by their family and pizza. Shinder At a time when every guy is looking at their singlehood with pity, Shed Simove, a London based entrepreneur has upped his dating game with sass by creating an app similar to Tinder. Now for those wondering whats so special about this app, try swiping right or left. You will only find Simoves pictures because he is the only suitor available in the app. Simove not only killed any possible competition, but also made every single guys dream a reality by creating this brilliant app Shinder https://shinder.me/login. With the tagline Quality, not quantity, how can one not fall for his charm? YouTube In the digital age where one swipe decides the fate of your relationship, which only gets tougher with competition, this guy cuts through everything to sweep his dream girl off her feet (only if she registers, of course). Now, if you are a man trying to see if you have any chances of swiping right, sorry to break your heart, but Simove will send you a message saying Sorry, Shed is currently heterosexual and is specifically looking for women. Take a bow dude, women are already in love with your brain. Twitter He even made this video where the app is explained in detail leaving us amused and mesmerized by his talent and ideas. Reportedly, earlier Shed even wrote a book titled "What Every Man Thinks About Apart From Sex" which had nothing but 200 blank pages inside and it shouldn't come as a surprise that this became a bestseller. So, dear men out there, take notes and add a little swag to your dating game; and ladies, dont make this guy wait anymore, this genius is definitely a keeper. 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. Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias will pay an official visit to Vietnam from Monday to Wednesday, 13 to 15 February. On Monday, 13 February, Mr. Kotzias will meet with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Pham Binh Minh. Following their meeting, the two Ministers will make statements to the press. On Tuesday, 14 February, Mr. Kotzias will visit the Mausoleum of the historic Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh, where a wreath-laying ceremony will take place. He will also pay a visit to the historic home of General Vo Nguyen Giap. The Foreign Minister will then travel to Ho Chi Minh city, where he will meet with the Chairman of the local People's Committee, Nguyen Thanh Phong. On Wednesday morning, 15 February, before departing, Mr. Kotzias will visit the Saigon Hi tech Park and the War Remnants Museum. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A handful of old-timers in Beaumont were witnesses to rock and roll history 47 years ago this week and they likely don't remember a darn thing about the night. But what they saw changed the course of Texas rock for decades. On this date in February 1970, ZZ Top played at a Knights of Columbus Hall on old U.S. 90, a gig booked by Beaumont radio personality Al Caldwell of KLVI, who would later also broadcast the band's first recordings. This would be the bands first show together with their now-iconic lineup of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard installed. Gibbons started the band in late 1969 and the pieces soon came together. FARRAH HAD IT: The hidden Houston connection to a classic R&B radio hit Houston fans will get to see ZZ Top back in action next month as the band is slated to play RodeoHouston on Tuesday, March 21 at NRG Stadium. The band turned in a raucous set last weekend at Super Bowl Live festivities in downtown Houston. Back in 2015 bassist Hill told Chron.com via email that he had to borrow a pivotal piece of stage equipment to play the show. "I had to borrow a bass for that gig. I didn't actually own one. It was the Knights of Columbus Hall and though I didn't meet any knights or royalty, there were a lot of cool people who came out to hear us play," Hill wrote. "And so it began..." In those early days they also played a handful of proms and sanctioned high school parties, probably warping hundreds of young Texans for decades to come. THE VERY FIRST TOP: The story of ZZ Tops first album A picture of the band at the Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School prom in Orange made the rounds years back over on Reddit. Its probably the closest picture one will find of the band when it was just a few months old. A yearbook club error had them billed as Zee Zee Top in the photo. A year or so after that first gig in Beaumont the band released its debut album simply titled ZZ Tops First Album on U.K. label London Records. The Christian Dior brand is arguably one of the most influential brands in the fashion industry, and this year is the 70th anniversary of the brand's beginning. In 1947, Christian Dior started his eponymous couture label in the heart of Paris and was dubbed a creative genius of his time. Since his reign of lead creative, his legacy has continued through the fashions of design greats, including Yves Saint Laurent (from 1957-1960), Marc Bohan (1960-1989), Gianfranco Ferre (1989-1996), John Galliano (1996-2011), Bill Gaytten (2011-2012) and Raf Simons (2012-2016). Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go. Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune... The Cubs and right-handed reliever Pedro Strop have reached a deal to avoid arbitration, tweets Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune. Strops 2017 salary will be $5.5MM a little above the $5.3MM midpoint. As MLBTRs Arbitration Tracker shows, Strop had been seeking $6MM, while the Cubs $4.6MM offer came in well below that figure. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected Strop would receive $5.5MM via arbitration on the heels of a third straight excellent season. Strop, 31, logged a sub-3.00 ERA (2.85, to be exact) and at least 20 holds (21) for the third consecutive year. He also posted tremendous strikeout and walk rates of 11.41 and 2.85, respectively, to go with a lofty 58.5 percent ground-ball mark. Injuries limited Strop to 47 1/3 regular-season innings, his lowest total since 2011, but he did get solid results over 5 2/3 playoff frames for the World Series champions. In postseason series wins over the Giants, Dodgers and Indians, Strop struck out three and yielded two earned runs on three hits and one walk. With Strops salary now set for 2017, the Cubs have settled with all of their arbitration-eligible players. Strop could be entering his final season with the club, as hes scheduled to become a free agent next winter. KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre will present the a stage adaptation of the important literary work, "To Kill a Mockingbird" in the Civic Auditorium beginning Feb. 17. Scout Finch, a tomboy, and her older brother Jem live in a sleepy Alabama town during the 1930s depression. When Atticus, their widowed father and a lawyer of integrity, defends Tom Robinson, an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman, their idyllic childhood is jolted with the realization that prejudice, stereotyping and bigotry rule in their small hometown. With themes as relevant today as they were in 1935 Maycomb, Alabama, "To Kill a Mockingbird" challenges with powerful lessons of tolerance, justice and quiet courage. Artistic director Todd Espeland is directing "To Kill a Mockingbird" which plays in the Civic Auditorium, 329 S. Park St. on Feb. 17, 18, 24, 25, and March 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays Feb.19 and 26 at 2 p.m. "To Kill a Mockingbird" contains mild staged violence and the occasional use of racial slurs. Ticket prices range from $15 - $25. For more information call 269-343-1313 or visit www.kazoocivic.com. BAY CITY, MI -- A Hampton Township woman initially charged with a felony after allegedly beating another woman in a Kroger parking lot after a road rage incident has pleaded down to a misdemeanor. Natasha N. Knight, 35, on Feb. 3 appeared in Bay County District Court and pleaded no contest to one count of reckless driving, a 93-day misdemeanor. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss single counts of assault with a dangerous weapon -- a four-year felony -- assault and battery, and driving while license suspended, denied, or revoked. Knight's charges stem from an incident that happened Aug. 21. Just before 8 p.m., police responded to an assault complaint at Kroger, 2910 Center Ave. in Hampton Township. The officer at the scene spoke with a 33-year-old woman, who said she had been heading east on Center near Trumbull when she changed lanes. A gray Jeep she pulled in front of then passed her and cut her off, she said. The woman went on to say the Jeep kept changing lanes and stopping in front her, forcing her to hit her brakes and change lanes herself to avoid striking it, court records show. The woman eventually pulled into the Kroger lot, only to be followed by the Jeep, she said. She exited the vehicle with her daughter and was heading into the store when the driver of the Jeep stepped out of her vehicle as well. "Hey, it's Natasha," the driver of the Jeep yelled. The complainant said the woman was Knight, adding she knew her but they're not friends. "Just 'cause we know each other gives you no reason to drive like that," the complainant told Knight, according to court records. Knight then came up and hit the other woman in the back of the head, according to court records. A scuffle ensued, in which Knight put the other woman in a headlock and the other woman pulled Knight's hair, court records show. The woman started yelling for witnesses to help and call police. The fight then stopped and Knight returned to her Jeep, but the other woman stood behind it to take a photo of her license plate and prevent her from leaving before police arrived, she said. Knight proceeded to put her Jeep in reverse and began pushing the other woman with it, the woman told police. She had to get out of the way to avoid being run over, she told police. Knight then drove off. Witnesses gave police a similar version of events, claiming to have seen Knight put the other woman in a headlock and bumping her with her Jeep, court records show. Police went to Knight's apartment where the Jeep was parked with the engine still warm, but knocks on her door went unanswered, court records show. Authorities issued a warrant for Knight on Monday, Sept. 12. She appeared for her arraignment in Bay County District Court on Thursday, Sept. 29. District Judge Mark E. Janer is to sentence Knight at 8:30 a.m. on March 14. A movie shedding light on Syrian refugees who have settled in Detroit is in the works, with a focus on abandonment and revitalization in the city. Maen Hammad's dream: producing content for VICE News in the Middle East because of their heavy focus of reporting on the ground. Maen Hammad, a Palestinian-born, Metro Detroit-raised filmmaker, spent some time off from school this winter filming stories of some of Detroit's Syrian refugees. He anticipates screening the short documentary "America's Syrians" within in a couple months. "I think Detroit is very special in being a troubled city that needs help in all its different ways, and a place that's often neglected in the same way that refugees are neglected," Hammad said. "It's a place that has a story to share, but nobody is really trying to listen." Hammad is a graduate student at George Washington University, studying international law and conflict resolution with a focus on the Middle East. While studying the complexities of civil wars and armed conflict, Hammad sought out to share the human dimension of the Syrian refugee crisis. "It struck home here in Detroit because of its history as a refugee city," he said. "I was trying to connect the idea of Metro Detroit as not only the home to a large portion of refugees or Arab population to begin with, but also as kind of a place and a refugee of itself." In 2015, Hammad produced "Kickflips Over Occupation," a documentary highlighting the skateboarding scene in Palestine's West Bank. He said Palestinian youths use skateboarding as a tool to cope with the burdens of occupation and military conflict. The simple idea transformed into a powerful project that inspired him to delve into another one of the world's most sensitive subjects, this time focusing on Detroit. "America's Syrians," Hammad said, has a targeted audience of people who may have never spoken to a Syrian refugee, "Americans who are going to be somewhat surprised when they hear from a young 23-year-old man who's trying to get a degree and be successful, that he's not a terrorist and he wants to be peaceful and fled ISIS and other groups." The 23-year-old featured in the film, Hamoda Abou-Shaar, has been living in Metro Detroit for 18 months and is studying psychology and business at Oakland Community College, hoping to transfer to Oakland University to later pursue dentistry. Abou-Shaar said his family's struggles during the civil war in Syria led him to stop attending college. He said government checkpoints in Damascus made travel difficult and dangerous, with military officers always aggressively on the lookout for rebels. He fled the turmoil and spent three years in Turkey while going through a stringent vetting process before coming to the U.S. He said the relief that came once he completed the process was as if he'd "passed a test." During the two-year wait for his visa, he adapted to Turkish culture, learned the language and studied mechanical engineering until he was approved to make his way to Detroit. "We always had that dark stigma about Detroit, but when I came here, nothing was true," he said. "Detroit opened my eyes. [It] welcomed me and it became wholly my home and the city I represent now." He has dreams of some day returning to Syria when conditions are safe to help rebuild the country. For now, Abou-Shaar wants to help Americans understand Syria's reality. If Syrian refugees don't share their experiences, he said, the stories of living under siege in cities like Aleppo or Homs will be forgotten. Abou-Shaar currently works at a manufacturing company in Warren. Hammad views a potential influx of refugees as an opportunity to replace some of the residents Detroit has lost in the decades that saw it's population drop from 1.8 million to under 700,000. "Refugees, especially because of the nature of Detroit, are the perfect fit because they have a culture, an educational background, they're hardworking and they're eager and willing to help rebuild Detroit," Hammad said. "America's Syrians" focuses on five families in Hamtramck, Dearborn and the Bloomfield-area. Most fled Syria to nearby countries until their visas were processed, and found a new sense of hope after arriving in the U.S. "It's beautiful that I can do whatever I want here," Abou-Shaar said. "I can finally water the seeds that I planted." Hammad said the subjects of the film seemed to convey a common message: "Don't think of refugees as terrorists," he said. "We're people of peace, we came here, we fled ISIS, we fled terrorism at large and we're here to make a better life and to enjoy our life, to be happy and peaceful." FLINT, MI -- Pieces of Chris Bouldin's brown hair had turned orange after the flames for a house fire Sunday afternoon in Flint had licked at the top of his head. Bouldin was at a West Second Street home around 12:30 p.m. Feb. 12 when he noticed something out of the ordinary. "All we did was let the dogs out and all of a sudden we saw smoke," he said of the fire that appears to have started in an upstairs bedroom of the home near Fox Street west of downtown Flint. He's been living at the home with owner Chris Hiselman, Hiselman's girlfriend, and the couple's two children. Hiselman and Bouldin met while serving in the U.S. Army, with both having served at least one tour of duty in Iraq before exiting the military and finding civilian jobs. Hiselman was at work when the fire began, telling family and friends at the scene "I called the boss and said I've got to go. My house is on fire." He's owned the two-story home for eight years. Going back into the home to look for two cats after getting the dogs out of the home, Bouldin observed "flames that were taller than I was." Firefighters worked on knocking down the blaze for some time, with a stiff wind rekindling small pockets of flames along the edge of the roof. A Flint fire official at the scene said a space heater may have led to the incident. It's unknown at this time if the cats made it safely out of the home. The fire remains under investigation at this time. you are here: Having gone off the rails offensively, reality has bitten into the Phillies magical playoff ride. The streakiness that mostly defined the 2022 Phillies under Joe Girardi and occasionally reared its ugly head after Rob Thomson took over as manager has... Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity At no point in my life have I ever felt as alienated from politics as I do now. Three weeks into the Trump administration, I find much to agree with proposed tax cuts, deregulation, good Cabinet choices but even more that makes me uncomfortable, indeed fearful. Despite the apocalyptic rhetoric of the election, the United States is in relatively good shape. We have an economy that is growing, albeit sluggishly; a crime rate that is historically low, though it has ticked up over the past year or so; the strongest military in the world and perhaps the most experienced, if overtasked, service members in our history; and the most educated population we've ever had. With one party in control of the executive and legislative branches of government, the nation is poised to make progress on several vexing problems, including reforming health care and improving our immigration system. But much of my optimism that it is possible to get important things done is tempered by a White House that seems more interested in settling scores than in moving forward to improve the lives of all who live here. In a span of a few days, President Donald Trump nominated a Supreme Court justice of stellar caliber, U.S. Circuit Judge Neil Gorsuch, and then undid the goodwill generated by his action by launching a broadside against the American judicial system. When a judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order against the president's temporary ban on people entering the U.S. from seven majority-Muslim countries, Trump referred to the judge as a "so-called judge" and then set the stage to blame the judge for future terror attacks. "If something happens blame him and court system. People pouring in. Bad!" Trump tweeted. Trump's tirades didn't stop there but continued next against the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard a government request to stay the lower court order. Demeaning both his own Justice Department lawyers and the plaintiffs' attorneys, he described the arguments before the appellate court as "disgraceful." He told a group of sheriffs and police chiefs: "I think it's sad. I think it's a sad day. I think our security is at risk today." The appellate court issued a ruling Thursday, upholding the lower court's restraining order, a defeat for the government and Trump. It is impossible to brush aside Trump's impulsive behavior. It undermines the very agenda that he hopes to accomplish. The fight to confirm Gorsuch was never going to be easy. Democrats are still smarting from the refusal of the GOP-controlled Senate to give Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee, a hearing to fill the seat of deceased Justice Antonin Scalia. The Senate is closely divided in partisan terms, with 52 Republicans, 46 Democrats and two independents who caucus with the Democrats. That means that to avoid a filibuster, either some Democrats must support Gorsuch or Republicans must suspend Senate rules to allow a simple majority vote for confirmation. Trump has urged the Republicans to do the latter to exercise the "nuclear option," as it is often referred to but that would do lasting damage to the process going forward, further polarizing an already deeply divided body. One wonders why there is no one in President Trump's circle who can stand up to him and say, "Your behavior is threatening your legacy and the stability of our system." I will give the president the benefit of the doubt that he wants to make things better for Americans. But he can't do so with threats and bullying. Insulting those who disagree with him won't persuade them. Ignoring administrative procedures and the traditional vetting process won't improve the quality of his directives. Watching cable TV for hours, as he has admitted to doing, won't inform him about complicated issues, nor will excluding from national security meetings some of the very people on whom he should be relying for advice. Surrounding himself with yes men and yes women who tell him what he wants to hear will eventually undo him. He needs open, honest debate from people who actually understand policy and government to present him with the best options. Getting things done quickly isn't so important as getting them done well and properly. I want the Trump administration to succeed. But I fear that the president is laying the groundwork for his own destruction. It's not too late to get on track, but if things don't change soon, it will be. And only Donald Trump can save himself by putting aside petty grievances. Linda Chavez is the author of "An Unlikely Conservative: The Transformation of an Ex-Liberal." To find out more about Linda Chavez, www.creators.com. Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive. To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process. Bonnetts Book Store (502 E. 5th Street) was opened in the 1930s, which probably makes it the oldest business in The Oregon District . I dropped by recently to learn more about the stores history from Kevin Bonnett. My grandfather made the money he used to start this store by writing crime stories. They were published in pulp magazines like Black Mask and Thrilling Detective. We found a letter he wrote saying that he had sold 5 stories for $50 each, so maybe that was what he used to start this store. The original name of the store was Bonnetts Back Issue Magazines. Pulp magazines often had long stories told in installments. So when you finished reading an installment you could sell your used magazine to my grandfather and buy one with the next installment of the story you were reading. Most of the toys you see in the store date back to my fathers time. A customer who was moving out of town gave my Dad a toy to remember him by, and he placed it on a shelf in the store. My Dad thought that toy looked lonely and added a few. Then other customers started giving toys to the store and here we are. People are constantly asking about buying some of the toys, but they arent for sale. Theyre part of the stores history. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 69F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 69F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. You really cant remember. For sure, something important happened years ago, something you should recall very easily, but times made things fuzzy. Have you forgotten or, worse yet, have you just remembered everything wrong? Usually, you suppose, it wouldnt matter but in the new book The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson, it surely does. For decades, Carolyn Bryant Donham didnt talk about Emmett Till, her accusations, or his murder in 1955. Stories about that day swirled through the years, in court and out, depending on who was asked, but she kept mum until she read a book by Tyson, about a similar incident that happened 15 years after Till was killed. She reached out to Tyson, he claims, ready to talk. Shed written a biography, she said, and wanted it, and some other documents, to be archived appropriately. She denied remembering much, really, but it was during one of their interviews that Carolyn, at whom Till supposedly flirted, dropped a bombshell: she said Till never did what he was accused of doing. He didnt do it. Contrary to popular notions, says Tyson, its unlikely that Emmett Till wasnt aware of the dangers of interacting with white folks in 1955 Mississippi. Chicago, where Till grew up, was segregated, too, and hed surely heard northward-migrating Mississippians talk about trouble. Fourteen years old and filled with adolescence, he knew the dangers but he might have underestimated them. Hed begged his mother to let him take a train south to visit kin. Shed probably warned him anew of the risks; Mamie Till Mobley had lived in Mississippi, and she knew that Citizens Councils existed in the South, that theyd use intimidation and violence as tools of enforcement. The Brown v. Board of Education decision had also been released not long before and she mustve sensed that the South was bubbling, when Emmett Till stepped into a grocery store in Money, Mississippi. He was there, they claimed, less than a minute. As Tyson says, we may never know exactly what happened on that day in 1955. Some key people are dead, some have memories muddied by time or threats but with those facts in mind, theres still no denying that The Blood of Emmett Till, contains historical TNT. Donhams confession aside (as if thats not reason enough to read this book), Tyson does a fine job recounting what happened to Till, and afterward. No book on Till is complete without that, but the difference is that this one seems to ferret out small details that feel more uncommon; absolutely, Tyson gives additional back-story to Till, his mother, their family, to the accuser and her family, and to the atmosphere that surrounded them then. Those things are interesting theyll keep you reading but thats probably not what youd come to this book for. Indeed, this is as hot-button as they come, and its likely not the definitive word on this murder. Stay tuned and in the meantime, The Blood of Emmett Till is the title to remember. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate At Tuesdays Complexions Contemporary Ballet performance, audience can expect an atypical show. Presented in three acts, the show begins with a classical Bach piece. By the end of the show, the dancers and audience will be rocking out to Metallica. This show speaks much to CCBs mission of diversity. But that diversity doesnt just lie in the makeup of the company, but also in the art it presents. Founded in 1994 by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, the companys vision is to share a common appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism through dance. Richardson, 48, danced with the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and would go on to garner a Tony nomination for Broadways Fosse. Hes also worked with the legendary Twyla Tharp, who was in Midland last October. Before his companys show at the Wagner Noel, Richardson talked with the Midland Reporter-Telegram about the companys voice in the dance world, his place in dance and black history as the first black-American principal dancer of American Ballet Theater and dancing with Michael Jackson in Bad. IF YOU GO: Complexions Contemporary Ballet, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, 1310 N. Farm-to-Market Road 1788. $25. wagnernoel.com. See More Collapse MRT: February is Black History Month, and you have made your own history with the ABT in 1997. Richardson: I think because I live it, I dont feel like its lost on me. I get why there is Black History Month and Im really appreciative of it. But because I wear that accomplishment all the time, its more about how I can share that with my community. I had to learn from those brilliant people before me, which helped create my own future. Now its about sharing that information with younger dancers. MRT: The famed dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey was your mentor. You must find yourself in that position now. Richardson: Pretty awesome. We have students who come in, they cant believe Im in the room. Its crazy to me that they might see me that way when Im just as much in the grind of it with them. MRT: How did you and Dwight Rhoden come up with the name? Richardson: Back in 1994, we didnt have a name. This was just going to be a project for us. As we were putting it all together, Alvin Ailey said You have something here. You need to get a name. And in a rehearsal, one of the dancers parents remarked how the room is filled with so much complexity with our modern dance, our hip-hop dance. Even with our own various hues of complexion, the name made sense. MRT: There is much talk today in regards to different cultures that is often divisive. How does Complexions resolve that in its works and art? Richardson: Weve always spoken to the climate of each decade. In particular to now, where diversity is in question, thats what Complexions is all about. We are a hodgepodge but not just in our ethnicities but in our music, in our moves, and thats what we like. We share that unity and push that through to the audience. Where there is beauty in different, there is a commonality of heart, humanity and soul within dance -- and life. MRT: This show has an unexpected range from classical to heavy metal. How did that even come about? Richardson: Yeah. We start with Bach and end with Metallica. Dwight choreographed the show and Im still in awe of his gift. The show is in three acts with different music so youre never bored. We have pieces to songs by Don McLean and Stevie Wonder. We love all this music and we tell the story within each song. MRT: Metallica and ballet dont seem like a match. Richardson: You know, they actually have this incredible range. They are not only just headbanger music. They go to so many beautiful places in their music. We end with that in the third act called Strum. MRT: How do you sell the show or dance to those unfamiliar or who think they dont like the art? Richardson: I always tell people to come to the theater with an open mind. Theyll see an amalgam of dance styles from urban to classicism to modern movement. They will get an idea of high art because thats what we demand of our dancers. MRT: Youve performed on Broadway and film. When your company is doing a concert performance, what is that feeling like for you? Richardson: We always loved to transport the audience. Ill hear them say they are pleasantly surprised and Ive gotten emails about how they have had an experience and saw things they hadnt thought they would. They seem to feel a palpable sensation and were blessed and happy to continue that for them. MRT: Youve gotten the opportunity to work with so many greats, but what was your experience like with Michael Jackson? Richardson: I was in the Bad video, right? Im in a blue hat. (Director) Martin Scorsese pointed me out saying I looked kind of young for the part. So they did everything to make me look older. They put on a mustache, the hat, anything to make me look older. Zuzu Verk was named after Zuzu Bailey, a character in Frank Capras Its a Wonderful Life. An estimated 600 persons gathered Thursday to remember the short but wonderful life of the Sul Ross State University student, whose disappearance and death attracted national and international media attention and also forged tight community bonds. The celebration of life was held in the new outdoor classroom and amphitheater, which has been named in Verks honor. Sul Ross President Bill Kibler, students, a faculty member, law enforcement representatives, a former supervisor and Verks father, Glenn, all spoke of the diverse impacts the 21-year-old Natural Resource Management major had on their lives. Smart. Smiley. Sassy. Dedicated. Determined. Driven. Confident. Compassionate. Caring. Kibler said that in the midst of sadness in Verks passing, our spirits have been lifted by all that she meant to so many. He said she was drawn to the majesty and wonder of this land, and added that five words came to mind: presence, comfort, peace, strength and love. The presence of God helps to bring comfort and peace. We can rest in the strength we receive from the love of our Lord and the love we receive from each other, Kibler said, adding that Verk and her family would forever be members of the larger university and community family. Ray Bullock, chaplain for the Alpine Police Department and Brewster County Sheriffs Office, said that despite the tragedy, life continues, but a life that includes Verk. If we had our way this evening, we would whisk you up as her family, and we would take you away from here. We would take you away from the pain and grief, but we cant, Bullock said. We want things to remain the same, but they arent, so we go on, but as we go on, we go on with Zuzu and not without her. Hers was a wonderful life," Bullock said, and referred to Zuzu Bailey from Its a Wonderful Life, who handed her father, George, a flower. When petals fell off, she urged her father to paste them back on. Bullock encouraged his listeners to attach Zuzu Verks qualities. Paste my smile upon your life. Paste my passion on your hearts. Paste my beauty on your behavior, he said of Verk. Paste my dreams into your goals. Five of Verks friends and fellow Sul Ross students, made brief remarks of her impact on their lives. Mark Black told of her caring nature, not just for people, but for animals, especially her beloved pronghorns, amphibians and the environment. She was aware of the sanctity of life and the importance of living life to its fullest, he said. Charles Barrett reflected on the pleasures of arguing political and environmental issues on an almost-daily basis. I learned a lot from Zuzu; she made me think about things differently, he said, and added that she pushed him to be a better student of environmental science. Claire Veronie joined Verk on a pronghorn research project and was immediately welcomed as friend and colleague. She loved her pronghorn and was really good at tracking. ... I got to learn a lot and I found a friend in Zuzu. Everyone who hasnt met Zuzu tonight feels like theyve known her their entire life, said April Crowder, who expressed Zuzus caring side. Gunner Gardner praised the beautiful spirit that is Zuzu Verk. It was impossible not to have fun with someone like her. We will always love her as she loved us. Bonnie Warnock, professor and chair of the Department of Natural Resources and the Clint Josey Endowed Chair for Sustainable Ranch Management at Sul Ross, said the spitfire that Verk was could both endear and frustrate her professors. She was so intelligent that she could get things done at the last minute, which is so frustrating for some professors. She would say, Why do a rough draft? The finished product will be great, and it was. She was a free spirit and lived life on her terms, said Warnock, who ended with a quote from Henry David Thoreau: All good things are wild and free. Alpine Police officer Aaron Villanueva, who was the first to respond to Verks disappearance last October, referred to the Zuzu effect on the entire community. I was never fortunate enough to know Zuzu, but I did have the opportunity to know her family. I got to know how wonderful this family is and how wonderful Zuzu must have been, Villaneuva said. He emphasized the random acts of kindness by civilians, the excellent cooperation among law enforcement agencies and how Alpine pulled together as a community. Zuzu has made a huge impact on our little town, and the Zuzu effect has taken on a life of its own. Karen Sulewski, superintendent of Texas Parks and Wildlife, Fort Davis State Park, supervised Verk as an intern. She cited her diligence, attention to detail, energy and zest for life. Sulewski quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson: It is not the length of life, but the depth of life, adding, in her 22 years, she lived an entire life. Grief is the price you pay for love. Thanks for sharing Zuzu with us. Pam Kibler sang The Long and Winding Road, by the Beatles, one of Verks favorite musical groups The womans father concluded the tributes. Flanked by his wife, Lori, and son, Miles, Glenn Verk said that growing up, she excelled in anything and everything she set her mind to, and reflected on her ability to make friends easily. No one is poor if you have friends. Zuzu is the richest person I know. Glenn Verk said his family never tires of thanking the community and university for its many kindnesses. She loved this school and community and you loved her back, he said, adding that his daughter will always be remembered. Referring to #findzuzu, the social media hashtag that spread the word of her disappearance, Verk said, We did find her. It is my prayer that we continue finding Zuzu, in our hearts, always and forever. Steve Lang is in the news and publications department at Sul Ross State University. --- To donate to the Zuzu Verk Memorial Scholarship Fund in Natural Resource Management: -- Mail donations to C/O SRSU Office of External Affairs, PO Box C-114, Alpine, TX 79832, -- Donate online at the Sul Ross State University webpage. Click on "Giving," then click on "GIVE ONLINE," and go to "Zuzu Verk Memorial Scholarship Fund." For more information, call 432-837-8892. It has been written in this newspaper that 2017 will be a defining year for education in our community. Before we move forward, we must go back to 2016, a year for awareness, change, generosity, new beginnings and harsh realizations. It was a year for awareness because this community got a glimpse of how far our school system had plunged in just about every academic measurable. It was a year for change, as Superintendent Ryder Warren left Midland ISD after six years to assume the superintendent post in Northwest ISD. It was a year for generosity because Clarence Scharbauer III announced the Scharbauer Foundation would make a $10 million donation to Midland ISD. The donation helped the district deal with its revenue shortfall, which was a result of a recapture payment to Austin of more than $50 million -- Midland ISDs obligation as a property-rich school district. It was a year of new beginnings as the organization Educate Midland, funded by the Scharbauer, Henry and Abell-Hanger foundations, announced its presence in the community. Lastly, it was a year of harsh realizations as this community provided a profound vote of no confidence to a school district and its board in need of revenue moving forward. Despite the recapture payment, the few residents who voted in October overwhelming said no to the boards request to raise its maintenance and operations tax rate. But the ball dropped and another year appeared on the collective calendar. And less than 50 days into 2017, educational change is upon us. In fact, for those not paying close attention, it probably can be hard to keep up. Terms such as governance reports, system of great schools, PLCs, superintendent search firms are being thrown around left and right. Meetings are planned during the next 30 days to address numerous topics. There even will be a culture of ownership initiative thrown in as early as Mondays board of trustees meeting. That is a lot to take in. The goal today is to give you an education cheat sheet, so you have a better idea of whats what, when things are happening and what it all means. Lone Star Governance Report What is it? Working with the Texas Education Agency, the Midland ISD board and central office staff are creating a report that will advance a district with multiple lower-performing campuses. Addressed in the report are a mission statement, district goals, superintendent and board constraints and a theory of action. What does it matter? This report will provide the framework to help the turnaround of the lower-performing campuses (including the nine improvement required campuses). The report also addresses a change of culture inside the district, so within a 10-year-period, Midland ISD could pursue a System of Great Schools theory of action, where central administration devolves autonomy to schools, empowers parents to make choices, creates performance contracts with campuses, annually evaluates performance of and demand for schools, and makes strategic decisions regarding growing access to high performing schools and addressing low performers, according to the TEA. When does the community become involved? A draft of the report will be presented Monday to teachers and campus leaders. Those officials will take the information back to their campuses to report the findings to their staff. Campuses will provide the board with input on the particulars. Midland ISDs board will then hold forums on the issue at four locations across town. It will be similar to the Educate Midland rollout. Meetings will be held Feb. 21 at First Presbyterian Church, Feb. 23 at Stonegate Fellowship and Feb. 27 at Greater Ideal Family Life Center. A meeting presented in Spanish is planned for Feb. 28 at the Hispanic Cultural Center. The hour-long meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., and the community is welcome to attend, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the report and its expected impact on the district in the short and long term. And then what? The board and central office leaders will take feedback from the campuses and the community, make necessary changes and approve a final version of the plan that the current school board and future boards will have to abide by. Editors Note: There will be more information on the Lone Star Governance Report ahead of the community meetings in the Feb. 19 Reporter-Telegram. The superintendent search What is it? The district is looking for a new superintendent, or CEO of schools. Rod Schroder, former superintendent at Amarillo ISD, is serving in an interim basis. This will be the districts fifth superintendent since 2000. What has been done already? The school board has hired Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to find candidates and provide a list of people to interview. Does Midland ISDs Lone Star Governance Report have anything to do with the search? Yes and no. The search can occur without the governance report. However, the school board has stated that a draft of the governance report will be given to those interested in the position so candidates know the direction the district is headed and the constraints that will be placed on the superintendent and board members. What is the time frame: The board would like to announce a lone finalist by May 8 and have a new superintendent in central office by July 1. Will the community be involved? HYA will conduct more than 25 interviews/meetings with members of the community and education organizations. These meetings will be between March 6 and March 8. There also will be at least two forums open to the entire community and an online survey anyone in the community can fill out (that survey was not on Midland ISDs website as of Friday). The feedback from the interviews and survey will help HYA create a board-approved leadership profile that the firm will use in the recruiting process. Culture of ownership change What is it? We currently dont know much about this. The school districts agenda for Mondays meeting states that Christine Foreman and Alison King will present a program that has started inside the districts central office regarding Midland ISDs culture of ownership. We expect it will be patterned after a hospital initiative that officials with Midland Memorial credit with improving the culture and patient satisfaction at the hospital. It includes inspiration verbiage recited on a daily basis that ties employees to the ultimate purpose we are here -- to serve each other and serve our patients and families who come to us for help, according to Marcy Madrid, vice president of Planning and Marketing with MMH. The values and culture initiative are said to have impacted the employees because they are also were taking ownership of their lives and health. What is what PLCs: Stands for professional learning communities, which according to the Glossary of Education Reform, is a group of educators that meets regularly, shares expertise, and works collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students. Midland ISD is in the second year of implementing PLCs in its schools. By the end of next year, all campuses will have been introduced to the concept. PLCs are expected to remain a part of the districts future, no matter who the next superintendent is. Theories of action: High-level strategic constraints to which all district inputs and outputs must be aligned. These theories of action drive overall strategic direction, according to the TEAs governance report. Education support groups Educate Midland: A group that seeks to improve education through a collective impact model. Educate Midland has hired an executive director and is waiting for a new superintendent to be selected before moving forward with a common agenda. Midland Students First: A local, non-partisan group of concerned citizens, teachers, parents and employers who believe every student in Midland deserves access to quality public schools. MSF believes it aligns with the vast majority of members of the community who want school board members to put kids first, according to its website. Midland ISD Education Foundation: The foundation exists to promote excellence in education by generating and distributing resources for the benefit of MISD students and employees. Board and Funders Initiative (BFI): A group of large employers, foundation leaders and community representatives that meet to talk about issues talking place in the community. In recent years, they have combined to donate millions of dollars for teacher and staff housing assistance and teacher signing bonuses. DES MOINES | The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting public meetings over the Iowa Communications Network on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., to listen to the publics thoughts on the hunting and trapping regulations for this fall. These meetings are part of the process for making rules in state government. Any rule changes must be discussed with Iowas citizens who might be impacted by the changes before the rule changes are proposed. The process helps ensure that rule changes serve the publics wishes and do not impact Iowas economy, said Dr. Dale Garner, chief of the wildlife bureau. At each meeting DNR staff will facilitate a discussion about what went well last fall, what didnt, and what changes hunters and trappers would like to see for this fall. These discussions along with the data that the wildlife bureau collects on harvest and population numbers will be used to develop recommendations for any rule changes. Any changes must be approved by the Natural Resource Commission and then go back to the public for further comment before taking effect next fall. Meetings will be held in Ankeny, Boone, Calmar, Centerville, Clinton, Correctionville, Council Bluffs, Creston, Iowa City, Marshalltown, Mason City, Ottumwa, Peosta, Sac City, Sheldon, Spencer, Tripoli and West Burlington. ICN meeting locations are available online at www.iowadnr.gov/hunting. From the Iowa DNR Selena Gomez will always last Fred Armissen close to her heart. When the Murders Under Construction star had a kidney transplant in 2017, she knew she wanted to give her new organ a special name. "I named it after Fred Armisen because I Unless you live in a cave, youve probably been bombarded with hints of Valentines Day perhaps even since December. Go to any store and find displays filled with hearts, cupids, and anything red. Its hard to miss. Ive often thought it would be so difficult to have a Valentines birthday, simply because of the hype and hoopla that goes with this holiday. How, for example, could you ever have a low-key family celebration with a special dinner at a restaurant? It would be booked in advance, and there would be no lingering and enjoying your birthday as reservations galore would be piling up waiting to nab your table. You wouldnt be the only special person celebrating on a date out on the town because everybody is special and celebrating that night. I think of my very sweet Uncle Jim every Valentines Day because he is indeed a Valentine Baby! Who is always the first one to send ME a Valentine every year? Uncle Jim. Who is the person who never forgets any special day of mine and sends me a card in reminder of it? Yes Uncle Jim. And who is the person who might not get any special treatment on HIS birthday because so many other people are out and about celebrating well LOVE in general? Right again Uncle Jim! This year, Id like to celebrate my last remaining uncle. Id like him to know that Valentines babies are indeed a rare breed, as he is. According to a birthday horoscope I came across, people with Valentines birthdays have a dry sense of humor and wit. Theyre social people and they also tell it as it is. This couldnt describe Uncle Jim any better! Hes quick with a comeback and loves to tease people mercilessly. Now that he is a Facebook user extraordinaire, the teasing doesnt only occur when you see him face-to-face. Oh no its in his comments, posts and tags for everyone to see. I really have to hand it to him hes gotten to be pretty technology-savvy for an old guy. As far as being social, theres no other word to explain Uncle Jim. He knows everybody in North Iowa, because he has lived here for so long and hes probably had most everyone in Forest City in his past science classes. Being a retired teacher, Uncle Jim truly loves to catch up with his past students and is genuinely interested in everyones story. In fact, he is one of the best listeners I know! He listens intently and will remember what you have told himeven years later. (The moral of the story here is to be careful of what you tell him because he will never forget it!) When my sons were younger and our family had seasonal calendar/game stores in the mall in town, they got to know Uncle Jim pretty well. In fact, they called him Bim before they could pronounce his real name, and we still lovingly refer to him as Bim when were talking about him. There are many Jims in the world but only one Bim! Uncle Jim is one who will be honest in everything he does. In fact, if you ask him what he thinks about something, he will tell you no holds barred. I remember I was in the Miss Forest City pageant the summer before I entered Waldorf College (now University) and Uncle Jim told me to not expect to win anything because its a pretty tough competition. On one hand, I thought he didnt have faith in me but on the other hand, I also bumped up my game and won 1st Runner-Up that year. No one (with the exception of my parents) smiled more when my name was announced. Oh, Bim! This Valentines Day, I would like to send a special shout-out to my special uncle. Heres to many more years of enjoying lutefisk dinners together, teasing each other about my love and his strong distaste for winter, and doing what we do best talking and listening to each otherand telling it like it is. Happy Valentines Birthday, Bim! MASON CITY | Approximately 330 people participated in Cupid's Undie Run in Mason City Saturday. In this event, people run through the streets in their skivvies to raise money for neurofibromatosis (NF). Mason City is one of nearly 40 cities in the United States and Canada hosting a Cupid's Undie Run. This was the fourth annual Cupid's Undie Run in Mason City. Last year the event raised $67,000. As of Saturday, the event had raised $39,895, according to event coordinator Loni Dirksen. NF is a genetic illness that causes different kinds of tumors. It occurs once in every 3,000 births. The money raised by the one-mile run goes to the Children's Tumor Foundation. SOUTHINGTON Greers & Beers on Eden Avenue, an offshoot of the landmark Greers Chicken stand in Bristol, has closed. The location opened last spring after an online fundraising effort and was owned by Alexa Zammett, daughter of the Greers Chicken founder. She couldnt be reached for comment this week. April Davenport, manager of Greers Chicken, said the Southington location was closed. She didnt have any information on the future of the business. As of now, theyre not moving, Davenport said. Zammett raised $25,000 to launch the business through the online fundraising site Kickstarter. The menu featured classics from Greers Chicken in Bristol, including chicken, potato salad, coleslaw and more. Last year, Zammett said she planned to expand the menu as well as focus on craft beers. She took over the former J. Lynn Harvest Pub, which opened in 2013. Before that, the location was home to Spice Bar and Grill. Elizabeth Hyatt, executive director of the Southington Chamber of Commerce, said he was sorry to hear that Greers & Beers had closed. Looking back over history that is a location with an unexplained high turnover, Hyatt wrote in an email Friday. Hard to pinpoint an exact reason why. We hope that another business will not let that history prevent them from opening and the chamber is here to support them. jbuchanan@recordjournal.com 203-317-2230 Twitter: @JBuchananRJ WALLINGFORD When Walter Polnar, a son of Polish immigrants, began working at the local chemical manufacturing plant as one of its first employees in 1941, he started a tradition that would be passed down for generations. Walter Polnar, an Allnex employee for 29 years, inspired his son, Doug, to work at the plant on South Cherry Street in 1980. Doug Polnar, now the plants safety manager, years later inspired his own son, Doug Jr., to do the same in 2015. The Polnars are one of four families with three generations of employees who have worked at the plant. Its a real family affair here, Doug Polnar said. (Doug Jr.) and I are just a small part of it. Walter Polnar began working at the plant, formerly Cytec Industries, just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. At the time, the company was a start-up, Doug Polnar said, and eventually became one of many manufacturing companies to flourish during the post-war economic boom. Doug Polnar never watched his father, who died when he was 14, work at the plant, but said his dad inspired him to follow in his footsteps and one day encourage his own son to work at the plant. Years later, Doug Polnar Jr. said he was also influenced to join Allnex by his father. My family has a very rooted history in this plant, said Doug Jr., 32. Doug Jr., a chemical process operator, contributes to the production of resin, a chemical used as a baseline component in products many people use every day. Though he and his dad dont often see each other at work because of differing schedules, Doug. Jr. said the experience of working with his father has been a positive one. Its nice being a third-generation worker, he said. In addition to several third-generation families, the plant also has many families with two generations of employees. With the younger people who come in here with family ties, I think theres a commitment to keep the plant running and keep the tradition going, Doug Polnar said. People are really committed to working here. Its been their life for years. Several studies have indicated younger generations are less interested in pursuing manufacturing jobs, a trend that Allnex has been able to buck by recruiting family members. When we have a position open now, we dont have to advertise, Doug Polnar said. Theres always a family member thats bringing a resume of someone they know. Doug Polnar started a 25 Year Club, made up of current and former employees that worked at the plant for at least 25 years. Every year the club members hold a dinner. Doug Polnar said he hopes to welcome his son to the club in the future. Polnar added that hed like to see Doug Jr. pass down the tradition to a fourth generation one day. Thatd be terrific, he said smiling. mzabierek@record-journal.com 203-317-2279 The handful of runners gathered under a large cypress tree at Crissy Field and were blessed with smoke from burning sage and anointed with a prayer before beginning a 3,946-mile journey traversing the country to draw attention to substance abuse and domestic violence within American Indian communities. Along the path of this Longest Walk, these runners and groups of walkers will travel through various Indian reservations before arriving in Washington, D.C., in mid-July, organizers said. The journey is part of a series of such Longest Walks to raise awareness of the health, environmental and other issues facing American Indians across the country, including diabetes and suicide. Every time somebody is in danger, we need to walk in that direction, said Dennis Banks of the Red Lake Band of Anishinaabe people. We cant stop walking, because theres pain in every direction. Banks organized the first Longest Walk in 1978. It was called the Trail of Broken Treaties, protesting threats to American Indian schools as well as fishing and hunting rights. It began on Alcatraz and gained widespread attention as celebrities, including actor Marlon Brando and boxer Muhammad Ali, voiced support. More Bay Area news Former Raiders draft pick Quentin Moses, 33, dies in house fire This years journey is the second walk to address domestic violence as well as drug and alcohol addiction, inspired by Banks granddaughter, Rosie Downwind, who was killed in a violent attack by her boyfriend, her body then burned. The first walk in this series started a year ago in San Diego and passed through the southern United States. On the rim of the Grand Canyon, Banks told participants that the path to the future was waiting in the past. We shall entrust our young people to cross this country on foot, crossing every mountain, every river, overcoming any obstacle and visiting our troubled homes of drug-abuse and domestic-violence victims, he said. And in this entrapment we shall seek out ancestral, cultural and spiritual answers, and apply them to our nations at risk. That is our mission, and we shall not fail. Dee Dee Ybarra of the Rumsen Ohlone people planned to participate in this second walk on and off over the next several months, saying she was walking for her community and her family, including her two brothers, who suffered from drug addiction and later died of health problems. Its not only time to clean up the air and the water, but its time to clean up our souls, she said. What we want is unity, peace and sobriety. The walkers and runners plan to travel through American Indian communities, to share stories about sobriety and success, mostly camping along the way. The itinerary also includes a stop at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, where thousands have been protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. About 100 people gathered at Crissy Field on Sunday morning to kick off the walk. Elders spoke, relaying the history of mistreatment, including the 1830 order by President Andrew Jackson to march American Indians thousands of miles along the Trail of Tears, from their ancestral homes to land designated as Indian Territory. Banks also spoke of what was later forced assimilation, including boarding schools for children. We have been marched, we have been moved, Banks said. We have been hauled by bus to places far from our homes. Now, American Indians walk for themselves. It must continue. We must run and walk, Banks said. Every footstep is a ceremony. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker View video of the ceremony To see Longest Walk footage: http://tinyurl.com/zssguhe Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Obituaries Newsletter Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Womens Energy Network holds mentor kickoff The Womens Energy Network will host its 2017 Mentor Kickoff luncheon February 14 at the Fasken Center Tower II, 500 W. Texas AVe., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Brook Riley, Geoscience Lead at Concho Resources, will discuss her career, goals, struggles and how she has become a successful individual within her current organization. There is no cost but RSVP is required. Reservations may be obtained by going to WomensEnergyNetwork.org/Permian Basin and clicking the Events tab. --- WTGS hosts UTPB professor Members of the West Texas Geological Society will meet February 14 in the upstairs ballroom at Midland Country Club beginning at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Sumit Verma, Assistant Professor of Geophysics at UTPB, presents Estimation of TOC and Brittleness Volumes and Correlation with Reservoir Production. Cost is $25 in advance, $35 at the door, including lunch. Reservations can be made by calling 683-1573 or by email at wtgs@wtgs.org. Online registration is also available at www.wtgs.org and clicking on the Events tab. --- Gradiant Energy Services partners with Turnbridge Capital DENVER Gradiant Energy Services (GES), a provider of integrated water management solutions to the energy industry, has secured a capital investment from Turnbridge Capital LLC. The growth capital will help fund GES execution of new contracts and expansion into multiple basins around the United States. GES is focused on deploying its three product and service lines in all major basins throughout the United States; Selective Chemical Extraction (SCE) is a clean brine treatment service that allows for reuse of flowback and produced water in hydraulic fracturing; Carrier Gas Concentration (CGC) is a mobile evaporative disposal service targeting disposal constrained environments; and Free Radical Disinfection (FRD) is a fully mobile, safe and effective on-the-fly disinfection service. These turnkey services are targeted and applicable for all E&P operators, from small independents all the way to super-majors. --- Premier Oilfield Laboratories acquires ConocoPhillips Subsurface Laboratory assets HOUSTON Premier Oilfield Laboratories, LLC has acquired the assets of the ConocoPhillips Subsurface Laboratory located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. These assets will supplement Premiers existing operations in Houston, Aberdeen and Cairo, providing a broad array of specialized laboratory equipment, research scientists, and work flows to offer a larger cross-section of technical solutions to optimize production from both conventional and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Following Premier's acquisitions of MUD Geo-Chemical, LLC in September 2016 and COREX UK LTD in December 2016, the addition of the Subsurface Laboratory assets and select staff members significantly expands the technology-leading services Premier brings to the global oil and gas industry, said Premier's CEO Steve Cobb. By coupling the information generated using these world-class laboratory systems with our engineering expertise and modelling capabilities, our team of technical experts can provide value-creating solutions to the most difficult reservoir and completions problems, such as optimal lateral wellbore placement and frac design. The acquisition of the Subsurface Laboratory assets is consistent with ConocoPhillips 2016 decision to decommission the Subsurface component of its Bartlesville labs. --- Vaquero Midstream names VP Business Development THE WOODLANDS Vaquero Midstream has appointed Kirk N. Blackim as vice president, business development. He brings over 30 years of experience in management roles to Vaquero with involvement in business development, accounting, finance, operations and governmental regulation of midstream and gas transmission systems. He joins Vaquero from Crestwood Midstream Partners LP, where he served as the director of business development, gathering and processing. Vaquero Midstream offers oil and gas producers midstream solutions including low and high pressure gathering, treating, processing, compression, liquids handling, and transmission. Quad-O regulations change so quickly that no company of any size can keep up with them. Knowing what they are is challenging enoughimplementation is even harder. This is why so many producers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado and North Dakota are turning ALL of that over to OTA/Kimark. That way they make sure they are in compliance and that all recoverable product is captured and put into the sales line. OTA Sales Manager Vickie Gage-Tims says the companys service in particular brings many clients their way. So many of our competitors have had to lay off service staff that many of them cant service their own equipment, she says. So weve trained our technicians to repair and PM other companies equipment. That way we can help our clients stay compliant no matter whether the VRUs or burner management systems are ours or someone elses. OTA even carries parts in inventory for other companies equipment. She also notes that producers large and small have also cut staff, so OTA/Kimark is a special blessing to them. Says OTAs Josh Alaniz, Our mechanics are on standby 24/7 to do repairs for you . They can normally get to your site within two hours of your call. OTA/Kimark can train your personnel to handle many basic issues so your personnel can quickly handle them on the spot. OTA/Kimarks service extends BEFORE and AFTER the sale. The companys consultants can go to your site and conduct measurements of the vapor emissions over 24 hours or more. After determining the highest flow rate thats likely to happen, they will recommend the right size of equipment to keep your facility in compliance even at peak flow. Once they install the equipment, their LDAR technicians can use their optimal gas imaging camera to make sure youre in complianceand sending as much product as possible to the sales lines, where appropriate. By using one company for your emissions control, process equipment, automation, environmental control and burner management youll save time and cost. One OTA/Kimark technician can test, PM or repair all your equipment in one trip. You can be sure all of it is in compliance. And you have just one number to call if there ever is a repair needed. Im not aware of any company that offers the range of services we do, says Gage-Tims. Our one concern for every part of the business is to increase your profitability, while, of course, keeping you in regulatory compliance. Find out why so many producers are turning to OTA/Kimark for Quad O compliance and profitability. Call this week. OTA Compression/Kimark Systems is your go-to service company for Quad O emission testing, smart control devices, quality process equipment, natural gas or electric wellhead compression/vapor recovery and field services. Call 972-835-6383 or 432-270-4157. See them online at www.otacompression.com. Ten months after Princes death, the last piece of the business puzzle for his music has finally been reached. Princes estate has made an agreement with the Universal Music Group for his music recorded after 1995, as well as material from Princes storied recording vault, Universal and the estate announced on Thursday. The deal covers 25 albums that Prince released through his NPG Records label after going independent in the mid-1990s, including Emancipation, Musicology and 3121. Prince started NPG after feuding with Warner Bros., his first label and the home of virtually all of his biggest hits, like Purple Rain and 1999. The contents of Princes vault legendary among fans have never been fully revealed; the announcement on Thursday said only that it included outtakes as well as live and demo recordings. OROVILLE, Butte County Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse. While the integrity of Oroville Dam is not at risk, officials said a catastrophic amount of water was in danger of bursting through the wall of the auxiliary spillway alongside the 770-foot-tall dam. Pressure from the water cascading over the concrete lip of the spillway had caused rapid erosion below it, threatening to burrow a hole beneath and through the auxiliary structure. Should such a rupture occur, water would inundate the Feather River and surge toward cities on the eastern side of the Sacramento Valley. The good news late Sunday was that water levels in the reservoir were low enough that water was no longer tumbling over the auxiliary spillway. This means the eroded crevices arent getting any worse. But officials were unwilling to say when the evacuation orders to some 188,000 people will be reversed, or how the eroded auxiliary spillway can be repaired. Now that there is no more water going over the emergency spillway, though it brings stability to the situation, there are still a lot of unknowns, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at a 10 p.m. news conference. Honea also defended his initial decision to order the mandatory evacuations. It can be a chaotic situation, and I understand that. But to this point, things are going fairly well, Honea said. Were not at the point yet where we can make decisions about whether or not it is safe to repopulate areas. The first call for mandatory evacuations came shortly after 4:30 p.m. and included all low-lying areas in Butte County from Oroville south to the border of Sutter County. I couldnt risk lives of thousands of people, so we took this significant step, Honea said at a news conference earlier in the evening. We needed to get people moving, quickly, in order to protect the public and save lives if the worst-case scenario came to fruition. Not long after that, evacuation orders also went out to low-lying areas near the Feather River farther south. This included Yuba City in Sutter County, with 65,000 people, and Marysville in Yuba County, population 12,000. But as the evening went on, the edge of the auxiliary spillway wall remained intact. Officials relieved pressure on the auxiliary spillway by increasing the amount of water being discharged down the main spillway to nearly 100,000 cubic feet per second, nearly twice the level of earlier in the day. Meanwhile, the water entering Lake Oroville from points north and east was less than 40,000 cubic feet per second meaning that the high water levels behind the dam and spillways were beginning to drop. We have contingency plans drawn up, and crews are heading into the area to be on standby, said Dan Olson of the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. He also said the initial estimates of the extent of the erosion and the pace at which it was spreading werent as bad as the initial assessment suggest. That initial assessment was alarming shortly before 5 p.m., officials warned that the spillway could give way within an hour. Roads quickly became jammed as thousands of people left a widening circle of communities around Oroville. This is very serious, said Scott McLean, a Cal Fire spokesman who was stuck in the gridlock. Im just trying to get through traffic. Evacuation shelters were set up in Chico, Paradise (Butte County), Orland (Glenn County) and Grass Valley (Nevada County). In Yuba County, the Office of Emergency Services said on Facebook that it was moving its operations from nearby the Feather River to a secure location. Gov. Jerry Brown also responded to the danger of large-scale flooding, declaring a state of emergency because conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist in Butte, Sutter and Yuba Counties. Among other actions, the California National Guard will be activated as needed to assist in response efforts. Water began spilling down the Oroville Dams auxiliary spillway Saturday after the main concrete spillway partly disintegrated under the pressure caused by more than a month of heavy rains. The discharge raised concerns over how the earth-lined backup channel would hold up, but state water officials had been confident about the integrity of the emergency spillway before the evacuation was ordered. Another wet weather system, in what has been a soaking winter, is on deck to hit Northern California on Wednesday, requiring water managers to make still more room in Lake Oroville for another surge. The series of Pacific storms is expected to bring up to 4 inches of rain to parts of the Central Valley, said Idamis Del Valle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Sacramento office. We need to do everything we can to maximize our ability to move water our of this reservoir not just for the coming storm but for the coming storms, Bill Croyle, acting director of the California Department of Water Resources, said earlier Sunday. Our planning is both short term and long term. Officials had stressed earlier Sunday that the structural integrity of the Oroville Dam itself the tallest in the country had not been compromised by the damaged spillway. The reservoir is the second-largest in the state behind Shasta Lake (Shasta County) and supplies water to Central Valley along with water districts in the Bay Area and Southern California. On Sunday, the cause of the hole in the main spillway was still being investigated. But experts noted that repairs had been made to the spillway in 2013 near where the hole emerged. Chronicle staff writer Peter Fimrite contributed to this report. Evan Sernoffsky, Jill Tucker, John King and Melody Gutierrez are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com, jtucker@sfchronicle.com, jking@sfchronicle.com, mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky, @jilltucker, @JohnKingSFChron, @MelodyGutierrez DES MOINES | The longest-serving governor in the nations history, Terry Branstad has delivered to Iowans a Condition of the State address 22 times. The speech is given each year in January during the first week of the legislative session. Delivered in the House chamber at the Iowa Capitol, lawmakers, state Supreme Court justices and other statewide elected officials attend, and it is broadcast live on public television. Typically, it is the largest audience the governor attracts each year. On Jan. 10, Branstad delivered what likely will be his final Condition of the State address. The governor has been selected by President Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to China, and his confirmation is expected to come this spring. To mark the occasion, a news researcher analyzed the texts of each of the six Condition of the State addresses Branstad has made since returning to the governors office in 2011 starting with his 2012 speech. Obviously, his messages vary, but the analysis shows some recurring topics and word choices. Here are the most common: We (295 times) Together (81 times) Us (51 times) When Branstad says we and together, he most often is referring to himself and lawmakers and the work ahead. Together we can make our schools safer, he said in 2015, using both words in the same sentence. Another example, from 2013: It is the promise of a good people, who demand a good government and expect the men and women serving in that government to put aside their differences and come together to make good public policy. Iowa (368 times) This one should come as no surprise. From touting its successes to laying out visions for its future, the states name is going to come up often when a governor is giving a speech on the condition of the state. Branstad used Iowa more than any other word in the past six speeches, and its probably safe to assume that would hold true for all 22 of his addresses, not to mention those of other Iowa governors. An example from 2017: I am confident Iowa will continue to move forward because Iowans care deeply about their neighbors, their communities and creating an even better future. Students (72 times) Schools (91 times) Education (78 times) Branstad has a complicated relationship with education public education in particular. The state continues to devote a healthy portion of its budget more than half to public education, but advocates say funding has been inadequate since Branstads return to office in 2011. Branstad also led an effort to enact significant K-12 education reforms in 2013, which he spoke about in the next years Condition of the State. An example from 2014: We have begun to reform Iowas education system, and we can expect Iowa schools to pull away from the middle of the pack and reclaim pre-eminence in student achievement as measured against the rest of the United States. I (160 times) It would be hard to be a states chief executive, speak for a half-hour about ones plans to meet the states challenges and not refer to oneself fairly regularly. Still, his use of the first-person singular didnt rise above 30 times each in five earlier speeches. It peaked at 36 this year, likely his last. An example from 2012: This year I will submit to the General Assembly a revised plan to reduce commercial and industrial property taxes by 40 percent over the next eight years. Jobs (81 times) Economy (64 times) Branstad has placed a primary focus on the states workforce, pledging when he returned to office in 2011 to create more than 200,000 jobs. In fact, his use of the two words was highest in his 2012 speech. It is natural that he would regularly refer to jobs and the economy in his speeches, but both have ticked downward a bit over the years. He used the word jobs 27 times in 2012, but only five times in 2017. An example from 2015: The proposals outlined today will impact every Iowan. They will help to create jobs, protect students and families and open up our government. Opportunity (73 times) When Branstad talks about opportunity, often it is to lay out a piece of his agenda as he did during his first Condition of the State address since returning to the governors office. An example from 2012: Now, with our fiscal house much improved, and our fiscal year 2013 budget already substantially completed, we have a tremendous opportunity to focus the next few months on two other critical priorities: first, creating new jobs and careers for Iowans to significantly raise family incomes, and second, adopting common sense solutions for our schools to give our children a world class education. New (68 times) Branstad often describes his proposals as new. He also regularly refers to new jobs when discussing a need to increase employment. An example from 2016: Together we can forge a new path that will lead us to stable and predictable funding for school infrastructure and historic long-term protection for water quality. Today (62 times) Branstad uses today most commonly in two ways: To tell Iowans about what he thinks are good things happening in the state and to make pledges for the future. An example of the latter from 2014: Today, I am calling on members of the Iowa Legislature to join me in working to reduce costs to make college affordable and reduce the amount of debt incurred by Iowa students and their families. Future (43 times) The annual addresses are all about looking forward, having a plan for whats next. An example from 2017: And while I am pleased with this progress and optimistic about Iowas future, I believe there is more work to be done. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate At the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, local families came face-to-face with farm animals, Texas wildlife and even a few exotic species. The main attraction Saturday afternoon at the AT&T Center was the livestock show, where dozens of cattle were lined up in stalls in an airy, straw-lined barn waiting to be judged. Its the type of thing of being able to see your animals compared to everyone elses, said Bryan-College Station rancher Kenn Harding, who brought three Texas longhorns to the show and sported a waxed handlebar mustache that paid homage to the breeds long, twisting horns. Usually, youre looking at just your animals in the pasture, he said. Over the next 2 weeks, roughly 14,000 exhibitors will show around 70,000 animals, said Lauren Sides, rodeo communications and public relations manager. The show draws 2 million visitors annually and has an economic impact of $250 million, she said, citing a Trinity University study. Over in the Texas Wildlife Expo barn, visitors could see Texas natives, including a peccary, a coyote, an alligator, bobwhite quail and venomous snakes. The exhibit included some animals few Texans will ever glimpse in the wild, including an ocelot and two coati. Many of the animals came from the Texas Zoo in Victoria. A newcomer to the rodeo this year was ZooMagination, an Atascosa County organization that brings its live animal program to locations ranging from classrooms to birthday parties. On Saturday, they brought two porcupines, a two-toed sloth, tortoises and several birds, among others. I think there was a need for it, especially in the San Antonio community, said owner Robert Trejo, a former SeaWorld trainer. Not a lot of people get to see these animals outside of the zoo. For many attendees, the competitions themselves are the highlight of their rodeo experience. I like to watch the kids mutton-bust, said Stefanie Winslow, a South Texas native who now lives in Colorado. Denvers rodeo is definitely not as big as it is here, she said. Joe and Maranda Alexander bring their twin daughters Avery and Cassidy and son Joey to the rodeo from their home in Bulverde every year. They said the kids learn about agriculture and the livestock market from exhibits, such as the Dairy Center, where educators teach children where milk comes from and how its processed. But their favorite part is the carnival, and the parents said they were in it for the bull-riding and team-roping. Rodeo is a welcoming sport, Maranda Alexander said. Anyone can just come and enjoy it. bgibbons@express-news.net Twitter: @bgibbs This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate As anti-abortion activists across the country held protests Saturday to urge President Donald Trump and Congress to defund Planned Parenthood, rallies in support of the health care provider also sprang up across the U.S., including one on the West Side. Keep your tiny orange hands off my uterus, read one of the signs at the San Antonio rally, held at Sabinas Coffee House. Many women donned the pink knitted hats known as pussycat hats that became popular during the historic Jan. 21 Womens March on Washington. Some people held their signs along West Commerce, whooping with joy when passing drivers honked their horns. No counterprotesters were at the rally, though several attended an anti-Planned Parenthood protest at the groups facility on Babcock Road. Thousands of Planned Parenthood supporters turned out for a rally in St. Paul, Minnesota, separated by barricades from an anti-abortion crowd of a couple hundred people. In Detroit, about 300 people turned up outside a Planned Parenthood office, most of them supporting the organization. In St. Louis, thousands marched, many carrying pink signs that read, I stand with Planned Parenthood. With the environment and everything going on, the culture of politics, we just felt like we were mad enough and we needed to do something, said Amanda Reyna, a birth doula who organized the event with Elizabeth Huber, Adrie Jeffers and Vanessa Campos. We just met up on Facebook just by happenstance, so now were connected through this, and its been pretty awesome, she continued. Several women talked about their experiences with the 100-year-old nationwide provider, which provides a variety of health care services, though its opponents tend to focus only on abortion. Jane Blaylock described being treated at Planned Parenthood as just like going to a doctors office, though less expensive. To defund them based on religious beliefs and birth control, when birth control can be used to treat medical conditions like endometriosis, doesnt make any sense to me, she said. Barbie Hurtado, organizer of an upcoming march scheduled around International Womens Day on March 8, told the crowd of at least 100 that Planned Parenthood is a safe haven for women in need of basic medical care, such as a pap smear. You dont feel judged for being queer, for being brown, for being fat, Hurtado said. You just go and get your pap. Mara Posada, communications director for Planned Parenthood South Texas, said the provider operates five health centers in San Antonio and has a ton of support in the city. To see this event come to fruition truly from the ground up has been a phenomenal experience for us, she said. Women-led activism in San Antonio will continue with the Mujeres Marcharan march on March 4 through downtown. SAN ANTONIO - San Antonio police are searching for a suspect who shot a man during a fight outside of a downtown bar on Saturday night. According to police, the fight broke out between two men around 10:30 p.m. outside of The Reservoir Bar at 306 N. Presa when one man pulled out a gun and shot the other. AUSTIN -- The hot-button issue shifts this week from 'sanctuary cities' to government agencies withholding union dues. At 8 a.m. Monday, the Senate State Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on controversial Senate Bill 13 that would prohibit automatic payroll deductions for union dues for most organizations, although police and firefighter unions would be exempt. And in a nod to a controversy in Houston over pastors' sermons begging subpoenaed, another measure to be discussed -- Senate Bill 24 -- would prohibit that practice. Both bills are priorities of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Senate's presiding officer, and both are controversial -- the union-dues bill much more so than the sermon-subpoena law. Both are expected to pass the committee and the GOP-controlled Senate. These links will allow you to see the agenda and watch the hearing. Budget all the time With its members now appointed by House Speaker Joe Straus, the House Appropriations Committee is expected to quickly roll up its sleeves and start formulating their version of a state budget, a process the Senate Finance Committee has been working on for two weeks. The preliminary House version of the budget is different than the Senate's -- it proposes some different spending priorities -- so the work the House panel will be doing could further signal a differing view of how taxpayer dollars should be spent from the bare-bones blueprint the Senate has been working on. In coming weeks, the differences between each chamber's views on how to spend limited resources increasingly will drive the debate on many other bills and could impact which pass and which die -- as part of the usual political horse-trading and gamesmanship for which legislative sessions are famous. School choice School-choice advocates will continue putting their best lobbying efforts to work to get a bill moving forward to passage in the Senate, where Patrick and most Republicans support the change, and to convince House members to join with their support. The fight over school choice is expected to affect both chambers' work to reform school finance in Texas, since more money for charters and private schools could mean less for traditional public schools. Watch the public education committees in both chambers to start looking at this issue in earnest, as the lobbying heats up from both directions on this controversial plan. Check out a status report here on the issue. Listen in Politics in Texas are seldom quiet and never boring. For a quick update on the issues that will be playing out this week, after a week of so-called throwdowns on several controversial matters last week, check out Texas Take: The Podcast, the Lone Star State's most popular political podcast. Subscribe so you can get the get the latest podcast each week. On the day North Korea decided to test a ballistic missile, President Donald Trump opted to attack Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban on Twitter. "He backed me big-time but I wasn't interested in taking all of his calls," Trump wrote Sunday morning. "He's not smart enough to be president!" Twitter Cuban, being the sporting type, fired back. Cuban tweeted "LOL" and what appeared to be a private exchange between himself and Trump, in which the tech wizard offered advice to then-candidate Trump. SEE YOU IN COURT: Twitter sounds off on judges striking down travel ban The note also included a hand-written response from Trump, effectively brushing off Cuban's advice. But, then, Cuban's and Trump's Twitter followers got in on the act. Multiple tweets criticized Trump for spending his time attacking Cuban when there were other, more important things going on in the world. Twitter A few even wondered what prompted the attack to begin with. Was it an attempt by Trump to draw attention away from North Korea? TWITTER FIRE: Trump tweets about 'Easy D' and the Internet goes nuts Or an insomniac president letting his fingers (and mind) do the walking and talking at 5 a.m.? Trump never responded to Cuban or the others, so there's no good way of knowing. Twitter But, suffice to say, early morning Twitter explosions by Trump have become the new normal. >>>Scroll through the above gallery to see how Twitter reacted to Donald Trump's attack on Mark Cuban and some of Trump's other Twitter eruptions Women on average still make less than men, struggle to pay for childcare and about 17 percent of all women and girls in Texas live in poverty. The statistics are even worse for women of color. For example, Hispanic women are more likely to live in poverty than white women, according to a report on women's economic issues released Thursday by the Dallas Women's Foundation. The study delved into gender inequality in child care, higher education, housing and health insurance. "Some of the statistics are really a bummer," said Roslyn Dawson Thompson, president and chief executive officer of the foundation. "But the reality is, there are things we can do and that we must do." She said cities can implement ordinances to protect low-income renters who use federal housing vouchers, state legislators could fund full-day pre-kindergarten programs and school districts could create dual enrollment courses so that high school students can earn college credits. The economic playing field between genders is equal during childhood. Children live in poverty at the rates of their parents. But once they reach adulthood and live on their own, women are significantly more likely to live in poverty than men, the 2017 Economic Issues for Women in Texas study showed. "Boys and girls start the same, and then the cliff hits," Thompson said. The reasons are many: men typically make more money than women, women are more likely to temporarily leave the workforce after they have children, and women tend to work in lower-paid careers, such as the service industry or home healthcare. About 63 percent of workers earning minimum wage or less are women. The study was conducted by the Center for Public Police Priorities and was supported by Texas Women's University. The report analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data and federal and state agency data, including from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Though incomes increase at higher education levels, women make less at each level than men. And in some cases, a higher-educated woman makes less than a less-educated man. For example, men without a high school diploma on average make more than women who graduated from high school. Among those who have received a bachelor's degree or graduate degree, men on average make $25,000 more than women. "The wealth accumulation that $30,000 difference over a lifetime is extraordinary," Thompson said. It's important to understand the economic differences between men and women to fix the problem, said Frances Deviney, a senior research association for the Center for Public Policy Priorities. "We're not trying to pit a battle between men and women. We're trying to make sure there's equity," she said. But the differences are worse for women of color. Only 25 percent of Hispanic women between 25 and 34 in Texas have some level of higher education, compared to 34 percent of African American women, 55 percent of white women and 72 percent of Asian women. And though many African American women who finished high school go to college, many don't graduate. Deviney said studies show that's because many of these women don't see other faces like them at their schools and feel like they belong. Rishun Beasley -- a single mother of four -- is nearly finished with her bachelor's degree from Texas Women's University. Though there aren't many other black students in her classes, she was encouraged by an instructor. "Just to see an African American instructor made me feel comfortable," she said. Nationally, 30 percent of community college students and 15 percent of four-year college students are parents. Of those, 43 percent are single mothers, the study says. And with rising costs of child care, many women aren't able to go to school. "If I didn't have child care, I would have to leave school," Beasley said. The cost of higher education in Texas has risen 40 percent in 16 years. And the average annual cost of child care in Texas is between $7,000 and $9,000, higher than the average yearly college tuition fees, the study says. And women in poverty spend 30 percent of their income on child care, cutting into what they can spend on quality housing or education, Deviney said. Though it would be easy to just call the statistics part of "women's issues," the economic impact of the disparity affects every community, said Thompson. That's why the Dallas Women's Foundation is calling on legislators to consider policies that can boost women out of poverty. But sometimes it's hard to persuade male legislators, who simply have a different perspective because of their own personal experiences, said Carine Feyten, chancellor and president of Texas Woman's University. "We need more women to step up and share these perspectives," she said. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency Now's a good time to go into nursing. As demand for medical care for an aging population continues to rise, the supply of new nursing school graduates continues to fall short of need. Nationally, the Department of Labor expects a shortfall of 1.1 million. Nebraska alone could face a shortage of about 4,000 nurses by 2020. That drives competition for nursing talent in the Omaha area and elsewhere. The result: Nursing students are being offered thousands of dollars in signing bonuses, training in specialty care, student loan help and more, in addition to starting salaries above $55,000 a year. The Midlands were insulated during some of the recent economic downturn from the worst of the national nursing shortage, thanks primarily to older nurses who delayed retirements and part-time nurses who picked up more hours. That is no longer the case, as The World-Herald's Julie Anderson reported Sunday. Of Nebraska's 93 counties, 71 have fewer than the national average of 9.2 registered nurses per 1,000 people. The Nebraska Hospital Association showed a statewide vacancy rate for nurses of nearly 11 percent. Traveling nurses from local and regional staffing agencies, a more costly option, are being used to fill in some of the gaps. Part of this is simply a numbers game. More people today are seeking medical care because more have access to health insurance, through Obamacare, Medicare or Medicaid. And insurers and hospitals are changing the way Americans are medically treated and hospitalized. While fewer people are admitted to hospitals these days, those who are typically are sicker, which increases staffing demands. Private health care providers, working with the state and others, are trying to answer the call. CHI Health, Methodist Health System, Nebraska Medicine, Children's Hospital & Medical Center, Clarkson College, Creighton University, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and other teaching institutions are making aggressive efforts to train nurses statewide and boost the education of nursing assistants and others who want new jobs. The problem is nationwide. But here's hoping the Midlands' unique blend of private donors, public supporters, lawmakers and civic leaders keeps finding creative ways to address it. In the meantime, young people with an interest in science and helping others would do well to consider nursing. Schools have openings, and hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other medical businesses have good jobs waiting. This editorial appeared in the Feb. 1 edition of the Omaha World-Herald. Katherine Hargus was in the catering business for more than 30 years. In that time, she honed her skills in cooking, served famous actors and politicians, and created recipes that she passed on to her family. She loved catering, cooking and entertaining, said her granddaughter, Brenda Haire. Serving was her way of giving back. She told me she was blessed because she was able to do what she loved. Hargus died on Feb. 4. She was 93. Born on a family dairy farm a mile away from Mission Espada, Hargus love for making food and preparing dishes grew from performing her daily chores. Making the family meals was part of her routine. When older, Hargus worked at a restaurant, the Pig Stand, as the assistant manager. After her time there, she was a catering manager for Tommys Catering. Ready to branch out, Hargus started her own business, Katherines Restaurant and Catering. Through her company, she personally served the actor John Wayne when he was filming the movie The Alamo, Lady Bird Johnson and John Connally and his wife at special events in San Antonio, her granddaughter, Jenifer Harris, said. She was a stern and focused woman, said Haire. She knew how to get things done. She was such a hard worker and had strong faith. She knew everything would work out so she never complained. Hargus catered for many companies in San Antonio including Lone Star Brewery. In 1973, Hargus was given an award by the San Antonio Restaurant Association to acknowledge her success. More Information Katherine Hargus Born: Nov. 8, 1923, San Antonio Died: Feb. 4, 2017, San Antonio Preceded by: Husband Ross Hargus and son Joe Hargus Survived by: Daughter Cindy Harris; granddaughters Jenifer Harris, Barbara Peters, and Brenda Haire and their families; brother Ferdinand Appelt and family of Fort Worth; and a host of special family and friends. Services: Rosary at 7 p.m. on Monday; funeral service Tuesday at noon, both at Mission Park Funeral Chapels, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive. See More Collapse To spend more time with her family, Hargus retired and closed her service. Although she didnt exactly put her apron away. She provided lunches and catering for special events at the Elks Lodge, went on hunting expeditions and cooked dove for the hunters, and taught her family recipes that will carry on with them. She was the most amazing woman that we ever knew, said Haire. She taught us the meaning of elbow grease, how to be ladies and how to work hard. Love always came through in her lessons. Its fitting that she is being buried on Valentines Day because she is truly our greatest love. In 2009, Hargus asked her granddaughter to write a book about all the good things that happened in her life. The book is scheduled to come out by the end of this year or the beginning of next year, with a launch party at Mission Espanda. paguirre@express-news.net Re: Dont shut the door on humanity, Peggy Starkey, Another View, Feb. 3: I agree with the writer that the consequences of bigotry are indefensible, reprehensible and unAmerican. But the battles fought to overcome injustices continue to occur as they have during our national history. When I was a young man in the 1950s, anti-Semitism was rampant, and blacks were suffering the bitter fruit of years of discrimination and other injustices. Mexican-Americans were also discriminated against. Gays were in the closet. Catholics were suspect because of alleged papist loyalties, and interracial and same-sex marriages were impossible to imagine. Over the past seven decades, progressive Americans worked hard to achieve a better and more just America. Martin Luther King Jr. never believed in the death of American values or described the country as a hellhole that only he could redeem by inciting fear of whites. He urged us to live up to democratic ideals, which we did. Lest we forget, our immigrant ancestors sought freedom from religious persecution, racial hate, the ravages of war, poverty, and tyrants who suppressed or annihilated civil rights, human rights, and freedom of speech. Donald Trumps first weeks in office show that he cannot or will not change from a man who thrives on creating chaos, who equates dissent with disloyalty and whose understanding of strength is that of a bully. Many of the executive orders signed thus far are shortsighted and will have unintentional consequences. The Muslim ban is cruel in its intent to demonize refugees and vetted individuals as possible terrorists. None encourages us to work for the common good. The Make America Great Again slogan demands that citizens accept realities based on lies, delusions and conspiracies, a frightening way to govern the nation. At the rate were going, another recession may soon be upon us. The stock market would crash, the seas would continue rising, and if Gen. Michael Flynn and Steve Bannon have their way, we could be at war with Iran. Joseph Dunwoody lives in San Antonio. The relationship between the United States and Mexico is at an historic low. Months of threats and Mexico-bashing by President Donald Trump have left our neighbors to the south with a mixture of anger, resentment and anxiety. The rhetoric has created a breach that threatens to become a profound chasm. We need to remember that while Mexico needs the U.S., we also need Mexico, and Texas especially needs Mexico. Allowing our relations with Mexico to go off the rails will cost damage to U.S. economic and security interests. Any student of contemporary economics knows that the U.S. and Mexican economies are deeply intertwined. Worried about deficits? We have significantly higher trade deficits with Germany and Japan than we do with Mexico and, of course, China represents the mother of all trade deficits at six times what we have with our southern neighbor. Worried about jobs? The employment of 5 million to 6 million Americans is directly tied to trade with Mexico. We are not well served by picking a fight with Mexico. Texans, in particular, have a great deal at stake. Mexico is by far the most important trading partner to the state, with an estimated $92.5 billion worth of goods exported to Mexico per year and more than 460,000 Texas jobs dependent on trade. Rapid and recent expansion of energy-related collaborations will only make this relationship more important to the Texas economy. American security is also at stake because it partly depends on Mexican stability. The relationship between American and Mexican military and intelligence agencies is the closest it has ever been. When people on American watch lists arrive at Mexican airports, Mexico reports their presence to U.S authorities. Mexico has also begun interdicting immigrants from Central Americas strife-torn countries at its southern border, reducing the numbers reaching our border. The stability of Mexico is itself a security issue for the U.S. Similarly, if the wall is built, with all of its charged symbolism, most of it will be built in Texas given that two-thirds of the border lies within the state. This, along with the unraveling of U.S.-Mexico trade agreements, will directly affect Mexicos economy, in turn affecting the number of Mexicans seeking to find work here. In the wake of Trumps words about NAFTA, some Mexican analysts are calling for their own government to abandon the trade agreement. This would open the door to other countries to fill the vacuum. China, for example, has been actively courting Mexico for years, but Mexico is also one of the countries with the highest number of trade agreements around the world. Deteriorating U.S.-Mexico relations will only incentivize Mexico to develop alternate economic relationships with not just China, but multiple other countries. For these reasons, we must safeguard our current agreements with Mexico, not undermine them. And dont forget that the 2018 Mexican presidential elections are around the corner. Disputes about the wall, NAFTA and energy reform will figure prominently in the election and are as easily politicized there as they have become here. There has long been anti-NAFTA sentiment in Mexico, and anti-American voices there would prefer that Mexico back off from cooperation agreements with the U.S., including recent energy reform that has taken decades to accomplish and of which the U.S. is a prime beneficiary. It is critical that the Trump administration tone down the rhetoric and engage Mexico as a meaningful economic and security partner. We manhandle Mexico at our own peril. It is time we act more deliberately. Ricardo Ainslie is a professor of educational psychology and chair of the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies Mexico Center at the University of Texas at Austin. It is becoming more difficult to discern words that are harmlessly pugnacious from the serious threat when it comes to President Donald Trump. But the public shouldnt have to undertake the exercise. In a meeting with county sheriffs at the White House on Tuesday, Rockwall County Sheriff Harold Eavenson told Trump, Weve got a state senator in Texas thats talking about introducing legislation to require conviction before we can receive that forfeiture money and I told him that the cartel would build a monument to him in Mexico if he could get that legislation passed. Texas needs to address the issues created by straight-party voting, maintaining an independent judiciary key among them. Political party sweeps focused on the top of the ballot are going to continue carrying marginal candidates to victory until state election laws are amended. State Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and House Speaker Joe Straus are both advocating election reform this session. Straight-party voting is swift, efficient and a no-brainer. It helps move voters in and out of the polls in little time, especially when the ballot is long and requires little education about the candidates. There are, however, major downsides. In his State of the Judiciary address to the 85th Texas Legislature earlier this month, Hecht noted, In November, many good judges lost solely because voters in their districts preferred a presidential candidate in the other party. He added, When partisan politics is the driving force, and the political climate is as harsh as ours has become, judicial elections make judges more political, and judicial independence is the casualty. We agree. Texas needs to change its judicial selection process to preserve the integrity of the court system. The quality of the candidates filing for the bench has diminished in the last couple of decades. These posts were once viewed as a coveted honor bestowed on members of the legal profession who had earned the respect of their peers. This came after they worked in the trenches, gaining the knowledge and experience that make for great jurists. That is not true today. Filing time is more of a casting call for anyone who has passed the bar. Many candidates come with sparse resumes and view a judicial election as nothing more than a game of chance. They sometimes win the jackpot. Removing straight-party voting might be a positive first step, Hecht said, adding, however, that merit selection followed by nonpartisan retention elections would be of more help. Straus endorsed Hechts recommendation for nonpartisan judicial elections and wants to push the reforms further. The speaker supports Texas joining the other 40 states in the nation that do not allow straight-party voting. Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, has filed a bill seeking to end straight-party voting. It merits bipartisan support. Former ZANU-PF secretary for Administration Cde Didymus Mutasa, who was yesterday officially welcomed back into the party, said he had been forced out of the ruling party by former president Robert Mugabe after criticising him for accepting his wife as a faction leader in the revolutionary party. Speaking at a welcome ceremony for him and returning stalwart Brigadier-General Ambrose Mutinhiri (Rtd) at the party headquarters in Harare yesterday, Cde Mutasa said he remained Zanu-PF at heart. Cde Mutasa said he never left Zanu-PF, but he had personal issues with Mr Mugabe, who later incited the youth to chide him at party gatherings. I would like to thank you very much for accepting me back into the party. We worked together well, but as things changed, we also changed. Circumstances were such that it was necessary for the former president of the party to think we were no longer good and tell us to move away. We didnt move away on our own. I wrote back to my colleagues to say that I never left the party. The reason why the former president said I should move away is that I was saying it very openly, as you will, hear it now, that it was very unfair for him to accept his wife as the leader of the third faction of Zanu-PF and he didnt like it. He did not tell me that he did not like it, but he had to organise the party youth at one time when members of the party were in a Politburo meeting, to chide at me downstairs, said Cde Mutasa. Cde Mutasa said he had since buried the past and was ready to take the party and the nation at large, forward. All those are now things of the past. We would like to look into the future and build this country to be what we went to war for it to be and I am very happy to see all of you welcoming me, he said. Brig-Gen Mutinhiri said he had made mistakes, but thanked the party for readmitting him. I also want to thank the party for accepting me back. It is unfortunate that there are times when people see things differently, but it is normal, I believe. In the process of seeing things differently, you make mistakes. When you realise that you have made a mistake, you come back to your comrades and say comrades I am sorry I made a mistake, I want to rejoin the party and they accept you back. That is a great thing. So I am here, happy to be accepted back into the party and am ready to take up any assignment given to me. I am at your service. Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Cde Obert Mpofu welcomed the pair saying the readmission was a directive from President Mnangagwa who was keen on uniting and strengthening the party. President Mnangagwa, Cde Mpofu said, wanted to unite the people with a view to collectively build the nation. We welcome you comrades. President Mnangagwa has directed us to readmit former members, willing to rejoin the party. The President has even gone further to invite members of the opposition saying let us build our country together. He believes that we should not derail our development through unnecessary politicking. We are all Zimbabweans we must work together to develop the nation, he said. Cde Mpofu said the party needed senior members like the pair for guidance. We want to welcome you VaMutasa and the general (Brig-Gen Mutinhiri). We are all your products and we want our commanders back. This is your home and you should continue guiding us, said Cde Mpofu. Cde Edna Madzongwe said: I wish to thank the President who spearheaded the readmission of the two comrades. I welcome you comrades. Cde Mutasa was booted out of Zanu PF in 2015 for allegedly plotting against then President Robert Mugabe. He was accused of plotting to help then Vice President Joice Mujuru to take over Presidency. This was revealed by President Mnangagwa at a rally when he was still Vice President. Surprisingly, Mnangagwa is the one who went on to topple President Mugabe through a military coup after being helped by then Commander Defence Forces General Constantino Chiwenga. Watch video below Herald Breaking News via Email By John Upton, who blogs about ecology. Originally published at Climate Central The lawns of homes purchased this year in vast swaths of coastal America could regularly be underwater before the mortgage has even been paid off, with new research showing high tide flooding could become nearly incessant in places within 30 years. Such floods could occur several times a week on average by 2045 along the mid-Atlantic coastline, where seas have been rising faster than nearly anywhere else, and where lands are sagging under the weight of geological changes. Washington and Annapolis, Md. could see more than 120 high tide floods every year by 2045, or one flood every three days, according to the study, published last week in the journal PLOS ONE. Thats up from once-a-month flooding in mid-Atlantic regions now, which blocks roads and damages homes. The flooding would generally cluster around the new and full moons, said Erika Spanger-Siegfried, a Union of Concerned Scientists analysts who helped produce the new study. Many tide cycles in a row would bring flooding, this would peter out, and would then be followed by a string of tides without flooding. The analysis echoed findings from previous studies, though it stood out in part because of its focus on impacts that are expected within a generation instead of, say, by the end of the century. It showed high tide floods along southeastern shorelines are expected to strike nearly as often as they will in the mid-Atlantic, portending a fast-looming crisis for more than 1,000 miles of coastal America. Seas have recently been rising worldwide by an average of about an inch a decade, a rate of change thats accelerating as global warming expands oceans and causes ice to melt. The East Coast endured sea level rise at more than twice the global rate from 2002 to 2014. The way to bring it home is to talk about this 30-year horizon, said Jason Evans, a Stetson University scientist who researches sea-level rise and advises coastal communities trying to adapt. He wasnt involved with the new study. Thats the life of a mortgage. Its not abstract. High tide flooding will be less common along the northeastern and Gulf coasts, but flooding in those regions is projected to occur more frequently in the decades ahead than is currently the case in vulnerable mid-Atlantic cities and towns. Gulf Coast communities are also grappling with widespread erosion caused by oil and gas infrastructure and flood control projects. The study did not analyze the West Coast, where flooding problems are less widespread, although parts of the San Francisco Bay Area are highly vulnerable. The analysis pointed to heavy future impacts from rising seas if coastal communities fail to adapt to climate change and if the world fails to substantially reduce greenhouse gas pollution from fossil fuels, deforestation and farming. The analysis presented here indicates that flood risk is likely to increase significantly and consistently for regions from the Gulf of Mexico to the Northeast, said Andra Garner, a sea-level researcher at Rutgers who wasnt involved with the study. This emphasizes the urgent need for adaptation. Work is underway in many coastal states, counties and cities to reduce flooding and its impacts, such as by raising roads and blocking construction of flood-prone homes. Adapting to rising seas can be painstaking and expensive, however, often requiring extensive coordination among agencies and governments. In some cases, residential lots, roads and parks are expected to be abandoned to the sea. That already happened in some parts of New York and New Jersey affected by Hurricane Sandy. This is not something that we can address alone, said Theodore Becker, mayor of Lewes, Del., a town of a few thousand residents that swells with summertime visitors. The new analysis showed high tides could bring floods to Lewes every second day on average by 2045 a risk that local and state leaders are toiling to reduce. We engage in at least two programs to educate people about what they can do to prepare themselves, Becker said. We have a very engaged community. They get it. To reduce future risks and impacts from current flooding, Lewes lawmakers recently adopted new rules for building and renovating homes in flood-prone regions. The city is also seeking funding from the state to elevate roads that frequently flood. It protects and enhances sand dunes, which can buffer floods. Lewes is an interesting example of a fairly proactive community in terms of sea level rise preparedness, said California-based climate scientist Kristina Dahl, one of the authors of the new study. The stuff thats happening in Lewes is statewide theres a lot of action within Delaware and a lot of awareness, Dahl said. A lot of the things that are being done there could be looked at by a lot of other coastal communities and used as models. Yves here. Even though polls showed that immigration was not the biggest reasons for Leave voters making that choice, the Tory government has made the supposed need to control immigration a major reason for triggering a hard Brexit. We pointed out previously that non-EU immigration accounted for more than half of total immigration since 10 countries joined the EU in 2004. This post provides a critical fact: that the UK had ample power under EU rules to keep immigration from the EU at much lower levels than actually took place. In other words, the influx of Eastern European workers was the result of the desire to suppress wages, which worked out all too well, rather than the UK bowing to supposedly unduly permissive EU rules. By Zsolt Darvas, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Economics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Associate Professor at the Corvinus University of Budapest. Originally published at Bruegel Immigration to the UK was a key issue in the Brexit debate and has also received a great deal of attention since the referendum. According to the recent white paper from the UK Government on Brexit principles, control of immigration will be a key priority. Point 5.3 of the white paper states that It is simply not possible to control immigration overall when there is unlimited free movement of people to the UK from the EU, suggesting that EU mobility rules were responsible for the surge in immigration and the UK did not have a control. I find this claim potentially misleading, for two reasons: By respecting all EU rules, net immigration of non-British citizens to the UK could have been cut by a stunning 82% in 2004-11 and also rather significantly since then. It was a UK decision not to control immigration. EU rules allow unlimited free movement of people only for a duration up to three months. For longer periods, only workers, the very rich and students can stay in another EU country. Let me elaborate on these two points and then draw lessons for future UK immigration policies. UK Decisions Have Led to the Surge in Immigration Since the Mid-1990s, Not the EUs Labour Mobility Principle The striking message of Figure 1 is that the bulk of immigrants to the UK since 1991 arrived from outside the EU. On average, in 2004-11, 71% of non-British immigrants arrived from outside the EU. Their ratio was still as high as 65% in 2012 and 52% on average in 2013-15. No EU rule forced the UK to admit so many non-EU citizens: it was a UK decision. In these figures we should distinguish asylum seekers, who were allowed to enter the UK on humanitarian grounds. On average in 2004-11, asylum seekers accounted for 5% of non-British immigrants, while their share was 7% in 2013-15. Thereby, if the UK was interested in mitigating the inflow of people from non-EU countries beyond asylum seekers, UK authorities could have cut immigration by 66% in 2004-11 and 45% in 2013-15. Certainly, in the event of temporary immigration restrictions on EU8 nationals in 2004-11 by the UK, citizens of these countries could have come to the UK after the end of the seven-year period. However, most likely, many of those EU8 citizens who actually immigrated to the UK in 2004-11 would have immigrated to other EU15 countries and settled there and therefore the imposition of seven-year temporary controls by the UK would have likely reduced total immigration from these countries significantly. Moreover, the accession treaties with new EU member states allowed a transition period of up to seven years, during which older EU member states had the option to maintain immigration restrictions on the citizens of newer member states. They also had the option to introduce such controls during the seven-year transition period, even if they have abolished the restrictions earlier, provided that there was a serious disturbance on their labour markets. Twelve of the fifteen other older EU member states used this option and adopted temporary immigration controls, but the UK, Ireland and Sweden opened their labour markets directly from 1 May 2004 for nationals of the eight central European countries (EU8) that joined the EU on 1 May 2004. Furthermore, the UK did not introduce controls later in the 7-year transition period, when immigration from these countries sharply increased. Immigration from EU8 accounted for on average 16% of non-British net immigration in 2004-11. Therefore, even when respecting all EU rules, 2004-11 net immigration of non-British citizens to the UK could have been cut by a stunning 82% (71% non-EU minus 5% asylum seekers plus 16% EU8). But UK authorities decided not to do that. The UK Governments white paper does not even mention these facts, but seems to blame EU mobility rules for the surge in net immigration since the mid-1990s. This is simply incorrect. In my view, there are various possible reasons why the UK government allowed immigration to increase from the mid-1990. These include both economic and political factors. Firstly, these immigrants brought major economic benefits to the UK, which is also recognised by the white paper (see points 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8). I also wrote a post on this issue before the Brexit referendum. Political reasons could include a desire to support and welcome citizens of Commonwealth countries (who accounted for about half of non-EU immigration). There might also have been a recognition of Western European countries historical responsibility to re-unite the continent after the disastrous decades of communism in Central Europe. Or perhaps the UK wanted to show a pro-European face. EU Free Mobility Rules Do Not Allow Unlimited Establishment of Residency in Other EU Countries The sentence I quoted from the white paper at the start of my blogpost talks about unlimited free movement of people to the UK from the EU. There is also a box on page 28 explaining EUs mobility rules, which concludes: The Free Movement Directive[15] sets out the rights of EU citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the EU. This Directive replaced most of the previous European legislation facilitating the migration of the economically active and it consolidated the rights of EU citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the EU. These statements greatly exaggerate the options available to EU citizens and are therefore potentially misleading. EU mobility rules, as set out in the Free Movement Directive, continue to focus on mobility of workers. There is indeed unlimited free movement of tourists, and any citizen of an EU country can stay in another EU country for a period of three months without conditions. However, a citizen of an EU country can stay in another EU country for more than three months only in three cases: If she/he finds a job (becomes employed or self-employed), or If she/he and accompanying family have sufficient resources and sickness insurance and do not become a burden on the social assistance system of the host member state, or If she/he has a student status and sufficient resources to cover living expenses and sickness insurance. New jobseekers have a slightly more preferential treatment. Following European Court of Justice rulings, they can stay up to six (and not three) months. However, a six-month period is not that long and after six months host country authorities can ask the jobseeker to leave if she/he cannot prove to have a realistic chance of finding work there (see here). Host country authorities can also expel the jobseeker, although this cannot be an automatic process and all relevant circumstances have to be considered. Therefore, the free residency right can be exercised unconditionally only for a period up to three months, for jobseekers up to six months. But only workers (and their family members), students and the very rich who do not rely on the social assistance system of the host country can stay for longer. Permanent residency is acquired only after a continuous period of five years legal residency according to the conditions described above. These EU rules have important implications for a possible surge in immigration prior to Brexit: The UK Should Not Worry That Much About a Possible Surge in Immigration From EU Countries Prior to Brexit Even if immigration from EU countries surges before Brexit, it is unlikely that those who come in excess of regular immigration patterns would find a job. There is a natural rate of job creation. Therefore, those new immigrants who are not able to find a job will become unauthorised after six months, and if they do not leave voluntarily, the UK will have to right to expel them. What To Conclude for the New UK immigration System After Brexit? The economic reasons for allowing immigration to increase from the mid-1990 prevail. When labour shortages arise, authorities can either allow foreign nationals to enter, or to create tensions in the labour market and cut economic growth, which would have negative feedback effects on UK public finances and taxes paid by British citizens. The Global Britain vision of Prime Minister Theresa May involves attracting foreign investment, which will come with people. For example, when a US financial conglomerate establishes an office in the City of London, it will bring many employees from abroad. When a Japanese manufacturer establishes a factory in the UK, it will again bring many workers. In the age of digitalisation, IT investments will require more and more IT experts from India and other parts of the world, simply because there are not enough within the UK. The next question is the immigration control mandate UK authorities received from the Brexit referendum. It is difficult to infer public opinion about immigration and what kind of control the majority of UK nationals would like to see. We only know that the share of leave votes at the Brexit referendum was actually lower in areas where there are more immigrants (Figure 2). This suggests that voters in areas where there are more immigrants were more in favour of EU-membership and possibly of the free labour mobility principle which comes with it. Note: the dots represent the 133 NUTS3 regions of England, while the line shows the regression line. The same relationship holds within Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Sources: The Electoral Commission and Office for National Statistics (see detailed data sources in the annex here). There are compelling economic reasons in favour of immigration, and the Brexit referendum gave an ambiguous message about the UKs future immigration policy. I therefore suggest that the UK should not introduce an overly tight immigration control system. This post is partly based on my testimony at the House of Lords EU committee on UK-EU immigration issues on 18 January 2017. I thank Ines Goncalves Raposo for her great help in my preparation for the testimony. The twenty-second Tipperariana Book Fair goes ahead this coming Sunday, February 12, in Fethard Ballroom from 2pm to 6pm. The annual fair has now become a fixture in the calendar of anyone interested in books of any sort, especially books relating to history, Ireland and of course, Tipperary. The fair is now the biggest one-day antiquarian and second-hand book fair in Ireland. Over thirty book dealers from all over Ireland from Armagh to Wexford to West Cork come with a huge collection of collectable books on all conceivable subjects. Books of Irish Interest are always the most sought after, but also present will be books on war, aviation, sport, travel, explorers, hobbies and the list goes on. Book prices with dealers can range from 5 to 500, and prices - like all prices- depend on the demand for that particular item and the condition and appearance of the book. There are also thousands of cheap books available at the Fethard Historical Society stall where all new and old donated books are sold and for 5 you could also acquire a bag of books. People have been very generous over the years by donating high quality books including recent paperbacks - which are then sold on the societys stand at the fair. Donated books are still accepted and can be delivered to the Ballroom on this Friday night after 8pm, and on this Saturday from 10am to 4pm, or by contacting 086 3905373 or 052 6131537 to arrange a collection. A feature of the Book Fair, since 1996, has been the presence of authors of Tipperary interest books published in the previous year, who are invited to come long to promote, sell and sign their books. Pride of place will go to Gerard OMeara from Lorrha this year, whose wonderful book Lorrha People in the Great War, was chosen as the Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2016. Another OMeara, Martin (of OMeara Camping fame), will be launching a complete new edition of his fathers famous book of 1937, The Spirit of Tipperary. The book, by national teachers P. OMeara M.A. and T. McDonald M.A., both from Toomevara, will first be seen in its reprinted format at the Fethard Fair with Martin OMeara in attendance. Many other Authors , including Donnchadh OCinneide (In Song and Story), Mark Fitzell (The Many Faces of Cashel), Seamus King ( Betwixt the Arras and Lough Derg), will also be present to meet and greet the public. Cheap day out! The Fethard Book Fair makes for a great day out for anyone interested in the world of books. Doors open from 2pm to 6pm and the entry fee is still 2, with children going free. There is a Cafe on site, a piano player on stage and lots of browsing and bargains to be had. Further information on www.tipperariana.com HAMILTON, Bermuda, Feb. 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A team of top industry experts, led by Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), will travel to Chicago and Boston next month to highlight the advantages of Bermuda as the worlds leading domicile for captive insurance. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4beab16-7e75-4c58-a2c6-589ff2303f89 The Executive Forum on Bermuda Captive Insurance Solutions will visit Chicago March 7 and Boston March 9, offering insurance buyers, risk managers and financial executives an opportunity to learn more about captive insurance and the benefits Bermuda offers as a blue-chip international financial centre. Captive insurance, or self-insurance, allows global corporations a cost-effective way to efficiently manage todays complex risks, including healthcare and cyber risks, as well as enterprise risk management. Im delighted to have as many captive industry partners and their clients involved in helping promote our captive insurance sector, said BDA Business Development Manager Jereme Ramsay. We have a very busy schedule in both cities, with two main forums for company executives, along with six mini-forums for brokers, and were also hosting a special healthcare-related presentation and networking reception in Bostonall over a three-day period. The forums are scheduled for 8:3011:30am both days and will feature two sessions: the first, Captive Solutions & Strategies, explains what a captive insurer is, how to structure a captive, key reasons to set up a captive, along with common risks insured, citing several case studies. A second session focuses on regulatory, tax and legal frameworks, and includes two case studies presented by law firm Baker McKenzie and US manufacturing multinational Boeing. Im pleased to take part in this forum to help highlight the many advantages of Bermuda as a captive domicile, said Jamie Sewell, Chicago-based Manager for Risk Management & Insurance for Boeing. We chose Bermuda specifically for our captive because its a respected, well-regulated jurisdiction and its insurance and reinsurance sectors are world-renowned. Bermudas captive insurance market is the global leader, with close to 800 companies generating more than $55 billion in annual gross written premiums. The presence of commercial insurance and reinsurance companies on the island allows captive owners and operators to access open-market underwriting capacity not found in other captive domiciles, making Bermuda a one-stop-shop. Notably, captives are also increasingly popular tools for wealth preservation and succession planning for HNWIs and family offices. Ramsay said the US remains Bermudas greatest source of captivesgenerating most new formations in recent years. With increasing competition in the captive space, especially with the rise of pop-up domiciles in the US, we feel its more critical than ever to promote Bermudas value as a top-tier jurisdiction and highlight our robust re/insurance market, he noted. The heightened involvement and support by industry speaks to the collaborative efforts of the BDA, our regulator and private sector to maintain Bermudas leading position as the domicile of choice for captive insurance business. Industry speakers include Boeings Sewell; Alan Gier, Global Director of Corporate Risk Management & Insurance for General Motors, who also serves as President of the Bermuda Captive Owners Association (BCOA); Richard Daley, President of JLT Insurance Management, Bermuda; Robert Spencer, former chief financial officer for Baker McKenzie in Chicago; and Leslie Robinson, Assistant Director of Licensing & Authorisations for the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). Other participating firms include: Cedar Consulting of Bermuda, Estera Services (Bermuda), Marsh, KPMG Bermuda, Marsh, PwC Bermuda and Willis Towers Watson Management. The forum is a great opportunity for insurance brokers and risk managers situated in Boston and Chicago to learn about the benefits of managing risk through captives in Bermuda directly from key industry panellists and captive owners, noted speaker Janita Burke, of Estera. Attendees will learn about Bermudas ability to offer diverse solutions to challenging and complex risk strategies and why Bermuda as a domicile has become the global leader in captive insurance. There is no cost to attend the half-day sessions; registration can be done here for Chicago and here for Boston. The dedicated evening healthcare event is being held in Boston as the city is a key market for Bermudas captive insurance and re/insurance for the healthcare sector, serving major hospital and long-term care chains, physicians groups and research laboratories. CONNECTING BUSINESS The BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Our goal? To make doing business in Bermuda smooth and beneficial. An 81-year-old man is lucky to be alive after a California National Guard crew on Friday plucked him from rushing water near the Northern California town of Taylorsville. Rodger McMurty was swept from his car into the fast-moving water around 2 p.m. Members of the the California National Guard, who were originally observing flooding concerns in the nearby town of Greenville, jumped into action when the call for help was signaled. McMurty, who was trapped in violent water roughly six feet in depth, was clinging to a branch when rescue teams arrived. One of the California National Guardsmen was lowered down from a helicopter before he positioned McMurty in a harness and hoisted him to safety. The quick-thinking action of the rescue team received high praise. "I applaud the crews quick and decisive actions which resulted in the saving of a life," said Major General David Baldwin, the Adjutant General for the Cal Guard. President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown has sparked fear in the Bay Area, especially after Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officials arrested more than 100 people in Southern California this week. The question: Could it happen to us? ICE defends the raids by saying that they are part of a long-planned operation targeting criminals. But community activists counter that people with no criminal history have also been rounded up from their homes and offices. Hearing about this increases fear in our communities, said Sandy Valenciano with the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance. The arrests combined with the current political climate have shaken immigrant communities, according to Valenciano. Ive definitely talked to my friends and family about my emergency plan [about] what would happen if I were detained and vice versa, she said. These are conversations I never thought Id have. Meanwhile, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee says he understands the wave of fear, and will protect all law-abiding residents. We fight ferociously to protect peoples rights and if they are doing something wrong, that's one thing. If they're not, it just means that's not American. ICE officials say they plan on Monday to release more information, including videos, about the operation. Two Southwest Airlines flights leaving Oakland International Airport on Saturday checked off a milestone for the commercial carrier. The airline launched its first ever nonstop flights from Oakland International Airport to destinations outside of the country, according to the airline. Those two destinations over the border were Puerto Vallarta International Airport and Los Cabos International Airport. Ushering in the new service from the Bay Area to Mexico was something that customers were clamoring for, Leah Koontz from Southwest Airlines said. "Our customers here in California love to go to Mexico and it is so nice for us to be able to bring nonstop service here out of the Bay Area to those customers who love to travel to those tropical destinations down in Mexico," she said. A mariachi band, cake and balloons were commissioned to celebrate the momentous event. Thousands of demonstrators lined downtown San Jose's streets Saturday in support of national health care provider Planned Parenthood, following GOP statements earlier this year to slash federal dollars to the organization. STAND San Jose organized a rally and march along The Alameda in San Jose between Taylor and Julian avenues. The San Jose Police Department estimated that the event drew between 4,000 and 5,000 people. Were out here because we feel like its important to get involved and stand up for the things we realize are in danger now, said one female supporter. We do care about Planned Parenthood, we do care about gender equality and reproductive rights, and we care so much were going to come out on a Saturday morning to stand here on a street corner and make sure people know that. Women, men and children held signs and cheered to demonstrate their wholehearted support of womens rights and reproductive services offered by Planned Parenthood. San Jose Planned Parenthood Rally Two women waved white hangers in front of the crowd in recognition of dangerous abortion practices. We dont want to go back to the days when women had to use these, said one woman. San Jose supporters rallied for over two hours before marching down Lenzen Avenue where they gathered to hear from speakers. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) praised the demonstrators while also condemning the actions of Republican leaders. The Republicans in the House and Senate are off the deep end, Lofgren said. They are going to have the vote unless we scare them, and part of scaring them are actions like this. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo also took the mic to oppose federal leadership while making a jab at President Donald Trump. Here in San Jose we all believe that a womans body should be free of governmental interference. And by the way, I define governmental interference to include Donald Trumps groping, said Liccardo. A Planned Parenthood representative thanked demonstrators for rallying in support of the organization and urged everyone to continue to inform legislative officials of the organizations importance. Meanwhile, anti-abortion activists across the U.S. gathered to urge the federal government to cut payments to the same organization. Yale University has announced it will rename Calhoun College to honor Yale graduate and computer science revolutionary Grace Murray Hopper, according to a press release from the school on Saturday. Students and community activists have been calling on the university to change the name of the building, which is an undergraduate residential college, because John C. Calhoun, who the building is named for, was a supporter of slavery. University President Peter Salovey and the board of trustees voted to change the name at their most recent meeting. "The decision to change a colleges name is not one we take lightly, but John C. Calhouns legacy as a white supremacist and a national leader who passionately promoted slavery as a positive good fundamentally conflicts with Yales mission and values, Salovey said in Saturdays press release announcing the news. Back in April, Salovey responded to controversy and protest surrounding the schools name and announced it would not be changed, in an effort to to confront, teach and learn from the history of slavery in the United States. However, the debate continued and in August the university created a committee to establish principles on renaming. Another group was tasked with applying what the first committee came up with to Calhoun College. Their reports are available here. Students who oppose keeping the name of the school have launched protests, and a university employee in 2016 smashed a stained glass window that depicted slaves in the Calhoun College dining hall. He was charged, but those charges were later dropped and Yale rehired the employee in a new role. Grace Murray Hopper attended Yale in the 1930s and received a masters degree in mathematics (1930) and a Ph.D. in mathematics and mathematical physics (1934). Much of her work was in computer science and she was considered a trailblazer in the field. In 1952 she and her team created the first computer language compiler, which made it possible to write programs for multiple machines. She was also a leader in development of word-based computer languages and worked to make computers more accessible. She was honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. Hopper was a naval reservist for 20 years and retired as a rear admiral at 79, making her the oldest serving officer in the U.S. armed forces at the time. She also taught at Vassar College. Students and activists celebrated the rebranding as a major victory. People are happy with this name. A woman who really did a lot for women in the United States, said John Lugo of the Change the Name Coalition. Authorities have identified the woman fatally shot by Chicago police on the city's North Side Friday night after officers said she threatened them with a knife. Michelle Robey, 55, of Chicago, was shot and killed in the 3900 block of N. Western Ave. in the city's North Center neighborhood, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office. Around 5:45 p.m. Friday, officers responded to a 911 call from a CVS pharmacy near the intersection of Western Ave and Irving Park Rd, according to police. When they arrived on the scene, employees told the officers that a woman who was "disorderly and combative" while brandishing a knife had left the store. The officers found the woman at the bus stop outside, according to police, who said she advanced toward the officers, still armed with the knife. Police attempted to get her to drop the knife, authorities said, using a Taser twice to seemingly no effect. She then threatened the officers and lunged toward them, at which point police said the officers opened fire, striking her in the upper body. She was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital, officials said, where she was pronounced dead. Robey, of the 5600 block of N Spaulding Ave. in the Hollywood Park neighborhood on the city's Northwest Side, died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen, the Cook County Medical Examiner's office said Saturday. Her death was ruled a homicide. Darryl Dixon said he witnessed the shooting and said, despite the Taser wires hanging from her body, the woman refused to drop her weapon. "I heard her say 'I got a knife, I will cut you, I will cut you, stand back, I will cut either one of you!'" Dixon recalled. No officers were injured, according to police, and a weapon was recovered from the scene. The Independent Police Review Authority continues to investigate the specifics of the incident, including the use of force. The officers involved will be placed on 30-day administrative leave as is standard procedure with all police-involved shootings. New London police are investigating the death of a 52-year-old New London man. Police said around noon on Saturday they were called to 24 Rodgers Street for a report of an unconscious male. Emergency crews transported the man to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The man has been identified as the resident of the home, Anthony Johnson. Narcotics and drug paraphernalia were found on scene, according to police. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine cause of death. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact New London police at 860-447-1481 or submit a tip through the New London Tips 411 system. In tune with the new administration of alternative facts, viewers are embracing a comic alternative president and his abrasive press secretary. Alec Baldwin, who has scored in guest shots on "Saturday Night Live" with his mocking impersonation of Donald Trump since the campaign's final weeks, presided Saturday as guest host of NBC's late-night sketch show, serving up yet another Trump masquerade. In his spoof, President Trump made good on a tweeted vow to "see you in court" directed at the three Ninth Circuit federal judges who last week refused to lift a stay preventing his immigration ban from being enforced. His chosen venue: "The People's Court," where he was suing the three judges. "I'm right, they're wrong," Trump erupted. "I want the travel ban reinstated. I also want $725." Then, as a character witness, he brought in shirtless Russian president Vladimir Putin (Beck Bennett), who praised Trump as "my little American Happy Meal." In another sketch, Baldwin, making his record 17th "SNL" hosting appearance, took social relevance to an outrageous level as an ad man brainstorming a Cheetos commercial for the Super Bowl. In another, he was an obstetrician examining Beyonce, pregnant with twins (played by a chatty Kenan Thompson and surprise guest Tracy Morgan). But while Baldwin was the drawing card for viewers seeking political satire, the night belonged to ultra-versatile "SNL" cast member Kate McKinnon. On "Weekend Update," she depicted Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who last week was silenced by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in the midst of final debate over the confirmation of Jeff Sessions, Trump's nominee for attorney general. McKinnon was almost unrecognizable as newly sworn-in Sessions himself, played as drawling, cornpone and ghoulish. And in yet another sketch, McKinnon encored her crowd-pleasing lampoon of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, who this time was a crazed stalker pursuing CNN anchor Jake Tapper (Bennett). Opening the show, Melissa McCarthy was back with the portrayal of hot-tempered White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer that wowed viewers last week. "I said that wrong when I said it," SNL's Spicer seethed when asked about a confusing remark. "But then you wrote it which makes you wrong." Finally, losing all control, "Spicer" revved her motorized podium and mowed down the press corps. The night's musical guest, British pop star Ed Sheeran, performed two numbers, "Shape of You" and "Castle in the Sky." "Saturday Night Live" returns March 4 for an episode to be hosted by actress Octavia Spencer. As part of a nationwide effort, anti-abortion activists protested in front of a Planned Parenthood health center in Plano on Saturday. The demonstration held near the corner of North Central Expressway and West Plano Parkway coincided with hundreds of similar protests held across the county that called on the federal government to cut off payments to Planned Parenthood. Several cities also saw counter-protests, with supporters carrying signs that read, "I stand with Planned Parenthood." In Plano, one protester hoped that President Donald Trump would stop sending federal funds to Planned Parenthood. "Trump was definitely not my first pick for president, but I'll say that he does seem to support life," Hope Larimer said. Could a "convention of states" be a tough sell in Texas? Few things are dearer to Gov. Greg Abbott's political heart than his call to have legislatures around the country convene a convention to amend the U.S. Constitution and impose things like a federal balanced budget and congressional term limits. Abbott made it a centerpiece of his book last year and an "emergency item" for state lawmakers this session. While the idea might have appealed to some conservatives under President Barack Obama, though, a Donald Trump White House and Republican-controlled Congress has some wondering why, with the GOP having so much federal power, would Texas want to limit what Washington can do? Meanwhile, members of the Texas Eagle Forum and other tea party and grassroots activists have long opposed a convention of states, fearing that calling one could spark a "runaway convention" where liberal invitees target the 2nd Amendment and other constitutional fundamentals conservatives love. Texas isn't the only state struggling with this. Republicans now hold majorities in 33 state legislatures nationwide -- just one shy of the two-third needed to initiate a convention on constitutional amendments. Yet, the idea hasn't caught fire nationally any more than it has in Texas, at least not yet. Bills supporting a "convention of states" have been filed in each Texas chamber and House Speaker Joe Straus created a special committee to consider amendments to the U.S. Constitution while monitoring federal legislation, regulations and unfunded mandates that adversely affect states.So far, though, it seems this might one issue where Abbott's wish isn't necessarily the Legislature's command. Here are some other topics making more-immediate news this week in Texas politics: UNION DUES BILL The Senate State Affairs Committee plans Monday to hear a bill by its chairwoman, Houston Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, seeking to end automatic payroll deductions for unions and professional organizations -- which labor activists say will weaken public employee bargaining power. Abbott mentioned the issue in last month's State of the State address but didn't make it an emergency item. Neither chamber can pass non-emergency bills until the Legislature has been in session for 60 days, a deadline that's still about a month away. But Huffman's committee may nonetheless approve the bill quickly and get it to the full chamber to pass in March. A similar bill cleared the Senate in 2015 but never got a House floor vote. TRANSGENDER SCHOOL BATHROOMS CASE A panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court is convening in Austin on Tuesday and is scheduled to hear arguments on an Obama administration order requiring public schools to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice. Texas and 12 other states sued last year, and U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth issued a temporary injunction. State Attorney General Ken Paxton said he doesn't expect this week's hearing to decide the fate of that injunction and others also believe it may not produce a major ruling in the case. But the hearing could still provide key clues about whether Trump eventually will defend -- or abandon -- one of his predecessor's hotly debated transgender policies. On Friday night, Trump's Justice Department submitted a brief withdrawing the federal government's previous request to limit the scope of O'Connor's injunction only to the 13 states that have sued. That doesn't necessarily halt all objections to O'Connor's injunction, but suggests the new White House may not defend the school bathroom order as vigorously as the previous administration. HOUSE BUDGET MEETINGS Moments after Straus announced committee assignments on Thursday, the chamber's newly named chief budget writer, Republican Rep. John Zerwas of Richmond, called an Appropriations Committee meeting for 7:30 a.m. Monday. The Senate got its committee assignments faster and its budget writers have already been meeting for weeks, polishing a proposed draft budget worth $103.6 billion. Zerwas and his committee will now begin working on a House draft budget worth nearly $109 billion and containing key differences with its upper chamber counterpart on funding levels for border security and public education. How both chambers reconcile spending priorities -- especially with state revenue dwindling as oil prices stay so low -- will be shape the legislative session perhaps more than any other issue. Dallas police have released a sketch of the man they say shot a local actor outside a Deep Ellum bar last month. [[413516683,C]] Matthew Posey, founder of Ochre House Theater, was leaving Cold Beer Company on Jan. 30 when he was shot by an unknown man. Police described the shooter as a young black male who fled in a silver four-door car. Shortly after the shooting, a family spokesman said Posey was recovering from surgery and that he thanked "everyone for the huge outpouring of concern and love." Bar and restaurant patrons in Deep Ellum Saturday night said the shooting made them more cautious. "I'm always cautious as a woman, just walking around, but [the shooting] does make me think of [my] surroundings a little bit more," Morgan Davis said. Police have asked anyone with information to call Detective T. Carroll at 214-671-3644. Crime Stoppers will also pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment. A former Mesa, Arizona, police officer's trial in a fatal shooting has been delayed because of time spent on pretrial skirmishes and a witness' refusal to be interviewed. A judge Friday rescheduled former Officer Philip Brailsford's trial in the January 2016 killing of 26-year-old Daniel Shaver of Granbury, Texas, to Oct. 23. The Arizona Republic reports that a February trial date became unrealistic because of pretrial fights over release of body camera video and whether the prosecution had enough evidence to warrant a trial. Also, witness Monique Portillo has refused to be interviewed, and attorneys said they need to subpoena her. Shaver was shot after he and Portillo left a room in a hotel where police were investigating a report of a man waving a weapon outside a window. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly paid San Diego a visit on Friday, in his first tour since he's taken office to address border security. Kelly took a tour of security operations at the U.S.-Mexico border crossing in San Ysidro, the last stop on his week-long tour. He also spent some time speaking with several state and federal law enforcement agencies about improving border security. San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman and San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore were also present. "What I saw today, the professionalism that I observed in a very potentially dangerous environment, gave me great pride," Kelly said. During the conference, he spoke of the individuals taken into custody by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying that they were illegal immigrants. He added that border authorities are only "executing the law." If there are laws on the books that are bad laws, then change them, but people like me, like CBP, local law enforcement, we have no alternative but to enforce the law. We cant ignore the law," Kelly said. His visit came on the same day a drug tunnel was discovered near the border in a Tijuana parking lot. "The face that they are tunneling under it, goes to the effectiveness of not just the wall, the physical barrier that already exists here in San Diego, but goes to the effectiveness of the men and women that back that wall, that patrol that wall," he said. He added: "I would argue that the fact that they're spending huge amounts of money to tunnel underneath the wall tells you that they can't get through it." Although Kelly has told lawmakers in the past he would like to see the construction of wall within the next two years, he did not address the issue on Friday. On his tour, he previously visited Rio Grande, Texas and Nogales, Arizona. The United States on Friday blocked the appointment of the former Palestinian prime minister to lead the U.N. political mission in Libya, saying it was acting to support its ally Israel. U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said the Trump administration "was disappointed" to see that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had sent a letter to the Security Council indicating his intention to appoint Salam Fayyad, who served as the Palestinian Authority's prime minister from 2007-2013, as the next U.N. special representative to Libya. "For too long the U.N. has been unfairly biased in favor of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel," Haley said. Palestine is a non-member observer state at the United Nations and its independence has been recognized by 137 of the 193 U.N. member nations. But Haley said the United States doesn't currently recognize a Palestinian state "or support the signal" Fayyad's appointment would send within the United Nations. U.N. diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions have been private, said Fayyad is well-respected for his work in reforming the Palestinian Authority and spurring its economy and had the support of the 14 other Security Council members to succeed Martin Kobler in the Libya job. Despite opposition to Fayyad, Haley indicated that the Trump administration wants to see an end to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "We encourage the two sides to come together directly on a solution," she said. Haley's statement came ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump on Feb. 15, and was welcomed by Israelis. "This is the beginning of a new era at the U.N., an era where the U.S. stands firmly behind Israel against any and all attempts to harm the Jewish State," Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said of the U.S. decision to block Fayyad's appointment. "The new administration proved once again that it stands firmly alongside the state of Israel in the international arena and in the U.N. in particular." The new U.S. ambassador made clear that "going forward, the United States will act, not just talk, in support of our allies." But Trump also indicated in comments to an Israeli newspaper Friday that there might be some difficult discussions with Netanyahu next week on Israel's settlement expansion. The U.S. leader was quoted as saying that Israel's settlement expansion in land claimed by the Palestinians does not advance peace. Israel's settlement building has been a key obstacle to the revival of stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Most of the international community considers all Israeli settlements in territory the Palestinians want for a state in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal and counterproductive to peace. Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Quentin Moses was one of three people killed in a house fire in Georgia early Sunday, authorities said. Moses, 33, was found unconscious inside the burning home in the city of Monroe just after 6 a.m. after firefighters arrived, Monroe Fire Department officials said. He was moved outside and given CPR then taken to a local hospital where he died. After the roof collapsed, firefighters later discovered the bodies of 10-year-old Jasmine Godard and her mother, 31-year-old Andria Godard, inside the home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Friends and former teammates took to Twitter Sunday to offer their condolences. My heart breaks for former teammate and friend Quentin Moses and his family. Thoughts, prayers and tears! So sad. Life is too short #RIP Jason Taylor (@JasonTaylor) February 12, 2017 Moses was from Georgia and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round in 2007. He later signed with the Dolphins and stayed with the team through the 2010 season. He registered 3.5 sacks in 44 games. "We were deeply saddened to hear about the tragic news involving Quentin Moses. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time," The Dolphins said in a statement Sunday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Quentin Moses. pic.twitter.com/kIJr1hu57f Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) February 12, 2017 Moses had most recently been serving as a football coach at Reinhardt University. The parents of Seth Adams are sure Sgt. Michael Custer is lying about why he fatally shot their unarmed son in the parking lot of the family's nursery business nearly five years ago, even though the sheriff's deputy was cleared by investigators. The family will get a chance to prove its allegations when a federal civil rights trial against Custer and the sheriff's office begins Monday with jury selection. The Adams family and their attorneys say ballistics tests, contradictions in Custer's statements and observations by his Palm Beach County colleagues undermine his account of Adams as an immediate and persistent aggressor in the confrontation. The family said the May 2012 shooting was unjustified and that the investigation was flawed. They are seeking unspecified damages. Custer, then a 15-year sheriff's office veteran, and the sheriff's office have denied wrongdoing. Custer, who had no previous complaints of brutality or violence in his personnel file, said he shot Adams because Adams attacked him for no reason and he feared for his life. A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation cleared him of criminal wrongdoing. This will be the second time in a year the sheriff's office will be in federal court defending itself in the shooting of an unarmed man. Last February, a federal jury awarded Dontrell Stephens $22 million after finding that Sgt. Adams Lin unjustifiably shot him when he mistook Stephens' cellphone for a gun. The shooting paralyzed Stephens. The agency also settled at least three other lawsuits in the last year over questionable shootings, totaling $2.7 million. Both the sheriff's office and Wallace McCall, the family's lead attorney, declined to discuss the pending trial. Some facts about the two-minute confrontation are undisputed. Custer, wearing civilian clothing, pulled into the nursey parking lot about 11 p.m. on May 16, 2012. He parked his unmarked black Ford SUV, but left the motor running and turned off the lights. He was supervising a team trying to capture a gang of ATM thieves, all of them white males in their 20s like Adams. The Adams family said Custer, who is also white, ignored signs banning afterhours parking. Adams, who lived with his brother and sister-in-law on the property, returned home at about 11:40 from Boonies, a bar about 3 miles away. Employees told investigators he played beer pong with friends and chatted amiably with the waitress. He pulled his blue Ford pickup into a space about 15 feet from Custer. An autopsy showed his blood-alcohol content was 0.13, well over Florida's .08 percent legal limit for driving. What happened next is where the trial will be fought. According to court records, Custer said Adams began yelling profanities at him "as loud as a person could" and demanded to know who he was without identifying himself as a resident. Custer said he identified himself as a sheriff's deputy, but Adams again cursed him, said he had no right to be there and started walking quickly toward him. Custer said he showed Adams his sheriff's identification, but that "seemed to make him worse." He said Adams grabbed him by the throat, but he broke free and punched Adams in the chest. Then he pointed his Glock .40-caliber handgun at Adams and ordered him to the ground. Instead, he said, Adams began circling "like a wrestler looking for an angle." Custer, who is 5-foot-8, said he radioed for help and warned Adams, who was 6-foot-4, he would be shot if he advanced. He said Adams went into his truck as if retrieving a weapon. He kicked the truck's door shut and grabbed Adams around the neck, warning he would be shot if he didn't comply, but Adams kept fishing around. He said Adams spun toward him, so he fired four shots, hitting Adams twice in the chest and once in the forearm. Adams died two hours later at the hospital. McCall alleges in court documents that Custer's story doesn't match the evidence. He said Palm Beach Sheriff's Agent Kevin Drummond, a surveillance team member, told investigators he drove past the nursery and saw Custer exiting his SUV and Adams standing motionless near his truck about a minute before the shooting. He didn't think Adams posed a threat or notice any screaming, so he didn't stop. When confronted with Drummond's statement, McCall said, Custer changed his story to say Adams briefly listened to him but again became enraged as he explained why he was there. The attorney also said an officer radioed that he heard shots fired before Custer radioed for help. Custer's neck also had no redness or bruising and gunpowder burns to Adams' forearm, ballistics evidence and a blood trail indicate Custer's shots were fired several feet from Adams' truck, the attorney said. The trial is expected to last four weeks. Police are continuing their search for a person of interest after a woman was found shot to death at an apartment in southwest Miami-Dade early Sunday. Miami-Dade Police say the roommate of 23-year-old Rosemery Ramirez-Morales arrived at their apartment at 9621 Fontainebleau Boulevard around 6 a.m. and found her unresponsive. Officers and fire rescue workers responded and Ramirez-Morales was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound. According to police, earlier in the morning, a 911 call was received from a man who said something happened at the address. The man didn't provide an apartment number and officers who responded found nothing. Police say they are looking for 28-year-old Oscar Gonzalez for questioning in the case, saying he is considered armed and dangerous. They found a gray Chevy Camaro related to the case Sunday. Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. The American Civil Liberties Union says it is suddenly awash in donations and new members as it does battle with President Donald Trump over the extent of his constitutional authority. The nearly century-old organization says membership has more than doubled since the election to nearly 1.2 million, and almost $80 million in online contributions have poured in. That includes a record $24 million surge over two days after Trump banned people from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. The boost to the ACLU's $220 million budget will allow it to spend more on its state operations. The organization says that became critical after some legislatures took Trump's election as a license to promote anti-immigrant, anti-civil rights and anti-abortion legislation. [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More What to Know Catherine Johannet, of Scarsdale, was reported missing by her hostel when she didn't return from a day trip The 23-year-old Scarsdale woman had traveled to Bastimentos Island, a tourist spot known for its beaches, hiking trails and wildlife Her body was found on a wooded trail near the beach Sunday; the FBI is assisting Panamanian authorities in their investigation Friends and family gathered Saturday to remember Catherine Johannet, a 23-year-old woman who died while traveling in Panama. Dozens gathered at Scarsdale Congregational Church for the funeral of the Scarsdale native and Columbia University graduate. "She was really smart," her friend Jack Lesch said after the service. "You know, talking to her it was really clear how bright she was immediately. ... It's hard to wrap my head around." Johannet's body was found last weekend along a wooded stretch on Bastimentos Island. A preliminary autopsy indicated she had been strangled, according to a Panamanian national TV network. Johannet had been staying in a hostel on Colon Island and went to Bastimentos, an island known for its pristine beaches, hiking trails and wildlife, for a day trip, authorities have said. When she didn't return, the hostel reported her missing. Her body was found three days later. The FBI is assisting Panamanian authorities in their investigation. Catherine Johannet's last Instagram post, put up about a week ago, shows a smiling woman in sunglasses and bathing suit, standing in the aqua-colored sea at Isla Ina, one of the small islands off the northern coast of Panama, a glorious backdrop of pillowy clouds behind her. "I found paradise and it's called Isla Ina!" she wrote. A second man sought in the killings of three people found shot to death in a New Jersey apartment was arrested Saturday, authorities said. Lavelle Davis, 33, of Galloway, was found early Saturday in Yonkers, Essex County prosecutors said. They declined to provide further details about his capture. The arrest came one day after the other suspect, former Egg Harbor Township resident Jimmy Mays, was captured in Maryland. Both men are charged with three counts of murder, as well as conspiracy, felony murder, robbery and weapons offenses. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the slayings of 45-year-old Michael Davis, of Maplewood, 30-year-old Roshana Kelson, of Paterson, and 44-year-old Lance Fraser, of Newark. The three were found shot to death in a Maplewood home on Jan. 29. Authorities say Lavelle Davis is not related to Michael Davis. It's not clear whether Lavelle Davis or Mays have attorneys. It was a moment that Ashley Wood and Kevin Sochanchak were not sure they would ever see. After cancer diagnoses put their wedding plans on hold, the South Jersey couple finally got married Saturday in Deptford. Very unreal, Wood said. I cant believe this is happening. Wood was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2011 while Sochanchak was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach and esophageal cancer in 2014. Yet through their love and support for one another, the couple managed to defy the odds. Wood was declared cancer-free in 2016 while Sochanchak continues to fight despite only being given six months to live after his initial diagnosis. While the couple had to cancel many of their plans due to their cancer battle, they were able to fulfill their dream wedding thanks to a South Jersey restaurant. They were one of four couples nominated by Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford, New Jersey in a wedding giveaway contest which they won last December. Vendors donated photos, flowers and Woods wedding dress. Im just really grateful for everything they have been doing to get me through this moment, Wood said. The newlyweds know their struggle is far from over as Sochanchak continues to battle. Yet for one night, they were able to put that struggle on hold and celebrate their enduring love. While it isnt Mallrats 2, director Kevin Smith appears to be getting his work back on the big screen. The New Jersey native announced a reboot for his popular movie 'Jay and Silent Bob in a nearly 400-word Instagram post Thursday afternoon. In the post, Smith describes the hoops he had to jump through to get the film off the ground, but says he is excited to put his own stamp on the new chapter: Back in the day, all I ever wanted to do was sell my stuff so I could be in the movie biz in the first place, Smith said. Smith, who plays Silent Bob alongside the always outspoken Jason Mewes, says he started writing the script in January and hopes to be rolling this summer. The duo made their debut in Smiths 1994 film 'Clerks' and have made multiple appearances since then, including the 2001 comedy 'Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.' This past summer, he planned to film the Mallrats sequel at the Exton Square Mall in Chester County, but the project fell through. Now Smith seems to have his shot for a redo. [[413549413, C]] Police in Florida pulled a New Jersey man to safety moments before his burning SUV exploded. The dramatic rescue was captured on dashcam video Thursday around 9 p.m. Police say Phillip Thistle, 44, of New Jersey was driving northbound on Washington Avenue in Titusville, Florida and veered onto Riveredge Drive when he lost control of his Toyota RAV 4. The vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier, rolled over several times and then caught fire. Thistle, who was the only person inside, pulled himself out of the wreck and collapsed only a few feet from the burning vehicle. Responding officers managed to pull Thistle to safety just before the vehicle exploded. Thistle was taken to a nearby hospital and then airlifted to another hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries. Police continue to investigate the accident. Stormy Patterson makes a distinction between opinion and action as she surveys each new call to boycott Company A or support Brand B. It's "silly'' to penalize Under Armour over its CEO's praise of President Donald Trump, she says. Far more important is how a company behaves toward its customers or employees, especially if it has an impact on their rights. "Hobby Lobby, I won't patronize them. I won't touch them. And I actually used to go there like once a week,'' said Patterson, who opposes the chain's refusal to pay for some kinds of birth control for its employees. Long before Trump slammed Nordstrom for dropping his daughter's clothing and accessories line-- spurring the president's supporters to call for a boycott of the department store-- n politically active consumers have used their purchasing power strategically. They could punish brands with which they disagreed, and reward those whose views aligned with theirs. In the polarized Trump era, the simple act of buying a drink or shoes has never seemed so political. Social media makes it easier than ever for activists and consumers to target or defend stores and brands that take a stand or those they see as proxies for a politician. As a result, "every shopping bag is a potential political statement,'' said Allen Adamson, founder of Brand Simple, a consulting firm. "It is like carrying a sign in a rally.'' Patterson said her political views have "absolutely'' influenced her buying decisions. "I think everybody has their different extremes, or what they feel is worth taking a stand for,'' said Patterson, who turns 34 on Monday, as she shopped with her husband and 16-month-old daughter at an Allentown mall. The weaponized buying can be a minefield for retailers and brands, many of which are already struggling as malls fall out of favor and people buy more online. Some companies deliberately enter the political fray, betting that their customers will support their points of view. Others tread carefully, trying to avoid a backlash. With advertising everywhere, Americans are used to seeing brand messages all the time-- but not from politicians. Most Americans would prefer brands to not be political, said Wendy Liebmann, CEO of marketing consulting firm WSL Strategic Retail, and she believes companies should focus on larger messages rather than weigh in on specific political issues. Courtney Taylor, 21, of Center Valley, Pennsylvania, said she believes shopping and politics should remain separate. But she has her limits. Taylor, who voted for Trump because she opposes abortion, said she'd stop shopping at her favorite store if it were to start donating to an abortion-rights group. Companies "need to know if they're going to release a political statement, people are going to react,'' she said. Monthly surveys have showed that more shoppers are citing politics among the top five factors that influence their buying decisions, according to Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at research firm NPD Group Inc. Chalk it up to election divisions that have lasted into Trump's presidency and his own penchant for mixing politics with commerce. Trump had used Twitter to chastise retailers like Amazon and Macy's before complaining that Nordstrom treated his daughter "so unfairly.'' Nordstrom had said the Ivanka Trump brand's sales were falling, and ethics experts saw the tweet as an implied threat from the White House to businesses rethinking their Trump ties. The Ivanka Trump brand says it saw double-digit percentage sales growth in 2016 from the previous year as it expanded its categories, distribution and offerings. "In recent days, we've seen our brand swept into the political fray, becoming collateral damage in others' efforts to advance agendas unrelated to what we do,'' the company said. A social media campaign called "Grab Your Wallet'' has urged a boycott of stores that stock Ivanka Trump or Donald Trump products, which include Dillard's, Lord & Taylor and Amazon. Belk Inc. has said it will no longer carry Ivanka Trump items on its website, and QVC said it no longer sells her merchandise. Even seemingly innocuous Super Bowl ads provoke sharply divided reactions. Ads that touched on immigration and diversity from advertisers including Budweiser, 84 Lumber and Coca-Cola drew Twitter chatter both pro- and anti-, with some even calling for a boycott of Budweiser-- although nothing substantial materialized. Other recent campaigns include: --A #BoycottStarbucks campaign developed after the company responded to Trump's immigration order by pledging to hire 10,000 refugees over the next five years. --Uber CEO Travis Kalanick quit Trump's council of business leaders after an outcry from customers and employees who were upset about the travel ban, and a social media campaign urged people to delete the app. --Cereal maker Kellogg Co. was a boycott target in November after it said it would stop advertising on Breitbart, the conservative news and opinion website formerly run by Trump's chief strategist. For all the noise, it remains to be seen whether these boycotts will have staying power. Kellogg CEO John Bryant said the company saw no "discernible'' effect from the boycott calls. And though it initially dropped after Trump's tweet, Nordstrom's stock has gained more than 5 percent since then. "Headlines are flying fast and furious. And it will be last week's news,'' said professor Susan Scafidi, academic director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University's law school. "The consuming public has a short memory--and they're forgiving,'' she added. For many shoppers, factors other than politics are just more important. Blake Wilhelm of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, says mainly he wants something that works well, and he tries to balance cost and quality. "I don't see a reason to boycott some company because they have a different viewpoint than I do,'' said Wilhelm, 29, at an Omaha mall. Sometimes a latte just a latte. Taylor stopped at a Starbucks at the Allentown mall-- and it had nothing to do with the chain's stance on refugees. "I support them coming, so I support Starbucks. But it's not the reason I went there,'' she said. "I went there because I wanted hot chocolate.'' Hopefully you have tomorrow off because Sunday night is really going to go off. As we covered earlier this week, The Griswolds are coming from Australia to Casbah along with Dreamers, trading in their youthful naivete for a "deeper, darker honesty" that will surely mark their performance as a treat for the new year. Meanwhile, veterans Safe Ferris, with their pop-punk-ska sounds, will take you back to a time when No Doubt was still playing free street fairs and life was a little more care-free. Around town, Soda Bar hosts the Fink Bombs, actor-musician David Duchovny plays Music Box and the Holding Company hosts a local night featuring Hand Drawn Tree. Authorities are searching for a baby Gray Whale that swam into the San Diego Bay Sunday morning, hoping to create a safe zone to protect it from boats in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard began searching after an initial report at approximately 8:15 a.m. of a young gray whale entering the bay. The Coast Guard contacted National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and has a boat out looking for the whale. If they find the whale, they would create a safety zone to keep high speed vessels out of the area directly surrounding it. It is unclear what part of the bay the whale may be in. Coast Guard officials were told Gray Whales commonly pass through the region this time of year. Dozens of home-sweeps targeting undocumented immigrants across the country have sparked a wave of panic in San Diego. Local churches are preparing for the worst and are offering refuge to those who are seeking refuge. Pastor Bill Jenkins says his doors are wide open. He has helped refugee men and women in the past at the United Methodist Church in Normal Heights. I get calls all the time, of people who are particularly women and children, said Pastor Jenkins. He's talking about the coordinated sweeps that have deported hundreds of undocumented immigrants across the country since President Donald Trump signed an executive order to enforce the country's immigration laws. Immigration officials say the enforcement actions are nothing new. President Trump's executive order states the Secretary of Homeland Security will prioritize the deportation of people who have been convicted or charged with any criminal offense. Others, who have participated in something that can potentially be chargeable, can also be detained. According to President Trump's executive order, ICE and border patrol agents have the right to detain a person if they feel that person is a risk to public safety or national security. During Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly's visit to San Diego Friday, he addressed the issue. These folks are executing the law, said Secretary Kelly. He went on a ride along with ICE agents on what immigration officials call a knock-and-talk. At 6 a.m. we went to a house, knocked on the door and took a particular bad individual into custody," he said. What I saw today, the professionalism that I observed in a very potentially dangerous environment gave me great pride," Kelly said. Pastor Jenkins said he is ready to make his church a sanctuary and will continue to offer information on legal services to those seeking it. What we want to do is to try to give hope and love, said Jenkins. The House of France at Balboa Parks International Cottages will open for several hours Sunday to 25 Syrian refugee students living in San Diego. The students, who are all eight to 12 years old, will play games and enjoy French pastries donated by Bread &Cie. and the Carlsbad French Pastry Cafe. The event is in cooperation with the Arab Youth Collective, a nonprofit that provides support for Syrian refugees in San Diego. The event lasts from 2 to 4 p.m. The owner of a Los Angeles-based butane supply company pleaded guilty in a San Diego court Thursday to selling drug paraphernalia after admitting his company illegally sold thousands of butane canisters to smoke shops, knowing some of the butane would be used to illegally manufacture hash oil. Bosco Kwon, 53, agreed to pay $1,026,614 and forfeit 94,152 canisters of butane. His company, BK Power Imports, Inc., was the nations largest supplier of butane specifically designed for use in making hash oil. In his plea agreement, Kwon admitted the manufacture of hash oil poses a significant risk of fires and explosions. Kwons company sold butane illegally to wholesalers and retailers in San Diego County and throughout the United States and imported more than 350,000 canisters of butane into the country each month, according to the plea agreement. During the manufacture of hash oil, a marijuana concentrate, butane, which is an odorless, colorless and highly flammable gas, can evaporate out of the substance, collect onto the floor and accumulate to explosive levels without proper ventilation. Whatever one believes about marijuana use, the manufacture of hash oil is an extremely dangerous process and puts lives in danger, said U.S. Attorney Alana Robinson. We will do everything we can to safeguard the public. Since 2011, 4 deaths and 29 serious injuries in California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington have been attributed to the manufacture of hash oil using Power butane. It has also caused 54 fires. BK Power Imports and Kown were sued in 2015 because of a fire and explosion that occurred when two people were making hash oil using power butane. One on the people died the other suffered third-degree and full-thickness burns over 40 percent of his body that kept him in an intensive care unit for nearly two months. Hash oil manufactured with butane gas has led to an alarming number of explosions and fires in recent years, said Dave Shaw, special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego. HSI is committed to targeting the supply chains where butane gas is sold on the black market for use in hash oil labs. By going after the supply chains and the illicit proceeds, we are able to dismantle the distribution networks, which is a critical step toward shutting down a dangerous epidemic that has put the publics safety in harms way for too long. Sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2017 before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino. More than 10,000 people who attended the Women's March on Washington and the inauguration last month have donated their Metro fare cards to local charities. The Washington Post reports that 35-year-old Hillary Moore Hebert of Maryland came up with the idea to collect $2 the plastic fare cards from people leaving Washington and donate them. Hebert, who participated in the Women's March, posted to a Facebook group asking where people could donate their leftover SmarTrip cards and the word spread. The cards were collected by volunteers after the Women's March Union Station and RFK Stadium. Hebert says she's still receiving about 1,000 cards a week. D.C. Charity Martha's Table has received more than 10,000 cards. Hebert is donating the ones she receives to charities in the area. A man shot and killed outside a townhouse in Montgomery Village, Maryland, has been identified. Several shots were fired in the 8500 block of Hawk Run Terrace about 2 p.m. Friday, Montgomery County police said. When officers and medics arrived to the scene, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound in the parking lot. He died from his injuries at the scene. He has been identified as 20-year-old Wassi Herron Raheem Young, of Hyattsville. Investigators believe Young had agreed to meet the suspects at the location where he was shot, police said Saturday. A 23-year-old man who arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds on Friday was also shot during the same incident, police said. Officers detained people they said live near where the body was found. Police said they were interviewing them as witnesses. Police are asking anyone with more information to call (240) 773-5070 or the tip hotline at 1 (866) 411-8477. Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Stay with News4 and NBCWashington.com for more information. Fairfax County, Virginia, police said a teen mom and her baby boy returned home late Saturday night after being missing for nearly a month. Police said Lizzy Colindres, 16, and her five-month-old baby, Aiden, are in good health. They returned home shortly before midnight. Police did not provide any information about where the mom and baby have been. They said they are working with the family and providing assistance as needed. Donald Trump kickstarted his presidential campaign by asserting that Mexico is sending "people that have lots of problems" to the United States. "They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people," he said in June 2015. Then, he promised to build a wall on the border between the U.S. and Mexico igniting a contentious debate on illegal immigration. Since taking office, Trump has moved to crack down on illegal immigration, in part by targeting so-called "sanctuary cities" that do not comply with immigration laws that could lead to undocumented immigrants being deported. When it comes to these sanctuary cities, misconceptions abound. Some assume that they harbor criminals, especially in the aftermath of the death of Kate Steinle, whom Trump often mentioned on the campaign trail. Steinle was killed in San Francisco, a sanctuary city, in 2015. Her alleged killer, Francisco Sanchez, was an undocumented immigrant with an extensive rap sheet. Sanctuary cities aim to protect undocumented immigrants by refusing to work with the federal government to enforce immigration laws. In response, Trump has threatened to cut off federal funding to these cities with an executive order a move that has led to plenty of backlash. What are sanctuary cities, and why are they a big deal? There's no specific legal definition for a sanctuary city, but broadly, the term refers to municipalities that don't let local law enforcement agents cooperate with federal immigration enforcement in an effort to shield its community of undocumented immigrants from deportation. That can mean rules stopping police officers from asking about a person's immigration status or keeping jailors from giving immigration agents advance notice of an inmate's release from jail. Sanctuary city advocates argue that the policy encourages undocumented immigrants to work with police forces they'd otherwise hide from, keeping the community safer, and that the immigrants contribute meaningfully to the community. Opponents say undocumented immigrants don't contribute their fair share of income taxes and can be a drain on health systems. Trump calls them a threat to national security and public safety. Mayte Lara, a freshman studying at the University of Texas with a DACA permit, fears deportation after her tweet about being an undocumented valedictorian went viral in June. Since Trump took office last month, many cities have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining sanctuary status. Trump has threatened to deny these cities federal funding if they continue to offer refuge to undocumented immigrants. The money being threatened is categorized as discretionary grant programs, used for things like sewer and water grants, equipment for first responders and transportation. It can add up fast, though it's not clear the order is constitutional. What cities are sanctuary cities? OpenTheBooks.com, a website that touts itself as "the worlds largest private database of government spending," conducted a study on the funding of sanctuary cities using data from the 2016 fiscal year. There are 106 American cities that are considered sanctuary cities, but close to 300 total government jurisdictions, including states, counties, cities and other municipalities, that claim to be sanctuaries, according to the study, "Federal Funding of Americas Sanctuary Cities." The total population living in sanctuary cities totals about 46 million people. New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Austin, Newark, Denver, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Portland and Providence are some major sanctuary cities. One in five undocumented immigrants lives in these cities. And combined, these cities received $16 billion in federal funding in 2016, according to the study. Mayors of some of those 12 major cities are standing by their sanctuary status. "You are welcome in Chicago as you pursue the American dream, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said following Trumps executive action. Footage shows towering flames in San Francisco as crews battle a fire caused by a gas explosion. "We're going to defend all of our people, regardless of where they come from and regardless of their documentation status," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a rally. More than half a million New Yorkers are undocumented, NBC New York reported. Other leaders, however, have been quicker to give up on sanctuary city protections. Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez has directed jails to hold undocumented immigrants detained by police for hand-off to the Department of Homeland Security upon request, NBC Miami reported. Trump praised the move, calling the mayors decision strong. Miami-Dade Mayor drops sanctuary policy. Right decision. Strong! https://t.co/MtPvaDC4jM Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2017 How much funding do these cities get? In 2016, $26.741 billion went to the 106 sanctuary cities in the U.S. through federal grants and direct payments, OpenTheBook.coms study found. Of that money, $21.5 billion was paid in grants, while $4.23 billion was spent in direct payments. The funding varies by city, from $5 per resident, as in Ashland, Oregon, into the thousands. New York City received more than $7 billion in federal funds last year, and with a population of 8,550,412, that equates to $894.07 in funding per resident. Burlington, Vermont, on the other hand, receives $99,557,246.00 in federal funding. With its much smaller population of 42,452 people, that breaks down to $2,345.17 per resident. Funding per resident in America's 11 other major sanctuary cities: Los Angeles: $126.51 Chicago: $1,942.86 Seattle: $414.38 Austin: $222.66 Newark: $733.27 Denver: $332.48 Philadelphia: $376.13 Minneapolis: $287.06 San Francisco: $588.87 Portland: $274.69 Providence: $1,311.09 How does Trumps threat affect these cities? In January, Trump signed an executive order that would prevent sanctuary cities from receiving federal funding, unless it applies to law enforcement, NBC News reported. Grants to law enforcement amounted to $543.97 million in 2016, according to OpenTheBooks.coms study. The executive orders policy seeks to "Ensure that jurisdictions that fail to comply with applicable Federal law do not receive Federal funds, except as mandated by law." Following the signing of the order, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said, "We're going to strip federal grant money from the sanctuary states and cities that harbor undocumented immigrants. The American people are no longer going to have to be forced to subsidize this disregard for our laws." The Associated Press reported that there's legal precedent that says the federal government has to establish a concrete tie between the funding it may cut off and what it is demanding of the statesin other words, the punishment is supposed to fit the crime. If applied so narrowly, the ban on funding for sanctuary cities could be limited to a handful of smaller programs within the departments of Justice and Homeland Security. Those programs that could still be affected include grants for justice assistance, police hiring and funds for programs combating violence against women. Another program partially reimburses state and local governments for the costs of keeping unauthorized immigrants in jail. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a nonprofit immigration resource center, issued a statement decrying Trumps executive order. "Local law enforcement knows best how to keep their neighborhoods safe, so let us allow them to do their jobs and dont ask them to do yours, Mr. Trump," said Lena Graber, special projects attorney at the center. "Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, not a local one. Our Constitution does not have loopholes, and we will not turn a blind eye to any attempts to poke holes in its protections." For the residents of some of these cities, the cost of defiance could be significant. For a family of four residing in one of the 106 sanctuary cities, the cost of lost funding would be $1,810, or $454 per person, according to OpenTheBooks.coms study. "Mayors defending their sanctuary city status by refusing to comply with federal law are essentially imposing a defiance tax on local residents," said Adam Andrzejewski, CEO of OpenTheBooks.com. "On average, this tax amounts to $500 per man, woman and child. Major cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago have the most to lose, and nearly $27 billion is at stake across the country." Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Illinois, residents received the most federal funding on a per capita basis, according to OpenTheBooks.coms study, meaning that they have the most to potentially lose by remaining sanctuary cities. Is it legal to defund sanctuary cities? The constitutionality of the executive order has been up for debate since Trump signed it. Most taxpayer money is beyond his control. But a relatively small portion of the federal budget involves grants distributed by agency and Cabinet department heads appointed by Trump, and those programs could be affected. The administration hasn't given detailed guidance on how the order will be enforced, but legal challenges are certain once it is used against a city or state. For one thing, critics say the order ignores legal precedent that holds that the federal government can't force the employees of local jurisdictions to enforce federal laws. For instance, a 1997 Supreme Court decision, Printz v. United States, that held that the federal government can't force states to "enact or administer a federal regulatory program." Some cities are filing federal lawsuits against the executive order. Chelsea and Lawrence, two Massachusetts cities with large Latino populations, filed suit in federal court in Boston on Wednesday. The lawsuit says Trump's executive order to withdraw funding from communities that decline to cooperate with federal immigration authorities "constitutes unconstitutional coercion" and is "a major affront to basic principles of federalism and the separation of powers." San Francisco filed a similar lawsuit last week. In an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump, North Korea appeared to fire a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year. After receiving word of the launch, Trump stood at his south Florida estate with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who called the move "intolerable." There was no immediate confirmation on the launch from the North, which had warned recently that it was ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The U.S. Strategic Command, however, said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium- or intermediate-range missile. North Korean media are often slow to announce such launches, if they announce them at all. As of Sunday evening, there had been no official announcement and most North Koreans went about their day with no inkling that the launch was major international news. The reports of the launch came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il. Appearing with Trump at a news conference at Trump's estate, Abe condemned the missile launch as "absolutely intolerable." Abe read a brief statement in which he called on the North to comply fully with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. He said Trump had assured him of U.S. support and that Trump's presence showed the president's determination and commitment. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." Stephen Miller, Trump's chief policy adviser, said Trump and Abe had displayed "an important show of solidarity" between their nations. "The message we're sending to the world right now is a message of strength and solidarity; we stand with Japan and we stand with our allies in the region to address the North Korean menace," Miller said during an interview Sunday with ABC's "This Week." South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile was fired from around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test-launched its powerful midrange Musudan missile on Oct. 15 and 20. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles). South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported that while determinations were still being made, it was not believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, according to the U.S. Strategic Command. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Jong Un said in his New Year's address that the country had reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its "hostile policy" and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programs until the U.S. changes its diplomatic approach. Just days ago, it also reaffirmed its plan to conduct more space launches, which it staunchly defends but which have been criticized because they involve dual-use technology that can be transferred to improve missiles. "Our country has clearly expressed its standpoint, that we will continue to build up our capacity for self-defense, with nuclear forces and a pre-emptive strike capability as the main points, as long as our enemies continue sanctions to suppress us," Pyongyang student Kim Guk Bom said Sunday. "We will defend the peace and security of our country at any cost, with our own effort, and we will contribute to global peace and stability." Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, said the missile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. Analysts are divided, however, over how close the North is to having a reliable long-range rocket that could be coupled with a nuclear warhead capable of striking U.S. targets. South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who is also the acting president, said his country would punish North Korea for the missile launch. The Foreign Ministry said South Korea would continue to work with allies, including the United States, Japan and the European Union, to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realize that it will "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. Jury selection was scheduled to begin Monday in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston, but was postponed Sunday as a heavy overnight snowstorm approached. Prosecutors said jury selection would likely begin Tuesday. Opening statements are slated for March 1. Prosecutors plan to call Alexander Bradley as their star witness. Bradley, a former friend of Hernandez, was with him in his car the night he allegedly shot de Abreu and Furtado. Prosecutors say Hernandez shot Bradley in the face in 2013 because he was worried Bradley might implicate him in the double slaying. Bradley survived, but lost his right eye. Hernandez is charged with witness intimidation in the Bradley shooting. Prosecutors have also said they plan to show jurors two Hernandez tattoos they say relate to the killings of de Abreu and Furtado. It was a close call in Bedford, Massachusetts after an airplane slid off the runway at the Hanscom Field Airport on Sunday. The Gulfstream G280 aircraft was about to taking off just before 2:30 p.m. when the pilot put the departure on hold. The plane then skid off the runway and into the grass at Hanscom Field, according to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration. The flight was on its way to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. Five people were on board at the time, two passengers and three crew members, but officials from Bedford Fire Department say they all evacuated safely. Massport along with the Bedford Fire Department are now working hard to clear the scene. The FAA is investigating. A grandmother and grandson were killed and the teen's father was seriously injured when a fire swept through a house early Sunday morning in Quincy, Massachusetts. Fire officials said the blaze broke out at 1:24 a.m. at a home on Bell Street and quickly reached two alarms. Officials say the father jumped out of the house and tried to get back in to rescue his 19-year-old son, identified as William Powers and the 67-year-old grandmother, identified as Thelma Powers but was unable to do so. Firefighters also tried to rescue the two inside the home, but were ordered out because of the dangerous conditions. The fire was extinguished within an hour but authorities said a man and a woman were found dead inside the home. Their identities have not yet been released. The father was taken to an area hospital with burns and smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation. With another snowstorm on the forecast, winter fatigue is settling in for residents in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its a rough day, said Mohamed Doukkara after his snow blower was unable to withstand two snow days in one week. His salt spreader also stopped working, forcing him to use his own hands. Doukkara isnt the only resident feeling frustrating by the winter weather. You get tired of it pretty quickly when there are a couple storms in a row, Tim Grimes, another Cambridge resident, added. Cars in the city remain buried in snow and side streets are difficult to navigate. Its just completely clustered, it becomes more and more difficult with each storm to find a space, Grimes explained. And with more snow on its way, the situation is expected to get worse. However, not everyone has the same distaste for snow. Tom Busiek loves the winter weather. I enjoy shoveling quite a bit because Im from New England and I love the snow. Busiek stated simply. Its beautiful. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Vedantu, a live online tutoring platform, will conduct International School League, a competition for ICSE and CBSE schools in India, Middle-East and Asia on February 19. The test is meant to gauge students of Classes 6 to 9 on their mental, aptitude and verbal abilities. The participants will be tested on their learning strategy to understand how they approach their studies, said Vamsi Krishna, CEO and co-founder, Vedantu Innovations. Students will receive a detailed report with their topic-wise percentiles, strengths and weaknesses and an international rank. Winners will be sent on an all-expenses paid trip to CERN and the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. The top 10 winners will be awarded scientific gadgets such as professional telescopes, 3D printers, robokits, drones and Do It Yourself (DIY) kits. Interested students can register themselves on www.vedantu.com/isl or call +91 9243343344. BENGALURU: Vedantu, a live online tutoring platform, will conduct International School League, a competition for ICSE and CBSE schools in India, Middle-East and Asia on February 19. The test is meant to gauge students of Classes 6 to 9 on their mental, aptitude and verbal abilities. The participants will be tested on their learning strategy to understand how they approach their studies, said Vamsi Krishna, CEO and co-founder, Vedantu Innovations. Students will receive a detailed report with their topic-wise percentiles, strengths and weaknesses and an international rank. Winners will be sent on an all-expenses paid trip to CERN and the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. The top 10 winners will be awarded scientific gadgets such as professional telescopes, 3D printers, robokits, drones and Do It Yourself (DIY) kits. Interested students can register themselves on www.vedantu.com/isl or call +91 9243343344. By Express News Service BENGALURU: India gets the maximum amount of official state aid from Japan, said Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 13th edition of Indo-Japan festival -- Japan Habba 2017. Apart from the soothing bamboo flute shinobue and foot-tapping taiko drums, there was food for thought from the keynote address of Hiramatsu. In 2005, India got the largest official state aid and has been on top of the list almost every year in terms of aid it gets from our government. In the last fiscal year, Y350 billion was granted to India, Hiramatsu said. In his address the ambassador reviewed Indo-Japanese relations over a period of three decades from 1990. Reiterating what he had earlier said in an interaction with Manipal Global Education Chairman Mohandas Pai, he said Bengaluru will definitely figure in the high-speed corridor that the country proposes. He also said that bullet train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will be operational by 2023. We wish for more people to people exchange to happen to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. We want at least 10,000 Indian citizens to visit Japan in the near future. Were working on relaxation of visa requirements to make this easy. We want more younger people to visit Japan. Visas procedures will be relaxed for students particularly. 13 more visa application centres in India will be opened including one in Bengaluru. I hope you visit during the cherry blossom season, which is the best, Hiramatsu said. Tourism, youth and cultural exchange will remain the focus of the Japanese government, he said. He also recalled how during major catastrophic events, India lent a helping hand, which the local community there greatly appreciated. During the 2004 tsunami, 500 went missing. The National Disaster Response Force distributed blankets, biscuits and water. They spent two weeks in Okinawa island retrieving bodies. The forces sensitivity was greatly appreciated, he said. Ever since Prime Minster Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to grace Japans Republic Day Parade, along with his subsequent visits to the country, Japan has been looking at enhancing relationships, Hiramatsu affirmed. BENGALURU: India gets the maximum amount of official state aid from Japan, said Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 13th edition of Indo-Japan festival -- Japan Habba 2017. Apart from the soothing bamboo flute shinobue and foot-tapping taiko drums, there was food for thought from the keynote address of Hiramatsu. In 2005, India got the largest official state aid and has been on top of the list almost every year in terms of aid it gets from our government. In the last fiscal year, Y350 billion was granted to India, Hiramatsu said. In his address the ambassador reviewed Indo-Japanese relations over a period of three decades from 1990. Reiterating what he had earlier said in an interaction with Manipal Global Education Chairman Mohandas Pai, he said Bengaluru will definitely figure in the high-speed corridor that the country proposes. He also said that bullet train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will be operational by 2023. We wish for more people to people exchange to happen to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. We want at least 10,000 Indian citizens to visit Japan in the near future. Were working on relaxation of visa requirements to make this easy. We want more younger people to visit Japan. Visas procedures will be relaxed for students particularly. 13 more visa application centres in India will be opened including one in Bengaluru. I hope you visit during the cherry blossom season, which is the best, Hiramatsu said. Tourism, youth and cultural exchange will remain the focus of the Japanese government, he said. He also recalled how during major catastrophic events, India lent a helping hand, which the local community there greatly appreciated. During the 2004 tsunami, 500 went missing. The National Disaster Response Force distributed blankets, biscuits and water. They spent two weeks in Okinawa island retrieving bodies. The forces sensitivity was greatly appreciated, he said. Ever since Prime Minster Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to grace Japans Republic Day Parade, along with his subsequent visits to the country, Japan has been looking at enhancing relationships, Hiramatsu affirmed. Swathi Nair By Express News Service BENGALURU:It was the summer of 2016. Jonas Joner had just finished high school in July and kept himself busy doing odd jobs in Germany. A few months later Jonas decided to travel the world. Jonas' pitch to Bengalureans But there was a catch. He did not have money to fund his travels. At this point, he decided to rely on kindness of strangers to see the world. If you were around Church Street on Saturday, you would have seen Jonas singing with his guitar on. Eager Bengalureans soon started crowding around this corner around Starbucks to hear him sing and generously donated to help him travel. I was singing in Koramangala on Friday, but I made more money playing here at Church Street, he says. Jonas travelled around 16 countries including Slovakia, Hungary and Serbia since 2016. The 21-year-old started his travels by asking for lifts and hitchhiking. He earned his flight ticket to India from Iran by singing. Iranians are the kindest people I have met. I spent three months in Iran. Every day someone or the other would invite me to their house, he recalls. India had always been a mystery Jonas wanted to explore, he says. I wanted to see the country and am really interested in meditation, he adds. However, it hasnt been all happy travel stories for Jonas. Especially the time he had the case of the infamous Delhi belly. I was at a public hospital in Delhi following loose motion, fever and stomach ache. I was there for two days. There were so many people there and the doctor didnt have time to attend, he says. It has been over a week since he has been wandering around Bengaluru singing to earn his next flight ticket to Kyrgyzstan. So has he collected enough money for a flight ticket? The ticket costs $180 and I have collected an amount close to that, he says. While India continues to surprise him with its chaos where everything is on the streets - cows, a barber shop and a vegetable market, it is Bengaluru that he takes liking to over Mumbai and Delhi. Bengalureans are more generous. The response to my music has been very positive here. They understand what I am doing. I didnt get such a positive response in Mumbai and Delhi, he says. While Jonas isnt sure how long he will be continuing his travels, for now he says that he has his eyes on Central Asia. BENGALURU:It was the summer of 2016. Jonas Joner had just finished high school in July and kept himself busy doing odd jobs in Germany. A few months later Jonas decided to travel the world. Jonas' pitch to Bengalureans But there was a catch. He did not have money to fund his travels. At this point, he decided to rely on kindness of strangers to see the world. If you were around Church Street on Saturday, you would have seen Jonas singing with his guitar on. Eager Bengalureans soon started crowding around this corner around Starbucks to hear him sing and generously donated to help him travel. I was singing in Koramangala on Friday, but I made more money playing here at Church Street, he says. Jonas travelled around 16 countries including Slovakia, Hungary and Serbia since 2016. The 21-year-old started his travels by asking for lifts and hitchhiking. He earned his flight ticket to India from Iran by singing. Iranians are the kindest people I have met. I spent three months in Iran. Every day someone or the other would invite me to their house, he recalls. India had always been a mystery Jonas wanted to explore, he says. I wanted to see the country and am really interested in meditation, he adds. However, it hasnt been all happy travel stories for Jonas. Especially the time he had the case of the infamous Delhi belly. I was at a public hospital in Delhi following loose motion, fever and stomach ache. I was there for two days. There were so many people there and the doctor didnt have time to attend, he says. It has been over a week since he has been wandering around Bengaluru singing to earn his next flight ticket to Kyrgyzstan. So has he collected enough money for a flight ticket? The ticket costs $180 and I have collected an amount close to that, he says. While India continues to surprise him with its chaos where everything is on the streets - cows, a barber shop and a vegetable market, it is Bengaluru that he takes liking to over Mumbai and Delhi. Bengalureans are more generous. The response to my music has been very positive here. They understand what I am doing. I didnt get such a positive response in Mumbai and Delhi, he says. While Jonas isnt sure how long he will be continuing his travels, for now he says that he has his eyes on Central Asia. C Shivakumar By Express News Service CHENNAI: In a shocking revelation it was found that the oil sludge removed from the citys shores during the clean-up operations were buried in pits close to the sea in fishing hamlets near Kasimedu, north of the city. The huge oil spill on January 28 from MT Dawn Kancheepuram was due to its collision with British flagged ship BW Maple in Ennore on Kamarajar Ports channel. It loomed as an environmental disaster as the oil and tar balls accumulated along the citys shoreline extended up to Muttukadu in the south. Spearheaded by the Coast Guard, the clean-up operations were carried out by a host of agencies with participation of volunteers from local fishermen and students. A worker shows the oil-mixed sand, at K V K Kuppam, on Saturday Officials had said the removed oil sludge would be dumped inside the Kamarajar Port in Ennore and treated with microbes for a bio-remediation process. However, when Express visited KVK Kuppam, a fishing hamlet near Kasimedu, at least seven pits were found close to the sea in which the removed oil spill were found buried. We dont know who dumped the sludge into the pits, said a person working on contract for Dariya Shipping, the company which owns MT Dawn Kancheepuram. Seven drums, each of 20 litres capacity, were found lying on the shore. The spot was just two km from Bharathi Nagar, the worst affected place due to the oil spill. Fishermen are worried that dumping of oil sludge would make the entire cleaning process a futile exercise. The sludge would again mix with the sea during the high tides. This would again lead to a crisis, said Srikanth, On Friday, a group of fishermen from the KVK Kuppam area, led by a local councillor, stopped the clean-up operations at Bharathi Nagar, demanding the officials to first clear the dumped oil sludge. We have not carried out any work since some local goons (referring to fishermen) stopped us from carrying out the work on Friday, said an official of Viraj Clean Sea Enterprises, one of the companies contracted to undertake the clean-up operations by Dariya Shipping. We have to clean the rocks by using hot water and high jet pressure cleaner. But the entire operation has been put on hold, he said. Meanwhile, no official from the Indian Coast Guard, the nodal agency to clean up the oil spill, could be seen at the spot. Despite repeated phone calls, senior Coast Guard officials could not be reached for comments. When Express visited the shores along KVK Kuppam, it was full of tar balls and a thick layer of oil on the shore. It is a cover-up and not a clean-up. Their intent is just to get the job done, said noted environmentalist Nityanand Jayaraman while hitting out at State pollution control board officials. Where is Pollution Control Board officials who have to oversee the entire clean-up operations? If it is being done under the watch of board officials, then they are guilty. Else it is a case of negligence on their part, said Jayaraman. Indian Oil Corporations deputy general manager, (Research and Development), S K Puri, one of the two IOC scientists to supervise the treatment process in Kamarajar Port, told Express that dumping the oil sludge in pits would exponentially increase the time required for the bio-remediation process. The collected oil sludge must immediately be taken to the port for treating with microbes, he added. The bio-remediation process would take three to four months. But if they dump it in pits, then it would take more than two to three years to get it treated and it could pose a threat to environment, Puri said. CHENNAI: In a shocking revelation it was found that the oil sludge removed from the citys shores during the clean-up operations were buried in pits close to the sea in fishing hamlets near Kasimedu, north of the city. The huge oil spill on January 28 from MT Dawn Kancheepuram was due to its collision with British flagged ship BW Maple in Ennore on Kamarajar Ports channel. It loomed as an environmental disaster as the oil and tar balls accumulated along the citys shoreline extended up to Muttukadu in the south. Spearheaded by the Coast Guard, the clean-up operations were carried out by a host of agencies with participation of volunteers from local fishermen and students. A worker shows the oil-mixed sand, at K V K Kuppam, on Saturday Officials had said the removed oil sludge would be dumped inside the Kamarajar Port in Ennore and treated with microbes for a bio-remediation process. However, when Express visited KVK Kuppam, a fishing hamlet near Kasimedu, at least seven pits were found close to the sea in which the removed oil spill were found buried. We dont know who dumped the sludge into the pits, said a person working on contract for Dariya Shipping, the company which owns MT Dawn Kancheepuram. Seven drums, each of 20 litres capacity, were found lying on the shore. The spot was just two km from Bharathi Nagar, the worst affected place due to the oil spill. Fishermen are worried that dumping of oil sludge would make the entire cleaning process a futile exercise. The sludge would again mix with the sea during the high tides. This would again lead to a crisis, said Srikanth, On Friday, a group of fishermen from the KVK Kuppam area, led by a local councillor, stopped the clean-up operations at Bharathi Nagar, demanding the officials to first clear the dumped oil sludge. We have not carried out any work since some local goons (referring to fishermen) stopped us from carrying out the work on Friday, said an official of Viraj Clean Sea Enterprises, one of the companies contracted to undertake the clean-up operations by Dariya Shipping. We have to clean the rocks by using hot water and high jet pressure cleaner. But the entire operation has been put on hold, he said. Meanwhile, no official from the Indian Coast Guard, the nodal agency to clean up the oil spill, could be seen at the spot. Despite repeated phone calls, senior Coast Guard officials could not be reached for comments. When Express visited the shores along KVK Kuppam, it was full of tar balls and a thick layer of oil on the shore. It is a cover-up and not a clean-up. Their intent is just to get the job done, said noted environmentalist Nityanand Jayaraman while hitting out at State pollution control board officials. Where is Pollution Control Board officials who have to oversee the entire clean-up operations? If it is being done under the watch of board officials, then they are guilty. Else it is a case of negligence on their part, said Jayaraman. Indian Oil Corporations deputy general manager, (Research and Development), S K Puri, one of the two IOC scientists to supervise the treatment process in Kamarajar Port, told Express that dumping the oil sludge in pits would exponentially increase the time required for the bio-remediation process. The collected oil sludge must immediately be taken to the port for treating with microbes, he added. The bio-remediation process would take three to four months. But if they dump it in pits, then it would take more than two to three years to get it treated and it could pose a threat to environment, Puri said. By Express News Service CHENNAI: India ranks 112 in WHO ranking of health care systems in the world. Above us, there is Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq and even Venezuela, where people dont even have food to eat and sell their children for money. Yet, we are so low, said renowned cardiologist, Devi Shetty, founder and Chairman of Narayana Hrudalaya Health care chain.Shetty was speaking at a conclave conducted by the Association of Healthcare Providers (APHI), an organisation of private hospitals working towards improving healthcare and making it cheaper and more accessible to rural areas and those less privileged. India needs 65 million surgeries per year, but only 26 million are conducted.The doctor said the main problem lay in the fact that MBBS doctors rarely go on to do their postgraduation and therefore fail to specialise in any particular field of medicine. If you dont have a PG in this country, you cannot perform procedures like anaesthesia, cannot perform a caesarian or even an ultrasound, so in lots of rural hospitals, there might be a surgeon, but no anesthesiologist. MBBS students fall short of providing full care, he said. While USA has 20,000 seats for undergraduation, they have 40,000 seats for postgraduation because they encourage even experienced MBBS doctors to pursue specialisation. In India, though 63,985 seats are available for undergraduate students but only a mere 14,500 seats for post graduation. Shetty cited the example of Maharashtras College of Physicians and Surgeons that offers diploma courses, The State made it mandatory for MBBS doctors to enrol themselves in the college. This one move has brought down deaths in Maharashtra by drastic numbers in just four years since even the rural hospitals became more vibrant, Shetty said. Shetty firmly believes making post-graduate courses completely free will drastically improve the health care in the country, In the rest of the world, post graduation in medicine is completely free. Here it costs crores, so students dont opt for it, he added. CHENNAI: India ranks 112 in WHO ranking of health care systems in the world. Above us, there is Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq and even Venezuela, where people dont even have food to eat and sell their children for money. Yet, we are so low, said renowned cardiologist, Devi Shetty, founder and Chairman of Narayana Hrudalaya Health care chain.Shetty was speaking at a conclave conducted by the Association of Healthcare Providers (APHI), an organisation of private hospitals working towards improving healthcare and making it cheaper and more accessible to rural areas and those less privileged. India needs 65 million surgeries per year, but only 26 million are conducted.The doctor said the main problem lay in the fact that MBBS doctors rarely go on to do their postgraduation and therefore fail to specialise in any particular field of medicine. If you dont have a PG in this country, you cannot perform procedures like anaesthesia, cannot perform a caesarian or even an ultrasound, so in lots of rural hospitals, there might be a surgeon, but no anesthesiologist. MBBS students fall short of providing full care, he said. While USA has 20,000 seats for undergraduation, they have 40,000 seats for postgraduation because they encourage even experienced MBBS doctors to pursue specialisation. In India, though 63,985 seats are available for undergraduate students but only a mere 14,500 seats for post graduation. Shetty cited the example of Maharashtras College of Physicians and Surgeons that offers diploma courses, The State made it mandatory for MBBS doctors to enrol themselves in the college. This one move has brought down deaths in Maharashtra by drastic numbers in just four years since even the rural hospitals became more vibrant, Shetty said. Shetty firmly believes making post-graduate courses completely free will drastically improve the health care in the country, In the rest of the world, post graduation in medicine is completely free. Here it costs crores, so students dont opt for it, he added. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: A man carrying 1.2 kg of gold in his rectum was intercepted by officials at Hyderabads Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad on Sunday. They found a further 800 gm of gold in the LED lamps he was carrying in his bags. This form of smuggling is called body packing. Body packing or body stuffing is a way to deliver contraband across international borders in the form of packages hidden in anatomical cavities such as the mouth, rectum, intestine, ear and vagina. As much as one kg of drugs or gold bars divided into several packs can be concealed in body cavities. The passenger landed at the Shamshabad airport at around 1 am Sunday from Singapore by a Tiger Airways flight (TR 2624). Officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) had prior information about this passenger and intercepted him as soon as he landed. The 20 gold bars he was trying to smuggle are worth about Rs 59.1 lakh," an AIU official said. The passenger has been detained by the officials at the airport for questioning. HYDERABAD: A man carrying 1.2 kg of gold in his rectum was intercepted by officials at Hyderabads Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad on Sunday. They found a further 800 gm of gold in the LED lamps he was carrying in his bags. This form of smuggling is called body packing. Body packing or body stuffing is a way to deliver contraband across international borders in the form of packages hidden in anatomical cavities such as the mouth, rectum, intestine, ear and vagina. As much as one kg of drugs or gold bars divided into several packs can be concealed in body cavities. The passenger landed at the Shamshabad airport at around 1 am Sunday from Singapore by a Tiger Airways flight (TR 2624). Officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) had prior information about this passenger and intercepted him as soon as he landed. The 20 gold bars he was trying to smuggle are worth about Rs 59.1 lakh," an AIU official said. The passenger has been detained by the officials at the airport for questioning. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: In a shocking move, Dr VVTS Prasad, head of Research and Development cell at Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (BIACH and RI) lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against the hospitals management. On Friday, Prasad sent an email to Justice HL Dattu, Chairperson of NHRC, in which he alleged constant humiliation, harassment, indignation, intimidation, and stress by the hospitals management. Prasads chief allegation was that the hospital management was hampering research work being conducted in the R&D cell by refusing to provide utilisation certificates and statement of accounts for the money received through research grants. Dr Prasad said, My research on early detection of oral cancer, which is not being done anywhere in the world has received a provisional patent and also been promised a funding of Rs 2.5 crores from a private firm. ICMR conveyed that it is ready to extend funding by three more years for a project on drug-resistant head and neck cancer cells which it has already funded for three years. With utilisation certificates for grants received till now not being given by the hospital, the funding agencies will not continue to extend their grants. Dr Prasad also alleged that his salary for the month of January 2017 had not been paid and he was given no reason when he asked the Human Resources Department for the same. The staff of the R&D cell had filed a police complaint in January with Banjara Hills Police Station regarding a foreign substance being added to milk in the department as the tea prepared tasted salty. Dr Prasad alleged the hospital was deliberately leaving their security concerns unaddressed. Dr Prasad was asked to resign by the hospital in 2009 after which Dr Prasad moved the court. The case is still pending. BIACH and RI, Medical Superintendent, Dr Ch Satyanarayana, refuted Prasads allegations. He said, Dr Prasad was not giving attendance through face scanning as is being followed by all employees in the hospital. He continues to sign in attendance register which is no more valid, so he did not get his salary. Regarding utilisation certificates not being provided, he said that the issue had yet to be brought to his notice. He further said, Dr Prasad has not been doing justice to the job for which he was recruited and that is why he was asked to resign. There have not been many quality research papers published by him. We will have another research department where we will hire a new head and transfer Dr Prasads staff there.- BIACH and RI are being headed by prominent members of the Telugu Desam Party. The chairman of the hospitals board is actor Balakrishna. Members include MLC MVVS Murthi and AP Assembly Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao. HYDERABAD: In a shocking move, Dr VVTS Prasad, head of Research and Development cell at Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (BIACH and RI) lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against the hospitals management. On Friday, Prasad sent an email to Justice HL Dattu, Chairperson of NHRC, in which he alleged constant humiliation, harassment, indignation, intimidation, and stress by the hospitals management. Prasads chief allegation was that the hospital management was hampering research work being conducted in the R&D cell by refusing to provide utilisation certificates and statement of accounts for the money received through research grants. Dr Prasad said, My research on early detection of oral cancer, which is not being done anywhere in the world has received a provisional patent and also been promised a funding of Rs 2.5 crores from a private firm. ICMR conveyed that it is ready to extend funding by three more years for a project on drug-resistant head and neck cancer cells which it has already funded for three years. With utilisation certificates for grants received till now not being given by the hospital, the funding agencies will not continue to extend their grants. Dr Prasad also alleged that his salary for the month of January 2017 had not been paid and he was given no reason when he asked the Human Resources Department for the same. The staff of the R&D cell had filed a police complaint in January with Banjara Hills Police Station regarding a foreign substance being added to milk in the department as the tea prepared tasted salty. Dr Prasad alleged the hospital was deliberately leaving their security concerns unaddressed. Dr Prasad was asked to resign by the hospital in 2009 after which Dr Prasad moved the court. The case is still pending. BIACH and RI, Medical Superintendent, Dr Ch Satyanarayana, refuted Prasads allegations. He said, Dr Prasad was not giving attendance through face scanning as is being followed by all employees in the hospital. He continues to sign in attendance register which is no more valid, so he did not get his salary. Regarding utilisation certificates not being provided, he said that the issue had yet to be brought to his notice. He further said, Dr Prasad has not been doing justice to the job for which he was recruited and that is why he was asked to resign. There have not been many quality research papers published by him. We will have another research department where we will hire a new head and transfer Dr Prasads staff there.- BIACH and RI are being headed by prominent members of the Telugu Desam Party. The chairman of the hospitals board is actor Balakrishna. Members include MLC MVVS Murthi and AP Assembly Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Days after being slapped with a contempt notice from the Supreme Court, Calcutta High Court Justice C S Karnan in a strongly worded letter to Chief Justice of India stated that his case should be sent to the Parliament. In an unprecedented act, the apex court had issued notice to Justice Karnan on February 8. Justice Karnan, in his four page letter written to the Supreme Court Registrar General and Chief Justice of India J S Khehar and the other judges on the Bench has stated that the case should not be heard till Justice Khehar demits office and if it needs to be taken up urgently, then the matter should be sent to the Parliament. The High Court judge has alleged that it is a case of upper caste judges misusing their powers to get rid of a Dalit judge. In his response Justice Karnan has stated that as a sitting judge, he is obligated to control corruption and irregularities in the judiciary and stated, I am also a responsible judge to control such high irregularities especially corruption and malpractice. I have furnished comprehensive proof of unethical practices happening with the respective courts. He has then proceeded to make various allegations against the seven-judge Bench. Before obtaining any explanation from me, I wish to state that the Courts have no power to enforce punishment against a sitting judge of the High Court. The said order does not confirm to logic, therefore it is not suitable for execution The matter is now listed for hearing on Monday, February 13 when Justice Karnan would appear in-person before the Supreme Court. Justice Karnan has written various letters against the Madras High Court Chief Justice which were addressed to the CJI, Prime Minister and others. He was transferred from the Madras High Court to the Calcutta High Court for his alleged contemptuous conduct. NEW DELHI: Days after being slapped with a contempt notice from the Supreme Court, Calcutta High Court Justice C S Karnan in a strongly worded letter to Chief Justice of India stated that his case should be sent to the Parliament. In an unprecedented act, the apex court had issued notice to Justice Karnan on February 8. Justice Karnan, in his four page letter written to the Supreme Court Registrar General and Chief Justice of India J S Khehar and the other judges on the Bench has stated that the case should not be heard till Justice Khehar demits office and if it needs to be taken up urgently, then the matter should be sent to the Parliament. The High Court judge has alleged that it is a case of upper caste judges misusing their powers to get rid of a Dalit judge. In his response Justice Karnan has stated that as a sitting judge, he is obligated to control corruption and irregularities in the judiciary and stated, I am also a responsible judge to control such high irregularities especially corruption and malpractice. I have furnished comprehensive proof of unethical practices happening with the respective courts. He has then proceeded to make various allegations against the seven-judge Bench. Before obtaining any explanation from me, I wish to state that the Courts have no power to enforce punishment against a sitting judge of the High Court. The said order does not confirm to logic, therefore it is not suitable for execution The matter is now listed for hearing on Monday, February 13 when Justice Karnan would appear in-person before the Supreme Court. Justice Karnan has written various letters against the Madras High Court Chief Justice which were addressed to the CJI, Prime Minister and others. He was transferred from the Madras High Court to the Calcutta High Court for his alleged contemptuous conduct. By Express News Service AHMEDABAD: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday demanded an investigation into the Naliya sex racket case by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a sitting High Court judge and threatened to launch a state-wide agitation on the issue. The Kutch police superintendent had constituted a special investigation team (SIT) after a woman, residing in Mumbai, filed a complaint at Naliya police station on 25 January, alleging she was repeatedly gang-raped and threatened by 10 men, including a local BJP worker, during the last one year. D elhi's rural development minister Gopal Rai alleged that the ruling BJP in Gujarat was trying to shield "big names" allegedly involved in the sex racket and demanded an investigation monitored by an SIT, led by a sitting HC judge. "Only local leaders of the BJP are not involved in Naliya sex racket. Several big names too are involved, because such a big racket cannot be possible without the involvement of big names. Ever since the matter came to light, there are efforts to shield the mastermind," Rai alleged. He alleged that the racket extended till Ahmedabad and many big BJP leaders are involved which is why the culprits are being shielded. "We demand the constitution of an SIT headed by a sitting High Court judge so that the matter is investigated independently and the names of the main mastermind and those associated with him come out," he said. "We will monitor the development closely and will also launch state-wide agitation and raise the issue at the Centre if our demands are not met by the government," he said. Meanwhile, Gandhinagar police detained around 25 women belonging to AAP when they were protesting outside Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's bungalow over the issue. The matter came to light after eight persons, including local leaders of the BJP, were arrested in connection with the gangrape of the victim at Naliya town in Kutch district. In her FIR, the 24-year-old woman alleged that she was raped by at least nine persons on different occasions after an accused made a video of the act and threatened to circulate the video clip. The victim has alleged in her FIR that the accused have been running a sex racket in Kutch district and forcing victims to have sex with numerous persons after blackmailing them by making video. AHMEDABAD: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday demanded an investigation into the Naliya sex racket case by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a sitting High Court judge and threatened to launch a state-wide agitation on the issue. The Kutch police superintendent had constituted a special investigation team (SIT) after a woman, residing in Mumbai, filed a complaint at Naliya police station on 25 January, alleging she was repeatedly gang-raped and threatened by 10 men, including a local BJP worker, during the last one year. D elhi's rural development minister Gopal Rai alleged that the ruling BJP in Gujarat was trying to shield "big names" allegedly involved in the sex racket and demanded an investigation monitored by an SIT, led by a sitting HC judge. "Only local leaders of the BJP are not involved in Naliya sex racket. Several big names too are involved, because such a big racket cannot be possible without the involvement of big names. Ever since the matter came to light, there are efforts to shield the mastermind," Rai alleged. He alleged that the racket extended till Ahmedabad and many big BJP leaders are involved which is why the culprits are being shielded. "We demand the constitution of an SIT headed by a sitting High Court judge so that the matter is investigated independently and the names of the main mastermind and those associated with him come out," he said. "We will monitor the development closely and will also launch state-wide agitation and raise the issue at the Centre if our demands are not met by the government," he said. Meanwhile, Gandhinagar police detained around 25 women belonging to AAP when they were protesting outside Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's bungalow over the issue. The matter came to light after eight persons, including local leaders of the BJP, were arrested in connection with the gangrape of the victim at Naliya town in Kutch district. In her FIR, the 24-year-old woman alleged that she was raped by at least nine persons on different occasions after an accused made a video of the act and threatened to circulate the video clip. The victim has alleged in her FIR that the accused have been running a sex racket in Kutch district and forcing victims to have sex with numerous persons after blackmailing them by making video. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: The ongoing probe into the multi-crore-rupee scam in the selection of clerical grade employees in Bihar has pointed at the involvement of several ministers of the Nitish Kumar-led grand alliance government in addition to some legislators and bureaucrats. The nine-member special investigation team (SIT), which has so far arrested 18 people including the secretary of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) Parameshwar Ram, is reportedly examining the role of the at least 35 highly influential people who allegedly helped perpetrate the scam. Sources said Parameshwar Ram, who has been interrogated at least three times before and after his arrest, revealed to the SIT the names of a number of ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats who sent him requests to ensure that their preferred candidates got the clerical jobs for which BSSC was conducting the four-phase written examinations. Even BSSC chairperson Sudhir Kumar, a 1982-batch IAS officer who was subjected to a preliminary interrogation by the SIT last Friday, admitted that he had received several recommendations from politicians. The arrest of Ramashish Rai, owner of a prominent private school in Patna and one of the masterminds of the question paper leak that brought the scam out in the open, has turned the political heat on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. Ramashish Rai, director of AVN School and a former clerk in the science and technology department of Bihar, was one of the bailers of Lalu Prasad Yadav in one of the fodder scam cases. He is also related to Ram Sinhasan Singh, a former Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) chairman who is known for his proximity to Lalu Prasad. On Saturday, senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi dared chief minister Nitish Kumar to order the SIT to interrogate his ally Lalu Prasad Yadav. After JD(U) began its alliance with RJD, all criminals and power brokers of the Lalu-Rabri regime have come out of their dens and are perpetrating crimes and scams. I dare the chief minister to get Lalus relations with Ramashish Rai investigated and order the SIT to interrogate Lalu, said Modi. Significantly, AVN School, whose affiliation to CBSE was revoked in 2015 for examination irregularities and failure to conform to rules, was allowed to host the examination conducted by BSSC, allegedly under pressure from people in top positions in the state government. Ramsumer Singh, the schools manager, was appointed superintendent of the examination centre in violation of the rules. The RJD chief, however, denied knowing any Ramashish Rai and asked Modi to bring SIT officials to his residence for his interrogation, if he so wished. These are baseless charges. The scam is being probed and nobody, no matter how high a position they have, would be spared. Not even anyone close to me would be spared if found guilty, said Lalu Prasad Yadav. Nitish Kumar did not comment on the BJP leaders allegations, but said that the probe is on and everyone guilty would face suitable consequences. PATNA: The ongoing probe into the multi-crore-rupee scam in the selection of clerical grade employees in Bihar has pointed at the involvement of several ministers of the Nitish Kumar-led grand alliance government in addition to some legislators and bureaucrats. The nine-member special investigation team (SIT), which has so far arrested 18 people including the secretary of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) Parameshwar Ram, is reportedly examining the role of the at least 35 highly influential people who allegedly helped perpetrate the scam. Sources said Parameshwar Ram, who has been interrogated at least three times before and after his arrest, revealed to the SIT the names of a number of ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats who sent him requests to ensure that their preferred candidates got the clerical jobs for which BSSC was conducting the four-phase written examinations. Even BSSC chairperson Sudhir Kumar, a 1982-batch IAS officer who was subjected to a preliminary interrogation by the SIT last Friday, admitted that he had received several recommendations from politicians. The arrest of Ramashish Rai, owner of a prominent private school in Patna and one of the masterminds of the question paper leak that brought the scam out in the open, has turned the political heat on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. Ramashish Rai, director of AVN School and a former clerk in the science and technology department of Bihar, was one of the bailers of Lalu Prasad Yadav in one of the fodder scam cases. He is also related to Ram Sinhasan Singh, a former Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) chairman who is known for his proximity to Lalu Prasad. On Saturday, senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi dared chief minister Nitish Kumar to order the SIT to interrogate his ally Lalu Prasad Yadav. After JD(U) began its alliance with RJD, all criminals and power brokers of the Lalu-Rabri regime have come out of their dens and are perpetrating crimes and scams. I dare the chief minister to get Lalus relations with Ramashish Rai investigated and order the SIT to interrogate Lalu, said Modi. Significantly, AVN School, whose affiliation to CBSE was revoked in 2015 for examination irregularities and failure to conform to rules, was allowed to host the examination conducted by BSSC, allegedly under pressure from people in top positions in the state government. Ramsumer Singh, the schools manager, was appointed superintendent of the examination centre in violation of the rules. The RJD chief, however, denied knowing any Ramashish Rai and asked Modi to bring SIT officials to his residence for his interrogation, if he so wished. These are baseless charges. The scam is being probed and nobody, no matter how high a position they have, would be spared. Not even anyone close to me would be spared if found guilty, said Lalu Prasad Yadav. Nitish Kumar did not comment on the BJP leaders allegations, but said that the probe is on and everyone guilty would face suitable consequences. By Express News Service MUMBAI: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday claimed that his party is functioning as a corrective force by being part of governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra to "control" anti-people policies. The comments came as local body polls for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation ensue in Mumbai. The Sena has deviated from its alliance with the BJP in the upcoming elections. However, it has not yet withdrawn support from the State government. Thackeray said: "We have seen that if power is not controlled, it becomes uncontrollable. Being in the government we tried to keep (the BJP) in control." "While being a part of the government, Sena opposed many policies that were anti-India and anti-people and today those policies are stuck. Be it the Land Acquisition Bill or the GST Bill, we made them make the necessary amendments," he said in the final part of his interview to Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana'. Thackeray quipped that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi chooses to hold any election rally in the city for the upcoming Brihamumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, the Shiv Sainiks will go and respectfully invite him to be a part of Sena's victory celebrations on February 23. "Modiji had to conduct 23 rallies in the State during Assembly polls to win. This time, even if he comes, the Sena will win. We want him to be a part of our celebrations," the Sena leader said. He said that the "alliance with the BJP actually got over during the 2014 Assembly polls itself." "They had deceived us in the name of talks. The Lok Sabha polls had just finished then, there was a 'Modi wave' but no demonetisation. So they (the BJP) thought the Sena would not get more than 15-20 seats. But we proved them wrong by winning 63 seats (in Maharashtra Assembly polls)," he said. Meanwhile, reacting to Thackeray's comments, MPCC secretary Al Nasser Zakaria alleged that the Sena chief is indulging in "white lies" and it is the "sweetness" of power that keeps him glued to it. "It is absurd of him to say he is doing the job of the Opposition parties. He thinks he can indulge in white lies and people will quietly listen. The truth is that the sweetness of power will keep him glued to it and they will not withdraw support despite being shamed everyday by the BJP," the Congress leader said. MUMBAI: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday claimed that his party is functioning as a corrective force by being part of governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra to "control" anti-people policies. The comments came as local body polls for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation ensue in Mumbai. The Sena has deviated from its alliance with the BJP in the upcoming elections. However, it has not yet withdrawn support from the State government. Thackeray said: "We have seen that if power is not controlled, it becomes uncontrollable. Being in the government we tried to keep (the BJP) in control." "While being a part of the government, Sena opposed many policies that were anti-India and anti-people and today those policies are stuck. Be it the Land Acquisition Bill or the GST Bill, we made them make the necessary amendments," he said in the final part of his interview to Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana'. Thackeray quipped that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi chooses to hold any election rally in the city for the upcoming Brihamumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, the Shiv Sainiks will go and respectfully invite him to be a part of Sena's victory celebrations on February 23. "Modiji had to conduct 23 rallies in the State during Assembly polls to win. This time, even if he comes, the Sena will win. We want him to be a part of our celebrations," the Sena leader said. He said that the "alliance with the BJP actually got over during the 2014 Assembly polls itself." "They had deceived us in the name of talks. The Lok Sabha polls had just finished then, there was a 'Modi wave' but no demonetisation. So they (the BJP) thought the Sena would not get more than 15-20 seats. But we proved them wrong by winning 63 seats (in Maharashtra Assembly polls)," he said. Meanwhile, reacting to Thackeray's comments, MPCC secretary Al Nasser Zakaria alleged that the Sena chief is indulging in "white lies" and it is the "sweetness" of power that keeps him glued to it. "It is absurd of him to say he is doing the job of the Opposition parties. He thinks he can indulge in white lies and people will quietly listen. The truth is that the sweetness of power will keep him glued to it and they will not withdraw support despite being shamed everyday by the BJP," the Congress leader said. Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRI NAGAR: At least seven persons, including four militants, two Army personnel and a civilian were killed in a fierce gun battle in South Kashmirs Kulgam district on Sunday, while a civilian died and about 20 others sustained injuries when security forces allegedly fired at a mob protesting near the site after the encounter ended. J&K director general of police (DGP) S P Vaid told Express that on receiving information about the militants, police, Army and paramilitary personnel laid siege around Nagabal in Frisal in the district in the wee hours. During the search operation, the security personnel zeroed-in on a house, where a group of militants were hiding. However, during searches, they did not find anything. They searched the house again and came across nothing, he said. Sepoy Rahubeer Singh and Lance Naik Bhandoriya Gopal Singh Vaid said it was during the third attempt that the militants were found hiding above a false ceiling in the house. When the hideout was busted, militants fired at the personnel. The fire was returned by the troops and in the ensuing gunfight, four militants were killed. Two Army men and the house owner were also killed in the firing while three soldiers were injured, said the DGP adding that the injured soldiers have been hospitalised. The house, being used as a cover by the militants to fire at the troops was damaged. According to police, the four militants were all residents of Kulgam district. Vaid said of the four militants, two belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen and two were from Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). The slain militants were identified as Mudassir Ahmad Tantrey alias Asim and Wakeel Ahmed Thokar, both from LeT, while Farooq Ahmed Bhat and Mohammad Younis Lone were Hizbul members. According to police officers, all four militants had been active for the last two years. DGP Vaid said three militants managed to escape from the area during the gunfight. However, they have suffered bullet injuries and an operation has been launched to track them down. The deceased soldiers were identified as 33-year-old Lance Naik Bhandoriya Gopal Singh of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and sepoy Rahubeer Singh, 30, R/o Chamoli, Uttarakhand. The deceased civilian was identified as 40-year-old Ashiq Reshi, son of the house-owner Abdul Majeed Reshi. Civilian Mushtaq Ahmad (22) of Srigufwara, Bijbehara succumbed to his injuries later. Two other critically injured civilians were referred to Srinagar hospital for specialised treatment. Separatist leaders have called for a shutdown on Monday in protest against the civilian killings. SRI NAGAR: At least seven persons, including four militants, two Army personnel and a civilian were killed in a fierce gun battle in South Kashmirs Kulgam district on Sunday, while a civilian died and about 20 others sustained injuries when security forces allegedly fired at a mob protesting near the site after the encounter ended. J&K director general of police (DGP) S P Vaid told Express that on receiving information about the militants, police, Army and paramilitary personnel laid siege around Nagabal in Frisal in the district in the wee hours. During the search operation, the security personnel zeroed-in on a house, where a group of militants were hiding. However, during searches, they did not find anything. They searched the house again and came across nothing, he said. Sepoy Rahubeer Singh and Lance Naik Bhandoriya Gopal Singh Vaid said it was during the third attempt that the militants were found hiding above a false ceiling in the house. When the hideout was busted, militants fired at the personnel. The fire was returned by the troops and in the ensuing gunfight, four militants were killed. Two Army men and the house owner were also killed in the firing while three soldiers were injured, said the DGP adding that the injured soldiers have been hospitalised. The house, being used as a cover by the militants to fire at the troops was damaged. According to police, the four militants were all residents of Kulgam district. Vaid said of the four militants, two belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen and two were from Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). The slain militants were identified as Mudassir Ahmad Tantrey alias Asim and Wakeel Ahmed Thokar, both from LeT, while Farooq Ahmed Bhat and Mohammad Younis Lone were Hizbul members. According to police officers, all four militants had been active for the last two years. DGP Vaid said three militants managed to escape from the area during the gunfight. However, they have suffered bullet injuries and an operation has been launched to track them down. The deceased soldiers were identified as 33-year-old Lance Naik Bhandoriya Gopal Singh of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and sepoy Rahubeer Singh, 30, R/o Chamoli, Uttarakhand. The deceased civilian was identified as 40-year-old Ashiq Reshi, son of the house-owner Abdul Majeed Reshi. Civilian Mushtaq Ahmad (22) of Srigufwara, Bijbehara succumbed to his injuries later. Two other critically injured civilians were referred to Srinagar hospital for specialised treatment. Separatist leaders have called for a shutdown on Monday in protest against the civilian killings. Aishik Chanda By Express News Service KOLKATA: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has refused to be party to any India-Bangladesh water treaty that is likely to adversely affect West Bengals interests. After having scuppered the Teesta river water sharing agreement between India and the neighbouring country, the feisty chief minister is now opposed to an ambitious Bangladesh plan to build a dam across the Ganga (called Padma in Bangladesh) that the eastern neighbour says will not only solve the water crisis in southwestern Bangladesh but also improve connectivity between the south and north of the country. Bangladesh claims that the Ganges Dam, proposed to be built at Pangsha in Rajbari district of Bangladesh 200 km downstream of the Farakka Barrage, would prevent the Ganga from flowing waste into the sea while filling reservoirs for irrigation and drinking along a 165 km stretch of the river. However, after consulting several river water specialists, Mamata Banerjee is not too enthusiastic about the project, saying that damming the Ganga at the spot would increase the risk of flooding in Murshidabad and Nadia districts of West Bengal and also hand over the reins of water control to Bangladesh. The 165 km Ganga river water course from Farakka to Pangsha. River water specialists in West Bengal agree with Mamata Banerjee fears. "The Ganges Dam would be harmful for India as it would increase flood risks during the monsoon. Also when Bangladesh opens the flood gates when it wants to, there may be severe water shortages in Murshidabad and Nadia districts," river water specialist Kajal Maity told New Indian Express. "Mamata is right in not handing over the reins of water control to Bangladesh. The Ganges Dam would adversely affect more than one crore people in Murshidabad and Nadia districts," water specialist Binoy Das said. However, New Delhi is pushing the project. It was on top priority of bilateral talks during Prime Minister Narendra Modi s visit to Bangladesh last year. Accordingly, a central team from the Ministry of Water Resources and the Central Water Commission went to Bangladesh on October 26-28, 2016 to study the project. West Bengal water resources principal secretary Navin Prakash was also part of the delegation. The delegation inspected the proposed dam site and it was decided that both countries would conduct joint research over the feasibility of the project. Accordingly, a Joint Technical Sub-group was formed with one member from West Bengal. But Mamata Banerjee has only become more vocal against the project. She asked her chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee to write to the Centre stating a big 'NO' to the project. Sources revealed that in the letter to the Ministry of Water Resources, Basudeb Banerjee wrote: "West Bengal was kept in the dark over the project. There is no question of our state being part of Joint Technical Sub-group. Since the Farakka water sharing treaty on December 12, 1996, West Bengal has endured losses of around Rs 700 crore due to the breach of river embankments. Not a single penny has been paid as compensation. Now, with the new Ganges Dam, risks of flooding may aggravate. Hence, West Bengal cannot give approval to the treaty." As an answer to the letter, Union water resources secretary Amarjit Singh tried to persuade the state, saying the treaty is important for Indo-Bangladesh relations and expressed readiness for a dialogue with river water specialists in West Bengal. However, the West Bengal Secretariat remained firm against the proposal, stating that the interests of West Bengal cannot be compromised for cozy bilateral relations with Bangladesh. Without West Bengal's consent, the Centre cannot go ahead with the treaty. So, like the Teesta river water treaty, the Ganges Dam may also go into limbo. KOLKATA: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has refused to be party to any India-Bangladesh water treaty that is likely to adversely affect West Bengals interests. After having scuppered the Teesta river water sharing agreement between India and the neighbouring country, the feisty chief minister is now opposed to an ambitious Bangladesh plan to build a dam across the Ganga (called Padma in Bangladesh) that the eastern neighbour says will not only solve the water crisis in southwestern Bangladesh but also improve connectivity between the south and north of the country. Bangladesh claims that the Ganges Dam, proposed to be built at Pangsha in Rajbari district of Bangladesh 200 km downstream of the Farakka Barrage, would prevent the Ganga from flowing waste into the sea while filling reservoirs for irrigation and drinking along a 165 km stretch of the river. However, after consulting several river water specialists, Mamata Banerjee is not too enthusiastic about the project, saying that damming the Ganga at the spot would increase the risk of flooding in Murshidabad and Nadia districts of West Bengal and also hand over the reins of water control to Bangladesh. The 165 km Ganga river water course from Farakka to Pangsha.River water specialists in West Bengal agree with Mamata Banerjee fears. "The Ganges Dam would be harmful for India as it would increase flood risks during the monsoon. Also when Bangladesh opens the flood gates when it wants to, there may be severe water shortages in Murshidabad and Nadia districts," river water specialist Kajal Maity told New Indian Express. "Mamata is right in not handing over the reins of water control to Bangladesh. The Ganges Dam would adversely affect more than one crore people in Murshidabad and Nadia districts," water specialist Binoy Das said. However, New Delhi is pushing the project. It was on top priority of bilateral talks during Prime Minister Narendra Modi s visit to Bangladesh last year. Accordingly, a central team from the Ministry of Water Resources and the Central Water Commission went to Bangladesh on October 26-28, 2016 to study the project. West Bengal water resources principal secretary Navin Prakash was also part of the delegation. The delegation inspected the proposed dam site and it was decided that both countries would conduct joint research over the feasibility of the project. Accordingly, a Joint Technical Sub-group was formed with one member from West Bengal. But Mamata Banerjee has only become more vocal against the project. She asked her chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee to write to the Centre stating a big 'NO' to the project. Sources revealed that in the letter to the Ministry of Water Resources, Basudeb Banerjee wrote: "West Bengal was kept in the dark over the project. There is no question of our state being part of Joint Technical Sub-group. Since the Farakka water sharing treaty on December 12, 1996, West Bengal has endured losses of around Rs 700 crore due to the breach of river embankments. Not a single penny has been paid as compensation. Now, with the new Ganges Dam, risks of flooding may aggravate. Hence, West Bengal cannot give approval to the treaty." As an answer to the letter, Union water resources secretary Amarjit Singh tried to persuade the state, saying the treaty is important for Indo-Bangladesh relations and expressed readiness for a dialogue with river water specialists in West Bengal. However, the West Bengal Secretariat remained firm against the proposal, stating that the interests of West Bengal cannot be compromised for cozy bilateral relations with Bangladesh. Without West Bengal's consent, the Centre cannot go ahead with the treaty. So, like the Teesta river water treaty, the Ganges Dam may also go into limbo. Express News Service CHANDIGARH: In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police on Sunday arrested the mastermind in the Nabha jailbreak. Gangster Gurpreet Singh Sekhon was arrested from his house in Dhudike village of Moga district in the State. Sources said the police nabbed three other gangsters along with him in a joint operation carried out by counter-intelligence of Patiala and Moga police. Besides Gurpreet, Manveer Sekhon alias Mani of Makhu, Rajwinder Singh Raja alias Sultan of Mangewala village in Moga and Kulwinder Singh alias Bhimbri of Sidana village in Bathinda have been arrested. The police had got a tip-off that the accused were hiding in a house in Dhudike. Assistant inspector general of Police (counter-intelligence) Gurmeet Singh Chauhan, who led the operation, told Express that Gurpreet along with others had escaped to Udaipur and Kota in Rajasthan after escaping from the Nabha jail. He then went to Indore, Madhya Pradesh, came back to Rajasthan and a few days ago returned to Punjab. In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, all the accused were together and used to rent flats on fake identities and did not stay in a hotel. Once back in Punjab they separated. Their sympathisers used to send them money in designated accounts. Gurpreet Sekhon They did not communicate with each other directly to escape the dragnet, he said, adding that Gurpreet trimmed his beard and he and the other accused persons shaved or cut their hair to change their appearance. They were constantly changing their looks to avoid being caught. At times they gave up their turbans, he said. The police team tracked the accused to a house owned by a person called Gurkewal Singh in the village. Subsequently, the Special Weapons and Tactics Team nabbed them. We have detained the house owner for questioning to verify if he has any links with the accused persons. The operation lasted for two hours. Four weapons, including two of .32 bore, one .12 bore and another .30 bore, and two cars were recovered from their possession, the police officer said, adding that Manveer, Rajwinder Singh Raja and Kulwinder Singh facilitated the escape of Gurpreet and others from outside the prison. Besides Gurpreet, Khalistan Liberation Force chief Harminder Singh (49) alias Mintoo had also escaped, but he was later arrested from the Delhi Railway Station. Kulpreet Singh alias Neeta Deol, who had also escaped, was arrested from Madhya Pradesh. Others who escaped, but are still at large are Kashmir Singh, Harjinder Singh Bhullar alias Vicky Gondar and Amanpreet Tonda. CHANDIGARH: In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police on Sunday arrested the mastermind in the Nabha jailbreak. Gangster Gurpreet Singh Sekhon was arrested from his house in Dhudike village of Moga district in the State. Sources said the police nabbed three other gangsters along with him in a joint operation carried out by counter-intelligence of Patiala and Moga police. Besides Gurpreet, Manveer Sekhon alias Mani of Makhu, Rajwinder Singh Raja alias Sultan of Mangewala village in Moga and Kulwinder Singh alias Bhimbri of Sidana village in Bathinda have been arrested. The police had got a tip-off that the accused were hiding in a house in Dhudike. Assistant inspector general of Police (counter-intelligence) Gurmeet Singh Chauhan, who led the operation, told Express that Gurpreet along with others had escaped to Udaipur and Kota in Rajasthan after escaping from the Nabha jail. He then went to Indore, Madhya Pradesh, came back to Rajasthan and a few days ago returned to Punjab. In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, all the accused were together and used to rent flats on fake identities and did not stay in a hotel. Once back in Punjab they separated. Their sympathisers used to send them money in designated accounts. Gurpreet SekhonThey did not communicate with each other directly to escape the dragnet, he said, adding that Gurpreet trimmed his beard and he and the other accused persons shaved or cut their hair to change their appearance. They were constantly changing their looks to avoid being caught. At times they gave up their turbans, he said. The police team tracked the accused to a house owned by a person called Gurkewal Singh in the village. Subsequently, the Special Weapons and Tactics Team nabbed them. We have detained the house owner for questioning to verify if he has any links with the accused persons. The operation lasted for two hours. Four weapons, including two of .32 bore, one .12 bore and another .30 bore, and two cars were recovered from their possession, the police officer said, adding that Manveer, Rajwinder Singh Raja and Kulwinder Singh facilitated the escape of Gurpreet and others from outside the prison. Besides Gurpreet, Khalistan Liberation Force chief Harminder Singh (49) alias Mintoo had also escaped, but he was later arrested from the Delhi Railway Station. Kulpreet Singh alias Neeta Deol, who had also escaped, was arrested from Madhya Pradesh. Others who escaped, but are still at large are Kashmir Singh, Harjinder Singh Bhullar alias Vicky Gondar and Amanpreet Tonda. Ritu Sharma By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will see a flurry of reshuffles this year with nine key diplomats retiring. Of them, at least two Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers hopes of becoming the Foreign Secretary have been dashed following the extension given to S Jaishankar (1977 batch). The first to retire will be Ranjit Rae, a 1980 batch officer posted in Kathmandu. He will be superannuating this month. He is tipped to be replaced by 1985 batch officer T S Tirumurthy. In March, Secretary (West) Sujata Mehta (1980 batch) and Secretary Economic Relations Amar Sinha (1981 batch) will hang up their boots. The High Commissioner to South Africa and Kingdom of Lesotho, Ruchi Ghanshyam (1982 batch), is tipped to replace Mehta. Also due to retire in March are Indias Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN Offices in Geneva Ajit Kumar (1979 batch) and Indias Ambassador to Germany Gurjit Singh (1980 batch). The Ambassador to Italy, Anil Wadhwa (1979 batch), will retire in May. Wadhwa was shifted from the post of Secretary East in the MEA to Italy. South Block was abuzz that with this move, Jaishankar nipped the chances of the high-power secretary for the top slot. The fate of Wadhwa, who oversaw the revival of bilateral ties between India and Italy, was sealed when the government decided to extend Jaishankars tenure by a year. Jaishankars extension means that Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna (1980 batch), will also be retiring in December this year. Another post that will be vacant is of the Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations after 1981 batch officer Amarendra Khatua retires this year. The post of Ambassador to Canada is also lying vacant. NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will see a flurry of reshuffles this year with nine key diplomats retiring. Of them, at least two Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers hopes of becoming the Foreign Secretary have been dashed following the extension given to S Jaishankar (1977 batch). The first to retire will be Ranjit Rae, a 1980 batch officer posted in Kathmandu. He will be superannuating this month. He is tipped to be replaced by 1985 batch officer T S Tirumurthy. In March, Secretary (West) Sujata Mehta (1980 batch) and Secretary Economic Relations Amar Sinha (1981 batch) will hang up their boots. The High Commissioner to South Africa and Kingdom of Lesotho, Ruchi Ghanshyam (1982 batch), is tipped to replace Mehta. Also due to retire in March are Indias Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN Offices in Geneva Ajit Kumar (1979 batch) and Indias Ambassador to Germany Gurjit Singh (1980 batch). The Ambassador to Italy, Anil Wadhwa (1979 batch), will retire in May. Wadhwa was shifted from the post of Secretary East in the MEA to Italy. South Block was abuzz that with this move, Jaishankar nipped the chances of the high-power secretary for the top slot. The fate of Wadhwa, who oversaw the revival of bilateral ties between India and Italy, was sealed when the government decided to extend Jaishankars tenure by a year. Jaishankars extension means that Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna (1980 batch), will also be retiring in December this year. Another post that will be vacant is of the Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations after 1981 batch officer Amarendra Khatua retires this year. The post of Ambassador to Canada is also lying vacant. By Express News Service MUMBAI: During an election campaign in Nagpur on Saturday former Chief Minister and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Ashok Chavan's face was blackened by a youth. The Congress on Sunday blamed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the incident. The Congress said that the ink attack was a plot by the RSS to foil the rally. "We will continue to fight against such forces and ensure that they do not succeed in their game plan," Chavan said on Saturday night. However, party insiders said that the incident of throwing ink was the outcome of the fierce factionalism that has riddled the already ailing party. The police identified the youth as Lalit Baghel, who threw ink at Chavan and other Congress leaders like former Union minister Vilas Muttemwar at the rally in Hasanbagh in east Nagpur on Saturday night. Baghel is said to be a supporter of a faction of Congress, which opposes Muttemwar. Party workers present at the rally beat up Baghel and tore off his clothes before handing him over to the police. MUMBAI: During an election campaign in Nagpur on Saturday former Chief Minister and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Ashok Chavan's face was blackened by a youth. The Congress on Sunday blamed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the incident. The Congress said that the ink attack was a plot by the RSS to foil the rally. "We will continue to fight against such forces and ensure that they do not succeed in their game plan," Chavan said on Saturday night. However, party insiders said that the incident of throwing ink was the outcome of the fierce factionalism that has riddled the already ailing party. The police identified the youth as Lalit Baghel, who threw ink at Chavan and other Congress leaders like former Union minister Vilas Muttemwar at the rally in Hasanbagh in east Nagpur on Saturday night. Baghel is said to be a supporter of a faction of Congress, which opposes Muttemwar. Party workers present at the rally beat up Baghel and tore off his clothes before handing him over to the police. M Venkaiah Naidu By Gender inequality has become a pressing concern across the world due to the subordination of women in all spheres of life. This has resulted in a global demand for the empowerment of women, for the creation of an environment in which women can make their own decisions for personal as well as societal benefits. This requires us to lay down social, economic, political and legal pathways to ensure that women have equal rights and are confident enough to claim them. Our Constitution grants women the Right to Equality by way of Article 14 and the Right to Equal Payment for Equal Work through Article 39(D). And by way of Article 42, the Directive Principles promise just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief for women. Further, laws such as the Dowry Prevention Act, 1961, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention) Act, 2013, etc. have been enacted to enforce such rights. However, in democratic governance, adequate representation of women in lawmaking institutions is important so that women-related issues get adequate attention. The 73rd and 74th Constitution amendments provide for one-third reservation for women in local government. However, representation of women in the higher legislative bodies is still inadequate. The number of women elected to the Lok Sabha improved from 22 in 1951 to 62 now, which is about 11 per cent. In advanced countries, this ratio is higher. We have been talking about reservation for women in Parliament for some time now. But we have seen what happened when this bill was moved in Parliament. The leaders of some parties, which are still guided by patriarchic values, are determined to stall quotas for women in higher legislative bodies, as they feel threatened. But we need to move forward. I hope that the BJP will get a majority in the Rajya Sabha to take this legislation forward. Women, particularly women from the poorer sections of our society, are the unsung heroes of our socio-economic system. Unfortunately, we fail to attach an economic value to all the multifarious activities women perform. Even though they are valuable activities, they are not counted for the purpose of GDP calculations. In support of my argument for empowerment of women, I would like to quote a report by OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). Based on a study of Fortune 500 companies, it reported that those companies with more women board directors had significantly higher financial returns including 53 per cent higher returns on equity, 42 per cent higher returns on sales and 67 per cent higher returns on invested capital (OECD, 2008). This goes to prove that in a level playing field, women are equal to men. On the advantages of education for women, a UN report based on data from 219 countries showed that for every one additional year of education for women in the reproductive age, child mortality decreases by a huge 9.50 per cent. It was further reported that if total gender equality was ensured in our country, our total economic output, i.e the GDP, would improve by US $ 2.90 trillion. If we can ensure equality in work opportunities, 6.80 crore more women would join the work force, increasing the participation of women in the workforce from 31 per cent to 41 per cent. Today, the challenge before the central and state governments and other stakeholders including the private sector is to give women the power of parity. A WOMAN is one Who can Organise Men and materials Ably and Neatly and they are not second to men in any respect. Dr Ambedkar drafted the Hindu Code Bill granting property rights to women. It was referred to a Select Committee in April 1948, and discussions on it continued for over four years, making it the most discussed bill. Sensing that the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress were not keen about the Bill, Dr Ambedkar resigned in 1951 but was persuaded to stay. He moved the bill in Parliament later but it could not find support. The Bill that was passed in 1955 did not satisfy Dr Ambedkar and he finally quit the Nehru cabinet. Almost three decades later, the then Andhra Pradesh chief minister N T Rama Rao and Dr Ambedkars wife Savita Ambedkar attended a meeting at Sri Venkateswara University in April 1983. Several issues were discussed in that meeting including the rights of women and the efforts of Dr Ambedkar. N T Ramarao took a cue from those discussions and in 1986 made an Act giving equal property rights to women, which became a trendsetting legislation. Subsequently, several states followed Andhra Pradesh and the central government finally in 2005 enacted laws conferring property rights on women. I am happy that Andhra Pradesh and NTR showed the way to the country in this regard. Gender inequality has become a pressing concern across the world due to the subordination of women in all spheres of life. This has resulted in a global demand for the empowerment of women, for the creation of an environment in which women can make their own decisions for personal as well as societal benefits. This requires us to lay down social, economic, political and legal pathways to ensure that women have equal rights and are confident enough to claim them. Our Constitution grants women the Right to Equality by way of Article 14 and the Right to Equal Payment for Equal Work through Article 39(D). And by way of Article 42, the Directive Principles promise just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief for women. Further, laws such as the Dowry Prevention Act, 1961, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention) Act, 2013, etc. have been enacted to enforce such rights. However, in democratic governance, adequate representation of women in lawmaking institutions is important so that women-related issues get adequate attention. The 73rd and 74th Constitution amendments provide for one-third reservation for women in local government. However, representation of women in the higher legislative bodies is still inadequate. The number of women elected to the Lok Sabha improved from 22 in 1951 to 62 now, which is about 11 per cent. In advanced countries, this ratio is higher. We have been talking about reservation for women in Parliament for some time now. But we have seen what happened when this bill was moved in Parliament. The leaders of some parties, which are still guided by patriarchic values, are determined to stall quotas for women in higher legislative bodies, as they feel threatened. But we need to move forward. I hope that the BJP will get a majority in the Rajya Sabha to take this legislation forward. Women, particularly women from the poorer sections of our society, are the unsung heroes of our socio-economic system. Unfortunately, we fail to attach an economic value to all the multifarious activities women perform. Even though they are valuable activities, they are not counted for the purpose of GDP calculations. In support of my argument for empowerment of women, I would like to quote a report by OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). Based on a study of Fortune 500 companies, it reported that those companies with more women board directors had significantly higher financial returns including 53 per cent higher returns on equity, 42 per cent higher returns on sales and 67 per cent higher returns on invested capital (OECD, 2008). This goes to prove that in a level playing field, women are equal to men. On the advantages of education for women, a UN report based on data from 219 countries showed that for every one additional year of education for women in the reproductive age, child mortality decreases by a huge 9.50 per cent. It was further reported that if total gender equality was ensured in our country, our total economic output, i.e the GDP, would improve by US $ 2.90 trillion. If we can ensure equality in work opportunities, 6.80 crore more women would join the work force, increasing the participation of women in the workforce from 31 per cent to 41 per cent. Today, the challenge before the central and state governments and other stakeholders including the private sector is to give women the power of parity. A WOMAN is one Who can Organise Men and materials Ably and Neatly and they are not second to men in any respect. Dr Ambedkar drafted the Hindu Code Bill granting property rights to women. It was referred to a Select Committee in April 1948, and discussions on it continued for over four years, making it the most discussed bill. Sensing that the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress were not keen about the Bill, Dr Ambedkar resigned in 1951 but was persuaded to stay. He moved the bill in Parliament later but it could not find support. The Bill that was passed in 1955 did not satisfy Dr Ambedkar and he finally quit the Nehru cabinet. Almost three decades later, the then Andhra Pradesh chief minister N T Rama Rao and Dr Ambedkars wife Savita Ambedkar attended a meeting at Sri Venkateswara University in April 1983. Several issues were discussed in that meeting including the rights of women and the efforts of Dr Ambedkar. N T Ramarao took a cue from those discussions and in 1986 made an Act giving equal property rights to women, which became a trendsetting legislation. Subsequently, several states followed Andhra Pradesh and the central government finally in 2005 enacted laws conferring property rights on women. I am happy that Andhra Pradesh and NTR showed the way to the country in this regard. Prabhu Chawla By Referendums are Indian democracys conundrums. For the first time, state elections have become a barometer to measure the popularity of a national leader. The five Assembly elections, that will extend to early March and be held across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur, are a combined popularity contest between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his adversaries. As over 160 million voters in five states choose 670 members of state legislatures, the national narrative is not built around which party will win or lose. Instead, political pundits have billed the outcome as a verdict on the PMs personal popularity and governance record for the past 32 months. The real battle is Modi vs the Rest, and not between the political parties contesting the elections. All, including the BJP, are responsible for such a political polarisation. Sticking to habit, the BJP has refrained from naming chief ministerial candidates. Modi is its singular cult campaigner and vote catcher both. It is banking on his clean image and credible character as a leader who has delivered governance through innovation to mobilise voters. Amit Shah, the youngest-ever party chief, has created an organisational apparatus confident of carrying his bosss message to each and every booth in all the constituencies the party is contesting. Its national leaders take local names onstage only for courtesys sake. They seek votes in the name of conformity instead of confrontation between the states and the Centre for development. The massive saffron publicity strategy is built around Mo-Sh; local leaders get only marginal space on visual and printed poll material. In comparison, other parties not only declared their CM candidates in advance but also have chosen Modi as their combined target. The Congress has declared its CM candidates in Punjab and Uttarakhand. AAP has done the same in Punjab, as the Samajwadi and the BSP have in UP. So have local parties in other states. Barring minor players, all major regional outfits as well as the Congress have chosen to attack Modi and Modi alone at their rallies. For example, both Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav target Modi and not the BJP in each and every election speech and event. In Goa, the Aam Aadmi Partys guns are trained on Modi. The BJP perceives the five electoral battles as an exercise to achieve its Congress Mukt Bharat mission. The party wants to reinvent itself as a pan-national presence rather than being seen as a predominantly cowbelt phenomenon with 71 MPs in UP and 22 in Bihar. Currently it is Indias largest party, controlling 17 of the 32 states and Union Territories either by itself or with allies. The Congress is confined to tiny states in the Northeast with Karnataka as the only saving grace. The content, contours and colours of the State Wars of 2017 will have far-reaching political repercussions. Likely political scenarios: If BJP wins all the five states: Currently, it rules Goa and Punjab, out of the five. However, it has been working with missionary zeal for the past two years to win Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Over two dozen cabinet ministers and chief ministers have been pressed to campaign extensively for the party. Shah has put in place highly advanced, tech-driven machinery to track each and every move of not just the BJPs opponents but also of his own party candidates and leaders. The might of the entire Central-level political and government apparatus has been unleashed to deliver on many long overdue projects. If it retains Goa, and its Punjab alliance with the Akali Dal is victorious and UP, Uttarakhand and Manipur fall in its kitty, it will be established beyond doubt that its Brand Modi and not the party, which can deliver consecutive electoral victories even in the absence of a proclaimed chief minister. Modi had earlier delivered Maharashtra and Haryana using the same strategy. It will also prove that Mo-Sh is the BJPs perfect and invincible team, capable of annihilating all antagonists. It will also finish whatever little opposition is left in the party. Finally a clean sweep in all the five states will enable Modi to impose his choice for all important political posts, including that of the President and the Vice-President. For the Congress, it will be beginning of a slow death. And a convincing vote against Rahuls leadership qualities. If the BJP wins only UP and Uttarakhand, and loses other three states: A victory in UP after over two decades will be the crowning glory of Modis national debut. It would compensate the loss of Punjab and Goa, which play a marginal role in national politics. UP is MoShs new electoral laboratory where their political acumen and election management skills will be put to the test. Since the NDA won 73 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats and led in over 325 Assembly segments, defeat will be a setback for the PM and his party chief to cement their national relevance. A decisive win in UP will be enough for the Prime Minister to get his nominee elected as the President of India and install his personal candidate as the CM of Indias largest state in terms of the number of legislators. If the BJP loses all the states: Such a dismal outcome will indicate the erosion of Modis personal popularity and Shahs fabled organisational skills. It will lead to realignment of anti-Modi forces within the party and may encourage RSS to intervene more purposefully in government and political matters. It may nudge a section in the BJP to seek a change in the top leadership. It will also revive the cheer of chief ministers and Union ministers who now find themselves hardly relevant in the decision-making process. Above all, it will be major setback for the PM who will be forced to compromise with other parties on choosing the least-hostile Presidential candidate. Debacles in all the five states will also bolster the demand for a collective leadership in the BJP, capable of contesting the remaining state elections leading up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Above all it will sabotage Modis ambition of making India Congress-mukt by 2019. A majority in the Rajya Sabha will become a pipe dream, crippling Modis ability to enact major economic, social and political reforms. Its ironic that Modis mojo is dependant on the collective will of just 16 per cent of the national votes in five states and not his politics and governance. The poll outcome can either be a loud wake-up call for Modi to reimagine his role as a nation and party builder, or a resounding mandate for the consolidation of Brand Modi. Prabhu Chawla prabhuchawla@ newindianexpress.com Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla Referendums are Indian democracys conundrums. For the first time, state elections have become a barometer to measure the popularity of a national leader. The five Assembly elections, that will extend to early March and be held across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur, are a combined popularity contest between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his adversaries. As over 160 million voters in five states choose 670 members of state legislatures, the national narrative is not built around which party will win or lose. Instead, political pundits have billed the outcome as a verdict on the PMs personal popularity and governance record for the past 32 months. The real battle is Modi vs the Rest, and not between the political parties contesting the elections. All, including the BJP, are responsible for such a political polarisation. Sticking to habit, the BJP has refrained from naming chief ministerial candidates. Modi is its singular cult campaigner and vote catcher both. It is banking on his clean image and credible character as a leader who has delivered governance through innovation to mobilise voters. Amit Shah, the youngest-ever party chief, has created an organisational apparatus confident of carrying his bosss message to each and every booth in all the constituencies the party is contesting. Its national leaders take local names onstage only for courtesys sake. They seek votes in the name of conformity instead of confrontation between the states and the Centre for development. The massive saffron publicity strategy is built around Mo-Sh; local leaders get only marginal space on visual and printed poll material. In comparison, other parties not only declared their CM candidates in advance but also have chosen Modi as their combined target. The Congress has declared its CM candidates in Punjab and Uttarakhand. AAP has done the same in Punjab, as the Samajwadi and the BSP have in UP. So have local parties in other states. Barring minor players, all major regional outfits as well as the Congress have chosen to attack Modi and Modi alone at their rallies. For example, both Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav target Modi and not the BJP in each and every election speech and event. In Goa, the Aam Aadmi Partys guns are trained on Modi. The BJP perceives the five electoral battles as an exercise to achieve its Congress Mukt Bharat mission. The party wants to reinvent itself as a pan-national presence rather than being seen as a predominantly cowbelt phenomenon with 71 MPs in UP and 22 in Bihar. Currently it is Indias largest party, controlling 17 of the 32 states and Union Territories either by itself or with allies. The Congress is confined to tiny states in the Northeast with Karnataka as the only saving grace. The content, contours and colours of the State Wars of 2017 will have far-reaching political repercussions. Likely political scenarios: If BJP wins all the five states: Currently, it rules Goa and Punjab, out of the five. However, it has been working with missionary zeal for the past two years to win Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Over two dozen cabinet ministers and chief ministers have been pressed to campaign extensively for the party. Shah has put in place highly advanced, tech-driven machinery to track each and every move of not just the BJPs opponents but also of his own party candidates and leaders. The might of the entire Central-level political and government apparatus has been unleashed to deliver on many long overdue projects. If it retains Goa, and its Punjab alliance with the Akali Dal is victorious and UP, Uttarakhand and Manipur fall in its kitty, it will be established beyond doubt that its Brand Modi and not the party, which can deliver consecutive electoral victories even in the absence of a proclaimed chief minister. Modi had earlier delivered Maharashtra and Haryana using the same strategy. It will also prove that Mo-Sh is the BJPs perfect and invincible team, capable of annihilating all antagonists. It will also finish whatever little opposition is left in the party. Finally a clean sweep in all the five states will enable Modi to impose his choice for all important political posts, including that of the President and the Vice-President. For the Congress, it will be beginning of a slow death. And a convincing vote against Rahuls leadership qualities. If the BJP wins only UP and Uttarakhand, and loses other three states: A victory in UP after over two decades will be the crowning glory of Modis national debut. It would compensate the loss of Punjab and Goa, which play a marginal role in national politics. UP is MoShs new electoral laboratory where their political acumen and election management skills will be put to the test. Since the NDA won 73 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats and led in over 325 Assembly segments, defeat will be a setback for the PM and his party chief to cement their national relevance. A decisive win in UP will be enough for the Prime Minister to get his nominee elected as the President of India and install his personal candidate as the CM of Indias largest state in terms of the number of legislators. If the BJP loses all the states: Such a dismal outcome will indicate the erosion of Modis personal popularity and Shahs fabled organisational skills. It will lead to realignment of anti-Modi forces within the party and may encourage RSS to intervene more purposefully in government and political matters. It may nudge a section in the BJP to seek a change in the top leadership. It will also revive the cheer of chief ministers and Union ministers who now find themselves hardly relevant in the decision-making process. Above all, it will be major setback for the PM who will be forced to compromise with other parties on choosing the least-hostile Presidential candidate. Debacles in all the five states will also bolster the demand for a collective leadership in the BJP, capable of contesting the remaining state elections leading up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Above all it will sabotage Modis ambition of making India Congress-mukt by 2019. A majority in the Rajya Sabha will become a pipe dream, crippling Modis ability to enact major economic, social and political reforms. Its ironic that Modis mojo is dependant on the collective will of just 16 per cent of the national votes in five states and not his politics and governance. The poll outcome can either be a loud wake-up call for Modi to reimagine his role as a nation and party builder, or a resounding mandate for the consolidation of Brand Modi. Prabhu Chawla prabhuchawla@ newindianexpress.com Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: High drama was witnessed at Vijayawada airport with the police detaining YSR Congress MLA RK Roja at the airport on her arrival from Hyderabad to take part in the ongoing National Women's Parliament (NWP) at Pavitra Sangamam here. Later, she was bundled up into a police vehicle to Hyderabad by road. Despite having an invite and registering herself, Roja was not allowed to attend the NWP as the police suspected that she 'might create trouble' at the venue. Initially, she was taken to the Medikonduru police station in Guntur district and was allowed to return to Hyderabad. On her arrival on Saturday morning, Roja was asked to remain in a room as spiritual leader Dalai Lama was leaving for Hyderabad. After more than an hour, the police have reportedly misled her they were taking her to a hotel. But minutes later, Roja found herself being taken away from Vijayawada and was informed that she was being taken back to Hyderabad. En route, high drama has unravelled as the YSRC MLA sent a video message to her party leaders, which went viral on social media. She attacked Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and asked why she was invited to the event, if they had no intention to allow her to the venue. Are they (TDP) scared of me? she asked in a video she recorded in the police van while she was being taken to an undisclosed location. She said that if they did not want her here, they should not have invited her. Further, Roja tried to jump off from the police vehicle near Perecherla junction in Guntur district, as she screamed for help. Though locals reportedly came to her rescue, the police dispersed the crowd before bundling Roja back into the vehicle which was part of a three vehicle convoy. A delegation of YSRC leaders comprising Gouru Charita, Giddi Eeswari and other leaders met DGP (in-charge) N Sambasiva Rao, protesting against Roja's detention, only to be informed that the police had 'credible information' that the MLA was planning to stage a protest at the NWP venue. "As several national and international delegates are attending the prestigious event, it is our responsibility to ensure it is conducted smoothly. Hence, we detained her," the DGP told YSRC legislators. The incident has triggered a war of words between the legislators of the ruling TDP and the Opposition YSRC. YSRC legislator Eeswari blamed the chief minister for the detention. "It seemed like Roja was being kidnapped to prevent her from participating in the event. We demand explanation from the Assembly Speaker and the chief minister on the issue," she said. Minister Peethala Sujatha and TDP MLA V Anitha have rubbished the allegations of YSRC leaders and said that Roja was detained as she was going to attend the NWP to create ruckus with political motive. "Several YSRC legislators and Parliamentarians were invited for the event and none were detained except for Roja. If we had any other motive, we would not have invited her. Further, she was sent back to Hyderabad safely with police protection," Anitha claimed. Later, at a press conference in Hyderabad, Roja launched a scathing attack on the Assembly speaker, the Chief Minister and other functionaries who organised the NWP. She said that the conference is being held to showcase women empowerment but the organisers have been ill-treating women MLAs. "Right from the day I was elected to the Assembly, the Chief Minister, the Speaker and the Legislative Affairs minister have been targeting me. There is no reason as to why I should not be allowed to proceed to the venue after inviting me to the conference," she alleged. The legislator alleged that around Rs 11 crore were being spent for the event and no tribal legislator was allowed to speak. "But Venkaiah Naidus kin and Chandrababu Naidus daughter-in-law took the centre stage," she added. VIJAYAWADA: High drama was witnessed at Vijayawada airport with the police detaining YSR Congress MLA RK Roja at the airport on her arrival from Hyderabad to take part in the ongoing National Women's Parliament (NWP) at Pavitra Sangamam here. Later, she was bundled up into a police vehicle to Hyderabad by road. Despite having an invite and registering herself, Roja was not allowed to attend the NWP as the police suspected that she 'might create trouble' at the venue. Initially, she was taken to the Medikonduru police station in Guntur district and was allowed to return to Hyderabad. On her arrival on Saturday morning, Roja was asked to remain in a room as spiritual leader Dalai Lama was leaving for Hyderabad. After more than an hour, the police have reportedly misled her they were taking her to a hotel. But minutes later, Roja found herself being taken away from Vijayawada and was informed that she was being taken back to Hyderabad. En route, high drama has unravelled as the YSRC MLA sent a video message to her party leaders, which went viral on social media. She attacked Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and asked why she was invited to the event, if they had no intention to allow her to the venue. Are they (TDP) scared of me? she asked in a video she recorded in the police van while she was being taken to an undisclosed location. She said that if they did not want her here, they should not have invited her. Further, Roja tried to jump off from the police vehicle near Perecherla junction in Guntur district, as she screamed for help. Though locals reportedly came to her rescue, the police dispersed the crowd before bundling Roja back into the vehicle which was part of a three vehicle convoy. A delegation of YSRC leaders comprising Gouru Charita, Giddi Eeswari and other leaders met DGP (in-charge) N Sambasiva Rao, protesting against Roja's detention, only to be informed that the police had 'credible information' that the MLA was planning to stage a protest at the NWP venue. "As several national and international delegates are attending the prestigious event, it is our responsibility to ensure it is conducted smoothly. Hence, we detained her," the DGP told YSRC legislators. The incident has triggered a war of words between the legislators of the ruling TDP and the Opposition YSRC. YSRC legislator Eeswari blamed the chief minister for the detention. "It seemed like Roja was being kidnapped to prevent her from participating in the event. We demand explanation from the Assembly Speaker and the chief minister on the issue," she said. Minister Peethala Sujatha and TDP MLA V Anitha have rubbished the allegations of YSRC leaders and said that Roja was detained as she was going to attend the NWP to create ruckus with political motive. "Several YSRC legislators and Parliamentarians were invited for the event and none were detained except for Roja. If we had any other motive, we would not have invited her. Further, she was sent back to Hyderabad safely with police protection," Anitha claimed. Later, at a press conference in Hyderabad, Roja launched a scathing attack on the Assembly speaker, the Chief Minister and other functionaries who organised the NWP. She said that the conference is being held to showcase women empowerment but the organisers have been ill-treating women MLAs. "Right from the day I was elected to the Assembly, the Chief Minister, the Speaker and the Legislative Affairs minister have been targeting me. There is no reason as to why I should not be allowed to proceed to the venue after inviting me to the conference," she alleged. The legislator alleged that around Rs 11 crore were being spent for the event and no tribal legislator was allowed to speak. "But Venkaiah Naidus kin and Chandrababu Naidus daughter-in-law took the centre stage," she added. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Alleging apathy on the part of the police, the two girl students who were attacked, along with a youth, on the University College campus, approached City Police Commissioner G Sparjan Kumar on Saturday demanding a transparent probe into the incident. In a suspected case of moral policing, Jigesh,24, a native of Thrissur, was severely assaulted by SFI activists on Thursday as he was allegedly found stalking the girl students of the college. Suryagayathri and Asmitha Kabir, both students of the college, decided to meet the city police commissioner after the Cantonment police failed to take action against the culprits even after 48 hours. They urged the police to arrest the accused at the earliest. The Commissioner promised them speedy action and took their statements. Though the police registered a case, they did not take steps to nab the culprits. This cannot be justified. We suspect the police are taking sides with the SFI. We are planning to take out a march to the commissioners office on Monday if they fail to arrest the culprits, Jigesh told Express. Jigesh, an outsider, was invited to the college by Suryagayathri and Asmitha Kabir to watch a play staged there as part of the 150th anniversary of the college. Soon, he began talking to the other girl students of the college. This created a nuisance for the girls and they eventually approached the senior students complaining about misbehaviour from Jigesh. Subsequently, 13 students, including SFI unit secretary Tasleem vent their ire on Jigesh, Suryagayathri and Asmitha. Jigesh was allegedly beaten up and sent out of the college. He was later admitted to the general hospital with severe bruises on his body. Meanwhile, the first-year students of BA Political Science of the college filed a counter complaint before the Cantonment police on Friday demanding action against Jigesh and friends for harassing them on the college premises. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Alleging apathy on the part of the police, the two girl students who were attacked, along with a youth, on the University College campus, approached City Police Commissioner G Sparjan Kumar on Saturday demanding a transparent probe into the incident. In a suspected case of moral policing, Jigesh,24, a native of Thrissur, was severely assaulted by SFI activists on Thursday as he was allegedly found stalking the girl students of the college. Suryagayathri and Asmitha Kabir, both students of the college, decided to meet the city police commissioner after the Cantonment police failed to take action against the culprits even after 48 hours. They urged the police to arrest the accused at the earliest. The Commissioner promised them speedy action and took their statements. Though the police registered a case, they did not take steps to nab the culprits. This cannot be justified. We suspect the police are taking sides with the SFI. We are planning to take out a march to the commissioners office on Monday if they fail to arrest the culprits, Jigesh told Express. Jigesh, an outsider, was invited to the college by Suryagayathri and Asmitha Kabir to watch a play staged there as part of the 150th anniversary of the college. Soon, he began talking to the other girl students of the college. This created a nuisance for the girls and they eventually approached the senior students complaining about misbehaviour from Jigesh. Subsequently, 13 students, including SFI unit secretary Tasleem vent their ire on Jigesh, Suryagayathri and Asmitha. Jigesh was allegedly beaten up and sent out of the college. He was later admitted to the general hospital with severe bruises on his body. Meanwhile, the first-year students of BA Political Science of the college filed a counter complaint before the Cantonment police on Friday demanding action against Jigesh and friends for harassing them on the college premises. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Odisha will go to the first phase of panchayat elections on Monday amidst threats from the Maoists and the subsequent spurt in violence in the region. Over 58.28 lakh voters would exercise rights to elect their representatives in 29 districts. The ruling Biju Janata Dal, resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress are engaged in a fierce contest and the first phase of polls is significant because it will set the tone for voting. Though counting of votes is conducted after the elections, it is not officially declared till the last phase polling is complete. In the first phase, polling will be conducted in 198 zilla parishad (ZP) zones comprising 1,506 gram panchayats and 20,369 wards. The fate of 188 posts of ZP members will be sealed tomorrow for which at least 716 candidates are in fray. Mayurbhanj has the maximum number of ZP candidates at 72 followed by 50 in Ganjam, 47 in Cuttack, 41 in Keonjhar and 40 in Sundargarh. In terms of lowest number of aspirants, Kandhamal and Sonepur have six candidates each in the districts followed by nine each in Nuapada and Gajapati. The State Election Commission has already asked the districts to stay on the alert in the vulnerable pockets. A massive 1.15 lakh police and government staff have been pressed into the election duty. The districts are ready with the preparations. We have directed them to install CCTVs and videography in hyper-sensitive and sensitive booths, said secretary, SEC Rabindra Nath Sahu. As many as 27,422 booths have been declared either hyper-sensitive or sensitive across the State with Cuttack accounting for 2,889 of them, highest among the districts. Director general of police KB Singh said, sporadic violence has been reported from Cuttack, Nuapada, Puri, Ganjam but situation is under control at all the places. We are keeping a close watch on politically sensitive as well as Maoist-affected districts, Singh said adding that surveillance has been mounted in Malkangiri, Rayagada, Koraput, Nuapada and Kandhamal districts. In parts of Malkangiri, Maoists went in for poster campaigns warning people to stay away from voting. Election has already been postponed in Chitrakonda-1 and two ZP zones after abduction of polling officials. The State police has reinforced the arrangements in the Naxal-hit districts where area domination and road opening parties have been pressed into action. In districts where central para military forces were withdrawn by the Centre, additional forces have been placed. In politically vulnerable pockets, striking force from OSAP and IR Battalions have been deployed. BHUBANESWAR: Odisha will go to the first phase of panchayat elections on Monday amidst threats from the Maoists and the subsequent spurt in violence in the region. Over 58.28 lakh voters would exercise rights to elect their representatives in 29 districts. The ruling Biju Janata Dal, resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress are engaged in a fierce contest and the first phase of polls is significant because it will set the tone for voting. Though counting of votes is conducted after the elections, it is not officially declared till the last phase polling is complete. In the first phase, polling will be conducted in 198 zilla parishad (ZP) zones comprising 1,506 gram panchayats and 20,369 wards. The fate of 188 posts of ZP members will be sealed tomorrow for which at least 716 candidates are in fray. Mayurbhanj has the maximum number of ZP candidates at 72 followed by 50 in Ganjam, 47 in Cuttack, 41 in Keonjhar and 40 in Sundargarh. In terms of lowest number of aspirants, Kandhamal and Sonepur have six candidates each in the districts followed by nine each in Nuapada and Gajapati. The State Election Commission has already asked the districts to stay on the alert in the vulnerable pockets. A massive 1.15 lakh police and government staff have been pressed into the election duty. The districts are ready with the preparations. We have directed them to install CCTVs and videography in hyper-sensitive and sensitive booths, said secretary, SEC Rabindra Nath Sahu. As many as 27,422 booths have been declared either hyper-sensitive or sensitive across the State with Cuttack accounting for 2,889 of them, highest among the districts. Director general of police KB Singh said, sporadic violence has been reported from Cuttack, Nuapada, Puri, Ganjam but situation is under control at all the places. We are keeping a close watch on politically sensitive as well as Maoist-affected districts, Singh said adding that surveillance has been mounted in Malkangiri, Rayagada, Koraput, Nuapada and Kandhamal districts. In parts of Malkangiri, Maoists went in for poster campaigns warning people to stay away from voting. Election has already been postponed in Chitrakonda-1 and two ZP zones after abduction of polling officials. The State police has reinforced the arrangements in the Naxal-hit districts where area domination and road opening parties have been pressed into action. In districts where central para military forces were withdrawn by the Centre, additional forces have been placed. In politically vulnerable pockets, striking force from OSAP and IR Battalions have been deployed. By Express News Service THOOTHUKUDI: A 48-year-old farmer cheering a bullock cart race (locally called rekla race) held at Seithunganallur in Tamil Nadu was killed when a cart veered off the racetrack and ploughed into the audience on Sunday. The man was identified as Anthony (48). He died on the way to the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital. Rekla races are being held across Tamil Nadu following the success of the Jallikattu protest spearheaded by students. The races, popular during the harvest season in Tamil Nadu, involve racing bulls drawing makeshift carts. Winning drivers are given prizes. As many as nine large carts and 17 small ones were involved in the Rekla races organised in Seithunganallur on Sunday. The competition was flagged off by local VIPs of the AIADMK party. Local sources said that soon the small cart race was flagged off, one bullock cart veered away from track while overtaking the leader and careened into the audience. Anthony was directly in its path and received head injuries. There were no ambulances or paramedical practitioners present at the venue. So fellow spectators put Anthony in an autorickshaw and drove him to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital. He died before receiving medical attention, sources said. THOOTHUKUDI: A 48-year-old farmer cheering a bullock cart race (locally called rekla race) held at Seithunganallur in Tamil Nadu was killed when a cart veered off the racetrack and ploughed into the audience on Sunday. The man was identified as Anthony (48). He died on the way to the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital. Rekla races are being held across Tamil Nadu following the success of the Jallikattu protest spearheaded by students. The races, popular during the harvest season in Tamil Nadu, involve racing bulls drawing makeshift carts. Winning drivers are given prizes. As many as nine large carts and 17 small ones were involved in the Rekla races organised in Seithunganallur on Sunday. The competition was flagged off by local VIPs of the AIADMK party. Local sources said that soon the small cart race was flagged off, one bullock cart veered away from track while overtaking the leader and careened into the audience. Anthony was directly in its path and received head injuries. There were no ambulances or paramedical practitioners present at the venue. So fellow spectators put Anthony in an autorickshaw and drove him to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital. He died before receiving medical attention, sources said. Rajasekaran R K By Express News Service MADURAI: Separate rooms, a swimming pool and air-conditioned caravan for hassle-free transport. No, it is not for human beings, it is all for Sri Lankan Minister M Senthil Thondamans jallikattu bulls that struck gold at the famed Alanganallur event. We treat the bulls like our family members. They have separate rooms and a swimming pool for the bulls. As swimming is the best exercise to make them strong, a tank was converted into an exclusive pool so that they can swim around without risking injuries, Thondaman, the Uva Province Minister for Highways, who had earlier served as the acting Chief Minister of province, told Express. IN PICS: Man versus beast: 30 snapshots of heart-stopping action from jallikattu in Tamil Nadu Much like the way professional horses are transported, the special caravan is used to transport the bulls. Thondaman said his team of pro-Jallikattu supporters has been working to help jallikattu gain international recognition, on the lines of horse racing. He hoped his participation in Alanganallur on Friday would appeal positively about Jallikattu among many foreign countries. M Senthil Thondaman, the Uva Province Minister for Highways on a poster. Thondaman said his ancestors were from Pattamangalam in Thirupathur taluk of Sivaganga district. They later settled in Sri Lanka during the British Raj, but reared bulls for generations. Continuing with that tradition, he nurtured 10 bulls belonging to various native breeds. Though the caravan facility is costlier, it helped in keeping his bulls strain-free, which in turn had a bearing on their performances. An air-conditioned caravan for Sri Lankar Minister M Senthil Thondamans bull. On his bull belonging to Kannapuram breed winning Maruti Suzuki Alto car in Alanganallur, Thondaman said, It is not the first time that one of my bulls have topped the chart. Many of my bulls have a separate fan following. If those bulls are scheduled to take part in any Jallikattu, the fans will be visiting the event, mainly to witness their performances. Like any other sport, we are striving to bring professionalism into Jallikattu. Apart from uniting Jallikattu enthusiasts in about 14 countries, Thondaman was behind those like T Rajesh, State Coordinator, Jallikattu Meetpu Kazhagam, and Karu Ambalatharasu, President, Jallikattu Veera Vilayattu Pathukappu Nala Sangam, in providing assistance, mainly legal support. MADURAI: Separate rooms, a swimming pool and air-conditioned caravan for hassle-free transport. No, it is not for human beings, it is all for Sri Lankan Minister M Senthil Thondamans jallikattu bulls that struck gold at the famed Alanganallur event. We treat the bulls like our family members. They have separate rooms and a swimming pool for the bulls. As swimming is the best exercise to make them strong, a tank was converted into an exclusive pool so that they can swim around without risking injuries, Thondaman, the Uva Province Minister for Highways, who had earlier served as the acting Chief Minister of province, told Express. IN PICS: Man versus beast: 30 snapshots of heart-stopping action from jallikattu in Tamil Nadu Much like the way professional horses are transported, the special caravan is used to transport the bulls. Thondaman said his team of pro-Jallikattu supporters has been working to help jallikattu gain international recognition, on the lines of horse racing. He hoped his participation in Alanganallur on Friday would appeal positively about Jallikattu among many foreign countries. M Senthil Thondaman, the Uva Province Minister for Highways on a poster. Thondaman said his ancestors were from Pattamangalam in Thirupathur taluk of Sivaganga district. They later settled in Sri Lanka during the British Raj, but reared bulls for generations. Continuing with that tradition, he nurtured 10 bulls belonging to various native breeds. Though the caravan facility is costlier, it helped in keeping his bulls strain-free, which in turn had a bearing on their performances. An air-conditioned caravan for Sri Lankar Minister M Senthil Thondamans bull. On his bull belonging to Kannapuram breed winning Maruti Suzuki Alto car in Alanganallur, Thondaman said, It is not the first time that one of my bulls have topped the chart. Many of my bulls have a separate fan following. If those bulls are scheduled to take part in any Jallikattu, the fans will be visiting the event, mainly to witness their performances. Like any other sport, we are striving to bring professionalism into Jallikattu. Apart from uniting Jallikattu enthusiasts in about 14 countries, Thondaman was behind those like T Rajesh, State Coordinator, Jallikattu Meetpu Kazhagam, and Karu Ambalatharasu, President, Jallikattu Veera Vilayattu Pathukappu Nala Sangam, in providing assistance, mainly legal support. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Even as the focus remained on the MLAs holed up at a resort outside Chennai, the rebel camp remained upbeat after a State cabinet minister, four Lok Sabha members and a party veteran joined them one after the other on Saturday. Though this has limited utility in the event of a floor test in the Assembly, them throwing their weight behind the rebel chief, O Panneerselvam, would help gain momentum in the run up to it if the revolt reaches till there. All the MLAs of the party will join OPS camp soon, said high profile HR expert-turned-politician Ma Foi K Pandiarajan emerging from the meeting with Panneerselvam. Adding people want OPS, he said Chief Minister Panneerselvam would see through the floor test in the House by mustering enough strength. Pandiarajan claimed he was in touch with 20 MLAs. Namakkal MP PR Sundaram, also a two-time MLA, launched a scathing attack on Sasikala, before pledging to take all efforts to ensure Panneerselvams continuation in the office of chief minister. Keeping the spirit of the supporters alive, Krishnagiri MP K Ashok Kumar said a great awakening has emerged among the party cadre against the Mannargudi clan. The chief ministers residence witnessed more celebrations in the evening when veteran leader C Ponnaian joined them. Comparing Panneerselvams humility to that of the architect of Dravidian politics and late Chief Minister CN Annadurai, Ponnaian said, Panneerselvam has the capability to lead the government. The Lok Sabha members from Tirupur and Krishnagiri, V Sathyabama and R Vanaroja, helped to add heft to the rebels later in the day. Sasikala gave party posts to several persons sidelined by Amma. However, Dharma will triumph, Sathyabama told the media. CHENNAI: Even as the focus remained on the MLAs holed up at a resort outside Chennai, the rebel camp remained upbeat after a State cabinet minister, four Lok Sabha members and a party veteran joined them one after the other on Saturday. Though this has limited utility in the event of a floor test in the Assembly, them throwing their weight behind the rebel chief, O Panneerselvam, would help gain momentum in the run up to it if the revolt reaches till there. All the MLAs of the party will join OPS camp soon, said high profile HR expert-turned-politician Ma Foi K Pandiarajan emerging from the meeting with Panneerselvam. Adding people want OPS, he said Chief Minister Panneerselvam would see through the floor test in the House by mustering enough strength. Pandiarajan claimed he was in touch with 20 MLAs. Namakkal MP PR Sundaram, also a two-time MLA, launched a scathing attack on Sasikala, before pledging to take all efforts to ensure Panneerselvams continuation in the office of chief minister. Keeping the spirit of the supporters alive, Krishnagiri MP K Ashok Kumar said a great awakening has emerged among the party cadre against the Mannargudi clan. The chief ministers residence witnessed more celebrations in the evening when veteran leader C Ponnaian joined them. Comparing Panneerselvams humility to that of the architect of Dravidian politics and late Chief Minister CN Annadurai, Ponnaian said, Panneerselvam has the capability to lead the government. The Lok Sabha members from Tirupur and Krishnagiri, V Sathyabama and R Vanaroja, helped to add heft to the rebels later in the day. Sasikala gave party posts to several persons sidelined by Amma. However, Dharma will triumph, Sathyabama told the media. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Unlike past week, when she remained in the background and fielded the lieutenants, on Saturday AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala was as visible as she is party to the ongoing turmoil. It began with the letter to Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao seeking audience to parade the MLAs, who pledged support to her. Noting that she had absolute majority, Sasikala exuded confidence that the governor would act immediately to save the sovereignty of the Constitution, democracy and the interest of the State. About 30 minutes later, Sasikala addressed the cadre outside her residence, warning that they would not remain patient after a point. Recalling how late leader J Jayalalithaa had withstood the challenges after party founder MG Ramachandrans death, Sasikala said a similar situation was prevailing now. As Amma used to describe very often, our party is an iron fort that none can shake, Sasikala said. She then took a 90-minute trip to Kuvathoor on ECR to hold discussions with party MLAs, including ministers and senior functionaries on the next course of action. An exact number of MLAs attending the meeting was not available, but the absence of couple of ministers were particularly noted. For a brief while, speculations were rife that Sasikala might step aside in favour of a loyalist, a move that could deflate Panneerselvams single point revolt and Governor Raos primary concern. However, answering queries from the media after the three-hour-long meeting, AIADMK presidium chairman KA Sengottaiyan, rumoured to be a frontrunner, denied it. We will work tirelessly to make Sasikala the chief minister; we will be with her till our last breath. CHENNAI: Unlike past week, when she remained in the background and fielded the lieutenants, on Saturday AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala was as visible as she is party to the ongoing turmoil. It began with the letter to Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao seeking audience to parade the MLAs, who pledged support to her. Noting that she had absolute majority, Sasikala exuded confidence that the governor would act immediately to save the sovereignty of the Constitution, democracy and the interest of the State. About 30 minutes later, Sasikala addressed the cadre outside her residence, warning that they would not remain patient after a point. Recalling how late leader J Jayalalithaa had withstood the challenges after party founder MG Ramachandrans death, Sasikala said a similar situation was prevailing now. As Amma used to describe very often, our party is an iron fort that none can shake, Sasikala said. She then took a 90-minute trip to Kuvathoor on ECR to hold discussions with party MLAs, including ministers and senior functionaries on the next course of action. An exact number of MLAs attending the meeting was not available, but the absence of couple of ministers were particularly noted. For a brief while, speculations were rife that Sasikala might step aside in favour of a loyalist, a move that could deflate Panneerselvams single point revolt and Governor Raos primary concern. However, answering queries from the media after the three-hour-long meeting, AIADMK presidium chairman KA Sengottaiyan, rumoured to be a frontrunner, denied it. We will work tirelessly to make Sasikala the chief minister; we will be with her till our last breath. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Subramanian Swamy, who supports AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala in her tussle with O Pannerselvam to be chief minister of Tamil Nadu, is suggesting that the lady should sue in the Supreme Court if Governor Vidyasagar Rao does not invite her to form a government by tomorrow, Monday, February 13, 2017. The BJP MP and David of many Goliaths tweeted a short while ago, Tamil Nadu Governor must decide the Chief Minister issue by tomorrow otherwise a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution can be filed charging abetment of horse trading. In another tweet, Subramanian Swamy said, In disproportionate assets case, Karnataka Government has now filed an Application seeking deletion of J Jayalalithaas name. That is a legal issue that the Supreme Court may use to review. On Sunday, Sasikala wrote to Governor Vidyasagar Rao seeking an appointment today to parade the AIADMK MLAs who are supporting her. But the Governor did not give her an audience. Following this, Sasikala held yet more discussions with her MLAs at Kuvathoor, and told mediapersons later that her supporters will agitate from tomorrow. We are going to agitate in a different manner. The time taken (by the Governor) is giving rise to thoughts that this delay is meant to split our party. Subramanian Swamy has been the most prominent of Sasikalas supporters so far. Ever since caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam raised a banner of revolt against Sasikala after having acceded to being nudged aside in her favour, the BJP MP has tweeted regularly supplying insights and advice to Sasikala. Here are some of Swamys tweets and statements on the tug of war between Sasi and Panneer. Mind, he has said, I am not supporting any of the two. I am just supporting the Constitution. Feb. 8: Met the President of India just now and apprised him of the situation in Tamil Nadu Feb. 8: Even if Sasikala is convicted in my DA case in SC, OPS cannot be CM. Sasi's choice in ADMK will be. OPS loses both ways. Feb.8 : Subramanian Swamy lashed out at Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao for taking his own cool time to come to Chennai to play ref in the tussle for power in the ruling AIADMK. He also demanded that the Union Cabinet should pass a resolution to sack the Guv. Swamy said the Constitution was being compromised and that the Governor was flouting his oath of office. This is disgraceful. The man is hiding in Mumbai when he's got concurrent charge of Tamil Nadu also. Why is he sitting in Mumbai? The governor is failing in his duty, he said. Feb. 9: If the Governor keeps delaying on the excuse of my case in SC, the judges might postpone giving the judgment till Feb end. Feb. 9: TN lawyer raised Sasikala's ineligibility to be CM in SC just now. Three judge Bench headed by CJI curtly declined to hear the Petition!! Feb. 9: A second Petition by another lawyer stating Sasikala not a MLA so can't be CM reject by CJI Bench! CHENNAI: Subramanian Swamy, who supports AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala in her tussle with O Pannerselvam to be chief minister of Tamil Nadu, is suggesting that the lady should sue in the Supreme Court if Governor Vidyasagar Rao does not invite her to form a government by tomorrow, Monday, February 13, 2017. The BJP MP and David of many Goliaths tweeted a short while ago, Tamil Nadu Governor must decide the Chief Minister issue by tomorrow otherwise a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution can be filed charging abetment of horse trading. In another tweet, Subramanian Swamy said, In disproportionate assets case, Karnataka Government has now filed an Application seeking deletion of J Jayalalithaas name. That is a legal issue that the Supreme Court may use to review. On Sunday, Sasikala wrote to Governor Vidyasagar Rao seeking an appointment today to parade the AIADMK MLAs who are supporting her. But the Governor did not give her an audience. Following this, Sasikala held yet more discussions with her MLAs at Kuvathoor, and told mediapersons later that her supporters will agitate from tomorrow. We are going to agitate in a different manner. The time taken (by the Governor) is giving rise to thoughts that this delay is meant to split our party. Subramanian Swamy has been the most prominent of Sasikalas supporters so far. Ever since caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam raised a banner of revolt against Sasikala after having acceded to being nudged aside in her favour, the BJP MP has tweeted regularly supplying insights and advice to Sasikala. Here are some of Swamys tweets and statements on the tug of war between Sasi and Panneer. Mind, he has said, I am not supporting any of the two. I am just supporting the Constitution. Feb. 8: Met the President of India just now and apprised him of the situation in Tamil Nadu Feb. 8: Even if Sasikala is convicted in my DA case in SC, OPS cannot be CM. Sasi's choice in ADMK will be. OPS loses both ways. Feb.8 : Subramanian Swamy lashed out at Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao for taking his own cool time to come to Chennai to play ref in the tussle for power in the ruling AIADMK. He also demanded that the Union Cabinet should pass a resolution to sack the Guv. Swamy said the Constitution was being compromised and that the Governor was flouting his oath of office. This is disgraceful. The man is hiding in Mumbai when he's got concurrent charge of Tamil Nadu also. Why is he sitting in Mumbai? The governor is failing in his duty, he said. Feb. 9: If the Governor keeps delaying on the excuse of my case in SC, the judges might postpone giving the judgment till Feb end. Feb. 9: TN lawyer raised Sasikala's ineligibility to be CM in SC just now. Three judge Bench headed by CJI curtly declined to hear the Petition!! Feb. 9: A second Petition by another lawyer stating Sasikala not a MLA so can't be CM reject by CJI Bench! Anil Kumar By Express News Service WARANGAL: A phone call from Mamidala Vamsi Chander Reddy's friend Praveen from California around 4.30 am on Sunday came as a shock to M Sanjeeva Reddy and his family. Though he was not ready to believe that he had lost his son, the loss was clearly visible on his face. His greatest fear was how he would break the news to his wife Rama. Finally, with the help of some relatives he broke the news. Rama soon went into a depression. "We had lot of hopes from him. With great difficulty we got him educated till MS. I spoke to him two days ago and he told me that he was trying to get a good job. I asked him to come back to India, if he is unable to find suitable job. All our dreams has been shattered," Reddy said. In fact, the family was planning to get him married this year. "We were about to look for a suitable bride for him. His mother and sister had a lot of plans for his marriage. Everything has been lost. Our life will not be the same anymore, " he said. Vamsi's mother Rama blamed the US government for her son's death. "We were planning to accord a grand welcome to him on his return from US. Now, we have to receive his body," she cried. G Srinivas Reddy, who was Vamsi's roommate while he was doing his B.tech in Hyderabad said that this was a case of hate crime. "Its unbelievable that a soft spoken person like Vamsi has been killed so brutally. He used to stay away from trouble and violence. I have never seen him speaking loudly. Its a great personal loss to me," Srinivas Reddy said. He added that he was worried when US President Donald Trump announced his anti-outsider campaign, but he never thought that his friend Vamsi would become one of the earliest victims. "Five days ago we chatted for about half an hour and he was very happy that he had completed his MS successfully. He was very ambitious and was looking for a good break. He even announed his return to India," he added. Vamsi's cousin M Sudhakar, who grew up with him, was speechless and was seen standing silently along with his other cousins and friends. "As soon as I heard the new through television that Vamsi is missing I rushed to his house. When I saw the atmosphere of the house I understood that we have lost him. He was slightly elder to me but we were good friends. He was good in studies and was good natured and helpful," he recalled. In fact, Vamsi inspired lot of his cousins and friends, including Sudhakar to go to US for higher studies. "This incident has shattered me. Now, I don't know if I should go the US," he said. Vamsi's uncle, Raghupathi Reddy, who was waiting for Vamsi to return from US to get him married, is worried about the future of his family. "He was very good looking and wanted to try his luck in Tollywood. But since he belongs to a lower middle class family he wanted to become financially secure before following his passion," he said. Oasis Public School, Warangal, where Vamsi did his schooling, chairman JS Paranjyothi, who is helping the family with his contacts in US, remembered Vamsi as a very bright and shy child. "We never had any complaint with him. He was in touch with the school even after he joined college," he said. Accused was a car thief, says local newspaper A local newspaper, Bay City News, did not name the victim but said the accused was a car thief. Quoting local police officer, Raj Maharaj, the newspaper said the police reached the spot when they got a call about a woman being robbed. Within minutes, they heard a gun shot and found the victim in the parking structure. The victim died instantly. WARANGAL: A phone call from Mamidala Vamsi Chander Reddy's friend Praveen from California around 4.30 am on Sunday came as a shock to M Sanjeeva Reddy and his family. Though he was not ready to believe that he had lost his son, the loss was clearly visible on his face. His greatest fear was how he would break the news to his wife Rama. Finally, with the help of some relatives he broke the news. Rama soon went into a depression. "We had lot of hopes from him. With great difficulty we got him educated till MS. I spoke to him two days ago and he told me that he was trying to get a good job. I asked him to come back to India, if he is unable to find suitable job. All our dreams has been shattered," Reddy said. In fact, the family was planning to get him married this year. "We were about to look for a suitable bride for him. His mother and sister had a lot of plans for his marriage. Everything has been lost. Our life will not be the same anymore, " he said. Vamsi's mother Rama blamed the US government for her son's death. "We were planning to accord a grand welcome to him on his return from US. Now, we have to receive his body," she cried. G Srinivas Reddy, who was Vamsi's roommate while he was doing his B.tech in Hyderabad said that this was a case of hate crime. "Its unbelievable that a soft spoken person like Vamsi has been killed so brutally. He used to stay away from trouble and violence. I have never seen him speaking loudly. Its a great personal loss to me," Srinivas Reddy said. He added that he was worried when US President Donald Trump announced his anti-outsider campaign, but he never thought that his friend Vamsi would become one of the earliest victims. "Five days ago we chatted for about half an hour and he was very happy that he had completed his MS successfully. He was very ambitious and was looking for a good break. He even announed his return to India," he added. Vamsi's cousin M Sudhakar, who grew up with him, was speechless and was seen standing silently along with his other cousins and friends. "As soon as I heard the new through television that Vamsi is missing I rushed to his house. When I saw the atmosphere of the house I understood that we have lost him. He was slightly elder to me but we were good friends. He was good in studies and was good natured and helpful," he recalled. In fact, Vamsi inspired lot of his cousins and friends, including Sudhakar to go to US for higher studies. "This incident has shattered me. Now, I don't know if I should go the US," he said. Vamsi's uncle, Raghupathi Reddy, who was waiting for Vamsi to return from US to get him married, is worried about the future of his family. "He was very good looking and wanted to try his luck in Tollywood. But since he belongs to a lower middle class family he wanted to become financially secure before following his passion," he said. Oasis Public School, Warangal, where Vamsi did his schooling, chairman JS Paranjyothi, who is helping the family with his contacts in US, remembered Vamsi as a very bright and shy child. "We never had any complaint with him. He was in touch with the school even after he joined college," he said. Accused was a car thief, says local newspaper A local newspaper, Bay City News, did not name the victim but said the accused was a car thief. Quoting local police officer, Raj Maharaj, the newspaper said the police reached the spot when they got a call about a woman being robbed. Within minutes, they heard a gun shot and found the victim in the parking structure. The victim died instantly. By Express News Service WARANGAL: A 27-year-old software engineer, Mamidala Vamsi Chander Reddy from Warangal Rural, was shot dead by a suspected robber who was trying to flee after robbing a woman, at Milpitas area in California on Saturday. Though the family is yet to receive official word from the police there, family members allege the killing is a case of hate crime after US president Trump took over. Vamsi Reddy was a native of Vangapahad village in Hasanparthy mandal of Warangal rural district. According to reports, the incident occurred at his apartment's garage when the killer's car collided with Vamsi's car. The killer shot him at point-blank range. His parents were informed by Vamsi's friend Praveen about the incident at morning 4.30 am on Sunday. According to Vamsi's father M Sanjeeva Reddy his son's friend first told him that he was missing and around 8.30 am through media reports he came to know about the death of his son. However, in view of the sensitivity of the incident, the Milpitas police have not declared it as a death, and are investigating it as a 'missing case'. Neither the California police nor the External Affairs Ministry has till now contacted Vamsi's family. They are getting information through Vamsi's friends in the US and media. Vamsi, who went to US to do his MS in 2015, completed his masters degree from a Silicon Valley University and was doing a part-time job since the last 40 days. He had just finished his work and was going back to his apartment when the incident took place. "Two days ago I spoke to him. He was worried about his future as the new government in the US is imposing restrictions on providing jobs to foreign nationals in IT sector. I asked him not to worry and to come back to India if he did not find suitable employment there. But, within two days we had to hear this sad news," an inconsolable Sanjeeva Reddy, a farmer, told Express. Vamsi's father, relatives and friends feel that he was the victim of Trump's hate campaign. "What kind of government is functioning in US. They are targeting people from other countries. What is our fault. The boy had gone there to do higher studies. He had not harmed anyone in his life and he was killed so brutally. The US government should take steps to prevent such incidents in future and punish the guilty severely," Vamsi's uncle Raghupathi Reddy said. Vamsi's father made it clear that he was not in a position to bring back his son's body from US and appealed to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and the Centre to help him out. Meanwhile, BJP floor leader G Kishan Reddy, spoke to Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and urged her to help bring Vamsi's body from California. WARANGAL: A 27-year-old software engineer, Mamidala Vamsi Chander Reddy from Warangal Rural, was shot dead by a suspected robber who was trying to flee after robbing a woman, at Milpitas area in California on Saturday. Though the family is yet to receive official word from the police there, family members allege the killing is a case of hate crime after US president Trump took over. Vamsi Reddy was a native of Vangapahad village in Hasanparthy mandal of Warangal rural district. According to reports, the incident occurred at his apartment's garage when the killer's car collided with Vamsi's car. The killer shot him at point-blank range. His parents were informed by Vamsi's friend Praveen about the incident at morning 4.30 am on Sunday. According to Vamsi's father M Sanjeeva Reddy his son's friend first told him that he was missing and around 8.30 am through media reports he came to know about the death of his son. However, in view of the sensitivity of the incident, the Milpitas police have not declared it as a death, and are investigating it as a 'missing case'. Neither the California police nor the External Affairs Ministry has till now contacted Vamsi's family. They are getting information through Vamsi's friends in the US and media. Vamsi, who went to US to do his MS in 2015, completed his masters degree from a Silicon Valley University and was doing a part-time job since the last 40 days. He had just finished his work and was going back to his apartment when the incident took place. "Two days ago I spoke to him. He was worried about his future as the new government in the US is imposing restrictions on providing jobs to foreign nationals in IT sector. I asked him not to worry and to come back to India if he did not find suitable employment there. But, within two days we had to hear this sad news," an inconsolable Sanjeeva Reddy, a farmer, told Express. Vamsi's father, relatives and friends feel that he was the victim of Trump's hate campaign. "What kind of government is functioning in US. They are targeting people from other countries. What is our fault. The boy had gone there to do higher studies. He had not harmed anyone in his life and he was killed so brutally. The US government should take steps to prevent such incidents in future and punish the guilty severely," Vamsi's uncle Raghupathi Reddy said. Vamsi's father made it clear that he was not in a position to bring back his son's body from US and appealed to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and the Centre to help him out. Meanwhile, BJP floor leader G Kishan Reddy, spoke to Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and urged her to help bring Vamsi's body from California. Kanu Sarda By NEW DELHI: To revamp the legal education system, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has planned to crack down on fake colleges operating across the country. The BCI step comes in the backdrop of several complaints it had received, highlighting an increase in the number of fake institutions that are found to have the same principal or faculty. A minimum fine of Rs 3 lakh may be imposed on institutions with infrastructure lapse or furnishing false information to acquire BCI recognition.Such colleges have come under the BCI scanner following its verification drive of the lawyers degrees.The drive was conducted as the number of lawyers possessing fake degrees was suspected to have increased. BCIs Legal Education Committee, in its meeting last week, has decided to conduct surprise inspections at the law colleges. The BCIs Legal Education Committee has decided to conduct surprise inspections at the fake law colleges. A resolution was also passed at the meeting last week, authorising BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, also a senior advocate, to constitute inspection teams. The resolution states, The Committee, on many occasions, has noted that at the time of inspection, some institutions manage to arrange fake infrastructure and even faculties and acquire the Councils recognition anyhow. In many cases, the name of one faculty or principal appears in more than one institution. The BCI has also decided to make one of its members a part of the faculty selection committee at the law schools. It mooted that there should be one faculty for every 20 students. An inspection team would comprise a former high court judge and a senior advocate or an advocate with at least 25 years of experience. The team would also include one and two professors of institutions offering three- and five-year programmes respectively. BCI recommended that the inspections be done in a covert manner, so that even the regular staff of the Legal Education Department of the Council might not get the prior information of such inspections. Besides these, a flying squad would also be formed to supervise the work of the inspection team. It would comprise one or two former High Court judges and teachers from the national law schools NEW DELHI: To revamp the legal education system, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has planned to crack down on fake colleges operating across the country. The BCI step comes in the backdrop of several complaints it had received, highlighting an increase in the number of fake institutions that are found to have the same principal or faculty. A minimum fine of Rs 3 lakh may be imposed on institutions with infrastructure lapse or furnishing false information to acquire BCI recognition.Such colleges have come under the BCI scanner following its verification drive of the lawyers degrees.The drive was conducted as the number of lawyers possessing fake degrees was suspected to have increased. BCIs Legal Education Committee, in its meeting last week, has decided to conduct surprise inspections at the law colleges. The BCIs Legal Education Committee has decided to conduct surprise inspections at the fake law colleges. A resolution was also passed at the meeting last week, authorising BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, also a senior advocate, to constitute inspection teams. The resolution states, The Committee, on many occasions, has noted that at the time of inspection, some institutions manage to arrange fake infrastructure and even faculties and acquire the Councils recognition anyhow. In many cases, the name of one faculty or principal appears in more than one institution. The BCI has also decided to make one of its members a part of the faculty selection committee at the law schools. It mooted that there should be one faculty for every 20 students. An inspection team would comprise a former high court judge and a senior advocate or an advocate with at least 25 years of experience. The team would also include one and two professors of institutions offering three- and five-year programmes respectively. BCI recommended that the inspections be done in a covert manner, so that even the regular staff of the Legal Education Department of the Council might not get the prior information of such inspections. Besides these, a flying squad would also be formed to supervise the work of the inspection team. It would comprise one or two former High Court judges and teachers from the national law schools Ritu Sharma By NEW DELHI: After organising the World Sufi Forum here in March 2016, the Narendra Modi government will take the scourge of radicalisation and extremism head-on by organising a first-of-its-kind global meet of Sunni clerics. Narendra Modi with UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed The ascension of the Islamic State (IS) has brought governmentsespecially those with a dominant Muslim populationalive to the evils of religious misinterpretations to foster violence and intolerance. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said the government is talking to West and South Asian countries for the event. Most of the West Asian countries, including the UAE and Kuwait, are on board. South Asian countries and Bangladesh and Myanmar will also be invited, sources said. The intent of the government was discussed during the visit of the UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed in January. The joint statement by both countries emphasised on the need to facilitate regular exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals and conferences and seminars to promote the values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare that are inherent in all religions. India has remained shielded from the poisonous ideology of Islamism so far. We need to showcase the syncretism of our society and learn from countries like Malaysia on how to build inclusive societies to counter extremism and radicalism, an MEA official said. India has the third-largest Muslim population after Indonesia and Pakistan, and will be home to the worlds largest Muslim population by 2050. Sunnis form 85 per cent of the 17 crore Indian Muslims. Most of them follow Sufism, while the remaining follow the Hanafi School of Islamic Law and Deobandi school of thought. The seriousness of the government to tackle the fallout of the rise of IS was highlighted when it appointed former Intelligence Bureau Chief Syed Asif Ibrahim as the Prime Ministers Special Envoy on Counter Terrorism and Extremism in 2015. NEW DELHI: After organising the World Sufi Forum here in March 2016, the Narendra Modi government will take the scourge of radicalisation and extremism head-on by organising a first-of-its-kind global meet of Sunni clerics. Narendra Modi with UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin ZayedThe ascension of the Islamic State (IS) has brought governmentsespecially those with a dominant Muslim populationalive to the evils of religious misinterpretations to foster violence and intolerance. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said the government is talking to West and South Asian countries for the event. Most of the West Asian countries, including the UAE and Kuwait, are on board. South Asian countries and Bangladesh and Myanmar will also be invited, sources said. The intent of the government was discussed during the visit of the UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed in January. The joint statement by both countries emphasised on the need to facilitate regular exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals and conferences and seminars to promote the values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare that are inherent in all religions. India has remained shielded from the poisonous ideology of Islamism so far. We need to showcase the syncretism of our society and learn from countries like Malaysia on how to build inclusive societies to counter extremism and radicalism, an MEA official said. India has the third-largest Muslim population after Indonesia and Pakistan, and will be home to the worlds largest Muslim population by 2050. Sunnis form 85 per cent of the 17 crore Indian Muslims. Most of them follow Sufism, while the remaining follow the Hanafi School of Islamic Law and Deobandi school of thought. The seriousness of the government to tackle the fallout of the rise of IS was highlighted when it appointed former Intelligence Bureau Chief Syed Asif Ibrahim as the Prime Ministers Special Envoy on Counter Terrorism and Extremism in 2015. Yatish Yadav By NEW DELHI: Irked by the number of development schemeswhich are high on the PMs agendagetting shelved owing to injunctions, the Narendra Modi government is ready with an amendment that bars the courts from issuing interim stays. The latest irritant for the government was the National Green Tribunal stay, issued on January 2, on the Pune Metro proposal, just days after Modi performed the bhoomi pujan. While the Supreme Court vacated the NGT order on January 21, the government is set to amend the Specific Relief Act, drawing a laxman rekha for courts dealing with cases pertaining to public works contracts. The government note, reviewed by The Sunday Standard, contains the new section, 14 A, seeking to restrict the power of courts to grant injunctions THAT impede or delay the timely completion of welfare projects. The draft will go to the Cabinet for approval, after which it will be introduced in Parliament when it opens on March 9. The latest World Bank report ranks India among the bottom five of 190 countries on ease of doing business. Section 14 A intends litigation not to halt the progress of infrastructure projects. Leaving no scope for interpretation, the amendment also seeks to specifically define public works contract by altering Section 2 of Specific Relief Act. Public works contract means a contract entered into by or on behalf of the Central government, a state government, a local self government or an agency thereof, for the creation, upgradation, operation or maintenance of infrastructure, including roads, water supply, electricity, sewerage treatment, construction of public buildings, highways, bridges, ports, schools, airports, urban development and railways, the note reviewed by this newspaper said. Government sources said corporate rivalry and tussles between governments and investors cause projects to be challenged in courts. By the time a case is decided, there is a cost escalation of the scheme by ten times in the majority of cases. The bar on injunction could apply even at the stage of the tendering process. The Narendra Modi government is adding a new section, 14A, to The Specific Relief Act in an amendment seeking to restrict the power of judiciary. If passed in Parliament, courts will no longer be able to grant injunctions, which may impede or delay the timely completion of welfare projects. Intent of the proposed law is to get the work done rather than compensation. The existing law was giving discretionary power to the court for remedies concerning breach of contract. The discretion is sought to be regimented through amendments which will ensure that even in cases where contract cannot be performed, the project remains alive at the cost of the defaulter running away from the agreement, sources further added. In line with the governments development agenda, more amendments may be brought to apply to other provisions of the Specific Relief Act to deter parties choosing not to fulfill their contract obligations. The government will insert a new section, 20A, in the Act to allow a contract to be finished by a third party at the original contractors expense if the latter decides to abandon a project halfway. The note said, Insertion of a new section 20A, to provide for a new relief of compensation for substituted performance of contract, so that the promisee (a party to the contract) who suffers from breach of contract performed through substituted performance by a third person at the cost and expense of the promisor (defaulter) committing such breach. Since courts lack technical expertise, the amendment will empower them to seek the help of experts to assist. Under the existing law, the courts grant monetary compensation in exceptional circumstances. The government note argues that such remedies are not available to the parties as a matter of right, being entirely at the discretion of the court. Where the legal system prefers compensatory relief, the promisor (defaulter/ contractor) has an incentive to break his contract if such course of action is more beneficial to him than performing it (completing the project). NEW DELHI: Irked by the number of development schemeswhich are high on the PMs agendagetting shelved owing to injunctions, the Narendra Modi government is ready with an amendment that bars the courts from issuing interim stays. The latest irritant for the government was the National Green Tribunal stay, issued on January 2, on the Pune Metro proposal, just days after Modi performed the bhoomi pujan. While the Supreme Court vacated the NGT order on January 21, the government is set to amend the Specific Relief Act, drawing a laxman rekha for courts dealing with cases pertaining to public works contracts. The government note, reviewed by The Sunday Standard, contains the new section, 14 A, seeking to restrict the power of courts to grant injunctions THAT impede or delay the timely completion of welfare projects. The draft will go to the Cabinet for approval, after which it will be introduced in Parliament when it opens on March 9. The latest World Bank report ranks India among the bottom five of 190 countries on ease of doing business. Section 14 A intends litigation not to halt the progress of infrastructure projects. Leaving no scope for interpretation, the amendment also seeks to specifically define public works contract by altering Section 2 of Specific Relief Act. Public works contract means a contract entered into by or on behalf of the Central government, a state government, a local self government or an agency thereof, for the creation, upgradation, operation or maintenance of infrastructure, including roads, water supply, electricity, sewerage treatment, construction of public buildings, highways, bridges, ports, schools, airports, urban development and railways, the note reviewed by this newspaper said. Government sources said corporate rivalry and tussles between governments and investors cause projects to be challenged in courts. By the time a case is decided, there is a cost escalation of the scheme by ten times in the majority of cases. The bar on injunction could apply even at the stage of the tendering process. The Narendra Modi government is adding a new section, 14A, to The Specific Relief Act in an amendment seeking to restrict the power of judiciary. If passed in Parliament, courts will no longer be able to grant injunctions, which may impede or delay the timely completion of welfare projects. Intent of the proposed law is to get the work done rather than compensation. The existing law was giving discretionary power to the court for remedies concerning breach of contract. The discretion is sought to be regimented through amendments which will ensure that even in cases where contract cannot be performed, the project remains alive at the cost of the defaulter running away from the agreement, sources further added. In line with the governments development agenda, more amendments may be brought to apply to other provisions of the Specific Relief Act to deter parties choosing not to fulfill their contract obligations. The government will insert a new section, 20A, in the Act to allow a contract to be finished by a third party at the original contractors expense if the latter decides to abandon a project halfway. The note said, Insertion of a new section 20A, to provide for a new relief of compensation for substituted performance of contract, so that the promisee (a party to the contract) who suffers from breach of contract performed through substituted performance by a third person at the cost and expense of the promisor (defaulter) committing such breach. Since courts lack technical expertise, the amendment will empower them to seek the help of experts to assist. Under the existing law, the courts grant monetary compensation in exceptional circumstances. The government note argues that such remedies are not available to the parties as a matter of right, being entirely at the discretion of the court. Where the legal system prefers compensatory relief, the promisor (defaulter/ contractor) has an incentive to break his contract if such course of action is more beneficial to him than performing it (completing the project). Ankur Sharma By NEW DELHI: Silicon Valley has asked its foreign employees to stay put in the United States to keep their jobs in the Trump era. Indian techies living and working in Californiaa longtime tech hubwho are eligible for transmutation to H1B visas from L1 are cancelling their summer trips home accordingly. They fear that the travel ban will deprive them of both visas and jobs in spite of the federal court order overturning it. Two major airlinesboth flying on the India-San Francisco routehave reported over 200 passengers cancelling their tickets to India in the last week alone. Indian techies are avoiding flying out to other countries either. Their companies have also advised them to stay put in the US, quoting the strict Trumpist provisions in the visa interview process. Embassies/Consulates visa processing time is likely to increase for all applicants, an advisory sent to employees of four companies said. Major companies situated in the Silicon Valley are Apple Inc, Cisco Systems, Google, Facebook, Hewlett-Packard etc. Their companies have mailed them that they should leave the US only in case of an emergency since entry into America has been tightened by the new government. Companies in Silicon Valley are advising their employees not to travel out of the US unnecessarily. Over 200 such employees have cancelled their outbound flight tickets in California. An advisory issued by a tech major accessed by The Sunday Standard reads, The vast majority of non-immigrants employed in the US (e.g., nationals of India, China, other Asian and European countries) should not be impacted. However, we recommend avoiding unnecessary international travel until this situation settles further. Additionally, due to the fact visa interviews will no longer be waived across the US. Project manager Diwesh (name changed), who was transferred by his company from Bengaluru to the US admitted cancelling travels plans for himself and his family after receiving the advisories. I have applied for an L1 to H1B visa transfer but will not be travelling to India for the next six months. I have to change my visa status and get my passport stamped accordingly. I have to interview for the visa first. Earlier, they used to be simple but now, chances that embassies/consulates will raise queries are more. It will take at least two months to get a US visa. My company may also ask me to stay on in India. I am worried that then Ill lose my visa as well, Diwesh said. NEW DELHI: Silicon Valley has asked its foreign employees to stay put in the United States to keep their jobs in the Trump era. Indian techies living and working in Californiaa longtime tech hubwho are eligible for transmutation to H1B visas from L1 are cancelling their summer trips home accordingly. They fear that the travel ban will deprive them of both visas and jobs in spite of the federal court order overturning it. Two major airlinesboth flying on the India-San Francisco routehave reported over 200 passengers cancelling their tickets to India in the last week alone. Indian techies are avoiding flying out to other countries either. Their companies have also advised them to stay put in the US, quoting the strict Trumpist provisions in the visa interview process. Embassies/Consulates visa processing time is likely to increase for all applicants, an advisory sent to employees of four companies said. Major companies situated in the Silicon Valley are Apple Inc, Cisco Systems, Google, Facebook, Hewlett-Packard etc. Their companies have mailed them that they should leave the US only in case of an emergency since entry into America has been tightened by the new government. Companies in Silicon Valley are advising their employees not to travel out of the US unnecessarily. Over 200 such employees have cancelled their outbound flight tickets in California. An advisory issued by a tech major accessed by The Sunday Standard reads, The vast majority of non-immigrants employed in the US (e.g., nationals of India, China, other Asian and European countries) should not be impacted. However, we recommend avoiding unnecessary international travel until this situation settles further. Additionally, due to the fact visa interviews will no longer be waived across the US. Project manager Diwesh (name changed), who was transferred by his company from Bengaluru to the US admitted cancelling travels plans for himself and his family after receiving the advisories. I have applied for an L1 to H1B visa transfer but will not be travelling to India for the next six months. I have to change my visa status and get my passport stamped accordingly. I have to interview for the visa first. Earlier, they used to be simple but now, chances that embassies/consulates will raise queries are more. It will take at least two months to get a US visa. My company may also ask me to stay on in India. I am worried that then Ill lose my visa as well, Diwesh said. By AFP SAINT PETERSBURG: Russia's powerful Orthodox Church faced off on Sunday with thousands of protestors in the northwestern city of Saint Petersburg over the fate of a cathedral that is one of the city's top tourist attractions. The city is preparing to hand over control of the central St Isaac's Cathedral -- Russia's largest -- to the Orthodox Church after decades as a museum. But the decision has sparked a furious row, pitting clerics against locals who feel aggrieved the city is handing over a key tourist asset to the Church without public consultation. The imposing domed cathedral built in the 19th century is popular with tourists who climb up onto its roof for a spectacular view. While some religious services are held there, the cathedral is run as a museum with an entry charge. After Russia's 1917 revolution, the atheist Bolsheviks took over churches, stripping them of valuables and using them as factories or storerooms. St Isaac's Cathedral served for a time as a Museum of Atheism. In the latest round of protest action, some 400 clerics and believers on Sunday held a procession around the cathedral carrying crosses. Among those taking part was MP Vitaly Milonov, who spearheaded controversial anti-gay legislation. He said that keeping the cathedral as a museum is "an infringement of the rights of believers". The cathedral has become "a kind of circus for tourists," he said. Galina Raiskaya, 57, stressed the cathedral is a "house of prayer." Hours later, around 2,500 opponents of the Church takeover formed a circle around the cathedral in the biggest protest yet. They carried placards with slogans including "Russian Church: Hands off Isaac's" and "Russia is a secular state," and chanted "Museum! Museum!" "The Church, they're just parasites who are after money," said one demonstrator, 50-year-old Natalya Gorokhova. The protest's organiser, lawmaker Boris Vishnevsky of the Yabloko liberal party, said "the fact that there are so many of us will force the authorities to back down." A previous demonstration by opponents of the handover on January 28 saw some 1,500 gather in a city park. The "no" campaign has been backed by key cultural figures, notably the director of the nearby State Hermitage Museum, Mikhail Piotrovsky, who wrote to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill asking him to delay the handover to cool tensions. So far there has been no official reaction to the protests. The handover was announced January and the paperwork is being drawn up. Meanwhile the opposition has launched legal action, that so far has been unsuccessful, and organised demonstrations. SAINT PETERSBURG: Russia's powerful Orthodox Church faced off on Sunday with thousands of protestors in the northwestern city of Saint Petersburg over the fate of a cathedral that is one of the city's top tourist attractions. The city is preparing to hand over control of the central St Isaac's Cathedral -- Russia's largest -- to the Orthodox Church after decades as a museum. But the decision has sparked a furious row, pitting clerics against locals who feel aggrieved the city is handing over a key tourist asset to the Church without public consultation. The imposing domed cathedral built in the 19th century is popular with tourists who climb up onto its roof for a spectacular view. While some religious services are held there, the cathedral is run as a museum with an entry charge. After Russia's 1917 revolution, the atheist Bolsheviks took over churches, stripping them of valuables and using them as factories or storerooms. St Isaac's Cathedral served for a time as a Museum of Atheism. In the latest round of protest action, some 400 clerics and believers on Sunday held a procession around the cathedral carrying crosses. Among those taking part was MP Vitaly Milonov, who spearheaded controversial anti-gay legislation. He said that keeping the cathedral as a museum is "an infringement of the rights of believers". The cathedral has become "a kind of circus for tourists," he said. Galina Raiskaya, 57, stressed the cathedral is a "house of prayer." Hours later, around 2,500 opponents of the Church takeover formed a circle around the cathedral in the biggest protest yet. They carried placards with slogans including "Russian Church: Hands off Isaac's" and "Russia is a secular state," and chanted "Museum! Museum!" "The Church, they're just parasites who are after money," said one demonstrator, 50-year-old Natalya Gorokhova. The protest's organiser, lawmaker Boris Vishnevsky of the Yabloko liberal party, said "the fact that there are so many of us will force the authorities to back down." A previous demonstration by opponents of the handover on January 28 saw some 1,500 gather in a city park. The "no" campaign has been backed by key cultural figures, notably the director of the nearby State Hermitage Museum, Mikhail Piotrovsky, who wrote to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill asking him to delay the handover to cool tensions. So far there has been no official reaction to the protests. The handover was announced January and the paperwork is being drawn up. Meanwhile the opposition has launched legal action, that so far has been unsuccessful, and organised demonstrations. Estimados amigos, Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia. Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro. Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras. There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen. You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out. No soy alguien que sabe, sino alguien que busca. Only Gold is money. Everything else is debt. Las grandes almas tienen voluntades; las debiles tan solo deseos. Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada. History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. By Associated Press BERLIN: German firefighters on Sunday evacuated hundreds of passengers at Hamburg Airport after about 50 people were injured by an unknown hazardous material that likely spread through the airport's air conditioning system. All flights were halted for several hours due to the evacuation, but air traffic started running again around 2 p.m., airport spokeswoman Karen Stein said. More than 50 people both passengers and staff had complained about breathing problems, burning eyes and nausea. Firefighters were examining them to find out whether they had to be taken to the hospital, the German news agency dpa reported. Those who were evacuated from the airport but not injured had to wait outside the terminals in freezing temperatures. Firefighters designated special areas outside the airport building where physicians were examining those injured by the unknown substance. The cause for the incident was not known, Stein said, "but we're working closely together with the authorities to find out more." BERLIN: German firefighters on Sunday evacuated hundreds of passengers at Hamburg Airport after about 50 people were injured by an unknown hazardous material that likely spread through the airport's air conditioning system. All flights were halted for several hours due to the evacuation, but air traffic started running again around 2 p.m., airport spokeswoman Karen Stein said. More than 50 people both passengers and staff had complained about breathing problems, burning eyes and nausea. Firefighters were examining them to find out whether they had to be taken to the hospital, the German news agency dpa reported. Those who were evacuated from the airport but not injured had to wait outside the terminals in freezing temperatures. Firefighters designated special areas outside the airport building where physicians were examining those injured by the unknown substance. The cause for the incident was not known, Stein said, "but we're working closely together with the authorities to find out more." By PTI SEOUL: North Korea fired a ballistic missile today, South Korea's defence ministry said, the first since Donald Trump became US president. The missile, launched around 7:55 am (local time) from Banghyon airbase in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan, it said. "The concrete type of the ballistic missile has yet to be identified", a defence ministry spokesman told AFP. But Yonhap news agency said the South Korean military suspected the North might have been testing a intermediate-range Musudan missile. North Korea in October last year tested Musudan missiles twice that were fired from the same airbase. SEOUL: North Korea fired a ballistic missile today, South Korea's defence ministry said, the first since Donald Trump became US president. The missile, launched around 7:55 am (local time) from Banghyon airbase in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan, it said. "The concrete type of the ballistic missile has yet to be identified", a defence ministry spokesman told AFP. But Yonhap news agency said the South Korean military suspected the North might have been testing a intermediate-range Musudan missile. North Korea in October last year tested Musudan missiles twice that were fired from the same airbase. By PTI BEIRUT: Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies have entered the Islamic State-held town of Al-Bab in northern Syria, as government forces moved closer to the jihadist bastion, a monitor said. Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency quoted military sources as saying one Turkish soldier was killed and another wounded in clashes with IS in Al-Bab. Turkish forces and allied insurgents have for weeks pressed an operation codenamed Euphrates Shield to drive the jihadists from the flashpoint town. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Turkish forces and allied militias entered Al-Bab from the west and then took full control of its western suburbs after fierce clashes with the jihadists. The fighting coincided with "Turkish shelling and intensive air strikes" on Al-Bab, the Britain-based monitor said. It said at least six civilians were killed by Turkish artillery fire and air strikes. Al-Bab is the jihadist group's last stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo and is also being targeted by regime forces. While Turkish-led forces have been advancing from the north, east and west, Syrian government troops are attacking from the south. On Monday, Syrian troops severed a road leading into the town from the south and by Friday they were just 1.5 kilometres from the southern outskirts of Al-Bab. Turkey began an unprecedented campaign inside Syria in August, targeting both IS and Kurdish militia. After initial rapid progress, the campaign has been mired since December in the deadly fight for Al-Bab. Turkey's Dogan news agency says 66 Turkish soldiers have been killed in the campaign since it started, mostly in IS attacks. And on Thursday, three Turkish soldiers were killed when a Russian air strike accidentally hit their position in an attack targeting IS in Al-Bab. Moscow said it was an accident and is being investigated. Despite backing opposite sides in Syria's conflict -- Moscow is a government ally while Turkey supports the opposition -- the two countries have worked closely in recent months. They helped broker a nationwide ceasefire in place since December 30, and sponsored a round of peace talks last month in the Kazakh capital, Astana. Al-Bab has been under IS control since 2014, when the group seized large swathes of territory in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, proclaiming its self-described caliphate. In recent months, the jihadists have been rolled back in large parts of northern Syria, both by the Turkish campaign but also by a Kurdish-Arab alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF fights with air support from the US-led coalition battling IS in Syria and Iraq, but Turkey regards the Kurdish component of the SDF as "terrorists". BEIRUT: Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies have entered the Islamic State-held town of Al-Bab in northern Syria, as government forces moved closer to the jihadist bastion, a monitor said. Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency quoted military sources as saying one Turkish soldier was killed and another wounded in clashes with IS in Al-Bab. Turkish forces and allied insurgents have for weeks pressed an operation codenamed Euphrates Shield to drive the jihadists from the flashpoint town. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Turkish forces and allied militias entered Al-Bab from the west and then took full control of its western suburbs after fierce clashes with the jihadists. The fighting coincided with "Turkish shelling and intensive air strikes" on Al-Bab, the Britain-based monitor said. It said at least six civilians were killed by Turkish artillery fire and air strikes. Al-Bab is the jihadist group's last stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo and is also being targeted by regime forces. While Turkish-led forces have been advancing from the north, east and west, Syrian government troops are attacking from the south. On Monday, Syrian troops severed a road leading into the town from the south and by Friday they were just 1.5 kilometres from the southern outskirts of Al-Bab. Turkey began an unprecedented campaign inside Syria in August, targeting both IS and Kurdish militia. After initial rapid progress, the campaign has been mired since December in the deadly fight for Al-Bab. Turkey's Dogan news agency says 66 Turkish soldiers have been killed in the campaign since it started, mostly in IS attacks. And on Thursday, three Turkish soldiers were killed when a Russian air strike accidentally hit their position in an attack targeting IS in Al-Bab. Moscow said it was an accident and is being investigated. Despite backing opposite sides in Syria's conflict -- Moscow is a government ally while Turkey supports the opposition -- the two countries have worked closely in recent months. They helped broker a nationwide ceasefire in place since December 30, and sponsored a round of peace talks last month in the Kazakh capital, Astana. Al-Bab has been under IS control since 2014, when the group seized large swathes of territory in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, proclaiming its self-described caliphate. In recent months, the jihadists have been rolled back in large parts of northern Syria, both by the Turkish campaign but also by a Kurdish-Arab alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF fights with air support from the US-led coalition battling IS in Syria and Iraq, but Turkey regards the Kurdish component of the SDF as "terrorists". By AFP BEIRUT: The head of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement on Sunday urged the government to coordinate with Damascus to help refugees to return now that "large areas" of Syria are "safe". In a televised address, Hassan Nasrallah said Syrian refugees should not be coerced into going home, but added that a string of "victories" by President Bashar al-Assad's forces meant it would be safe for many to return. "Military victories in Syria, the most recent of them the victory in Aleppo... have turned large areas into safe and quiet spaces," Nasrallah said. He urged "cooperation to return the majority of these refugees to their towns and villages and homes, so they will no longer be refugees sitting in tents or in the streets". Lebanon hosts around a million registered Syrian refugees and has struggled with the consequences of the war in neighbouring Syria since it began in March 2011. Hezbollah is a key ally of Assad's government, and its fighters battle alongside his troops against opposition forces, including during the December recapture of second city Aleppo. Nasrallah said the process of returning Syrian refugees should be "one of persuasion, not of coercion". "It is the duty of all Lebanese to deal with this issue in a humanitarian fashion, setting aside political considerations or fears," he added. He also urged the government in Beirut to engage with its Syrian counterpart on the issue, despite the deep antipathy between Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Damascus. Hariri accused Damascus of involvement in the 2005 assassination of his father, former premier Rafiq al-Hariri, and backed the uprising against Assad. "Frankly, the Lebanese government must end its obstinacy... and talk to the Syrian government: is this issue not pressing?" Nasrallah asked. He called on the government to work with Damascus "and develop a single plan, because this cannot be addressed by Lebanon alone, and begging will not solve our problem". Lebanon has struggled to deal with the massive influx of refugees, who have added to the pressure on its already stretched infrastructure and economy. Beirut has regularly called for more international assistance, and President Michel Aoun earlier this month urged the international community to facilitate the safe return of refugees. At the end of January, Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem also "renewed the invitation of the government to Syrian refugees living in neighbouring countries to return". He "stressed the country was ready to receive them and grant them a dignified life", state news agency SANA reported. More than half of Syria's population has been displaced internally or externally by the conflict, which has killed more than 310,000 people. Around 4.9 million people have become refugees. BEIRUT: The head of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement on Sunday urged the government to coordinate with Damascus to help refugees to return now that "large areas" of Syria are "safe". In a televised address, Hassan Nasrallah said Syrian refugees should not be coerced into going home, but added that a string of "victories" by President Bashar al-Assad's forces meant it would be safe for many to return. "Military victories in Syria, the most recent of them the victory in Aleppo... have turned large areas into safe and quiet spaces," Nasrallah said. He urged "cooperation to return the majority of these refugees to their towns and villages and homes, so they will no longer be refugees sitting in tents or in the streets". Lebanon hosts around a million registered Syrian refugees and has struggled with the consequences of the war in neighbouring Syria since it began in March 2011. Hezbollah is a key ally of Assad's government, and its fighters battle alongside his troops against opposition forces, including during the December recapture of second city Aleppo. Nasrallah said the process of returning Syrian refugees should be "one of persuasion, not of coercion". "It is the duty of all Lebanese to deal with this issue in a humanitarian fashion, setting aside political considerations or fears," he added. He also urged the government in Beirut to engage with its Syrian counterpart on the issue, despite the deep antipathy between Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Damascus. Hariri accused Damascus of involvement in the 2005 assassination of his father, former premier Rafiq al-Hariri, and backed the uprising against Assad. "Frankly, the Lebanese government must end its obstinacy... and talk to the Syrian government: is this issue not pressing?" Nasrallah asked. He called on the government to work with Damascus "and develop a single plan, because this cannot be addressed by Lebanon alone, and begging will not solve our problem". Lebanon has struggled to deal with the massive influx of refugees, who have added to the pressure on its already stretched infrastructure and economy. Beirut has regularly called for more international assistance, and President Michel Aoun earlier this month urged the international community to facilitate the safe return of refugees. At the end of January, Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem also "renewed the invitation of the government to Syrian refugees living in neighbouring countries to return". He "stressed the country was ready to receive them and grant them a dignified life", state news agency SANA reported. More than half of Syria's population has been displaced internally or externally by the conflict, which has killed more than 310,000 people. Around 4.9 million people have become refugees. By Associated Press JERUSALEM: Israel said Sunday it would not permit Peru's fugitive former president to enter the country after reports he had boarded a flight from the United States. The Foreign Ministry said Alejandro Toledo, who governed Peru from 2001 to 2006, would only be allowed into Israel "once his affairs in Peru are settled." Toledo, whose wife has dual Belgian-Israeli citizenship, may seek refuge in Israel, which does not have an extradition treaty with the South American nation. He was believed to be in San Francisco over the weekend and possibly on a flight set to land in Israel later Sunday. Israeli officials said they did not know whether he was on the plane An international manhunt is underway after a judge issued an arrest order for Toledo, finding that there was a high probability he had received bribes from a Brazilian construction firm that has admitted to paying off officials throughout Latin America. Toledo is accused of accepting some $20 million in bribes from Odebrecht to help the company win a contract to build a highway from Brazil to Peru's Pacific Coastline. Odebrecht last year admitted in a plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department to paying some $800 million in bribes to politicians throughout Latin America, including $29 million during the 2001-2006 governments of Toledo and his two successors. Toledo, who was last believed to be in Paris a week ago, has denied any wrongdoing. JERUSALEM: Israel said Sunday it would not permit Peru's fugitive former president to enter the country after reports he had boarded a flight from the United States. The Foreign Ministry said Alejandro Toledo, who governed Peru from 2001 to 2006, would only be allowed into Israel "once his affairs in Peru are settled." Toledo, whose wife has dual Belgian-Israeli citizenship, may seek refuge in Israel, which does not have an extradition treaty with the South American nation. He was believed to be in San Francisco over the weekend and possibly on a flight set to land in Israel later Sunday. Israeli officials said they did not know whether he was on the plane An international manhunt is underway after a judge issued an arrest order for Toledo, finding that there was a high probability he had received bribes from a Brazilian construction firm that has admitted to paying off officials throughout Latin America. Toledo is accused of accepting some $20 million in bribes from Odebrecht to help the company win a contract to build a highway from Brazil to Peru's Pacific Coastline. Odebrecht last year admitted in a plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department to paying some $800 million in bribes to politicians throughout Latin America, including $29 million during the 2001-2006 governments of Toledo and his two successors. Toledo, who was last believed to be in Paris a week ago, has denied any wrongdoing. Hundreds of pro-choice advocates turned out at the Margaret Sanger Planned Parenthood clinic in the East Village Saturday morning to protest an anti-abortion rally being held at the clinic. Several dozen anti-abortion activists had gathered in a silent protest outside the clinic as part of a series of nationwide actions demanding that Congress strip federal funding from the women's and reproductive health organization. A few blocks away in Washington Square Park, thousands gathered in a "Stand With Planned Parenthood" rally, one of 150 such events across the country yesterday. Organized by NYC for Abortion Rights, the pro-choice protesters chanted "My body, my choice," and "Pro-lifethat's a lie, you don't care if women die," holding signs that read: "If you can't trust me with a choice, how can you trust me with a child?" and "Planned Parenthood saved my life." "I'm a working class woman and these services are exactly what women in my community need," Delicia Jones, a 26-year-old health care coordinator from the Bronx who helped organize the counter-protest, told Gothamist. Meanwhile, the anti-abortion group, organized by #ProtestPP, held their own signs, with slogans like, "Life begins at conception and ends at Planned Parenthood," and "Unborn Lives Matter." Several told Gothamist that they want the federal government to reallocate Planned Parenthood funding to federal health centers that do not provide abortion services. "If you're for Planned Parenthood, you fund it," Valerie, a 54-year-old librarian from Queens who did not want to provide her last name, told Gothamist. "I don't think someone should be murdered in such a gruesome, painful way just because of a woman's convenience." Planned Parenthood, which receives about $500 million in federal funding annually75 percent of which comes from Medicaid, says that 3 percent of the services it provided in 2014 were related to abortion. The vast majority of its services are related to contraception and STD/STI testing and treatment. Patrick Alles, a 29-year-old architect who lives in midtown, told Gothamist he sees his opposition to a woman's right to choose as related to a broader human rights struggle. "I'm part of the millennial generation and we've championed rights for everyoneall kinds of groups that we recognize as being unfairly treated or not having their rights recognized," he said. "I feel strongly that that same energy and passion for rights should be extended to the unborn." While a number of the pro-choice protesters said they had been advocating for abortion rights for years or, in some cases, decades, others said were out in response to President Trump's election. "In the past two weeks, I've doubled the number of protests I've ever been to in my life," Cynthia Nicklin, a 39-year-old librarian, told Gothamist. While Planned Parenthood supported the rally in Washington Square Park, it did not offer an endorsement for the clinic protest. This is in accordance with a longstanding organizational view that protests of any kind may frighten or confuse patients visiting a clinic. "It tends to get loud and disruptive and patients don't always want that," Christina Chang, the vice president of public affairs for Planned Parenthood of New York City, told Gothamist. "They're coming to get medical services, they're not making a political statement." Chang said organizers of the clinic protest had communicated with Planned Parenthood prior to the event, but that while the organization appreciated their support, the protesters "just disagreed with our approach and our request." Jones, who has been a patient at the clinic herself, told Gothamist that many activists believe Planned Parenthood has not been aggressive enough in its pro-choice advocacy. "For years Planned Parenthood has tried to say that we need to have a policy of no confrontation, but I think that's how we got here today," Jones told Gothamist. "Anti-choicers are still willing to do these kinds of actions because there's not enough women in the streets combatting them." She added that, as a patient, she would want the solidarity of a counter-protest. "I wouldn't want to have to walk past this and think that I was alone," Jones said. Kate Castle, a 25-year-old reproductive health research assistant who also attended the pro-choice protest, argued that Planned Parenthood should not be equated with the entire pro-choice movement. "I think the Planned Parenthood strategy of depoliticization and saying that this is just health care makes a lot of sensethey are a healthcare provider," Castle told Gothamist. "But I don't think they should be able to dictate the political strategy that we take as a reproductive justice movement." She said she believed the protest was "in no way in opposition" to the organization. The rally in Washington Square Park featured prominent reproductive rights advocates, including Vagina Monologues author Eve Ensler and founder of Lady Parts Justice League Lizz Winstead, as well as local elected officials including Comptroller Scott Stringer and Public Advocate Letitia James. Ensler and others spoke about Planned Parenthood's impact on their own lives. "They gave me contraception. They gave me advice. They gave me an abortion," Ensler told the crowd. They are the bedrock of health in this country for women and they are the symbol of our liberation." One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. A new legislative initiative launched Sunday afternoon will guarantee legal representation for low-income tenants in Housing Court, a major development in housing policy in a city where roughly 90 percent of tenants currently appear in court without an attorney. Speaking at Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School on the Upper West Side, Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced that the city would be devoting an extra $90 million annually to fund the new policy. "We are the biggest city in the country to level the playing field between tenants and landlords in housing court. To anyone being forced out of their home or neighborhood, we are fighting for you. This is still your city," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. The announcement comes several months after Council Member Mark Levine and Council Member Vanessa Gibson introduced right-to-counsel legislation, which proposed providing representation to tenants with incomes under 200 percent of the federal poverty line. The policy announced today uses the same means test, which works out to 50,000 a year for a family of four. "We have brought about a game changer for tenants in New York City, who will not have to face eviction proceedings alone anymore," said Levine, who worked on the legislation for several years. A study released last spring by the New York City Bar Association found that such a requirement would cover around 80 percent of all cases in housing courtapproximately 130,000 cases a year. Council Member Mark Levine speaks at Sunday's press conference while Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito look on. (Jacob Sporn) Housing advocates have long pushed for right-to-counsel legislation, pointing to data that shows legal representation significantly increases the chances a tenant can avoid eviction. In recent years, the city has spent tens of millions of dollars to expand legal services for tenants. In the spring of 2016, tenants rights group Housing Court Answers reported that during the previous year, evictions had fallen to their lowest level in a decade, a shift that many credited to the increase in funding. "Legal services have proven effective at reducing unlawful evictions and preventing displacement," the press release today stated. "Since beginning an unprecedented expansion of tenant legal aid two years ago, evictions have dropped by 24 percent." With the city in the midst of an affordable housing crisis and homelessness at or near an all-time-high, the hope is that the new policy will help low-income tenants, who can find themselves unable to find an affordable apartment if they are evicted from theirs, avoid homelessness. "I am extremely thankful for the commitment to fully fund Right to Counsel, equipping tenants with legal representation in eviction proceedings," said Gibson. "Affordable housing and access to a lawyer is a fundamental right that I truly believe invests in our families, keeps them in their homes and prevents homelessness. Funding for the program, which adds to the $60 million the city currently commits to counsel for tenants a year, will be phased in over several years. It will be an additional $15 million in 2018 and will rise to an additional $93 millionputting total funding levels around $150 millionin 2022. Tenants who earn above the means-test level will be eligible for free legal counseling. In a statement to Gothamist, Joseph Strasburg, president of the Rent Stabilization Association, a landlords' group, criticized the new proposal as failing to address the underlying issue that causes evictions: failure to pay rent. We think this is a good concept and a positive step forward, but unfortunately it will serve only to delay the inevitable since the majority of eviction cases involve tenants inability to pay rent," he said. He added that the proposal would threaten landlords of rent stabilized buildings. "This proposal places the burden of rectifying de Blasios miserable failure to address the homeless crisis squarely on the shoulders of the largest providers of affordable housinglandlords of 1 million rent-stabilized apartments in the five boroughs." New Delhi: Amid the ongoing conflict between Infosys's Board and its founders, its CEO Vishal Sikka is scheduled to meet institutional investors on Monday at an event in Mumbai. The event may see Sikka briefing participating fund managers on issues that have prompted some of Infosys's co-founders, including NR Narayana Murthy, to publicly air their discontent against the Board. Sikka will deliver a keynote address at Kotak's Chasing Growth Conference on February 13 in Mumbai at 10 am. Sikka's participation was confirmed by a company spokesperson saying the event was scheduled much before these developments. Such events usually see investors and industry analysts asking questions about the macro environment, business prospects and challenges, but given the developments seen in the past few days, clarifications relating to the feud between founders and the Board is likely to dominate the proceedings on Monday. Sikka, along with some of the Board members, is also scheduled to interact with the media later in the day to clear the air over various issues flagged by the founders. Last week, Sikka called members of the senior management to assuage concerns and has advised them not to get "distracted" by the ongoing tussle and instead focus on company's business and strategy. Asked about the founders' expectation from Sikka at the upcoming meeting with fund managers, Infosys former CFO V Balakrishnan told PTI, "I think Sikka should focus on business and performance because that is more important". "And I think he should, being a board member, also impress upon the Chairman to effectively engage with the founders and address the concerns and solve the issue quickly. Otherwise, this will distract the organisation in a big way," he said. Murthy, along with other co-founders Nandan Nilekani and S Gopalakrishnan, had written to Infosys board asking why Sikka's compensation was raised and hefty severance packages offered to two top-level executives who quit the company. Murthy, who has gone public with his views, questioned "paying the former CFO (Rajiv Bansal) a 30-month severance pay." Infosys, however, has denied any corporate governance lapses, and has emphasised that its Board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation. Kulgam (J&K): Four Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in a pre-dawn encounter that also left two Army men and two civilians dead at a village in south Kashmir. Three army personnel, including an officer, were injured in the operation and airlifted to Army's 92 base hospital in Srinagar. Their condition was stated to be stable, a police official said. Director General of Police SP Vaid told PTI that security forces have achieved a "major success" by gunning down the four militants. "However, it is unfortunate that two soldiers were martyred and son of the house owner got caught in the cross-fire and succumbed to injuries," he said earlier in the day. Giving details of the encounter, official sources said that acting on a tip-off from Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Nagabal Village in Frisal, about 70 km south of Srinagar, was cordoned off by the Army, police and para-military forces at around 4.30 am. They said the intelligence input was clear that militants were hiding in a house in the village. On being spotted, the troops, who were accompanied by the house owners, came under heavy fire in which two jawans identified as Lance Naik Raghuvir Sigh and Lance Naik Gopal Singh Badoria were killed. In the gun battle that ensured, three militants managed to escape in the nearby jungles, while four other militants belonging to banned Hizbul Mujahideen outfit were killed. Out of the four militants, three have been identified as Mudasir Ahmed Tantray, Farooq Ahmed Dar and Azhar Ahmed, and efforts were on to identify the fourth one, PTI said. (With PTI inputs) Kolkata: BSF is in talks with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for imparting training to its troopers for identifying fake notes smuggled through Indo-Bangla border. The paramilitary force and intelligence agencies are having sleepless nights over consignments of counterfeit Rs 2,000 notes being seized from the border in past one month. "A number of counterfeit notes that has been recovered by security agencies are a matter of concern. The security features have been expertly replicated, half of the security features of the new Rs 2,000 notes is there in the fake notes. We are in talks with RBI for a training program for our soldiers and officers on ground duty for identifying fake Rs 2000 notes. Hope we will be able to do it very soon," a senior BSF official told PTI on condition of anonymity. "We want our soldiers and officers to have a proper idea on how to identify fake and real notes, either by use of technology or physically. There are 17 features in the Rs 2000 notes, we want our jawans to be well trained in spotting fake notes, even with a high number of security features replicated," another BSF official said. The booming trade in fake Indian currency notes using the porous Indo-Bangla border especially in the Malda-Murshidabad district was believed to have taken a hit after demonetisation of Rs 1000 and 500 notes. But alarm bells rang when counterfeit Rs 2,000 notes, which have replicated nearly 50-60 percent of the security features, were seized. The central security agencies and police intercepted few consignments of Rs 2,000 notes between December 2016 and January from areas near Malda district. On February 8, West Bengal Police arrested a youth with 40 fake Rs 2,000 currency notes from Murshidabad district, which is termed as the biggest such haul from the porous Indo-Bangla border region post demonetisation. Bengaluru: The Indian Navy's rejection of the naval variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas provoked sharp reaction from former DRDO chief V K Saraswat on Sunday. "We have recently heard that the Navy does not require the naval variant of the LCA. It is an unfortunate decision without understanding the complex technologies involved in making a fighter," said Saraswat, now a member of the Niti Aayog, at an aerospace seminar here. Without naming Navy Chief, Admiral Sunil Lanba, the former Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said people who have poor information should not be bad mouthing something. "Hopefully good sense will prevail and the LCA naval variant will go into production as it can be a good contender for a foreign aircraft," Saraswat told about 1,000 delegates participating in the international seminar being held as part of the biennial Aero India 2017 expo in Bengaluru. Addressing a press conference prior to Navy Day (December 4), Lanba had said that "the present LCA Navy does not meet the carrier capability, which is required by the Navy". "We will continue to support the DRDO and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in their efforts to develop a carrier-based fighter aircraft. At the same time, we will seek aircraft elsewhere which can operate on the aircraft carrier," he had said. The ADA has developed two prototypes (Mark 1 and Mark 2) of the LCA naval variant to operate from an aircraft carrier with short take off but arrested recovery capability. The Navy has also called for Request For Information (RFI) to procure 57 multi-role combat aircraft for its carrier though the sentinel of the Indian waters operates the Russian MiG-29K fighters from its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. Terming the navy's decision as a blow to self-reliance in defence production, Saraswat said when the international community had been denying technology to India, decision-makers should not lose faith in the capabilities of the Indian establishments, their scientists and engineers. "The decision to dump LCA-Navy defies logic as the DRDO is in the process of developing the aircraft required for the aircraft carrier with the engine thrust needed for arrested recover," said Saraswat, who headed DRDO till May 2013. Admitting that the Mark 1 version was overweight and its engine lacked the required thrust for arrested recovery, ADA Director C D Balaji said the Mark 2 version would address the issues raised by the Naval Chief. "Mark 1 is basically a technology demonstrator with a heavier platform upfront. The Mark 2 version will have the capabilities required for an aircraft carrier," he said. Students while attending lecture in the class. (Image: Eram Agha/News18.com) Mahad Aaishatus-Siddiqah Qasimul Uloom Lil Banaat, madarsa for girls. (Image: Eram Agha/News18.com) Kulsum Imran, a Class 12 student, wants to become a fashion designer. Her batchmates have assorted, more academically oriented dreams. And all that their radical teacher radical in the text book sense, not what it has come to be associated with of late would ask them is not assign limits to their dreams.Welcome to a new Deoband the seminary town thats the favourite punching bag of the saffron fringe where a silent revolution in girls education is changing perceptions and, hopefully, posterity.Today, if a 16-year-old girl in this town can dream about moving to Ahmedabad to pursue a career in fashion and more importantly if she can wear that dream on her sleeve thank a bunch of dedicated educationists who have took on societal suspicions, cultural taboos and plain cynicism by making girls education a social project.Even though the 150-year-old Darul Uloom attracts Islamic scholars from across the world, till recently, Deoband had a tradition of home schooling for girls where ustaniji, lady tutor, would visit homes and teach girls about Quran and Hadith.Away from all this is Imrans school, Islamia Inter College, one of the few places in Deoband where girls and boys can study together. The institution, set up in 1947, had a rich history of educating boys before Shamim Murtaza Farooqui become principal. In 1995, Farooqui opened the gates of the school to girls.It didnt happen without struggle. Objections and allegations both came my way. Ulemas questioned me for teaching boys and girls in same classrooms. On top of that, we were teaching English, said Farooqui, who carries a cane as a symbol of discipline.On one hand, enrolment in Farooquis school went up from 384 students in 1995 to 3,000 in 2016, and on the other, he still faces protests from the orthodox sections of the community. Now they have problem with teaching of boys and girls in Classes 11 and 12 of the Science section he said.Resource crunch is another problem and Farooqui has had to battle in unique ways to accommodate the increasing number of students. As the number of students rose, there were not enough rooms to accommodate all. In a span of 13 days, my students and I built three rooms, he said with a smile on his face.Farooquis grit has been tested several times. When his students were constructing classrooms in the school, someone approached a local court and got a stay order. I was put behind bars for violating the stay order, he said.Some people questioned the authenticity of Farooquis educational qualification and he had to face a probe. They suggested I should teach only religious text here These people have assigned limits to their dreams, I have not, Farooqui said.No wonder, there are more girls in this institution than boys. And Imran is not the only girl with big dreams in this town. Our girls have gone to China to study medical science. This is just the beginning, said Sanjay Sharma, who teaches Hindi in Islamia Inter College. Sharma was quick to boast that all students of the school have passed in the exams conducted by Uttar Pradesh Board of High School and Intermediate Education last year, something even famous schools in Lucknow and Allahabad find hard to achieve.Nawaz Deobandi, a revered poet from this town, has started a girls school focused on imparting scientific education while introducing young minds to Urdu and Islamic culture. In the opening verses of one of his ghazals, Deobandi says: Manzil pe na pahunche use rasta nahi kehte, do-char kadam chalne ko chalna nahi kehte (A path that doesnt lead to destination doesnt deserve a name, just a few steps are not worth a mention)Getting a Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliation wasnt as big a challenge for Nawaz Girls Public School as was convincing parents to allow their daughters to wear trousers for physical education classes. When parents complained, I did not know what to do. Our students wear trousers with long shirts. I convinced them that physical education will fetch their daughters more marks in the Board exams, said Fozia Nawaz, a teacher.Even as more parents want modern education for their girls, they also want to protect their culture. To allay such fears, the school teaches Urdu and Islamic education till Class 8. Within three years of its founding, the school has 600 students.Its not just schools that are imparting education to girls, the madrassas are also changing. Deobands first madrassa for women Mahad Aaishatus-Siddiqah Qasimul Uloom Lil Banaat follows Darul Uloom-like curriculum. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has recognised the institutions Aalima certificate based on which students can seek admission in the central university for graduation courses. I am pursuing this with other universities in Delhi and Hyderabad. We want our girls to get jobs and be independent, said Nadeemul Wajidi, patron of the institution.However, Kulsum Imran and many like her still dont have many options in Deoband to pursue higher education. I am not going to stay here for long. After Class 12, I will either go to either Delhi or Ahmedabad to study fashion, said Imran.To fulfill dreams of young women like Imran, Public Girls Inter College is now planning to offer graduation and professional courses. Faheem Akhter Siddiqui, a parent who is also working with Muslim Fund Trust that runs the college said, This will give girls more opportunities. They will not have to compromise on studies. Also, they will not have to leave Deoband against their will.Haseeb Siddiqui, general manager of Muslim Fund Trust said women education could change the entire community. When you educate a woman, you educate a family, he said.This passion for womens education has emerged after reflection and conversations within the community. After the Babri Masjid demolition, Muslims in Darool Uloom were shaken like the rest of India. But not everyone participated in communal frenzy and many chose to heal the wounds of the community in more lasting ways. Muhammad Sufyan Qasmi, deputy rector and lecturer, Darul Uloom Waqf said, After Babri demolition, we looked for answers within That is when an organised effort was made to educate our women.To those who get worried about political rhetoric in election season, poet Nawaz Deobandi says, India is a country of possibilities. One shouldnt get disheartened and keep working and that the community should not only build houses but also schools. Chandigarh: Four gangsters, including the "mastermind" of last year's Nabha jailbreak, were on Sunday nabbed from a house in Dhudike village of Moga district in Punjab, police said. "Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, who had escaped from Nabha jail last year, and three gangsters have been arrested," Punjab police, AIG (Counter Intelligence) Gurmit Singh Chauhan said today. The three others who have been arrested are Manvir Sekhon, cousin of Gurpreet, Rajwinder Singh and Kulwinder Singh from the house of an NRI, the officer said. Acting on a tip-off, 25 policemen, including 10 members of police's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, nabbed the gangsters, Chauhan said. "Our operation was so precise that we did not give the gangsters time to retaliate or draw their weapons," he said, adding four weapons and two cars were seized from them. With the nabbing of Gurpreet, so far three of the six Nabha jail escapees have been apprehended. Earlier, Khalistan Liberation Force Chief Harminder Singh Mintoo was nabbed from Nizamuddin railway station in Delhi and Neeta Deol from indore in Madhya Pradesh. On November 27, Mintoo, another terrorist Kashmir Singh, and gangsters Amandeep Dhothian, Vicky Gounder, Gurpreet Sekhon and Neeta Deol had escaped from Nabha jail after armed men in police uniform tricked the sentries into opening the gates and bolted out with the inmates firing a hail of bullets. Gurpreet Sekhon was the mastermind of the jailbreak and he was allegedly involved in several murders, kidnapping, extortion cases. Manvir and Rajwinder had attacked the jail officials to free the inmates, police said. Kulwinder, a resident of Bathinda, had taken care of the logistics to facilitate the escape of six prisoners, they said. New Delhi: Three persons have been arrested in connection with the theft of Nobel Prize replica, citation and ornaments from Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi's house in south-east Delhi's Kalkaji area. Rajan, Sunil and Vinod were arrested and the stolen Nobel replica, citation and other jewellery items recovered, said a senior police officer. Two other houses in the same area as Satyarthi's had also been broken into, police said. A replica of the Nobel Peace Prize and its citation awarded to Satyarthi were among the valuables stolen from his south-east Delhi residence in his absence on February 7. It was during his dinner with the President of Panama, his wife and other dignitaries, including the Indian ambassador to Panama that he learnt of the theft. The child rights activist won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. He shared the prize with Pakistan's education activist Malala Yousafzai. Satyarthi had presented his Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Pranab Mukherjee in January 2015. The original medal has been preserved and is now on display at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, his office said. Satyarthi on Sunday said that he was pained at the theft of his Nobel citation and ornaments given to his wife by his mother as they were precious for the family. He also said that the theft has strengthened his resolve to continue working for the cause of children and he has not thought about hiring additional security. New Delhi: A woman has accused former Bigg Boss contestant Swami Om and his associate of allegedly outraging her modesty by ripping off her clothes, police said today. A case in this regard has been registered at IP Estate police station, they said. According to the complaint filed by the victim, Swami Om and his associate Santosh Anand allegedly ripped off her clothes on February 7. The victim alleged that the duo attacked her and ripped off her clothes in an attempt to humiliate her in full public view a few days ago at Rajghat area here, police said. She also alleged that they threatened her of dire consequences and abused her. The attackers then fled from the spot after she screamed for help, they said. "Acting on the compliant, a case under section 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of IPC has been registered against Swami Om and his associate. The victim will record her statement on Monday before the magistrate. Police will take necessary action against the accused," said a senior police officer. The officer added that both parties had a history of dispute. AIADMK chief VK Sasikala met MLAs at the Golden Bay resort for a second day today. Addressing a press conference at the luxury getaway, she accused defectors and opposition parties of spreading false news. No MLA has been held captive. They all have access to phones and are in touch with their families, she said. Soon after, Panneerselvam addressed reporters at his Chennai residence, saying the process to probe Jayalalithaas death had been set in motion. Stay tuned for more LIVE updates: Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today New Delhi: Hitting back at Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for his remarks that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "fond of peeping into others' bathrooms", the BJP said on Saturday that the Congress leader "behaves as per his standards" and it does not expect anything better from him. "Everybody behaves according to his standard and BJP never expect anything better from the Congress leader," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters. In a strong attack, Gandhi said the Prime Minister was "fond of peeping into others' bathrooms" and Googling and was a "complete failure". "The Prime Minister is fond of Google searching, peeping into others' bathrooms, and reading others' horoscopes. Let him do that in his free time but his main job is that of a Prime Minister in which he has been a cent per cent failure," Gandhi said at the joint media conference with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow. Javadekar also took on Akhilesh Yadav, who attacked Modi, saying rather "getting emotional" or angry, he should have walk on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, which would compel even the Prime Minister to vote for the alliance. "Neither the SP and nor the BSP are the options for the people of Uttar Pradesh. Only BJP can do overall development of the state," Javadekar said. The Prime Minister had earlier attracted the wrath of the Congress for attacking his predecessor Manmohan Singh in Parliament, accusing him of "bathing wearing a raincoat". Mumbai: Terming demonetisation as the "biggest scam of 2016", former Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said the country is likely to grow by 6-6.5 per cent in 2016-17, much lower than what have been predicted by the CSO and RBI, due to the impact of note ban. Notably, the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) has predicted a growth rate of 7.1 per cent and RBI pegs it at 6.9 per cent for financial year 2016-17. "I am sorry to make the prediction that 2016-17 will end with growth (rate) between 6 and 6.5 per cent, a good one per cent down from the earlier estimate and that means a hit of Rs 1.5 lakh crore on GDP. The GDP this year is Rs 150 lakh crore, so one per cent hit is Rs 1.5 lakh crore," Chidambaram said at a function here. He is in the city to campaign for the February 21 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "So, somebody hit an idea in his head, he decided to go on television and announce demonetisation, and the hit is Rs 1.5 lakh crore (on GDP)." He said the growth rate in financial year 2017-18 will be same at around 6-6.5 per cent. "2017-18 will not see a growth higher than what we have in 2016-17 as the world economy is not benign anymore and we have a unpredictable man sitting in the White House," the senior Congress leader said, adding that growth would continue to be at the same levels in 2018-19 financial year as well. Talking about demonetisation, he said sooner than later the government will realise the folly of demonetisation. "You first demonetise and then say we are remonetising. What is this joke?" Chidambaram said. He said Rs 15.44 lakh crore worth of currency was cancelled overnight and now the government is printing notes to bring back Rs 15.44 lakh crore of notes. He termed demonetisation as the "biggest scam of 2016" which the government does not want to acknowledge. Taking away old notes and printing new notes will not put an end to corruption, or black money or counterfeiting, he said, adding that full remonetisation will go up to June. After taking away Rs 15.44 lakh crore worth of currency, now the currency in circulation, including in the denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10 and the new 500 and 2,000 is now about Rs 9.5 lakh crore, he said. But to sustain an economy which is Rs 150 lakh crore, Rs 9.5 lakh crore is not enough and more money needs to be printed, Chidambaram said. "By March, we should have about Rs 11 lakh crore of currency back in circulation and by June we would have Rs 15.44 lakh crore. This is a classic example of 'khoda pahad, nikli chuhiya' (Much ado about nothing)," he added. Chidambaram said that of the four engines of growth -- private investment, private consumption, exports and government expenditure, only the last one was functioning. He said private investment is dead almost for 18 months and even private consumption, which was running reasonably well, was affected after the demonetisation was announced on November 8. "Nobody has confidence to spend money because you don't know what will happen. Confidence in banks, RBI and words of the government has gone," he said. Chidambaram said exports have been less in the last three years. "Only government expenditure, as government can spend money, is still a wheel which is inflated...a tyre with air in it. But, how can a car run on one wheel. So, the state of the economy is quite dismal," he said. The Congress leader said that 75 per cent of small and medium industries in areas such as Hyderabad, Moradabad, Coimbatore, Jalandhar, Agra and Kanpur are almost closed due to demonetisation. He said a closed business can never be revived in less than 12-20 months and so the growth would be impacted going forward. "Which is why although the economic survey-predicted growth for this year will be 6.5-6.75 per cent, the budget document does not put a figure for the next year's growth. I think that is very wise on the part of the government to not to give a number and get trapped in that number," he said. AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala on Sunday rejected as "falsehoods" the "reports" being spread by "rebels and rivals" that her party MLAs were held hostage at a resort near the city.She said the legislators are free and determined to ensure their the party and the government stayed intact. Addressing reporters at the resort where the MLAs are staying, she chose to adopt a wait and watch policy when asked about the verdict in the disproportionate assets case expected in the coming week. "Let it come, we shall see. Why do you jump to a conclusion?" she asked.Flanked by some of the women party MLAs, Sasikala alleged they had received threats that their children would beabducted but they have asked their relatives to take care of them and continued to stay at the resort."It shows their dedication to this movement. I was moved...they (all the MLAs) are keen that there should be noimpediment to AIADMK and the government," she said.Alleging that those "who defected from us" and "our rivals" were spreading "falsehoods" that the MLAs were beingheld hostage, the AIADMK chief insisted that neither their free movement nor their freedom of expression have beenhindered."See it for yourselves," she told the journalists, "they are in touch with their families over phone." Asked about reports of Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao awaiting the Supreme Court verdict in the graft case, Sasikala shot back saying the "Raj Bhavan has denied it"."We know who is spreading such reports. They want to create confusion among us. Our MLAs are very much aware ofthis," she said.On her next course of action, she said, "You are also here, wait and watch." She earlier held detailed discussions with the MLAs at the resort. Lucknow: As parts of western UP and the region of Rohelkhand head to the polls in Phase 2 of Uttar Pradesh elections on February 15, it's the Muslim voters who will be key in deciding the fate of all, including the BJP. While the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, the BSP and, in some pockets, the RLD are looking forward to minority polarisation in their favour, its the BJP which will definitely hope for division of this crucial vote bank. In the region where Muslim population is considerably high, even around 50 percent on some seats, their voting trend can well be a deciding factor. In all, 67 seats across 11 districts go to polls in Phase 2. The districts that will vote in this phase include Amroha, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareily, Bijnor and Saharanpur, where demographically minority population is above 30 percent on several seats. Other districts going to polls in this phase are Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit and Kheri. Keeping in mind the demographic realities, the non-BJP parties have banked significantly on the minority strategy. While the BSP has fielded 26 Muslim candidates, the Congress-SP alliance has given tickets to 25 Muslims. The RLD, too, has 13 candidates from the community. The race for the minority vote has been further made interesting, with 15 such seats, where both the BSP and SP-Congress and, in some cases, the RLD have given tickets to Muslims. In Amroha, all three have fielded a Muslim candidate. In Deoband, it will be Majid Ali of the BSP against Mavia Ali of the Samajwadi Party. In the sensitive constituency of Kanth in Moradabad, it will be Annesurehman of the SP, Afak Ali Khan of the RLD and Md. Nasir of the Congress vying for the seat. The constituencies of Kundarki, Moradabad city and Moradabad Rural in the same district, too, have a similar situation. In Rampur, Samajwadi party stalwart and minister Azam Khan is being challenged by Tanveer Ahmad Khan of the BSP and Asim Khan of the RLD. On Suar seat, Azam Khan's son Abdullah Azam will be making his electoral debut against Nawab Kazim Ali Khan of the BSP. No doubt the BJP will hope for division of the minority vote bank. In division of votes lies the road to success for the BJP on these and many other seats in Phase 2. In the 2012 Assembly elections, the BJP had won just 10 out of these 67 seats. The SP had won 34, BSP 18, and three seats were won by the Congress. However, in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had swept across most of these Assembly segments. While minority communities had even then voted against the BJP, it was the counter consolidation of the majority community and the division of the minority vote bank that led to the BJP's spectacular success. The question also is whether the minority card of the BSP and SP-Congress alliance lead to a certain degree of majority consolidation in BJP's favour. Political observers feel that it is a high possibility despite the fact that, in general, communal polarisation has not been that significant as it was in 2014 in the backdrop of the Muzzafarnagar riots of the year before. While for the BSP, its Muslim-Dalit formula will be at test, the SP-Congress alliance is banking on its established and proven track record of having no truce ever with the BJP. The BJP, despite being stung by division of Jat votes in some pockets, will hope for confusion and division of the minority vote bank and a possible counter polarisation in its favour. And if polling in Phase 1 is any indicator, then the minority communities surely remain in a state of confusion between the BSP and the SP-Congress alliance. Lucknow: In a symbolic move, the Janata Dal (United) on Sunday declared support for the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance for the ongoing seven-phase elections in Uttar Pradesh. The declaration of support comes a day after senior JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar criticised Modi governments demonetisation move and accused the BJP of indulging in "diversionary tactics" by changing the narrative. The support is symbolic at best as the JD(U) does not have a stake in the state and is not contesting on any seat. It, however, may help the alliance woo the minority vote bank in the remaining phases, especially the second phase of polling on February 15. The districts that will vote in this phase include Amroha, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareily, Bijnor and Saharanpur, where demographically minority population is above 30 percent on several seats. Other districts going to polls in this phase are Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit and Kheri. The Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance has fielded 25 Muslim candidates in Phase 2, while the BSP has 26 Muslim candidates. If you have been confused by that benign smile that O Panneerselvam has sported almost through this political turmoil in Tamil Nadu, let us tell you why. It's because in this saga, Panneerselvam or OPS as he is known - is the one man sitting in the prettiest place possible: A man with nothing to lose.He is also the person who could take Tamil Nadu to the brink of President's rule, a spectre that worries ruling AIADMK no end.Since his historic meditation at late chief minister J Jayalalithaas burial site at Marina beach on February 7, OPS has always exuded confidence in getting the numbers - be that as it may that his six MLAs are completely outnumbered by the 127 on Sasikala's side.He has a trump card, though. His strength is not that his side has seven MLAs; his strength is that all he needs is ten more MLAs to defect to his side, to defeat Sasikala, if it all comes to a floor test in the Assembly.Again, he has nothing to lose. He has already lost the position of chief-ministership, although he has withdrawn his resignation. If he breaks the party, the assembly would be put in suspended animation, forcing another election in six months - something that none of the MLAs from the ruling party would want.Remember, these MLAs have faced an election just in May 2016. They have an almost-full term left. Most of them won on the 'Amma' card - if they had to face an election today with suspect loyalties, they are highly unsure of winning again.Is OPS worried that he has no chance of becoming CM again? If Sasikala takes over as CM, he won't have that chance ever again, anyway.Is he worried that the government would come down? Not at all, in fact, he would have engineered it - his 'Surgical OPS' that he can be proud of.Is he worried about facing another election? Personally (as far as his constituency is concerned), he will win over the sympathy factor. At least he would no longer be taunted as the 'OPS' who takes things lying down.No wonder then, that he has taken on this gamble.Even if Sasikala wins majority, he would at best be disqualified for voting against the whip - that in itself is a long-drawn-out process that will have to be processed by the Speaker and could later be challenged in courts.He doesn't even have to worry too much about the numbers - if he is able to get majority when it comes time for a floor-test, well and good. He would continue as CM, emboldened and happier, plus without having to work under any puppeteer.The person who is really battling sleepless nights over the numbers is VK Sasikala, the self-proclaimed 'Chinnamma.'This 127 number - is it actually 127? We are only clear of the seven MLAs on OPS' side. Some are sitting on the fence - as evidenced by Mylapore MLA R Nataraj who has only said he will 'go with the truth,' says political analyst Sumanth Raman.Is she sure of her flock of 127? If she was so sure of that, why does she need to cloister them in a resort?That raises the question, who is running the show in the Sasikala camp? Take a look at those telling pictures when Sasikala met the Governor on Thursday. Sasikala is seen talking to Governor Vidyasagar Rao, her nephew TTV Dinakaran by her side. The other MLAs, including cabinet ministers, seemed sitting at a distance, not privy to what was happening (their expressions seem to tell a different story).Sasikala's family - fairly or unfairly labelled the 'Mannargudi Mafia' - is doubtless calling the shots, and MLAs are bound to be wary of that. Do the MLAs trust her? Probably not, they are just accepting this for now. No one wants a vertical split and a sudden election.Does she trust the MLAs? Certainly not, and that distrust is well-founded: one Minister, Mafoi Pandiarajan who accompanied her to the Raj Bhavan, went to OPS' home the next day and pledged his support!"The Governor doesn't necessarily need to swear in anyone - he just has to say, convene the Assembly and prove your majority. How else do you ascertain the numbers?" asks Raman.This delay by the Governor, by far, is the most intriguing thing in this saga. Veteran journalist and political observer RK Radhakrishnan wonders who is behind this."It's common knowledge that the AIADMK general secretary Sasikala was elected around 2.45 pm on February 5 as Legislature party leader. Till 9.40 pm on February 7, there was no instability in the state or the AIADMK. The crucial factor here is that the Governor, who was in Coimbatore and later in Ooty, a day before Sasikala was elected, hurried out of Tamil Nadu. There was no urgency in Mumbai, or any emergency in his personal life," Radhakrishnan says.According to him, this raises a serious doubt that the entire crisis, which would have been averted if there was a swearing-in on February 5 or 6, was manufactured.Incidentally, on Sunday (February 12), the Governor gave another hearing to the OPS camp when V Maitreyan the first AIADMK leader to throw in his lot with Panneerselvam drove into the Raj Bhawan for a quick chat with Rao.All those suspicions go up a few more notches higher when you realise that OPS' "surprise meditation didn't come as such a surprise after all. At least a few Union Ministers in New Delhi seems to have been in the know, and news leaked out in the national capital before even OPS left his residence to Marina. Lutyen's Delhi knew about the coming quake before Chennai felt it."OPS doesnt have the numbers. Sasikala's repeated visits to the resort is to assure her MLAs that she has the numbers. OPS sees this as a long-term game, while it is make-or-break for Sasikala," RK points out.BJP's former Parliamentary Affairs Minister in Karnataka Suresh Kumar says the Governor could be dithering because he cannot ask Sasikala to prove her majority on the floor of the House until he allows her to take oath."Even if she parades MLAs before the Governor, a CM would have to prove majority in the Assembly. Without taking oath of office, she cannot enter the Assembly because she is not an MLA. Assuming OPS can woo away even 20 MLAs, he may not win, but she will lose," Kumar says.Legal luminary Soli Sorabjee, who has advised Governor Rao on this, says a short-term delay is understandable."The Governor can defer it, but he can't defer it indefinitely. If the SC judgment doesn't come for a long time, then I suppose he has to have a session of floor test in the House and find out who has majority, and swear Sasikala in, in opinion with the Cabinet," Sorabjee told News18 on Sunday.Since she is an accused in this case that charges her under the Prevention of Corruption Act, she would be disqualified to hold office if she is convicted. "We should avoid this peculiar and bizarre situation, the governor should use this right to defer it for a short time, not decline or deny it," he said.The coming week, then, will decide whether a mid-term election will be forced on the people of Tamil Nadu.Of course, all AIADMK MLAs may decide to vote en masse for one of the two camps because they are scared of a mid-term poll. And whoever wins, Sasikala or OPS, they are headed for a period of instability, each unsure how many of the flock will stay with them all through the rest of the term.But if mid-term polls happen, that could well mean handing the state to the DMK on a platter - their best case scenario that 'Thalapathy' MK Stalin is waiting for. New Delhi: Caught in the crossfire of Tamil Nadu politics, Governor Vidyasagar Rao has sought legal opinion from former attorney general Soli Sorabjee. Speaking to CNN-News18, Sorabjee said the Governor can defer his decision on the Sasikala vs Panneerselvam political battle till the Supreme Court gives its verdict in a disproportionate assets case against Sasikala. He, however, added the Governor will gave to act as per the Cabinets advice if the verdict is not delivered in the coming week. The Tamil Nadu Governor has sought legal opinion and I have given him the opinion, Sorabjee told CNN-News18. The Governor can defer (his decision), but not in indefinitely. If the Supreme Court judgment doesn't come in next week, then he has to act as per the advice of the Cabinet. I hope the Supreme Court delivers the verdict by Wednesday, he said. If (the verdict) isnt delivered for a long time, then I suppose he (Governor) has to have a session of floor test in the House and find out who has the majority and swear in Sasikala in consultation with the Cabinet, the jurist told CNN-News18. The Governor, who holds additional charge of Tamil Nadu, arrived in Chennai from Mumbai this week and met both rival camps on Thursday evening. He, however, has not given any indication of his decision. I am offering the solution to a problem most Republicans don't know they have -- that they can be outmaneuvered and thrown on the defensive endlessly, on nearly any issue, because they accept as true Democrat lies about the Republican Party. To correct that misperception and to help the Republican Party get 'back to basics' is why I'm a man on a mission. A few years ago, after one of my speeches, a man told me "Do you know what your problem is? You're too far ahead of your time!" My efforts to show Republicans how they would benefit from celebrating the heritage of our Grand Old Party have been arduous, but if this were easy someone else would have already done it. Among my speech topics are Reconciling the Tea Party and the GOP; Barack Obama, the Worst President Ever; Socialism, the new Slavery; Appreciating the Heritage of our Grand Old Party; Returning to the Founding Principles of the United States; The Womens Rights Achievements of our Grand Old Party; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; Frederick Douglass, Republican; Martin Luther King and the Republican Civil Rights Legacy. A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress Party of lacking political will in Uttarakhands Rudrapur, he is addressing a rally in Uttrakhands Srinagar. Stay tuned for all the live updates: Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. Tamil Nadus caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam may send the police to a luxury resort near Chennai where AIADMK MLAs are being held captive by the partys interim chief VK Sasikala, an AIAMDK leader told CNN-News18 on Sunday.Panneerselvam may send the police to Golden Bay resort in Mahabalipuram tomorrow (Monday) to free the MLAs, said Durai Pandian, who has sided with Panneerselvam in Tamil Nadus political tug-of-war.Sasikala visited the MLAs at the resort for the second straight day on Sunday. Addressing a press conference, she denied that MLAs were being detained against their wishes and accused the defectors of spreading false news.None of the MLAs are being held captive. They all have access to their mobile phones and are in constant touch with their families. They have received threats from some people, she said with a photo of the late J Jayalalithaa kept beside her.Asked to comment on the pending Supreme Court verdict in a disproportionate case against her, Sasikala said: Why speculate before the verdict. Lets wait for it.Earlier in the day, she denied writing suicide letter to the Governor and condemned those who wrote the fake letter."A fake letter in my name is doing the rounds in social media and a friend brought it to my notice. You (media) should also see it. It is very difficult for a woman to be in politics. Have seen that during Purathchi Thalaivi's (revolutionary leader, a term fondly used by Jayalalithaa's supporters to address her) times also, but she overcame it," Sasikala had said."The MLAs are with me As General Secretary, I can tell you that the AIADMK government will certainly continue for the next four-and-a- half years and serve people," she said.Team Sasikala has expressed confidence that the Governor will invite her to form the government, and has claimed the support of majority MLAs.Panneerselvams rebellion, meanwhile, grew in numbers with four more AIADMK parliamentarians pledging support to him, taking the number of party MPs backing him to 10. The latest to join his camp are Lok Sabha members Jaisingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee (Tuticorin), Senguttuvan (Vellore), RP Marutharaja (Perambalur) and S Rajendran (Villupuram).Governor Vidyasagar Rao, who holds the additional charge of Tamil Nadu and arrived in Chennai from Mumbai this week, has not given any indication of his decision. He, however, met AIADMK veteran V Maitreyan, who was among the first to back Panneerselvam, on Sunday evening. Lucknow: The first two phases of polling in western Uttar Pradesh will decide the electoral fortune of several lesser known political parties representing certain castes and sub-castes whose votes become crucial in cow belt politics. These parties are hitherto less known in the country's political spectrum, but come elections they play a key role as they can decide the prospect of a candidate, especially this time when the stakes are very high. Some of the leaders, who have named their parties after their castes to garner votes, have termed big political parties as 'bahri' (outsider). Some of these caste-based parties are also testing their popularity in eastern Uttar Pradesh, seeking to extend their territory. Mahila Shashtkikaran Party leaders are raising the issue of women safety which is most talked about in western parts of the state, while Brij Kranti Dal leaders plan to cash in on the sentiments related to Brij Land history and are being seen to have popular acceptance in districts like Mathura and adjoining areas. While Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) is not in the fray this time, there are a number of small parties championing the cause of farmers and helping big parties to garner votes by highlighting their farm policies and promises. Outfits like Bhartiya Vanchit Samaj Party, Bhartiya Karyastha Sena, Kisan Mazdoor Suraksha Party and Bhartiya Bhaichara Party are toiling hard to make their presence on the state's electoral map. These parties mostly harp on issues related to the downtrodden sections of the society. Some of these came into existence post Muzaffarnagar riots and talk about communal harmony. While the first of seven-phase polling for 73 seats in 15 districts is over, the second phase of polling on February 15 will cover 67 seats in 11 districts -- all in western Uttar Pradesh. Outfits like little-known Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party or Janwadi Party (Socialist), headed by Sanjay Singh Chauhan, matter for mainstream political parties like BJP and Congress because of the support they enjoy among certain castes. The Paschimi Uttar Pradesh Vikas Party is raising the issues that have not been touched upon by major parties. Apna Dal headed by Union minister Anupriya Patel is already an NDA ally, is contesting some 10 seats in western UP though it did not win a single seat in the belt last time. Seeking to leave their mark in state politics, Peace Party, Nishad Party and Mahan Dal are also in the fray. OBCs are roughly 44 per cent of UP's electorate, Dalits 21 per cent, Muslims 19 per cent, and upper castes 16 per cent. Yadavs, the core of the SP's base, are numerically and socially dominant among OBCs. But the 200-odd non-Yadav OBCs together account for over double the Yadav population. They include Kurmis, Koeris, Lodhs, Jats and Sunars, while Pasis and Valmikis are the large groups among Dalits. Perhaps with this factor in mind, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav recently cleared the file carrying names of 17 Other Backward Castes for inclusion in the Scheduled Castes list. The 17 sub-castes which the government wants included in the SC category are Kahar, Kashyap, Kewat, Nishad, Bind, Bhar, Prajapati, Rajbhar, Batham, Gauriya, Turha, Majhi, Mallah, Kumhar, Dheemar, Dheewar and Machhua. Though individually each has a very small vote share, yet together, they make up a significant chunk of votes. The Peace Party of India (PPI), which had won four seats in last elections in 2012, has its support base among Muslims. The Nishad Party banks on votes of fishermen in parts of eastern UP where the Nishad community has sizeable presence. The Mallah community, which makes up around 4.5 per cent votes, is divided into 27 sub-castes, and has a good presence in roughly 125 constituencies along the rivers in UP, where they contribute to the victory and defeat of candidates. Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party enjoys support among Rajbhar caste, while Mahan Dal has emerged as an important player in places like Badaun, Etah, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur and Farrukhabad. The party enjoys support among politically active Shakya, Maurya, Kushwaha and Saini communities. BJP recently inducted the former BSP national secretary Swamy Prasad Maurya in the party, and made another Maurya leader, Keshav Prasad Maurya, its state unit chief. Kurmis - with surnames like Verma, Patel and Gangwar and weavers (both Hindu - Tanti, and Muslism - Momin) are the most aggressively wooed communities as they are the biggest among the smaller castes in the state. The ruling Samajwadi Party is not oblivious to the need to reach out to non-Yadavs. Perhaps that is the reason why SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav brought back his friend-turned-foe and prominent Kurmi leader Beni Prasad Verma and made him Rajya Sabha MP. "It's all about him," says Jeff Shesol, who wrote speeches for President Bill Clinton. "His frame for Europe, his frame for the airlines, his frame for the banking system ... is himself." President Donald Trump knows a guy.No matter what issue Trump is addressing, he seems either to know somebody with a relevant personal experience or he's got a first-hand tale to recount.When he met airline CEOs on Thursday, Trump said his own pilot, "who's a real expert", had told him about problems with obsolete equipment.When he met business and economic experts a week earlier, Trump cited the difficulties his friends in business were having borrowing money from banks as he spoke about the need to reduce financial regulations.When he approvingly sized up Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Trump said last month that he'd had a "very bad experience" in his own businesses when dealing with the EU bureaucracy."Getting the approvals from Europe," he said, "was very, very tough."Call him the anecdotal president: For good or ill, Trump processes policy proposals through his own personal frame of reference.It's not necessarily a bad thing to draw on real-world experiences in developing or justifying policy.Plenty of presidents and politicians have recognised the value of anecdotal storytelling in advancing their agendas.President Barack Obama offered his own improbable life story as a metaphor for the wide-open possibilities available to all Americans.And he frequently drew on the concerns that came up in the 10 letters a day that he read from people who wrote to the White House.Clinton was famous for sketching his encounters with ordinary Americans.President Lyndon Johnson drew on his early experiences teaching disadvantaged Mexican-Americans in stressing the importance of education and economic opportunity for all Americans."I think it was then that I made up my mind that this nation could never rest while the door to knowledge remained closed to any American," Johnson said after signing the Higher Education Act of 1965."Great Communicator" Ronald Reagan related the story of a woman who falsely collected welfare payments, then parlayed it into a stereotype of "welfare queens" cheating the system.Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a University of Pennsylvania professor specialising in political communication, says that in his first three weeks in office, Trump has surpassed even Reagan in his reliance on the use of "argument by anecdote.""Given the extemporaneous nature of Trump's presidency," she says, "we can reasonably assume that these individual moments are playing a more important role for him" in developing policy than they did for presidents past.The risk, she adds, is that an overreliance on personal experiences "can lead to the assumption that something is typical when it's atypical."With Trump, it's hard to tell exactly what goes into his policymaking. But the billionaire businessman-turned-politician cites experiences from his own, very rarefied world that wouldn't necessarily track those of ordinary Americans. US authorities arrested hundreds of undocumented migrants this week in the first large-scale raids under President Donald Trump, triggering panic in immigrant communities nationwide.The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency rounded up undocumented individuals living in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and other cities two weeks after Trump signed an executive order that broadened which undocumented immigrants would be targeted for deportation.According to ICE, however, the operations were "routine."The focus of these operations is no different than the routine, targeted arrests carried out by ICE's Fugitive Operations Teams on a daily basis," said agency spokeswoman Jennifer Elzea.David Marin, head of ICE's removal operations in Los Angeles, told reporters that approximately 160 people had been arrested in the California metropolis.Some 75 per cent of them had prior felony convictions, he said, adding that some people had been nabbed solely because they were undocumented.By Friday night, 37 undocumented immigrants had already been expelled to Mexico.In a January 25 decree, Trump prioritised the deportation of undocumented males who had been convicted of or "charged with any criminal offense," including misdemeanours.The order was a move to make good on his campaign pledge to crack down on America's undocumented population, estimated at 11 million people.Marin said the operations were planned prior to Trump's swearing-in and were comparable to past actions. He rebuffed reports about ICE checkpoints and random sweeps, calling them "dangerous and irresponsible.""Reports like that create panic, and they put communities and law enforcement personnel in unnecessary danger," Marlin said.The raids, which hit residential areas and workplaces, sparked protests and provoked the ire of elected Democratic representatives, notably in California and particularly in Los Angeles, where the Pew Research Centre estimates around a million undocumented migrants reside."President Trump's policy change betrays our values," Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said in a statement. "Tearing families apart isn't what this country stands for."In Austin, Texas, where 100,000 unauthorised migrants live, a bystander captured video footage of an arrest, which made local front-page news and ignited demonstrations. Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas confirmed the launch of a "targeted operation" aimed at arresting the undocumented. Lynchburg-area colleges are taking steps to reduce the spread of influenza at the same time that the Virginia Department of Health has determined the flu is widespread in Virginia, with outbreaks in more than half of the regions in the state. Flu season normally begins in October and runs until May, during which the level of activity of flu-like illness is monitored by the VDOH. The flu is normally non-existent to regional at this point, with outbreaks in two but less than half of the regions of the state, according to the department. Liberty University is providing hand sanitizer as well as educating students and staff on preventive measures, according to a university news release, but Haley Evans, district epidemiologist with the Central Virginia Health District said hand sanitizer is no substitute for traditional soap and water. Hand sanitizer requires clean hands to begin with, she said. Only 1 percent of students at LU have been diagnosed with the flu, according to the release. With a residential student population of a little more than 15,000, that amounts to around 150 students. Evans said 1 percent of the student body does not constitute an outbreak, but merely a normal amount to be expected during flu season. A university is the prime environment for flu to spread, she said. Bryan Gentry, spokesperson for Lynchburg College, said he wasnt sure about the number of students who had confirmed cases of the flu, but he was confident it wasnt more than previous years. Len Stevens, spokesperson for Liberty University, said LU is seeing a normal number of flu cases this year. Brenda Edson, spokesperson for Randolph College, said her campus hasnt seen any confirmed cases this year. Rosie Lewis, a nurse practitioner and professor at Sweet Briar College, said that while Sweet Briar has only had a few isolated, confirmed cases, the number of cases in Virginia is on the rise. Well be getting some more, she said. But I dont expect them to be astronomical. I think theyll probably be proportionate to what weve seen in the past. Lewis said Sweet Briar quarantines students who have tested positive for the flu. So they are taken care of. Meals are provided and we give them masks and gloves and check on them, she said. We [get] them to notify friends and we ask them not to be around other people we really try to control the environment. The colleges all try to provide students with opportunities to learn about the flu and how to avoid it. Education materials are meant to inform students on how to recognize the flu, teach preferred hygiene practices and help spread the word and prevent the spread of germs, Gentry said. One thing students need to know is that the flu differs from the common cold in a few ways, Lewis said. Colds are very insidious and they take a few days to make people miserable, whereas the flu comes on very suddenly, she said. No cure exists for the flu and the common cold as both are viruses, but the symptoms of each can be treated, Lewis said. She said a lot of people just ride out the flu, and thats what needs to happen unless the person has a co-existing disorder such as an organ transplant, diabetes, asthma or any kind of chronic illness. The flu in addition to those disorders can result in pneumonia, bronchitis or even death. Antiviral medication can only be used to treat the flu if the flu is caught within 48 hours, Lewis said, after that, the medication isnt really effective. Its not too late to get a flu shot this year, Evans said. She said that this years flu shot is a pretty good match for this years strain of flu, so its likely to be effective. Every year in the United States, between 4,000 and 50,000 people die from complications of influenza, so it can be a very serious illness, Evans said Saturday. I think people forget how serious flu can be. Friends in unexpected places And thats just as well, because its a long life if youre lucky, but nothing can be taken for granted. That is particularly true if you leave the comfort and safety of your homeland and go to visit somewhere else. Immediately youre among people you didnt grow up with. You dont know their traditions and their standard practices. You dont even know where the shops and restaurants are. You are therefore at the mercy of the population wherever you find yourself. On a recent trip to Guyana, I am looking for a foreign government department office. I knock on the big wooden gate and a woman sticks her cornrowed head over the wall to look at me through the bars. They dont open till two. According to my watch that was 20 minutes ago, but theres a time difference here and Ive forgotten to adjust my watch and phone. The security girl lets me in and escorts me to the appropriate door. While we wait for the clerk to return from lunch, the girl and I make polite conversation and the parting of her lips exposes a gold front tooth with some sort of design on it. Maybe a letter its rude to stare and she tries to keep her mouth closed when she smiles, so its probably not her favourite feature. Her name is Celine. With 20 minutes to wait, I expect her to disappear, but she doesnt. Its a nice, shady courtyard and I ask her about the other buildings. She tells me the complex is owned by Eddy Grant, the Guyanese musician who moved to the UK and had hits like Baby Come Back (with The Equals), Electric Avenue and Give Me Hope, Joanna. Celine is interested in who I am and what Im doing there, because as usual I am clearly not from around these parts. She is not married, and I cant help asking why. Not that getting married is the holy grail for women, but she is 40-years-old, good-looking, pleasant, kind and helpful: how can she have avoided it? She seems to realize Im not passing judgment or even being nosy. Im interested because she is instantly my friend. With business eventually concluded I make my way to a small airport just outside Georgetown. Its called Ogle, this airport, and its also called International, because you can fly to other countries from it. The very word international makes it sound sophisticated, but only if youve forgotten what other international airports can be like. The money in Guyana is practically worthless. The previous night I milked the ATM at the hotel for $6,000 Guyanese and its all gone the taxi was $1500 and the bill for dinner in the hotels restaurant (Japanese food) was mind-boggling. Predictably there is no ATM at this airport. (Actually, there might be one by now, because they told me it had been delivered but not yet set up.) Im so tired from the previous days travel that I walk out of the ticket office without my passport and the girls are highly amused when I return to claim it. I find a caf? that looks as though it has nothing, but in fact sells everything. I am served by a very friendly, mumsy, 40-something woman in a navy and white hooped jersey dress that makes the long, mountainous journey all the way down to her ankles. The ethnic mix in Guyana is largely African and Indian, and being white is not a comfortable thing here. This mornings taxi driver has already explained that he was hampered on our trip by other drivers who may have noticed I was in the car. However, he, the hotel staff, the security girl and this substantial woman couldnt be nicer. She roots through a chaotic medicine cabinet and finds me some Ibuprofen. Having knocked these back with some water and a cheese sandwich, I would like to stay and take on still more fluids, because check-in is not for another two hours, but all Ive got left is $100. I slope across to the departure shed - I mean lounge and tell my tale of woe to a girl from another airline. She smiles and wordlessly goes into the back office. Returning with a fistful of Guyanese banknotes, she GIVES me $500, and even though its not as much as it automatically seems, its a kind gesture to a tired traveller. People notice how we behave. You might think youll never see somebody again, but theyll remember you if you treat t h e m well, possibly even m o r e than if you treat t h e m badly. The House of J Angelique The 28-year-old intends to stamp her brand on the world. When you wake up, everything must be J Angelique. Wouldnt it be nice to wake up and live in a J Angelique apartment, put on J Angelique clothes, drive a J Angelique car and just go to work by J Angelique. That is me and that is my world and people like it, she said. And she wants to bring what she likes to the rest of the world. Forde runs her business at a clothing store in Valsayn along with business partner, Rian Codrington. Forde holds a BSc in Sociology with a minor in International Relations and a MSc in Development Statistics, but has always had a love for sewing. Both her grandmothers were seamstresses, and while attending the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine campus she hosted a number of fashion shows. It was during one of these events in 2012 that she realised she could make her passion a career. I started in 2012 when I debuted my first collection. I debuted it at UWI, JFK, St Augustine. My collection was then Caribbean Butterfly, when we did our first Monday wear collection. Forde said she has always been fashion forward. Just how I knew I wanted to do Statistics, I knew I wanted to do fashion, she said. I think it was something very much intrinsic and I gave it a shot, she added. She uses her knowledge gained at university to run her fashion business.Fashion is a business as well and it helps when you can manipulate numbers and forecast trends, not only in styles but also numbers. Sociology, being the study of society, helps to keep Fordes fashion real. It is based on people and what people do. We, therefore have collections geared toward everything. From mas to bridal to readyto- wear, if youre going on a yacht. What you do on a daily basis that is sociology, you know how to analyse the daily living. Since her debut, Forde says she has grown and her business is less seasonal since she caters to so many things. Some people might think it is a disadvantage that youre not focused on, say, swimsuits or one type of dress, but I have to eat every day of the year. So when youre not playing mas and youre not buying Monday wear you have to buy work clothes. When youre not buying work clothes and youre going out, you buy that. If youre getting married, you buy that. Creating pieces that people could relate to and being able to wear everything has helped Forde develop her business even more. In TT, she said, people were open to local fashion. Although she does not like the slogan support local, since it is not a charity case. I want people to buy it because they want it. Forde has taken steps to perfect her art having done short courses in draping, fashion forecasting among others. My mother sewed all my clothes when I saw younger. My grandmothers were seamstresses. So it is was a natural ability at first, she said. She does not sew her own clothing but employs two seamstresses to put together her four or five collections per year. When she first decided to make fashion her career, her mother, Gillian Forde was okay with it. It was my dad (Roger Forde, QC) who had the problem. Her father had ambitions of her being a lawyer like him and was not generally pleased about her career choice. He has since, however, changed his mind, seeing the success of her work. As to her future ambitions, I think everyone wants their clothes in Macys, but for me clothing is only one aspect. Because I am so ingrained in the Jin Forde/J Angelique world, I want to do clothing and more things. Forde has since branched into the event management field and is also seeking to try her hands at real estate. Clothing and fashion is just one aspect of what she seeks to accomplish. She has hosted a series of high teas in Barbados as well as events in TT, bringing how she sees the world closer to people. She has already launched her new ready-to-wear collection for 2017 called WildFlower and plans to do more business and bridal wear this year. She defines her style as very feminine, utilising light colours, light fabric using chiffons and nets, as well as creating sexy and easy to wear gowns. She has styled local television personalities Desha Rambhajan and Hema Ramkissoon, and created a costume for soca artiste Machel Montano in 2015 for Crop Over in Barbados. She is also a fashion consultant on a Cup of Joe with Joel Villafana on TV6 and co-owns a section in Baje International, a Barbadian Crop Over band. Forde is patient about her brand being an international household name. When the time comes it will come. I think it will be in the form of not a shop necessarily but at least my clothes would be stocked somewhere, she said. In the meantime, she remains busy building her world. For more on Janelle Fordes fashion visit www.jangelique.com Saving Carnivals history But what is the Carnival Institute? An official brochure says it has the task of gathering knowledge and artefacts related to Carnival and other festivals, collecting, analysing, preserving, conserving and disseminating this knowledge to the public. This information is disseminated through lectures to schools and the general public, Carnival workshops, documentary films for cinemas, TV and YouTube, post-graduate lectures and supervision, student internships, and print publications. Dr Hollis Chalkdust Liverpool, programme professor at the Academy of Arts, Culture and Public Affairs at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), told Sunday Newsday he started the institute in 1998 while he was the director of culture. We launched it but there was no place for it. We went to the NCC (National Carnival Commission), because Carnival falls under the NCC, and they gave us a building on Victoria Avenue, with me as director, he recalled. However, he said, the NCC felt it could not support the institute financially, and moved it to a small room at the Normandie Hotel. Liverpool soon stepped down as director and the institute fell under the late Pat Bishop. By being in that little area, it lost all its meaning. You cant have a Carnival institute parked up in a room in a hotel. And so it just decimated the whole thing. It went to naught, he said. The NCC eventually revived the institute under Dr Kim Johnson, relocating it to Jerningham Avenue, Belmont. However, while the new space was larger than the room at the Normandie, Liverpool said it still simply was not big enough. The NCC doesnt really have an idea what is a Carnival institute, because a Carnival institute must be big and sprawling. It should be a space for students to come in and do research, it should have a museum, a room where you can push a button and listen to icons singing, a room to show documentaries, a small printery... Up to now it cant come off the ground because it doesnt have the aesthetics or the funding. Liverpool added that the institute should be both a living and virtual museum, also containing King and Queen costumes, and the outfits of influential calypsonians throughout the years. He lamented that an institute in the US Virgin Islands had acquired many of the Mighty Sparrows outfits. That should be in the institute here! But where would we put them? However, he did not blame the lack of funding for developing the institute solely on the government. Instead, he believed it should be sponsored by companies and financial institutions. The current director, Dr Kim Johnson, has similar thoughts. He agreed the institute was understaffed and underfunded, as the government subvention covered mostly salaries, rent, and utilities, and suggested that companies and corporations sponsor individual projects to aid in the preservation of the countrys culture. He said corporations gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to sponsor fetes or concerts, things that would last one season or even one evening, instead of contributing to something that would last generations. For example, he said he would appreciate funding for a YouTube channel in order to teach interested people how to play pan or write calypso or parang songs. For that, the institute would need to hire people to develop a curriculum and to serve as instructors, film crews, and editors, but it did not have the money. Give me $30,000 and I can make that a global, go-to space. With funding I could teach the world; without it, Im spinning top in mud, he said. Johnson added that our culture was losing its youth because people did not want to engage young people in their medium technology and the Internet in order to pass on the knowledge. But funding is not the only challenge. He stressed that the Carnival Institute was a research and educational institute, so he believes it should be under the Ministry of Education rather than the NCC, which falls under the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts. He also believes it should be associated with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and UTT , as the institutes clients range from PhD students to primary-school children. The NCC is concerned with organising Carnival and deals with things like calypso tents, portable toilets, putting up the North Stand, the routes for bands and things like that. The institute has nothing to do with that, and the NCC really isnt interested in what we do, he said. In his three years as director, Johnson said there had been three NCC chairmen, but despite requests to discuss the goals and needs of the institute, he had only been able to speak with the current chairman, Kenny De Silva. The idea of presenting my vision of the Carnival Institute, what we could do, what is our potential I have never been able to do that, because they were busy dealing with the North Stand and such. If I want to spend $500 I have to go to them...The idea of research and education is outside of their scope, beyond their vision or interest, he said. In a brief telephone interview with Sunday Newsday, De Silva admitted the NCC should be more involved with the work of the institute and said it would attempt to do so in the near future. He also acknowledged that funding was inadequate, saying the institute was trying to do as much as they can with the little they have. And while he recognised that the institute should play a much wider role in society, he said the level of funding necessary for all the archiving and gathering of material needed for the preservation of our Carnival history made that very difficult. Johnson said the Carnival Institute had a lot of financial potential, but the government was not taking the lead. He noted the number-one reason people visit Trinidad and Tobago was for Carnival, yet this mecca for pan, calypso and Carnival had no Carnival museum. He pointed out that if a person was interested in reggae, they would visit the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica, and those interested in art would visit the Louvre in Paris, or the Tate Museums in the United Kingdom. Steelbands around the world would love the opportunity to learn the history of the instrument at a tertiary level, or simply how to play. Also, Trinidad-style carnivals held the interest of people around the globe who would like to know more. Carnival is important to TT . Its important that we study it, its important that we educate people about it, its important that we improve it, because it is declining. The Carnival Institute has a very important cultural and economic role to play, he said. Johnson added that traditional mas had roots in Africa and Haiti, as well as parallels in other Caribbean countries, and people could not properly understand Carnival until those links were explored. All of these were important intellectual and cultural links that the institute needed to develop, but, since he could not even get money to go to Tobago with two people for a week to film, he doubted it would happen soon. However, he said the institute had begun the process of establishing links with research institutes in other islands. It could be supervising students from educational institutions around the world, playing its part in educational tourism, which is one of the most valuable forms of tourism, as it could lead to people remain in the country for years. The potential is vast. We have so many Japanese, American, British, and other people who come to play in our steelbands for Panorama. We could be positioning ourselves at the centre of a global network, because there are carnivals and steelbands all over the world that were inspired by us and they look to us. We are a mecca with a natural network. Let us develop it for our culture and our economy, he said. The institute is developing several documentaries, which are in different stages of production. These will focus not only on Carnival, but also on other festivals and aspects of TT culture, including Phagwa, Christmas, Hosay, a Kali puja, and a bongo wake. Johnson stressed that the events and interviews needed to be filmed and properly archived, which takes up a lot of digital space, so proper data storage and backup was necessary.It was also necessary for the institute to have a proper online presence, where anyone who wanted to know about anything relating to Caribbean culture could go, while putting Trinidad at the centre. The Ministry of Culture told Sunday Newsday it had also asked the institute to develop a concept for the establishment of a Carnival Museum at Fort San Andres in Port-of-Spain, working in collaboration with the NCC and the National Museum. The ministry said the partnership with the museum and further development of that initiative had the potential to provide space for the institute to become a more integral part of the Carnival landscape and to gain more prominence. Here Are the Most Overrated Tourist Spots in the US More than 300,000 years ago, a massive chunk of rock broke off from Australia's continental shelf, triggering the largest undersea landslide ever known, per Science Alert. But scientists only know this thanks to a chance discovery. Researchers were mapping the Queensland Trough, a basin next to the Great Barrier Reef off Australia's eastern coast, when they noticed eight "hills" hundreds of feet tall more than half a mile below the surface. After that discovery, they realized that a portion of Australia's continental shelf about 20 miles away "looks like a massive bite has been taken out of [it]," study author Robin Beaman tells Australia's ABC. He put two and two together and concluded the "knolls were the remains of a very large undersea landslide, per the BBC. Because coral fossils from the knolls date back 300,000 years, researchers believe the knolls broke off from the section of shelf known as the Gloria Knolls Slide at least 300,000 years ago in what Beaman dubs a "catastrophic collapse." Researchers say the landslide would have produced 7.7 cubic miles of debris. To put that in perspective, almost everyone on Earth could fit into one cubic mile. The force likely caused a tsunami up to 90 feet high, but the nearby Great Barrier Reef would've acted "like a giant porous breakwater," Beaman says. Since researchers found "a lot more marine life there than we ever anticipated," Beaman notes the site will serve as a great place for further research, including on cold water corals. (Discover Australia's "Drowned Apostles.") The concept of basic income is a simple idea: Impoverished people receive a fixed amount of money on a regular basis to pay for necessities such as food, clothing, and housing. While the limited research available suggests that it can provide a host of benefitslowering drug and alcohol abuse, and increasing education and entrepreneurshipfew long-term studies have taken a hard look at how the strategy plays out over time. That's about to change: eBay founder Pierre Omidyar is using his philanthropic investment arm Omidyar Network to invest $493,000 into a 12-year test in Kenya. It will, in fact, be the largest test of basic income in history, reports Business Insider. The experiment will be run not by the government but by the charity GiveDirectly, which will pay 26,000 Kenyans across 200 rural villages 75 cents a day, or half the average income there, with 6,000 getting assistance over the 12 years. That works out to nearly $275 a year, or just over $3,000 over the course of the experiment. Among the questions: Will people stop working entirely, go to school, start gambling? "The best part of this experiment is that we wont have to wait 12 years for answers," says an Omidyar blog post. "In the first few years GiveDirectly will already be able to produce insights on how people behave when they have confidence in long-term, 'no-strings-attached' income." (Finland just started a smaller-scale program.) North Korea appeared to fire a ballistic missile Sunday in an implicit challenge to President Trump, who stood with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe as the latter called the move "intolerable." There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it was ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile, reports the AP. US Strategic Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile. The launch came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of Kim Jong Il. Appearing with Trump at the president's south Florida estate, Abe condemned the missile launch as "absolutely intolerable." Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." Abe read a brief statement in which he called on the North to comply fully with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He said Trump had assured him of US support and that Trump's presence showed the president's determination and commitment. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 310 miles. But South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that it was not believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, per US Strategic Command. Japan said the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its "hostile policy" and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile programs until the US changes its diplomatic approach. (Read more President Trump stories.) After more than a week of protests over a young Frenchman's allegation that police raped him with a baton during a routine stop, the demonstrations in a Paris suburb turned violent overnight, reports NBC News. "Several vehicles, including a media truck, were set on fire and police officers had to intervene to rescue a young child trapped in a burning vehicle," per a statement from Paris police. Protesters are angry over the case of a 22-year-old identified only as Theo, and the police response that the rape was accidental and that Theo's pants "slipped down on their own." Public outcry shows no signs of letting up, notes NBC, with one protester saying that "It's unacceptable that the police [inquiry] say it was an accident. It's just simply abnormal and so I think these clashes are nothing compared to what people should do." So far one officer is under investigation for suspected rape, and three others for unnecessary violence. (Read more Paris police stories.) Names and faces Dave Ashby recently joined Stockman Wealth Management Inc. as a senior portfolio manager. Ashby brings more than 25 years of experience in private wealth management to the position. He holds the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Spokane. He is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association National Graduate Trust School. Ashby earned his bachelor of business administration degree with a concentration in finance from Gonzaga University. He has served as a board member for St. Peters Hospital Foundation, Helena Family YMCA and Kay McKenna Youth Foundation. Ashby is located at 3094 N. Sanders St., and may be reached at 447-9056. *** Matthew J. Tedesco, manager of Flagstar Bank in Helena, graduated in September 2016 from Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. Courses included risk management, financial performance and banking leadership. *** Monica Grable has joined the staff at the Montana Arts Council as the agencys arts education director. Grable replaces outgoing Arts Education Director Emily Kohring, who has moved with her family to St. Louis. Grable will be responsible for directing the agencys arts learning initiatives. She is responsible for program design, evaluation as well as creating partnership opportunities to meet current needs and trends in the area of Montana's arts education. Grable holds a masters degree in education-curriculum and instruction from St. Marys University in Minneapolis. She has 24 years of experience as an arts administrator, presenter and visual arts educator, specializing in programming authentic, multidisciplinary arts experiences for all ages. She came to the Montana Arts Council from Hamilton School District No. 3 where she was a visual arts educator since 2012. *** The Helena Business Improvement District has announced the hiring of Renee Bauer as executive director. Bauer is relocating to Helena from Lincoln, Nebraska, and will arrive in mid-February. Bauers experience includes work leading master plans, economic development, marketing, business recruiting and retention, community planning, strategic planning, historic preservation, nonprofit organizations, working with local and state government, developing budgets, grant writing, contract negotiations, staff development, and oversight and project management. She earned a B.S. in interdisciplinary social sciences from Kansas State and a masters in social work from the University of Iowa. For more information, contact Randy Riley at randyriley@wellsfargo.com or 406-447-2015 office; 406-437-1780 cell. Awards and honors Garage guru wins award GarageExperts announced that Greg Snortland with GarageExperts of Montana has been awarded the Most Powerful Launch Award for 2016. The award recognizes the franchisee with the highest sales numbers in the first quarter of being open for business above all the franchises open in 2016. Snortland beat out 11 other franchisees to win the award. GarageExperts of Montana serves Helena, Missoula, Bozeman and beyond. *** Dick Anderson projects honored The Montana Contractors Associations (MCA) Building Excellence program is conducted yearly to honor outstanding projects in various categories. At a recent meeting of the MCA, Dick Anderson Construction was awarded top honors in four building categories. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Montana headquarters building in Helena was chosen as the Best Commercial Project. The new NorthWestern Energy general office building in Butte was awarded Best in Craftsmanship. Medicine Crow Middle School in Billings was recognized as the Best Institutional Project of the preceding year. The Best Custom Home award was for a private residence that Dick Anderson Construction built in Whitefish. The Montana Historical Society also recently presented Dick Anderson Construction with the Governors Award for Outstanding Historic Preservation Stewardship for the McKinley Elementary School in Billings. *** Guidelines The IR welcomes reports of hiring, promotions, awards, recognition, learning opportunities and other news from local companies and nonprofits. We accept press releases and photos (digital images at 300 dpi or more are preferred, but we can also use regular photos; we dont guarantee return of these). Email your information to irstaff@helenair.com. There is no charge for items appearing in the Business Briefcase. Items are run on a space-available basis, and we reserve the right to edit and use information as we see fit. The deadline is Tuesday at noon to be considered for publication the following Sunday. The White House wasn't exactly resounding on Sunday in its defense of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. "That's the question that I think you should ask the president, the question you should ask Reince [Priebus], the chief of staff," senior policy adviser Stephen Miller told Meet the Press on Sunday, per the Los Angeles Times, when asked if the White House still had confidence in Flynn. "So the White House did not give you anything to say," asked Chuck Todd. "They did not give me anything to say," Miller confirmed, which the Times notes is ominous given that he was the only White House rep made available to the Sunday talk shows. Miller calls it "an important matter" and "a sensitive matter," reports the AP. At issue is whether Flynn discussed US sanctions in calls with Russia's ambassador while President Obama was still in office. The conversations may have broken US law aimed at barring private citizens from conducting diplomacy. A Washington Post report last week contradicted Flynn's previous denials. Elsewhere on the Sunday dial: Miller says that Immigration and Customs Enforcement's emphasis is on deporting those he calls "criminal aliens" and who "pose a threat to public safety." Miller says "we're going to focus on public safety and saving American lives and we will not apologize." President Trump tweeted that "Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed!" Miller says the White House is exploring "all of our options" after a federal appeals court handed the administration a legal setback on Trump's executive order on immigration. Chuck Schumer had succinct commentary on the travel ban, per Politico: "I think he ought to throw it in the trash," Schumer said. "I think this executive order is so bad and so poisoned and its genesis is so bad and terrible that he ought to just throw it in the trash can." (Read more Sunday morning talk shows stories.) The United States Department of Education is getting graded rather harshly after a Sunday morning tweet"Education must not simply teach work - it must teach life."that it attributed to one WEB "DeBois." Slight problem being that the NAACP co-founder it was trying to cite is WEB Du Bois, reports the Washington Post. A typo courtesy of the government agency in charge of educating America's youth naturally caused no shortage of glee, with the NAACP itself tweeting, "'In the Days of Loose & Careless Logic, We Must Teach Thinkers to THINK.' - William Edward Burghardt DU Bois," notes Paste. Newly minted Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos took no small share of heat, and #DeptofEdTypos began trending. Alas, the Education Department's apology appeared only to underscore the error, when @usedgov later tweeted: "Post updated - our deepest apologizes for the earlier typo." After a further virtual avalanche of scorn, that post was corrected. (Read more Department of Education stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region Crawford 50th anniversary Dennis and Bonnie Crawford celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 14, 2017. Their daughters and son-in-law hosted a celebration of their anniversary at Sommeliers in Helena. They were married in 1967 at the Methodist Church in St. Ignatius, Montana. Bonnie and Dennis have been blessed with two daughters and two granddaughters. Their oldest daughter Sharla lives in Helena and is a teacher for the Helena Public School System and her partner Chelsia Rice works for the American Cancer Society. Their younger daughter Tara Lind lives in Missoula with her husband Jordan, CEO of Clearas Water Recovery, and their two daughters, Emery (9) and Mayer (4). Dennis and Bonnie started dating as sophomores in St. Ignatius and have been together since. Shortly after their marriage, Dennis enlisted in the Air Force, which took them to Tucson, Arizona, and Anchorage, Alaska. After military life, Dennis attended the University of Montana and received a degree in business administration. Bonnie worked at the Federal Land Bank/Production Credit Association while Dennis attended the university. They have lived in Helena since 1975. During his business career, Dennis worked for the Legislative Auditor, Mental Health Center and Rocky Mountain Development Council. Bonnie started her career in Helena with the Office of Public Instruction and then became a realtor in 1981. Later on, Bonnie became a Broker and was in ownership. Dennis became a realtor and joined Bonnie as one of Helenas first husband and wife teams. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. New Delhi: Ahead of assembly polls in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, the India-Nepal border in the adjoining areas would be closed from February 12 to 14. During a joint meeting of representatives of administrations and security officials from both the countries it was decided to close the border areas and beef up the security vigilance during the period. However, an agreement has been made to allow the citizens of third countries to cross the Nepal-India border based on their documents, said Superintendent of Police Prakash Bahadur Chand of District Police Office, Kanchanpur. SP Chand said the highly-essential vehicles would be allowed to ply only from the legal entry points. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In an apparent double murder case, bodies of two trader brothers, with their throats slit, were found in Mori Gate area of Old Delhi on Saturday night, said police. The victims have been identified as Raj Kumar Manchanda (53) and Devendra Manchanda (60). Both were residents of Rohini, they said. Jatin Narwal, DCP (North) said, The family members of the victims had organised Mata ki chowki (prayer) in Rohini and were waiting for the brothers to return home. When their calls went unanswered, the relatives rushed to the second floor of the building at Mori Gate, which housed the car garage-cum accessory shop of the brothers. They found the door locked and had to break it open to gain entry. The bodies of the brothers with brutal injury marks were found on the second floor of the building, he said. A PCR call was received at 7:45 PM from one of the relatives of the victims, police said. The bodies have been sent for postmortem, they said. Narwal said two out of the four servants working at the premises were missing, adding that the police was on the lookout for them. I knew I was going to be a teacher since third grade, said Susan Sweeney, principal of Broadwater Elementary School. Her decision was inspired by having a great teacher in third grade in Moscow, Idaho. And, it could be argued that Sweeney has paid it forward, playing a similar role for students and staff shes worked with. Her zest and passion for education has not gone unnoticed. In January she was named National Distinguished Principal for Montana at the annual conference of Montana Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals. The award promotes and celebrates excellence in educational leadership for pre-K-8 education. Sweeney heads to Washington in October to represent Montana at events honoring the best principals of America. Its quite an honor, Sweeney said in an interview in her office earlier this week, which is decorated with handmade congratulation cards from the schools children. Im very humbled, Sweeney said, noting the high caliber of her peers. Greg Upham, assistant superintendent for Helena Public Schools, agrees Sweeneys a gifted leader. The greatest compliment I could give her is that her students are succeeding regardless of their challenges, he said, noting that Broadwater is a Title school, indicating it has a high rate of poverty. Its still one of the highest achieving schools in the district. Not only does Sweeney use cutting-edge educational programs to boost academics, but she enlists parents as partners in teaching, he said. Parents get homework, too. Its truly a remarkable school. Theres a culture of high expectation and a culture of fun. Her staff have a great time. There are a lot of smiles and laughing. Its the highest award for an elementary principal and is recognized statewide and nationally, Upham said. You have to be outstanding to be nominated for this. Sweeney is in her ninth year as principal at Broadwater school, after serving eight years as principal in Philipsburg. She taught for 14 years as well -- in Valier, Dillon, Philipsburg and in a two-room schoolhouse in Hall. I had no interest in being a principal, Sweeney said, because she enjoyed teaching so much. But she decided to pursue a masters degree at Montana State University in educational leadership because of her philosophy that every teacher should be a leader. That spurred the Philipsburg school board to recruit her as a principal, which Sweeney took on somewhat reluctantly and later served as interim superintendent. Becoming a principal gave her a new and exciting umbrella view of students and staff. As principal, she sees the emotional, physical and academic growth of students over multiple years and how her staff changes and grows. Im amazed every day at what teachers do, she said. Im only as good as they are. ... That makes me cry. The hardest part of her job is the discipline piece, she said. Its so much hard work. The school staff measure their success by seeing their students, who may have huge emotional and behavioral struggles, blossom into successful students who are moving on to middle school. In fact, during the interview, one young child was so upset and screaming, that she brought him into her office to sit on her lap till he was calm enough to eat his lunch. Kids come here with such hard things they are going through, she said. You spend sleepless nights worrying. The staffs philosophy is lets get this successful. We want this kid to make it. What do we need to do? These kids are so smart, and so many things are so hard for them. Sweeney loves not only kids and teaching, I love data. Its guided her in helping her and her staff home in on the best practices for teaching academics, but also behavior. This is noted in her award announcement, which states: Ms. Sweeney is admired by her colleagues as forward thinking and innovative in her leadership approach. She loves to trail blaze new territory in Montanas educational community and thrives on implementing new approaches to education. Under her leadership, Broadwater Elementary has been recognized as a Montana Behavior Institute platinum award-winning school and has maintained that standard of achievement for the past two years. As a result of her efforts and the inclusion of her staff in collaborative decision making, her schools math and reading scores have risen dramatically. Ms. Sweeney is loved and respected by her staff and her zest for life brings out the best in those around her. She has an uncanny knack for inspiring people of all walks of life to live and work together toward common goals. One of those common goals has been embracing the Montana Behavior Initiative program, said Sweeney. Each week, the whole school works on the same behavior, said Sweeney, with teachers tailoring it to their students age level. Last week it was respecting others. We focused on social cues -- facial expression, body cues, eyes. It was all about teaching children to recognize that body language and facial expression can be hurtful. Were spending a lot of time on being good problem solvers, she added. Its 100 percent a team effort. Sweeney was nominated for the award by one of her former teachers, Siobhan K. Hathhorn, who is now a principal for Cascade Public Schools. Sweeney was her boss, her role model and now her mentor. She is such a positive person. Shes very strategic and always has an endgame and plan and is skilled at getting teachers on board, said Hatthorn. When Sweeney came to Broadwater, she saw a need for structure, said Hathhorn, instead of rules and regulations. She took over a staff in need of strong leadership and brought excitement and motivation and fun to the organization and completely transformed it. Sweeney was instituting Professional Learning Communities in the school before the the district did. She is a real forerunner on things like that. Sweeney will really research ideas that work, Hathhorn said. And she always looks for peoples strengths to build on. Its a lot of fun at Broadwater. She just really enjoys herself. Theres a lot of celebration, a lot of laughter. Its a really positive place to be. Berlin: Actor Rajkummar Rao's "Newton" has been showered with praise at Berlinale 2017, where the film made its world premiere. Director Amit V Masurkar's film opened to a good response when it was screened in a houseful theatre at the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival.Rajkummar, who plays the titular role in the political black comedy that centres around an election day in Central India, said in a statement, "I was excited and nervous before the premiere but the kind of response we got after the screening and the way the audience here related to Newton, was very overwhelming." The 32-year-old actor said he is humbled by the reception of the film and cannot wait for its India premiere. Ecstatic after a successful world premiere, Masurkar said, "We were all very happy that an audience so diverse connected to an Indian story so rooted. They appreciated the finer nuances and the subtle moments in the story which we had assumed only Indians would get." The movie was selected in the International Forum of New Cinema and was screened on February 10 at the Zoo Palast one of the oldest and most prestigious venues of the Berlinale, where it received a standing ovation too. The cast Rajkummar, Anjali Patil, Pankaj Tripathi, producer Manish Mundra and music composer Naren Chandavarkar were also present at the red carpet. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kashmir: Four militants were killed in an encounter between security forces and militants in Yaripora of Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday morning. In the Kulgam encounter, two security personnel and one civilian were also killed while two others were injured in the operation. Encounter still underway in south Kashmir. The security jawans have also recovered four weapons from the militants. According to initial reports coming in, militants are hiding in a house in Yaripora. Acting on a tip-off by police, army cordoned off a village in Kulgam, 60 km from Srinagar. Three other militants, believed to be severely injured during the gunfight, managed to escape. Hunt is on to nab them, sources said. An encounter broke out this morning in Frisal area after security forces launched the cordon and search operation, a police official said, adding the operation was still on. Martyrs of Kulgam (J&K) encounter: Lance Naik Bhandoriya Gopal Singh, from Ahmedabad and Sepoy Raghubeer Singh, from Chamoli(Uttarakhand) pic.twitter.com/3epS2bS5VI ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 However, army hasn't confirmed the death figures, ANI tweeted quoting Army that "different unconfirmed figures on casualties of security forces & terrorists are doing rounds. Operation in Kulgam (J&K) is still on." In recent months, encounter between security personnels and militants spurted, On February 4, A major terrorist operation was carried in which two top Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Also Read | J-K: Policeman injured after suspected militants attack security convoy in Pulwama Superintendent of Police (Operations) Shafqat Hussain and a Sub-Inspector, Mohammad Murtaza, were also injured in the gun battle which took place near Amargarh village of Sopore, 50 kms from here, after police intercepted the two militants travelling in a vehicle, a police spokesman said. #UPDATE J&K: Outside visual of house in Kulgam's Yaripora, where terrorists are hiding; encounter on (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/yvClykj2HR For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Lucknow: Demanding a thorough probe in the case of missing Jahawarlal Nehru University (JNU) student Najeeb Ahmad, his mother Fatima Nafees on Sunday staged a protest here along with students of Lucknow University and Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama. The protesters led by Fatima marched from Parivarta Chowk to Gandhi statue in Hazratganj, demanding justice for her son. They also shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP and RSS. Najeeb went missing from his hostel on October 15 last year. They demanded that the authorities take action against nine members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), against whom a FIR has already been lodged. Fatima had on Saturday appealed to student fraternity to help find her son saying that it has been nearly four months since he disappeared, but police were not able to trace him. JNU office bearers also participated in the march. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Chandigarh: Four gangsters, including the mastermind of last years Nabha jailbreak, were on Sunday nabbed from a house in Dhudike village of Moga district in Punjab, police said. Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, who had escaped from Nabha jail last year, and three gangsters have been arrested, Punjab Police, AIG (Counter Intelligence) Gurmit Singh Chauhan said on Sunday. The three others who have been arrested are Manvir Sekhon, cousin of Gurpreet, Rajwinder Singh and Kulwinder Singh from the house of an NRI, the officer said. Acting on a tip-off, 25 policemen, including 10 members of polices Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, nabbed the gangsters, Chauhan said. Our operation was so precise that we did not give the gangsters time to retaliate or draw their weapons, he said, adding four weapons and two cars were seized from them. With the nabbing of Gurpreet, so far three of the six Nabha jail escapees have been apprehended. Earlier, Khalistan Liberation Force Chief Harminder Singh Mintoo was nabbed from Nizamuddin railway station in Delhi and Neeta Deol from Indore in Madhya Pradesh. On November 27, Mintoo, another terrorist Kashmir Singh, and gangsters Amandeep Dhothian, Vicky Gounder, Gurpreet Sekhon and Neeta Deol had escaped from Nabha jail after armed men in police uniform tricked the sentries into opening the gates and bolted out with the inmates firing a hail of bullets. Gurpreet Sekhon was the mastermind of the jailbreak and he was allegedly involved in several murders, kidnapping, extortion cases. Manvir and Rajwinder had attacked the jail officials to free the inmates, police said. Kulwinder, a resident of Bathinda, had taken care of the logistics to facilitate the escape of six prisoners, they said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In the ongoing Tamil Nadu turmoil over chief ministerial position, Panneerselvam got a boost after an MLA and 4 MPs of AIADMK joined him, deserting V K Sasikalas faction. Sasikala on Saturday targeted Governor Vidyasagar Rao for delay in swearing-in and threatened to hold protest on Sunday. Sasikala, the AIADMK General Secretary who met the legislators supporting her at a retreat near Chennai said that the delay by the Governor in inviting her to form the government appeared to facilitate split in our party. Sasikala, earlier in the day wrote to the Governor, asking him to take steps immediately to swear her in at the earliest. She said she was ready to parade the party MLAs supporting her before him. Things turned a bit difficult for Sasikala when MLA and School Education Minister K Pandiarajan and four MPs -- P R Sundaram, K Ashok Kumar, V Sathyabama and Vanaroja -- switched over to OPS faction pledging their support to him amid mounting pressure from the party cadres and apparent public sentiment. ALSO READ | OPS vs Chinnamma: Sasikala camps starts bleeding, vows to change game today; Panneerselvam gains supporters Party veteran C Ponnaiyan, party spokesman has also offered his support to Panneerselvam. Panneerselvam camp now has seven MLAs, including him. In the 235-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, AIADMK has 135 MLAs. As the Governor remained indecisive even 48 hours after she staked claim to form the government, Sasikala tonight said, We waited till today. Tomorrow, we will protest in another form. Sasikala to avoid any further desertions, drove to the luxury resort, in an attempt to prevent the MLAs who have been put up there for the last three days from switching sides. With PTI Inputs READ FULL COVERAGE: TAMIL NADU TURMOIL For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Chennai: With five more MLAs crossing over to her rival faction, AIADMK supremo V K Sasikala on Sunday indicated that she had the support of 129 legislators as she invoked the legacy of her predecessor to drive home the point of staying united and ensure more electoral victories in the future. In her address to the MLAs staying put at a nearby resort here, she said the legislators supporting her were like an ocean. You 129 MLAs are like an ocean. None can contain it by building a check dam. No efforts will destabilise this government. None can hurt us and there is no need to fear, she said. Sasikala, who had earlier in the day observed that it was very difficult to be a woman in politics, said there were efforts to intimidate her as she was a woman, but asserted that she would not be cowed down. She turned emotional while reminiscing of her predecessor former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. Sasikala also recalled her commitment to the party, especially made at the memorial of the former chief minister, after being elected AIADMK General Secretary in December 2016. Sasikala said she had vowed to protect AIADMK with all her might and that she would give her life for this cause. Sasikala, who along with Jayalalithaa had been jailed for corruption charges in the past, said that she and her predecessor have seen the Chennai and Bengaluru prisons and recalled that Jayalalithaa had successfully come out of the case and even captured power again. Referring to the AIADMK governments decision to unveil a portrait of Jayalalithaa in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Sasikala said there should be no impediment to this aim. Alleging that Opposition DMK had planned to scuttle the effort, she said the party MLAs loyalty for Jayalalithaa would be proved with the unveiling of the portrait. I have taken a vow (to install the portrait). There is a picture of Thalaivar (AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran). There should be no hindrance (in unveiling Jayalalithaas portrait) and it is your responsibility. That will be a big respect shown to her, she said. The party MLAs should resolve to work in this regard at Jayalalithaas memorial and ensure that the AIADMK cabinet was put in place, Sasikala told her legislators. You have given me the responsibility of General Secretary. I will not deviate and will take all efforts to unveil Ammas portrait. That is my desire. For this, we should be one family and ensure the portrait is unveiled, she said. Exhorting the MLAs to explain to the people what has been happening in the party, while accusing revolting Chief Minister O Panneerselvam of instigating some of our own, she asked the legislators to continue serving the people and ensure AIADMKs continued electoral success. We should win all 40 Lok Sabha (39 in TN and one in Puducherry) in the next Parliamentary polls while continuing our victory march in the (2021) Assembly polls also, she said. Comparing Jayalalithaa to a lioness, Sasikala said those following her were lion cubs and assured she would lead the party through its difficult times. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Jaipur: The intelligence wing of Rajasthan police detained an alleged spy on Sunday near Indo-Pak border from Jaisalmer district. On a tip-off, Hazi Khan was detained by the sleuths of intelligence department from Kishangarh near Tanot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer. He is currently interrogated by our team in Jodhpur, ADG Intelligence Utkal Ranjan Sahoo told PTI. Sahoo said that Khan was under scanner from last few daysand was detained on Sunday in a case of spying and sharing secret information. He is resident of Jaisalmer district and his in-laws live in Pakistan. Last week, police had arrested a Jaisalmer resident Sadiq who was allegedly planning to share information with Pakistani Intelligence agencies. The police has seized some documents and lodged a case against him under Official Secrets Act, 1923. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Shrinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the voters in Uttarakhand to give exemplary punishment in the polls to people who had ruined their future while claiming that he will not rest till those who looted the country paid back. He launched a frontal attack on Congress for "insulting"the armed forces by questioning the surgical strikes,"sleeping" over OROP for 40 years and for "indulging" in corruption. "The time for those who looted the country for 70 yearshas come to an end. I promise that those who looted thecountry will have to pay back now. Neither will I rest nor will I let the looters rest in peace till this task is complete. It is time everyone gives an account now," Modi told his last poll rally in Pithoragarh ahead of the February 15 election. He exhorted the people to vote out the "tainted" Congress government that sullied 'devbhoomi's' image turning it into a"lootbhoomi" and "ruined" the state due to its lack of vision to tap its full potential. Also Read: Uttarakhand Elections 2017 | Our Govt is devoted to serve poor, says PM Modi in Srinagar rally He also hit out at Congress accusing it of opposing Uttarakhand's creation and said it has now aligned with the SP government in Uttar Pradesh which had then committed atrocities on people agitating for the state's formation. Modi asked the people to take a pledge to hand down exemplary punishment in the polls to those who played with their future so that no future government dares to do so. Describing Uttarakhand as a land of brave soldiers, he attacked Congress for questioning the veracity of the surgical strikes, which, he said, "insulted the armed forces and the valour of those who made supreme sacrifice for the country". "It is a misfortune of our country that some parties andleaders raise questions about our armed forces and the valourof those who laid down their lives for the country. No one should ever question their bravery," he said. Also Read: Uttarakhand Elections 2017: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi holds road show in Haridwar Terming the cross-LoC strikes as a "big incident" inmilitary history which various security agencies across the world are studying, he said when Indian soldiers carried out the operation and demolished terrorist camps without losing a single life, Congress posed several questions including how no one was killed in the attack. "Does it behove Congress to do this. Is this not an insult to the armed forces? Is this not an insult to the valour of our brave soldiers? You do politics and attack Modi as much as you can, but don't ever raise doubts about our military andthe soldiers' bravery," he said. Attacking Congress for "sleeping over" the one-rank one-pension (OROP) issue for 40 long years, Modi said, "Did they not insult the armed forces by ignoring the soldiers' claims for so long. Also Read: PM Modi in Haridwar: 'I take decisions for betterment of nation' | Highlights "Did they not make fun and insulted the armed forces by earmarking a mere Rs 500 crore in the budget for OROP which would have cost a total of Rs 12,500 crore. Our government has already paid Rs 6,500 crore to the soldiers as OROP benefit,"he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova can be spotted in the next few days using binoculars or a telescope, NASA told on Saturday. Its the first of a trio of comets that will, between now and the end of 2018, pass close enough to Earth for backyard observers to try to spot and for scientists to study using ground-based instruments, the U.S. space agency said. Backyard astronomers are recommended to use binoculars or a telescope to have an eye for the comet several times for the coming days, NASA said. Its named Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova after the astronomers who discovered it in 1948: Minoru Honda, Antonin Mrkos, and Ludmila Pajdusakova. 45P revolves around Sun and out by Jupiter about every 5-1/4 years and is a short-period comet. This time Earth will be closest to Earth, at a distance of about 12.4 million kilometres, through the end of this century. The comet will also pass by Earth in 2032 but it will be farther from our planet at a distance of nearly about 48 million kilometres. Scientists have taken benefit of 45Ps approach with the help of NASAs Infrared Telescope Facility in order to investigate the gases, dust and ice particles that are released from the comet nucleus and show up in the coma and tail. In a search for water, methane and other compounds, astronomers get clues about how comet is put together and where it originated in the cloud of material that surrounded the young sun as the solar system formed. By keeping a good observation of the comet more than once, astronomers can notice how the comet changes over time. Observing a comet multiple times over successive orbits is like taking snapshots at different stages of life, said Joseph Nuth, a senior scientist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Baghdad: Iraqi security officials say two rockets have landed in Baghdads highly fortified Green Zone following clashes at anti-government protests called for by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The security officials say there were no casualties as the rockets landed Saturday night on the parade grounds in the center of the highly fortified Baghdad compound that is home to Iraqs government and most foreign embassies. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to release information to the media. Todays protests turned violent as crowds pushed toward the Green Zone, leaving at least two policemen dead and dozens of security forces and protesters injured. The rocket attack follows a statement from al-Sadrs office claiming that excessive force was used against the demonstrators and threatened greater protests. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Gordon Bennett spent the last half of his career keeping legal disputes out of the Helena court he presided over for 18 years. The retired district judge died Feb. 9 at his winter home in Green Valley, Arizona, with his wife of 40 years at his side. He was 94. Having watched business partners, married couples, neighbors and all manner of other relationships disintegrate as a result of litigation during his 18 years on the bench, he paved the way for what has become the widely accepted practice of alternate dispute resolution. In addition to more than 30 years of legal practice, he brought to his mediation work a human understanding of juries and jurors. Armed with insight into how citizens reach complex decisions about judicial awards and settlements, he was able to bring disparate parties together to reach compromise solutions before they went to court. It was not uncommon for parties of a mediated dispute to write to Gordon, thanking him for sparing them the anguish and expense of a court trial. Gordon had two lifelong passions: law and politics. Travel and sailing followed closely. Gordon Russell Bennett was born July 19, 1922, in Scobey, to which he affectionately referred as the Athens of Northeastern Montana. He was the third of four children of James V. and Isetta (Stetson) Bennett. In 1936, following eighth grade, he and his siblings moved to Eugene, Oregon, with their mother to establish residency so that his older brothers could attend the University of Oregon. His father stayed behind to manage the family farm through the Depression, an event that influenced Gordons outlook for the rest of his life. The family was reunited in 1939 when they moved to Helena. Gordon graduated from Helena High in 1940. His first two years of college were spent at Carroll. He then transferred to Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. His college education was interrupted by military service during World War II, after which he graduated from Carleton with a BA in economics. A love of learning led him to the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he earned a masters degree in journalism in 1950. He returned to Montana to take a job as a reporter for the Great Falls Tribune. There, as a police reporter, he got a whiff of the law, and knew that his education would not be complete without a law degree. In 1956, he graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. His first legal job was with Stanley Aviation in Denver, where he worked as a contracts administrator for two years before returning to Montana, where he went to work as an assistant attorney general under Forrest Anderson. It was there that he dipped a toe into politics, and there was no going back. Highlights of his career in Democratic politics include managing Lee Metcalfs 1966 U.S. Senate campaign and Forrest Andersons 1968 gubernatorial campaign. He was the Montana director of Lyndon Johnsons 1964 presidential campaign. He also served as an associate solicitor in the Department of the Interior in the Kennedy administration. He was proud of his work for the Blackfeet Tribal Council before Governor Anderson appointed him judge in the First Judicial District in Helena in 1970. He loved his tenure on the bench. His court hosted litigation related to state government, including challenges to the state coal tax and stream access, certification of Colstrip 3 and 4, veterans preference and workers compensation. He presided over several cases balancing the constitutional right of privacy with the right to know. Despite his earlier involvement in Democratic politics, he put politics aside when he entered the courtroom and earned the trust and respect of the bar as a fair and impartial judge. In 2007, the State Bar of Montana recognized him with its highest honor, the William J. Jameson Award, for distinguished legal service and professionalism. During his judicial career, he developed a keen interest in child welfare policy and corrections. He served on the boards of the Intermountain Childrens Home, Big Brothers-Big Sisters and the Casey Family Program. In 1958, he married Suzanne Heineke of Helena. They had two children, J.V. and Sarah. The marriage ended in divorce several years later, and in 1977, he married Norma Tirrell, also of Helena. He is survived by his wife, Norma; his children, J.V. (Melissa) of Palmyra, PA; Sarah (Dan) Sullivan of Helena; his grandchildren, Seamus, Sam, Luke and Kate; his sister Judy Eilertsen of Minneapolis; his nephew, Dennis Bink (Mary) of Kalispell, and his nieces, Kathy of Sonoma, CA, and Susan and Betsy of Minneapolis. Several nieces and nephews on Normas side of the family adored him. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim and Peyton, sister-in-law Florence, brother-in-law Ed, nephew John, and numerous beloved dachshunds and corgis. Never able to tether his spirit to a church, Gordon would have enjoyed a gathering of friends in celebration of their time together. That gathering will take place late in the spring. Memorials to his life of public service may be made to the Montana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, United Way of Lewis and Clark County or the Hunthausen Center for Peace and Justice, Carroll College. A lifelong supporter of public education, he also supported Yes for Helena Schools, the current campaign to pass a school bond for Helenas public schools. West Palm Beach: President Donald Trump assured Japan that it has full support of the United States following a North Korean ballistic missile launch. I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent, Trump said at a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Japanese leader denounced the launch as intolerable. North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday in an apparent provocation to test the response from new US President Donald Trump, the South Korean defence ministry said. The missile, launched around 7:55 am (local time) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), it said. Also Read: Donald Trump, Japanese PM Abe pledge to strengthen US-Japan relationship For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Seoul : North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday in an apparent provocation to test the response from new US President Donald Trump, the South Korean defence ministry said. The missile, launched around 7:55 am (local time) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), it said. The missile flew about 500 kilometres before falling into the sea, a defence ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified. It is believed that todays missile launch ... is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities, the ministry said in a statement. It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump, it added. Yonhap news agency said the South Korean military suspected the North might have been testing a intermediate-range Musudan missile. Last October North Korea test-fired Musudan missiles twice from the same airbase. On a visit to Seoul earlier this month, new US Defense Secretary James Mattis warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an effective and overwhelming response. Any attack on the United States or our allies will be defeated and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming, Mattis said. Pyongyang in 2016 conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. In January leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the final stages of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying It wont happen. The latest North Korean launch also comes after Trump assured visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally. We will work together to promote our shared interests, of which we have many, in the region, including freedom from navigation and defending against the North Korean missile and nuclear threat, both of which I consider a very, very high priority, Trump said Friday. Washington has repeatedly vowed that it would never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong-Il, in December 2011. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: The Austrian capital Vienna, known for its imperial history and magnificent palaces, is eyeing a 20 to 30 per cent growth in number of tourists from India, especially among the young travellers. "Vienna provides the experiences of a metro polis without the stress factors of a big city. We expect towel coming 20 to 30 per cent more Indian travellers, especially among the younger group looking to experience the contemporary and vibrant facets of life, in 2017," Vienna Tourist BoardPublic Relations Manager Isabella Rauter said. She said Vienna had received a record number of travellers from India in 2016, contributing to 1,15,531overnight stays, which is a 28 per cent increase from 2015. Indians, she said, are also good spenders, as according to data 44 per cent stayed in four star hotels, 19per cent in five star and 25 per cent in three star properties. In 2015, the Austrian capital had hosted 89,628 Indian travellers. Overall, Vienna saw 4.4 per cent overnights in 2016, with 1,49,62,000 visitor bed nights from 2015. It recorded a total 68,84,000 arrivals, an increase of4.5 per cent. With an accommodation capacity of around 66,000 hotel beds, Vienna's average room occupancy increased to around 74per cent compared to 72 per cent in 2015. Young travellers visiting Vienna can lose themselves in music, imperial history or go for bungee jumping by day and dance all night, she said. "This adds to the typically Viennese blend of tradition and innovation," Rauter said, adding that with offerings of best quality of life, romantic Vienna is also expected to attract even more Indian honeymooners. A favourite destination for Indian honeymooners, Vienna has hosted many Indian weddings, including at theBelvedere Palace, one of the palaces of the former imperial family of Austria. Vienna also attracts more than 3,500 conventions and corporate events a year and is one of the world's leading meeting destinations, she added. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Saturday was Tony Novak's day in the sun. After coming in second for highest earner for the Sweetheart Passion Plunge, Novak took the top spot. Unfortunately, that sunshine also came with a chilly wind. But, Novak was grinning all the same after jumping through the ice and into the frigid waters of Spring Meadow Lake. A modest Novak said the role of fundraiser wasn't too difficult. After he said the money goes to Special Olympics Montana, people didn't need much coaxing. "I think it's just a great cause," Novak said, while trying to warm up after his jump. In all, Novak brought in $2,550. The total for the event was about $25,000. This year's second place went to Amber Blair who earned $2,114. Novak's team also took first in group totals. It was the third year in a row Team Emmalee won the award for most earned. The eight members brought in more than $7,000. Heather Parmer of Helena started Team Emmalee five years ago after her daughter, the namesake of the team, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome. Angelman is a rare genetic disorder causing developmental disabilities and nerve-related symptoms. "It was awesome," Parmer said. "We raised more money than ever." Emmalee Parmer will celebrate her sixth birthday on Valentine's Day. The only downside Parmer mentioned was this year the water was colder than others. But, she still plans on participating again next February. Meanwhile, Novak joked this would be his last plunge. His team members said they wouldn't allow that to happen. Team Emmalee included Parmer and her son Auston, Novak, Melissa Forkan, Lauryn Feist, Kaleigh Feist, Kayla Novak and Casey McGowan. The members said they spent about two months fundraising for the plunge. They were one of 14 teams that participated. A group from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy took second in total earnings. Another group of fundraisers referred to as "chickens" collected money but didn't actually jump in the lake. Another award winner was Timothy Fischer, who brought home the plaque for best costume. Fischer donned a Wonder Woman jumpsuit for the event. Fischer was one of the top 10 in donations. He raised $661. Other costumes included the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, the Flintstones and Miss Piggy. Of the funds earned, 100 percent will stay in the state. The majority will stay local, organizers said. This year, Robert Allen Nissan served as premier sponsor. The event is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Montana Helena Police Detective Domingo Leveque-Zapata, who is chair of the event committee, said he was pleased by the large crowd of spectators who braved icy roads and frigid windy air to watch the plunge and support Special Olympics. "The community really came out," he said. WASHINGTON -- I've heard it scores of times from Americans frightened, angry or depressed about President Trump: "What can I do?" I recommend to each of them the same regimen I follow myself: Exercise regularly, spend time with family and drink a quart of Everclear every night. But such self-care, as the mental-health practitioners call it, only goes so far. For much of America -- the majority of the country that did not vote for Donald Trump -- the election has brought about what's known as a "collective trauma" not unlike the 2001 terrorist attacks. Back then, we stockpiled duct tape, packed go bags and hatched family escape plans -- giving us an illusory sense of control over the unimaginable (and, in retrospect, overblown) threats of chemical, biological and radioactive attacks. Now a majority of those on the left, as well as many moderates and conservatives, fear not some unknown terrorist cell but our own president, wary of the calamity he could unleash with his recklessness. One moment he's attacking the federal judiciary; the next moment he's assaulting Australia -- or Nordstrom. The erratic behavior makes millions of people feel powerless and out of control, which leads to anxiety, anger or despair. But there is a better way. I consulted with leading figures in mobilization -- people such as Marshall Ganz, of Cesar Chavez fame, and Harvard University's Theda Skocpol -- and asked them to propose actions an everyday citizen might take. "We need to shift from a reactive to a strategic response," Ganz says. His solution: Join something. "To the extent it brings you into a relationship with others, it's worth doing. Unless it has that further dividend, it gets old." So what to join? My friend Eric Liu, author of the forthcoming book "You're More Powerful Than You Think," says even a book club will do. That's true, in the long run: The idea is to rebuild structures of civil society, the breakdown of which allowed the demagogic Trump to take root. But some organizations do more than others to combat Trump. Here, then, are a few illustrative examples -- though their inclusion here is not an endorsement, nor should an omission be seen as a demerit. Organizing. The anti-Trump movement won't be a left-wing tea party. Objections to Trump transcend ideological lines, the left is fractured by identity politics, and there aren't many liberal donors who will bankroll resistance the way the Koch brothers funded the tea party. But there are groups that attempt to mobilize: Indivisible. MoveOn. People's Action. Center for Community Change. PICO. Center for Popular Democracy. Working Families Party. Legal. Trump has already tried to stretch his powers beyond the usual limits. The Brennan Center, the ACLU and the Southern Poverty Law Center counter him. Media. To combat Trump's alternative facts, subscribe to your local newspaper. Contribute to NPR. Even buy the "failing" New York Times if you must. (Alternatively, you can send your checks to the Dana Milbank Everclear Fund, c/o The Washington Post.) Labor. Many of the building-trades unions are foolishly hoping Trump will be their friend. But their service- and public-sector brethren -- the SEIU, AFSCME, the teachers unions -- are bulwarks against him. Intellectual. Demos, the Roosevelt Institute, the Center for American Progress, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Economic Policy Institute and Skocpol's Scholars Strategy Network all offer brainpower to counter Trump. Party. The Democratic National Committee leadership is so weak that it may not be worth your time. But state and county party committees could use help. Skocpol recommends that if you live in a "blue" state, get your local committee to form a partnership with a party committee in a swing or red state. Politics. If you'd like to run for office, consult your party, or Emily's List (if you're a woman) and train with Wellstone Action. For everybody else, find out where your labors are needed. There are gubernatorial races this year in New Jersey and Virginia. Flippable.org will lead you to important state races. Swingleft.org finds you the nearest congressional swing district in 2018. Coordination. The left is desperately in need of people to align its identity-politics factions. America Votes and State Voices are attempting, against long odds, to do that. Join. A church or synagogue, a union, your local Planned Parenthood chapter, the Chamber of Commerce, the Sierra Club, Elks Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion post: The issue and the ideology don't much matter; what matters is connection. It is our best hope. That, and a tumbler of Everclear. Dana Milbank is a columnist for the Washington Post. SOUTHBURY - The League of Women Voters will host a debate on Feb. 23 between the candidates for the 32nd District State Senate seat. Petitioning candidate, Daniel M. Lynch of Middlebury, challenged his opponents, Democrat Greg Cava of Roxbury and Republican state Rep. Eric Berthel of Watertown to the debate. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate REDDINGLocal families left a Backyard Syruping workshop at New Pond Farm Saturday with all the tools, instructions and excitement theyll need to make maple syrup at home, a growing hobby in Connecticut and across the country. Pete Lopuch, a biology teacher from Redding and maple syrup hobbyist, started the tutorial in the ponds maple syruping shed, where he explained how to locate and tap maple trees for their sap. The crowd of parents and children then followed Lopuch up a snowy trail to watch him put instructions in action, using a drill to tap the tree and let the kids taste the sugary sap that flowed into an attached bucket. Back in the shed, Lopuch and New Pond Farm Manager Mike Murray demonstrated how sap is boiled and filtered to transform it into maple syrup, encouraging their visitors to try it at home. This is a great activity to do this time of year, Lopuch said. If youre kind of having cabin fever and youve been inside all winter, this gets you outside and its an exciting thing to do. The end of winter is the best time to tap trees, Lopuch said, because sap begins rising in the trees to feed the buds that grow in the spring. About one bucket of sap creates one ounce of syrup, he added. New Pond Farm makes 50 to 75 gallons of syrup each year using a commercial evaporator. Lopuch suggested that visiting families boil the sap on a stove or over a wood fire to make syrup at home. Many families said trying the process in their own backyards was the main reason they went to the workshop. Mark and Vicky Benda of Danbury said they hadnt considered making syrup before coming to the event, but thought it might be a fun activity to try with their daughter. Itll be fun to just try and make a bottle, Vicky said. Plus, we eat a lot of pancakes in our house so it might be good to save some money. Mark Harran, president of the Maple Syrup Producers Association of Connecticut, said the number of people taking up syrup-making as a hobby grows each year. His association has about 200 members who range from commercial producers of syrup to families like those at New Pond Farm who make it in their backyard. Weve notice more younger people taking it up now, Harran said. With the whole local farm movement, theres a new wave of people getting into agriculture. This year weve got eight new members. Harran is also a director on the North American Maple Syrup Council and is the former president of the International Maple Syrup Institute. He taps 1,115 trees and produces up to 300 gallons of syrup a year using the latest technology of tubing to vacuum out the sap and a reverse osmosis machine that quickens the process and uses 80 percent less energy than normal methods. Those who produce maple syrupor sugarmakersarent the only part of the industry that is growing. Harran said more people are consuming maple syrup, too, mainly because they see it as a more natural alternative to other sweeteners. The maple syrup market, he added, grows by about 10% each year while other markets, like corn syrup, are on the decline. In fact, the organizations he belongs to are developing a marketing campaign to promote this idea. We are working on a campaign jointly sponsored by Canadian and U.S. members, Harran said. A possible slogan right now is natural, nutritious and delicious. It is a one-ingredient product, much more nutritious than any other major sweetener and delicious, because who doesnt love maple syrup? The campaign will also focus on ways to use maple syrup aside from the traditional pancake or waffle topping. At New Pond Farm, Lopuch suggested making maple butter, cream or candy with the syrup. Connecticut accounts for less than one percent of the worlds maple syrup production, largely because of the difficulty in obtainig permits to use state-owned forests for production. States like Vermont, New York and Maine rank at the top of the list, but are still behind Canadian producers like Quebec. Harran said sugarmakers in every location are working together to grow the industry and promote maple syrup. Im very proud of the cooperation and sharing of information, he said. Its all about making maple syrup a better product and making more of it. If Central School is to be replaced with a new building, I hope that some sort of public architectural review process is set up as the thing is designed -- because, given how schools are too often designed nowadays, I fear we'll end up with something which, seen from the outside, will look more like a big-box retailer in its parking lot than a grade-school in its neighborhood. To appreciate how Central School relates to its neighborhood, I'd suggest standing at the intersection of Eighth and Ewing, noting how closely that front door is centered on the Eighth Avenue axis, with no intervening entrance drive or parking lot; then walk down Eighth to that generous bridge-like walkway up to that beautiful "Schoolhouse-Tudor" entrance arch. The whole thing is an object lesson in pedestrian-directed design employed to integrate an important building, visually and in terms of pedestrian access, into its larger walkable context. Lessons are for the learning. My first hope is that the existing school and gym can be saved, but if not, I urge that their site -- so big and suggestive of possibility -- be redeveloped in such a way as to graciously invite pedestrian access and circulation from all sides, and thereby hold the larger neighborhood together. That's not suburbia up there, after all. It's an authentic urban center, where pedestrians still matter. Dennis McCahon Helena A Western NY man is alive after plunging nearly 100 feet off a cliff at Eighteen Mile Creek Park in Erie County. Hamburg Police and firefighters mounted a rescue effort after the unidentified 20-year-old Angola man slipped on leaves and mud, lost his footing and went over the cliff on Saturday afternoon, WIVB-TV reported. Hamburg VFD on scene of reported cliff rescue on South Creek Road. Details on @news4buffalo at 10 and 11. pic.twitter.com/TID9dxENRE Ron Gabalski (@RGPhotog4) February 11, 2017 Fire Chief says 20 yr-old man is lucky to be alive after falling 75 feet off a cliff at 18 Mile Creek Park in Hamburg. .@WGRZ pic.twitter.com/BZgXx7So7q Franco Ardito (@PhotogFranco) February 11, 2017 Hamburg's Fire Chief told WGRZ-TV that the man had deviated from the marked trail to try to get to the creek bed, and that he was lucky to be alive. The man suffered unspecified non-life threatening injuries, and was alert and responsive after the fall. He was transported to Erie County Medical Center by Mercy Flight for evaluation. Hamburg's fire department and the Eden Emergency Squad responded to the scene. Police reminded hikers to stay on marked trails. Presidential aides were on Friday, February 10, 2017 put on standby over the imminent return of President Muhammadu Buhari from London, United Kingdom. Buhari, who left Nigeria on January 19, was initially scheduled to return to the country last Sunday in preparation for resumption to office last Monday. However, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, later issued a statement announcing that Buhari had notified the National Assembly of his decision to extend his vacation. Adesina had attributed the extension to the need for the President to wait behind and receive the results of medical tests which he had undergone on the advice of his doctors. Sources at the Presidential Villa, Abuja told one of our correspondents on Friday that Buhari was being expected this weekend. The sources said that presidential aides and officials of the Protocol Unit, as well as security operatives, had been put on the alert over the Presidents imminent arrival. One of the sources said, The President is expected back this weekend. We are expecting him to return either on Saturday or Sunday. As of now, we are not sure of the time of his arrival yet. The Protocol Unit will confirm that to us later. Another official said if the President would return by Saturday afternoon, his arrival time would be clear by the (Saturday) morning. Amidst growing concern that Buhari had extended his vacation indefinitely as his new resumption date was not included in his latest letter to the National Assembly, Adesina had during the week, said the President would return sooner than expected. In a communication to the National Assembly, the President did not disclose when he is coming back but the President may be coming back sooner than people think, the presidential spokesman had told a television station. Atiku urges Nigerians to pray for President Meanwhile, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians of all faiths to pray for the President. Atiku, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, said the President needs the prayers of all Nigerians at times like these. This was contained in a press statement issued by his Media Office in Abuja on Friday. Atiku was quoted as saying, We deserve the care and support of one another in trying times. Each of us goes through times when we are not in top form. The last thing we need in such times is mockery or ill will. Commercial Bank of Kuwait has detected an attempt by unidentified persons to break into the personal accounts of a limited number of customers from outside the country, reports Al-Shahed daily.The Commercial Bank of Kuwait confirmed all precautionary measures have been taken to foil such attempts and protect the rights of the customers and the safety of the accounts of its clients and their money.A reliable source at the institution said the bank has sophisticated protection systems. The bank advises clients to change their ATM PIN numbers from time to time.KD 3,000 withdrawn: An unknown individual withdrew KD 3,000 from the bank account of a Kuwaiti citizen via ATM, says Al-Seyassah. According to security sources, the Kuwaiti citizen was surprised to receive a text message from the bank about the withdrawal of KD 3,000 from his bank account. He immediately went to the bank and informed them about the message. The Public Prosecution was informed and he registered a case. Investigations have been launched to find the unknown suspect.Meanwhile, a Tunisian woman filed a case at Hawally Police Station against an acquaintance, accusing him of hitting her with a sharp object, stealing her bank card, forcing her to reveal her secret pin and stealing KD 90 from her in front of a local bank in Hawally area. She provided securitymen with his name and mobile name, using which securitymen have launched investigations to find and arrest him.SOURCE: Bank Accounts Hacked; Hackers From Abroad Trying To Access Bank Accounts in Kuwait I read the sign of a protest in the IR on Saturday the 4th of February that read: "I am a descendant of an immigrant. Are you?" I had to laugh, for my first people friend calls us invaders and tricksters. Depending upon who one speaks to depends upon who I am. I also looked at the photo of the lady with the human rights group and wondered if she really cares or if their group really cares. I reckon they do, but only to a point. Are they working with the countries from which these immigrants are coming to change the totalitarian government into an elected representative government? If not, why not? One of the problems seems to stem from the idea that they neither understand what temporary means, nor the time limit for which President Trump has called for. These same folks did not protest when Mr. Obama called for a temporary ban on those coming to America. Why not? Did they trust Mr. Obama to lift the ban? They may not trust Mr. Trump, but they need to give him a chance. Since he is carrying out campaign promises, why not this one? Sincerely, Charlie P. Hull Jr. East Helena It is yet another season of political power play. Each government comes with its version, but they are all the same. They seek power, but without the deep conviction of how to utilise it for the transformation of society. At the end of the day, they leave citizens stranded. Nigeria is stranded. When Nigerians demanded democratic rule after years of military encroachment, there was a justifiable urgency to have power transferred by all means. There was, however, no serious debate on how to utilise the enormous powers and resources. Too much was left in the hands of the political parties and their sponsors. Too much was left in the hands of the president and the hangers-on. Today, it is a shame that Nigerians have resorted to street protests, in order to command a hearing from those they have enthroned. Those who begged for votes yesterday and promised heaven on earth are now locked in the same power play they accused others of. Voters who thought they saw Change in 2015 are now blaming their blurry sights. They were sold gbanjo. Even for the elected, it has become a game of survival. There is now a difference among those in the inner chambers and those in the periphery. We saw it the other time. Forget photo tricks. I was worried, that after it became manifest that President Buhari needed more than the original 10-day medical break he asked for, the next thing to surface in the social media was that some people had asked the Acting Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo to resign. Some of the stories were that Osinbajo needed prayers because some people have mounted pressure on him to resign. Resign for what? What prayers for a man whose office is well protected by the Constitution? He is physically fit as fiddle, and has not offended the relevant sections of the laws. In terms of competence and character, he exhibits ample supply of the two. Yet, they say some northern governors and other powerful interests were holding meetings to demand that Osinbajo resigns. It didnt make sense to me, that the one who is physically fit was being pressured to resign, while his principal, President Buhari, who has health challenges, was not pressured to resign. I dismissed it. It didnt make sense that anybody would think of asking an Acting president to resign just like that. What replacement were they going to recommend, when President Buhari has already transferred power to his former vice, via the letter transmitted to the National Assembly on Thursday January 18; were they going to create a power vacuum in the Presidency? The social media sustained that cloudy state of affairs for nearly one week, until one State House Correspondent summoned courage, last Monday, to ask if the Acting president was under any pressure to resign. Im Not Under Pressure To Resign. I was voted for by the people of this nation- myself and Mr. President- and so the people of this nation have not asked us to resign, he declared with an unassuming smile. That seemed to put that matter to rest, and put to shame those faceless rumour mongers. But watchers of political events, who tend to look beyond the immediate, are not amused. They are quick to draw a corollary between unfolding state of affairs in Aso Rock with what played out in the days, when President Umaru YarAdua presented with serious health challenges in 2010. YarAduas health issues were shrouded in secrecy, to the extent that he travelled abroad in February 2010 without transmitting to the NASS the letter that was to transfer power to vice president Goodluck Jonathan, in line with Section 145 of the Constitution. That breach or more politely, act of indiscretion, because YarAdua was every inch a gentleman to underwrite any mischief, became a major source of contention between those in the then Federal Executive Council (FEC), who thought Jonathan should be invested with acting powers, and power mongers in YarAduas kitchen cabinet, who thought otherwise. The latter groups major worry was that in the event that YarAdua failed to come back, as it indeed turned out, the powers of the Presidency would constitutionally remain with Jonathan in line with Section 146. It wasnt that they did not know what the Constitution recommended. They were just unable to relate with that reality, because in their mentality, the Presidency had gone up north for eight years and Jonathan is not from the north. It took the intervention of the Senate, ably led by David Mark to step Nigeria down from the volatile intrigues, to recommend the Doctrine of Necessity, which conferred on Jonathan acting status. YarAdua was unable to return to office and throughout that period the country was a hotbed of power play. It took time for Jonathan to stabilise the polity and before you know it, 2011 elections were underway. Technically, the period 2007 to 2011 was dedicated by the PDP to sort out its issues of whether or not rotational clause in its constitution allows Jonathan to inherit the remaining months YarAdua left behind. That is one of the troubles with Nigeria. The YarAdua Presidency was procured under the PDP, of which Jonathan was nominated and elected as vice president. It was a joint ticket, supposedly belonging to one family. But when it became clear that YarAdua was no longer fit for the job, some PDP members from the north could not imagine why Jonathan should inherit their property. The theory of threats and pressure being mounted on Osinbajo to resign are likely sourced from what played out in the PDP. Osinbajo was nominated by their party to be vice president. Buhari agreed to it and they were jointly presented for the 2015 presidential election. They campaigned together and shared the same vision for the country. What Nigerians expect is that the APC would be at least one step ahead of where the PDP left off. Before the elections, there were insinuations that candidate Buhari was no longer as fit as fiddle. Age had taken a toll on his stamina and he showed exhaustion and fatigue during the campaigns. But because he was the best and only candidate to send PDP out of power, all the telltale signs that would have warranted double-checks on the part of APC were totally ignored. Those who dared to offer warnings were routinely abused and denounced. It is even worse that the government is climbing into mid-term without much to show. This is the year for serious work for the Presidency and Nigerians are tired of stories. They want a Presidency that is vibrant and clear on issues. Nigerians want an economy that is working, with a clear roadmap on electricity, health, manufacturing, fixing of roads, providing internal security and generally making life comfortable for the people. This government has not come near 20 percent of its promises and peoples expectations. The APC is going to come under more pressure, as this episode plays out. The President will return in good shape to continue with his mandate. But it goes beyond him. There are variables man cannot take for granted, so long as we remain humans. Every second from now will exert more pressure on the Presidents energies. He should do the little he can and delegate. He should not allow power mongers to stampede him into matters that age and mental fitness have taken out of his reach. He should disown 2019 and begin to groom a candidate for his party. That will douse the tension that has soaked APC, waiting just for anything inflammable to consume it. If he does not do that, his inaction will invariably unleash on the polity a rat race for 2019. The race will be fierce in the APC and it will distract governance a good deal. As Buhari returns, he should rebrand and endeavour to work to leave behind more enduring legacies. The ferreting of hidden loots by the EFCC is a great art. Nigeria needs such art to transform from present abnormality into a country with a sure future. Buhari cannot afford to leave Nigeria worse than he met it! Alabi Williams wrote this article for Guardian , where it was first published. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. President Muhammadu Buhari has said he would only return to Nigeria when his London doctors certify him well enough to do so. Further to my letter dated 18th January 2017 in which I notified the Distinguished Senate of taking part of my annual leave. During my leave, I took the opportunity to have routine check-ups and consult my long standing doctors in London. In the course of the routine examinations, certain test result indicated the need for a course of medications and further appointments have been scheduled for next week. I am therefore notifying the Distinguished Senate that I am extending my leave until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out. In the circumstances, the vice president will continue to act on my behalf. Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration. Mr. Buhari had on January 18 written the National Assembly, notifying the legislature that he was proceeding on a 10-day leave and temporarily transferring presidential power to Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo. I am extending my leave until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out, Mr. Buhari said in a February 5 letter to the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, informing the National Assembly of the extension of his vacation.The President further wrote,The leave was supposed to last 10 work days, between January 23 and February 6, according to the letter transmitted to both chambers of the National Assembly.The President, whose real medical condition remained unknown, was expected to arrive the country on February 5 for resumption of work on February 6.But the extension of his vacation means Mr. Osinbajo will continue to exercise presidential powers for days or weeks to come.This is the third time Mr. Buhari has transferred power to Mr. Osinbajo since the two leaders were inaugurated in May 2015.The first time was on February 5, 2016 when the President embarked on a five-day vacation; and the second was in June 2016 when Mr. Buhari travelled to the United Kingdom for treatment of what the Presidency described as ear infection.A formal notice to both chambers of the National Assembly on the presidents intention to proceed on leave and hand over power temporarily to the vice-president is in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution. Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday in Kano declared that the political difference between him and his predecesso... Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday in Kano declared that the political difference between him and his predecessor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, can be resolved if Kwankwaso can submit himself for peace talks.Ganduje who spoke to reporters in his office said Kwankwaso and himself need each other in their political career, considering the long time relationship they have enjoyed.According to him, I will make myself available for peace talks with him because I cannot have a political associate in the rest of my life like Kwankwaso and he too cannot also have a political associate like me (Ganduje) throughout the rest of his life.Ganduje served Kwankwaso as deputy governor for eight years, during which he displayed loyalty to him.Things, however, started falling apart shortly after Ganduje took over in the face of the allegation that Kwankwaso was insisting on running the show in government and party.Their differences were further deepened by the consistent attack on Gandujes administration and policies by the Kwankwassiya Moverment, a group loyal to Kwankwaso.However, party stakeholders in the North-West, including Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari have continued to appeal to the two political rivals to sheathe their sword and allow peace to reign.According to Masari, I think there is a jinx in Kano which we are hoping the current leadership will break in the future, because they were together since 1999 and I dont think Kwankwaso or Ganduje can build any political alliance that will last the time they have lasted. 1999 to 2015 is not a joke, and I seriously doubt if they can build such political alliance that can last for over 16 years with anybody.Masari noted that both Kwankwaso and Gandujes political life and careers are inter-twined, hence they are working behind the scene to bring them together, so they can expend their energy on developing Kano State. Members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, in Cross River State on Sunday gathered in their numb... Members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, in Cross River State on Sunday gathered in their numbers at Old Odukpani Road, Ikot Enobong in Calabar to pray for the recovery of President Mohammadu Buhari so he could stay alive and witness the actualization of sovereign state of Biafra.The members who came from the three zones in the state led by the state coordinator, Mr Samuel Okah and Pastor Shedrack Nwachukwu, took time to intercede for the President whom they said is not an enemy but an instrument God seeks to use to bring the state of Biafra to fruition in the near future.Buhari is not an enemy and therefore we cant pray for him to die but to live because God will use him as an instrument to bring the quest for a Biafran State to fruition in the near future. The zonal leader, Okah stated.The prayer session which lasted for three hours witnessed the declaration of prophesies for the good health of the president, the enthronement of peace in all parts of the country and an end to the economic recession.The sickness of the president is not unto death because he still has many things to accomplish one of which is the setting free of the Biafran nation, bringing peace to all parts of Nigerian and an end to the economic recessionHe said the actualization of the Biafran dream is nearer than most people think because the time for it is due Nigeria having attained one hundred years of independence and the pronouncement by the President last year that anyone who wants to leave could do so peacefully The emergence of an independent Biafran state is at hand and will take most people unaware.MASSOB abhors violence and our national leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike has always empahised against the use of arms in any form because our fight is with words and words move faster and are more powerful than any weaponThe sun, he said has risen for the actualization of the Biafran nation which is built in fairness, equity and justice where everyone would be free to pursue his vision and actulalise his dreams.According to him the persecution the people of Biafra are going through now is part of the process which will lead to the era of self determination for the people of that antion. MMM has intensified efforts to lure more gullible Nigerians into investing in the already crashed Ponzi scheme. The organizers of Nigerian faction of the popular Ponzi scheme Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox (MMM) has said the scheme is coming back to normal and that all limits on MMM have been lifted.The statement on posted on Thursday said MMM Nigeria lifts all the limits for Mavro, acquired in 2017. So, MMM Nigeria is coming back to normal, and that members can create request to provide help.Dear members, MMM Nigeria lifts all the limits for Mavro, acquired in 2017. So, MMM Nigeria is coming back to normal,.And now the members can actively develop the community and create new requests to provide help.For these requests, orders will soon arrive, and after Mavros confirmation it will be possible to withdraw these Mavro without any restrictions or limits.Only Mavros acquired in 2016 remain under restriction. But we are actively working on new measures to make it possible for the members to withdraw Mavro 2016 in a larger amount without undermining the sustainability of the community.We have collected the screenshots of personal offices of members who received orders for their GH requests. Spread the screenshots via chats, social media and messengers. Let everyone know that MMM Nigeria is working. Every Nigerian should be aware that MMM is functioning well. It is very important.Also posted the below to help those seeking more clarificationsBut note that vanguardngr.com has nothing to do with MMM.I hope it will be enough to answer some of the questions that might be begging for answers in our minds.GET IT CLEARERFew questions raised by participantsQ. If I PH in 2017, will i be able to GH?A. Yes. You will be able to GH all your 2017 donation plus 30%Q. I PH in December but paid in Jan, is that 2017 PH?A. NO. it is still 2016 Mavro.Q. What of my 2016 Mavro, how will i GH?A. There is limit on 2016 Mavro. this means you will be able to GH but not everything. for now, you can only GH all 2017 mavroQ. But its showing zero when i tried to GH, what do i need to do?A. Participant that already PH are able to GH part of 2016 mavro. You probably need to PH before you GH part of 2016 Mavro. So kindly PH.Q. Why are they attending to 2017 before 2016 Mavro?A. For 2016 Mavro to be paid, new PH is needed. thus 2017 PH is needed. this can come from new participant and existing one. but in order to encourage 2017 PH, there will be no limit on it.Q. If all 2017 Mavro is paid first, will there be PH left for 2016?A. Yes. That is why we all need to PH something. no matter how small. remember, in 2016, when everything was going on fine, we waited for like 21 days before we are paired to make payment, it was because there are much PH on ground. If we have much PH on ground now, it will be used to cater for 2016 Mavro. things will work well.Note: Your PH is someones GH. we make ourselves smile. PH only your spare money and make the money available as u can be paired at anytime.#IstandWithMMM#MMMPays#WeAreMMM#NoFakePOP A former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mrs. Farida Waziri, on Sunday expressed concern over the perceived po... A former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mrs. Farida Waziri, on Sunday expressed concern over the perceived politicisation of the the medical trip of President Muhammadu Buhari with a call on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of encouraging their leaders, rather than demonizing them.According to her, the present economic hardship in the country should not lead to some citizens wishing their leaders dead.Speaking positively about our leaders and country will no doubt have a positive impact on our collective image around the world. Agreed, there is much suffering in the land but this should not change us from being the good people that we have always been , by wishing our leaders dead. Let us have a rethink. We cant afford to cut our noses to spite our faces. We must not lose our humanity even in the face of hardship and recession, because it is our collective effort to build this nation, the ex-EFCC chairman emphasised.Waziri in a statement obtained by THE PUNCH in Abuja, said while great nations adore their leaders and do not talk ill of them especially the good ones, Nigerians do not wish their leaders well.She said, The world over, great nations; whether the US, UK, China, Germany or France and more, they dont talk ill of their leaders, instead, they encourage them and build them as exemplary national figures. As wife of Nigerias Ambassador to Turkey in 2004-2008, I arrived at Ataturk Airport Istanbul, my escort informed me proudly that the airport is named after the father of modern Turkey.Downtown Istanbul main street was also adorned with portraits of the man, Ataturk. This, to me, is one clear way to encourage and build our national figures and leaders. Let the good ones serve as good examples of good leadership and the bad ones as such. North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, drawing a strong response from US President Donald Trump who vowed 100 percent suppor... North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, drawing a strong response from US President Donald Trump who vowed 100 percent support for key ally Japan at a press conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.The missile, the first test since Trump became president, was launched around 7:55 am (2255 GMT Saturday) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the South Korean defence ministry said.It flew about 500 kilometres (310 miles) before falling into the sea, a ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified.Todays missile launch is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities, the ministry said in a statement.It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump, it added.Trump responded with an assurance to the visiting Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally.I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent, Trump said, without elaborating.Abe denounced the launch as absolutely intolerable while top government spokesman Yoshihide Suge told reporters in Tokyo it was clearly a provocation to Japan and the region.North Korea is barred under UN resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology but six sets of UN sanctions since Pyongyangs first nuclear test in 2006 have failed to halt its drive for what it insists are defensive weapons. Clear provocation Last year the country conducted numerous tests and launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland.A South Korean army official quoted by Yonhap news agency ruled out the possibility of a long-range missile test, describing the device as an upgraded version of the Norths short-range Rodong missile.Seoul-based academic Yang Moo-Jin said the latest test was a celebratory launch to mark the February 16 birthday of Kim Jong-Il, late ruler and father of current leader Kim Jong-Un.Pyongyang often celebrates key anniversaries involving current and former leaders with missile launches, Yang, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, told AFP.South Koreas acting president Hwang Gyo-Ahn vowed a corresponding punishment in response to the launch, which came on the heels of a visit to Seoul by new US Defense Secretary James Mattis earlier this month.Mattis had warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an effective and overwhelming response.Trumps national security adviser, Michael Flynn, spoke to his South Korean counterpart Kim Kwan-Jin on the phone and agreed to seek all possible options to curb future provocations by the North, Seouls presidential office said in a statement.In January leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the final stages of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying It wont happen.James Char, senior analyst at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore, said the launch was Pyongyangs way of showing characteristic defiance against Trump. Test for Trump Washington has repeatedly vowed that it will never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation and the latest launch poses a test for Trump, who will need the help of Beijing, Pyongyangs closest ally, to deal with the reclusive state.Relations between the two superpowers have thawed in recent days after Trump reaffirmed Washingtons One China policy in what he described as a very warm telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping.The recent Trump-Xi phone call would be considered an important platform from which the two powers will move forward, Char said.Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM.But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father in December 2011. The White House confirmed Sunday it is considering issuing a new order on immigration now that President Donald Trumps travel ban has b... The White House confirmed Sunday it is considering issuing a new order on immigration now that President Donald Trumps travel ban has been halted as it makes its way through the courts. Right now we are considering and pursuing all options, presidential aide Stephen Miller told Fox television.He said the next step would be either filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, defending the merits of the order in lower courts or issuing a new one.The presidents powers here are beyond question, said Miller, who is considered one of the driving forces behind Trumps first actions on immigration.Miller insisted the president has the power to keep some people from entering the United States.We are contemplating new and additional actions to ensure that immigration is not a vehicle for admitting people into our country that are hostile to its nation and its values, Miller said.The order that Trump issued abruptly on January 27 halts resettlement of all refugees for 120 days and that of Syrian refugees indefinitely.It also bars for 90 days the entry of nationals from seven mainly Muslim countries.A federal judge in Seattle issued a stay against the order on February 3. Then a three judge appeals panel in San Francisco voted unanimously last week against reinstating Trumps ban. Among other things, it rejected the argument that the presidents actions in the area of immigration cannot be reviewed by the courts.The Trump ban was supposed to be in place while the government comes up with a new system of so-called extreme vetting of people seeking entry visas. This could include checks on their social media accounts, according to John Kelly, the secretary of homeland security.Our immigration system should not be a vehicle for admitting people who have anything but love in their hearts for this nation and this constitution, said Miller, who is 31.It is a message that I want the world to hear today. This country will protect its borders. It will protect its people, Miller said.The idea of the White House issuing a modified immigration order that would survive scrutiny in the courts does not convince Democrats, who from the outset have charged that Trumps order is simply anti-Muslim and plays into the hands of extremists.It will be used as a recruitment for terrorist organizations. It will put Americans at greater risk traveling abroad, said Democratic Senator Ben Cardin.AFP The Nigeria Customs Service, on Saturday, explained why it had not prosecuted those arrested for their alleged involvement in the imp... The Nigeria Customs Service, on Saturday, explained why it had not prosecuted those arrested for their alleged involvement in the importation of 49 boxes of 661 pump-action rifles, stating that the service had yet to conclude investigations into the matter.The Assistant Comptroller and acting spokesman for the NCS, Joseph Attah, told our correspondent during a telephone interview that no action could be taken on the matter now as investigations had not been concluded.The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the NCS had, on January 30, intercepted the 40-foot container containing the rifles along the Mile 2 Apapa Road in Lagos State.The FOU officials were said to have discovered that although the manifest said the container had steel doors and other merchandise goods, boxes of the weapons were concealed deep in the container.The rifles tagged, JOJEFF made in Italy, could take up to 10 cartridges and could wreak a lot of havoc.Other items found in the container were diapers, office cabinet, towels, mattresses, soft drinks and toiletries among others.The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.), had said the container came from China, but was routed through Turkey to cause confusion.He had explained that three suspects, Oscar Okafor (importer), Mahmud Hassan (clearing agent) and Sadique Mustapha (escort) had been arrested.Two days later, two customs officers Abdullahi I, and Odiba Inah who cleared the container were arrested and transferred to the Customs headquarters in Abuja.When asked when the suspects would be charged to court since it was up to two weeks that they had been detained, Attah said the outcome of the investigations would determine the next line of action for the service.He said, They are facing investigations already. It is only when investigations are completed that appropriate actions can be taken.All those concerned with the importation of the rifles are currently under investigations. And when the investigations are completed, the findings of the investigations will determine further action. Okogie demands prosecution of importers, accomplicesA former Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, on Saturday, called on the Federal Government to prosecute the sponsors of the suspects arrested in connection with the 661 pump action rifles intercepted in Lagos by the NCS.The cleric, who is a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, also condemned security agencies as showing ineptitude towards crime prevention in the country.Okogie said this in an article titled, Who is importing arms into Nigeria?Okogie accused the NCS and the relevant security agencies at the port of negligence and ineptitude towards crime prevention.According to him, the admittance by the NCS boss that the guns were intercepted after the consignment had been cleared by the service at the entry point showed there were lapses in the system.Okogie said, A dictum has it that prevention is better than cure. Intelligence is crime prevention. Nigerias security agencies in this case, the Customs, the Police, the Army, to mention but these have repeatedly demonstrated their ineptitude when it comes to preventing acts that are inimical to security. BUTTE -- The folks at Headframe Spirits say they have a vision for the future, and that vision includes making Butte home to one of the largest distilleries in the U.S. Wife-and-husband duo and company owners Courtney and John McKee unveiled part of that vision this week during an open house where community leaders and county officials got a chance to tour the companys latest addition: a manufacturing facility on the Butte Hill. The McKees announced plans for the Butte Hill facility in July with a proposal they presented before Buttes Council of Commissioners. The proposal, ultimately approved, was to rent from the county 30,000 square feet of a 60,000-square-foot warehouse in the Kelley Mine Yard. There, the company owners said, they wanted to move their packaging, storing, and still-manufacturing operations from their then-stronghold at MSE, an industrial complex at 200 Technology Way south of Butte. After pouring concrete floors and making upgrades to wiring, lighting, and heating and sewer lines, the company moved into the warehouse Labor Day and are now renting the facility for about $4,200 per month. The move is part of a multi-phase vision to eventually purchase the property and possibly open a tasting room or bring a third-party restaurant to the site, the McKees said in July. But for now, Courtney McKee told The Montana Standard Wednesday, those things remain in the idea stage, and the Kelley is not a public-facing facility. Should Headframe achieve its long-term goals, the company could become the largest distillery west of the Mississippi. In previous articles in the Standard, the McKees said the expansion could enable the company to bringing 50 to 100 jobs to the Mining City and produce a barrel of whiskey every seven minutes. And thats a vision for the future that the county and the state of Montana are putting their money on. The company has received financial assistance from Buttes Urban Revitalization Agency in recent years, the latest a $1,450 grant to help make roof repairs at its building at 21 S. Montana St. Similarly, in late December, commissioners agreed to steer $50,000 from its Hard Rock Mine Reserve Trust Account to help cover renovation expenses at the Kelley warehouse. During the Dec. 21 agenda, Headframe representatives told commissioners they had invested $600,000 of their own money into the project. And most recently, the governors office issued a press release Tuesday listing Headframe as a recipient of a $60,000 grant from the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund, which the company will use to expand and hire eight more employees. And one of those positions has already been filled. During Thursdays tour, attendees were greeted by Headframes newest hire, design engineer Kris White, a graduate from Montana State Universitys Mechanical Engineering Technology program. Hes ours, and we love the hell out of him, said Courtney McKee Wednesday, explaining how White will redesign equipment to it make more efficient and less expensive to manufacture. He does all the nerdy math stuff, she said. On Thursday, White demonstrated a computer model of Headframes newest still, the 30-foot-high CF-5000, which will boast five times the production capacity of the companys current largest still, the CF-1000, while employees worked behind him welding the first model, which is destined for a company in Reno, Nevada. Headframe co-owner John McKee, who led the tour, said Headframe beat out German company CARL to sell the CF-5000 still to the Reno buyer. Its a big feather in our cap, said John McKee. But White wasnt the only new hire present during Thursdays tour. Guests were also greeted by Chris Byles, Headframes new production manager and distiller. Byles spoke with the Standard about upcoming Headframe products: the Kelley Single Malt Whiskey, Speculator Rye Whiskey, and a limited-addition whiskey called The Steward, which is aged in barrels formally used for wine. According to John McKee, The Steward came about when the owners of a Canadian company commissioned the whiskey from Headframe but couldnt get their operation off the ground. Rather than letting the whiskey go to waste, the two companies decided to sell the whiskey under the Headframe label. When asked when the new spirits will be released, White said sometime around September but that its really up to the whiskey. Youre looking at color; youre looking at flavor, he said. The alcohol tells you when its ready to be released. In addition to the new whiskies, Courtney McKee said Wednesday that Headframes 2017 outlook includes shipping its first CF-5000 still and growing in a mindful and staged manner. She said the company is also registering a holiday in honor of the Kelley Single Malt Whiskey. The holiday, St. Kelleys Day, will be Sept. 17, which McKee said is the opposite day of St. Patrick's Day. (Because) on opposite day, you should also have something fun to do. balloons_de_rose.jpg A memorial for Darryl Laqua "De Rose" Fuqua is seen at the site between South Avenue and Grove Street where he was shot by a police officer Friday afternoon. (Rebecca Everett | For NJ.com) BRIDGETON -- On Saturday afternoon, Gwen Benson said it had been 24 hours since her son, Darryl L. Fuqua, was killed. It was two hours, she said, since detectives sat on her couch and explained that he had been shot twice in the back and once in the chest by a police officer. "I asked to see my son and they said 'no, it's under investigation,'" Benson said. "I have not yet been able to see my son. In my heart I'm still thinking this is a dream. Until I see my child dead, he might walk through that door." Darryl L. "De Rose" Fuqua That was the only time Benson's voice wavered as she spoke to a reporter in her mother's home in Bridgeton Saturday. Otherwise, she spoke forcefully about what she believes happened in her son's last moments, and how she felt that he was "just about to do something" with his life when it was all taken away at 24. She said she wants the officer who killed her son charged. The Cumberland County prosecutor's office has not released more details about how the shooting occurred since Friday night. In a statement, Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said police were chasing Fuqua on foot around 4 p.m. when at least one officer shot at him. A gun was recovered in the area, she said. Benson questions that part of the story, pointing out that authorities have never said the gun was in his possession. As for the pursuit, she said "very reliable sources" who were at the scene told her that Fuqua and two friends ran only because a police cruiser had pulled up to them on the sidewalk and officers had gotten out. Two friends went one way, she said, and Fuqua ran into the dirt alley between 200 and 208 South Avenue, where he was shot. Benson visited the spot, marked with candles and balloons, on Saturday afternoon. She said she had gone there when she heard about the shooting Friday afternoon, but police told her that her son was taken to the hospital and she should go there. It wasn't until 7 p.m., three hours after he was shot, that a hospital staff member came to tell her that her son was dead. A friend of Fuqua's who was nearby witnessed the aftermath of the shooting, she said. "He heard my son hollering, 'Help me! Help me!' and the police ran up and had their guns on him and put cuffs on him. Then they started to resuscitate him," she said. "My son died in an alley... on the ground, with handcuffs on." Benson said her son went by the nickname "De Rose." He was a quiet guy, she said, but was also an aspiring rapper who had been writing, singing and rapping since 14. "He had just won a spot on New Jersey Got Talent," a showcase Feb. 18 in Vineland where he would show off his skills. "I had tickets." She was proud that he graduated from Bridgeton High School. While court records show he had been arrested for drug possession, she said he was never in serious trouble. "He was quiet, laid back. He was a joker," she said, but also had a maturity that many his age do not. He had a girlfriend whom he lived with, she said, and no children. "He came over whenever I asked him to," she said, to check in on her and her mother, who lives next door on Ramblewood Drive. A call for calm At the home Saturday, the phone rang several times and callers were told there were no services planned yet. Benson said she wanted people to pray for her family and she had a message for her son's friends and the whole community: "Please, Mama Rose doesn't want street justice. I want court justice," she said. She hopes to see the officer who shot her son charged with his killing. She echoed statements by Rev. James Dunkins of Shiloh Baptist Church in Vineland and the National Awareness Alliance in Salem County, calling for a third party investigation. Dunkins said that would remove any question about whether the Cumberland County prosecutor conducted an impartial investigation. He also said that while he believes the prosecutor's office is trying to do right by those who've lost a loved one to a police shooting, they are often "caught in this no info zone." Authorities say they can't release details because of the investigations, and that means long periods of time when mothers who've lost children don't know the details of what happened. "We're hoping this case will be handled more forthrightly and directly," he said. He said he is working with several groups in the community to respond to incidents of violence, including police shootings, to help ease the suffering and "build a bridge" with law enforcement. It's not easy to convince young people that there are a lot of good cops on the streets, he said. In this case, they will reach out to the family and also help with any plans to hold a vigil, he said. "We already have it in the works to call a meeting of community leaders to respond to this," he said. "We'll try to get calm." Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. PattyHogan.JPG Dr. Patty Hogan, whose clinic is based at Fair Winds Farm in Cream Ridge, N.J. explains how an endoscope works with the help of a young guest at an open house in 2015. (Photo Lillian Shupe | NJ Advance Media) The Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) has awarded its most prestigious honor, the 2016 Service to Youth Award, to Dr. Patricia Hogan. Hogan's veterinary clinic is based at Fair Winds Farm in Cream Ridge, N.J. The Service To Youth Award is given to individuals or organizations who exemplify outstanding effort in facilitating youth participation in harness racing. Recipients show exceptional assistance (either financially or educationally) to existing HHYF programs or in their own successful efforts. Hogan is a well-known and well-respected veterinarian, most notably known for her involvement with Dan Patch Horse of the Year Always B Miki. Hogan has been honored by numerous organizations over her career. She previously received the 2016 Inaugural Equistar Award from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, the 2008 Spirit of the Horse Award from Rutgers University, and the 2004 President's Award from the American Veterinary Medicine Association. Her website lists the equine organizations to which she donates her services including the Standardbred Retirement Foundation as well as many Thoroughbred groups. "Dr. Hogan's long term support of HHYF in addition to her benevolence fortifies her selection" according to HHYF President Marlys Pinske. "She exemplifies the best in harness racing and our board is pleased to present her yet another honor for her efforts." HHYF Executive Director Ellen Taylor adds, "Dr. Hogan has a long affiliation with HHYF, having received scholarships from the Foundation during her schooling in the late 1980s. She serves as an exceptional role model for countless young people with aspirations to become veterinarians. She mentors college students, offers clinic tours during the annual Fair Winds Open House and has participated in 'take your daughter to work' efforts." The late Stan Bergstein won the inaugural Service To Youth Award in 1979 and since then a Who's Who of harness racing, including Delvin Miller, John Campbell, Doug Brown and Albert Adams have been honored. Organizations including Hanover Shoe Farms Foundation, Brittany Farms and Hoosier Park have also received the award. Callie Davies-Gooch and Chris Wittstruck shared the award last year. A complete list of Service To Youth award recipients is posted at http://hhyf.org/service-to-youth-award. HHYF welcomes nominations from the harness racing industry for consideration. Now in its fifth decade of service to harness racing, the Harness Horse Youth Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing young people and their families educational opportunities with harness horses, in order to foster the next generation of participants and fans. The Foundation has been making a difference in young people's lives since 1976, and its programs include interactive learning experiences with these versatile animals, scholarship programs, and creation and distribution of educational materials. For more information on opportunities through HHYF, or to support its mission, go to www.hhyf.org. HHYF, USHWA partner for Night of Champions Silent Auction The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) and the Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) are again teaming up to offer an exciting silent auction to benefit both organizations at the Dan Patch Awards Presentation Sunday, Feb. 26 in Las Vegas, Nev. For those who are on the go, one lucky bidder will be going to the 2017 Preakness on May 20. That package includes two tickets to Turfside Terrace at Pimlico including admission, seating, buffet, beer and wine, and parking. And while what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, one successful bidder can choose a two-night stay at any Caesar's property, along with a dinner for four. Special works of art, including a 22x8x22 stone, fiberglass and resin horse head statue titled "Champagne," a framed, double matted 25x33" "Stretch Drive," signed print by renowned artist James Crown, and a 14x18 Greyhound framed print by R.H. Palenske are also up for bid. For collectors, the auction features a Bow River two heart horse pendant and necklace featuring a .10 carat diamond and 14K gold necklace, and am equine-themed L.V. Harkness etched whiskey decanter. In addition to on-site bidding in Las Vegas, USHWA and HHYF are offering advance bidding on all of these items. Contact Steve Wolf at 954-654-3757, or Ellen Taylor at 317-908-0029 for bidding requirements and information. For more equestrian news see Horse News Horse News covers everything equestrian in the mid-Atlantic area and can be reached at horsenews@hcdemocrat.com Find Horse News on Facebook For more racing and steeplechasing news see http://connect.nj.com/user/aorrjr/posts.html jersey city police car.jpg The man who allegedly attacked two police officers while high on PCP earlier this month is now facing charges he viciously attacked a woman and tried to rape her. (Journal file photo) JERSEY CITY -- The man who allegedly attacked two police officers while high on PCP earlier this month is now facing charges he viciously attacked a woman and tried to rape her. Anthony Howard, 40, was arrested on Feb. 6 after authorities say he repeatedly punched the victim in the face and tried ripping her clothes off. Howard, of Academy Street, threw the woman to the ground and told her multiple times he was going to kill her. The victim briefly lost consciousness during the attack, but said Howard tried taking his own clothes off as well, according to court documents. A police officer went inside the home and found Howard punching the woman in the face. Authorities said Howard appeared under the influence of drugs or alcohol and smashed a window in the home when police attempted to arrest him, the records show. The victim was brought to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment. The victim was described as an "acquaintance" of Howard, the reports state. Howard was arrested three days before he allegedly attempted the sexual assault. On Feb. 3, police officers found Howard chasing a woman down Garfield Avenue. Howard, described as being high on PCP, slammed two police officers to the ground when they tried to arrest him, according to a police report. The Jersey Journal previously reported Howard was 39 because police miscalculated his age based on his birthday. Howard was released from jail following the assault on the cops under the state's new Criminal Justice Reform Act. As of Friday afternoon, Howard remained jailed on the latest offense. In the latest attack, Howard was charged with aggravated assault, attempted criminal sexual assault, criminal mischief, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest. Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. There is a special kind of reassurance associated with the comforts of home at every stage of life. That is why the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) has devoted more than a century to delivering home health services to residents of Morris and Hunterdon counties, along with neighboring communities. These services allow residents to return home safely following hospitalization, and to remain in the comfort of home due to an illness, disability or advanced age. Home care nurses have a unique opportunity to actively participate in patient care and complete their own scheduling. Open House The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey is holding an Open House for those interested in the New Graduate Nurse Program. Attendees can meet with VNANNJ's Talent Acquisition Team to learn more about the program, and the organization overall. Date: Feb. 23 Location: 175 South St., Morristown Check-in: 5 p.m. Event begins: 5:30 p.m. With health care organizations and insurers encouraging shorter hospital stays, in-home nursing and related health care services are growing in importance. That growth brings with it employment opportunities for nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, certified home health aides and supporting administrative staff. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey provides many opportunities for a rewarding career in home health care, especially for new graduate nurses. In-home nursing and related health care services are growing in importance -- growth that brings with it employment opportunities for nurses. Many nursing students are encouraged to shy away from home care until they have experience. However, the VNANNJ has developed and continues to update a well-defined orientation schedule that is outlined to include milestones that help build new graduate's caseloads and skill sets. The VNANNJ is committed to developing and expanding the practice of nursing, and the VNA welcomes new graduates looking to begin their careers. The VNANNJ's BSN New Graduate Nurse Program seeks candidates who are creative, able to work independently and appreciate being a part of a team. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey is committed to developing and expanding the practice of nursing, and wants new graduates to consider a career with the organization. A great advantage to being a home care nurse is the ability to connect with patients, see their outcomes first-hand and see the difference being made in their lives. Home care nurses are offered a unique opportunity to actively participate in patient care and complete their own scheduling, while still being a part of the VNANNJ's large group of supportive health care professionals. "I came to VNA four years ago because of its flexibility, the new graduate program and the opportunity to apply skills," said a Field Nurse Team Leader who wished to remain anonymous. "I now have an opportunity to help new graduate nurses develop confidence and learn clinical skills. Working in the home health field, there are always new skills to learn and situations that require critical thinking. "What I love about working at the VNA is the flexibility, learning experience, supportive and educated staff, and the furthering education and promotion opportunities," the Field Nurse Team Leader said. "The positive daily impact on patients overall is very rewarding." Participants in the VNANNJ's New Graduate Nurse Program will have ample opportunities to learn, grow and fine-tune skills, while enjoying great benefits that allow them to have the perfect work/life balance. Nursing students who have graduated and received their BSN within the last two years are eligible to apply for the program. To register or learn more, contact Courtney Cheshire at (973) 451-4111 or Ccheshire@vnannj.org. For more advice on the job market, click here. TRENTON -- A shooting on South Hermitage Avenue Saturday wounded a man in the leg, Trenton police said. Patrol officers responding to a 4:10 p.m. report of shots fired on the street found a 30-year-old man suffering from a wound to his thigh, police said. He told police officers he was in the area when he heard gunfire and realized he'd been shot. A Trenton EMS ambulance took him to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in the city. Police had no information about the gunman Saturday, The department's joint Shooting Response Team is investigating the incident. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A couple canceled their $325,000 Manhattan wedding after fighting broke out at the rehearsal dinner, leading to lawsuits from each family, the New York Post reported. The brawl broke out Oct. 28 after the father of erstwhile groom Bradley Moss refused to let the brother of bride-to-be Amy Bzura make a toast, according to a lawsuit filed by Amy's father, Bruce. The groom's brother Michael then punched Adam Bzura, Amy's brother, in the mouth, the suit said. Robert Moss, Bradley's father and owner of Long Island Pipe Supply, also threatened to cut his son out of the business if the wedding continued, according to the report. Bradley, 32, also sued Amy, 27, for the return of the $125,800 engagement ring. Amy Bzura is from Marlboro in Monmouth County, according to her Facebook page. Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. There are two empty bedrooms, 250 miles apart. One is in Leesburg, Va., where Christina Cassidy grew up before following the dreams that led her to Rutgers Law School in Newark. The other is in Elizabeth, where Mauricio Silvera lived with his family. These two empty rooms now are chambers of grief for two families. They are places of profound sorrow, filled with the memories, the love, the laughter and the voices of two young people who are never coming home. What follows is not an attempt to equate the losses suffered by the Cassidys and Silveras. There is no comparison. Christina Cassidy is dead and Mauricio Silvera is not. She was taken away at age 25 in the most cruel and inexplicable way -- the way parents dread when their children are little and impulsive and are admonished repeatedly to "look both ways" before crossing a street. On the morning of Sept. 3, 2016, Christina attempted to cross McCarter Highway in Newark at Raymond Boulevard. It was 3:25 a.m., and she was coming home from a night out of listening to live music in the clubs of New York. The streets were all but deserted. She and a friend began to cross while the light for oncoming traffic was still green. Over the rise came Mauricio Silvera, exceeding the 35 mph speed limit, but not by insane amounts. Christina's friend turned back; Christina ran toward the other side into the path of Silvera's car. To say what happened next is "every parent's nightmare" seems weak and cliche. It does not capture the anger, the depth of sadness, the embedded memory loop of sleepless nights and restless days, the horrifying images of a precious child dying in the street in the most unforgiving disturbing way. Kevin and Helen Cassidy, Christina's parents, and her younger sister, Kaitlin, live with that. Every second, every minute of every day. After Silvera's car hit Christina, he panicked. He kept going. At Silvera's sentencing on Tuesday in Essex County Superior Court, his defense attorney, Michael Robbins, opened his statement to the court like this: "He should have stopped. He should have stayed. He should have helped ... if nothing else but to hold her hand and not leave her alone until help arrived." But he didn't. It took four hours after the accident before Silvera turned himself in, and he was charged with leaving the scene. The police determined he was not impaired. He had a clean driving record and no criminal record of any kind. Still, because the accident involved personal injury, the charge was a fourth-degree felony. Under long-standing immigration laws, the crime exposed Silvera to deportation to his home country of Uruguay. The 23-year-old has lived in Elizabeth - a sanctuary city -- since he was 9. He currently has a work permit. Prior to that he was an undocumented immigrant. In an unusual plea bargain between the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and federal immigration officials, Silvera received a suspended three-year jail term and was to be deported after Tuesday's sentencing. The sentencing brought together two families, and the friends of both. The courtroom was filled, a testament to the how both these young adults were loved and cherished by their families. Silvera was brought out, hands cuffed behind him, wearing the forest green jumpsuit of the Essex County Correctional facility, where he has been held since the accident, awaiting deportation to his native Uruguay. He stood as Robbins, mourned the loss of Christina Cassidy and spoke of her as a "great, amazing kid," detailing her education, community service and giving nature. He spoke about how Christina learned Russian when her aunt adopted a child from that country. He then spoke of how his client, too, was a "great kid" - a hard worker, holding two jobs to help his family, active in church, and never in trouble. It was the beginning of an emotional journey few had ever seen in a courtroom. In a sentencing proceeding, the defendants are allowed to bring in people to testify on their behalf, followed by the impact statements by the victim's side. Silvera's sister, Paola Vargas, stepped in front of Essex Judge Ronald D. Wigler and offered the Cassidys "most sincere condolences and prayers that God gives you strength" through their lifetime ordeal. With tears in her eyes, there was no doubt of the sincerity. It was the first reference of many to God, by both families, and truth be told, a believer could feel his presence in that courtroom, where so much loss, grief and forgiveness swirled like a perfect storm of heart-stabbing emotion. When Vargas spoke of how Silvera was a doting uncle to her 3-year-old son, Benjamin, she broke down and her brother did, too. Robbins wiped the tears from Silvera's eyes, and discreetly whisked away some of his own. Silvera looked toward his parents, Carlos and Milda, sitting with the happy boy, oblivious to the fact that his uncle would be 5,200 miles away by week's end - to rarely be seen again. "He can't re-enter the country, and the family doesn't have the money to travel," Robbins said after the hearing. "This is the collateral consequence of the immigration debate. This is a real kid, a real family being broken up. He's got nobody in Uruguay. They're all here." When it was Silvera's turn to speak at the hearing, Robbins held a letter in front of him and in a trembling voice and with tears streaming down his face, he expressed deep remorse, knowing "I took a life that was valuable to God." He spoke of how the accident replayed over and over in his mind, and the guilt of his actions had hollowed him out. He threw himself on the mercy of God and the Cassidys, saying he could not forgive himself and "begged for their forgiveness." And at that moment, he looked toward them and Kevin Cassidy gave him a slight, almost indiscernible nod, as if to say, "Yes, we understand your pain, too," and in that nod was an unspoken promise of forgiveness. Wigler said he had received "many, many, many" letters about Christina Cassidy and that she was the kind of young woman "I would have been privileged and honored to one day have as a law clerk." Her parents came forward to read their victim impact statement and with great composure, Helen Cassidy, spoke of their daughter as a precocious toddler, a loving "best friend" of a big sister, a person who cared deeply about people. She worked as an intern in the Washington, D.C., Public Defender's Service and was going to law school with plans to do some kind of socially meaningful work. Her mother related the story of how Christina once had to read a victim impact statement to a man charged with murder. The experience shook her and she told her mother that she hoped her family would never have to endure such horror. "And now here we are," Helen Cassidy said. She spoke of how their family of four "was as close as family could be" and how Christina was the center. She used words like "incalculable loss." She mourned not only her daughter, but the grandchildren she and her husband would never have. She told of how, when they told Kaitlin over the phone that her sister was gone, "the shattering wails of grief" that followed shook them to their core and haunt them still today. "We sent our daughter out into the world, only to have her killed walking across the street," she said. And then she addressed Silvera, who listened with his head bowed and sobbing. "God loves you," she said. "I am so sorry this has happened, but God has a plan for you and you'll be okay. We forgive you." "We forgive you," echoed Kevin Cassidy. There wasn't a person in the courtroom who wasn't moved to tears. The judge, the attorneys, the spectators, the press. And then it was over. The sentence was imposed by Wigler who called the case "horrific from everybody's perspective ... for everyone in this courtroom, this is an awful day." Mauricio Silvera was led out, back to jail, waiting to be sent away and separated from his family. The two families filed out of the court together, shoulder to shoulder. In the crowded hallway, Kevin Cassidy passed Carlos Silvera. The two men embraced tightly and not for a short amount of time, sharing loss and giving and accepting forgiveness before going their separate ways, inextricably linked for all time by a fateful, tragic accident. Mark Di Ionno may be reached at mdiionno@starledger.com. Follow The Star-Ledger on Twitter @StarLedger and find us on Facebook. TOMS RIVER -- A man wanted for allegedly stealing watches from an upstate New York jewelry store and a 2011 robbery in Toms River was arrested Saturday in North Bergen, authorities and reports said. Daniel Sable, 27, was being held at the Ocean County Jail on charges, including robbery and eluding law enforcement officers, according to Ocean County Department of Corrections records. Sable stole two Rolex watches valued at $59,800 from Mann's Jewelers store in Brighton, New York, on Tuesday, according to U.S. Marshal of the Western District of New York Charles Salina and Brighton Police Chief Mark Henderson. Based on the investigation and tips from the public, the U.S. Marshals Task Force, based in Rochester, New York, learned Sable was in the North Bergen-area, the officials said in a news release. Marshals in Rochester alerted colleagues in New Jersey about the case. Authorities caught up with Sable at a PNC bank branch around 9:30 a.m. in North Bergen, where U.S. Marshals arrested the wanted man, according to officials. He allegedly tried to flee from the law enforcement officers. "Due to the public's assistance we were able to apprehend him less than 48 hours after receiving the case," said Salina, who thanked task force officers and tipsters for helping bring the arrest. Sable was also being sought for a 2011 robbery at a Wells Fargo branch in Toms River, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported. Toms River police could not immediately provide details on that charge. Sable would be held at the Ocean County Jail before extradition to face charges in New York, officials said. He was also wanted by the New York Division of Parole. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook. President Trump, it turns out, is capable of acknowledging a mistake. Thank God. Let's hope it becomes a habit. This week he moved to repair the damage he did when he said the United States might abandon the One China policy, the core tenet of relations between the world's two greatest powers. That was a dangerous blunder. The One China policy has been in effect since President Nixon established relations with China in the early 1970s, as the Vietnam War was winding down. It allows the United States and China to sidestep the most emotional flashpoint in their relations: America's steadfast support for Taiwan, an island province of China that broke away when the communists took control of the mainland in 1949. Under this policy, both sides agree there is only one China, while leaving open the question of which side has sovereignty. It is a diplomatic fudge that allows Taiwan to maintain rule over the island, with American military support, while giving the regime in Beijing hope that it can eventually bring Taiwan back. As part of the policy, the United States moved its embassy to mainland China. For decades, this formula has preserved the peace, even as tensions have flared several times, with China firing missiles near Taiwan and the American Navy showing up in force to protect them. The worst of it came in March of 1996, when President Clinton ordered the aircraft carrier Nimitz and its battle group through the Taiwan Strait. Shortly after his election, Trump blundered into this dangerous standoff, warning that he might abandon the policy unless China offered concessions on trade. The reaction in Beijing was horror and disbelief. This is a core issue to them, a matter of national pride, and President Xi made it clear that he would not speak with Trump until he reversed himself. Trump did so on Thursday. Consider it the Art of the Retreat. We saw it again when Trump tapped the brakes on his blind support for Israel's expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which he now acknowledges creates an obstacle towards peace. He may also back off plans to move the American embassy to Jerusalem, a move that would almost surely spark violence and reinforce fears that Trump is on an anti-Muslim crusade. It seems that some adults in the room are tamping down Trump's most dangerous instincts. Most observers see the hand of Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Let's hope they are just getting started. More: Tom Moran columns Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or call (973) 836-4909. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. BUTTE -- Beaverhead County outfitters and businesses lost an estimated $5 million in 2015 due to turbidity showing up in the upper Beaverhead River, according to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. While the state doesn't have numbers for the 2016 financial hit, FWP fisheries biologist Matt Jaeger estimates that 10,000 fewer anglers showed up to fish the Beaverhead in 2015 than they did in 2013. Jaeger said the fish are taking a hit, too. While the turbidity is not affecting fish density, it is causing them to get skinnier. Jaeger said its because trout are visual foragers. The see something coming, they eat it, said Jaeger. If the waters cloudy, its more difficult to see food coming. The upper Beaverhead River has been hit in the summer months by turbidity issues since August 2014. FWP and the Department of Environmental Quality held a meeting earlier this week in Dillon to discuss their latest findings on the cause. But DEQ water-quality planning bureau chief Eric Urban told the Standard that the agency doesnt fully know the mechanisms of whats causing the turbidity. But they do know it starts in the bottom of Clark Canyon Reservoir, about 30 miles south of Dillon. Kyle Flynn, DEQ environmental engineer, said warmer temperatures in summer months appear to be a significant factor. Flynn said the reservoir was 3 to 6 degrees warmer than average in June 2016. The turbidity reappeared in late June 2016. Ever since it first appeared in August 2014, the turbidity subsides in cooler months. DEQ officials have observed that cool water from the bottom of the reservoir is released into the river. In addition, the turbid water is also escaping the bottom of the reservoir into the river. DEQ officials said they need to do more studies this summer, but the agency has ruled out some previous theories of the cause. Flynn said one primary theory is sediment collected at the bottom of the reservoir was the cause, but Flynn said DEQ found that not to be the case. The composition of the water was also ruled out. More scientific work is needed to ultimately recommend the best action to take, DEQ officials said. Meanwhile, Dillon outfitters Brad Platt and Tim Tollett both expressed frustration that there is not yet a solution. Tollett said everyone who uses the river needs to find consensus and move forward. Platt wishes the state showed a greater sense of urgency. Their patience could be our demise. Im sitting here looking at a blank August calendar, Platt said Friday. Platt, co-owner of Anderson and Platt Fly Fishing Guide Service, said his guiding business lost $25,000 to $30,000 last year because of the Beaverhead Rivers turbidity problem. And that doesnt reflect the additional hit his business took in lost retail. Platt and his partner, Jonathan Anderson, sell outfitting equipment in their Dillon store. Tollett, co-owner of Frontier Anglers in Dillon, called the lost business devastating. We lost 200 trips last year. Thats about a third of what we do, Tollett said Friday in a phone interview from his Dillon shop. MISSOULA -- Professor Jay Evans already uses live pigs in his research at the University of Montana. Evans, a research professor in the Division of Biological Sciences and director of the proposed Center for Translational Medicine, is working on developing a one-time vaccine for influenza, among other projects. But the animal facility he uses for pig studies is not in Montana. If UM were to open a porcine research lab, as it has proposed to do, Evans said the state would see the revenue and jobs that come with it. Animal rights activists and opponents of the proposed facility are advocating that UM scientists use alternative methods such as computer modeling in their scientific research. In fact, Evans and other researchers at the flagship institution say they are are doing just that -- when possible. Roughly six years ago, Evans received a $13.1 million contract from the National Institutes of Health to work on developing a universal flu vaccine. He has spent some $10 million of the grant doing in vitro studies, or research in test tubes, at his UM lab, temporarily located at MonTEC. "The bulk of the money and bulk of the research were spent doing just what they want us to do," Evans said of the animal activists. In the Skaggs Building, professor Fernando Cardozo-Pelaez is using bug brains -- from fruit flies dissected under anesthesia -- instead of mouse brains to study Parkinson's. Professor Rich Bridges has been relying more on computers to research Alzheimer's in the last few years. Scientific advances propelled in part by investments from agencies such as the NIH are driving the development of new research methods, and a global paradigm shift is underway, said Thomas Hartung, head of the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "For almost every question, you can also get very valuable information, and more valuable information, from non-animal approaches," Hartung said. In the U.S., he said the strident debate around animal research hinders the healthy competition of scientific ideas. At the same time, the internationally sought expert on alternatives to animal research said he does not believe animals will ever be completely out of the picture. At UM, researchers say they are using more and more alternatives, but the transition away from animals is a progression, not a switch flip. Here and beyond, though, open dialogue about animal research is uncommon, and the chasm between scientists and the public is wide. Professors at UM want to continue to ask and answer compelling scientific questions with their students. And sooner or later, Evans would like to get a universal flu vaccine into human clinical trials and the marketplace to benefit people and pigs. "Right now, the only option we have to move these drugs forward is to move through an animal," Evans said. *** Hartung, who works in the U.S. and in Europe, said animal use in scientific research peaked in the 1970s because of the pharmaceutical industry. European figures suggest the decrease in animal use since has been dramatic, he said -- some 40 percent from 2005 to 2011 alone. Pharmaceutical companies are still trying to find new drugs, but they're using different technologies, and the private sector faces different financial pressures than academia, he said. After a patent, he said, it takes roughly 12 years to get a drug to market, and a day's delay costs $1 million on average. "That explains why the pharmaceutical companies are so terribly under pressure to be fast, and animal experiments are anything but fast," Hartung said. So the animal testing is taking place in the late stages of the process, he said. U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics posted on Speaking of Research's website show the use of animals has generally declined in this country for roughly two decades. The organization is an international advocacy group for the use of animals in medical and veterinary science. But the department does not count mice, rats and birds, said Hartung. And at the same time pharmaceutical companies are shifting to other models, academia has increased its use of animals, namely due to the development of genetically modified animals, or "knockout mice." A 2016 analysis by the NIH shows a greater proportion of new awards involve mice; the agency sees stable funding for other models, such as zebrafish. *** At the University of Montana, the Laboratory Animal Resources unit oversees live animals in three separate areas on campus, the largest an 8,400-square-foot wing in the basement of the Health Sciences Building. UM also has birds at an aviary at Fort Missoula. On a tour of the campus labs, Kathryn Mariucci, head of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, said UM counts 24 active projects involving animals, including mice, rats, dwarf hamsters, peromyscus (deer mice), and degus (a rodent from Chile). Years ago, UM used cats, but it would not do so now, and it does not have the right facility for dogs, Mariucci said. A rabbit is the largest animal UM would keep, she said. Most of the animals used in the lab are euthanized, said Mariucci, also UM's biosafety officer. UM does not have an official adoption program, but some animals are adopted out to people such as staff. In late 2004 or early 2005, UM sent three monkeys used by the Psychology Department to a retirement colony in Texas, she said. The animals were used for behavioral experiments, but Mariucci said UM can no longer accommodate species that large given updated regulations. UM also sends some of its dead mice -- ones that aren't genetically modified -- to Raptors of the Rockies so director Kate Davis can feed them to her birds. According to online data from the NIH, UM has received $8.8 million in research awards on average since 2007, and it closed out 2016 with $13.2 million. UM's income from NIH, a major research funder, has been on the upswing in recent years; not all projects involve animals. *** Over the years, restrictions on animal research have grown tighter and Evans said there's no question dialogue between researchers and animal rights groups have helped improve animal welfare. Federal regulations dictate animal care and use, and UM seeks out more oversight than required. It voluntarily seeks accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International, or AAALAC, a nonprofit promoting humane treatment. Mariucci said UM was one of the first universities to be accredited by AAALAC, in 1967, and the organization has deemed the UM lab exemplary, which "sure means you've gone the extra mile." Every proposed animal research project at UM -- and any university -- goes through the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Mariucci said the 13 members veterinarians, scientists, and lay people are highly qualified for the job, counting among them nine Ph.D.s, three D.V.M.s, one J.D., one Pharm.D., and four bachelor's degrees. The committee has not turned down any proposal, Mariucci said. *** Faculty note that committee members are meticulous in their reviews and often request modifications, and lab technicians are scrupulous in animal care. Professor Bridges, for example, has a drug protocol he'd like to test in a strain of mice that develop ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, but if the mice go through all the stages of the disease, they die "in not a nice way." The UM vet wants Bridges to be able to look at the effects of the drug, the professor said, but not allow the animals to die by the disease. So if the experiment moves ahead, he said, the researchers would euthanize the mice early to diminish suffering. "We still learn whether or not drugs slow the process of the disease," Bridges said. Mice naturally lose hair as they age, but lab technicians at UM call Professor Cardozo to let him know if they see signs of hair loss, he said. If a mouse's skin is irritated, the caretakers apply ointment. "Some of these animals have better health care than some humans," Cardozo said. Said Evans: "I do know that a mouse in that facility at the university has way more protections than a mouse that might be caught in a trap in this building (at MonTEC)." *** If animals went by the wayside in research, dollars would be saved. The animals cost money. The degus in the UM animal lab, for instance, eat exotic food that's $100 a bag, and they bathe in volcanic ash, all ordered by staff. As technology advances, UM professors are incorporating new methods into their own work, decreasing their use of animals when possible. "I'm using more computer programming in my studies in the last five years," said Bridges, who collaborates with researchers at Johns Hopkins. "It's becoming increasingly important. I use more cell culture work as that becomes better. But there's still a place and a need for doing research in animals." For instance, as far as Bridges knows, no computer program can accurately predict whether a certain drug will cause seizures: "It's just too complex a problem, and there are too many things that are unknown." In his lab last week, Cardozo and lab technician Andrew Nevin measured the movement of fruit flies. The professor has been using more of the flies, drosophila, to understand environmental toxins and Parkinson's disease. Incidentally, Cardozo is a vegetarian, partly for his health, but mostly because of his concern for animal welfare. "I think the slaughter houses do a poor job of preparing the meat for us," Cardozo said. "So I mostly do it for the reasons they (animal rights activists) say we should not do research, which is interesting." At times, the quest to develop alternative methods is woven directly into current animal research projects. Evans said one large component of the $13.1 million NIH contract was that he test for an alternative method to pigs. In collaboration with the University of Washington, the UM team placed a human receptor in a mouse to see if it would reflect a "human-like" response to their flu vaccine. The model didn't work, but Evans said it yielded valuable information toward a method that could. "The only way to move alternative methods forward is to do that testing," Evans said. *** The tide is turning toward alternative methods, said Hartung, with Johns Hopkins. Federal agencies are putting money into developing alternatives, the power of big data is helping the scientific community, and the quality of cell cultures is "dramatically improving," he said. With support from the NIH, researchers at Johns Hopkins are growing "mini brains" from human skin cells, a development the school estimates could replace hundreds of thousands of animals used in lab tests. The model the size of the eye of a housefly can be used to study Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and autism. "I think that the people who are defending animal experiments as such are simply defending the past," Hartung said. In its own strategic plan, the National Institutes of Health identifies shortcomings of animals in research and plans for better methods in the future. "Petri dish and animal models often fail to provide good ways to mimic disease or predict how drugs will work in humans, resulting in much wasted time and money ... ," said the report. So the NIH aims to "catalyze powerful innovations" including "human 3D organoid (or micro organ) technologies that will be better than animal models." One of the agency's goals is to improve technologies for spinal cord injury patients, also an aim of the proposed porcine research facility at UM. But the NIH presents its strategic plan as aspirational, not resolute. "It is likely not all of these goals will be attained by 2020, but they are offered in hope that this kind of bold visioning can inspire the rapidly moving field of biomedical research to aim even higher," the report said. The research won't stand still while technology advances and regulations evolve. The debate over the use of animals is inevitable, and whether an open dialogue can serve to better science at UM remains to be seen. At the least, faculty researchers want the discussion to remain grounded in facts. According to the Medical Daily, 75 of the 98 Nobel Prizes awarded for physiology or medicine relied on animal research; the data was published in a story recounting the "long, unpretty history" of animal research. "The idea that the work in animals hasn't translated into humans is simply false," Evans said. "Vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical advancement, other than clean water. Period. There's no way around it." Louisiana state Sen. Troy Brown, D-Geismar, says he won't resign despite two convictions related to domestic violence. (Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office) 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. For the first time in more than a decade, Council Bluffs residents will see a small increase in the property tax levy needed to balance the citys budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Mayor Matt Walshs preliminary budget for fiscal year 2018, which is expected to be the subject of a public hearing on Feb. 27, calls for a city property tax levy of $17.9072 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, up from $17.75. Walsh said the increase in the citys property tax levy was needed to repay the first $7.5 million of the $20 million bond voters approved for a new Council Bluffs Police Department headquarters. Property tax levies have not yet been announced by the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors or either of the citys two school districts, levies that are added to the city levy to calculate property owners overall tax bill. Along with the increase in the city property tax levy, the state-mandated property tax rollback has been increased to 56.94 percent, up from 55.6 percent for the current fiscal year. The change in the rollback means that a house with an assessed valuation of $100,000 will have a taxable valuation of $56,940 for the coming fiscal year, up from $55,600 for the current year. The reduced rollback, coupled with the increase in the citys property tax levy will result in a city property tax bill of $1.019.64 for the owner of a home with an assessed valuation of $100,000, up from $986.90 for the current fiscal year that ends June 30. Walsh said he estimates city property tax collections for the coming fiscal year at $43,306,289, up $979,578 or 2.31 percent from current fiscal year estimated property tax collections of $42,326,691. He said $527,313 of the $979,578 increase in the total estimated property tax collection will be generated by the increase of 16.436 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation increase in the citys debt service levy for the police headquarters bond. Overall, the budget anticipates the total amount of revenue available for fiscal year 2018 at $171,233,109 with slightly more than 25 percent of that total coming from property taxes. Other city taxes including sales tax, gaming taxes and hotel-motel tax are expected to generate an additional $20,211,355 in revenue, with the balance of operating revenue coming from other contributory sources. Those other contributory sources are currently estimated at $7,590,721 from insurance contributions, $3,946,079 from Community Development Block Grants, $2,063,995 from other grants, $6,988,355 from sewer fees and $5,620,664 from refuse fees. Total spending for the coming fiscal year is currently estimated at $171 million. Spending for public safety which includes the police department, Pottawattamie County Emergency Management, flood control, the fire department, ambulance, building inspections and animal control is estimated at $34,240,721, up from $33,667,628. The budget estimates police department expenditures at $17,681,439, fire department expenditures at $11,764,284. Ambulance expenses are estimated at $2,317,812. Expenditures for the Council Bluffs Public Works Department are estimated at $9,897,410, down from $10,178,453 for the current year. Spending for health and social services is estimated at $684,910, up from $648,846. Culture and recreation which include the Council Bluffs Public Library, parks, recreation, the city-owned cemetery and other culture and recreation expenses are budgeted at $12,759,173, up from $12,414,744 this year. The increase in spending will be offset by an estimated $550,000 paid by Loessfest sponsors. Community and economic development expenses which include community beautification, economic development, housing and urban renewal expenditures and planning and zoning costs, are estimated at $6,652,687, down from $7,126,614. Finally, general government costs which include the mayors office and city council, the clerks and treasurers office as well as financial administration, legal services and the city attorneys office, upkeep of City Hall and general buildings, tort liability and other expenses are budgeted at $12,881,029, up from $12,825,913. Hundreds jammed the Wilson Middle School auditorium on Saturday to ensure their voices were heard about a controversial bill bringing changes to Iowas collective bargaining setup. Despite attempts by some of the lawmakers to explain their own views, not everyone in the crowd left happy. Its a devastating bill, it will gut collective bargaining, said Scott Punteney, staff coordinator for the Western Iowa Labor Federation. Numerous times during the discussion, lawmakers were interrupted by shouts of displeasure. I understand your concern, said Rep. Mary Ann Hanusa, who represents central and southern Council Bluffs. No you dont, someone in the crowd shouted back. At issue is a bill that would rewrite Iowas collective bargaining law for the first time since the mid-1970s. Under the bill, public employees who are not engaged in public safety work would only be able to bargain on wages. The current law, which began in 1974, requires benefits such as health insurance, vacation time and seniority perks, as well as work conditions such as hours, overtime pay and evaluation procedures, to be negotiated collectively. In addition, many of those items that currently must be bargained for would be explicitly banned from future negotiations, including insurance and seniority benefits and evaluation procedures. Republicans in the Legislature support the new bill, while Democrats overwhelmingly oppose it. That certainly includes Charles McConkey, a Democrat House member who represents Carter Lake and western Council Bluffs. This is the most mean spirited legislation Ive ever seen, he said. It strips every bargaining rights for all public employees. I oppose it. This brought a standing ovation from many, but local Republican lawmakers believe this proposed bill is the better way to go. We feel this is a fair bill, Rep. Greg Forristall, who represents eastern Council Bluffs. For you, a voice shouted back to him. State Sen. Dan Dawson, a Republican, said its a bill that has received a lot of public input. Hanusa added that there have been mind-boggling changes to society over the last 40 years and that might include how employers and employees negotiate wages and benefits. This needs to be looked at and reviewed, she said. Later, Hanusa said that the House Republican leadership is considering changes to the bill, though she didnt know the specifics at the current time. Nevertheless, Punteney still wasnt happy upon leaving the auditorium. This bill is worse than Wisconsin, he said. Lawmakers in that state approved a bill prohibiting public sector unions from negotiating employees benefits like health insurance and other working conditions. Ron Kaminski, a labor union member, also seemed frustrated by some of what he heard. It doesnt appear that they are paying attention to the workers in Iowa, he said. However, Jeff Jorgensen, the current Republican Party chairman and a private sector union member, said he opposes the right of public sector employees to collective bargaining. Public sector employees have no opposition when they negotiate, he said. Perhaps McConkey had the most memorable phrase when he said this bill is like polishing a turd. With Iowa lawmakers scrambling to address a $117 million shortfall in the states budget and debating changes that could potentially reduce the degree of control that cities and counties could exercise over local governments, Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh said he has concerns about the viability of the balanced budget for the coming fiscal year that he has presented to the City Council. While Walshs proposed budget does not call for any reductions in the citys workforce, he said that three employees planning to retire will not be replaced. The mayor said that while he has not instituted a citywide hiring freeze, vacancies on the city staff, which now numbers 480, will be replaced on a case-by-case basis. But he said there are two bills on the floor of the Legislature now dealing with traffic cameras that could create the potential for a required layoff of city workers. The first of those bills would end the use of traffic cameras throughout the state of Iowa. Walsh said his budget proposal for the coming year includes $704,000 in revenue that would be generated by the citys red-light cameras. If the cameras are banned in Iowa, it would create a $700,000 shortfall in the citys budget. He said while the city has the ability to raise the current 2 percent franchise fee by as much as 3 percent, with each 1 percent increase in the franchise fee generating slightly more than $1 million, those costs would be passed on to consumers by the utilities forced to pay the higher franchise fees. Raising the franchise fee would have the same impact on residents as a tax increase, and I dont think we should raise taxes, he said. Walsh said the average cost of a city employee for wages and benefits is approximately $75,000. The loss of $700,000 in revenue could force the city to lay off nine to 10 employees. A second traffic camera bill would require cities using the cameras to obtain permission from the Iowa Department of Transportation and would shift revenue from any cameras the DOT approved from a citys general fund to the citys road-use tax fund. If that version of the law is approved by lawmakers and signed by the governor, a portion of the $700,000 generated by Council Bluffs red-light cameras would become unavailable for employee salaries and benefits and could result in the lay off of three to four workers, Walsh said. Of even greater concern is the potential loss of state reimbursement of property tax revenue the city lost when the Legislature approved a property tax rollback on commercial properties several years ago. Walsh said his budget anticipates a commercial and industrial property tax replacement payment of $2.2 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1. He said Gov. Terry Branstad, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to become U.S. Ambassador to China, has said he would veto any legislation that cut the commercial and industrial property tax replacement to cities. Branstads heir-apparent, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, indicated last Tuesday that she, too, would veto legislation that would eliminate the reimbursement. Ben Hammes, a spokesman for Branstad, told The Nonpareil on Friday the governor has made a commitment to honor the property tax reimbursement. Walsh said while he is reasonably confident the city will receive the property tax replacement, a change of heart in Des Moines, coupled with the potential loss of $700,000 in red light camera revenue would be a perfect storm that could force the city to reduce its workforce by 30 or more employees. Walsh said Council Bluffs low property tax base continues to cause budgeting problems for the city. Like many smaller cities, weve been maxed out at the allowable property tax levy of $8.10 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for years, he said. To address that, the Legislature, many years ago, allowed cities to add a 27-cent emergency levy. Weve been maxed out at that for years, too. Walsh compared Council Bluffs, with a population of 62,230, to Iowa City, with a population of 67,862. Although the two cities are comparable in terms of population, the property tax base is lower and relatively stagnant in Council Bluffs, while the property tax base in Iowa City is more than twice as great and growing. The low property tax base here takes away the citys flexibility in addressing budget issues, he said. This is the second in a series of three Sunday articles examining the states mental health system. The Southwest Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services Region is using technology and a new community-based program to serve people experiencing a mental health crisis. The regions Mental Health Crisis Response Team uses videoconferencing technology to connect with people in crisis. It works out well for crisis assessment, said Suzanne Watson, CEO of the region. The team, made up of therapists and social workers, responds to calls from law enforcement officers when they see signs that someone involved in an incident is in a mental health crisis. Therapists on call try to be on scene within 30 minutes and conduct an assessment. Then, the therapist makes a recommendation to the law enforcement officer on what level of care the person needs. The goal is to avoid unnecessary incarcerations and hospitalizations. The team is called out eight to 12 times a month, said Mandy Standley, lead therapist, who is frequently on call. However, it can take nearly an hour to get from Council Bluffs to the eastern side of Pottawattamie County, so the on-call therapist connects with the subject at the scene through the computer and webcam in the officers vehicle. Its a secure, encrypted application we use through Secure Telehealth, she said. Law enforcement officials in Pottawattamie County have been using the system since last summer, Standley said. Since then, the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, Harlan Police Department, Shenandoah Police Department, Glenwood Police Department and Mills County Sheriffs Office have implemented the system, Standley said. Other law enforcement agencies in the nine-county region are being added as officers become trained in the procedure. Were the first region in the state to try this, Watson said. The other regions that have crisis response teams are in urban areas and do not have to bridge as great a distance, she said. So far, the system is working well and helping to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, Watson said, adding that about 93 percent of them didnt need to be hospitalized. The team has used it for four calls since December, Standley said. We had three adults and one juvenile through telehealth, she said. Its a bit different, because you have to build that connection, since youre not really there. You have to build that rapport in an unusual setting. The people we did see through telehealth, none of them had to go to the hospital. We were able to de-escalate the situation and make a safety plan. The system saves the therapist some travel time and allows him or her to connect with the patient sooner, said Pottawattamie County Deputy Marc Freeman. That, in turn, frees the officer to respond to another call sooner. The subject does not have to get in the squad car to participate in the video conference, Freeman said. We can take our computer out of the car and set this on a table or something in their home, if that makes them feel more comfortable, he said. The team follows up within 24 hours and again 30 days after the incident to see how the patient is doing and make sure the person is getting the care they need, Standley said. The system is also used to conduct precommittal assessments when someone is presenting a relative for involuntary committal to a mental health institute or other health care facility, she said. In most cases, committal can be avoided and the person referred to outpatient treatment. In another effort to serve people in a mental health crisis, Turning Pointe, a Crisis Stabilization Residential Service for adults, opened in January 2016 in Clarinda. The facility was made possible by a grant from the region and is operated by Waubonsie Mental Health Center. Individuals are prescreened at a local hospital or mental health agency before entering Turning Pointe. The facility provides a home-like setting where adults can stay and receive short-term treatment,including daily support from direct care staff and licensed mental health practitioners. Besides receiving treatment, patients are taught crisis management skills and basic living skills during their stay. Turning Pointe, too, aims to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. Most clients are able to be referred to outpatient treatment on their release. Body cameras have become an incredibly useful tool in policing and one members of the general public want officers to have. Law enforcement agencies in the state have expressed near-universal acceptance for the cameras, which can help with documenting interactions with the public and training situations. Following a string of high-profile events nationwide, citizens viewed the cameras as a way to hold officers accountable for their actions in the line of duty. However, consistency on practices is sorely needed in Iowa, as police departments and sheriffs offices have adopted a variety of rules and policies governing their usage. With very real concerns about privacy and what footage constitutes a public record, we encourage the states law enforcement officials to craft a more uniform approach for using body cameras. The ongoing legal saga in Burlington surrounding the death of Autumn Steele, who was shot and killed by an officer, has stretched for more than two years. The Hawk Eye newspaper and Steeles family have sought access to body camera footage, but the Burlington Police Department and others have fought to block its release. The matter is still being litigated in Iowas court system. This ongoing case should be the impetus to create a policy in Iowa that protects the integrity of investigations while also giving the public reasonable access to footage. As The Nonpareil noted two weeks ago in a story about varied regulations for police body cameras, Iowa does not have regulations regarding retention of or access to body camera data. An official with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy acknowledged its a big topic, one with big privacy issues that have yet to be clarified. We agree and these concerns must be addressed sooner rather than later, given the proliferation of body cameras for law enforcement officers across Iowa and disparities in policies in the state. The Des Moines Police Departments policy noted that Iowas open-records laws may require body camera footage to be released but includes exceptions, such as ongoing investigations. Its policy doesnt mandate officers to tell citizens theyre being filmed. Cedar Rapids police officials, in stark contrast, say body camera footage is non-public investigative police report information that cant be released without approval from the police chief. Officers, however, are instructed whenever possible to tell people theyre being recorded. In Atlantic, the recordings are the sole property of the Atlantic Police Department while cases are under investigation, while public release of any footage is at the discretion of the Cass County Attorney. Officers record interactions with the public unless the people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Somethings got to give. These three police departments have rules that make sense for their communities, but any or all could be on the wrong side of the law, as officers wade into a new frontier of policing one that is too new to be written into Iowa Code. Given the far-reaching ramifications of body cameras a tool with great potential for officers a more uniform policy across the state must be a high priority for Iowas law enforcement officials. City never removed snow I would like to complain about the snow removal done on our cul-de-sac. Well, that is the problem there was none. Why do circles get missed? This is not the first time this has happened; we pay taxes just like homes on streets and avenues. We connect to North 37th Street, and it was spotless but no plow, no salt or sand were in our circle. I contacted the city on this, and they said they would send a truck. They did just a plain pickup, no blade, no sand or salt; it just drove around once and left, What a joke. The snow is all packed down from us residents driving on it. We taxpayers deserve the service we pay for with our city taxes we pay. Robert Larson, Council Bluffs Unions key to education Iowa has long taken pride in its identity as the education state. Proposed legislation to weaken collective bargaining provisions for state employees puts this identity at risk. I taught at public universities in two other states before I moved to Iowa. My first-year courses in other states were full of students who lacked basic skills. They had been poorly served by the public schools, and now they risked falling behind in an unforgiving economy. When I moved to the University of Iowa in 1999, I was astonished by the quality of my students. Young Iowans from the Missouri to the Mississippi were truly prepared for university. They were on their way to being sought-after employees and well-informed citizens. The reason for the difference was obvious. In my previous locations, teachers were poorly paid. They lacked good benefits. Many worked second jobs just to make ends meet. As a result, they came to class exhausted and distracted. Turnover was high, as teachers had to leave their true calling behind in order to live a decent life. And when they tried to negotiate better working conditions, they faced a brick wall. Do we really want to follow this example? Iowa faces a turning point. We can continue to take pride in preparing our children for the world that awaits them. Or we can decide that attracting and retaining well-qualified teachers, and creating the conditions that allow them to do their best with our children, isnt worth it. I urge Iowans to tell their legislators: For the good of our children, they must reject proposals to weaken the collective bargaining law for public employees. Elizabeth Heineman, Iowa City Reform proposals harmful I am writing to ask that those who read this contact their state senators and representatives and ask them to oppose the collective bargaining reform proposed by HSB 84 and SF 213. We all know someone affected by this bill: Do you have a child? An elderly parent? Do you yourself suffer from regular health concerns? Is your next-door neighbor a teacher, a social worker, or a nurse? The most effective teachers and nurses are those with the most experience and who therefore are the most expensive employees. Removing seniority protections, as HSB 84 and SF 213 do, incentivizes relying on inexperienced individuals because they are cheaper. One might think that teachers and other public employees are overpaid. In fact, they often sacrifice salary for meaningful work. The average science teacher makes approximately $46,000 per year. In the private sector, employed in their field, they could be making $20,000 more. Gutting collective bargaining makes it harder to hire qualified workers and enables the state to offer tax cuts to corporations at the expense of high-quality services. We owe it to the youngest and the oldest in our society to provide them with the best possible educators and healthcare providers. We owe it to our fellow citizens to pay a fair wage for a fair days work. We owe it to our society and ourselves to invest in our future health and education needs. It is fiscally responsible, ethical and forward-looking. Contact your state senators and representatives and ask them to oppose HSB 84 and SF 213. Amanda Van Horne, Iowa City GOP bills only help elites The collective bargaining legislation that Republicans are intent on enacting disregards the masses of Iowans in toady service to the few. These Republicans like to posture as big friends of business but show their anti-business colors for all in their disregard for the interests of collective bargainers who do the actual dirty work, heavy lifting, attending to purposeful detail and make it all add up by daily showing up. While disregarding the many that labor, Republicans greatly pamper the hoarders of the nations wealth that enjoy doing so via corporations that own GOP politicians and their party. Republicans turn a blind eye to the fact that each and every one of us is in business for our self and dependent loved ones to secure food, clothing, shelter and enough rest and leisure to keep going and to find it worthwhile to do so. While turning their backs on masses of citizens the Republicans promote into crushing power one of the biggest freeloaders of them all, Donald Trump. Sam Osborne, West Branch Iowa has one of the highest-quality, lowest-cost health care systems in the United States. And at the heart of that system are 118 community hospitals like CHI Mercy and Methodist Jennie Edmundson - that stand ready, day and night, to serve everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. A significant reason for health care excellence in Iowa has been state oversight of institutional health care services through the Certificate of Need law. Iowas Certificate of Need regulations were first enacted in 1977 for the express purpose of providing for the orderly and economical development of health care services, thereby avoiding unnecessary duplication of services, controlling the growth of overall health care costs and ensuring the stability of community hospitals. Since that time, these regulations have been re-examined multiple times and each time the same conclusion was reached: Iowa needs Certificate of Need. As the name implies, Certificate of Need ensures that new medical services are truly needed at the community level. This is important because new facilities (including nursing homes, ambulatory surgical centers and hospitals, among others) must have sufficient patient volumes to support proficiency among medical staff and ensure high-quality care. The same applies to existing facilities, yet without Certificate of Need, new, for-profit facilities would spring up all over the state and deplete patient volumes across the board. Not only would this compromise the quality of care for everyone, but these new facilities would target lucrative lines of medical service while not providing emergency care, charity care and other unprofitable services that are at the core of the community hospital mission. If Iowas community hospitals are left with only unprofitable services and only care for complicated patients who are on Medicaid or uninsured, their ability to survive and continue providing high-quality, community-focused care to everyone will be jeopardized. In fact, repeal of the law in other states has led hospitals to close. Furthermore, nearly all of these states have instituted a different review process that is highly politicized. One of Iowas greatest strengths is its health care system. Not only do Iowas health care providers deliver excellent, accessible and efficient care, but health care employs more than 200,000 people, injecting some $11 billion into the states economy. More than 71,000 of these workers are employed by hospitals, which alone have an economic impact of $4.3 billion. Certificate of Need, which exists in 36 states, not only ensures the stability of these major employers and economic engines, but it also supports the collaborative spirit that fosters communication and cooperation among Iowa health care providers, which, again, leads to better health care for everyone. Today, with the uncertainties surrounding the future of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), Iowas Medicaid program and even Medicare, the constancy of Certificate of Need is more important than ever. During this time of significant change in the health care industry, the stability provided by this law allows hospitals to more confidently plan and respond to the needs of the communities they serve. In all parts of the state, Iowans depend on their community hospitals being there all day, every day. That level of access and preparedness is jeopardized by those who would significantly change or repeal Certificate of Need. Steve Baumert is the president and CEO of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, and Marie Knedler is president of CHI Mercy Hospital. Can you believe it is that time of year again? Sandhill cranes could begin arriving any day. Many times they have been in the Platte Valley in February. It just depends on the weather and the availability of food. Keep your eyes to the sky, and look for that thin gray line of birds in the distance. In reality, youll likely hear them before you see them. The call of sandhill cranes can be heard at tremendous distances. To me, it is the sound that stirs the spirit. Aldo Leopold, conservationist, forester and considered the father of wildlife ecology by many, once described the sounds of cranes like this: High horns, low horns, silence and finally a pandemonium of trumpets, rattles, croaks and cries that almost shakes the bog with its nearness but without yet disclosing whence it comes. Weather is the greatest determining factor for when the cranes arrive. Without severe winter weather in either the southern plains or northern Manitoba and their breeding ground, cranes have been known to arrive in Nebraska by this time of the year. Additional cranes appear each day as their numbers build to a peak around mid-March. Weather also dictates how long the cranes will stay. If harsh weather lies between them and their nesting grounds in the Northwest Territories, Alaska and Siberia, the birds simply stay put, sometimes as late as May. There are 15 species of cranes in the world. Two of these cranes are native to North America: the sandhill crane and the whooping crane. The sandhill crane is far more numerous. Some 600,000 will be passing through Nebraska in the next few weeks. An estimated 160,000 cranes will settle into the land between the rivers just west of North Platte. It is a true spectacle of nature. Whooping cranes can occasionally be seen traveling with sandhill flocks. Their white plumage and much larger size make them really stand out. Well need to see what the official count will be this spring, but 200 of these endangered birds may pass through Nebraska and eastern Colorado. This migration has taken place for many millennia, certainly long before man is thought to have inhabited the plains. Fossil records indicate that sandhill cranes have been part of Nebraskas history for a long time, perhaps 10 million years. Far longer too than even the Platte River has been here think about that concept. Cranes come to the Platte valleys for nourishment. They feast on invertebrates found in wet meadows and along the river. Protein from earthworms, snails and insects is critical for their nesting cycle. They also make good use of grains left over from last years harvest. Corn is the energy source they store away for the long flight ahead of them. Cranes literally gather hundreds of tons of corn from the valley floor. Birds can increase their total body weight by 20 percent or more during their brief stopover. It is literally a world-class event that draws spectators to Nebraska from all around the globe. It is often pointed out that the only other migration of this magnitude occurs on the Serengeti plains of Africa. The migration of wildebeests also brings the bulk of a single species together in one place on the globe. Some birds will roost on sandbars in the rivers each night. They appear to stand haphazardly in the channels in random patterns. Actually they mark the edges of the sandbars by using every available square foot of the submerged islands. River roosts offer protection from predators. Deeper water around the sandbars acts as a moat, slowing down a hungry coyote or bobcat that might launch a sneak attack on roosting birds. Contrary to what some folks say, not all cranes roost on the sandbars. Thousands of cranes gather at night in large meadows. As long as they have a wide buffer zone between themselves and places that could conceal a predator, the birds will rest. It is not difficult to observe sandhill cranes in the field. Actually you can view cranes from relatively short distances if you remain inside a vehicle. Cranes are not too concerned about letting vehicles approach them, but step outside and the birds will immediately take flight. Good binoculars are essential. If photography is a hobby, this is a great time of the year. Youll need a lens with a 4-power to 10-power capability to get the best photos. When they get here, just take a drive out along highway 30 and maybe north to Platte Valley or Suburban Road. Youll find the cranes. Record deer harvest I recently had Kit Hams, Big Game Manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, on my radio show to talk about how the 2016-17 season harvests turned out. We didnt harvest quite as many whitetails as we wanted, but it was a good harvest, Hams said. A total of 58,126 whitetail deer were harvested in 2016. The whitetail population is right about where we want it. Our mule deer harvest actually set a new record, Hams said. There were 11,184 mule deer taken, and the mule deer buck harvest increased 4 percent to 9,257. This broke our previous record set in 2009. Most of the deer taken were in the Frenchman, Plains, Platte and Upper Platte units. For elk, we had 200 animals harvested, and that also set a record. Our cow harvest was 112, Hams stated. The bull elk harvest was down a bit from last year, 88 were taken, but included the largest bull ever taken in Nebraska by a 14-year-old girl. Quite a trophy. Start planning your next weeks activities. The weather looks promising and it may be time to get the fishing gear ready. By Kamie Stephen The North Platte Public Schools Board of Education will discuss selling a piece of land near Buffalo Elementary School during its meeting on Monday night. According to the agenda published on the boards website, Habitat for Humanity approached the district about purchasing land north of the school. North Platte Public Schools received the property from Myron and Marilyn Walker in 1976. The lands value was appraised at $25,200. According to the agenda, the school district wants to move forward with selling the land but needs board approval. Funds from the sale would be put into the districts building fund. The board is expected to look over the initial budget proposal for 2017-18. Stuart Simpson, executive director of finance, facilities and operations, is expected to present portions of the budget every month to make the process easier to understand. A budget hearing is tentatively set for 4 p.m. Aug. 7. Simpson will also update the board on current legislative bills that may impact the district. Bills on the districts watch list include those that would change provisions of the Property Tax Credit Act, impose levy limitations and make changes to provisions relating to cash reserves. LB 595, a controversial bill that would allow teachers to use physical force or physical restraint or removal from a class in response to student behavior, is also on the list. The board will also hear updates on various programs including the extended learning program, high ability learner program and student services; recognize the North Platte Education Association as the negotiating agent for the 2018-19 contract year; and request approval for updates on some policies. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the McKinley Education Center. In the past, event has featured silent auction; this year an art show A college president, a former president of a national plumbing organization and a businessman and philanthropist are among this years distinguished alumni of North Platte High School. Kimberly Krull, Don Paull and Jay Wilkinson will be honored at an Education After Hours ceremony April 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Harbor Lights, 711 N. Lake Road. The event is hosted by the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. While the event has featured a silent auction in the past, an art show is taking its place this year, said Jodi Howard, executive director of the foundation. The art show will feature pieces made by NPHS students, but the foundation is still looking for other artists. Artists can contact Howard at 308-696-3325. According to information provided by Howard in a press release: Kimberly Krull graduated from NPHS in 1973 and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She earned a bachelor of science in microbiology in 1977 and a masters of science in 1979. After focusing on science pursuits, she discovered that education was her calling, Howard said in the release. Krull then earned a masters of science in education and community counseling at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a doctorate in human resource studies in community college leadership at Colorado State University. She taught at Mid-Plains Community College and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis before becoming vice president for academic affairs at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas, in 2005. In 2013, she became the president of Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. After graduating from NPHS in 1942, Don Paull served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. In the Navy, Paull was a shipfitter first class and a swim instructor. At 21, Paull became a second-generation journeyman plumber, and at 28, he became a master plumber. He owned and operated Don Paull Plumbing and Heating in San Diego with his wife, Barbara, until he retired in 1987. He served as president of the National Plumbing Heating Contractors and was one of 25 plumbing contractors in the United States to travel with People to People. Paull traveled to China and Russia. Paull died in 2003; he will be honored posthumously. Jay Wilkinson graduated from NPHS in 1983 and went on to receive his bachelors degree from UNL. Later he received his masters in entrepreneurial leadership from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before graduating from college, Wilkinson started eight businesses. Wilkinson founded and is the CEO of Firespring, which provides web and marketing tools to nonprofit organizations. In 2014, Wilkinson made Firespring Nebraskas first certified B Corporation, meeting a number of environmental and social standards of performance. In 2016, Firespring was No. 2 in Quick Printing magazines top 100 printing companies in the United States. The company has donated more than $1 million to nonprofit organizations, and employees have logged more than 10,000 off-the-clock volunteer hours. Wilkinson is a popular presenter and considered a leader in nonprofit marketing, Howard said in the release. He has also received the John Lux Award and the Rick Alloway Builders Award. He founded Nebraska Angels and the Launch Leadership foundation. It is possible to debate whether President Donald Trumps immigration executive order was callous and counterproductive. But there is no question that its rollout was sloppy and arrogant and that includes the legal defense the government mounted when inevitably challenged in court. Four federal judges have now rejected several untenable claims the Trump administration made, and rightfully so. A three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled Thursday that the Trump administrations restrictions on travel from seven majority-Muslim countries will remain on ice while the courts work through whether the restrictions are legal. This is only the beginning of a long battle, but there are a few arguments the judges dispensed with upfront. For example, the government argued that the president has unreviewable authority to suspend the admission of any class of aliens. The court easily batted down this dangerous contention: There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy, the panel wrote. Although courts owe considerable deference to the presidents policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action. In short: Trump needs to accept that he cannot rule by decree, without regard for judicial checks. The courts can and must block him when he overreaches, especially on matters of civil liberty and national security. The government also argued that the court should ignore a glaring problem with the presidents executive order that it appeared to apply to green-card holders and others with legal status that rightly led them to expect that they would be able to travel into and out of the United States because the White House counsels office later issued an authoritative guidance lifting restrictions from lawful permanent residents. The court fired back: At this point, however, we cannot rely upon the governments contention that the executive order no longer applies to lawful permanent residents, the judges wrote. The White House counsel is not the president, and he is not known to be in the chain of command for any of the executive departments. Moreover, in light of the governments shifting interpretations of the executive order, we cannot say that the current interpretation by White House counsel, even if authoritative and binding, will persist past the immediate stage of these proceedings. In other words, the Trump administrations erratic behavior has earned it no credibility with the judiciary, and it deserves no trust that any lawful elements of the order will be executed properly without supervision. As if to illustrate that very point, Trump responded to the court ruling in his unsettlingly juvenile fashion, condemning the decision as political and disgraceful. GOP critics pilloried President Barack Obama for issuing a relatively mild criticism of the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision. Trump, by contrast, continues to treat the judicial branch as yet another political enemy to bully into submission behavior that reportedly led his own Supreme Court nominee to comment that attacks on judges are demoralizing and disheartening. The independence of and trust in the judiciary are prerequisites for a free society. What sort of society does Trump want? The Washington Post ARGENTA Sunshine and temperatures in the 60s might not have been the best for ice sculptures, but it was good for the first Argenta IceFest. Hundreds of people turned out Saturday for the event's debut, with the vendor fair downtown turning into a street party and the playground equipment in Prairie Park getting just about as much attention as the ice carvings and demonstrations. Olivia Dunham, 6, might have been giving the tire swing a workout, for example, but she took several breaks for a trip down the nearby ice slide. I like it better, she said, adding that the school bus ice sculpture was her favorite. She was accompanied by her mother, Susan Dunham of Maroa and her boyfriend Rich Peterson of Decatur. This is really nice, Peterson said. There are a lot more people here than I thought. The Argenta IceFest is the brainchild of an economic development group called Argenta In Motion, which grew from a MAPPING the Future of Your Community process begun about a year ago with help from the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University in Macomb. But the catalyst was Aaric Kendall, 38, a gold medalist in Olympic ice carving who's lived in Argenta since 2003. I do these festivals across the country, and I had a crew who was enthusiastic about putting one on here, Kendall said. Normally people see me carving by myself, and it's just a single sculpture, but we had about 12,000 pounds of ice on display today. This included about two dozen sculptures he carved over the past two weeks with help from Shannon White of Argenta. Darren Best and son D.J. of Springfield were also on hand Saturday to help with a half-dozen ice carving demonstrations conducted over the course of the day. Kendall had the sculptures placed under sun-shades and inside tents to slow the melting process as much as possible. Downtown, a crowd cheered as Kendall completed a tractor sculpture just as the sign on the Gerber State Bank behind him indicated it was 1:30 p.m. and 66 degrees. Kendall was assisted by Ken Smith of Argenta. Nearby, 33 vendors sold their wares inside the Friends Creek Community Building. Ron Grider, a member of Argenta In Motion, said he hopes memories of the ice sculptures and vendors will draw people back for the second annual event, even if temperatures are colder. I've seen a lot of people who have lived here in the past, so it's kind of a homecoming for them, Grider said. We hope we showed the other visitors we're a friendly little town. Argenta In Motion's goals include building a bike path from Prairie Park to Friends Creek Campground, resurrecting Argenta's annual fireworks display and attracting light industry and a moderate-value subdivision southwest of town. Back at Prairie Park, the younger set seemed to like the ice sculptures they could play with better the ones they could only look at. Camron White, 7, of Oreana was particularly obsessed with a plunko board under the pavilion and played it several times. That and the ice slide were his favorites, said his mom Sarah Atkins, who was also accompanied by her daughters, Emma White, 12, and Abigail Atkins, 18 months. It was a beautiful day for it and very well-organized. I think it was a big success. The copper market is red-hot, nearing a two-year high on Friday at $2.77 per pound. Prices are exploding on news that the worlds largest copper mine is shut down due to a labor strike. Workers at the Chilean Escondida mine are asking for higher wages and have threatened to stop work indefinitely until their demands are met. Chile is the worlds largest copper producer, and this one mine accounts for nearly 5 percent of global output. While few Americans keep copper as an investment, the red metal is everywhere in our society, as it is durable and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Copper is an essential component in automobiles, buildings, and electronics, so rising prices will eventually filter into everyday life. Should President Trump succeed in his plans for increasing U.S. manufacturing and infrastructure spending, demand for the red metal, and therefore prices, could soar. Grains spike higher Corn, wheat, and soybean prices all rose this week, climbing on news of shrinking global supplies. A USDA report on Thursday projected tighter stockpiles for each of the commodities, driven primarily by rising demand. For U.S. farmers, this is welcome news, as prices are beginning to return to profitable levels. This can allow producers to lock in break-even prices on the futures and options markets, a tool that many use to guarantee the financial strength of their farming operations. As of midday Friday, the March futures contracts for corn, wheat, and soybeans stood at $3.74, $4.49, and $10.57 per bushel, respectively. OPECs cuts stick When OPEC announced a pact to reduce oil production among its thirteen member countries last November, many analysts were skeptical that the cartel would reduce oil supplies in its effort to raise prices. Typically, individual members cheat on agreements, keeping production high while they hope their fellow members will cut. Instead, the cartel is working together; they cut more than 90 percent of the agreed-upon production. This dropped global oil output by nearly a million barrels per day last month. Additionally, the International Energy Agency is projecting oil demand to rise by 1.4 million barrels per day this year. Petroleum markets jumped on these assessments, pushing near a one-month high on Friday at $54.10 per barrel. Despite the supply shakeup, global oil stockpiles stand near 3 billion barrels, so it will still take larger shifts or a very long time for these changes to create a shortage. A Schererville-based branding firm thats marketed everything from new craft breweries to big national brands is expanding its new headquarters on U.S. 30. Mixdesign needs more room at 21 E. U.S. 30 to handle all the design work it's been getting from new restaurants and craft breweries. The firm also has recently landed a number of high-profile rebranding campaigns, including for Von Tobel Lumber & Hardware, the city of Calumet City and the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. The firm has done branding for clients like Churchs Chicken, Buffalo Wild Wings, Fair Oaks Farms, the University of Akron and White Lodging since it was founded 15 years ago. It designed the interiors of Northwest Indiana landmarks like Jaks Warehouse Family Fun Center on Indianapolis Boulevard in Schererville. And the firm has been a go-to designer for new restaurants like Region Ale, Toast and Jam, Evil Horse Brewing, Bohemian Joes and Byway Brewing. At mixdesign, were rebranding the Region, Chief Executive Officer Michaline Tomich said. Lately, its done rebranding campaigns for municipalities like Whiting, Cedar Lake and Calumet City, coming up with new logos and reasons for people to visit. The firm for instance helped promote Whiting events and position the downtown business corridor along 119th Street as a year-round destination. Mix had helped us not only create a brand and logo for the city, but has helped us formulate our entire marketing strategy, Mayor Joe Stahura said. They have been valued partners of ours from day one. More than year ago, mixdesign lost a 9,000-square-foot warehouse full of props and other weird things it had acquired over the years and moved from its previous office on Cline Avenue in Schererville to its new location on U.S. 30. It also opened a retail space there for a sister company, Happy Days Shirt and Event Co. Now its outgrown the space. Mixdesign is adding about 2,000 more square feet onto the building for an expanded woodshop for interior design, a screenprinting shop, a corporate conference room and meeting space, and a branding workshop where it can work on new craft brewery and other concepts. We have an opportunity for growth, Tomich said. She founded the firm on in early 2002 when a client she did marketing for while at a firm in Chicago wanted to keep working with her after she left her job there. They asked where I went, and I was freelancing out of my apartment in Griffith, she said. I told her I was going to be in your area and I'll take you out to lunch. I wasn't actually going to be in her area, but I flew out there, gave a lunch presentation, and flew back home in the evening. I quickly formed a company and turned around and hired my first employees within a week." The firm's branding business has blossomed over the years, and Tomich has worked with many of the biggest names in Northwest Indiana business, including dissolvable film-manufacturer MonoSol, Horseshoe Casino, and U.S. Steel Gary Works. "They are so so talented and creative," said Toast and Jam owner Michelle Martinez, who hired mixdesign to design her breakfast restaurant. "We look forward to doing more projects with the mixdesign team." The firm has beat out Chicago agencies for accounts like the new Chapman Center at the Moody Bible Institute. Mixdesign has worked extensively with Fair Oaks Farms, designing its Pig Adventure and Pork Education Center, and helped with national campaigns for its Fairlife milk and Core Power protein drinks. It brought the actor Kevin Bacon for a concert at Fair Oaks and the reality show star Ty Pennington to the grand opening of WaterPlace in Crown Point in November. "Our goal is to be the best, most thoughtful brand resource in the Midwest," Tomich said. "We want to help people take brands to the next level." For more information, visit www.mixdesign.com. VINCENNES, Ind. A new exhibit reflecting the relationships Vincennes' favorite son Red Skelton shared with several U.S. Presidents is on display now at the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, 20 Red Skelton Blvd. The special exhibit titled "Red Skelton for President: Make America Funny Again" features several personal letters and photographs as well as a video loop of some of his most famous presidential jokes and will be open through the end of March. "He had a lot of back and forth with several different presidents," said Anne Pratt, the museum's director of marketing. "He performed at seven birthday parties for (Franklin D. Roosevelt) at the White House, and he was good friends with (Ronald) Reagan and (Richard) Nixon, too." "This collection includes a lot of those letters they wrote to him on their own personal stationary." The unique collection includes a letter written by President Gerald Ford expressing his "gratitude" at Skelton's willingness to loan him one of his best writers, Robert Orben, for the drafting of a special dinner speech to fellow Republicans. It boasts photos from 1953 of Skelton at a birthday party for first lady Mamie Eisenhower as well as a letter dated 1973 in which Richard Nixon thanks him for a "warm and thoughtful get-well message." The collection also features a letter written to Herbert Humphrey in May of 1967 in which he teases the vice-president about a recent letter he'd received from him. It's not often he gets a letter from Washington, he says. "Oh, I get one from the Bureau of Internal Revenue," Skelton writes, "but those are not very complimentary." And a letter to Lyndon B. Johnson dated May 1965 thanks the president for a recent piece of correspondence. "I'm so proud, especially knowing you are strenuously engaged in efforts to bring more sunshine to this darkened old world," Skelton writes. The exhibit has been set up, in part, to celebrate Presidents Day on Feb. 20, when the museum will host a special open house from 5-7 p.m. Pratt said the collection is to honor the patriotic side of Red Skelton. "And you can really see that through these artifacts," she said. "And through his 'Pledge of Allegiance,' it's easy to see just how patriotic he was, regardless of which party was in office at the time. "That's something we really wanted to emphasize through this new exhibit." And when the museum opened more than three years ago, officials there said they would look to host special exhibits using pieces from its own collection of Skelton's belongings and traveling exhibits from other museums as well. Now that most residents have had a chance to see the museum's permanent displays, Pratt said it's time to make good on that promise. "This is just part of our long-range plan," she said. "We recognize it's time to start showcasing some of the other artifacts we have in the collection. We have so much, especially photographs and letters. And every couple of months, we get another packet from (Lothian) Skelton, things she uncovers. It's so exciting. "And we plan to make this an ongoing trend," she said. "Every year, we want to have one or two special exhibits that will feature other artifacts from our own collection that aren't always on display." LATHAM Ralph Deal and his wife, Carrie, were eating breakfast Saturday in their apartment over his woodworking shop in downtown Latham, their home since 1969, when a smoke alarm sounded. A quick investigation revealed fire in the living room. Deal and his wife, both 82, were able to escape unharmed before flames consumed the second story of the building and also forced the evacuation of more than a dozen customers from the Korner Cafe next door. The gentleman next door came in and asked me to call 911, so I dialed the number as I headed out the door, cafe owner Samantha Underwood said. He was standing there with his door open, and the smoke was rolling out. The Latham Fire Protection District soon drained the village's water tower and pond fighting the fire and ended up calling out about 40 fire protection districts from five counties to haul water. "We ran Warrensburg and Mount Pulaski out of water, too," said Fire Chief Kenny Crosier. It took four hours to contain the fire and nearly eight more to finally put out all the hot spots. We had heavy fire inside, making it too hot to go into the building, and had some trouble getting to it, Crosier said. Firefighters brought in a trackhoe about 2 p.m. to tear down what was left of the structure and extinguish all the flames. "The building is pretty much rubble now," Crosier said. He said no cause for the fire was immediately evident, but firefighters believed it might have started in the attic. Underwood said she hoped the cafe, damaged by smoke and water, could be salvaged. The couple's son, Ralph Jr., 59, said his parents were at his home a couple blocks away and were very upset. Also displaced by the fire was a three-year-old ministry housed at street level and run by Ralph Jr.'s wife, Brenda Deal, 57. Called The Little Things Bags, the service provides clothing, toys, diapers and other supplies for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to give to foster children when they're picked up from their homes. We got about half of our stuff out before the smoke got too thick and we couldn't see, Brenda Deal said. Many residents said the building destroyed at 131 N. Macon St. on Saturday was once home to a grocery store for many years. Mayor Beverly Altig said the Deals bought it from her and her husband, Bob, in the 1960s and ran it for 10 to 15 years. Crosier remembers going there to buy candy and soda when he was growing up. "Seeing that place go up in flames was one of my worst nightmares come true," he said. Herald & Review archives show a massive fire in Latham in 1892 claimed a grocery store, restaurant, saloon, hardware store and barber shop but spared a business called the Corner Cafe. Altig thinks today's Korner Cafe could be at that very same location, as the building that burned dates back before 1900. This is going to be really sad, she said. Our whole downtown is almost gone now. The Jackson 5 mural on Lake Street in Gary's Miller neighborhood has prompted countless people to stop and whip out their phones to take pictures since artist Felix "Flex" Maldonado painted it two years ago at the Lake Effekt graffiti expo. Passers-by have snapped selfies in front of the sweeping black-and-white painting of the Gary natives. Models and bands have struck poses in front of it and the other colorful graffiti art pieces that adorn Gary's quirky lakefront neighborhood. The Jackson 5 mural proved so popular that Maldonado was asked to do a four-story-tall version on the side of a downtown building. The original Jackson 5 mural between the Illinois Bell Telephone building and the Miller Bakery Cafe in downtown Miller Beach has faded and peeled over the past two years. It eventually will need to be removed because it's on a billboard in front of a burned-down building. Though it will need to be moved, the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District plans to preserve the mural, Executive Director Meg Roman said. Maldonado will touch up the work, and the arts district doesn't yet know what it will do with it. The Miller Beach Arts and Creative District runs the Miller Beach Farmers Market from May through September and the 5,000-square-foot Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts at 540 S Lake St., where it stages about 30 exhibits, movies and events a year. This summer, the arts district will bring back its two biggest signature events: the sandcastle competition in July and the and the Lake Effekt graffit expo on June 17. For the first time, local builders and architects will be invited to square off in the sandcastle contest at Gary's Miller Beach. "We try to expand and improve on it every year," Roman said. "It's a fun competition that in the past has primarily focused on individuals, youth and families. We wanted to make it more competitive, build it up. We thought it would be fun to have people in the building trade showing their skills and talents, competing against their peers to step it up a notch." The arts district also will bring back Lake Effekt, the biannual street festival where graffiti artists decorate the community's business corridor on Lake Street with big, vibrant murals. People can watch them create their art during a daylong fair that will include a beer tent and assorted arts and craft vendors. This year's Lake Effekt will feature Madanado, Ish Muhammad, Zor, ZorZorZor and the legendary Crazy Indiana Style Artists, or CISA, crew from East Chicago. "With the growing acceptance of street art and graffiti writing as a sign of community revitalization, an objective for Lake Effekt 2017 is to create a diverse and inclusive environment where the community is engaged, through participation, in the process of revitalization through public art," Muhammad said. Miller residents and business owners will be asked to give input on what they'd like to see this year at public meetings in the spring. The arts district also hopes to stage outdoor concerts this year and create an artist membership program where members can get sneak peeks at exhibits and take part in workshops, such as for marketing and development. Then there will of course be the usual gallery exhibitions and movie screenings. "We hope to create space for established as well as up-and-coming artists," Roman said. "We're looking for as diverse offerings as possible to appeal to the greatest number of people." For more information, visit millerbeacharts.org. February is the month of love. Three Region couples share their love story and advice on making a marriage work. When the Time is Right In 2010, when they met at a church event at Purdue University Northwest, Chelsea was 18 and Jonny was 19. At one point during the youth group event, participants were encouraged to greet those around them. Jonny Zajac had been admiring the girl in front of him. When she turned around, he said, Hi. My name is Jonny. You have a cute haircut. I thought she was really cool, Zajac said. I added her on Facebook, and a few months go by and I'm talking to one of my best friends and I mention her. It turned out they knew each other and were childhood friends. He got in touch with her and we hung out. It turned out she played guitar and had a beautiful voice, so I was falling in love with her right away. He got her number. They talked casually and hung out in groups. He planned a bonfire and invited about 60 friends. I text and ask if shed like to come over for a bonfire. She responded with, Can I bring my boyfriend? Zajac's heart sank. It turned out a former boyfriend had asked Chelsea out earlier that day. Zajac told her to bring her boyfriend and secretly fumed as he was introduced to him. It was more than three years before Jonny and Chelsea spoke again. Still friends on Facebook, Jonny noticed a post on Chelseas wall that her car had broken down not far from where he lived. Seeing it as his second chance, he messaged her and offered to come to the rescue. They went out the next night and learned that neither was dating anyone else. Before long, he was approaching her father to ask for Chelseas hand in marriage. It was their faith and music that Chelsea said connected them. He was kind of rough around the edges, but there was this soft side you only got to see if you got really close to him. He has a lot of friends. Hes the greatest person I ever met and the best friend you could ever ask for. His personality is very attractive because of how much he cares about other people. Both said marriage has been a big adjustment; neither had lived with a partner before. Although just newlyweds, they have wise advice. Enjoy your marriage and dont have so many expectations. Enjoy them for who they are and who you fell in love with, Chelsea said. The most important thing in marriage is selflessness, Jonny said. Its meant for companionship and for you to take care of someone. Long Distance Love When Tori Castellano, of Portage, set out on a girlfriends vacation in Cancun, Mexico, in 2001, little did she know her life would be changing forever. She never thought that a cute waiter shed meet on her trip would become her soulmate. While doing a bar tour with her girlfriend, they went to stop No. 1 and the first thing she noticed as soon as she walked in the door was a waiter on stage dancing to the song YMCA. He was so cute and his smile lit up the room, Tori said. I kept trying to get his attention and finally he came up and introduced himself to me. Gildo was just what she needed a fun distraction who was also a gentleman. I saw her sitting at a table with that gorgeous smile of hers that I could see across the room. I had to go and say hello to her, he said. He was really good-looking and extremely polite, Tori said. We made plans to meet up when his shift ended at the last stop on our bar tour, Tori said. We reconnected later that night and spent the entire night into the morning, drinking, dancing and talking. We spent each day of my vacation together after that. ... When I came back home, we started this long-distance friendship through emails, chats and calls and that turned into a relationship. A couple of months later, Tori traveled back to Mexico see Gildo. That is when we knew we were crazy in love and wanted to be married," she said. Over the next year, they started the long process for Gildo to immigrate to the U.S. The couple married on Valentines Day in 2002. It was really hard to have a long-distance relationship. Plus, we didnt know if his immigration would be approved. It was very stressful and very lonely, Tori said. When youre longing to be with someone, but there is no physical way to be together, its hard. This was pre-Skype and before Facebook. After 15 years of marriage, they attribute their dedication to family as part of the reason that their marriage has remained so strong. They have two children together; a 14-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. We put each other first and the same things are important to us, Tori said. Gildo also stepped into the role of being a stepfather to Toris 8-year-old son, which brought some challenges. Family is so important to him and right away he wanted to do his best in that role, she said. It wasnt easy. It took time for both of them to adjust. Some of the best advice Gildo could give to other couples is to stay honest and loyal with each other. Support each other and work equally around the house. Tori notes that working toward both being happy is important. Your partner wants to make you happy, but they need to know how, she said. Always tell your partner what you need from them. Dont Give Up Fresh off his discharge from the U.S. Navy on May 10, 1946, Bob Smith, 20, was headed to Richards Florist at 115th and Michigan in Chicagos Roseland neighborhood to pick up flowers for his mothers birthday. On his way, he got a glimpse in a window that made him do a double take. He found himself on the wrong side of the street passing a dry cleaning business, and through the glass, he could see the prettiest girl in Roseland working behind the counter. Bob went home and dug up some clothes to take into the dry cleaner and met Dolores. And he kept going back and bringing clothes to be cleaned. And then hanging around until closing time. And then asking if he could walk her home. Delores was just 17 and heading into her senior year of high school. Their first date was at Riverview Amusement Park with a group of couples from Bobs neighborhood. They spent the next year having fun together and dancing all over the place Venetian Hall on Kensington Avenue, the KP Hall at 110th and Michigan, sometimes Turner Hall or the YMCA. Almost every Friday, Saturday and Sunday was spent dancing. Theyd have 10 cent dance nights, Dolores said. And you could ride the streetcar for 6 cents or his dad was nice enough to let us borrow his car to go on a date. The couple married on Jan. 31, 1948, and just celebrated 69 years of marriage. Their first of 10 children (five boys and five girls) was born the following year and they settled in Dolton about a decade later. The couple now reside in the small community of Goodenow, Illinois, just south of Crete. You wouldnt be able to have 10 kids today. How could you afford to feed them? asked Dolores. It was tough, even though I made a good amount, I had to keep them all in clothes and shoes, Bob added. But sticking it out no matter what is what the Smiths do. Some people may think its easy to be married, but its not an easy road to go down. Youre two different people from two different backgrounds, with two different sets of standards who were raised differently. Its a matter of adjustment, Dolores said. If youre set in what you want and the other doesnt want to change their mind, you hit a roadblock but someone has to give in. I may grumble about it a bit, but its all about compromise. And it takes patience. Bob said its really about not giving up. Theres a lot of give and take. Youve got to compromise. People give up too easy these days. Dont give up right away, Dolores said. Find ways to make it work. If you fell in love, you saw something there. Youre not perfect, so dont expect him to be. The Theatre at the Center in Munster will feature My Way A Musical Tribute to the one and only Frank Sinatra from now until March 19. Relive the career of Sinatra where actors share with the audience more than 50 of his beloved hits. Tickets are available at www.theatreatthecenter.com. Make it a dinner and theatre event on March 2 with a dinner at 5:30 p.m. and show at 7:30. Leprechaun Fun Run Take part in Crown Brewings 5K Run/Walk on March 11 by signing up today. The Leprechaun Fun Run is family and pet friendly and has a 9 a.m. start time. The $25 entry fee includes a breakfast buffet and Crown Brewing in Crown Point. Tickets are available at the brewery and www.brownpapertickets.com. Stargazing at the National Lakeshore Grab your winter gear and stargaze Saturday at the National Lakeshore at Kemil Beach. The Chicago Astronomical Society will host stargazing the third Saturday of every month (excluding March and July.) Learn about constellation lore from the darkest site in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Visit www.nps.gov/indu for details. NWI Comic-Con Chat with various artists, writers and publishers of your favorite comics at NWI Comic-Con on Feb. 25 at the Halls of St. George in Schererville. Admission is $8/adults and $2/children under 12 years old. Free parking is available. Call 219-669-1872 for more information. The Fab Four The Ultimate Tribute The Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles, the Fab Four, will perform on Sunday at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville. Show begins at 8 p.m. The Fab Four will play such classics as Cant Buy Me Love, Yesterday, Hey Jude, and many more. Visit www.starplazatheatre.com for details. Valentines Day at the Farmhouse Take your sweetie for a delicious dinner at the Farmhouse Restaurant Sunday or Tuesday with live music and a specialty menu. Make your reservation by calling 219-394-3663. The Farmhouse is located at Fair Oaks Farms at 754 N. County Road 600 East in Fair Oaks. CENTER TWP. A 22-year-old Hobart man is in custody and charged with robbery, a level 3 felony, after he attempted to rob a gas station at knifepoint late Saturday night, police said. No one was injured in the incident and the gas station remains open, Porter County Sheriff's Police said in a news release. Joshua Mounts is accused of attempting to rob the Speedmart gas station, 288 Ind. 130. Porter County Sheriff's Police said they received a call at 8:35 p.m. of a robbery in progress when the mother of the store clerk arrived to bring her son dinner to find Mounts with a knife at the counter. The clerk, a 20-year-old man from Valparaiso, told police Mounts is a former gas station employee. Mounts allegedly said he wanted to go to jail because he had nowhere to stay, the release states. Police arrived at 8:38 p.m. and took Mounts into custody without incident. Mounts was taken to the Porter County Jail. INDIANAPOLIS Gov. Eric Holcomb marked one month as Indiana's chief executive last week by, among other things, weighing in on a variety of issues pending at the General Assembly. The Republican proclaimed his legislative agenda is on track due in part to Hoosier lawmakers "keeping focused on issues that I truly do believe are going to take our state to the next level." Here's what Holcomb had to say about some of those issues: Road funding: "I'm encouraged by the discussion that's going on in both the House and in the Senate on both sides of the aisle. I stated at the outset and remain here: All things are on the table in terms of my perspective. The only thing that's not is no option at all ... We are meeting regularly, and I'm convinced at this early date that we will not go home without a plan in place to truly have a sustainable, long-term infrastructure program." Democrats' "No New Taxes" roads plan: "It's good that they put a plan out there. I don't believe that we should do anything that should jeopardize our 'AAA' credit rating or reach into our one-time reserves and spend those down ... We're going to have to raise revenue ... We know there's a $1 billion-plus shortfall and there are various revenue sources. I view them as dials and either you dial it up or you dial it down across the board. I don't think that their plan that they put forward addresses our needs and protects our fiscal strength." Borrowing for roads: "It's on the table if there's a dedicated revenue stream or source that's going to repay those bonds." Obamacare repeal: "We need to continue down the path that we're on, that Indiana is on. States need the flexibility to make the reforms necessary and I've not seen a program better than Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0 yet. I'm willing to look at how we can improve it, but I don't want Hoosiers to think that the rug is going to be pulled out from under them as we work our way through this." State superintendent: "I remain convinced two of the most important duties of the governor are making sure that we're addressing economic issues and educational issues. To have a secretary of education and secretary of commerce, in my mind, work with the governor and the governor's office are of paramount importance to the future of the state. I'm optimistic about the bill that I put forward to make the superintendent of public instruction an appointed one in 2021, whoever the governor and whoever the superintendent of public instruction might be at that time." Syringe exchange: "I believe the syringe-exchange program is a small part of a big problem. But a very appropriate way to get folks we know are struggling with this illness, that are part of this program, are the ones that are more likely to seek help." Pre-kindergarten expansion: "It's still a pilot program and we're still in the early stages of the pilot. So I'm aware of that and respect that and do want to see what comes out of it. I just believe, in my heart, that the most disadvantaged among us, the folks at the very back of the line, would be better served in a quality environment that will prepare them for kindergarten. I do not think it will be universal, but I do believe we need to get at this." Governor's residence: "We haven't moved in permanently, but we use the residence three to four times a week. I'm chomping at the bit to get there. Henry (his miniature schnauzer) has become comfortable and knows where the water bowl, is and can find it from any floor." VALPARAISO Valparaiso City Councilwoman Diana Reed, D-1st, said the Saudi Arabian exchange student in her home feels safe and welcome in the city, despite the heated debate over the nation's travel ban involving some from the Middle East. But the student no longer discusses politics outside the home. "He is fearful of how that could be interpreted by other people," she said. Reed believes it is important that anyone from the Middle East who is studying, working or running a business in Valparaiso feels welcome, she said. Reed, and at least a few of her fellow council members, hope to put that sentiment into writing soon in the form of a city resolution. The proposal is being penned by City Councilwoman Deb Porter, D-at-large, who is modifying a draft copy as a result of concerns she heard from others in city government. She hopes to have it ready to propose to the council on Feb. 27. The city already has a human rights ordinance on the books, she said, but it takes a more general stand. "This is a whole new reality," Porter said. Those living in Valparaiso from the Middle East should be able to go home to visit a sick or dying family member without fearing whether they will be able to return to their classes, jobs or businesses, she said. "They don't have that, even though they should have that," Porter said. "They're here legally." Porter said part of her rewrite is to make the proposed resolution more inclusive to cover people from countries beyond the Middle East. City Councilman Matt Murphy, R-3rd, said he believes the issue is already addressed by the existing human rights ordinance. He was particularly concerned with a line in the draft version of the resolution that reads, "We will embrace the diversity in our community and resist efforts to deport, detain, or dehumanize those who are targeted for their diversity." "That statement appears to suggest that the city is not going to, at a minimum, cooperate with the federal government," Murphy said. "Are they advocating violating federal law?" Porter said part of the rewrite is to move away from the impression that the resolution is calling on Valparaiso to join the sanctuary city movement, which refuses to cooperate with enforcement of some federal immigration laws. That would not have been possible anyway, she said, considering the state has already prohibited that move. "We don't believe that what is going on is right," she said. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Jan. 27 banning travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days and suspended the admissions of refugees for 120 days. A judge put the move on hold and a federal appeals panel on Thursday unanimously rejected Trump's bid to reinstate the ban. "Valparaiso is a wonderful, welcoming community," Murphy said. "We value diversity and passed a human rights ordinance, and we have a Human Relations Commission. But I do sense that some in the community are tiring of the broad brush suggestion that we are an intolerant city." Heath Carter, chairman of the Valparaiso Human Relations Council, issued a statement last week saying, "In passing that law (human rights ordinance) last May, our elected representatives sent a resounding message and one that bears repeating, even as the courts weigh the legality of President Donald J. Trumps executive order entitled 'Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States': no matter who you are, were glad youre here. No matter your religion or your race; no matter where youre from or how long youve been here, were glad youre here." Councilman John Bowker, D-5th, said it is too early to say how he will vote on the proposed resolution. "I have not seen the final version, but this appears to be a replica of the Human Rights Ordinance we passed over a year ago showing that Valparaiso is a welcoming community, regardless an individual's demographics," he said. Councilman Robert Cotton, D-2nd, said he is in favor of the proposed resolution, but he felt it could have been accomplished by a proclamation from Mayor Jon Costas. "In the absence of any such responsiveness, and in light of the perceived extreme fear being created by presidential EO (executive order), I am inclined to go the extra mile in support of our beloved neighbors, friends, and students," he said. MERRILLVILLE An assisted living facility is being proposed at a site on 93rd Avenue. It's the third time that site has been eyed for such a facility. Andy Place is seeking the Plan Commission's approval to divide property at 171 E. 93rd Ave. into two lots. Ryan Marovich, who represented Place during a recent commission workshop, said a 100-bed assisted care and memory care facility would be built on one of the parcels that would consist of about 9 acres. The other lot, which would be about 1.3 acres, could be sold in the future, Marovich said. It's possible a multitenant building for medical offices could be constructed there, he said. Town Councilman Shawn Pettit, the commission's president, said two other assisted living facilities were proposed for the same area in the past, but they never transpired. Pettit said the latest project would bring a multimillion-dollar facility to the town and new jobs. It sounds like it would be a good project, said Councilwoman Marge Uzelac, a commission member. Pettit said he backed the two other proposals for similar facilities at that location, and he is supportive of the endeavor, but he doesn't want to get all excited about the latest potential project until it becomes closer to fruition. He said an issue that has come up during each proposal has been direct access off 93rd Avenue. A past road construction project on 93rd was completed with federal money, and that has resulted in limited-access right of way on the street, Pettit said. That could prevent curb cuts on 93rd for an entrance to the proposed one-story building. Pettit said that could require access to the facility would have to come off of Connecticut Drive. Pettit said the town is reviewing the matter to determine where the entrance could be located. The commission is expected to vote on the preliminary subdivision approval request during its Feb. 21 regular meeting. CROWN POINT The Police Department will again host its Citizens Police Academy for 2017. The 10-week course will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday from March 16 to May 25. The first session is scheduled to take place at the Civic Center, 101 S. East St. The planned topics will give the attendees exposure to police work and a wide variety of topics law enforcement officers deal with every day. Many of the sessions will include hands-on activities involving mock traffic stops, shoot vs. dont shoot and use of force situations, patrol techniques, Indiana criminal laws and the judicial system and crime scene investigations. Every attendee will also receive training and certification in CPR and AED. The class size is limited to 15 people with the residents of Crown Point receiving first consideration. Anyone interested in learning more about the academy or to complete and submit an application can go to the citys website at www.crownpoint.in.gov. Questions or other inquiries can be directed to the academys director, Detective Ryan Patrick at 219-663-2131 ext. 121 or email rpatrick@crownpoint.in.gov. Buck aboard USS Michael Murphy Seaman Ryan Buck, from DeMotte, is aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112). Michael Murphy is on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years. Three complete basic training U.S. Air Force Airman Caylin L. Evans, U.S. Air Force Airman Tatiana O. Galvan and Air Force Airman 1st Class Kristopher J. Guel graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airmen completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Evans is the daughter of Rise Evans, of Lynwood, and cousin of Kyaria Stephens, of Calumet City. She is a 2015 graduate of Thornton Fractional South High School, Lansing. Galvan is a 2016 graduate of Lowell High School. Guel is a 2013 graduate of Crown Point High School and the son of Daniella and David Cooper and Kevin and Carla Guel. Students from Purdue University Northwest tax and accounting classes are offering free federal and state income tax preparation assistance to taxpayers/families with incomes of $54,000 or less, individuals with disabilities and elderly residents. Students at the Westville Campus are participating in the Internal Revenue Services Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. With support from the LaPorte County United Way, the program has expanded to accommodate more clients. Hammond Campus students are assisting efforts of the American Association of Retired Persons by providing tax help at several Lake County communities. Due to recent IRS changes, tax returns for 2016 can be prepared for taxpayers who are required to file an Indiana return, but not a federal tax return. Appointments are required. The service will be offered on PNWs Westville Campus in the Technology Building, Room 109. Appointments are available from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays from Feb. 18 through March 25, except March 18. To make an appointment call the LaPorte County United Way call center at 1-877-502-0700. This is the 28th year PNW Westville students are providing tax assistance. Hammond Campus students will provide tax assistance by appointment using listed phone numbers at the following sites: Calumet Township Municipal Center, 1800 W. 41st St., Gary. (219-880-4900). Crown Point Public Library, 122 N. Main St., Crown Point. (Appointments must be made in advance in person on school days at the library.) Lowell Public Library, 1505 E. Commercial Ave., Lowell. (219-696-7704). Merrillville Municipal Center, 7820 Broadway, Merrillville. (219-769-3501). Schererville Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet St., Schererville. (219-322-2211). Salvation Army, 8225 Columbia Ave., Munster. (219-838-0380). Student tax preparers serve under the guidance of Edward Furticella, head of the PNW Department of Quantitative Business Studies, and Thomas Holets, continuing lecturer of accounting and coordinator of the PNW Westville program. The student volunteers are prepared to complete the following tax forms: Form 1040 with Schedules A, B, EIC, D, & R; Form 2441 (child and dependent care credit); Form 8863 (educational credits); Form 8812 (child and additional child tax credit); and Affordable Care Act. Taxpayers who seek this assistance are expected to participate in the IRS e-file program. PORTER TWP. Porter Township Schools Superintendent Stacey Schmidt gave the School Board an update of bills being considered by the Indiana Legislature last week. Schmidt said HB 1003 proposes that the Indiana Learning Evaluation Assessment Readiness Network (ILEARN) would replace ISTEP testing in 2019. Current provisions in the bill include eliminating a social studies test and decoupling testing from teacher evaluations. But Schmidt warned that changes in the bill are likely to occur before the process is completed. As lawmakers have learned, they cannot alter a state testing system overnight, Schmidt said. What exactly it will be, they are still working on. Schmidt said HB 1004 would expand a pilot preschool program to 10 counties that includes a voucher system that would allow parents to use public education funds in private schools, while HB 1009 would consolidate schools budgets into just three accounts: education, operations and debt service. Schmidt said she is keeping an eye on HB 1591, which would establish education savings accounts, where parents might have access and control over educational funds. This raises all sorts of interesting questions, Schmidt said. I believe it diverts money from public schools. Other states are doing this, but to my knowledge, they have not found success in that. Schmidt encouraged board members to contact their local legislators to express their opinions about the bills. We all need to be advocating for kids, regardless of where you stand, Schmidt said. Having a seat at the table is good for all of us. In other business, Boone Grove High School Principal Clay Corman announced a $30,000 Lilly Endowment for the schools, which will be used to enhance students college, career and social and emotional counseling. Boone Grove Middle School teachers Nora Majors and Stacey Atwood reviewed the Empty Bowls project, an international effort to fight hunger. The schools fourth annual Empty Bowls fundraiser is Feb. 24 in the high school cafeteria, where students, staff, and community members will create ceramic bowls and raise money for the Porter Township Food Pantry to add to the nearly $4,800 raised in past years. The boards April board meeting will take place at Porter Lakes Elementary School and will incorporate a tour of the building and classroom renovations. VALPARAISO Prom season got an early start Friday night. Walking with their partners down a red carpet, decked-out guests received cheers and high-fives as they proceeded to dinner, dancing, and a limousine ride just for them. For the second straight year, Valparaiso Nazarene Church hosted Night to Shine, a prom-night experience for those with special needs ages 14 and older. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, the event was billed as a night for churches, guests, and God to shine. The evening came complete with all the usual prom activities, but with one exception. Instead of one couple crowned prom royalty, everyone was king or queen, and they had the crown or tiara to prove it. Valparaiso Nazarene Church partnered with Opportunity Enterprises, a local agency serving the other-abled, but non-OE clients were welcome. Pastor Eric Wood said the idea of the special prom struck a chord when he first heard about it. With 330 guests registered, Wood said, I love seeing the joy in guests faces. Hopefully they will know tonight and every day they are made by God to be kings and queens. Among the nearly 500 volunteers that night was Deb Ochall, whose daughter Ashley, 27, was a guest. This is fabulous, to honor them and make them feel special, the mother said. It brings tears to my eyes. While awaiting a limo ride, Lee Anne Bettenhausen commented, I didnt get to go to my high school prom because I was too shy. I like this prom because I can make other people happy and do things with them. Guest Karen Kerr said she appreciated the recognition of special-needs persons. I like dancing and seeing the people we see every day, as well as seeing people out of our environment, Kerr said. The Valparaiso site was among 375 churches in 50 states and 11 countries to host a Night to Shine. Every guest had a buddy, an escort for the evening. Don Scheffler, who works with Michael Johnson during the week, served as his buddy. As Scheffler noted, I heard how amazing the prom was last year and I had to come this year. Ann Johnson, speaking for her son Michael, said the prom is all about these people, showing them a wonderful time. Its about making them feel special, and thats what they are special. How well do you know Indiana and the Region? Youll find out and learn a lot with our special history section coming in Wednesdays Times. Last February, during the Indiana bicentennial, we published a well-received section of historic front pages. This year, coming off that great year for the state, well publish a section filled with history lessons to be shared with everyone in your family. Youll be challenged by pages that test your knowledge of Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. Youll also be challenged by hundreds of Indiana history questions contributed by the Indiana Historical Society. You might have tried a few of these last year on Page 2 as part of our daily bicentennial feature, but youll find all of them in Wednesdays section. Well also put a spotlight on dozens of famous Hoosiers and offer news to know about many aspects of the state. We packed a lot onto nwi.com/history during the bicentennial year, adding your photo galleries as well as photos and stories from our archives. That site continues to grow, and we welcome you to visit and share it moving forward. Enjoy Wednesdays section with your family. Get Healthy Wednesdays Times also will include our popular Get Healthy magazine, with its first issue of 2017. Get Healthy is a favorite of mine, and Im pleased to share that it will increase from six to eight issues this year. Get Healthy offers tips and ideas and connects with our Health & Fitness section on Fridays. It all comes together at nwi.com/gethealthy, and you can be sure not to miss anything by signing up for our health & fitness newsletter online. Thanks for reading us. Please contact me with any questions about The Times or our many publications. With one stroke of a pen, Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb showed a beleaguered corner of the state, far from his base of political support, that he cares. Northwest Indiana should see it as a sign that, true to his word, Holcomb is a chief executive who thinks and acts with his own mind unbound by past politics. On Thursday, Holcomb signed an executive order declaring a disaster emergency for East Chicago's USS Lead Superfund site. That declaration allows for 30 days of enhanced state assistance for an estimated 100 residents who have yet to relocate from the lead-contaminated West Calumet Housing Complex. As part of that plan, the state will aggressively seek $2 million in federal funding to demolish the contaminated complex along with other funds to remediate lead. The affected area stands as a clear and present public health danger and a reminder of what happens when government egregiously neglects the people it is supposed to serve. Holcombs disaster declaration seeks real relief while showing his office truly puts citizens well being above politics. His predecessor, former governor and now Vice President Mike Pence, declined to grant such a disaster designation as he was heading out the door toward Washington just a few short weeks ago. When Holcomb campaigned to be our governor, he repeatedly told us his mindset and administration would be different from past governors. He just proved it to Northwest Indiana in a most meaningful and effective way. As important as any federal aid it gleans will be to the affected East Chicago residents, Holcomb's executive order is symbolically so much more. We regularly hear some Northwest Indiana political factions lament a state government system, largely controlled by Republicans, not caring about the core issues of importance to a Region aligning with Democrats a majority of the time. A chip regularly forms on the Region's collective shoulder, and some factions use it to foment an us-against-them mentality. By breaking with past politics and signing the order, Holcomb just removed some of the logs that could be used to stoke the fires of division between Northwest Indiana and the rest of the state. Our new governor has shown plenty of understanding for Northwest Indiana in other policy arenas as well, including strong support for Region economic development plans. But his gesture toward the struggling people of a Superfund site, where neglect had festered for years, sends a resounding message of good will and humanity. Crossing the line separating Indiana and Illinois sometimes means dealing with different laws and customs. Readers are asked to share ideas for this weekly feature. This week: Pardons. The governors of both Indiana and Illinois have nearly unlimited authority to pardon or commute the sentences of individuals convicted of most crimes. However, that power, in recent years, has been used sparingly by Hoosier governors. Former Gov. Mike Pence only issued three pardons during his four-year term; Gov. Mitch Daniels averaged eight pardons a year from 2005-13. But current Gov. Eric Holcomb may be more open to using his pardon authority. Last week, after just one month in office, he pardoned Keith Cooper, of Country Club Hills, Illinois, who was convicted in 1997 for an Elkhart robbery that evidence now shows Cooper didn't commit. Recent Illinois governors have tended to use their pardon power more freely, with current Gov. Bruce Rauner awarding 80 pardons during his first two years in office. Former Gov. Pat Quinn also granted clemency to 1,795 individuals from 2009-15 to clear the pardon request backlog left by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who issued none. The immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New York said Saturday night that five men on Staten Island were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents this week. It is unclear what led to them being detained. Mayor Bill de Blasios office released a statement, saying it has "received credible reports of immigration enforcement activity in several New York City neighborhoods in the last few days. The Mayor is closely monitoring the situation and the Administration is working with NYPD and community organizations to verify the activity as we receive reports." Immigration officials put out their own statement that says "ICE regularly conducts targeted enforcement operations during which additional resources and personnel are dedicated to apprehending deportable foreign nationals. The focus of these operations is no different than the routine, targeted arrests carried out by ICEs Fugitive Operations Teams on a daily basis." City Hall officials are reminding New Yorkers that city officials and members of the NYPD will never ask about their immigration status. The New York Immigration Coalition estimates there are 500,000 people living in New York City illegally and many more with green cards that, they say, fear deportation. "There is a factor of fear in the communities, but were trying to make sure that we provide the right information, that we provide a space for them to come forward if they hear [of] or are victims of it, and make sure that people are prepared, said Gonzalo Mercado. Mercado heads heads La Colmena, which works with the immigrant community on Staten Island. The news of the five men being detained came hours after hundreds of people rallied at Washington Square Park, calling on police to stop arresting undocumented immigrants for low-level crimes that may get them deported. Immigration advocates say 40 people in and around the city have been arrested by federal authorities as part of a nationwide crackdown on immigrant communities. Federal Immigration and Customs Enfocement (ICE) confirmed the number of arrests to NY1. The New York Immigration Coalition says raids were conducted last week in five other states as well. The coalition also released a document from ICE, which it describes as a "leaked memo," but the federal agency has since confirmed its accuracy and it appears the document is a draft fact sheet, written to accompany a press release and other materials that will be released to the media this week. The Mayor's office says it has received reports about immigration enforcement activity in the city, and that it is closely monitoring the situation. The mayor says city officials and the NYPD will not act as immigration agents and should never ask New Yorkers about their immigration status. Hundreds rallied at Washington Square Park yesterday against the Trump administration's immigration policies. The crackdown was a centerpiece of his campaign, but it is unclear these actions are coming directly from the President. Five people at the rally were arrested after protests became violent. The Legal Aid Society is offering assistance to people impacted by the raids. You can call its hotline at 844-955-3425, or visit its website. The organization has attorneys that can speak multiple languages. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos nomination and approval certainly riled up teachers unions across the country, causing panic that their power over education policy may finally be challenged. DeVos has made clear that advocating for school choice will be a central part of how she approaches her job, something that evidently unnerves the education establishment. DeVos shows an antipathy for public schools; a full-throttled embrace of private, for-profit alternatives and a lack of basic understanding of what children need to succeed in school, said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, upon DeVos confirmation. Similarly, the National Education Association took the occasion to call for resistance to the Trump-DeVos agenda. What precisely constitutes this agenda isnt clear, but most of the rhetoric flung around involves fear-mongering that public education is suddenly at risk, that corporate profiteers will be let loose to exploit students and that poor and minority students are at risk of not getting the sort of education they need. The panicked rhetoric seems to stem from DeVos long history of advocacy for charter schools and school vouchers. In her home state of Michigan, DeVos and her husband have championed charter schools to positive effect. According to studies conducted by Stanford Universitys Center for Research on Education Outcomes, Michigan charter school students, on average, make larger learning gains in both reading and mathematics than Michigan students in traditional public schools. Similar findings were identified in Detroit charter schools, with African American, Hispanic, low-income and special education students making larger gains in both reading and mathematics than students in traditional schools. With respect to vouchers, the experience of the District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program has demonstrated that voucher programs can yield positive educational outcomes, including higher graduation rates. Notably, DeVos has repeatedly stressed that education policy is better made at the state and local level, which, if she sticks to her word, should allay any rational concern that what well see is expansive federal overreach into education, which certainly should be avoided. Of course, the hyperpoliticized teachers unions cant resist appealing to manufactured fear over DeVos to advance their own agenda. The California Teachers Association and California Federation of Teachers, for example, are asking Californians to take a pledge in support of the public education all Californias students deserve. According to the unions, attaining public education that students deserve requires one to support sanctuary cities and the belief that social justice for all begins with a quality, free public education, whatever that means. Are California students receiving a quality public education today? Less than half of California students met statewide reading and math standards last year, with just 48 percent meeting or exceeding reading standards and only 37 percent doing the same in mathematics. Minority and low-income students fare even worse under a status quo that has seen consistent growth in school budgets, bond funding and teacher pension obligations, but abysmal educational outcomes. Perhaps what threatens teachers unions the most is the prospect of a renewed focus on accountability, competition and choice in education. Parents want the best education for their students. Whether education is made available via traditional public schools, charter schools or private schools, what ultimately matters is whether students actually receive the best education they can get. The city of San Bernardinos over four-year-long bankruptcy is nearing its end. On Friday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Jury agreed to issue a written confirmation order formally paving the way to the citys exit from bankruptcy. The last words I will say is congratulations to the city, Jury said in court. I look forward to the order and I look forward to the city having a prosperous future. City officials expect the citys plan to take effect in March or April. Its a momentous occasion for San Bernardino, which has experienced significant tumult over the past several years. Being free from the confines and stigma of bankruptcy is sure to provide a boost to economic development efforts. It is difficult to overstate the magnitude and breadth of the citys problems at the time of its August 2012 filing for bankruptcy protections. A lagging economy, inadequate financial planning, rapidly growing pension obligations and a fundamental breakdown of the integrity of city government contributed to a dire situation, forcing San Bernardino to become one of the largest municipalities in history to file for bankruptcy. Some of these issues have since been ameliorated. City residents approved a new city charter in November, which is expected to clear some of the many redundancies in how city government is organized. The city has also contracted out a significant portion of city operations to the private sector, which should yield long-term savings on retirement costs. Though difficult, the city also took the step of closing its long-held fire department in favor of receiving services through the county, alleviating the city from responsibility over one of its largest budget items. More controversially, however, has been the citys decision not to impair its obligations to the California Public Employees Retirement System. The state pension giant had intimated the prospect of costly legal action against the city, were it to pursue cuts to pensions. The city has also approved a bankruptcy exit plan that will shortchange many victims of excessive police uses of force owed money under settlements. Alas, it must be hoped that city officials in San Bernardino and abroad have learned a few things from what has been a difficult, contentious process. And may the city of San Bernardino find itself in a better place moving forward. Donald Trump has an unorthodox method of presidential communication (Twitter), the sensibilities of a New York insult comic, and a Manichean and high-octane world view in which critics are dismissed as BAD! or SAD! or purveyors of FAKE NEWS. All of this was known before the president took aim at a U.S. District Court judge in Seattle who put a stay on his immigration ban and then criticized the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals hearing oral arguments on the case. Yet Trumps tweets on this matter were universally denounced in apocalyptic language by elites of both parties, legal scholars and the media. Trumps own choice for the Supreme Court, speaking on behalf of judges everywhere, termed the presidents judiciary-bashing disheartening and demoralizing. Not to question the sincerity of Trump critics or Judge Neil Gorsuch himself theres too much impugning of others motives these days already but the idea that sitting presidents always accord deference to the judiciary is not historically accurate. From Thomas Jefferson to Barack Obama, U.S. presidents have lashed out at the judiciary in general and the Supreme Court in particular, and in ways far more threatening than a couple of insulting tweets. Heres a small sampling: Thomas Jefferson v. Samuel Chase As a signer of the Declaration of Independence appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by George Washington, Samuel Chase might have been considered beyond reproach, but thats not how politics was practiced in 1800-1801. It was a period in American history a lot like 2016-2017, come to think of it. Although hed been a firebrand in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, by 1800 Chase was a Federalist, and got crosswise with Jefferson by politicking for John Adams re-election. Although Adams lost to Jefferson, just before he left office he signed the Judiciary Act of 1801, expanding the federal bench with appointees dubbed Midnight Judges. When Justice Chase acted to thwart repeal, Jefferson called for his impeachment. This nakedly partisan move succeeded in the House, but Chase was acquitted in the Senate. Andrew Jackson v. John Marshall To accommodate thousands of whites pouring into the region, Georgia and other southeastern states invalidated federal treaties guaranteeing Indian claims to their lands. Congress sided with the states. So did President Andrew Jackson, whod been a renowned Indian fighter as a younger man. The Cherokees sought redress through the federal courts and their litigation reached the Supreme Court, then led by Chief Justice John Marshall. The court ruled in their favor for all the good it did them. Horace Greeley later quoted President Jackson as saying, John Marshall has made his decision. Now let him enforce it. Most Jackson biographers believe that quote to be apocryphal, but several reliable witnesses did hear Jackson say he thought the Marshall court had decided erroneously, and in any event, the government did not enforce it, which led to the removal of 16,000 Cherokees, 4,000 of whom died on the Trail of Tears. Abraham Lincoln v. Roger B. Taney In 1861, pro-secession riots broke out in Baltimore after the Maryland legislature declined to leave the Union. To keep a lid on things, Gov. Thomas Hicks took measures to prevent the movement of Union troops through his state, which is how a Baltimore County militia officer named John Merryman came to be accused of vandalizing railroad tracks between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. A justifiably irked Abraham Lincoln ordered Merrymans arrest, but heres where things got interesting. Instead of being charged with a crime, Merryman was simply apprehended at his home on May 25, 1861, and taken to Fort McHenry where he was locked up. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, though aware that Lincoln had suspended the right of habeas corpus on April 27, issued a writ to Fort McHenrys commanding officer to produce Merryman. The commander refused, citing his commander-in-chiefs order. Taney ruled that only Congress held such power, and that the president had superseded his constitutional authority. Lincoln did not verbally abase Taney, as Donald Trump surely would have, but he didnt obey the courts order, either. When questioned by Ohio Democrats, Lincoln responded in writing. You ask whether I really claim that I may override all the guaranteed rights of individuals, on the plea of conserving the public safety, he wrote. By necessary implication, when rebellion or invasion comes, the decision is to be made, from time to time; and I think the man whom, for the time, the people have, under the Constitution, made the commander-in-chief, of their Army and Navy, is the man who holds the power. Franklin Roosevelt v. the judiciary In his first term in office, Franklin D. Roosevelt was frustrated by several Supreme Court decisions that put a crimp in the New Deal. The courts small-government majority was led by a cabal of four justices over the age of 70 the Four Horsemen they were called who issued a series of rulings limiting the power of the federal government to micromanage the economy in areas ranging from the pricing of oil to that of kosher chickens in a New York City deli. Flush with his landslide re-election victory in 1936, FDR decided to strike. On Feb. 5, 1937, he proposed a sweeping challenge to the court in the form of an infamous court-packing scheme. If a justice did not retire at age 70, the legislation stated, an assistant justice would be appointed to aid him with full voting rights and these assistants wouldnt be appointed by the jurists in question, but by the president. In theory, the court could grow to 15 justices, most of them appointed by Roosevelt. In the end, the scheme was rejected resoundingly by Congress, but as the Great Depression deepened, the court softened on its approach to the New Deal. Barack Obama v. Donald Trump The point in recalling these examples is twofold. First, its not the worst and the weakest U.S. presidents whove sought to subvert judicial independence. Its the activist presidents whove done so, for obvious reasons: They chafe under limitations imposed on their authority by separation-of-powers doctrine. The second point is that when it comes to Donald Trump, his critics have selective memories, along with a clear double standard. Where was the outrage in liberal quarters when Barack Obama went on a sustained public relations campaign to intimidate the Supreme Court into upholding the Affordable Care Act? Or when he publicly assailed the court for upholding the First Amendment in the Citizens United case? In March 2014, Obama told Reuters that there was not a plausible legal basis for striking down the ACA. He made it clear that if people lost their health insurance, he would be blaming the Supreme Court. This is precisely the same cudgel Donald Trump has used to try to pressure the courts in the current immigration case. Was Trump out of line? Yes, just like Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Obama before him. And the record suggests that working the refs this way doesnt hurt a president: the others, mostly, got their way and Justice Roberts was the surprise fifth vote upholding Obamacare in the face of a commerce clause challenge. The best rejoinder to those who fear that an independent judiciary is at stake is that the adverse ruling of U.S. District Court Judge James Robart the man Trump called a so-called judge was unanimously upheld Thursday by a panel of three appellate jurists. Trumps response was older than the Republic and as American as apple pie: See you in court, he tweeted. Carl M. Cannon is executive editor and Washington Bureau chief of RealClearPolitics. Ever since Donald Trump was elected president, California has resembled the busty blonde B-movie actress in a horror film. You know the look. Eyes wide. Red lips parted halfway between a gasp and a scream. Hands frozen in mid-flail. That was the reaction in the scene where President Trump called California out of control and said he might have to cut off federal funds. This terrifying prospect has public officials up and down the state looking everywhere for a copy of the U.S. Constitution. It says he cant do that, right? States have rights. Right? You might think so if you read the Tenth Amendment: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. That amendment was written to make it absolutely clear, even though the authors of the Constitution thought it was already clear, that the federal government had limited powers. The powers of the states, on the other hand, were numerous and indefinite, in James Madisons words. One example of this system in practice was Prohibition. In 1919, the people of the United States decided it would be a good idea to have a federal law banning the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors. But because the U.S. Constitution didnt give the federal government the power to ban or even regulate alcohol, Prohibition required a constitutional amendment. And so did the repeal of Prohibition, 14 years later. California could cite the Tenth Amendment to protect its new law legalizing marijuana. If the Constitution didnt give the federal government the power to ban intoxicating liquors, where does the federal government find the power to ban marijuana, or any drug? The answer to that question is: The Supreme Court doesnt want to talk about it. In a 2001 case, lawyers for the Oakland Cannabis Buyers Cooperative argued to the justices that the federal Controlled Substances Act infringes the fundamental liberties of the people under, among other things, the Tenth Amendment. The Supreme Court ducked that issue and decided the case on other grounds. Because the Court of Appeals did not address these claims, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote, we decline to do so in the first instance. But the Tenth Amendment will be less useful in the fight against an effort by the Trump administration to withhold federal funds from California. Thats because federal funds, with strings, are how the federal government gets around the Tenth Amendment in the first place. The federal government doesnt have the power to order states to pass seat-belt laws, or to tell schools to give standardized tests, or to expand Medicaid to cover more people. It does all these things, and much more, by offering the states buckets of cash with strings attached. Its constitutional because its voluntary. President Trump may not be able to withhold federal funds that are tied to a previous agreement, but he can make new agreements that will put local and state officials in a very uncomfortable position. For instance, if he cant force states to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, he can offer barrels of cash to states that will cooperate voluntarily. Then California officials can explain to voters that they will continue to defy federal law on principle even if it means tax increases every year to pay for schools, roads and health care. Well see how that goes. Susan Shelley is a columnist for the Southern California News Group. Reach her at Susan@SusanShelley.com and follow her on Twitter: @Susan_Shelley. The demon weed Re: Dont drown marijuana in regulations [Opinion, Feb. 10]: Like something out of the Dark Ages, our trillion-dollar persecution of a lowly plant persists. After decades of demonizing the herb as something more evil than Satan and justifying long and draconian prison sentences for it, we are supposedly now at the only slightly more civilized point of legalizing it i.e. smothering it with hefty taxes and regulations and ironically necessitating the continuation of a black market on it. How I long for the good old days when pot was widely and freely available for use, both medicinally and recreationally, with no strings attached. And when our very Declaration of Independence and Constitution proclaiming the virtues of freedom, self-determination and autonomy were proudly inscribed on nothing less than hemp itself! Gordon Wilson, Laguna Niguel Judge shopping The fact that judge shopping is a common practice by lawyers and leftists is evidence of politics and personal bias by the judiciary. The recent ruling by the federal appeals court is a prime example of such abuse. The San Francisco-based 9th Circuit Appeals court is notorious for having its decisions overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. The original case was filed in Washington state so it would go to this court upon appeal for the purpose of obstructing the president. The countries impacted by the temporary ban are the same ones listed by President Obama as dangerous to America and of which the true identifications could not be verified. This was also the opinion of our national security advisors under President Obama. This very dangerous situation aimed at attacking President Trump makes all Americans less safe. Its time to stop the political obstruction and put the safety of all Americans first. That is the duty of the president and every judge who has sworn an oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution above their own political bias. Frank Householder, Huntington Beach Court got it wrong The appeals court said, in essence, that the presidents travel ban is unconstitutional. The court was wrong for a very simple reason. Our Constitution provides protections for American citizens. If a person is not an American, and does not live here, then he or she has none of the rights provided by our Constitution. While humanitarian efforts may seem appropriate, they are not guaranteed by the Constitution. We do not owe anyone asylum we grant it to them when the situation warrants it. One argument is that the executive order violates the constitutional freedom of religion, because the targeted countries happen to be primarily Muslim. But there are Muslim citizens in this country practicing their religion without interference. A candidate for chair of the Democratic National Committee is a noteworthy example. However, to extend that protection to Muslims who are not citizens and are not living here on constitutional grounds is simply wrong, and the appeals court ruling is an attempt to extend that protection, effectively amending the Constitution. Courts do not have that right. The politically correct term for that is judicial activism, and it violates the separation of powers provision in the Constitution. M.J. Knudsen, Trabuco Canyon Liberal hypocrisy Re: Democrats should filibuster Gorsuchs nomination [Opinion, Feb. 9]: When will Erwin Chemerinsky just quietly go away? His recommendation to the Democrats to carry out a futile filibuster on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch is typical of the political lefts tactics since Trumps swearing in. First of all, this is not a stolen seat as the good dean states. Failure to have a hearing on Obamas last nominee was a result of the Biden rule. Joe Biden introduced it during similar circumstances in the George H.W. Bush administration. You reap what you sow. His idea that Trump should have nominated a moderate to fill Scalias seat would be humorous if it were not for the hypocrisy. Obamas two sitting choices were as extremely left as he could muster. Really Erwin? If Chemerinsky thinks this is an extreme right-wing choice just wait until the next one comes up and the court really tilts to the right for the next 25-30 years, especially when the Senate tilts further toward the Republicans after the midterm election. Elections have consequences, as the previous president said. Hugo Folli, San Clemente Left spews hate Erwin Chemerinsky believes the Democrats should filibuster the nomination of Neil Gorsuch. Never mind that he believes Gorsuch will eventually be nominated to the Supreme Court. He just wants to spew his discontent with Trump nonetheless. What a waste of time, energy and money. Nevermind that the nomination of Gorsuch is what the voters want. Chemerinskys diatribe on originalism is neatly rebutted in the column written by Scott Feldmann [Why Democrats hate Judge Neil Gorsuch, Opinion, Feb. 9] on the same page as Chemerinskys opinion. Personally, I am tired of the whining and complaining and negativity being spewed by the left. It is hateful and not at all constructive. Norma Yarbrough, Fountain Valley Blinded by the left Professor Erwin Chemerinsky is the type of highly intelligent liberal professor that teach our children at our universities that I love to hate. They are so far to the left they probably cant even make right turns while driving. What ever happened to those of us that consider ourselves moderates that have been eradicated from the Republican Party? We represent the best of both sides of the aisle. We can look objectively at an argument and with an abundance of commonsense. Weve been demoted to the likes of dinosaurs and dodo birds. I subscribe to both Southern California newspapers and the New York Times. When I recently renewed their subscription they had a box to describe what I liked about their paper. I said I was a Republican that was interested into hearing what Democrats were thinking so I could make an informed opinion on substantive issues. Barry Wasserman, Huntington Beach Mainstream? I want Dean Chemerinsky to outline what is the judicial mainstream as he defines it. We hear a lot about the mainstream. What is that? I think Dean Chemerinsky is outside the mainstream. We cannot have multiple definitions of mainstream. To me, Dean Chemerinskys definition of mainstream is extremely left-wing, bordering on socialism if not outright communism. I dare you to print this letter. Marvin Tuomala, Westminster Vouchers offer choice Re: Should tax money pay for private-school vouchers? [Opinion, Feb. 12]: Some would argue that competition in education can help public schools to improve and a familys ZIP code should not determine where their children attend school. Others might contend that there arent enough private schools around for all parents to have total control in choosing where to send their youngsters to school. I have attended private and public schools and taught in both, so I will share my views on school choice. Middle class and more affluent folks can choose from an array of schools in which to send their children. However, the educational options for poor families is usually quite limited. Therefore, an educational voucher system for those below a certain income could expand the choices for families residing in impoverished areas. The voucher would help to defray school costs, but parents would still have to come up with funds to pay for extra activities, books and field trips. Some students might want to remain in their current school, while others would opt to enroll in a school they prefer. Parents who send their children to private schools likely chafe over having to pay twice for education. They pay fees for their own children and also pay taxes for those enrolled in public schools. Perhaps a sliding scale voucher program could be created in order to assist parents at a variety of income levels. Finally, theres room in America for all types of private and public educational institutions. Christian Milord, Fullerton A body was discovered following an early-morning fire at a homeless encampment in Santa Ana, police said Sunday. The fire was reported at 5:40 a.m. in the 2700 block of Broadway and the 5 Freeway near the Discovery Cube Orange County, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Stephen Horner said. Firefighters located the blaze under the Broadway bridge and were able to put out the flames in about 15 minutes, Horner said. The body was found in a cave-like compartment underneath the bridge, said Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna. The makeshift quarters could not be seen from the street. Underneath there is a long tunnel that is part of the bridge, Bertagna said. Its 30 to 40 feet long. This individual has made that their living space. In the area near the blaze, homeless people said the person where the fire occurred had been living in the compartment for about three months and used candles to light the space. Its an awful thing to happen to anybody, said Elizabeth Almazan, 59, who said she has been homeless for three and a half years. It could have been accidental. Authorities used fans to cool down the scene of the fire and used a Los Angeles County Fire Departments accelerant detection dog before entering the scene. The body, burned beyond recognition, was retrieved by the Orange County coroner shortly before 2 p.m. Bertagna said homicide investigators and arson investigators were working the case. By days end, it was still unknown how the fire started, Horner said. There is nothing obvious that leads us to believe its a homicide but its too early to say, Bertagna said. The bridge along Broadway between Santa Clara Avenue and MainPlace Mall was closed for several hours. Staff writer Fred Swegles contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 714-796-7868 or desalazar@ocregister.com Hi, its me, Marla Jo, your columnist and deals maven. Check out my Cheapo Travel column in the Sunday Travel section. If you know a great deal, let me know at mfisher@scng.com. You can also find me at Deals Diva on Facebook and Twitter. And dont forget to read my humor columns on Wednesdays in the Register. KIDS CONSIGNMENT Got kids? Head to the Urban Kids four-day consignment sale Thursday through Feb. 19 Four times a year, this event draws thousands of families looking for gently used kids clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear and more. Shoppers can save 50-90 percent off buying new. Shop early if you can. $10 admission Thursday, free the other days. Sale on Sunday. 6905 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach. Learn more: UrbanKidsConsignment.com FREE PARKS All national parks and monuments will be free to visit on Feb. 20, in honor of Presidents Day, so head on out and see some nature! I suggest getting there first thing in the morning, because these free days are very popular. We drove out to Joshua Tree for the last free day, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, leaving at 6 a.m. so wed arrive early. We saw the sun rise over the desert and had a great early hike, leaving just as people started pouring onto the trail. Perfect timing! The next 2017 free days will be April 15-16 and 22-23. FREE HIKING Ooh, I love this deal. Get a free entrance pass to Anza-Borrego State Parks most popular hiking trail Borrego Palm Canyon to celebrate the golden anniversary of the Anza-Borrego Foundation. The passes are only good either March 25-26 or April 1-2, and only for the first 100 people who sign up for the weekend vehicle passes. So put down the paper and sign up right now at theabf.org/BPCforFree. The canyon in question is a kid-friendly three-mile hike that ends in a palm oasis and waterfall. Normal day use fee is $8. The foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a benefit festival on April 1. Learn more: theabf.org BIRTHDAY DEAL This is an excellent freebie: If you join the Benihana Chefs Table loyalty club, youll receive a $30 coupon you can use during your birthday month. Its good toward dinner only, Monday through Thursday, with the purchase of at least one adult entree. And theyll send you other offers, too. Learn more at Benihana.com CATALINA DEAL You can save on your ferry ride to Catalina Island, if you buy the Groupon deal now available for the Catalina Flyer for $39 weekdays, $44 weekends, compared to the regular fare of $70. Note this large catamaran only goes to Catalina once a day, from Newport Harbor. (It is not the Catalina Express.) This is a good deal, but I wouldnt buy unless you know exactly when you plan to go and call immediately to make a reservation. Or youll end up like me, desperately hoping to get on standby on the last weekend the deal was available. Learn more at Groupon.com and search for Catalina Flyer. FREE GENEALOGY HELP If you want to learn more about your family history, come explore from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and the third Wednesday of the month with the Aliso Viejo Library Geneaology Club. Beginners to experts welcome. Use the Ancestry.com Library Edition to discover your family tree, using documents from all over. Bring your own laptop or use a library computer. Location: 1 Journey, Aliso Viejo. Learn more: 949-360-1730 HALF PRICE DEALS Do you know about YipIt.com? This website collects half price deals from all sorts of sites such as Groupon, Living Social and the like, and puts them together so you dont have to search each one. If you click on the link, it then takes you from the YipIt website directly to the discounter page. I particularly like to use this when I travel. For example, if youre heading to San Francisco, you might want to search out restaurant and activity deals there. You do have to sign up and give them your email address. RECORD SALE On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Friends of Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Avenue, is holding a Vintage Record Sale of 33, 45, 78s, classic and popular music. Most for $1 each. All proceeds support Cypress Library programs and services. TICKET DEALS Please dont buy tickets from Craigslist. My daughters boyfriend did recently, and was scammed out of $320. Try StubHub instead. If youve never used StubHub.com to buy or sell a ticket, you should give it a try. This online services easy-to-use software lets you list your tickets for sale easily, and upload them if theyre electronic. You pay a small commission if they sell. Buyers can purchase direct from fans. You can find deals on here, too, cheaper than the original price, when people just want to get rid of tickets, especially right before an event. I recommend using the instant download function which allows you to get your tickets electronically, reducing the chance of counterfeits. Ive both bought and sold, and Im a fan. Contact the writer: mfisher@scng.com or 714-796-7994 SACRAMENTO In an oft-quoted scene from The Godfather, Michael Corleone and family consigliere Tom Hagen discuss a planned hit on a competing mobster and dirty cop. Michael assures Tom, and his brother Sonny, that Its not personal. Its strictly business. Thats a well-known line. We might have to kill you, but dont worry its just business. If you are, say, a public-school teacher or police officer and run for elected office and the union chooses to back your opponent then the money you have been paying would in essence be used to support your political demise. Ive heard of at least one case where something like that has happened. Dont worry though, its not personal. In reality, thousands of California teachers (and other union members) are forced to back political causes that go against their beliefs and interests, although not always in as direct of a way as the example above. Thats because they are forced to pay dues to the union, whether they want to be part of it or not. Its the core element of a legal case filed by eight California teachers, including an Orange County plaintiff, that education reformers are hoping will make it to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. The technical elements of the case involve agency shop fees i.e., the fees that pay for unions collective-bargaining efforts. In a 1977 U.S. Supreme Court decision known asAbood, justices agreed its a First Amendment violation to force people to fund direct political causes they might not support. But they upheld laws requiring government employees to pay chargeable expenses related to contract negotiations. The court reasoned that employees benefit from such negotiations, so they must help pay for them. As a result, teachers in California can opt out of union membership and refuse to pay for political activities. The CTA is among the most powerful interest groups in the state Capitol, and its power is tied to this unending money supply. Not surprisingly, unhappy teachers complain about a paperwork maze and annual opt-out process that makes it inordinately difficult for them to withhold these contributions. That process is part of the new complaint. The crux of this case involves what it means to fund collective bargaining. Californias teachers unions routinely take positions in the collective-bargaining process that have profound political and budgeting consequences, according to the lawsuit filed Monday. For example, public-sector unions collective bargaining over wages and benefits has a significant impact on public finances. Furthermore, the plaintiffs note that unions use their negotiating might to insist on seniority and tenure provisions, pension increases, limits on charter schools and controversial curriculum matters. Its a good point. Im less concerned about unions funding political candidates than I am about their ability to drive up pension debt and promote tenure guidelines that make it nearly impossible for school districts to get rid of incompetent teachers. The plaintiffs shouldnt have to fund these efforts that may be an affront to their deeply held views. The case, by the way, deals with teachers unions but could ultimately mandate changes for all unions that represent government employees, especially in the 23 states, including California, where employees arent free to avoid these fees. Education reformers were optimistic that the Supreme Court would toss out the mandatory dues requirement or perhaps change the way the opt-out process operates. Justice Samuel Alito in 2014 practically invited a First Amendment challenge on this issue, andFriedrichs v. California Teachers Associationlooked like the vehicle to change things. But that case, involving another Orange County teacher (Rebecca Friedrichs), ended in 4-4 tie on the court following the untimely death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February 2016. If this case makes it to the nations high court next year, there likely will be a new Republican appointee on board. That gives reformers renewed hope. Union officials are complaining that the case could undermine their ability to get fair deals for employees. But thats nonsense. Before Scalias death, public-employee unions like the CTA had been expecting an end to their current arrangement, and making plans to deal with it. Some of their actions were dreadful, such as backing a state bill that would mandate a public employee orientation that would allow them to arm-twist new employees into signing up. But some of their approaches were heartening. CTAs Not if, but when presentation expressed predictable fears about the loss of payroll deductions, but called for working on the integration of the value proposition of belonging to CTA. In other words, they were preparing to reach out to teachers to convince them of the great value in belonging to their union. Imagine that: a union that treats teachers as customers and provides real value in exchange for their money. Its worlds away from unions being able to just say, tough luck, its nothing personal, as they spend money against employees wishes. But its the way the world ought to work. Steven Greenhut is Western region director for the R Street Institute. He was a Register editorial writer from 1998-2009. Write to him at sgreenhut@rstreet.org. The chants echoed across the wind-whipped ocean, as hundreds of surfers splashed water toward the sky. Love, shine, glow! Love, shine, glow! the surfers yelled, repeating a mantra Sophia Tiare Bartlow lived by in and out of the water, during a paddle-out memorial held Saturday at the Huntington Beach Pier. The skies were gray and heavy, but the mood was softer during a memorial tribute for Bartlow, a stand-up paddle champion and well-known, graceful yet competitive surfer known by the nickname Sea Sister Sophia, who was killed in a car accident on the North Shore of Oahu on Jan. 28. Bartlow, a Long Beach native and daughter of 70s world-champion womens surfer Jericho Poppler, was 26. Beautiful tribute to a true mermaid, Sea Sister Sophia Bartlow, in Huntington Beach A video posted by Laylan Connelly (@ocbeaches) onFeb 11, 2017 at 7:51pm PST http://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js Nearly 1,000 surfers, friends and family gathered on the north side of the pier to share stories, shed tears, and embrace one another as they mourned her death but celebrated her life. Traditional Hawaiian music piped over the loudspeaker, creating the perfect setting for a surfer who spent summers taking on waves in Orange County and chased the warm water to Hawaii during winter. Rick Rockin Fig Fignetti, who put together a colorful tribute filled with images of Bartlow on his storefront on Main Street, described Bartlow as spiritual, fearless, competitive, joyful and a shining star in our lives. Among the crowd were generations of surf champions, some from Popplers mothers heyday like former world champion Ian Cairns, to current World Tour womens competitor and number 2 in the world Courtney Conlogue. I wouldnt have missed this for the world, said Conlogue, who met Bartlow when they were kids competing at contests. I love how happy, energetic and colorful she was. David Nuuhiwa Jr., a 70s U.S. surfing champion and expert longboarder, remembered judging contests with Bartlow out in the water. She was in a heat with other girls, theyd lose their board and she would paddle in and get their boards for them, he said, generating a chuckle from the crowd. I would scratch my head and say Wow, this girl is different. She was the best thing Id seen in a long time. Friend and fellow stand-up paddle competitor Candice Appleby met Bartlow in 2001, both living a similar path: two Southern California girls who moved to Hawaii to go to college, with dreams of becoming a world champion one day. Barlow earned her degree in Anthropology at the University of Hawaii. I remember meeting this spunky girl with this smile wrapped around her entire face. She was so bold, and enjoyed every moment, making friends with almost everyone on the beach, Appleby said. She was fearlessly competitive on the water, but she always left the competitive nature behind her when the jersey came off. Bartlows older sister Rocky talked about the sibling rivalry the two had. She read a line from Barlows journal. Note to self: continue to be awesome. Pastor Sumo Sato talked about her spiritual side and a new-found love for Jesus. I lost my biggest cheerleader, he said, chocking back tears. This is personal to me. This is the girl who I surfed with almost every day. This is the girl who through her ups sand downs, I would minister to her, and she would minister to me. Jericho Poppler, with colorful Hawaiian leis draped from her neck, embraced person after person who expressed their sorrow and sadness. But Poppler simply smiled in return. Ive never in my whole life been around so much love, its incredible. Its because of what we do and what we love to do, and thats ride waves, she said. Sophia is now riding waves for us up there, she said, pointing toward the sky. And shes ripping. Poppler said her daughter never met anybody she didnt like. She lived by the saying: Love, shine, glow be a local wherever you go. Wherever she went, she became part of the surfing culture there, he said. Poppler said she holds no anger toward her boyfriend, Sage Candelaria, who was driving the car when it veered and hit a tree. He was arrested for first-degree negligent homicide, drunken driving and driving without a license. We have no anger, remorse Its OK shes gone, said Poppler, who was inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame in 2004. Shes here, with us. Big waves and a chilly wind kept many from joining the paddle out, but the pier was jam-packed with people watching from above. Her ashes were spread into the ocean by family, the surfers surrounding them laying down flowers on the waters surface, chanting her name as they splashed toward the sky. A large sea lion waded near the end of the pier as surfers paddled back to shore, flowers surrounding its head and looking up at people lining the pier. There was a lot of love out there, said Fignetti after the paddle-out. She was no doubt looking down from above and loving it. Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com Irvine-based Jamboree Housing Corp. on Thursday unveiled Clark Commons, a 70-unit multifamily property in Buena Park. The affordable housing development, on a former Public Works yard, is part of a 10-acre site that includes a park and The Parker Collection, 128 solar-powered townhomes and lofts developed by City Ventures. The property, Jamboree reps said, is 100 percent leased. The waitlist topped more than 3,000 applicants. The thousands more on the wait-list reflect the continuing need for a diversity of quality housing for families in Buena Park and surrounding Orange County, Buena Park Mayor Elizabeth Swift said in a statement. Monthly rents at Clark Commons range from $535 to $1,280 for households earning 30 percent to 60 percent of Orange Countys median income. The property includes 11 one-bedroom, 37 two-bedroom, and 22 three-bedroom units in three- and four-story structures. The property also includes a 3,000-square-foot community center. Financing for development of the $29.3 million property includes $7.7 million in funds from the city and $18.4 million in tax credit equity invested by Bank of America, which also provided $2.9 million in permanent financing. Danielian Associates provided architectural services. Portrait Construction served as the general contractor. Summers/Murphy & Partners was the landscape architect, CDC Designs was the interior designer, and FPI Management is the property manager. BKM Capital Partners, an institutional fund manager in Newport Beach, has launched its second institutional fund, BKM Industrial Value Fund II, L.P. It will target $300 million in equity commitments and expects to deliver $850 million in buying power. The fund will invest in the acquisition, improvement and repositioning of undervalued multitenant light industrial business parks in markets across the western U.S. BKMs portfolio encompasses 18 properties in four states including assets in Las Vegas, Seattle, Oregon and Phoenix, among others. BKM Capital Partners also has relocated its headquarters to an office building in Newport Beach. Previously in Irvine, the firm is now based at 1701 Quail St., Suite 100. CoStar Group in Washington, D.C., has launched a Spanish apartment-listing site, Apartamentos.com, built to meet the needs of Spanish language households in the U.S. Apartamentos.com is the seventh addition to the Apartments.com network joining Apartments.com, Apartment Finder, Apartment Home Living, move.com, doorsteps.com and realtor.com. Trammell Crow Co.s SoCal-Newport Beach business unit has begun construction on Columbia Business Park, a 1.46 million-square-foot speculative industrial development in Riverside. TCC was selected by Washington Capital Management, adviser to property owner Operating Engineers Pension Trust, Local 12 (Operating Engineers), as the master developer for the 72-acre project. Construction of the three-building park will be phased. Villa Real Estate has moved to a new office in Newport Center. The office, at 450 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100, encompasses the entire first floor. Key Escrow also has relocated to 450 Newport Center Drive, Suite 150, and offers customer service in escrow. Opening the new corporate office comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for Villa with the company posting total sales volume of nearly $1.5 billion and adding 30 new agents in 2016, for a total of 150 agents in the companys four offices. Transaction Patrick Lacey of Lee & Associates-Newport Beach represented GL Franklin in a $5.1 million purchase of a 24,570-square-foot industrial building at 14341 Franklin Ave. in Tustin. GL Franklin, a specialty cabinet manufacturing company, bought the property for expansion of its business and will be relocating from Costa Mesa. The property includes heavy power, an upgraded fire sprinkler system, a 5-ton crane, and a concrete paved parking area. The property was unlisted. Leases DAUM Commercial Real Estate Services represented the landlord in leasing approximately 24,400 square feet of industrial space in Santa Ana. Ink N Burn has signed a 72-month lease at 1124 E. 17th St. The six-year lease is valued near $1.24 million. DAUM coordinated renovations to the facility, including a new roof, HVAC, a climate-controlled warehouse area and 5,000 square feet of new office space. Craig Sullivan and Charlie Winn of DAUMs Orange County office represented the landlord, while Dale Camera of Lee & Associates represented the tenant, in the transaction. Western States Technologies has signed a four-year lease valued at $1.5 million with Parcel Pending, a package management company. The new lease is for 26,000 square feet at 1 Vanderbilt in Irvine. Last year, Parcel Pending signed a four-year lease with Western States for 13,500 square feet at 51 Parker in Irvine, according to Western States Vice President Todd P. Miller. A year later, Parcel Pending needed to double its space and will relocate to this larger facility. The company, which provides electronic package lockers for the apartment industry, will use the space at 1 Vanderbilt for its new corporate headquarters. The real estate briefs are compiled by contributing writer Karen Levin and edited by Samantha Gowen, business editor at the Register. Send related items to sgowen@scng.com. Allow one week for publication. High-resolution photos also can be submitted. Oftentimes only the largest ideas with the most at stake capture the public imagination, which means that, today, a growing number of analysts are gaining attention for mooting the prospect of a Third World War. Although the past statements of some Trump administration officials about China and Islam have fueled such talk, the contemporary picture has lent even more force to the fear. At a time of profound international uncertainty, with established elites unsure whether they have the power to ensure stability, its appropriate to think soberly about the risks ahead. But its important to recognize theres still plenty of time to avoid world war without capitulating to Americas enemies and adversaries around the globe. Of course, capitulation is precisely what the White Houses opponents are already warning against. A geostrategic partnership with Russia, they say, is a pipe dream one that morphs into a malevolent fantasy when its married to respect and admiration for Vladimir Putins international maverick act. The historical record on U.S.-Russia relations may be somewhat mixed, with enmity and rivalry only arising after the end of the Second World War, but recent history makes clear that Russia will not play nicely and honorably for naive or sentimental reasons. That is why the United States must choose to set and enforce a small and powerful series of boundaries. NATO countries, for instance, are off limits, in cyberspace and the real world alike. But boundaries cut both ways: Russian adventurism in its near abroad will have to be expected, and not in all cases will it always be swiftly and completely repelled. This strategy may not satisfy everyone, or satisfy anyone completely. But to achieve Americas other objectives without tipping toward general war, Russia policy cannot be allowed to swallow up the resources of state as, say, Iraq and Afghanistan policy once did. Those other objectives are obvious, even if many Americans believe they are overhyped or too troublesome to put first. Under Xi Jinping, China has become more autocratic, more militaristic and more revisionist in its global outlook. No good can come of Beijings unwelcome, illegal occupation of natural and man-made islands in the South China Sea. The move has already begun to upend the balance of power in Southeast Asia gravely alarming American allies, many of whom have long been home to large and influential Chinese diasporas where communist authoritarianism is not admired. Xi, however, certainly plans to upset more than the regional disposition of forces. With control of the South China Sea, Beijing can build and deploy ICBM-equipped submarines that can hide in deep blue water, affording the so-called second strike capability that would vault China into the first rank of nuclear powers. No body of water more strategically important to the United States faces more direct peril; it is hard to imagine what administration could be excused for failing to contain a threat to Americas allies, to the free flow of international commerce, and to the peace and security of the world. Still, China is too big and important a global player to have its ambitions shut down completely. As with Russia, if the United States refuses to budge with China on one particular boundary, others will surely bend. Then there is Iran. Although the Obama administration deserved some credit for trying to think outside the box of Mideast policy, looking for a way to rebalance away from faltering and difficult Sunni allies, its scheme to benefit the mullahs in exchange for more pliant and peaceable behavior was a dud. As ISIS contracts under pressure, Irans militias are systematically working their way up the length of Iraq, displacing Sunnis from towns and purging Sunnis from the countrys military forces. Hezbollah, meanwhile, Irans powerful client and the global terrorist organization par excellence, has made the most of Syrias civil war, strengthening its position and biding its time for even greater Iranian influence over the region. Teheran itself has shown impatience, needling the new administration in Washington with provocative ballistic missile tests and proxy strikes on Gulf allies in the Yemen theater of conflict. The strategy appears to be one of tiptoeing up to the edge of the tenuous and generous agreement structure put in place under Obama, the better to determine what consequences, if any, await a sudden transgressive leap. Without doubt, there have been no more difficult nominal American allies than the key Sunni states of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, few effective bulwarks against Iranian expansionism remain not Iraq, not Syria and not Turkey, whose own autocratic and aggressively illiberal turn has weakened NATO at its most volatile frontier. If the Trump administration has attracted incredulity for its early interest in putting distance between Moscow and Tehran, the critics have yet to deliver much in the way of plausible and compelling alternatives. If president Obama succeeded at buying much-needed time over the past eight years to cobble together a workable Mideast policy, that dearly bought opportunity was largely squandered, again leaving his successor to choose among least bad options rather than pursuing some grand ideal. And again, rather than wiping Iranian influence off the map, the White House will have to make selective but firm choices about where not to give an inch. Americas enemies and adversaries know this is a good time to see what advantages they can get. The more success they meet with, the more apt they will be to keep pressing. Although the United States cannot be everywhere and do everything, especially under those conditions, policymakers still have many potent tools and should apply them to the very short list of most important challenges staring us down over the next four years. Succeeding here means avoiding the chain reaction of open war. Failure could mean the opposite. James Poulos is a columnist for the Southern California News Group. SEOUL, South Korea North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early today in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trumps new administration. Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant. There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. Trump ignored a shouted question about the developing situation as he, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and their wives posed for photos before heading to dinner at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. In Washington, public affairs officers for the Defense Department and the State Department had no immediate comment on the report. The Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement the missile was fired from around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test-launched its powerful midrange Musudan missile on Oct. 15 and 20. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 310 miles. But Yonhap reported that while determinations are still being made, it was not believed to be an ICBM. The missile is believed to have splashed down between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said it did not hit Japanese territorial seas. PALM BEACH, Fla. A top White House aide sidestepped repeated chances Sunday to publicly defend embattled national security adviser Michael Flynn following reports that he engaged in conversations with a Russian diplomat about U.S. sanctions before Trumps inauguration. The uncertainty comes as Trump is dealing with North Koreas apparent first missile launch of the year and his presidency, along with visits this week from the leaders of Israel and Canada. Trump has yet to comment on the allegations against Flynn, and a top aide dispatched to represent the administration on the Sunday news shows skirted questions on the topic, saying it was not his place to weigh in on the sensitive matter. Pressed repeatedly, top policy adviser Stephen Miller said it wasnt up to him to say whether the president retains confidence in Flynn. Its not for me to tell you whats in the presidents mind, he said on NBC. Thats a question for the president. The White House said in an anonymous statement Friday the president had full confidence in Flynn. But officials have been mum since then amid fallout from reports that Flynn addressed U.S. sanctions against Russia in a phone call late last year. The report, which first appeared in The Washington Post, contradicted both Flynns previous denials, as well as those made by Vice President Mike Pence in a televised interview. Trump has been discussing the situation with associates, according to a person who spoke with him recently. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. New Jerseys Gov. Chris Christie, who led Trumps transition planning before the election, said Flynn would have to explain his conflicting statements about his conversations with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak to Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Gen. Flynn has said up to this point that he had not said anything like that to the Russian ambassador. I think now hes saying that he doesnt remember whether he did or not, Christie said on CNN. So, thats a conversation he is going to need to have with the president and the vice president to clear that up, so that the White House can make sure that they are completely accurate about what went on. The comments came as the White House continues to weigh its options following a legal blow last week to Trumps immigration order suspending the nations refugee program and barring citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. Miller, who was one of the architects of the order, maintained in a round of Sunday show interviews that the president has sweeping executive authority when it comes to barring foreigners he deems pose a risk to the country. He said Trump will do whatever we need to do, consistent with the law, to keep this country safe and slammed judges whove stood in his way. This is a judicial usurpation of the power. It is a violation of judges proper roles in litigating disputes. We will fight it, Miller said in an interview on Fox News Sunday. As for the administrations next steps, Miller said that all options remain on the table, including a Supreme Court appeal. Trump said on the plane ride to Florida on Friday that he was considering signing a brand new order as early as Monday to try to bypass the legal challenges. As you know, we have multiple options, and we are considering all of them, Miller said on ABCs This Week. White House Correspondent Julie Pace contributed to this report from Washington. Penn Siegel planned to go solar in a year or two at his house near Palm Springs. But now hes in a hurry. The former Wall Street analyst and CEO recently learned that a change in electric rates is coming for homeowners and businesses going solar July 1 or later in most of Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties as well as a large swath of Los Angeles County. Earlier this month, he bought a solar system that will cost about $27,000 after federal tax credits but will save about $4,000 a year in electricity costs on the 3,000-square-foot ranch house and pool he uses six months a year. RELATED: With cheaper technology now, the pros and cons of installing solar As the push for solar increases, so do the scams, sketchy sales tactics UCI tries solving this problem: We have sun and wind for power, but how do we store it? Siegel hopes to have his new system installed by April. Because hes beating the deadline, hes is locking in bigger savings through 2037. Im grandfathered in for 20 years, said Siegel. Its the same costs, but the savings are greater. Siegel is one of a handful of new solar customers rushing to take advantage of the existing solar rates before a new, more expensive solar plan kicks in. The industry jargon for the current rate structure is net energy metering 1.0. Under that plan, customers pay only the net difference between the electricity they consume and the power their rooftop panels generate. Net energy metering 2.0 takes effect July 1. Customers going solar after that date will pay new fees and get fewer energy credits for the excess power they generate. Its a big moment. Were changing away from the original net metering structure, said Brad Heavner, policy director for the California Solar Energy Industries Association. The bottom line doesnt change that much. The cost for a typical solar customer under net metering 2.0 will be about $10 to $13 a month higher, or $4,000 more over the 25-year life of a typical system, industry officials said. Clearly the economics are better if you can install before July, Heavner said. But the effect isnt so great if you install after then. Key changes Net metering 2.0 has pros and cons for solar customers. On one hand, it keeps net metering alive, allowing rooftop solar customers to sell energy they produce back to the grid. It also opens up the program to larger systems, including those operated by stores, factories and businesses. On the other hand, it will cost more. Under net metering 2.0, new solar users pay a one-time connection fee, $75 for most residential customers. Other fees also are tacked on. In addition, credits and charges for new solar customers are based on what time of day they are generated or consumed. Under net metering 1.0, time of use didnt matter. Daniel Sullivan, president of Sullivan Solar Power, complained the plan puts the bulk of prime solar-generation hours into the off-peak category, with the bulk of consumption at peak night-time hours when people get home from work. For example, a kilowatt hour generated from sunrise to 2 p.m. (roughly eight hours) gets a smaller credit than a kilowatt hour generated from 2 p.m. to sunset (roughly four hours). They value the energy you provide at less than the energy they provide, Sullivan said. California allows private utilities like Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric to switch to net metering 2.0 after one of two events occurs: Rooftop solar in its territory reaches 5 percent of each utilitys peak demand or July 1, 2017, whichever comes first. SDG&E reached its 5 percent cap on June 29, triggering the new rates and fees in San Diego County and several south Orange County cities. PG&E reached that milestone Dec. 15. As of Wednesday, solar connections in Edisons service area equaled 3.9 percent of the utilitys peak demand, about 75,000 customers shy of the 5 percent cap. Hence, the switch will take place July 1. We are not forecast to hit the cap before the July 1 deadline, said Anthony Hernandez, an Edison senior manager. Solar surge? Allan Cordera, 53, learned last year about the net metering deadline and decided to go solar as soon as he moved into a new two-story home in Murrieta in September. Im really a green guy. I believe in trying to conserve as much as possible, whether its water or electricity, said the retired Marine and former Camp Pendleton civilian employee. No matter what, I planned to go solar, and wanted to take advantage of net metering. Thats kind of what pushed me to go pretty quickly. The big question is whether more people across Southern California will rush to go solar like Cordera and Siegel. Because of the time it takes to get permits, install the panels, and get connected to Edisons grid, Sullivan is urging consumers to order a new installation by April 15. San Diego County and parts of south Orange County saw a mad dash to go solar before SDG&E switched to the new rules in June, said Sullivan, who operates out of San Diego, Irvine and Riverside. We expect to see a similar uptick to go solar in (Edison) territory. Residential hookups increased 67 percent in SDG&E territory in the final six months of net metering 1.0, utility figures show. Since the switch, solar hookups plunged. But numbers show a mixed reaction across California. In PG&Es service area, for example, residential hookups actually decreased slightly in the year leading up to the switch, state figures show. Edison figures also show a slight decrease in new solar customers from 2015 to 2016. Home generators Barbara McPhee looked up at the roof of her two-story Ladera Ranch home last month as Sullivan Solar crews hooked 21 three-by-five-foot panels to her new 6-kilowatt solar system. Were going to generate electricity like no other, the mother of three said. Thats my goal. Reduce our dependence on current infrastructures. For months, McPhee and her husband, Jim, had been studying ways to cut costs for a home that supports two plug-in hybrids and summer air conditioning. Jim drew up spreadsheets and gave his wife detailed presentations. Even though SDG&E is their electric company and they no longer qualify for net metering 1.0, the couple calculated their new system will reduce their $200- to $300-a-month electric bill to virtually nothing. Anything we can do to save that money in our budget is a good thing, Barbara McPhee said. Edison customer Rick Strauss was motivated to act after learning the existing rate plan is nearing its sunset. He installed 20 panels on his two-story North Tustin home three months ago both to save and to take advantage of the current plan. Some of the advantages disappear when the rules change, he said. Strauss got a couple of hefty electric bills, prompting him to look into solar about six months ago. The numbers made sense, and he estimated that he would break even in seven to nine years. I like the idea of being green and being an early adapter. You get the best deal, Strauss said. It might still be advantageous to go solar under 2.0. But I like to maximize the benefit. Contact the writer: 714-796-7734 or JeffCollins@scng.com CONCORD, N.H. They may be down but theyre not out: Damaging insects can emerge from fallen trees and logs for several years after a major storm, according to a U.S. Forest Service study that reinforces longstanding warnings against moving firewood from place to place. Timber that gets blown down, broken or damaged by wind is often cut and used as firewood, which in turn can enable the spread of invasive, destructive insects that drain the life out of forests from New England to the West Coast. Such pests are projected to put 63 percent of the countrys forest at risk through 2027 and carry a cost of several billion dollars annually in dead tree removal, declining property values and timber industry losses, according to the peer-reviewed study last year in Ecological Applications. The emerald ash borer alone, now in 30 states, has killed hundreds of millions of trees and has the potential to cause $12.7 billion in damage by 2020. After a tornado tore through western Massachusetts in 2011, U.S. Forest Service officials based in New Hampshire collected ash, birch, maple, oak and pine logs from the affected area in 2012, 2013 and 2014, split them into firewood-sized pieces and put them in barrels. They painstakingly counted the insects that emerged from the wood 32,121 to be exact. Eastern ash bark beetle was the most common, accounting for 85 percent of the total. Researchers were surprised to find that wood harvested even three years after the tornado produced a significant number of insects. It was a little surprising that even after three years, we still found insects associated with recently killed trees emerging from firewood, said Kevin Dodds, one of the studys lead authors. Not all the trees die at the time of the tornado or wind storm. Instead, there is a range of damage and pockets of living trees that create insect habitat over time, researchers said. You might think that several years after a windstorm that blows down trees, it would be safe to cut the downed trees into firewood and transport them. But this study shows that some of this downed wood still harbors insects several years later, said Gary Lovett, a senior scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies who was not involved in the study. While the best solution is to keep invasive insects out of the country in the first place via stronger controls on imports, Lovett said, the study reinforces the point that we should be using firewood locally rather than transporting it to use in second homes, cabins, or campsites. Nearly 40 states have imposed restrictions on the movement of firewood in an effort to protect forests from the pests. In New Hampshire, out-of-state firewood has been banned since 2011 and in some areas, is not allowed to be moved from county to county. The study was published in January 2017 in the journal Agricultural and Forest Entomology. Mercedes-AMG has wheeled out their latest creation the Mercedes-AMG E63 version of the new E-Class. Like every AMG variant before it, the new E63 has a raunchy appearance made so by its low-slung carriage and a host of embellishments and design tweaks that would bring tears to the eyes of every performance car owner. Described as the most powerful E-Class variant of all time, its under-bonnet muscle, innovative technology, interior refinements and raw good looks combine to single the E63 out as a model aimed at those with ambition to own something unique. In its base 563hp variant, its V8 engine, fitted with an AMG cylinder management system that helps achieve low fuel consumption and emission values, delivers an acceleration time from 0-100 km/h of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. In its more powerful guise, the E63 S-version comes fitted with a 4.0-litre, V8 bi-turbo engine powered to bring peak performance to a new level with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h. Both of these models are available with AMG performance 4-MATIC Plus all-wheel-drive and, for the first time, with AMG 9-speed sport transmission equipped with speed shift, multi-clutch technology and wet start-off clutch. In terms of its appearance, the E63 is everything one would expect from the Mercedes-AMG stable with words like expressive, sinuous and muscular being used to describe its exterior design. Its sporty front reflects the effort that has gone into its styling. Wider and more powerful looking thanks to its even wider wheel arches, broad front fascia, new grille with silver chrome twin louvers its squat appearance, cool colours and distinctive AMG lettering work together to inform onlookers that the E63 has a pedigree that is entirely its own. Mercedes-Benz sales manager in Ireland, Ciaran Allen is confident that there are those who will relish the prospect of owning a car as special as the E63 is. While price will be quoted at time of order, Allen is guiding a figure in the region of 125.000 for the base model. Check with the local Mercedes dealership - Michael Moore in Portarlington. www.michaelmoorecarsals.ie ** For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please click here . About a week ago I was reading some information with regards to... There are very few people in the world who do not have a smart phone. There are even fewer people of that number who... The Omaha school district was looking for curriculum covering the thorny topics of gender identity and sexual orientation when it settled on lessons from a resource called Rights, Respect, Responsibility. It was one of the few options available, and the materials quickly became a lightning rod for criticism from opponents of the districts sex education update. It also became a source of confusion for parents when opponents circulated excerpts from a version they found online before the Omaha Public Schools revised it. Parents heard from the group Nebraskans for Founders Values about what it called jaw-dropping role-play scenarios and passages contained in the curriculum. The group says it was referred by an OPS administrator to the online curriculum and decided to publicize its findings because the lessons were set to arrive in classrooms last fall. OPS officials said they always knew theyd have to revise portions of the curriculum to fit the Omaha community. Some items flagged by the Founders Values group made it into the districts new human growth and development classes. Other items did not. Some were modified. But members of Nebraskans for Founders Values believe it was their publicizing of the contents of the 3Rs repeated in a post on the Archdiocese of Omahas website that pushed OPS to make changes it otherwise wouldnt have made. OPS officials wont fully concede the point, saying input on the curriculum came from staff, parents and community groups, including Nebraskans for Founders Values and the archdiocese. The dispute arose from OPSs intent to add lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation to its sex education courses, which were originally designed in the 1980s. When OPS officials looked for published curriculum on gender identity and sexual orientation, they didnt find much, according to Karen Spencer-May, the districts supervisor of human growth and development. Rights, Respect, Responsibility did address those topics, she said. A lot of curriculum guides wont touch that just simply because it is so controversial, Spencer-May said. On its website, the curriculums developer, Advocates for Youth, describes itself as advocating for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent health that includes supporting LGBT rights. ReNae Kehrberg, the districts assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said that at public meetings last April and May, administrators emphasized that all materials would be reviewed to make sure they didnt express extreme views. We knew when we read some of the lessons in Rights, Respect, Responsibility that they would not meet our litmus test for whats appropriate in Omaha Public Schools classrooms, she said. In May the district released guides for teachers that identified specific lessons from that curriculum that the district intended to teach. The guides indicated a few changes that OPS had already made, such as deleting part of a lesson that called for students to practice putting condoms on bananas. Maris Bentley, a board member with Nebraskans for Founders Values, used those guides to review lessons, which she found in the free online version of the Rights, Respect, Responsibility curriculum. She began compiling a list of role-play scenarios and passages she believed would horrify parents. Her list included a role-play scenario in which a transgender girl has a crush on a kind of androgynous girl who identifies as genderqueer and enjoys gender-bending. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines gender-bending as dressing and behaving as the opposite sex. A note to teachers advised them to bring up the Catholic prohibition of female priests during a lesson on cultural messages about gender. Those two items were ultimately eliminated from OPSs final curriculum. Spencer-May said that during a private meeting June 14 she told Bentley that changes were coming. I said, Maris, youve got to trust me, Spencer-May said. These will be changed. Theyll be different by the end of summer. District spokeswoman Kala Morrissey said she could not give a date when the Omaha version of the Rights, Respect, Responsibility curriculum was finalized. Teachers did not receive the final version until Sept. 16. Bentley said her group couldnt wait for OPS to make changes, because it wanted to get out information to parents before school started. OPS officials said they couldnt assemble teachers to review the curriculum and make changes until the third week of June. Meanwhile, members of Nebraskans for Founders Values started publicizing their discoveries at community forums over the summer. The Archdiocese of Omaha repeated some of the findings in a blog post encouraging students to opt out of the new classes. OPS followed up with a rebuttal of the blog, saying the eight passages highlighted had been cut or modified. When asked whether the archdiocese should have written a follow-up blog noting OPS had made changes, Deacon Tim McNeil said: I suppose, yeah, we could have done that. It still would have been with the caveat parents should opt out. He said the archdiocese website and blog are not a major news source for Catholics. Its a website. Its not Omaha.com, he said. World-Herald staff writer Erin Duffy contributed to this report. On a five-week trip to Southeast Asia last year, Jerry Pearson hoped to tell folks about Omahas humble billionaire who eschews nearly all the usual billionaire trappings. Pearson, an environmental consultant, figured that people in Kedah, Malaysia, would ask where hes from, and he would say the center of the U.S., as far away from the oceans as you could get. Its Nebraska, where we have cows, corn, beans and Warren Buffett, Pearson would say, expecting to launch into his humble billionaire discussion, describing Buffetts modest lifestyle and love of his middle-America hometown. But the first person Pearson talked with said, Who? He explained that Buffett heads a big company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is the second-richest American, just behind Bill Gates. Ah, the fellow knew all about Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft. Suddenly, Buffetts down-to-earth Omaha style wasnt much of a topic of conversation. When the same thing happened again Cows, corn, beans and Warren Buffett Who? Pearson detected a pattern. So he kept up the routine in Malaysia, where his wife, Zam, was born, and in Mulu, northern Borneo, and in the places they visited in Thailand. Uniformly, everybody Pearson talked with knew about Gates but nobody had heard of Buffett. Mr. Buffetts name brought not a glimmer of recognition, Pearson said recently after returning to Omaha. The same lesson in humility took place on my trip to south-central Siberia a few years ago. Even the staffers of a local newspaper hadnt heard of Buffett. And it reminds me of a news photo from the 1990s showing a smiling Gates in China, with the caption explaining that he was on a business trip. There in the background, unidentified in the caption, was Buffett, also smiling. The reception was different in 2010, when the two visited China again. This time, both shared the spotlight as they met with business leaders to encourage philanthropy and checked out business opportunities. Its 2017, time to buy? Many in the food industry believe its time for Jorge Paulo Lemann, head of the Brazilian hedge fund 3G Capital, to buy another big food company, Bloomberg reported. Thats on the theory that 3G, with the financial help of Berkshire, took over big food companies in 2013 (H.J. Heinz) and 2015 (Kraft Foods) and now its 2017. You know, sort of an every-other-year schedule. Speculation has been around for months that the 3G-Berkshire combo would buy Mondelez International, owner of the Cadbury, Nabisco, Oreos, Ritz and Toblerone brands, and theres talk about General Mills, Kellogg, Campbell Soup and even Coca-Cola. So far, no deals. The latest logic is that 3G has completed much of its cost-cutting from the earlier deals and needs something new to buy and trim down to continue its success. The companies named in the story declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment. Behind airline investment Berkshires decision to invest in U.S. airlines stemmed partly from comments last March by Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines Group Inc., about the airline industry, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources who discussed Berkshires strategy. Buffetts disclosure in November of investments in American and in Delta Air Lines Inc., Southwest Airlines Co. and United Continental Holdings Inc. was a surprise because he had argued for years that airlines typically lost money because of price-cutting and other competitive pressures. Parker was among the first to argue that recent consolidations have cured the industrys boom-and-bust cycle, gaining efficiencies that will lead to longer-term financial success. The article said Parkers comments prompted Ted Weschler, one of Buffetts two investment lieutenants, to look closer at airlines. Before he joined Berkshire in 2012, Weschlers investment fund had supported Parkers effort to combine America West and US Airways, Bloomberg said, creating a rapport between the two men. In a recent interview with Charlie Rose, Buffett didnt talk about the reasons for the airline investment but said the decision was in large part his own. Berkshires biggest known airline investment was in American, although the size of its Southwest investment hasnt been reported officially. Wind network backed Hills east of San Francisco Bay and the Gorgonio Pass between Los Angeles and Palm Springs are home to hundreds of wind turbines, generating power when the wind is blowing and not when the air is calm. The intermittent nature of such renewable energy sources contributes to a controversy involving Berkshires BH Energy division, according to a pair of lengthy articles about electrical power in the West by Sammy Roth of the Desert Sun of Palm Springs. Issues include a planned $6 billion Energy Gateway transmission network that would connect wind farms in Wyoming, Utah and Idaho with the power-hungry cities of California, a years-long goal of BH Energys PacifiCorp division. Political forces are lining up on both sides, including a split among environmental groups. Some argue that its a good thing to widen the transmission network to allow renewable solar and wind power to flow more freely in the region. Others say the plan would reward PacifiCorp at a time when it still generates most of its power from coal, and the states dont agree on other electrical power issues. Gov. Jerry Brown of California supports the grid connection, but President Donald Trumps position on renewable energy especially for a state that voted heavily Democratic last fall is a source of uncertainty, the articles said. Trump can appoint three members now to the five-member Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and, by 2019, fill the other two seats, too. PacifiCorp estimates that an interconnected grid would reduce costs by as much as $122 million a year by 2020, lowering customers bills and helping California meet its renewable energy goals. With the current power grid structure, sometimes California utilities have to pay solar and wind installations not to generate electricity if theres more on-line renewable power than demand. Other times, when demand is high and theres no wind or sun, utilities have to rely on fossil-fuel generators. Although some involved in the controversy say there are unanswered questions, Don Furman, a former PacifiCorp executive who works for Fix the Grid West, an environmental group that favors the grid expansion, said: Its one of these things thats a no-brainer, the efficiency and economic balance that you get. Once PacifiCorp broke the ice and got it going, people are lining up to join it. The Omaha World-Herald is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. NEW YORK (AP) A 12-year legal battle between state prosecutors and the former chief executive of insurance company American International Group Inc. has been settled. A lawsuit claimed ex-AIG chief executive Maurice Hank Greenberg and ex-chief financial officer Howard Smith had manipulated AIGs accounting records in 2000 and 2001 to hide hundreds of millions of dollars in losses from investors. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the settlement, reached through a mediator, requires Greenberg to pay $9 million he received as performance bonuses. The settlement also requires Smith to pay $900,000. AIG is one of the worlds largest insurance companies. It nearly collapsed in 2008 at the height of the financial crisis and received about $180 billion in bailout aid. Greenberg, 91, said in a statement that the process required him and Smith to accept whatever recommendations were made by mediator Kenneth Feinberg. Although I do not agree with all of what he has proposed, because I agreed to the process, I accept his recommendations so that this matter can finally be resolved after a ludicrous 12-year pursuit by the attorney general, said Greenberg, who was the CEO until his retirement in 2005. The settlement does not ban Greenberg from working in the securities industry or as an executive for any public company, as the state lawsuit had sought. AIG paid a record $1.64 billion in February 2006 to settle civil fraud charges with federal and New York authorities, and it apologized for having deceived investors and regulators with misleading accounting practices stretching back two decades. Douglas County Judge Lawrence Barrett convened court on a Thursday morning in early February, 15 cases on his docket. The first: A 32-year-old Omaha woman accused of violating the probation term she had been given for reckless driving. A month after Barrett had placed her on probation, Sarah E. Carr was arrested in Lincoln on suspicion of driving drunk. Officers said her blood-alcohol content was over .15. Hence the probation violation. Hence the Feb. 2 hearing. Barrett called out Carrs name. Her aunt approached. Your Honor, Sarah is here, but shes passed out in the car. Barrett: Shes passed out in her car? After some discussion, the aunt and a court official went to the vehicle, pulled out a drunken Carr and loaded her into a wheelchair. What happened next shocked longtime legal observers. Judge Barrett allowed the woman, plopped in her wheelchair, to plead guilty to a probation violation. He then found her guilty and sentenced her to 90 days in jail. And no one protested. After Carr received her sentence, deputies administered a breath test. Her blood-alcohol content measured .44 5 times the legal limit for driving, and a level so high that it could lead to death, according to toxicology experts. Her barely conscious plea has caused a stir in the courthouse, prompting concerns about what was done to preserve the womans constitutional rights to due process. Under the Fifth Amendment, a defendant must knowingly, willingly, intelligently and voluntarily enter a plea. Carr has since told others she has little to no memory of being in court. (Attempts to interview Carr at the jail last week were unsuccessful.) After The World-Herald inquired about the case, Deborah Lee, a 16-year Douglas County public defender who represented Carr, resigned. Douglas County Public Defender Tom Riley confirmed that Lee resigned but declined to detail reasons. Carr is far from the first defendant to show up drunk at court especially in county courtrooms where DUIs and other drunken offenses are heard. But courthouse veterans say this is the first case they could recall in which the typical protocol wasnt followed when someone suspects a defendant is drunk. In other cases, judges have had deputies or probation officers administer a breath test. Typically, a defense attorney then asks for the case to be delayed. The judge increases bail or revokes it. And the defendant sobers up in jail until his or her next court date. Riley said someone should have put a stop to the Carr hearing. This certainly isnt the first person who has appeared in court under the influence, Riley said. It was incumbent upon someone in the courtroom whether it was our lawyer or the prosecutor or the (judge) on their own observation to at least make further inquiry into her condition. Judge Barrett, a 23-year veteran of the bench and a former assistant public defender, said he hopes the woman gets help before she further harms herself. He encouraged a World-Herald reporter to listen to a digital recording of the hearing. When the reporter asked if Carr was drunk, the judge said: Not that I know of. I questioned her, Barrett said. She listened to everything I asked and responded. Barretts statement that he didnt know the woman was drunk raised eyebrows among those who observed the hearing. In a recording of the proceeding, the aunt can be heard saying her niece had been drinking and that the aunt struggled to get her to the car. I had her older son help me carry her, she told the judge. And two of Judge Barretts notes in the court record point to Carr being unconscious. The first reads: Aunt advised the defendant is passed out in the car. The other: Defendant passed out in car. Fifteen minutes after her name was first called, Carr was unable to walk into court on her own. She was carted into court in the wheelchair. An Omaha man, who was among about 30 people gathered in the courtroom, later said he was appalled at the scene, calling it a miscarriage of justice. An attorney in the courtroom recalled that the woman appeared dazed and confused. She was wheeled in, looking like someone had hit her in the back of the head with a hammer, the attorney said. The attorney expressed surprise that the judge went through with the hearing. According to a digital recording: The first hearing, which started at 9:02 a.m., is full of uncertainty over the woman and what should be done. The aunt explains that Carr is passed out in the car, that she had been drinking, and that the aunt didnt want her to miss court. Thats when she mentions having the womans older son help me carry her to the car to get her to court. Barrett: Well, theres not a lot we can do without her being in the courtroom. The aunt: I can drag her up here if thats what we have to do. Barrett turns to Assistant City Prosecutor Kevin Slimp. I guess if shes around, Slimp says. I dont know if someone can go get her here. Otherwise the court is going to issue a warrant. Barrett says he probably will have to issue a warrant. But then the aunt and a court official go and get Carr. She is wheeled into Courtroom 29. At 9:18 a.m., Judge Barrett again announces her case. Sarah Carr looks like she is now in the courtroom, Barrett says. Ms. Lee ... how do you want to proceed today? Lee: Well, Judge, I believe that this is a violation hearing. And shell admit to the violation. Judge: Ms. Carr, is that your understanding of whats going on today? Yeahhh, Carr says, in a drawl. Judge: You understand youre charged with a violation of probation? Carr doesnt respond. Barrett quickly continues. Judge: If you admit that you violated your probation, you face the same penalties you could have faced when you were placed on the original probation. Judge Barrett advises Carr that she has a right to a hearing and that the state would have to prove by clear and convincing evidence that she violated her probation terms. He then tells her that by pleading, she would be giving up her rights to question witnesses and contest the probation violation. Judge: Is this what you want to do, is admit you violated your probation? Yes, Carr says, her voice gravelly. Judge: On Oct. 18 of (2016), you were placed on probation. And after being placed on probation, it looks like you received a new charge for driving under the influence. ... And it looks like you tested positive for alcohol. Is that substantially what happened in this case, maam? Carr: Yes. Judge: I find theres a factual basis. Anything you or your client would want to say about sentencing, Ms. Lee? Lee declines to speak on her clients behalf. Judge, Lee says, Ill submit to the court. Judge: Anything you want to add, Ms. Carr? Carr: No. Judge: State want to be heard? Slimp: Judge, based on picking up the new DUI and continued drinking, Im going to ask you to revoke her probation and impose a straight sentence today. Judge: Anything else you wanted to say, maam? Two seconds pass. Carr: Just ... She trails off. Judge: Im going to order you to serve a term of 90 days in jail. Did you serve any jail when you were first put on probation? Carr: No. The judge then turned her over to the custody of Douglas County sheriffs deputies, who soon after administered the breath test and transported her to the Creighton University Medical Center. Sheriffs Capt. Wayne Hudson said the woman received an IV and time to recuperate before she was taken to jail. Carrs judicial fate may have been a foregone conclusion: After all, she was drunk in front of a judge itself a probation violation. And prosecutors wouldnt have had a steep hill to climb to prove she violated her probation with her latest drunken-driving arrest. The states standard proving a violation with clear and convincing evidence is less than the normal requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. But something appears to have gotten lost on the way to that foregone conclusion: Carrs constitutional right to due process. Its an epic failure on everyones part, one longtime Douglas County Courthouse attorney said. Slimp, the assistant city prosecutor, could not be reached for comment. However, Omaha City Prosecutor Matt Kuhse said Slimp has told him that he did not know Carr was drunk. In fact, Kuhse said, Slimp had little recall of anything about the case, other than the woman being in a wheelchair. Kuhse said city prosecutors often are balancing multiple cases and often are having side conversations with defense attorneys while another case is being heard. When you notice that someone is just not getting whats going on, we do have an obligation to step in, Kuhse said. That being said, Im not convinced theres enough evidence to show that the prosecutor should have stepped in in this case. We now know that it was a .44 (blood-alcohol level), but thats the benefit of hindsight. My understanding is that she answered appropriately to the judges questions. It wasnt like she blurted out banana to a yes-no question. Judge Barrett never asked Carr the question that often is posed before pleas: Have you ingested any alcohol or drugs in the past 24 hours? Kuhse acknowledged that he had not listened to the recording of the hearing. Riley has. Riley said he was distressed by the case. Do I think the result would have been different? Probably not, he said. But theres a right way to do things, and theres a wrong way to do things. Shame on us for not doing it the right way. Riley said he assigned another public defender to visit Carr in jail last week. The new attorney explained to Carr that she probably would succeed if she attempted to withdraw her plea. One reason to try: Riley said his office could have argued for a lesser jail term. Barrett gave Carr the maximum term for that misdemeanor. Carr was not interested instead opting to focus on getting better, Riley said. Mercifully, there would have been options to undo this, Riley said. Im glad that this person wasnt irreparably harmed. But there were enough problems with all of this to share blame all around. Im hopeful this will open peoples eyes up to how we should be doing things. A 19-year-old Creighton University student is accused of slashing another students neck with a knife inside a dormitory early Saturday. Teresa Spagna, 18, who also attends Creighton, was injured in the cutting about 1 a.m., Omaha Police Lt. Kyle Steffen said. Spagna was cut inside Gallagher Hall, near 27th Plaza and California Street just to the north of downtown Omaha and taken to the hospital. The suspect in the cutting, Christopher Wheeler, stayed inside the dorm after the assault and moved to a different floor, Steffen said. Police locked down the building and searched room by room to find him. A detective interviewed Wheeler at Central Police Headquarters. He was booked on suspicion of second-degree assault, a felony; use of a weapon to commit a felony; and obstructing an officer. Spagna told officials she didn't know Wheeler. The arrest of a guidance counselor at Marrs Magnet Middle School on suspicion of second-degree sexual assault of a minor had no connection to Marrs students or activities, the schools principal said Saturday. Jeffrey Ruzicka, 45, was arrested Friday afternoon at the school. He is listed on the Omaha Public Schools website as a fifth-grade guidance counselor at Marrs. In a letter sent Saturday to parents of students at Marrs, Principal Bryan Dunne wrote that he could not share details of what led to the arrest but wanted to assure families that the arrest was not related to any of our students or any school-related activities. He urged parents who had questions to call the school on Monday. His letter also said Ruzicka is on administrative leave and the school is cooperating in the investigation. A police report on the arrest was not yet available Saturday evening, according to the Omaha Police Department. DES MOINES (AP) A Grimes day care worker has been arrested after sheriffs deputies say she showed up to work drunk. The Des Moines Register reported that First Steps Child Care officials called deputies about 8:30 a.m. Friday when the 43-year-old Grimes woman arrived at work intoxicated. The woman was arrested on suspicion of neglect or abandonment of dependent people, public intoxication and a probation violation. Polk County Sheriffs Lt. Rich Blaylock said blood-alcohol content levels were measured, and officers at the scene determined that Murphy was drunk because of her bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and wobbly gait. Copyright 2017 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Some Omaha Public Schools families are switching schools or scrambling to organize carpools ahead of sweeping changes to the districts student assignment plan. The changes, which will go into effect this fall, could have a major impact on how OPS families choose a school for their kids. School officials estimate that, based on their current address and school situation, 2,500 elementary and middle school students could lose their bus rides. More than 17,000 general education students are bused. Families in danger of losing their busing eligibility received letters in December outlining the changes, and letters also were sent out last school year. More letters and postcards will go out this spring to keep parents in the loop, board secretary Matt Ray said. The districts student assignment plan dictates busing rules and eligibility. The school board adopted its new version of the plan in June 2015. Designed to make OPS busing more efficient and less expensive, the revised plan limits the number of schools that students can opt into and still receive bus rides. Parents and taxpayers complained that the previous plan was too complicated and costly, resulting in half-empty buses driving across the city. School officials still arent sure, however, whether the new plan will save the district much money. The update represents a major shift in busing policy. Under the current policy, which was last revised in 2009, families can choose from dozens of schools. Depending on a complex mix of factors their income level, address and the socioeconomic diversity level of the chosen school a student might get a bus ride. There were probably three people in the district that understood the plan, Ray said. We knew the plan was too confusing. Now families have fewer school choice options that include busing, but families that live closer to their home school may qualify for a ride for the first time. Students free and reduced-lunch status no longer decides whether theyre eligible for busing, so the new plan hinges more on geographically based zones. The district is still trying to promote school integration a major priority of past busing and desegregation plans but officials say integrating schools by socioeconomic status is getting more difficult given that nearly three-quarters of OPS students qualify for lunch subsidies, one indicator of family poverty. Parents like Stacey Fiscus said theyre facing hard decisions about which school their kids will attend or how theyll get there. We definitely rely on busing, Fiscus wrote in an email. As we are a single-car home, and I am scheduled to work before the kids are awake for school. The busing allows our kids to get to school on time and without much hassle. Without busing, we could make it work, but it would be much more difficult. Her children Landon, 10, and Izzy, 7 attend Prairie Wind Elementary, near Ellison Avenue and 108th Street. That was their home school until the family moved closer to the Irvington area a few years ago, but they stayed at Prairie Wind for the sake of continuity. But Landon will move up to middle school next year and wants to attend Alfonza W. Davis Middle School, near 130th and State Streets, with his friends. Hes not eligible for a bus there. His home school is Morton Magnet Middle School. Izzy, who has special needs, will not get busing to Prairie Wind next year. There are no other families who live nearby with whom she can carpool. The district is seeming to put a larger emphasis on forcing kids into a school/set of schools than actually allowing them and the parents to make choices that are best for them, Fiscus said. Board members decided the student assignment plan needed an overhaul in order to streamline OPSs convoluted, and expensive, busing system. Our current level of transportation is not sustainable and stretches district resources to the limit, said Scott SchmidtBonne, OPSs director of research. OPS budgeted $46.24 million for transportation this year, which includes $28 million for general education busing and $16.8 million for special education busing. Whether the busing changes will result in significant savings to the district is still a question. Though some students could lose busing eligibility, others could qualify for a bus ride for the first time because of shorter-distance walking zones. Under the new plan, middle school walk zones for children attending their neighborhood schools have gone from 2 miles to 1 miles. Elementary walking zones will shrink from 1 miles to 1 mile. The new plan should make bus routes more efficient and pack more kids onto buses, officials have said. But the number of variables makes it difficult to determine whether, and how much, OPS could save in busing costs, said Casey Hughes, a district researcher. The district should have a better picture after March, when bus routes start to be drawn up. School board members got an update on the implementation schedule and the districts efforts to communicate the upcoming changes to families at a workshop last week. Under the plan, students are guaranteed seats at their neighborhood schools and can apply to any OPS school that has space. The new student assignment plan affects just elementary and middle schoolers, not high school students. Busing for students at their neighborhood schools will continue to be based on whether they live within a walk zone. For those opting into another school, it will be based on the partner school system. Based on where they live, elementary students will now choose from seven to eight schools that will still provide transportation, while middle schoolers will have a choice of four schools with busing. That list includes magnet schools and schools that are geographically close or could promote integration by pairing schools with different family-income levels. Ray said the number of students slated to lose busing has dropped from an initial estimate of 3,800 as parents have made decisions. Thirty percent of both elementary and middle schoolers choose not to attend their home schools. Many families have said, Yes, were aware theyll lose transportation, but well figure out a way to get them to school, Ray said. Still, many parents wont be happy about losing a ride, he said. People are going to be mad about this, he said. Count Samantha Siy among those who are less than thrilled with the changes. Siy, who lives in Dundee, is the mother of a seventh-grader at McMillan Magnet Center, near 38th Street and Redick Avenue in north Omaha. Hes slated to lose busing next year. She doesnt work outside the home and is resigned to dropping him off and picking him up next year. But she feels for families that dont have that option and worries for the future of OPS magnet programs. Instead of attending their home school, Lewis and Clark Middle School, her three children chose McMillan for its science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) emphasis. Youre now really limited by where you live and what you want to study, Siy said. My kids are all STEM-leaning kids. There are families with two working parents, theyre going to lose that opportunity to get STEM or magnet experience. The district is not grandfathering students under the previous policy, and staffers cautioned board members against granting too many exceptions for students or specialty programs. Parents in the dual-language program at Crestridge Magnet Center already have sounded the alarm over losing busing. Several parents came before the board last year and said they lived in north Omaha where there are no dual-language programs and would have difficulty transporting their children to Crestridge, located near 116th and Leavenworth Streets. Crestridge staff have been in close communication with parents, and dozens have indicated theyll find a way to keep their students enrolled, said Anne M. MacFarland, the districts student placement supervisor. The district is in the midst of processing school applications, which parents had to hand in by Jan. 30. They might not be teaching anymore, but it doesnt mean theyve stopped caring about education. A group of retired teachers and administrators from Bellevue Public Schools has been gathering for more than 20 years to talk about the role they can still play in maintaining quality education in their community. The Bellevue Education Association-Retired group meets eight times a year at the BPS Welcome Center. Much of that time is spent catching up with other teachers, but they also strive to make education in Bellevue a priority. Phil Kaldahl, who taught for 41 years in BPS, has been a member of the group since he retired in 1997. We basically have three reasons for doing this, Kaldahl said. We want to promote public education, promote education in Bellevue and do whatever we want to do. Steve Lebedz, a 36-year BPS veteran, serves as president for the group. He says meeting numbers will range anywhere between 30 and 50 and there is a core group of about 25 individuals whom he considers regulars. Some come every week, some might come once a year, he said. Lebedz said the group has monthly speakers and each December they have a music group from either Bellevue East or Bellevue West high schools perform. There is a lot of socializing as well as the meetings, but they also take care of their share of business. The group receives updates from the Bellevue Education Association so they can stay in touch with what is taking place in schools today. They also help lead the annual tour group of fourth-graders to learn about Bellevues history. They are also a philanthropic group, donating each year to the Nebraska Childrens Fund, Goodfellows and the Bellevue Food Pantry. Kaldahl is one of the longest running members of the group and said he enjoys the chance to visit with fellow educators during the meetings. Its a great way to keep up with people and keep track of whats going on in the schools today, he said. Lebedz, who spent 32 years at Bellevue West, enjoys the social aspect as well. It even gave him an opportunity to meet his wife, Marilyn Larson, who was at Logan Fontenelle Middle School for 32 years. I always knew who she was, but didnt get to know her until I started coming here, he said. You teach for all these years, but youre not in the same building as many of these people. You know of each other, but this gives you a chance to know them better. Bill Gaus, the current vice president of the group, said each meeting is a great way to share stories with other educators. We dont get to see each other that often, Gaus said. Its a good way to meet and greet people you know and admire. Lebedz said the group is always welcoming new members and is open to anyone who was in some way involved with BPS. Dues are $5 for a year or $50 for a lifetime membership. We have several recently retired teachers here, he said. Wed love to have more of them show up. Rev. Scott Shreve, St. Paul UMC, Omaha Passionate worship is an aspect of fruitful living for the people of God. The Psalms are a tremendous resource for both personal and corporate worship. The Psalms, also known as the Psalter, were written by highly skilled and sophisticated poets in ancient Israel and Judah. These sacred poems, songs and prayers were utilized as the hymnbook/prayerbook of the Temple in ancient Jerusalem and have been used in worship services in both synagogues and churches ever since. Most biblical scholars agree that the individual Psalms were composed over a number of centuries beginning with King David who lived about 1,000 years before Jesus through the time that the Israelites returned from exile in Babylon some 600 years later. The Psalms touch nearly every facet of life and therefore provide spiritual strength to us in our day and age. Psalm 100 invites us to Make a joyful noise to the Lord and to Worship the Lord with gladness. Since ancient times people, including us today, have gathered to seek God through prayer, story, music, fellowship and mutual compassion. Synagogue means to bring together. God lives in the people gathered in devotion and covenant. And the Latin word ecclesia, the root of our word for church, means called out of the world. God calls us out of the ordinary life of work, family and leisure into the presence of the sacred so that we can develop the spiritual resources that guide and sustain faithful living. As we worship in church, synagogue, mosque or another place of our choice, we join the faithful from around the world and over the centuries seeking to find comfort, inspiration, healing, insight and reassurance in our hearts, minds and souls. Worship is a wonderful gift of community and spiritual sustenance that we can enjoy every week. ___________________ Rev. Dan Steen, Prairie Lane Church, Omaha Jesus says in John 10, My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. This Bible verse teaches us that Jesus does speak to his people, and we should be able to recognize his voice. We might be tempted to think that Jesus would really only speak to important people. We might think, Well, his voice is for ministry leaders or missionaries, but not for ordinary people like me. But the truth is that we are important people to Jesus. The good shepherd knows everything about us; and we affirm the foundational truth of Gods great love for every person. No one is an accident, a mistake or a product of random chance. In fact, you are so important to God that he decided to come to earth and die for you. Why would we believe, God has nothing to say to me?Jesus wants us to listen for his voice. Our God communicates with us in many ways: in his Word, through the wisdom of other believers, through his creation or through circumstances. And, in addition to these ways, Jesus does have a voice that he uses to speak directly to his children through the Spirit. It is a voice that his followers should recognize. So let us take his words seriously and, in faith, expect that Jesus has something to say. When people listen, God speaks; when people obey, God acts; when God acts, people change. He can change you. No one is a lost cause with Jesus. COUNCIL BLUFFS When Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed a bill earlier this month cutting roughly $117 million from the 2017 fiscal budget, that included a $185,000 decrease in funding for Iowa Western Community College. Dan Kinney, the schools president, said Iowa West would not increase tuition this year but would instead look at eliminating 22 positions, 10 of which are expected to be faculty members. Though Kinney said he couldnt say which departments might expect the cuts, he told KMA Radio on Thursday that cuts are coming through an elimination of programs mainly arts and sciences transfer programs. The positions the college is looking to eliminate would be effective July 1, Kinney said. Were in the preliminary plans, but were working to reduce all kinds of spending on things that we can, he added. If you go back 10 years, funding for community colleges has increased 1.7 percent, Kinney said. And not per year thats over 10 years total. So we havent been getting a tremendous amount of support from the State of Iowa, and its had an accumulating effect on the budget. The school also is dealing with a drop in enrollment. We had predicted a 5 percent decline, Kinney said, but we had a 6.4 percent decline in the fall most of which has been transfer arts and sciences transfer courses. Kinney attributed the decline to a marketing battle between the University of Iowa and Iowa State University that started about three years ago. Its had a negative effect on our enrollment, Kinney said. Some students are choosing to go to those universities directly instead of the community colleges. Kinney recently met with legislators to talk about Branstads actions and their potential impact on the school. He said that although the current funding situation isnt ideal, hes thankful lawmakers were able to reduce the proposed $8.7 million cut from Iowas community colleges to the $3 million that Branstad cut. If it were three times of what it is now we would be terminating people right now, Kinney said. Republican Jean Stothert won the Omaha mayors race in 2013 with a big win in South Omaha an area that has proven a reliable bellwether in recent Omaha mayoral races. This year, however, Stothert is arguably facing tougher headwinds in the blue-collar area, home to a large concentration of Latino immigrants. Her opponent, Democrat Heath Mello, lives in the City Councils South Omaha district. And this South Omaha boy has been actively engaged in local politics throughout his eight years in the Nebraska Legislature. In addition, the district went heavily in favor of Democrat Hillary Clinton in the presidential election three months ago. South Omaha may have backed a Republican mayor four years ago, but its an entirely new political year. And a district that has gone with the citys past three mayoral winners Mike Fahey in 2005, Jim Suttle in 2009 and Stothert in 2013 is clearly up for grabs in this election cycle. Its hard to fathom Mello winning the election without winning South Omaha, a key Democratic stronghold that helps offset Republican-rich districts in west Omaha. Its also hard to fathom that Stothert would willingly concede the area, despite Mellos claim to being the home-district candidate. The mayor argues that she has been actively engaged in South Omaha over the past four years, working on numerous projects, from beautifying 24th Street to revitalizing the Deer Park neighborhood. The last time, I won 15 out of 18 precincts (in South Omaha). My opponent although he lives in the 4th District he hasnt run a competitive race in the district since 2008, Stothert said. I like going door to door, and Im going to be in South Omaha a lot, she added. Mello readily conceded that he did not face an opponent in his re-election bid in 2012, but the former state lawmaker said that doesnt mean he has ignored South Omaha for the past eight years. He points out that he also has been active in the community, working in the Legislature to help secure state funds that helped fight gangs, gun violence and graffiti in the district. Were going to do everything we can to remind people my friends, my neighbors and everyone about the good work we did in the Legislature, said Mello, whose two terms as a state senator ended in January. South Omaha has played a kingmaker role in recent elections. In 1997 it proved vital to Republican Hal Daubs win over Democrat Brenda Council. Daub won the area that year by 944 votes, in part by pursuing moderate Democrats who were against abortion. Overall, Daubs margin over Council was 878 votes. In 2009 Democrat Suttle made South Omaha a key part of his strategy, holding numerous rallies in the district and courting community leaders. It paid off. Suttle defeated Daub. Four years later, however, South Omaha turned against Suttle. He blamed the loss on his tax increases passed to balance the citys budget. When were looking at the mayors race, South Omaha is absolutely pivotal. They tend to be a little more independent. Sometimes they go for the Democrat, and sometimes they go for the Republican, said Crystal Rhoades, chairwoman of the Douglas County Democrats and member of the Nebraska Public Service Commission. About 14,000 in City Council District 4 are registered as Democrats, compared with 8,000 Republicans. (While traditional South Omaha remains a key part of the district, it now stretches from as far north as Hickory Street to the Douglas-Sarpy county line, and from the Missouri River on the east to as far west as 100th Street.) In the most recent presidential race, Clinton beat Donald Trump in the area 57 percent to 43 percent. Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, is a Democrat who supports Mello. He believes that Mello has a good chance of winning the district. However, Benjamin-Alvarado said Stothert has clearly made South Omaha a priority during her years in office and has worked hard to cultivate relationships in the district. Benjamin-Alvarado noted that Stothert scored political points among Latinos when she supported legislation to allow drivers licenses and professional licenses for Dreamers, the young people who were brought into this country illegally as children. Stotherts stance drew criticism from some fellow Republicans, including Gov. Pete Ricketts, who oppose the policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, created by then-President Barack Obama. Ive listened to the public, Stothert said, and thats one reason I did take a position on DACA. Others note that Mello played a leadership role in getting both of those bills through the Legislature and past gubernatorial vetoes. Heath was very successful in the Legislature with bills that affect a lot of his constituents, said Garry Gernandt, the Omaha city councilman who has represented South Omaha for 16 years. Gernandt said the key to winning the district is showing up and listening to voters. Currently, he said, he doesnt believe that either Stothert or Mello has a clear edge in South Omaha. Ultimately, he argued, the person who wins South Omaha will be the person who spends the most time on the ground in the district. FREMONT, Neb. Papillion native Shirley Long has been to her fair share of military ceremonies in the past. Her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Ira Long, has served for 32 years, and she has welcomed him home from each deployment. But Saturdays ceremony was special. Shirley Long and her 15-year-old son, Iain, were on hand to celebrate the return of 32 Fremont-based Army Reserve soldiers. On Saturday, Ira Long was celebrating not only his return home but also his final deployment. He plans to retire from the military this year and said the best part of returning from deployment was being back home with his family. Families, friends and officials gathered at Eppley Auditorium on Midland Universitys campus to recognize members of Detachment 3 of the 394th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. The unit was deployed to the Middle East last March and returned home in mid-December. The unit provided strategic and logistical support to multiple operations overseas, including in the fight against the Islamic State. Shirley Long said it was bittersweet to see her husband receive one final honor for his deployment. Without the ceremony, she said, there would be no formal recognition of the soldiers upon their arrival home. But there will likely be more ceremonies in her future. While Ira Long is expecting to end his military career soon, his son is planning to start one. Iain plans to join the Air Force after he graduates from high school. Gov. Pete Ricketts spoke at the ceremony, held near the units headquarters, to thank the soldiers for their work. We have the best place to live here in Nebraska. ... Nebraskans are involved in their churches, their schools and in their communities. You all take that spirit of Nebraska one step further, Ricketts said. He said Nebraskans across the state are grateful for those who serve the nation, and he thanked the families of soldiers for their sacrifices while the group was deployed. The soldiers served overseas under the command of Capt. Zachariah Bowen, who was also recognized at the ceremony. Lt. Col. Eldon Dettmer, the battalions commander, presented the soldiers to the audience. He said the experience was something the unit would not forget. The knowledge you bring back, I challenge you with this: Dont hold it to yourself, teach the next generation, Dettmer said. Pass on what you have gotten to learn, because that is the best gift you will give. One of President Donald Trump's longtime friends made a striking move on Sunday: After talking privately with the president over drinks late Friday, Christopher Ruddy publicly argued that Trump should replace his White House chief of staff. "A lot of people have been saying, 'Look, Donald has some problems,' and I think he realizes that he's got to make some changes going forward," Ruddy said in an interview with The Washington Post. Ruddy went on to detail his critique of White House chief of staff Reince Priebus: "It's my view that Reince is the problem. I think on paper Reince looked good as the chief of staff and Donald trusted him - but it's pretty clear the guy is in way over his head. He's not knowledgeable of how federal agencies work, how the communications operations work. He botched this whole immigration rollout. This should've been a win for Donald, not two or three weeks of negative publicity." Ruddy insisted that he was speaking only for himself and not the president, and he would not reveal whether Trump had confided in him about Priebus because the conversation was private. White House spokesmen did not respond to a request for comment on Ruddy's statement. Ruddy - who is chief executive of Newsmax Media and a member of Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida spoke to The Post shortly after appearing on CNN, where he threw Priebus under the proverbial bus. "I think there's a lot of weakness coming out of the chief of staff," Ruddy told anchor Brian Stelter in a live interview from Miami. "I think Reince Priebus (is a) good guy, well-intentioned, but he clearly doesn't know how the federal agencies work. He doesn't have a really good system. He doesn't know how the communications flow." Trump, Ruddy continued, is "not getting the backup he needs" from Priebus. Ruddy said he spent about 30 minutes talking privately with Trump late Friday at Mar-a-Lago after the president's dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, after Abe had retreated to his suite for the night. "Since the (CNN) show, I've gotten three text messages from sitting Cabinet members praising my appearance," Ruddy said. "They realize this whole government depends on this chief of staff." He declined to identify the Cabinet secretaries. Ruddy praised White House press secretary Sean Spicer and other administration officials who have come under public scrutiny. He said blame for missteps at the dawn of Trump's presidency should fall squarely on Priebus. "What I'm hearing from a lot of people on the inside is that Reince is not giving Donald the pushback that he needs," Ruddy said. "He just doesn't have the gravitas that Donald would respect at the end of the day." LINCOLN A new effort was announced Saturday to try to end the alcohol-related woes associated with Whiteclay, Nebraska: buy out the liquor stores. Bruce BonFleur, the head of a Whiteclay street ministry called Lakota Hope, said he is launching an effort to raise at least $6.3 million to buy the four beer-only liquor stores. The stores sell the equivalent of 3.5 million cans of beer a year. Almost all sales are to residents of the adjacent Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol is officially banned, but alcoholism and fetal alcohol syndrome are rampant. BonFleur said his effort is called BOBS Plan, for buy out the beer stores, and is being launched because other efforts to halt alcohol sales there have failed. Its time for Gods people to stand up, he said, during a presentation at an annual legislative forum at Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln. BonFleur and his wife, Marsha, have worked in the Whiteclay area for nearly two decades. He said they have met four times already with the owners of the beer stores, and that they are ready to sell due to the increased political and legal pressure. Its not just wishful thinking. Were in negotiations. If someone wanted to give us $6 million we could end it tomorrow, BonFleur said. If the four stores close, its unclear if others could successfully apply for new liquor licenses to open new stores. Many Native American activists and advocates for children have called for the closing of the Whiteclay stores. On March 7, the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission will take testimony on whether the stores should be shuttered due to a lack of law enforcement in Whiteclay, an unincorporated town of less than a dozen residents. Vagrants openly drink, urinate and often are seen passed out on the street, earning the town the nickname, Skid Row of the Plains. BonFleur said he has set up a nonprofit corporation and a website, whiteclayredo.com, to take donations. The plan, he said, is to close down the stores, burn the liquor licenses and use the buildings to create jobs. Were going to give people hope, he said. Those who oppose closing the beer stores say they are legal businesses with a right to operate and shutting them down would just move problems to other communities. State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, who attended Saturdays announcement and is part Oglala Sioux, said he senses growing support in the Legislature to clean up Whiteclay and buying out the beer stores is an opportunity that might not occur again. This is probably our best solution, Brewer said. If the right people are found, the money could be raised, he added. The Oglala Sioux Tribe has talked about legalizing alcohol on its reservation and taxing the sales to finance alcohol-treatment programs, but it has never moved forward on such ideas. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, faced strong criticism Sunday for allegedly discussing U.S. sanctions against Russia with that country's ambassador to the United States, with even a top White House official declining to say whether the president stands by the former general. In a series of appearances, Trump's top domestic policy adviser, Stephen Miller, demurred when asked about Flynn amid reports that the national security adviser spoke with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak before Inauguration Day and urged Moscow to show restraint in its response to sanctions implemented by the Obama administration. Those conversations were interpreted by some senior U.S. officials as an inappropriate and potentially illegal overture to the Kremlin. "I don't have any news to make you today on this point," Miller said on ABC's "This Week" when anchor George Stephanopolous asked about Flynn's interactions with Kislyak. That prompted Stephanopoulos to ask, "Then why are you coming on if you can't answer the questions being posed about the White House?" On NBC's "Meet the Press," when moderator Chuck Todd asked whether Trump still had confidence in Flynn, Miller said he did not know. He said his colleagues at the White House "did not give me anything to say." "It's not for me to tell you what's in the president's mind," Miller told Todd. "That's a question for the president, that's a question for our chief of staff." Flynn's contact with Russian officials contradicts past public statements by several top officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, who in a series of television interviews before Inauguration Day acknowledged that Flynn had limited contact with Kislyak late last year but said the issue of sanctions was never raised. When Todd asked if he thought lying to the president or vice president would be a fireable offense, Miller replied: "It's not for me to answer hypotheticals, it wouldn't be responsible. It's a sensitive matter. Gen. Flynn has served his country admirably, he served his country with distinction." On Saturday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the longest-serving member on the House Intelligence Committee, called for Trump to suspend and revoke Flynn's security clearance. "Once again, I am calling on the FBI to investigate the financial, political and personal ties between President Donald Trump and Russia. The American people deserve the truth," she said in a statement. "President Trump's kowtowing to Vladimir Putin is endangering our national security and emboldening a dangerous tyrant. What do the Russians have on President Trump that he would flirt with lifting sanctions and weakening NATO?" On ABC, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, D-Md., agreed that suspending Flynn's clearance be "an appropriate action." Cummings added that any investigation of Flynn would have to also account for whether Trump authorized his top security adviser to discuss sanctions with Russian officials. "Did he know about it? If he knew about this conversation, when did he know it? That, to me, that is the key question. And we need to find out what that answer is," Cummings told "This Week." Speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump told reporters that he planned to "look into" reports about Flynn. "I don't know about that. I haven't seen it," Trump said during a flight to Florida from Washington. Last week Flynn initially denied to The Washington Post that he discussed sanctions with Kislyak, but a spokesman later said that Flynn "couldn't be certain that the topic never came up." Appearing on CNN's "State of the Union," Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., doubted that explanation. "I don't think you want a guy who would forget that. Your national security adviser would forget that he was talking about lifting the sanctions with the Russian ambassador," he said. "I don't think you want a guy in either of those scenarios to be in that position." Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told "Fox News Sunday" that Flynn's conduct suggests "that's not the type of person you want to have around you giving you advice. So, I think he has very much questioned his credibility. We need to get to the bottom of this." Cardin added that Russia's involvement in last year's presidential election warrants a broader independent investigation. "I'd call for an independent commission similar to what we had in 9/11," Cardin told Fox. "Russia attacked us. We need to have an independent investigation, and Gen. Flynn's comments just add to our concern about the relationship with Russia." Trump was set to meet Sunday with his nominee for treasury secretary, Steven T. Mnuchin, and other advisers, before flying back to the White House from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. When the doctor told Christina Tina Moore she was pregnant with quadruplets in 2008, one of her first thoughts was of her faith. She was confident that she and her husband, Aaron, would be ready for four babies God wouldnt give them more than they could handle. Its a sentiment she repeated several times as The World-Herald followed the first five years of raising the quad squad. Now its Aaron whos clinging to those words of faith after Tina died unexpectedly Tuesday. She was 36. The family is waiting on autopsy results for the cause of death. It was a shock, Aaron said by phone from his Omaha home on Saturday, the sounds of 8-year-olds Jack, Joseph, Noah and Grace in the background. Aaron said he feels lucky to have spent 14 years married to his best friend. I miss her so much, but I have to keep coming back to the time we had together. Im grateful to have had her to teach me what it means to be an incredible parent. She was an amazing mom. Aarons father, Rich Moore, said the calls, visits, gifts and prayers from friends, family and community members in recent days is reminiscent of the wave of support the couple received when they became new parents of four. There are so many people that have reached out asking how they can help, Rich said. People were touched by her and the family. Its going to be very tough for Aaron and the kiddos, but they are surrounded by love. In preparing the eulogy for Tinas funeral this coming Tuesday, Aaron went back through World-Herald articles documenting so many of the firsts the first birthday party, the first road trip, the first day of kindergarten. Hes glad he can hold on to those memories and photos, those many quotes from Tina about the blessings of motherhood. Theres one in particular he cant get out of his head. As she celebrated the babies first birthday party, she turned to a reporter and gave some parenting advice: Cherish every moment you have with them. Hold them. If theres a choice between doing a chore or holding a baby, then hold the baby. In 2009, she wrote to The World-Herald in her own words on Mothers Day, a holiday she spent years dreaming about being able to celebrate. She writes of passing the maternity section at Target when she was struggling to get pregnant, falling onto her mothers shoulder and sobbing, knowing that her purpose on Earth was to be a mom. (Its) the greatest gift in the world, she wrote. Aaron will make sure her kids remember that, he said. I want them to remember an amazingly strong person who lived with faith, he said. I want them to know that the best day in her life was the day they were born and that her proudest role was to be their mother. Christina is also survived by her parents, Gary and Janice Schrage of Sloan, Iowa; brothers Michael Schrage of Omaha and Scott Schrage of Lincoln; and mother-in-law, Mimi Moore of Sloan. Visitation for Moore will be at 5 p.m. Monday at Wildewood Christian Church in Papillion, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, also at Wildewood. When the Democrats pick their new national chairman later this month, the choice will send a signal about the partys direction as it sets out to recover from the erosion that began even before Hillary Clinton lost the White House. If they choose Rep. Keith Ellison, an African-American congressman from Minnesota who is one of two Muslims in Congress, they will opt for an outspokenly liberal course and, in effect, turn the party over to the forces of insurgent 2016 candidate Bernie Sanders. If they elect former Labor Secretary Tom Perez, the son of Dominican immigrants who held elected local and statewide appointed posts in Maryland before taking two top positions under former President Barack Obama, they will choose a more centrist direction. And if they pick the relative unknown who has emerged as the most interesting alternative to the two perceived front-runners South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg they will elect a millennial from the industrial belt region that rejected Democratic candidates in 2016. With 447 voters, the Feb. 24 election is the kind of political contest that is notoriously difficult to predict. Ellison, Perez and Buttigieg have the most organized support and got the best receptions among the nine candidates at the third of four party-sponsored forums for Democratic National Committee members earlier this month. The others include four who have held significant positions within state and local parties: longtime New Hampshire Democratic Chairman Ray Buckley, South Carolina Democratic Chairman Jaime Harrison, Idaho Executive Director Sally Boynton Brown and Jehmu Greene, an African-American from Austin, Texas, who was executive director of the states Young Democrats before holding several party posts in Washington and serving as a Fox News contributor. Interestingly, none of the top seven is a straight Anglo man. The candidates range in age from 27 to 59, ensuring a chairman younger than the partys geriatric congressional leadership. While Ellison has the most big-name endorsements, followed by Perez, those may not mean much in a party that lacks major power brokers. None of the nine fits all of the jobs requirements: spokesman, organizer, manager, fundraiser. But they agree on the need to provide the help for local and state parties that has been lacking in recent years, to reach out to the partys multiple constituencies, to make the party more transparent and accessible and to stand up to President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn Obamas policies. Given the high feelings among many Democrats these days, one consideration may be which candidate members feel can best make the anti-Trump case. Buttigieg got a leg up on his better known rivals as the only candidate to join one of the Jan. 21 womens marches against the new presidents policies while the others were at a Florida conference for major donors, a point he noted to cheers in Detroit. Supporters for Ellison, 53, led by Sanders, include Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the AFL-CIO, the Teamsters, the Steelworkers, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and liberal icons Gloria Steinem and Rep. John Lewis. Ellison agreed to leave his House seat if elected, heading off one major argument against him. Perez, 55, who led Obama administration voting rights efforts as assistant attorney general for civil rights before becoming labor secretary, was endorsed recently by former Vice President Joe Biden. He is also backed by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a former Democratic National Committee chair and a key Clinton supporter; several unions including the Food and Commercial Workers, Plumbers, Bricklayers, Carpenters and Firefighters; and an array of Texas Democrats. Buttigieg, 35, a Rhodes scholar and Afghanistan veteran who came out as gay during his first term as mayor, backed Clinton in 2016 but doesnt mention it much. He has the endorsement of Steve Grossman, party chairman during Bill Clintons administration. Alluding to the perception the Ellison-Perez battle is a proxy fight for the divisive 2016 Clinton-Sanders fight, Buttigieg said, This is not a time to re-litigate an old battle. What I bring to the table is a little bit different, he said in Detroit, warning that, If you do what youve always done, youre going to get what youve always got. Whoever wins will become an important anti-Trump voice. But as Democrats struggle to counter Trump in middle America, the young South Bend mayor raised a potentially crucial question: Should the Democratic Party do something different? Stupid but legal. Such is the Trump administrations travel ban for people from seven Muslim countries. Of course, as with almost everything in American life, what should be a policy or even a moral issue becomes a legal one. The judicial challenge should have been given short shrift, since the presidential grant of authority to exclude the entry of aliens is extremely wide and statutorily clear. The judge who issued the temporary restraining order never even made a case for its illegality. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has indeed ruled against the immigration ban, but even if the ban is ultimately vindicated in the courts (as is likely), that doesnt change the fact that it makes for lousy policy. It began life as a barstool eruption after the San Bernardino massacre when Donald Trump proposed a total ban on Muslims entering the country until our countrys representatives can figure out what the hell is going on. Rudy Giuliani says he was tasked with cleaning up this idea. Hence the executive order suspending entry of citizens from the seven countries while the vetting process is reviewed and tightened. The core idea makes sense. These are failed, essentially ungovernable states (except for Iran) where reliable data is hard to find. But the moratorium was unnecessary and damaging. Its only purpose was to fulfill an ill-considered campaign promise. It caused enormous disruption without making us any safer. What was the emergency that compelled us to turn away people already in the air with already approved visas for entry to the U.S.? Trump said he didnt want to give any warning. Otherwise, he tweeted, the bad would rush into our country. . . . A lot of bad dudes out there! Rush? Not a single American has ever been killed in a terror attack in this country by a citizen from the notorious seven. The killers have come from precisely those countries not listed Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan (the Tsarnaev brothers). The notion that we had to act immediately because hordes of jihadis in these seven countries were about to board airplanes to blow up Americans is absurd. Vetting standards could easily have been revised and tightened without the moratorium and its attendant disruptions, stupidities, random cruelties and well-deserved bad press. The moratorium turned into a distillation of the worst aspects of our current airport-security system, which everyone knows to be 95 percent pantomime. The pat-down of the 80-year-old grandmother does nothing to make us safer. Its purpose is to give the illusion of doing something. Similarly, during the brief Trump moratorium, a cavalcade of innocent and indeed sympathetic characters graduate students, separated family members, returning doctors and scientists were denied entry. You saw this and said to yourself: We are protecting ourselves from these? If anything, the spectacle served to undermine Trumps case for extreme vigilance and wariness of foreigners entering the United States. There is already empirical evidence. A Nov. 23 Quinnipiac poll found a 6-point majority in favor of suspending immigration from terror prone regions; a Feb. 7 poll found a 6-point majority against. The same poll found a whopping 44-point majority opposed to suspending all immigration of Syrian refugees to the U.S. indefinitely. Then there is the opportunity cost of the whole debacle. It risks alienating the leaders of even nonaffected Muslim countries the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed grave concern which may deter us from taking far more real and effective anti-terror measures. The administration was intent on declaring the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, a concrete measure that would hamper the operations of a global Islamist force. In the current atmosphere, however, that declaration is reportedly being delayed and rethought. Add to that the costs of the ill-prepared, unvetted, sloppy rollout. Consider the discordant, hostile message sent to loyal law-abiding Muslim-Americans by the initial denial of entry to green card holders. And the ripple effect of the initial denial of entry to those Iraqis who risked everything to help us in our war effort. In future conflicts, this will inevitably weigh upon local Muslims deciding whether to join and help our side. Actions have consequences. in the end, what was meant to be a piece of promise-keeping, tough-on-terror symbolism has become an oxygen-consuming distraction. This is a young administration with a transformative agenda to enact. At a time when it should be pushing and promoting deregulation, tax reform and health care transformation, it has steered itself into a pointless cul-de-sac where even winning is losing. The State of Nebraska has an obligation to ensure that the law provides appropriately severe penalties for those who commit heinous acts. Such an appalling act happened in 2015 in western Nebraska when poachers shot dead 25 pronghorn antelope and left them to rot. The two men convicted of the violations were fined and sentenced to 18 months probation. Proposals are now before the Nebraska Legislature to increase the penalties for such cases. Consideration of the proposals is amply justified. Weve seen an increase of wanton thrill kills around the state, Scott Smathers, director of the Nebraska Sportsmens Foundation, told the Legislatures Natural Resources Committee during a hearing on the proposals. Quite frankly, were done and were tired of it. Legislative Bill 635, introduced by Sen. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard, would increase the fines for illegal hunts, trapping or killing of 14 specific game animals. Nebraska law currently imposes a fine of at least $200 for poaching an antelope. The fine would rise to at least $500 under LB 635. The fine for illegally killing an elk would rise to at least $1,000, up from the current minimum of $500. The Natural Resources Committee has a poaching-related measure, Legislative Bill 566, by which Nebraska would join a 44-state compact. Member states agree to suspend hunting or fishing privileges if an individual is convicted of poaching in another state in the compact. These two proposals deserve full debate as lawmakers consider the appropriate strengthening of penalties. Its imperative that Nebraska work to provide an effective deterrent against future thrill kills by poachers. Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan vows to continue protest march after attack on him Day after Imran Khan is shot, Pakistan descends into chaos 'I was hit by 4 bullets': Imran Khan on assassination bid Fact Check: Old images of Imran Khan shared as ones from recent shooting incident Alleged Pak spy nabbed from Rajasthan India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer A Pakistani spy was detained near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Sunday. The alleged spy was nabbed by the Crime Investigation Department and the Border Intelligence Police, said reports. Rajasthan: A suspected Pakistani spy detained by Police in Jaisalmer's Dhanana. ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 In August 2016, an alleged Pakistani spy was arrested from a hotel in Jaisalmer. The spy, Nandlal, hailed from Sangad district in Pakistan. The security agencies had also recovered classified information related to India's defence from Nandlal. He used to reportedly share this information with Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence using WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook. On Thursday, Madhya Pradesh police's anti-terror squad had reportedly arrested 11 men for allegedly running a telecom racket that helped ISI to spy on India's military installations. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, February 12, 2017, 15:35 [IST] Border police get snow scooters to guard China border India oi-PTI New Delhi, Feb 12: Expensive and sleek snow scooters, usually found at ice-capped tourist spots for adventure sport lovers, have for the first time being inducted for patrol by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police troops along the Sino-Indian frontier. Five of these powerful scooters, procured from a US-based firm, have been deployed at high-altitude border locations of the ITBP in Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim that overlook the Chinese PLA deployment on the other side. Officials said the modern scooters, all costing around a crore, can seat two personnel (driver and pillion rider) with their rifle and ammunition in tow and can negotiate a 45 degree slope on the hills and are supported by chaincase belts to help the 278 kg machine glide smooth and cut through the ice. The force, as part of bolstering its capabilities to effectively secure the 3,488km border, had last year procured over six dozen SUVs and sent them to far-flung border areas for patrol and transport. This is the first time that such scooters, used for tourist purposes in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh and by defence forces for training, have been procured and inducted for operational roles by Indian Security forces. "These snow scooters have been procured as part of the modernisation of the force to better equip the personnel on ground in rendering their duties in the hard areas they serve. These will act as force multipliers," ITBP spokesperson Deputy Commandant Vivek K Pandey told PTI. The black and white scooters, 325 mm in length, are powered by hydraulic brakes for effective ground control and its carbureted ignition system can hold over 41 litres of fuel in one go and are one the most modern variants of such patrol vehicles produced in the world and used by global security forces who have icy terrains to guard. PTI Chhattisgarh police set up camp to expedite construction of road India oi-PTI Raipur, Feb 12: As a part of its multi-pronged strategy to deal with Naxal problem, the Chhattisgarh police have set up a base camp in the rebels' stronghold of Bijapur district to expedite construction of a road on a national highway that leads to the neighbouring Telangana state. The camp was set up on February 8 near Taarud river between Bhadrakali and Tarlaguda, around 500 kms from here, to particularly facilitate the construction of bridge over the river on the under-construction strategically important Bhopalpatnam-Bhadrakali-Tarlaguda road. "The construction of this road will yield fruitful results in a long-term. The roads can only bring development and administration to the people of interior villages in the Maoists' affected zone," Bijapur Superintendent of Police K L Dhruv told PTI. The 38-km-long patch of the under-construction Bhopalpatnam-Bhadrakali-Tarlaguda road falls on the Jagdalpur-Warangal National Highway. The patch starts at a distance of around 50 kms from Bijapur town in south Bastar. Inspite of being a part of the NH, it could not be constructed due to Maoist violence as they don't allow any development activities to take place, the SP said. The road is not accessible during monsoon as it totally collapses in rains and could only be used during summer, that too after repair work is done, he said. On October 25, 2015, at least 37 vehicles and machines engaged in the construction of this road were set ablaze by ultras at three different locations. Besides, 15 vehicles and machines engaged in road construction were set on fire by Naxals between Tarlaguda and Annaram last month, he said. The Maoists spread propaganda that construction of roads would affect the tribal culture and distort their lifestyle. But, actually they fear that it will speed up the movement of security forces and development works in Bastar thereby uprooting them from the region, he said. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, February 12, 2017, 15:48 [IST] Experts say social sector may be victim of inadequate budget India oi-IANS By Ians English Kolkata, Feb 12: Lack of policy directions for ensuring quality implementation of programmes makes the Union Budget 2017-18 allocations to ailing core social sectors like education and health inadequate in delivering the benefits, experts say. Schemes like Swachh Bharat-Urban and the National Social Assistance Programme saw no increase, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan got a mere 4.4 per cent rise in allocation, while the Integrated Child Development Services got an enhancement of about five per cent. Even though programmes like Swachh Bharat-Rural and the National Health Mission got a double-digit hike in percentage terms, the experts said the Budget was "disappointing" and "unsatisfactory", considering the ground realities. "The Budget is disappointing. It paid no attention to the effective implementation of the Right to Education Act. A mere increase in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan by Rs 1,000 crore is not going to help in meaningful implementation of the RTE Act," Right To Education Forum Convenor Ambarish Rai told IANS. He said only 9.5 per cent schools are RTE compliant across the country after almost seven years after the act being implemented. "Low allocation has been affecting the quality of education in government schools, where over five lakh teachers posts are vacant. At least 6.4 lakh teachers are untrained," Rai said, pointing out the Human Resource Development Ministry budget has remained stagnant at 3.7 per cent of the total budget. Ten per cent of the schools have single teachers, 30 per cent are without functional toilets for girls and 20 per cent do not provide safe drinking water, he said. K.J. Nath, former Director of the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, said while the Health and Family Welfare Ministry has received a welcome jump of 23 per cent this year at Rs 48,852 crore, the resource cut in Urban Health Mission to Rs 752 crore from Rs 950 crore in the previous budget was "unsatisfactory". "The budget announced a target of eliminating kala-azar and filariasis by 2017, leprosy by 2018, measles by 2020 and tuberculosis by 2025. But where are the budgetary resources to reach these targets," Nath asked. The budget allocation for the health sector as a share of the GDP is less than one per cent, which falls far short of meeting the long-standing demand of upping the this to over two per cent, he complained. Citing an example of how the resource crunch has crippled the implementation of programmes, Nath, Chairman of West Bengal's Arsenic Task Force, told IANS: "The central government recently revised the permissible limit of arsenic to 0.01 milligram per litre of water from 0.05 milligram per litre as per the guidelines of the World Health Organization, which is good. But since due to a fund shortage we faced challenges in maintaining the earlier limit, it would be a daunting task to meet the revised standard." "The Union Budget has neither provided a policy direction for ensuring quality delivery mechanism in public healthcare services, nor offered a widespread market-oriented training in the education sector," Jadavpur University economics Professor Ajitava Roychaudhuri said. He, however, welcomed the proposal for launching the Rs 4,000 crore Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion programme which intends to provide market-friendly training to 3.5 crore youth. Sectors like small and medium industries and real estate -- which were severely hit by the government's demonetisation exercise -- got some policy measures but that was not the case with the social sector. Roychaudhuri said one reason could be that the sector does not provide a "short-term multiplier effect" to boost economic growth despite its long-term positive impact. "After demonetisation, the government's short-term goal is to revive economic growth. Real estate and infrastructure sectors can provide a positive short-term multiplier effect that can push up growth in the near-term, but the social sector cannot offer such multiplier impact in the short-run. It has a long-term positive impact on economic growth," he said. Again, though the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act scheme received the highest allocation ever at Rs 48,000 crore from the previous year's Rs 38,500 crore, this is only one per cent more than the revised estimate of Rs 47,499 crore for 2016-17. "In that sense, the increase in allocation was meagre. The job scheme should have got more allocation, particularly when the demand in the economy remains subdued. Higher employment and better income under the programme could give an impetus to demand in the economy," Raychaudhuri noted. IANS Indefinite total shutdown to force Nagaland CM resign India oi-IANS By Ians English Kohima, Feb 12: Tribal bodies in Nagaland said they would go ahead with their indefinite total shutdown starting from Monday to force Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang to resign. The tribal groups, under the banner of Nagaland Tribes Action Committee and Joint Coordination Committee, have intensified their agitation after Zeliang refused to accede to their demand for his resignation and their three-day ultimatum in this regard ended on February 10. "We have decided to go ahead with our indefinite shutdown to force the Chief Minister to step down for his decision to conduct the local bodies' elections, besides owing responsibility for the death of three persons," NTAC Convener K.T. Velie told IANS. Velie, however, said that educational institutions have been exempted from the purview of the shutdown. Nagaland has been under turmoil since last month after the Naga People's Front-led government decided to hold local body elections in 12 towns across the state. Three people have died and many injured following clashes between the police and the public who are opposing the conduct of the civic elections, where there is reservation for women. Nagaland has never elected a women legislator since it gained statehood in 1963. On the other hand, four NPF legislators -- Kropol Vitsu, Noke Wangnao, C.M. Chang and Namri Nchang -- asked party President Shurhozelie Liezietsu to "revoke the suspension orders" of lone Lok Sabha member Neiphiu Rio and sitting legislator Imkong Imchen to "pave the way for party unity and reconciliation at the most crucial time". "The need of the hour is for the government to listen to the voice of the people and respond in a positive manner so that peace, order and administration can be restored in Nagaland as early as possible," the four legislators said. Meanwhile, police said they were taking all precautions. "We have taken all necessary measures to ensure that there is no further breakdown of law and order in the wake of the indefinite shutdown starting from Monday," a police official said. The government continued to shut down the internet and mobile data service to stop the spread of rumours through social networking sites. The Kohima district administration also imposed prohibitory orders banning assembly of more than five persons and carrying of arms in certain areas including Raj Bhavan, Chief Minister's official residence and the Civil Secretariat. IANS INS Sarvekshak instals solar power system India oi-PTI Kochi, Feb 12: Indian Navy's survey vessel INS Sarvekshak has gone green by installing a solar power system on board. Navy said the system, equipped on the ship, works on sunlight and hence is 100 per cent reliable for power source that can be used for communication equipment, battery charging and general lightings onboard round the clock with battery outputs during night. The system is "maintenance free" where as the the diesel generator requires regular maintenance, it said. The estimated profit generated in a ship service life of 25 years is Rs 2.7 crore in this small project alone. "Even if the system is used four 25 days in one year, the system can repay its cost in less than 10 years while protecting the nature," the Navy said. Navy claimed that by installing 5 KW solar power system, it avoids around 165 kg of carbon a day, 60,225 kg of carbon a year plus 22,995 litres of diesel. "So in its 25 years life the total carbon saved is around 15 lakhs kg and 5.75 lakh litres of diesel by this innovation," it said. A Navy spokesman said this is a "unique activity hitherto never attempted on any warship in India...perhaps not even abroad on warships." He said solar power in a marine environment is a great challenge. Noting that the world is looking for clean, renewable and sustainable sources of energy in order to protect and reduce the harm caused to the environment, the Navy said the deterioration of the environment is highly correlated to the production and usage of fossil based fuels worldwide. The Navy said it has created a new mechanism to encourage the utilisation and development of renewable energy resources. PTI World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: How Kailash Satyarthi changed the perspective on child trafficking Kailash Satyarthi thanks Delhi Police India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi on Sunday thanked the Delhi Police for the recovery of the replica of his Nobel citation, which was earlier stolen from his residence in the national capital. I thank Delhi police;had trust on authorities, more so because I'm a son of a Police constable: #KailashSatyarthi on theft case being solved pic.twitter.com/pXGAR6d92s ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 Delhi Police have arrested three persons in connection with the burglary at the Satyarthi's residence and recovered the stolen valuables, including the replica of Nobel Prize. Satyarthi had on Saturday expressed his pain over the theft of his wife's ornaments, saying it was given to his wife by his mother. It may be recalled that the burglary took place on the night of February 7 in Alakananda, south Delhi. At the time of incident, Satyarthi and his wife were attending the world summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Colombia. The child rights activist won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. He shared the prize with Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai. Satyarthi had presented his Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Pranab Mukherjee in January, 2015. The original medal has been preserved and is now on display at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, his office had said. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, February 12, 2017, 12:20 [IST] Kerala: Protest staged over Pune's techie murder India oi-IANS By Ians English Kozhikode (Kerala), Feb 12: Members of an action council in Kozhikode turned up in large numbers and staged a protest over the murder of an Infosys software engineer in her office in Pune last month, officials said. The members of the council walked down the streets carrying placards and demanded justice for techie, Rasila. They also sought a CBI probe into the matter. They also decided to stage a protest in front of the Pune campus of Infosys soon. "A lot of things have raised suspicion over the way things are coming out from the Pune campus. We are told that the CCTV visuals seems to have disappeared. How come when the gruesome incident occurred, electricity went off and her phone was recovered after three days. Lot of questions have to be answered," said an angry protester to the media. The action council members said they will not believe that the crime was done by just one person - the arrested Bhaben Saikia, an Assamese who worked as a security guard. Her father, retired Army officer O. Raju, has been saying she was unhappy being at Pune and was seeking a transfer to Bengaluru. IANS No comment on Pranab Mukherjee book before reading it: Former Union Minister Pranab memoirs: PM Modi must speak more often in Parliament Pranab Mukherjee congratulates DRDO for Prithvi test India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, Feb 12: President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday congratulated DRDO and its scientists for the successful test firing of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle Interceptor Missile. "I extend my hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle Interceptor Missile," Mukherjee said in a message to Defence Research & Development Organisation Chairman S. Christopher. "The nation is proud of this accomplishment made by DRDO. This is a significant milestone in boosting India's defence capabilities and will provide enhanced security against incoming ballistic missile threats," he said. "Kindly convey my greetings and felicitations to the members of your team of scientists, engineers, technologists and all others associated with this mission. I wish the DRDO continued success in the coming years," the President added. The test took place at 7.45 a.m. on Saturday, when an incoming missile was successfully intercepted at a height of 100 km with a direct hit by an interceptor missile. The two-stage PDV missile is part of the two-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system developed by DRDO and its interception window ranges from 80 to 120 km. With this, India now joins a select group of nations having an effective Ballistic Missile Defence System. IANS SC judge says more courts and hospitals not good sign India oi-PTI Hyderabad, Feb 12: There is something wrong with a country or society which has more number of courts and hospitals as they indicate the bad state of affairs, Justice Chalameswar of Supreme Court said today. "I was inaugurating a new court building. That time I said I do not know if it is a happy occasion but my opinion is more the number of courts and more the number of hospitals in a country, then there is something wrong with that society. It is obvious. It does not need great deal of intelligence to understand this. Why do we need courts? To resolve problems. The moment you say there is a problem obviously the society is not in an ideal state of affairs," he said during his speech at National Jurists Conference organised by Shanti Sarovar - a Brahma Kumaris organisation. He said, recalling an event in which he inaugurated a new court building, the same principle applies to hospitals also. According to him, learning about wars and cyclones would be interesting but facing them would need a great deal of courage. He also spoke about the conduct of the advocates and the importance of being honest. Justice Ramasubramanian of Hyderabad High Court also spoke during the event. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, February 12, 2017, 16:00 [IST] Why is the DMK continuing to oppose the imposition of Hindi? - 50 years of struggle and the truth! Take a head count of my MLAs, Sasikala tells media India oi-Anusha Chennai, Feb 12: Post a meeting with MLAs at a resort near Chennai, Sasikala Natarajan rubbished allegations of her MLAs being locked up. "None of our MLAs have been locked up and you can see for yourself. They are together like a family and you should understand that rumours of MLAs being locked up are untrue. They are being threatened and are in constant touch with their family," she said. On being asked how many MLAs were present at the resort, Sasikala asked media persons to take a head count if need be. "Wait and watch on the action that will be taken," she said when asked of what her camp intends to do next. "Rumours are being spread and we know who is behind this. It's a conspiracy to break the party and my MLAs are aware of it," she said. Sasikala had placed a picture of Jayalalithaa evidently on the table from where she addresses the press. Her address to the media came after a scuffle between her supporters and journalists outside the resort. Owning to protests by media personnel, phones that were snatched were returned by the party cadre. Sasikala alleged that her MLAs were being threatened. "Some are receiving calls threatening to abduct their daughters. MLAs have been in touch with their relative to ensure that the families are safe. That shows their dedication towards the party and they remain united like a family," she alleged. Sasikala claimed that rival party as well as those that deserted her have been floating rumours. Speaking to MLAs at the resort, Sasikala Natarajan sought their support. "All I need is your support. I will not fear anyone till the time you are with me. I will not back off from my decisions. I will work for the party and cadres just like Amma did. Amma and I have seen both, Chennai jail as well as the one in Bengaluru. We have walked out of it and have conquered the state. I will not back off," she claimed. She said that just she was a woman she cannot be forced to bow down. Sasikala claimed that forming the government is now their primary agenda. Sasikala time and again appealed for unity. "We will form the government. Go to her memorial together and pay respect and will place her portrait in the assembly" she said. Taking a direct dig at Panneerselvam, she asked party cadres if they remembered a man named Panneerselvam. "Panneerselvam is all out to destroy our party despite being a minister for many years. This is as if to poke his eyes with his own hands," she said. The repeated appeal for unity was aimed at stopping more members from switching camps and joining Panneerselvam. A teary-eyed Sasikala concluded her address to the party cadres asking them to remain like one family- united and strong. OneIndia News TN crisis: Swamy threatens to drag Governor to court India oi-Vicky Amidst the delay and chaos, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has threatened to file a petition seeking an early solution to the Tamil Nadu political crisis. Swamy took to his Twitter account to say that he would file a petition to charge the Governor with abetment for horse trading. The TN Guv must decide CM issue by tomorrow otherwise a WP under Art 32 of the Constitution can be filed charging abetment of horse trading Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) February 12, 2017 The Sasikala camp has been alleging that the Governor has been delaying a decision to invite her to form the government. She even threatened to go on a hunger strike if the Governor continues to delay his decision. Earlier there were reports suggesting, Karnataka has sought to delete Jayalalithaa's name from the Disproportionate Assets case. However sources in the Karnataka legal team have denied any such move. In the meantime several more AIADMK leaders joined OPS. Several legislators including School Education Minister K Pandiarajan have switched to the O Panneerselvam's camp. Besides three sitting MPs including Dr V Maitreyan, P H Pandian, E Madhusudhanan and C Ponnaiyan too have switched camps. Sasikala would need the support of 118 legislators to prove majority on the floor of the house. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, February 12, 2017, 13:10 [IST] Uddhav Thackeray: Sena functions as corrective force by being part of NDA government India oi-PTI Mumbai, Feb 12: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray today claimed that his party is functioning as a corrective force by being part of governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra to "control" the anti-people policies. "We have seen that if power is not controlled, it becomes uncontrollable. Being in the government we tried to keep (the BJP) in control," Thackeray said. "While being a part of the government, Sena opposed many policies that were anti-India and anti-people and today those policies are stuck. Be it the Land Acquisition Bill or the GST Bill, we made them make the necessary amendments," he said in the final part of his interview to Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana'. Thackeray quipped that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi chooses to hold any election rally in the city for the upcoming Brihamumbai Municipal Corporation polls, the Shiv Sainiks will go and respectfully invite him to be a part of Sena's victory celebrations on February 23. "Modiji had to conduct 23 rallies in the state during Assembly polls to win. This time, even if he comes, the Sena will win. We want him to be a part of our celebrations," the Sena leader said. He said that the "alliance with BJP actually got over during the 2014 Assembly polls itself." "They had deceived us in the name of talks. The Lok Sabha polls had just finished then, there was a 'Modi wave' but no demonetisation. So they (the BJP) thought the Sena would not get more than 15-20 seats. But we proved them wrong by winning 63 seats (in Maharashtra Assembly polls)," he said. Meanwhile, reacting to Thackeray's comments, MPCC secretary Al Nasser Zakaria alleged that the Sena chief is indulging in "white lies" and it is the "sweetness" of power that keeps him glued to it. "It is absurd of him to say he is doing the job of the Opposition parties. He thinks he can indulge in white lies and people will quietly listen. The truth is that the sweetness of power will keep him glued to it and they will not withdraw support despite being shamed everyday by the BJP," the Congress leader said. PTI UP election: Priyanka-Dimple joint campaign still uncertain India oi-Ratan Mani Lal Lucknow, Feb 12: Will Priyanka Gandhi Vadra campaign only in Amethi and Rae Bareli districts in the coming days? Or she will oblige Congress supporters and sympathisers in rest of Uttar Pradesh too? The answer to this enduring mystery remains elusive yet again as it remains unclear what stops Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from campaigning widely in Uttar Pradesh. When the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance took shape for the UP Assembly election last month, it was widely reported that Priyanka and Dimple Yadav, SP MP from Kannauj and wife of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, may appear together for the alliance campaign. Even the campaign vehicles had been draped with slogans and visuals featuring Priyanka besides Rahul, Mulayam Singh Yadav and of course Dimple and Akhilesh. It was also learnt that Priyanka had played a crucial role in finalising the seat-sharing arrangements between the two parties when things had reached a stalemate. On January 29, when Rahul and Akhilesh Yadav had addressed the press in Lucknow, Rahul had replied to a specific question that his sister Priyanka will herself decide where and when she will campaign for the alliance. Notably, her name had been included in the list of star campaigners for the first phase of elections for 73 seats in western UP that was held on February 11, but she chose not to campaign there. So far, her campaign appearance is confirmed only for Amethi and Rae Bareli where she will be camping for five days beginning February 13. Her schedule remains uncertain for the rest of the state. Sources in the Congress also say that the earlier reports of Priyanka having agreed to campaign in a selected 100-odd seats were not correct. Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to be in Rae Bareli on February 20, Rahul on February 18 and in Amethi on February 24. The burden of the campaign rests largely on the shoulders of Rahul who appeared together with Akhilesh at several places and will campaign solo in many other places. On the other hand, Dimple Yadav has joined the campaign in right earnest, having addressed several meetings in many districts during the campaign for the first round. In the 2012 Assembly election and the 2014 Lok Sabha election too, Priyanka had appeared for campaigning only in Amethi and rae bareli despite earlier claims that she will do so in the entire state. Incidentally, Amethi is among the one dozen seats in UP where the two partner parties are facing each other in the electoral contest because of disagreement over who should withdraw. Rahul Gandhi represents Amethi in the Lok Sabha, but in the state Assembly, seven seats are held by the SP. The most prominent representative from here is former minister Gayatri Prajapati, said to be a confidante of Mulayam Singh Yadav. The significance of being Gayatri is evident from the fact that despite the local royal Sanjay Singh fielding his (second) wife Amita Singh as the Congress nominee from Amethi, Gayatri remains in the fray as the Samajwadi Party candidate. If Priyanka indeed comes to Amethi for campaigning as reported, then it will be interesting to see if she asks for support to both the Congress and SP candidates as both remain in the fray. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is February 13, and the polling is scheduled for February 23. Besides Amethi and Rae Bareli, there are constituencies in Barabanki and Kanpur where candidates from both parties are have filed their papers and hectic backstage parleys are on to ask one of them to withdraw. A report said defiant Congress candidates were being called up by none else than Sonia Gandhi to either withdraw their papers by the due date, or address a joint press meet with the SP candidate to announce that they will support the latter. Insiders say that the coordination between the two parties especially at the district levels and below was not quite good. There were reservations on both sides on appearing together on stage for campaigning. According to these sources, the party could be trying to avoid any unpleasant scene in the presence of Priyanka in places beyond Amethi and Rae Bareli. And finally, Priyanka's limited campaign itinerary could always be explained as being the personal decision on her part, as a bigger role for her could be in store for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. If the alliance with the SP continued till then, the much-awaited Priyanka-Dimple photo-opportunity could come up then. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, February 12, 2017, 17:57 [IST] UP elections: BJP certain of victory India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Uttar Pradesh polled in the first phase of the elections on Saturday. Going by the ground reports, there is a clear indication that the wave is in favour of the BJP. The other parties which had claimed victory seem to be distressed following the voting in the first phase of the elections. The ground report suggests that 2/3rd of the voters in the 73 assembly constituencies had voted in favour of the BJP. From the reports trickling in, the vote for SP and BSP seems to have shrunk considerably in Western UP. The people in UP were clearly upset with rampant corruption, crime and violence against women during SP's five-year regime. Similar concerns were raised about the handling of such issues when the BSP was in power. The voters have also clearly rejected the SP-Congress alliance. Voters also said that they were fed with the SP family drams. Moreover, the Jats have also voted in favour of the BJP. The Jats have in the past been upset with both the BSP and the ruling SP government. The community has been a victim of communal politics and have blamed both the BSP and SP for not protecting their interests. Considering all these factors, the voters in Western Uttar Pradesh decided to repose their faith in BJP as they had done in Lok Sabha elections. [The NaMo wave 2.0 sweeps Uttar Pradesh] OneIndia News How the numbers add up in UP: This is what BJP's win percentage was UP elections: Polling ends for phase I, Voters turn out in support of BJP India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia The population in western Uttar Pradesh came out in support of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the first phase of the state's 2017 assembly elections on Saturday. The election was held in 73 constituencies with as many as 839 candidates in the fray, with politicians having exerted full effort to attract large number of voters with their respective manifestos. The state awaits six more polling phases to be held on February 15, 19, 23 and 27 and on March 4 and 8, while the final counting will place on March 11. February 11's polling saw a beeline of voters casting in favour of BJP. With this rapidly changing ground situation, it was clear that BJP is a step nearer party to forming a ruling government in India's biggest state. The outcome of first phase of UP elections is exhibiting a clear divide among major parties - the BJP, the BSP, SP-Cong and RLD in the region. Given its brilliant performance in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the assembly elections this time are crucial for the BJP. Gpong by the large crowds at the polling booths, it looks like the BJP is going to gain on most seats - the BJP booths had the longest queues. This time, the swing in the vote-share towards BJP was higher than that shown towards Congress in recent past. Now it is to be seen whether the BJP's precarious position will continue to remain the same or will it change its strategy in the next phase. [The NaMo wave 2.0 sweeps Uttar Pradesh] OneIndia News Fact Check: Old images of Imran Khan shared as ones from recent shooting incident Pakistan concerned over 'nuclearisation' of Indian Ocean International oi-IANS By Ians English Islamabad, Feb 12: Islamabad is determined to counter growing threats to peace in the Indian Ocean, particularly from 'nuclearisation' by India, Pakistan foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz said. Aziz on Saturday said the Indian Ocean faced challenges to peace due to its militarisation, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, increased missile capabilities and power projection by foreign militaries, Dawn online reported. The foreign affairs advisor also listed piracy, illegal fishing; human, drugs and arms smuggling; maritime pollution and climate change as major problems. "This trend is likely to intensify in the coming years," he warned at the 'International maritime conference on strategic outlook in Indian Ocean region, 2030 and beyond -- evolving challenges and strategies'. "We are aware of our national interests and every effort will be made to strengthen our capacity to ensure that we remain ready to meet the emerging maritime security challenges. For us, to remain oblivious of the developments taking place in the Indian Ocean region is not an option," he added. Aziz said nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean had further destabilised the region. "It was in Pakistan's vested interest that the region remained peaceful as 95 per cent of the country's trade took place through sea and it had over 1,000 km long coastline, an Exclusive Economic Zone of around 300,000 sq km, the Karachi port and the newly built deep sea port of Gwadar," he said. He said the Indian Navy's substantial expansion was a cause of concern for Islamabad. "Pakistan has a strategic stake in the peaceful navigation and security of the Indian Ocean region." "We realise the economic potential of the region. As the third-largest ocean providing coastline to more than 30 countries, the Indian Ocean provides connectivity not only to important regions in Asia, particularly South Asia and the Middle East, and Africa, it also connects Australia with Europe. Regular dialogue between stakeholders on security and safety have never been so important." He said an estimated 55 per cent of oil reserves of the world and 40 per cent of gas were located in the region. "Today, some 40 per cent of the global trade passes through the Indian Ocean. With the rise of Asia as the global powerhouse, the region indeed offers the unique platform for the globalised world as an attractive trade route. At present ports in the Indian Ocean handle about 30 per cent global trade and half the world's container traffic. But the establishment of a new system of routes and ports will further increase the economic importance of this ocean," he said. Aziz said the Indian Ocean region was not all about war. "It is a catalyst for peace and prosperity, cooperation, collaboration, connectivity and stability and security," he added. He suggested that Pakistan, taking advantage of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, should begin working on two supplementary corridors. "There should be a corridor connecting Pakistan to West Asia and Africa. The West Asian corridor could go by Iran to Central Asia and Moscow and via Iran and Turkey to Europe and a second corridor would pass through or around the Gulf region and penetrate into Africa," he said, pointing out that Africa in particular was an upcoming continent with lots of potential. IANS US Coast Guard ship in Chennai to mark India ties Poland chooses US firm to build first nuclear power plant US, Japan fume as N.Korea test-fires ballistic missile International oi-IANS By Ians English Seoul, Feb 12: US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday denounced North Korea for firing a ballistic missile into its eastern waters. The intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7.55 a.m. near Banghyeon in North Pyongan province, Xinhua news agency quoted South Korea's joint chiefs of staff as saying. The projectile is estimated to have travelled about 500 km and landed in waters off North Korea's east coast. The launch came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before North Korea marks the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father Kim Jong II. During a joint conference with Trump, Abe called on Pyongyang to comply fully with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Abe called the test 'absolutely intolerable'. He said Trump had assured him of US support and that his presence showed the president's determination and commitment, The Japan Times reported. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the US stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent." Kim Jong Un had said in his New Year address that North Korea had reached the final stages of readiness to test an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the US. South Korea's acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said his country would punish North Korea for the missile launch. The presidential office convened an emergency national security council meeting chaired by top presidential security advisor Kim Kwan-jin, Yonhap news agency reported. According to South Korea's Foreign Ministry, Seoul would continue to work with allies including the US, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against Pyongyang. According to the ministry, Seoul would make Pyongyang realise that it would "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programmes. The ministry said it was a violation of UNSC resolutions and a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It was North Korea's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since US President Donald Trump took office on January 20. The UN Security Council's resolutions ban North Korea from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of a protest against the Trump administration's hardline stance toward Pyongyang, South Korea said. Concerns had persisted about North Korea's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test-launch following its fifth nuclear test in September. Pyongyang test-fired a long-range ballistic rocket in February last year, about a month after detonating its fourth atomic bomb. Musudan has a range of 3,000-4,000 km that can put the entire Japan and the US military base in Guam in its target range. IANS 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. FOOD & DRINK Let's Eat: Have tapas, will travel at new 'farm to terminal' spots in Dane County airport euronews (in English) 06 Sep 2022 "I ask you for forgiveness for the lack of protection of the Israeli athletes," said Germany's president Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Hamburg airport closed down its security check area on Friday night after a man was able to board a plane without a boarding pass... Deutsche Welle 13 Sep 2019 Oneindia 02 Nov 2022 Air raid sirens sounded in South Korea after the North fired about a dozen missiles in its direction Wednesday, at least one of.. Jerusalem Post 17 Aug 2022 Speaking at a wide-ranging news conference to mark his first 100 days in office, Yoon made no mention of the launches, which were.. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more Scott Walkers budget seeks to eliminate the prevailing-wage protections for workers on public building projects. This move guts guarantees of fair wages and benefits for workers on state projects, paralleling a previous assault on protections for workers on local projects. The proposed budget also bars local governments from negotiating project labor agreements on public projects. Prohibiting such agreements threatens to foster a race-to-the-bottom competition that favors low-wage contractors from out of state. (Image by Egberto Willies) Details DMCA Senator Al Franken makes a connection with the actions of the Trump administration and the terrorization of people. It is important that Americans understand precisely the importance of what Franken said. Jake Tapper is quick on his feet and heard the connection that Al Franken was making between what terrorists do and what Trump and his administration are doing. The definition of terrorism is "the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims." The order between violence and intimidation doesn't matter; just that they occur. Al Franken appeared on CNN's State of the Union with Jake Tapper. The following exchange excerpted from this video clip is important and must be understood. Al Franken: I agree with Senator McCain and Senator Graham that, actually, this kind of ban is -- makes us less safe, because it gives a recruiting tool to ISIS and to other jihadists saying that America is anti -- is anti-Muslim. The Syrian refugees, they are fleeing terror. This -- you know, terror is -- the whole point of terror is to make you afraid. Jake Tapper: Right. Al Franken: I think that Trump and his group are trying to make Americans more afraid. I think that's part of how they got elected: Just make us more afraid. Jake Tapper: You're accusing the president -- president of terrorism by making -- by scaring people? Al Franken: Just because the purpose of terrorism is to make you afraid and the president has tried to make people afraid doesn't mean he's involved with... Jake Tapper: Right. OK. I just wanted to define the language. That's all. Many people especially people of color are in fact petrified. They see the writing on the walls. Trump is attempting to make Americans afraid of the other. From his Muslim ban based on a false assertion that terrorism is growing in the U.S, a provably false statement to the fallacy that there is a crime epidemic, to the statement that crime is a huge growing problem in America, also provably false. The intent is to make many afraid which will justify the violent crackdown on many communities, specifically those of color who are not inherently supporters of the Republican Party's distorted view of America and the world. These communities feel terrorized. And those who terrorize communities must be called out for what they are. Al Franken came close. Democrats, Independents, and empathetic Republicans need to finish the job. From Gush Shalom AFTER MY last article, in which I mentioned that the Arabs started the 1948 war after the partition resolution of the UN, I received several furious messages. The writers, who (I suppose) were born after the events, accuse the Zionists of starting the war in order to expel the Arab population. Since I took part in the events -- I was 24 years old at the time -- I feel that it is my duty to describe what really happened, as truthfully as possible. (I have written two books about it, one during the war and one immediately after.) TO DESCRIBE the atmosphere in the country just before the war, let me recount one of the great moments of my life. In the late summer, an annual folk dance festival took place in a natural amphitheater in the Carmel mountains. About 40 thousand young men and women were assembled, a very large number given that our total population was only about 635,000. At the time, a commission of the United Nations (UNSCOP) was touring the country in order to find a solution to the Jewish-Arab conflict. We were watching the dance groups -- among them one from a neighboring Arab village, who danced the Debka with such enthusiasm that they just couldn't stop -- when the loudspeakers announced that members of the UN commission were visiting us. Spontaneously, all the thousands of young men and women stood up and broke into the National Anthem with such vigor that the echo resounded from the mountains around us. It was the last time that my generation was assembled. Within a year, thousands of those present were dead. FOLLOWING THE recommendation of that commission, the General Assembly of the UN resolved on November 29, 1947, to partition Palestine between a Jewish and an Arab state, with Jerusalem as a separate unit under international rule. Though the territory allotted to the Jewish state was small, the Jewish population realized the immense importance of statehood. It was just three years after the end of the Holocaust. The entire Arab world opposed the resolution. As they saw it, why should the Arab population of Palestine pay the price for the Holocaust committed by Europeans? A few days after the resolution, a Jewish bus was shot at. That was the beginning of Phase 1 of the war. To understand the events, one must consider the situation. The two populations on the country were closely intertwined. In Jerusalem, Haifa and Jaffa-Tel Aviv, Arab and Jewish quarters were situated close together. Every Jewish village was surrounded by Arab ones. To exist, they needed use of the highroads, which were dominated by Arab villages. By now, shootings broke out all over the country. The British were still nominally in charge, but tried to get involved as little as possible. 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). From Truthdig The momentum to impeach President Trump is accelerating. On Thursday, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) filed a "resolution of inquiry" that amounts to the first legislative step toward impeachment. A new poll shows that registered voters are evenly split, at 46-to-46 percent, on whether they "support" or "oppose" impeaching Trump. Just two weeks ago, the pro-impeachment figure was 35 percent. Since inauguration, more than 800,000 people have signed a petition in the first stage of the Impeach Donald Trump Campaign, which will soon involve grassroots organizing in congressional districts around the country. Under the Trump presidency, defending a wide range of past gains is both necessary and insufficient. Fighting for impeachment is a way to go on the offensive, directly challenging the huge corruption that Trump has brought to the White House. From the outset, President Trump has been violating two provisions of the U.S. Constitution -- its foreign and domestic "emoluments" clauses. In a nutshell, both clauses forbid personally profiting from presidential service beyond receiving a government salary. Some believe that the Republican-controlled Congress is incapable of impeaching Trump, but history tells us what's possible when a president falls into wide disrepute. On July 27, 1974, seven GOP representatives on the 38-member House Judiciary Committee voted to impeach a fellow Republican, President Richard Nixon. As for objections that impeaching and removing Trump from office would make Mike Pence the president, that concern is apt to bypass one set of key considerations after another. Along the way, in political terms, people need to think through the implications of the fact that Trump could only be removed from office with the help of many votes from Republicans on Capitol Hill. Even if every Democrat in the House voted in unison to impeach Trump, impeachment would only be possible if at least two-dozen Republican members of the House voted in favor. Likewise, a vote in the Senate (requiring two-thirds) to remove Trump from the presidency would only be successful if at least 19 Republican senators voted for conviction. Such events would badly splinter and damage the Republican Party -- causing divisive bitterness, putting GOP leaders back on their heels and hobbling a Pence presidency. Arguably most important of all, democracy requires that no one be above the law -- a principle that's most crucially applied to the holder of the most powerful office in the U.S. government. Extreme abuse of power from the top of the government must be seen and treated as intolerable. The Constitution that Trump continues to flagrantly violate is supposed to be "the supreme law of the land." To give Trump a pass would be to wink at his merger of vast personal wealth and corporate holdings with vast governmental power. From the grassroots, it's crucial for constituents to push back with determination. As the Impeach Donald Trump Now campaign's website documents in detail, Trump's personal riches are entangled with countless policy options for his administration. That precedent must be resisted and defeated. So far, the Democratic Party's leadership in Congress has shown scant interest in impeaching Trump. With escalating pressure from constituents, that may soon change. Congressman Nadler's unusual resolution of inquiry will be able to avoid some of the standard roadblocks in the House. As his website explains, "A Resolution of Inquiry is a legislative tool that has privileged parliamentary status, meaning it can be brought to the floor if the relevant Committee hasn't reported it within 14 legislative days, even if the Majority leadership has not scheduled it for a vote." Nadler has just put a big toe in the impeachment water. Yet no members of the House have taken the plunge to introduce an actual resolution for impeachment. They will have to be pushed. Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Let us imagine two things. First, that the United States Voters' Rights Amendment has been enacted and ratified as the result of a mass, nonpartisan, political movement, and that we can take a time trip into the future to see the results. Let's visit that not-so-distant time and observe what the People have been able to accomplish--once they took control of their own government. The Present Crisis. Standing amidst the shambles of the most divisive, least inspiring, and nastiest presidential election in American history--wondering what the future holds in a society increasingly dominated by corporations and the wealthy elite--it is difficult for many of us, particularly our young people, to imagine a bright and happy future. The two-party electoral system of the United States has completely failed. The two major political parties no longer represent the great majority of the People, and they do not produce viable candidates for the presidency. Candidates do not address the most critical issues facing the Nation, nor do they offer solutions that benefit the People. Without a meaningful choice, voters are forced to select the lesser of two evils, or they give up and don't vote at all. Having been sold to the highest bidder by its representatives, the government does not represent the People. The government and those seeking elective office deliberately deceive the People into acting contrary to their interests. Truth, honor, and fair dealing have no place in the political process--only raw power and the benefits it confers on the rich and powerful. Many different initiatives to repair various elements of the electoral system have been proposed, including the curtailment of corporate constitutional rights. While the elimination of corporate personhood and control of campaign financing would be beneficial, they would not ensure the right to cast effective votes--which is the sine qua non of a democratic republic. The Remedy. The United States Voters' Rights Amendment (USVRA) is a comprehensive electoral solution that not only provides the right to vote, but also addresses the various issues that interfere with the ability of the People to vote effectively. These include voter registration and suppression, paper ballots, voting holidays, popular elections, campaign financing, gerrymandering, and conflicts of interest; however, the USVRA goes much further. By requiring the government to tell the truth to the People and by providing the means to educate voters about their civic responsibilities, the Amendment allows the People to make political policy for themselves and to select responsible representatives who will implement their policies. As a new Bill of Rights for voters, the USVRA will transform the United States government into a true representative democracy--one which will again serve as a model for other nations around the world. The USVRA will reorient the government to the People and their society, and it will provide the means to make the government work for their benefit. It will nurture, rather than oppress, and it will help, rather than harm those who formed the government and to whom it belongs. Humans have the inherent ability to evolve in order to meet new challenges. The only question is whether the American People have the collective strength of character and flexibility of mind to endure the process of change. If we believe strongly enough in ourselves, and if we are prepared to think for ourselves, we will do what is required to allow our children to survive and thrive in the new millennium. The Vision. It is always difficult to accurately predict the future. At the time of those born only 20 years ago, Ipads, Ipods, smartphones, digital cameras and video recorders, fiber optic cables and satellite television, Facebook, YouTube, NetFlix, personal GPS systems, drones, Uber, and self-driving cars would have been considered by most to be pure fantasy. We have now witnessed all of these marvelous creations--plus many more--come true. What then of the future in just another 20 years? Will the world be a bright and happy place, or will it be dark and dismal? What's in store for those born today? The year is 2037, and the government has come to care for and nurture the people who elect it. Knowledge is widespread, women participate equally, and the individual rights of everyone are protected and defended, irrespective of race or status. The government tells the truth to its citizens, and it ensures that all students are educated about their government and their civic responsibilities. The University of the United States oversees the military academies and other service academies, such as justice, education, health, nutrition and agriculture, energy, transportation, economics, science, technology, government, and diplomacy. Students are allowed to specialize after first being instructed in the essential values and processes of a free and democratic government. Rather than having to choose among policy platforms proposed by political candidates, the people more directly make their own policies through referenda, and they very carefully select representatives they trust to implement their policies. Paid election holidays honor the voters, as they celebrate the most vital part of their political life. Informed voters demonstrate their power over their governments, as they thoughtfully answer the policy questions on their paper ballots and carefully write in the names of the candidates they choose. Corporations, labor unions, and other fictitious legal entities no longer enjoy the constitutional rights of individuals. They are closely controlled and reasonably taxed to ensure they fairly share the burden of their existence, and they are not allowed to become so powerful as to threaten the rights and safety of individuals or the sanctity of self-government. Freed from the corrupting influence of special interests and burdensome income taxes, the government is almost entirely supported by a slight toll tax on every financial transaction, including currency speculation, interbank loans, trade in stocks and bonds, and the payment for all goods and services throughout the economy. 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). This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. Syrian refugee crisis: We're failing to do our part - ABC News ... (Image by abc.net.au) Details DMCA Recently, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Facebook and twitter, To those fleeing persecution, terror and war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith " Diversity is our strength. The rhetoric obscures the fact that whereas Canada seeks to present itself as a Saviour to refugees, the reality is that Canada's criminal foreign policies are creating the refugees in the first place. Canada and its allies have stuck a knife into Syria, and they are vainly trying to decapitate its leadership -- using proxy terrorists -- and as cover they are cleaning up the blood from the wounded target, and pretending that they are saviours. No, accepting refugees is not the solution. Ending the war and the illegal sanctions are the answer. A study by The Lancet titled "Syria: end sanctions and find a political solution to peace" indicates that by the end of 2014, the cost of illegal sanctions imposed on Syria stood at US $143.8 billion and that 80 per cent of the population was living in poverty. Moreover, in "National Agenda for the Future of Syria", Dr. Justine Walker explains that "the combined effect of comprehensive, unilateral sanctions, terrorist concerns and the ongoing security environment have created immense hurdles for those engaged in delivering immediate humanitarian aid and wider stabilization programmes." But of course Canada is currently interesting in destabilizing Syria rather than stabilizing Syria, so the "hurdles" mentioned by Walker are intentional. Canada's publicly announced goal is to impose illegal "government change" on Syria, and to do so it is part of an orchestrated plan to "destabilize" Syria. Destabilization means "destroy". Canada is actively trying to destroy Syria with its support for terrorists and its support for illegal sanctions. Syrian Hospital Director, Dr. Munir Rothman explained the on-the-ground results of unilateral illegal sanctions against Syria: "We have seen the photos of Omran. It is sad, but there are many more Omrans. We have seen the maggots under the skin of injured children simply because of a lack of basic medical supplies. Children are dying from simple milk shortages in certain areas "." Importantly , he added that, MSF (Doctors without Borders) supply nothing at all for government hospitals. I have colleagues in Europe who tried to raise funds for our hospital. They are not allowed to do so, yet doctors who support the so-called "rebels" have no such restrictions imposed on them. Sanctions are so comprehensive, that they even restrict Syrian hospital attempts to replace equipment. Investigative reporter Vanessa Beeley explained in a Facebook commentary that, "Thanks to the US/EU sanctions it is becoming almost impossible to replace equipment. Research facilities have stopped altogether. Banks in France that worked with the hospital (University Hospital, Latakia) prior to 2011 will be sanctioned by the US if any medical equipment is allowed into Syria from France." If Canada were to lift its criminal sanctions against Syria, then Canada would be taking a first step towards being part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Instead of furthering the causes of peace and justice, however, criminal Western mainstream media outlets will likely continue to accept the government's degenerate lies and distortions, Canada's fake "left/progressives" will continue to embrace the toxic narratives, and the only one's providing a real solution to the on-going tragedy will continue to be Syria and its allies. Tulsi Gabbard Video: Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The much-respected Public Policy Polling group in a recent poll blared the headline "Americans now evenly divided on Impeaching Trump." This is no surprise. The presidential election results were barely finalized in November when the furious talk, speculation, and outright calls began for Trump's impeachment. Since then, not a moment has passed without an article, a petition, a constitutional or ethics expert, or a Democratic congressperson musing about or demanding impeachment. Trump hasn't committed any act yet that even remotely rises to the high bar of impeachment offenses. And even if he had, or in the future does, the GOP controlled House and the GOP controlled Senate would have to approve it and then try and convict him. The chances of that happening are slim to none--at this point. If the point is ever reached where Trump is deemed expendable by the GOP the presidential succession is clear; you get VP Mike Pence. Now some of the more conspiratorial minded think that this was the GOP game plan all along. Elect Trump, let him stumble, and bumble, make a complete buffoon of himself, and then trip over some shady business deal or blatant obstruction of justice or some falsehood that endangers national security, and then he's toast. At that point, Pence who knows the legislative process through and through, is tightly connected to the GOP establishment, and is a proven administrator steps in. The conspiracy angle is a colossal stretch. However, the desirability of Pence running the White House show is not. Pence in fact would be the ultra-conservative's dream come true. Every major civil liberties, civil rights, and education, and environmental groups have consistently given him straight Fs on their report cards for elected officials. While every conservative and ultra-conservative group has given him straight As on their legislative report card. The checklist of Pence positions on the issues reads like a what's what of the Heritage Foundation and ultra-conservative think tank positions. His anti-position on same sex marriage, public school emphasis, union protections, hate crimes laws, corporate checks, and equitable corporate taxing, separation of church and state are well known and were well-honed during his stint as Indiana governor. Unlike Trump in the White House, he was able to translate his fixed-in-stone believes into law and public policy. He did it because he knew how to skillfully work the levels of political power, made no wildly inflammatory statements, and was personally pleasant and affable. In other words, he worked stealthily, quietly, and largely under the media and public radar scope to do his political dirty work. Pence's crafty, under public view style was on full display when with no fanfare, public statements, or defiant tweets, cast the tie-breaking voted to confirm the atrocious Betty DeVos as Trump's Education Secretary. On issues, such as building a border wall, immigrant restrictions, Obamacare, and public education, Pence would not do or say anything inflammatory to stir tens of thousands to immediately sprint to the streets in anger, or have Hollywood celebrities thundering at him from nationally televised film award ceremonies, or have legions of advocacy groups furiously taking out ads and sending out action alerts on something outrageous that came of his mouth. However, the result would be the same. He'd figure out a way to get the money and the congressional support to build a border barrier. He'd institute tighter immigration controls with the full support of Congress. He'd come up with a plan that the GOP and maybe even some Democrats could agree on to dump Obamacare. He'd gradually increase funding and resources, and shape policy directives for vouchers, religious schools, and charter schools. He'd get rid of the Common Core requirement along the way. He'd do it all very quietly and with a bland smiling face. He'd do what Trump only talks about doing, and that's manipulate the political process to get rid of political enemies while changing the policies of his they oppose. A textbook example was his spat with Indiana's Superintendent of Public Instruction during his tenure as Governor. She opposed many of his education policies. So, what did he do? He simply created a new education agency, funded it, and then reworked the Superintendent position to where the superintendent had to be appointed by the Board of Education. Now guess who appointed the members of the Board? That person was not someone not named Governor Pence. President Pence would not instantly and perpetually mobilize millions here and abroad against his policies. There would be no juicy, media pandering, sensational sound bites. His speeches would be tightly scripted, carefully calibrated, and strictly on policy emphasis. He would be continually closeted with the GOP House and Senate leadership to insure the smooth and coordinated radical administrative, judicial and legislative changes that ultra-conservatives have long pined for on everything from abortion to climate change to unlimited Wall Street and Corporate giveaways to public education to the SCOTUS. So, remember, impeach Trump, and you get Pence. But, unlike Trump, he'd do it all with a bland poker face, and a smile. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He is the author of In Scalia's Shadow: The Trump Supreme Court ( Amazon Kindle). He is an associate editor of New America Media. He is a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on Radio One. He is the host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles and the Pacifica Network. Readings for 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time: SIR 15: 15-20; PS 119: 1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34; I Cor 2: 6-10; MT 5: 17-37. The emphasis in today's liturgy of the word is on the wonders of God's law. "Keep the commandments; no one has a license to sin," the first reading from Sirach intones. "Walk blamelessly in God's law; observe its decrees; delight in its wonder," sings the psalmist in today's responsorial. And then in the Gospel reading Jesus presents himself as the defender of even the least of the commandments. Break the least, he says, and you'll be least in God's Kingdom. On hearing all of this, I couldn't but squirm on behalf of Christian Trump supporters who respect what they consider God's Word. After all, The Donald seems to live by his own rules. And those guidelines don't seem to have much to do with the Bible's Ten and the delight, joy, and fulfillment today's readings suggest infallibly result from observance of the Decalogue. Or as comedian, Bill Maher put it during the campaign season, "It's hard to bring up the Ten Commandments when your candidate has spent most his life breaking all of them." On the other hand, Richard Dawkins, a sworn enemy of Christianity has formulated his own Ten Commandments. Ironically, Dawkins' rules are more in harmony with today's delight-full estimation of God's Law. In fact, they seem more worthy of Christian support than the one's Mr. Trump apparently lives by. So just for fun, in the light of today's readings, let's contrast the two sets of commandments, and see what we can learn. It might be that Dawkins' natural law commandments are more promising in terms of Nature's delight, joy and peace than what we hear implicitly proclaimed by casino king Donald Trump and his Christian followers. Begin with Mr. Trump. Here's how humorist Neel Ingram compared the Bible's Ten Commandments with what seems to be their Trumpian counterparts. (Ingram hosts a website called Chewing The Fat With God). Using Trump's own words, Ingram writes: Commandment 1: You shall have no other gods before Me. Commandment 1 (Trump Edition): I won the popular vote" I'm really smart. I have the best words. Best words. Believe me. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Commandment 2: You shall not make for yourself a carved image of Me. Commandment 2 (Trump Edition): You shall not publish unflattering photos. Giant portraits are okay if they're of Me. For Me. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Commandment 3: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Commandment 3 (Trump Edition): You shall not mock me, the ratings machine, Donald J. Trump, or I will declare you boring and unfunny. Bigly. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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). President Franklin Roosevelt, shown here campaigning in 1936 in Pierre, South Dakota, pushed the New Deal to help the country get out of the Depression in the 1930s. Democrats and labor unions were on board with the effort, but Republicans have been trying to roll back New Deal policies for decades. From The Guardian Donald Trump has spent the bulk of his new presidency playing tough in the face of terrorism. Yet pretty much everything he's proposed, beyond being bigoted in the extreme, shows just how terrified and weak he is -- all while putting the country at greater risk. This week, Trump spent much of his time claiming -- falsely -- that the media downplays terrorist attacks for "reasons" he did not explain. "It's gotten to a point where it's not even being reported," he proclaimed at a military event on Tuesday. "And in many cases, the very, very dishonest press doesn't want to report it. They have their reasons, and you understand that." The White House followed up with a list of 73 terror attacks over the past few years which they claimed were "under-covered." The idea that the media downplays terror attacks is hard to fathom. For 15 years, terror attacks -- and countless terror threats that never materialized -- have led to wall-to-wall coverage on television, in print and online. Many times such coverage has led politicians to implement disturbing policies that would have done nothing to prevent the attacks in the first place and only further restrict the rights of millions of innocent people. The numbers back up just how undeniably wrong Trump's claims are: Peter Bergen at CNN calculated that the 78 terrorist attacks the White House claimed were "under-reported" were the subject of 80,000 articles. 80,000! But what makes Trump's uneducated musing even more infuriating is that at the same time as he instills fear into the American people about Islamist terrorism -- which only does the terrorists' job for them -- he's going out of his way to create a blind spot inside the US government for an arguably greater threat: terrorism committed by white nationalist, far-right groups. According to Reuters, Trump wants to change the name of the Department of Homeland Security's "Countering Violent Extremism" program to "Countering Radical Islamic Extremism." Under this plan, violent white supremacists would no longer be targeted. Meanwhile, his "list" of 78 terror attacks that the White House released this week contained exactly zero white supremacist incidents. Click Here to Read Whole Article Chemical Bank will host an open interview day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Chemical Bank Loan Servicing Center, 1315 Washington St. in Midland. Interviews will be conducted throughout the day for several positions, including customer services roles in the banks Loan Servicing Center and eBanking Department and teller positions at branches throughout the region. Nominations are now being accepted for United Way of Midland Countys eighth annual Spirit of the Community Awards celebration to be held on April 25 at The Great Hall. This event recognizes those who are giving, advocating and volunteering to build a stronger community. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 10. Here are the awards: CHARLES J. STROSACKER AWARD recognizes an individual from a United Way partner agency for his or her contribution and leadership in promoting the well-being of Midland County residents. HEART OF THE COMMUNITY recognizes a group or an individual who has demonstrated a passion for serving our community through volunteering. SHINING STAR AWARD honors either an individual or group that is advocating to improve lives and conditions of those in need. TORCH BEARER AWARD honors a United Way of Midland County campaign volunteer who demonstrates a true passion for sharing the Live United message. YOUNG LEADER AWARD recognizes a member of United Ways Young Leaders United who encourages the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism. OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD, a new award, recognizes a local student who lives united and encourages the spirit of volunteerism within their school and community. Award nomination forms can be found at www.unitedwaymidland.org. All award recipients will be announced in April and will be honored at the Spirit of the Community Celebration on April 25. In addition, an organization that demonstrates its commitment to strengthening our community, will be honored as the Caring Company of the Year. Tickets will be available in March. Contact United Way of Midland County at (989) 631-3670 or visit www.unitedwaymidland.org for more details. BLOOMINGTON Twin City police officers stopped more than 300 pedestrians in the first six months after passage of a state law that requires officers to document the interactions that often lead to people being frisked and searched in public, according to data collected by the ACLU and a retired Illinois Wesleyan University professor. The study of Bloomington police activity compiled by Julie Prandi covers most of the stops, 280, between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2016 the first six months that police reported all stops that resulted in a frisk, search, arrest or citation. Prandi received help from the American Civil Liberties Union with her request for records through the Freedom of Information Act. Several BPD numbers warrant close attention by police and the community, said Prandi, starting with the 2.85 stops per 1,000 for white residents compared with 11.7 stops per 1,000 for black residents. "One thing that stands out to me is how often people especially blacks are frisked with no results," said Prandi, whose report shows that 66 percent of whites were not charged after being frisked, compared with 80 percent of blacks. Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner rejected any suggestion that officers target minorities in the stops. "It's not the race that is prompting these stops it was the activity," said Heffner. The location of most of the stops in the downtown area and areas west of downtown mirrors the city's high crime area, noted Heffner. "I was not surprised by the report. We're supposed to be putting enforcement efforts in our high crime areas," said the chief, who received the report Jan. 11. Prandi said her interest in social justice issues led her to research the controversial policies surrounding stop-and-frisk and the new Illinois law that requires officers to provide pedestrians with a receipt that includes the reason for the stop. Ed Younka with the ACLU in Chicago said Prandi's interest has resulted in his organization sending FOIA requests for similar data to other Illinois cities. A report with that information will be released in several months, said Younka. Younka called Prandi's report "a great discussion point for the community," adding, "When you look at her report and the things she points out, it shows just how critical collection of this data really was." As previously reported by The Pantagraph, Heffner said The city has ongoing issues with loosely-organized groups known as hybrid gangs with a majority of young, black members who are involved in criminal activity and have access to guns. Heffner pointed to the pat down search of a 21-year-old man during which police found a handgun. That search led to weapons charges. The man later was convicted of attempted murder involving a dispute over a dice game and is serving 74 years in prison. "We get guns and drugs during a simple frisk, " said Heffner. Prandi obtained, but did not compile, a report on the 57 stops made by Normal police for the same six-month periods, citing the small sampling. A review by The Pantagraph of Normal's data showed that 33 whites, 20 blacks and four Asian or Hispanic people were stopped. Ten stops that did not produce any type of search or allegation of wrongdoing were erroneously included in the report, said Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner. The chief, whose jurisdiction includes large swaths, of student housing said he had no concerns about the data. Many of the locations "are areas where we would have more patrols because of high call volume," said Bleichner. Bleichner said the new law may prove beneficial to the public and police officers as law enforcement agencies are able to show how many stops were made and the reasons behind them. "From a transparency standpoint, it can be a valuable tool," he said. For BPD, the pedestrian encounters are a tool to reduce crime, said Heffner. Other efforts, including the future opening of a Community House on the city's west side where officers will write reports and spend time building relationships with neighborhood residents, are aimed at creating an environment of trust, he said. Prandi said she would like BPD to review its policies on where and how pedestrians are stopped to remove any disparities among minority residents. "For me, it's a policy issue," she said. Heffner said the report will be reviewed by BPD's command staff. BLOOMINGTON Twin City police officers stopped more than 300 pedestrians in the first six months after passage of a state law that requires officers to document the interactions that often lead to people being frisked and searched in public, according to data collected by the ACLU and a retired Illinois Wesleyan University professor. The study of Bloomington police activity compiled by Julie Prandi covers most of the stops, 280, between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2016 the first six months that police reported all stops that resulted in a frisk, search, arrest or citation. Prandi received help from the American Civil Liberties Union with her request for records through the Freedom of Information Act. Several BPD numbers warrant close attention by police and the community, said Prandi, starting with the 2.85 stops per 1,000 for white residents compared with 11.7 stops per 1,000 for black residents. "One thing that stands out to me is how often people especially blacks are frisked with no results," said Prandi, whose report shows that 66 percent of whites were not charged after being frisked, compared with 80 percent of blacks. Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner rejected any suggestion that officers target minorities in the stops. "It's not the race that is prompting these stops it was the activity," said Heffner. The location of most of the stops in the downtown area and areas west of downtown mirrors the city's high crime area, noted Heffner. "I was not surprised by the report. We're supposed to be putting enforcement efforts in our high crime areas," said the chief, who received the report Jan. 11. Prandi said her interest in social justice issues led her to research the controversial policies surrounding stop-and-frisk and the new Illinois law that requires officers to provide pedestrians with a receipt that includes the reason for the stop. Ed Younka with the ACLU in Chicago said Prandi's interest has resulted in his organization sending FOIA requests for similar data to other Illinois cities. A report with that information will be released in several months, said Younka. Younka called Prandi's report "a great discussion point for the community," adding, "When you look at her report and the things she points out, it shows just how critical collection of this data really was." As previously reported by The Pantagraph, Heffner said the city has ongoing issues with loosely organized groups known as hybrid gangs with a majority of young, black members who are involved in criminal activity and have access to guns. Heffner pointed to the pat down search of a 21-year-old man during which police found a handgun. That search led to weapons charges. The man later was convicted of attempted murder involving a dispute over a dice game and is serving 74 years in prison. "We get guns and drugs during a simple frisk," said Heffner. Prandi obtained, but did not compile, a report on the 57 stops made by Normal police for the same six-month periods, citing the small sampling. A review by The Pantagraph of Normal's data showed that 33 whites, 20 blacks and four Asian or Hispanic people were stopped. Ten stops that did not produce any type of search or allegation of wrongdoing were erroneously included in the report, said Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner. The chief, whose jurisdiction includes large swaths, of student housing said he had no concerns about the data. Many of the locations "are areas where we would have more patrols because of high call volume," said Bleichner. Bleichner said the new law may prove beneficial to the public and police officers as law enforcement agencies are able to show how many stops were made and the reasons behind them. "From a transparency standpoint, it can be a valuable tool," he said. For BPD, the pedestrian encounters are a tool to reduce crime, said Heffner. Other efforts, including the future opening of a Community House on the city's west side where officers will write reports and spend time building relationships with neighborhood residents, are aimed at creating an environment of trust, he said. Prandi said she would like BPD to review its policies on where and how pedestrians are stopped to remove any disparities among minority residents. "For me, it's a policy issue," she said. Heffner said the report will be reviewed by BPD's command staff. STREATOR Patient numbers at OSF Center for Health-Streator have "exceeded expectations," says an administrator. From Jan. 4, 2016, when the outpatient center opened, through Dec. 31, the center recorded 40,279 patient visits, said Don Damron, vice president of ambulatory services for Center for Health and OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital, Ottawa. "We're pleasantly surprised by where the volumes are," said Damron, who had been director of ambulatory services when Center for Health was St. Mary's Hospital. "Overall, the transition has been well accepted." "The first year has gone amazingly well," agreed Ken Beutke, president of the Center for Health and St. Elizabeth. "There are opportunities for improvement, but the lion's share of the feedback from the community has been very positive." "The community, at first, struggled with us not being the hospital," said CT (computed tomography) technologist Gary Zavada, who had the same job when the center was St. Mary's Hospital. Residents were frustrated with driving to Ottawa for some services, but now appreciate services that remain in Streator, he said. Meanwhile, morale is good among employees, he said. "Everyone was ambivalent in the beginning," said Jackie Yacko, a registered nurse in the Center for Health's emergency center, who was a nursing house supervisor at St. Mary's. "People in the community at first were, 'You took my hospital away,'" Yacko said. "Now they know what services we can provide and are thankful. It has gone well." Center for Health has 186 employees 98 full-time and 88 part-time, Damron said. He said 116 are former St. Mary's employees. "We retained all the (St. Mary's) emergency department staff with the transition and hired a house supervisor," said Megan Brennan, director of emergency services for Center for Health and St. Elizabeth. "We have 32 staff members who are primary to Center for Health and 84 total at both locations. "The free-standing emergency center is saving lives," said Brennan, noting that all eight center rooms were busy with patients. "We typically see 30 patients a day in our department." OSF has added a family practice physician, orthopedic surgeons and general surgeon to the Streator-Ottawa area and all have office hours at Center for Health, Damron said. Renovation of the Center for Health in the former St. Mary's Hospital building will be a multi-million dollar, two-year project, Damron said. While details and dollar figures are still being finalized, Beutke said OSF wants the building to include community partners in health and human services. "We are trying to work with agencies to improve access to services," including food and nutrition, social services and behavioral health, Beutke said. "We want the facility to be viewed as a place to come to be well and healthy, not just a place to come when you're injured." "I also have a personal stake in this," he added. "I'm from Long Point (near Streator) and I worked at St. Mary's. This is a change. I understand it. "Will we put inpatient beds there? No. Are there opportunities for improvement? Yes. But I am proud of what we've been able to accomplish so far," he said. "This is not just a building project to us. We are trying to provide rural communities with a new model of health care." Driving a herd of 1,000 or so hogs for 100 or more miles seems like an inherently comical undertaking for 21st century readers. In fact, the expression herding cats comes to mind. But for the 19th century drovers of McLean County, leading swine to Chicago and other faraway markets, it was no laughing matter. Before the arrival of railroads to this landlocked stretch of Central Illinois, it made little economic sense for farmers to transport corn and other bulky commodities long distances to big city markets. Wagons, after all, traveled slowly and could only haul so much. As a way around this problem, farmers fattened cattle and hogs on corn, and then marched their livestock to market. Corn-on-the-hoof, it was called. Early McLean County settler Isaac Funk made a fortune raising, purchasing, fattening and driving cattle and hogs to market. He drove cattle as far as Ohio, likely the meatpacking center of Cincinnati, which in Funks day was known as Porkopolis. He also drove cattle and hogs to Galena, once a hive of economic activity in the states northwest corner, thanks to its booming lead mining district. As early as the mid-1830s, though, Chicago and its emerging complex of stockyards and packinghouses on the citys southern edge became an increasingly important market for Funk and other drovers. Funk and his brother Jesse, it was said, once drove 6,000 swine to Chicago in a single winter though not at one time, mind you! By 1861, Isaacs holdings in McLean County alone totaled some 25,500 acres, earning him recognition as a cattle king of Illinois. Cattle were driven in lots numbering 200 to 300 and hogs 800 to 1,200, with these groupings spaced a days apart. Herds of cattle were led by several drovers on horseback (think cowboys of the Wild West), while a herd of hogs required eight to 10 drovers on foot and several on horseback. Wagons were also needed to haul the heavier hogs when they gave out on the trail. Sometimes these would be loaded in wagons and sent forward to Chicago, recalled Funks son-in-law, L.H. Kerrick. Sometimes, in colder weather, a good many would be slaughtered en route and sent forward dressed. A wagon or two also held ear corn, which was pitched off the back every so often to keep the procession of porkers ambling in the right direction. The hogs would weigh about 250 [pounds], said George W. Funk, one of Isaacs sons. They were of the razorback species and much wilder than our modern improved breeds. The drive would commence at daylight and continue leisurely till dark, making with cattle 10 to 12 miles a day and with hogs a little less, added Funk, who participated in his first Chicago drive in 1843 at the age of 16. That meant that moving livestock from Funks Grove in southern McLean County north to Chicago would take, on average, 14 days. Before the advent of ice-cooled storage and refrigeration, slaughtering and packing occurred in the colder months, often in open buildings. This meant that the droving season began in October, with late drives sometimes taking place after the New Year. Though drovers were often pummeled by the wintertime elements and beaten down from sheer exhaustion, their suffering paled in comparison to that experienced by, and inflicted upon, livestock. To promote docility on the trail, for instance, hogs sometimes had their eyelids stitched shut. In December 1830, during the punishing Winter of Deeper Snow, two of Isaac Funks brothers, Robert and Jesse, undertook a risky drive from Funks Grove to Galena. The ill-fated trek reached its nadir in Stephenson County, east of Galena. This was a terrible days journey and many of the hogs were frozen to death, Robert Funk related to a chronicler of pioneer life and lore some four decades later. They would put their long snouts in the snow and squeal and freeze and fall over dead; and before the party could go 50 steps from them the wolves would be on them eating them up. Sometimes the wolves would begin eating the hogs before the latter were fairly dead. At the Apple River, they found a traveler half-frozen and his partner, some ways off, dead and stiff. Upon reaching Galena, the surviving hogs were butchered and sold out, having lost, on average, more than 100 pounds during the harrowing 45-day journey. In the spring of 1834, John F. Rust was 17 years old and living with his family in the southern Illinois county of Hamilton when Isaac and Jesse Funk passed through to buy cattle. The young Rust was hired out to Jesse Funk for six months, and then worked as a drover for seven years, with his wages paid to his father until he attained majority at the age of 21. In one brutally cold stretch in January 1838, Rust accompanied William and John Lindley on a hog drive to Aurora. One of the drovers was about to freeze to death on his horse, Rust recalled. The men pulled him off, rolled him in the snow, whipped and pounded him into life and took him to [a] house. During that night, he burnt his boots to a crisp while trying to keep warm. He was discharged and sent home the next day. Two railroads reached McLean County and its seat of Bloomington in 1853 the Illinois Central in the spring and what would become the Chicago & Alton in the fall. The era of long-distance cattle and hog drives had come to an end in Central Illinois, as a trip to Chicago that once required more than two long, arduous weeks (under the very best conditions) now took less than a single day. The history of droving is also punctuated with the occasional horror story. In the final months of 1836, Sangamon County resident Andrew Heredith organized two successful hog drives to St. Louis. He then poured the profits from those efforts into a third one. What he could not anticipate, though, was being caught in the Sudden Freeze of Dec. 20, 1836. On that unseasonably warm day, an arctic-like front of unimaginable violence swept across the soggy prairie turning water into solid ice if stories are to be believed in a matter of minutes. Heredith and his men were in Macoupin County, well south of Springfield, when the Sudden Freeze hit. Realizing their lives were in imminent danger if they didnt find shelter, the drovers left the hogs with the remaining corn stores and waited out the storm in a nearby farmhouse. The next morning, Heredith encountered a grisly spectacle worthy of Hieronymus Bosch. As the poor creatures sought warmth, they scrambled atop each other, with those underneath suffocating and those on the outside freezing. What was left was a pyramid of 500 dead hogs. UPDATE 2/12/17: In a letter posted on his Tumblr, Frank Ocean has responded to the Grammys creative team members who said he was boycotting the event because of "faulty" reception to his 2013 performance. "YEA YEA MY 2013 PERFORMANCE AT THE GRAMMYS WAS ABSOLUTE SHIT...THANKS FOR THE REMINDER. VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. FUCK THAT PERFORMANCE THOUGH," he wrote in all caps. "AND YOU KNOW WHAT'S REALLY NOT 'GREAT TV' GUYS? 1989 GETTING ALBUM OF THE YEAR OVER TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY. HANDS DOWN ONE OF THE MOST 'FAULTY' TV MOMENTS I'VE SEEN." Frank went on to say that he actually wanted to participate in the show's homage to Prince but decided the best way to pay tribute was to succeed on his own terms, without supporting the Grammy's awards system. ---- Frank Ocean says he's boycotting the Grammys, even withholding Blonde and Endless from award consideration, because of the event's history of honoring only white artists in the biggest categories. But now Grammys creative team members Ken Ehrlich and David Wild are saying it's actually because of his performance back in 2013. "I think the infrastructure of the awarding system and the nomination system and screening system is dated. I'd rather this be my Colin Kaepernick moment for the Grammys than sit there in the audience," Frank told the New York Times. Kanye West and Justin Bieber followed suit and are also both boycotting the awards ceremony. Ehrlich and Wild appeared in the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast to talk about the snub, and said it might actually come from Ocean's previous experience performing at the show rather than a political move. Because Frank's performance didn't go over well, Wild says, he might still be harboring bad blood. "His feelings about the Grammys right now, I would imagine, probably go back to that in one way. But honestly, it wasn't us," Wild told Rolling Stone. Ehrlich went on to say that Kanye and Frank attending would be more productive than boycotting. "If they're concerned about the representation of hip-hop on the show, they need to respond and say 'Yeah, of course I want to do it,'" Ehrlich said. "They've all done it in the past. Without overstating it, I think we were very instrumental in the growth of Kanye West's career." Header photo via David X Prutting/BFA.com The recent Womens March was an exhilarating, affirming demonstration of the freedoms to assemble and to speak that we treasure as citizens of the United States. Over 75,000 in Madison and millions worldwide freely expressed opposition to policies of the new administration and commitment to resisting their implementation. But while listening to the chant This is what democracy looks like, one couldnt help but wonder: Do this slogan and this march really capture the essence of democracy? Or would that essence have been better revealed by more citizens expressing their views and values at the ballot box in November and, in turn, electing representatives now advocating on their behalf? We worry that our democracy is damaged, and we identify three main areas of concern: proportional representation, voter participation, and access to the ballot. American democracy today so seldom yields proportionate election of leaders that represent and enact what most Americans want. Studies repeatedly show that most Americans support equality for women and access to abortion. According to the Pew Research Center, most Americans want the government to require universal background checks, ensure health care coverage, pursue alternative energy development, and enforce tighter environmental regulations. Yet the representatives we have elected at the state and national level are not pursuing these priorities. This is due, in part, to gerrymandering: deliberate political boundary setting that enhances the advantage of incumbency and limits the influence of certain constituencies. In the 2012 Wisconsin Assembly elections, for example, Republican Assembly candidates received 48.6 percent of the two-party vote, yet secured 61 percent of Assembly seats. A federal district court recently ruled that Wisconsins gerrymandering provided an unconstitutional advantage to Republicans, and the district boundaries must be redrawn. This is good news. An equal responsibility, however, falls on us, the citizenry, to participate in the democratic process. Voter turnout in the United States lags far behind other developed countries. Despite the intensity of the 2016 presidential election, only 59 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot. Midterm elections are even more dismal, with 36 percent of eligible voters participating in 2014. Instead of addressing citizen apathy, there are efforts across all levels of government to erect barriers to access, in the purported interest of protecting the integrity of the election system through voter identification requirements, limiting early and absentee voting, and purging voter rolls. Our system of government is not beyond repair. The Wisconsin gerrymandering case is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the justices may affirm an important step toward fair representation. Voter ID laws are likely here to stay, but if identification requirements are coupled with increasing in-person voting days, expanding early voting options, and moving to a default registration process, we could secure the ballot while also boosting turnout. The Womens March demonstrators made their disappointments heard on Jan. 21; but an even more important outcome would be enhanced citizen engagement in speaking at the ballot box, starting with the next local races and midterm elections. A democratic system with poor participation and unequal representation is not what democracy is supposed to look like. Creation of a more informed and engaged electorate is a daunting challenge, but a necessary path toward government that represents the collective will of the citizens. To what we recently heard from Barack Obama Dont boo vote. we would humbly add, encourage and enable others to vote as well. Peter Witucki is a stay-at-home father of two, and Dr. David Allen is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. 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. Poverty has been identified by researchers as the reason why Latinos lag behind their white contemporaries in terms of math skills. A report said the group's math skills can be improved by incorporating the subject into their daily lives, not only in schools but even at home. The report suggested the strengthening of their skills as early as kindergarten. Enhancing the math skills of Hispanic children will greatly affect the country considering that one of every four students in kindergarten is Latino. The report, entitled "Make Math Count More For Young Latino" via Child Trends, has solicited the help of everyone in the community including parents and teachers, to integrate math skills even in home activities such as cooking and shopping. "Latino children are twice as likely to be living in poverty as white children," Lina Guzman, Director of the Child Trends Hispanic Institute said. "Much of that gap in early math skills between Latino and black children is explained by poverty." Families with low income do not have many books in their homes and they also have limited participation in child care programs, according to NBC News. Parents can, however, make up for this by interacting with their kids in any language and incorporating numbers in anything they do. Allowing the kids to attend a one-day kindergarten session will also help improve their math skills early in life. Nearly a quarter of the total number of children in the United States are Latinos, as per a separate Child Trends report. There is a need to worry about the issue that white kindergarten students have a three-month head start in math skills compared to Latino kindergarten students. The widening gap is expected to increase in the next years unless intervention programs are implemented. Experts said playing catch-up will not help solve the problem of the widening gap in education, according to Dallas News. The only way to see results is to increase early childhood education access among minority groups like the Latinos. A mom from Arizona has been deported to Mexico after 21 years of living in the United States. Her two teenage children who were born in America are now without their mother. They are vowing to fight the immigration order. Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, 36, is an undocumented immigrant who was sent back to her native country Wednesday, Feb. 8, after her yearly meeting with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Due to President Donald Trump's immigration order to deport any undocumented with a criminal record, Garcia de Rayos' case became a priority. Garcia de Rayos arrived illegally in the U.S. when she was 14, Inside Edition reports. She was arrested in 2008 for using a fake Social Security Number for work. She appealed her case and in compliance with immigration, she has been meeting with the ICE very year since her arrest as part of her check-in agreement. Garcia de Rayos was due to meet with ICE again when Trump imposed the immigration order. The mom was advised by her lawyer, Ray Maldonado, and activists groups to forego this meet knowing she could be deported. She chose to comply and face whatever happened head on. "I don't regret it, because I know I did this so that more families could see what's in store, what could happen, and so that they could know what they could risk," Garcia de Rayos said during a press conference when she got deported in Mexico, CNN reports. She wants to make it clear, however, the crime she committed was done out of need -- a job to support her children. Her family, headed by husband Aaron Rayos, is hoping that her case will get a reprieve considering it's a felony conviction that does not involve violence. Her daughter Jacqueline, 14, and son, Angel, 16, will be allowed to visit her in Mexico. "When I see my mom, the first thing I'm going to do is hug her and tell her I love her," the 14-year-old said, according to Teen Vogue. "I fully expect to get her back home." "We want her back, back in our arms," Angel said during the protest rally after his mom's deportation. "We want her back, over here where she belongs. She belongs with us." Newly-confirmed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos visited a public school for the first time in an official capacity but was met by angry protesters. DeVos attempted to enter the Jefferson Middle School in Washington D.C. where most of the population is African-American.She immediately returned to her car after her path was blocked by two protesters. The visit was supposed to be a way of mending her strained relationship with the country's parents and teachers. The protesters have opposed the 59-year old billionaire's appointment because of her programs on school vouchers and charter schools. American Federation of Teachers president Randy Weingarten, however, condemned the way protesters blocked DeVos and almost knocked her down, according to PBS. Humanitarian worker Jennifer Ibrahim, on the other hand, joined the protest along with her toddler. "I want to support our local public schools, make sure that everybody gets fair treatment under the system," Ibrahim said. "I don't feel like that's where we are headed with our new education person," she added. The secretary was forced to head back to her car as the protesters chanted, "Stand up, fight back!" One man reportedly assaulted a police officer during the protest and was detained. DeVos was finally able to get inside the institution using a different entrance, where she praised the hard work and innovations of the school. DeVos warned the protesters that she will not be deterred from implementing the Department of Education's vital mission. The protesters said they will continue to fight for the continued operation of public education and quality public schools. They reiterated their stand against charter schools, privatization and more vouchers. Arne Duncan, former Education Secretary, posted his sentiments on Tweeter and said DeVos should be allowed entry to public schools whether or not people agree with her on some issues, The Hill reported. Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington said anyone interested in getting to know their public schools are welcome, including DeVos. US will fully implement JCPOA, says EU's Foreign Policy Chief Mogherini 02/11/17 Source: Press TV European Union's foreign policy chief says the administration of US President Donald Trump gave her confidence that Washington will be committed to following through with the 2015 nuclear agreement. Federica Mogherini made the remarks on Friday during her first visit to Washington since Trump became US President in January. Today on my blog: Back from the United States https://t.co/hKOyxoLQMn pic.twitter.com/Vn0bvhWgMR Federica Mogherini (@FedericaMog) February 11, 2017 Mogherini said her trip was mainly aimed at discussing the nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries, including the US. It was important that the JCPOA remains an international agreement, the top EU diplomat added. Mogherini's visit suggests concern from other P5+1 countries, including Russia and China, that the new US administration could withdraw from the nuclear agreement. "I was reassured by what I heard in the meetings on the intention to stick to the full implementation of the agreement," Mogherini told reporters a day after talks at the White House and State Department. She noted that she had held talks with US National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Trump's advisor and son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The European Union acted as the coordinator for the negotiations in the lead-up to the JCPOA. Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China plus Germany - started implementing the JCPOA on January 16, 2016. The deal, which was later enshrined in a legally-binding United Nations Security Council resolution, rolled back nuclear-related sanctions against Iran, which, in turn, put limits on its nuclear program. However, on his campaign trail, Trump threatened to annul the deal, which he has lambasted as "the worst accord ever negotiated" and "one of the dumbest" ones he has come across. Trump's controversial comments on the deal, repeated last month, prompted Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to say on January 19 that Washington cannot unilaterally decide to abrogate the agreement as it is an "international agreement," and not a bilateral one between Iran and the US. Trump's harsh rhetoric against the nuclear deal comes while Washington's partners in the P5+1 have thrown their weight behind the Iran deal. The EU has already said that it is in complete agreement with China and Russia over the necessity to keep the JCPOA alive. It wasnt just about standing against abortion. On Saturday, deacons, musicians, healthcare workers, college students, lawyers, Christians, parents and children stood side by side outside Planned Parenthood centers to seize political momentum for defunding hundreds of clinics across the nation. We are probably in the best place weve been in decades to win this battle, Republican activist Deborah Pauly told hundreds gathered at a rally in Orange. Planned Parenthood, she said, has its back up against the wall. Last month after taking office, Trump banned U.S. funding to international groups that perform abortions or even provide information about abortions. Vice President Mike Pence strongly opposes abortion, citing his Catholic beliefs, and the newly confirmed health secretary, Tom Price, has supported cutting off taxpayer money to Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood representatives have criticized such demonstrations, noting that Congressional budget provisions already prevent federal funding for abortions. The organization and its affiliate centers are reimbursed by Medicaid for other services, including birth control and cancer screening. Anti-abortion conservatives argue that the reimbursements help subsidize abortions. In some cities across the nation on Saturday,including Pasadena and Riverside, counter-protests dwarfed the demonstrations. But that wasnt the case in places like downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach, Lawndale or San Bernardino. Related: San Bernardino rallies over Planned Parenthood peaceful, but confrontational In Orange, one of the largest rallies in the region, hundreds of anti-abortion protesters lined Tustin Street, waving signs theyve used for years: Moms for life. Dads for life. Killing babies is not health care. Defend Life. Some prayed out loud, while others sang church hymns. Enrique Zuniga, 77, of Yorba Linda, marched up and down the sidewalk carrying a 25-pound cross. Hes been picketing Planned Parenthood for years. But, somehow, Saturday felt different. He felt hope. Other anti-abortion supporters taking part in the staged rallies also said they felt empowered by the Trump administration and a GOP-led Congress. Our chance to defund is better than ever, said Mecki Grothues, 76 of La Habra. A regular demonstrator in Orange, she and her fellow parishioners were praying the rosary as motorists honked in support. Nearby, Carlos Reyes stood in silence with two of his six children. RELATED: In Riverside, counter-protesters outnumber rally to defund Planned Parenthood His 9-year-old daughter Priscilla held a sign she and her sibling have been using in protest for three years: Im a person not a choice. In Long Beach, members of St. Cornelius Catholic Church showed up and prayed the rosary. Church-goer Nancy Filbia, a 73-year-old protester, said she came out to be a bold and active voice for the unborn. I dont see why taxpayer money should be going to Planned Parenthood, Filbia said. In a 2015 financial report, Planned Parenthood Federation of America said its centers served more than 1.5 million people, which contributed to a 40-year low in teen pregnancy. Nationally, abortions account for 3 percent of services provided by Planned Parenthood centers. In Orange, it accounts for 5 percent. STD testing and treatment and contraception account for the majority of medical services provided by Planned Parenthood centers across the nation. Nichole Ramirez, a spokeswoman for the Orange and San Bernardino County Planned Parenthoods, said defunding Planned Parenthood will take away needed preventative care for low-income women. If these protesters were truly committed to reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions, they would work with us to provide the community with affordable contraception and accurate sexual education, she said. No arrests were reported at protests in Southern Californiaon Saturday, and there were apparently few individual confrontations between abortion foes and pro-choice advocates. Nohemi Lopez, a counter-protester outside the San Bernardino clinic, said she got pregnant when she was 15, and had the baby. If she was more informed and had access to Planned Parenthoods resources, she said, she never would have become pregnant. At Planned Parenthood centers in Long Beach and Lawndale, the crowds were much smaller. About 20 protesters gathered along the sidewalk outside the Long Beach clinic holding signs such as, Mom for Life, and Stop Abortion Now. A lone counter-protester stood across the street with a sign, I stand with Planned Parenthood. Keep your hands off my baby. At Planned Parenthoods New York headquarters, supporters outnumbered a group of 50 abortion rights opponents by 3-to-1, and thousands rallied separately at Washington Square Park to support the nonprofit. In Pasadena, the local clinic received similar support. Two hundred pro-choice supporters outnumbered the 40 anti-abortion protesters, a ratio of 5-to-1. The counter-protesters gathered a mile away at the Lake Avenue Gold Line station. They chanted stand up, fight back and cheered when passing motorists honked. In Orange, only a handful of pro-choice supporters were spotted amid throngs of anti-abortion activists. The crowd of demonstrators, swelling to hundreds by 10 a.m., grew so large, dozens were forced to take positions across the street. Many were heartened by more than a dozen speakers who encouraged them to push Congressional leaders to redirect Planned Parenthood funding to health centers that dont conduct abortions or provide contraception. Astrid Bennett Gutierrez, director of The Vida Initiative, said Planned Parenthood rejects the sanctity of human life. Planned parenthood must not only be defunded, it must be vanquished. Speaker and activist Bob Celnicky, who supports a Constitutional amendment to make abortions illegal, called the pro-life movement a tsunami across the nation. Dont miss the ride, he said. Staff writers Jason Henry and Sean Emery, correspondent Marianne Love and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Guest including from left to right, 33rd District Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Sheriff John McMahon, and Lynette MacKay, watch as San Bernardino's District Attorney Mike Ramos and Supervisor James Ramos sign the back of a highway memorial sign during the Highway Dedication Ceremony in honor of Jeremiah MacKay, on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Yucaipa Community Park. Detective Jeremiah MacKay was fatally wounded during a shootout with a murder suspect. A portion of State Highway Route 38 will be named after him. Dozens of anti-abortion advocates protested in front of Planned Parenthood in San Bernardino on Saturday, alongside a slightly smaller but equally vocal group of counter-protesters. The anti-abortion rally was one of many across the country calling for the federal government to cut off payments to Planned Parenthood. Both rallies in San Bernardino were peaceful, but confrontational. Evil is evil, and were not going to be relativists and say murder is OK just because you think its OK, said Trent McMinn, holding a 4-foot picture of an ultrasound that declared The body inside your body is not your body. Moments earlier, McMinn had been arguing with Yadira Martinez, a supporter of Planned Parenthood. Im here for women, for their quality of their life, Martinez said. They say theyre pro-life, but theyre not fighting for the better healthcare and jobs we need. Rather than have an abortion, said protesters organized by Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, women with an unwanted pregnancy should put it up for adoption. We want to have dialogue, said Joe Salant, the founder of a group called We Are Watchmen, which uses contemporary music to fight what he said is the statist secularization of American youth. We want to talk about solutions. If thats so, Martinez asked, how many children had he adopted? Ive adopted two, Martinez said. Are you a hypocrite? Plenty of families want to adopt, Salant responded, so the fact that he isnt personally trying to adopt doesnt make him a hypocrite. Another of the counter-protesters was Nohemi Lopez, who said she got pregnant when she was 15 and had the baby. If shed had better sexual education and access to Planned Parenthoods resources most of which are health services other than abortion she never would have become pregnant, she said. Lopez said she then became pregnant again several years later, after an unwanted sexual encounter. I was poor as it is, and if I had to have a second kid I never would have been able to take care of my son, she said. I did it for him. While some of Saturdays protesters called for defunding Planned Parenthood, others said that wasnt enough. When babies are being torn limb from limb, our protest should be more than just Not with my money, said Patty Crosby Nymeyer, of the Abolitionist Society of the Inland Empire. PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trumps new administration. Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant. There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The reports come as Trump was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Uns late father, Kim Jong Il. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called North Koreas missile launch absolutely intolerable. President Donald Trump says the U.S. stands behind Japan 100 percent after Abe condemned North Korea missile launch. The Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement the missile was fired from around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test launched its powerful midrange Musudan missile on Oct. 15 and 20. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles). But Yonhap reported that while determinations are still being made, it was not believed to be an ICBM. The missile is believed to have splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Jong Un said in his New Years address that the country has reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its hostile policy and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programs until the U.S. changes its diplomatic approach. Just days ago, it also reaffirmed its plan to conduct more space launches, which it staunchly defends but which have been criticized because they involve dual use technology that can be transferred to improve missiles. Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, speculated the missile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. Analysts are divided, however, over how close the North is to having a reliable long-range rocket that could be coupled with a nuclear warhead capable to striking U.S. targets. South Koreas Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said that his country will punish North Korea for the missile launch. According to the Foreign Ministry, South Korea will continue to work with allies including the United States, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realize that it will never be able to survive without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. Associated Press writer Kim Tong-Hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report. SAN BERNARDINO >> Concerned about the school-to-prison pipeline, a metaphor for students acting up in school and winding up incarcerated, local advocates gathered Saturday to redirect the flow. Dubbed Pipeline to Schools, the community meeting at Del Vallejo Middle School aimed to prime efforts to move children toward academic success. Our focus isnt what not to do; its what should we do, said William Prudhomme, the schools principal. Were focusing on showing our students, What does staying on task look like? And then were praising them and complimenting them. The community meeting, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., included eight panelists school administrators, counselors, nonprofit leaders, school police, all active in the eastern San Bernardino schools that feed to Pacific High School. But the effort will take more than the panelists words, said the Rev. Bronica Martindale, one of the panelists. Too often, we say how parents can help us, Martindale said. We need you tell us how we can help you. Saturdays meeting, held outside of work hours and in the community on Lynwood Drive near Del Rosa Avenue, a particularly troubled San Bernardino neighborhood was one step toward letting parents voice their opinions. A committee formed Saturday will set up meetings where people need them. The committee did not schedule its first meeting. Dale Moore, a truck driver who lives in the area, was quick to join the committee. We need to show people what resources are available, he said. When I was unemployed, I didnt know there were state workshops to help you find a job. Once I found out about that, I had an income again. The resource was there, but I didnt know. Panelists repeatedly emphasized the importance of working together and of listening to students. In the last three years, weve made a lot of progress, but were not there yet, said Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, a school board member and one of the panelists. For instance, mental health issues. Someone may have a disciplinary problem because of that. Is that a suspension? School board member Margaret Hill also attended as an audience member. Our kids arent broken, she said. The system is broken. When you make your school as comfortable as home, kids and parents will want to come. The forum was sponsored by Young Visionaries, San Bernardino Valley College and the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Organizers also gave out school supplies, backpacks and food. The return of the Legislature and the unveiling of the latest state budget plan has come with a mix of proposals tied to the states knowledge economy. Heres a quick rundown of the pluses and minuses so far: Broadband development: Gov. Scott Walkers budget contains about $40 million to speed deployment of broadband technology in hard-to-serve places across Wisconsin, mostly in rural areas. This would likely accelerate the rollout of federal Connect America Fund 2 grants, beginning this year and running through 2020. Access to high-speed internet connections is critical for Wisconsin, especially in those areas that could lag in terms of economic growth, education, health care and more without it. Investor tax credits: The budget would remove a longstanding cap on how much money a young company could raise before its investors no longer qualify for the states investor tax-credit program. The cap has stood at $8 million for about a decade. Meanwhile, the financing needs of young companies especially those in capital-intensive or regulated industries have changed. Raising the lifetime cap to $12 million for any one company wouldnt deplete the existing 25 percent credit pool and would enhance the growth of companies that create good-paying jobs. Fetal tissue: Once again, bills are circulating in the Capitol to ban research on aborted fetal tissue in Wisconsin. One bill would essentially duplicate existing federal law and thus wouldnt change existing practices in Wisconsin, where small amounts of fetal tissue, cells or amniotic fluid are used for research on birth defects and more. Foreign C Corps: The budget does not change one of the anomalies of Wisconsin law, which is a tax on capital raised by C corporations that are classified as foreign corporations. Foreign doesnt mean China, France or Singapore in this case. It means Delaware, North Dakota or a few other states where Wisconsin companies often are legally domiciled, even if those companies have their buildings, people and operations in Wisconsin. Current law means foreign C corporations that raise venture capital are subject to a fee, even if those companies are pre-revenue. Its an impediment to attracting outside capital. Occupational licenses: Many elements make up a thriving entrepreneurial economy. Among them are cultures that reward risk and dont penalize honest failure; workers who are diverse in terms of skills and training; clusters of innovation in cities or universities; and access to capital. Just as high on the list is a regulatory climate that encourages the free flow of talent and that lowers barriers to entry into the startup economy. Nearly a third of all American workers are required to hold a government-issued license to do their jobs, up from less than 10 percent in the 1960s. Wisconsin is no exception to the rule. The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty recently noted a 34 percent increase over 20 years in the number of credential holders regulated by the state Department of Safety and Professional Services and an 84 percent jump over the same time period in the number of license types regulated by that agency. A proposal by Walker to create commissions to scrutinize proposed and existing occupational licenses is a welcome step toward lowering those hurdles for thousands of workers in Wisconsin. Its an idea with support from groups as diverse as the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to the Progressive Policy Institute. State business loan program: The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. was criticized by lawmakers of both parties for failing to monitor its business loans, especially those made largely in its first two years of existence. That program went away for a while as WEDC retooled its processes. Walkers budget would reinstate the loan program with safeguards which makes sense from a competitive perspective. Almost all states have some sort of a business loan program. It is most often used to assist younger, homegrown companies, although sometimes to attract larger firms looking to expand. Unless lawmakers think WEDC will somehow repeat the mistakes of the past, this proposal makes sense. Tom Still is president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. He is the former associate editor of the Wisconsin State Journal. The memories can still bring tears. Long-lost brothers, combat fire and the rejection of their fellow countrymen kept many Vietnam veterans in the shadows for years, afraid to talk about their service. Former Army Sgt. David Neal, 63, of Barstow, said he still doesnt feel like the public fully understands. We did it all for them, he said, fighting back his emotions as he talked about what he wanted people to appreciate. If they just knew why we did it that would be enough. Neal was one of hundreds of Vietnam veterans attending a 50th anniversary recognition of the war Saturday at Fort Irwin near Barstow. The daylong celebration included a parade, a classic car show, a welcome-home luncheon and an afternoon concert, beneath cloudy skies and a blustery wind, by Blue Oyster Cult. This was the final year of three annual events marking the wars anniversary. Programs were organized nationwide in response to an executive order signed by former President Barack Obama in 2012. Base spokesman Jason Miller said the $100,000 to $150,000 for the event came from Department of Defense funds, donations and sponsorships. Its sad this couldnt happen back in the day, Neal said. When these guys came home in the late 60s, they werent very well respected. James Matthews, 66, of Apple Valley, said he served in the Army in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. He has been to all three Vietnam remembrances Fort Irwin has held. Its kind of emotional, Matthews said. It brings back memories. During his service, Matthews was with a reconnaissance unit in the jungles near Khe Sanh. They would patrol for three weeks at a time during the heart of monsoon season. Everything was wet, he said, recalling that he and other soldiers would light small chunks of C4 explosive to dry out their socks. I think about it a lot. I think about how I made it through. When he returned he avoided mentioning his service, he said. Some veterans recalled flying back to the states and being told to change out of their uniforms before they entered the airport terminal. Herbert Nethery, 78, of Barstow, spent 10 years in the Navy. He left after his stint in Vietnam, from 1965-1966, during which he was involved in raids along the coast and river patrol. When I came back, we were ordered not to wear our uniforms because if you did, youd have a problem, Nethery said. I got spit on. Wed get mud or rotten eggs thrown at us. I dont know how they knew. He worked at a tire and brake store in Dallas for six months before his boss found out he was a veteran. One day the manager came in and said, I want that man out of my shop, Nethery said. Hes a woman and a baby killer. We got nailed pretty good, said Michael Kinkennon, 67, of Ridgecrest, a former Marine. I (was) told by the VFW that we didnt belong there. Kinkennon recalled having his unit ambushed. He was one of only five survivors trying to make their way through 5 or 6 miles of jungle to get back to their base, while dragging a badly wounded comrade with them. It turned into a three-day journey, he said, adding that the wounded man survived. Both he and Nethery said they were grateful for events such as the one at Fort Irwin. Something like this, it just touches my heart, Nethery said, to know were absolutely respected for our service. It makes me feel I served my country for something. Retired Lt. Gen. H.G. Pete Taylor addressed the luncheon crowd, focusing on the veterans patriotic actions. It is absolutely fitting that we continue to honor the 9 million that served our country during that period, Taylor said. Many of those women and men came home from the war to be shunned and rejected. We must never let that happen again. He tried to assure the group. It is alright to be proud of your time in Vietnam, he said. Thank you, and welcome home. A 48-year-old woman died Saturday, Feb. 11, after crashing her car into a tree in Riversides Wood Streets neighborhood. The woman whose name had not been released by authorities by Saturday afternoon was driving north in the 4600 block of Brockton Avenue between Rice Road and Tequesquite Avenue about 11:50 a.m. when she veered into the southbound lanes and crashed into a tree, according to a Riverside Police Department news release. When Riverside Fire Department firefighters arrived, they found the woman dead, the news release said. The Police Departments Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating the crash. Anyone with information may call detectives at 951-826-8720. Former District Chief Executive for Sekyere Afram Plains Fuseini Donkor, claims President Akufo Addo has declined to ride in any of the official vehicles used by ex President John Mahama on the advice of Rev. Owusu Bempah, whos said to be the Presidents spiritual father. According to him, there are spiritual reasons for the President choosing to ride in his own cars instead of using the bullet proof cars provided for his safety and protection by the state, and not because there are no cars at the Presidency for his use. The Director of Communications at the presidency, Eugene Arhin, has disclosed that President Nana Akufo-Addo is compelled to use his private Landcruiser car and a 2007 BMW car, following the 200 state cars which government claimed has disappeared from the pool of vehicles at the presidency. But speaking to Kasapa News, Hon. Fuseini Donkor stated that the decision by the President not to use any of the fortified vehicles available to him beats human comprehension, adding that there could only be a spiritual reason to the decision. There are enough cars at the Presidency for the Presidents use. The bullet proof Land Cruisers and Toyota Avalon cars 2015 model which are in good shape are parked at the Presidency. So If now, were being told that the President cannot use any of these cars and rather chooses to ride in a 2007 BMW car left behind by ex President Kufour, and uses his own campaign car when hes going outside Accra, then there must be a special reason to his actions. He added: What at all is frightening the President Akufo Addo such that he does not want to sit in cars used by President Mahama. My only conclusion is that his spiritual father, Rev. Owusu Bempah has advised him not to drive in any of the cars used by President Mahama, and he cant disclose this to Ghanaians and so has to tell a lie that there are no cars at the Flagstaff House. Ive no evidence, but the only understanding that I get from this particular posture of the President is that hes acting on the advice of his spiritual father that he shouldnt use those cars. Meanwhile, Rev. Owusu Bempah has not been available to respond to the claims made against him by the Hon. Fuseini Donkor. Source: Kasapa FM 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 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday said government was determined to support local pharmaceutical companies to manufacture anti-retroviral drugs for persons living with HIV and AIDS. He said the development of the countrys pharmaceutical industry, the production of drugs, particularly anti-retrovirals, was a key commitment of his government, and a part of a wider programme for the industrial growth of the country. We are going to make a determined effort to try and reverse the structure of the economy and we have chosen the pharmaceutical industry as a key point of that programme,, President Akufuo-Addo disclosed when the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), Michael Sidibe, called on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra. The President said it was unacceptable that three out of four people living with HIV and AIDS in the ECOWAS region had no access to treatment, stating that it was important that Ghana got UNAIDs endorsement to enable local pharmaceuticals in the region to manufacture anti-retroviral drugs to reverse that statistics. Whatever is required to be done to improve those statistics, it is incumbent on us to do it because these are no statistics that should be allowed to fester, there is a requirement that we do something about it and change these facts., he told Mr Sidibe President Akufuo-Addo pledged governments commitment to support the work of the UNAIDS, adding that Ghana would leverage its leadership role in ECOWAS and the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board to play a frontline role and ensure issues about the disease was taken seriously. He also expressed the governments commitment to support and increase the capacity of the Ghana AIDS Commission to make it play a lead role in the fight against the deadly disease. President Akufo-Addo said the collaboration between the UNAIDS and regional as well as the continental bodies should be strengthened because it was critical to tackling the scorch of HIV and AIDs and other communicable diseases. He stressed the need for decisions taken at regional and continental levels on the HIV and AIDS disease to reflect on what is happening on the ground so that our people can feel the benefit. 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 Former Presidential Staffer and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George has denied ever saying that the missing 200 vehicles were bought by members of the former administration. The Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, had earlier this week revealed, that about 208 of the vehicles bequeathed to the new government by the National Democratic Congress government could not be traced. Sam George was reported on Saturday to have said the missing vehicles were bought by Presidential staffers in the Mahama-led administration. He was quoted to have said during a panel discussion on Citi FM's news analysis program, The Big Issue that: A number of my colleagues chose to buy their cars. I for personal reasons declined to buy my car and I returned it to the director of logistics at the Office of President. We put out a list of 641 vehicles. We handed over about 370 vehicles to the assets and logistics committee [of the new government] and these vehicles were physically inspected by the assets committee led by lawyer Ayikoi Otu. Youll see a disparity and it is because 271 salon cars were purchased by staffers who had put in a request to purchase their vehicles which were 2 years and above. However, in a Facebook post on Sunday, the Ningo-Prampram MP said his comments were misrepresented. He wrote Like I indicated yesterday, my comments on the Big Issue were misrepresented by www.citifmonline.com in the headline and story they ran. Subsequent to my complaint, the headline alone has been changed. That in itself is an admittance on their part of a misrepresentation. I still maintain that on no occasion and nowhere in the attached voice clip do I indicate that the so called 'missing' vehicles were bought by former staffers. The attempt to stretch my submission that far points to an unfortunate attempt to seek an escape route for a government that has eggs in its face over their false claims. I repeat my position as has been from the beginning. No cars are missing! The new administration is simply on a fishing expedition and on a smear campaign against the outgone administration. There is currently a 2016 registered bulletproof Toyota Avalon and two 2016 registered bulletproof Toyota Landcruisers in the custody of the administration. They have placed them in the pool and are playing to the gallery with a 10 year old BMW as the President's vehicle. They had better get serious! Awurade begye steer nu! #iAmACitizen #TruthStands In another post he added: For the avoidance of any doubt and to clearly dispel the ongoing media sponsored mischief, I would state again every thing I know and said about the vehicles. 1. The NPP Government spokesperson Eugene Arhin accuses the outgone NDC administration of having stolen 200 cars and that this has given rise to a situation where the President has to drive in a 10 year old BMW or his personal Landcruiser. 2. We had witnessed a Gestapo styled raid of homes of former appointees by known elements of the NPP backed by state security actors to seize privately owned vehicles in what can best be described as State sponsored thuggery and armed robbery. After public outcry, a hollow letter is issued to give some semblance of officialdom to the unfortunate happenings. 3. Former appointees (myself included) challenge Eugene Arhin and the government to put out the names of appointees holding on ILLEGALLY to any State vehicle. There is absolute silence from Government. 4. The former Deputy Chief of Staff puts out a statement also challenging proof of the claims by the current government and puts out a list of all 641 vehicles that were active under the past administration with vehicle type, chasis number, last known registration number and condition of car. Now here comes my intervention and all the twists and turns by the cabal and the unfortunate impatience of some comrades to read between the lines and understand my comments. Below are all statements of FACT that I challenge anyone to dispute. A. I made the point that the outgoing Government handed over 370 vehicles to the Assets and Logistics Committee chaired by Lawyer Ayikoi Otoo. B. I suggested that the difference of 271 between the list of 641 put out and the 370 handed would represent vehicles which were active but had been auctioned off LEGALLY to both public and civil servants who worked in the Presidency. I indicated this was a convention and that it was restricted to saloon vehicles over 2 years old. C. I again made the point that it would be erroneous for anyone to assume that these 271 cars were missing as the documentation covering their auction and eventual sale were in the custody of the current government as part of handing over protocols. D. Failure to make forcefully the point I made in C above would imply that all 641 vehicles in the list were handed over and that Colleagues who had legitimately bought their vehicles were ILLEGALLY in possession of same. It would expose them to unnecessary attacks and seizure of LAWFULLY acquired vehicles. E. The spin that has been put by the media to suggest that I said the missing cars were bought is unfortunate and unholy to say the least. These 271 cars were not in contention. The Government said they were looking for 200 cars. Not 271. F. Eugene Arhin has put out a list of 173 vehicles which he claims were the only vehicles at the disposal of the new government. A casual look at the difference between the 370 handed over and the 173 vehicles gives you a figure much closer to 200 than the 271 vehicles I mentioned. G. On the programme yesterday, I challenged Eugene Arhin's claim by pointing out that 6 bulletproof vehicles were handed over to the new Government - 2 Toyota Avalons, 2 Toyota Landcruisers and 2 BMW cars. currently a 2013 registered bulletproof Toyota Avalon is being used by the Vice President. Strangely though a 2016 registered bulletproof Toyota Avalon which was used for less than a year by President Mahama has been abandoned and put in the General Pool. Same applies to the two 2016 registered bulletproof Landcruisers. H. I asked how we could have these bulletproof vehicles placed in a General Pool and Ghanaians are told that there is no vehicle suitable for the transport of our President save a 10 year old BMW. This question came against the backdrop that 8 vehicles (2 Mercedes Benz, 2 Landcruisers, 3 Prados and 1 Patrol) have been assigned to the First Lady and 7 vehicles assigned to the Second Lady. I do not seek the approval of the media. I seek only to put out the truth and point out the unrighteous vilification of former appointees of the previous administration by this Government aided by their media cabal. Comrades, I urge you to dispassionately read between the lines and deduce the truth. It is shocking that many Comrades now trust this same cabal because it may serve a certain purpose. I maintain that after phone calls and challenges to the headline put out by citifmonline.com, they have changed the headline. That in itself does not cure the mischief but it is yet proof that the initial misleading headline was not well thought through and that the portions attributed to me and the voice clip attached (which has been edited to take out the questions asked by the Host and other comments) DO NOT support the assumption they seek to make. I hold and maintain like I did on the Big Issue yesterday that there are no MISSING cars. This brouhaha is a ruse! Simple and short! How then can I claim purchase of something that I hold is nonexistent? May posterity judge and vindicate my position. SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE (MP) Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Saturday Night Live pulled no punches. On so many issues it's hard to keep up. The show opened with Melissa McCarthy's blistering criticism of White House press secretary Sean Spicer, diving right into the Trump travel ban and the president's "see you in court" tweet. As The Associated Press reported, a federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, unanimously rejecting the administration's claim of presidential authority and questioning its motives. The three judges of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the argument that the ban targets Muslims raised "serious allegations" and presented "significant constitutional questions," and they agreed that courts could consider statements by Trump and his advisers about wishing to enact such a ban. SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017 McCarthy-as-Spicer employed a Barbie-versus-Moana metaphor to explain the Trump travel ban then headed into references to terror attacks, including "The Bowling Green Massacre -- not the Kellyanne one, the real one" and tossing in Fraggle Rock and "Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" references. The Ivanka Nordstrom spat came next. As Pennlive has reported, The Nordstrom department store chain has decided to stop selling the Ivanka Trump clothing brand. According to Bloomberg, Nordstrom "made the decision based on sales, according to a statement from the Seattle-based company. It offers thousands of brands and cuts about 10 percent each year based on how well they perform, Nordstrom said." Bloomberg further quoted the company as stating, "In this case, based on the brand's performance, we've decided not to buy it for this season." The New York Times, however, cited a representative of the Ivanka brand as saying Nordstrom has continued to order its merchandise. Trump's response: My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2017 Then SNL moved into new Attorney General Jeff Sessions, with "We all know there are two types of crime, regular and black." The opener ended with McCarthy-as-Spicer chasing around the press corps. Over the top? Yes -- but did you expect anything else? (Note: The video is not from Saturday's broadcast.) PITTSBURGH -- About 30 groups marched, danced and fought their way up Murray Avenue to welcome residents to the year of the fire rooster. The parade marked the finale of a two-week Lunar New Year celebration in the neighborhood. Warm but damp weather didn't deter crowds from lining the four-block route and huddling together at the intersections to view performances. Now in its second year, the event organized by the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition included local clubs highlighting Chinese, Bhutanese, Filipino and other Asian countries' heritage. The grand marshals were Mike and Grace Chen, who own Taiwanese restaurant Everyday Noodles and more than a dozen other eateries. A Facebook event created in reaction to the refugee ban and Rep. Lou Barletta's (R-11) support of it led to more than 50 people standing on the sidewalk in front of Barletta's Jonestown Road office Saturday afternoon. The protesters held signs to passing motorists, who reacted by hitting their horns and offering hand gestures in support or opposition to the protesters' views. David Rothstein, who planned the event and circulated it via Facebook, said that he wants to make people aware that Barletta "is an extremist on issues like this." Barletta responded to the rally in an email later Saturday. It read: "The First Amendment is a fundamental Constitutional right and people are free to express their opinions. However, I believe it is reasonable and responsible for President Trump to act to protect the people of the United States from terrorists who have said they will try to infiltrate our refugee and immigration systems. The fact is, citizens of foreign nations simply do not have a blanket right to enter this country. It's just plain common sense." Daequann Buckner. Harrisburg Police Chief Thomas Carter called a Saturday afternoon standoff that ended in suicide "a tragedy". Carter said that his department had been working with the family of the victim, Daequann Buckner, to convince him to turn himself in to police after he became a suspect in a double shooting in Harrisburg last week. "For some reason, Daequann, he was scared, he was nervous," Carter said. "And he was trying to get enough nerve to surrender to us." Harrisburg police got information that Buckner was at a house on the 2300 block of Berryhill Street on Saturday. Around 12:30 p.m. officers visited the residence but Buckner refused to leave the basement. Police then heard several gunshots, causing them to retreat and call in the department's Crisis Response Team. At an undetermined time, the team sent in a robot to the basement and discovered Buckner had committed suicide. Carter, speaking outside the home, said the incident was deeply saddening. "I know Daequann's family, he comes from a really good family. He's also a really nice kid, I also know him," Carter said. "I don't understand what went wrong. I just wish that he would have surrendered to us - his family, they were working hard to have that happen." Carter said Buckner may have been listening to the wrong people rather than those who loved him. "It's a tragedy," Carter said. "It's a tragedy." As a career counselor, I see many people whod like to continue their education so they can change jobs or move up the ladder in their current workplace. Their question is: How on earth can I afford it? Friends and family members are often the biggest naysayers. They too imagine that its prohibitively expensive to pursue an undergraduate degree, an advanced degree or a certificate. I understand these concerns, but I encourage people to investigate funding options before giving up on their dreams. Youd be surprised by the resources available for adults interested in going back to school. Here are five major areas to explore. Ask your employer: Many companies offer tuition assistance or scholarships, but they dont always advertise it. Even if your employer doesnt have a formal program, you can still ask for help. Check with human resources to see whats possible. Search for scholarships: Fastweb and Petersons have databases filled with scholarship opportunities from schools as well as thousands of private organizations. See what money could be available to you based on your activities or interests. Shop for loans from private lenders: They may be able to offer a surprisingly good rate. Banks typically give better deals to students in certain kinds of academic programs, such as business. Make the tax system work for you: Trim up to $2,000 from your federal tax bill each year youre in school with the Lifetime Learning Credit, which can cover undergraduate, graduate or skill-development courses. See if you qualify for this credit or the Tuition and Fees Deduction. Apply for federal financial aid: The U.S. Department of Education has an office of Federal Student Aid that provides $150 billion in grants, loans and work-study funds to more than 13 million students. Visit its website to learn about the types of aid available. While time consuming, researching funding options can be well worth the effort. Just be sure to start the process early at least six months before you plan to enroll. Most important, keep reminding yourself that spending the time now can pay off in the long run. Additional schooling can lead to higher pay and a more fulfilling career, and its hard for the naysayers to argue with that. Shannon Davis is one such success story. Shannon dropped out of college at age 20 and considered going back to UW-Madison two decades later to study social work. She knew it would be challenging financially, but she managed the cost through a combination of scholarships, federal Pell grants and student loans. None of these resources came without effort, but the work I put into essays and applications proved to be time well spent, Shannon says. I achieved a degree I had long given up on, and my education has opened doors of opportunity I could not have dreamed possible. By Charlie Gerow When Gov. Tom Wolf rolled out his 2017-18 budget proposal on Tuesday we saw yet another face of the state's chief executive. Republican strategist Charlie Gerow (PennLive file) At his first budget address we had a full frontal view of the real Tom Wolf, in all his tax and spend glory. He was the unrepentant far-left progressive, telling us that the best thing for Pennsylvania's families was to have them dish out more of their hard-earned money each week. That didn't go so well. The Legislature, reflecting the wishes of their constituents, said no to the massive tax and spend proposals of Wolf. The result was a nine-month standoff that captured national (negative) attention. The divisiveness was exacerbated and the impasse extended by Wolf's adamant refusal to do some simple math and recognize that the votes were simply not there for his big spending notions and the huge tax hikes required to pay for them. During that time we saw the second face of Tom Wolf; an angry and even surly one where he first castigated the members of the General Assembly, telling them "I will not be fooled...(by) dime-store magic tricks..." and that if they didn't want to go along with his tax and spend scheme to "find another job." He then asked for their support of his budget proposals. We remember how that worked out. Along the way, Tom Wolf managed to earn the title of the Nation's Most Liberal Governor, no easy feat given some of the others. At the same time his popularity sank to levels that made him the most unpopular governor in the country. That's two pretty dubious distinctions for a governor only half way through his term. In his third budget address we saw the "I'm fixin' to run for re-election" face. Wolf sounded all the right notes. The tone of his speech was conciliatory, a good move given the historic majorities held by Republicans in the legislature. Before he entered the hall of the House, he'd already told us that there would no broad-based tax hikes in his plan. That meant that spending, although rising in his proposal, wasn't jacked up through the roof. He even said he wanted to cut costs, streamline the bureaucracy and introduce efficiencies. Had he taken that tack two years ago we'd be in a very different place today. Wolf proposed a $32.3 billion budget, predicated on his assumption that hiring restrictions, department consolidations and closing facilities such as the commonwealth's most expensive prison, will yield the funds necessary to fill the state's "structural deficit." How big that deficit actually is remains something of a mystery. Published estimates have ranged from $1.8 billion to more than $3 billion. That's quite a difference to account for. Several hundred billion of the difference are accounted for by Governor Wolf's request for increased spending in the new budget. The rest still requires some explaining. Although Wolf promised no broad-based tax increases, there's at least one that qualifies, in addition to several other proposed tax hikes. Wolf reiterated his ongoing quest to impose an additional severance tax on natural gas production. That was never a good idea, but imposing an additional 6.5 percent tax at this time will kill jobs, stifle the state's economic growth, curb manufacturing and cost consumers. Wolf didn't mention pensions or liquor sale reform or gaming in his message. That prompted Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre, to observe that "... the most telling part [for him] was what was not in this proposal." Some folks were pleased that the governor didn't talk about reforming the state's troubled pension system, hoping that it meant the matter would be dealt with outside of the budget deliberations and before the June 30 budget deadline. That may be wishful thinking. It was just three years ago that candidate Wolf, in the midst of his campaign for governor, told us not to worry, that there was no pension crisis. And now it's Gov. Wolf who has yet to muster a single Democratic vote in the Legislature for pension reform. The longer the pension crisis is prolonged, the worse it gets. A bi-partisan solution will dramatically close up the biggest hole in the budget. The 2017-18 budget can't be separated from the gubernatorial campaign that's already underway. Wolf's budget proposal clearly reflects that fact. It's certainly a significant improvement over his previous two attempts. There's still significant distance to go. Let's see what Wolf's face looks like next year. hacc By John J. Sygielski HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, realizes a constrained fiscal environment at the state level is a factor that keeps funding for community colleges at current levels in Gov. Tom Wolf's proposed $32.3 billion budget for 2017-18. John J. Sygielski (HACC photo) While we were hoping for additional state funding for HACC and the 13 other community colleges in Pennsylvania, we will work with the financial resources we receive to continue to bridge the gap between jobs demanded by business and industry to succeed in a global economy and trained employees to fill those jobs. Community colleges are the engines of change, playing a vital role in the economic health of our communities, state and the nation. In Pennsylvania, the 14 community colleges are the largest public provider of higher education. In the 2015-16 academic year, the community colleges enrolled 326,786 students in both credit and noncredit classes. HACC, which is Pennsylvania's oldest and largest community college, enrolled 52,955 students in credit and noncredit classes at its five campuses and community locations during the same period. Community colleges work in partnership with business and industry to provide the training required to fill local jobs. Community colleges partner with the nation's greatest resource - its people - to provide opportunities for family-sustaining jobs. Further, community colleges open their doors to everyone from all walks of life by giving the means to grow, develop and learn if the desire and determination exist. The possibilities and opportunities are endless. For many, community colleges are the pathway out of poverty. It may be that an older worker needs re-training or new training to better perform an existing job. Or, an employee sees an opportunity to stretch beyond a current job but needs specific skills to move up. More often than not, community college students are juggling full-time jobs with family responsibilities at the same time they are striving to meet their educational goals. HACC, like many community colleges, continues to experience a decrease in enrollment due to the continuing effects of the economy. Limiting tuition increases and focusing on enrollment growth while striving to minimize the increasing burden on our students remain the College's goals. As the first in my family to earn a college degree, I know first-hand the mission, power and importance of higher education. It is a mission that I embrace with passion. I also know that HACC and Pennsylvania's 13 other community colleges cannot do it alone. We cannot continue to offer affordable tuition without the support of outside resources, including the state and federal governments. Financial support for community colleges from Governor Wolf and Pennsylvania's General Assembly is crucial to the economic well-being of our residents and the state's economic and workforce viability. Governor Wolf's proposed budget is the first step in a lengthy process that involves working with the General Assembly to adopt a final state budget for 2017-18. I urge our state legislators to consider the vital role community colleges play in Pennsylvania's economy and to work with the Wolf administration to increase our funding in the 2017-18 budget. It is HACC's hope that a state plan to adequately fund higher education is implemented in the future. John J. Sygielski is president of Harrisburg Area Community College. By Jim T. Ryan Staff Writer Some ideas never really die, they just hibernate for a while. Such is the case with a proposal to establish natural gas infrastructure in the southeastern part of Perry County. Representatives of municipalities and business groups, including officials from Marysville, Duncannon, Penn Twp., and the county, met Jan. 31 to begin discussions about ways they could expand gas infrastructure. "It was kind of refreshing to have three municipalities there representing the eastern part of the county," said Brian Peters, chairman of the Penn Twp. supervisors. The consensus was to form an intermunicipal committee to discuss gas issues, said Frank Campbell, representing the Perry County Economic Development Corp., which manages the development of Business Campus One in Penn Twp. Gas could be a real asset to the campus and potentially attract new companies. PA Options for Wellness, a medical marijuana company, is proposing a facility there, if it gets a license from the state. "The hope is we can get some of the other townships involved in the discussion," Campbell said. The meeting was born out of Marysville's initial gas research that went dormant in July after lukewarm public interest. Marysville put aside a gas infrastructure proposal last year when residents and businesses indicated in a survey they weren't interested in overhauling their buildings for gas if they weren't guaranteed a quick return on the investment. The borough was considering a gas "virtual pipeline" -- compressed gas that's trucked in, then decompressed and distributed through traditional gas lines to homes and businesses. In months since, Marysville officials have said they still want to discuss gas infrastructure, but with other municipalities. The latest meeting was productive to revive regional ideas for expanded gas infrastructure. "It was a lot of broad-based discussion," Duncannon Borough Manager Chris Courogen said. The representatives talked about possibly working with gas companies to tap lines running through the county and bring gas to the municipalities. They're also looking to distribution companies like UGI that might extend mains if the service population was large enough to make the project economically feasible. "I would say the first meeting was mostly positive," Marysville Borough Manager Scott Weaver said. However, some at the meeting were skeptical that expanding gas infrastructure would be successful because it hasn't worked out in the past, he said. Traditionally, gas expansion first connects large commercial and industrial customers in a new region, then works out to residential customers, said Joe Swope, a spokesman for UGI, the Valley Forge-based gas distribution company. "Any natural gas expansion project needs to be economically viable," Swope said in an email. "That means the gas supply must be in reasonable proximity and there has to be sufficient customer density to warrant a line extension." The other avenue is a program called GET Gas that UGI started in 2014, he said. It enables communities without gas and under-served by gas to expand infrastructure without the large up-front costs. Instead, customers pay a surcharge over a 10-year period to cover main extension. "Again, the project still needs to be economically viable," Swope said. If a project area and potential customer base is large enough, distribution companies like UGI would work with interstate gas line companies like Texas Eastern, if that was the closest source, he said. Texas Eastern's Penn-Jersey line runs through Perry County. None of the discussions are that far along. "I think we don't want to put the cart before the horse," Peters said, "and first put together an inter-municipal agreement." It could lead to joint surveys of business and resident interest, he said. And a better understanding of what it would cost. The meeting could expand regional cooperation on other issues, Courogen said. Municipalities in the area already are discussing cooperative business, water, sewer, law enforcement and other emergency service issues. "We're realizing that to get things going and do things, we'll have to work together because we just don't have the population to go it alone," Peters said. Jim T. Ryan can be reached via e-mail at jtryan@perrycountytimes.com President Peter Love of Cask Global Canning Solutions says his Aumicro-canningAu machines for micro-breweries have been installed in 725 locations in 44 countries since 2002. One of the company's canning machines going through testing at the factory in Calgary, Alta., Monday, Feb. 6, 2017.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Harbor Springs women reflect on Ukraine war after time with refugees Julie Bacon and Sujo Offield of Harbor Springs went to Poland in March to help refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Three Monroe High School students were killed in a crash Friday that seriously injured another person, the Green County Sheriffs Office said. Gage P. Noble, 16, of rural Monroe, died at the scene. Anya T.L. Teasdale, 16, and Joseph T. Wyss, 15, also of Monroe, were taken by medical helicopter to UW Hospital, where they died Saturday, the Sheriffs Office said. The crash occurred at around 2:30 p.m. in the town of Clarno, near Monroe. According to the Sheriffs Office, Noble was driving a sedan west on Melvin Road that failed to stop at a stop sign at Clarno Road and hit a truck that was heading north. Teasdale and Wyss were passengers in Nobles vehicle. One of the vehicles was on fire when first responders arrived. The driver of the truck, Jennifer L. Hopkins, 35, of rural Monroe, remains hospitalized in serious condition. After 2 hours of tension, Saturdays All-City Spelling Bee appeared to be over with a winner declared. Then the final two spellers were called back to the microphone for a second showdown. Martius Bautista, a seventh-grader from Edgewood Campus School, and Surya Ganesan, an eighth-grader from Toki Middle School, returned to the stage at Madison Area Technical Colleges Mitby Theater. As the final two of the 45 spellers in the bee sponsored by the Wisconsin State Journal, Martius and Surya had gone 14 rounds before a judges bell indicated a misspelling. Surya had spelled his word, platitudes, quickly, and the judges thought he spelled it wrong. Martius then correctly spelled platitudes and sudoku to claim the win. The final 10 spellers made their way to the stage for a photo but it wasnt over yet. Suryas father approached the judges believing Suyra had correctly spelled platitudes. You wouldnt want to get kicked out for a word you spelled correctly, said his father, Arvind Ganesan. A video review confirmed that Surya had indeed spelled the word correctly, leading announcer Barry Adams, a State Journal reporter, to call the two finalists back to the stage. It was a short-lived second showdown, though. Suryas first word was repine, which he misspelled rapine. Martius then claimed the trophy in a second and legitimate victory after correctly spelling repine and magnesium. I had mixed feelings about it, Martius said about the do-over. I was sad because I had to spell again, but happy that (Surya) got another chance. Surya said he didnt know that he had spelled platitudes correctly until he was called back. I kind of stopped paying attention halfway through (spelling) the word, Surya said. Being runner-up even after his second chance was fine by Surya. The son of Arvind and Meenakshi Ganesan was proud of himself and all smiles after the bee. This was Suryas last spelling bee since he will age out next year as a high schooler. He said the feeling of finality is bittersweet. Im like, OK, yay, I did well, Surya said, but oh, I dont get to go to state. Surya said he and Martius joked about the mistake as they were being called back to the microphone, recalling when Miss Universe presenter Steve Harvey crowned the wrong winner in 2015. As the winner of the city bee, Martius, the son of Ryndon and Shiela Bautista, will compete in the Badger State Spelling Bee, also sponsored by the State Journal, in March. Hes excited to be going to the state bee for a fourth year in a row, and he said hell be studying. How does he do it? Books, Martius said. Martius finished in the top 10 at state as a fourth-grader, then was runner-up in 2015 and third last year, earning trips to the Scripps National Spelling Bee near Washington, D.C., the past two years. Saturday, it took 13 rounds to narrow the field to five: Martius; Surya; Matthew Brock, a fifth-grader from Chavez Elementary; Anvika Annyapu, a fifth-grader from Olson Elementary; and Bela Braddock, a seventh-grader from OKeeffe Middle School. Bela left the stage in Round 14 after misspelling satori. Anvika left in the 20th on waterzooi. Matthew took third place in the 22nd round on novillero. Matthews parents, Matthew W. Brock and Patricia Tomanguilla- Brock, said that even though they encourage Matthew to study other subjects, he was the one who decided to become a master speller. He really owned it from the beginning, his father said. It was Matthews first time in the All-City Spelling Bee. Martius is the second person in recent history to win four consecutive all-city bees. Isabel Jacobson won from 2004 to 2007. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print DNC candidate and Afghanistan veteran Pete Buttigieg blasted off on Donald Trump on Saturday, calling him a draft-dodging chickenhawk president whose unwillingness to do his job properly could lead to another deadly military conflict. Ill be damned if were going to have a draft-dodging chickenhawk president of the United States who thinks hes too smart to read his own intelligence briefings ordering the people I served with back into another conflict because he cant be bothered to do his job properly, said Buttigieg at a forum which included other DNC candidates, according to the Hill. As the New York Times reported last year, Trump received five draft deferments from the military during the Vietnam War, including one for heel spurs. Buttigieg, on the other hand, was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves and served seven months in Afghanistan. At the forum, Buttigieg encouraged Democrats to remain strong in their opposition to Trump and tap into the moral outrage that has spread across the country in the form of mass protests. He also took Trump to task for his executive order that bars refugees and Muslims from entering the United States. Rep. Keith Ellison, another frontrunner for DNC chair, got in on the action, too, calling Trump misogynistic and slamming the new administrations crackdown on undocumented immigration which resulted in hundreds of arrests across the country this week. Weve got to be in solidarity, weve got to be with them, Ellison said, according to the Hill. Weve got to be on the line, carrying the sign. While the first three weeks of Trumps presidency have been defined by fear and chaos from coast to coast, it has had the unintended consequence of motivating and mobilizing millions of Americans and the Democratic Party in a huge way. With their sights set on taking back Congress in 2018, Democratic leaders have quickly united in opposition to Trump and are going hard at the new president, knowing that a majority of the American people are on their side. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Hundreds of people gathered outside the White House on Saturday to speak out against the surge in the number of raids and deportations following Donald Trumps anti-immigration executive order last month. As CNN notes about this weeks ramping up of ICE activity, The actions are the first concerted effort by ICE under the Trump administration to arrest targeted undocumented immigrants for deportation proceedings. Understandably, the immigrant community is on high alert and many are taking to the streets to protest what seem to be the early stages of the new presidents deportation force. Video: A few hundred people have gathered outside the White House to protest ICE raids. pic.twitter.com/CiF40SPhyJ via @CamThompsonDC Ferguson Liveuamap (@fergusonlum) February 11, 2017 The hundreds in attendance assailed Trumps immigration agenda, and some carried signs reading here to stay and no ban, no wall, no raids. Others broke out into chants of undocumented, unafraid! Video: #UndocumentedUnafraid chants at rally outside White House protesting ICE raids pic.twitter.com/aEZbIJI9mu Cam Thompson DCW50 (@CamThompsonDC) February 11, 2017 The backlash comes in the wake of the large-scale arrests of hundreds of undocumented immigrants in at least six states across the country this week. The Trump administration claims the crackdown is only on undocumented immigrants with a criminal history, but the Los Angeles Times notes that those with no record are also being targeted simply because the feds say they are believed to have committed some type of crime. These are constituents of mine who have no criminal records nothing, said Austin, Texas Councilman Greg Casar. But theyre being targeted and are really concerned. Frank Sharry, the executive director of immigrant advocacy group Americas Voice, also pointed out that ICE is following school buses and raiding construction sites in the wake of the presidents executive actions. ICE has a reputation for being one of the worst law enforcement agencies in the country, he said, according to the LA Times. And now theyve been given the green light by Trump. Once again, the new administration is wreaking havoc and causing chaos across the country all to solve a problem that doesnt really even exist. As Pew Research found, unauthorized immigration from Mexico has actually declined since 2007. Picture: Twitter Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Two days after Jeff Sessions was confirmed as U.S. Attorney General, the Justice Department backtracked on an effort by the Obama administration to allow transgender school students to use bathrooms that match their gender identity. In a legal brief submitted Friday, the Trump administration withdrew from an objection filed by the previous White House which sought to protect these students from being discriminated against. As the Huffington Post reported on Saturday: A back-and-forth started in August with a Texas court order that barred the Obama administration from instructing states on how to accommodate transgender students, in response to a lawsuit filed by a dozen states that opposed the guidance. The Obama administration objected to that injunction, saying that it flew in the face of rights given by Title IX. On Friday, the Justice Department withdrew the governments objection on behalf of the Trump administration. In other words, the Justice Department no longer objects to schools discriminating against their LGBTQ students. With Sessions a staunch opponent of LGBTQ rights now leading the Justice Department, he will also be in charge of a previous lawsuit against North Carolinas high-profile HB2 law, which forbids transgender people in the state from using any public restroom that matches their gender identity. In the wake of these reversals by the Trump Justice Department, civil rights groups quickly expressed their outrage. Transgender students are entitled to the full protection of the United States Constitution and our federal nondiscrimination laws, said Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin in a statement. It is heartbreaking and wrong that the agency tasked with enforcing civil rights laws would instead work to subvert them for political interests. Griffin urged the president to direct his Justice Department to protect the rights of all Americans and reverse this move immediately. We are just three weeks into the new administration and only days into Jeff Sessions tenure as head of the Justice Department and fears of the LGBTQ community are becoming a reality. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Just when it looked like Donald Trumps historically low approval ratings couldnt get any worse, a new survey from Gallup shows them falling to an all-time low for the polling firm since he took office three weeks ago. Trump hits new low in Gallup job approval 41% approve, 53% disapprove https://t.co/Un8Fy7fwxr pic.twitter.com/87zcLgr5O9 Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 12, 2017 According to the poll, just 41 percent of Americans think the new president is doing a good job. A majority 53 percent say hes doing a pretty terrible job as the nations 45th president. His approval marks are worse than George W. Bushs right after Hurricane Katrina and well below the 48 percent approval rating Barack Obama averaged throughout his successful two-term presidency. The new data comes days after Trump took aim at polls, calling them fake news if they find that he or his policies are unpopular. Tweet: Any negative polls are fake news, just like the CNN, ABC, NBC polls in the election. Sorry, people want border security and extreme vetting. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 6, 2017 While Trump and many of his supporters like to dismiss any bad poll number or news story about him as fake, there is no doubting that the new president is already deeply unpopular. This isnt a new phenomenon either; hes never been seen very positively by the American people. The fact that his brief time in the White House has been nothing short of a trainwreck from threatening our allies with military action and wreaking havoc on Americas airports to nominating unqualified cabinet members and throwing a stunning number of Twitter tirades makes it no surprise that Trumps approval ratings are continuing to fall to levels never seen by a new president. In his first three weeks, he has discredited his supporters who told us to give him a chance (He may surprise us!) and validated those who said he wasnt temperamentally fit to be commander-in-chief. Trump just isnt very good at being president and the American people know that. There is nothing fake about it. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The ratings are in, and they are bad news for President Trump. Alec Baldwins Trump impression is so popular that it led the program to six-year ratings high and easily bested the ratings for the episode that Trump guest hosted in 2015. CNN reported: The NBC comedy series, which Baldwin was hosting for a record 17th time, brought in a 7.2 overnight rating, according to NBC. That is the shows highest overnight rating since 2011. Baldwin, who again played Trump, brought in a bigger rating than the real thing. When Trump hosted the show as a presidential candidate in November 2015, the episode brought in a 6.6 overnight rating. Here is Baldwin as Trump suing the federal judges who blocked his Muslim ban on The Peoples Court: Baldwins Trump has led the Saturday night broadcast institution to a ratings resurgence that has not been seen in 22 years. Much of the shows popularity is linked to how much President Trump hates the way it has portrayed him. Trump really hates the Baldwin impression: .@NBCNews is bad but Saturday Night Live is the worst of NBC. Not funny, cast is terrible, always a complete hit job. Really bad television! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2017 Trump has gone so far as to demand equal time from SNL: I watched parts of @nbcsnl Saturday Night Live last night. It is a totally one-sided, biased show nothing funny at all. Equal time for us? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 20, 2016 Meanwhile, when Trump hosted the show in 2015, he was regarded as an unfunny bomb who dragged the show down by having no sense of humor and refusing to allow himself to be made fun of. SNLs writers were accused of watering down the humor to make the show as inoffensive to Trump as possible. Critics and fans both blasted the show for catering to Trump, and it seems like the show has spent the months since Trumps election trying to make up for their mistake. President Trumps approval ratings are in the dumpster. He is the most unpopular new president in history, but by being an endless source of satire, Donald Trump has made Saturday Night Live great again. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Finally, someone who pleases President Trump. Sean Spicers angry spit wasnt enough, and Kellyanne Conways fake massacres barely moved Trumps ego from needy to less needy. But in his adviser Stephen Miller, Trump has found the propaganda crack he so desperately needs. It was an avalanche of robotic talking points and lies for Trump policy advisor Stephen Miller this Sunday, solidifying that he is in the right administration for his ethics and integrity. The most accurate thing Miller said was on ABC News This Week, We have a president who has done more in three weeks than most presidents have done in an entire administration. Of course that is not accurate not anywhere near accurate, but we are grading on a curve here. A steep, steep curve. Trump certainly created a lot of chaos in his first three weeks, but of note, he has achieved not a single legislative win. Trump is burning his political capital on mismanaged and at times, almost incoherent executive orders. Miller seemed to presume that getting things done is a good thing, that they are being competently done, and that they are wanted changes by a majority of the country. None of these assumptions can be backed up by evidence. Miller is also pretending that Trumps shock and awe executive actions wont be challenged in court. This is not accurate. Miller, dodging the massive taxpayer bill for Trumps $21.6 billion wall which the President falsely promised Americans would not pay for, skated right on over to suggesting the border wall will pay for itself many, many, many times over. Trump policy advisor Stephen Miller claims proposed US-Mexico border wall "will pay for itself many, many, many times over." #ThisWeek pic.twitter.com/SNir7aU7OU ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 12, 2017 But this claim, like Trumps massive voter fraud claim and the imminent danger from Muslims requiring a ban claim, cant be backed up by evidence. Remember, Trump said to mark his words on the campaign trail as he promised that Mexico would pay, I would 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 have Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words. A great, great wall. Inexpensively. Mexico will pay. Now that none of that is happening, we are being promised, sans evidence, that the wall will pay for itself many, many times over. The ever practical and reasonable President Obama had already directed our (limited) resources to focusing on getting dangerous criminals deported. Republicans keep telling us how broke we are, but suddenly we are cash flush to pay for a wall that Trumps own Department of Homeland Security chief, John Kelly, said will not work on its own. So thats a no to paying for itself. Miller doubled down on the demonstrably false, many times debunked claim about massive illegal voting for which the Trump administration has zero evidence because none exists: Trump aide Stephen Miller repeats Trump's blatantly false claim about mass illegal voting. There is zero evidence. pic.twitter.com/9NvPXjPYVO Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 12, 2017 Miller said he didnt have any information to add when asked about reports that Former General Flynn misled Vice President Pence on Flynns repeated contacts with Russia, during which Flynn worked to undermine President Obamas sanctions that were retaliation for Russias interference in the U.S. election. He told Chuck Todd on NBCs Meet the Press that the White House did not give me anything to say. Miller dodged questions on the super important matter of whether or not the President has confidence in his National Security adviser, his eyes following the pre-written propaganda on his teleprompter with robotic devotion. Chuck Todd: "If you were caught misleading the @VP, would that be considered a fireable offense in the Trump White House?" #MTP pic.twitter.com/kp2f18tcT4 Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) February 12, 2017 A transcript from NBCs Bradd Jaffy: Stephen Miller won't say if Trump still has confidence in Mike FlynnWhite House did not give me anything to sayit's a sensitive matter pic.twitter.com/VB78NaBqCA Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 12, 2017 When asked about the courts rejection of Trumps Muslim Ban, Miller stepped in the rhetorical fools gold that lines the Trump White House by blustering that the judiciary is not supreme, when it is in fact the Trump White House that doesnt seem to comprehend the way the three branches of government work. Trump advisor Stephen Miller on immigration order: "We have equal branches of government in this country. The judiciary is not supreme." pic.twitter.com/LTiLdCyEaM This Week (@ThisWeekABC) February 12, 2017 Trumps issue with the court is that it requested proof for his claim regarding the Muslim ban, instead of just giving him whatever he asked for. The Trump administration claimed the Presidents ban was unreviewable. Nothing the President does is unreviewable and that is the opposite of understanding the checks and balances; it is the same as claiming the executive branch is supreme. So thats a big nope to Miller. CNNs Brian Stelter, Quote of the day? Stephen Miller on @ThisWeekABC: Sean Spicer, as always, is 100% correct.' Sean Spicer claimed his place as Liar for the President with his first White House briefing, and cemented it by doubling down on lies to appease Trumps fragile ego. So Spicer is actually, factually, not 100% correct, and certainly not always. Spicers inaccuracies and false claims have actually rendered the information coming from the briefings to be on par with known propaganda. The briefings, as such, are only good as an opportunity to ask questions that should be asked. The answers are often worthless. Quote of the day? Stephen Miller on @ThisWeekABC: "Sean Spicer, as always, is 100% correct." Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 12, 2017 Heres the Sean Spicer quote: Trump advisor Stephen Miller backs Press Sec. Spicer's comments on Pres. Trump's Nordstrom tweet: "Sean Spicer, as always, is 100% correct" pic.twitter.com/9G0Xz1aMqd ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 12, 2017 For all of this dead-eyed, robotic pitching of propaganda, Donald Trump gave his approval. Miller, it seems, did a great job! representing the President: Congratulations Stephen Miller- on representing me this morning on the various Sunday morning shows. Great job! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2017 So this is what it takes to get love from Trump. A slavish commitment to deny reality, refusal to say anything that hasnt been pre-approved, and the steady repetition of inaccuracies and flat out lies. To put this in context, Trump is not getting enough of a boost from Kellyanne Conways devotion to fiction, or from Spicers raging tirades at the press, complete with show and tell of Trumps beloved and misleading props. For the real juice, Trump requires more dishonesty. So much more. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The following post, written by The Rev. Robert A. Franek, is a part of Politicus Policy Discussion, in which writers draw connections between real lives and public policy. Last Friday, February 10, marked the tenth anniversary of President Barack Obamas announcement of his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the 2008 presidential election. At the opening of his speech as crowds cheered, the young Senator Obama from Illinois reminded them that this was not about him but about the country and its potential. He boldly asserted that the crowds didnt gather for him but because of their hopes for the future of the country saying, You came here because you believe what this country can be. These words, then harnessing the common hopes and dreams of many Americans for building a better and more hopeful America, are now embedded deep in the hearts of protestors and all who claim to be part of the resistance movement. These words are calling people all across the country to town halls, marches, and rallies. From airports to schools and city centers to city streets the people of this country are showing up because they believe in what this country can be. The imminent threat posed by the new administration and the Republican controlled Congress is stirring tens of thousands of people to make unprecedented numbers of phone calls to Representatives and Senators along with making record breaking donations to organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood. Yes, since the inauguration people have been pouring into the streets and assembling in great numbers to resist the politics of hate and fear and prejudice. All across America people are fired up and ready to go! More the people of this land are showing tremendous resilience in the fight for dignity and decency. Despite the very real trauma felt by millions of Americans following the election and still to this day as executive orders, cabinet confirmations, and other congressional votes inflict additional fear, anxiety, and distress on the people of this country and around the world, the energy and resolve for standing up for the deepest moral values that shape our democracy continues to grow. You came here because you believe what this country can be. This is the belief that unites people across every divide in this country in the common pursuit in fighting for a cause greater than any person or group and which transcends time and place. This is the belief that enables us to see light in the midst of darkness and holdfast to hope even on despairing days. Starting with a Womens March on Washington and in cities across the country and world and now continuing in town halls, at airports, and even outside a Washington D.C. school the hope for a better future, instilled by President Obama, continues to burn brightly. Even as the new administration enacts policies that endanger the environment and disappears websites on everything from climate science to the rights and resources for disabled students while also reeling from ineptitude and the continued investigations into the scandal of Russian involvement in the election, the will of the American people to fight against these travesties remains strong. No matter the executive order signed, the cabinet nominees confirmed, or the legislation passed by Congress the hope and will of the American people remains fired up and ready to go as more and more are joining the resistance to protect and preserve the values of our democracy and the rights of all people who make this land their home. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print After yet another brutally on point lampooning of Sean Spicer by Melissa McCarthy on Saturday Night Live, Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) rubbed salt in the wound by telling Joy Reid Nobody takes him seriously anyway Lets have fun with him while hes there. Watch via MSNBCs AM Joy: REP. @MAXINEWATERS on Spicer: Nobody takes him seriously anyway let's have fun with him while he's there #AMJoy https://t.co/d2WcLc6Atf AM Joy w/Joy Reid (@amjoyshow) February 12, 2017 Nobody takes him seriously anyway, Representative Waters said. I mean, Saturday Night Live did portray him just about as he is. He is an embarrassment, even to Trump. And so I dont know how long hes going to last, but lets have fun with him while hes there. Note the while hes there, because its been looking like the White House is making the move to replace Spicer, with references to how hes doing two jobs and they need to bring someone in to do the number one job. The number one job could of course fire the Press Secretary, and that is how these things can be done and keep the Presidents hands clean. (This is pure speculation based on Trumps reported unhappiness with Spicer and Spicers relentless efforts to ramp up outrage over reality until we all fear he will hyperventilate from exhaustion.) To give you an idea of why the world is laughing at Sean Spicer, watch Melissa McCarthys latest Spicy routine on SNL: Spicy explains Trumps extreme vetting with dollies, We know shes okay because shes blonde. Spicy hawks Ivankas shoes. The problem with Melissa McCarthys SNL lampooning of Spicer is they are often going off reality. The SNL writers have to know when to stay out of the way, and they do this brilliantly. The Trump administration thinks we all dont understand the word extreme, but in reality we all know that they either have no idea that we already have extreme vetting and had it under President Obama or they are lying to us. So McCarthy pulling out the dollies perfectly exemplifies the Trump administrations level of thinking, and theyre incredulous that the rest of us are so slow so as to not get how easy it is to tell is someone is okay. Spicer is a joke, but in truth, he is only part of the broader joke. The entire Trump administration is one big, horrific joke. Their ignorance is what makes them so easy to mock. They think theyre putting one over on the country, when in fact with each attempt they dig a deeper hole. To think that Michael Flynn didnt think his conversations with Russia would be listened to and recorded, to think the Trump administration thinks they will get away with whatever dealings they made with Russia during the campaign, before Trump had even won, is so ignorant as to be disqualifying. So we laugh, because otherwise we will sob. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print OK, people, as Rachel Maddow explained Friday evening, this Russia Trump story is a very big deal, picture the Oroville Dam spillway crumbling at warp speed. Since January 20, weve assumed that the Kremlin has ears inside the SITROOM (Situation Room), a Senior Pentagon intelligence official is quoted as saying. Adding, Theres not much the Russians dont know at this point. This shrieking crumb, so quietly laid down, was provided by security expert and former National Security Agency analyst and counterintelligence officer John Schindler, who dropped a few more trails leading to alarm Sunday in his Observer column. In terms of the Trump-compromised-by-Russia dossier that gathered steam with further corroboration on Friday, Schindler, based on his conversations with the intelligence community, put a finer point on what parts of the dossier were confirmed. It is a fact that senior Russian officials conspired to assist Trumps win, Now SIGINT confirms that some of the non-salacious parts of what Steele reported, in particular how senior Russian officials conspired to assist Trump in last years election, are substantially based in fact. Citing Spicers dodge of a denial, courtesy of that Trumpian charge of fake news aimed at CNN, Schindler pointed out that calling a report fake news is not a denial. Schindler says the report is damning for the administration. This could mean that there is evidence that Trump or someone in his administration conspired with Moscow. It seems to suggest something more than the idea that Trump has been compromised, because that doesnt seem specifically damning to the administration. The former NSA analyst explained, None of this has happened in Washington before. A White House with unsettling links to Moscow wasnt something anybody in the Pentagon or the Intelligence Community even considered a possibility until a few months ago. We are in uncharted waters here. Because of these concerns and because President Trump doesnt even bother to show up for briefings sometimes, and is sending the already disgraced Flynn, some agencies worry about the Trump White Houses inability to keep secrets and so they are no longer sharing some of the intel. In light of this, and out of worries about the White Houses ability to keep secrets, some of our spy agencies have begun withholding intelligence from the Oval Office. He also touched on the blatant incompetence of this administration, Our Intelligence Community is so worried by the unprecedented problems of the Trump administrationnot only do senior officials possess troubling ties to the Kremlin, there are nagging questions about basic competence regarding Team Trumpthat it is beginning to withhold intelligence from a White House which our spies do not trust. There is good reason to fret over Trumps inability to guard even the most basic of classified information, as last Friday he left a classified bag with the key in it on his desk while non-cleared people were in his office. Schindler corroborated what our editorial board suspected (and why we didnt run any of the salacious accusations in the dossier), As Ive previously explained, that salacious dossier is raw intelligence, an explosive amalgam of fact and fantasy, including some disinformation planted by the Kremlin to obscure this already murky case. The dossier corroborated the more damning and less salacious bits, at least in part. What appears to be happening is exactly what I have been predicting. That is, given the Republican cowardice (Im going to give them the benefit of the doubt and surmise that many of them are also compromised by Putin, but still patriotism anyone) in light of Trumps Russian connections, there would be no one left to save this country but the intelligence communities. Schindler, in fact, warned Republicans to get on the bus before its too late, Republicans on the Hill who would prefer that the White House stop lying to the public about its Kremlin links ought to get behind Schiffs initiative before the scandal gets worse. There are two issues at stake: Is Donald Trump compromised by Russia and did the United States President conspire with Russia to impact the U.S. election. So far, we have a yes to the first. That in and of itself puts our country in danger and means that Donald Trump cant be trusted to put America first. I suspect there is at least a dim yes to the second, or the IC wouldnt be reminding Trump that they know. They know. For Gods sake, man, THEY KNOW. The security expert also warned the Trump administration (yet again), Our spies have had enough of these shady Russian connectionsand they are starting to push back. Im no spy and I have no spy connections. Given that caveat, even I have seen what looks to be a warring drop of warnings from the Kremlin to Trump and from the United States Intelligence Communities to Trump. The Kremlin lets something leak that could harm Trump, possibly to keep him in line or warn him of what they have. Our IC tries to warn Trump with a leaking drop that isnt exactly hard to read at this point. The message is clear. Get your act together, put some non-Russian hands on the wheel, put America first, or else. I suggest the intelligence community break this threat down to its most basic, second-grade level in hopes that the Trump administration finally grasp that they arent going to win this one. It is only a matter of when and for what, not if. The seething furor over Act 10 is making a ferocious comeback. Gov. Scott Walker is doing his version of Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry. He is in essence telling the Madison School District, Go ahead, make my day. That is because Madison schools risk losing $16 million in state funding unless the district follows the rules under Act 10. The state law requires public employees to pay for 12 percent of the cost of their health insurance and half the cost of their retirement contributions. If the Madison School Board does not make the change, the district will be left out of the funding increase of $200 per student in the first year of the next state budget, and $404 in the second year. That comes to $16 million the district would not receive. The day after Gov. Walkers speech, I promptly heard from steamed callers on my webcast talk show. One Madison parent of two school age youngsters said, Walker is acting like a petulant child. The teachers cant spend their health insurance. Let them steam, said Mike Mikalsen, a veteran legislative staffer who serves as chief of staff for Republican state Sen. Steven Nass, R-Whitewater. We are not going to keep pouring money into Madison just because they think they are superior. Instead of paying 12 percent of the cost of their health insurance, Madison School District employees contribute from 1.5 percent for lower-paid staff to 10 percent for school district administrators. Longtime School Board member Ed Hughes says the boards approach to employee contributions to health care costs have been supported by the community. Conservative Madison activist David Blaska sued in Dane County Court to force the Madison School District to obey Act 10. But the court ruled Blaska did not have legal standing to sue. If the governor gets his way now, school districts will be made to certify compliance with Act 10 with the Department of Public Instruction before receiving the state funding. Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, said the governor is forcing the Madison district to not adequately compensate our teachers, not adequately give them benefits. But the outspoken Mikalsen takes aim at Madison school officials, They have failed to prioritize children. They have failed to prioritize property taxpayers. The state is stepping in to say enough. School Board member Hughes says, Im proud of the collaborative working relationship weve forged with our teachers that has delivered balanced budgets, kept a lid on health insurance costs and earned strong community support. Hughes adds, Well persist and keep working together no matter what Governor Walker throws at us. Supporters of the Madison way say it allows the school district to attract talented teachers. School Board member T.J. Mertz says, The combination of salary and benefits in the compensation package is one way districts can position themselves in the market. The fiery Mikalsen goes for the jugular. Some will say dont take the money, he said. Then they dont care about kids. Fighting words, to be sure. An opponent of Walkers plan and a Madison caller to my show said they hate us so much, why do they give a crap about what we do with our kids or what we do with our schools? Monona Grove School Board Member Jeff Simpson rushed to the defense of Madison schools when he asked a question of citizens in that district: Do you want to get the best teachers here, or do you want them to go to Minnesota? In fact, the state has control over how local public schools are funded even though it hasnt really sought to enforce Act 10 until now. The debate pits Madison property taxpayers against teachers like weve never seen. No matter what the School Board does, the governor can use the issue in his next campaign. My bet is the Madison School Board will defy the governor and go its own way. Emotions are simply running too high. BMW vehicles await export at the Columbus Street Terminal on Charleston's peninsula. The German automaker's Upstate plant exports about 70 percent of the more than 400,000 cars it produces each year. File New hotels and restaurants have been opening at a record pace on the peninsula the last couple years, with more on the way leaving employers s Gene Sapakoff column: There's a gap between Aliyah Boston and the defending national champs and everyone else, but beware of these teams from here to March Madness. Read moreSapakoff: Antonelli on how to upset the Gamecocks, and teams capable As winter or colder weather at least slowly approaches, start thinking about how to the best take care of your plants to ensure they make it to spring. Read moreTips for taking care of your plants as winter approaches in the SC Lowcountry As Laffittes case has moved toward trial, it has helped shed new light on Alex Murdaughs alleged financial crimes. His trial is poised to unpack them in the finest detail yet. Read moreEx-SC banker Russell Laffitte set to face trial in first Murdaugh case to be heard by jury In his final state budget before facing another election, Gov. Scott Walker is proposing significant investment in Wisconsins public schools and universities. Thats a welcome change from his past state spending plans that cut funding for K-12 and higher education by hundreds of millions of dollars. The governor also wants to hold the line on property taxes while expanding high-speed internet in rural areas, giving state workers a decent raise, helping the homeless, and keeping crucial road projects on track. All of that is good. The Legislature should support those priorities as it dissects and adjusts the governors $76.1 billion, two-year state budget that begins July 1. Unfortunately, spending in the governors budget is $370 million more than revenue, according to the Department of Administration. And it creates an estimated $738 million funding gap two years from now that state leaders will have to fix after the 2018 election. Thats partly because the governor packs a lot of new spending and tax cuts into the second year of his budget, without a clear way to pay for it moving forward. And part of his plan is built on shaky assumptions. The governor hopes to save $60 million, for example, by self-insuring state workers. But previous studies warned that idea could increase cost instead. If savings dont materialize, Walker would scale back his increase to schools. One easy item to remove from the governors budget request is a gimmicky sales tax holiday to save more than $11 million in state revenue. Were very happy to see the Republican governor wants to keep the vital Verona Road (Highway 151) road construction project on track southwest of Madisons Beltline. The busy route serves some of the states fastest growing businesses, commuters and cross-state trucks. His budget also continues the important expansion of Interstate 39-90 from Madison to Beloit. But more broadly, the governor has failed again to propose a sustainable funding system for roads. Debt payments are eating up more and more of the transportation budget, and the governor proposes borrowing an additional $500 million. Walker has refused to raise the state gas tax or vehicle registration fee, even though theyve been flat for a decade. He also has resisted new sources of revenue that reflect modern times. No-stop tolling on the interstates could bring in money from Illinois tourists, while mileage-based fees would collect contributions from battery-powered cars. More fuel-efficient vehicles mean motorists are paying less tax than in the past. At the same time, the Department of Transportation has underestimated the rising cost of construction. Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and the GOP-run Assembly have taken a stand for fiscal responsibility on transportation issues. They shouldnt back down. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, is floating tax cuts for utilities and certain business property paid for with some of the money the governor would steer to schools. Thats the wrong priority. The Legislature is already exempting manufacturers and farmers from most state income taxes at much higher cost than expected. Lawmakers have a lot of work to do in the coming months. They should prioritize schools and universities, as the governor has, without jeopardizing future budgets. S.C. Education Superintendent Molly Spearman wasnt dreaming up hypothetical problems when she went to the Statehouse in 2019 to ask for authority to remove school boards in districts the state has to take over. Read moreScoppe: Allendale interventions show SC school takeovers work while they last EYOTA In 2009, the federal government decided it wanted drivers to better see road signs. So, federal regulators set new standards for sign reflectivity and told the states to enforce the new policy. Lawmakers in St. Paul passed legislation, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation communicated the changes with county, city and township governments across the state. However, St. Paul and Washington, D.C., neglected one thing with its new rules on reflectivity: paying for it. "We replaced most of our signs," Eyota Township Supervisor Jim Schumann said. "It wasn't terribly cheap." Schumann said the budgetary hit included the cost of signs and paying for county crew labor. While the expense wasn't a complete surprise, it did take a big bite out of the township's budget. "They talked about it," he said, referring to lawmakers in Washington and St. Paul. "That's the way government regulations work. Someone floats an idea, and a year or two later, regulations come through." ADVERTISEMENT Across Minnesota, cities, counties and townships scrambled to measure, catalog and replace signs. In Eyota, the number of signs replaced was not enormous, but the bureaucracy required a lot of hours spent by city staff measuring signs, creating a spreadsheet and developing a replacement plan to meet state regulations, city clerk Marlis Knowlton said. Knowlton said the city of Eyota also saw the new regulations coming, and it spent quite a bit of time handling the issue as it became apparent changes would need to be made. "It ate up a lot of time trying to keep up with it," Knowlton said. "I have no idea how much time I spent, or how much time Brad (Boice, public works director) spent on it. Some things like this are hard to quantify, but you just know it was time consuming." In Stewartville, the initial work of complying with the new sign regulations cost the city $10,000. City administrator Bill Schimmel said Stewartville was able to spread its sign replacement out across several years, paying $5,000 per year after the initial outlay, with 2016 and 2017 costing $4,000 and $3,000 respectively. "All cities are supposed to be compliant by 2018," he said, adding good, visible signs isn't the issue so much as a deadline that means replacing signs not worn out and not getting funding to help with the burden. "We're OK with a new standard, but we were more hopeful that as you replace, you buy signs with the new standard to phase it in over time." John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, has proposed to bar President Trump from speaking to Parliament when he visits the U.K., on account of his supposed racism and sexism. That is an extreme case, but it is fair to say that Trump is deeply unpopular with Europes elites. Of course, if those elites were a little more perceptive, they might realize that 1) the critical threats they face do not come from across the Atlantic, and 2) as for dealing with those threats, they might learn something from Trump. This cartoon, from Israel National News, humorously sums up the attitude of European leaders toward Trump: From Rod Dreher comes the story of a left-wing Georgetown University professor who defends slavery. This may sound shocking, but it shouldnt be surprising. Liberal academics around the world teach that only American (and perhaps some Caribbean and South American) slavery was really bad. Other slaveryin particular, African and Islamic slaverywas really a pretty good deal for the slaves. These liberal sophists argue that under Anglo-American law, there was no recognition of slavery, so slaves had to be property. Thus, chattel slavery, which supposedly was much worse than slavery as practiced elsewhere (on every continent except Antarctica, as Thomas Sowell has often pointed out). Dreher dismisses that nonsense with the observation that slavery, whether practiced by Christians, Muslims, or pagans, is about people owning other people, period. Now, back to the Georgetown professor, Jonathan Brown. He holds the Al-Waleed bin Talal Chair in Islamic Civilization, which is a tip-off. Brown argues that: 1) Slavery in the Arab and Turkish world was a sweet deal; slaves in the Muslim World lived a pretty good life. 2) In Muslim societies, slavery wasnt racialized. Only, of course, the slaves were all black or white, and in Arabic, people with black skin are automatically referred to as abeed (slaves). Arab slave traders bought African slaves well into the 20th century. 3) Slaves were protected by shariah, Brown says. But Sharia didnt prevent female sex slaves from being enslaved in harems, or male slaves from being castrated to make them eunuchs. A cynic might say that sharia didnt offer a great deal of protection! But Professor Brown thinks that being a sex slave in a Muslim country is no different from having an arranged marriage. Maybe better: Brown asks what is the real difference between a sex slave in Islam (who might have been well-treated by her master) and a medieval Christian woman who had to marry a man she may not have loved, and who had a miserable life with him? The difference between these people is not that big, Brown claims. I suspect that if you asked the women involved, you would get quite a different reaction. But Professor Brown doesnt have to worry about actually winning arguments. He is a tenured professor, and his chair at Georgetownwhich was, at one time, a Christian university!is endowed by Al-Waleed bin Talal, a Saudi billionaire. So the pro-slavery caucus is safe at Georgetown for the foreseeable future. Mohammed himself was a slave ownerunlike, say, Jesusso Islam is never going to turn against slavery, as Christianity did, with decisive effect, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Liberals tend to be copacetic with slavery. By some calculations, there are as many slaves in the world today as there have been at any time in human history. You might think this would be a concern for liberals, but you would be wrong: they dont seem to mind slavery a bit, when it cant be used to score a political point. Some years agolong enough ago that it probably isnt preserved on the internetan anti-slavery group approached the Jesse Jackson organization, looking for support for its campaign against slavery in Africa and the Arab countries. They received a cold reply from Jacksons staff: No, thank you. Slavery isnt one of his priorities. No, of course not. Its Chinatown, Jake. Liberalism is a fraud from top to bottom. During an appearance on Fox News, senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway plugged Ivanka Trumps product lines. Speaking from the White House, she said: Go buy Ivankas stuff. . .Im going to go get some myself today. Im going to give a free commercial here: Go buy it today, everybody. By saying this, Conway appears to have violated an ethics rule that prohibits a federal employee from us[ing] his public office for his own private gain [or] for the endorsement of any product, service, or enterprise. . . Reportedly, she was counseled by someone in the White House about this. The rules are the rules. If Conway violated this rule, she should be told not to do it again. In context, however, its easy to understand why Conway said what she did. The context is a campaign by leftists to ruin the business of the presidents daughter. Im pretty sure this tactic is unprecedented. For example, even though leftists hated Ronald Reagan, I dont recall any organized attempt to inflict economic damage on any of his four adult children. In those days, the left was badly misguided, but not sick. These days, its both. I assume that the ethics rule against federal employees plugging products was designed to keep them from conferring an unfair economic advantage on themselves or their friends. When it was enacted, Im reasonably sure no one imagined that partisans would try to ruin the business of a presidents son or daughter. Given that left-wing partisans are gleefully attempting to do just that, the ethics rule now puts the presidents family at an unfair disadvantage. Unless President Trump himself endorses Ivankas line (the ethics rule doesnt apply to him), his team cant really fight back against the lefts boycott. According to this report, Kellyanne Conway is unrepentant about her plug for Ivankas stuff. In my view, she has no reason to repent. It will be enough if in the future she adheres, however reluctantly, to the ethics rules. However, this isnt good enough for Republican congressman Jason Chaffetz, chairman of House of Representatives Oversight committee. Along with Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ultra-partisan ranking Democrat on the committee who did his best to undermine investigations into the Obama administrations misconduct, he asked the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to review Conways comments and recommend disciplinary action against her if warranted. The two members moaned that President Trump, as the ultimate disciplinary authority for White House employees, has an inherent conflict of interest since Conways statements relate to his daughters private business. Chaffetz is under assault by leftists in his Utah district. They just disrupted one of his town hall meetings. But if Chaffetz thinks he can pacify these extremists by co-signing a letter with Elijah Cummings, he is greatly mistaken. The left is waging war on Trump, Chaffetz, all conservatives, and all Republicans. Chaffetz should not be supplying it with ammunition. Conway committed a minor ethics violation. The circumstances of the violation were unusual, making the violation understandable. Chaffetz should not have teamed up with Cummings to make a mountain out of this molehill. BY THE WAY: Heres an interview with Conway that appeared in the Washington Post magazine. Conway comes across very well, I think. Shes combative when pushed, which is a good thing. Im pretty sure Obamas top aides would have been at least as combative if a mainstream media reporter had ever challenged them to the same degree in an interview. Today is of course the anniversary of the birth of Americas greatest president, Abraham Lincoln. As a politician and as president, Lincoln was a profound student of the Constitution and constitutional history. Perhaps most important, Lincoln was Americas indispensable teacher of the moral ground of political freedom at the exact moment when the country was on the threshold of abandoning what he called its ancient faith that all men are created equal. In 1858 Lincoln attained national prominence in the Republican Party as the result of the contest for the Senate seat held by Stephen Douglas. It was Lincolns losing campaign against Douglas that made him a figure of sufficient prominence that he could be the partys 1860 presidential nominee. At the convention of the Illinois Republican Party in June, Lincoln was the unanimous choice to run against Douglas. After declaring him their candidate late on the afternoon of June 16, the entire convention returned that evening to hear Lincoln speak. Accepting the conventions nomination, Lincoln gave one of the most incendiary speeches in American history. Lincoln electrified the convention, asserting that the institution of slavery had made the United States a house divided against itself. Slavery would either be extirpated or become lawful nationwide, Lincoln predicted, provocatively quoting scriptural authority to the effect that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Demonstrating how it changed the course of history, Harry Jaffa calls it [t]he speech that changed the world. On July 9 Douglas responded in a campaign speech to a raucous throng from the balcony of the Tremont House hotel in Chicago. Lincoln was in the audience when Douglas prepared to speak and invited Lincoln to sit on the balcony. In his speech Douglas sounded the themes of the momentous campaign that Lincoln and Douglas waged that summer and fall for Douglass Senate seat. Douglas paid tribute to Lincoln as a kind, amiable, and intelligent gentleman, a good citizen and an honorable opponent, but expressed his disagreement with Lincolns June 16 speech to the Illinois Republican convention that had named him its candidate for Douglass seat. According to Douglas, Lincolns assertion that the nation could not exist half slave and half free was inconsistent with the diversity in domestic institutions that was the great safeguard of our liberties. Then as now, diversity was a shibboleth hiding an evil institution that could not be defended on its own terms. Douglas responded to Lincolns condemnation of the Supreme Courts Dred Scott decision a condemnation that was the centerpiece of Lincolns convention speech. I am free to say to you, Douglas said, that in my opinion this government of ours is founded on the white basis. It was made by the white man, for the benefit of the white man, to be administered by white men, in such manner as they should determine. Lincoln invited Douglass audience to return the next evening for his reply to Douglass speech. Lincolns speech of July 10 concludes with an explanation of the meaning of the American creed with matchless eloquence and insight, in words that remain as relevant now as then. We are now a mighty nation, we are thirtyor about thirty millions of people, and we own and inhabit about one-fifteenth part of the dry land of the whole earth. We run our memory back over the pages of history for about eighty-two years and we discover that we were then a very small people in point of numbers, vastly inferior to what we are now, with a vastly less extent of country,with vastly less of everything we deem desirable among men,we look upon the change as exceedingly advantageous to us and to our posterity, and we fix upon something that happened away back, as in some way or other being connected with this rise of prosperity. We find a race of men living in that day whom we claim as our fathers and grandfathers; they were iron men, they fought for the principle that they were contending for; and we understood that by what they then did it has followed that the degree of prosperity that we now enjoy has come to us. We hold this annual celebration to remind ourselves of all the good done in this process of time of how it was done and who did it, and how we are historically connected with it; and we go from these [Independence Day] meetings in better humor with ourselveswe feel more attached the one to the other, and more firmly bound to the country we inhabit. In every way we are better men in the age, and race, and country in which we live for these celebrations. But after we have done all this we have not yet reached the whole. There is something else connected with it. We have besides these mendescended by blood from our ancestorsamong us perhaps half our people who are not descendants at all of these men, they are men who have come from EuropeGerman, Irish, French and Scandinavianmen that have come from Europe themselves, or whose ancestors have come hither and settled here, finding themselves our equals in all things. If they look back through this history to trace their connection with those days by blood, they find they have none, they cannot carry themselves back into that glorious epoch and make themselves feel that they are part of us, but when they look through that old Declaration of Independence they find that those old men say that We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and then they feel that that moral sentiment taught in that day evidences their relation to those men, that it is the father of all moral principle in them, and that they have a right to claim it as though they were blood of the blood, and flesh of the flesh of the men who wrote that Declaration [loud and long continued applause], and so they are. That is the electric cord in that Declaration that links the hearts of patriotic and liberty-loving men together, that will link those patriotic hearts as long as the love of freedom exists in the minds of men throughout the world. [Applause.] Now, sirs, for the purpose of squaring things with this idea of dont care if slavery is voted up or voted down [Douglass popular sovereignty position on the extension of slavery to the territories], for sustaining the Dred Scott decision [A voiceHit him again], for holding that the Declaration of Independence did not mean anything at all, we have Judge Douglas giving his exposition of what the Declaration of Independence means, and we have him saying that the people of America are equal to the people of England. According to his construction, you Germans are not connected with it. Now I ask you in all soberness, if all these things, if indulged in, if ratified, if confirmed and endorsed, if taught to our children, and repeated to them, do not tend to rub out the sentiment of liberty in the country, and to transform this Government into a government of some other form. Those arguments that are made, that the inferior race are to be treated with as much allowance as they are capable of enjoying; that as much is to be done for them as their condition will allow. What are these arguments? They are the arguments that kings have made for enslaving the people in all ages of the world. You will find that all the arguments in favor of king-craft were of this class; they always bestrode the necks of the people, not that they wanted to do it, but because the people were better off for being ridden. That is their argument, and this argument of the Judge [Douglas] is the same old serpent that says you work and I eat, you toil and I will enjoy the fruits of it. Turn in whatever way you willwhether it come from the mouth of a King, an excuse for enslaving the people of his country, or from the mouth of men of one race as a reason for enslaving the men of another race, it is all the same old serpent, and I hold if that course of argumentation that is made for the purpose of convincing the public mind that we should not care about this, should be granted, it does not stop with the negro. I should like to know if taking this old Declaration of Independence, which declares that all men are equal upon principle and making exceptions to it where will it stop. If one man says it does not mean a negro, why not another say it does not mean some other man? If that declaration is not the truth, let us get the Statute book, in which we find it and tear it out! Who is so bold as to do it! [Voicesme no one, &c.] If it is not true let us tear it out! [cries of no, no,] let us stick to it then [cheers], let us stand firmly by it then. [Applause.] Thank you, Mr. Lincoln: Let us stick to it then, let us stand firmly by it then. (First posted on Lincolns birthday 2005.) PR-Inside.com: 2017-02-12 06:32:48 Press Information Eric Litvin 1245 Sebastopol Rd Sebastopol, CA. 95471 Eric Litvin Runner 707-545-1712 email https://www.strava.com/athletes/810396 # 334 Words 1245 Sebastopol RdSebastopol, CA. 95471Runner707-545-1712 USA, (January 18, 2017) - Runner Eric Litvin endorses Strava, the virtual racing platform that helps athletes to track their rides and runs via mobile phone devices like iPhone, Android or GPS device. They can also analyze their performance and later compare their track records with friends and competing athletes to get a sense of their achievement. Being a network of athletes from all across the globe, Strava has all along roped in athletes like Eric Litvin who happens to be a runner from Sebastopol, CA.For those who register on Strava, one gets to track activities, analyze their performance, and follow friends. Strava members can also plan routes, participate in motivating challenges, and join racing clubs. Unlike most other racing platforms, members can sign up absolutely free. Using all his experiences as a runner himself, Eric Litvin ensures Strava athletes go amazing places. Members attach photographs of their recent racing activities and stories of their adventure that helps others to embark on uncharted territories. With millions of athletes all over the world, Stravas road and trail network is unmatched. They can help members make a route of their own, find a place to go and then upload that route on phone or GPS device for easier navigation.Litvin helps new athletes to sync Strava with most devices like phones, GPS watch or head unit, heart rate monitor or power meter, thus recording just about any performance. This is an exclusive service provided by this racing site. Once an activity is recorded it goes to directly to the Strava feed, where your friends and followers can also share their own races and workouts, and appreciate great performances of others.Eric Litvin is an avid runner who uses Strava on a regular basis.About Strava:Strava is a great racing platform charting racing events while tracking and comparing races via cell phones and GPS systems. Racers can sign up for free on Strava. Eric Litvin, the racer from Sebastopol gives valuable tips on routes and performances. Przepraszamy! Ogoszenie na stanowisku: Recruitment Manager wygaso z dniem 2017-04-12 Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Hays Office Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia oferty to: propozycja zamieszczona przez pracodawce zostaa usunieta z serwisu praca.egospodarka.pl firma zakonczya proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc zgoszen rekruter zmodyfikowa tresc ogoszenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem WWW dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych nieprawidowy adres url ogoszenia Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy HR, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca HR Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku Recruitment Manager, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Recruitment Manager Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: Wrocaw, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Wrocaw Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj. Inne oferty, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan: Dana Airline on Sunday announced a 50 per cent discount on official flight tickets by ministries, departments and agencies. The discount for civil servants on official trips was announced at the end of negotiations by the airline and the Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance as part of its cost management initiatives. The initiative is part of governments cost-cutting policies to reduce wastage and leakages in public sector expenditure. At the agreement signing ceremony in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, said government was doing everything within its power to reduce operational costs while maximizing the gains. The agreement with Dana Airlines is the first by any airline operating in the country on air ticket cost reduction for government workers on official trips. Dana Airlines Head of Ground Operations, Ememobong Ettete, said the deal was part of its contributions to governments effort towards national development. The Efficiency Unit established n 2016 identified the Federal Governments large purchasing power, which could be leveraged to secure discounts from suppliers of standard goods, including air travel tickets for which government spends huge resources every year. To reduce the cost, the Efficiency Unit had sought discounts from airlines operating in Nigeria. In 2016, the Unit was able to secure discounts ranging between five and 50 per cent from 19 local and foreign airlines. Mr. Isa-Dutse said negotiations with other airlines were at various stages of finalisation. When completed, the savings to government from the discounts is estimated at about N5 billion per annum, he said. These discounts, when considered alongside the restrictions on the class and frequency of travels introduced in 2016 through Circulars issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, would translate to a savings totalling N15 billion yearly on travels. He said while agreements with other airlines were ongoing, the Efficiency Unit was currently making arrangements for additional savings from the procurement of stationery, computers and computer accessories, vehicles and photocopiers, amongst others. Also present at the agreement signing ceremony were the Head of the Efficiency Unit, Patience Oniha, and a senior official of the airline, Joy Nwogu. Share this: Twitter Facebook In this first part of an interview early January with PREMIUM TIMES Evelyn Okakwu, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Onaiyekan, spoke extensively on violent conflicts across Nigeria and the danger to nation-building. The cardinal also advised Nigerians on collective actions to ensure security of lives and property. PREMIUM TIMES: Recently there was so much on the news regarding a corporate governance code which aims at prescribing a limit for church leaders like overseers of churches to serve in that capacity. Would you like to comment on this development? Onaiyekan: If there was ever such a law, it was not available to me. If for the purpose of argument we were to have a law in Nigeria that you cannot be a bishop for more than 20 years, we would not consider such a law as legal, because government does not determine who the head of a church is. You are not head of a church by government appointment. But like I said, I am not familiar with the pronouncement; but I have personally celebrated 34 years as a bishop. And we are doing our work. Every organisation has its own rules. Very soon they will say no traditional ruler should stay more than 20 years. A Pentecostal church can decide to set a limit to how long a leader can stay in the office; our church has rules; thats the Catholic Church has a rule in this matter; and our rule is 75 years of age. The Anglican Church I think also has its own rules, which I think borders on age limit. But even that is subject to the Pope, who is the only one that has authority over the tenure of a bishop. I do not think it is right for any government to simply consider our churches as not for profit, we are not an NGO. Whatever the intentions of the law is, it has to be clarified. PREMIUM TIMES: Recently the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese was quoted as saying that over 800 people died from the ongoing crisis in that part of the country, can you explain how that figure was reached? Onaiyekan: If you go to the Vicar General and ask, I am sure they would give it to you. They would not have come out with such figures without evidences. By the way, those figures have been published long ago. Because we have received it more than a month ago; it came like a memo to all the bishops; and I referred to it in various media, during the big ceremony at the National Christian Centre. If anybody is querying the number of deaths, they must have their own evidence, they must be able to tell us therefore that they have known all the people that have died. When you are writing a memo like that, you do not list all the names of the people, but they know the members of their families and the communities that were massacred. It is only in Nigeria that you will hear that so much as 800 people died, and instead of facing the issue, we are querying the number. Even if it is a 100 people, that is already too much. The issue on ground is not whether the Diocese of Kafanchan is exaggerating or anything, the question is has there been a major break down of law and order? Were people killed? And I think now nobody is doubting that. It is only a question of whether they massacred 200, 400 or 500. And when it comes to that level, let no one say that they are not so many unless you can tell me that you went round all the villages, you have made your own count and found that it is not true. I believe we ought to give the diocese the benefit of the doubt if they came and said they have such figures. PREMIUM TIMES: Many have accused the government of being unduly silent and encouraging the continuation of the menace; would you like to comment on that? Onaiyekan: We have to put this in the context of a country where law enforcement is not at its highest. It is not only pastors that are killed with nobody doing anything to find out what actually happened. A whole Attorney General was killed and up till now, we do not know who committed the act. That kind of situation should tell us that we are in a serious situation where human life is practically negotiable. I am trying to put it beyond this point. I am Catholic, I am a Christian, I am a cardinal and I am sad when a Christian is killed presumably for religious reasons; but before that, we are talking about human beings. And that for me is even most important; that you kill a human being; whoever that human being is. And I think in Nigeria, if we dont face that and let all of us express a sense of serious personal outrage over the death of any Nigerian; if we are able to measure that, then all of us will put our hands together to stop this nonsense As long as we wait only for certain people; for example when an Igbo man is killed by herdsmen, we leave it for the Igbos to fight for themselves; the Fulani man in Kano thinks it is none of his business. As long as we keep talking about the fact that they are killing Christians; then it does not matter as long as the person killed is not a Christian; that is the attitude that I have not been slow to speak strongly against. Lets not give any impression that we are only concerned when it concerns us. No human being should be killed for no reason. Apart from the people you are mentioning, many have died in the hands of kidnappers, they wont make headline news. It is only then that you can begin to put the issue of police investigation to the picture. To what extent is the police equipped to deal with this matter? We have even reached a stage where we do not even expect much from the police. And that is sad. We watched the television some time ago when a young man drove a truck into the market in Germany, the whole of the German security and European security were out to seek for him. Three days later in Milan they picked him. If this had happened in Nigeria, nobody will talk about it Another latest event happened in Turkey, a young man who went into a night club and killed many people and disappeared; but the authorities refused to admit that he had disappeared, his picture was all over the place. If it were to be in Nigeria, that wont be the case, they would simply just go and arrest a few miserable people and when they take such a person to court, do not blame the judge when he lets the person go. The police should do proper investigation of suspects before taking them to court. PREMIUM TIMES: So do you think Nigerians have a point when they place some of the blame on government, comparing these scenarios with killings that are practically left unattended by security operatives in Nigeria? What we need to say and say it very clearly without any hypocrisy is that there is no law in Nigeria against blasphemy. And there is no better proof for it than the situation, the case where more often than not our Lord Jesus has been blasphemed against by those who do not believe in him but nobody has taken up a cutlass to kill them for acting irresponsibly and blaspheming against Jesus whom we believe to be God, ehn! Not to talk about Mohammed who is a human being. Which means that we just have to take this matter seriously. Anybody who is believed to have committed blasphemy should not be allowed to use that as an excuse, because there is no law in our country against that. It is just like I am now hearing in the Middle Belt. Some people supposedly, who are spokesperson for the Fulani people, were quoted as saying that what happened in recent times in southern Kaduna was a retaliation of what happened in the past, 2011. My question is, does that mean therefore that they were right to do it? Are we now living in a country where if you killed my brother in 2009, I can walk into your house in 2017 and slaughter anybody I find there? There, I can say that there is silence that is very worrisome; silence in the sense that it is appearing as if we are even condoning it. Oh yes, they suffered in 2011. Do not blame them for doing it; they were provoked; they were angry. No country should allow itself to be ruled on the basis of such raw and barbarian emotions. And I think this is where law and order comes in. If you want the country to go well and for people to continue to respect law and order; then government and those in power must not allow any doubt to remain concerning the fact that those who are law abiding are protected. PREMIUM TIMES: How would you react to reports that the Kaduna State government paid certain persons to prevent the killings in Kaduna, before the attacks began? Onaiyekan: The rumour I am hearing, which is very difficult to understand, is that the governor of Kaduna state was actually angry and complaining that these people had gone on rampage despite the fact that he had paid them to prevent the attacks. If that is true; that the governor of a state is practically bribing criminals not to commit crime, then it is serious. That is serious! And indeed if it was true, and they went ahead and started to slaughter people, doesnt he remember those to whom he has paid? We are expecting that by now he would have rounded them up, and made it clear to everybody that he had given these people so much and yet they went about killing people. Unfortunately when these things happen, we have all kinds of statements made, we never know how much to believe and the government of Kaduna state has not gone into much clarification about these issues. But I am sure they must have heard that there is this rumour going around about the government bribing Fulani herdsmen not to attack. PREMIUM TIMES: Like you said, when things like this happen, so much information goes round and one of such is the seeming linkage between these payments, if the reports are true; with the amnesty given to militants from the Niger-Delta to prevent them from going on the rampage in the region. Would you like to say anything regarding this? Onaiyekan: I am sorry I am not fully informed about what the so called amnesty is all about and under what terms, or what the legal bases are for it. All I know is that young men who had armed themselves were creating trouble and government asked them to lay down their arms and then they said that as condition for laying down their arms, they asked that capacity be given to them, to be able to do something else. You could justify that. After all, people are saying something similar about the North-east. Ex-combatants of Boko Haram, I dont know if government has made enough efforts to convince them to lay down their arms. I hope that government does it seriously. Because if we do not convince them to lay down their arms; they are capable of keeping their arms and going about causing harm for many years to come. If I am carrying arms, it is the only thing I have, even when they are hungry. They will just go to a road, go to a quiet area; set up check points and start taking things from people. If you want them to stop, you have to give them what to do. I am sure I am not the only one saying that for example, you cannot close the case of the Boko Haram; except if there is a massive investment in that sector. This is not bribing them; it is accepting that part of the cause of the problem is because of failure of government. This is also clear in the Niger Delta where government has not shown any interest in the young people there. They have been destroying their land; young men who are fishermen can no longer fish; and nobody cares about them; provided few are accessing oil money and enjoying themselves in their mansions. The Fulani man who is looking after his herds of cattle should have a legal way of protecting his business. But as you know; what is causing the problem is that the farmers are saying that the Fulani herdsmen are destroying their crops and driving their cattle into their own means of livelihood. Therefore, if we cannot say that the Fulani herdsman have every right to be able to carry a gun to go and destroy peoples livelihood; just like the cattle is a livelihood of the Fulani, so also the farm is a source of livelihood of the people. Your right stops where my own begins. In my talk during the Christmas and New Year period, I said that the Fulanis and those who are close to them should realise that the groundswell of hostility is brewing against the Fulanis all over Nigeria because of this kind of activities. If you love the Fulanis, you should find a way of convincing them to carry on with their activities in such a way that they dont end up provoking others. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Federal Government said it recovered another $151 million and N8 billion looted funds from three sources through whistleblowers. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos. Mr. Mohammed said actionable information given by whistleblowers to the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation led to the recovery of the looted fund. He said the looted funds do not include the $9.2 million cash recently recovered from a former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, also through the whistle-blower policy. Mr. Yakubu has since been arrested by the EFCC. The biggest amount of $136.7 million was recovered from an account in a commercial bank, where the money was kept under an apparently fake account name, Mr. Mohammed said. This was followed by N7 billion and 15 million dollars from another person and N1 billion from yet another. The minister reiterated the position of government that there was a primitive and mindless looting of the national treasury under the last administration. He said the whistleblower policy has started yielding fruit, few months after its adoption by the government. The whistle-blower policy is barely two months old and Nigerians have started feeling its impact, how a few people squirreled away public funds. It is doubtful if any economy in the world will not feel the impact of such mind-boggling looting of the treasury as was experienced in Nigeria. Yet whatever has been recovered so far, including the $9.2 million by the EFCC, is just a tip of the iceberg, he said. The minister appealed to Nigerians with useful information on looted funds to continue to provide the authorities with such information, saying confidentiality will be maintained with regards to the source of the information. He also reminded Nigerians of the financial reward aspect of the policy. If there is a voluntary return of stolen or concealed public funds or assets on the account of the information provided, the whistle blower may be entitled to anywhere between 2.5 per cent (Minimum) and 5.0 per cent (Maximum) of the total amount recovered, he said. Mr. Mohammed did not name the whistleblowers or how much each would get from the recently recovered sum. The new whistleblower policy was announced by the federal government in December. Share this: Twitter Facebook Etisalat Nigeria has refuted reports that one of its directors was assassinated by unknown gunmen on Friday in Benin, Edo State. The telecommunications company in a statement on Saturday said the report was untrue. A Facebook user, Sochima Nweke, on Friday posted a graphic account of how four men driving a Toyota Highlander had blocked a man in a white Hilux van at Siluko Road, Benin, and opened fire on the vehicle. According to Mr. Nweke, the men sprayed bullets all over these Hilux, then one of them went to these (sic) man driving the Hilux, opened his door and finished him up, immediately, they zoomed off. While all these (sic) has happened, people who ran for their life started coming out when the police at 45 Division came to the scene, Mr. Nweke stated in his Friday night post. I went there to discover that the man who was assassinated happens to be the director of Etisalat, Benin City, with his wife and little kid inside. The little boy was shot, while his wife was lucky to have missed the bullet because she was at the back seat. Shortly after the post, the news went viral as several news media and blogs latched on to it. But Etisalat Nigeria said no member of its staff was killed in any incident during the week. Our attention has been drawn to news reports making the rounds on some online news and social media platforms, that an Etisalat Director/staff was killed along Siluko Road, Benin City on the afternoon of Friday, 10th February 2017, the companys management said in a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES. We wish to inform members of the public that these reports are not accurate and the reported incident is not in relation to any staff or director of the organisation. We at Etisalat commiserate with the family of the deceased. We thank our subscribers and members of the public for the concern shown over the matter. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, on Sunday disclosed that its operatives rescued one Abdulkarim Garba, 15, a student of El-kanemi Islamic Collage of Theology in Maiduguri from kidnappers. The Borno Commandant of the corps, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this in Maiduguri on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria He said Garba was abducted by suspected kidnappers and dumped at Njimtilo area in Maiduguri about 5 p.m. on Saturday. Mr. Abdullahi said that the victim, who is from Yobe, resides at Kasuwar Grain area in Potiskum. At about 14:00 our personnel on routine checks along Njimtilo, spotted a young boy who was said to have been abducted, indoctrinated and dumped by suspected kidnappers. Suspecting his movement, our personnel called the victim and questioned him. It was then he showed them his ID card proving he is a student from El-kanemi Islamic College of Theology. At first the boy looked very confused and did not know what he was doing or even where he was. It was later that he gained his senses, consciousness, and we called his father. The victim said all he knew was that he entered a commercial vehicle at Borno Express junction going to town when he no longer knew what was going on and was surprised to see himself in Njimtilo. The victim said that the last thing he recalled was that white powder was sprayed inside the vehicle by one of the passengers, it was then he lost consciousness. Mr. Abdullahi said the suspects must have changed plans when they saw that they couldnt penetrate the security checkpoint at Njimtilo and decided to release the victim and run away. From the description he gave, we suspected that they were ritualists who were trying to kidnap human beings. We, therefore, caution residents of the state to be wary of entering into any type of commercial vehicles and tricycles. People must always watch out for proper registration and number plates to avoid being victims, Mr. Abdullahi said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The Elembiri community, Gbanraun, Bayelsa, which was affected by the Seibou II oil leak in 2015, said they are yet to receive any relief materials to cushion the effect of the spill . The victims of the spill told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Sunday in Yenagoa that none of them received relief materials from anybody. The spill from Seibou oilfield, owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, discharged about 550 barrels of crude into the Ogboinbiri River. Joseph Obari, SPDCs spokesperson, had told NAN that the oil firm sent some relief materials to people impacted by the spill from Seibou Well II head. But Festus Konbofa, the leader of Elembiri community, said the victims of the oil spill did not receive any relief material from Shell. We are SPDCs immediate host. Seibou Well II is on my land and the creeks so polluted are in our community. So, if they claim to have sent relief items, chances are that they were diverted and taken elsewhere. I am also part of the community leadership and we crosschecked with one another and I can confirm that nothing came in. It is very unfortunate that they the neglected payment of compensation to the impacted community even when the regulators recommended so. We have resolved that we shall not allow them to work until they tell us who they gave the materials. Unfortunately for us, the facility has not been producing for a while now, he said. Mr. Konbofa accused the Anglo-Dutch oil giant of evading payment of compensation for the pollution which, according to him, was caused by equipment failure. The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, had recommended payment of compensation by SPDC to the impacted residents. Peter Idabor, the Director-General said: our assessment of the Seibou Well 2 facility leak of January 23, 2015 at Ogboinbiri, Bayelsa, confirmed that the cause of the leak was equipment failure. The assessment showed that the volume of crude discharged was 549 barrels. The joint investigation visit was conducted on February 10, 2015 by NOSDRA officials from our Warri office. Our Port Harcourt office did the assessment and recommended payment of compensation, based on the impact of the spill. There is no status report on the compensation, Mr. Idabor had said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has congratulated Mohammed Farmajo on his election as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Mr. Osinbajo also congratulated the people of Somalia on the successful conclusion of their electoral process, which he described as an important step in consolidating democracy and fully restoring law and order in the country. He affirmed that Nigeria remained committed to supporting the peace, security, stability and development in Somalia. He said he looked forward to working with President Farmajo on other key areas of shared interests and mutual concerns such as the fight against terrorism and security-sector reforms. The acting president noted the successful efforts of the Somali security forces and the African Union Mission in Somali (AMISON) and their invaluable role in ensuring a safe and secure environment during the electoral process. According to him, the successful election in Somalia is a landmark achievement for the people of Somalia in particular and Africans in general. Mr. Osinbajo said with the Somalia election, Africa is marching forward with democracy across all of its frontiers. He wished the new government a successful tenure to usher in long-lasting stability and prosperity to the Somali people. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has arrested a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, following the recovery of $9,772,800 and 74,000 cash from him. Mr. Yakubu is being detained in an EFCC facility in Kano, The Nation newspaper reported. The cash was hidden by the suspect in a fire-proof safe at his brothers house in the slums of Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna metropolis. Mr. Yakubu was subsequently arrested and taken to Kano for interrogation. Sources said he admitted the ownership of the money which he described as a gift. He did not name the givers. But he was driven to Kaduna Friday by the EFCC for a fresh search. A highly-placed EFCC source said Mr. Yakubu was co-operating well with his interrogators. So far, he has cooperated with our investigators by admitting ownership of the funds, the source told The Nation. As I speak with you, we have taken him to Kaduna for another round of search . We are suspecting that there could be more of such slush funds hidden elsewhere. We are not prepared to take things for granted. Asked whether the ex-GMD could face trial, the source said: All I can tell you is that investigation is still on. We are glad that we have recorded a breakthrough. Share this: Twitter Facebook The registered active student population of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, has hit 254,000, its vice- chancellor, Abdalla Adamu, disclosed. Mr. Adamu told the Economic Confidential magazine in Abuja that the number is distributed across the 77 study centres scattered all over the country touching all the states, local government areas and the six geopolitical zones. I can confidently confirm to you that the total registered active student population is now 254,000 scattered across the 77 study centres in the country, Mr. Adamu said. The NOUN boss also said that having the 77 study centres means that some states have more than one or two study centres depending on demand, adding that Abuja has about 8 centres. He further stated that some organisations come to us and ask for study centres and we call them specialised centres, notably Police, Immigration and the Nigerian Prison Service, while some states have community study centres. He, however, noted that at the inception of the Open University, there were misgivings and mistrust about the institution, as many people did not look at it as credible and worthy. He said the pressure of students getting admission to conventional universities was increasing by the day as almost one million students want to gain admission into universities yearly through Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB. He emphasised that the influx has become so enormous that the state study centres can no more cope with the population, which gave rise to requests for community study centres by some states and these requests were mostly from the southern parts of the country. Meanwhile, the university authority has sacked the two companies manning the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and replaced them with an in-house team of IT experts, thereby saving the institution about 80 per cent revenue that had earlier been lost to NOUN. Well as for how much I have saved for doing away with consultants, I would not tell you that because that is our secret. When I took over, I saw that the entire Information Technology infrastructure were outsourced to two companies. One was called Cyberspace and the other called Emerging Platforms. They were the ones running the entire system. As an ICT person myself because I spent about 15 years teaching System Analysis at Masters Degree level in Bayero University, Kano. Now how can I have a department of Computer Science, and the Dean of that department was the immediate Vice-President of Nigerian Computer Society, a professor of Robotics and other talents in ICT in these university, and yet still outsource all these to another agency, I said no it cannot happen! So the first thing I did was to look at the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between us and the two organisations. Of course they paid us the usual courtesy call so that they can remain relevant. We sat down and looked at the MOU and found out that in one of them the MOU stipulates 70 per cent profit and the other 85 percent of the revenue as profit because they provide all the skills, technology including examinations portal. I said this is not acceptable. So we assembled a team and asked ourselves whether we can do this. So they said they can. Then I said go and design it and we decided to shut out the two companies and all kinds of legal battles started, stating that they have signed the contract for five years and cannot be terminated. I told them that within the MOU we can give each other one month notice to terminate such contracts and so I have the powers to do so. You can imagine when the students pay this money, one company gets 70 percent of such payments and the other gets 85 percent! I said that has stopped, and any money coming to us would now be ours henceforth. He stressed that the revenue flow was able to provide needs of the study centres and train them at conferences to increase their efficiency, adding that the money is also used in paying for those writing course materials for the university. We are contented because we do not request government to provide such monies, the professor said. He said because of funds being generated through the payment of tuition by students, the institution is now able to push out quality materials for students and also planning to shoot this into tablets, so that we have what we call I-NOUN. So this I-NOUN will be a complete package of courses. So we cut out these outsources and created our own services and it is working. The key to sustainability in any Open Distance Learning (ODL) is independence. Share this: Twitter Facebook Senator decries Nigerias budgetary allocation to health The Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Lanre Tejuosho, has decried budgetary allocation to the health sector in Nigeria, saying it was disproportionate to its mandate. Mr. Tejuosho at a news briefing in Abuja said allocation to the sector had continued to show no break in gloomy pattern over the years, in spite of being a signatory to the 2001 African Union Abuja Declaration. Nigeria is yet to meet an agreed15 per cent of the total annual budget to health. In the 2017 capital budget of N2.24 trillion, the health sector was allocated N51 billion, representing 2.78 per cent. The lawmaker also decried the high infant and maternal mortality rates in the country. He said legislators believe that they can through policies, reduce mortality rate and set Nigerias health sector on a right footing. Nigerian agencies fault Professors HIV cure claim The National Centre for Disease Control and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS have faulted the claim by a Nigerian professor of discovering the cure for HIV. Maduike Ezeibe, who is a Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Clinical Virology, had claimed he had produced a drug that could cure HIV. Reacting to the reports, federal health authorities, including the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, called for caution over the claim. Sani Aliyu, the Director of NACA expressed displeasure with the publicity given to the claim by the don from Michael Okpara University, Umuahia. The centre for disease control also said the claim was yet to pass through the necessary clinical trials and therefore could not be certified to be true. Smokers, sex merchants stand high risk of cancer Smokers and sex merchants have been pinpointed to be more susceptible to cancer disease. Quudus Yusuf, the Director of Public Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health, said during a cancer enlightenment campaign in Ogun State that heavy smokers and sex workers stand 95 per cent risk of getting infected with cancer. He said cervical cancer, which is the most common of the disease in women, could also be sexually transmitted if not detected early. He however noted that with regular medication and radiotherapy, cancer could be managed. Lassa fever: Nigeria to take new preventive measures The federal government has said it is set to taking new preventive measures to reduce the rate of Lassa fever infection across Nigeria. Chike Ihekweazu, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, said at a media advocacy meeting on Lassa fever outbreak that the National Reference Laboratory for rapid testing of cases of Lassa fever, will be operational by the second quarter of this year. He said though over the last few years Lassa fever had broken out in several states across the federation with increasing prevalence, the new preventive measures taken by the government had reduced the rate of Lassa contraction by 20 per cent. WHO calls for increased effort against cancer The World Health Organisation, WHO, has called for increased effort in the fight against cancer. The organisation made the call as part of its efforts commemorating the World Cancer Day A statement by the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said February 4 was a day to reflect on how cancer affects everyone in different ways, and how everyone can be part of the effort to reduce the impact on individuals, families and communities. He said it is urgent to do so because cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 8.8 million cancer-related deaths in 2015. This figure is expected to double within the next 20-30 years, and African countries are likely to be the most affected, he said. UNFPA praises Nigerias ban on genital mutilation Nigeria and Gambia have been recognised among countries that have banned female genital mutilation. The UN Fund for Population Activities, UNFPA, in a report on the of 2017 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation commemorated on February 6, stressed the urgent need to abandon the practice. Female genital mutilation refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury of the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is a deeply entrenched social and cultural norm in many societies. UNFPA, jointly with UNICEF, is leading the largest global programme to accelerate the abandonment of female genital mutilation, it said. Teenage sex risks cervical cancer, kills 250,000 women Research has shown that women who engage in active sex before age of 18 are more prone to cervical cancer. The Plateau Commissioner of Health, Kunden Deyin, said this occurs because the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) easily infects a young womans cervix due to premature cells in the cervix. Mr. Deyin also said women who have multiple sexual partners also have increased risk of developing cervical cancer. In a similar vein, the World Health Organisation reported that no fewer than 250,000 women are killed by cervical cancer every year, with 85 per cent of them from low and middle income countries. According to a report released by (WHO), the deaths occur mainly in countries in Africa and Asia. Nigeria gets committees on healthcare Nigeria has inaugurated the technical and steering committees to drive the process of improving quality healthcare for mothers, newborns and children. Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of State for Health, while inaugurating the steering and technical committees in Abuja, said it was in direct response for the admission of Nigeria into the World Health Organisations network on quality healthcare for mothers, newborns and children. The members of the steering committee are the Minister of Health, Minister of State for Health, ministers of Women Affairs and Social Development; Finance; Agriculture; Education; Water Resources; Environment; and Information and Culture. The technical committee will contribute to the development of national quality of care strategies of health services and develop an action plan/road map to improve national quality of care of health services. Rwandan medics banned from using cell phones Rwanda has banned the use of cell phones by medical workers while on duty. The countrys ministry of health directed that effective March 1, healthcare providers will be prohibited from using personal phones during working hours to ensure better service delivery and speed up healthcare service delivery to patients. Diane Gashumba, Rwanda Minister for Health, confirmed the development, saying that the use of cell phones by medical workers on duty was a challenge to improved healthcare services to patients. In Nigeria, glaucoma affects south east region most Nigerians have been advised to go for eye tests at least once in a year to make sure they do not have glaucoma. An ophthalmologist, Nkiru Akaraiwe, gave this advice in Enugu during the Enugu Glaucoma Symposium. Mrs. Akaraiwe, who was the facilitator of the symposium, said Glaucoma could only be checked if patients visit medical experts on time before their condition deteriorates. The president of the Ophthalmologist Association of Nigeria, Sebastine Nwosu, at the forum offered to partner Nigerias federal government in creating public awareness of the disease throughout the country. He pointed out that the South-east has the most cases of Glaucoma in Nigeria, adding that severe visual impairment of persons over 40 years in the region is two per cent with Glaucoma blindness standing at 1.2 per cent, compared to 0.3 per cent in other regions. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Federal Government on Sunday said expansion and rehabilitation work on the multi-million naira Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project in Jigawa would resume by April. The Minister for Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, disclosed, while addressing journalists in Dutse, that the World Bank would handle the project along with others. Mr. Adamu said that the valley would be expanded by 3,000 additional hectares while expansion of Kadawa dam in Kano State would be increased to 5,000. According to him, all necessary arrangements have been made for work to resume in the area in April. The minister disclosed that the bank had earmarked $495 million for expansion and rehabilitation of dams in the northern part of the country. We have been talking about 7,000 to 12,000 hectares in Hadejia Valley Irrigation project but from the outcome of my visit to the valley in December last year, we discovered that we still have potential of 25,000 hectares. After the completion of this expansion work that will be funded by World Bank, the ministry will find the possibility of harnessing the additional 25,000 hectares in the Hadejia valley. Mr. Adamu also disclosed that the present administration inherited 44 ongoing dam projects across the country from previous governments and would ensure their completion before embarking on new ones. He said that in the present governments road map, irrigation land would be increased from current 137,000 hectares to 500,000 hectares by 2030. The minister noted that President Muhammadu Buharis administration was determined and committed to maintain dams to ensuring irrigation and hydro power projects. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has publicly admitted that all is not well between him and his predecessor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, but said he is open to moves to reconcile the two of them. What is wrong in reconciling with a long time friend and political ally? Mr. Ganduje said during a chat with journalists at his office on Friday. After all, we were the best of political allies in the history of Nigerian Politics. Mr. Ganduje was the deputy to Mr. Kwankwaso until 2015 when he succeeded the latter as governor. Mr. Kwankwaso is now a senator. The two have been pitted in opposite sides of a crisis in their All Progressives Congress in the state. The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, recently told reporters of the move to reconcile Messrs. Ganduje and Kwankwaso. Mr. Masari said Northern state governors were disturbed by the rivalry between the erstwhile political allies. Speaking with reporters in his office, Mr. Ganduje said he was in support of the move to bring an end to whatever misunderstandings that exit between him and Mr. Kwankwaso. The governor also spoke about his determination to tackle the problem of basic education in the state. Speaking shortly after commissioning some of the 2000 blocks of classrooms built within the Kano municipality by the state government in the last two years, Mr. Ganduje said his administration was giving basic education priority so as to give education in the state a sound footing. He said the government had been tackling the problem of basic education by involving the communities in the process. He said the government created an educational trust fund to bring in corporate bodies, community leaders and other stakeholders to contribute in the development of education. Mr. Ganduje said the state government had already released N1 billion to the federal government as education counterpart funding, while the federal government had in turn contributed N1billion for projects in the sector. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Akwa Ibom State government on Saturday administered a fresh test to the 5,000 teachers that were sacked under controversial circumstances by the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel. Mr. Emmanuel had said the teachers recruitment, hurriedly done in the last days of the previous administration of Godswill Akpabio, was infiltrated by a cartel that sold fake employment letters to desperate applicants. We have tried to see how we could get something out of that recruitment process, but believe me, the foundation was very faulty, the governor said last November. The aggrieved teachers armed with their employment letters and fired by the feelings of injustice mounted pressure on the state government through the media and sometimes through public prayers. They had just approached the court to seek redress before the state government last week announced fresh tests. A statement from the office of the Head of Civil Service said the test was another opportunity (for the teachers) to defend their suitability and ability to teach in the States Public Schools. The statement allayed the fears that the exercise was a ploy to retrieve the employment letters from the teachers so that they wont have proof of contract with the government. By 8.45 a.m., when a PREMIUM TIMES reporter visited Aka Community Secondary School, Uyo, one of the three centres designated for the test, a large crowd of applicants were seen struggling to pass through the gate of the school. The government officials used a public address system to inform the teachers of what items they were required to present before they could be allowed through the gate and into the test hall. As the accreditation was ongoing, a female senior civil servant who came to monitor the centre announced that those people who went to court will not write this test, they should wait for the court to give judgment before we could screen them. Clifford Thomas, a lawyer and civil rights activist who filed a civil suit on behalf of the teachers, told this newspaper that it was criminal contempt against the court for the government to go on with the test when the case was pending before the court. A matter in court involved her (the head of civil service) as a party and she was served hearing notice, and the date for that matter has been fixed for February 20. She decided to commit criminal contempt by deciding to interfere with the justice of the matter. We will ask the court to issue a bench warrant on her let her come and explain why she should go and interfere with evidence and exhibits that are already in her possession in the state secondary education board She is supposed to have come to the court and tell the court what she intended to do, and if we agree, she goes ahead to do it. You cant terminate somebodys job after giving the person a letter of appointment. The termination was done over the radio. It is not done anywhere in the world, Mr. Thomas said. Most of the teachers who wrote the test expressed apprehension that the government may at the end still not be transparent and fair to them. I have done my best, but I cant trust this government to do the right thing, said a teacher who wrote his test at the Aka Community Secondary School. The Head of Civil Service, Ekereobong Akpan, couldnt be reached for her response. The Commissioner for Information in the state, Charles Udoh, didnt answer his calls when PREMIUM TIMES tried to reach him on phone. Essien Ndueso, one of the media aides to Governor Emmanuel, said the teachers didnt need to be afraid. If you are going to teach my children, I see no reason why you should be scared of being scrutinized, Mr. Ndueso wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday. It was simply the Use of English. 100 objective questions under 1 hour 30 minutes. Any prospective teacher sure ought not (to) complain about this. Share this: Twitter Facebook A former minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory, John Udoedehe, has alleged that the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, administered fetish oath to politicians in the state to extract absolute loyalty from them during his administration. Mr. Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, is now the Senate Minority Leader. Mr. Udoedehe made the allegation, Saturday, during a live radio interview on Planet 101.1FM, Uyo. Mr. Udoedehe, also a former senator from the state, was in the radio studio to continue his media war against the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state for expelling him from the party. He only veered off in the course of the interview to talk about Mr. Akpabio in order to buttress a point that he (Mr. Udoedehe) was the only credible opposition leader in the state. None of those who are crossing over from PDP to the APC can challenge Akpabio, Mr. Udoedehe said in the interview. Akpabio is not like me. You must be under oath because he doesnt trust anybody. There is no appointment, commissioner, secretary to the state government, governor, deputy governor, you must be on oath. You cannot escape that. You cannot challenge him. When the programme host requested to know what kind of oath he was referring to, Mr. Udoedehe explained that he meant mbiam, an Ibibio word for fetish oath. That is why they cant challenge him. They cant speak ill against Akpabio because of the oath they swore to. The former minister absolved himself of such oath-taking, saying I dont do politics of mbiam that is why they can betray me. Mr. Udoedehe was Mr. Akpabios campaign manager in 2006 when the latter was running for governor. Both of them later parted ways after Mr. Udoedehe was nominated by Mr. Akpabio in 2007 to serve as minister of state for FCT in late President Umar Yar Adua administration. He decamped to then defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, where he ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2011 against Mr. Akpabio. Mr. Udoedehe, 56, has continually laid claims to being the champion of modern opposition politics in Akwa Ibom. He has already indicated his intention to contest against Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2019. His kind of outspokenness is rare in the politics of the oil-rich state. I have those who believe in me. I will speak like (Donald) Trump, and even if I do the unexpected, they will still stand with me, the former minister said in the Planet FM interview. Mr. Akpabios spokesman, Anietie Ekong, dismissed Mr. Udoedehes remarks as a careless talk that shouldnt be given any prominence. How come those who served under Governor Akpabio as commissioners and SSG but later broke away from him are still alive if it is true that they swore to mbiam? What about someone like Umana Umana, the APC governorship candidate in 2015 who worked as SSG under Governor Akpabio? Did he swear to any mbiam? How come he is still alive today despite breaking away from Akpabio? It is because theres nothing like that, that is why the man is still alive. People should know Senator Udoedehe by now. He has said so many things about other people, and some of these things are unprintable, Mr. Ekong said. Share this: Twitter Facebook Ondo State has disputed a claim by the Federal Government of new cases of Lassa fever in the state from last December. The Commissioner for Health in the Ondo, Dayo Adeyanju, told PREMIUM TIMES in Akure that it was a long time ago since Lassa fever occurred in the state, noting that the figures put forth by Federal Ministry of Health were inaccurate. Elsie Ilori, Director of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, last week said 44 cases of Lassa fever had been reported since December 2016 in nine states including Ogun, Plateau, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Nasarawa, Rivers, Ebonyi and Ondo, with some of the cases classified as probable. She also said that seven new cases of the fever had been confirmed in Edo, Ondo, and Bauchi states. According to Mrs. Ilori, four of the seven new cases were reported in Edo State, two in Ondo, while Bauchi had one case, quoting the weekly report collated by the NCDC. But Mr. Adeyanju said the cases cited by the NCDC occurred a very long time ago, and no new case had been recorded since December. Those cases are long, long, long ago, he said. Maybe you are just getting to hear about them. The surveillance has been very high, we have been trying to keep tab on every fever. We have also continued to create awareness using the radio, television, posters and handbills. We have also tried to set up case management. Whatever case we find we trace their contacts, and we sent their samples for test. If they test positive, we send them for management. Mr. Adeyanju also said the state government had made efforts to set up a special hospital and equip it for the purpose of tackling Lassa fever, adding that efforts were underway to purchase diagnostic equipment for the state. Three cases of the disease were confirmed in the state in January 2016, which claimed the lives of those infected. But a recurrence of the epidemic in neighbouring states like Ogun in December resulted in a state-wide sensitisation by the Ondo State Ministry of Health. Share this: Twitter Facebook The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $92 million contract for the first phase of a beach and dune building project for northern Ocean County, one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy. The Army Corps is working with the state Department of Environmental Protection, which announced the contract Wednesday with Weeks Marine, of Cranford, Union County. Weeks Marine also won a $63.3 million contract in November to build and replenish beaches and dunes on Absecon Island. The total contract for the northern Ocean County project is expected to reach about $128 million. But the state is still working to secure about 141 access easements from property owners, the DEP said. The project will cover about 14 miles of coastline to protect Bay Head, Berkeley, Brick, Lavallette, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park and Toms River. It and Absecon Island are the last projects needed to be completed for all 127 miles of the states coastline to have engineered beaches and dunes. Both projects face lawsuits from beachfront property owners who feel their existing flood control is adequate. When completed, all of New Jerseys coastal communities will be afforded the level of protection that comes with beach and dune systems that meet Army Corps engineering standards, said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. Work is expected to start in the spring. This represents one of the largest beachfill contracts in the history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Michael Bliss. Work will begin with beach and dune construction in southern Mantoloking and all of Lavallette, Toms River, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. A total of 545 easements are needed for the project. Nearly 350 easements or 64 percent have been provided voluntarily, according to the state. Another 54 easements were acquired through condemnation under the Eminent Domain Act, and the state is pursuing more that way. Opponents include a group of homeowners in Bay Head who say the $5 million they have spent installing huge boulders between their homes and the ocean affords better protection than sand dunes. Those homeowners will be in court next week asking a state judge to exempt them from the dune project. A privately owned beach and boardwalk company in Point Pleasant Beach is suing the state and federal governments, trying to prevent dunes from being built on its beaches near the Manasquan Inlet. The federal government will pay for 65 percent of the project under the 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, which funds projects Congress had authorized but had not been completed by the time Sandy hit in October 2012. New Jersey will pay for 35 percent of the project from the states Shore Protection Fund. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Does America have enough dogs for the people who want one? {child_byline}Kim Kavin Special to Washington Post {/child_byline} American animal shelters are taking in and saving many more dogs than previously believed, according to a new study by researchers at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The study found that the number of dogs euthanized in American animal shelters has dropped to fewer than 780,000 per year, and shelters take in more than 5.5 million dogs each year. Those figures are dramatically different from estimates by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which says 1.2 million dogs die in U.S. shelters each year and 3.9 million enter them. The Mississippi State study also suggests that euthanasia estimates by the Humane Society of the United States and the No Kill Advocacy Center, both of which estimate that about 2.5 million animals are killed in shelters each year, may be based in large part on animals other than dogs. The research was funded by the Pet Leadership Council, which represents organizations including the American Kennel Club and the American Pet Products Association; PetSmart and other large retail stores; and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, which is the legislative and lobbying voice of the pet industry. The industry has a keen interest in generating its own data on the number of pet dogs Americans want each year and the sources available to fill that demand, rather than continuing to rely on estimates from advocacy groups whose adopt, dont shop campaigns urge consumers to shun breeders and pet stores and instead get dogs from shelters and rescue groups. Such campaigns have been especially effective at the local level. According to the Humane Society, more than 200 localities have passed puppy mill laws in the past two years that sometimes make it illegal for pet stores to source dogs anywhere other than shelters and rescuers. A similar state-level law is under consideration in New Jersey, and Ohio lawmakers last year overturned local pet-store bans after intense lobbying from the pet industry. Breeders and pet-store owners have long argued that such legislation is misguided, saying there are not enough dogs in U.S. shelters to fill annual consumer demand. Industry representatives say the goal should instead be smart regulation of legally operating breeders. Our concern was that so many very different estimates have been generated by a number of entities that have often led to conflicting conclusions, said Bob Vetere, president and chief executive of the American Pet Products Association. It is important to have a solid understanding of the facts before making decisions impacting the supply and availability of healthy dogs. The Pet Leadership Council funded the study as a follow-up to a survey it previously commissioned on dog ownership rates and where people get their dogs. It determined that 44 percent of U.S. households have a dog, and a lobbying group that advises the council then used that to extrapolate based on average dog lifespan, U.S. Census data and typical dog-purchase behavior that Americans wanted more than 8 million dogs in 2016 and will want more than 9.2 million by 2036. Mississippi States research was led by Kimberly Woodruff, an assistant clinical professor of shelter medicine, and David R. Smith, a professor in pathobiology and population medicine. Their findings were presented Tuesday at the North American Veterinary Community conference in Florida. The study sought to nail down how many shelters exist in the United States, estimates of which vary widely. Based on a telephone survey of 413 shelters, it used capture-recapture methodology which is used to estimate human and wildlife populations to determine that there are nearly 7,100 shelters nationwide. Using data collected from the surveyed shelters, the researchers then concluded that more than 5.5 million dogs enter shelters each year and that fewer than 780,000 are euthanized. The remainder are returned to their owners, transferred to other rescues or shelters or adopted, the researchers found. Mark Cushing of the Animal Policy Group, the lobbying firm that crunched the numbers on demand for dogs, says the data show that U.S. shelters cant meet Americans demand for 8 million dogs a year. Its a total myth for anybody to say or think that every American who wants a dog can go to a shelter and find one, Cushing said. Increasingly, the ones we are euthanizing are very sick or dangerous. Mike Bober, the president and CEO of PIJAC, which regularly lobbies on behalf of commercial-scale dog breeders and pet stores at the legislative level, said the study shows dog breeding and retail sales must remain protected under state and federal laws. Adoption cant be our only option when it comes to helping Americans find their ideal, lifelong companions, Bober said. Responsibly bred puppies are an essential part of the equation. The ASPCA declined to comment on the study until it has reviewed it. But Sheila DArpino, director of research at Maddies Fund, which gives grants to improve shelter medicine and adoption rates, said its findings are in line with overall trends. The numbers of dogs that are dying in shelters is decreasing over time, and our internal estimates, that are based on a lot less science than within this project, are not that far off from what they are saying related to dogs, said DArpino, adding that she could not comment directly on the study. Nathan Winograd, director of the No Kill Advocacy Center in California, challenged the studys assumption that shelters are the only source of homeless dogs. Many rescue groups, he said, take dogs directly from owners who surrender them, and many individuals arrange adoptions of unwanted or found dogs on their own through websites and even neighborhood fliers. I think you can take the results of this study, celebrate the decline in the killing of dogs and still come to the conclusion that you dont need breeding, Winograd said. Winograd added that he thinks it is unfair to say that the nearly 780,000 dogs still dying in shelters each year are vicious or too ill to save, as Cushing suggested. And any shortfall of dogs in America, he said, could be made up with homeless puppies and dogs imported from U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, and beyond. If we still havent met market demand which would surprise me then lets look to our neighbors to our south before we say, Lets start producing more, he says. If you still believe in love and family make some noise. Tyrese Gibson shouted that out to a packed house at Boardwalk Hall on Saturday night. Gibson was opening up for Erykah Badu in a night that lent itself to the most devout R&B and hip hop fans. Slow jams and sexuality highlighted Gibsons opening set, but the artist and actor stopped to mention new president and former Atlantic City businessman Donald Trump. He doesnt realize that hes only bringing us closer, Gibson said to the audience. Gibson will co-star in this years The Fate of the Furious. Throughout his act, Gibson would interact with the crowd, tempting them to stand up and advising security to not hold his fans back from rushing towards the stage. Gibsons biggest applause came with his single Capricorn which starts off with him asking the audience about their zodiac signs. I havent been back here in a while, Gibson said of Atlantic City. For the R&B fanatics, Gibson broke into his song Stay which then moved its way into a Marvin Gaye Lets Get It On medley. Gibson wrapped up his set with a lively audience who were waiting for their main act. Erykah Badu took the stage at 10:30 p.m. to an audience that was ready to hear some of her greatest hits and deepest tracks. Walking out with what has become her signature ten gallon hat, and wearing black gloves with gold metallic finger nails, Badu came out to greet Atlantic City. People in the back put your hands up, she screamed as she went into a few of her more jazzy hits. But after a couple warm up songs, Badu broke into one of her more famous songs with Love of My Life. How are we doing Atlantic City she asked the crowd. Between Gibson and Badu, the night felt like one big R&B spectacle. Heavy, intricate bass lines made their way into each song. Alternative percussions like electronic drum pads were never far out of reach for Badu. The crowd never stopped moving as you saw people running into someone they know but never bringing a halt to their dancing. For a winter weekend night, Boardwalk Hall looked completely filled besides some scattered open seats higher up in the venue. Most sections were filled with people eagerly awaiting the each song, standing and dancing in front of their assigned seats. It really felt like one big R&B community. It seems as if this city still believes in love and family, as Tyrese pointed out. And with more hip hop acts coming into the city, it seems like it's ready for more music to dance to. ATLANTIC CITY David and Shari Galuskin drove 100 miles from East Brunswick to renew their wedding vows Saturday at Absecon Lighthouse. They were glad they went to the trouble to get there. I was looking for something like this, so I Googled it and found this one, he said. The lighthouse is amazing. If people are looking for something a little different, not just flowers or going out to dinner, this was great. The Galuskins were rookies at renewing their vows. For Raymond and Barbara Daniel, of Mays Landing, this annual event has become a tradition. It was their third year there, and they plan to keep coming. The 160-year-old lighthouse has hosted a ceremony timed to Valentines Day for the past four years, after inheriting the idea from Boardwalk Hall. The chief lighthouse keeper, Jean Muchanic, moonlights as an ordained minister and officiates in both locations. She pronounced or renewed wedding vows for as many as 125 couples at one time at Boardwalk Hall, but the biggest crowd that made it to the lighthouse was about 25 couples. Saturdays half-dozen renewals was smaller than normal, Muchanic said, suggesting that might be because the lighthouse board decided to hold the event several days before Valentines Day rather than trying to draw a crowd on a Tuesday night. Karen and Rob Kuhn, of Absecon, read about the renewal and decided to give it a try. They told their hometown friends, Jill and Dale Conover, who wanted to go, too. It was a really fun thing to do, Karen Kuhn said, and all her travel/renewal companions agreed. So now they plan to tell other friends they should check it out, but first, they were heading to another historic Atlantic City institution, the Irish Pub, to continue their celebration. Keith and Marny Keller came from Barnegat Township, in Ocean County, to celebrate their third wedding anniversary. They like the idea of an annual tradition, and they clearly want this one to go on for a while. Hopefully, one day, our kids will be able to join us here, Marny Keller said. More parents in New Jersey are choosing religious exemptions for child vaccinations, resulting in a steady increase in unvaccinated schoolchildren. The number of state religious exemptions among children in primary school more than doubled within a six-year period. The number of unvaccinated school-age children has public health experts worried, while vaccine-choice supporters say families are making the best decisions for their kids. People are more aware that they can get this exemption, especially people who have this faith or belief against mandatory vaccines, said Megan Sheppard, Cumberland County Health Department health officer. I believe people take the opportunity to not get their child vaccinated because maybe they dont believe they (the diseases) are dangerous. New Jersey currently allows religious and medical exemptions from childhood vaccine requirements that are mandatory for kids to attend daycare or childcare, public and private schools. There were 3,865 religious exemptions among children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in the 2009-10 school year, according to the state Department of Health. That number reached more than 9,500 last school year. Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean counties all saw small rises in exemptions, but the majority of students are vaccinated. Hunterdon County has the highest percentage of students with religious exemptions in the state. About one in 20 students, or one student in every average class, is fully or partially unvaccinated. Public health experts say theres minimal risk for a disease outbreak now, as only 1.9 percent of all students in New Jersey are unvaccinated due to religious exemptions. Experts do say they are concerned rising exemptions will weaken herd immunity for those who depend on others for protection. Amy Wertzs son is one of those people. Her son, now 3 years old, had a liver transplant seven weeks after birth. While the procedure and recovery have been successes, Wertz and her family were told early her sons immune system would be too compromised to accept most vaccines. For protection against infectious diseases such as mumps, measles, rubella and chickenpox, her son relies on herd immunity, a high percentage of immunized people in the community. The stronger the herd immunity is, the less likely an outbreak of a disease will occur. I have to make sure that if I hear anything about chickenpox, hes safe and away from it, said Wertz, of Mays Landing. If he gets it, were likely going to have to hospitalize him. More than 1,300 children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade had medical exemptions in New Jersey last year, according to state health department data. Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and attending physician at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, said he believes misinformation on the internet and unverified studies on vaccines cause some people to believe that vaccines do more harm than good. The decline of debilitating and deadly diseases such polio, measles and smallpox makes people forget how dangerous the diseases are, Offit said. Vaccines have been a victim of own success on that level, he said. But in recent years, several outbreaks have occurred. Washington state currently has a mumps outbreak that has spread to 404 people, according to the states Department of Health. Most cases are among those 18 and younger who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. Officials are urging people to get the MMR vaccine, as they say it will better help fight off mumps if someone contracts it. About 188 people from 24 states had cases of measles in 2015. The outbreak was linked to Disneyland in California. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the majority of cases occurred in unvaccinated people. Instances like these prompt experts such as Offit to say they see a future in which all exemptions but medical are eliminated, for mandatory vaccination to ensure strong herd immunity and decrease outbreak risks but vaccine choice supporters say that would violate peoples rights. Louise Habakus, of Middletown, Monmouth County, founded Fearless Parent in 2012, an organization that advocates for parental choice in health decisions and practices. Habakus said many advocating for more parental choice in vaccines are not completely against getting their children vaccinated. Instead, they want to be able to choose which vaccines their children get and when. Habakus and others said they sympathize with people who claim to have suffered adverse effects from vaccines and have fought for treatment help and better testing practices by manufacturers. All but three states California, Mississippi and West Virginia accept religious or philosophical exemptions. New Jersey legislators have tried to make religious exemption rules stricter, but any laws changing exemption requirements failed to pass. The American Civil Liberties Union of California wrote to state legislators that the group was concerned there was a lack of need for a law mandating every child get vaccinated to attend school, but the law passed anyway in 2015. Other groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics last year recommended all states eliminate nonmedical exemptions because they are inappropriate for individual, public health, and ethical reasons. In the organizations statement, pediatric officials concluded that although parents should be informed and involved with their childrens health care, childhood immunization exemption policies should be designed to best serve the interests of individual children and communities for public health safety. Do I think thats the way were going, with none of those exemptions? I hope so, Offit said. You do have to realize that you have responsibilities to your children and those around you. About 73 miles southeast of the mouth of the Delaware Bay is an underwater canyon that holds deep-sea corals and pools of bubbling methane gas, known as seeps, that create a nutrient-rich biodiversity hot spot. The 149-square-mile area was nominated last year by the National Aquarium in Baltimore to become the nations first urban national marine sanctuary through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Then, all of a sudden last week, it wasnt. The aquarium announced the withdrawal of the nomination Feb. 1, prompting environmentalists to fear it may have caved to pressure from President Donald Trump. Sanctuary designation would have protected the canyon from many kinds of exploitation. But it would not have stopped commercial or recreational fishing there, according to the nomination. I sort of expected it with the new administration, said Bob Schoelkopf, director of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. The way hes been going, with anti-environmental action, pushing pipelines straight ahead. Aquarium Chief Executive Officer John Racanelli posted a brief explanation on the aquariums website, saying the move was made after careful consideration, but giving few details. A request for an interview and more information was denied Tuesday. Instead, a spokesperson provided another copy of Racanellis statement. Although we believe national marine sanctuary designation would provide an unprecedented opportunity to protect a national treasure and inspire young minds, we have determined that the timing is not right for this nomination, Racanelli wrote. We plan to use these next two years to gather further community input regarding the importance and value of providing permanent protection to treasures like the Baltimore Canyon, he wrote. New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel said he was extremely disappointed, and called the withdrawal shortsighted. The application had everything in it, Tittel said of the list of natural resources and ecological qualities of the canyon, from deep-sea corals to the first methane cold seep discovered in the mid-Atlantic, and biodiversity of commercial fish and other marine species. I dont get it. Tittel said he feared the canyon could be vulnerable to everything from mining to gas and oil drilling if not protected. The aquarium filed an 83-page nomination report last year, outlining why the canyon is unique and worthy of extra protection. The canyon itself is dense with biologically important nutrients and chemicals that support a robust food web of bacteria, corals, mussels, sponges, anemones, crabs, lobsters and fish, said the nomination, which also stressed it is home to the first and one of the largest methane cold seeps discovered in the region. Deep-sea corals and rare methane seeps form the basis of a unique ecosystem that nourishes and supports a rich food chain extending upward more than a mile into the water column. It also said the corals provide natural refuges for fish and invertebrates, and the canyons steep slopes and diverse sediments provide nutrients for highly migratory species such as blue marlin, tuna, pelagic birds, whales and dolphins. Sea turtles also have been documented there. About 15,000 to 20,000 years ago, the sea level was about 328 feet lower than today, and it is highly likely that early human populations occupied the region, the report said. Human use of the canyon is primarily for commercial and recreational fishing, it said, and fisheries are now managed by NOAAs National Marine Fisheries Service, along with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Fishing would still be allowed in and around Baltimore Canyon if it became a marine sanctuary. Commercial species caught in the areas around it now include longfin squid, ilex squid, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, golden tilefish, hake, deep sea red crab, American lobster, Jonah crab and scallops. The application included dozens of letters of support from universities and other educational groups, politicians, environmental groups and even the Port of Baltimore. NOAAs Office of National Marine Sanctuaries oversees a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 600,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters, according to the NOAA website. The network includes a system of 13 national marine sanctuaries and Papahanaumokuakea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments. The system works with multiple stakeholders to promote responsible, sustainable ocean uses that ensure the health of our most valued ocean places, according to NOAA. Despite owning two horse-racing tracks in upstate New York with casino gaming and pushing for a casino at the Meadowlands, Jeff Gural doesnt consider himself a casino guy. Im a horse guy, not a casino guy, Gural, 74, said during a recent meeting with The Press of Atlantic Citys editorial board. I own two racetracks in upstate New York and two horse farms. Its my hobby. Just dont tell the IRS. Gural, owner of the Meadowland Racetrack, was one of the key figures who sought to expand gaming to North Jersey earlier this year. While the November ballot question failed by a historically large margin, Gural still holds hope that casino gaming will be part of the Meadowlands and save the states horse-racing industry. Gural and Paul Fireman, a former Reebok executive, pushed last year for the referendum to expand gaming beyond Atlantic City. The question called for the properties to be at least 72 miles from Atlantic City and in different counties. Icahn to sell Trump Taj Mahal Gov. Chris Christie on Monday vetoed a bill that would have punished billionaire investor Ca The main goal of bringing gaming to the facility is to increase prize money at the track, which opened in 1976, Gural said. Higher purses, funded by casino gaming, have made Gurals competitors, Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway in New York, Mohegan Sun Pocono in Pennsylvania and Harrahs Philadelphia Racetrack in Chester, more attractive to racers. Empire receives $50 million in purse subsidies from slot machine revenue, while Pocono and Harrahs split $50 million in gaming revenue for purses, Gural said. Im not a dummy. I recognize that harness racing is a dying business, Gural said. I would have no problem being profitable if I could attract the horses. The only thing that will save me at the Meadowlands is a casino. But about 80 percent of New Jersey voters rejected the proposal last November. Gural blamed the rejection on the lack of details in the ballot question and the voting publics lack of trust in government officials. If the ballot question had passed, Gural would have looked to partner with Hard Rock International to build a 650,000-square-foot property with 200 gambling tables and 5,000 slot machines at the site. While some opponents of expanding gaming claim it will negatively affect Atlantic City, Gural thinks competition from outside the state has already decimated the resort. I made some calls to some casino people, and they said Atlantic City is done and will not recover, Gural said. The competition is just too great at this time, and everyone knows that. I love Atlantic City, but its a shame, its a slum. Bill Cortese, executive director of Trentons Bad Bet, a Newark-based group opposed to the ballot question, said he is not surprised Gural is still committed to bringing casino gaming to the site. It comes as no surprise that despite nearly eight in 10 New Jersey voters voting to oppose North Jersey casinos, Jeff Gural and his allies in Trenton are trying to circumvent the will of the people and jam through gaming expansion, Cortese said. For now, Gural plans to sit tight until New York releases three licenses for the southern portion of the state. He hopes the release of the licenses in six years will scare people enough to vote to expand gaming to the Meadowlands. Once that happens, voters of New Jersey would be idiots for not approving it. Common sense is common sense, he said. So right now I plan to sit tight and wait. CNN has grave concerns about White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conways credibility and even refused to have her on its Sunday show recently, apparently to protect viewers from her Jedi mind trick powers. CNN subsequently invited Conway to appear on the network, infuriating a chorus of liberal media critics who insist she must be shunned like a harlot in an Amish colony. Now, I should disclose that I know Conway a bit and like her. At the same time, no one who has read my columns over the last two years would accuse me of being a cheerleader for her or her boss. Conways job is, at least in part, to sell the presidents agenda and fight back against a hostile press. She is very good at it. Too good, apparently. Bill Moyers, who had a similar job for President Lyndon Johnson, lamented CNNs decision not to permanently ban Conway, which is the the surest way to prevent a professional con artist from using you to pollute the airwaves with one flagrant lie after another. Moyers says Conway is the administrations official Queen of Bulls---, which is an interesting charge coming from someone who used to clean out LBJs stables gustily. Journalism professor Jay Rosen thinks theres little journalistic value in giving Conway a platform. The logic is, this is a representative of the president, Rosen said on the Recode Media podcast. This is somebody who can speak for the Trump administration. But if we find that what Kellyanne Conway says is routinely or easily contradicted by Donald Trump, then that rationale disappears. Another reason to interview Kellyanne Conway is, our viewers want to understand how the Trump world thinks, Rosen added. But if the end result of an interview is more confusion about what the Trump world thinks, then that rationale evaporates. I can understand Rosens frustration. President Trumps surrogates, including Vice President Mike Pence, have mastered the art of defending straw-man positions that dont reflect the actions and views of the president himself. But I find this talk of refusing to interview Conway baffling and bizarre. Its also a bit ironic, given the hysteria this week over Sen. Elizabeth Warren being silenced by the Senate. Apparently, using a parliamentary technique to cut off a demagogic stemwinder in the Senate is outrageously sexist. But cavalierly insulting Conway, the first successful female presidential campaign manager, is fine and calling for her media banishment is the height of journalistic seriousness. In 2012, Susan Rice, Barack Obamas national security adviser, flatly lied on five Sunday news shows, saying that the attack on the Benghazi compound was spontaneous and the direct result of a heinous and offensive video. No one talked of banning her from the airwaves. Nor should they have. Heres a news flash for the news industry: Birds are gonna fly, fish are gonna swim and politicians are gonna lie. The assumption that Conway is uniquely dishonest strikes me as not only preposterous but irrelevant. If shes that dishonest, a good interviewer will make that clear to the viewer. Personally, I think Jake Tapper is more than capable of holding anyones feet to the fire. The arrogance is remarkable. The Fourth Estate priesthood thinks viewers cant see through Conways spin, so they must be protected from it. Its a compliment to Conway and her skills, and an admission of incompetence by the press. But the more important point is that singling out Conway would strike millions of viewers and voters as further evidence that the press changes its standards depending on which party is in power. Under President George W. Bush, vast swaths of the media celebrated dissent as the highest form of patriotism. Under President Obama, dissent became the lowest form of racism. And upon Donald Trumps election, dissent became not only patriotic but a requirement for the new mythopoetic cause of resistance. While not a news organization, Saturday Night Live is emblematic of this mindset. Jim Downey, the SNL writer in charge of political mockery, insisted that there was simply nothing funny about Obama. Its like being a rock climber looking up at a thousand-foot-high face of solid obsidian, polished and oiled, Downey said. Theres not a single thing to grab onto certainly not a flaw or hook that you can caricature. The Trump White House, meanwhile, is a bottomless source for mockery. Thats fine. But the double standard is obvious to those who dont share the political biases of SNL, The Daily Show or, for that matter, CNN. Email Jonah Goldberg at goldbergcolumn@gmail.com. The Atlantic City chapter of the NAACP was once among the country's most active, with 400 to 500 teens in its youth group, said new President Kaleem Shabazz. Back then, the youth group demonstrated on the Atlantic City Boardwalk against the practice of marking people's voter registration card with either "C" for colored or "W" for white, he said. "That shows you how far back we were," said Shabazz. "African Americans were not allowed to go on cash registers in the stores they worked in. We demonstrated against that, too." Today the total membership is about 200, with about 40 to 50 teens in the youth group. Shabazz wants to turn those numbers around, and said Black History Month and the 108th anniversary of the national NAACP combined to make a good time to try. "I'm reaching out to religious leaders in Atlantic City to encourage memberships for the NAACP and take people's temperatures about some of the things that are going on," said Shabazz, who is also a city councilman. He was talking about actions of President Donald Trump's administration, such as an attempted ban of people entering the country from seven Muslim nations, that brought many people to a recent interfaith service at City Hall to show support for Muslims. As challenging as he thinks some of Trump's actions are to civil rights, he said, in a way, it will help the membership drive. "The actions of President Trump have given us a jolt," he said. "People are asking how to join." He's looking for people of all backgrounds join. "Some people have the understanding the NAACP is only for people of African American descent," said Shabazz. "I want to dispel that. It's never been the case. Anyone who values social justice and civil rights can join." The Atlantic City chapter is almost 60 years old, said Shabazz, who has been chapter president for only about a month. The chapter has had its troubles. Back in 2011 it was temporarily suspended by the national group because of infighting and organizational problems, which members at the time said resulted from the actions of just a few people. Shabazz grew up in the resort and said he was an active member of the NAACP Youth Council during high school in the 1960s when there were almost 500 teens in his group. "The Atlantic City chapter has a long history of being in the forefront of civil rights, and the youth council in Atlantic City was one of the most active in the country in the 1960s," he said. The Atlantic City chapter is planning a commemorative program April 4, the anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, but is still working on a location, said Shabazz. A Freedom Fund annual breakfast fundraiser is set for 8:30 a.m. April 22 at Golden Nugget. The keynote speaker will be Phil Murphy, Democratic candidate for governor, Shabazz said. Tickets are $50. For information on joining the Atlantic City branch, attending the breakfast, becoming a sponsor or taking an ad, call 609-344-2590. A website is being developed, he said. In Atlantic County, the Mainland/Pleasantville branch has a webpage at mlpnaacp.org. For a list of all chapters in New Jersey with contact information, including the Greater Vineland and Mizpah chapters, see njscnaacp.org/unit/. Membership is $30 for adults, $10 for youth. Maybe we shouldn't be surprised that four of the casinos that have been closed in the city have, or had deed restrictions barring gambling there. But that doesn't make it right, or a good thing for a city trying to rebuild its Boardwalk. Does it? This week, for our second podcast on Atlantic City, Nicholas Huba and I drilled into the issue a bit. It turns out, Nick and I don't see eye to eye on whether deed restrictions are killing Atlantic City's boardwalk, saving it, or whether they even matter. But we did agree that a poor perception of the resort still persists. That view was reinforced when Jeffrey Gural, the Meadowlands developer who supported last November's public vote on casino expansion, came down to talk our editor board about gaming. Gural still wants a casino and believes he'll get on, he just has to wait six more years. That's when New York's casinos will be so close to the state's border New Jersey will have no choice but to open one up in the north (You can find that at the 6:00 mark of the podcast). Gural, at 74, is a pretty patient and optimistic guy. We were also finally able to pull Christian Hetrick out of his stacks of documents and spreadsheets long enough to get him to come over and talk about the Atlantic City takeover. Christian's been reporting on the state takeover of Atlantic City government, including point man Jeff Chiesa's bid to cut 100 jobs from the fire department (starts at 8:24). Firefighters are suing and there's a ton of documents online. Christian claims he's read all 1,000 pages of filings. I put him to the test. Thanks for the listen and the comments last week. 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His company owns and manages more than 15,000 luxury style homes and delivers aesthetically beautiful, efficient and affordable housing, specializing, in the meantime, in delivering a high-end lifestyle that is budget friendly. Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com MarcusHilestx (Marcus Hiles) - DeviantArt: http://marcushilestx.deviantart.com Marcus Hiles (@marcus_hiles) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcus_hiles Marcus Hiles - New Luxury Apartments in Frisco, TX - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmsJNbfOh-g SOURCE Marcus Hiles Related Links http://www.marcushiles-news.com ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Feb. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula is taking it to the streets this season with their Winter Cocoa Tour! With previous stops in Detroit, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland and Washington D.C., Palmer's will be hitting Minneapolis on February 13th for one final tour stop. Join the Palmer's street team in multiple Minneapolis locations for a free Cocoa Butter Formula lotion sample and a $1 off coupon. Fans can share the Cocoa Butter love on social media, using the hashtag #PalmersCocoaTour! Catch Palmer's at the following Minneapolis tour stops: February 13 Target Field Station and Warehouse Hennepin Station from 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Nicollet Mall Station and Government Plaza Station from 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. February 14 US Bank Stadium and Cedar-Riverside Station from 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Warehouse Hennepin Station and Target Center from 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m February 15 38 th Street Station and 46 th Street Station from 8:40 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 50 th Street/Minnehaha Park Station and VA Medical Center Station from 1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m February 16 Government Plaza Station and Nicollet Mall Station from 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Franklin Avenue Station and Target Field Station from 1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. To learn more about Palmer's and the Winter 2017 Cocoa Tour, visit www.palmers.com or Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. About E.T. Browne Drug Co., Inc. Founded more than 175 years ago as one of America's first skin care companies, E.T. Browne Drug Co., Inc. is a leader in treatment-oriented beauty products with its trusted Palmer's brand. The name Palmer's is synonymous with high-quality natural skin and hair care product lines including Cocoa Butter Formula, Shea Formula, Skin Success, Olive Oil Formula, Coconut Oil Formula and Eventone. SOURCE E.T. Browne Drug Co., Inc. Related Links https://www.palmers.com If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Chennai, Feb 10 : AIAMDK MLAs backing its General Secretary V.K. Sasikala in the power struggle in Tamil Nadu on Friday said they were not being held hostage. With several habeas corpus petitions filed in the Madras High Court and questions raised about the legislators, the MLAs met the media outside the resort where they are staying. "MLAs cannot be kept hostage. Sasikala is treating us like how (late Chief Minister J.) Jayalalithaa treated us," said one of them, Murugumaran. "We are not birds being kept in a cage," added another legislator. They accused the DMK of spreading rumours that legislators backing Sasikala against acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam were being held hostage. AIADMK spokesperson C.R. Saraswathi, who is not a legislator, also told the media that she had to switch off her mobile phone as there were lots of threatening calls. After attending a meeting at the AIADMK headquarters on Wednesday, the pro-Sasikala MLAs were bussed to a beach resort near Chennai. On Thursday, responding to a habeas corpus petition filed in the Madras High Court, the Tamil Nadu government advocate said the legislators were free. New Delhi, Feb 11 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday assured help to the family of an Indian national who was shot dead during an armed robbery in Jamaica earlier this week. "Talreja family - I am sorry to know about this tragedy. My heartfelt condolences," Sushma Swaraj tweeted. "Indian High Commission in Jamaica will follow up this case with the police and help you in all possible manner," she said. According to reports, armed robbers entered the home of 25-year-old Rakesh Talreja, hailing from Vasai in Maharashtra, which he shared with two other Indians, in Jamaica's capital Kingston on Thursday evening. After snatching cash and cellphones from his roommates at gunpoint, they entered Talreja's bedroom on the first floor of the house. After snatching his cellphone, they shot Talreja in the back three times. They also shot at his roommates before fleeing from the house. Talreja was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead before admission. His two roommates, who sustained injuries on their legs, are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Talreja worked as a salesperson at Caribbean Jewellers in Kingston and his employer used to ask his employees to take some amount of cash home everyday to avoid theft in the shop, according to the reports. Seeking a detailed report about the incident, Sushma Swaraj directed the High Commission to "ensure best possible treatment to the injured Indian nationals and coordinate with the affected families". Los Angeles, Feb 12 : Actor-filmmaker George Clooneys mother Nina Clooney feels her son will be a "great" father after it was revealed that his wife Amal Clooney is expecting twins. "We are extremely happy for George and Amal, and I cannot imagine two people who would be better parents," Nina told usmagazine.com. The actor and the human rights lawyer, who wed in Italy in September 2014, delivered the news in person to his mother and father and TV host Nick Clooney. "We were with them and they told us together. We were all together, and it was lovely," she said. "It was just a personal moment." This will be the first child for both George and Amal. "I think he'll be great, and I think she'll be a great mom!" said Nina, who is also mother of Adelia Clooney. Washington, Feb 12 : Two New York residents accused of conspiring to support ISIS and plotting to set off a pressure-cooker bomb in the city have pleaded guilty to all charges, federal prosecutors and New York officials said on Saturday. Munther Omar Saleh, 21, of Queens, and Fareed Mumuni, 22, of Staten Island, were charged with "conspiring and attempting to provide material support" to ISIS and with assaulting and conspiring to assault federal officers, CNN quoted the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York as saying in a statement. Mumuni also was charged with "attempted murder of federal officers". That charge resulted from an incident in which Mumuni repeatedly stabbed an FBI agent as law enforcement officials carried out a search warrant at his home about two years ago, officials said. Saleh, a US citizen and a former aeronautics student, faces up to 53 years in prison. Mumuni's immigration status is not clear; he faces up to 85 years in prison. Both men are scheduled to be sentenced May 16. Saleh and another individual were taken into custody on June 13, 2015 in Queens after they charged at a federal officer who was performing physical surveillance of Saleh, according to Friday's statement. Both men were armed with knives, the statement said. Mumuni was arrested in the same month after he repeatedly stabbed an FBI agent in the torso with a large kitchen knife after FBI agents arrived at his Staten Island home to execute a search warrant, officials said. "During his arrest, Mumuni stabbed an FBI agent numerous times, but thankfully the agent's body armour protected him from the defendant's attack and the defendant was safely apprehended by law enforcement," acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord said Friday. During a search of the vehicle used by Mumuni, investigators recovered a second large knife, the statement said. After his arrest, Mumuni admitted that he kept a knife wrapped in a T-shirt in his bed to use in any confrontation with law enforcement officers. Mumuni also said an ISIS fighter had sanctioned his planned suicide attack on law enforcement officials following him, according to the statement. Los Angeles, Feb 12 : The three leads of the movie "Moonlight" share a role, but they never shot together. The three actors who play the character Chiron, the protagonist, through the three stages of his life -- Trevante Rhodes, 26, Ashton Sanders, 20, and Alex R. Hibbert 12, hadn't properly meet until after the film was finished. The only link between the three actors, as director Barry Jenkins, explains, was their eyes. "I really wanted them to be different people. Same character, different people. But there was this spiritual, cosmic connection through the eyes," Jenkins said in a statement. A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, "Moonlight" chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighbourhood of Miami. The film will release in India on February 17. Washington, Feb 12 : US retailers Sears and Kmart's websites no longer sell products from the Trump Home line, which is owned by the Trump Organisation, a Business Insider report said. As of Friday, a search for Trump Home items on both retailers' websites yielded no results, except items sold by third-party sellers, the report issued on Saturday said. A Sears spokesperson told the Business Insider that the company is looking into the disappearance of the Trump line. As of Tuesday, Sears was still selling 19 Trump Home items online and Kmart was selling 13 items, according to Shannon Coulter, the brand strategist who started the #GrabYourWallet boycott against retailers selling products owned by US President Donald Trump's organisation. It is unclear if Trump Home merchandise is still for sale in the retail stores. Last week, luxury retailers Nordstrom officially cut ties with Ivanka Trump's fashion brand, and her line of clothing and accessories also disappeared from Neiman Marcus' website. Home Shopping Network stopped selling a Trump Home line of lamps. On Wednesday, President Trump weighed in, saying Nordstrom's treatment of his daughter is "unfair". Dhaka, Feb 12 : At least 11 persons were killed and three were injured in a collision between a bus and a van in Narsingdi district of Bangladesh on Sunday. Almost all of those killed in the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway accident were travelling in the van, BD News quoted police as saying. Hundreds die in such road accidents in Bangladesh every year. Bad roads, rash driving, poor visibility during winter due to fog and poor condition of vehicles cause most of the accidents. Seoul, Feb 12 : North Korea on Sunday fired a ballistic missile into its eastern waters, with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe denouncing it. The intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7.55 a.m. near Banghyeon in North Pyongan province, Xinhua news agency quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying. The projectile is estimated to have travelled about 500 km and landed in waters off North Korea's east coast. The launch came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before North Korea marks the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father Kim Jong II. During a joint conference with Trump, Abe called on Pyongyang to comply fully with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Abe called the test "absolutely intolerable". He said Trump had assured him of US support and that his presence showed the President's determination and commitment, The Japan Times reported. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the US stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent." Kim Jong Un had said in his New Year address that North Korea had reached the final stages of readiness to test an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the US. South Korea's acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said his country would punish North Korea for the missile launch. The Presidential office convened an emergency national security council meeting chaired by top presidential security advisor Kim Kwan-jin, Yonhap news agency reported. According to South Korea's Foreign Ministry, Seoul would continue to work with allies including the US, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against Pyongyang. According to the ministry, Seoul would make Pyongyang realise that it would "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programmes. The ministry said it was a violation of UNSC resolutions and a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It was North Korea's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since US President Donald Trump took office on January 20. The UN Security Council's resolutions ban North Korea from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of a protest against the Trump administration's hardline stance toward Pyongyang, South Korea said. Concerns had persisted about North Korea's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test-launch following its fifth nuclear test in September. Pyongyang test-fired a long-range ballistic rocket in February last year, about a month after detonating its fourth atomic bomb. Musudan has a range of 3,000-4,000 km that can put the entire Japan and the US military base in Guam in its target range. New Delhi, Feb 12 : Anuj Kumar, 16, seems to have fallen in love with his government school like never before. A student of Class 10, Anuj says his school in east Delhi -- including teachers and the method of teaching -- has undergone a major transformation in the last two years, ever since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government came to power in the national capital. Teachers and a section of parents IANS spoke to at the Senior Secondary School in New Ashok Nagar agree with the teenager. "The ambience in the school was not at all like this till a year ago," Anuj, who has opted for science. "Our school was earlier a rundown building, untidy and known for goondaism. All that has changed." Around 3,200 girls and 1,752 boys study in the school in morning and evening shifts respectively. The school is one of the 1,011 run by the Delhi government in the capital that have undergone what officials and teachers say is a "revolutionary makeover", making some of them look like private schools. The Delhi government has revived most of its schools with new infrastructure and created an atmosphere conducive to studies -- among several initiatives to raise the education standards. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia last month inaugurated the national capital's first 'Model' government school with "state-of-the-art" facilities and infrastructure. Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya on Deendayal Upadhyaya Marg has become the first Delhi government school to boast of audio-visual teaching aids, projectors in classrooms, besides a swanky new building with all conveniences. Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, says his government built some 8,000 schoolrooms since taking office in February 2015 and plans to add an equal number within one-and-half years. The number of schoolrooms built so far amount to constructing some 200 new schools. To strengthen the school infrastructure, the Delhi government has also planned 100 new schools in the coming years. "New classrooms are being constructed in my school. The school premises now remain more tidy and discipline is maintained. Teachers now pay more attention to teaching," Anuj said. "If the same pattern of education reform continues, the government schools will become better than the private ones in future." The Delhi government's focus on education is visible as in its two years it has allocated maximum share of its budget to the education sector. The government in its 2015-16 Budget allocated Rs 9,836 crore for the education sector. It increased the spending in its 2016-17 Budget, allocating Rs 10,690 crore for education -- 23 per cent of the total Budget. School teachers say the condition of schools in terms of infrastructure and cleanliness has improved a lot. "Dedication of the government to improve the condition of schools can be seen as 28 new classrooms have been constructed in this school and more are planned," a teacher at the school, pleading anonymity, told IANS. Mythili Bector, Principal of the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya at Dakshinpuri Extension, concurred. "I can see complete 180-degree change in basic infrastructure at schools, leadership programmes for students, teacher learning training process. In every field of education, huge transformation is done. We received tremendous support from the government in making education better," Bector told IANS. Last year, the Delhi government launched its "Chunauti 2018" programme which aims at enabling students, especially of Class 9, to overcome the adverse effects of the 'No Detention' policy and raise their ability to read. The students in each class have been divided into two sections 'Pratibha' and 'Nistha'. Students with overall good or average performance are kept in Pratibha, while the weaker students are put in 'Nistha' group. "We pay extra attention to students in the 'Nistha' group and conduct special reading classes for them. All this exercise is part of 'Chunauti 2018' programme," a teacher at the New Ashok Nagar school said. "The idea behind 'Chunauti 2018' is that by the year 2018, all Class 9 students in the academic year 2016-2017, regardless of their learning levels at this point, will be trained and mentored to successfully appear for Class 10 examinations in 2018," he added. Parents who came to pick their wards at the school lauded the government's work towards improving the condition of schools and raising the standard of education. "For the first time, PTMs (Parent Teacher Meetings) were conducted at government schools. This not only helped establish a proper communication between parents and teachers but also built our confidence in the school," Deepak Rastogi, whose daughter studies in Class 8 at the Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya at New Ashok Nagar, told IANS. Puja Singh, parent of a Class 7 girl, says her child improved after the government's initiative of paying more attention to weaker students. "My daughter was weak in reading text books. She was put in Nistha group and teachers paid special attention on her reading abilities and now she is improving," she said. "After the government conducted two mega PTMs, teachers of the school maintain proper communication with us. They also call us to the school if attendance of my son is low. This was not being done earlier," Raman Batham, a parent, told IANS. (Ashish Mishra can be contacted at ashish.m@ians.in) Colombo, Feb 12 : Former Tamil Tiger leader Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan has formed a new party to voice the concerns of the Tamils in Sri Lanka, the media reported on Sunday. Muralitharan alias Karuna, who broke away from the LTTE in 2004 and was sworn in as a deputy minister in the previous government, blamed the main Tamil party -- Tamil National Alliance (TNA) -- for not doing enough to represent the concerns of the Tamils, Xinhua news agency reported. He formed the Tamil National Freedom Front Party with the assistance of his close members. Muralitharan was the former Tamil Tiger leader in the eastern province and bolted from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2004. After leaving the LTTE, he formed Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP), a splinter faction. After giving up arms and entering politics, he was appointed a National List MP for the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the party of former President Mahinda Rajapakse. He became the Minister of National Integration in 2009. He later joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the largest party in the UPFA. Muralitharan faces corruption charges for alleged misuse of state vehicles during the previous government. Chennai, Feb 12 : Journalists assembled near the Golden Bay resort, where lawmakers of the ruling AIADMK are being housed, said that they were attacked on Sunday by security personnel deployed there for the legislators. The attackers also allegedly snatched the camera and mobile phones of some journalists. The state police remained silent when the media were attacked. Journalist associations - the Madras Union of Journalists and the Tamil Nadu Union of Journalists - and DMK Working President M.K.Stalin condemned the attack on the journalists. The journalists were there as AIADMK General Secretary V.K.Sasikala was scheduled to addressed her party's 127 legislators housed there. The people guarding the resort have also cordoned off the public road leading to the resort which is being opposed by the local populace. In a statement issued here, Stalin wondered as to why police is silently watching the "atrocities" of the Sasikala group of AIADMK. He also strongly condemned the attack on the journalists by the goons belonging to the Sasikala group. London, Feb 13 : Veteran director Ken Loach, who bagged the Outstanding British Film Award for "I, Daniel Blake" at the 70th BAFTA Awards here on Sunday, attacked the "callous brutality" of the British government towards the poor. Loach's film tells the story of a middle-aged carpenter named Daniel Blake played by comedian Dave Johns, who is left unable to work after a major heart attack. The director, in his acceptance speech, took a moment to speak about issues that matter, reports telegraph.co.uk. He said: "Thank you to the Academy for endorsing the truths of what the film says, which hundreds and thousands of people in this country know, the most vulnerable and the poorest are treated by the government with a callous brutality that is disgraceful, a brutality that extends to keeping out refugee children we promised to help and that's a disgrace too." Loach said films can "entertain, terrify, they can make us laugh and tell us something about the real world we live in". Apologising that "it's early for a political speech", he added: "In that real world, it's getting darker and in the struggle that is coming between rich and poor and the wealthy and the privileged and the big corporations and politicians who speak for them. "The rest of us on the other side -- film-makers know which side they are on and despite the glitz and glamour of occasions like this, we are with the people." Later when he was backstage, Loach defended his comments saying one cannot make a film like "I, Daniel Blake" and talk only about showbiz. From left to right: Instant Effects Eye Lift, Instant Lip and Instant Lash Instant Effects, a highly acclaimed clinically proven instant results beauty range based in London is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, the worlds largest online retailer. From the makers of Cult51 which is one of the most well-regarded luxury skincare brands in the world, comes an award winning beauty range praised by editors, makeup artists and celebrities. With Instant Effects now available on Amazon.com, the company has extended its reach to customers all over the globe. We are thrilled to announce that our Instant Effects products are now available for purchase on Amazon.com, said Richard Mears, the owner, founder and lead chemist of the skin care line. Each of these three products deliver Real results in minutes or , which means they absolutely live up to their name. We are excited to be able to bring them to more consumers than ever before to help them achieve their beauty and skincare goals. The Instant Effects product line contains three different products that, when used in conjunction, drastically reduce aging and wrinkles on different parts of the face. Instant Eye Lift, for example, minimizes wrinkles around the eyes and diminishes dark circles within 15 minutes. This is especially helpful for people who have been suffering from stress or a lack of sleep. It is a primer, moisturizer and a corrector all in one! Find it on Amazon.com for $33.30. The second product, Instant Lash, provides the user with longer, thicker lashes. The formula applies like mascara and plumps up eyelashes by as much as 20 percent within just two minutes, then finish with Mascara. The more you use it, the better results you will get. In just 14 days of continuous use, your lashes can be 40% thicker and 20% longer. Its that easy! Available on Amazon.com for $35.00. Finally, Instant Lip gives the user fuller, plumper lips nearly instantly. It is applied like clear lip gloss to increase plumpness by 20 percent in two minutes. Unlike other available lip plumpers on the market, Instant Lip does not have an unpleasant taste and does not sting during application. Purchase on Amazon.com for $35.00 We are thrilled to be taking this next step forward with promoting our Instant Effects products, and are certain people across the world will appreciate them, said Mears. For more information visit http://www.MyInstantEffects.com Carlia, I want to join the YEA! Program because I want to help my parents pay the rent. Ashley, Age 14 SUFKOC is pleased to be the first organization to give at-risk and underprivileged youth the opportunity to participate in the YEA Program. StandUp For Kids is working diligently to come up with the best ways to help our youth become self-sufficient and develop a passion for something in life. Throughout the year students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community leaders and educators who use their personal experiences to demonstrate how to develop business ideas and objectives, write a business plan, pitch to investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, establish e-commerce and a web presence, and more. By the end of the 19-week class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning businesses. Classes are held at The Anaheim Independencia Center and managed by Carlia Oldfather. StandUp For Kids continuously seeks donations; as well as mentors and volunteers to donate their time and knowledge with the youth in our community. If you or anyone you know would like to be a part of impacting and changing the lives of the youth in our community, please do not hesitate to contact Carlia Oldfather. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy Founded in 2004 at the University of Rochester with support from the Kauffman Foundation, YEA today serves thousands of students nationwide. In 2011, the United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation became a national sponsor and partner of the Academy to help celebrate the spirit of enterprise among today's youth and tomorrow's future leaders. YEA bridges the business and educational communities to fulfill its mission of teaching more students how to make a job, not just take a job. YEA is made possible by The Kauffman Foundation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the E. Philip Saunders Foundation. For more information, visit yeausa.org. About StandUp For Kids StandUp For Kids (SUFK), founded in 1990, is a national non-profit organization whose target population is assisting homeless and at risk individuals between the ages of 13 and 24. Our core mission is to end the cycle of youth homelessness. Trained counselors help find, stabilize, and assist homeless and at-risk kids to attain productive and fulfilling lives off the streets. Our organizations focus is on prevention, outreach support, transitional housing and providing an array of resources and services to help homeless and at-risk youth on their journey to becoming self-sufficient adults. This victory makes Shannon Campbell the first three-time winner of the prestigious race and is the first time a tire manufacturer has swept the podium in the races 10-year history. Fast Facts: Shannon Campbell, Wayland Campbell and Jason Scherer swept the podium of the 2017 race. Shannon Campbell is the first racer to have won the King of the Hammers race three times. Erik Miller, JP Gomez, and Josh Blyler made up the rest of the top six. This years race was one of the closest in KOH history with Shannon Campbell finishing just 28 seconds ahead of his son Wayland. All six drivers were competing with Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires. Nitto Tire U.S.A., a leading manufacturer of off-road and street performance tires, is excited to announce that Team Nitto drivers Shannon Campbell, Wayland Campbell, and Jason Scherer have swept the 2017 King of the Hammers podium while 2016 champion Erik Miller finished just behind in fourth place. This victory makes Shannon Campbell the first three-time winner of the prestigious race and is the first time a tire manufacturer has swept the podium in the races 10-year history. The 2017 Ultra4 Racing season kicked off this week with the annual King of the Hammers race held in Johnson Valley, California. One of the toughest off-road races in the world, King of the Hammers tests the limits of its drivers and their custom race buggies as they navigate the 181-mile course, which includes both high speed desert running with technical rock crawling, in less than 10 hours. This year, Team Nitto drivers Jason Scherer, Loren Healy and Erik Miller along with Wayland, Shannon, and Bailey Campbell, once again were able to compete at their best thanks to the tried and true Nitto Trail Grappler tires. In one of the closest King of the Hammers finishes yet, Shannon Campbell clinched his third KOH victory while Wayland Campbell, Jason Scherer and Erik Miller finished shortly behind him, followed by JP Gomez and Josh Blyler. All drivers and teams were competing on Nittos race specification of the Trail Grappler M/T light truck tire. Everyone at Nitto Tire is extremely proud of what our talented team of drivers has once again accomplished at this extremely challenging race, said Chris Corbett, Nitto Tire U.S.A.s Events and Motorsports Manager. Shannon Campbell has once again shown that he is the dominant force in off-road racing and we are proud to have been a part of his unmatched success at King of the Hammers and in the Ultra4 series. It was also fantastic to see Shannons son Wayland become a real contender in this race and we know it is only a matter of time until he gets his first KOH win. This years King of the Hammers race was one of the most hard-fought races to date. Throughout the entire day every one of the top contenders remained within sight of each other, constantly swapping out who was in the lead position. After battling their way past a broken-down competitor early in the race, Jason Scherer, Wayland Campbell, Shannon Campbell, and Erik Miller pulled out into a commanding lead. By the sixth hour of the grueling race the lead had changed multiple times and it was still anyones race. As the drivers emerged from the final obstacles, Wayland Campbell had opened up a physical lead over his father Shannon Campbell and crossed the finish line ahead of him. But when the dust settled and times were calculated, Shannon Campbell had come out on top by a mere 28-seconds. For more information about the 2017 Nitto King of the Hammers powered by OPTIMA Batteries, please visit Ultra4Racing.com. To learn more about Nitto Tire, please visit Nitto on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NittoTire, on Twitter at @NittoTire, on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/NittoChannel, or at http://www.nittotire.com. WASHINGTON Eight states lost population between 2015 and 2016, and 12 others recorded their lowest population increase of the decade, as economic woes and lower birth rates hit some states harder than others. Connecticut, Illinois, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming lost population. The last time so many states registered a drop in population was from 1986 to 1987, when oil prices collapsed. Twelve Western and Southern states, along with the District of Columbia, lost population then. Meanwhile, Alabama, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Virginia saw anemic growth of between 0.02 and 0.66 percent in the number of people living inside their borders. Thats less than the nations increase in population of 0.7 percent and the lowest growth those states had experienced since 2010. The reasons behind the declines vary. Some reflect national mortality and birth trends, as more deaths occur as the population ages and the millennial generation has fewer babies. That has led to the slowest population growth in the U.S. in 70 years, Brookings Institution demographer William Frey points out. Pennsylvania, for instance, had 7,677 fewer people in 2016 than it did in 2015, after having experienced growth every year since 1996. The major reasons: an increase in deaths, a decrease in births and fewer foreign immigrants than other states have. There are more and more of us at ages where deaths are more numerous, said Herbert Smith, director of the Population Studies Center at the University of Pennsylvania. A states economy also plays a part. Like in 1986, the economies of energy-producing states such as Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Wyoming have suffered from low oil, natural gas and coal prices. People flee a state when jobs evaporate to find work elsewhere if they can. West Virginia and Wyoming are the two largest coal producers in the country. As coal production declined, West Virginia lost 9,951 people from 2015 to 2016, its fourth straight year of population loss. Wyoming lost 1,054 after having steadily gained population since 1999. Americans are moving again in more rapid numbers after hunkering down during the recession. And peoples ability to move, as their personal finances or job outlooks have improved, is now critical to whether a state gains or loses population, said Kenneth Johnson, a demographer at the University of New Hampshires Carsey School of Public Policy. Aging baby boomers are moving to the Sun Belt or other lower-cost states to retire. Floridas population, for instance, is among the nations fastest-growing. Workers who are able to move and get a job elsewhere will escape high cost-of-living states. And when businesses find high taxes, high labor costs or a shortage of workers and can move, they will and take the jobs with them. Idaho, Nevada and Washington state are experiencing some of the fastest economic and job growth in the nation. And their populations are growing along with that, rising at more than twice the national growth rate from 2015 to 2016. High state and local tax burdens may not force people to pick up and move. Most often its for jobs, higher pay or a desire to retire elsewhere. But taxes contribute to the cost of living and factor into peoples thinking about moving, some research indicates. Isaac Martin, a University of California, San Diego sociology professor who wrote about the effect taxes had on moving last year, found that the burden of property taxes will prompt some homeowners to move. But that most often happens when they have suffered a drop in income, caused by a job loss or retirement. These are not people whose property taxes went up, but rather people whose incomes fell, he said. The nonpartisan Tax Foundation, which advocates low rates, said in a new assessment of migration between the states last year, Taxes are not the sole factor why individuals migrate but a relationship does exist. Some people in Illinois, which lost 37,508 people, the most of any state, think so. When asked in October whether they would like to leave the state, about half the people polled by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University said yes. The most cited reasons: taxes and weather. Illinois and three other states that lost population Connecticut, New York and Vermont had among the highest median property taxes in 2015. Thats something that Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner would like to change. Rauner asked legislators to freeze property taxes in his Jan. 25 State of the State address, calling for property tax relief to reduce the immense burden felt by our families and businesses and to give them reason to stay here. (EDITORS: STORY CAN END HERE) Property taxes also are on the mind of Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo in New York. Property taxes are what is killing this state, Cuomo said in a Jan. 10 State of the State address in suburban Westchester County. New York City suburbs like Westchester dominate the list of highest property tax bills in the country, according to a 2015 study by Zillow. If businesses and the jobs they provide leave, so do people. So some states are seeking to hang on to the businesses they have and attract new ones by improving their business tax climate. Fast-growing Florida, Nevada and Utah rank high on the Tax Foundations State Business Tax Climate Index for this year. Connecticut, which lost 8,278 people, and New York, which lost 1,894, rank near the bottom. In an effort to improve the business climate and keep the insurance industry and the 58,000 jobs it creates in Connecticut, Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy on Monday proposed lowering a tax on insurance premiums. We must ensure that we maintain our competitive edge so that (insurance companies) continue to thrive and grow in our state, he said. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. GRAPHIC (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): States population _____ Topics: t000027855,t000003134,t000002953,t000003007,t000181408,t000181361,t000002537,t000023139,t000130392,t000040342,t000002571,t000002660,t000040348,g000065556,g000362661,g000066164,g000065749,g000143140,g000211818,g000065560 As I have been watching the chaotic drama of the Trump presidency, I have thought about an observation made by George Santayana (1863-1952): Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. As part of an effort to preserve U.S. jobs, President Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on products imported from other countries. He is the not the first one to take this approach. Nor did he originate the slogan America First. It has its roots in the America First Committee (AFC), formed by a group of students at Yale University in 1940 to oppose U.S. involvement in World War II. As the United States entered the first stages of the Great Depression after the 1929 stock market crash, many were concerned about protecting American workers and farmers from foreign competition. Responding to this concern, Sen. Reed Smoot of Utah and Rep. Willis C. Hawley of Oregon introduced legislation to protect American jobs by increasing tariffs on imported goods. The U.S. House passed the final version of the bill 222-153, with 208 Republicans and 14 Democrats voting in favor of the bill. In the Senate, the vote was closer with all but a few votes in favor coming from Republicans. A petition signed by 1,028 economists urged President Herbert Hoover, a Republican, to veto the legislation, as did Henry Ford and other prominent business leaders. President Hoover personally opposed the bill, fearing it would undermine international cooperation and invite retaliation, but reluctantly signed it rather than go against the will of substantial Republican majorities in Congress. At first, the tariffs seemed to work. Factory payrolls and construction contracts increased. But then retaliation by other countries, made worse by bank failures and other economic problems, more than offset the temporary gains, plunging the country deep into depression. Both Sen. Smoot and Rep. Hawley were defeated in the 1932 election. AFC founders included future President Gerald Ford, future Peace Corps director Sargent Shriver, and future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart. As the isolationist movement spread across the country, AFC gained as many as 800,000 dues-paying members, including 135,000 members here in Illinois (which was its strongest state.) Renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh became the most prominent spokesman for the committee. Lindbergh was greatly admired in Nazi Germany. At a 1938 dinner in Berlin hosted by the U.S. ambassador to Germany, Hermann Goering, commander-in-chief of the German air force, presented Lindbergh with the Cross of the Order of the German Eagle, an award Adolph Hitler established to honor prominent foreigners viewed as sympathetic to Nazism. Lindbergh did not disguise his anti-Semitic beliefs. In a speech in Des Moines less than three months before Pearl Harbor, he stated with respect to American Jews, Their greatest danger to this country lies in their large ownership and influence in our motion pictures, our press, our radio, and our government. AFC disbanded after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and Lindbergh supported the U.S. war effort. It should be added that the fact that Lindbergh was a racist in no way implies that all AFC members were racists. Gerald Ford, Sargent Shriver and Potter Stewart were certainly not racists. Similarly the fact that some Trump supporters are white nationalists with racist views does not by implication suggest that all Trump supporters are racists. That very simply is not true. There is, however, a lesson to be learned from Smoot-Hawley and the America First Committee. Isolationism, be it economic isolationism or political isolationism, rarely works and is often counterproductive. It is not apparent that President Trump, who has little interest in history, is aware of this as he plunges forward with his America First agenda. It would, of course, be gross dereliction of duty for any U.S. president to fail to be concerned about the wellbeing of Americans. The problem, however, is that in the interconnected world in which we live, attempting to shut out the rest of the world doesnt work and often is a recipe for disaster. On Feb. 3, a conservative speaker was slated to speak at the University of California at Berkeley. That's when "Black Bloc" intervened. According to CNN (cnn.com/2017/02/01/us/milo-yiannopoulos-berkeley/), "150 masked agitators caused more than $100,000 worth of damage at UC Berkeley ... when demonstrators gathered to protest Milo Yiannopoulos, who was scheduled to give a speech at the school. "Black-clad protesters, wearing masks, threw commercial-grade fireworks and rocks at police. Some even hurled Molotov cocktails that ignited fires. They also smashed windows of the student union center on the Berkeley campus. "At least six people were injured. Some were attacked by the agitators -- who are a part of an anarchist group known as the "Black Bloc" that has been causing problems in Oakland for years ..." If you haven't hear of Black Bloc, watch the video at usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/02/02/what-black-bloc/97393870/. We are told by some that Black Bloc is not an organization; rather, it is a "spontaneous coming together of individuals" to act as a "protective shield" for "progressive protesters" against "police brutality." If you buy that, I've got a nice bridge to sell you! As I watch the USA Today video, I can only come to one opinion: Black Bloc is a criminal conspiracy which engages in overt acts of violence intended to deprive other Americans -- with whom they disagree -- of their Constitutional rights of free speech, peaceable assembly and private property. So what justifies rioting, the fires, the destruction of property? The left-wing anarchists disagreed with the political opinions of a man scheduled to give a speech. So how long will the new administration put up with left-wing anarchists clad in black hoods and black masks? Are criminal thugs who run around and do violence in black hoods and black masks any better than the Klu Klux Klan? Are stormtroopers in black masks and robes any more noble than Klansmen in white robes and masks? In 1870, The Congress, at the behest of President Grant, passed "An Act to enforce the Right of Citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of this Union, and for other Purposes." The act was a response to terror, force and brutality used by the Klan (KKK) to prevent newly freed blacks from voting and exercising their newly granted Constitutional Rights. Section 6 criminalized "conspiring" or "going in disguise" to "intimidate" or to "hinder the free exercise" of any right granted by the Constitution. Conviction carried up to 10 years imprisonment. Criminals, anarchists and rioters in hoods and masks -- whether those hoods and masks be white or black -- who riot in the streets to prevent anyone from exercising his First Amendment right to speak freely or assemble peacefully, or the right of any other citizen to own private property, are therefore playing a dangerous game. The U.S. government virtually wiped out the first wave of the KKK using the Enforcement Acts. If the government decides enough is enough, 150 guys in black hoods and masks, as well as their financiers, may find themselves spending the next 10 years in federal prison. Any thinking American should be revolted by Black Bloc's wanton destruction of property and attacks on police and bystanders. This rioting is exactly what the Nazi Brown Shirts, aka Stormtroopers, did in Germany in the 1930s. The riots in Berkeley have the stench of Kristallnacht about them. Kristallnacht occurred Nov. 9-10, 1938. It was the night when Nazi Stormtroopers, wearing civilian clothes, to create the illusion of a "spontaneous demonstration," destroyed 267 synagogues and innumerable Jewish businesses throughout Hitler's Reich. Mobs of SA men roamed the streets, attacking Jews in their houses and forcing Jews they encountered to perform acts of public humiliation. Our Constitution guarantees free speech. But free speech does not include incitement to riot, or the act of rioting. Attacking police and burning down buildings has never been constitutionally protected. Hitler, Mussolini, Putin, Trump. Most are too young to know the first two names except through history. But Putin's inhumane attack on Ukraine is a current reminder of power gone amuck. Why would we think Mr. Trump, an active supporter of Putin, instigator of an insurrection, more Mafia than the Mafia, would be any different. 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 When you live out of your van by choice, incessantly hauling equipment from one longitudinal or latitudinal line to another, size and function become very significant. Space At A Premium? F.O.R.K. It First Look: TOPS Knives FORK Living out of a vehicle like the Dodge Mahal it forces you to get rid of shit you don't need, and to highly value those items that make life easier. Such may just by the F.O.R.K. by TOPS knives what does F.O.R.K. stand for? No idea, and none of their literature tells us. That's okay though, we're far more interested in how it works than why it was named [insert clever moniker here]. TOPS tells us a F.O.R.K. prototype was approved for production after spending a week in the Colombian jungle. This little guy has numerous uses (that's what I said, which means that's what she said) and appears to clean up easily. Its small, portable and very lightweight. I like all of that. It has a Kydex sheath over the blade, attached to a ball chain. There's even a powerful whistle connected to it, in case I need to call in support while eating something dangerous. (Or, you know, am lost in the Jarbidge Wilderness area.) The F.O.R.K. is based upon my all time favorite culinary implement, the spork. Those things are so damned handy, eat some soup, stab the charred flesh of something that had a parent, all without changing utensils! How in the hell did we get along before the spork showed up? It also has a blade, and a bottle opener. We all know that will be the most important part of this set up, and probably the one getting the most use. It's safe to say Ill be putting this guy to use on my adventures; we'll see if it breaks or bends or otherwise leaves us disappointed. I plan on keeping this in my ruck and using it at my campsites, and you will report back on what effect it has on my world. You know you wont want to miss any of that story. This is what TOPS knives tells us about it. TOPS Knives FORK It Ever been on a backpacking trip and forgotten your eating utensils? Not anymore. Leo Espinoza designed the F.O.R.K. It with several different uses in mind. Backpackers on a 20 mile plus trip aren't going to take much extra weight with them. Military personnel have to be extremely conscious of how much they're carrying. Prepared individuals with 72-hour kits in their car or Bug-out-bags in their homes constantly have to think about what to put in their pack. All of these scenarios benefit from having tools that can perform more than one task. Those people are what prompted the F.O.R.K. It to be made. The 1095 high carbon blade is designed to complete most small chores easily from preparing food to cutting rope or preparing tinder for a fire. An important aspect of survival regardless of the situation is to have some creature comforts. Having a civilized utensil available when it comes time to eat, can make a bad situation seem a little more comfortable, and that can give a morale boost. The F.O.R.K. It also has a bottle opener that comes in handy when drinking a fancy brew or imported soda, which can make this a staple for weekend camping trips and backyard barbecues. The Kydex neck sheath is small and lightweight giving access to the bottle opener without removing the knife and providing a safe handle for the spork. Here are the specs as found on the website. Knife Type Fixed Blade, Nec Overall Length 6.50 Blade Length 2.63 Cutting Edge 2.63 Blade Thickness 0.130 Blade Steel 1095 RC 56-58 Blade Finish Stone Wash Finish Handle Style Skeletonized Knife Weight 1.5oz Weight w/ Sheath 2.5oz Sheath Included Yes Sheath Material Black Kydex Sheath Clip Neck none Designer Leo Espinoza If you're looking to learn more about the TOPS Knives F.O.R.K., Jerking the Trigger has a look at the prototype right here, and Craig Metzger wrote a piece about it right here. About the Author: Sara Liberte is a photographer-videographer with a fascination for motor sports, vehicles, and firearms. She criss-crosses the US in the Dodge Mahal (an old Dodge van) with a plucky Boston Terrier at her side, photographing everything from new car releases to cross-country back road motorcycle races to GoRuck events. An avid outdoorswoman who enjoys firearms and won the lottery when it comes to surnames, you can find more of her work at SaraLiberte.com. She's on Instagram, @saralibertephotography and frequently posts on her own website, Garage Girls. Liberte is the author of How to Repair and Maintain American V-Twin Motorcycles and 1000 Biker Tattoos; in addition to RECOIL, her work has appeared in Street Chopper, IronWorks, Cycle Source, Easy Riders, In The Wind, Breach-Bang-Clear, and Hot Bike. Follow her on Facebook here. Nearly 30 per cent work on casting of the monumental bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, billed as the worlds tallest sculptural work, has been completed, says noted artist Ram Sutar. Sutar was commissioned to craft the artistic modellings for the majestic 522-ft-high Statue of Unity that will be installed on Sadhu Bet near Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. The sculptor, who turns 92 on February 19, and known for his iconic statues of Mahatma Gandhi, one of which sits in the lawns of Parliament, is being assisted by his son Anil, 59, in this project. It was my dream to sculpt the tallest statue in the world and with Statue of Unity I have come closer to realising that dream. The bronze statue would stand as a symbol of inspiration for generations and about 30 per cent of the casting work has been completed, Ram Sutar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid its foundation on October 31 on the birth anniversary of the Iron Man. The project is expected to be finished by 2019. The casting work is being done in a foundry in China. For the final statue, we made iterative scale models of 3 ft, 18 ft and 30 ft statues. The face itself would be 70-ft in height and we have made a scale model of 15 ft for final rendering, Anil said. The father-son duo, who hail from Maharashtra, work out of their studio in Noida, where an impressive statuary of iconic personalities greet visitors. We were also selected for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj grand memorial, planned to be built in Arabian Sea, off the coast of Mumbai. The last date to receive the tender for the contractors job is February 14. Once that is decided, we will begin working with them for this project. For this, 25 ft and 50 ft scale models would be used before designing the final statue, the 59-year-old sculptor said. Modi had laid the foundation for this Rs 3,600-crore grand memorial last December. The proposed memorials main feature will be an imposing 192-m-tall statue of a triumphant Maratha king riding a horse. The statue will be surrounded by an art museum, amphitheatre, auditorium, exhibition gallery and other facilities. Ram Sutar, a gold medallist from Sir J J School of Arts, built one of his first statues -- The Bodybuilder in 1948. This art and other striking scale models of his past works are being celebrated at an ongoing exhibition -- Ram Sutar Retrospective -- at the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society in Delhi. Besides, various models of Gandhi, tall statues of Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, all in standing pose, a seated B R Ambedkar, and his other celebrated works have been showcased. During his career, spanning over six decades, he (Ram Sutar) has designed nearly 700 statues, out of which 350 include those of Gandhi, in various sizes and poses, like standing, sitting, thinking, walking, in busts, Anil said. Sutar shot to fame with the 45-ft-high Chambal monument at Gandhi Sagar dam in Madhya Pradesh, Chambal Devi carved out of one monolithic stone. A scale model of the head of one of the horses in the Krishna Arjun monument at Kurukshetra in Haryana has also been displayed. 2-D plans of the Shivaji memorial, models of Sai Baba in his iconic sitting posture, first President Rajendra Prasad, a bust of smiling Gandhi, two dancing female figures are among the other exhibits at the fortnight-long retrospective which end on February 14. The smiling Gandhi bust is unique in many ways. The pillar carrying the bust has four iconic figures on its sides -- Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ, Karl Marx and Rabindranath Tagore. It was built in 1948 by my father and is installed in a public space at our native town in Maharashtra, Anil said. Ninety-five per cent of the works, models of which are on display, were converted to sculptures for installation. A few projects, my father had proposed did not see fruition, like the Gandhi statue for Kranti Maidan near India Gate, towering statue of Gandhi in Arabian Sea, he said. But, Sutars matchless oeuvre, nonetheless, is overwhelming, which also includes, 16 statues in Parliament -- Gandhi in meditative pose, equestrian Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Nehru, Indira, among other sculptures. A statue of Jyotiba Phule, surrounded with accompanying sculptures on a grand pedestal, was planned to be installed in Mumbai, but then it couldnt see its finality. The exhibition also displays it scale model, Anil said. For the Commonwealth Games, we had also proposed a Progress monument of 250 ft height near the banks of Yamuna River in the biodiversity park area, as a symbol of continuous progress of the country. The then Delhi government had liked it but it was eventually not implemented, he added. My father had also worked on the design of various statues and fountains installed in Noida and Lucknow during the Mayawati government. We are also trying to establish a museum of his works, as a lasting memory, he said. Accusing the Congress government in Uttarakhand of having no vision for growth even though the state has great potential in tourism and allied sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the people to vote out the ruling party and give the Bharatiya Janata Party a chance to ensure new heights of development in the next five years. Have you ever thought why despite having such great potential Uttarakhand has lagged behind Chattisgarh and Jharkhand which were created together by Atal Bihari Vajpayee? In spite of the Maoist problem, Chattisgargh with a BJP government has established itself among the fastest growing states, he told a poll rally at the GITI Maidan. Similarly, Jharkhand despite being a backward area has begun to attract investors under BJP rule, Modi said while asking as to why Uttarakhand has lagged behind them in terms of development. Claiming that the Congress government in the state was devoid of the vision to drive it on the path of development, he appealed to the people to vote overwhelmingly in support of BJP this time to change their fate. Modi said that he has grand plans to tap the states tourism potential and herbal wealth to lure visitors from all over the world to its doorsteps. Alleging that Chief Minister Harish Rawat has failed to stop mass exodus from villages in the hills due to lack of job opportunities, Modi said why should a state that has the potential to attract the whole world in fields of tourism, herbal wealth and unique traditions in yoga should suffer from migration of young people in search of livelihood. Stressing that the Centres promotional efforts has popularised yoga all over the world and people from far corners wanted to visit Haridwar and Rishikesh, he said there is tremendous untapped potential in these cities to develop as international yoga destinations. New employment opportunities can be generated in tourism, yoga and herbal sectors and the exodus of young people from villages in the hills can be stopped thoroughly. It is not impossible. What is needed is a vision, a sense of purpose, Modi said. He also said a railway network can be also laid in the hills. Giving an example, he said the Centre had recently laid the foundation stone of a Rs 12,000-crore all-weather Chardham road project and that once it is completed it will give an unprecedented boost to tourism in the state. It will also generate new employment opportunities for people living in rural areas, he said adding it was a reflection of what a vision and a true intent to work can do for development. Asking the people to turn up in large numbers at the booths to cast their vote in favour of BJP on February 15, he said they should not allow a party which was opposed to the creation of Uttarakhand to remain in power any longer. The present chief minister had opposed creation of Uttarakhand. His party is in now alliance with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh at whose behest women were raped and people shot dead at Rampur Tiraha during the statehood agitation. Even in Uttarakhand Congress and Samajwadi Party have a secret alliance. Would you vote for them? he asked. Modi also hit back at Congress for criticising him for demonetisation saying the measure had robbed the party of its sleep. It is three months since demonetisation happened but they are still abusing me. Dont you think I should make those who have looted this country ruthlessly for the 70 years pay back. I wont sit relaxed until I have made them do so. I have waged a war against corruption and black money for the sake of the poor and nothing can make me step back. I am ready to face anything for the sake of the countrys poor, he said. Charging Rawat with having been caught on camera negotiating a monetary deal to buy back support of disgruntled MLAs, Modi said he should be ashamed of turning devbhoomi into lootbhoomi. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump speak at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, after North Korea test fired a ballistic missile, on Feb. 11, 2017. North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, drawing condemnation from the United States and its Asian allies in what analysts said was a bid by Pyongyang to probe the intentions of new U.S. President Donald Trump. The first North Korean launch of the Trump era t ook place as Trump was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It sent an intermediate-range missile flying about 500 kms (310 miles) before landing into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, according to South Korea's military. Appearing with Trump at a news conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida, Abe condemned the missile launch as "absolutely intolerable" and called on North Korea to comply fully with U.N. Security Council resolutions banning such tests and other acts of nuclear and missile proliferation. Speaking after Abe, Trump said: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent." South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile was fired from near Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, believed to be the site where North Korea tested a Musudan missile on Oct. 15 and 20. North Korea, which had issued a warning last month that it was ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile, had yet to announce Sunday's test, which came just days before the North is to mark the 75th birthday on Feb. 16 of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il. South Korean analysts said it appeared that Pyongyang was using the test to sound out the Trump administration as it forms its policies toward Asia. "This is essentially a low-intensity provocation to see how the Trump government responds," Professor Kim Yong-hyun of Dongkuk University in Seoul told RFA's Korean Service. Kim Dong-yop of the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University told RFA North Korea intends to demonstrate to the Trump administration that returning to long-stalled talks was "not merely important, but urgent." North Korea expert Andrei Lankov of Kookmin University in Seoul told RFA that Sunday's test launch demonstrated North Korea's commitment to improving its missile capabilities. "T his is not the ICBM capable of hitting the continental U.S. yet, but another step toward developing such an ICBM. And this is also a reminder that the nuclear and missile program of North Korea will not go away," said Lankov. Reported by RFA's Korean Service. Written in English by Paul Eckert. Pope Francis has named a Polish archbishop as special envoy to a Bosnian town that has become a pilgrimage site since 1981 because of reported appearances by the Virgin Mary. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said on February 11 that Pope Francis is sending Bishop Henryk Hoser to a Medjugorje shrine to gain "deeper knowledge" of the needs of millions of Catholics drawn there by the reports of the apparitions. He said the mission is intended to study "the needs of the faithful who go there on pilgrimage" and will not involve deciding the merits of the reported apparitions. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is said to have appeared to six young people in Medjugorje in 1981 and is reported to have continued to visit them ever since. About a million people visit Medjugorje each year. In 2013, Pope Francis issued a word of caution about the events, which many people have called a "miracle." "The Virgin is not a post office chief who would send messages every day," he said. Based on reporting by AFP and AP Several thousand people took part in demonstrations across Germany to protest the forced return of Afghan refugees whose bids for asylum have been rejected. "The people who are forced to return cannot live their lives in safety there," organizers in Hamburg said of the situation in Afghanistan. A life in dignity is inconceivable under these conditions," they added. The largest demonstrations were reportedly in Berlin and the western city of Dusseldorf, where an estimated 2,000 people took to the streets in each city. A Hamburg demonstration drew about 1,500. The Refugee Council of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) said the demonstrations aimed to encourage the NRW interior minister to push for a nationwide halt to deportations to Afghanistan. Organizers said about 12,000 refugees have been ordered to leave Germany for Afghanistan. Based on reporting by dpa and Deutsche Welle Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged heavy artillery fire in multiple locations, officials in both countries said, as Russian-appointed officials continued evacuating people from the west bank of the Dnieper River amid a mounting Ukrainian counteroffensive. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. Ukraine's national grid operator, meanwhile, said on November 5 that it would increase rolling blackouts in Kyiv and seven other regions as the countrys national grid remained severely damaged by weeks of Russian air strikes. Electricity consumption is rising across Ukraine as the weather turns colder, and energy providers have raced to do repairs, ordering planned power cuts to avoid overloads. Ukraines General Staff said that its troops thwarted Russian attacks a day earlier in the eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions. The military also claimed that Ukrainian air defenses shot down multiple Russian and Iranian drones and two Kalibr cruise missiles. The claim could not be immediately verified. The head of the Vynnytsya region, Serhiy Borzov, said the central region was hit overnight by Russian kamikaze drones. Russian troops have been actively using Iranian drones in recent weeks to attack critical civilian and infrastructure objectives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the fiercest fighting over the last week had taken place around Bakhmut and Soledar in Donetsk and that Ukrainian forces are holding their positions there and elsewhere. He also spoke of "good gains" in the south, praising infantry and artillery brigades for destroying enemy equipment, Russian manpower. The claims of battlefield success could not be independently verified. Ukrainian forces have been mounting a slow, incremental counteroffensive in the southern Kherson region for weeks now, moving closer to directly threatening the Dnieper River port of Kherson, which was captured early after Russias February invasion. In response, Russian authorities have been evacuating civilians and military troops to the opposite bank of the Dnieper. Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the Russia-installed administration in the Kherson region, announced a 24-hour curfew on November 4, saying it was necessary to defend it from an expected Ukrainian attack. The Russian military said "more than 5,000 civilians" were being evacuated daily to the east bank of the river. And Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 4 called for civilians to be moved out from Kherson. Those who live in Kherson must now be removed from the zone of the most dangerous hostilities, Putin said in remarks broadcast on state television. The civilian population should not suffer from shelling, from the offensive, counteroffensive, and other measures related to military operations. Russias Defense Ministry said on November 5 that troops had repelled Ukrainian attacks in in the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kherson regions. In the Kherson region, which the Kremlin last month declared had been annexed, authorities reported the heaviest artillery fire in days. Ukrainian officials have likened the departures of Kherson residents to Soviet-style deportations, though its unclear to what extent the departures are forced or voluntary. Russian officials said people were being moved to safety from the path of the Ukrainian advance. Ukraines counteroffensives in Kherson and the northern Kharkiv region have been powered in large part by powerful Western weaponry. On November 4, the U.S. Defense Department announced another $400 million shipment of weapons and other equipment, including refurbished tanks, surface-to-air missiles, new coastal defense boats, and other items. The announcement came around the same time that the U.S. national-security adviser, Jake Sullivan, made an unannounced visit to Kyiv to meet with top Ukrainian officials. At a news conference later, Sullivan sought again to calm Ukrainian jitters about whether U.S. weapons would continue after the upcoming midterm U.S. congressional elections. Polls show that Republicans are poised to take control of one, or possibly both, chambers of Congress, and a small but vocal number of Republicans have voiced misgivings about the amount and duration of U.S. aid for Ukraine. There will be no wavering, Sullivan said at a news conference. Im confident U.S. support for Ukraine will be unwavering and unflinching. Asked about the prospect of peace talks with Russia, Sullivan repeated what U.S. officials have said in the past: "Nothing is discussed about Ukraine without Ukraine." "For me, the main question about these negotiations is what a just peace looks like and how it can be achieved, Sullivan said. If you look at Russian accusations, Russian actions, in particular regarding the annexation of [Ukrainian] territories, it does not really encourage negotiations. With reporting by RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service, Reuters, dpa, and AP U.S. and South Korean military officials say North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile early on February 12, with the United States, Seoul and Japan saying they are weighing all options to punish the rogue nation. "The flight distance was about 500 kilometers, and South Korea and the United States are conducting a close-up analysis on additional information," South Korea's Office of Joint Chiefs of Staff said after the launch. U.S. officials confirmed they had tracked the missile and said it likely was a medium- or intermediate-range missile but not an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). They said it did not pose a threat to the United States. The report came as U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were meeting in Florida. In unscheduled brief comments, Trump said he stood with Japan "100 percent," while Abe said the launch was "absolutely unacceptable." A U.S. official earlier in the evening said the Trump administration had expected a "provocation" from the North and that it would consider the "full range" of options, including financial sanctions and increased naval assets in the region. South Korean Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said his country will respond to punish the North for the missile launch, condemning it as a "blatant and obvious" violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a "serious threat" to international security. Japan said it will press the Security Council for a "serious response" to the launch. "North Korea's launch was in breach of current UN Security Council resolutions," Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said. "We are working to secure a firm response to these actions by the UN Security Council." France also condemned the missile launch by North Korea saying it was in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. "France reaffirms its solidarity with its partners in the Asia-Pacific whose security is threatened by the North Korean nuclear and ballistic program," the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It was the first such launch since Trump took office and could be seen as a direct challenge to the new administration. Trump had said during a press conference on February 10 with Abe that the two countries will work together to defend against "the North Korean missile and nuclear threat, both of which I consider a very, very high priority." The South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that "our assessment is that it is part of a show of force in response to the new U.S. administration's hardline position against the North." Tensions have risen on the Korean Peninsula since Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, last month said the country was close to test-launching an ICBM. That comment brought a vow of an "overwhelming" response from the United States by Defense Secretary James Mattis during his visit to South Korea this month. A South Korea Defense Ministry official said the missile was fired from the Banghyon airbase in the western province of North Pyongan and flew toward the Sea of Japan. The Yonhap news agency said the South Korean military suspected the North might have been testing an intermediate-range Musudan missile. The North last year twice tested Musudan missiles from the air base. Retired U.S. Lieutenant General Mark Hertling told CNN that the test was a step toward an ICBM. "That's the goal of the North Korean politicians," he said. "This intermediate ballistic missile is certainly dangerous," he said. "It has a greater range than some of the Musudan missiles that they have been testing prior to that. And it's not only a concern for the United States to hit the mainland, but it also has concerns for all of our Asia partners." With reporting by AFP, AP, Reuters, and TASS Pakistan's Senate has announced that it will not welcome U.S. diplomats or members of Congress in Islamabad. The move comes after the U.S. failed to issue a visa to the senate's deputy chairman, a member of the right-wing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam political party to attend a UN-sponsored event in New York on February 13-14. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is known for his pro-Taliban and anti-U.S. stances. Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani said in a statement that no Pakistani senate delegation will visit the United States until an explanation for the delay in issuing a visa to Maulana Ghafoor Haideri is given by U.S. authorities. A U.S. embassy spokesman in Islamabad said on February 12 that they could not comment on visa cases due to privacy laws. Based on reporting by AP and DPA February 13 is a special day for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and for us at the Majlis. It's World Radio Day. It's the 21st century and with the Internet and television many people look at radio as a medium for disseminating knowledge that is slowly fading into history. But that would be getting ahead of ourselves, because for every person in the world today with access to the Internet that are probably two or three others who have never used the worldwide web and are not likely to do so in the near future. Radio is still a part of everyday life in many places and one of those places is Central Asia. So to look at the role of radio in Central Asia, past and present, RFE/RL put together a Majlis, or panel. Moderating the discussion was RFE/RL Media Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir. Joining the Majlis was Umed Babakhanov, the founder of Tajikistan's independent news agency Asia-Plus. Also participating was Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of Kyrgyzstan's parliament and currently a professor at Northeastern University in Boston. I've been in Central Asia; I've listened to the radio there, so I sat in on the conversation as well. Babakhanov said, "Since Soviet times radio has always been the most important mass media in Central Asia, even more important than TV, I would say. He explained that Central Asia "continues [to be] predominantly agrarian and people in the field cannot watch TV but they can listen to the radio all day long." Beshimov recalled that when he was campaigning for a seat in parliament in 2007 "during two months I traveled to all provinces of Kyrgyzstan, met with a lot of people" He said many people he met with had more information about the parliamentary campaign than he expected. "We asked from what kind of sources are you getting this information and what sources of information {do] you prefer to trust and I got the answer, the majority of the answers, about Radio Liberty, about Azattyk Radiosy [RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service]." 'Information Shock' Both guests recalled what it was like to listen to foreign radio broadcasts during the Soviet era. It was forbidden of course but thousands of people behind the Iron Curtain took the risk anyway. Beshimov remembered in the late 1970s "my friend, he introduced me to Golos Ameriki, Voice of America." Beshimov said, "It was for me some kind of an information shock because when I got the analysis of events in the Soviet Union and I understood what different opinions there could be." Babakhanov remembered being a translator in the Soviet military in 1986 and being stationed in Sevastopol. Babakhanov was a translator for Arabic, his roommate, a Ukrainian, was a translator for English."One day, on April 26 I guess, in 1986, we are listening to Radio BBC and suddenly we got the news about an accident at Chernobyl nuclear power plant," Babakhanov recalled. Soviet media did not report anything about the accident for several days. Babakhanov's roommate had a wife who was pregnant living in Kyiv. The two young lieutenants faced a tough choice. Admitting to listening to BBC was a serious infraction, particularly by military personnel, but Babakhanov's roommate was too worried to wait. "We went to our chief commanders asking what happened," Babakhanov said, "Our commanders said don't trust these foreign voices. It's just a lie." Several days later, Soviet media finally confirmed what had happened at Chernobyl. Sanitized State Reporting The situation in much of Central Asia is still the same today. Certainly in Turkmenistan, the scale of natural disasters and the failures of the government usually go unreported. Even the U.S.-led attacks on Afghanistan, which neighbors Turkmenistan, were not reported at the time. When circumstances force some sort of official acknowledgement the state media's version is heavily sanitized. With the possible exception of Kyrgyzstan, the situation with information in the other Central Asian countries is not much better. Babakhanov said, "Tajik authorities they considered, and still consider, radio and TV as strategically important for their security." Beshimov added, "These leaders from the old era even the young generation of leaders they simply don't know what to do with the diversity of information, with the diversity of the sources of information." What the leadership in Central Asia is coming to understand very well is how to deal with newer forms of spreading information. We have seen time and again that, during times of crises in Central Asia, authorities block websites and order mobile phone providers to cut connections. But radio, the old medium, can still get through the old defenses of radio jamming. "I would say the role of foreign radio stations, foreign broadcasters today is getting even more and more important, even maybe more important than in the Soviet era," Babakhanov suggested, "because we see the situation is getting worse in some of our countries and in such a hostile environment, for example, in Tajikistan, it's almost impossible today to express some critical materials about the government, about the situation." Beshimov said, "Radio is still an effective source of information and how it reaches people, how it touches their thinking, is really still very effective and I think it still will be." The panel talked much more about the role of radio in Central Asia. I certainly enjoyed listening to their reminiscences about the importance of foreign radio in the past and I appreciated their insight into what radio can do for Central Asia today and tomorrow. An audio recording of the Majlis podcast can be heard here: Listen to or download the Majlis podcast above or subscribe to the Majlis on iTunes. Organizers say a major protest rally is scheduled for the Romanian capital of Bucharest on February 12, as demonstrations against the government continued despite subzero temperatures. An estimated 11,000 people hit the streets across Romania on February 11, down from some 500,000 reported at the peak of the protests against an emergency government decree that critics say would have weakened the country's anticorruption fight. The huge rallies, the largest since the fall of Communism in 1989, forced the government to revoke the decree on February 5, and led to the justice minister's resignation. The protesters remained on the streets, however, with many calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu and his Social Democrat-led government, which took power only in December. Some 3,000 gathered on February 11 in the capital Bucharest, according to news reports. We are resisting, we aren't going away," many of the protesters chanted. The national Agerpres news agency said 8,000 took part in protests in the rest of the country, including 3,000 in Timisoara. A counterdemonstration in support of the government took place in Bucharest on February 11, attracting a few hundred people in front of the presidential palace, reports said. Many of the pro-government supporters called for the resignation of President Klaus Iohannis, who had split with the prime minister and battled against the emergency decree. Romania, a member of the European Union, has been criticized by Brussels for the slow pace of dealing with corruption and organized crime. The planned emergency decree that ignited the protests would have made abuse of power a crime punishable by jail only if the sums involved exceeded 200,000 lei (44,000 euros, $47,500). With reporting by RFE/RL's Eugene Tomiuc, digi24hd.ro, AFP, and VOA More than 70,000 people in the Romanian capital of Bucharest kept up the pressure on the government late on February 12, creating a human tricolor flag as they called the country's leaders "thieves" and chanted "down with corruption." The demonstration marked the 13th consecutive day of protests against the Social Democrat-led government of Sorin Grindeanu, with smaller gatherings reported in cities throughout the country. The crowd numbers are down from an estimated peak of 600,000 across the country on February 5, when the largest protest since the fall of communism demanded that government scrap a decree that would have weakened efforts to reduce corruption in the country. Critics said the decree was aimed at helping corrupt politicians avoid or get out of jail. One of the main beneficiaries would have been Liviu Dragnea, the leader of the ex-communist Social Democrats (PSD). Dragnea has been convicted of abuse of office and is on trial in a separate graft case. His conviction bars him from becoming prime minister. The government repealed the decree on February 5, but many protesters have remained on the streets demanding the resignation of Grindeanu, who took office just a month ago. Reports said about 30,000 took part in protests elsewhere in the country on February 12, with 10,000 in Cluj, 5,000 in Timisoara, 7,000 in the central city of Sibiu, and 1,500 in Brasov. In Bucharest, thousands braved the cold to gather in the main square in front of the Romanian government building in the capital to press their demands. Protesters held blue, yellow, and red placards representing the Romanian flag, shouting, "Thou shalt not steal," "A thief, two thieves, three thieves, all thieves," and "Down with corruption." Despite the public demonstrations, Grindeanu has refused to resign. Justice Minister Florin Iordache, who had formally proposed the controversial decree, did resign on February 9, but it was not enough to satisfy many of the protesters. "The justice minister's resignation isn't enough after what they tried to do," one demonstrator said. Much smaller pro-government counterdemonstrations have taken place outside the presidential palace against President Klaus Iohannis, who has come out in support of the anticorruption protesters. Iohannis was head of the center-right National Liberal Party before becoming president in 2014. The president is elected through a direct vote, separately from the parliament. With reporting by Eugen Tomiuc, RFE/RLs Moldovan Service, AFP, and Digi24hd.ro An exhibition of Russian revolutionary art objects has opened in London's Royal Academy of Arts, part of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution. Visitors were greeted by a red carpet at the Revolution: Russian Art 1917-1932 exhibition on its first day on February 11. One hundred years on from the Russian Revolution, this powerful exhibition explores one of the most momentous periods in modern world history through the lens of its groundbreaking art, the Royal Academy said. The exhibit will be open the public through April 17 and features 200 art objects from the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Russian Museum, and regional museums. It will feature artists such as Vasily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Lyubov Popova. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. BLACKSBURG Barely a month after new regulations went into effect, the town is working to ensure enforcement of renting out rooms or entire homes to vacationers. Some council members last week inquired about the true effectiveness of an ordinance passed in December that set a list of conditions for services such as Airbnb. That discussion was triggered by similar concerns toward a proposed ordinance that would lift a four-decade ban on new accessory dwellings. Accessory dwellings are smaller livable structures that are rented and often detached from the main house on a property. Last year, town council began pursuing regulations for Airbnb as part of efforts to improve parity between the popular online service and the existing hospitality industry and to try to keep a lid on neighborhood nuisances. The ordinance requires hosts to register their properties, a setup thats intended to allow the town to more easily track whos complying with the most basic part of the law and paying the lodging tax. Enforcement for the rest of the ordinance, which includes limits on guest stay periods and total number of guests allowed per unit, is mostly complaint-driven. The town has received 12 registrations as of Wednesday. An Airbnb listing Thursday for a single guest stay in Blacksburg this weekend showed 75 rentals, but it must be noted that not all the properties are within the town limits. With listings by far outnumbering property registrations, some council members asked if work beyond the existence of the ordinance is needed. Councilwoman Cecile Newcomb, who initiated the enforcement talk during a Tuesday work session, said complaint-based enforcement doesnt necessarily mean a law will be enforced. Newcomb was more specifically referring to the proposed accessory dwelling ordinance, but she said her enforcement concerns could extend to Airbnb. I just feel like its trying to do too much and not giving the town enough enforcement tools, she said about the accessory dwellings proposal. What good is the ordinance if you cant enforce it? In fact, later Tuesday evening during a Planning Commission meeting, she pointed to enforcement as a big reason she supported holding off on a vote on the accessory units. Councilman John Bush echoed Newcombs concerns, but directed his enforcement worries more toward the Airbnb ordinance. Im just saying if were going to make an ordinance, we need to make sure its happening, he said during a phone interview. Bush said there are about a dozen registrations, yet there are hundreds of listings within the town. Here are people not playing by the rules, he said. I have two concerns. I think we should have more staff to enforce, to sort of do the work and figure out who those folks are and [determine] what steps are for that violation. In terms of enforcement, Bush said he hopes accessory dwellings follow a similar process. He, however, isnt asking that council itself expand the ordinances, but rather direct town management to ensure they are firmly enforced. Vice Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith shares Bushs view on how to enact better enforcement, but disagrees with the idea that complaint-driven enforcement is inadequate. In fact, she said there needs to be a check on how the the town polices these new types of lodging. Every town Im aware of has a noise ordinance. Do you send cops out every night running through the streets? she said. Hager-Smith said shes also been told of a neighborhood with illegal accessory dwellings that have caused no complaints. Then on the flip side, there are legal apartment buildings with trash and refuse problems, she said. So I have to wonder: Whats their complaint? How is that a problem? she said, referring to worries about enforcement being too lax. Town Manager Marc Verniel acknowledged the disparity in registrations and actual Airbnb listings, but he said his staff is mapping out plans to ensure all properties are registered. Its a new ordinance, he said. Im not sure everyone whos renting their units is even aware yet. Stronger enforcement of the rest of the Airbnb ordinance and accessory dwellings when that ordinance gets passed will need to be talked about with staff, Verniel said. Exactly how staff will work will also depend on how proactive council wants management to be, he said. The town is in the process of putting its budget together and has found needs that may require some new positions not related to Airbnb or accessory dwellings, Verniel said. Those positions would give the town the flexibility to direct some of the current staff to more closely address issues caused by the new kinds of lodging, he said. Regarding accessory dwellings, the town outlawed the addition of new ones during the 1970s to try to reduce congestion and nuisances in neighborhoods. The town is proposing to re-allow new ones to expand living options for Virginia Techs growing student population, among other needs. The accessory dwellings ordinance comes with numerous conditions, including a requirement that new structures only exist in neighborhoods zoned for single-family homes and that the owner of the entire property reside on the premises for most of the year. Accessory dwellings arent completely illegal in the town, as ones built before the 1970s ban were grandfathered. Mountain Valley Pipelines controversial quest to bury a 42-inch diameter natural gas pipeline through the region requires the company to acquire easements across private property a process that itself rouses strong reactions. Mountain Valley reported last week that as of Jan. 27 it had negotiated about 1,250 easement agreements with landowners along the 303-mile pipelines proposed route through six counties in Virginia and 11 in West Virginia. Court records show numerous deed easements purchased in Giles, Montgomery and Franklin counties. Only a few have been filed in Craig County, which would host a comparatively short stretch of the pipeline. And, as of late January, only one easement had been acquired in Roanoke County where opposition has been fierce to surveying by crews seeking to define the pipeline route. Natalie Cox, a spokeswoman for Mountain Valley, said the acquisitions represent more than 70 percent of the total acreage needed to build the pipeline, including rights-of-way and access roads. The company hopes to begin construction this year, but the project must first be approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Deed easement payments recently reviewed in the region for pipeline rights-of-way ranged from an apparent high of $356,880 for an easement affecting a large parcel along Reese Mountain Road in the Fort Lewis Mountain area of Montgomery County to an apparent low of less than $1,000 in Giles County. Easements for access roads paid less. Cox said compensation varies based on the amount of acreage needed to build or access the pipeline. Many of the perpetual easements acquired for the pipeline include language that lawyers with at least two Virginia-based firms experienced in such negotiations have described as company friendly. For example, many agreements would allow Mountain Valley to install a second pipeline within the easement at a later date. Many include wording that could allow the pipeline to transport products other than natural gas, including oil or other liquids or gases. If FERC approves the project, Mountain Valley will have access to federal eminent domain to acquire easements if negotiations with landowners fail to yield a price acceptable to all. Chuck Lollar, a Norfolk-based lawyer who specializes in representing clients who are facing eminent domain cases, quotes the Latin phrase caveat venditor seller beware when discussing easement negotiations. Lollar has represented property owners fighting pipeline surveying by both Mountain Valley and the separate but similar Atlantic Coast Pipeline project, which would route through central Virginia. He said landowners should hire lawyers experienced in easement negotiations because the easement language MVP, ACP and other gas companies is using is broad, complicated and somewhat unlimited, and owners generally cannot understand the impact of these permanent easements on their property. Generally, lawyers who represent property owners in easement negotiations take as their fee either a percentage of the additional amount paid for the easement through settlement or an award in an eminent domain trial, over the initial appraisal and offer, or an hourly rate, flat fee or combination. Among other potential consequences of negotiating without experienced representation is the risk, Lollar said, of being grossly under-compensated. He and other lawyers familiar with eminent domain cases have said easement payments should compensate property owners for anticipated loss of value of the larger property. Study results, anecdotes and opinions offer varying conclusions about whether a perpetual easement for a large-diameter pipeline transporting natural gas at high pressure causes a decline in property value. There have been cases reported regionally suggesting that simply the prospect of such an easement has negatively affected property values. A few of the agreements included a provision for Mountain Valley to prepay the property owner for surface damages associated with the construction and laying of the pipeline. It also provides for the potential payment for damages to crops, trees and fences that might occur during reclamation of the right-of-way after construction. A separate agreement negotiated in Montgomery County included a section requiring Mountain Valley to maintain liability insurance coverage during pipeline operations, with one provision requiring coverage with limits of $2 million in any one occurrence for property damage and bodily injury. Other deed easements reviewed in the region did not include similar liability insurance provisions. The landowner involved in that transaction declined to be interviewed but acknowledged he was represented by a lawyer. Source of resentment The $356,880 easement payment in Montgomery County went to HS Tejas, a Florida-based company involved in developing the Fort Lewis Mountain Estates subdivision along Reese Mountain Road. Neither HS Tejas nor Continental Pacific LLC, an apparent partner in the development, replied to inquiries about deed easement negotiations with Mountain Valley or its agents and the potential effect of the easement on marketing the 20-acre wooded tracts. Meanwhile, Serina Garst, a co-owner with family members of property in Franklin County, has alleged in a filing with FERC that employees of Coates Field Service, an Oklahoma-based company handling easement acquisitions for Mountain Valley, have engaged in unfair and deceptive negotiation tactics. Garst alleged that a Coates employee portrayed herself as working for landowners rather than MVP and claimed that FERC was encouraging property owners to sign easements in advance of the commissions decision about whether the pipeline project would proceed. Tamara Young-Allen, a spokeswoman for FERC, noted that the Natural Gas Act prohibits FERC involvement in landowner easement negotiations. Cox responded in an email Wednesday. The Mountain Valley Pipeline project team takes these issues, concerns, and allegations very seriously and it is troubling to us that there is even potential for this type of allegation to occur, she said. We expect our land agents to be transparent, upfront and honest in their discussions and negotiations with landowners, Cox added, noting that Coates Field Service land agents are MVP representatives and they are instructed to inform landowners of that fact. A resident of Franklin County who sold an easement without a lawyer, negotiating with Coates Field Service, said he felt he was treated fairly. He said that although he is opposed to the pipeline and believes the easement likely will affect his propertys value, he felt as though the project was just about inevitable and could provide some benefit for the county, which has not had access to natural gas. He also said the pipelines current route through his property is tolerable, being about 400 yards to 500 yards from his house, and he fears the route could be worse. I dont want it near me, he said. He asked that his name not be disclosed. Both he and the Montgomery County landowner said they are aware that neighbors who continue to fight the pipeline might resent that they have negotiated easements. Tailored vs. uniform All of the easement agreements reviewed include language barring property owners from obstructing the permanent right-of-way with buildings and trees. Another common provision grants Mountain Valley the right to come on and off the property on the right-of-way and across adjoining lands during construction, operation and maintenance of the pipeline. Lollar said that this secondary easement essentially allows Mountain Valley to travel from a public road across any part of the landowners property and that landowners should limit access to the easement acquired or some other specified path or road. If not, he said, Arguably, their entire parcel is encumbered with an access easement. Lollar said easement agreements can also specify the terms by which a company like Mountain Valley can transfer the easement to another company. Cox acknowledged that a company can sell an easement but noted that the buyer must abide by the terms of the original easement. Lollar said deed easement negotiations can be uniquely tailored for individual landowners, guided by dozens of specific concerns he said he often raises for clients. But pipeline companies prefer much more uniform agreements, he said, and sometimes offer less money for deed easements that are more restrictive. Meanwhile, Cox said Mountain Valley is not concerned about the dearth of easement agreements negotiated to date in Roanoke County. We do not anticipate this will hinder the steps we are taking in the regulatory approval process and we remain confident that the Mountain Valley Pipeline project can bring economic benefits to the region in the form of increased business development, job growth and tax revenue generation, Cox said in an email. She said Mountain Valley respects the opinions of pipeline opponents and will continue to try to alleviate their concerns. News researcher Belinda Harris contributed to this report. But why DO we have to have one? I cant complain, exactly the employees are always polite and efficient; since I arrived before they opened, I was first in line; it took no time at all. So, let me make this clear: I have no complaint about the Illinois Air Team site I visited; if you have to have one, theyve always been great, in my experience. But of course, realistically, thats not an option. So I awakened early and drove to an Illinois Air Team location for the test. Naturally, my first thought was Sounds good to me; so I just wont renew my plates! Theres a nice hundred dollar savings I got my notice from the state last month: you cant renew your plates until you get an emissions test. The History of Emissions Testing Auto emissions testing is a response to a very real problem: air pollution in our big cities. Between traffic congestion and old leaded gasoline and the inefficiency of old cars, compounded by the pollution of factories in the days when America was a manufacturing powerhouse, the government recognized a need: we needed to do something to clean up the air. So the government required that carmakers design autos that polluted less, and mandated that big metro areas like Chicago have pollution testing stations to weed out the high-polluting cars. Fast forward to the present, in which most Chicagoland drivers (and drivers in other metros under the same requirements) dont even remember an era before emissions testing. Today, we drive in, have the car tested, and it passes. It takes no time (if you go at the right time of day), or its a considerable inconvenience (if you must go when theyre busy). So as long as we have a convenient testing center, we probably dont complain about it. Modern cars always pass, so once its over, youve checked off that chore and you can move on with your life. Probably dont think about it again until two years later when your vehicle is up for it again. unless of course you drive an older car actually, probably, a much older car and it fails. Then you have to take it into a shop and spend a thousand dollars or so getting enough parts replaced to make the car pass the test. But thats okay, isnt it, because its all about the goal of cleaner air? Food Stamps and the Welfare State We have a poverty problem in America. We always have, of course, but it was dropping during the 19th century. As America expanded economically, most people were able to move up from poverty to the middle class, from middle class to wealth. Immigrants arriving with nothing or their children born in ethnic ghettos would soon manage to climb out of them, through hard work and, often, entrepreneurial drive. So, yes, there has always been poverty, but there was also a path out of it. Then the 20th century came along, and we began to expect generosity from the government. Again, this is a real problem; it wasnt imagined or concocted. There was, and remains, true poverty, particularly during the Great Depression when many of our biggest responses commenced. If you didnt have a job, you could get a check. If you didnt have a job, you could get an apartment in public housing. If you didnt have a job, you could get a free public school education. If you didnt have a job, you could get food stamps, or now, a WIC or SNAP or EBT card. So you dont have to starve or shiver or grow up illiterate anymore. These are all well-intentioned programs. But consider what their presence has done to both incentives and the cost of opportunities: In the old days, if you wanted to move to a better apartment, you worked harder. If you wanted to afford more or better food, you worked harder. If you wanted to afford more luxuries in life, you worked harder. Today, once you live in the welfare state, the harder you work, the more those benefits fall away. Get a job, and the unemployment check is gone. Get a job, and the welfare benefits shrink or disappear. As they SHOULD, we would argue but still they do shrink or disappear. And that becomes a disincentive from the very improvements that make all the difference. If our goal is for the family to rise up, out of welfare housing, first to a small private apartment, but then hopefully into the middle class or even better the more generous the welfare benefits are, the harder that first step away from them becomes. This is the problem of incentives. Without a welfare state, there are ONLY incentives to improve. But with a welfare state, those incentives are destabilized by incentives to stay put disincentives from improvement, in fact. In addition, we must consider the cost of opportunities. Without a welfare state that is, with a Constitutionally limited government businesses would be free to do what they once did: hire the uneducated, hire the unskilled; give them a chance to get a start. Once theyre in the door, they are limited only by their own ability and drive. If they work hard, learn quickly, and impress the boss, they can move up, up, up to team lead, or foreman, or plant manager or from customer service rep to sales to sales director But with a welfare state, there is a huge burden on the company with every employee. A new hire doesnt cost you his salary, he costs 140% of his salary (or thereabouts) because the company must pay the matching FICA contribution and pay for benefits and pay for the states unemployment and workers comp costs. These are well-intentioned programs, but by raising the cost burden of employing people, these programs unintentionally make it harder for a company to justify taking the risk on that new hire. They make every hiring decision harder, make every employee costlier. In the end, it hurts exactly the people it intends to help; the welfare state makes it harder and harder for a person in the grip of the welfare state to set foot on those first couple rungs of the ladder out. Obamacare The same goes for the ridiculously-named Affordable Care Act, even more so. We had a genuine problem: many Americans could not afford health insurance and/or much healthcare. There were plenty of things the government could have done to help (Paul Ryan famously and rightly listed them on national television in 2009 and 2010) but the government instead attacked the insurance market, demolished a system that really only needed tweaking, and created new bureaucracies and increasingly costly options. If people couldnt afford the insurance of 2009, they sure cant afford the insurance of 2016, at incredibly higher cost and lower actual value! Its all the same problem: the government attempts to address a problem for a segment of society by building a costly safety net, and all that really does is make it harder on everyone, especially the segment that was most severely affected at first! We have a wonderful healthcare system in the United States, but it was unaffordable for some and thanks to obamacare, its now unaffordable for far more people than it was before! Why? Because the problem never really was a lack of a bureaucracy. Thats just the default offering of a statist mentality, no matter what the issue. The problem was an insufficient level of opportunity. There were too many jobless, and too many of the employed, too, were underemployed. We should have concentrated on creating an economic boom. If more people had moved up to a better salary, that would have decreased the health insurance problem but instead we created a government program that increased the problem, by expanding joblessness. When we talk of all these problems, its always the same thing, at the heart: lack of ability to buy food is solved with a job; lack of ability to rent an apartment is solved with a job; lack of ability to buy healthcare is solved with a job. While these welfare programs look like they help, at least in the short term, they actually do untold damage in the long term, because they both create disincentives for the individual to work to improve himself, and they make it ever harder for the free market to create the jobs they need to get out! Auto Pollution in the Modern Era Now, back to where we began: auto emissions testing began when cars polluted a lot. So we take in the car, we see if it pollutes, and if it does, we must go to a repair facility to improve the car so it doesnt pollute anymore. It all sounds lovely in theory, doesnt it? But what is the truth, in practice? This program costs the taxpayers a mint. All the land, buildings, equipment, and staff, six days a week, to perform tests on vehicles. And whats the result of those tests? Newer cars pass, older cars fail. So the older cars owners are forced to spend money five hundred, a thousand, fifteen hundred to have their old cars brought up to code. If they still had that money, they might have been able to trade up to a newer car, which would have both removed the other costly repair bills of an old car AND accomplished the alleged goal of improving the air quality! We often talk about regressive taxes, burdens that fall unfairly on the poor. This is one of the biggest of such burdens, because its precisely the working poor owners of old cars who are hit hardest by the well-intentioned goofiness of emissions testing. Consider: Its just a huge waste of time for newer cars, because of course they pass. The number of newer cars that fail are such a statistical minority that the pollution they produce is too little to be worth the bother. For the old cars that we would expect to fail, the additional cost of bringing them up to code is so onerous on these mostly working-poor car owners, it just puts them further behind. That cost, specifically relative to the budgets of the working-poor in question, is utterly unjustifiable; for people who must count every transportation penny, it often has the effect of causing them to postpone much more important car-related purchases, such as auto insurance, brake repairs, alignments, and other issues that pose genuine safety concerns. The cost of maintaining this service all these buildings, public employees, etc. contribute to the unsustainable government budgets of states like Illinois. This cost drives employers and entrepreneurs out of state, drying up the tax base, necessitating ever-larger collections from an ever-shrinking pool, and again contributing to the reduction of opportunities for the poor and lower middle class to climb upward. And the timing itself has been insane all along, since the birth of these metropolitan emissions testing centers coincided with the (mandated) popularity of unleaded fuel and the catalytic converter. These advancements already had the country on a successful and fast-moving trend toward cleaner air; the emissions testing center archipelago was, frankly, obsolete almost at its inception! (How do you like that? I buried the lede.) We have a new administration in Washington a new president, a senate and house all of the same party and soon, we can hope, a Supreme Court that will also be rational in the majority. They have a mighty task before them addressing the core economic problem of our society: removing the barriers to entry that keep people from a path to prosperity. The challenge is great: they must remove the weight of costly and burdensome bureaucracy that rests like a manacle around the ankle of a runner without leaving people behind by cutting off their benefits before they can find the private sector ticket out of dependence. It is a challenge indeed, and both federal government and states as well need to tackle it, if our nation is to be saved. To see the state and federal EPAs proudly smile, declare victory, and eliminate the well-intentioned but ever-more ridiculous, archaic, counterproductive and costly chain of emissions testing centers from coast to coast might well be a darned good start. Copyright 2017 John F. Di Leo John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based writer, actor, international trade consultant and recovering politician. His columns are regularly found in Illinois Review. Permission is hereby granted to forward freely, provided it is uncut and the IR URL and byline are included. DiamondCorp noted early March 2016 that a new study on its 74 percent-owned Lace mine, in South Africa had estimated the mines total resource at 38.48 million tonnes down to the 920 metre level. This was 16 percent more than the 33.12 million tonnes estimated in March 2012, although that was down to 855 metres. It said at the time that projected grades would be based on the production plant using a 1.25mm screen against the previous 1.00 mm screens. The company also said that diamond grade would be reduced although the carat value would be higher. The recoverable diamonds from this resource at the increased bottom screen size of 1.25 mm was estimated at 9.39 million carats, compared to 13.39 million carats, at 1.00 mm screen size. DiamonCorp said within the overall resource, 2.21 million tonnes of the UK4 Block had been classified as a reserve between the 230 and 370m levels. The new resource and reserve statements provide a much higher level of confidence in the estimated grade and carat value of the Lace deposit, said company chief executive Paul Loudon. This confirms the potential for high operating margins increasing with depth which was one of the factors which attracted us to the project from the outset. The forecast grade numbers are in line with what we are seeing from the UK4 mining ramp up and the actual carat value achieved will be known when we commence diamond sales in Antwerp in the last week of March. As shown in the quote above, the company appeared very confident of the future of Lace, until disaster struck, later that year. In October, 2016, Lace Diamond Mines received a shutdown notice on underground operations by the South African Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), following a fire incident on a dump truck that was extinguished without injury. When this incident happened, the company had previously said that it was looking for additional funding in the very near term of about 500,000 for immediate financial commitments to continue trading as a going concern. It was also looking to raise additional equity and/or debt from one or more parties of between 2.5 million and 3.0 million in the near term to cover the anticipated cash required to fund operations through to commercial production and positive cashflow from operations. Its woes started mounting as a third party it had been in advanced talks for the provision of a convertible debt facility withdrew from such discussions due to the adverse movement in the company's share price after the fire incident. As if that was not enough, DiamondCorp placed its operating subsidiary, Lace Diamond Mines (LDM) into a business rescue towards the end of 2016 following the suspension of its shares from trading on both the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and on the Alternative Exchange of the JSE pending clarification of its financial position following a flooding incident at Lace mine. The company said two extreme thunderstorms passed over the Lace mine in November, dropping almost 90mm of rain in just over an hour. This, it said, overwhelmed the mine's pumping systems and flooded the 310m production level to the hanging wall. DiamondCorp said more than 10,000 cubic meters of water was estimated to have entered the mine through the open pit and access ramps. It also said a longhole drill rig which was operating at the time of the flood would have to be recovered and the electrics rebuilt. No doubt as 2017 began, DiamondCorp wanted to put behind the ills of last year. It reported third week of January that it had raised gross proceeds of about 1 million through the placing of 25,4 million new ordinary shares at 4 pence each. The proceeds were meant to fund critical expenditure at its Lace mine in South Africa. The troubled diamond junior also said that it was issuing, in aggregate, 3,15 million new ordinary shares with 3,15 million attached warrants on the basis of one warrant for every fee share issued as settlement for professional fees pursuant to the placing and in satisfaction of certain outstanding indebtedness. The settlement for and admission of the placing shares as well as the fee shares were set to become effective on 27 January. However, this date came and the placing of shares was extended out, magnifying the bankruptcy spectre, according to Mining Weekly. DiamondCorp said in a note on 27 January that it was delaying its share placement until January 31 to give South Africas State-owned Industrial Development (IDC) time to meet conditions precedent, as well as provide a chance to the Association of Mining and Construction Union (AMCU) to document and finalise an in-principle agreement it had stuck with the union. DiamondCorp said although agreement had been reached in principle with AMCU, Lace mines business rescue practitioner Deloitte & Touche had failed to reach agreement with the IDC, the secured lender, with respect to what the company described as various issues related to the boards obligations pursuant to this placing. It warned that if the parties fail to reach an agreement, then the company would likely face insolvency proceedings. However, on 31 January, DiamondCorp announced that it had extended its placing deadline as conditions to the placing first announced on 13 January were yet to be met. It said talks with IDC would continue, and the agreement in principle reached with the AMCU was progressing, although not yet concluded. DiamondCorp and Panmure Gordon also entered into an amendment to the placing agreement and the fundraising would be conditional on admission of the new shares by 14 February, although a backstop date of 28 February had also been allowed for. One hopes that DiamondCor would survive the tide. The Lace asset, irrespective of startup delays, still contained an estimated 9.39 million carats of diamonds with an in-ground value in excess of $1.5 billion. This, should, be reason enough for the company to ensure the mine remains open, much to the benefit of shareholders and South Africa. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished The Spokesperson of the European union called on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea or the DPRK not to raise tensions further and to re-engage in a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community, in particular the Six-Party Talks. The High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini will speak in the coming days to the Foreign Ministers of international partners to further discuss the international response. Earlier today the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has launched a ballistic missile, another violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions. The Spokesperson noted that the DPRK's repeated disregard of its international obligations is provocative and unacceptable. The DPRK must halt all launches using ballistic missile and abandon once and for all its ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, as required by the UN Security Council. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Indian-origin tech leaders in Canada say the controversial visa and travel restrictions imposed by US President Donald Trump will be a boon for tech recruitment and investment in Canada. "This provides a great opportunity for the best talent from India to come, live and work in Canada," said Shafin Diamond Tejani, the CEO of Fantasy 360, a Vancouver-based global leader in creating immersive experiences and games using Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). "We are already getting inquiries from Indian techies, both in India and in the United States, about relocating to Vancouver," said Tejani, whose family is originally from Gujarat. Together with his partner Ray Walia, another NRI in Vancouver who runs the not-for-profit tech incubator Launch Academy, Tejani is working on streamlined avenues to attract top tech talent from India. The duo is part of the Canadian technology community that has written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging him to provide visas to those caught by Trump's executive orders. "In choosing to hire, train, and mentor the best people in the world, we can build global companies that grow our economy," said the letter adding, "By embracing diversity, we can drive innovation to benefit the world." Tejani and his associates have a target of bringing a dozen Indian start-ups with a focus on VR/AR/MR to British Columbia, which also has a shortage of programmers and other skilled IT professionals. "We are confident we will be able to this," said Tejani, whose companies have launched over 40 start-ups in 21 different countries, employing over 350 people and generating over $100 million in annual revenues. For Ray Walia, who co-founded Launch Academy in 2012 to become Vancouver's top startup-incubator, the situation in the US has prompted his group to set up specialised services for Indian techies looking to relocate to Canada. Walia has developed a programme at Launch Academy that leverages the Canadian Startup Visa Program. The programme helps international start-ups relocate their head offices to Canada and within six months grant Permanent Residency in Canada for up to five key members of a startup and their family members. "We as leaders and peers need to ensure that the proper infrastructure, support, and education is in place to help the next wave of young entrepreneurs around the world build technology and global businesses that will help shape the future for all of us," said Walia, whose other family business has also organised over 200 Bollywood concerts around the world. "The Launch Academy Startup Visa Program allows Indians to have the best of both worlds and build their businesses from Canada and continue to not only service the Indian market but also to continue to grow domestic operations in India as well." Analysts predict that India's IT outsourcing industry, worth around $108 billion and employing some four million people, will start looking elsewhere if the American restrictions are enacted. Three bills have been introduced in the US Congress seeking to revamp the H-1B visa programme, which India's IT sector uses to send thousands of highly-skilled workers to America every year. _ _SHOW_MID_AD__ Two soldiers, four militants and a civilian were killed on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, triggering clashes between civilians and security forces. The fighting erupted after the troops surrounded Frisal village following a tip that militants were hiding in a house, police said. "When the militants were challenged, they fired at the forces, triggering the gunfight," a police officer said. The dead included two wounded soldiers from Rashtriya Rifles who succumbed to their injuries. Three civilians and three soldiers were also injured in the fighting. One civilian, Ashaq Rishi, died later, police said. When news of Rishi's death spread, angry villagers poured out of their homes and stoned the security forces, who used tear smoke in an attempt to disperse them. Some reports said around a dozen people, including protesters as well as security personnel, were injured in these clashes. The militants' bodies were recovered from the site. Security forces continued their search for more militants who may be holed up in the area. Child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi's Nobel Prize replica has been recovered, days after it was stolen from his house, police said on Sunday. Child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi's Nobel Prize replica has been recovered, days after it was stolen from his house, police said on Sunday. Satyarthi's Nobel citation, replica of the medallion along with other valuables were burgled from the south Delhi residence on February 7 night. "The replica of the Nobel Peace Prize, jewellery, a laptop and some valuables were recovered from the accused who were arrested (on Saturday night)," Deputy Commissioner of Police Romil Baaniya told IANS. It was not clear if the nobel citation had been recovered. "We have not got any information about the citation. It is an important document. We will raise the issue with the Deputy Commissioner," said an aide to Satyarthi. Three accused -- brothers Rajan, Sunil and Vinod ' title=' Sunil and Vinod '>Sunil and Vinod -- were arrested from their hideouts, police said. Satyarthi was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 with Pakistani child rights activist Malala Yousafzai. The original Nobel medallion given to Satyarthi is kept at the Rashtrapati Bhavan as he dedicated it to the country. _SHOW_MID_AD__ Two soldiers, four militants and two civilians were killed in a gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Sunday, police said. The incident triggered clashes between civilians and security forces, leaving around two dozen people injured. The fighting erupted after the security personnel surrounded Frisal village in the district following a tip that militants were hiding in a house, police said. "When the militants were challenged, they fired at the forces, triggering the gunfight," said a police officer. The dead included two soldiers from Rashtriya Rifles who were injured in the gunfight and later succumbed to their injuries. Three civilians and three soldiers were injured in the fighting. While a civilian, identified as Ashaq Rishi, died earlier on Sunday, another injured civilian, identified as Mushtaq Ahmad, 22, succumbed in hospital taking the death toll in this gunfight to eight. As news of the civilian deaths spread, angry villagers poured out of their homes and stoned the security forces, who fired in the air and used tear smoke in an attempt to disperse them. Reports said around two dozen people, including protestors as well as security personnel, were injured in these clashes. The militants' bodies were recovered from the site of the gun battle. Police said the operation had now ended. _ _SHOW_MID_AD__ The website of the Home Ministry was non-functional on Sunday and officials said experts were finding out if it had been hacked. The website's landing page is drawing a blank and the site itself has become inaccessible. The problem most probably began early in the morning. "I don't know when the site developed the snag," ministry spokesperson K.S. Dhatwalia told . "Details will be available after we find out the glitches. "We are checking," Dhatwalia said, adding he was not sure when the website would become functional. The spokesperson had earlier said it was not a case of hacking as the site was being reconstructed. The site, like all government websites, is maintained by the National Informatics Commission. Indian government websites have often come under attack from suspected Pakistan hackers. Last week, the government informed the Lok Sabha that over 700 websites linked to the central and state governments were hacked in the past four years. Experts attributed the frequent hacking of Indian websites to lack of adequate security measures in the virtual world. _ _SHOW_MID_AD__ Child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi's Nobel Prize replica stolen from his house here was recovered by the Delhi Police on Sunday. Satyarthi's nobel citation, replica of the medallion along with other valuables were stolen from his residence in south Delhi's Alaknanda area on February 7 night. "The replica of the Nobel Peace Prize, some jewelleries, a laptop and some other valuables were recovered from the possession of the accused arrested last night (Saturday night)," Romil Baaniya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East), told media. According to sources, the nobel citation is however yet to be recovered. Three brothers -- Rajan, Sunil and Vinod -- accused in connection with the burglary were arrested from their hideouts at different locations here, police said. Satyarthi was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 with Pakistani child rights activist Malaila Yousufzai. The original nobel medallion awarded to Satyarthi is kept at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here as he dedicated the prize to the country. Anuj Kumar, 16, seems to have fallen in love with his government school like never before. A student of Class 10, Anuj says his school in east Delhi -- including teachers and the method of teaching -- has undergone a major transformation in the last two years, ever since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government came to power in the national capital. Teachers and a section of parents media spoke to at the Senior Secondary School in New Ashok Nagar agree with the teenager. "The ambience in the school was not at all like this till a year ago," Anuj, who has opted for science. "Our school was earlier a rundown building, untidy and known for goondaism. All that has changed." Around 3,200 girls and 1,752 boys study in the school in morning and evening shifts respectively. The school is one of the 1,011 run by the Delhi government in the capital that have undergone what officials and teachers say is a "revolutionary makeover", making some of them look like private schools. The Delhi government has revived most of its schools with new infrastructure and created an atmosphere conducive to studies -- among several initiatives to raise the education standards. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia last month inaugurated the national capital's first 'Model' government school with "state-of-the-art" facilities and infrastructure. Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya on Deendayal Upadhyaya Marg has become the first Delhi government school to boast of audio-visual teaching aids, projectors in classrooms, besides a swanky new building with all conveniences. Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, says his government built some 8,000 schoolrooms since taking office in February 2015 and plans to add an equal number within one-and-half years. The number of schoolrooms built so far amount to constructing some 200 new schools. To strengthen the school infrastructure, the Delhi government has also planned 100 new schools in the coming years. "New classrooms are being constructed in my school. The school premises now remain more tidy and discipline is maintained. Teachers now pay more attention to teaching," Anuj said. "If the same pattern of education reform continues, the government schools will become better than the private ones in future." The Delhi government's focus on education is visible as in its two years it has allocated maximum share of its budget to the education sector. The government in its 2015-16 Budget allocated Rs 9,836 crore for the education sector. It increased the spending in its 2016-17 Budget, allocating Rs 10,690 crore for education -- 23 per cent of the total Budget. School teachers say the condition of schools in terms of infrastructure and cleanliness has improved a lot. "Dedication of the government to improve the condition of schools can be seen as 28 new classrooms have been constructed in this school and more are planned," a teacher at the school, pleading anonymity, told media. Mythili Bector, Principal of the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya at Dakshinpuri Extension, concurred. "I can see complete 180-degree change in basic infrastructure at schools, leadership programmes for students, teacher learning training process. In every field of education, huge transformation is done. We received tremendous support from the government in making education better," Bector told media. Last year, the Delhi government launched its "Chunauti 2018" programme which aims at enabling students, especially of Class 9, to overcome the adverse effects of the 'No Detention' policy and raise their ability to read. The students in each class have been divided into two sections 'Pratibha' and 'Nistha'. Students with overall good or average performance are kept in Pratibha, while the weaker students are put in 'Nistha' group. "We pay extra attention to students in the 'Nistha' group and conduct special reading classes for them. All this exercise is part of 'Chunauti 2018' programme," a teacher at the New Ashok Nagar school said. "The idea behind 'Chunauti 2018' is that by the year 2018, all Class 9 students in the academic year 2016-2017, regardless of their learning levels at this point, will be trained and mentored to successfully appear for Class 10 examinations in 2018," he added. Parents who came to pick their wards at the school lauded the government's work towards improving the condition of schools and raising the standard of education. "For the first time, PTMs (Parent Teacher Meetings) were conducted at government schools. This not only helped establish a proper communication between parents and teachers but also built our confidence in the school," Deepak Rastogi, whose daughter studies in Class 8 at the Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya at New Ashok Nagar, told media. Puja Singh, parent of a Class 7 girl, says her child improved after the government's initiative of paying more attention to weaker students. "My daughter was weak in reading text books. She was put in Nistha group and teachers paid special attention on her reading abilities and now she is improving," she said. "After the government conducted two mega PTMs, teachers of the school maintain proper communication with us. They also call us to the school if attendance of my son is low. This was not being done earlier," Raman Batham, a parent, told media. The first phase of the elections to the 403-strong Uttar Pradesh state assembly, that ended on Saturday, was marked by many firsts in the electoral history of the politically crucial state -- a major one being the absence of many veterans and political heavyweights from the campaigning. The front-ranking name in the list of these politicians is of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. She has been almost out of public life ever since she took ill last year during a roadshow in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources in the Congress confirmed that 'Madam' was unwell and not fit enough to hit the dusty roads of Uttar Pradesh and plunge into the high-decibel campaign. She is, however, working the wires from her high-security 10, Janpath residence in New Delhi. Of late, the 71-year-old Italian-born widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi has spoken to some candidates in party pocket boroughs of Amethi and Rae Barely, asking them to "adjust to the alliance compulsions" with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and withdraw from the race. She is strategising with her daughter Priyanka Vadra and son and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi behind the closed doors. The second noticeable absentee is Bharatiya Janata Party patriarch Lal Krishna Advani, who has been forced into virtual retirement by the new-age dispensation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party President Amit Shah. Right from the Ram Janmabhoomi movement of the 1990s, the veteran Sindhi politician has always been a star campaigner for the party. Not any longer! Another BJP veteran and master strategist of the caste matrix in Uttar Pradesh, Kalyan Singh is also out of the campaigning scene as the crucial polls unfold. Holding the office of the Rajasthan governor, the Lodh stalwart is for now bound by constitutional propriety and cannot campaign for a political party. Though his son Rajveer Singh is a Lok Sabha member and his grandson Sandeep Singh is contesting on a BJP seat from Atrauli, an assembly constituency he represented eight times and held since 1967, the 85-year-old 'babuji' is not actively involved in the hurly-burly of election politics. He is, however, invoked by Prime Minister Modi at election rallies as a "symbol of good governance". Samajwadi Party (SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, recently edged out by son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav as the party President, is known for his political 'charkha dao' (a wrestling master-stroke). The one-time wrestler has gone into a sort of oblivion in the 2017 polls. Once a man in high demand by party candidates to seek votes for them, Mulayam now cuts a sorry figure as his party and family are bitterly divided. So far, his close aides confirmed to media, 'netaji' has only confirmed he would canvass for his younger brother Shivpal Singh Yadav in Jaswantnagar and younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, who is contesting her maiden election from Lucknow Cantt. He showed up on Saturday to seek support for Shivpal. Shivpal, who enjoyed the No.2 status in the Samajwadi Party since its inception 25 years ago, is now a lone figure. Having crossed swords with his estranged nephew Akhilesh, he has since been pushed to the sidelines and has not been involved in any list of star campaigners for the ruling party. At one point, till the last elections, he was the party's favourite 'chacha' (uncle) who had a helicopter at his disposal during the polls. Also missing from the act are leaders like Amar Singh and former actress Jayaprada -- both now expelled from the Samajwadi Party. While the duo was out of the SP during 2012 state assembly polls too, the wily Thakur had floated his own political outfit, the Rashtriya Lok Manch, in 2011 and fielded candidates in 360 of the 403 assembly seats in the 2012 polls -- not winning even a single seat. Film actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha is also absent from the campaign and is likely to remain so in the rest of the six phases that will be conducted over the next one month. The Patna MP is known to have angered the party leadership with his barbs against top leaders, including the Prime minister. Multanpur MP Varun Gandhi has also failed to make the cut. Having fallen from the party high command's grace, he was not included in the initial list of star campaigners for the state elections but was later added hastily for some of the phases. The 36-year-old has since chosen not to accept the campaign invite and close aides confirm his snub. "Bhaiyya-ji will not campaign," a close aide confirmed to media. Former Lucknow MP and a close protege of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lalji Tandon too has walked into the sunset. While his son Gopal Tandon is contesting on the BJP ticket from Lucknow (East), Lalji has not hit the campaign trail so far. His 'kothi' in the old city's Chowk area, which was once the hub of a heady mix of 'thandai our rajniti' has now fallen quiet, again signaling the generational shift in the saffron camp. Three-time Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kesharinath Tripathi, an eminent lawyer and respected Brahmin face of the BJP, has been forced to give the elections a miss. He is the West Bengal Governor. One of its most prominent faces in the state, former UP Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Nirmal Khatri has also been sidelined and is not seen during the elections. Pakistan is determined to counter growing threats to peace in the Indian Ocean, particularly from its "nuclearisation" by India, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz said. Aziz on Saturday said the Indian Ocean faced challenges to peace due to its militarisation, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, increased missile capabilities and power projection by foreign militaries, Dawn online reported. The foreign affairs advisor also listed piracy, illegal fishing; human, drugs and arms smuggling; maritime pollution and climate change as major problems. "This trend is likely to intensify in the coming years," he warned at the 'International maritime conference on strategic outlook in Indian Ocean region, 2030 and beyond -- evolving challenges and strategies'. "We are aware of our national interests and every effort will be made to strengthen our capacity to ensure that we remain ready to meet the emerging maritime security challenges. For us, to remain oblivious of the developments taking place in the Indian Ocean region is not an option." Aziz said nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean had further destabilised the region. It was in Pakistan's vested interest that the region remained peaceful as 95 per cent of the country's trade took place through sea and it had over 1,000 km long coastline, an Exclusive Economic Zone of around 300,000 sq km, the Karachi port and the newly built deep sea port of Gwadar. He said the Indian Navy's substantial expansion was a cause of concern for Islamabad. " Pakistan has a strategic stake in the peaceful navigation and security of the Indian Ocean region." "We realise the economic potential of the region. As the third-largest ocean providing coastline to more than 30 countries, the Indian Ocean provides connectivity not only to important regions in Asia, particularly South Asia and the Middle East, and Africa, it also connects Australia with Europe. Regular dialogue between stakeholders on security and safety have never been so important." He said an estimated 55 per cent of oil reserves of the world and 40 per cent of gas were located in the region. "Today, some 40 per cent of the global trade passes through the Indian Ocean. With the rise of Asia as the global powerhouse, the region indeed offers the unique platform for the globalised world as an attractive trade route. At present ports in the Indian Ocean handle about 30 per cent global trade and half the world's container traffic. But the establishment of a new system of routes and ports will further increase the economic importance of this ocean," he said. Aziz said the Indian Ocean region was not all about war. "It is a catalyst for peace and prosperity, cooperation, collaboration, connectivity and stability and security." He suggested that Pakistan, taking advantage of the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), should begin working on two supplementary corridors. "There should be a corridor connecting Pakistan to West Asia and Africa. The West Asian corridor could go by Iran to Central Asia and Moscow and via Iran and Turkey to Europe and a second corridor would pass through or around the Gulf region and penetrate into Africa," he said, pointing out that Africa in particular was an upcoming continent with lots of potential. Over 200 kg explosives were seized by the Afghan National Police in Kunduz province, a police official said on Sunday. Over 200 kg explosives were seized by the Afghan National Police in Kunduz province, a police official said on Sunday. "Based on a tip-off, the ANP intercepted a vehicle on the outskirts of Kunduz city and recovered 210 kg of explosives late Saturday night," Xinhua news agency quoted the official as saying. A militant was held, the vehicle was confiscated and the explosives were destroyed safely by a bomb disposal team. The timely discovery of the explosives has foiled terror attacks and saved the city from an expected tragedy, the official said. The Kunduz province and neighbouring Baghlan and Takhar provinces have been the scene of heavy clashes over the past couple of months as Taliban has been trying to challenge the government forces in the once relatively peaceful region. Pakistan Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani announced a boycott of the UN-sponsored International Parliamentary Union (IPU) being held in New York next week, after the US failed to issue a visa to his deputy, who was to represent Pakistan at the forum, media reported on Sunday. The Senate Chairman has also directed that no Senate delegation will visit the US "unless an explanation (for) the delay in issuance of visa" to Deputy Chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri was given by the US government or its embassy in Pakistan, Pakistan newspaper reported. Maulana Haideri, who belongs to the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), was scheduled to travel to the US with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Lt. Gen. (retd) Salahuddin Tirmizi on Sunday to attend the IPU hearing at the UN headquarters on February 13-14. According to an official statement released by the Senate secretariat, Rabbani has also directed that "no delegation, member of Congress or diplomat of the US will be welcomed by the Senate of Pakistan, Senate standing committees and senators in their official capacity (until) this issue is resolved". Sources in the Senate Secretariat told pakistani newspaper that since this was an official visit, Maulana Haideri was not directly in contact with the US embassy in Islamabad and all the correspondence in this regard was carried out by the secretariat on his behalf. Secretariat staff was told on Saturday that the embassy would inform them about the status of the Deputy Chairman's visa on February 14, the last day of the IPU hearing. A spokesperson for the US embassy in Islamabad, when asked to comment, told pakistani newspaper that they could not comment on visa cases due to privacy laws. Recap: Rally falls short for Kansas State, falls to Texas at home Follow along here for live updates as Kansas State takes on Texas at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Valentines Day might be two days away but that didnt matter on Friday night when single young adults of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints got together to celebrate love. The Motootua-based church hosted glamorous and glittering event where many young members of nine wards from Apia mixed and mingled. Stake Rep. Lincoln Iosefa said the night was for the young single adults to appreciate the true meaning of Valentines. This is an annual programme. We always have this event every year because we as young adults want to gather together and have some fun, he told the Sunday Samoan. This is all about us to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves to enter the holy temple through marriage. The group is made up of 18 year olds to 28 year olds. They come from the different wards including Vaoala, Vailima, Motootua I, Motootua II, Alamagoto, Moamoa, Pesega II and Alafua. Every Valentine we hope for someone to propose to their partners, he said. At the moment nobody knows who will propose tonight but I wish it was me. Unfortunately plans have changed for me this year but hopefully next year I will be the one that will propose during our Valentine programme. Asked what he thinks Valentines day is, he said: My own personal definition about Valentines Day is that its all about friendship. The true meaning of Valentine is about love. Loving the person whom you know will make you happy for the rest of your life. So tonight there will be dances, games and all sorts but most especially we will have some valentine games so that they can have a picture of what this day is all about. The stars have truly aligned for Misiluki. Japan you have exceeded my expectations. Our last day at the Giftshow today and what we have learned is this: 1) For any cosmetics business you need an Import Agent in Japan. They have strict cosmetics regulations like most countries. Luckily for Misiluki we are internationally certified natural by Biogro NZ Natrue so this makes life easier for the agent and me. A Japanese agent found us, she already imports Pacific products, just happened to be in Samoa last year but currently doesnt import any products from Samoa to Japan. If this works out it will be an opportunity for other Samoan businesses to use the same channel. Just make sure you do your homework and can supply. Those were her words. 2) Not everyone is out to make money in this world of business, there are people who genuinely want to help regardless of the language barrier - this just happened to be Miki Kobayashi, owner of the stall opposite us who sells and I quote: 570 units in 10seconds on QVC (homeshopping network) Japan at $40 USD per unit..wow. Have any of you people watched that movie JOY if you havent, as an entrepreneur you need too. Yes shes obviously made her money but she read my pamphlet early before the giftshow opened to the public (with an interpreter by her side) and said to me I like from the heart, I want to help you. She just wanted me to do Step 1 first - Get Japanese Certification...so fellow entrepreneurs please refer to Pt.1. 3)Find out if you have Government Representatives in that country, contact them and develop a relationship, this is key. I am thankful to our Ambassador Faalavaau Perina Sila-Tualaulelei for visiting us everyday, directing her business contacts made in Japan through the Samoan Embassy to us, providing us with our own English Interpreter (Naoko who spoke fluent Samoan lol) for the duration of the Giftshow. Her contacts knew other people in the industry and they actually came down to see how they could help. 4) To all those in the elei and garment industry, heres a fact: there are approx. 700,000 hula dancers at different resorts in Japan. They love anything islandy especially clothing. Congrats to Loreen from Rimani and Lisa Vaai from Eveni Curruthers for breaking into the Japanese market. So people the markets are there we need to up the quality of our products. It was such a wonderful giftshow to be with fellow Pacific Islanders what a great bunch of people. They made me forget about my sore feet and made me stay awake because I would start doing work from 2am by making me laugh hard. It was an eye opener for sure, I thought I needed to be at a beauty show not a giftshow, it just goes to show that with the right networks, hardwork and commitment opportunities present themselves. God is good. Where to from here? Michael and I will be checking out the department stores researching competitors and positioning in the market. The All Saints Anglican Church at Leifiifi was filled with families and friends of Daniel Tautua and Krisie Hallet to witness their special day. Both aged 31, the New Zealand-based couple travelled to get married in Samoa. According to Daniels grandmother Tala Betham, her grandson has always wanted to come back to get married in Samoa. This is a very special place for him, she said. He had always planned to get married at the All Saints Anglican Church because this is the church where his mother the late Kiona Betham-Tautua, got married. Shes passed on now but to Daniel this place will always be special for him because it reminds him of his mother. It is also a special day because their son Pelepesite John Peter Tautua will also get baptized today so its a double celebration for their family. The bride is the daughter of John Hallet and Irene Barlow and she works as a midwife. The groom is the son of Pelepesite and the late Kiona Betham-Tautua. The service was conducted by Father Raymond Betham and Father Iulai Toma. Father Iulai Toma told the newlyweds that their marriage is founded on Jesus love. This is no ordinary marriage because this marriage is special; it is founded on Gods love, he said. Do not hesitate to call Jesus into your fights, because He will have lots to say to you. Forgiveness is the key to any problem you face during your journey. The reception was held at the Taumeasina Island Resort. Police confirmed the death of a 30 year old male from the village of Toamua who was found dead inside a bathroom. A former student of Avele College and a graduate of the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, he is survived by his wife and two daughters. According to Police Spokesperson Sua Muliaga Tiumalu he was found by one of his colleagues who went to use the bathroom. At the moment, the deceased does not appear to have any injuries on his body, he said. However, when he was found his face was all bruised. The person who found him said he was lying on the floor inside the bathroom. A report from the hospital stated that a post mortem is not needed. Nobody else is suspected in the cause of the death of this young man. An official at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital who spoke to the Samoa Observer on the condition of anonymity said the deceased works in the Health Promotion Division. He will be sorely missed by everyone, the source said. He had such a pleasant personality. No one expected what has happened and we are all deeply saddened about it.. The deceaseds smiling face was always seen on TV1 every evening conducting a Healthy Eating Programme after the Zumba programme. According to the source, he was in a meeting on Tuesday. He said he wasnt feeling well and he went to the bathroom saying he had an upset stomach, the Samoa Observer was told. He was there for a while. It wasnt until other health workers went to look for him, that he was discovered. It was suggested that he may have died from a heart condition. Eighteen customers who shopped at Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B) during their Back to School promotion have an extra reason to smile. A laptop, Samsung phone and Bluetooth speakers were among a number of the prizes awarded for Samoa Stationery and Books Back to School draw. All customers who spent $30 or more were entered in the draw. Marketing Manager Anastasia Alosio Stanley, said the promotion was the companys way of rewarding loyalty and to acknowledge their support. We had the draw yesterday where it was conducted by the management team of S.S.A.B, in the absence of our C.E.O. and president Fiti Leung Wai as well as our Deputy C.E.O. Gaseimaninoa Manila Pelenato who are in New Zealand. So this was the winners presentation for the draw that began on the 28th of December. We want our customers to feel that they are being looked after and taken care of , said Anastasia. We have done this by slashing the prices with up to 50 percent off some of the selected Croxley Products and some of the other products had 20 percent discounted. So not only we are giving the customers specials in terms of the prices but we actually offered them the draws as a way to wrap up the promotion and thank our customers. On behalf of our CEO and President of SSAB Fiti Leung Wai we would like to thank everyone. The Back to School promotion this year has been hectic fun and its been great. Weve seen a lot of parents racing through the doors of S.S.A.B. buying all that their children need for school and paying less than they expected. She also acknowledged the support from their overseas partners. I want to thank not only the Samoan customers, the parents and the children but also the overseas companies that have partnered up with S.S.A.B to make these promotions successful, she said. They included Croxley, Staedtler, Pelikan Art line and Acco. Without our overseas suppliers, it would not be possible to offer affordable prizes in terms of stationery and all our education resources. And every year it gets better and better. So we want to pass on the benefits to our people and I wish all the children of Samoa the best for the academic year for 2017 Just months after a fierce battle over large-scale housing in unincorporated San Diego County ended with the ballot-box defeat of the Lilac Hills Ranch project, a new fight over an even larger housing project is gearing up. Before the end of this year the county Board of Supervisors is likely to decide whether 4S Ranch developer Newland Communities should be allowed to build 2,135 homes on mostly undeveloped land north of Escondido and San Marcos, just off Deer Springs Road and west of Interstate 15. Like Lilac Hills, the project would require an amendment to the county General Plan, a hard-fought blueprint for future housing growth that focuses on minimizing urban sprawl and putting new homes in more densely populated areas. Advertisement It was less than seven years ago that the Merriam Mountain project, a proposal for 2,600 homes on much of the same Deer Springs Valley property, was denied by county supervisors in a narrow 3-2 vote. Its too soon to tell how the current board will view the so-called Newland Sierra plan, but opponents arent taking any chances. Many of the same groups who fought Merriam Mountain have banded together again to fight the new proposal, with major funding coming from the elite Golden Door spa, right across Deer Springs Road from where the entrance to the master-planned community would go. Not only is it going to change the character of the area because youre going to put lot of people there, youre going to change the geography of the area because youre going to have to blow up half the mountain to be able to put it there, said land use expert Clifton Williams, who is representing the Golden Door. Golden Door officials and other opponents have hinted that, if the county board approves the project, a 2018 ballot initiative could be launched to overturn it. Newland Communities has ammunition of its own, including a growing consensus that the county is in desperate need of new housing and that many buyers still want single-family homes. The developer says that unlike Lilac Hills which would have been built roughly halfway between Escondido and Temecula Newland Sierra is just a few miles north of Escondido, virtually right next to the freeway and across I-15 from a 3,000-home community called Hidden Meadows. The owners of the Golden Door are out-of-town billionaires, and they are threatening and working hard to use their wealth to block a development project because they just dont want any neighbors, regardless of how well the project is designed, said Rita Brandin of Newland Communities. She said only 400 of the propertys 1,900 acres will be developed, and that 58 acres are already zoned for about 2 million square feet of office and commercial uses the equivalent of nearly two Westfield North County shopping centers and 99 homes. Given San Diego Countys housing crisis, we believe that this property would be better used for homes, Brandin said. The next few weeks will bring the long-awaited release of a draft environmental impact report on Newland Sierra, which begins the clock ticking toward a county Planning Commission hearing and ultimately a hearing before the supervisors. If the General Plan amendment is granted, critics fear it could be a bellweather for other large housing projects in semi-rural undeveloped areas. The Golden Door is coming at this from a principled point of view, Williams said. Were just following what the General Plan says Were following the rules set up just a few years ago. The revised 2011 General Plan, which took a decade and roughly $18 million to develop, discourages large housing development in rural areas in favor of more housing in already urbanized areas where things such as mass transit already exist. Stephanie Saathoff, a spokeswoman for the Golden Door, said the spa obviously doesnt want all those homes coming into the area because of how it would affect their historic business. But she said the Golden Door is also acting as a focal point for the entire Deer Spring Community, which will fight the plans as long as is necessary. It would pretty much destroy what the people who moved there expected to find, she said. Not by a few times over but by 20 times. Tony Eason is a retired physician who lives in a 32-unit, 55+ mobile home park near the intersection of Deer Springs Road and the freeway. He said its wrong for Newland to suggest the Golden Door is selfishly pushing its own agenda. There are a lot of little people out there who dont have deep pockets that are going to be affected by this tremendous, humongous project, Eason said. My mobile home park is going to be pretty much wiped out by this thing if you consider the environmental effects, the traffic effects, the fire danger and all that stuff. Should the project be approved, Saathoff said, opponents are already preparing to launch a signature drive to place an initiative on the 2018 ballot that would overturn the decision. The community is already gearing up, she said. Newland responded with something close to outrage. Its telling that the billionaire owners of the Golden Door are now threatening to spend millions on a countywide referendum when we havent yet even circulated an environmental impact report, Brandin said. They are essential rejecting the established review process, rejecting the process of public hearings and review and saying to the public `We reject the rules that apply to everybody else. We will use our money to buy a process more to our liking.` The release of the environmental report, which will trigger a 45-day comment period, is expected within the next month. Business jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones CITY COUNCILS DEL MAR Advertisement The Del Mar City Council met Monday in closed session to discuss litigation. In open session, the council heard public comment on a proposal for road and sidewalk work on Camino del Mar from Carmel Valley to Fourth Street, and decided to appoint a subcommittee to work with staff to bring a revised project back to the council. It approved an appeal of the Design Review Boards decision to approve two gas-burning fireplaces for a house on Zapo Street, which will instead allow two wood-burning fireplaces as originally requested, contingent on adding technology to scrub most of the particulate emissions. The council approved sending a letter to the County Board of Supervisors and 3rd District Supervisor Kristen Gaspar supporting Community Choice Aggregation to achieve greenhouse gas reduction. ENCINITAS The Encinitas City Council met in special session Monday to discuss next steps regarding the development of a legally compliant Housing Element. The subcommittee working on the topic will convene a task force with additional members to bring forward an alternative proposal, and will regularly update the council on its work. The regularly scheduled Wednesday meeting has been canceled. POWAY The Poway City Council met Tuesday and approved an ordinance updating definitions regarding housing and homeless shelters for the citys housing code. It reviewed an update on a study of the citys job classifications and pay scale, which hasnt been done since 2008. The council also approved appointments: Torrey Powers, Kevin Ogden, Marc Hennen, Richard Ball and Peter Murray to the Budget Review Committee, and Jim Lyon and Phil Spear to the Parks and Recreation Committee. SOLANA BEACH The Solana Beach City Council canceled its Feb. 8 meeting. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Feb. 22. SCHOOL DISTRICTS BONSALL The Bonsall Unified School District board met in closed session Thursday to discuss litigation, personnel and labor and personnel negotiations. In open session, the board rescinded its previous approval of a lease-leaseback agreement with a construction company for work on Bonsall High School, and directed staff to restart the bidding process, a step made necessary by a recent change in law. The board also approved its 2015-16 audit, its district technology plan for 2016-2018, and a memorandum of understanding for the California Healthy Kids Survey. CARDIFF The Cardiff School District board met Monday and approved a resolution to establish a building fund and a debt service fund; and approved the revised North Coastal Consortium for Special Education 2016 Local Plan. The board then met in closed session to discuss litigation and negotiations. ESCONDIDO The Escondido Union School District board met in special session Tuesday and approved releasing EC Constructors Inc. from its contract for work at Mission Middle School and awarded the contract instead to Straight Line General Contractors Inc. The board then met in closed session to discuss human resources and the superintendents midterm evaluation. FALLBROOK The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District board met in closed session Monday to discuss personnel matters. In open session, the board reviewed and approved the comprehensive school safety plans at eight of its schools: Fallbrook Street School, La Paloma Elementary, Live Oak Elementary, Maie Ellis Elementary, Mary Fay Pendleton School, Potter Junior High School, San Onofre School and William H. Frazier School. POWAY The Poway Unified School District board met in special closed session Monday to discuss property negotiations and personnel matters regarding the superintendent and interim superintendent positions. laura.groch@sduniontribune.com Violinist Leonidas Kavakos made a rare appearance in San Diego Saturday evening at the Balboa Theatre. The Greek virtuoso is well known in Europe, not so much here. His accompanist, howeverYuja Wangis one of the hottest pianists of her generation, and audiences pack venues to hear her play. Wangs presence on Saturdays bill for the La Jolla Music Society may have sold more tickets, but Kavakos won over listeners with his incredible artistry. Advertisement Flawless instrumental technique always impresses. Kavakos had outstanding command of his instrument, a 1724 Stradivarius. He popped off stratospheric notes from nowhere, perfectly in tune and singing expressively. Jumping back and forth between highest and lowest strings? No problem! Lightning fast runs? Here you go! Extreme changes in tone, flickering back and forth? Piece o cake! And no matter what the technical demands, he could always produce a passionate sound that hit you square in the heart and radiated out through your bones. His jaw-dropping virtuosity combined with a keen, probing musical insight. For Schuberts Fantasy in C major, D. 934 or the last movement of Bartoks Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano, simply playing all the notes as written with a well-controlled tone results in a good performance. But a successful rendition of Janaceks or Debussys Sonata for Violin and Piano requires looking past the notes on the page and deciphering the emotional truth within. The best performances of Debussys mature and late works make them seem like the musical equivalent of literary stream-of-consciousness. They capture the flow of a train of thought into something completely different, the jarring interruptions of unrelated ideas, musical shape-shifting that doesnt necessarily make conscious sense, but that is nevertheless true to the workings of the unconscious. Out of the works on Kavakos concert, Debussys Sonata is probably the most frequently programmed by other violinists. But Ive never heard live as profound an interpretation of this piece as Kavakos gave on Saturday. Without the sympathetic partnership of Yuja Wang, this performance would not have succeeded as well as it did. Wang was capable of stark clarity during the most difficult passages, and her ability to produce such enormous sounds from the piano in spite of her thin frame and small gestures seemed to defy Newtonian physics. Yet she too was tuned in to Debussys subconscious intent; both audibly brought Debussys dreams to life. Janaceks Sonata similarly avoids traditional forms, yet differs from Debussy in Janaceks block-like structures. Ideas dont flow into each other, but abruptly change like TV channels. Here again Kavakos and Wang convincingly conveyed this unusual musical discourse. Wangs playing was liquid, almost delirious. There was an especially striking moment in the last movement where Kavakos playing suddenly dropped to such a faint level that his pianissimo echoes seemed like auditory hallucinations you werent quite sure if you were hearing something or not. Bartoks Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano is almost a century old, yet its intensely dissonant harmonic language and dislocated melodies can still upset patrons enough to make them flee the hall (several did). It is one of Bartoks most challenging compositions, for performers and listeners both. The technical complexities for both players are so great that performances rarely transcend all of the notes being properly played. Kavakos and Wang dispensed with those difficulties and took us on a profound musical journey, from the anguished argument of the first movement to the melancholy introspection of the second, and culminating in the hair-raising fury of the last movements wild dance. Ive never heard a performance so compelling and so illuminating, and the audience members who stayed were also clearly moved, judging from the whoops and standing ovation that burst out when Bartoks musical roller coaster slammed to a halt. Hertzog is a freelance writer. The film 9 to 5 came out in 1980, and its musical adaptation arrived in 2008, but the womens empowerment comedy is definitely having its day in 2017. 9 to 5: The Musical When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Feb. 26. Where: San Diego Musical Theatre at the Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, downtown. Advertisement Tickets: $32-$72 Phone: (858) 560-5740 Online: sdmt.org Just weeks after millions of women around the world marched for their rights, San Diego Musical Theatre opened its 2017 season Saturday with the funky, fun and surprisingly ribald 9 to 5: The Musical. Dozens of women, and some supportive men, in the Spreckels Theatre audience cheered at lines in Patricia Resnicks script about equal pay, breaking the glass ceiling, ditching skirts and choosing career over marriage and family. Dolly Parton wrote the shows Oscar-winning title song, as well as 17 more numbers added for the musical adaptation. The score isnt particularly memorable, but it gives each of the shows three female stars at least one barn-burning solo number. Directed by Cynthia Ferrer, the show moves like a fast-hurtling freight train, with large, energetic ensemble dance numbers choreographed by Tamilyn Shusterman and underscored by musical director Don LeMasters orchestra. But what stands out about 9 to 5 is its irreverent humor, which arrives unexpectedly in the shows opening seconds, as the 1979-era office workers rise from bed (one in, shall we say, a state of excitement) to dress for a day of working 9 to 5. RELATED Preview: San Diego Musical Theatre works up 9 to 5' Anyone over 50 probably remembers the film starring Parton, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dabney Coleman. The musical is mostly faithful to the original story about three downtrodden secretaries who kidnap their male chauvinist boss and implement progressive office policies in his absence. But some fresh, topical and often R-rated humor has been added, as well as an amusing epilogue. The highlights of the show are the warm and colorful performances of its five lead actors. Joy Yandell is an absolute knockout as Violet, the widowed secretary pool chief continuously overlooked for promotion. Her One of the Boys breakout number is the best in the show. Karyn Overstreet takes on the Dolly Parton role of harassed secretary Doralee, complete with blonde curly hair and Double D bustline. Her big number is Backwoods Barbie, a touching, clearly autobiographical Parton song about seeing past her sexy looks to the good girl inside. Allison Spratt Pearce plays Judy, the divorced housewife who comes into her own as a working woman. Pearce starts out quiet and mousy, then explodes on her ex-husband in the second act with the big finish Get Out and Stay Out. David S. Humphrey, who usually plays traditional leading man roles, shows off his long-hidden comic chops as the mustachioed Mr. Hart, their skirt-chasing, embezzling boss. And Candi Milo is surprisingly hilarious as sex-starved office manager Roz, whose role has been beefed up (and made much funnier) in the musical. The shows rented costumes, coordinated by Janet Pitcher, are a nostalgic nod to the brown plaids, wide ties and Peter Pan collars of the past. The wigs and attitudes were equally adjusted for the 1970s milieu. Although its a comedy, and often a very funny one, 9 to 5 is truth-telling in its examination of the struggles women faced in the 1970s corporate world. Some things have improved sharply for women, but many struggles (including equal pay) remain. So its not surprising that Saturdays audience was filled with women roaring their approval for the sisterhood embraced onstage. No doubt, this musical will be a hit with the girls night out crowd over the next few weeks. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com Protests sprang up across the nation this past week as tensions heightened over immigration enforcement although its not clear whether raids, checkpoints and deportations that sparked the unrest represented business as usual or the new priorities of President Donald Trump. There were raids in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Activists in L.A. reported an influx of worried calls, which they said stemmed from a new, coordinated operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. A woman in Phoenix made national headlines when she was deported after a scheduled check-in with ICE. Stories of parents rounded up and sent on buses to Mexico echoed across the Southwest. Protests erupted outside holding facilities in Phoenix and Los Angeles in response to immigration arrests. Advertisement We cannot understate the level of panic and terror that is running through many immigrant communities, said Walter Barrientos, lead organizer of Make the Road New York, an immigrant empowerment organization, in a conference call with the media. Meanwhile, ICE has maintained that none of the enforcement actions were out of the ordinary from business-as-usual enforcement and that any new policies or initiatives from Trump have not yet made their way from the White House to the front lines. While this weeks operation was an enforcement surge, the focus was no different than the routine, targeted arrests carried out by ICEs Fugitive Operations Teams on a daily basis, a spokeswoman said. Typical of the fervor was an incident in Vista, listed in the national media as a location for ICE raids of unusual intensity. Ricardo Favela of Alianza Comunitaria, which monitors enforcement activity in North County, said the only unusual enforcement his group has noted was a Border Patrol vehicle parking along state Route 78 in the weeks since the inauguration. The group did not know of anyone being detained. ICE issued a statement saying, Rumors currently being circulated, primarily on social media, claiming the agency is conducting widespread traffic stops throughout northern San Diego County are completely baseless. The agency is working diligently to address these false reports and we urge the media not to give them credence. The San Diego Sheriffs Department hasnt seen a dramatic change in the number of notification requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers a process that allows ICE to find out when someone will be released from county jail and take custody of that individual. On Sept. 15, county jails had 231 notification requests from ICE. On Friday of this week, there were 262. The jails hold more than 5,500 people. Trumps orders direct secretaries of both the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to ramp up enforcement efforts through a variety of measures, including a border wall, changes in enforcement priorities and increased criminal prosecutions of illegal crossings. Border officials said they havent yet received memos from higher up in the Department of Homeland Security with instructions for carrying out the executive orders. Homeland Security Secretary John Kellys visit to San Diego on Friday as part of a tour to assess border infrastructure seemed to be one of his first steps to implement Trumps orders, which largely fall to his department. Those who work in the federal court system, which would be affected by increased criminal prosecutions, said theyre waiting to see what will happen after Attorney General Jeff Sessions gets to work. Theres a lot of rumors going around about much more Border Patrol activity and presence, but from my optic there doesnt seem to be anything unusual or extremely different from what was happening before, said Pedro Rios, director of the American Friends Service Committee U.S./Mexico Border program, by telephone. The most notable change, according to Christopher Harris of San Diegos Border Patrol union chapter, is morale among border officials. Theres a dramatic sense that they are going to be able to do the job theyre paid for and that the American people expect and deserve, Harris said by telephone. Thats not really quantifiable, but its certainly present. The border Harris said the hold-up on implementing the executive orders might be because the Customs and Border Protection commissioner the position between the Homeland Security secretary and the chief of Border Patrol hasnt been appointed yet. You want to have guidelines and standard operating procedures, Harris said. I think were all kind of waiting for that guidance to come down, what were to do. The executive orders, Harris said, provide what the border patrol was hoping for, a holistic approach to controlling the border. That includes increased detention space and increases in hiring, he said. You cant do what you want until you have the capability to hold people, Harris said. I think youre going to see this moving in fits and starts and get smoother as it goes. He said San Diego officials had been asked what kinds of quick infrastructure changes they would like to see at the border. Kelly told a Congressional committee on Homeland Security earlier this week that he was visiting South Texas, parts of Arizona and San Diego in order to get up to speed on what was needed when asked about design and construction of the ordered border wall. Were not going to build it in an afternoon, Kelly said to the committee. Well build it in the places where people who work that border say we need it. Ernie Griffes, a resident of Imperial Beach who has opposed a Welcoming Cities designation there, said he is satisfied with progress on an immigration crackdown. President Trump is keeping his promises regarding immigration, Griffes said. Its only been 21 days since he took office. The delaying tactics of the Senate Democrats on Cabinet appointments is holding up implementation of those orders. Interior enforcement San Diegos non-citizens are still waiting to see how and when Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers implement the executive order, Rios said. In Los Angeles, an influx of panicked calls from family members seeking attorneys for recently detained loved ones led local activists to the conclusion that ICE had begun a coordinated operation to ramp up enforcement there, said Angelica Salas, executive director for CHIRLA, an immigrant rights group based in Los Angeles, in a conference call on Friday. In Los Angeles, an influx of panicked calls from family members seeking attorneys for recently detained loved ones led local activists to the conclusion that ICE had begun a coordinated operation to ramp up enforcement there, said Angelica Salas, executive director for CHIRLA, an immigrant rights group based in Los Angeles, in a conference call on Friday. More than 150 people were detained in the weeklong operation, Los Angeles ICE officials said. And across Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina nearly 200 people were arrested during immigration raids, according to a preliminary tally provided by ICEs Atlanta field office. The majority were convicted criminals, officials said. In Austin, Texas, a video on social media appeared to show ICE agents detaining several people in a shopping center parking lot. A spokesman from the Mexican Consulate-General there said nearly 50 arrests of Mexican nationals had been recorded since Thursday. On average, the consulate is notified of about three each day. ICE denied that anything outside of usual enforcement had taken place across the nation. One woman in Phoenix, Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, received national attention on Wednesday after she was detained following a scheduled check-in with ICE. The mother of two American children, she had been required to visit the ICE office since she was picked up in a workplace raid in 2008, according to The New York Times. She was not a deportation priority under the Obama administration, so she hadnt been forced to leave, despite getting a final removal order from an immigration judge in 2013. It raises a lot of questions about the humanitarian implications of removing someone who is not dangerous in any way, Rios said. Protesters flocked to where Rayos was being held and attempted to block a van that was trying to move her to another location, according to multiple news reports. Several of those blocking the van were arrested. Rios said that many in San Diego have similar check-in meetings with ICE. My hope is that this does not create a fear factor where people stop complying with the orders that they have of having to check in with the authorities, Rios said. On the other hand though, I think theres a real concern about the impact it would have to their families. Memos sent out to enforcement officials about how to implement changes in enforcement priority are normally published on the departments website. As of yet, there are none published. Criminal courts Those who work in the federal court system anticipate an increase in volume due to Trumps order for increased criminal prosecutions for those crossing the border illegally. The U.S. Attorneys Office in San Diego has in the past several months taken a more aggressive stance on immigration-related cases. The number of criminal cases filed by the office increased in 2016, mostly due to an increase in border apprehensions in the latter half of the year, as well as a change in what types of cases the U.S. Attorneys Office has agreed to prosecute. A fair percent of cases come in that dont meet our guidelines, but we take them if we have the resources, and weve been doing more of that, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Conover, chief of the Reactive Crimes Section. Prosecutors have also been bringing more cases, including immigration-related cases, to trial over the past several months. Rather than offering a misdemeanor or dismissal or reduced sentence recommendation to convince them to plead guilty, weve been willing to go to trial instead, Conover said. The changes were implemented under then-U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy on Conovers recommendation when he became section chief. Duffy left the position in January and was appointed to the San Diego Superior Court bench. Alana Robinson took over as interim U.S. attorney while the Trump administration decides on a permanent replacement. Trumps executive order calls for the attorney general to take all appropriate steps to establish prosecution guidelines and allocate appropriate resources to ensure that federal prosecutors accord a high priority to prosecutions of offenses having a nexus to the southern border. While the orders arent specific about those additional resources, Conover said more would be needed, or resources would have to be shifted within the office, if the number of cases is expected to rise significantly. In San Diego and Imperial counties, as much as 90 percent of the cases filed have some kind of nexus to the border roughly 50 percent of cases are immigration related, including illegal entry and human smuggling, and another 40 percent are drug related, with most narcotics cases having some connection to the border. The remaining 10 percent of cases are other crimes, such as white collar violations or bank robberies. Immigration attorney Andrew Nietor said putting an even greater focus on illegal entry prosecutions, as the order implies, would come at an incredible expense if put into place too quickly without the appropriate infrastructure. I really dont think people grasp how expensive this is going to be, Nietor said. Expense comes from prosecution, the U.S. Attorneys Office, judges, detention facility staff, defense attorneys, the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Its an extremely expensive proposition. The language in the order, to take all appropriate action, seems to imply Trump wants to criminally prosecute all illegal entry cases, Nietor said. It seems the administration is trying to take away a lot of the discretion U.S. attorneys have here,, prioritizing which cases are most important to prosecute, Nietor said. Immigration courts The Executive Office for Immigration Review, which is run by the Department of Justice and employs immigration judges, has published a memo instructing judges to make changes in case scheduling priorities. San Diego immigration attorney Maricela Amezola speculated that the changes were to prepare the already-backlogged courts for an influx of new cases. A lot of those cases are going to end up in court because the majority of the people have that right, Amezola said. The new memo prioritizes individuals who are being held in detention, which includes both those in immigration detention facilities and those incarcerated in a correctional facility. It prioritizes unaccompanied children in the care and custody of a federal agency like the Department of Health and Human Services. Previously all unaccompanied children, certain groups of adults with children and recent border crossers were prioritized. Many immigration attorneys are concerned that no matter how the courts prioritize cases, there will not be enough immigration judges to handle the increased load. Twelve new immigration judges, who were appointed by former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, were sworn in on Feb. 3, bringing the total to 301 judges. According to Kathryn Mattingly, spokeswoman for the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the office is authorized to have up to 374 immigration judges and has hired 61 judges since October 2015. Mattingly said the goal for the number of judges did not change after the executive orders were signed. Theres a lot of pressure on immigration judges to show numbers and results, Nietor said. You are dealing with people fleeing for their lives, explaining why theyd be killed if they go back to their home country, and the judge has to look at his watch and say, How long is this going to take because Ive got 20 other cases to listen to. The Los Angeles Times contributed to this story. kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate Roughly 2,000 protesters in Encinitas on Saturday advocated for Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit which offers abortion services that is facing scrutiny under President Donald Trump and a Republican Congress. For the record: Clarification: The story has been changed to make clear counter-protester Zephaniah Mel does not want federal funding for Planned Parenthood. The march was part of a national effort to defend the nonprofit as anti-abortion activists protested at clinics in other cities across the country Saturday. Advertisement Also of concern to protesters were several GOP leaders pledges to cut funding, feared loss of womens health services if the Affordable Care Act is repealed and the presidents recent executive order to cut federal funds from international organizations that perform or promote abortion. Planned Parenthood is just so crucial for women and mens healthcare everywhere. So many people rely on it for (sexually transmitted diseases) tests, cancer screening, birth control, said Sophia Stremel, 18, of Carlsbad. If they defunded Planned Parenthood, many closed clinics would be in rural areas where people rely on them the most. Stremel organized the march with fellow 18-year-old Pacific Ridge School student Elena Scott, who noted that no federal funding goes toward abortion, except in cases of rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother. 1 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 22 Sandra Day and Carolyn Lacey, supporters of Planned Parenthood were part of the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 22 Supporter of Planned Parenthood, Joe Benz, was part of the Defend Planned Parenthood march. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. The organization is facing scrutiny under President Donald Trump and a Republican Congress, which may result in defunding. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. The organization is facing scrutiny under President Donald Trump and a Republican Congress, which may result in defunding. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. The organization is facing scrutiny under President Donald Trump and a Republican Congress, which may result in defunding. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 22 Anti-abortion supporter Don Maes and Planned Parenthood supporter Elaine Lewinnek express their different points of view at the end of the Defend Planned Parenthood march, held as part of nationwide rallies and marchs in support of the organization. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood drew a heart in the sand at Moonlight Beach at the end of the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. The organization is facing scrutiny under President Donald Trump and a Republican Congress, which may result in defunding. The march began and ended at Moonlight Beach and made its way along the Coast Highway and other streets. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 22 Supporters of Planned Parenthood held the Defend Planned Parenthood march, as part of nationwide rallies and marchs supporting Planned Parenthood. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) When youre talking about defunding Planned Parenthood, youre not talking about defunding abortion, Scott said. Youre talking about defunding womens rights to access health care. Zephaniah Mel, 32 one of four counter-protesters who attended the rally said he wanted federal funding cut to Planned Parenthood. The small group, holding a Babies are murdered here sign, brought plenty of jeers and insults from the marchers. When I heard people were marching for reproductive rights aka murdering babies I couldnt stay still and be quiet while the silent and defenseless are being ignored, Mel said. More than 3,000 people said they were going to the march on a Facebook event page, but sheriffs officials did not have a crowd estimate. Planned Parenthood officials said the crowd was likely 2,000 to 3,000 people. Marchers began at Moonlight State Beach around 10:30 a.m., went up to B Street, along South Coast Highway and back to the beach before noon. For many Planned Parenthood advocates, holding signs and shouting slogans is a fairly new thing. Beverly Jackson, 69, of Encinitas said she last actively protested during the Vietnam War. Her first protest since then was the Womens March the day after Trumps inauguration. Im thinking about my children and someday grandchildren because these arent little issues, Jackson said. Jeff Simpson, 38, of North Park said he hadnt been involved in protesting until Trumps election. Since then, he and his wife have gone to protests about climate change, the Affordable Care Act and the Womens March. Simpson said being a man didnt mean he could not see the value of Planned Parenthood. When it comes to abortion, obviously thats a choice a woman makes, he said. I dont want to see women going to back alley, black market abortions, which is whats going to happen. Its not like people are going to stop having abortions. Sarah Jensen-Elhoff, director of the Adoption Center of San Diego, said she wished Planned Parenthood put more of an emphasis on adoption when women ask for an abortion. Most women think they have just two choices: to have an abortion or become a mom even if they are not really prepared, she said in a phone interview Friday. My focus is, women should know there is a third option as well, to choose life and to give their baby a mom and dad. The center places 20 to 25 babies with families a year, Jensen-Elhoff said. I know that it is legal to do an abortion, but I dont necessarily think that that our government should be paying for it, she said. At the march, Lisa Walters-Hoffert, director of Planned Parenthood for San Diego and Riverside counties, said there are counselors available to talk to pregnant women but its not their role to convince them what to do. Our view is we dont judge. Our patients come in and we provide the service they are requesting, she said. Walters-Hoffert said Planned Parenthood provides prenatal care at some clinics for women who decide not to have abortions, or refers them to nearby community healthcare partners. Its Planned Parenthood. Its not no parenthood, she said. Neither side in the abortion debate said they had any other planned upcoming marches or protests but both anticipated being very active in the next year. Clarification: The story has been changed to make clear counter-protester Zephaniah Mel does not want federal funding for Planned Parenthood. Business phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar ALSO Resist Trump Tuesdays show up in downtown San Diego The vanishing San Diego single-family home Across the border in Tijuana, few worry about Trumps wall There are at least two things Rep. Scott Peters can count on: hell always be in a swing district, and hell always be one of the top Republican targets in 2018 and beyond. But simply judging from his history, Peters odds of staying in Congress look pretty good today. He knocked off Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray in 2012, aided by President Barack Obamas strong showing in the district. Advertisement He overcame a tough challenge from former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio in what was a Republican-leaning, off-year election in 2014. But DeMaio had to fight off scandalous accusations throughout the campaign. Peters was targeted again last year, but the GOP didnt put a lot into it. The party couldnt find a strong candidate and Peters cruised to victory against unknown businesswoman/GOP protege Denise Gitsham. Who knows what the dynamic will be next year and who his main challenger will be. But whoever that is will know this: Donald Trump will be president and he lost to Hillary Clinton in Peters 52nd District by 22 points last year. Regardless, Peters expects hes always going to be in a potentially tough fight and takes no election lightly, though he might have smiled at being described recently by the National Republican Congressional Committee as one of its top offensive targets. Faulconer: And I mean no! Mayor Kevin Faulconer has been fairly Shermanesque in his insistence that hes not running for governor next year. He said it in May before he was re-elected in June and has repeated that hes serving out his full four-year term on several occasions. And the San Diego media has dutifully reported it. Our out-of-town friends have mentioned it, but usually in passing, as if its not to be believed. Faulconers second-place showing in gubernatorial poll match-ups behind Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has kept him in the speculative hunt, no matter what he says. But now theyre getting the hint. Mark Z. Barabak of the Los Angeles Times this past week devoted a full column about why Faulconer wont run. Is the decision ironclad? Barabak asked. It is, the mayor replied. When good times turn bad It seems like the days of smooth sailing for local governments are ending. All around the county, cities, school districts and various government agencies are taking on water, some more than others, because of finances and other reasons. Things were pretty good for a while. The city of San Diego that struggled under a pension debacle, recession and scandal righted itself for a while and even had small surpluses. San Diego Unified, whose former superintendent raised the specter of bankruptcy, climbed out of its budget problems and was recognized as one of the nations top urban school districts. The San Diego Association of Governments achieved a consensus on a transportation tax proposal despite a board with very divergent views on how to spend it. SANDAGs Measure A failed to get the two-thirds support needed for approval a basically impossible tax threshold in San Diego County but received a strong majority that gave it optimism for future, less ambitious moves. Other smaller governments that limped along, or worse, during the recession seemed to be rumbling forward okay. But storm clouds have gathered. The city of San Diego is facing a small budget shortfall after a few years of better-than-balanced budgets products of a good economy as well as moves by Mayor Faulconer and the City Council. A bigger long-term problem is the pension deficit that nearly sunk the city a decade or so ago is getting worse as new actuarial review take into account the fact that, surprise, people are living longer. San Diego Unified has at least a 10 percent budget deficit it must clear up and Superintendent Cindy Marten plans to do that without laying off teachers or reducing core class sizes. Cutting administration sounds painless but it wont be. SANDAG got virtually no credit for its board achieving a hard-fought consensus when such things are rare in these political times. Even rarer, the agency and other supporters of Measure A persuaded more than 58 percent of county voters to raise their sales tax a half a cent. Thats a landslide under any circumstances except when a two-thirds majority is required. But even before the election, the Voice of San Diegos Andrew Keatts pointed out that the $18 billion SANDAG said the tax would raise over 40 years was overblown. Much worse, Keatts later revealed that SANDAG staff knew its estimates likely were bogus a very long time ago but didnt tell the board, or anybody else. under any circumstances except when a two-thirds majority is required. But even before the election, the Voice of San Diegos Andrew Keatts pointed out that the $18 billion SANDAG said the tax would raise over 40 years was overblown. Much worse, Keatts later revealed that SANDAG staff knew its estimates likely were bogus a very long time ago but didnt tell the board, or anybody else. The County of San Diego, which has beat its breast for financial acumen for years, is facing at least a $100 million shortfall. Granted, thats a drop in the bucket given the countys size and is a result of other federal and state moves limiting funding for health care and other services. Meanwhile, Supervisor Dianne Jacob, chair of the board, just said the countys roads are lousy and need major fixing and almost certainly more money to do it. The countys pension system has also hit some bumps. Virtually all other local governments and school districts face serious increases in payments to the state pension systems. Thats something they dont control. This is a significant part of San Diego Unifieds problem. (The city and county of San Diego have their own separate, problematic pension systems.) It could get worse for all of them. Gov. Jerry Brown has warned of reductions for local governments because of a growing state budget deficit. And nobody nobody knows what to expect from the federal government. Tweet of the Week Goes to Rep. Scott Peters (@ScottPetersSD) It is with some mixed feelings that I report that @Nordstrom continues to do business with my daughter. I am not against legal immigration, as long as it fits within the quota system that is established by our government, as long as it follows the immigration rules. Years ago when all immigrants came through Ellis Island from 1892 until 1954, the U. S. government had rules for the immigrants. On Ellis Island, the people were asked a chain of questions, the immigrants had to have health examinations and they had to have between 18 and 25 dollars (this showed that they had money to live on for a while). If they failed to pass any of these, they could be sent back to where they came. Also if they had a chronic, contagious disease, a criminal background, a danger to this country, moral degeneration, mental problems or insanity, or if they were unskilled workers, they could and probably would be sent back to from they came. People of my age once were taught in schools the above about Ellis Island, but I found most of this information in Wikipedia to refresh my train of remembrance. Please look up Ellis Island to find out the whole story. The liberal courts overruled our president's directive to stay people from President Obama's seven dangerous countries that had no way to prevent dangerous people from these countries to enter the United States. If these liberal district courts in the end are able to usurp the legal authority given to this or any other president of the United States, we will then not have the use of a president and then any district or maybe any state or local court will rule our country. Why would any normal-thinking person want the courts (excluding the Supreme Court) to rule our country? Now about illegal immigrants in the growing sanctuary cities and the liberals (I believe mostly anarchists) who rule these cities and/ or states. ... It seems to me that we in past years went through this secession before the Civil War, when the Democratic slave states of the South led by Democratic President Jefferson Davis seceded from the Union. Question: Are these sanctuary towns and states in secession? Should the leaders of these towns and states be charged with treason? If not, why not? Secession means they are failing to comply with the laws of the United States. JOHN H. BETHEA Marion The shipyard location will continue its activities under the name of Damen Shiprepair Curacao (DSCu), the company said. The yard is strategically located on the route to the Panama Canal, outside the Hurricane Belt and offers excellent working conditions within a natural bay. As Curacao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, smooth logistics connections and fast import of required materials are guaranteed. In fact, DSCu is poised to be one of the largest ship repair installations in the Caribbean region. The yard features two graven docks; one sized 280 x 48 m and the other 193 x 26 m and almost 2 km of quay side. In the coming years Damen plans to invest approximately $40m in a third floating dock and the yards infrastructure and equipment. Damen Shiprepair Curacao, whose md is Jaap de Lange, is part of the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion group, which currently operates 42 dry docks in 16 shipyards worldwide Furthermore Damen, together with the Curacao Government, will invest in training and schooling of local technical personnel, ensuring the development of local skills, further developing the local industry and encouraging employment opportunities in the area. The cooperation between Damen, the Curacao Government, local trade unions and the personnel of the yard has been very pleasant during the period of negotiations and transfer of ownership. We are very much looking forward to continuing this collaboration in the future. It is excellent to see the enthusiasm of all parties to make this yard such a success, said Durk-Jan Nederlof, group director Damen Shiprepair & Conversion. Over the year, liquid bulk managed to maintain to the high level reached in 2015. Following 10% growth in 2015, 1.2% more containers were handled in 2016. Allard Castelein, ceo Port of Rotterdam Authority, said that while levels have fallen overall, growth in 2015 was exceptional at 4.9%. The Rotterdam port and industrial complex is facing huge challenges, in particular digitisation and energy transition as well as stiff competition from surrounding ports, he said. Divergent trends provide reassurance that the complex can handle these challenges, such as the major investments in various refineries, a number of projects that should shape energy transition and the new container line sailing schedules that are favourable to Rotterdam. Despite the fall in volumes, profits were slightly up during the year. Turnover remained stable at EUR675.4mn as a result of costs being under control, as profits increased by 5.0% to EUR222.2m. Paul Smits, cfo, commented: Investments rose by 16% and they are at least expected to be comparable to 2016 levels over the next few years. At the same time the Port Authority is obliged to pay corporate tax from 2017 onwards. We shall not allow our clients to suffer as a consequence, so we shall be focusing strongly on our costs. Throughput of crude oil fell by 1.2% to 101.9m tonnes; although refinery margins fell slightly, they remained buoyant whereby the level of crude oil input stayed at the upper end of the historical spectrum. Following a rise of 18% in 2015, the input and output of oil products increased by a further 0.3% to 88.8m tonnes Throughput of ores and scrap dropped by 7.8% to 31.2m tonnes. The main reason for this was the dumping of Chinese steel, although there was an increase in the export of scrap to Turkey, which has announced anti-dumping measures. The amount of coal handled dropped by 7.3% to 28.4m tonnes. Container volumes rose by 1.2% to 12.4m teu and a 0.6% increase in weight to 127.1m tonnes. In the second half of the year, 4.9% more was throughput than in the same period of the previous year. More cargo was shipped to and from the Far East and North America, but less went to South America. Within Europe, both feeder traffic and short sea traffic between Rotterdam and Great Britain, Ireland, Spain and Portugal increased. At the same time, container traffic to the ScanBaltic shipping area decreased, mainly due to the weak Russian economy. Despite the announcement of Brexit, roll on roll off traffic increased. This not only involves shipping to and from Great Britain, but also Scandinavia, Spain and Portugal. RoRo traffic grew by 1.7% to 22.4m tonnes. Throughput of other general cargo increased by 3.0% to 5.9m tonnes, mainly due to the fact that more steel and non-ferrous metals were handled. Ro-ro and other general cargo combine to form the breakbulk category. This increased by 2.0% to 28.3m tonnes. In a statement, the port addressed the struggling hydrocarbons industry: There has been relatively little investment in oil and gas production due to the persistently low oil price and, consequently, the offshore industry has been hard hit. A lot of companies in what is a key industry for Rotterdam had to make employees redundant last year. At the same time, Sif launched the manufacture of monopiles for offshore wind turbines at Maasvlakte 2. And looking forwards, it added: The Port Authority expects throughput volume in 2017 to remain at a comparable level to that of 2016. Container handling is expected to continue on an upward trend. It is uncertain whether the other sectors will equal the 2016 results. Press Release February 11, 2017 Cayetano to CPP-NDF: Together let's not waste best chance of peace, real change Senator Alan Peter Cayetano appealed to the CPP-NDF leadership to join in the pursuit of a "peaceful revolution" and stand up against the war on drugs for the sake of the Filipino people. "The Duterte administration is your best chance for meaningful change, reform, and peaceful revolution. The CPP-NDF group should understand and give more since the administration has met them more than halfway already," Cayetano explained. The Senator cited the administration's efforts to institute reforms to address the problems of inequality and poverty in the country, opening up cabinet positions and all lines of communication and dialogue with the left. Cayetano remains hopeful that the peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels will resume even as President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the cancellation of their talks. "The government's peace talks with the communists or the left collapsed. But we are all hoping it is not permanent," Cayetano said in a press briefing with the Philippine-American press in New York City on Thursday (PH time). The President earlier announced the suspension of the peace negotiations, stressing that many soldiers had died despite the unilateral ceasefire between the government and the communist group. Cayetano said he understands the need for the President to take a hard stand on the issue, but added that he is still hoping that the two sides will return to the table to negotiate peacefully. "Quoting Former Israeli President Shimon Peres, in peace negotiations, if you give too much, you lose your base. If you give too little, you lose the other side. Thus, there has to be pressure from all of us Filipinos to get these two sides to give more and accept less," he said. The senator clarified that no other administration had dealt with the issue more thoroughly, sincerely, and considerately than the Duterte Administration has. "From the communists' side, they think we are giving too little. But on the side of the government, we feel we have already given them so much. But no other President has given this much this soon," he said. In fact, Cayetano noted, members of leftist groups who chose to voice out their concerns through peaceful means have always been welcomed in government. Known members of the leftist group had been appointed in some cabinet positions under the Duterte government. "Those who have chosen a parliamentary rather than an armed struggle are always welcome and are part of a healthy dialogue with the government," Cayetano stressed. Press Release February 11, 2017 Gatchalian seeks COA Performance Audit on 20 ODA-funded Projects Sen. Win Gatchalian wants a comprehensive performance audit of at least 20 foreign-funded government projects to examine the financial and legal risks the government is exposed to in relation to these undertakings. Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, asked the Commission on Audit (CoA) to conduct a special review of the contracts, which have been red-flagged in the 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA), and submit its findings to the committee. "We want to know exactly whether these projects were executed, if they were executed to specifications, whether or not the loans were drawn, and if yes, when will it be paid. Do they form part of our public debt stock? We want to see an independent audit of these projects," Gatchalian said during the committee hearing on Senate Resolution No. 253 seeking a debt audit on foreign loans contracted by the government within the last 15 years. He likewise asked the Department of Finance and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to furnish the committee with copies of the projects' contracts, the list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) that funded the projects, and status and assessment reports on the undertakings. Specifically, Gatchalian is calling for an audit of the following projects: the Philippine Rural Development Project, Pampanga Development Flood Control, Bohol Irrigation Phase II, Angat Water Supply Optimization, Sixth Road Project, Power Sector Development Program, Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement, Agrarian Reform Communities Project, Global Maritime Safety, Small Water Impounding Management, Third Elementary Education Project, Emergency Network Project, Southern Philippines Irrigation Sector Project, Calaca I coal-fired thermal power plant, Calaca II coal-fired thermal power plant, Calaca II coal-fired thermal project plant additional financing, Second Agrarian Reform Communities Development Project, Second Agrarian Reform Communities Development Project 2, Irrigation System improvement, and the South Luzon Expressway Construction Project I. The senator gave the COA, the DOF and the BSP until next week to submit their reports. "We are requesting for a comprehensive audit because we want to know and establish the legitimacy and feasibility of these loans. We want to know whether the Filipino people should pay for these loans," Gatchalian said. The Philippine government's total debt stock stands at $77 billion as of June 2016, inclusive of public and private borrowings. Also, Gatchalian called for a review of the Automatic Appropriations Law, raising the ante that the government might be using much-needed resources for basic services for debt payments on corrupt or anomalous ODA-funded projects. "Let us review the law and come up with a mechanism where Juan dela Cruz will not be bound to pay loans which are onerous and disadvantageous to the government," he said. Press Release February 11, 2017 Senator Loren Legarda's Statement: Continue the Peace Talks "I support the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. I call on all parties to continue the peace talks. War is not an option. More death and suffering will be the result of the resumption of hostilities which neither the government or the NFDP-CPP-NPA can win. "As someone who has been involved in negotiating releases of prisoners by the NPA, I have seen the sincerity of all sides to this conflict and have witnessed the intense desire for peace. There is a reservoir of good will inside all of us that we must now draw from so guns are not drawn and fired once again. "I support a negotiated bilateral ceasefire agreement, with effective monitoring procedures and strict compliance mechanisms. This ceasefire agreement should be unconditional as it benefits both parties to the conflict. More importantly, it is good for our people and they will welcome this. It will also prevent unexpected and untoward incidents that could derail the peace process. "I support the unconditional release of all political prisoners. I understand that this might have to be done in batches and according to legal procedures. But let us begin with the sick detainees and those who are already seniors, 60 years old and over. "As Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, I commit to work on a national budget for 2018 that would support and advance the gains of the peace process. That is the least Congress can do. "President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has a solid and comprehensive vision for peace. He has been willing to back it up with the strongest political will. Let us support the peace process so that this vision is achieved." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When it comes to calling out our new president, its the nations women who are leading the charge. Whether it was the huge Womens March or Elizabeth Warren on the Senate floor, women have been at the forefront. So Id like to pass on a suggestion thats been making the rounds for the past week, ever since the idea was posted on the Twitter account of the Womens March: How about a day without women? The idea is for a general strike by women in protest of the tenor and tone of President Trumps administration. A resounding enough already to the likes of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, whose sit down and shut up order to Warren during the confirmation debate for Attorney General Jeff Sessions set many womens teeth on edge. Our own Sen. Kamala Harris promptly stepped to the podium and made a motion: Let Elizabeth speak. It didnt pass, but it let the world know that the freshman senator had arrived. She quickly followed the floor call with a bill to grant legal representation to refugees who might arrive at airports and be turned away. The junior senator from California is continuing the role that Sen. Barbara Boxer filled so well, of standing up when it matters. Meanwhile, our senior senator, Dianne Feinstein, is laser-focused on making sure all Trump nominees are being vetted in the most appropriate way. In the process, she has united Democrats to follow her lead. At some point, the Democrats may even win one. Now, about two issues near and dear to my heart: politics and fashion. Im talking about the issue of Nordstrom dropping Ivanka Trumps fashion line. Sorry, Mr. President, but the move had nothing to do with your politics. It was about customer demand. Eleanor Johns, my former chief of staff, saw an Ivanka belt in Nordstrom some time ago, priced at about $100. Last week, at Nordstrom Rack, the same belt was going for $5. Shoplifters wouldnt walk out with such an item, and if they did, security would probably applaud them. There was a wonderful event honoring Robin Williams the other night. It was a benefit to raise money for bringing more film jobs to to San Francisco. Director Chris Columbus recalled that while filming Mrs. Doubtfire here, Robin was so full of energy and improvisations that they wound up with three versions of the film: one that would have drawn an NC-17 rating, one an R and the family-friendly one that was eventually released with a PG-13. My favorite memory of Williams and Columbus was the night they were filming Bicentennial Man in the late 1990s at our newly refurbished City Hall. One of the stage lights was placed too close to a fire alarm and set off the buildings sprinkler system, flooding the second floor. I was in my office at the time, and I remember storming though the shower with blood in my eyes and coming face-to-face with a very embarrassed Columbus. Just as I was about to unload, I looked over to see Williams dancing on the Rotunda stairs as the water cascaded down, belting out, Im siiiiiiinnnnging in the rain, just siiiiiinnnging in the rain! I looked at at Columbus and said, This better be one hell of a movie. And, you know, it was. I read in The Chronicle the other day that the Summer of Love anniversary concert in Golden Gate Park was in trouble because Recreation and Park wouldnt approve the permit. 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. My, how times have changed. I was around for the Summer of Love, and there were concerts in the park and the Panhandle all the time. And I dont recall anyone ever getting a permit. Of course, back then all you needed for a concert was a guitar, a couple of amps and some hijacked electricity. These days, park concerts are major affairs complete with mall-like villages of concessions stands, with Rec and Park getting a very nice cut of the action. Movie time: Split. There is not a name star in this tale of a therapist and a person with serious mental problems, including 23 personalities. It starts out as a psychological drama and ends like a horror film. Not my idea of a good time, but from the looks of the ending, theyre already plotting a sequel. Lion. Now this is a wonderful movie about adoptions, taking us to the heart of India as a man goes looking for his past. A third of the movie is in Bengali. I dont usually go for foreign language movies, but Lion was a great exception. Check it out. I was taping a segment for the KPIX-TV Sunday morning news show the other day when a crew member, who shall remain nameless, said: You know what happens when President Trumps Alzheimers kicks in? His IQ goes up. Want to sound off? Email wbrown@sfchronicle.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Thousands of spectators lined the streets Saturday in San Francisco to welcome the Year of the Rooster during the annual Chinese New Year Parade. The parade kicked off right on time at 5:15 p.m. at Second and Market streets with a barrage of firecrackers. They were followed by a run of local politicians dressed in red in classic convertibles, including Supervisor Hillary Ronen in a low-rider that thrilled onlookers with its up-and-down moves. Then came the marching bands from high schools around the region, kids from kung fu schools showing off their martial arts skills, and a host of beautiful dragons slithering through the street. The rain, which has doused San Francisco almost nonstop for the past week, stayed away, and onlookers enjoyed temperatures in the low 50s. The event drew people of all ages from around the world. This is one of the things in the Bay Area thats still family-friendly. And who doesnt like firecrackers and cotton candy? said Rudy Batts, who drove from Vallejo with his wife and three daughters, ages 2, 3 and 5. Seeing it through my kids eyes is awesome. They love it. Its fun for the kids and fun for us, said Beyza Gokturk, who came with her husband, Erek, and 5-year-old daughter. The couple, who are originally from Turkey and now live in Berkeley, said they wanted to celebrate a different cultures new year. The weather is a blessing on the Chinese New Year, whatever religion you might believe in, Erek said. The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle with each year related to an animal sign. This years sign, the rooster, is known as being rock steady, said the Rev. Norman Fong, executive director of the Chinatown Community Development Center and the parades master of ceremonies. Less well known is that the years also correspond to different elements fire being this years element. The fire rooster is one of perseverance, Fong said. It awakens the world to the light. It brings in the dawn. Especially in these tough times we dont know what Trump is going to do its time to cock-a-doodle-do and speak out and stand up for our values. One large presence missing from this years parade was Rose Pak, the Chinatown power broker who died in September. For years, she turned the family-friendly event into something of a political sport, yelling out colorful and expletive-filled commentary as the politicians drove by the grandstand at Jackson and Kearny streets. While her quips could be more than a little mean, many people thought that being on the receiving end of them was still better than not being mentioned at all. This year, Fong said, kids will not have to worry about swearing. Most onlookers, however, knew little of San Franciscos rough-and-tumble political world. They were drawn by the sheer spectacle of the parade. Its so pretty and colorful, said Lily Velasquez, 17, who came with her friend from Red Bluff (Tehama County). They planned to go shopping for prom dresses after the parade. Many people who drove in from out of the city said the traffic was no worse than normal, but parking was very difficult. Tim Cao, who came from San Jose, said he ended up parking about 2 miles away. Still, he wasnt complaining. Cao, who moved to the United States from Vietnam 30 years ago, brought his wife and a friend visiting from Paris. I like the dragons and the cars, he said. Emily Green is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: egreen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @emilytgreen This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Demonstrators in the Bay Area joined abortion opponents outside Planned Parenthood facilities across the country Saturday for protests calling for an end to government funding for the organization. While demonstrators in both San Francisco and Redwood City joined more than 200 anti-Planned Parenthood rallies across the country, both groups were outnumbered by counter protesters supporting the womens health centers. At the San Francisco Planned Parenthood location on Valencia Street, both sides noisily shouted chants at the other. About 300 rallying in support of Planned Parenthood stood on the opposite side of a walkway where about 50 demonstrators held antiabortion signs. Not your bodies. Not your choice! one demonstrator, Terrisa Bukovinac, shouted through a bright red megaphone. The crux of why Im pro-life is also the crux of why Im a feminist, Bukovinac said. One man on the defund Planned Parenthood side began pointing at counterprotesters, shouting, All of you were born! Maya Malika, a Planned Parenthood supporter, tried to yell louder, shouting, A fetus is not a baby, abortion is not murder, women are not incubators! President Trump and (Vice President Mike) Pence, especially Pence, is a Christian fascist who wants to take women back to where women induce their own abortions in back alleys, Malika said. At a Saturday morning protest outside Planned Parenthoods Redwood City location, about 30 demonstrators rallying against the clinics were met with about 200 counterprotesters. The groups faced off on opposite sides of the streets, with a demonstrator against Planned Parenthood strumming a guitar while those in support chanted We care for health care. Some supporting Planned Parenthood crossed to the other side to stand next to those against the clinics. One young woman held a sign that read Alternative Facts next to the antiabortion signs. Palo Alto resident Arline Miyazaki, holding a sign that read, I am the pro-life generation turned toward the woman. If you ever, ever, ever really cared about people, you would not want to have someone be murdered, she said. Ill pray for you. House Speaker Paul Ryan announced in January that sweeping legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act would include eliminating money for Planned Parenthood. Saturdays #ProtestPP rallies, primarily sponsored by Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, Created Equal and Pro-Life Action League, were held across 45 states to promote reallocation of funds to health centers that do not provide abortions. The government currently awards Planned Parenthood reimbursements only for birth control services, along with reimbursements from the Medicaid program for a variety of health services provided to low-income women. Jennifer Chaloemtiarana came from Pacifica to Redwood City in support of Planned Parenthood, which she said gave her health care when she was a young woman without health insurance. Planned Parenthood was the only way I got any of my health care in my 20s. ... They dont just do reproductive health she said. It was affordable, it was accessible, it was easy to find. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Planners and politicians have long wrestled with how to fix Civic Center Plaza and the blocks around it a grand governmental hub, but also an often troublesome void. Now that challenge is the focus of two initiatives at vastly different scales. One seeks nothing less than to remake the landscape from United Nations Plaza to City Hall. The other begins Tuesday with the groundbreaking for a snug but adventurous redo of two small playgrounds within the plaza. As distinct as the projects might be, each tackles the quandary that defines Civic Center Plaza today: How can a space be tailored to hold thousands of people drawn by protests and parades also beckon on the days in between, when nearby residents and workers seek an attractive spot to kick back and relax? Its a civic space, but also a commons that local people should want to come to, said Andrea Cochran, a San Francisco landscape architect. There are so many layers, so many types of activities, with problems that cant be solved only by design. Cochrans firm is designing the playgrounds at either corner of the plaza along Larkin Street, across from the Main Library and the Asian Art Museum. They will replace two straightforward squares of play equipment installed in the 1990s. Timeline: A century of evolution The other initiative is design of a different sort, a competition to rethink the 15-acre procession of spaces that include the plaza, the mall-like block of Fulton Street between the art museum and the library and U.N. Plaza. Nothing on this scale has been attempted in the area, and for good reason: While Civic Center might have unified drama on a map, in real life, the challenges differ from block to block. At U.N. Plaza, for instance, elements such as Lawrence Halprins jagged fountain of granite slabs has never worked as intended, with choreographed spurts of water. Any attempt to remove it, however, could bring legal broadsides from landscape architecture buffs who revere Halprin as a pioneer of the profession. Theyre right, by the way. But U.N. Plazas hard-edged bravado isnt an artistic triumph. Nor is it inviting, except when the farmers market is open. Similarly, one way to humanize Civic Center Plaza would be to fill it with distinct attractions. The guidelines mention everything from historic plaques to spaces for active recreation and the current go-to gimmick, food trucks. But too many physical features could clutter up the plaza on days when its the destination for a major event such as last months Womens March, which filled the vast space to overflowing. And something that looks too dramatic could clash with the aura and restrictions of the larger Civic Center, a national historic landmark district. And in San Franciscos fractured political world, with economic disparity an ongoing concern, the challenge of Civic Center goes far beyond design. Playgrounds werent in the original 1912 Civic Center Plaza conceived by A. Lacy Warswick as the counterpoint to classically inspired City Hall and its similarly regal neighbors. Nor were they in the stripped-down modernist terrain that debuted in 1961 with a parking garage underneath. Sadly, they were conceived in part as defensive moves protected spaces that would let children be children while removing two groves of olive trees described in a 1987 Civic Center plan as a source of security problems for the plaza user or passersby. In the late 1980s and early 1990s there might be more than 100 people, mostly men, sleeping in the plaza at night. Some were drifters, others were made homeless by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. For these groups and others, the plaza exerted a lure: It was spacious and little used, a symbolic setting with not much going on around it. Todays plaza is less squalid but also less inviting, with benches and other amenities long gone. It comes alive only on crowded occasions. Otherwise, except for stray homeless people lounging on the grass or tourists taking photographs of City Hall, everyone else hurries through. That is what the City Planning Department seeks to change with its design competition. The social strains also are why other parts of city government are involved. This includes the mayors office, which has been active in bringing such temporary attractions as the living innovation zone now in U.N. Plaza, a set of interactive exhibitions designed by the Exploratorium. The number of departments is an important part of why this is going to be successful, said Neil Hrushowy, who manages City Plannings citywide design group. This has to be the citys plan. It also has to pass muster with watchdogs wary of anything that could be portrayed as a tool to gentrify nearby neighborhoods, or an effort to rid Civic Center of people who live on the streets because they have nowhere else to go. Planners try to defuse these fears in the competition guidelines. Design alone cannot be expected to solve social problems, but thoughtful design can be a part of the solution, potential entrants are told early on. While illegal uses and aggressive behaviors should not be tolerated, the driving motivation behind any design changes should be to welcome more people in, versus pushing people out. Teams that enter the competition wont be graded on design schemes. Instead, whats expected first is a project approach that spells out how the community will be involved in a way that is inclusive and collaborative and how the team defines the existing constraints of the area. 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. Whatever the obstacles, its good that city government understands the complexities of a district both compelling and grim. Another element working in Civic Centers favor is that theres time to defuse controversies: The design process once a team is selected will last at least a year, followed by an environmental review. After all these years, were beginning to move forward, said James Haas, a member of the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission, who is writing a history of Civic Center and for more than 20 years has prodded City Hall to improve the area. If we get a plan that everyone buys into, then we can start working on the different segments including how to pay for the different upgrades. In the meantime, the playgrounds should be completed by the end of the year. One will feature fanciful tunnels and a tree house for children under 5. The other targets a slightly older audience, with nets and swinging bars and pod-like climbing structures. The combined budget for the kid-friendly fantasias is $10 million an amount being paid not by the citys Recreation and Park Department, but with a generous gift from the Helen Diller Family Foundation. The project is being managed by the Trust for Public Land. The team didnt want something off-the-shelf to be dropped in there, said Alejandra Chiesa, the Bay Area program director for the trust, which also managed the community discussions that influenced the final design. Were trying to make it more sculptural and inspirational, something that will be embraced by the city. Inspirational is the key word. If theyre as beguiling in real life as in the renderings, the playgrounds could have a ripple effect. They might encourage everyone else to finally make Civic Center Plaza and its surroundings come to vibrant life, day in and day out. My hope is that these playgrounds can be a spark for the 21st century rejuvenation of the plaza, said Phil Ginsburg, the director of Rec and Park. Im not naive. But Im optimistic. John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron The White House isnt a cash register or a home-shopping channel. But Donald Trumps team continues to use the nations top office in ways that protect and promote the fortunes of the wealthiest president in history. Last week, the financial abuse reached new lows that drew in Trump, first lady Melania Trump, the presidents daughter Ivanka and his freewheeling spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway. The specifics varied but not the central theme: hands off the family fortune. Most recent was a bizarre sequence that began with Trump denouncing the Nordstrom retail chain for dropping Ivanka Trumps clothing line. She has been treated so unfairly. ... Terrible! he tweeted. Nordstroms stock immediately plunged in reaction to Trump before bouncing upward. Other merchandisers carrying the Ivanka line would be wise to note that Trump is watching their shelf-stocking decisions when it comes to a family enterprise. A day later, presidential adviser Conway stepped in. She told TV watchers to go buy Ivankas stuff. She was counseled by the White House to stop the sales pitch, which violates a federal ban on endorsing products. The same acquisitive itch rises from a lawsuit brought by Melania Trump, who is going after a news outlet for printing an unproven claim that she was a sex escort. No question shes within her rights to challenge a reckless and hurtful story. But her lawyers are claiming something else that goes beyond a personal insult and false reporting. Her representatives say the charges run on the Daily Mails website dim chances to launch a broad-based commercial brand that could create multimillion-dollar business relationships for a multiyear term during which (she) is one of the most photographed women in the world. Thats to say, her future market value is taking a beating. Demonizing Melania Trump personally goes too far. The first lady may be the shyest member of the Trump family, choosing to stay in a New York skyscraper apartment instead of joining her husband in the White House. Her major outing as a public speaker at last summers nominating convention may have stung her into silence when it turned out parts of the staff-written speech were lifted from Michelle Obama. Her sheltered life puts her at a distance from the rest of the Trump tribe, but her legal claims suggest the same defensive and money-minded attitude favored by the president. In her suit, she sees no problem in cashing in on her celebrity status, either now or in future years. The unabashed Trumps are entitled to mix business with politics in a way that no other presidential administration has. Its becoming vintage behavior for this president and his ethics-blind inner circle. Hes repeatedly refused to divulge his taxes, as other White House occupants have done for years. Its just a media obsession and no one cares about the issue, he insists, using a neat twist to vilify the press and avoid responsibility. Hes under no legal obligation, meaning the public wont know how much or how little hes paid in recent years. In tax terms, the hazy nature of his real estate wealth cant be clarified. Even more troubling is his half-baked effort to distance himself from his business holdings by putting his sons in charge. But he wont give up indirect control or ownership, and a family-hired overseer will monitor matters. Its nothing close to a blind trust that past presidents have used to park their money to avoid conflicts while in office. In Trumps case, his name-brand holdings may not be suitable for an independent trust. Selling off an enormous stake of holdings wont be simple because it risks financial loss at fire-sale prices. But thats the economic trade-off in becoming president. Doing nothing, as Trumps self-designed plan proposes, runs too many risks. With his past as a showboat businessman, he will never have his investments far from mind in making decisions. His overseas holdings pose another problem: Foreign governments can expect special treatment from the investor-in-chief. Income from these sources may trip the rules against emoluments, the now-famous term for gifts and payments to the president. Trump isnt budging, though lawsuits against his stance may change that position. Compare his conduct with others on his team. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was obliged to sell Exxon shares worth $174 million with the proceeds put into a blind trust. His choice for secretary of the army, Vincent Viola, dropped out after deciding it was too difficult to divest his business interests. Only Trump remains immune to such pressures. When chatting with a choreographer who has made a new Frankenstein ballet, it seems the height of both impertinence and redundancy to ask, Whose Frankenstein? Mary Shelleys? Boris Karloffs? Mel Brooks? Redundant because all Frankensteiniana derives from Mary Wollstonecraft Shelleys 1818 Gothic novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, which proved immensely popular in its time and eminently adaptable to another medium: The first dramatic version hit the London stage in 1823. Dance interpretations of the novel have been comparatively rare. But when Kevin OHare, the director of Londons Royal Ballet, asked for a full-length work from choreographer Liam Scarlett, and when the dance maker obtained the assurance that there would be no boundaries in his choice, he proposed Frankenstein. The work premiered in London last spring. Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson, who had earlier commissioned two one-acters from Scarlett, joined as co-commissioner, and Frankenstein receives its North American premiere this week at the San Francisco Ballet. Scarlett assures us that, despite the horror-story aspects of the novel, sensationalism did not prompt his endeavors. The author of the book interested him as much as the monster made in Victor Frankensteins laboratory. Ive been in love with the book for a long time, and I stuck close to it and all that it entails, he says. I decided that was the only sensible way after rereading the novel and doing research on Mary Shelleys life. Fidelity to the source was the key. So much of the book contains incidents that have parallels in her own life. I thought it essential to speak to them. As it happens, theres plenty in the authors life on which a choreographer can feast. First, there was her complicated relationship with her father, (author and activist) William Godwin; he cut her off after she eloped with Percy Shelley, says Scarlett. Victors abandoning of the Creature has a lot to do with that. She also lost her mother early in life, and she never recovered. Also, her sister-in-law committed suicide. There was a lot of pain in her life. So how does Scarlett connect the author and the monster? He is present from the end of Act 1, says Scarlett. Weve tried to keep him as an outsider figure who wants acceptance. His wrongdoing is a cry for help. Hes like a child with the strength of a man. Calling him just the Creature isolates him even more. Scarletts characterization of Victor also has much in common with the novelists life. Hes never satisfied, Scarlett says. I dont think she was ever satisfied in life. Shelley was an artist who was always striving to find the next best thing. Its a case of never being satisfied with something until you lose it. Did Scarlett find any surprises in his research? The more I read the book, the more it seemed an anguished plea. Its not as dark or horrific as people expect. There is a lot of unfulfilled and unrequited love, which is very lovely and very sad at the same time. Scarlett stresses the collaborative nature of the production. The opulent decor and Romantic-era costumes are by John Macfarlane, who designed the choreographers first two San Francisco Ballet commissions, Hummingbird and Fearful Symmetries. The music comes from American composer Lowell Liebermann, his first ballet commission. Its very lovely, very complex and difficult at times, says Scarlett, but there are passages that are simply stunning, and they resonate. He has been very clever about structuring the story and tending to characterize through musical motifs. I told him I wanted it to be as fluid and beautiful as the book, in a gorgeously symphonic way. I ask Scarlett about any thematic similarity between Frankenstein and the two ballets already produced here. I always try to do something new. It keeps me from getting bored. With narrative, you need to find a language for those characters. You cant regurgitate. At 30, Scarlett hasnt had time to repeat himself. He trained at the Royal Ballet School, joined the company in 2008 (favorite role: Alain, the lovable simpleton in Ashtons La Fille Mal Gardee) and retired in 2012. It was long enough for me. I had danced every part I wanted to, and I had no aspiration to become a principal. The chance to choreograph came up, and on his retirement, the Royal named him its first artist in residence. Last year, he was appointed the artistic director of Australias Queensland Ballet, with which he will spend a couple of months a year. With all that traveling, Scarlett still feels close to the San Francisco Ballet. He praises the dancers enthusiasm, intelligence and willingness to take themselves out of their comfort zone. Corrections are more than corrections; they become new ideas. When youre creating something, youre in a really vulnerable place. If you have a team of people who are truly supportive, as they are here, its really humbling. And, if youre wondering, Scarlett has never seen Boris Karloffs Frankenstein. Allan Ulrich is The San Francisco Chronicles dance correspondent. San Francisco Ballet: Program 3. Liam Scarletts Frankenstein. Friday, Feb. 17 , through Feb. 26, War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. , S.F. (415) 865-2000. www.sfballet.org To see a preview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrxM-jPOFQo President Trumps controversial travel and immigration ban is giving the tech industry something many of its members have long craved: a political stand on a cause that is not motivated primarily by profit. Tech companies have long rallied around wonky issues such as preserving net neutrality or opposing government attempts to pierce their encryption systems to obtain data in criminal investigations. But the immigration ban is personal more than half the startups valued at more than $1 billion were founded by immigrants, and Microsofts engineers come from 157 countries. Whats happening, for the first time, is that a lot of companies are being pushed to do these things, and it hasnt been driven entirely by the bottom line, said former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, a UC Berkeley professor and leading rabble-rouser for resistance to the Trump administration. Instead, as Reich said in San Francisco at last weeks NewCo Shift Forum conference of technologists and politicians, the industrys resistance is being pushed by their employees and customers, not the Washington lobbyists who are saying, You know you ought to do this. Its conceivable that some tech leaders particularly in the C-suites may switch and become collaborators with the new administration. Because some of what Trump has proposed fewer regulations, corporate tax cuts and the ability to repatriate the billions that technology companies have parked in overseas tax havens appeal to a CEOs bottom-line sensibility. And that could lead to fissures between corporate leadership and techs widely diverse workforce. But for now, a good portion of the industry is doing something besides asking the usual, What can I build to fix it? Theyre showing up at airport demonstrations and street protests, and getting dirty with the grunt work of daily activism. At last count, 127 companies most of them in the tech sector had signed a friend-of-the-court brief opposing Trumps travel ban. Uber employees joined customers to pressure CEO Travis Kalanick to leave Trumps economic advisory board. Tech leaders such as Zynga founder Mark Pincus and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman joined forces to create Win the Future, colloquially known as WTF its focused on backing more progressive Democratic candidates in the 2018 midterm elections and the 2020 presidential race. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg Show More Show Less Silicon Valley Rising, a group that includes food service workers at tech companies, is protesting Trumps plan to build a wall by holding a San Francisco demonstration Monday morning. Tech Resistance, founded by Oaklands Tech Equity Collaborative, is trying to link tech workers with organizations resisting Trump. Lyft donated $1 million to the American Civil Liberties Union to help combat Trumps ban, and Airbnb pledged to donate $4 million during the next four years to the International Rescue Committee, which helps refugees, and promised to find temporary housing for people who have been displaced by war and other reasons. I have never felt the picture that had been painted of people in tech companies was fair, said Catherine Bracy, the founder of Tech Resistance, who was director of President Barack Obamas technology field office in San Francisco during the 2012 campaign. There was a silent majority who got into tech to change the world for the better, but they had never been given an identity or a flag to rally around. Ever since Uber announced plans to locate a large number of workers in Oakland two years ago, Bracy has been trying to unite tech workers on issues such as affordable housing. But Trumps election was an awakening for the community, she said. Many of the core tenets of the tech world, openness, being globally connected, no barriers to entry were things that Trump is against. A little more than a week after she created Tech Resistance with a few social media posts, Bracy said, 1,500 people have responded. Its a sign of the intense desire of tech workers to get involved in anything to protest the administration. And executives arent immune from that pressure and reacting to it. Ubers Kalanick withdrew from Trumps economic advisory board this month after feeling pressure from employees and customers an estimated 200,000 of them deleted the Uber app to protest the company cutting its rates opportunistically, many said during the hour New York cabdrivers stopped traveling to JFK Airport in reaction to Trumps travel ban. Initially, serving on Trumps advisory council with other business leaders seemed noncontroversial. But soon, Kalanick said, he felt that others interpreted his presence there to be an endorsement of all of Trumps policies. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has received heat for staying on the panel, responded to the criticism with a tweet: Activists should be pushing for more moderates to advise president, not fewer. How could having only extremists advise him possibly be good? Intel CEO Brian Krzanich is reaching out to both the president and his employees. Last week, Krzanich stood next to Trump in the Oval Office to announce that the company is reviving a $7 billion chipmaking plant in Arizona. Yet Intel is also among the tech companies that oppose Trumps immigration ban. When we disagree, we dont walk away, Krzanich said in an email to employees. We believe that we must be part of the conversation to voice our views on key issues such as immigration, H-1B visas and other policies that are essential to innovation. But Fred Wilson, a longtime venture capitalist with Union Square Ventures, said of CEOs who are seen as helping the administration, even by serving on an advisory board: If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas. It is a sign of how the tech industry may splinter in its resistance to Trump. Trump and the Republican-dominated Congress want to roll back provisions of the Obama-era Dodd-Frank laws and other financial and banking regulations that many businesses would like to shed. Its going to be more of an anarchy is good, regulation is bad atmosphere in this administration, Wilson said. And honestly, thats good for tech. But the challenge for tech execs is how to reap those financial benefits while not being seen as collaborators with an administration that many of their employees oppose. Theyre going to have to be thinking about how much theyre going to alienate their workforce, Bracy said. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli One unexpected benefit of Donald Trump's election as the next President of the United States could be additional future federal funding for California's high-speed rail system. "Trump may be friendly to it," Sierra Club California Director Kathryn Phillips told the Chronicle. "He will want to create jobs." Last March, Trump compared the United States rail system to that of a third world country. He lauded China for quickly building a nationwide high-speed rail system. "[The Chinese] have trains that go 300 miles per hour," said Trump. "We have trains that go chug-chug-chug." During his election night victory speech, Trump emphasized that one of his top priorities will be funding a massive infrastructure program that could include high-speed rail projects across the nation. Supporting the California high-speed rail system has been difficult for the state and its leading proponent, Governor Jerry Brown. The rail system is currently expected to cost $68 billion dollars. In 2008 state voters approved a 9 billion dollar bond to help fund the system. The federal government contributed an additional $3.3 billion in stimulus money from the America Recovery Act of 2009. More for you State legislators fear fate of progressive agenda under Trump Since then the Republican-controlled Congress has not provided any additional federal funding. Gov. Brown has attempted to bridge the remaining gap in money with a mixture of state bonds and money from the state's pollution cap and trade funds but has faced resistance from state Republican politicians and farmers in the Central Valley. California's high-speed rail system avoided another potential death blow election night when voters rejected Proposition 53 which would have forced the state to get voter approval for any financial bond over 2 billion dollars. Construction on the rail system started in the Central Valley around Fresno in 2015. The initial length of the train system is scheduled to reach San Jose by 2025. The system is the expected to be completed from Los Angeles to San Francisco by 2029. The high-speed rail authority recently cut the length of trains from 20 cars to 10 to reduce the construction costs of the system's station platforms. Another cost cutting feature will allow trains to travel at 200 mph through tunnels instead of 220 mph which will cut the expense of building tunnels. If completed, the high-speed rail system will transport passengers from San Francisco to Los Angeles in as little as 2 hours and 40 minutes. The handful of runners gathered under a large cypress tree at Crissy Field and were blessed with smoke from burning sage and anointed with a prayer before beginning a 3,946-mile journey traversing the country to draw attention to substance abuse and domestic violence within American Indian communities. Along the path of this Longest Walk, these runners and groups of walkers will travel through various Indian reservations before arriving in Washington, D.C., in mid-July, organizers said. The journey is part of a series of such Longest Walks to raise awareness of the health, environmental and other issues facing American Indians across the country, including diabetes and suicide. Every time somebody is in danger, we need to walk in that direction, said Dennis Banks of the Red Lake Band of Anishinaabe people. We cant stop walking, because theres pain in every direction. Banks organized the first Longest Walk in 1978. It was called the Trail of Broken Treaties, protesting threats to American Indian schools as well as fishing and hunting rights. It began on Alcatraz and gained widespread attention as celebrities, including actor Marlon Brando and boxer Muhammad Ali, voiced support. This years journey is the second walk to address domestic violence as well as drug and alcohol addiction, inspired by Banks granddaughter, Rosie Downwind, who was killed in a violent attack by her boyfriend, her body then burned. The first walk in this series started a year ago in San Diego and passed through the southern United States. On the rim of the Grand Canyon, Banks told participants that the path to the future was waiting in the past. We shall entrust our young people to cross this country on foot, crossing every mountain, every river, overcoming any obstacle and visiting our troubled homes of drug-abuse and domestic-violence victims, he said. And in this entrapment we shall seek out ancestral, cultural and spiritual answers, and apply them to our nations at risk. That is our mission, and we shall not fail. Dee Dee Ybarra of the Rumsen Ohlone people planned to participate in this second walk on and off over the next several months, saying she was walking for her community and her family, including her two brothers, who suffered from drug addiction and later died of health problems. Its not only time to clean up the air and the water, but its time to clean up our souls, she said. What we want is unity, peace and sobriety. The walkers and runners plan to travel through American Indian communities, to share stories about sobriety and success, mostly camping along the way. The itinerary also includes a stop at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, where thousands have been protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. About 100 people gathered at Crissy Field on Sunday morning to kick off the walk. Elders spoke, relaying the history of mistreatment, including the 1830 order by President Andrew Jackson to march American Indians thousands of miles along the Trail of Tears, from their ancestral homes to land designated as Indian Territory. Banks also spoke of what was later forced assimilation, including boarding schools for children. We have been marched, we have been moved, Banks said. We have been hauled by bus to places far from our homes. Now, American Indians walk for themselves. It must continue. We must run and walk, Banks said. Every footstep is a ceremony. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker View video of the ceremony To see Longest Walk footage: http://tinyurl.com/zssguhe For most of her 101 years, Emily Skolnick rattled cages, raised hell and fought the good fight. In the 1990s, that meant lying down in the street in front of a congressmans office to protest the Iraq War. In the 1950s, it meant battling demands for loyalty oaths. In the 1930s, it meant helping to organize a newspaper strike. Throughout, Mrs. Skolnick was a firebrand and proud of it. My mother was always in a hurry, her daughter Marcia Simonson recalled. She was always moving faster than anyone else. There was never enough time for her to do everything she needed to do. Emily Marks Skolnick died Jan. 29 after a brief illness at her home in Santa Cruz with her family by her side. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Mrs. Skolnick started talking passionately at an early age. In her teenage years, she was state debate champion, arguing eloquently during the Great Depression about the need for unemployment insurance. In 1937, she was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wellesley College in Massachusetts. She moved to San Mateo in the 1940s and became active in the battle to desegregate public schools. She demonstrated against the Vietnam and Iraq wars, and in the 1990s, she dressed as Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and lay down in the roadway in front of the San Mateo office of Democratic Rep. Tom Lantos, blocking traffic. Emily Skolnick has pursued her quest for human rights, equality and economic justice since she was a child, Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, said in a statement on the floor of Congress. I salute her for her remarkable contributions and commitment to our community. Mrs. Skolnick loved to cook bouillabaisse and salmon, she enjoyed attending the ballet and playing bridge, and she was a downhill skier well into her 70s. She also designed and directed the building of her own house in Santa Cruz. She had a commanding presence, her daughter said. She was compassionate, but she was formidable. My mother was an impossible act to follow. Surviving are her children, Marcia Simonson of Germantown, Md., Mark Skolnick of La Jolla (San Diego County) and Ellen Skolnick of Santa Cruz; and sisters, Dorothy Vogel of San Mateo, who is 100, and Bell Lipsky of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who is 95. Her husband of 61 years, Alec, died in 2004. The family requests memorial donations to the ACLU Foundation of Northern California: www.aclunc.org/donate/tribute-gifts. A private memorial service will be held in March in San Mateo. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF Getty Images A 22-year-old man died and another male victim was wounded early Saturday after separate shootings in Oakland, police said. The first shooting killed Oakland resident Darnell Foster, who was shot about 2 a.m. in the 6500 block of Avenal Avenue, said Officer Nicole Allen of the Oakland Police Department. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A U.S. Department of Education website, empowering families of students with disabilities, has disappeared -- and already embattled Trump education chief Betsy DeVos may be to blame. U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell want to know what happened to the vanished website, and have asked Education Secretary DeVos to put it back up. The website was set up under President George W. Bush so educators, advocates and parents could get a "one-stop" explanation on the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), as well as know their rights under the disability law. The resource has been inexplicably taken away. In a letter to DeVos -- whose confirmation both senators vocally opposed -- Cantwell and Murray explained: "We are deeply concerned that prior to your confirmation and arrival at the Department, the centralized resource website for the IDEA became inaccessible to the public for more than a week, and is now redirecting people to a site for the Office of Special Education Programs. The new website "lacks much of the information previously available," the senators wrote. "The Department's failure to keep this critical resource operational makes it harder for parents, educators and administrators to find the resources they need to implement this federal law and protect the rights of children with disabilities," the senators told DeVos. DeVos was confirmed in a 51-50 Senate vote on Tuesday, with Vice President Mike Pence brought in to cast the tie-breaking vote. The tenure of the Education Secretary, a Republican mega-donor who backs school vouchers and charter schools, got off to a rocky start Friday. Demonstrators for a time blocked DeVos' entrance to a Washington, D.C., middle school. A national survey by Public Policy Polling, released Friday, showed DeVos with high name recognition, and a 27-49 percent disapproval rating among those polled. The Education Secretary is usually a low-profile Cabinet job. The IDEA website has provided a service apart from debate over federal education policy. The federal Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has constantly updated the site as Congress passes new legislation and federal courts interpret IDEA. As Murray and Cantwell explained: "Recognizing the diversity of the students served under IDEA, the website has provided accessible and informative summaries of the law, training materials, sample educational forms, presentations for the public, and so many other user friendly resources." President Trump has not been an advocate for disability rights. The future President famously mocked the physical disability of a New York Times reporter who asked him a question at a news conference. Cantwell and Murray listed seven things they want DeVos to do, starting with: "Your assurance that this website will not be stripped down in any way during your tenure." They asked for a "detailed timeline" of when resources previously available at the IDEA website became inaccessible to public view, and how those resources will again be offered to families and educators. Most of all, the Washington senators want the information on the website back up and available. They are holding DeVos' feet to the fire, asking for "a detailed plan for restoring the information previously available, including information bout citizens' rights under the disability act." Murray and Cantwell are also asking DeVos to give a firm date by which the public can again access information that has been withdrawn. Betsy DeVos had a very shaky Senate confirmation hearing, although Murray and other critics were given only five minutes to question the secretary-designate. She appeared particularly deficient in knowledge of the disability law. She is getting a test less than 72 hours on the job. AUSTIN, Texas A lawyer for a Mexican national sentenced to eight years in prison for voter fraud in Texas said that President Trumps widely debunked claims of election rigging was the 800-pound gorilla in the jury box. Rosa Maria Ortega, 37, was convicted in Fort Worth last week on two felony counts of illegal voting over allegations that she improperly cast a ballot five times between 2005 and 2014. Her attorney, Clark Birdsall, said Friday that Ortega was a permanent resident who was brought to the U.S. as a baby and mistakenly thought she was eligible to vote. He said she voted Republican, including for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose office helped prosecute her. The sentence was stark voter fraud convictions, which are rare, many times result in probation. And as a convicted felon, Ortega will very likely be deported after serving her sentence. Tarrant County prosecutors say jurors made clear they value voting rights, but Birdsall said he believes Ortega would have fared better in a county with fewer pro-Trump attitudes. Trump carried North Texas Tarrant County with 52 percent of the vote in November. Birdsall said he wanted to steer the jury of 10 women and two men from any lingering thoughts about Trumps unproven claims that 3 million people illegally voted in 2016 but the judge wouldnt allow him. It was the 800-pound gorilla sitting in the jury box, Birdsall said. I would have said, You cannot hold this woman accountable for Donald Trumps fictitious 3 million votes. Birdsall said the Texas attorney generals office had agreed to leniency in exchange for Ortega testifying to lawmakers about illegal voting, but said Tarrant County District Attorney Sharon Wilson quashed those talks. A Wilson spokeswoman acknowledged plea negotiations but would not divulge details. A spokesman for the attorney general did not respond to an email seeking comment. Birdsall said Ortega has lived in the U.S. since she was a baby and has four teenage children. He said Ortega had learning disabilities and only a sixth-grade education. Sam Jordan, a spokeswoman for Wilson, said the decision to prosecute had absolutely nothing to do with immigration. This is a voter rights case. Does she consider voter rights important? Yes, she does, Jordan said of the district attorney. And she thought it was important enough to go forward to a jury and let the jury of citizens decide, and they decided pretty clearly how important they think voting rights are. Texas is one of many Republican-led states that have pushed for tighter requirements on voters to show identification at the polls. Supporters say such measures are necessary to combat voter fraud and increase public confidence in elections. But research has shown that in-person fraud at the polls is extremely rare, and critics of these restrictions warn that they will hurt mostly poor people, minorities and students all of whom tend to vote Democratic as well as the elderly. Paul J. Weber is an Associated Press writer. ALBUQUERQUE Residents say the worlds first atomic bomb test caused generations of southern New Mexico families to suffer from cancer and economic hardship, according to surveys gathered by an advocacy group seeking compensation for descendants. The surveys detail residents stories from areas around the 1945 Trinity Test and argue that many Latino families later struggled to keep up with cancer-related illnesses. The health effects of the test have long been debated in New Mexico. Its the first ever study done on the Tularosa Downwinders, said Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium. We wanted people to tell their stories in the fashion because its never been done before. Members of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium have long contended that those living near the site of the worlds first atomic bomb test in 1945 werent told about the dangers or compensated for their resulting health problems. Since then, they say, descendants have been plagued with cancer and other illnesses while the federal government ignored their plight. Chuck Wiggins, director of the New Mexico Tumor Registry, has said data shows cancer rates in Tularosa are around the same as other parts of the state. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death all over New Mexico, he said. Around 800 community health surveys and two community focus groups were used to collect data for the report in partnership with the New Mexico Health Equity Partnership, an initiative of the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Cordova said the report wasnt a scientific epidemiology study but an attempt to gather information from residents who have complained about various forms of cancers in families who had limited access to health insurance. The surveys involved residents of the historic Latino village of Tularosa and four New Mexico counties. They want lawmakers to include New Mexico in a federal law that compensates residents near atomic tests. The Trinity Test took place as part of the Manhattan Project, a top-secret World War II nuclear development program run out of the city of Los Alamos. Residents did not learn that the test had involved an atomic weapon until the U.S. dropped bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the war ended. Russell Contreras is an Associated Press writer. SEATTLE When a judge who helped derail President Trumps travel ban was hit with online threats, the abuse raised safety concerns among jurists across the country, and experts are worried that the presidents own attacks on the judiciary could make judges a more inviting target. U.S. District Judge James Robart imposed the temporary restraining order that halted enforcement of Trumps ban last week. The president soon sent a tweet saying the opinion of this so-called judge was ridiculous and will be overturned. Robart quickly became a target on social media. Someone on Twitter called him a DEAD MAN WALKING, and another on Facebook suggested that he be imprisoned at the military detention center at Guantanamo Bay, where other enemies of the US are held. I know theres a fear among the judiciary with whats being said, said John Muffler, a former U.S. marshal who teaches security at the National Judicial College in Reno. He cited professional contacts and email exchanges with judges. The presidents critical comments have consequences, he added, because people on the edge can easily be pushed over the edge once the rhetoric gets going. Trump blasted the federal court system again Wednesday after the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco heard arguments on whether Robarts temporary restraining order should stand. During a speech to law enforcement officials, the president said the courts seem to be so political and called the hearing disgraceful. The next day, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump had no regrets about his criticism of judges. Threats against judges are nothing new. They often come in the form of emails, phone calls, letters and social media posts, according to court records and the U.S. Marshal Service, which is responsible for protecting the federal judiciary. Judges are well-guarded at their courthouse offices, but most do not receive protection when at home or out in the community. The Marshal Service offers extra protection if judges are threatened or handling especially sensitive or high-profile cases. All judges are also entitled to a home security system, Muffler said. Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School, said Trumps comments about Robart were irresponsible. Its demeaning and its dangerous, she said, and an attack on the rule of law. The remarks could also inspire violence, she said. Martha Bellisle is an Associated Press writer. I don't know how many young women come to this blog or how many are parents of teenage or young adult women, but here are some safety tips from Kelsey's Army: T I P S 1. Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong then something probably is wrong.2. Know your surroundings - know who and what is around you.3. Always have a plan for where you would go and what you would do if a situation arises.4. Be willing to make a scene in order to be noticed.5. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.Remember the acronym TIPS:ake Chargenform others of your whereaboutsrepare for any situationurvival Mentality (role play situations so you will respond should they happen)For more information, go to Kelsey's Army When Tap It All left Southern California for the first time to run at Golden Gate Fields on Nov. 16, she finished third as the 3-to-2 favorite in a maiden race the eighth straight loss to begin her career. But Tap It All was a different horse when she returned to Golden Gate Fields for Saturdays $53,150 California Oaks, leading from the start in a 1-length win over 2-to-5 favorite Tapped. In between, Tap It All won a maiden race by 13 lengths at Turf Paradise in Phoenix and finished a close-up third in the Blue Norther Stakes at Santa Anita. Suffice it to say that Turf Paradise hasnt hosted many horses that cost $800,000 like Tap It All, but that race obviously served its purpose. A lot of horses need a lot of mental work, and when they cross the wire first they can get used to it and I hope thats the case with this horse, said Leandro Mora, longtime assistant to trainer Doug ONeill. Tap It All was so well regarded that she went off as the odds-on favorite in her first three starts at Santa Anita, finishing second each time. Five dull efforts followed, prompting the trip to Phoenix. In Saturdays 11/16-mile race, 5-to-1 second choice Tap It All outsped Tapped for the early lead under jockey Kyle Frey, and they maintained a clear advantage while setting pedestrian fractions of 25.09 seconds, :49.62 and 1:13.79. The lead even grew to 5 lengths on the second turn. I honestly thought that the 3 horse (Tapped) was going to show more speed and bounce out and we could sit right off her, Frey said. But we popped out of there real easy, and we just slowed it down from there and galloped home. For Tapped, also based in Southern California for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, the California Oaks marked the second time she finished second to an ONeill trainee as the heavy favorite at Golden Gate Fields. Simmys Temple beat her by three-quarters of a length in the Pike Place Dancer Stakes on Oct. 29 but had to settle for fourth in the California Oaks. Briefly: McCracken rallied from seventh place to win Saturdays Grade 3, $200,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes in a Tampa Bay Downs track record 1:42.45 for 11/16 miles. An early favorite for the Kentucky Derby, McCracken has won all four starts. Golden Gate Fields richest race, the Grade 3, $200,000 El Camino Real Derby, will be run Saturday. Larry Stumes is a freelance writer. Next time you're breaking it down in the club, make sure to focus on your hip flexion and extension, and don't forget your asymmetrical arm movements. According to researchers at the University of Northumbria, these are some of the qualities that contribute to "high-quality female dance." During the study, recently published in Nature, the dance scientists dream job? asked 200 people to rate 39 female dance avatars. Plentiful hip swinging, and right and left limb movements proved most attractive to participants. Dance has been observed in every culture scientists have studied, and these researchers believe that analyzing body movements can help explain the evolutionary significance of human behavior. Dance, they posit, functions in part as a "human courtship display that can serve to attract potential partners." Nick Neave, associate professor of psychology at Northumbria University in England and an author of the paper, told the New York Times that dance allows women to show off their reproductive quality, perhaps their hormonal status, to males." The paper cited previous studies that found women's dance to be more attractive during high-fertility periods than low-fertility periods, and that "female lap-dancers earn more tips around ovulation." In a statement that brings one back to the days of "Bring It On," Neave also says that busting a move allows women to show off in front of "female rivals." A 2011 study by the same group of researchers found that women also prefer certain dance motions in men, specifically traits related to risk-taking. The study found that men with stronger hand grips, a "proxy for upper body strength," exhibit higher-rated dance moves. Dance like nobody's watching, goes the old saying. But next time you hit the disco, perhaps dance like a team of scientists are evaluating your every move. Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com. Samsung HW-K950 Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 The good: The Samsung is one of the best sound bars weve ever heard for both movies and music. The dedicated rear speakers deliver increased immersion compared with single-speaker designs. Its cheaper than buying a Dolby Atmos receiver and speakers. The bad: Its expensive, and DTS support is limited. Dolby Atmos is only available on a limited number of titles compared with other surround formats. The cost: $1,500 The bottom line: The Samsung combines the discreet looks and simple setup of a sound bar with truly impressive sound for both movies and music. Sony HT-NT5 Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: The Sony gets nearly everything right: design, features and sound for music and home theater. The bad: Sound quality, while excellent, is not twice as good as a $400 sound bar. Setting up rear speakers is expensive and a little frustrating. The cost: $800 The bottom line: The Sony offers distinctive good looks, superlative features and generous performance, making it our favorite sound bar for the price. Polk MagniFi Mini Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: The affordable Polk is capable of a much bigger sound than its minuscule size suggests. The package is compact and will fit easily into most living room setups. The ability to Cast directly from your phone simplifies music streaming. The bad: The Wi-Fi connection on a test unit was unreliable, and the ARC-only HDMI input limits connectivity somewhat. The cost: $300 The bottom line: The Polks mix of features, performance and compact size makes it one of the best sound bars for the money. Zvox SB500 Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: The Zvox offers great sound quality and a simple setup. Bass is plentiful despite the lack of a subwoofer. Styling is chic and the unit seems well put together. The bad: It doesnt include a wireless subwoofer or subwoofer output jack. Deep bass can cause the sound field to collapse into mono. The bar is taller than most and may block your TVs IR sensor if the set is not wall-mounted. The cost: $500 The bottom line: The SB500 is easily the best-looking and -sounding Zvox weve ever tested, and among the best for the money, period. The following Cnet staff contributed to this report: Steve Guttenberg, Ty Pendlebury and Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit www.cnet.com. At the entrance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a flashing sign alerts all visitors: POOR AIR QUALITY. Kilauea the most continuously active volcano in the world is erupting, and its fumes can be harmful. Less than a mile away, though, along the parks Sulfur Vents trail, a colorful poster offers a different view: Breathe the Breath of Pele. This seeming contradiction soon becomes familiar. It summarizes two worlds that coexist, sometimes warily, on the island of Hawaii. While volcanologists set up scientific instruments to study seismic activity and lava chemistry, indigenous Hawaiians see the volcanoes, dry lava flows and glowing rivers of fire as spiritual aspects of Pele, the hot-blooded goddess who permeates this land. Both are fascinating viewpoints and both demand respect. There is no bad time to visit Hawaii, but there is a good time. My trip was inspired by an urgent need to escape postelection angst and lose myself in a world where larger much larger forces are at play. And nothing provides a sense of perspective like watching our planet evolve, a process that humans either watch in wonder or flee in terror. Pele, and volcanoes, possess a dual nature, says Warren Costa of Native Guide Hawaii, leading me along the edge of Kilaueas wide caldera. At its center, an inner crater Halemaumau, Peles home emits a roiling plume, generated by the lava lake within. On the one hand, shes destructive; lava flows have buried many parts of this island. On the other hand, shes creative. Every flow creates new land, the newest land on Earth. Legends say that Pele searched the entire chain of Hawaiian islands, looking for a place to call home. Beneath the other isles lay the sea, already occupied by her sister. But the island of Hawaii issues directly from a hot spot, glowing below the ocean floor. And so here she settled. Warren Costas arms and legs are etched with bold black tattoos, inspired by the Polynesian heritage shared by native Hawaiians. At one point he stops, bends down and picks up a gossamer thread of golden glass: Peles hair, formed when ejected globs of lava pull apart. Id love to take it home but one does not steal from Peles domain. As Costa guides me through the area, he shares a story about how, even today, Pele inspires deep respect among locals. Some years ago a prominent local elder was told to evacuate, as her house was in the path of an oncoming lava flow (sometimes lava moves very slowly, only a few inches an hour). Jeff Greenwald/Special to The Chronicle And so the woman summoned her whole extended family. They thought they were there to help their grandmother pack her belongings but she put them to work cleaning the house. Pele is coming to my home, the woman said, and this is what you do when an honored guest arrives. The Hawaiian islands are being created as the Pacific tectonic plate moves over a deep hot spot, where magma rises through the Earths crust and builds one island after another. The island of Hawaii is still active, and its mega-volcano, Mauna Loa, is the most massive mountain (measured from the sea floor) on Earth. Every stone and cinder, every lava-hollowed tree stump, is part of Peles body, explains Costa. Not only that, even the plants have Pele-inspired stories. Ohia lehua, for example (a member of the myrtle family), is one of the pioneer plants whose tiny seeds sprout in the forbidding black lava beds. Ohia, according to legend, was the handsome son of a chief. He was in the forest, innocently playing his nose flute, when Pele, disguised as a gorgeous woman, tried to seduce him. Sorry, Ohia declared. My heart belongs to my true love, Lehua. Pele was incredulous. Do you know who I am? Of course, Ohia bowed. There is no one, Pele, as beautiful as you. But I am faithful to my beloved Lehua. Pele turned the youth into a twisted, gnarled shrub. When Lehua entered the forest, she saw what had happened. She angrily lobbied the other gods, who finally asked Pele to pity the young lovers. Pele agreed and transformed Lehua into the ohia plants brilliant red blossom. When the two are separated, my guide warned, there will be tears so dont pick the Lehua off the Ohia unless you are trying to bring the rain. Jeff Greenwald/Special to The Chronicle I was taken aback when I first met Ehulani Stephany: With her glossy black hair and wide-rimmed sunglasses, Stephany might have been the fashion editor of a Hawaiian magazine. In fact, she is a kumu hula alii kahuna nui: a high priestess of hula kahiko, Hawaiis indigenous dance, song and ritual. Born on Oahu, she settled on the Big Island in her 20s and began her initiation into the practice about 10 years later. Our culture had been dying for many years, Stephany says. The Hawaiian language was not taught in our schools, and we didnt know about the rituals. All of that changed in the 1980s, when indigenous culture began its renaissance. So my timing was perfect, she says. Im very grateful to Pele for bringing me here. We drive to a picnic site near the lip of Kilaueas 2-mile-wide caldera. Stephany opens her straw satchel and pulls out four sacred ti leaves and several baggies of colorful powder. She weaves two of the large leaves together into a lei, which she drapes over her shoulders. Then she instructs me how to prepare my own personal offering to Pele. There can be nothing artificial, she explains, as this is a gift to the Earth itself. Stephany lays one of the flat leaves in front of me, shiny side down. We sprinkle pinches of each offering onto its surface: orange Hawaiian sea salt, for an ocean-like cleansing; yellow turmeric, for spiritual cleansing; and powdered awa (kava), a mild intoxicant deeply valued by the gods. Stephany asks me to envision my aumakua, an ancestor who protects me at all times. I choose my late brother Jordan, keeping his image in my mind as I fold the leaf over to create under Stephanys guidance a little square packet tied neatly with the leafs own stem. Stephany ducks away to prepare herself and returns, moments later, in full regalia. Its a profound transformation. Wearing a leafy headdress, a shell necklace and a flowing robe, she is every inch the priestess. Carrying an ohepu (bamboo tube) and ipuheke (a double-gourd instrument), she leads me to Kilaueas cliff. We are joined by Uilani Pihana, a student of Stephanys for more than 20 years. She will perform a sacred hula to accompany our ceremony. Stephany spreads a grass mat on the ground. She sings prayers to three of the four Hawaiian gods (all but the god of war), then a beautiful, hypnotic melody to Pele herself. Blowing the ohepu to the four directions, she chants prayers as Pihana glides through a strong-limbed dance that seems completely appropriate to a fire goddess. Then Stephany walks slowly and deliberately to the calderas edge, and throws her offering into the crater. I go next, stepping forward with my little leaf packet (and a slice of papaya sacrificed from my breakfast). Intoning a prayer of my own, I present these offerings to the goddess. Stephany sings a concluding song, and our ritual is complete. With this, I am ready: Its time to meet Pele face to face. Jeff Greenwald/Special to The Chronicle Outside the Foodland in Keaau, a Salvation Army soldier sits beside her collection bucket, playing Christmas songs on a ukulele. Cheryl Gansecki pulls up in her Xterra and greets me warmly. The Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park connected us through their guide service, and I am excited to visit the lava flow with a real live volcanologist. We drive south on Highway 130. Gansecki takes a slight detour through Pahoa to show me where the 2014 lava flow swallowed the road. While it may have been possible to divert the flow, some locals objected: You dont mess with Peles power. From there we continue to Kalapana, where a 4-mile path bulldozed through a previous lava flow will take us to the ocean vents: the ever-changing openings where lava from Puu Oo a cone of Kilauea is flowing into the sea. Before getting her doctorate, Gansecki had been an intern at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory at Kilauea, where she fell in love with the volcano. Today, her work focuses on lava viscosity, the science of how it flows. We park by a sign and begin walking, the ocean to our left. The area reminds me of the weird, biomorphic sets in Alien. Lava covered the entire area in 1990. Its black and barren, save a few ohia sprigs. A dozen isolated houses, occupied by optimistic daredevils, dot the Dali-esque landscape. I know there are two kinds of lava, I say, surveying the wrinkled waves of dried magma. But I can never remember which is which. This is pahoehoe, the smooth kind, Gansecki says. The rough, sharp-as-glass lava is called aa easy to remember, cause thats what you yell when you try to walk on it. A mild rotten egg scent fills the air. Gansecki sniffs cautiously. Were in the plume. I recall what Mark Twain said, of his 1866 visit to Hawaii: The smell of sulfur is strong, he quipped, but not unpleasant to a sinner. We reach a guard rope (meant to keep visitors out of the danger zone) and sit on round black boulders overlooking the lava delta, the highly unstable area where new land is being built. And there is Pele, right below us: a neon red waterfall, cascading into the sea. The river of lava is about 2,000 degrees, and, as it hits the water, it roars and convulses. Glowing globs explode upward like sparks from Thors hammer, surrounded by clouds of incandescent steam. Down on the thin delta, orange streaks appear through cracks and fissures: lava flowing beneath. The darker it gets, the more we see. Its like watching the stars coming out. Were witnessing the mighty business of creation, a 4 billion-year-old process that we honor with silence, reflection and sheer awe. After dark, over mahi mahi at a popular Pahoa restaurant, I ask Gansecki to tell me one surprising thing shes learned about lava. Every time I encounter lava, she says reverently, Im amazed by how hot it is. The radiant heat can be so intense that even when youre collecting a tiny sample you have to shield your face. Whenever Im close to it, it boggles my mind. And the greatest mystery about lava? We really dont understand why Hawaii is here, Gansecki says. We have this hot spot but why? Hot spots are oddballs; theres no obvious reason why they exist. Ninety-six percent of the Earths volcanoes, she tells me, occur along the edges of tectonic plates. But Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Plate. This hot spot has a very deep source, and its been fixed for about 80 million years, Gansecki says. It could be a way of releasing heat from the inner core of the planet no one knows. We finish our meal with Molten Lava Cake, the favorite dessert of volcanologists. Gansecki pokes it with her spoon. Chocolate fudge is actually a good allegory for pahoehoe lava, she observes. But if you stir it up too much while youre making it, it turns into aa. Im surprised, I remark, thinking about Eskimos and snow, that the Hawaiians dont have more words for lava. Gansecki shrugs. They have twice as many as anyone else. Pele is unpredictable, and often dangerous. Days after our December visit, on New Years Eve, the shelf of dried lava upon which Gansecki and I had sat a 26-acre section fell into the sea. Park rangers had just chased away some visitors who had ducked under the guard rope for a closer look. Fifteen minutes later, and they would have perished. No matter your perspective, the forces that create and occupy this land scientific and spiritual are best taken seriously. Personally, Im glad Id paid my respects with Stephany. But this is the most exciting thing about the island of Hawaii: Anything can happen, at any time. Mauna Loa itself, which occupies 70 percent of the islands mass and has been quiet since 1984, is about 24 years overdue for an eruption. During my visit, the lava fountains within the Halemaumau crater abruptly rose, while Puu Oo continued to pump lava into the sea. And with its tireless hot spot still seething, and the Pacific Plate still in motion, volcanologists predict the birth of a ninth Hawaiian island, Loihi, within 100,000 years. About a million years later, the Big Island itself will go extinct. When that occurs, Pele may choose to relocate. But this chain of islands will always be her home and we mortals her reverent guests. Jeff Greenwald is an Oakland freelance writer and author of travel books including Shopping for Buddhas and Snake Lake. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com If you go There are two sides to the Big Island the dry Kona side and the wetter Hilo side. The most dramatic volcanic activity is on the Hilo side, a 90-minute drive from Kona. Where to stay Volcano Village Lodge: www.volcanovillagelodge.com. Individual cabins that sleep up to four with all amenities. Rates start about $280 per night and include warm-it-yourself breakfast. The Kilauea Lodge: www.kilauealodge.com. Built as a YMCA camp in 1938 and still offers community ambience and a great restaurant. From $200 per night. Kalani: www.kalani.com. Extraordinary retreat center, not far from the ocean lava vents, offers yoga, hot tubs and guest speakers. From $95 per night with shared bath, including meals. Seeing the Lava Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers many self-guided walking and driving tours. The lookout at the Jagger Museum provides the best views of Kilauea. I took a hike in the Park with Native Guide Hawaii (www.nativeguidehawaii.com). The ocean vents can be accessed by hiking (two hours each way) from the National Park, or by hiking or biking (rentals are plentiful) from Kalapana. Book a guide through the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (www.fhvnp.org), or join Lava Ocean Tours (www.lavaocean.com) for an up-close look. OKLAHOMA CITY Overshadowed by Kevin Durants return Saturday to Oklahoma City was the continuation of an important development: Klay Thompson is getting back to his catch-and-shoot mastery. In the Warriors 130-114 win over the Thunder, Thompson had 26 points on 7-of-12 shooting (5-of-8 from three-point range). His February numbers 28 points per game on 50 percent shooting would easily be his best so far in a month this season if they hold. Im just having fun, Thompson said. An expert at moving off the ball, Thompson might be the Warriors most explosive scorer. This is the player who needed only 88.4 seconds of possession, 52 touches, 33 shots and 11 dribbles to score 60 points in a Dec. 5 win over Indiana. He has netted 37 points in a quarter and had 11 three-pointers in last seasons Western Conference finals Game 6 at Oklahoma City. In a lineup stocked with outstanding scorers, Thompson is free to hit open jumpers and lock down the opponents best defensive player. One thing is certain: A great offense becomes elite when he is at his catch-and-shoot best. Saturday marked his seventh straight 20-point game. In those outings, Golden State is 6-1. Im trying to take great shots, Thompson said. I just want to play within the system and play hard on both ends. McGee impresses: JaVale McGee continues to thrive as the fill-in starter with center Zaza Pachulia sidelined by a right rotator cuff strain. He scored in double figures Saturday for the 10th time this season, tallying 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting in 20 minutes. Pachulia, who has missed the past six games, is not expected to return until after the All-Star break. That would leave McGee two more chances in the starting lineup to prove he deserves an expanded role long-term. Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. The Syrian government commits an atrocity. The United States and the United Nations denounce it. Nothing happens. Its a pattern that experts say will likely continue with the revelation this past week that, since 2011, officials at a military prison in Syria have summarily executed as many as 13,000 people by hanging. A U.N. spokesman called the executions horrifying. Amnesty International, which documented the killings, concluded they were part of a systematic government policy, and constituted crimes against humanity. The group called on the U.N. to investigate the prison and other detention centers, and to act immediately to end the crimes. Inaction would be unconscionable, its report said. But inaction has been the norm. In 2012, President Barack Obama warned Syrian President Bashar Assad that using chemical weapons would constitute a red line that justified U.S. military action. But when Assad crossed that line a year later, Obama balked. As the Syrian government barrel-bombed civilians, conducted air strikes on hospitals and laid siege to the city of Aleppo, the U.S. issued more denunciations, increased economic sanctions and even armed a small number of rebels. Obama could never persuade Congress or other world leaders to launch a military campaign in Syria. Part of the problem is that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a staunch ally of Assad. Nor has the international community taken serious action toward prosecuting war crimes committed there. The U.N. has several options, said Alex Whiting, a professor at Harvard Law School and a former war crimes and genocide prosecutor. The Security Council could refer the matter to the International Criminal Court, as it did in Libya just weeks after fighting began there in 2011. It could create a war tribunal, as it did after reports of war crimes emerged in the former Yugoslavia in 1993. Or if a peace deal were imminent, the U.N. could ensure that its terms included a tribunal, as was agreed to in South Sudan in 2015. Where there is political will and political agreement the Security Council can act very quickly, Whiting said. The problem is that the five permanent members of the Security Council have to agree. On Syria, they have not, which explains why the U.N.s action has been so limited. The U.N. established a commission to investigate human rights violations and war crimes in Syria and concluded that the Syrian state slaughtered detainees en masse. In 2014, the Security Council considered a resolution to refer the crimes to the International Criminal Court, but Russia and China vetoed it. Other resolutions to condemn human rights abuses in Syria, impose diplomatic or economic sanctions and demand cease-fires have similarly failed. Its really a disgrace that as of today there is still no accountability mechanism that would bring the perpetrators of these crimes against humanity to justice, said Susannah Sirkin, who directs international policy for the group Physicians for Human Rights. In December, the U.N. General Assembly voted to establish an investigative team to gather and analyze evidence of human rights violations and crimes in Syria. Its members have yet to be chosen, and unlike the International Criminal Court or a war tribunal, the team cannot legally compel Syria to cooperate. Nina Agrawal is a Los Angeles Times writer. 1 Deadly floods: Up to 40,000 people were caught in severe flooding after days of torrential rain in central Indonesia, where the death toll from landslides on Bali resort island rose to 13, officials said Saturday. Indonesias Disaster Mitigation Agency said incessant rains in the past five days caused rivers on Sumbawa Island to break their banks and inundate seven districts in West Nusa Tenggara province. 2 Germany politics: A German parliamentary assembly will elect the countrys new president Sunday. Respected former Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who called Donald Trump one of the worlds hate preachers last year, is the overwhelming favorite to win. The German president has little executive power, but is considered an important moral authority. Steinmeier has the support of Chancellor Angela Merkels coalition of center-right and center-left parties. 3 Militants arrested: Two men suspected of planning Islamic State group attacks in Europe were arrested in Turkey after 10 days of being interrogated by police, Turkeys state-run agency reported Saturday. Mahamad Laban, 45, a Danish citizen, and Mohammed Tefik Saleh, 38, a Swedish citizen, received weapons and explosives training in Syria for the past three months, the Anadolu Agency said. Anadolu said the two entered Turkey using fake identification with the intention of going to European countries. Turkey has been hit by a string of attacks by the Islamic State group, most recently on New Years Eve when a gunman killed 39 people in an Istanbul nightclub. The suspected gunman, Abdulkadir Masharipov, was arrested. 4 Iraq violence: Two rockets landed in Baghdads highly fortified Green Zone on Saturday night after clashes at antigovernment demonstrations that killed five people, officials said. The rocket attack left no casualties as the munitions landed on parade grounds in the center of the compound. Saturdays protests were called by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Clashes erupted as crowds pushed toward the Green Zone. Two police officers and three protesters died, officials said. The demonstrators are demanding an overhaul of the commission overseeing local elections scheduled this year. Al-Sadr has accused the commission of being riddled with corruption. 5 Corruption probe: Panamanian prosecutors have searched the homes of the partners of a law firm accused of setting up offshore accounts that allowed a Brazilian construction company to funnel bribes to multiple countries. Public Ministry agents arrived Friday at the homes of Ramon Fonseca Mora and Jurgen Mossack of the Mossack-Fonseca firm. The two have been in custody for questioning since Thursday, when their offices were searched. Fonseca says the case is about seeking a scapegoat to avoid a true investigation of who accepted bribes from the company. Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht has admitted to paying some $800 million in bribes across Latin America. 6 Mafia case: Police in Sicily have confiscated four olive companies, farmland, villas and other property that prosecutors contend belong to the business empire of Italys top Mafia boss, who has been on the run for more than 20 years. The property, confiscated Saturday in the western part of the island considered to be Matteo Messina Denaros power base, was estimated to be worth $14 million. The convicted Cosa Nostra mobster is Italys most-wanted fugitive. The farm lobby Coldiretti estimates Italys various mafias earn billions annually in agriculture. Chronicle News Services PYONGYANG, North Korea The nation reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump, who stood with the Japanese leader as Shinzo Abe called the move absolutely intolerable. Appearing with Trump at a news conference at the presidents south Florida estate, Abe condemned the missile launch. Trump followed Abe, saying in part: I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent. Benjamin Manser/Associated Press Voters in Switzerland decided Sunday to make it easier for young third-generation foreigners to get Swiss citizenship, agreeing to extend to about 25,000 people under age 25 access to the fast-track process now available to foreign spouses of Swiss nationals. A naturalization of third-generation immigrants measure passed in a referendum with 60.4 percent of the vote, Swiss broadcaster SRF reported. The measure gives young people whose parents and grandparents have lived in Switzerland for years a simplified path to citizenship. SAO PAULO Several hundred military police returned to duty in Espirito Santo on Saturday, but authorities said a weeklong strike that has paralyzed the southeastern Brazilian state and led to a wave of homicides was not over. Earlier in the day, the defense minister appealed to all of the good police officers to return to the streets, even as he said that life was beginning to return to normal now that more than 3,000 federal troops are on patrol. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser MISprek.jpg Pre-K teacher Melike Vardar is surrounded by her young charges, Noor Ahmed, Hana Taeb, Erva Tale, Zaina Kiswani, Dina Kiswani, Hamza Elkordy and Maryam Afifi. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It began with five students under the age of 7. Eighteen years after it first opened in Tompkinsville, Miraj Islamic School boasts a healthy enrollment of 238 students in pre-K to grade 12. Its mission is to provide an excellent all-around education in a pleasant and stimulating Islamic environment. The school is housed within the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center, a striking building set back from the road at 307 Victory Blvd. It features one classroom for each grade on the main floor and a large multi-purpose room on the lower level that serves as a gymnasium and a space for prayer and special events. The cultural center was established in 1991 and includes a mosque on the second floor. Jehan Tewfik, center, Miraj Islamic School superintendent, is joined by fifth-grade teacher Gulshen Ame, left, and ninth-grade teacher Shqipe Lacka. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan) Construction will soon begin on an expansion project that will add science labs, language labs, an art room, a theater and a full-size gymnasium, and enable the school to increase enrollment to 400 in 2018. Though united by the Muslim faith, the student body is a celebration of diversity, representing the U.S. and cultures in Asia, Africa and Europe. "We are diverse, just like New York City," Ferid Bedrolli, a co-founder of the school, points out. Islamic studies are a central part of the curriculum at Miraj - an Islamic word that translates to "ascending to paradise." Sixth-graders Yasmin Elchoum, Salihe Bedrolli and Salma Alhindi compete in the Islamic Studies Contest. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan) On a recent Thursday morning, parents gathered to watch their children in pre-K through sixth grade compete in the annual Islamic Studies Contest. The students were well prepared as they answered into a microphone without much of a struggle while three judges kept score. Many questions focused on the Qur'an, Islam's holy book. "Who was the first to recite the Qur'an publicly in Mecca?" (Abdullah bin Mas'ud) "Name the only Iraqi city mentioned in the noble Qur'an." (Babel-Babylon) "How many times is the word 'Allah' repeated in the Qur'an?" (2,698) FAMILY ATMOSPHERE Pre-K teacher Melike Vardar is an alumna of Miraj Islamic and the daughter of co-founder Zurkani Vardar, imam and organization president. She was one of the school's first five students in 1999. Hanan Kurtulus and Jena Khaled are best friends in the third grade at Miraj Islamic School. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan) A 2015 graduate of Wagner College with a degree in microbiology, she is completing a second bachelor's degree in Islamic theology in Turkey. She speaks five languages -- Albanian, Turkish, Korean, Arabic and English -- and travels to Turkey every seven weeks for classes. "This is a family atmosphere," the 23-year-old says about Miraj Islamic School. "It's loving and caring. The staff cares about the students and their futures." Seventeen-year-old Bukuriya Choudhry, a junior at Miraj Islamic who hopes to study business and photography at UCLA, agrees. "Everyone here knows each other," she emphasizes. "At other schools, you're just a number." Eleventh-graders discuss their college plans at lunch. From the left are Yassim Slaimi, Bukuriya Choudhry, Neamah Matani and Fawziya Twam. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan) "We know the names of almost everyone in the school," adds her friend, Neamah Matani, also a junior, who hopes to attend NYU and become an obstetrician/gynecologist. Miraj Islamic offers a college-preparatory curriculum and awards Advanced Regents diplomas. Through a partnership with St. John's University, Grymes Hill, seniors can earn as many as 12 college credits in English Composition, Principles of Management, Literature in a Global Context and Principles of Marketing. Sixty-eight students have graduated with high school diplomas since the school opened and have gone on to Brooklyn College, Baruch College, Hunter College, Wagner College, New York University, Long Island University and Penn State University. Tuition for each grade is about $5,000 plus fees. A WAY OF LIVING Many of the 38 staff members at Miraj Islamic have some connection to the school -- as a parent, graduate or relative. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and visitors feel welcomed as soon as they enter. Fourth-graders have some fun after lunch. From the left are Anas Jahmi, Fadi Kiswani, Mahdi Slaimi, Yahya Afifi and Adam Gad. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan) A mural in the lobby announces: "Here at Miraj Islamic School, there is a lot of ... passion, patience, love, prayers, kindness, trust, faith, respect, peace." Teachers join students for lunch at long tables in the cafeteria. Hot lunch is an option, prepared by chef Mustafa Islami and his wife, Jeverieyia. Lentil soup, baked chicken, rice, salad and borek (flaky Turkish bread filled with cheese, spinach or beef) create a typical menu, but some classes enjoy an occasional surprise pizza delivery, courtesy of a generous parent. Adults sip Sri Lankan tea, prepared in a special pot that steams the leaves. All students and staff gather together after lunch every day for prayer, one of five daily prayers central to the Muslim faith. Each prayer includes a series of movements, supplications and recitations from the Qur'an in its original Arabic. The student body gathers for noon prayer in the multi-purpose room at Miraj Islamic School. (Staten Island Advance/Claire Regan) Muslims consider prayer to be a spiritual and physical act, with various standing, bending and prostrating postures indicating their devotion to God. Miraj Islamic students remove their shoes and pray together on a carpeted area of the multi-purpose room. Boys and girls pray separately. The Muslim faith is a way of living, explains Jehan Tewfik, Miraj Islamic superintendent, who leads the school with Lamiaa Refaey, principal. Students develop respect for humanity and "every single soul on earth," Tewfik explains. "They must contribute to society." For Thanksgiving, the school donated 400 turkeys to Project Hospitality, the Port Richmond-based interfaith agency that serves the poor and the homeless. In conjunction with the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center, the school also sponsors a food drive and a blood drive and participates in borough cleanups. "Our goal is to build bridges among people," co-founder Bedrolli says. "We teach our students to respect the community, to help the community and to be good citizens. We want them to make us proud." Warning: May contain traces of soy, wheat, lecithin and tree nuts. That you are here strongly suggests that you are either omnivorous, or a glutton. And that you might like cheese-doodles. Please form a caseophilic line to the right. Thank you. 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 BHP Billiton's Escondida mine in Chile, the world's largest copper mine, will not be able to meet its contractual obligations on metals shipments after a two-day-old workers' strike brought production to a standstill, a company spokesman said. Copper prices on the London Metal Exchange rose 4.5 per cent to hit $US6083 a tonne, its highest since June 2015, on market chatter that force majeure would be declared, meaning unavoidable circumstances would prevent the mine from fulfilling its contracts. "I can confirm that force majeure has been declared," a company spokesman told Reuters. Workers in the 2500-member Escondida Union No.1 downed tools early on Thursday after collective wage talks with the company failed, beginning a strike that threatens to imminently affect supplies for one of the most widely-used industrial metals in the world. As Gina Rinehart builds a cattle empire to match her mining interests, where does that leave her in relation to Lakes Oil and its fracking fight against the Victorian government. Should we read anything into the fact that Rinehart's flagship group, Hancock Prospecting, nearly halved its stake in the ASX-listed oil and gas explorer? It happened while she was on a national tour, inspecting her cattle empire which is now one of the biggest in the country. Sure. Her stake was diluted by the 9.6 billion yes, billion share issue which Lakes is using to pay for its latest acquisition, Navgas. It was not an active active decision on Rinehart's part. The push by a group of dissidents to take control of infant formula maker Bellamy's Australia has hit a hurdle, with one of its four board nominees pulling out. Melbourne stockbroker Vaughan Webber has withdrawn his nomination to join the board of the company. The reason wasn't immediately clear, although it is believed to be linked to concerns over possible class action litigation involving Bellamy's. Tasmanian entrepeneur and Kathmandu founder Jan Cameron says she is not a "board person". As well, TasFoods director Hugh Robertson also quit its board late on Friday. Both Mr Robertson and Mr Webber are stockbrokers at Bell Potter Securities. Jan Cameron, who is spearheading the board push at Bellamy's, is also a large shareholder in TasFoods and has close links with Mr Robertson. Ms Cameron confirmed to BusinessDay that Mr Webber has withdrawn from her slate of nominees, which will leave her with just three names to put forward at a planned shareholder meeting to be held later in the month. Mr Webber was one of four nominees, led by the Kathmandu clothing chain co-founder Ms Cameron, who is seeking to unseat four existing directors. President Donald Trump is putting enormous strain on the institutions and rules that have made the US democracy such a success. His direct, personal attacks on judges threaten the independence and standing of the judiciary. A willingness to govern by executive order also undermines the role of Congress as the nation's primary lawmaker. So far, the US system has met these challenges and is holding the new President to his proper role. Courts have not bowed to pressure and have put a stop on his immigration bans. Members of Congress have also pushed back on the President's initiatives, and the media has reported fearlessly on his early days in office. These events beg the question of how Australia's institutions would respond if we had a Prime Minister and cabinet (our executive branch of government) seeking to follow Trump's lead. The short answer is that we may not fare so well. In Trump's case, he faces a formidable obstacle in the US Bill of Rights. Any attempt to muzzle the media will be defeated by the freedoms of speech and of the press. Or, as the US Court of Appeals found on Thursday, his immigration order has been stayed and may be struck down because it violates the right of every person to due process and protection against religious discrimination. Elizabeth Oliver is a Sydney GP. 0914: Fifteen minutes with a young man who just lost his leg. We make a list of the things he will think about when he can't take his mind off the gun in his uncle's garage. (0932: Check stoic man's ECG and send him to hospital. Three hours later he is having heart surgery. He survives.) 0940: Three minutes silence with a woman with finger marks on her neck. Does she want to talk today? Nope. Talk about migraines instead. Maybe next week. 0953: Insert contraceptive implant into giggling 18-year-old. 1004: Attend to 18-year-old who has fainted. Call from nursing home three new urinary tract infections, someone is delirious and Bert's family are here from Perth and want to talk. Can I come by? 1010: Determine whether 89-year-old is fit to drive. 1027: Explain to young man that men as well as women can carry sexually-transmitted infections, and he should be treated for that discharge. Screen him for depression. Not depressed, yet, but he is injecting testosterone and has a secret abscess he'll let me see. 1045: Explain to woman with nine years of symptoms unresponsive to dry needling, crystal healing and zinc replacement that she probably has coeliac disease. 1056: Reassure first-time mum with post-natal depression that she is not evil. Organise support. 1115: Shout at 92-year-old that she's gained four kilograms of fluid. Receive beatific smile in return. Jiggle medications. Stop the four least useful of her 15 medications and arrange to review tomorrow. 1132: Repeat child with fever consultation. 1148: Repeat child with fever consultation. Notice child has stopped growing. Re-book to investigate. 1203: Advise local butcher she should invest in Hepatitis A vaccine prior to Thailand trip, for all our sakes. 1212: Phone call from lab blood count from yesterday's patient with the night sweats is weird. It looks like cancer. Call haematologist. He's busy. 1218: Repeat child with fever consultation. 1230: Notice suspicious mark on bricklayer's arm while taking blood pressure. A notorious no-show, I won't see him for six months. Biopsy today. 1254: Lunch! Call the haematologist again. Call the patient with the weird blood to request he come in today. Quick reading to brush up on weird blood. Paperwork. Visit nursing home. General practice costs 7 per cent of Medicare's budget. The frontline is starved, and the idea that we can build a tower to Mars with the money we'll save by starving it further is madness. GPs save Medicare money by keeping people out of that economic sinkhole, the hospital. If we keep one patient a week out of intensive care, five a week out of hospital, we are worth it. I assess three to four infants a day who don't need a bed in emergency, and I send the declining asthmatic who does. I jiggle medications to keep people stable. Last month I saw a socially-isolated man who wanted to quit the cannabis making him psychotic. I saw him every two days for a fortnight, encouraging him through withdrawal. I can only imagine the cost of an admission to the mental health unit for drug-induced psychosis, but it's probably more than $185.25. Often an expensive test isn't going to change what we know or do. Having invested 11 years and more than $100,000 in my eyes, ears and mind, utilising these before a multinational pharmaceutical or pathology company seems wise and cost-effective. But the more I get squeezed, the less time I'll spend. The government doesn't want to pay me and neither do the people. While my expenses go up, my income doesn't. Can we all stop looking surprised when we have to pay a GP? People in Saba jackets complain to me about "crap bulk-billing doctors". It's like whinging that McDonald's gave you reflux. For GPs, it's becoming one or the other a gap payment, or eight patients an hour. I haven't burnt out yet, but soon I'll have to start either charging a gap or doing Botox parties of an evening. If you want better care, pay a gap or write to your MP. Preferably both. You get what you pay for, because your government won't. One issue over which there is bipartisan agreement in Australia is the need to find new drivers of jobs growth in the wake of the decline in mining investment. Australia can no longer rely on mining to drive growth, so we must invest in innovation to build new industries, while also boosting growth in existing sectors like agriculture. By reducing the journey between Sydney and Canberra to 40 minutes, high-speed rail would make it attractive for companies to set up in the ACT. That's a huge economic challenge. But if we get the policy settings right, it's also a magnificent opportunity, particularly for rural and regional Australia. Getting the policy settings right means investing in the railways, roads and communications technology that businesses need to thrive. Vast tracts of NSW are now classified as "Fire Risk: Catastrophic" ("Sports off, hospitals brace for sizzler", February 11-12). Penrith had its hottest-ever day at 47 degrees on Saturday. Territories north and west of Sydney are now being described as "as bad as it can get". People are being advised to evacuate because no house is designed to resist the force of any fire under these conditions, and if a fire occurs in their area they will "quite likely die". I've never heard a Rural Fire Service chief use that phrase before. Letters dinkus If you'd planned a camping trip to the NSW bush this past weekend, you were told in forceful terms to cancel it and go some other time. Meanwhile, in an inane bout of amateur theatrics, government ministers this week brandished a lump of coal in our national Parliament and fell about laughing when Prime Fizzer Turnbull called the Labor Party's commitment to renewable energy "ideological". Naturally, the climate deniers' commitment to coal (now mystifyingly termed "clean coal", whatever that seeming oxymoron is) is not by any means ideological. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has condemned the Western Australian Liberal Party's unprecedented decision to preference One Nation ahead of the Nationals at the upcoming state election, a deal that is splitting opinion in the federal Coalition ranks. Striking a different note to Liberal colleagues, former prime minister Tony Abbott agreed with the argument that One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was a "better person" today than when she was previously in Parliament but said the Nationals should be preferenced above all other parties. While Mr Joyce described the deal as "disappointing", cabinet colleague and Trade Minister Steve Ciobo said the Liberal Party should put itself in the best position to govern and talked up Ms Hanson's right-wing populist party as displaying a "certain amount of economic rationalism" and support for government policy. Mr Joyce said the conclusion "that the next best people to govern Western Australia after the Liberal Party are One Nation" needed to be reconsidered and the most successful governments in Australia were ones based on partnerships between the Liberals and Nationals. Liberal Party defector Cory Bernardi has criticised comments made by former Liberal Party MP Ross Cameron as "totally inappropriate" but defended his right to free speech. Senator Bernardi, along with Liberal National Party MP George Christensen, addressed the anti-halal fundraiser in Melbourne on Friday night despite a similar event in Sydney on Thursday causing uproar after cartoonist Larry Pickering told guests he "couldn't stand Muslims" but praised radical Islamists for their murderous treatment of homosexuals. Mr Cameron also spoke at Thursday night's Q Society event where he referred to The Sydney Morning Herald as the "Sydney Morning Homosexual" and claimed the NSW division of the Liberal Party was one big "gay club". Senator Bernardi said on Sunday he had spoken with Mr Cameron after the event who explained to him the "historical context" of his comments. Ongoing security and reliability of energy supply is likely to be affected as the shift is made from synchronous supplies traditional power sources such as coal or hydro to non-synchronous such as wind or solar. Yet within hours of the calamity the Turnbull government was capitalising on the blackout, suggesting it was a function of the state's unsustainably high quotient of wind generation which had failed to keep working in the conditions. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce led a chorus from Canberra about the state Labor government's "unrealistic" energy policies and was quickly joined by other senior ministers including Energy and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg and Mr Turnbull. Illustration by Matt Golding "Even if there is a major storm, it should not be the case that you have a major blackout across a whole state," Mr Joyce told ABC News Radio that morning. "There is a lot of effort that has gone on in South Australia about their renewable energy target. Maybe if the same competent effort went into actually making sure that an event such as this, a storm such as this and another storm like this will, at some stage in the future, happen again is there the capacity to handle it." By that evening, Mr Turnbull was sending a similar message on the 7.30 program: "These intermittent renewables do pose real challenges," he said. "Now, I regret to say that a number of the state Labor governments have over the years, set priorities and renewable targets that are extremely aggressive, extremely unrealistic, and have paid little or no attention to energy security." Last week, another blackout in South Australia knocked out about 90,000 premises during an extreme heat event. The energy blame game intensified, even though the evidence again suggests there was adequate supply in the form of gas turbine generation, sitting idle, as the wind contribution fell to just 2.5 per cent. Labor's spokesman on climate change and energy Mark Butler said a "hysterical" Mr Turnbull had been caught "playing politics with a very deep crisis enveloping our energy system". "Recent events have shown that price spikes and supply shortages are hitting all states, including those with low levels of renewable energy and very high reliance on coal power," he said. Mr Turnbull has rejected any suggestion of playing politics with the issue, arguing that the blackout was caused solely by the loss of electricity towers. "The blackout, as I've said many times was caused by a storm breaching transmission lines, that's perfectly obvious, that's the only point that was made," he said in Canberra on Monday, before adding, "However, the introduction of a massive amount of wind energy, so variable renewable energy, made the South Australian grid very vulnerable, very, very vulnerable indeed." A subsequent report by AEMO concluded the overall mix of energy sources such as wind and solar had added to the complexity and therefore potentially, the vulnerability of the supply during extreme conditions. "The growing proportion of this type of generating plant within the generation portfolio is leading to more periods with low inertia and low available fault levels, hence a lower resilience to extreme events," the regulator advised in December. Australia Institute executive director Ben Oquist, whose progressive think tank filed the FOI application, said it was regrettable that the government had acted politically despite being cautioned to wait. "AEMO had told federal public servants and political advisers that renewable energy was not to blame for the blackout. But instead of informing the people of South Australia of this fact, both the Energy Minister and Prime Minister chose to push a false narrative about wind power," he said. "Here we see frank and fearless departmental advice being ignored when it didn't suit a political agenda." As recently as Sunday, Industry and Innovation Minister Arthur Sinodinos called for less politics in the energy debate, during an appearance on Insiders. Loading Former Republican congressman Bob Inglis knows something about the cost of climate change it included his job. A conservative from South Carolina's Republican heartland, he initially thought assumed the science of climate change was nonsense. "I didn't really know anything about it except that Al Gore was for it and, as I represented one of the most conservative districts in the most conservative states in America, that was really the end of the inquiry," he says. But when he decided to run again for Congress in 2004, five years after vacating his seat, his son Robert told him he had to "clean up his act on the environment", so he joined the House of Representatives science committee and joined fact-finding trips to Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. "My focus was being here for my children and making sure they live a healthy, long life," Ms Wallace said. Now nine months in remission, she's vehemently passionate about improving immunisation rates, in particular the Human Papillomavirus vaccine, which protects against two high-risk HPV types that cause 70 per cent of cervical cancers in women and 90 per cent of all HPV-related cancers in men. "No one wants their child to go through this," she said. "We are very fortunate to live where we live, and have access to the a great vaccination program but people do slip through the cracks," she said. "The preventative is better than the cure," she said. A group of immunisation experts has warned the gaps in Australia's world-leading school immunisation programs must be plugged to protect all teenagers from vaccine-preventable diseases. Too many teenagers miss out on crucial doses of life-saving vaccinations when they forget to give their parents the consent form, or don't hand it in, according to a discussion paper published Monday by the Immunisation Coalition. Others miss out because they're off sick or miss school on vaccination days. With the introduction of a new Meningococcal W vaccine to the NSW school-based program, and a national working-group set up to investigate how best to combat the rise of meningococcal W strain, it's the ideal time to take stock of the entire school immunisation program, argue the panel of immunisation experts, education group and youth representatives who compiled the report. The school-based immunisation program is one of the most successful in the world at protecting adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases, the coalition said. It also has the highest HPV coverage of any country, and has boosted coverage rates over the last three years. Full coverage rates among boys has risen from 29 per cent in 2013 to 66 per cent in 2015. Coverage among girls has increased from 71 per cent in 2012 to 77 per cent in 2015. In NSW, 63.2 per cent of eligible boys received their third dose of the HPV vaccine in 2015, compared to 72.1 per cent in Victoria. But head of clinical research at the National Centre for Immunisation research and Surveillance (NCIRS) Professor Robert Booy said coverage across for all school-based vaccination rates fell short of the national targets needed to ensure herd immunity. "It's a real worry that we can achieve 90 per cent vaccination uptake in babies and high levels of individual and herd protection, but only 80 per cent in teens," said Professor Booy, a Board member of Immunisation Coalition. "Vaccines on shelves are no good to anyone. But put it into someone's arm and it saves lives," Professor Booy said. The discussion paper put forward six recommendations, including simplifying the consent form process - one of the biggest barriers to improving coverage - pointing to a pilot trial of online consent forms in Queensland. They also recommended introducing automated reminders for parents (for instance text messages) and alert systems for GPs to follow up on missed doses, better connecting schools with general practices, and improving awareness among families with teenagers. "Some parents believe that by doing nothing they are keeping their child safe, however the opposite is true," said Immunisation Coalition chairman Professor Paul Van Buynder. "It is vital for parents to understand and recognise the benefits of teen vaccination," he said. Matthew Roussis, NSW Youth Parliament Governor elect said knowledge was power when it came to combating the misconceptions about vaccinations. "Parents and teens need to know about how vaccines work, what they do, and have the support available to them to help address any concerns that they may have," Mr Roussis said. A spokesperson for the Department of Health said "Health is working closely with relevant partners to investigate and progress many of the initiatives proposed by the Immunisation Coalition". Loading "A number of recommendations are already in train, including the sharing of information between the Australian Immunisation Register and HPV Register, and provision of nationally consistent communications products. Other measures, such as online consent forms, are under investigation," the statement read. NSW Liberal Party president Kent Johns has condemned Ross Cameron's comments at a Q Society fundraiser as "highly offensive" and accused the former federal MP of becoming "nothing more than a circus act". Addressing a dinner held by the anti-Islam group on Thursday night Mr Cameron referred to the The Sydney Morning Herald as the "Sydney Morning Homosexual" and said the NSW Liberal Party was "basically a gay club." Cartoonist Larry Pickering told the audience that "I can't stand Muslims [but] they are not all bad, they do chuck pillow-biters off buildings." In a sharply worded statement on Sunday morning Mr Johns said the Liberal Party was "was not aware of the event or Mr Cameron's attendance and participation in it". Hugely successful Australian author Kate Morton has accused the top literary agent who kick-started her career of favouring her own interests and is seeking a refund of up to $2.8 million paid in commission. Ms Morton, the author of five bestsellers including The Shifting Fog and The Lake House, has earned more than $17.3 million in royalties from her novels since she broke onto the literary scene in 2005. Australian author Kate Morton and her agent Selwa Anthony are locked in a legal battle over $17.3 million in royalties. Photograph: James Brickwood. Credit:James Brickwood But Ms Morton claims her long-time literary agent Selwa Anthony deprived her of further income by failing to get her the best publishing deal when she was an unpublished and inexperienced author. Ms Anthony, who represents some of the biggest names in Australian popular fiction including Tara Moss, Belinda Alexander and Diane Armstrong, took legal action in the NSW Supreme Court after Ms Morton suddenly sacked her in December 2015 following a relationship spanning more than 10 years. Almost one-fifth of baby boomers dip into their kids' inheritance to go on holidays and the vast majority don't feel guilty about doing it. Of the 18 per cent of Australian seniors who travelled using money intended for their children, 85 per cent said they didn't worry about spending it, with almost half subscribing to the maxim that "you only live once", a new survey has found. Carolynne Wawrzyniak says she and her husband "worked huge hours" before retiring and their children would rather they spend their money. Credit:Nick Moir Just over half said it was their money and they deserved to enjoy it, or that their children already had their own money, according to a survey of 1000 people aged over 50 for the Australian Seniors Insurance Agency (ASIA). "I think we would be hard pushed to find children who would begrudge their parents a trip of a lifetime or an opportunity to be happy," ASIA's general manager of marketing, Simon Hovell, said. But in news he described as reassuring for the next generation, most senior travellers were budget conscious, with 93 per cent saying they spent time looking for the best deals to save money. Police have charged a man with starting a fire in bushland at Mangrove Creek on the NSW central coast. Emergency services were called to a bushfire on Mangrove Creek Road, Mangrove Creek, shortly after midnight on Sunday. A 40-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with setting a fire during a total fire ban and intentionally causing fire and be reckless as to its spread. He was refused bail to appear in court on Sunday. It was a day of broken records in Queensland on Sunday, with scorching temperatures, packed Queensland beaches and bushfires. Thargomindah recorded the hottest February day on record in Queensland, reaching a top of 47.2 degrees at 2.15pm. Meanwhile St George, Dalby, Miles, Warwick, Oakey, Kingaroy, Gatton, Roma, Applethorpe, and Beaudesert also experienced their hottest February days ever. Toowoomba reached the 40-degree mark by 2pm breaking the record for its hottest day ever recorded, while Brisbane hit a top of just under 38 degrees after expecting a maximum of 39. During quieter weeks, he supplements his work with Airtasker removal jobs. Mr Janioski and his company are fully insured for their work. "It's like additional opportunity. It's not a main job, but it's adding to work. Airtasker's other jobs vary from the physical to the downright trivial. All of them register a starting price offer. "Go to Koko Black in the Canberra Centre in Canberra and purchase a 16 piece gift box for $39.50 and deliver to my dad's house in Curtin for his birthday tomorrow," posts one user. The pay? $48. "Looking for someone to pick up and deliver a burrito to my girlfriend for her birthday. Burrito can be purchased anywhere then delivered to her office ... Will provide words for a note to accompany the burrito. You'll get $25 for the delivery + reimbursed for burrito cost (keep the receipt)," another post describes. Others use the website to find people to write their CV, clean their home, assemble furniture, or design a logo. Airtasker was set up to target the home maker's market, challenging the trade of the handyman, lecturer in marketing at the Australian National University Andrew Hughes said. Its brand was built around the positive experiences users had interacting with each other, he said. Like on Airbnb, user reviews is the coin of the realm. The review system assured people they were getting someone good for the job, removing the uncertainty of hiring an unknown tradesman, Dr Hughes said. The platform had changed the way people worked in Canberra, he said. However the website's growth brought its own concerns. Some employers were concerned staff did Airtasker work at weekends and put themselves at risk of injury that would affect them during the week, he said. Dr Hughes cited a case of a tradesman who told a staff member not to do extra work through Airtasker. "I think that sort of thing might become more common." Mr Janioksi said while sometimes job descriptions were not accurate, he had never had a pay dispute with a task poster. He had learned to bid only on jobs with clear descriptions. Company co-founder and chief executive Tim Fung said there was fewer than one dispute a day across 75,000 tasks each month. Airtasker was working on developing ways to allow people to better describe their task, while avoiding constraining what people wrote, he said. "As a start-up, we're trying to find our way." While users praise the extra work Airtasker brings, the new technology's entrance into the ACT has raised worker safety concerns among unions. The company describes itself as a platform that connects people and businesses with independent contractors, and likens itself to Yellow Pages and Google. However its control over workers' relationship with people posting work means it should be classed an employer, not a platform, Unions ACT secretary Alex White said. He likened Airtasker to a labour hire agency that supplied workers to businesses for a fee. "All of these apps make the claim they're a technology platform that are disruptive and innovative. There's no innovation," he said. "This is just using an app to use a very old kind of exploitation." Airtasker put the burden of risk with employment on the worker, and those posting tasks could also be liable if someone was injured on the job, Mr White said. Many home and contents insurance packages didn't cover commercial work carried out on properties, he said. "If someone was seriously injured ... then [posters] are potentially in the firing line, not Airtasker." Mr Fung said its insurance covered workers for liability for third party personal injury or property damage. The policy did not cover first person personal injury or property damage for the Airtasker worker and should not be considered a replacement for workers compensation, salary protection or other similar types of insurance, he said. "Airtasker workers can of course purchase these types of insurances to protect themselves." Website users should consider any potential financial exposures when hiring someone, he said. When asked what worker's compensation insurance was available in cases of injury, Mr Fung said that kind of insurance related to a relationship between an employee and an employer. "The relationship between a job poster and Airtasker worker is that of an independent contractor. "As when hiring a person to complete a job through any platform or channel (Airtasker, Yellow Pages, Google or referral from a friend), workplace standards are the responsibility of the person requesting the task to be completed." Mr Fung said Airtasker was working on a number of suggestions from Unions NSW to adapt Airtasker to better protect workers. The ACT government has not received any complaints about the service from users. Unions ACT is troubled by Airtasker's 15 per cent fee, imposed on workers rather than posters. Mr White said it was a return to 19th century work practices, where employees paid for the opportunity to work. The fee was common for similar platforms, and charging the worker increased the number of jobs available by simplifying the purchase process for the buyer, Mr Fung said. "It's also worth noting that as a trend on our platform, many Airtasker workers explicitly include in their offer an additional charge to cover the service fee." Lonely hearts scams rely on the fact that people want to believe, so don't get caught looking for love in all the wrong places this Valentine's Day. Online dating sites understandably see a traffic spike in the lead up to Valentine's Day as those of us unlucky in love decide to give it one more chance. Last Valentine's Day was Tinder's busiest day ever but unfortunately it's also a busy time for online scammers Aussies lost almost $23 million to romance scams in 2015, with more than $4.4 million lost during February alone. Be sure that your dreams of romance don't turn into a nightmare this Valentine's Day. Credit:iStock Scammers are becoming more technologically sophisticated, they're even known to use stolen webcam footage to give themselves another face and voice changer software to fake a local accent. One tell-tale sign is that they tend to blame a computer glitch on the fact that their audio and video are delayed and not in sync. The warning signs are often there, people just don't want to see them. So how do you know that you or someone you care about is being scammed? Like most online scams, be on the lookout for something which seems too good to be true. CSIRO scientists pulled out of a joint study into the Aboriginal rock art on Burrup Peninsula that the Western Australian government had asked them to do. Fairfax Media on Sunday showed that a series of errors in scientific advice from the CSIRO has placed the long-term future of the world-important Burrup rock art into question. It can now be revealed that CSIRO scientists Deborah Lau and David Alexander were asked by the WA government's Burrup Rock Art Technical Working Group to work with former CSIRO assistant divisional chief John Black on a scientific paper examining colour change of the Aboriginal rock art on the Burrup. The CSIRO has failed to carry out this request, despite the scientists agreeing to do so while on the working group. A teenage boy is recovering in hospital after being attacked at a community festival in Melbourne's west when a large gang of youths ran through the crowd stealing mobile phones, throwing rocks and assaulting people. The group, estimated to be between 30 and 40 teenagers, terrified families as they violently stampeded though the Summersault Festival in Caroline Springs as it ended about 10pm on Saturday. Witnesses described the offenders as being mostly teenage boys of African appearance. Females and Caucasian teens were also in the group. Six people have reported having their mobile phones stolen and two reported being assaulted during the incident, a Victoria Police spokesman said. A claimed rare Aboriginal birthing tree is at the heart of a last-ditch heritage application to save it from being destroyed this year to widen a rural highway. The tree, on Djab wurrung land in western Victoria, is in the path of the next stage of the $675 million Western Highway upgrade between Ballarat and Stawell, the biggest regional road project in the state. A local resident stands at the foot of a claimed Aboriginal birthing tree near Mount Langi Ghiran, in western Victoria. It was identified this month by members of Victoria's Indigenous community as a living example of a sacred birthing tree. Three women have since submitted an application with Aboriginal Victoria to have the tree protected under heritage laws, in a last-ditch bid to stop it being cut down. The tree is on a rural property in the Mount Langi Ghiran foothills near Buangor, on land that has recently been acquired by VicRoads. Ashley and Trevor Wagner at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, decided to abandon the cruise. Credit:Deborah Gough The delays meant the ship would miss some scheduled stops, including Milford Sound in New Zealand. The spokeswoman said passengers were aware of the shortened trip. She said they had been getting hourly updates from the captain and that the operator expected to arrive in Auckland on time, on February 18, but more stops might still be cancelled. Engineering crews were inspecting the fault. "In terms of fixing it, I understand it is not a complicated fix. It is a matter of parts. It is not like you can go down to Bunnings and get these parts," she said About 10 per cent of the 2000 passengers on board had decided to leave the ship. All passengers have been offered a full refund, plus 50 per cent off their next Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, regardless of whether they stay aboard or leave. Passengers who abandon the cruise will also receive $350 per person for flights to New Zealand and $300 per ticket to compensate for flight rescheduling penalties. Passengers disembarking were preparing to either abandon the cruise or wait up to five days for the repairs. US couple Trevor and Ashley Wagner were cutting their losses and booked a flight back home on Sunday morning. "It wasn't as desperate as some people were saying but it was very disappointing," Ms Wagner said. "We figured we would save the vacation time and take the trip again another time." Mr Wagner said the Norwegian Star operator's offer of flights to New Zealand was not the dream trip they had planned. They will rebook the trip another time, he said. "We were two days at sea and were supposed to see New Zealand," Mr Wagner said. "We are cutting and running." Edward Benton, of Dallas, Texas, said the staff were helpful and friendly during the trip, in which the cruise liner was adrift for two days in the Tasman Sea. Edward Benton hopes to continue on the Norwegian Star. Credit:Deb Gough He said he and his travelling group would go to the Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Zoo on Sunday and wait to see if the ship could be fixed. "Who knows after that?" he said. "If the ship moves, I am going with the ship. If not, I am going to fly to New Zealand." Mr Benton said he had not seen any evidence of the passengers chanting for "answers" as reported earlier. Mike Clark, of Fort Worth, Texas, part of the same group of travellers as Mr Benton, said while he could fly to New Zealand he had already missed out on a trip to Milford Sound. The ship was 70 nautical miles out at sea when trouble with the propellers stopped it from moving, Mr Clark said. But he felt lucky that it was not heavily buffeted by waves. Wayne Mills and his partner, Kerry Gunnell, of Rosebud, were continuing on with the cruise, which they boarded in Melbourne. Ms Gunnell said she would remain on the ship as long as it took. "We are having a ball," she said. "I am not going home to cook and clean." Ron Sullivan, of New Zealand, and passenger on the Norwegian Star plans to stay with the cruise ship. Norwegian Star passengers, Station Pier, February 12 2017. Credit:Deb Gough Retiree Ron Sullivan, of Christchurch in New Zealand, was quietly happy to spend more time in Melbourne. "I live in New Zealand and I am quite happy to stay four or five days in Melbourne," he said. "I want to go to the races if I can. Loading Two WA police officers were allegedly assaulted by a 17-year-old boy while attempting to break up an out-of-control party in Tapping on Saturday night. Just after 11pm, Tapping locals reported party-goers were spilling out onto the street, and were attempting to fight one another. Further charges relating to the incident are pending. WA Police attended the scene, but were met with aggression from the attendees. North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile into nearby seas on Sunday, drawing a joint rebuke from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump. Mr Abe, speaking at a late-night briefing with Mr Trump in Florida, said the missile test "can absolutely not be tolerated" and called on North Korea to fully comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions. Joint rebuke: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump have criticised the missile launch. Credit:Bloomberg The launch was the first provocation by North Korea since Mr Trump took office. "The United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent," Mr Trump said in brief remarks. Neither Mr Abe nor Mr Trump took questions. US Senator Bernie Sanders on Sunday called President Donald Trump a "pathological liar," while Senator Al Franken reiterated that "a few" Republican senators are concerned about the President's mental health. The strong words from two high-profile senators came as Democrats attacked Trump's travel ban and said that members of his administration should be investigated or have security clearances suspended for recent comments or conversations with Russian officials. Sanders made the charge on NBC's Meet the Press as he attacked Trump's travel ban - which faces a federal court challenge - and Republican plans to revamp the Affordable Care Act. "We have a President who is delusional in many respects, a pathological liar," Sanders said. US President Donald Trump met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday. They had a visit to Air Force One and Abe was given a VIP tour of the White House. The two leaders also talked about the economy and security of both their countries. US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Oval Office of the White House. Credit:Bloomberg However, all many people could focus on was the "awkward" handshake between the two world leaders. The encounter lasted a full 19 seconds, and looked rather uncomfortable. They were, however, having to shake hands in front of many cameras, and wait until they all had taken sufficient pictures, which is always awkward. US President Donald has proved that he intends to carry out his campaign promises. Credit:Evan Vucci For immigrant rights activists, the rules of engagement have clearly changed. "Donald Trump has effectively created a way to deport individuals who have been accused, charged or convicted of anything from murder to jaywalking," said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA). "And if you read the text of that executive order broadly, that applies to all non-citizens. I can tell you, the possibilities have made a lot of people here shudder." Demonstrators chant against US President Donald Trump's executive order on "sanctuary cities" in Cincinnati in January. Credit:AP Entering the country illegally - what is technically known as entering the US without inspection - is itself a misdemeanour. Anyone caught in possession of fake identification documents or who is not honest with immigration officials can also be charged with a crime. Under president Barack Obama, priority deportees included people who had been convicted of murder and other violent crimes as well as certain drug offences and gang involvement. Obama's policies called on ICE officials to avoid detaining, whenever possible, nursing mothers and those with serious medical conditions. People pass graffiti along the border between the US and Mexico in Tijuana. Credit:AP That kind of surgical deportation practice was particularly welcome in Los Angeles, where in 2009 immigrant advocates unearthed details about conditions in a basement-level downtown immigrant detention facility known locally as "B-18". Immigrants held at B-18 were, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), not given drinking water, changes of clothes or necessary feminine hygiene products and were sometimes unable to communicate with lawyers. The government and immigrant advocates came to an agreement to change conditions and practices at B-18, but it remains a dreaded place for many of the city's undocumented. San Francisco city attorney Dennis Herrera makes his way to a podium on January 31 to announce a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump over his decision to cut off funding to "sanctuary cities". Credit:AP Fear of being detained or deported could lead many people to avoid going to work, school or to public places in coming days, said Salas. She noted that one person detained by ICE this week had been at his job in a Target store. "ICE wants us to believe they have removed a bunch of felons who were just plotting their next crime," said Salas. "We know that ICE picked up some collaterals, people who happened to be nearby when officers arrived looking for someone else and we think what we've just witnessed is how an emboldened ICE will operate." ICE this week has put out messages on Twitter suggesting that this week's enforcement actions were not part of a major crackdown ordered by Trump. "ICE immigration enforcement actions target specific individuals according to the laws passed by Congress," reads a tweet posted by ICE on Thursday. ICE spokeswoman Sarah Rodriguez said in an email to The Washington Post: "ICE does not use checkpoints, nor do we use sweeping raids. We use targeted enforcement actions against specific individuals to make these arrests." Immigration rights activists are hoping to call attention to the actions of ICE while at the same time preventing full-scale panic among people who may be avoiding going to work or riding buses out of fear of being detained. "We're not trying to sow hysteria here, so we're not reporting rumours," said Elizabeth Alex, a regional field director for Casa de Maryland in Baltimore County. "We're sticking to cases where we can verify the situation and that can often take days. But it is fair to say we are seeing new tactics across the county." She said ICE agents detained a handful of people after they exited the county courthouse in Towson, Maryland. In one incident, on Monday, an undocumented immigrant who had gone to the courthouse to pay a ticket for driving on a suspended licence was taken into custody by federal agents as he left, she said. "Courthouses are supposed to be places where you want people to go so they can serve as witnesses to crimes and to pay traffic tickets, so I find this so very troubling," Alex said. She added that Casa has documented cases of illegal immigrants being taken into custody in recent weeks after they showed up for check-in meetings with parole and probation officers in the county. Other illegal immigrants have awoken to find immigration officers staking out their home and have been detained as they left to go to work, Alex said. In Montgomery County, Maryland, considered a sanctuary jurisdiction, legislators and dozens of advocates for the state's immigrant population fanned out on Friday evening and Saturday morning after unfounded rumours circulated on Facebook that a public bus had been raided by federal immigration officers. As the rumour went, officers boarded a bus in the Wheaton area, home to a sizable chunk of the Washington area's Salvadoran community, and began removing riders who could not produce identification. ICE spokeswoman Rodriguez denied that, and local officials said they found no evidence to back up the rumour either. "There were no buses stopped in Maryland by immigration officers," she said. Similar unfounded rumours popped up elsewhere in the country, including Portland, Oregon, and Austin. But that did not stop Facebook posts from spreading, and on Saturday morning, often-busy bus stops near the Wheaton Mall were mostly empty. Two young men walking along University Boulevard declined to talk to a reporter, but said in Spanish that they had heard about the purported raid. Alejandro Calvillo, the founder of El Poder del Consumidor, a consumer organisation working to combat childhood obesity. Credit:New York Times The discovery of NSO's spyware on the phones of Mexican nutrition policymakers, activists and even government employees, like Barquera, raises new questions about whether NSO's tools are being used to advance the soda industry's commercial interests in Mexico. The soda industry has poured over $US67 million into defeating state and local efforts to regulate soft drink sales in the United States since 2009, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Mexico is Coca-Cola's biggest consumer market by per capita consumption. Credit:AP But the tax in Mexico - Coca-Cola's biggest consumer market by per capita consumption - posed an exceptional threat. After the tax passed in 2014, Coca-Cola pledged $US8.2 billion worth of investments in Mexico through 2020. And soda giants have lobbied against the tax through various industry groups, like ConMexico, which represents Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Lorena Cerdan, director of ConMexico, said the group had no knowledge of, or part in, the mobile hacking. "This is the first we're hearing of it," Cerdan said. "And frankly, it scares us, too." The timing of the hacking coincided with a planned effort by advocacy organisations and health researchers - including Barquera, Calvillo and Encarnacion - to coordinate a mass media campaign to build support for doubling the soda tax, an effort that stalled in Mexico's Congress in November. The three men also opposed a failed effort by Mexican legislators and soda lobbyists in 2015 to cut the tax in half. One week after health researchers and advocates announced their campaign in a news conference last northern summer, their phones began to buzz with the spyware-laced messages. "This is proof that surveillance in Mexico is out of control," said Luis Fernando Garcia, director of the Red en Defensa de los Derechos Digitales, a Mexican digital rights non-profit better known by the acronym R3D. "When we have proof that this surveillance is being used against nutritional activists, it's clear Mexico should not be given these technologies." 'This is proof that surveillance in Mexico is out of control': Luis Fernando Garcia, director of digital rights non-profit R3D. Credit:Adriana Zehbrauskas NSO Group's motto is "Make the World a Safer Place". But its spyware is increasingly turning up on the phones of journalists, dissidents and human rights activists. NSO spyware was discovered on the phone of a human rights activist in the United Arab Emirates and a prominent Mexican journalist in August. Researchers at the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs discovered NSO had exploited flaws in Apple software - since patched - to infiltrate the phones of Emirati activist Ahmed Mansoor and Mexican journalist Rafael Cabrera. Ahmed Mansoor, a human rights activist from the United Arab Emirates, found out he was under government surveillance after he called for universal suffrage. Credit:The New York Times In 2015, Cabrera reported that a luxury home that had been custom-built for Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and his wife was owned by the subsidiary of a Chinese company that had been awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in government contracts. Cabrera's report forced the presidential couple to forgo its stake in the home and the government to rescind contracts. The discovery of spyware on Cabrera's phone prompted digital rights activists to warn more journalists and activists in Mexico to look out for similarly suspicious text messages. In the process, they uncovered a new class of targets: nutrition policymakers and activists, some of whom were government employees. A journalist who exposed Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (pictured) over a luxury home found spyware on his phone. Credit:AP Each had been targeted by NSO's main product, a tracking system called Pegasus, that could extract their text messages, contact lists, calendar records, emails, instant messages and location. It turned their phones into recording devices and secretly captured live footage off their cameras. Its full range of capabilities was detailed in an NSO Group marketing proposal leaked to The New York Times last year. In interviews and statements, NSO Group - whose headquarters are in Herzliya, Israel, but which sold a controlling stake in 2014 to Francisco Partners, a San Francisco-based private equity firm - claims to sell its spyware only to law enforcement agencies to track terrorists, criminals and drug lords. NSO executives point to technical safeguards that prevent clients from sharing its spy tools. An NSO spokesman reiterated those restrictions in a statement Thursday, and said the company had no knowledge of the tracking of health researchers and advocates inside Mexico. Mexico was listed as the biggest client of Hacking Team, the Italian cyber-surveillance firm, which was hacked in 2015. Hacked internal documents published online showed that at least 14 Mexican states and government agencies had paid $US6.3 million to Hacking Team for its spy tools since 2010. Mexico's Interior Ministry, which operates CISEN, the civil national security intelligence service, was listed as Hacking Team's highest-paying client. Other clients included the Mexican navy, federal police and attorney-general's office, as well as several Mexican states. The leaked Hacking Team emails also revealed that the firm was increasingly facing competition from NSO Group to procure contracts with CISEN, the Mexican attorney general's office and SEDENA, an acronym for the office of Mexico's secretary of national defence. The health researchers did not discover their phones had been targeted with NSO spyware until August. That month, SocialTIC, a Mexican digital security nonprofit, and R3D warned its contacts to look for suspicious messages. A subsequent forensics investigation by Citizen Lab of the messages sent to Calvillo, Barquera, Encarnacion and others confirmed that they were laced with NSO Group spyware. NSO Group executives say they have a strict vetting process to determine the countries with which they will do business, which includes an ethics committee comprising employees and an outside counsel that vets potential government clients based on human rights rankings set by the World Bank and other bodies. Executives said they had pulled contracts when they uncovered human rights violations. Bill Marczak has developed a free tool that he gives to dissidents and journalists from countries with questionable human rights records to help counter commercially purchased surveillance software. Credit:ELIZABETH D. HERMAN But it is unclear how the Mexican spy efforts made it through the vetting process. "This is one of the most brazen cases of abuse we have ever seen," said John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab. "It points to a total breakdown of government oversight in Mexico, and a complete failure of due diligence by the NSO Group." In interviews, Barquera, Encarnacion and Calvillo all said they were not sure which government agency could be behind the hacking. Each said he was wary of using his phone for sensitive communications. And yet they insist they are undeterred. "Suddenly, you are aware of everything you say," Barquera said. "Everything you say feels like a potential threat, that it could come back to haunt you." Seoul: North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast early on Sunday, the first such test since US President Donald Trump was elected, and his administration indicated that Washington would have a calibrated response to avoid escalating tensions. The test was of an intermediate-range missile that landed in the Sea of Japan, according to the US Defence Department, not an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which the North has said it could test at any time. The launch came from the same region where Kim Jong-un's regime fired a mid-range Musudan missile last October. The launch comes as US President Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Florida. North Korea has launched a series of missiles and conducted three nuclear tests since Kim came to power about five years ago. Seoul: North Korea said on Monday it had successfully test-fired a new type of medium-to-long-range ballistic missile on Sunday, claiming further advancement in a weapons program it is pursuing in violation of United Nations resolutions. North Korea fired the ballistic missile into the sea early on Sunday, the first test of US President Donald Trump's vow to get tough on an isolated North Korean regime that last year tested nuclear devices and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate. The North's state-run KCNA news agency said leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test of the Pukguksong-2, a new type of strategic weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year, although its claims to be able to miniaturise a nuclear weapon to be mounted on a missile have never been independently verified. He wrote some of Trump's most strident speeches during the campaign, including his Republican National Convention acceptance address in which Trump declared that "nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it." And Miller sometimes served as the warm-up act for Trump at his large campaign rallies, including a rip-roaring speech in Wisconsin during the Republican primary when Miller thrashed Trump's chief rival, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, for supporting increases in legal immigration that would result in more Muslims entering the country - a position Miller charged that Cruz held with "no regard, no concern" for how it would "affect the security of you and your family." After reports of Miller's central role crafting the order imposing a 90-day ban on citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the United States, the young aide has drawn uncomfortable new scrutiny. MSNBC's Joe Scarborough, host of the "Morning Joe" program that is a Trump favourite, recently blasted Miller as a "very young person in the White House on a power trip thinking that you can just write executive orders and tell all of your Cabinet agencies to go to hell." For Miller, though, working in the Trump White House is a natural culmination of his young career - a chance to work for a president who appears to share his zeal for getting under the skin of political opponents. "The way that people on the left abuse and slam people on the right - that's probably the thing that's most concerned Stephen," said Elder, the Los Angeles-based conservative talk-show host who Miller describes as a mentor. "The lack of fairness. The left wing dominance in academia. The left wing dominance in the media. The left wing dominance in Hollywood." Miller's ideological awakening found its roots in a left-leaning high school where he has written that social life and academics were badly segregated, despite what he saw as a devotion among teachers and administrators to multiculturalism. "My best judgment at the time was that the educational answer that had been provided, which was to reject the melting-pot formula in favour of an educational formula that focused on all the things that made us different, was not working," he told The Washington Post in an interview. Miller said he rejects the "provocateur" label, saying it suggests that his intentions are to seek attention rather than what he says is his true goal - "to battle against slim odds, a stacked deck and powerful entrenched forces, in pursuit of justice." Miller said he turned away from the more liberal politics of his parents as he grew up in Santa Monica after buying a subscription to Guns & Ammo magazine and becoming familiar with the writings of actor Charlton Heston, a longtime president of the National Rifle Association. Miller began appearing on Elder's show, a local broadcast that is aired in 300 markets, after the 9/11 attacks, when he felt his hometown lacked sufficient patriotism. Elder said that Miller called in the first time to voice objections to his school's failure to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily as required by state law. In writings at the time and later, Miller said he lobbied for the pledge recitation against a recalcitrant administration that refused to put the practice in place even after he had flagged the legal violation. "Osama Bin Laden would feel very welcome at Santa Monica High School," he wrote in a letter to the editor at the time. "It's difficult to overstate the extent to which the instructional environment on campus was breathtakingly PC," Miller said in an interview. Mark Kelly, who was the principal at the time, said he did not recall the episode as a major fight. When Miller flagged the issue, Kelly said he researched the law and realised that the school, indeed, needed to change its policy and institute the recitation of the pledge. Miller was invited to lead the pledge after it was reinstated. "Stephen was right," Kelly recalled. The victory was a validation for Miller of the necessity to fight powerful figures who opposed his views. Miller pushed the school administration over his desire to host an on-campus speech by David Horowitz - a onetime Marxist, then controversial far-right conservative - who became an early mentor and would later introduce Miller to Sessions. Horowitz recalls being immediately impressed with Miller. "One of the things that struck me when I became a conservative was that conservatives don't have any fight," Horowitz said. "They don't have any stomach for it. . . . Stephen Miller had that from the get-go." Cultural-identity issues appeared to particularly animate Miller. In a column in his high school newspaper, titled "A Time to Kill," he urged violent response to radical Islamists. "We have all heard about how peaceful and benign the Islamic religion is, but no matter how many times you say that, it cannot change the fact that millions of radical Muslims would celebrate your death for the simple reason that you are Christian, Jewish or American," Miller wrote. Ari Rosmarin, a civil rights lawyer who edited the student newspaper at time, recalled that Miller was especially critical of a Mexican American student group. "I think he's got a very sharp understanding of what words and issues will poke and provoke progressives, because he came up around it and really cut his teeth picking these fights that had low stakes but high offence," Rosmarin said. That skill led Miller to become a mini-celebrity in conservative intellectual circles because of his passion, age and home town. He appeared 70 times on Elder's show before his high school graduation, according to the host. "He found a really unique role to play that was deeply attractive to national conservatives," Rosmarin said. "He was like a lonely warrior behind enemy lines." In the halls of Santa Monica High School, though, where students and teachers took pride in their ethnic diversity and liberal values, Miller was becoming something of a pariah. That environment prompted Miller to become even more assertive, recalled one of his former teachers. "He had to come on a little strong as a defense mechanism - just to survive," said the teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear for how colleagues would react to the defense of an alumnus so closely associated with Trump. "He came under a lot of fire, even from teachers." At Duke, Miller wrote a biweekly column for the student newspaper that regularly aroused the ire of classmates. "Men and women are in many ways the same, but they're also innately and magnificently different," he wrote in one column that argued laws requiring men and women to be paid equally would hurt businesses and that the pay gap largely resulted from women taking time off for childbirth, being less willing to ask for raises and being less likely to take part in hazardous work. "The point is that the pay gap has virtually nothing to do with gender discrimination," he wrote. "Sorry, feminists. Hate to break this good news to you." In a column titled "The Case for Christmas," Miller, who is Jewish, argued that the holiday should be more widely recognised as a "crucial American holiday." "Christianity is embedded in the very soul of our nation," he wrote. Miller stepped into the national spotlight after three white lacrosse players were falsely accused of rape in a case rife with racial tension. The players were eventually cleared and the local district attorney was disbarred for prosecutorial misconduct in the case. Miller wrote a series of columns about the case and appeared on national television to discuss it. "This travesty has been allowed to continue because we live in a nation paralysed by racial paranoia," he wrote in November 2006, writing that professors and others were frightened to speak in defense of the students because the district attorney had turned the case into a racial crusade and opposition "would be perceived negatively by the black community and that there would be a political price to pay." Speaking years later about his role as an advocate for the players, Miller told The Washington Post: "The one takeaway I have from it is that in a difficult moment, I took a stand on principle - and I was correct." Reflecting more broadly on his college-era columns, Miller said his writings were a good reflection of his views at the time. But, he said, "I would surely hope that any person who was a writer about political and controversial topics in college would find that their thoughts had matured on a variety of issues." He declined to outline where his own views had changed over time. Miller's outspokenness in the lacrosse case first brought him to the attention of Richard Spencer, a white nationalist who was a Duke graduate student at the time. Spencer said he became friendly with Miller through the Duke Conservative Union in fall 2006. "He was very out in front, very bold and strong," Spencer said in an interview. Spencer last year told website Daily Beast that he was a "mentor" to Miller, which Miller has angrily denied. "I condemn him. I condemn his views. I have no relationship with him. He was not my friend," Miller said. Miller noted that he served on campus as the executive director of the leading conservative group, which put him in contact with Spencer. "Our interaction was limited to the activities of the organisation, of which he was a member, and thus ceased upon graduation," Miller said. But Spencer said that the two met frequently during their Duke days. As first reported by Mother Jones magazine, they both helped organise an immigration debate between Peter Brimelow, an anti-immigration activist whose website has been labelled a hate site by the Southern Poverty Law Center, and Peter Laufer, who advocated for opening the southern U.S. border. Spencer praised Miller's media savvy and organisational skills in advance of that event. David Bitner, a friend of Miller's who also belonged to the conservative club at Duke, said the two did interact in the small group. But Bitner called it "scurrilous libel" for Spencer to claim he was Miller's mentor. "Richard Spencer believes in white identity politics. Stephen Miller disavows identity politics," he said. Nevertheless, Miller's role in the White House has been greeted with enthusiasm by Spencer and other white nationalist figures. "He is not a white nationalist," Spencer said. "But you can't be this passionate about the immigration issue and not have a sense of the American nation as it historically emerged." After attending Trump's inauguration, Jared Taylor, another high-profile white nationalist, posted a piece to his website in which he wrote that Trump is "not a racially conscious white man" but that there "are men close to him - Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions, Stephen Miller - who may have a clearer understanding of race, and their influence could grow." In an interview, Taylor said he was "speculating" and that he has not met or spoken with Miller. Miller said he has "profound objections" to the views advanced by Taylor and Spencer, saying: "I condemn this rancid ideology." Elder, who is black, said he has never heard Miller speak of Spencer or Taylor or express what he considers racist views. Instead, Elder said, Miller believes as he does: "Race and racism are no longer major problems in America. This is the fairest majority-white country in the world. If you work hard and make good decisions, you'll be fine." Miller said that his views at the time were best summed up in a 2005 column in the Santa Monica Mirror, titled "My Dream for the End of Racism," in which he argued that Americans should focus on how far the country has come in overcoming such prejudice. "No one claims that racism is extinct - but it is endangered," he wrote. "And if we are to entirely extract this venom of prejudice from the United States, I proclaim Americanism to be the key." Focusing on "multiculturalism," he wrote, has had the effect of keeping different groups separate. Miller's White House role is in many ways a departure for an activist who has mostly seen himself as representing an oppressed political minority. Now he holds the power, helping to drive the government while working steps from the Oval Office. Bitner said he wonders how Miller's tactics will translate. "I don't think he's had the opportunity to practice this," he said. "These are all outsiders, many of them people who have been vocal minorities. How do you transition from there to governing?" PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, February 9th, 2017 police continued with their general controls as was published in social media and local newspapers last week. One of these general controls was held between 08.00 p.m. and 12.00 a.m. on different locations on the Dutch side of the island including the round-a-bout at the Grand Marche Supermarket in Cul-desac. During the general control at this location, a total of 46 vehicles were stopped and controlled. These controls led to the arrest of three men with initials H.R.P. (26), J.J.A (21) and J.H.A. (19) for the possession a substantial amount of marijuana that was found in the vehicle the suspects were driving in at the time of the control. The marihuana was found by the Justice K-9 Unit after they were called in to assist in the search. The suspects in question were all arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where they remained in custody for further investigation. The vehicle and the marijuana were also confiscated for further investigation. As the controls continued at approximately 10.30 p.m. at that same location, two police officers taking part in the controls were intentionally driven into by two vehicles driven by unknown persons who, for whatever reason, did not want to be stopped by police. The officers in question gave the drivers of the vehicles a timely and noticeable stop sign and directed them where they should bring their vehicle to a stop to be controlled. These drivers, however, did not adhere to the stop sign and other instructions given by the police officers but instead increased the speed of their vehicles and drove directly at the officers obligating them to jump out of the away to avoid being run over. A similar incident took place in Low Lands on Saturday February 11th during another general traffic control, at which time a motorcycle rider diced that he was not going to be stopped by police and intentionally rode his motorcycle at very high speed at the officer who gave him a stop sign but, had to jump aside to avoid be ran over. The behavior of these two drivers and motorcycle rider is totally unacceptable by the police. The actions that these persons have chosen to take to avoid being stopped by police is a criminal act. If these officers did not jump out of the way there is a great possibility that they could have been seriously injured or even lost their life. An investigation into who these two drivers and motorcycle rider were is ongoing. Once these persons have been identified they will be arrested and charged. The police are informing the entire community that they will NOT accept and NOT be intimidated by this type of aggressive criminal behavior and WILL NOT STOP in carrying out their duties. These controls, as a matter of fact, will continue to intensify. The police are here to serve and protect the community of Sint Maarten. The community is therefore asked to give their fullest cooperation during these controls which are to the benefit of everyone. KPSM Press Release PHILIPSBURG:--- In commemoration of International Mother Language Day (February 21), the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS) Ms. Silveria Jacobs invites the general public, schools, poets and literary artists to participate and present in an upcoming SMaatin English Poetry/Storytelling/Narration Competition. This event will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at the New Government Building on Soualiga Blvd., in Conference Room 1, 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. and is hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization National Committee (UNESCO NatCom) in collaboration with the Department of Culture. Since 1999, UNESCO has designated February 21 as the annual International Mother Language Day which serves to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world (www.unesco.org). Knowing, writing and speaking in ones mother language is an essential tool for the transmission and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Therefore this year we seek to highlight our very own local and mother tongue language SMaatin English in order to increase awareness and inspire pride in our oral traditions, history, and cultural expressions. Students and persons of all ages are encouraged to sign up for this competition and will be asked to create and recite poems, tell stories, perform skits and/or narrate from books in SMaatin English. There will be a judging panel and prizes will be given to the top three finalists. To participate or present at this event please contact the St. Maarten NatCom for UNESCO via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and/or the Department of Culture via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . A signup sheet can be downloaded directly from the St. Maarten Government website at www.sintmaartengov.org. PHILIPSBURG:--- The deputy Prime Minister of St. Maarten Rafael Boasman dispatched a letter on Sunday, February 12th to all department heads, civil servants and persons working for the Government of St. Maarten not to meet with the appointed Dutch Quarter Master Mr. Hans Leijtens until further notice. The letter sent to all government workers can be viewed below this article. Deputy Prime Minister Boasman said the instruction comes after the Council of Ministers adopted the motion passed by parliament not to continue with the establishment of the Integrity Chamber since the Constitutional Court threw out the protocol that was signed by the former Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson and the Minster of Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk. The letter further states that Prime Minister William Marlin is scheduled to meet with Plasterk in Aruba during his visit there. Click here to read the letter to all department heads and civil servants on Sunday. By PTI: New Delhi, Feb 12 (PTI) A special court has allowed DMK leader Kanimozhi, an accused in the 2G spectrum allocation case, to travel abroad for five days this month. Special CBI Judge O P Saini allowed the DMK MP to travel to Rwanda and Uganda from February 19 to 24 after noting that the travel was not a private visit but part of an official delegation, as she was requiredtoaccompanythe Vice President of India on his visit to these countries. advertisement The court, however, put several conditions on her and asked her to furnish a surety bond of Rs 2.5 lakh. It also warned the accused not to tamper with any evidence or try to contact any witness during her stay abroad and directed her to file details of her places of stay and telephone numbers. "She has always been diligent in attending the court and has given no occasion to any quarter to question her conduct in the court. As such, there is no material on record to apprehend that she may misuse the liberty of travelling abroad, if granted to her. Moreover, the foreign travel to be undertaken by her is not a private visit, but part of official delegation...," the court said. It noted that the case was at the stage of final arguments and her personal presence was not always necessary. In her application, the DMK leader stated that pursuant to her duties as Member of Parliament, she was required to accompany the Vice President. She said the visit was official in nature. The CBI, which initially opposed her application, submitted that it had no objection to her prayer, except that she must make a firm statement that she has informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat/office of the Vice President about the pendency of the instant cases. At this, the DMK MP told the court that the Secretariat of the Vice President has been informed about the pendency of the case. Besides Kanimozhi, former Telecom Minister A Raja and former Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura are also accused along with 14 others in the 2G spectrum case. In its charge sheet, CBI has alleged a loss of Rs 30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of 122 licences for 2G spectrum, which was scrapped by the Supreme Court on February 2, 2012. All the accused, who are out on bail, have denied the allegations levelled against them by the CBI. PTI UK ARC DV DK --- ENDS --- Everything you need to know about the Irish vs. No. 5 Clemson at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday night By Press Trust of India: Lucknow, Feb 11 (PTI) Around 30 per cent votes were today polled till noon in 73 Assembly constituencies in the first of the seven-phase UP polls being seen as a litmus test for Prime Minister Narendra Modis nearly three-year rule. The outcome of the polls in which the SP and Congress have come together in the state for the first time are expected to be the bellwether for the next Lok Sabha polls. advertisement The BJP is hoping to return to power in the state after 13 years while Mayawatis BSP, which fared the worst the last time around, hopes to stage a comeback. The polling has so far been peaceful in the 15 districts of western Uttar Pradesh, some of which are sensitive. "Polling is going on peacefully amidst tight security arrangements and till noon around 30 per cent votes have been cast," an official said. A total of 2.60 crore voters, including over 1.17 crore women and 1,508 belonging to third gender category are eligible to cast their ballot to decide the fate of 839 candidates. The first phase of polling will decide the electoral fortunes of Pankaj Singh (Noida seat), son of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Mathur (Mathura) against whom BJP spokesman Srikant Sharma is in fray, Mriganka Singh (Kairana), daughter of BJP MP Hukum Singh and controversial BJP MLAs Sangeet Som and Suresh Rana - Sardhan and Thanabhawan respectively. Former BJP state president Lakshmikant Bajpai (Meerut), RJD chief Lalu Prasads son-in-law Rahul Singh (SP) from Sikandarabad, and Sandeep Singh, grandson of Rajasthan Govenor Kalyan Singh from Atrauli are among other key figures in this phase. The districts where polling is on in this phase are Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura, Hathras, Agra, Firozabad, Etah and Kasganj. In the 73 constituencies where polling is being held today, SP and BSP had bagged 24 seats each, BJP 11, Rashtriya Lok Dal headed by Ajit Singh nine and Congress five in the 2012 polls. (MORE) PTI SAB SMI DV --- ENDS --- 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 Why do the majority of astronomers believe in dark matter: matter whose composition is unknown but which seems to make up 80% of the mass of the galaxies? The concept was invented in the 1930's by Fritz Zwicky who used it to explain why the galaxies in the Coma cluster are moving much more quickly than can be explained in terms of their known masses. The most decisive step was taken in the ... more By PTI: Kulgam (J-K), Feb 12 (PTI) Four militants, two army personnel and a civilian were killed in a fierce gunfight in the wee hours today at a hideout shared by the banned LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen in a village in south Kashmir. The encounter killing of the four local militants set off a violent protest by the villagers following which the army opened fire causing injuries to 15 civilians, one of whom later died. advertisement Acting on specific technical and human intelligence about the presence of militants, security forces swooped down on their hideout at Nagbal village, 70 km south of Srinagar and engaged them in an encounter, leading to their killing. The state police had alerted the security forces about the presence of militants at the house of a tailor at the village in Kulgam district, a hotbed of militancy. The security forces have achieved a "major success", Director General of Police S P Vaid told PTI. "However, it is unfortunate that two soldiers were martyred and son of the house owner got caught in the crossfire and succumbed to injuries," he said. Officials present at the scene said a cordon was thrown around the village by Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police at around 3:30 AM. The contingent moved in to mount the assault after a team of Rashtriya Rifles, a force carved out of the army for counter-insurgency operations, arrived around 4 AM. Initial search at the residence of the tailor did not yield any results. However, a fresh search was made. This time the son of the house owner was asked to show around the places which the security forces may have missed. The team noticed a false ceiling which, upon being forced opened, prompted firing by the militants. In the ensuing encounter, two army personnel identified as Lance Naik Raghubeer Singh and Lance Naik Bhandoriya Gopal Sinh as well as son of the tailor were killed. After a fierce exchange of fire which went on for nearly three hours, four militants identified as Muddasir Ahmed Tantray and Wakeel Ahmed Thokar (Lashkar-e-Taiba) and Farooq Ahmed Bhatt and Mohameed Younis Lone of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed. While Tantray was an active militant since August 2014, Thokar had joined LeT in September last year. Lone had been recruited in Hizbul Mujahideen only in January this year, while Bhatt was with the outfit since June 2015. The officials said three militants, believed to have been injured, ran into the adjacent forests. Dreaded Hizbul militant Altaf Kachroo was suspected to be among them. A hunt has been launched to apprehend them. Four guns have been recovered from the scene. More PTI MIJ SKL SK SK --- ENDS --- advertisement The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement By PTI: Ahmedabad, Feb 12 (PTI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today demanded investigation into the Naliya sex racket case by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a sitting High Court judge and threatened to launch state-wide agitation on the issue. Talking to reporters here today, Delhis rural development minister Gopal Rai alleged that the ruling BJP in Gujarat was trying to shield the "big names" allegedly involved in the sex racket and demanded investigation monitored by an SIT led by a sitting HC judge. advertisement "Only local leaders of BJP are not involved in Naliya sex racket. Several big names too are involved, because such a big racket cannot be possible without the involvement of big names. Ever since the matter came to light, there are efforts to shield the mastermind," Rai alleged. He alleged that the racket extended till Ahmedabad and many big BJP leaders are involved which is why the culprits are being shielded. "We demand constitution of an SIT headed by a sitting High Court judge so that the matter is investigated independently and the names of the main mastermind and those associated with him come out," he said. "We will monitor the development closely and will also launch state-wide agitation and raise the issue at the Centre if our demands are not met by the government," he said. Meanwhile, Gandhinagar police detained around 25 women belonging to AAP when they were protesting outside Chief Minister Vijay Rupanis bungalow over the issue. The matter came to light after eight persons including local leaders of BJP were arrested in connection with the gangrape of the victim at Naliya town in Kutch district. In her FIR, the 24-year-old woman alleged that she was raped by at least nine persons on different occasions after an accused made a video of the act and threatened to circulate the video clip. The victim has alleged in her FIR that the accused have been running a sex racket in Kutch district and forcing victims to have sex with numerous persons after blackmailing them by making video. PTI KA RMT --- ENDS --- Andhra Assembly Speaker K Siva Prasad Rao said women today are exposed to society and "exposure increases chances of rape and kidnapping". By India Today Web Desk: If Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi's statement on "sugar attracting ants" on the New Year's Eve mass molestation in Bengaluru shocked you, Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker K Siva Prasad Rao said women like cars should be parked at homes to ensure their safety. "When a vehicle is parked in a garage, accidents can be avoided," the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker said comparing women to cars. advertisement ALSO READ: Sharad Yadav's shocker: Beti ki izzat se vote ki izzat badi hai, refuses to apologise HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: While speaking to media recently, Speaker K Siva Prasad Rao, who is a member of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), said "in older times, women were safe from atrocities". He said women today are exposed to society and "exposure increases chances of rape and kidnapping". His advice: "If they (women) don't leave home, this won't happen". The Speaker compared women to cars and said "when a car is speeding, more accidents likely". "When a vehicle is parked in a garage, accidents can be avoided," he said. The Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker thus inferred, if women stay at home, crimes against them will cease to happen. The Speaker's comments gave Twitterati a field day with some saying "Men will not rape, if parked at home like cars". A few days ago, principal of a government polytechnic college in Mumbai said women who "dress like men" tend to suffer from poly cystic ovarian diseases (PCOD). Earlier, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi made sexist remarks about women inviting trouble following the Bengaluru mass molestation incident on the eve of New Year. "In this modern age, the more naked a woman is, the more fashionable she is considered... If there is petrol somewhere, there is bound to be fire. If there is sugar, ants are bound to come," Azmi had said inviting criticism from all corners. ALSO READ: Women sugar, molesters ants: 10 Abu Azmi shockers on Bengaluru nightmare 4 outfits Indian women should wear to prevent PCOD, eve-teasing and rapes ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Paris, February 11, 2017 (SPS) - A second shipment of goods from Western Sahara is due to arrive in Rouen, Normandy, France on Saturday, as opposed to the decision of the European Union Court of Justice of 21 December, as reported by Western Sahara Resource Watch (WSRW) . The BBC Magellan anchored at the port of the Saharawi capital of El Aaiun was seen and photographed on 4 February with salt cargo from the territory of Western Sahara occupied by Morocco, the same source said. This is not the first time that the France receives a shipment from Western Sahara, remember that Olvea, a company specialized in the production and commercialization of oils, received a large quantity of fish oil from the occupied territory at the port of Fecamp, Despite the protests of the Frente POLISARIO, a legitimate representative of the Saharawi people, the Saharawi community in France and French associations. The EU Court of Justice ruling of December 21 made it clear that the association and liberalization agreements that are established between the EU and Morocco are not applicable in Western Sahara because of their special status guaranteed by the UN Charter. WSRW recalls that it is not yet known the customer of this de-icing salt load that is generally used in Europe by the municipalities or states on slippery roads in winter. This monitoring network of the looting of the Saharawi natural resources estimates that imports are often carried out by a private or public import company. It is likely, according to WSRW, that the salt comes from the production plant of Umm D'baa in the occupied Western Sahara or from Akfhennir in southern Morocco. The BBC's Magellan spacecraft, a 5,444 tonne cargo vessel, sails under the flag of Antigua and Bermuda and is operated by the German shipping company BBC Chartering, WSRW says. The Frente POLISARIO had filed a complaint in January to the Interregional Customs Directorate of Rouen on the cargo of fish oil imported "illegally" from Western Sahara. In early February, the owner of the Danish company Dansk Vejsalt, which imported from Western Sahara from 2013, had declared that it would end these imports from Western Sahara, a territory occupied by Morocco. SPS 125/090/TRA This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It's that time of year again. The Knot released its annual report on wedding trends, and the average cost for 2016 comes to ... drum roll please ... $35,329. This is an 8 percent increase from the 2015 average of $32,641. That's a national average, with a lot of variation across the country. According to the Knot's study of 13,000 heterosexual couples who married in the United States last year, the most expensive place to get hitched is Manhattan, with the average wedding there costing $78,464; and the most affordable spot is Arkansas, at an average of $19,522. The survey found that, on average, a bride's parents cover 44 percent of the overall wedding budget; the couple contribute 42 percent; and a groom's parents' pay for 13 percent. However, 10 percent of couples pay for their weddings entirely on their own. Last year, we brainstormed five things you could get for about the same price as a wedding: a boat, a trip around the world, two years of graduate school tuition, one year of college for 10 women in Africa or 82,000 meals for people in the Washington, D.C., area. We're keeping that tradition alive with six new ideas of how to spend $35,000 if you were to forgo a wedding altogether. More Living Here's how much people are spending to get married in San Francisco 1) Food truck: $34,000 Some couples rent food trucks as a low-cost catering option at their weddings. However, an entrepreneurial couple could buy their own food truck for the price of a wedding - Craigslist recently had a posting in the D.C. area for a food truck with a 14-foot kitchen includes a griddle, deep fryer, stove, salad bar unit, freezer and more for $34,000. Parking permits and taco shells sold separately. 2) Model 3 Tesla: $35,000 Let's say you're in the market for a less-clunky vehicle than a food truck. There's the "Tesla for the masses," available at just $35,000 (compared to their other models, which range from $68,000 to $140,000). After the electric-vehicle tax credit, you'll have $7,000 or so left over to fund your honeymoon. 3) Feed 350 school children, on weekends, for an entire school year: $35,000 The average amount spent on catering at a wedding in 2016 was $71 per guest. Now, the full price of a wedding could provide food for 350 school children on the weekends. According to its website, the nonprofit organization Blessings in a Backpack provides food to 89,000 children who get free meals at school but can't always count on being fed over the weekends. 4) Tiny home: $35,000 In a tiny home (typically 300 square feet), you'd have no room for wedding gifts anyway, so good thing you're skipping the nuptials. The Tiny House Blog puts the average contractor-built tiny house at $35,000, though there's quite a range out there. 5) Go on $35,000 worth of extravagant dinner dates Let's see: For about $16,000, two people can dine at the world's 12 most expensive restaurants -- according to this list from Forbes - in New York, Spain, France, Japan, Beverly Hills and more. That leaves about $20,000 left over for airfare and hotels, which should do just fine as long as you're not flying first-class and staying at the world's most expensive hotels. 6) Four tickets on the 50-yard line at the Super Bowl: $36,000 According to TicketCity, around $9,000 will get you a club-level premium ticket to this year's Super Bowl on the 50-yard line. For $36,000, you and your significant other can go - and bring your best friends along. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The second winter storm in two days hit Fairfield County on Sunday, dropping a few inches of snow and a measure of rain and sleet before setting its sights on the rest of New England. It was just getting its act together moving by [Connecticut], said Bill Jacquemin, a meteorologist for the Connecticut Weather Center in Danbury. It will be northern and central New England getting a lot of snow, Jacquemin said. It flipped this time. The last storm they didnt get as much. In Bridgeport, the storm dropped a few inches of snow before turning to sleet and light rain, and leaving a slushy mess on roads. Similar totals were seen across Fairfield County, with 2.7 inches reported in New Canaan and 2.2 inches in Danbury by late Sunday afternoon. The rest of New England, however, was expected to fare far worse. More than a foot of snow was predicted for most of the region as the storm moved north overnight Sunday and through Monday. Blizzard warnings were issued for the Bangor, Maine area and a blizzard watch was issued for Cape Cod, Nantucket Island and all of coastal New England north of Boston. Jacquemin said between one and three inches fell in the southwestern coastal portion of Connecticut, two to four inches along the I-84 corridor and three to five inches north of I-84. The storm behaved as expected, Jacquemin said. The snow broke out on time and ended as expected. Its pretty dynamic pattern that is sending one storm after another. The storm caused scattered problems on the Fairfield Countys highways. One accident on the southbound side of I-95 in Milford between exits 34 and 32 closed the center and right lanes, according to the state Department of Transportation. Bridgeport declared a snow emergency Sunday and continued a parking ban on the even side of streets. Some power losses were reported, although not as many as had been feared from the heavy wet snow. Nine Greenwich residents and 10 Norwalk customers were without power Sunday afternoon, according to Eversource. Governor Dannel P. Malloy on Sunday said state officials were monitoring the storm as it rolled through the state and urged drivers to stay home if possible. Travel could become difficult during the afternoon hours, Malloy said Sunday afternoon. If you must travel, motorists are reminded to take it slow and allow for plenty of braking distance between themselves and the vehicles in front of them. The forecast for the region on Monday called for partly sunny skies but the storm will leave behind high winds, with gusts up 45 mph. As an entrepreneur, it is more important than ever for you to create an efficient marketing strategy. Because startups often have low budgets, finding the right marketing stack that covers the variety of different sectors within a marketing strategy is crucial. Today, it is possible for you to access these tools without spending a dime. Below, Ive put together a list of the top free digital marketing resources that will help you maximize your marketing efforts to achieve success. SEO: Ubersuggest, SEMrush, Adwords, and Yoast Wincher allows you to track how your website is performing. From there, you can run these through SEMrush or Google Adwords Keyword Planner for a more thorough analysis of your chosen keywords. Both offer free digital marketing resources such as keyword search volumes, relating keywords, competitor analysis for chosen keywords, and projected costs for any future Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns. However, unlike SEMrush, the Keyword Planner allows you to search for a group of keywords at a time, and gives accurate suggestions for alternative keywords that may perform better for startups. Googles Analytical Tools Tracking traffic and analyzing visitor behaviour on your site is crucial to understanding what attracts your target audience and what needs improving. Google Analytics gives you a monstrous amount of information on users that visit your website. With these tools you can track where your traffic is coming from, how long visitors are staying on your page, and even see who is on your page in real-time. Internet entrepreneur and digital strategist, Abhilash Patel, says that, Google Analytics is more than just a free tool, it is an essential part of your marketing strategy. If you arent using it to track your web traffic, you are missing out on some of the most important insights into your campaign. Other free analytics tools include Google Search Console and Google Trends, who offer slightly different features. All of these are based on analyzing different aspects of the traffic that reaches your website, where its coming from, and how deep its going into your page. Content Marketing: Grammarly, Hemingway, and Co Schedule Headline Analyser Human editors and spell checkers are still required, but are not enough from a marketing point of view. Grammarly automatically spell checks anything you write or publish in an internet browser. The application can be downloaded as an extension on your web browser and be used everywhere apart from Google Docs. Social Media Marketing: Buffer, Hootsuite, and TweetDeck Staying live on social media to keep your audience engaged is key. But, as this is a full time job in itself, Buffer allows you to batch the social media marketing process by allowing you to do all your composing in one go, and schedule it for a later date. Users can also create campaigns and analyze their success. Hootsuite and TweetDeck also offer free social media management plans, with slightly different options to Buffer. Email Marketing: GetResponce Email marketing offers a more personalized interaction with your audience. This form of marketing gives you more control over moving your customers through the sales funnel naturally. The free GetResponce plan is one of the most prominent email marketing tools allowing you to try for one month free, scheduling them according to your past performance. You can then build tailored campaigns to help turn prospects to leads, and eventually, leads to sales. CRM: Zoho CRM tools make it easy to grow and track your sales funnel. The software automatically manages your sales pipeline, documents all points of contact with your prospects and current clients, logs sales, and allows you to see everything about each lead in one place. This tells your sales team at what point of the buyers journey your leads are at, which in turn enables them to focus their efforts appropriately. From developing a website or blog, to managing your leads, and connecting your entire team, there are a number of free digital marketing resources that make every aspect of creating an efficient strategy easier. By making the most of these free tools, you will be able to catapult your startup to success. Related: How to Build the Best Marketing Strategy You Can Using Only Free Tools How this Indian Entrepreneur Bootstrapped his Company for Six Years 2016: An Avant-garde Year for Startups Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Hey, @realDonaldTrump, keep these Tweets coming! #MakeAmericaHateAgain Not every Tweet is worth more than 140 characters, but permit us to expand a bit on our faux Twitter version of this editorial. After U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., revealed that Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch described President Donald J. Trumps attacks on the judiciary as disheartening and demoralizing, the Commander-in-Tweets fired back. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him? @realDonaldTrump Tweeted Thursday. In his next Tweet, Trump wrote Chris Cuomo, in his interview with Sen. Blumenthal, never asked him about his long-term lie about his brave service in Vietnam. FAKE NEWS! Yes, the office that once delivered such noble declarations as The only thing we have to fear is fear itself; He serves his party best who serves the country best; and Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth has been reduced to rants expressed in capital letters and exclamation points. Trump not only missed his target, he missed the point. Gorsuchs comments and their intent have been confirmed. The presidents attempt at misdirection not only flopped, but he has failed to address that his choice for the highest court in the land has deemed his own words unseemly. From his Twitter corner, Blumenthal has suggested Gorsuch go public with his condemnation of Trumps criticism of judges rather than whisper behind the presidents back. Its hard to imagine how the president reasoned that the Vietnam slam was the appropriate response, though it managed to inspire fresh Fox News headlines about the dusty controversy over Blumenthals Vietnam-era service. The senator was enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The president got a deferment because of bone spurs in his heels. These days, those same feet keep landing in Americas mouth with one cringeworthy comment after another spilling out over Twitter. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy was just the latest of Trumps critics to voice a call for the president to stop acting like an insult comic with his fingers. For Gods sake, somebody take his phone away, Malloy said. Please dont. Let Trump continue to expose his thoughts to constituents 140 or so characters at a time. Its like hearing the Nixon White House tapes in simulcast. We dont like that the Tweets nurture a discourse to make America hate again. Nor do we like that such bullying comments steer our responses toward sarcasm rather than dignified reason. But we cant say we dont have an idea of what is occupying the presidents thoughts. Were in the business of championing transparency, and the president is obliging, at least in the twitterverse. So keep em coming @realDonaldTrump. We hold out hope the national discourse can be elevated, even if it has to happen on social media. Perhaps someday, after one too many misfired personal attacks, youll peck in the words SORRY, MY BAD! The Commission on Local Government Modernization, known as Consensus for short, released its final report last week. The most notable proposal outlined in the 110-page document is a plan to merge Onondaga County and Syracuse governments, maintaining the county executive's position and establishing a legislative body consisting of 33 members. There are many changes and figures in the report. In summary, the goal of the Consensus plan is to dramatically reshape Onondaga County. Between the consolidation of governments and the sharing of services, the structure would look much different than it does now. For those outside of Onondaga County, whether it's in Cayuga County or stretching out into other regions of the state, they should pay close attention to how this plan has developed and why it's relevant in the continuing conversation about consolidating local governments. In central New York, the plan is one of the key pillars of the regional economic development council's strategy on how to invest $500 million won through the state's Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Consensus is slated to receive an estimated $25 million 5 percent of the region's URI award. On a conference call with newspaper editors and reporters last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo hinted that if Onondaga County didn't advance the Consensus plan as outlined in the $500 million plan "then it's a serious problem." "You proposed consolidation from some Consensus committee," he said. "Now you're saying it looks dubious. If that's true, you do have a problem. Because then you're not fulfilling what you said you were in the application. And that was the basis upon which you won the $500 million." Would Onondaga County's failure to adopt the plan lead to a loss of at least some of the money awarded to the region? That's unlikely, especially when you consider there are other counties Cayuga, Cortland, Madison and Oswego represented by the council that could benefit from the money. The URI aside, the Consensus plan could be a model for what Cuomo is proposing this year. One of the main proposals he outlined last month is a plan to require counties to develop local government modernization plans. Voters would have to approve the plans in November. That is, if Cuomo's proposal is included in the state budget. Legislators seem reluctant to advance the proposal. State Sen. Jim Seward said in an interview Friday that when he first heard of Cuomo's plan, it "sounded like another mandate on the counties." Seward, R-Milford, said he has no problem with talks about consolidation or sharing of services. But, he noted, there's already a lot of municipalities sharing services. He's open to more discussion about Cuomo's proposal. He also thinks that instead of forcing the counties to develop plans, mandate relief at the state level should be more of a priority. "I don't want a gimmick," he said. "I want something that's going to really be meaningful." There's still a lot of work for the Consensus Commission to do before its plan is adopted. Near the end of the 110-page report is a section titled, "Implementation: What happens next?" One of the first steps is to create an independent resource team. Some of the recommendations wouldn't require a referendum. For example, the report suggests combining the Onondaga County Water Authority and the Syracuse Water Department. A referendum wouldn't be needed to consolidate the two agencies. State legislation and a referendum would be necessary, however, to combine the city and county governments. Consensus hopes to have the new government formed by 2019. By PTI: New Delhi, Feb 12 (PTI) Viscera specimens of five of the 11 mentally challenged inmates who died at Delhi governments Asha Kiran Home have been sent for further analysis to ascertain the cause of their death. The postmortem reports of the five inmates prepared by Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital says the "opinion regarding cause of death will be given after receipt of analysis report of specimen preserved". advertisement While the doctors are yet to find out the cause of the death, an expert from AIIMS suggested that congested spleen, liver and kidneys as mentioned in the autopsy report were indicative of "food poisoning". One of the reports also revealed the presence of "white coloured froth mixed with semi-digested food material" present in the windpipe, which is a clear indication of spurious food, said head of the AIIMS forensic department, Dr Sudhir Gupta. "Congestion is a condition generally seen as a reaction of vital visceral organs against toxic substance," he said. Further, the deceased have been described as "thin built" and "poorly nourished", an indication that they were malnourished. Dr Gupta insisted that the viscera samples should be sent not only for chemical analysis but also for micro-biological examination for bacteria and other microbes. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier this week directed the Chief Secretary to intervene immediately and set the situation right and file a report. The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Kamlesh Kumar had also sought a detailed report from the Delhi government, saying action will be taken against those found guilty. "This is for the second time in one year that such incidents have occurred. Last year, 36 deaths occurred in the same institution due to gross negligence in care and treatment of the inmates," said the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPwD), which comes under the Union Social Justice and Empowerment ministry. In the last five years, between 2011 and 2015, 163 deaths have been reported in this institution. Recently the DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal had also carried out an inspection of the home and pointed out several lapses like overcrowding conditions, extremely unhygienic surroundings, shortage of staff, dirty toilets and absence of proper medical care facilities. PTI PLB DV --- ENDS --- With awards season officially underway, stars of stage and screen have this weekend made their way across the pond to attend the BAFTAs ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall. And with the Golden Globes and SAG Awards having already played host to a number of style hits so far this year, the fashion fold have been eagerly awaiting tonight's red carpet. Making a royal arrival tonight was the Duchess of Cambridge who wore a striking black Alexander McQueen gown with a Bardot neckline and tiered flare. Wearing her hair up in a bouffant bun, the Duchess accessorised her look with heavily-bejeweled earrings and a delicate black clutch. BAFTA 2017 winners 1 /24 BAFTA 2017 winners Leading Actress Emma Stone, winner of the Leading Actress for La La Land Guy Levy/BAFTA/Rex Winners Emma Stone, Mel Brooks and Casey Affleck at the EE BAFTA British Academy Film Awards, Leading Actress Emma Stone with the award for Leading Actress in the film La La Land alongside Director Damien Chazelle Ian West/PA Best British Short Animation Khaled Gad, (left) Anushka Kishani (second from right) and Elena Ruscombe-King (right) with the award for Best British Short Animation for Love Story Ian West/PA Leading Actress Emma Stone with the award for Leading Actress in the film La La Land Ian West/PA Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer Babak Anvari, Emily Leo, Oliver Roskill and Lucan Toh with the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Under the Shadow Ian West/PA Best Supporting Actor Dev Patel, winner of the Supporting Actor award for "Lion", and presenter Felicity Jones Dave Benett Best Supporting Actress Viola Davis with the award for Best Supporting Actress Ian West/PA Best Supporting Actor Dev Patel with his award for Best Supporting Actor Ian West/PA Best Adapted Screenplay Luke Davies with the award for best Adapted Screenplay for the film Lion Ian West/PA Costume Design Madeline Fontaine with the award for costume design for the film Jackie Ian West/PA Original Music Justin Hurwitz with the award for Original Music for the film La La Land Ian West/PA Best Film not in the English Language Gabor Sipos, Laszlo Nemes and Gabor Rayna with the award for Best Film not in the English Language for Son of Saul Ian West/PA Best Special Visual Effects Robert Legato, Dan Lemmon, Andrew R Jones, Adam Valdez with the award for Best Special Visual Effects for the film The Jungle Book alongside Daisy Ridley (left) and Luke Evans (right) Ian West/PA Best Documentary Ava Duvernay and Howard Barish with the award for Best Documentary for 13th Ian West/PA Best Cinematography Linus Sandgren with the award for Best Cinematography for the film La La Land Ian West/PA EE BAFTA Rising Star Tom Holland with the award for rising star Ian West/PA Best British Film Ken Loach with Rebecca O'Brien, Dave Johns and Paul Laverty and the award for Best British Film Ian West/PA Another attendee who impressed in the style stakes was Emma Stone who wore a Chanel couture two-piece. Pairing a black and silver embroidered midi-dress with co-ordinated straight leg trousers beneath, Stone's look was the perfect combination of elegance and edge. Bafta Film Awards: Red carpet fashion Continuing the apparent theme of black gowns was Nicole Kidman, who wore an unusually understated dress by Giorgio Armani. Accessorising its embroidered, plunging bodice, Kidman wore a statement silver necklace with twisting chains and kept her strawberry blonde hair loose and poker straight, Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Daisy Ridley, Millie Mackintosh, Laura Whitmore, Amy Adams, Felicity Jones, Emily Blunt, Sophie Turner and Hannah Bagshawe. A man is fighting for life after he was hit by a car in an alleged hit-and-run on a busy road in north-west London. Police were called at about 11.15pm on Saturday to Edgware Road to reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian. Scotland Yard said the car, believed to be a black Audi, did not stop at the scene. Met Police officers and paramedics raced to the scene near The Hyde and the man, in his 20s, was rushed to hospital. He remains in a life threatening condition in a central London hospital. A police spokesman said: Next of kin have been informed. Enquiries are underway to trace the car. There have been no arrests. A police cordon was put in place overnight but the road has since reopened. Officers are urging for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to called the Serious Collision Unit based at Alperton on 020 8991 9555, the police non-emergency line on 101 or by tweeting by @MetCC. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A n 81-year-old woman was raped by a man who followed her after she got off a bus in a busy south London street, police said. Scotland Yard said the victim was taken to hospital after the attack, which happened shortly after she had left the number 155 bus in Balham on Friday evening. The victim got off the bus in Balham High Road at about 8.30pm before she was followed by her attacker. She was taken to a secluded area near Rinaldo Road and raped twice, police said. Officers from the Met Police sex crimes unit have appealed for a man seen in the area at the time to come forward and also for information on the whereabouts of the victim's jacket. Detective Inspector Melissa Laremore said: "My team are keen to trace a male witness seen on Rinaldo Road, Balham, on the evening of the incident. "He was wearing a jacket with a distinctive American flag design on the back. "I would urge him to come forward and contact police. In addition to this, the victim's distinctive red Marks and Spencer's jacket went missing after the attack. "My investigators are working to trace it in and around the local area as it is of important evidential value. If you have any knowledge of its whereabouts, please get in touch." A 41-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 020 8649 3105 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A woman was attacked at the ticket barriers of a south-east London station in an incredibly distressing ordeal. The 31-year-old was involved in a fight with another woman at Woolwich Arsenal station on Friday night. She was left with a laceration to her eyebrow and taken to hospital by paramedics. British Transport Police officers were called to the station shortly before 11pm following reports of a disturbance. Investigating officer Detective Constable Carl Wayte, of British Transport Police, said: This assault happened by the main ticket barriers at the station and I am keen to hear from anyone who was at the station at this time. As you can imagine this was an incredibly distressing ordeal for this victim who sustained a laceration to her eyebrow. We have a number of extensive enquires in place to help build a clear picture of what happened. "However, if you witnessed the altercation, please get in touch as your information could be extremely helpful. In connection with this assault, a 40-year-old woman from Bromley was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. She has been released on police bail to return on Friday 10 March pending further enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 596 of 10/02/2017. Alternatively, pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A confused driver ploughed down steps after getting lost close to Liverpool Street station. Bizarre footage posted on social media appeared to show the black Toyota stuck on a flight of stairs at Broadgate Circle, in the City. Shocked passersby, who claimed the car involved was an Uber, took to Twitter to ask how the vehicle had ended up stranded close to the trendy restaurant hub. Rose McConaghy wrote: Seems like an inappropriate place to park your car. 'Wrong turn?': A driver ploughed down steps at Broadgate Circle / Twitter/MollyClifton Another user added: Sat Nav set to walk mode? Oops Wrong turn. Whilst Joe Gorf added: Trying a new shortcut into Liverpool Street. City of London Police confirmed officers had been called to Broadgate Circle at 2.20am on Saturday to reports of a confused driver who had driven down some steps. The car remained cordoned off for 12 hours while police recovered the vehicle. A spokesman said the driver had been issued a warning over driving without due care and attention but had not been arrested. He added: The male was given a breath test at the scene but it came back negative. A spokesman for Uber told the Standard that the car's registration number was not active on their app. L ondon looks set to be hit by unseasonably warm weather following a cold snap which saw snow lash the capital. Flurries fell across the city on Saturday as the mercury plunged as low as 3C. Scandinavian winds blasted Londoners who enjoyed wintery showers undeterred. Freezing temperatures look set to last through Sunday, the Met Office warned but will be replaced by balmy weather later in the week. More snow hits the capital as forecasters warn of coldest weather all winter The mercury will soar to highs of 12C by Wednesday, forecasters said. Luke Miall, from the Met Office, told the Standard: People will feel the change in temperature and notice the warmth following the cold blast from Scandinavian winds. Snowfall in London January 2017 1 /22 Snowfall in London January 2017 A cyclist makes his way through the snow near Tower Bridge Victoria Jones/PA Tourists cross Westminster Bridge in today's snowfall Jeremy Selwyn A commuter walks along the platform at Tring station in the snow Jeremy Selwyn The snowy scenes sparked feverish excitement among Londoners Jeremy Selwyn The snow fall lasted for around 30 minutes Jeremy Selwyn Pedestrians caught in the snow today Jeremy Selwyn Snow on Tower Bridge Victoria Jones/PA Cars covered with snow at Tring station Jeremy Selwyn Commuters were caught up in long delays due to the weather at Waterloo @MattMc People during a snow flurry at Bank PA Tring was carpeted with a soft blanket of fresh snow last night Yui Mok/PA There were short flurries of snow in the City Yui Mok/PA Two women take shelter under their umbrella during light snowfall in central London Yui Mok/PA People during a snow flurry at Bank Yui Mok/PA Falling snow on Tower Bridge in London Victoria Jones/PA The clock face of Big Ben, pictured through the snow flurry which hit central London today Jeremy Selwyn The London Eye pictured as snow fell in the centre of town Jeremy Selwyn Temperatures are usually around 10C this time of year in London so it will be slightly higher than average. Despite high temperatures, sunshine will be shrouded with clouds throughout the week. Wintry weather: A train travels through the snow near Westwell Leacon, in Kent / PA Fog and mist could hit the capital on Thursday and Friday, with early morning frost forming on the ground. Snow fell across the UK on Saturday with images emerging of the white stuff blanket parts of the north. Public Heath England issued a health warning amid fears for elderly and vulnerable people. Medical director Professor Paul Cosford said: "With more cold weather across all parts of England, now is the time to really think how it could impact you and your family, particularly those who are very young, over 65 or who have heart and lung conditions. Try to keep homes heated to at least 18C (64F), stock up on any essential medicine or food that you need before the cold arrives and remember that you will be warmer wearing several thin layers instead of fewer thick ones." A pop up theatre could be opened on a traffic island outside Londons Marble Arch as part of an eight-month production. Underbelly, the events company behind last years London Wonderground on the South Bank and popular festival Udderbelly, is hoping to put up a German-style tent next to the monument. The temporary theatre would be built in April before showing a production of musical Five Guys Named Moe from May until December. Westminster Council is set to decide whether to grant permission for the tent, which lies to the west of Grade I-listed Marble Arch and north-east of Hyde Park, at a planning meeting this week. The pop-up theatre will arrive on the traffic island near to Marble Arch. / Getty Images The tent will be in the style of a Spiegeltent, which originates from Belgium and Germany. But the volunteer-run Marylebone Association representing residents in the area objected to the proposal and said it is an inappropriate setting for a theatre. They added: Nine months is a relatively long period for a temporary use. Planning officers said while the proposed theatre tent is considered harmful to the landmarks surroundings, the harm is identified as less than substantial. The theatre has been recommended for approval by councillors at the meeting on Tuesday. T his was the dramatic scene as smoke poured from a London double-decker bus after it caught fire on a busy road in Tottenham. The blaze broke out on a TfL Routemaster, operated by bus firm Arriva, in Tottenham High Road on Sunday evening. London Fire Brigade were called to reports of a bus alight and possibly leaking fuel shortly after 7pm. Two fire engines and eight firefighters were sent to the scene. The bus caught alight in Tottenham High Road / @hotspur2012 Footage shows smoke pouring from the roof of the bus and flashing lights from the emergency services vehicles. The road was sealed off by police near to the junction with Chesnut Road while fire crews dealt with the incident. The fire was brought under control at 7.45pm and the road reopened shortly after 8.30pm. Transport for London said nobody was injured in the fire. A spokeswoman told the Standard there would be a full investigation into the incident. L abour could support a liberal immigration policy in London with tougher controls in other parts of the UK, Tom Watson has said. The deputy leader of the party said the idea was being discussed but was not yet ready for a manifesto. Speaking on the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show, Mr Watson said the partys solution to immigration after Britains exit from the EU was at an early stage. When asked by Marr if he thought immigration should be higher or lower, Mr Watson said: London requires more liberal immigration policies but there are other parts of the country where immigration maybe putting pressure on public services like schools and hospitals. Labour deputy leader Tom Watson as he appears on the BBC1 current affairs programme, The Andrew Marr Show. / PA And thats why I think that when we come out of the European Union, we can have an immigration policy that maybe addresses both those issues. Marr went on to ask if he was referring to different immigration policies for different parts of the country. He replied: These are nascent ideas, were not ready to make them robust in a manifesto yet but theyre certainly the debate that is going on in the Labour party right now and in wider circles. During the interview, Mr Watson also denied the Labour party was vetting potential leadership successors to Jeremy Corbyn. Rising party stars including Angela Rayner and Rebecca Long-Bailey were said to have been assessed for popularity as part of internal "succession planning", according to The Sunday Times. The paper also suggested leaked documents gave a scathing assessment of the embattled Labour leader, who was found to be "boring" and "fed up" by focus groups. It also cited polling in the leaked document that rated veteran left-winger Mr Corbyn as the least popular of all current party leaders, including Ukip's Paul Nuttall, who is standing in the upcoming Stoke-on-Trent central by-election. Mr Watson said: "I only saw this story last night. People tell me that isn't the case, it wasn't road testing leadership candidates. There was a range of shadow cabinet members that were so-called road tested, this is what we do in our normal run of political consultations. "I'm just slightly relieved they weren't road testing me on the document that was leaked to the newspaper." Law student Ronald Coyne was filmed setting the note alight while dressed in formal wear in the early hours of the morning. He was expelled from the universitys Conservative Association after footage of the incident was shared on Snapchat. Rough sleeper Ryan Davies told the Cambridge News on Friday that he was the man who was taunted by Mr Coyne in Bridge Street on February 2 after he had been asking passers-by for spare change. He told the newspaper that the teenager set fire to the note and said: Hows that for change, Ive changed it into flames. Calls to have him kicked out of the university have quickly gathered momentum with more than 19,000 people signing a change.org petition by 5pm on Sunday. Those giving it their backing denounced the utterly disgusting behaviour and said it was a disgrace to our great university. Another added: People like him should be made to work hundreds of hours in a homeless shelter. Shame on him. The Pembroke College students mother called the incident surprising and added: Were not toffs, hes not a toff. Mr Coyne, who is believed to be a distant relative of Nicola Sturgeon, was communications officer at the Tory association. A spokesman for the association said: There is no room for people who behave like that in our association, any other university association, or frankly our university. This disgusting and abhorrent behaviour occurred completely independently of Cuca. A university spokesman told the Times: We expect our students to treat others with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times, and the university takes allegations of unacceptable behaviour very seriously. By PTI: Gurugram, Feb 12 (PTI)A toll attendant was brutally beaten up allegedly by the former chairman of Gurugram Block Samiti after he asked him to pay toll fee at the Khidki Daula plaza here, with the entire incident captured on camera. According to police, the incident occurred at around 9:30 PM yesterday when the victim, Akshay who works as a toll attendant at the plaza asked the former chairman Hoshiyar Singh to pay the fee. advertisement "After being stopped by Akshay and asked to pay toll fee and show the registration certificate of his car to check whether he enjoys exemption, Singh lost his temper and stepped out from his SUV. He then began to thrash the toll attendant in a fit of rage. He also dismantled the computer screen and machines in the cabin," Manish Sehgal, ACP (PRO) Gurgaon Police said. The entire incident was captured in the CCTV cameras installed at the toll plaza. "The police was informed by the toll company manager and a complaint was filed here about the attack," the officer said. "We are investigating the case and will take strict action against Hoshiyar Singh. The CCTV footage is being probed," Gurgaon Police said.PTI CORR DV --- ENDS --- T ributes have been paid to a lorry driver who was killed after his vehicle plunged from a bridge and burst into flames on the A12 in Essex. Gurdip Johal, 30, was driving the truck that crashed down from Colemans Bridge onto the southbound side of the carriageway in Witham on Wednesday afternoon. The truck driver, who had been married for a year and lived with his wife in Witham, Essex after moving there from London, died at the scene. His sister Mandip Kaur, 21, from Ilford, paid tribute to him as the best older brother I could ever ask for and said her family would miss him forever. In a heartfelt message posted to Facebook, she said: Rest in Peace to my Superman, Gurdip. The best older brother I could ever ask for. Aftermath: The crash near to Coleman's Bridge / @joemccallum89 Life won't ever be the same without you, you didn't deserve what happened to you. I'll take care of our mother and younger brother, just like you did since we were born. I'll love you always & forever till I'm with you. 14.04.1986 - 08.02.2017. Another friend wrote: RIP Gurdip Johal, thoughts and prayers go out to your friends and family. While another said: Such a young guy, so tragic. RIP Gurdip Johal. Prayers go out to you and your family. Police had continued to search the mangled wreckage of the lorry for more bodies on Friday afternoon but were later able to confirm that Mr Gurdip was the only casualty. Essex Police said in a statement: We have finished our search for any other potential casualties following the road collision on the #A12 on Wednesday afternoon. Management of the scene has now been passed over to Highways England. We can now confirm that the only casualty following the incident was the driver of the lorry. N orth Korea has fired a ballistic missile in the first such test since Donald Trump took office as US president. The latest missile test, which fell in seas between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, has been widely condemned. There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The reports come days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il. The US president assured Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that "America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent". Abe and Trump condemn North Korea's latest missile launch / REUTERS Mr Abe said the test, which was launched near the north-western city of Kusong, was "absolutely intolerable". Japanese officials say the missile believed to be a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile - did not reach its waters. In a ballroom at Mr Trump's south Florida estate, Mr Abe read a brief statement in which he called on North Korea to comply fully with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. South Korea said the test launch, along with leader Kim Jong Un's threat to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile in his New Year's address, shows the "irrational nature" of a government that "fanatically" obsesses with developing nuclear ballistic missiles. South's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the launch as a "blatant and obvious" violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a "serious threat" to international security. An 'underwater test-fire of a strategic submarine ballistic missile' conducted at an undisclosed location in North Korea (file photo) / EPA The ministry says that the South will continue to work with allies including the US, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realise that it will "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. Italy warned that North Korea's "repeated missile tests" threaten peace and that the country must stop challenging the international community. In a statement, the Italian foreign ministry expressed "great concern" about the news that the North had launched a ballistic missile. It said the repeated tests, combined with North Korea's development of a nuclear arsenal, "constitute a threat to peace and to international security". Italy said North Korea "must abandon the development" of such an arsenal and "interrupt its path of challenging the international community and of self-isolation." A new campaign by Amnesty International has given refugees the chance to take to Twitter as they urge for more action to be taken in the on-going migrant crisis. Social media users who tweet about the crisis have been receiving direct video responses from residents of refugee camps in Lebanon and Kenya. The I Welcome campaign has allowed refugees to respond to tweets asking social media users to take action and do more than just share their outrage. Osama Saeed Bhutta, Communications Director at Amnesty International, said: Were calling on everyone to #TakeAction and help us pressure governments around the world to do the same. Hi @hehju, Leila in Kenya's Kakuma camp has replied to your tweet on child refugees #TakeAction https://t.co/fHtoxkAmGc pic.twitter.com/GLay53pzaE AmnestyInternational (@amnesty) January 31, 2017 This is a global crisis that requires a global response. The problem is not the number of refugees but that far too few nations are sharing responsibility for supporting refugees. And it is the wealthiest nations that do the least. Hi @markgwalters, Abdul from Lebanon's Shatila camp has just replied to your tweet from earlier today #TakeAction https://t.co/GOCxGFgP3M pic.twitter.com/YLvbeOcwtL AmnestyInternational (@amnesty) February 2, 2017 The personalised video responses aim to give an ordinary face to the refugee crisis. Residents of the camps that Amnesty International will be visiting live without basic amenities such as proper shelter, education, and health care. According to the charity, 56% of the worlds refugees are hosted in just 10 countries located next to countries in conflict. A tour de force of acting talent rubbed shoulders with the Royals as they descended on Londons Royal Albert Hall for the 70th British Academy Film Awards. Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge stole the show as they joined a wealth of stars for one of the biggest nights on the British showbiz calendar. The royal couple arrived to huge cheers as they made their way up the red carpet with BAFTA CEO Amanda Berry. Kate Middleton looked stunning in an off the shoulder Alexander McQueen gown which she teamed with statement earrings, while William opted for a black suit and a bow tie. Royal arrival: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, attend the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards / Dave Benett William - who is president of the British academy - presented the fellowship award to Mel Brooks. It is the highest accolade bestowed by the academy and recognises outstanding and exceptional contribution to the big screen. Previous winners include Sidney Poitier, Dame Helen Mirren, Terry Gilliam and Dame Judi Dench. They were joined by La La Land's Emma Stone who turned heads in a plunging embellished gown which she paired with coordinating trousers. Nominee: Supporting Actress nominee Naomie Harris arrives in an Audi Guests and nominees including Naomie Harris, Eddie Redamyne and Luke Evans were ferried around for the evening by Audi. Also opting for a revealing neckline was Nicole Kidman, who looked stunning in a black and metallic gown. Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive at the BAFTAs 2017 Kidman who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Lion thanked London for kick starting Lions success and praised her co-star Dev Patel. Speaking about the actor she said: Im so happy hes a leading man now. Hes been given the platform for that. Homegrown: Eddie Redmayne arrives at the ceremony Patel who is up for Best Supporting Actor said he felt so humble to have shared a screen with Kidman and described her as a gracious and supreme human being in every way. Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner ignored the legs or chest rule to flash both as she worked the cameras, while Lead Actress nominee Amy Adams opeted to cover up in a green off the shoulder gown. Dev Patel on the red carpet at the BAFTAs 2017 Laura Whitmore, Carmen Ejogo, Felicity Jones, Jessica Brown Findlay were also undeterred by London's chilly temperatures and stepped out in head turning numbers. The event attracted a wealth of celebrity couples from Jamie Dornan and his wife Amelia Warner to Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Stunning: Nicole Kidman (Getty Images) / Chris Jackson/Getty Images BAFTA winner Eddie Redmayne arrived on the arm of his wife Hannah Bagshawe and Thandie Newton put on a romantic display as she cosied up to her husband Ol Parker. La La Land is in the running for a record-breaking haul having received 11 nominations. The film has dominated this years awards season and recently smashed the record for the most Golden Globes, when it scooped seven gongs last month. Emma Stone on the red carpet at the BAFTAs 2017 Stephen Fry is hosting the ceremony, which airs on BBC One at 9pm. K en Loach has blasted the government for its disgraceful treatment of the vulnerable. Loach gave an impassioned speech as he picked up the Best British Film Award BAFTA for I, Daniel Blake at Sunday nights ceremony. The British director accused the government of treating refugees and those in need with a callous brutality. On collecting the award from Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel, he said: Thank you to the Academy for recognising the message of what the film says, that the most vulnerable people are treated by this government with a callous brutality that is disgraceful. Hayley Squires on the red carpet at the BAFTAs 2017 It's a brutality that extends to keeping out refugee children that we promised to help, and that's a disgrace too. I, Daniel Blake which won the coveted Palme D'Or at Cannes last year chronicles the failings of the benefits system in the UK. Loach's criticism comes just days after the Government said it was ending the programme of bringing unaccompanied refugee children to Britain under the so-called Dubs Amendment. Leading lady: Hayley Squires plays a single mother in the film / Dave Benett It stars Dave Johns as middle-aged carpenter Daniel and Hayley Squires as single mother Katie. Loach saw off competition from American Honey, Denial, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Notes on Blindness and Under the Shadow to take the BAFTA. Squires also criticised the Government as she opened up about the film and said she hopes it will teach kindness. Speaking on the red carpet she said: How much of an affect it will have on current policies in the government I don't know because they're more than aware of what they're doing. In terms of kindness and regenerating a sense of community I'm very hopeful. British Academy Film Awards 2017 1 /56 British Academy Film Awards 2017 Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William Daniel Leal-Olivas- WPA Pool/Getty Image Emma Stone Dominic Lipinski/PA Nicole Kidman Dave Benett Emily Blunt Dominic Lipinski/PA Amy Adams Chris Jackson/Getty Images Michelle Williams Dave Benett Naomie Harris Dave Benett Penelope Cruz Chris Jackson/Getty Images Emma Stone PA Nicole Kidman Ian West/PA Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William Dave Benett Thandie Newton Dave Benett Sophie Turner Dominic Lipinski/PA Laura Whitmore Dominic Lipinski/PA Tom Holland Dave Benett Daisy Ridley Dominic Lipinski/PA Felicity Jones Dominic Lipinski/PA Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne Dave Benett Meryl Streep Dominic Lipinski/PA Taylor Hill PA Dev Patel Ian West/PA Holliday Grainger Dave Benett Isabelle Huppert Dave Benett Jamie Dornan and Amelia Warner Dominic Lipinski/PA Viola Davis and Julius Tennon Ian West/P Andrew Garfield Ian West/PA Hugh Grant and Anna Elisabet Eberstein Ian West/PA Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson Dave Benett J. K. Rowling and Neil Murray Dominic Lipinski/PA Ella Purnell Dominic Lipinski/PA Bryce Dallas Howard and Ron Howard Dave Benett Julia Stiles and Preston J.Cook Dave Benett Julia Stiles Dave Benett Mel Brooks Ian West/PA Elize du Toit and Rafe Spall Dominic Lipinski/PA Tom Ford Ian West/PA Wire Edith Bowman Dominic Lipinski/PA Anya Taylor-Joy Ian West/PA Carmen Ejogo Chris Jackson/Getty Zoe Ball Ian West/PA Jessica Brown Findlay Dominic Lipinski/PA Host Stephen Fry Dave Benett The full ceremony will be on BBC One tonight at 9pm. The deadly accident took place in on a highway in Bangladesh's Narsinfdi district. The accident comes two days after 13 people were killed in another bus mishap. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: At least 11 people were killed and three others were injured in a collision between a bus and a minibus in Belabo of Bangladesh's Narsinfdi district. Officer-in-charge of Belabo Police Station Badrul Alam said the accident took place in Darigaon area of Dhaka-Sylhet highway around 8.45 am today. He said the identities of the deceased could not be known immediately, but most of the deceased were passengers of the minibus. advertisement Alam told reporters the bus was traveling to Dhaka from Bhairab and the microbus was heading toward Kishoreganj from Dhaka. The microbus was crushed after the collision, leading to the deaths and the injuries. Police and fire service workers have reached to the spot and started rescue operation, Alam told India Today. The accident comes two days after the Faridpur bus mishap from Friday night. 13 people were killed in that accident. Another 10 people were killed in different road accidents on the same day in Bangladesh. Also read: 5 dead after Kolkata-bound train rams into car in Bangladesh --- ENDS --- By PTI: Kolkata, Feb 12 (PTI) Demanding apology by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the eviction of Opposition leader Abdul Mannan from West Bengal Assembly last week leading to his illness, state Congress president Adhir Chowdhury today described Banerjees visit to ailing Mannan as a drama. Chowdhury also said that Banerjees visit yesterday to the hospital where Mannan has been admitted was a decision taken only after all-round criticism her government faced. advertisement Mannan was taken ill and hospitalised on February 8 when he was evicted from the Assembly by the marshall during a scuffle between Congress MLAs and the security staff. Chowdhury today demanded that the chief minister tender an apology for the incident and threatened to boycott Assembly proceedings. "This is her (Mamatas) drama. She should have gone to see Mannan (da) on the day the incident happened. She decided to go only after people started criticising..." Chowdhury told reporters. "Instead, she should have apologised for the entire episode or else we will boycott the Assembly," he said. The Congress leader alleged that not only Mannan was assaulted by the marshal but Congress MLAs, including Pratima Rajak, were also molested. He said that in protest against the incident, the Congress on February 15 would hold a rally from Wellington to the Assembly. Asked whether the Congress would boycott Assembly from tomorrow, he said, "They will be there in the Assembly but continue with their protests." PTI SCH MD MD --- ENDS --- 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. More than 110 million Americans collected a tax refund worth an average of just under $3,000 after filing their 2015 tax returns, according to statistics released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If youre one of the many Americans who expect to receive a financial windfall this year, what do you plan to do with the money? Its tempting to treat yourself to a new TV or a pricey vacation. However, if you refrain from spending your refund impulsively, the money presents an opportunity to treat yourself to additional financial security. Here are five ways to extend the benefits of any refund you receive this year or in the future: Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (134) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (347) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (440) Jan 2014 (544) Feb 2014 (475) Mar 2014 (525) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (470) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (441) Oct 2014 (471) Nov 2014 (496) Dec 2014 (535) Jan 2015 (535) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (579) Apr 2015 (657) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (921) Nov 2015 (801) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (864) May 2016 (946) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (966) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (808) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (934) Jul 2019 (949) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (848) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (787) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (811) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sep 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (694) Feb 2022 (654) Mar 2022 (740) Apr 2022 (745) May 2022 (748) Jun 2022 (701) Jul 2022 (704) Aug 2022 (702) Sep 2022 (699) Oct 2022 (737) Nov 2022 (119) By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: The Maur Mandi blast in Bhatinda has triggered fears of return of Khalistani militancy amongst India's intelligence agencies. Sources disclosed that the blast triggered on the night of 31st January, four days before Punjab went to polls "was an old style blast" a reminiscent of style of Khalistan militancy days in 1980's. Sources say, "The blast in car was triggered by a primary trigger with explosives linked to car's auto-lock mechanism (also known as central locking system)." A top source said, "Though the Maruti car was a 1992 model, it had a automated locking unlocking system. The charge created by pressing the button on key, triggered the blast." advertisement The team of NSG's National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC) in its report to Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA) also mentioned that "commercial grade explosives" - ammonium nitrate was used to set off the bomb blast in the car. Also read: Bathinda blast death toll rises to six The attackers had planned a bigger impact, with the primary trigger aimed to set off the secondary trigger in a pressure cooker. The immediate impact of blast caused the car to explode, the incendiary material in explosion caused massive fire, killing six people. But, according to an official in security agency, the blast could have been much bigger if the primary trigger had set off a secondary trigger in pressure cooker full of potent chemical (ammonium nitrate, nuts and bolts) and could have claimed many more innocent civilians life, potentially harming the Congress candidate Harminder Singh Jassi. Bu, the pressure cooker kept in the car blew off with the impact, the trigger failing to go off. The pressure cooker bomb is now a valuable piece of evidence. A senior officer told India Today/ Mail Today "The commercial grade explosive has been often used in mountains or to build roads, and is easily accessible. The bomb is not of a new type." Also read: Bhatinda blast a handiwork of KCF, a 'political conspiracy', says Amarinder Singh Investigators have located the six digits of its chassis and are close to deciphering the remaining numbers. The Maruti 800 car used for the blast in Maur town of Bathinda, three days before Punjab polls, had a Tri-coloured flag, similar to the Congress party flag, and moving in the convoy of Congress candidate Jassi to ward off any suspicion, according to Punjab Police sources. The intelligence wing of the Punjab Police had issued an alert to top police officers warning of suspected terror strike. The alert by intelligence wing was generated based on an input received from a central agency relating to efforts of banned terrorist groups to revive militancy in Punjab. Police have also discovered that the 5-ampere luminous battery used in the detonator of the IED is neither supplied or sold in Punjab, but is available in Haryana and Rajasthan. advertisement The video footage shows the planning of the bombers After scanning the 30-minute footage from the CCTV camera installed atop State Bank of Patiala on Factory Road in Maur, police have zeroed in on a motorcycle and two riders, one of whom is seen making a cellphone call at 7:43 pm, a split second before Jassi and his convoy left his residence. The two men were wearing sleeveless sweaters and were without any headgear. While the car can be seen taking a left turn from the street outside Jassi's residence at 7:37 pm in the footage, the convoy goes straight at around 7:44 pm. The IED detonated at around 8:35 pm as Jassi's convoy was passing by after his meeting with the truckers' union. According to cops, Jassi had made an unscheduled halt at his residence before leaving for the public meeting at the market where the blast took place. "This gave the two bikers enough time to give directions to the car driver to park the vehicle at the busy market where convoy was headed. Later, many people kept objecting to the wrongly parked, unattended Maruti 800," said a senior cop.The Punjab Police is investigating the case while a NSG team has visited the blast site of. --- ENDS --- advertisement The era of excess in agriculture is squeezing traders dry. Years of bumper grain harvests, coupled with low prices and diminished volatility in many markets, are making it tougher for the worlds biggest agriculture companies to make money buying and selling major crops like wheat, corn and soybeans. Now, firms including U.S. processor Archer Daniels Midland and Chinese food giant Cofco Corp. are restructuring or scaling back their ambitions. During the commodity boom years, the industry thrived on price swings and expanded in a bet that profit would increase as population growth drove food demand. But after record-breaking production by top exporters like the U.S., Russia and Argentina, many markets are mired in surplus. Companies that operate vast global supply networks that deliver crops from farms to food makers now find themselves in a buyers market. When commodity prices are high, you generally have a high level of volatility and traders thrive, said Philippe Chalmin, a professor of economic history at University Paris-Dauphine. When markets are like they are today very flat, very dull, without much volatility there are far fewer opportunities for traders to earn a living. For companies focused on merchant trading, the pain is acute. Closely held Louis Dreyfus Co. reported its lowest profit in a decade last year. To raise cash, the Rotterdam-based company sold $426 million of bonds last month. It also agreed to sell a stake in a Brazilian joint venture to a Japanese farming group for $250 million, according to people familiar with the transaction. Chicago-based ADM revealed Tuesday that poor execution led to a fourth-quarter loss the second in the space of a year at its international trading desk. That followed a series of high-profile departures in the past few months, including Victor Petzold, the companys former head of global corn, and Frederik Groth, head of trading in Asia. David Driscoll, an analyst at Citigroup in New York, said ADM should bounce back nicely in 2017 as profit improves from oilseed processing, increased movement of huge crops through its storage terminals and better demand for corn sweeteners. Cargill, owned by the same family that founded it 152 years ago, reported a rare quarterly loss in the three months through May 31, partly because of wrong-way bets in soybean markets. Since then, earnings have improved, partly because the Minneapolis-based company has non-crop businesses including petroleum, metals, animal nutrition and meat processing. Cofco, which went on an international buying spree in recent years, is refocusing on the domestic market in China. Nidera, the Dutch grains trader Cofco acquired, disclosed last year a $200 million loss in unauthorized biofuels deals and recently found a $150 million hole in its Brazilian accounts. The agriculture unit Cofco bought from Noble Group faced headwinds as the Hong Kong-based trader suffered an attack from short-sellers. Stagnant prices are a big reason for the swoon in trading. Traders usually prosper in volatile markets and can earn bigger profits buying and selling futures than moving physical commodities. In this business, the more obscure the market, the better the prospects, because big companies with vast networks tend to be more aware of possible disruptions or changes in supply. That kind of information creates an advantage in finding profitable trades that exploit price differences between regions, a strategy known as arbitrage. But as grain supply boomed over the past decade, big price swings became more limited. In just four years, global wheat stockpiles have increased 42 percent to a record 253 million metric tons, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Over the same period, corn inventories surged 66 percent. Prices for both grains have dropped for four straight years. Benefiting from arbitrage has also become harder. With social media tools such as Twitter, public information travels faster and more people can learn about weather disruptions, supply backlogs and other details that big trading houses often got first because of their close links with farmers. Traders have had a pretty tough couple of years, said Hamza Khan, head of commodities strategy at ING Groep, an Amsterdam-based lender to natural resource companies. They used to benefit from arbitrages as trade houses had more access to information, and thats not so much the case anymore. Globalization and new technologies mean markets are increasingly transparent, so producers and processors can tap international markets directly exporting, importing and trading for their own hedging needs, Jean-Philippe Everling, the chief executive officer of French trading company TransGrain, said in a recent interview. Thats leaving less and less space and lower margins to the well-known, big grain trading houses, said Everling, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years. Theres been very little volatility in grain market this year, and maybe the trade houses expanded too much. New amendments to St. Louis County building codes, sought by the local construction industry, would weaken existing guidelines for energy efficiency and represent a step backward for homeowners, critics say. But area builders say the amendments, next set to go before the County Council, are essential to keep new homes affordable. The two viewpoints played out before the St. Louis County Building Commission last week, where builders and energy efficiency advocates tussled over the code changes, which would affect new construction throughout the county, except for in municipalities that set their own regulations. The county adopts new building codes about every six years, drawing from International Energy Conservation Code guidelines approved every three years by national building officials and tailored to specific regions. Local codes are currently an amended version of the 2009 IECC, and the new ones under consideration are alterations to the 2015 IECC proposed by the St. Louis County Building Codes Review Committee, or BCRC. As supporters of the proposed changes pointed out at Wednesdays Building Commission hearing, local amendments are made to building codes in places around the country. But opponents say the changes in St. Louis County are extreme. We havent seen a code this weak anywhere in the Midwest, said Ian Blanding of the Chicago-based Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. We hope when we hear, This building is up to code, that it means something, said Caroline Pufalt of University City, one of a long procession of people to comment at the hearing the majority of whom voiced opposition to the amendments. But the amendments are supported by a number of homebuilder organizations and individuals in the construction business. At the hearing, multiple proponents said homeowners would still be able to pursue efficiency investments on their own accord, and argued that complying with the codes as written in the 2015 IECC would raise costs of new houses, creating additional barriers to homeownership. By mandating the levels to which we build, we are mandating what people pay, said Kim Hibbs, an area homebuilder. Jim Brennan, president of the Chesterfield building company McKelvey Homes, said it would add $20,000 to $24,000 to home prices if we fail to adopt all amendments. Critics, though, countered that homebuilder arguments about prohibitive costs were exaggerated and misleading. Citing a report from the National Home Builders Association, for instance, they said construction costs were projected to rise by just $7,091 under similar standards in the 2012 IECC code. And the efficiency measures at stake would save homeowners money over time a point that was not acknowledged by those representing builders interests on Wednesday. The Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club says models estimate that new homes built under the proposed codes would be 6 percent less energy efficient than current ones, costing homeowners $152 per year in additional energy expenses. Opponents are particularly concerned with amendments that undermine requirements for insulation and testing for air leakage from new homes. Matters related to those standards, they argue, are most easily addressed during the construction phase and would require expensive overhauls if left for homeowners to address later something some residents said they would struggle to afford. You cant improve insulation after the fact, Blanding said. You cant do that cost-effectively. Despite the opposition shared at the hearing, the commission adopted the proposed changes to the code without discussion or questions. I couldnt be angrier, said Kellye Markowski, president of Energy Smart Homes, a company that conducts home energy audits in the area. They just slapped us in the face without any conversation, any consideration. Critics of the decision claim that certain members of the BCRC and the Building Commission are influenced by political contributions from homebuilding organizations, close ties to the construction industry, or direct conflicts of interest. BCRC chairman Arthur Merdinian and committee member John DeGuire, for example, also serve on a codes advisory committee for the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri, an organization that submitted amendments for the BCRC to review. Merdinian says not every change proposed by the HBA was accepted and says relationships with the construction industry are unavoidable, given the professional backgrounds of those qualified to address building code issues. To be in those positions requires a certain amount of knowledge, Merdinian said. You couldnt just use anyone to fill those positions. The codes too complicated. Micki Wochner, the deputy county counselor, said the proposed codes will next go before the county council, though county officials were unsure when that would be. The council will decide whether to draft legislation based on the recommendations, or refer it to a public improvements committee where details can be reviewed. A representative of County Executive Steve Stenger declined comment, saying its a matter for the council to discuss. Theres still plenty of time to fix this, said John Hickey, director of the Sierra Clubs Missouri Chapter, expressing hope about the shift to elected officials who may prove more receptive to efficiency advocates than the appointed boards thus far. The bottom line is St. Louis County residents are being taken advantage of, Hickey said. Are they going to stand up for residents and stand up to special interests, or gut the code? Thats the question. Markowski agreed. This is not in place to protect the homebuilder. Its in place to protect the homeowner, she said. And we failed them miserably. MADRID The vans from the United States Embassy pulled up in front of the hotel, and the four trombonists of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra principal Timothy Myers, associate principal Amanda Stewart, Jonathan Reycraft and bass trombone Gerard Pagano piled in. Along with them went SLSO vice presidents Anna Kuwabara and Adam Crane, tour security man Jesse Sanchez and me. Meeting us were members of the staff of the embassy's public diplomacy section, led by cultural attache Christopher Quade. The SLSO group gave up half their day to perform at Puerto Atocha, the central train station in Madrid, and a children's hospital, the Hospital Nino Jesus, receiving a warm reception at each. Quade, a 15-year employee of the State Department who has served in Madrid for about a year and a half, works in two capacities. One is with joint U.S.-Spanish government programs like the Fulbright Program (which brings foreign students to study in the United States); the other includes projects like this morning's. "I look for cultural experts, cultural figures" who are visiting Madrid, he said, "giving Spain a sense of the depth and breadth of the American cultural experience." Quade reached out earlier this year to Crane and Kuwabara to ask if the SLSO would be interested in the outreach program. This kind of community partnership program is one of the orchestra's strong suits, and no hard sell was required. They responded immediately that they were, and the trombonists agreed. "I love doing these small ensembles," said Pagano. "They're the best way to really reach people. When we play at a retirement (place) or a school, the people we meet really appreciate it." At the station, the quartet changed into their red tour T-shirts, and prepared to play in the oldest part of the station in front of a backdrop covered with American flags and a sign advertising the orchestra. Where once there were trains and platforms, today there's a small tropical forest. Hundreds of turtles clamber around the trees there, while bright goldfish dart among fallen leaves. A small crowd gathered as they arranged their music on the stands. A young woman with a guitar case and large roller bag stopped to listen; a mother crouched down next to her small boy as the first notes started. The pop-up concert started with a march by Prokofiev, arranged by Reycraft, and then moved to an all-American program. Each of the players gave a personal introduction and said something about the music they were about to play; an embassy employee translated. People came and went; the young woman with the guitar stayed, with a big smile on her face. Toddlers resisted their mothers' efforts to move along. After a half-hour, the group played Myers' jazzy arrangement of "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" to close; as we headed back to the vans, Quade told us that the embassy had 10,000 viewers on its live Facebook feed. As they went to their next gig, the ensemble discussed their repertoire: should they make changes for the children's hospital? One piece was a little slow and long; they decided to substitute a couple of short, faster works by Debussy. At the hospital, an audience awaited in a small auditorium with a rainbow proscenium and a tiny stage. The children ranged from preschoolers to young teens, some in wheelchairs, some with respirators; with them were doctors, nurses, aides and parents. It was an appreciative, happy audience. The repertoire, all on the snappier side, was a hit, and after "Joshua," there were calls for an encore. When asked if they wanted something quiet or lively, the response was "Lively!" They wanted yet another encore after that, but it was time to go to the ICU. Kuwabara and Crane helped out by toting music stands on the walk to the ICU. We had a long wait to get in, while a hospital administrator and others had a consultation on how many could be admitted. In the end, just the players, the translator and I went in. Hello Dobson Designer Blair Dobson Age 26 Home Clayton What she makes Fashion and home decor inspired by happy preppy classics but infused with modern styling. Prices include pillows $158 and shirts $86 to $156. Where to buy Visit hellodobson.com or find select items at Lusso, 165 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, and Rusted Chandelier, 118 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood. Shifting focus Originally, Blair Dobson thought shed become a nurse because she said shed been too afraid to leave home for fashion school in New York. I didnt want to move that far away from home and brave the cold and the fast pace, Dobson said. But I never forgot about that dream. Instead she opted on nursing school, starting at University of Missouri-St. Louis and then transferring to the school of nursing at Barnes-Jewish College. Then one day she realized that she didnt want to finish. I was going to school and accruing all this student debt for something that I wasnt even sure I wanted to do, so I decided that if I was going to do something, it should be something I was passionate about. Making Dobson After dropping out of the nursing program, she started working in grant writing and development for a nonprofit ministry group and was also a traveling sales rep for a Canadian fashion designer Joseph Ribkoff. I learned a lot about customer service and developing really authentic relationships with people, so it was another type of education I needed for what Im doing now, Dobson said. She said that Hello Dobson includes all the skills that shes ever learned including caring for people in various ways. She said her clothes are designed to make people happy. Pre-production Dobson thanks the team at the City Sewing Room in Kirkwood for making this venture possible. The sewing center offers a co-working type space that allows her to rent space and learn from the experts on staff. They taught me everything I needed to know about sewing, said Dobson, who had never sewn before starting her brand in April. Now, she develops the prototypes and samples for the line, and I help out as much as I can. Her seamstress works out of the sewing room facility, and Dobson helps with cutting fabric, shipping orders or whatever is needed, she said. Textile tactiques She started with textiles. She didnt just want to make clothing, she wanted to create a lifestyle brand and design prints and fabrics for the entire home, including wallpaper, fabric by the yard and bed linens. Its a very specific person who wants pink pineapple wallpaper in their house, a very specific person, but theyll be ecstatic when they discover Hello Dobson, she said. The clothing is for people who love the look but maybe dont want to live in a pink pineapple or purple Dalmatian-dotted room. Some people buy clothing like food; they want it for a specific purpose or event, not forever. The wallpaper and home goods are more permanent, so she doesnt expect those to be as popular, she said. But make no mistake, shes a pink pineapple wallpaper person. Her home is a Hello Dobson pink princess palace, she said. I use my home as the backdrop for photo shoots so that designers can see how it looks in practice. Dear Readers No country can yet claim to be a fully democratic society, because democracy calls for inclusivity and equal consideration of the rights and interests of all. This all includes not only its citizens regardless of race, tribe, caste, gender, age and religion but all other species, plant and animal, especially those we consume and others we are driving to extinction. It also requires responsible care for the natural environment we all share. From my perspective as a veterinarian and advocate of the One Health concept, our own health and the ultimate well-being of future generations are dependent upon a healthful environment, growing plant and animal populations and natural communities. The call for animal rights and eco-justice, too long ignored, now means that planetary CPR conservation, protection and restoration needs to be immediately implemented. Our commerce with the Earth must become one of mutually enhancing relationships, rather than relentless exploitation, destructive invasion and human infestation. Climate change, ocean acidification, loss of cultural and biological diversity and pandemic diseases are evidence enough that democracy must become all-inclusive. When we take care of the Earth, the Earth will take care of us, a Pennsylvania Dutch farmer once told me, adding, and that includes caring for the animals. Dear Dr. Fox For people like me who are up in age and worried about who will take care of their animals when they pass away three rescue dogs, in my case there is a need for a solution. My local Humane Society has not made a commitment. No-kill sanctuaries have said no. What am I to do? Any suggestions are welcome my family cannot help. C.S., Bethesda, Md. Dear C.S. You have my sympathy, and I embrace you for considering the fate of your beloved canine companions, who may outlive you. I understand that your family cannot or chooses not to help, but I am dismayed that your attempts to find peace of mind and assurance that your dogs will be well cared for if you die before them bore no fruit within your community. I would advise the executor of your estate to go online to find nonprofit organizations dedicated to finding foster homes and forever homes for companion animals especially for those belonging to people with terminal illness or having to go into a retirement or nursing home. There are many such networks of dedicated volunteers in most metropolitan areas across the U.S.; some take animals into their own homes on a temporary basis while the pet owners are hospitalized or sent abroad for military or other reasons. I have urged active retirees to consider dedicating their time and effort to providing temporary foster homes and forever homes for animals in need in their communities by joining with other volunteers associated with legitimate charities dedicated to this humane purpose. I would have a person you trust visit any no-kill operation or animal sanctuary that may promise to take your dogs to determine how well the resident animals are being cared for, including veterinary attention as needed. DOG FOOD RECALL Blue Ridge Beef of Eatonton, Ga., is voluntarily recalling one lot of its Turkey with Bone raw frozen product due to its potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. The affected product is sold in 2-pound chubs. Visit dogfoodadvisor.com for more information. Visit Dr. Foxs website at DrFoxVet.net. Send mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64106. When Gov. Eric Greitens came to St. Louis last week to train with area firefighters, he praised their professionalism, their courage, their strength. Ive got your back, he said, repeating a line he uses often in relationship to police and firefighters. That spirit is echoed in the campaign website of the former Navy SEAL: I pledge to be strong for those who are always on call for us, Greitens says. Cindy Schuenke needs somebody to be strong for her. The firefighter from Pacific was injured in the line of duty while crawling through a burning house on March 29, 2006, trying to save the life of 76-year-old Geneva Rooks. Since that fateful day, shes been trying to get the board of directors of the Community Fire Protection District in north St. Louis County to support her in the way her contract said it would. In late January, the fire districts board Leo Morrow, Don Doerr and Fran Costello continued to defy both a circuit court and an appeals court in Missouri that ruled the district illegally fired Schuenke in August 2009. The court ordered the district to reinstate the injured firefighter and give her back pay. In November, a hearing officer determined that the back pay owed was more than $540,000. Instead of paying Schuenke, who has undergone more than 100 surgeries since she was injured, the district refused. It says it owes her nothing. So on Feb. 6, Schuenke asked the governor if hell have her back. On that day, she wrote Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley and St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch and asked that one of the men begin quo warranto proceedings against the board members of the district where she used to work. Schuenkes attorney, Lynette Petruska, sent a copy of the letter to Greitens. Quo warranto is a legal process by which an elected official can be removed from office for various forms of malfeasance. The power to file such a legal action resides in the attorney general or prosecuting attorney. Its been used relatively rarely in Missouri history. But its not a process that is unfamiliar to McCulloch. In 2009, McCulloch filed quo warranto proceedings against the president of the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District Board, Robert Edwards, for routinely exceeding his authority, acting without the approval of other board members and breaking the law. Its a very outrageous situation and should be treated as such, McCulloch said then. We havent had issues like this anywhere else. Until now. Petruska believes it is egregious that three elected officials are acting in contradiction to a circuit court judge, the Court of Appeals of Missouris Eastern District and a hearing officer appointed by the board to fairly determine how much money was owed to Schuenke. Its seven years after the fact and still nothing has happened, Petruska says. If this isnt extreme and outrageous conduct that defies all bounds of decency, I dont know what is. When Schuenke was first injured in 2006, she became an immediate cause celebre in the St. Louis region, as often happens when a first responder is injured in the line of duty. Thousands of dollars were raised in fundraisers large and small as people rallied around her. More than a decade later, she struggles to pay her bills. She runs into people in public who congratulate her on winning her court case, but she doesnt have the heart to tell them the fire district still hasnt paid. When I was seriously injured after falling through the floor of a basement fire and left for dead by other firefighters at the scene, I knew I would have a long and hard fight to recover from my injuries, she wrote to McCulloch and Hawley. However, I never expected that I would have to fight the Board of Directors of the Community Fire Protection District to get what was promised to me if I was injured in the line of duty. McCulloch and Hawley have a choice. They can stand with a firefighter injured in the line of duty. They can stand with an independent judicial branch of government that is being ignored by three elected bureaucrats. Or they can let Leo Morrow, Don Doerr and Fran Costello thumb their noses at the law, and let other first responders in St. Louis know precisely where they stand next time they rush into a burning building. Cindy Schuenke needs somebody to have her back. Who will answer the call? The leader of a Missouri Ku Klux Klan group was found dead of a gunshot wound near the Big River by a family in the area to go fishing. An autopsy revealed that Frank Ancona, 51, had been shot in the head, officials said. Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobsen said one man was arrested on an unrelated warrant, and that an investigation into the death was continuing. Right now no one has been charged in his death, but that may change tomorrow, Jacobsen said. Ancona, of Leadwood, Mo., called himself an imperial wizard with the Traditionalist American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. A website for that group features an image of Ancona in a white hood and robe standing in front of a burning cross. He has been quoted in stories in the Post-Dispatch about KKK leafletting in Desloge. His group was also at the center of a legal fight over a gathering of members at Fort Davidson State Historic Site, a Civil War battlefield in Pilot Knob, Mo. Leadwood Police Chief William Dickey reported that Ancona was last seen by his wife, Malissa Ancona, Wednesday morning. Jacobsen said he learned Thursday on Facebook that Ancona had gone missing. Later, a Federal Forestry Service employee located Anconas vehicle on a forestry service road off Route P in Potosi. Deputies responded on Friday and located the vehicle and secured it, said Jacobsen. We left deputies at the scene and secured it overnight due to the loss of light. On Saturday morning, a search by members of the Potosi Fire Protection District and the sheriffs office revealed evidence of a burn pile near Anconas vehicle, Jacobsen said. Officers executed two search warrants and arrested one man on an unrelated drug warrant out of Washington County. While officers were waiting for a warrant to be issued, the dispatch center received a call from a woman who was taking her family fishing that they had located a body near the bank of the Big River near Belgrade, Mo., about 70 miles southwest of St. Louis. The coroners office determined that the body was Anconas and that he died from a gunshot wound to the head, Jacobsen said. The St. Francois County Sheriffs Department and Missouri Highway Patrol were assisting in the investigation. By India Today Web Desk: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actor and Bigg Boss Season 10 contestant Rohan Mehra is loved by the ladies. Of all ages, might we add. But the actor is in a steady relationship with actress Kanchi Singh, and the two keep showering each other with love on social media sites. Now since Valentine's Day is fast approaching, we thought the two must be at it again. And they are, actually. A photo posted by Kanchi Singh (@kanchisingh09) on Feb 11, 2017 at 9:40am PST advertisement While Kanchi has shared this sweet picture, where she is apparently holding Rohan's hand, the actor promised his heart to someone special as well. And no, it is not his girlfriend Kanchi. Photo shoot with my little niece ??? Happy Promise day everyone ??? #RohanMehra #PromiseDay A photo posted by Rohan Mehra (@rohanmehraa) on Feb 10, 2017 at 11:56pm PST Also read: Bigg Boss 10: 10 things Rohan Mehra revealed to his fans in a live chat Rohan shared this photograph on Promise Day with his niece, and wrote in the caption, "Photoshoot with my little niece. Happy Promise Day everyone #RohanMehra #PromiseDay." It doesn't get any sweeter than this. And we are sure Kanchi would agree. Keep the love coming, you guys. --- ENDS --- ST. LOUIS Gunfire erupted in various parts of the city Saturday night, leaving eight people injured. Police released few details in the shootings, which happened between about 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. The violent night began just before 6 when a man in his 20s arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper leg. He was listed as stable. The man reported he had been shot at the intersection of Clara and Kennerly avenues, according to police. Less than an hour later, officers responded to 3100 Halliday Avenue where they found a man in his mid-40s with a single gunshot wound to his side. He was conscious and breathing. His condition was not listed. At 8:29 p.m. police found a man and woman in their 20s injured in the 1600 block of Pine Street. A bullet had grazed the mans side. He was treated on the scene. The woman was taken to a hospital for a gunshot wound to the hand. Her condition was not listed. Less than 20 minutes later, police rushed to the 4600 block of Ashland Avenue where a man in his early 40s was found shot once in the back. He was conscious and breathing. He was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in serious condition. Then at 9:38 p.m. police responded to the 1000 block of Hornsby Avenue, where a man in his 30s was found with a gunshot wound to his stomach. He was taken to a hospital, where he was in critical condition. At the same time, police were called to Halls Ferry Road and Riverview Boulevard for a report of a shooting. A man in his 30s was shot in the leg. He was taken to a hospital. His condition was not available. An hour later, police responded to a call at a hospital, where a man in his 40s arrived with a gunshot wound to his hand. Police did not know the location of the shooting. ST. LOUIS Police have identified two men killed in separate shootings Friday in St. Louis. Albert Bass, 41, of the 4100 block of Gardenview Drive in Bridgeton, was fatally shot shortly before 6 p.m. Friday, polcie said. He was found dead in the street in the 5600 block of St. Louis Avenue in the city's Wells Goodfellow neighborhood, in the northwest corner of the city. Bass was pronounced dead at the scene. Just before 10 p.m., Dwayne Gibbs, 30, was found fatally shot in the 4700 block of Bircher Boulevard near Interstate 70, in the Penrose neighborhood. The shooting happened in parking lot of a BP gas station at Bircher Boulevard and Marcus Avenue. Gibbs, of the 800 block of Harlan Avenue, was found with multiple gunshot wounds, police said. A gunman was seen fleeing in a vehicle. ST. LOUIS The Missouri University of Science and Technology secured a $300,000 federal grant to strengthen policies and education on campus related to sexual assault and domestic violence. The school is the only public university in Missouri thats under investigation by the federal education departments Office of Civil Rights for a possible Title IX violation. Scant details about the investigation, which was opened in 2014, are available. The new three-year grant, from the Department of Justice should help the school bolster ongoing efforts to educate students and others about issues related to Title IX, the federal sex discrimination law. This funding will make it possible to provide opportunities for our campus community to better understand the impact of sexual harassment and sexual violence on the educational environment, Shenethia Manuel, Title IX coordinator, chief diversity officer and vice chancellor for human resources, said in a statement. Missouri S&T plans to use the grant to improve campus response to allegations of sexual violence, and formalize education around issues covered by Title IX. That includes the creation of a specialized programming for international students. The grant comes through the Office of Violence Against Women, through a campus education program that Congress created in 1998. Between budget year 2013 and 2015, the specific program gave more than $22 million to schools nationwide. Minnesota Sen. Al Franken questioned President Donald Trump's national security adviser Mike Flynn's fitness for the job Sunday amid reports that Flynn discussed US sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador before Trump took office. "Either he was lying about not having discussed that, or he forgot," Franken said told CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union." "I don't think you want a guy who'd forget that," he said. Flynn cannot rule out that he spoke to a Russian official about sanctions, an aide close to the national security adviser said Friday. Flynn, the aide said, has "no recollection of discussing sanctions," but added that the national security adviser "couldn't be certain that the topic never came up." Franken also called for an investigation into Trump's business ties with Russia -- complaining that that President still has not released his personal income tax returns. "He's got a bit of a Putin crush, and I want to know how much of that is tied maybe to financials," Franken said. Franken said he supports an independent counsel investigating Trump, or a probe led by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island, the chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism. "There's going to have to be an investigation -- an independent investigation into the Trump campaign and the Trump administration's relationship to Russia," he said. "Russia interfered in this campaign. We know that, although Trump denied it for a long time. We have not seen the President's income tax. His son said a few years ago that an inordinate amount of money was coming in from Russia investing in them." He added: "There is a lot here that we need to look at. We need to have an independent investigation." Franken repeatedly suggested Trump could have undisclosed business ties to Russia. "We need something transparent and we need an investigation because we don't know what he owes Russia. We don't know how many Russian oligarchs are invested in his business. He has sidled up to Putin in so many ways," he said. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was critical of Flynn, too, telling Tapper in a separate "State of the Union" interview that "you have one President at a time." But Christie did not call for the White House to take any specific action to reduce Flynn's role. "That would be up to the vice president and the President," Christie said. "And so I'm sure there will be conversations between the vice president, the President and Gen. Flynn to make sure that everybody gets the accurate story on this matter and that it's cleared up. And I think that's the obligation of Gen. Flynn." The University of California at Berkeley faces threatened suspension of federal funds after a student protest against a right-wing nationalist speaker turned violent on Feb. 1. President Donald Trump has entered the fray in an overreaction that caps a series of miscalculations on almost everyones part. The only winner appears to be the extremist speaker and his supporters. Trump tweeted a threat that If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view NO FEDERAL FUNDS? The Berkeley protesters unquestionably went too far. Student organizers said it was supposed to be a peaceful protest, but it instead turned into a chaotic riot scene where masked, ninja-style rampagers took control. Campus police were caught ill-prepared to contain the violence. Trump also went overboard by threatening to punish an entire university for something over which students, faculty and administrators had little control. If the president follows through, student aid recipients who had nothing to do with the protests could be made to suffer. The protests were organized against a speech by Milo Yiannopoulos, a senior editor of Breitbart news who is known for caustic public stances and promotion of white supremacist views. His former boss is Stephen Bannon, who is now a senior adviser to Trump. College campuses around the country, including at the University of Missouri, are under fire for allowing an atmosphere of ideological intolerance to develop. Conservatives have rightly critiqued them for being liberal echo chambers that fail to instill respect for opposing views. For many critics, including Trump supporters, the Berkeley protest affirmed that belief. Masked protesters threw rocks, set fires and destroyed property, making themselves look like wild, violent thugs worse versions of the very figure they were condemning. Even though the university had to cancel Yiannopoulos speech, he emerged the victor. He landed interviews on major news outlets and posted a YouTube video that received 1.3 million views. Breitbart.com now advertises $19.95 Free Speech is Burning T-shirts. During Trumps inauguration, prominent white nationalist Richard Spencer was sucker-punched in the face during a video interview on a Washington street. On internet sites, the question was posed: Is it ever OK to punch a Nazi? The correct answer is no. But a shocking number of online responders answered affirmatively. Instead of making their voices heard, protesters and critics of the white supremacist movement wound up discrediting themselves and boosting their critics. None of this justifies Trumps threat to the university. One-third of Berkeley undergraduates depend on federal Pell Grants as part of their aid packages. Universities find themselves in a double bind between protecting free speech and public safety in such situations. But the onus remains on student organizers: Maintain control of your protesters, or lose control of your message. What has happened to our powers of discernment and our ability to see these people for what they are, which is that they care nothing for us? By PTI: Chandigarh, Feb 12 (PTI) In a goodwill gesture, BSF has handed over a 65-year-old Pakistani national, who had inadvertently crossed into the Indian territory two days ago, back to his country. Border Security Force (BSF) troops at Barreke Border Out Post in Ferozepur sector apprehended Mohammad Ali, resident of village Sheru Khana in Pakistan, on February 10 as he inadvertently crossed the international boundary, entered Indian territory and reached near border security fence, a BSF official said today. advertisement The official said Pakistan Rangers were contacted yesterday and Ali was handed over to them on humanitarian ground. PTI CHS KIS --- ENDS --- By PTI: From Sangita Bakaya Lucknow, Feb 12 (PTI) Failing to revive its tested "social engineering" formula which saw it victorious in the 2007 Uttar Pradesh polls, BSP is going all out to woo Muslims through various clerics and organisations for regaining power. In 2007, BSP had notched up the magic mark all by itself riding on social engineering which helped it garner support of other sections of society as well besides its core vote bank among the Dalits. advertisement This time, however, in the wake of a stiff challenge posed by SP-Congress alliance, which has presented a viable alternative both to Muslims and backwards, and BJP which is banking on polarisation to gain support of Hindus, especially upper castes, BSP has come up with the plan to get Muslim leadership and clergy to extend support to woo minorities. In the past couple of days, BSP leadership has been successful in roping in Rashtriya Ulema Council led by Maulana Aamir Rashadi Madani, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Maulana Ahmed Bukhari, noted Shia cleric and member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board Maulana Kalbe Jawwad and Ulema and Mashiakh Board of Maulana Syed Mohammad Ashraf Kichachauvi as well as AMU Students Union to extend support for sending a message among the Muslims. BSP chief Mayawati has been concertedly telling the minorities that voting for the SP-Congress alliance will go in vain and it will willy-nilly help BJP. "BSP is the only viable alternative before Muslims as it alone can check BJP... SP is a divided house and both Akhilesh and Shivpal factions will harm each other in the polls and so voting for the SP-Congress alliance will only help BJP," has been her refrain during her campaign. But since Muslims have a pattern of voting for the party which is strongest to defeat BJP, SP-Congress alliance has given hope to them much to the discomfiture of BSP. After having fielded 99 Muslim candidates ? a record high for the party ? and basing its gameplan to a large extent on the Dalit-Muslim plank, BSP does not want to leave anything to chance and so it has been working overtime to win over Muslim leaders and clerics, analysts say. (MORE) PTI SAB SMI ZMN CPS --- ENDS --- Its one of the Western Bays iconic destinations, and today its celebrating its 20th anniversary. This afternoon a private gathering took place at Te Puna Quarry Park to mark 20 years since volunteers first began renovating the site. The invitation-only party was attended by Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless, as well as councillors from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Te Puna Quarry Park founder Shirley Sparks says prior to the Te Puna Quarry Park Society taking over management of the crown land, it took three years of working through bureaucracy to realise their dream. Before that, the quarry was a key part of the local economy, before work ceased in the 1970s. Its played a very important part in the life of the Bay of Plenty, particularly around Tauranga. Its supplied hundreds and hundreds of tonnes of rocks for bridges and construction since the early 1900s. She knows a lot about the quarrys history, having lived alongside it for most of her life. Our farm used to have a boundary on the quarry. We lived with the blasting of the rocks in the evenings, when we were milking cows and we were under the cows tails! They always did the blasting at 4.30 in the afternoon. Todays celebrations have been contained to a few invited guests, simply because there isnt the capacity to include the public. But Shirley hopes the key people have been thanked. Contributors, volunteers, supporters, encouragers all those wonderful people whove helped, particularly in the early years. Shes pleased, in particular, to have Taurangas mayor in attendance, having known him from his days as an entertainer. Greg Brownless was associated with the quarry very early on. We had concerts in the amphitheatre still do, of course which Bob Addison was very involved in. He brought in Greg Brownless with his piano accordion, and he was a great entertainer. Nothing like a mayor at that stage! So its great to welcome him back. Retired Western Bay of Plenty mayor Maureen J. Anderson has been involved with the park since its inception, and thinks its exactly the sort of thing councils should get behind. All the rules and regulations councils have in place dont always assist communities to achieve what communities want. I always thought this was what councils were for to support this sort of thing in the community. For me councils are nothing unless they listen to and validate what communities want, because they are the glue that sticks all this together. Shirley recalls, when the idea of the quarry park was in its infancy, that people were initially sceptical as to whether it would be successful. She believes the naysayers have been proved wrong. When we first started, people thought we were mad. None of us, even those who were enthusiastic, thought it would turn out to be what it is. It has come as a lovely surprise. Todays celebrations included a light lunch, followed by the planting of two kauri trees and the release of some monarch butterflies. The society also wishes to let people know theyre on the lookout for new members. Anyone interested in joining should email info@quarrypark.org.nz From left: Grant Bayley, Trixie Twigge, Audrey Hesson, and Norm Twigge look at the photos, community awards, and artifacts unearthed from the grounds. Creative Bay of Plenty general manager Lena Kovac and Ian Cross with the parks new sculpture. The sculptor is Nic Clegg, and the large springs were donated by Trustpower. The sculpture is also made of corten steel, which is designed to rust. Partly funded by Creative Communities Scheme Western Bay with the Te Puna Quarry Park paying for the remainder. Ian and Shirley cutting the cake. Mayor Greg Brownless, founding member Chas Kerr, Li-Jong Liao, Western Bay of Plenty councillor Don Thwaites, and Caroline Thwaites. Greg and Don planting a kauri. More than 1000 cruise ship passengers will disembark from the Noordam cruise ship to see what Mount Maunganui and Tauranga has to offer. Registered to a port in the Netherlands, the Noordam arrived in Tauranga from Napier. It has a gross tonnage of 82,318 and carries up to 820 crew members and 1924 passenger. The Noordam will leave Tauranga at 5.30pm as it heads to Auckland. According to the Port of Tauranga cruise ship schedule, the Noordam and the Celebrity Solstice are due back at the Port of Tauranga on Wednesday, February 15. By PTI: New Delhi, Feb 12 (PTI) The indefinite strike by drivers working with app-based cab aggregators was today called off partially as five unions agreed to run taxis in Delhi-NCR following the Delhi governments assurance. However, Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi (SDAD) which claims to represent 1.5 lakh of drivers in Delhi-NCR, said that it has not withdrawn its strike which will also continue tomorrow. advertisement As five drivers unions, out of six, have withdrawn their support from the strike called by SDAD, commuters who have been facing hardship in hiring cabs for the last three days, may have some respite from tomorrow. The development comes after a delegation of drivers unions met Delhi Transport Minister Satyendar Jain who assured them of fulfilling most of their demands. Thousands of drivers are on the indefinite strike since Friday in Delhi-NCR to protest against "low fares" and "lack" of basic amenities from app-based taxi aggregators. "The Transport Minister has assured us that their fares from the existing Rs 6 per km will be increased. In the meeting, the minister also assured drivers unions that app-based cab aggregators including Ola and Uber will not charge 25 per cent commission on every booking," said Balwant Singh, President of Rajdhani Tourist Drivers Union. Singh said that on Tuesday, transport minister has called a meeting with drivers unions and representatives of Uber and Ola where all issues of drivers will be addressed. Among the unions which have withdrawn their support from the strike are Commercial Drivers Union, East Delhi Driver Ekta Union, Delhi NCR Radio Taxi Union, Rajdhani Tourist Driver Union, he said. However, Ravi Rathore, vice president of Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi, said that drivers associated with his union will remain on strike tomorrow. He said that he could not attend todays meeting with the Transport Minister due to engagement with drivers who have been staging dharna at Jantar Mantar for their demands. "Our union represents around 1.5 lakh drivers, who work with app-based cab aggregators in Delhi-NCR, and they all will remain on strike tomorrow as well. We will not call off our strike until our demands are met. We demand that fares be increased from the existing Rs 6 per km to Rs 21 per km. 25 per cent commission by aggregators on every booking should also be stopped," Rathore said. He claimed that Telangana taxi drivers association has also extended support to their strike. PTI BUN KUN --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: Lucknow, Feb 12 (PTI) Hectic campaigning for the second phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections will come to an end tomorrow in 67 Assembly constituencies spread over 11 districts. Polling in these constituencies will be held on February 15. The seats are spread across 11 districts - Saharanpur, Bijnor, Moradabad, Sambhal, Rampur, Bareilly, Amroha, Pilibhit, Kheri, Shahjahanpur and Badaun. advertisement In the 67 seats at stake, ruling Samajwadi Party had won 34 seats in 2012, followed by BSP 18, BJP 10, Congress 3 and others 2. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah championed the cause of the saffron party, Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance charge was spear-headed by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, besides other leaders of the respective parties. BSP supremo Mayawati wooed voters addressing one rally after another all by herself, with senior party leader SC Misra chipping in at certain places. Both Modi and Shah slammed Congress and Samajwadi Party, saying Rahul ran a campaign against the SP government and wondered as to what happened overnight that they were embracing each other now. Akhilesh and Rahul harped on the theme of demonetisation, saying Modis note ban decision had caused immense hardship to those living in rural areas. Keeping in mind the fact that western UP has vast tracts of agricultural land, Modi played pro-poor and pro-farmers card and reiterated his partys promise of waiving loans of small and marginal farmers and paying the dues of sugarcane growers within 14 days of coming to power. (MORE) PTI ABN SMI IKA --- ENDS --- Welcome, DISH customer! Please note that we cannot save your viewing history due to an arrangement with DISH. Watchlist and resume progress features have been disabled. ACCEPT Agility Robotics introduces Cassie, a dynamic and talented robot delivery ostrich Today, Agility Robotics, a spin-off of Oregon State University, is officially announcing a shiny new bipedal robot named Cassie. Cassie is a dynamic walker, meaning that it walks much more like humans do than most of the carefully plodding bipedal robots we're used to seeing. This makes it better at handling the kind of diverse and complex terrain that we walk over all the time without even thinking, a talent that's going to be mandatory for robots that want to tackle the different environments and situations that they'll need to master to be actually useful around people. IEEE Spectrum How UPS trucks saved million of dollars by eliminating left turns UPS, the world's largest shipping and package delivery service, has trucks deployed all over the world, delivering as million as 15 million packages each day. And these UPS trucks apparently never take a left turn. In the US, and other countries where you drive on the right side of the road, right turns are free, but for a left turn you need to wait for a green light. The idea is simple - removing the turns means less idling at signals, and less fuel consumption... Gadgets 360 PayPal increasing several fees starting in March Buying and selling items on the internet is about to get a bit more expensive if you use PayPal to transfer money. The San Jose-based digital payment platform announced it will be increasing some of its fees starting on March 29, 2017. Among the increased fees is a currency conversion charge increase from 2.5 to 3 percent on top of the exchange rate established by PayPal's bank. Meaning customers will pay three percent more than the bank's currency conversion difference when exchanging money internationally. MLive.com TeraHertz transmitter delivers 105Gbps wireless speeds via single channel A team of Japanese scientists have developed a TeraHertz (THz) transmitter that is capable of transmitting digital data at a rate of 105Gbps (Gigabits per second) over a single channel using the 300GHz band, which they claim could power a future generation of Mobile Broadband and Satellite links. ISP Preview Most of the web really sucks if you have a slow connection A couple years ago, I took a road trip from Wisconsin to Washington and mostly stayed in rural hotels on the way. I expected the internet in rural areas too sparse to have cable internet to be slow, but I was still surprised that a large fraction of the web was inaccessible. Some blogs with lightweight styling were readable, as were pages by academics who hadn't updated the styling on their website since 1995. But very few commercial websites were usable (other than Google). danluu.com 33C3: Edible soft robotics Certainly one of the more entertaining talks of the 33rd Chaos Communications Congress was [Kari Love]'s talk on her experiments in mixing food with function. In [Kari]'s talk at the 2016 Hackaday Supercon, she talked extensively about working on soft robotic for NASA. At the 33C3, her focus was twofold: on a fun side project to make mobile robots out of stuff that you can eat, and to examine the process of creative engineering through the lens of a project like this. Hackaday Excessive radiation inside Fukushima fries clean-up robot A remotely-controlled robot sent to inspect and clean a damaged reactor at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant had to be pulled early when its onboard camera went dark, the result of excess radiation. The abbreviated mission suggests that radiation levels inside the reactor are even higher than was reported last week -- and that robots are going to have a hell of a time cleaning this mess up. Gizmodo Millimeter-scale computers: Now with deep learning neural networks on board Computer scientist David Blaauw pulls a small plastic box from his bag. He carefully uses his fingernail to pick up the tiny black speck inside and place it on the hotel cafe table. At one cubic millimeter, this is one of a line of the world's smallest computers. I had to be careful not to cough or sneeze lest it blow away and be swept into the trash. IEEE Spectrum How to setup a secure VPN server on Raspberry Pi or DigitalOcean Today we will talk about setting up your own VPN server. Don't these tutorials already exist? Possibly yes, but they are kinda blurry, and I will try to address all the issues you might run into. I think most people reading my blog or googling the topic have a fairly good understanding of what it is, but for those of you who doesn't, here's a quick recap... HSP.dk Intel Celeron/Pentium/Core i3/i5/i7 - Nvidia vs. AMD Linux gaming performance Five AMD/Nvidia graphics cards tested on five different Intel Kaby Lake processors from a low-end $40 Celeron CPU to a high-end Core i7 7700K is the focus of today's Linux benchmarking. Various OpenGL and Vulkan Linux gaming benchmarks were run to see how the Radeons and Nvidia Linux performance evolves from a Celeron G3930 to Pentium G4600 to Core i3 7100 to Core i5 7600K to Core i7 7700K. Phoronix Intel invests $7 billion in next-generation semiconductor factory in Arizona Intel Corporation today announced plans to invest more than $7 billion to complete Fab 42, which is expected to be the most advanced semiconductor factory in the world. The high-volume factory is in Chandler, Ariz., and is targeted to use the 7 nanometer (nm) manufacturing process. It will produce microprocessors to power data centers and hundreds of millions of smart and connected devices worldwide. Intel This tiny terminal was France's version of AOL When the internet went mainstream in the United States around 1995 or so, many of its benefits had already embedded themselves deep into French society -- but not through the internet. That was thanks to a fateful decision by France Telecom to replace the country's telephone books with a videotex-style system that could hold far more information than the actual books could. Vice Mission possible: Self-destructing phones are now a reality Self-destructing gadgets favoured by the likes of James Bond and Mission: Impossible's Ethan Hunt have taken one step closer to reality. Researchers in Saudi Arabia have developed a mechanism that, when triggered, can destroy a smartphone or other electronic device in as little as 10 seconds. International Business Times World of Warcraft gold can now be used to buy other Blizzard items It has been almost two years now since Blizzard began letting World of Warcraft players pay for their monthly game-time subscriptions using in-game gold rather than real money. Now, Blizzard is expanding that effort by letting players indirectly trade WoW gold for in-game items in other Blizzard games like Hearthstone and Overwatch. Ars Technica The state of residential solar power Don't panic, but we will need to generate approximately 15TW of usable energy from renewable (carbon-neutral) sources by 2050 in order to stabilize the atmospheric CO2 concentration. And purely in terms of available energy, solar power has the greatest potential for meeting this requirement. Ars Technica Ford bets $1B on self-driving car startup Ford Motor is betting $1 billion on the world's self-driving car future. The Detroit automaker announced Friday that it would allocate that sum over five years to a new autonomous car startup called Argo AI, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., and will have offices in Michigan and California. USA Today Why has Cameroon blocked the internet? Cameroonians have little doubt that pulling the plug on internet services for about 20% of the population is an intentional act by the government. The two regions affected, South-West and North-West, have seen anti-government protests in recent months. BBC Steam Discovery 2.0 analysis: Valve shares latest metrics Steam's primary goal is to connect consumers with content creators. Along the way, there are a number of challenges for different content types, such as connecting with friends, connecting with communities, and connecting customers to the most relevant games to buy and play. This blog post explores how Discovery Updates 1.0 & 2.0 have affected customers' abilities to find great games, while also examining the growth of user investments on Steam... Gamasutra SAVANNAH Aidan Van Lueken, 7, his bright green coat sticking out from the pale, snow-ridden background of the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah, studied the black-capped chickadee in his grasp. After walking with it for a while, Van Lueken released the bird and it flew off. Though he frowned slightly at the small peck marks the chickadee left on his hand as a souvenir, he said he enjoyed the experience. Van Lueken was among the crowd of around 20 people who attended the bird banding event with Dr. John Van Niel at the center Saturday. The event was part of the center's Nature of Montezuma Lecture Series. Participants were out in the state-owned land 198 acres in total with Van Niel, an environmental conservation professor at Finger Lakes Community College. Birds were caught in several nets and Van Niel later demonstrated bird banding, which the process of placing a small tag on a feathered creature, allowing for identification and tracking their location, age and other data. The birds were led to the nets by black oil sunflower seeds. "When they're flying between the feeders and the trees, they're not paying attention to the nets," Donna Richardson, environmental education specialist for the center, said. At one point outside, Van Niel was pleased one of the birds he was trying to untangle out of one of the nets kept making angry-sounding noises, saying the squawks indicate it is merely mad and isn't necessarily showing signs of stress, which can lead to health problems for the animals. "That's good. If it's angry that means it's not stressed," Van Niel said. The educator who has been working for the college for about 22 years said 20 birds were captured during the event. He said that while the birds do get tangled up, they are mostly simply irked at being caught, as opposed to actually being harmed. Van Niel said the event wasn't a research trip, but merely a way to educate people. Arne Van Lueken, father of Aidan Van Lueken and other children present at the event, said being a "birder," or bird-watcher, is in his family's blood. "I'm a birder, my mom's a birder. (Aidan)'s going to be a birder," Arne Van Leuken said. Assisting Van Niel was Andrew Cayer, one of Van Niel's students at the college. Cayer, who wants to work with birds as a career, said his fascination with the creatures was borne from "childlike wonder," as his father would take him on hiking trips when he was younger and identify birds they would see for him. "It kind of instilled it in me, wanting to know birds that (was)," Cayer said. Another one of the college's students, John Day, a natural resources conservation major, said he brought along his son Trevor Day, 8, so his child would a few things and have fun in the process. "It was a productive trip, but it also was also an educational trip," John Day said. Van Niel, who was putting birds safely in small bags to carry them into the building for banding in front of the participants, said that he adores what he does. Although one of his hands is peppered with small blood-drawing peck marks courtesy of woodpeckers caught in the nets, he's used to it. "It's worth it for what he get to do," Van Niel said with a smile. He said he has been an educator his entire life and that he loves teaching people. "For them to gain new appreciation for birds is worth taking a day of my time and getting pecked by woodpeckers," Van Niel said. By PTI: Washington, Feb 12 (PTI) Green car tires - made from trees and grasses - may soon be a reality, thanks to scientists who have developed a new technology to produce a key molecule in automobile tires using renewable resources found right in our backyards. Conventional car tires are viewed as environmentally unfriendly as they are predominately made from fossil fuels. advertisement The new car tires produced from biomass that include trees and grasses would be identical to existing car tires with the same chemical makeup, colour, shape and performance. "Our team created a new chemical process to make isoprene, the key molecule in car tires, from natural products like trees, grasses, or corn," said Paul Dauenhauer, an associate professor at University of Minnesota in the US. "This research could have a major impact on the multi-billion dollar automobile tires industry," Dauenhauer said. Currently, isoprene is produced by thermally breaking apart molecules in petroleum that are similar to gasoline in a process called "cracking." The isoprene is then separated out of hundreds of products and purified. In the final step, the isoprene is reacted with itself into long chains to make a solid polymer that is the major component in car tires. Biomass-derived isoprene has been a major initiative of tire companies for the past decade. However, renewable isoprene has proven a difficult molecule to generate from microbes and efforts to make it by an entirely biological process have not been successful. Scientists have focused on a new process that begins with sugars derived from biomass including grasses, trees and corn. They found that a three-step process is optimised when it is "hybridised," meaning it combines biological fermentation using microbes with conventional catalytic refining that is similar to petroleum refining technology. "Economically bio-sourced isoprene has the potential to expand domestic production of car tires by using renewable, readily available resources instead of fossil fuels," said Frank Bates, a polymer expert at University of Minnesota. "This discovery could also impact many other technologically advanced rubber-based products," he said. The study was published in the journal ACS Catalysis. PTI MHN MHN --- ENDS --- Mongolia's iconic antelopes are facing extinction after more than 2,000 had died from a disease that originated from livestock. Thousands more of the critically endangered are feared to die as the disease will spread during winter when free-ranging saiga herds migrate and mix. It might result to an upsurge of deaths in the spring. Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said that 2,500 Saiga died in Western Mongolia from a disease caused by a virus known as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). PPR is a deadly virus which kills 90 percent of infected animals. It is also called a goat plague because it affects sheep and goats with symptoms of infections include diarrhoea, fever, pneumonia, and mouth sores. The disease was first reported in 1942 in Cote d'Ivoire. It is a livestock disease afflicting sheep and goats in Africa, Middle East, and Asia. In Mongolia's Khovd province, 900 more saigas have disappeared approximately 10 percent of Mongolia's endangered antelopes. Saiga antelopes (Saiga tatarica) populated the grasslands of Europe and Asia. Their numbers have dwindled from 1.25 million to 50,000 for the last 40 years. The first outbreak of PPR in Mongolia was in September 2016. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said the virus spread from China affecting the free-ranging saiga population at shared grazing grounds. Experts do not rule out other possible causes as they also eye Pasteurella multocida bacteria. The equally deadly bacteria had wiped out more than 200,000 of Kazakhtstan's saiga antelope two years ago. Scientists Warn Of Impact On The Grassland Ecosystem The PPR outbreak does not only threaten to wipe out the endangered antelopes but threatens the whole grassland ecosystem as well. Scientists from WCS said the outbreak is the first to have occurred among antelopes and described its spread as "alarming". "The first case of PPR was confirmed in the Saiga on only 2nd January this year," WCS scientist Dr. Enkhtuvshin Shiilegdamba told BBC News. She warned that the PPR outbreak in saiga has raised concern over its impact on the grassland ecosystem in general. Dr. Shiilegdamba noted that "many other species share this same range" with saiga especially during winter. Scientists feared it will affect the food chain once the virus spreads toward the eastern part of Mongolia where an estimated 1.5 million Mongolian gazelles migrate every year. The disappearance of the wildlife in the area will result to a lack of prey for the endemic snow leopard, which will drive them to prey on domesticated livestock. These carnivores will also have greater risk of being shot by farmers. Saving The Mongolian Saiga From Extinction To save the saiga population from extinction, it is a must to immunize goats, sheep, and other domestic livestock in the area. Dr. Amanda Fine of WCS wildlife health program said there is "a need to ensure the disease does not spread to unaffected populations" in order to save the critically endangered Saiga antelope. FAO and the World Organization for Animal Health launched last year a program for the eradication of the disease. Aimed to eradicate PPR worldwide, the program's measures include vaccination, movement control, and quarantine. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Organic food has become so mainstream that Whole Foods is losing sales to conventional big-box players. Just 16 months earlier, Whole Foods forecasted a growth from its 470 U.S. locations then to over 1,200. This Wednesday, the organic retailer posted what could arguably be its worse performance in 10 years, disclosing its sixth consecutive quarter of dipping same-store sales and slashing its outlook for the year. Whole Foods is also poised to close nine stores the most it has closed at once, reported the Washington Post. Less-Than-Stellar Performance The retailer earned an adjusted 39 cents per share in the first quarter, but its revenue came in at $4.92 billion or short of the expected $4.98 billion. In the same period last year, it earned 46 cents per share on its $4.83 billion sales. Dubbing it an increasingly competitive marketplace, co-founder and CEO John Mackey said they are committed to improving comps and delivering higher shareholder returns. The focus is on refining Whole Foods growing strategy. Evolving our purchasing operating model while developing data-rich, customer-centric category management capabilities is critical to our go-forward merchandising, pricing, marketing and affinity strategies, Mackey said in a statement. Following its slow sales growth and added costs, Whole Foods also decreased its full-year outlook, now only expecting 1.5 percent or greater in sales growth versus an earlier forecast of 2.5 to 4.5 percent climb. Fierce Competition The struggle to bring organic shoppers into Whole Foods stores can be attributed to one thing: competitors offering lower prices or discounts for organic stuff that the natural food stores helped popularize almost four decades ago. Like Whole Foods, large retailers such as Walmart and Costco sell organic products typically at a friendlier price tag than those of Whole Foods, farmers market, or other natural food sources. In 2015 alone, according to the Organic Trade Association, 53.3 percent of organic food sales were from mass-market retail companies compared to just a bit more than 37 percent for natural retailers such as Whole Foods. Whole Foods created the space and reigned in it for years, with organic food sales soaring 209 percent from 2005 to 2015. Last year, it peaked at $43.3 billion, but a lot of competition has entered the market in the last five years, said analyst Brian Yarbrough. Its not just Whole Foods feeling the heat but also fellow organic stores Sprouts and Fresh Market, both facing falling stock prices. Two things figure in this difficulty, namely dropping food prices that meant slightly lower selling prices for Whole Foods, as well as intensifying competition in online orders. The retailer still partners with same-day delivery service Instacart, but there are other choices such as Amazon Fresh and Jet.com. Mackey, however, remains trusting of their core customers, which he calls the Whole Foodie customer. [W]ere going to do the best job that we can to keep our core customers from migrating back over to those guys, he said. Millennials are seen as the primary driver behind the popularity of organics, where consumers 18 to 34 years old remain the largest buyers and the most likely to consider themselves knowledgeable about the food they eat. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced that the 2017 Dodge Charger Pursuit is about to get a futuristic upgrade called the "Officer Protection Package." The automaker has built the vehicle for law enforcement officers. It is not going to be surprising if the modification will prompt some observers to liken it to a RoboCop technology. This is because the upgrade will equip the vehicle the ability to detect those who might sneak from behind. It should also complement a recent upgrade that installed the UConnect 12.1 Touchscreen System into the Charge Pursuit. Dodge Charger Pursuit Officer Protection Package For the threat-detection feature, FCA has collaborated with InterMotive, a California startup specializing on vehicle control systems. "This technology is designed to prevent an officer from being ambushed from the rear while parked," Jeff Kommor, vice president of fleet sales at FCA, said in an official statement. "While it does not replace vigilance, this technology acts as a second set of eyes and provides police officers with added peace of mind when they are in a parked Charger Pursuit." The new capability taps the car's radar and camera technologies, which originally constituted the cruiser's rear park assist system. How Does It Work? FCA explained that the upgrade is expected to raise police officers' situational awareness. The car will promptly alert the officer on-board if it perceives any danger or if its sensors have been tripped. Any activity behind the vehicle will get captured in the camera display. In addition, it will automatically lock the car's doors and windows. The siren and the rear lights will also get triggered. The update has been deployed to address an increasing demand for such detection mechanism. This has been driven by an uptick in the number of ambushes of police officers last year. At least 57 police officers have been shot dead in 2016. This number indicates an alarming 68 percent increase compared with the fatalities recorded in 2015. Free, Plug-And-Play Vehicle Upgrade According to FCA, the upgrade will not cost law enforcement agencies anything as it is an add-on if they have ordered the 2017 Charger Pursuit. The module itself is also easy to install, which probably means that it will work with older models. Users only need to plug it into the Charger Pursuit OBDII port, which is located under the dashboard. Some sources believe that the Officer Protection Package is an attempt on the part of FCA to increase the Dodge Charger Pursuit's sales. At this point, the cruiser is getting trounced by the Ford Explorer, which law enforcement agencies use as the Police Interceptor Utility. FCA maintains that the Charger Pursuit range remains as America's best-selling police sedan. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The natural world is filled with flora and fauna whose life and adaptation techniques continue to fascinate humans as we continually discover them. In the forests of Costa Rica, colonies of ants have been harboring a secret that probably even they were unaware of. A beetle species masquerading as an ant abdomen to hitch a free ride was just discovered by a team of researchers. Nymphister kronaueri Fondly named after field biologist and army ant researcher David Kronauer, the newly observed beetle species was discovered when researchers were puzzled by one of the ants they had collected in their sample. The ant in question looked normal from above, but upon further inspection, they noticed that the specimen seemed to have two abdomens. However, the truth was far more interesting. "When we shook the vial the beetle detached and expanded its legs and antennae that is the moment we realized we had discovered something new here," said Christoph von Beeren, co-author of the study. The stealthy N. kronaueri is highly specialized as it uses the strength of the army ant's colony for survival. Though little is still known about this species, researchers have observed that the beetle uses its strong mandibles to attach itself between the ant's narrow waist just between the thorax and the gaster. As they do, their dark reddish brown color, almost identical to the army ant's, camouflages them to other ants in the colony. Researchers also found that the N. kronaueri attaches itself only to ants of a certain size. Army Ants and Their Followers Army ants are different from other ant species in a very particular way. Unlike other ant species, they do not build permanent nests in trees or underground, but instead they continuously travel from one point to another. They build only temporary nests from their own bodies to shield their queen. In some species, the colony tends to remain stationary for quite a while before moving on to the next location, making them perfect vessels for the N. Kronaueri and other such myrmecophile fauna. As important arthropod predators, army ants play an important role in tropical forests. As such, they play host to a number of myrmecophiles, which are other arthropod species that take advantage of the colony's strength for survival. In many cases, arthropods such as millipedes, mites, beetles and phorid flies display excellent adaptation techniques in order to take advantage of the army ants' lifestyle and strength. Though some of them resort to chemical and morphological mimcry, little is still known about the N. kronaueri's relationship with its army ant host. Given the nature of the discovery of this beetle species, authors of the study acknowledge that there are still many species with incredible adaptation strategies to discover. After all, they wouldn't have discovered the species if they didn't wonder why this one ant had two behinds. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. If there is anything better for actor Alec Baldwin than hosting Saturday Night Live for the 17th time, we'd guess that it would be being validated for his performance as an impersonator of President Donald Trump. Earlier that same day, the Dominican Republic newspaper El Nacional published an article on Trump's thoughts about the settlement in Israel he previously mentioned. But, instead of a photo of the president of the United States gracing the page beside the photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, El Nacional unintentionally posted a still shot of Baldwin as he played the POTUS on SNL. El Nacional has since issued an apology for the oversight and explained that the image was simply pulled from Associated Press and that the mistake was not discovered until the article had been published. There have been no reactions from the POTUS, Alec Baldwin, or SNL as of writing but we can imagine that Trump is not too happy about the mistake since he is not amused with Baldwin's impersonation and Baldwin is also not a Trump supporter. I wanna perform at Trump's inauguration. I wanna sing HIGHWAY TO HELLhttps://t.co/fCTArIajFb ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) December 23, 2016 Death comes in threes. Carrie Fisher George Michael The integrity of the Oval Office. ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) December 28, 2016 If readers recall, Trump has already called out SNL on Twitter several times for not being funny, and he also criticized Baldwin's impersonation of him. Just tried watching Saturday Night Live - unwatchable! Totally biased, not funny and the Baldwin impersonation just can't get any worse. Sad Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2016 .@NBCNews is bad but Saturday Night Live is the worst of NBC. Not funny, cast is terrible, always a complete hit job. Really bad television! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2017 However, just like Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom Trump recently criticized as the new host of The Apprentice, Baldwin retaliated with his own entertaining response. ...@realDonaldTrump Release your tax returns and I'll stop. Ha ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) December 4, 2016 If Trump believes that criticism of, opposition to, distaste for his election will eventually subside, he is mistaken. It's just starting. ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) January 9, 2017 All of the jokes/parody/comedy aside, let's stop for a moment to take a full account of where we are. This country is lost. It's in trouble. ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) January 20, 2017 We think it is fair to say the loathing is mutual between the two men, but Baldwin may be on the winning end with El Nacional's mistake. On the downside, the publication may also start receiving some hate from the president. People on social media have even begun to wonder whether the Dominican Republic would be included on the list of banned countries soon. That or Trump could start considering it as a publication that circulates fake news. Then again, the U.S. president could miraculously show a "merciful" side and actually let this one go since El Nacional did apologize for the mistake before he was even made aware of it. It's really hard to say. In the meantime, let us just all enjoy a quick performance from Alec Baldwin in his impersonation of President Donald Trump. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By PTI: New Delhi, Feb 12 (PTI) Miffed at the sealing of 21 rooftop restobars in Connaught Place, restaurant owners are planning to protest against the decision of the civic body. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had last week sealed the 21 restobars in the commercial hub after the roof of a vacant room in C-Block collapsed, raising questions about the structural stability of other buildings in the iconic market. advertisement "There is no connection between the collapse and the rooftop restaurants. The concept of such restaurants cant be simply done away with. We understand that safety is a primary concern, but there should be a policy and NDMC can issue the licences after checking structural stability certificates," said Riyaaz Amlani, President, National Restaurant Association of India. "We are going to protest against NDMCs decision and demand that the restobars be allowed to function," he said. The sealed establishments include My Bar Headquarters, Warehouse Cafe in D-block, The Vault Cafe in F-block, Kinbuck-2 and Kitchen Bar in C-block, Lord of the Drinks, Open House Cafe, Jungle Jamboree, Boombox Cafe, Farzi Cafe, House of Commons, Hotel Palace Heights, Office Canteen Bar, Luggage Room, Cafe OMG, Unplugged Courtyard, Barbeque Nation, TC Bar & Restaurant, Teddy Boy Restaurant and The Niche Restaurant and Cafe Public Connection. This was not the first time the civic body acted against use of terraces. In 2015, it had sealed the roofs of 13 restaurants, after which they signed affidavits saying they would adhere to rules. Priyank Sukhija, the owner of Warehouse and Open House Cafe, said, "The sealing was just part of NDMCs attempt to curtail the crowd coming to Connaught Place before they roll out the vehicle-free plan." Ajit Ajmani, the owner of MyBar Headquarters, said that though the civic body had issued prior notices to them warning against use of terrace and balconies they havent violated any norms. According to NDMC officials, terrace or balconies in heritage buildings cannot be used for any kind of commercial activity. The civic body has also decided to conduct a survey of all "dangerous" buildings in the area by end of this month to avoid any mishap and formulate a policy to regulate structures installed on rooftops in commercial centre. NDMC had last week formed a six-member panel, comprising structural safety experts from IIT-Delhi, Central Public Works Department, NDMC and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the area to inspect the site and ascertain the reason behind the collapse. PTI GJS SMN RCJ --- ENDS --- advertisement Sidharth Shukla and Rashami Desai in a still from their show. Picture courtesy: YouTube By India Today Web Desk: Indian television and film actor Sidharth Shukla, who is currently making his presence felt in the new relationship drama Dil Se Dil Tak has an advice for anyone who is dying to be in a relationship. Being single is smarter than being in a wrong relationship...! Sidharth Shukla (@sidharth_shukla) February 12, 2017 The good-looking actor recently took to social media site Twitter to express his feelings about relationships in general. He wrote, "Being single is smarter than being in a wrong relationship!" advertisement Wow! Now that is a great advice, but it looks like the actor doesn't really get the hype surrounding Valentine's Day, and that is completely okay. Now, he didn't say exactly that, but the aforementioned tweet and another thing that he posted on Twitter point in 'that' direction. Also read: Review: Rashami Desai and Sidharth Shukla's chemistry stands out in Dil Se Dil Tak Not too long ago, the talented actor had tweeted, "Can't freaking understand, if the heart does not have any bones, how the hell does it break?" Can't freaking understand... if the heart does not have any bones... how the hell does it break !! Sidharth Shukla (@sidharth_shukla) February 7, 2017 To catch the actor at his romantic best, watch Dil Se Dil Tak at 10:30 pm every Mon-Fri on Colors TV. --- ENDS --- Arce stressed that "this table has a vital importance to continue giving certainties and solutions, above the whims, subway agreements and political calculations". | Read More The ongoing New York Fashion Week is turning out to be its most politically-charged edition yet. By India Today Web Desk: Never in his wildest would Donald Trump have thought that his disputed executive orders will someday, find space on the New York Fashion Week runway. But then, like pretty much everything in America right now, the unforeseen occurred and the ongoing fashion event turned political at multiple levels. Mexican fashion designer, Raul Solis' label LRS, sent out a vivid, bold political message by featuring models wearing underwear with slogans like "F*ck your Wall" and "No ban, no wall" inscribed on them. The collection raised a strong voice against Trump's proposal of building a wall on Mexico's border and his devastating immigrant ban. Mexican designer Raul Solis' collection made a political statement. Picture courtesy: Twitter advertisement Also Read: A river of pussyhats and powerful words: 18 pictures from the Women's March While Solis used white underwear to convey his political opinions, Calvin Klein's collection found solace in David Bowie's track, This is Not America. Headlined by designer Raf Simons, the Calvin Klein show kicked off with Bowie's track in the background and was reportedly, played three times during its duration. In attendance at this show were eminent Hillary Clinton supporters, Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue and Hollywood actress, Sarah Jessica Parker. Calvin Klein's collection. Photo: Reuters Calvin Klein's collection. Photo: Reuters Also Read: Here's what Donald Trump eats in a day Additionally, "A day earlier, Calvin Klein had sent guests patterned bandanas, with a note saying: "Unity, inclusion, hope and acceptance: Join us at Calvin Klein in wearing the white bandanna. #tiedtogether," reports the Associated Press. Anna Wintour and Sarah Jessica Parker attend the Calvin Klein show. Photo: Reuters Chromat's show featured a combination of inflatable vests, coats, sleeves among other things that, according to Refinery 29, were "meant to represent the idea of surviving and staying afloat in a tumultuous political environment." With the message of inclusion and diversity running through its veins, Chromat's show ended with rapper Tt the Artist repeating, " F*ck Donald Trump, Who Donald Trump, F*ck Donald Trump," as a part of the act. "Things have gone so wrong, it's almost not a choice to speak out. Everyone's just trying to survive right now, keep their heads above water, and get through the next four years, basically," Refinery 29 quotes Chromat's designer, Becca McCharen as saying. --- ENDS --- According to a report in Mashable India on Saturday, many users' replies to Trump's tweets appeared as 'disconnected' from the original tweet, as the massive responses it garners caused a breakdown to Twitter's technical infrastructure. By Indo-Asian News Service: US President Donald Trump's tweets generate such a massive public engagement and responses that Twitter cannot handle them, putting a tremendous pressure on Twitter's system. According to a report in Mashable India on Saturday, many users' replies to Trump's tweets appeared as 'disconnected' from the original tweet, as the massive responses it garners caused a breakdown to Twitter's technical infrastructure. advertisement Some people have called the issue as a matter of censorship but Twitter's Vice President of engineering Ed Ho has clarified that the 'disconnection' between original Trump tweet and replies was caused by a "long standing technical issue". According to Ho, the issue crops up when tweets generate a large number of replies. "@dannysullivan @jack it's due to the high number of replies, long standing technical issue, we are working on a fix," Ho said in a tweet. According to a report in Fortune, Twitter is, at least historically, notorious for uneven handling of system loads. "But the issue of the disconnected tweets is in some ways even more pernicious than the sitewide outages of yesteryear. Arguments that Twitter was censoring either pro- or anti-Trump tweets might not have been accurate, but they reflected a real erosion of faith in Twitter's openness," the report said. --- ENDS --- It happened the other morning, as I was standing at the mirror shaving, not quite ready to start the day. Some work the night before had kept Baton Rouge, its police chief and several officers are rebutting allegations that the owner of a North Foster Drive convenience store where police fatally shot Alton Sterling last summer was illegally detained after the shooting. Abdullah Muflahi, in a lawsuit he filed six days after Sterling was shot July 5 outside his Triple S Food Mart, claims he was held without an arrest warrant for four hours in the back of a police car outside his store. Muflahi says police then drove him to State Police headquarters, where he was illegally detained for two more hours while detectives questioned him. Muflahi and his attorneys contend the detention was unconstitutional. Lawyers representing the city, Police Chief Carl Dabadie Jr. and officers Timothy Ballard and Robert Cook disagree and filed answers to the suit last month in the 19th Judicial District Court. The nearly identical court filings set the scene on that fateful July 5 day: Officers were dispatched to Triple S Food Mart in response to a call about a man who allegedly threatened someone with a gun outside the north Baton Rouge store, and the situation escalated shortly after officers arrived at the scene. --- Not seeing the video below? Click here. --- The food mart was a potential crime scene; people at the scene were potential witnesses or perpetrators; and officers were unaware of Muflahi's status, the documents add. Officers "had a right to detain Mr. Muflahi for a reasonable time, dictated by the circumstances, to enable them to conduct a preliminary investigation," according to the answer filed on behalf of Ballard and Cook by senior special assistant parish attorneys Arthur Andrews and Tedrick Knightshead and Assistant Parish Attorney Michael Schillage. The conduct of the officers was "proper and reasonable," and the initial investigation was conducted "promptly and with all due deliberate speed," the officers' attorneys argue. Muflahi, the officers' lawyers maintain, was not falsely imprisoned. One of Muflahi's attorneys, Joel Porter, said in a written statement that Muflahi's Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable seizures were trampled by the investigative hold. "The last time I checked, there is one legal standard under law for detaining someone or for arresting/detaining someone, and that is probable cause," Porter said. "There is no investigative hold that I'm aware of that allows law enforcement officers to illegally detain someone who has not committed a crime. "You must have probable cause to detain someone suspected of criminal activity. Mr. Muflahi was never suspected of any criminal activity." Porter said detention "for custodial interrogation, regardless of its label, intrudes so severely on interests protected by the Fourth Amendment to trigger the traditional safeguards against illegal arrest." Muflahi alleges in his suit that during his four-hour detention in a police car outside his store, he was escorted to the side of his building to urinate "right there within arm distance of a (Baton Rouge Police Department) officer and in full view of the public." The suit also alleges authorities seized surveillance video from the store. The shooting of Sterling, 37, remains the subject of an ongoing federal investigation. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III recused his office from the case, citing his longstanding relationship with the parents of the officer who fatally shot Sterling. A source with knowledge of the probe has identified Blane Salamoni as the officer who fired the fatal shots. The other officer involved in the altercation with Sterling is Howie Lake II. Salamoni and Lake also are defendants in Muflahi's suit. Any state criminal charges resulting from Sterling's shooting would be handled by the state Attorney General's Office. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission The officials recovered another set of antique wooden sculptures and carvings from the godown--12 ornately carved wooden columns with floral pilasters, 12 wooden archways with carvings of birds and flowers on them and 12 wooden pedestals. By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: In the first week of February, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had arrested Vijay Nanda, an American businessman of Indian origin, from his residence in Girgaum Chowpaty in connection with smuggling of antiques and artifacts to the US, Europe and Hong Kong. In a follow up operation on February 11, the DRI officials conducted second round of searches at a godown in an Industrial Estate in Byculla, Mumbai. advertisement The officials recovered another set of antique wooden sculptures and carvings from the godown. There were 12 ornately carved wooden columns with floral pilasters, 12 wooden archways with carvings of birds and flowers on them and 12 wooden pedestals. According to DRI, the said articles are antiquities protected under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972. "The wooden sculptures belong to the Shahjahani style of architecture, which is a part of the Late Mughal style of architecture of the 17th and 18th Century. Similarly styled columns have are also found in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture of the 19th Century", said the DRI official. The recovered columns appear to be the part of a grand haveli in Gujarat or Rajasthan. DRI is also taking assistance of the experts from Archeological Survey of India (ASI) for formal certifications. This godown was camouflaged as an abandoned mezzanine floor in the industrial estate. It could not be searched earlier as Nanda had denied having keys of the said godown. "Even during his interrogation he stated that the said godown was vacant and he has lost keys of the said godown", the official said. During the searches it was found that all these sculptures had been packed properly and were in a ready to ship condition. The wooden antiquities have been seized under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Nanda has been arrested and is in judicial custody. In his confessional statement had not spoken about the existence of these antiques in possession. Earlier, the agency searched the residence of Nanda and his godowns in Byculla and recovered at least six stone sculptures of tenth century AD mostly stolen from temples in the southern and eastern part of India. The valuation of these items in the international market is in crores. Also Read Mumbai: Raid on NRI businessman's godown, stolen antiques recovered --- ENDS --- Louisianas $2.3 billion collegiate nest egg is getting smaller because investments made by the endowments of most of the states public colleges just arent returning the dividends expected. Nationally, three-fourths of colleges are reporting they are dipping into the base of donations after suffering their first losses since the 2008 recession. The decline shocked many in the higher education community and led some university-affiliated foundations to alter their management. In Louisiana, most funds followed the national trend for 2016. But for many state schools, this is the second or third year of poor returns. LSU, for instance, has been quietly adjusting its foundations operations after two consecutive years of losses. You have to make money, said Joseph C. Rallo, Louisianas commissioner of higher education. Most of our institutions, for whatever reason, did not grow their endowments. Humdrum investment returns are adding to an already challenging budgetary environment for Louisianas public colleges and universities. Lawmakers have cut the states appropriation 16 times over the past nine years to the point where students now pay about 70 percent of the costs and state taxpayers pitch in 30 percent a reversal of the ratio a decade ago. The states operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30 needs to be rebalanced before the end of the month, and next years spending plan is starting off in the hole again. Some Louisiana legislators are taking a cue from Congress, which is looking at endowments as a source of money to lower student costs, and saying thats an idea that needs to be discussed in this state. Legislators looking at endowments to supplement higher education budget cuts During his campaign, President Donald Trumps answer to the populist demand for lower colleg Endowments are where the tax-deductible dollars donated by people and corporations are deposited. The idea is that those donations are invested and the profits are used to help fund scholarships, supplement faculty pay, support construction and other projects. Using only the interest income keeps the base intact and ready to collect more interest next year. Most colleges and universities expect about a 5 percent to 7 percent return on those investments each year. And they usually get it. When they dont, changes are made, as in July at Harvard University, where the investing chief resigned after 18 months of lackluster investment performance. Nearly three-quarters of the nations university-affiliated funds reported dipping into their endowments base to cover investment income declines in 2016, according to a recent report by the National Association of College and University Business Officers, a trade association, and Commonfund Inc., a Connecticut money manager. In spite of lower returns, colleges and universities continue to raise their endowment spending dollars to fund student financial aid, research and other vital programs, NACUBO President and Chief Executive Officer John D. Walda told reporters. The NACUBO review of last years investment returns for the funds of 805 colleges and universities nationwide found profits from endowment investments in energy and commodities were down, as were alternative investments like hedge funds and venture capital. Stock prices on the Standard & Poor 500 index showed a nearly 4 percent gain during the same 12-month period ending June 30. Endowments for Louisiana Tech, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Northwestern State University and McNeese State University schools that were not included in the national survey also posted losses in 2016, a review of Louisiana Legislative Auditors Office reports shows. The latest audits for the University of New Orleans and Nicholls State University have not been completed, but both endowment funds had lost value since 2013, according to earlier audit reports. Southern Universitys foundation is not audited because it doesnt include government money, according to the Legislative Auditors Office. Its the second down year in a row for the LSU Foundation. That endowment has slipped from a high of $644.1 million in 2014 to a $616.5 million balance on June 30, 2016, according to the audit. LSUs investment income dropped by $10.6 million from 2014 to 2015 and by $22.6 million more from 2015 to 2016, primarily because the endowments investments underperformed. These deficiencies resulted from unfavorable market fluctuations, the auditors analysis stated. +4 'Transformational' capital campaign from LSU Foundation eyes $1.2 billion goal For years, LSU has paled in comparison to its regional peers around the South in fundraising The LSU Foundation, a few years ago, intentionally shifted a portion of its assets from stocks and bonds to investments like real estate and energy, interim LSU Foundation CEO Dan Layzell said in an emailed statement. Real assets have significant commodity exposure, and commodities have underperformed recently. For example, oil prices are down 61 percent over that time frame, he wrote. Layzell, who had overseen LSUs finances, became interim president of the foundation on Jan. 1. Stephen Moret, the former state economic development chief, had been president and chief operating officer of the LSU Foundation for 18 months before abruptly leaving for another job. Stephen Moret leaving LSU Foundation for economic development job in Virginia Stephen Moret, the head of LSU's major fundraising arm and a former key adviser to then-Gov. The LSU Board of Supervisors is conducting a nationwide search for a new foundation head whose revamped duties would include working more closely with the universitys other foundations and coordinating fundraising activities. The LSU Foundation also hired Cambridge Associates to operate as its chief investment officer. Endowments, especially during the recession, have been going up and down. Our endowment isnt where it should be, but were working on building it, said LSU President F. King Alexander, who has repeatedly expressed the need to ramp up fundraising efforts since arriving in 2013. Other Louisiana university officials blame the fickleness of the stock market and remind people that endowments are long-term investments, so a downward blip isnt an immediate concern. Its a slow, steady growth investment strategy, said Joseph Savoie, president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, whose foundations value dropped 4 percent from $185.2 million in 2015 to $178.3 million in 2016. The endowment tends to follow the market. It goes up, and it goes down, depending on the overall performance of the market. Thats not much solace for some donors. I was quite shocked to find this out. Its disappointing that it has been going so long, said Janice Evans, of Baton Rouge. Evans family donated money to LSU in her late daughters name with the understanding that the earnings on the contribution would be used each year to provide modest help buying art supplies for a deserving student. Obviously, theyve been going into the principal, she said. She feared that news of the funds losses could scare off future donors. Its a worthwhile foundation," she said. "They do a lot of good. I hope they can turn it around. Two years ago Bobby Jindal was master of the universe well, of Louisiana anyway. Unctuous legislators complied and businessmen fawned. His glorious name was called wonderful. These days Jindals name curls off the lips of many as the ultimate curse and put-down. Thatll certainly be the case tomorrow when the Legislature convenes again to stitch together some sort of plan that legally satisfies the constitutional requirement that Louisiana balance its spending with the money available. Its the 15th mid-year budget deficit since 2009. Sixty percent of Louisiana residents blame Republican Jindal personally for the states fiscal mess, according to a University of New Orleans poll released Thursday, which also suggests that his guilt is a bridge over otherwise polarized racial and partisan divides. The incrimination really started during Jindals final term when then-Democratic state Rep. John Bel Edwards joined forces with the right wing Republican fiscal hawks clique to complain that Jindal relied on gimmicks and one-time money to fill funding gaps. State Rep. Cameron Henry, a Republican business consultant from Metairie and leader in the fiscal hawks who now chairs the House Appropriations Committee, told The Lens in 2013: Its not fiscally responsible to spend one-time money on recurring expenses. Republican House Majority Leader Lance Harris, an Alexandria businessman and member of the fiscal hawks, said in 2013: As it stands right now, by using one-time money, contingencies, and nonrecurring revenues to pay for recurring expenses, you never really do gauge how much money it actually is going to take on an annual basis. The theme was central in the 2015 gubernatorial campaigns of not only Edwards but Republican aspirants Jay Dardenne, David Vitter and Scott Angelle, all of whom said the budget is structurally unstable and Jindals manipulations led to repeated deficits that scared the business community. If the point in time could be fixed when Jindal went from luminous to loup garou, it probably would have been his bid for president. The Blame Bobby narrative took hold while Jindals PR machine was focused elsewhere, said Timmy Teepell, Jindals message meister. It was one of the casualties of Bobby running for president, he said in an interview last week. Its all politics, I get that. But its a false narrative. Nowadays, Jindal putters around his $817,500 house in Baton Rouges tony University Club, driving a little too fast, some neighbors say, along the gated communitys streets. But Jindal continues his self-imposed silence on his successors work. Teepell, however, has grown weary of his friend and former boss constantly and conveniently being painted as the picture of incompetence particularly given the culpability of lawmakers, including Edwards, Harris and Henry at times. Edwards approved five of Jindals eight budgets, while Henry voted for half of them. Harris only once opposed Jindal. Teepell argued that one-time money is a misnomer. The money comes from various statutory dedications after spending what is legally required, or from settlements of lawsuits involving the state. These dollars have been used to balance budgets for years, he said. It sounds bad, but its not an accurate label. These arent savings accounts. Its government money, left over, that should be put into use for the people, Teepell said. Every year there are settlements; there are extra funds in the dedications. Its recurring, if you will, every year." Balancing spending promises with available revenue is messy business, Teepell said, adding, Bobby had a higher comfort level with reducing the size of government than the Legislature did." Philosophically, Jindal felt that the economy would grow if the size of government was reduced and no new taxes were added. He began negotiations from that position to balance the wants of legislators whose approval he needed for the budget at the time, Teepell said, adding A lot of cuts were removed (from the budget) and replaced with one-time money. Now Edwards needs to close a $304 million gap. He proposes legislators use about $240 million from various reserve funds or delayed spending money that wont be available next year in order to limit cuts to services to about $60 million. Henry and Harris now blast the Democratic governor. Hes following a plan similar to what he criticized so heavily before, Henry said last week. A lot of us served with him and expected something different as it relates to his handling of the budget, instead of something that mirrors so closely what the previous administration did. Anyways, Teepell said, I guess what Gov. Edwards seems to have discovered is that governors and legislators have been using one-time money for years. Louisiana governments rainy day fund has a longer technical name, but the nickname is especially appropriate now. Its raining oil. The worldwide glut of petroleum, caused by slowing economies internationally and growing fracking production domestically, has had a severe impact on Louisianas precariously balanced budget. While our state has diversified its economy over the years, energy remains a mainstay and the source of more than just severance taxes. Personal and corporate income tax collections also suffer in an oil slump. With the state facing a $304 million deficit, Gov. John Bel Edwards has called the Legislature into a special session to spread the pain. The fiscal year ends June 30. Before then, the budget must be balanced, at least on paper, and some cuts are inevitable. That is where the rainy day fund comes in. Edwards wants lawmakers to use $119 million from the state's rainy day fund to lessen the need for cuts to state services, but some lawmakers have said they would prefer to make further cuts. Two-thirds of both House and Senate members will have to agree to using the money from the rainy day fund. There is more than that in the fund, but law limits how much can be withdrawn at any time. Edwards wants to tap the account to the full legal limit. Some of the cuts are likely to be painful, including reductions to health care providers under the Medicaid insurance program for the working poor. The hospitals, formerly state institutions but now in public-private partnerships, would take some cuts. The good news: Edwards plan doesn't include cuts to K-12 education base funding, higher education, prisons or social services. The popular Taylor Opportunity Program for Students also would be spared from further cuts, as would waiver programs for children and the disabled. With only four months left in this fiscal year, adjustments of this magnitude are difficult, Edwards said in a statement. We have gone line-by-line in the state budget to identify cuts and other state general fund reductions, including identifying funds that could be moved to other areas of the budget. When legislators get to town on Monday, they will have their say in shifting the money around in some areas, but a key debate will be on tapping the rainy day fund. Thats a big vote, and the agreement of two-thirds of members is particularly hard to come by in the state House. Wed like to see plausible ideas for cuts from legislators, and Edwards has made the call for the session pretty open-ended on the financial front. But at this late date in the fiscal year, we wonder whether there are any really creative ideas out there, or at least proposals that can be adopted without further disruptions in state institutions. That June 30 date is awfully close. And it continues to rain oil, so prices and thus energy tax revenues arent going to be shooting back up any time soon. Washington, D.C. As I wrote in an earlier post, none of the small receptions that fill the Washington Hilton's many suites during Washington Mardi Gras have achieved the same must-hit status as former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu's karaoke party, humble origins notwithstanding. In recent years, these open houses, generally staged by local economic development arms and members of the Louisiana congressional delegation, have taken a toned-town turn. Sure, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy's staff draped a boa over the sign outside his party, and new U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson's people came up with a logo featuring a masked George Washington. But there's nothing like Landrieu's high-spirited shindigs, say, or former U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon's raucous Cajun joke-telling contests of yore. Yet a few current hosts aspire to claim the "hot party" mantle. They include U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, who for the first time this year turned his hospitality suite into "Garret's Swampy Speakeasy." The theme fits with Graves' former job as head of Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, and his new assignment as chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's subcommittee on water resources. The party featured a pirogue full of drinks, Spanish moss draped from the ceiling and a weathered entranceway constructed from reclaimed wood by communications director Kevin Roig, who promised to build on the thematic details in future years. Also in contention are Lafayette Parish and several local economic groups, which seized on regional distinction this year and decked out their suite in colorful fringe meant to invoke the costumes worn on the Cajun Mardi Gras chicken run. The party featured local specialties such as Mello Joy Coffee, Ragin' Cajuns ale, and this may be the clincher boudin, imported from home under stringent rules set by the hotel. "It had to arrive at a certain temperature. It had to be shipped frozen in dry ice," said Marie Centanni, one of the party's organizers. "Luckily the professionals at Don's Specialty Meats ship anywhere. They can handle the Hilton." Janet Torres hasn't lived under the same roof as her two teenage children or her boyfriend since floodwater engulfed their two acres in Livingston Parish, swallowing up the family's mobile home. Friends and family are helping out, but nobody has room to accommodate all of them. Torres' kids a high school sophomore and junior are each living with friends' families in Denham Springs, while she's staying with a friend in Prairieville and her boyfriend is living with his father in Clinton. Torres didn't have flood insurance and needs to save to rebuild on her property. In the meantime, she was hoping to find a rental to reunite her family. But in the post-flood Baton Rouge area market, that's proved more difficult than she expected. The available places are just too expensive, she said. "They've definitely price gouged since the flood," Torres said. "I'm not asking for a mansion. I just want to be with my kids. That's not too much to ask." The number of people receiving Federal Emergency Management Agency rental assistance or in hotel rooms paid for by the agency has plummeted since the beginning of the historic floods last August, from a high of 13,977 to a recent total of about 3,600 households. But that drop masks the ongoing struggles for many displaced families, as can be seen with FEMA's announcement last week that assistance for flood victims in hotels would be extended for another month. For many families with limited means, the tight rental market has posed a particular obstacle to rebuilding their lives. Currently there is about a 3 to 4 percent vacancy rate in the region, said Craig Davenport, a multifamily real estate appraiser who studies apartment trends for the Greater Baton Rouge Board of Realtors. It usually hovers around 7 percent, he said. The difficulty in finding a decent size rental has put a tremendous strain on Eric and Rebekah Chase's marriage these past few months. The couple, along with their three kids and two dogs, have practically been living on top of one another in a camper designed to sleep just two people. The Chases initially thought they were lucky. The three-bedroom house they had been renting in Central was spared. But then in September, they discovered a severe mold infestation beneath their home. They left after a disagreement about the mold with their landlord. Most of their personal belongings are now stuffed inside plastic bins, some of which are stacked outside the tiny camper they have parked inside the KOA Kampground in Denham Springs. Eric Chase, a veteran of the U.S. Marines Corps and cabinet builder, says they're contemplating an out-of-state move because rental options are so limited in the region. "I just don't want to deal with people anymore because they're so money hungry," he said. "You can't find anything that's going to fit all three kids and allows pets for under $1,400 a month! It's ridiculous!" They acknowledge the tight living quarters is prompting difficult arguments. "It makes it hard when you're so cramped," Rebekah Chase said. "It's tough." Maxwell Ciardullo, a spokesman for the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center, says the floods' impact on the rental market also creates an environment more ripe for housing discrimination. Ciardullo says his organization saw an uptick in the number of housing discrimination claims that were filed in the Baton Rouge area after the flood something that also occurred in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina. "Most fair housing complaints are around race, people with disabilities and whether or not folks have children," he said. "We saw a lot of those after Katrina where landlords said properties were adult-only, which is in violation of the Fair Housing Act." The Louisiana Attorney General's Office would not provide details on the number of fair housing complaints filed since the August floods. Davenport, the rental market expert, said many apartment complexes that were severely damaged by the floods haven't reopened, with some showing no signs of rehabilitation work taking place anytime soon. This lack of progress is particularly acute in north Baton Rouge, where rentals were typically more affordable for low-income families, he said. When people do fix up their rentals, they often end up raising the rent, Davenport noted. East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Councilwoman Erika Green, one of several council members whose district includes part of north Baton Rouge, says the rental shortage is hitting senior citizens in her area the hardest. Those elderly residents just don't want to relocate, she said. "They're use to going five blocks, or certain distances, to get to places," she said. "Right now, they would have to move across town to find housing." A lot of smaller landlords, people who rented out individual houses, for example, lack the means to rebuild, Green said, pointing to the significant number of for-sale signs she is now seeing in front of flooded properties. "These homeowners don't have the ability to hurry up and put rental properties back online," she said. The East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority reports that approximately 42 percent of the 753 families who were flooded out of Section 8-subsidized homes haven't found a place where they can re-use their voucher. Richard Murray, the head of the parish's Housing Authority, said 11 percent of the flood victims who used the Section 8 voucher program had to move out of the city to find new housing. Davenport predicted the need for FEMA rental assistance won't dissipate until the region starts benefiting from the types of federally-funded programs that helped restore the New Orleans housing market post-Katrina. Gov. John Bel Edward's Office of Community Development has announced that it will direct $100 million of the $1.65 billion in flood-recovery funds Congress has approved for Louisiana to tackle the rental shortage. Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says the state intends to roll out several programs geared toward helping renters. A February presentation about the plan to spend that money outlined programs that included $12.5 million in assistance to renters at risk of becoming homeless, as well as other efforts that would be more geared toward rehabbing damaged buildings. For example, the assistance for landlords would include a $30 million program to restore larger rental properties and $25 million in funding to help fix affordable units in smaller buildings. But it will likely be spring before those funds begin to flow, Forbes said. "We recognize there's a problem with the lack of affordable rent housing inventory," he said. "Rather than focusing on helping people pay rent, we want to increase the stock." Baton Rouge government officials are trying to tear down as many blighted homes as possible in the next six months, hoping that FEMA will end up footing much of the bill. The city-parish wants the federal government to pay to haul debris off to landfills, but roadblocks have emerged in the city-parish's race against the clock. FEMA, for one, has not agreed to pay for the debris pickup of every home the city-parish knocks down. To move forward, the city-parish also will need to change its condemnation proceedings to allow them to dismantle homes that may look fine from the outside, but have mold or other flood remnants that affect public health growing on the inside. While officials are hustling to tear down dilapidated buildings, the bigger expenses and challenges will come when it's time to rebuild. So far, no one has advanced a plan for what to do with all the empty lots. Blight was a problem in Baton Rouge long before floods swept through the city in August, pouring water into 48,383 buildings or nearly 30 percent of structures across the parish. It's already becoming worse, with 629 calls since the beginning of 2017 having been assigned to the city's blight enforcement division compared to 446 for the same period last year. Those include calls about rundown buildings, as well as other eyesores like junked cars and filthy swimming pools. No one in City Hall has outlined a comprehensive vision for how to fight post-flood blight in Baton Rouge, and Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome's office would not allow members of a flood transition committee looking at the issue to discuss their findings. For their part, Metro Council members say they lack direction for what to tell their constituents complaining in droves about the blight in their communities. Tearing down buildings themselves is the inexpensive part of condemnations, city-parish officials say. While the labor and equipment for knocking down blighted buildings is factored into workers' salaries and equipment budgets, hauling the debris from condemnations costs around $5,000 a pop. Flood victims get legal help with property transfers, successions at Southern University event Kenneth Evans walked into the Southern University Law Center Saturday morning clutching a la While FEMA is reimbursing East Baton Rouge for 90 percent of flood debris pickup costs, the city wants debris from buildings condemned after the flood to be included in the reimbursement that ends on August 13, 2017. Local, state and federal officials are haggling over what will count. FEMA may scrutinize utility bills and refuse to pay demolition costs for buildings that appear to have been unoccupied before the flood, said city-parish director of development Carey Chauvin. The agency also wants locals to justify each demolition, though it's unclear how that will work. "It's not going to be as simplistic as we had once thought and hoped," Chauvin said. East Baton Rouge will push for its own interests when dealing with FEMA, he continued. "We'll have questions too. ... This is about helping our community move forward." FEMA officials declined to comment or referred questions to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Spokesman Mike Steele said local governments probably won't get everything they want in negotiations, but they may be able to write proposals to get additional support. The city-parish may try to defend its expenses by demonstrating that the blighted properties pose a public health risk. Officials have spoken of rewriting city code to allow inspectors more authority to examine houses that appear sturdy from the outside but may be infested with mold or spoiled by dangerous bacteria and chemicals. Chauvin is looking for other cities for a guide, such as Shreveport. Officials there sweepingly define blight as conditions "hazardous to the health, safety or welfare of the public and/or conditions which are detrimental to property values, economic stability or to the quality of government" and specifically make mention of debris. However, blight is handled in one of two ways in Baton Rouge. Condemning a whole house is at least a months-long process that requires the vote of the Metro Council. Smaller items like trash, overgrown weeds or unsightly signs go through blight court. But in a city with hundreds of blight complaints each month, the bi-weekly court only handles about twenty or thirty cases every other Thursday. Nevertheless, Chauvin defended the program, saying that about half of people who wind up in blight court fix the issue, and where they don't city crews have the authority to go in and do the work and put a lien on the property until the owner pays for it. "We're taking bites of those elephants every month," Chauvin said. Some lessons have emerged from the quest to fight blight in the New Orleans area after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast. Allison Plyer, who is the executive director and chief demographer of The Data Center, a New Orleans organization that has charted the regions recovery in the aftermath of the 2005 hurricanes, said no benchmarks existed to track blight before the storms. But she said New Orleans blight has been dramatically trending downward in recent years. Plyer credited the Road Home program often criticized for its slow start, but ultimately a key to Katrina recovery as one of New Orleans' most successful tools against blight after the hurricanes. The massive program, financed by more than $13 billion in federal funds, provided 130,000 homeowners with money to rebuild or walk away. Eventually, the state set up mechanisms to get vacated properties back into commerce. In contrast, the state has received nearly $1.7 billion in funding for flood recovery programs thus far for both the August and March floods in 2016, and is waiting for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to release the money this spring. The rebuilding programs the state is proposing so far prioritize certain homeowners because there isn't enough money to cover all who flooded. Gov. John Bel Edwards has made repeated trips to the nation's capital to lobby for more, and he sent a recent letter to President Donald Trump asking for $2 billion more in recovery assistance. "It would be nice to look to New Orleans ... but the difference and this is a huge difference is that the feds just opened the checkbook (there,)" Chauvin said. "They just haven't done that yet (in Baton Rouge) ... There may never be many funds in the long-term." Michael Taylor, the executive director of the Louisiana Land Trust, encouraged Baton Rouge city-parish officials to meet with the state's disaster recovery unit to create a plan for using federal money to eliminate blight. Both Baton Rouge city officials and state Office of Community Development officials confirmed that they have yet to meet. In fact, it's unclear who will represent the city's interests since a new report advised Broome to consolidate the city's Redevelopment Authority, public housing authority and local community development office. Taylor's organization is a nonprofit arm of the Road Home program that held and cleaned up properties that were sold back to the state after the hurricanes. He described it as "one of the largest demolition programs that was ever run by a single entity," saying they held 10,800 properties across south Louisiana and either sold them into commerce or transferred them to the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority after cleaning them up. "The key to the success of a demolition program is having money to do it," Taylor said. The Louisiana Land Trust received $237 million in community development block grant disaster recovery money to help do its job. Another option would be to leave some lots undeveloped. It would probably be wise to identify some places to serve as mitigation land, said JoAnne Moreau, head of the Mayor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Mitigation land is bought out flooded properties allowed to remain green and serves as reservoirs during periods of high water. Potential sites are all over, from the country to the inner city, though mitigation experts are still waiting to hear what they can expect in terms of funding and eligible properties after the flood. Taylor pointed to a program called "Lot Next Door" as another successful blight reduction effort in New Orleans. The program created in 2007 allows property owners who shared a boundary with certain blighted lots to buy them from the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority. "Lot Next Door" fit well in New Orleans because many of the properties were too narrow to build on but a good enough amount for people to increase their yard size, Taylor said. Addressing blight depends on the neighborhood it's in, Plyer said. It's easy for cities to seize property and sell it when blight is in a neighborhood where demand is high and where people want to live, she said. But governments run into trouble when the cost of renovating a blighted home to make it habitable is higher than the value of the rest of the homes in the neighborhood, she said. Banks won't lend money to renovate a home for $150,000 when the other houses around it only cost $80,000. In situations when renovating a home costs slightly more than the other market values of the houses around it, cities need to invest in amenities that pull up the market value of an entire neighborhood, Plyer said. But when renovating a home costs far more than the market values of the others, that's where cities struggle. It requires subsidies to fight blight in those instances, and Plyer said one possible answer is donating the properties to nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity. Philanthropic support can also only go so far, with Plyer pointing out that the federal government gave around 20 times more for hurricane recovery in New Orleans than philanthropy raised. "You're right to be concerned that you're not going to get the level of money that New Orleans did," Plyer said. "That's a big problem. That's a really big problem." Landrieu issues 'clarion call' for volunteers to help recovery efforts after N.O. East tornado Mayor Mitch Landrieu issues 'clarion call' for volunteers to help recovery efforts after New Orleans East tornado Plans for a new cemetery and crematorium in Tuggeranong appear to have been put on hold, almost a decade after the project was first flagged. In late 2008, the ACT government set aside a site on Mugga Lane for a third cemetery for Canberra. Canberra Cemeteries chief Hamish Horne at the new Christ the Redeemer Mausoleum at Woden Cemetery in 2015. Credit:Graham Tidy Then chief minister Jon Stanhope said in early 2009 he expected work to begin on the cemetery the following year. But, after an extension to the Woden cemetery was approved last year, the future of the development became uncertain. As Valentine's Day approaches, the consumer watchdog has issued a fresh warning about dating and romance scams, revealing losses of more than $25 million from such scams in 2016 alone. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission received more than 4100 reports of dating and romance scams last year. Of the reported cases, just 25 per cent amounted to the $25 million-plus losses. The figure is the largest amount of money lost to any type of scam, and $3 million greater than the same reports of 2015. "This is devastating. I've talked to enough victims to know they really do destitute themselves," said ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard. In a room full of suits Bill Ferris stands out, because his hair is so blond and, often, so are his suits. They match his reputation for urbanity, philanthropy and business derring-do as the gentleman father of Australian venture capital. He made his fortune at CHAMP Private Equity transforming companies to sell at a profit, including Seek, Looksmart and Austar. Yet for one so practised in the art of the multimillion-dollar dazzle, Ferris has a knack of aligning himself with activities which have become dirty words to large sections of the Australian voting public. He wrote a tell-all book about his business successes and failures called Inside Private Equity as part of his mission to rescue the industry from its bad name. Businessman Bill Ferris, chair of Innovation and Science Australia, is on a mission to sell a positive message about innovation to Australians. Credit:Brook Mitchell Now, as the inaugural chair of Innovation and Science Australia, he's turning his formidable sales skills to innovation. He'll need them. The public delivered its verdict on Malcolm Turnbull's "ideas boom" by almost chucking him out of office. When the Prime Minister spoke innovation and jobs during the election campaign, voters saw robots and job losses. And no wonder: the Committee for Economic Development of Australia has warned of the "high probability that 40 per cent of Australia's workforce, more than 5 million people, could be replaced by automation within the next 10 years". Arthur Sinodinos' career has been revived from a near-death experience with ICAC, making him the third minister in the Innovation and Science portfolio since Turnbull launched the ideas boom in December 2015. He reportedly wants to simplify the message from abstract to practical, so people can understand how innovation helps businesses create jobs and become wealthier. By Press Trust of India: Colombo, Feb 11 (PTI) A former LTTE leader in Sri Lanka today floated a new political party to press for all Tamil issues as he accused the main party representing the minority community of not doing enough for the Tamils. Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan alias Karuna formed the Tamil United Peoples Front in the eastern town of Batticaloa. advertisement The Tamil United Peoples Front (TUPF) was formed with the objective of pressing for all Tamil issues, Muralitharan told reporters. He accused the main Tamil party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) of not doing enough for the Tamils. "It was us in the LTTE who created the TNA," he said. Muralitharans break away from the LTTE in 2004 had weakened its eastern recruitment and fighting capability. Soon after leaving the LTTE he had formed Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP). Later, when the civil war ended in 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE, he joined President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2010 and became Vice President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the second largest national party. Muralitharan was later made a deputy minister in the Rajapaksa government. After Rajapaksas defeat, he left the SLFP. Late last month, he appeared publicly with Rajapaksa again by attending the Joint Opposition rally. He is currently on bail after having being remanded over misappropriation of state vehicles. The Lankan troops defeated the LTTE which was fighting for an independent state for minority ethnic Tamils. According to a 2011 report by the UN, about 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed in the final weeks of the civil war. PTI CORR MRJ TRK --- ENDS --- The global economic order is changing. PwC's latest forecast for the world economy in 2050 shows the rise of emerging markets is expected to continue over the next few decades, even as questions loom over the future of trade and what a stronger dollar could mean for these countries in the next few years. Predicting the future is not easy. The words "Brexit" and "Trump" tell you that. But while the world is full of uncertainty, one trend is clear: populations around the world are ageing and there are fewer workers at the bottom to pay for the pensions of those retiring at the top. The outlook is bleaker among major advanced economies, which PwC expects to grow at a "markedly slower" average rate of 1.6pc per year between now and 2050, compared with the global average of 2.6pc per year. The weaker-than-expected recovery over the past few years does not bode well for the future, it says. The main driver of the slowdown is a downgrade of expected productivity growth in the US, with an ageing population, a "plateau of educational attainment", and higher household and government borrowing all to blame. A Domino's Pizza franchisee has been caught illegally selling visas for up to $150,000, as former workers claim the practice is common within the pizza chain. Visa fraud, such as in this case, has emerged as part of a wider investigation into worker exploitation at the country's biggest and most profitable pizza chain. On Saturday Fairfax Media exposed widespread underpayment across Domino's stores amid allegations that the business model is flawed, pushing many of its 600-strong franchise network to cut corners. Domino's said it has not previously received any complaints of visa fraud and has zero tolerance for the practice. Domino's worker Tosif Varsi faces imminent deportation after the franchisee he was working for lost his store. Credit:Michael Fraser "This is gross exploitation that extends beyond underpayments," says Professor Allan Fels, who chairs the Migrant Workers Taskforce. He believes the sponsorship arrangements indicated an "alarming" extent of abuse. Domino's worker Azrael Yin. No issue Domino's controls one of the biggest franchise networks in the country, with more than 600 stores employing more than 14,000 workers and selling around 1 million pizzas a week. In a statement the pizza giant says visa fraud is not an issue for the company. I will say straight that we want to sell this sponsorship. Eric "Domino's has not received any complaints of visa fraud," it says, adding the company "has no place for those who put self-interest above the interests of our employees and the community". The pizza giant launched an investigation on Sunday after it was informed that Fairfax Media had obtained a phone recording of a current Domino's franchisee asking for money in exchange for sponsorship at a Domino's store in regional Queensland. Jon requested his full name be withheld for fear of retribution. He agreed to go undercover to help expose how easy and blatant this highly illegal activity can be. The phone call caught the franchisee red-handed spruiking sponsorships in return for big dollars in return for a job as a store manager, paying $50,000 plus at his Domino's store just out of Cairns. "And this is not include any other fees like lawyer fees, 'cos we have our own lawyer, we don't want a lawyer that we don't know, and this cost is not include in the price, you need to pay it yourself," the franchisee says. Offer denied The franchisee's name is Bohai Shangguan, known also as "Eric". He was behind an ad on ozYoYo, a website for foreign nationals looking for jobs and sponsorships in Australia at stores such as Domino's. When Fairfax Media spoke to Shangguan he admitted to offering a sponsorship, but denied asking for money. "We just need someone to run the shop ... we don't do those things," he says. It is illegal to ask for, receive, offer or provide a benefit for visa sponsorship. The Department of Immigration said it takes breaches of visa obligations very seriously penalties include two years' imprisonment and fines of up to $324,000. Jon tells Fairfax Media it is not unusual for franchisees to offer sponsorship for a bonus or payment. "It's all about money," he says. "They know international students want a visa and many families in China will put together money to pay for the sponsorship for their children." Not all franchisees offer sponsorships and not all franchisees that do sponsor workers want money for them. But it does give unscrupulous franchisees a powerful weapon to control workers. Workers claim Fairfax Media spoke to a number of workers on visas from China and India who agreed the practice was common. Most were too afraid to speak publicly. Azrael Yin, a former store manager at Domino's, says many franchisees sell sponsorships. "I know of one person who is sponsored and work 60 hours a week and gets paid for 40 hours," he says. Azrael says another franchisee sponsored two foreign workers, charging them tens of thousands of dollars, only to withdraw the offer. "One of the workers went back to China after the rip-off," he says. Consumer advocate Michael Fraser and his colleague Maddison Johnstone recently visited 70 Domino's stores across the country and found a number of stores filling store manager positions with permanent residency sponsorships. "It can ensure a period of servitude for fear of retribution," Fraser says. "Franchisees know if they ask the manager being sponsored to edit people's time worked to save on wages, they will feel obligated to do it for fear of losing their sponsorship." If workers complain, their sponsorship is likely to be cancelled, inevitably leading to deportation unless a new sponsor can be lined up. Deportation imminent Tosif Varsi, a former Domino's store manager, faces imminent deportation after the franchisee he was working for lost his store and his sponsorship deal eventually fell apart. "I feel like a loser for not getting my sponsorship," he says. "I tried so hard. I ... was treated bad with other workers calling me Indian swear words and talking in fake Indian accents," he says. "I kept working there but it made me depressed but I had no choice because I needed the sponsorship." He was also underpaid due to a "mistake" by the new franchisee. Tosif is desperately trying to find someone to sponsor him as he counts down to deportation. "I have just 10 days now to find my way to stay in Australia, I am so desperate," he says. In a Domino's store in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst another worker was so distressed by what he experienced he wrote a personal plea to chief executive Don Meij in June 2015. He described a scam where he was told to accept wages for other workers on foreign student visas, so they didn't breach their visa conditions by working too many hours. "[I've] been forced to receive salary for student employees as my wages and return them in cash to ensure they are compliant to immigration student laws," he says. Model operation Domino's says it investigated the complaint and took "appropriate disciplinary action" against responsible staff. The Darlinghurst store should be a model operation. It wasn't owned by a franchisee but instead owned and run by Domino's head office. As such it benefited from a subsidised royalty rate which should have also made it more profitable. The worker, who has since returned to India, sent a shopping list of complaints to Meij and says the situation had taken its toll on his mental health. "I have on a regular basis if not every single day have been asked to work for at least 1 - 2 hours without pay...I have not been paid my double pay as per union agreements and legislations. Also, sometimes my clock-in hours have changed without my knowledge. I have been very depressed and for the last 2 months and have been admitted to St Vincent Hospital," the employee wrote. He claimed rosters were being tampered with and that he was being forced to deliver pizzas even after he had finished his shift. He also says he was not being paid for meal breaks and was told to clock in as a driver despite working in another role. Domino's says it conducted an investigation into his position and underpayments were rectified. Documents seen by Fairfax show he was repaid almost $7000 in unpaid wages and super. Zero tolerance Domino's won't say how many suspected instances of underpayment it has come across in its network but Fairfax Media has compiled a list of hundreds of employees from Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia where Domino's' own audits found potential fraud and underpayment. The company says it investigates every allegation of underpayment, but says many of these cases ultimately turn out to be found to be "a simple misunderstanding by an employee of their entitlements". In a statement released on Saturday the company said it took a zero-tolerance approach to wage fraud and attributed recent criticism to terminated franchisees some of whom it said "told Domino's they wanted more favourable termination terms, or would take their grievances to the media". This week marks the return of parliamentary sittings for ACT legislators. It won't be the inaugural sitting of the expanded, 25-member Legislative Assembly that took place in December and was largely ceremonial: new parliamentarians were welcomed; committees were established. But this week's sittings are a chance for our representatives to set the tone for the next four years; to show they are willing to ditch politics as usual in favour of a more collaborative approach to governing our city. Canberrans were never keen on the idea of an ACT parliament. They voted against self-government (in a 1978 referendum) before the Commonwealth eventually imposed it anyway, just under 30 years ago. The Legislative Assembly has 12 new members. Yet it's a great shame there wasn't, and likely still isn't, more enthusiasm among this city's comparatively well-educated voters to embrace local democracy, because our city-state model has so much potential. For example, we have far fewer political representatives per capita than every other Australian jurisdiction; indeed, the ACT model has been held up internationally as an ideally compact form of government. Our two-in-one structure (combined "state" and municipal government) means we lack the buck-passing that happens often between states and local councils, particularly over controversial planning decisions and the enforcement of environmental regulations. The Turnbull government is defending an unprecedented preference deal that will see the Liberals put One Nation ahead of the Nationals in Western Australia, with a senior frontbencher saying Pauline Hanson's party is more "sophisticated" than it was in John Howard's day. Arthur Sinodinos says One Nation has "evolved" in the 16 years since his former boss, Mr Howard, decreed that the Liberal Party always put One Nation last on their how-to-vote cards. "The One Nation of today is a very different beast to what it was 20 years ago," he told the ABC on Sunday. "They're a lot more sophisticated. They've clearly resonated with a lot of people. Our job is to treat them as any other party. An unlikely coalition of electricity suppliers, business groups and environmentalists is calling on politicians on all sides to ditch their "partisan antics" and work together to create a reliable, affordable and clean energy system. After a week in which the government and opposition clashed over energy security and renewables policy following more blackouts in South Australia, interest groups are calling for a new bipartisan compact to reform the system. Groups as diverse as the Australian Industry Group, the Australian Energy Council, the Climate Institute and the St Vincent de Paul Society have united to pen a joint letter calling on the Coalition and Labor to lift their game. "There is simply no room for partisan politics when the reliability, affordability and sustainability of Australia's energy system is at stake," the letter says. Rohingya children at a refugee camp in Rakhine state in 2014. Credit:AP When asked if he would intervene, then Prime Minister Tony Abbott infamously quipped, "Nope, nope, nope," before demonstrating a complete lack of both empathy and knowledge by continuing, "If you want to start a new life, you come through the front door, not through the back door." What a thing to say to people literally fleeing for their lives. Nearly a dozen fellow Nobel peace laureates criticised Myanmar leader Aunt Sun Suu Kyi in December, saying she failed to ensure equal rights for the minority Rohingya people. Credit:AP The Rohingya are an ethno-religious group who have lived in Myanmar (Burma) for centuries but are still denied citizenship and other rights. Making up just 5 per cent of the predominantly Buddhist population, they are persecuted relentlessly by government security forces, firebrand Buddhist monks (yes, they exist), and the general public. This has seen them bestowed such titles as the "world's most persecuted people" and the "world's most unwanted people". Human Rights Watch has described what the Rohingya now face as a campaign of ethnic cleansing; this includes the destruction of entire Rohingya villages, widespread and systematic rape of women and girls by security forces, and summary executions. This is what such violence looks like: "They killed the baby by stomping on it with heavy boots. Then they burned the house." "They gathered all the women and started beating us with bamboo sticks and kicking us with their boots. In total they beat about 100 to 150 women, young boys, and girls." "When they entered [our house], our brothers were sleeping on the veranda, and we [five sisters] were in the bed. They shot and killed my [brothers] and held the girls so they couldn't move." Now consider that this has been going on for years. And how, even as the UN warns these killings number in the thousands, the response from the Burmese government has been to deny almost everything. The irony is, this violence, which is far more devastating than an immigration ban, is now being administered under the leadership of someone the west has long fetishised for her peace-loving, democratic credentials. In late December, State Counsellor and darling of the West, Aung San Suu Kyi issued a press release denouncing what she called "rumours," and "Fake Rape". Given the high hopes placed in the Nobel Peace Prize winner when she assumed power last year, the ongoing persecution and government denial is disappointing to say the least. But then again, such hopes were likely misplaced to begin with. Suu Kyi had already refused to denounce the persecution when pressed in an interview with a Muslim BBC reporter last year, reportedly angrily exclaiming afterwards, "No one told me I was going to be interviewed by a Muslim!" Assuming she is even trying to stem the violence, it looks very much like a losing battle. The hatred of Rohingya is so deep, Buddhist monks who call for their death have hundreds of thousands of social media followers, fake news stories are circulated to fan the flames of violence, and terrorism that takes place in distant lands by unrelated groups is used as justification. That our collective response is to shrug at this slow-burn genocide betrays two uncomfortable realities. First, the dehumanisation of Muslims the world over has been so successful, they have been effectively assigned responsibility for all the violence in the world. Muslims as victims of persecution by non-Muslims does not fit the narrative and is therefore easily ignored. Unless, of course, and this brings us to the second truth, this persecution is coming from someone we despise even more than we seem to despise Muslims. Cue the Trump outrage. Is this really what it all comes down to that we only care about oppression when we can use it to rail against those we already hate? Was the fate of the Rohingya sealed, not only because they are Muslim, but because their torturers and killers are Buddhists, a religion we only associate with peace? It certainly seems so, and they are not the first to feel the brunt of our selective compassion and outrage. This is why the shooting down of Flight M17 in Ukrainian air space is taken as proof of intrinsic Russian evil, even though the US military itself once downed an Iranian passenger jet, killing almost 300 civilians. Defence heads decided against moving the swelling Australian Cyber Security Centre from the new ASIO building to the spy agency's former headquarters, a parliamentary committee has heard. The Joint Standing Committee on Public Works scrutinised department representatives on the $38.8 million decision to move the cyber security centre to Brindabella Business Park, just two years after the organisation moved into the custom-built Ben Chifley Building. The ASIO headquarters in Canberra. Credit:Katherine Griffiths The representatives revealed they considered moving the centre to ASIO's old headquarters in the nearby Russell Offices precinct, but a cost-benefit analysis found the building works alone would cost $22 million more than the total Brindabella Business Park proposal. Sites at Majura Park and Fairbairn were also rejected for the move, with Brindabella chosen due to the number of Defence facilities already based at the precinct. Melbourne's tallest skyscraper, a 90-storey giant given the nod by Premier Daniel Andrews for Crown Casino last week, will overshadow the Shrine of Remembrance on winter afternoons. Labor's approval for Crown's $1.75 billion tower comes despite the party pledging it would never allow the Shrine to have new shadows cast over it, because it was "sacred". Labor attacked the now Opposition Leader Matthew Guy in 2014 for approving a lower tower that also casts a shadow on the Shrine during winter afternoons. Mr Andrews and Planning Minister Richard Wynne last week said they had sealed a deal with Crown behind closed doors to approve the tower despite it also breaking new density rules set by Labor for city skyscrapers. By PTI: Kulgam (J-K), Feb 12 (PTI) In a pre-dawn swoop, security forces today gunned down four Hizbul Mujahideen militants in an encounter in a village in south Kashmir that also left two army men and a civilian dead. Three army personnel, including an officer, were injured in the operation and airlifted to Armys 92 base hospital in Srinagar. Their condition was stated to be stable, a police official said. advertisement Director General of Police S P Vaid told PTI that security forces have achieved a "major success" by gunning down the four militants. "However, it is unfortunate that two soldiers were martyred and son of the house owner got caught in the cross-fire and succumbed to injuries," he said. Asked about the encounter, Minister of state Jitendra Singh told reporters in Delhi that terrorism on Indian soil is being sponsored by Islamabad. "There has been a series of evidences and it is now no longer a secret that the entire terrorism on Indian soil, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, is being promoted, perpetuated and sponsored by Islamabad," he said. The minister lauded the forces for working under difficult circumstances. "They (forces) are operating under most difficult circumstances and have beyond doubt proven themselves as one of the best forces in the world," he said. Giving details of the encounter, official sources said that acting on a tip-off of Jammu and Kashmir Police, a cordon was thrown around Nagabal Village in Frisal, about 70 kms south of Srinagar by the army, police and para-military forces at around 4.30 AM. They said the intelligence input was clear that militants were hiding in a house in the village following which a cordon was thrown around the locality. A repeated check of all the houses yielded no success but the police personnel accompanying the raiding party insisted on rechecking a house. The personnel from One Rashtriya Rifles, which forms part of the Victor Force counter-insurgency grid of army in South Kashmir, and Special Operation Group of State police again carried out a search inside the house and found a false ceiling where the militants were hiding. MORE PTI MIJ/SKL AQS DV --- ENDS --- Kings Park was swamped by people on Saturday night with more than 40,000 flocking to catch a glimpse of the Perth International Arts Festival spectacular event Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak. Predictions of 30,000 visitors by PIAF organisers proved well short of the mark with free shuttle buses transporting punters to the show's start at Fraser Avenue entrance filled to the brim from 7.30pm onwards. More than 40,000 people turned up to Kings Park to watch the lights show. Credit:Twitter/@baxlex The huge attendance numbers were unprecedented, and caused a bottle-neck effect for those hoping to begin their walk through the arts installation at 8pm. The swell in attendance was due in part to a damning weather forecast on the opening night night, however there was still 12,000 visitors who participated in the walk-through on Friday night, despite the poor weather. Lima: Peru has been informed by US authorities that they are not planning to keep former Peruvian president Alejandro Toledo, who is wanted in connection with a corruption probe, from boarding a flight to Israel from California in the coming hours, a source in Peru's Interior Ministry said on Saturday US time. The US Justice and State departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Alejandro Toledo is accused of receiving millions of dollars in bribes from a Brazilian conglomerate in return for infrastructure contracts. Credit:AP The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was unclear why the US did not want to detain Toledo. The government of Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was pressuring for Washington to change its mind, the source said. The dispute threatens to strain relations between the US and one of its traditional allies in South America. Los Angeles: A campaign is building in Washington DC for Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to address a joint meeting of US Congress, a rare honour bestowed on world leaders including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Pope Francis. In the aftermath of Mr Turnbull's volatile phone call with US President Donald Trump, two senior Democrats believe an invite would reinforce America's "long- standing, close relationship" with Australia. Eliot Engel, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee from New York and Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee from Washington, have penned a letter to Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan urging Mr Turnbull be sent the invitation. "An invitation to the prime minister, in consultation with the executive branch, to visit and address Congress would be very well received," Representatives Engel and Smith wrote. "WHAT DRIVES HER" LUNCHEON AND PANEL EVENT CELEBRATES WOMEN IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY 2017 Chicago Auto Show Press Pass Coverage CHICAGO (Feb. 13, 2017) - The 2017 Chicago Auto Show kicked off its Media Preview with the inaugural "What Drives Her" luncheon and panel, a celebration of the integral role women play in the automotive industry as contributors, consumers and drivers of purchasing decisions. The Chicago Auto Show, in partnership with She Buys Cars and Women in Automotive Conference, brought together 100 women for a robust discussion around the evolving automotive landscape and the powerful ways women are influencing the marketplace, both internally and externally. The esteemed panel was led by Bridget Brennan, author of Why She Buys and CEO of marketing consultancy Female Factor, and included Kathy Gilbert, director of sales and business development at CDK Global; Candice Crane, vice president of dealer solutions for Hireology; and Jody Hall, vice president, automotive market for Steel Market Development. The panelists detailed how women are an increasingly critical demographic for the automotive industry, and the economy as a whole, as they control 51 percent of the nation's wealth and often make purchasing decisions on behalf of their families. When automakers work to understand female motivations and behaviors and strategically engage these powerful consumers, they are more likely to be rewarded with brand and product loyalty. "Women are the engine of consumerism," said moderator Bridget Brennan. "They control 70 to 80 percent of consumer household spending and represent a larger growth market than India and China combined." Additionally, the panelists presented a myriad of reasons why it benefits automakers to ensure women hold executive leadership roles within their organizations, including that women understand the needs and values of other women and, in turn, can design and lead more effective sales and marketing campaigns. Chicago Auto Show organizers felt this year was the right time to honor and celebrate the show's female audience by bringing together powerful women in the automotive industry. "There's been a remarkable uptick in female attendance year over year," said Kelly Webb Roberts, director of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, who opened up the discussion. "The gender gap has closed. Fifty percent of Chicago Auto Show attendees are women, and we couldn't be prouder. It really is the premier venue to engage this incredibly important cohort." To watch complete coverage of the 2017 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview press conferences, please visit www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow. For more information about the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com. Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi... "Protest is still going on, we are not able to enter administrative block since Thursday night," M Jagadesh Kumar told a news agency. Describing the 'Occupy Ad Block' agitation as very unfortunate he said the students should immediately come out of administrative building and let officials work. "Rumours spread by small section of students that there is going to be seat cut in MPhil and PhD programmes are totally unjustified," he said. A call for the demonstration was given on Thursday by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) to seek a clarification from the VC on the UGC notification. The notification -- which proposed 100 per cent weightage to viva voce and reducing entrance examination to a qualifying criteria -- was adopted by the JNU Academic Council (AC) in its meeting on December 26 last year amid protestations from almost half of the Council's members. According the students, the notification also implied a cut in intake of M Phil and PhD students by putting a cap on the number of such students faculty members could mentor. LL Beachwear Help fund TBW for as little as $3 Search This Blog Blog Archive Blog Archive November (1) October (17) September (9) August (6) July (8) June (5) May (2) April (7) March (10) February (5) January (7) December (12) November (12) October (16) September (20) August (29) July (18) June (12) May (4) April (14) March (21) February (27) January (56) December (27) November (43) October (43) September (48) August (39) July (37) June (27) May (12) April (41) March (49) February (89) January (106) December (72) November (67) October (21) September (28) August (29) July (45) June (56) May (27) April (28) March (32) February (36) January (45) December (37) November (53) October (45) September (40) August (63) July (54) June (46) May (51) April (54) March (64) February (62) January (94) December (71) November (75) October (87) September (84) August (72) July (82) June (71) May (69) April (103) March (126) February (108) January (80) December (72) November (57) October (3) September (54) August (74) July (107) June (66) As trends go, financial technology is a beauty. The prospect of nimble fintech ventures disrupting financial-service incumbents has whet investor appetites. An Australian fintech sector is rapidly emerging. Fintech has been a boom sector in the United States and United Kingdom as technology-based companies, with their capital-light business models, nibble at the market share of large firms. It happened in print media, publishing, music and education. Now the same trend, where new firms offer financial products and services using online platforms, is disrupting parts of banking, wealth management, insurance, payments, accounting and foreign exchange. There is, of course, much hype about fintech. But the financial-services sector looks a prime target for disruption given the high fixed-cost base of large incumbents, heavy regulation and the inability of some to move quickly in response to fast-moving, tech-based rivals. As in other industries, fintech firms are disintermediating the middle man in transactions: the firms that clip the ticket for little work. Think stockbrokers who used to earn high transaction fees for buying or selling shares until online broking emerged. Or financial planners, some of whom will be made redundant by robo-advice. The Initial Public Offerings market, usually a good indicator of hot sectors, reinforces fintech interest. Five of the 10 largest technology IPOs in 2016 were for fintech companies and many more are expected to join them in 2016. They included Pushpay, Bravura Solutions and the well-performed Afterpay Holdings, an electronic-payments provider. Fund-manager interest in fintech IPOs surprised. Big funds typically avoid unprofitable, early-stage tech companies because they are too speculative. Institutional money flowing into loss-making fintech firms shows the interest in this sector. Afterpay has interesting prospects. After raising $25 million at $1 a share in May 2016, it rallied to $3.14, before easing to $2.65. The company was the markets fourth-best-performed IPO last year (by share price over the issue price) with a 165 per cent return. Chart 1: Afterpay Holdings Source: The Bull Afterpay is an innovative concept. Consumers use the technology when they are ready to buy goods and split the payment over four equal fortnightly instalments. Afterpay quickly settles with the merchant and assumes all credit and fraud risk for the payment. In doing so, Afterpay makes it easier for consumers to buy goods on credit, without filling in long forms or detailed applications. The companys pitch is to drive new customers to retailers and increase their engagement and spend through clever technology. Afterpays buy now, pay later concept appeals. More than 250,000 customers and over 1,500 retailers use the service, and numbers are growing rapidly. Some of Australias best-known retail brands have incorporated Afterpay into their systems, giving the company a valuable retail foothold. Afterpay expects sales of $300 million this year through its system, based on purchases so far (it receives a fraction of that). The growth impresses because the technology is only a few years old. Afterpay receives its revenue primarily from transaction fees that retail merchants pay for sales through the companys technology. Merchant fees are mostly based on a percentage of the order value and a fixed transaction fee. Afterpay does not charge end-customers interest or fees for providing credit. The company funds the period between paying retail merchants and receiving the full payment from end customers on average, 29 days. The cost of funding these small transactions for short periods is less than the transaction fees Afterpay receives from retailers. The business model is highly scalable. Attracting more customers and encouraging repeat business means more retailers wanting to offer Afterpay at their sales counters. That, in turn, attracts more customers and raises Afterpay brand awareness. The medium-term goal is leveraging the technology across more retail segments and platforms. Afterpay lost $1.25 million in the first half of FY2016 and significant profits are unlikely anytime soon as the company, sensibly, reinvests cash to scale the opportunity. The $212 million stock suits investors who are comfortable with micro-caps and higher risk. Afterpay is due for a bigger share-price pullback or consolidation after big gains since listing. But the stock is one to watch as the early interest subsides. Its another example of how fintech is hurting incumbents; in this case, bank credit-card operations that fund consumers. And using technology to solve problems for other customers, such as retailers that want to make it easier for consumers to buy their goods. >> BACK TO THE NEWSLETTER: Click here to read other articles from this weeks newsletter Tony Featherstone is a former managing editor of BRW and Shares magazines. The information in this article should not be considered personal advice. The article has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information in this article you should consider its appropriateness, regarding your objectives, financial situation and needs. Do further research of your own or seek personal financial advice from a licensed adviser before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. All prices and analysis at February 8, 2017. Just before Trump came to power, gold dramatically rose 4% to US$1316 per oz. It soared as gold investors bailed out of stocks world-wide. Trumps policies, such as imposing tariffs on China and limiting immigration, were reported as reasons to back gold. But then investors reversed course; Trumps pledge to cut taxes, reduce regulation, and increase military and infrastructure spending created a Trump rally. US markets reached record highs and the price of gold retreated, bottoming out around $US1128 on 15 December. As of 9 February, the price of gold in the US had rebounded to $1235, intraday, an increase of 9.5% over the December low. On 16 December in Australia, the top five ASX gold producers rebounded strongly up as much as 47%. Today, the Trump Rally appears to be stuttering. The question is why? The potential policy changes from the new administration include the following: Lowering the regulatory burden on small businesses and opening public lands and other measures to increase drilling for shale oil and gas. Major spending increases on infrastructure and in military hardware. Revising the US Tax Code to lower corporate and individual tax rates. In addition to the flap over immigration restrictions, there are other issues halting a further rally: 1. Increased US protectionism can lead to trade wars. 2. Although Trumps Republican Party has a solid lock on the US Congress, his spending initiatives could meet oppositiion from members of his own party. 3. Trumps ideas for tax reform may be at odds with Republican leadership in the US Congress. In the eyes of many, cutting the corporate tax rate in the US would result in the biggest boost to US GDP. And Trump told markets that he expects to announce something over the coming weeks. US markets once again rallied, with the DJIA rising 115 points on the day of Trumps announcement, posting yet another record close. The price of gold dropped to $US1229.40 While good news for believers in the rally, skeptics can point to the potential for negative reactions should the Trump tax plan fall short or face opposition in the US Congress. Gold has rallied in the face of all this, with concerns over upcoming European elections fueling the fire. Increased uncertainty bodes well for the precious metal and those who mine it. Lets take a look at the price action of the top five gold miners on the ASX. While all five have sustained healthy share price increases since the 2015 lows and year over year as well, the top four all have two year earnings growth forecasts in excess of 20% and five year expected Price to Earnings Growth (P/EG) Ratios under 1.0. When differentiating stocks in similar businesses with an eye towards investing in the best in breed, many investors rely on the Price to Earnings Ratio (P/E). This ratio relies strictly on past measures the latest earnings per share reported and the current price of the stock. The P/EG adds projected earnings growth, either one year (current) or five years, into the calculation. In short, the P/EG has a forward looking component to it and in the minds of many is a fuller measure of a stocks value. For value investors, a P/EG of 1.0 indicates the stock is fairly priced. Anything under 1.0 could be a bargain. Generally speaking, high growth stocks will have higher P/EGs but that is not the case with the top four ASX gold miners. The following table looks at valuation measures, historical price performance, and another important measure for evaluating gold stocks the All in Sustaining Costs, or ASIC. Evolution Mining (EVN) appears to be the rising star here, while Northern Star Resources (NST) has posted the best performance in terms of shareholder return. The current average P/E for the Materials Sector, in which the gold miners are a subset, is 13.92, while the current P/EG is 0.50. The one-to-one comparison here is problematic as the overall Materials Sector includes a wide range of company businesses including chemicals, construction materials, glass, paper, forest products and related packaging products. However, Metals and Mining companies make up the majority of companies in the Sector. Note that all of these companies have AISC well below the current price of gold. OceanaGold (OCG) reports Full Year Earnings shortly so we have substituted the companys estimate for FY 2017. All in Sustaining Costs is a more accurate cost measure than the previous Cash Cost method of reporting which did not include ancillary expenses incurred by a mining company including other expenses such as general office spending and capital expenditures on mine development and maintenance. In theory any of these top miners could be a good investment, based on future forecasts. In practice, however, the price action of gold and stocks over the last few months flies in the face of generally accepted conventional investing wisdom. Specifically, stocks and gold should not both be going up at the same time. Gold bulls might argue there is nothing conventional about what is going on in the United States. It seems some investors have been ignoring warnings signs and buying stocks in the hope Trump will lead the US economy to new heights. The price of gold is driven by fear and uncertainty. The chairman of our largest gold miner, Newcrest Mining acknowledged that uncertainty about President Trumps policies are driving up the price of gold, but the effect may be limited to the short-term only. On 6 February Bloomberg released the following graph that tracks usage of the word uncertainty in media stories. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) maintains the respected volatility index, or VIX that tracks investor fear. Conventional wisdom, disputed by some experts, says that when the VIX is rising, the price of gold should follow. However, the VIX in the last month or so is not following conventional wisdom. As an alternative measure of uncertainty and fear Bloomberg compared the VIX against another index -the Global Economic Policy Uncertainty Index. The Index tracks common terms associated with policy issues and political implementation by looking back at the 10 leading US newspapers going back to 1985. The results showed a spike in the Index during each economic and political crisis going back to 1985 and the use of the Index has expanded to different countries and globally as well. The following graph suggests that while the investing community as a whole remains calm, policy makers and politicians are getting increasingly nervous. >> BACK TO THE NEWSLETTER: Click here to read other articles from this weeks newsletter By Katie Sanders, PolitiFact Staff Writer President Donald Trump won the election but he lost New Hampshire, a fact he has tried to explain by arguing that liberal voters from Massachusetts crossed into New Hampshire to cast their vote against him. Trump floated the alleged Massachusetts-to-New Hampshire busing activity earlier in the week in a private meeting with 10 senators about Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, according to media reports. Trump and former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who is helping Gorsuch through the confirmation process, both lost their races in the Granite State to Democrats. ABCs George Stephanopoulos repeatedly pressed Trump senior adviser Stephen Miller for evidence for Trumps statement multiple times in a Sunday interview on This Week. Ive actually, having worked before on a campaign in New Hampshire, I can tell you that this issue of busing voters in to New Hampshire is widely known by anyone whos worked in New Hampshire politics. Its very real, its very serious, Miller said. This morning on this show is not the venue for me lay out all the evidence. Miller went on to talk about the administrations issue with people who are registered to vote in two states or illegal voters on voter rolls, repeating false talking points and never bringing up evidence to back up the administrations claim about a pipeline of bused-in voters in New Hampshire.(The White House did not provide evidence to back up the busing claim after Millers interview and instead pointed to a 2014 editorial about the need for voter ID laws that did not mention busing.) We searched widely, as have others, and failed to find any evidence corroborating Miller and Trumps claim. The claim rates Pants on Fire. Fergus Cullen, who ran the New Hampshire Republican Party from 2007-08, said the stories about voters coming over from Massachusetts are as old as the invention of the bus. What fuels the concern is New Hampshires same-day voter registration law, even though it was adopted in the 1990s with strong Republican support to avoid the federal governments motor voter law, which allows people to register to vote at their DMV. The result is that yes, it is possible and legal for someone to drive into a polling place in a car with out-of-state tags, register to vote, and vote, Cullen told PolitiFact. Of course they have to sign affidavits and they would be risking significant legal penalties if they voted in more than one place or state. The odds of being caught are pretty high. He said the same theory was going around in New Hampshire in 2012, an election where Massachusetts Democrats were supporting Elizabeth Warren against incumbent Sen. Scott Brown. Adding more fuel to the talking point is that some Massachusetts residents do go to New Hampshire to help with that states closer elections, said Dante Scott, a University of New Hampshire political scientist who has written books and articles about the states elections over 15 years. So it certainly is possible on election day people from Massachusetts come north to work on the election itself, he said, but thats a far cry from proving that they vote here. Millers claim has been analyzed by our colleagues at PolitiFact New Hampshire, who found no evidence busing exists. They rated a similar claim about Massachusetts residents boarding buses to vote in New Hampshire Pants on Fire. Chris Sununu, who won his bid for New Hampshire governor Nov. 8, warned ahead of the election that Democrats would bus in Massachusetts voters in places where elections are not close and assign them a fake address to apply for same-day voter registration in New Hampshire. That statement, like Millers, was flawed. Aside from one to two cases per election, the top state elections official said widespread voter fraud is not a problem. "I have no basis to say its rampant, and there are ways we can deal with it," New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner said in an interview with PolitiFact New Hampshire. New Hampshire law requires voters to provide IDs at the polls. Without a proper ID there are added barriers and questions, as the voters sign a sworn affidavit with their address and get their photo taken. After the election, the state sends confirmation letters to those addresses to confirm identities. Letters that are returned as undeliverable are investigated. In Sununus case, he eventually walked back much of his argument, saying he wasnt talking about literal buses of voters crossing into the state; rather it was a figure of speech that people are coming over, theyre temporarily here, they vote and then they leave. The incident he had in mind was, he said, of Portsmouth state Sen. Martha Fuller Clark letting Democratic staffers live at her house during the 2008 and 2012 elections. The staffers voted in New Hampshire, using her address but that wasnt illegal, the state attorney general concluded, because they had lived in the state for at least three months before the election. After Trumps November victory, he continued to make claims of serious voter fraud in New Hampshire, Virginia or California. The claims rated Pants on Fire, Pants on Fire, and Pants on Fire. PolitiFact New Hampshire, in particular, talked to several state and local officials about whether anything fishy occurred Nov.8. Nashua City Clerk Tricia Piecuch, who works in the states second-largest city on the border with Massachusetts, said nothing out of the ordinary went down. Officials in the Secretary of States office, Attorney Generals office and U.S. Attorneys office all reported no complaints of voter fraud in the 2016 election. We have never gotten any proof about buses showing up at polling places, Gardner, a Democrat, told The Boston Globe. Its not in a private place. Its a public place. In response to reports about Trumps meeting with senators, FEC Commissioner Ellen L. Weintraub called on the president to immediately share his evidence with the public and with the appropriate law-enforcement authorities so that his allegations may be investigated promptly and thorougly. The president has issued an extraordinarily serious and specific charge, Weintraub wrote Feb. 10. Allegations of this magnitude cannot be ignored. In the days and weeks after 9/11, Debbie Almontaser was escorted to work by a neighbor, as were many Muslim-Americans who feared for their safety. In those early days, some Muslim women feared wearing the hijab when they went outside. A Sikh man was killed in Mesa, Arizona, days after 9/11 by a man who thought he was Muslim. Others felt they were constantly suspect, viewed with suspicion by friends and neighbors they had known for years. Almontaser, an organizer and educator of Yemeni descent, combated the fear by going to churches and synagogues, sharing information about Islam and Muslims and rallying interfaith groups to support her community. To help Muslims who feared attacks if they walked their children to school or went shopping at the local grocery story, she coordinated an escort system of Jewish and Christian neighbors who would walk with them. She and other Muslim leaders created the Muslim Community Network to share resources between themselves. The allies she made then, and in the subsequent 15 years as Islamophobia gripped the country, were ready to pounce when President Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting travel that they simply call the Muslim ban. While the protests and support networks that sprang up almost instantaneously after the orders announcement may have seemed spontaneous, organizers, activists, and community groups in New York say theyre the direct result of preparation and community building done over a decade in response to smaller-scale attacks on Muslim and Arab civil rights. On the night the executive order was announced, for instance, the New York Immigration Coalitions attorneys and volunteer lawyers began a 24-hour vigil in the terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport. They provided legal advice and translators, filed petitions, and kept a tally of those detained and those not allowed to board U.S.-bound flights at their points of origin. They coordinated with organizers like Almontaser to help get the word out and rally volunteers, and organizations like the ACLU to share resources. Weve always [brought people out to protest], Almontaser said. Its just never gotten so much coverage. It was women like Almontaser who did much of the organizing in the last 15 years. Now, they still make up the bulk of the effort, wrangling many of the organizations, pulling together permits, and organizing legal advice to where its most needed. At rallies, women are, without exception, manning the microphones, calling for an end to an assault on their civil rights. While critics point to their absence from some of the most iconic images of the resistance, they often dont see that the protests would not come to fruition without their work. The first organized protests after 9/11 came when hundreds of immigrants disappeared into federal custody. They began to hear stories from families about husbands or sons disappearing, and Almontaser said, they didnt know what happened to them. We actually held rallies at the Brooklyn detention center every Saturday for six months, Almontaser said. No matter what the weather was like. Community organizations back then were only able to get information on those detained directly from families, just like what happened to travelers affected by Trumps executive order. After the detentions and deportations came what activists call a real-life version of Trumps proposed Muslim registry. Launched in 2002 and since disbanded, the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System registered more than 100,000 immigrants from Muslim-majority countries. And the NYIC actually did a lot of work around the NSEERS program, around making sure that the Muslim community had the resources it needed and wasnt being discriminated against, Murad Awawdeh, the director of political engagement at the group, told The Daily Beast. That early sense of urgency was reignited once again when these coalitions resurfaced in response to revelations about the NYPDs 2007 report on radicalization and Muslim surveillance programs. The police sent informants to mosques and mapped New Yorks Muslim communities. In response, the groups formed a commission on civil liberties that brought varying organizations together to critique an NYPD report on radicalization in 2008, which they said unfairly profiled Islam and Muslims. Investigative reports by the AP in 2011 further highlighted the depth of surveillance. The interfaith effort that had sprung up around 9/11 stood with the Muslim community in response to those revelations. They urged the mayor to investigate why the seemed to target Muslim religious communities. This last wave of activism, then, was retracing familiar steps, with a familiar feeling of unease. Right before the election we had developed a What if Hillary Clinton won the election strategy plan going forward, and a What if Donald Trump won action plan, just to have our bases covered, Awawdeh said. We had already planned for what we do when he announced these executive orders that he promised during the campaign. Some called the activists and organizers naive, saying that Trump would never carry through on his threats. And we were like, were gonna take him at his word, Awawdeh said. The activists, after all, remembered all too well what happened in a similar climate of fear about radical Islam. Right after the election, NYIC started rolling out trainings on dealing with law enforcement for various communities, and they launched a campaign about Our New York, or the values that New Yorkers hold dear. When they started thinking about planning their first rally, two days before the so-called Muslim ban was announced, they heard that an old partner, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, already had one in the works. NYIC threw their weight behind that. As an organization, we do enjoy certain capabilities that weve been able to build on throughout the years, CAIR-NYs executive director, Afaf Nasher, told The Daily Beast. Nasher put out a call for help on a list of organizational leaders, and groups including NYIC responded. As the size of the event ballooned, she sent someone down to get a permit for a sound system, and the speakers list was being finalized on her way over to the event, Nasher said. There have been a number of people [coming out] who have never in their life been engaged in this way, Nasher said. Weve been approached by people who have never done this, and say, I cant not do something at this juncture. NYIC, meanwhile, was organizing a busy schedule of its own while collaborating with other organizations. By Awadehs count, NYIC as organized more than a dozen events since the executive order was announced, including a student strike at Foley Square and the weekly Muslim communal prayer, Jummah, at JFK. On the day of the bodega strike, in which convenience store owners shut down their stores and gathered for a rally, Awawdehs staff was stretched particularly thin. NYIC had long-standing partnerships with both the Yemeni and Muslim strike organizers, and with DRUM, a South Asian advocacy group, which was organizing a simultaneous rally of Uber drivers in Queens. They had to split their staff between the two events. We werent born yesterday, Awawdeh said. We know how this all works out, and we know that our issues are all interconnected. Almontaser said her nearly two decades of interfaith work helped turn out many long-term partners to the rally in support of the bodega strike. [Faith leaders] saw this as a compelling story, or compelling initiative, to support these people, she said. And in some ways, engaging allies was an easier and more familiar task than mobilizing Yemeni-Americans. The tangible cost of the travel restrictions, however, turned out business owners in numbers shed never seen before. One of the bodega owners basically said, We cant let this happen, Almontaser said. [He said], I just want to shut down my store and just protest. Almontaser persuaded the men that a strike and public rally, rather than a closed town hall meeting in a banquet hall somewhere, would attract more attention. Other organizers helped spread the word on social media, and allies at borough hall arranged for the sound system. (Almontaser told The Daily Beast she doesnt know of any female bodega owners, but says that may be because going into the family business is a common path for men in the community who choose not to go to college. Many of the women, in contrast, pursue higher education and even advanced degrees.) This was their shining moment of, Were on this travel ban, this Muslim ban, and we have to let people know that this is devastating our families, Almontaser said. Its been like pulling teeth to get them engaged in any political organizing. And this was their defining moment. At one point, Almontaser got a frenzied call from Borough Hall, telling her that a crowd of hundreds had already gathered in the cold, hours before the scheduled time. She rushed over, hoping that her new partners wouldnt leave before the rally even began. We know, and we decided to come early, the new activists told her. And were going to stay the whole day. That early sense of urgency was reignited once again when these coalitions resurfaced in response to revelations about the NYPDs 2007 report on radicalization and Muslim surveillance programs. The police sent informants to mosques and mapped New Yorks Muslim communities. In response, the groups formed a commission on civil liberties that brought varying organizations together to critique an NYPD report on radicalization in 2008, which they said unfairly profiled Islam and Muslims. Investigative reports by the AP in 2011 further highlighted the depth of surveillance. Airing live from the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday, February 12, the 70th annual British Academy Film Awards will highlight the best British and international contributions to film in the past year. Its the biggest night in British film, but just another potential accolade for Golden Globe winners and Oscar favorites like La La Land, Manchester by the Sea, and Moonlight. All three films are nominated for Best Film, along with Arrival and British-French drama I, Daniel Blake, two movies that did not get as much acknowledgement by Golden Globe or Academy Award nominators. The sci-fi flick starring Amy Adams did much better in the BAFTA nominations than American film awards this season, scoring nine nominations, as did Tom Fords Nocturnal Animals, also starring Adams. While Arrival may give the three most hyped movies of the year a run for their money for Best Film, La La Land is nominated in a stunning 10 additional categories, Manchester by the Sea has four other chances at a BAFTA award, and Moonlight snagged three other noms. Other notable competitors in the 24 categories include Lion, Mel Gibsons Hacksaw Ridge, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, all nominated in five categories, and Jackie and Hell or High Water, with three noms each. Other films to watch out for include Ava DuVernays well-received documentary about mass incarceration in America, 13th, which earned a Best Documentary nod, and American Honey, filmmaker Andrea Arnolds road trip epic, up for Outstanding British Film, despite being overlooked by most American film awards. Regardless of who wins, the BAFTA Awards are sure to be a star-studded event and have already drawn additional attention to some of this years great films overlooked by American awards shows. So tune in for for the 2017 BAFTA Awards on Sunday February 12, at 4:00 p.m. ET. How to Live Stream the 2017 BAFTA Awards Coverage of the 70th British Academy Film Awards will begin at 4:00 p.m. EST. Viewers with a cable login can live stream the red carpet arrivals as well as the full BAFTA award show on BBC live. Also check out BAFTA.org for a full list of nominees. It's safe to say that no contemporary designer understands youth culture better than Alexander Wang--particularly New York City youth culture. He knows what an ideal Saturday night looks like to Parsons students, twentysomething artist types and twentysomething wannabe artist types. They dont want to go to any old party; they want to dance and drink beer in a decaying old vaudeville house and movie theater in Harlem, while 23-year-old DJ Metro Boomin spins curse-filled rap songs. That was the scene ahead of Wangs Fall 2017 fashion show at the once-magnificent RKO Hamilton Theater, which had been transformed into a mosh pit of sorts. Guests were warned about the standing room only situation at this years show, though that didnt deter celebrities like Zoe Kravitz, Brooklyn Beckham, Teyana Taylor, A$AP Rocky, Kylie Jenner and Tyga from showing up. While the VIPs presumably came in through a VIP entrance, the rest of us walked into what looked like the storage room of a brewery: kegs and boxes with faded Peroni labels were stacked in the center of the entryway, the walls of which were lined with black plastic. Servers held out trays of the Italian beer in plastic cups for guests to grab on their way in, moving along a dark passage that led to the theaters dimly-lit, graffitied foyer, then descending into the theater itself. It was impossible to see much from the outer edges of the crowd except for a crush of people near the center of the theater and a DJ area off to the left. Would the models descend from the ceiling, just as dancers had done at Wangs after-party a few seasons ago? Looking up, I got a vague sense of the theaters decaying splendor: a red spotlight bounced off the ceiling, parts of which appeared to flake off with every low thudding thump of the base. Wangs brand has always been synonymous with New Yorks cool kid scene, in part because Wang grew up in it himself. His shows after-parties tend to be the most hyped New York Fashion Week events. But Wang had insisted he wasnt having an after-party this year, and apparently opted to entertain his guests before the show instead. Then, he turned the no after-party situation into a spectacle: NO AFTER PARTY was printed on some models tights and in big letters on the designers own long-sleeved tee when he ran out to take a bow at the end of the show. If this was some kind of trolling stunt by Wang, it was uncharacteristic (more Kanye West than Alexander Wang) and heavy-handed. I didnt stick around long enough after the show to find out. Far as I could tell, Wang had already treated guests to a pre-show hip hop concert in one of New York Citys most storied and majestic buildings. What more could the youths want? Not only does Wang know how New Yorks cool kids want to spend their Saturday nights, he knows what theyll wear for the occasion: black, black, and more black, judging from his latest collection. All these black-on-black looks came in a variety of different textures and shapes, including leather (pants and shorts), fringed wool and leather shirts (Kendall Jenner wore one), and silk cutout dresses. There was some grey and silver mixed in, from a double-breasted Prince of Wales plaid coat to chain mail tees. There were also ball studs embroidered on skirt hems and bell sleeves, and rhinestones sewn onto sweater dress cuffs and turtlenecks like jewelry. None of this marked a particularly creative leap for Wang, whose collections have generally been partial to black and other goth or punk elements. Hes been accenting his black clothing and accessories with metal studs and hardware for years now. But Wangs collection echoed some trends weve already seen this week, from the Western influence at Calvin Klein to the bell sleeves at Jonathan Simkhai earlier on Saturday. Simkhai presented a collection that looked to power dynamics as they played out in old-world Spain, from its 19th century architecture to its aristocracy, as well as traditions like bullfighting. Matador-inspired bolero jackets came with regal ruffled collars, while his custom lacework patterns were meant to evoke vaulted Spanish cathedrals. The designer also played with corsetry in unexpected ways: faded black denim pants that laced up the front of the leg; a strapless, corseted denim top; and a satin lace-up midi dress. Simkhai wrote in his show notes that he understands women need to draw attention to their invaluable place in society, now more than ever, and that designing a collection that puts forms of feminine strength on display was very personal for me this season. Some of the pieces felt forced, as if hed tried to fit too many references into a single look. The bolero jacket with metallic threading and grommets, for instance, worked less well than the simpler black and white ones. But his intentions were admirable, and it was fun to see him take risks--even if some of those risks were less wearable than others. Simkhai also sounded a personal note about being proud to participate in CFDAs partnership with Planned Parenthood. I am extremely passionate about advocating for equality for the LGBTQIA community, reproductive freedom, and fair rights for immigrants and refugees, the designer wrote. He went above and beyond some designers by donating $5 to Planned Parenthood for every seat in the room, in addition to all proceeds from online sales of his Feminist AF statement tees, which were gifted to front row guests at the show. In the 1940s and 1950s, state mental hospitals around the U.S. were bursting at the seams with untreatable disorders, most commonly schizophrenia. In fact, more people were hospitalized with psychiatric illnesses than with all other diseases combined. Psychiatrists were desperate to do something, anything to stem the tide. The answer: lobotomies. Today, lobotomies share a space in a dusty bin next to whips, chains, snake pits, phrenology machines, and trepanningan ancient ritual in which holes are drilled into the brain to release evil spirits. Although lobotomies are now a subject of horror movies, in a sense, theyre back. We just dont call them lobotomies anymore. Ill start at the beginning. In August 1935, at a conference of neurologists in London, John Fulton and Carlyle Jacobsen, physiologists from Yale, described a study on two chimps: Becky and Lucy. The researchers had instructed the chimps to use sticks to get food. Where Lucy was patient in her efforts, Becky wasnt, flying into a rage, pulling her hair, defecating, and throwing feces at the scientists. The real experiment came next. To better understand the role of specific areas of the brain in performing certain tasks, Fulton and Jacobsen removed Lucy and Beckys frontal lobes (called a lobectomy). Although Becky still had trouble getting the food, she no longer seemed to care. It was as though [she] had joined a happiness cult, said Jacobsen. Apparently, Fulton and Jacobsen had invented a surgical treatment for anxiety. Sitting in the audience that day was a Portuguese neurologist named Egas Moniz, who asked Fulton whether this same operation could be performed on people. Fulton thought that Moniz was joking, but he wasnt. On Nov. 11, 1935, Moniz, in collaboration with neurosurgeon Almeida Lima, drilled a hole into each side of the skull of a 63-year-old Portuguese woman who suffered from extreme anxiety and paranoia. After exposing the brain, Lima injected a half-teaspoon of alcohol into her frontal lobes. Two days later, according to Moniz, the woman was much calmerher anxieties and paranoia gone. Moniz pronounced her cured. Later, Moniz and Lima modified their procedure; instead of injecting alcohol into the brain, they used a long, thin rod with a wire loop to remove small cores from the frontal lobe, like coring an apple. Within a few months, they had performed their procedure on 13 more patients. Psychosurgery was born. In 1949, the Nobel Prize committee recognized Egas Moniz for his invention of a surgical treatment of mental illness. The New York Times hailed the winner as a brave explorer of the human brain. Moniz called his procedure a leucotomy. When it crossed the Atlantic Ocean, it was renamed lobotomy. During the next four decades, 40,000 lobotomies were performed throughout the worldmore than half in the United States. Americas love of lobotomies was due entirely to the zealotry of one man: Walter Freeman, a Philadelphian who modified the procedure. Instead of performing lobotomies in an operating room, he did them in his office. And instead of using a scalpel to open the skin or an auger to dig into the skull, he used an ice pick bearing the label Uline Ice Company that he had found in his kitchen drawer. Freeman inserted the ice pick into the bone on the upper, inner aspect of the eye socket, drove it about three inches into the brain with a small hammer, and wiggled it around. Then he repeated the procedure on the other side. Freemans new ice-pick lobotomy didnt take several hours; it took seven minutes. With his new method, he had moved lobotomies into the express lane of quick-fix cures. By the end of 1951, Freeman and his trainees had performed more than 18,000 of them. Freemans daughter called him the Henry Ford of Psychiatry. Side effects from Freemans ice-pick procedure included memory loss, lack of inhibition, loss of bowel and bladder control, seizures, and occasionally fatal, uncontrollable bleeding. Two of the 11 children Freeman lobotomized died from cerebral hemorrhages. In the middle of the 20th century, lobotomies were a therapy of despair. Todays psychiatric therapies of despair dont involve adults with schizophrenia; they involve children with autism, a disorder that can be both emotionally and financially burdensome and for which modern medicine has little to offer. Children with autism have been put in hyperbaric oxygen chambers, causing intense, painful pressure on their eardrums and at least one death. Theyve been given intravenous medicines designed to bind heavy metals, causing another child to die when his heart stopped beating. Theyve been taken to Central America or other regions where stem cells (or what have been called stem cells) have been injected into their spinal fluids. And, perhaps worst of all, theyve been subjected to a therapy called Magic Mineral Solution (MMS), which crosses the line from desperation to child abuse. MMSmarketed variously as Master Mineral Solution, Miracle Mineral Solution, and Miracle Mineral Supplementwas invented by a former Scientologist turned health evangelist named Jim Humble, who calls himself the archbishop of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing and has claimed in church videos to be a billion-year-old god from the Andromeda galaxy. MMS, which Humble offers as a cure for AIDS, malaria, cancer, and Alzheimers disease, contains two chemicals, sodium chlorite and citric acid that combine to form chlorine dioxidea potent, industrial-strength bleach. In 2010, the FDA warned consumers not to take MMS, and to throw any containers of it away immediately. In October 2016, Humble recanted his claims. The elusive American, tracked down near Guadalajara, Mexico, by an ABC News 20/20 team, told reporter Brian Ross he had no evidence MMS cured anything. Days later, ABC reported a statement from Humble said In the past I have stated that MMS cures most of all diseases. Today, I say that MMS cures nothing! (Attempts to contact Humble for comment werent successful. MMS remains for sale on the churchs website.) Unfortunately, parents of autistic children havent gotten the message: MMS is now all the rage in the autism community. The problemapart from the fact that autism isnt caused by wormsis that even small quantities of the substance, which children are directed to swallow or receive as an enema, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, respiratory failure, anemia, and, ironically, developmental delay. In October 2015, one U.S. vendor was sent to prison for selling the product. A California man has alleged that MMS caused his wifes death, though an autopsy was inconclusive. Parents who give their children this industrial bleachand there appear to be thousands of themoften share their stories online. They write about children crying out in pain. They talk about how their childrens hair has fallen out. And they talk about how their kids have slowly grown more apathetic, losing any previous emotion. How MMS has made their children quieter, easier to handle. In essence, howas had been the case for lobotomiesthey have substituted one disorder for another. Still, these parents urge each other on. Its working, they claim. Given the level of desperation among some parents of children with autism, one could envision lobotomies themselves making a comeback. Imagine the following scenario: Several fringe doctors open a clinic in Sweden to treat autism. The doctors dont call their new procedure lobotomies (that ship has sailed); rather, they call it the Fresh Start procedure. The doctors explain that the Fresh Start procedure involves cutting the nerves in the brain that cause autism, can be done as an outpatient, and takes only a few minutes to perform. Include a few parent testimonials, put up an attractive website, and open the doors. If a man who claimed to be a billion-year-old god from another galaxy could get people to squirt industrial-strength bleach into their childrens rectums, then doctors in some European clinic should expect at least equal enthusiasm for their lobotomies. Desperate for cures, we continue to punish the afflicted. Paul A. Offit is a professor of pediatrics and director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. He is the author of Pandoras Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong (National Geographic Press, April 2017). By PTI: From Aditi Khanna London, Feb 12 (PTI) Gurinder Chadha, one of Britains well-known Indian-origin filmmakers, wants US President Donald Trump to watch her new film on the Partition of India to learn about the tragic events and their resonance in todays world. "We are living in a world that is quite divisive, we have politicians talking about building walls and labelling huge groups of people. The film in a way is a timely reminder of what happens when you start to create divisions," Chadha told PTI, referring to Trumps plan to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. advertisement "I would love Donald Trump to watch the film and maybe learn from the events of 1947 and how resonant they are today," she said. Viceroys House, is set in the last days of the British Raj in 1947 as British India was divided into India and Pakistan, leading to widespread sectarian violence in what has been described as the largest mass migration in human history. The film has been in making for seven years for the Bend It Like Beckham director and is a passion project dedicated to her grandparents, who survived the Partition riots. It is set to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival on Sunday. "Partition sits very heavily for a lot of us. For me, it has been cathartic to be able to go back to this story and trace the geo-political events that led to Partition. And, to also say that it is time to move on," she said. Chadha worked on the films screenplay with her writer-husband Paul Mayeda-Berges and read more than 20 books as part of an extensive research to formulate her narrative. She is categorical about not letting any of the political leaders "off the hook" and believes Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Lord Mountbatten all had their part to play. "It is very important to say that this film is made from a distinctly British Punjabi perspective. India and Pakistan have their own narratives on this chapter in history. But this is very much my viewpoint based on all the research," said the 57-year-old London-based filmmaker. She also wanted to keep the focus on ordinary people and the staff at Viceroys House, which was to become Rashtrapati Bhavan, and how they were affected by the decisions made by the political leadership behind closed doors. The cast is led by British actor Hugh Bonneville as Lord Mountbatten and Gillian Anderson as his wife, Lady Edwina Mountbatten. The Indian and Pakistani cast is led by actors Manish Dayal, Huma Qureshi and Om Puri, who passed away last month before he could see the final cut. "I am really sad I didnt get to sit with him and watch it. Om was extremely delighted when he got the script. He used to tell me every day on set in Punjabi that I was doing a very good thing by making this film. He was very proud to be part of a British film with such a Punjabi heart," Chadha said. advertisement Viceroys House will open across UK cinemas on March 3 and get its India release in August to coincide with the 70th anniversary celebrations of Indias independence. PTI AK ABH --- ENDS --- My grandfather was born in 1914 on the outskirts of Stanislau, Galicia, a town and country that no longer exist (it is the current site of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine). His family, one of the few Jewish ones in the midst of a devout Catholic community, ran a small grocery store, behind which was a two-room home with no electricity and only a bread oven for heat. In 1913, some locals raided the store, leaving my great-grandparents utterly destitute. My great-grandfather decided to leave for America, where he hoped to make some money, then return and rebuild. He was only supposed to be gone for a few months, but unfortunately, fate intervened: While he was away, World War I erupted, rendering him unable to return to his wife Rifka, who had six young children and yet another (my grandfather) on the way. By the time my grandfather was an infant, World War I was unfolding on his doorstep. The family dog was felled by a soldiers pistol; other bullets struck my great-grandmothers home and narrowly missed killing her in the street. During the day, soldiers would come looking for food and supplies, taking whatever they could, sometimes at gunpoint. Once, a Cossack strode into the house, speared a loaf of bread off the table with his sword, and left with promises to return soon for more, leaving the family alive, though shaken and hungry. At night, Rifka and her seven children slept huddled on the hard-packed dirt floor, worrying that bullets or worse would come through the blacked-out windows and barricaded doors. Without either goods in the store or money from my great-grandfather (or, indeed, any word from him), my great-grandmother was left to fend for her family in any way she could. Mostly, this meant smuggling. The German soldiers to the west of the line had material goods but little food; the Russians on the other side had food but no cloth to mend their ragged clothes. So Rifka would wrap her entire body with bolts of cloth and yarn, then don her clothes, and walk across the front line from west to east. Once she was there, she would exchange the smuggled textiles for food (mostly potatoes), stow it away, and walk back across the line, where she would sell or exchange it to the German soldiers. This went on for months. Every day, my great-grandmother was in danger for her life, and not just from the bombs and bullets of warfare. The penalty for smuggling was execution on the spot, so if she was caught even once with her contraband, it would spell the end for her, and most likely, for her children as well. One night, Rifka did get caught. Some soldiers patrolling the west side of the line captured her as she was returning from the east with her smuggled vegetables. They brought her to their commanding officer, a German lieutenant. My great-grandmother fell to the floor, prostrating herself before the officer and begging for mercy not for her own sake, but for the childrens, who would be left alone in the middle of a war zone if she were executed. Luckily, the German lieutenant took pity on Rifka and spared her life and, by extension, those of her children. Not long after this incident, the whole family became refugees, relocating to Romania for two years. Eventually, when the war ended, they returned briefly to what was left of Stanislau, and then all eight of them emigrated to America to rejoin my great-grandfather, sailing from Amsterdam to Philadelphia, and settling in Hartford, Connecticut. My grandfather Simon was six when he met his father for the first time, safely reunited on American soil. Simon loved America, and never stopped being grateful for the opportunities this country gave him not only to live, but to thrive. He was accepted to Harvard University (very rare for a Jew at the time, though his older brother had gone there), yet he opted instead to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, and to pursue a career as a U.S. Army officer. By 1945, my grandfather was a Lieutenant Colonel, stationed in Germany. One day, he and his men liberated a Nazi work camp, filled with corpses and the barely living. The abject brutality of the scene was overwhelming; it was a memory Simon would carry to his grave. Some of the enlisted men captured a German officer, and pushed him up against the wall of a barracks, planning to execute him on the spot for his war crimes. At this point, my grandfather did something extraordinary something Im not sure Id have the strength to do. He intervened, saving the Nazi officers life. To him, it was a simple moral calculus: to kill a Nazi summarily, without a fair trial, when he posed no immediate threat, was itself an act of evil, on par with the crimes of the Nazis themselves. To kill them was to become them. Ive known this story for decades; my grandfather told it to me when I was a teenager, during the last years of his life. But when I asked my father about it a few days ago, I was shocked to discover hed never heard it. My grandfather never talked about the war, he says; it was too horrible. I called my aunt for corroboration. No dice. I called my fathers cousin. Same thing. None of them knew about this remarkable act of mercy, either. Apparently, Simon never told anyone else this story, only me. When Ive thought about Simons act of mercy over the years, I always considered it to be a parable about morality, and about the value of keeping a cool head and an open heart in the face of overwhelming fear and anger. It certainly is that, but its also more than that. I only learned about Rifkas struggles, her World War I smuggling operation, and her brush with summary execution a few months ago, when I read a memoir by one of her older sons, my great uncle Joe. As soon as I learned this new piece of family history, Simons story suddenly clicked into place. It wasnt merely an act of moral rectitude, or adherence to some abstract higher principles. Simon himself must have been well aware of the act of mercy by which that German officer had saved his own life a generation earlier and his intervention to save the Nazis life can therefore only be understood as a cosmic act of payback. A chance to keep the karmic wheel in spin, to pay it forward, in the parlance of our times. Why did Simon choose to tell me this story, when he apparently kept it secret from his own siblings and children? I cant be sure, but I think he just wanted it stowed away somewhere in safe keeping, so that it could be told when the time was right. That time, sadly, is now. When the entire world seems to be succumbing to the same kind of insanity that brought us those two World Wars, when the horrors of the Holocaust seem increasingly likely to be revisited, and augmented, by todays heirs apparents to the Nazi legacy. When a sociopathic charlatan like Donald Trump can plunge our democracy our sanctuary into chaos in a matter of days. Im angry as hell. I cry every day now, and not because Im a fragile snowflake, but because I can barely contain the murderous rage that seethes through every vein in my body when I see the desecration of Simons memory and the scale of cruelty and injustice being perpetrated on the vulnerable of the world in my own name. Nearly everyone I know feels the same. I can no longer imagine a path forward for us as a nation, or as a species, that doesnt involve hideous bloodshed, and the splintering of every peaceful bastion of civil society. I am, sadly, prepared to fight to kill, to die, to play my assigned role in this farce, because what else can I do? Yet, I am also committed to doing more than just that. Because of the unlikely mercy of a nameless German officer a century ago, my children and I are free to live, and to love. We owe every second of our lives to that man. And, because my grandfather repaid that karmic debt a generation later, saving the life of his bitterest enemy, who knows how many German children have been born, lived, and loved in the years since then? So, yes, Im prepared to fight, to protect the lives of those I love, and even to protect the institutions and abstract principles of the democracy that gave my family a home when we needed one so many years ago. But, if were ever going to emerge from the other side of this impending shitstorm with a shred of our humanity intact, its not going to be as a result of how many bullets weve fired, or had fired at us. Its going to be because of the times we chose not to fight and kill, the moments we were able to transcend our rage and fear, and to see one another, just for a moment, as the delicate and precious links in the improbable story of the survival of human species that each of us truly represents. If we do ultimately survive this madness, we will do so one small act of mercy at a time. Taoray Wang by Lizzie Crocker While hundreds protested the Trump administrations plans to defund Planned Parenthood in Lower Manhattan late Saturday morning, a phalanx of secret service agents shielded the presidents daughter, Tiffany Trump, as she swept into Taoray Wangs fashion show at Skylight Clarkson Studios, ten blocks west of the demonstrations. Less than 24 hours earlier, Fuck Donald Trump, Who Donald Trump, Fuck Donald Trump roared throughout Skylight Clarkson Studios at the end of Chromats show, the loudest anti-Trump politicking yet at New York Fashion Week. It was somewhat strange, then, that the crowd at Taoray Wang remained silent when Tiffany Trump arrived with her mother, Marla Maples, and boyfriend Ross Mechanic for the designers Fall 2017 presentation. Perhaps any desires to boo the presidents daughter or throw an egg at her head were tempered by Secret Service presence. Or perhaps Tiffany was spared harassment because, of all President Trumps children, she is the most removed from him and the least politically involved, with the exception of her 12-year-old half brother, Barron Trump. It is widely acknowledged that Tiffany was shunned by her father for much of her life, until he recruited her to support him on the campaign trail. If others seemed bizarrely indifferent about Tiffanys presence Saturday, Taoray Wang designer Wang Tao is surely thrilled by the buzz Trumps daughter has lent her brand since Inauguration Day, when she wore a white cashmere coat and matching dress by the Chinese designer. She also wore Taoray Wang on election night and to one of the presidential debates. Despite Trumps hostility towards China, which has escalated since he took office, Tao has has not turned her back on Tiffany, who also attended her Spring 2017 show. The designer previously told WWD that shes not political. Indeed, there were no I Stand With Planned Parenthood pins in the front row at Taoray Wangs show, as there have been at many others, (the CFDA has partnered with the organization for fashion week). But the designers clothes are socially progressive: power suiting is Taus signature, and her fall collection was inspired by Qing Dynasty characters crossing over from ancient times to present day world...transcending time, gender, and geography, [women] awaken as men in suiting of a very unique kind, according to the shows program. It manifested in beautifully tailored black jackets with hemlines that landed at the thighs, many of them worn as bare leg-exposing dresses with over the knee boots. Other coats were paired with asymmetrical skirts, lined with hot pink silk or unbuttoned to reveal sheer lace tops and negligeesand, by extension, pert breasts and small nipples, as seen at Calvin Klein (small nipples are always on trend in the fashion world). Some looks were heavier and more full-coverage, like an oversized wool tweed coat worn with slouchy tweed pants. There were herringbone prints, too, including one modeled by Marla Maples who, at 53, looks young enough to be Tiffanys older sister. The velvet suiting was less impressive (boxier and less sleek, for whatever reason). But the collection as a whole was at once sensible and sexy. After the show, Tiffany and Maples were whisked backstage, where they briefly embraced Tao before disappearing out the backdoor. Meanwhile, other anti-Trump protests were gathering in New York Citys Washington Park, and the Wall Street Journal reported that Nordstroms sales of Ivanka Trumps fashion brand fell more than 70 percent at the end of last year, compared to the same period the previous year. The news came as Sears and Kmart announced they would no longer sell the brand on their websites. Nordstroms confirmed it had dropped the label last week, citing poor sales, amid calls for a boycott of all Trump products. Christian Siriano by Tim Teeman A lot is said about diversity: the need for it, and what it really means. Christian Siriano is a designer who speaks about it and practices it, emphatically. At his beautiful New York Fashion Week show on Saturday afternoon in the grand surroundings of the Plaza Hotel's ballroom, there was a panoply of sizes and colors. This wasn't tokenism. There was not one plus-sized model, and a whole bunch of skinny minis, but an equal number of both; models of color as present as white-skinned models. Underneath the chandeliers, a starry crowd including Juliette Lewis, Janet Mock, Alexa Chung, Alicia Silverstone, and Gigi Gorgeous lapped up a procession of 52 looks. There was nothing divisive in who were what. The larger models wore stunning, body-fitting black dresses, as did the slimmer ones. Both kinds wore outfits making use of finely detailed brocade. It would be tough to parse the most stunning outfits: all of them demonstrated Siriano's inventiveness, boldness, and his belief not just in fashion, but in design. "For my Fall 2017 collection, I was inspired by the beehive sand formations in the Valley of Fire State Park," he said. "The grooved lines and unique design created by wind caused a beautiful layered effect that inspired a collection full of powerful silhouettes and strong expressive shapes. The deep clay-colored valley inspired a rich and golden color palette full of open-weave textiles and luxe copper velvets." Of particular note was that sequence of copper-colored outfits: turtlenecks, a bralette-top dress, a ruched long-sleeve gob, a satin draped jacket, and flared skirt. There were warm-looking belted coats in auburn, and--just as luxurious-looking (and delicious sounding) frosted almond velvet double breasted jacket. Yes, you may want to have it go. From trousers to slinky dresses, to fitted shirts with an explosion of material on their fronts, to slim trousers and kickass coats, Siriano also found a new vocabulary for that fashion staple, black. Camp architectural flourishes figured too: on the sides of outfits were odd ruffles, sleeves were occasionally puffed-out--as we have seen elsewhere at NYFW--on the arm and shoulder. Maroon and mauve also leapt straight out of their familiar boxes marked 'staid,' thanks to some inventive cuts, featuring bell sleeves, capes, and intricate beading and lattice-work. Karolina Kurkova wore the show's most glittering surprise: a dress that combined all the colors we had seen in diffuse bands and with added sparkle. There was a black dress studded with tassels, that wool look completely amazing when its wearer is dancing. If this all seemed like too much of a frothy fairytale, then Siriano had a final surprise to add to the message of the diversity of the runway. A model appeared wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan "People Are People," and this as the music segued to Depeche Mode singing precisely that. Not as profane as telling Donald Trump to fuck himself, as at Chromat on Friday, but a message clearly stated nevertheless. The Plaza's most famous young resident, Eloise, was nowhere to be seen, but I'd like to think she was watching from behind a pillar, loving every moment. Son Jung Wan by Tim Teeman The epicenter of New York Fashion Week is the many-roomed Skylight Clarkson Square. And something, for those who have been there more than once this week so far, has become very apparent about Gallery III therein: it's too bloody hot. Either this is a new fad collective weight-loss program, or something is wrong with the heating system. The air is thick with broiling fashionistas, swapping horror stories--as one I overheard--about the time a woman actually collapsed at one show because of excessive heat. For Son Jung Wan on Saturday, the heat in Gallery III led to more complaints, and groaning pleas to seatmates for aircon. Fur hats quickly became fans, and then the clothes started appearing--very beautiful, immaculately tailored clothes--and the temperature only rose. There was no overt politicking at Wan's show, just piece after piece of beautiful tailoring, under the gaze of celebrities including Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere, the actress Kelly Rutherford, and--most exciting for any "Bravoholic" about to pass out from overheating, Kelly Bensimon, an ex-Real Housewife from New York. First came some very fashionable things to wrap up in on cold days: plaid with fur detail, a turquoise velvet dress, and a patterned fur jacket (fur shame seems totally absent these days). Wan's color palette trends dark--dark blues, browns, burgundy--but occasionally there were flashes of white and gold on jacquard jackets and pants.The final looks were a men's lamb white fur coat and a women's dramatic white mohair coat. Worn a few days ago in New York's snow-blitz, their wearers would have been very fashionably camouflaged, and warm--but probably not as warm as the poor, sweaty folk in Gallery III. Sheguang Hu by Sarah Shears Often fashion is just clothes. Occasionally its art. Saturday night it was theatre. Outside the Angel Orensanz Center on the Lower East Side, the line waiting to see Chinese designer Sheguang Hu, was long, unmoving and disgruntled. The performance piece extended to the sidewalk where a legion of invited guests waited in a long and unmoving line across the street from the venue. Every so often one or two people were ferried across the slushy ice, creating traffic jams on the tiny one-way street, which in turn added a cacophony of horns to the evenings soundtrack. Inside it felt much more like a rave circa 1995, than a fashion show circa 2017. There was a makeshift cash only bar on the second floor balcony that served up drinks un-ironically in solo cups. And, throughout the former gothic synagogue, there was a mixed artist gallery show curated by Leo Feroleto, featuring art by sculptor Ailene Fields and actress Kathrine Narducci among others. The crowd was a heady mix of hip LES types, art world aficionados, fashionistas and creative types. Almost an hour late, the show began dramatically. A lithe Chinese lady in an exceptionally long coat, was placed atop of a high stool and began intensely reciting Chinese poetry. A silver haired barefoot older Asian lady slowly drifted down the runway in a sheer chiffon night robe, setting the walking pace for the rest of the show. Models began appearing in clear plastic hoods that covered the entire head including the face, peplum bodices, and skirts also in clear plastic, with the only element of modesty being nude thong underwear with a heart that sat perfectly at the end of the tailbone. An array of other extreme garments and theatrical styling slowly meandered down the runway. Models wearing long wigs that covered the face in the style of Cousin It, except for the red painted hands that were perched on top of the wigs to resemble horns. A beautiful Asian model wearing an enormous crinoline covered by layers of clear plastic petticoats, stumbled and fell in her stilt like stripper boots, but recovered gracefully. A not at all model-y middle aged Asian man did ninja moves at the end of the runway. A group of models wearing skin tight nude spandex revealed giant hunched spinal back humps, one model had a belly pregnant with more skeletal material and another had a large face pushing out of her stomach. Another grouping of models wore metal plate that covered the mouth a la Immortan Joe from Mad Max, followed by models wearing Roman helmets with huge white plumes sprouting from the crowns. The show was a spectacle, performance art at its core, and it was telling that this showwhich mixed the macabre and the stupendouswas at the same venue where Alexander McQueen had his debut show in 1996. The crowd mixed laughing, cheering, and chatting throughout the over 25 minute performance, and at its end NYU Art professor Karl Bardosh shouted Bravo, Bravo! After the show, The Daily Beast spoke with one of the gorgeous models, Samayah Jaramillo, whose face was covered on the catwalk by one of the hairy wigs. She spoke glowingly of the designer saying that hes deeply deeply sincere, a dreamer, a real artist, he only thinks about beauty and ideals. Hes the sort of designer that a model would give their entire career for, they would follow him anywhere. He not only treats us well, but his vision is unparalleled. Irans supreme court ruled last week that a woman who blinded another in an acid attack would receive a literal eye-for-an-eye punishment for the crime. Two years earlier, the unnamed woman had thrown acid in the face of young woman named Sima in the city of Dehdasht, roughly 500 miles south of Tehran. The attack left her victim blind. Now, under the Sharia legal principle of qisas (retaliation in kind), the condemned will receive the same treatment as her victim. The head of provincial judiciary, Majid Karami, was quoted by the Tasnim News Agency as saying: The sentence to blindness in one eye, payment of blood money (compensation), and seven years imprisonment have been confirmed by the highest court. The actual implementation of this punishment in countries where Sharia law is the law of the land is relatively rare. Victims and the families of victims have the power to commute the sentences, and often they accept compensation (colloquially known as "blood money") in the place of corporal or capital punishment. In this case it seems that the victim and her family may have settled for partial retribution, as the accused woman was sentenced to lose vision in "only" one eye. Public commentators on the incident have condemned the punishment, describing the practice as "medieval." What critics often forget, however, is how many religious leaders throughout history have endorsed blinding as a form punishment and for how long these punishments have been carried out. At one time or another, nearly every society has practiced capital punishment. Execution for murder has most commonly been justified on the grounds that people who take life deserve to lose their own. But when it comes to lesser crimes, the idea of losing a bodily member, including ones eyes, gets more complicated. The most famous example, from which the expression eye-for-an-eye comes, is found in the ancient Israelite laws encoded in the Bible. Even the least attentive Sunday school student is familiar with the saying an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (Exod. 21:23-25; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21). But the earliest example of bodily mutilation as punishment comes from the Code of Hammurabi, the Babylonian law code of ancient Mesopotamia that dates back to the 18th century BCE. Among many other prescriptions, the code stipulates that hand amputation should be performed with a bronze knife if a son strikes his father or if a physician performs either an operation that results in the death of the patient or an eye surgery that destroys the eye. For the ancient Romans, the principle of lex talionis the law of retaliation was foundational to the Roman understanding of crime and commensurate punishment. Under this philosophy, for example, arsonists in ancient Rome were frequently burned alive. Monetary compensation was also an option: the Twelve Tables of Roman Law mentions that "if anyone has broken another's limb there shall be retaliation in kind unless he compounds for compensation with him." The Romans do appear to have had a particular fascination with the removal of eyes. In an article on dismemberment, renowned classicist Glenn Most has shown that gouging seems to have been a feature peculiar to the Roman period, or at least of literature produced in the Roman period. In one story from the historian Suetonius Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Octavius, better known as the Emperor Augustus, gouges out the eyes of a would-be assassin. In another, Nero uses gouging to manufacture deformity in the world around him, and in another a contrite Hadrian attempts to compensate a slave after removing his eye with a writing implement for a minor offense. These examples, however, were fairly ad hoc and do not appear to have made their way into official legal codes. You might think that this kind of brutal retributive justice ended with the rise of Christianity. After all, Christians are taught that Jesus was more focused on forgiveness than punishment. But while the New Testament quotes Jesus as saying that one should turn the other cheek instead of demand an eye for an eye, there are other passages in which he seems to instruct people to self-amputate. In Mark 9, Jesus actually instructs people that if their eye causes them to sin they should pluck it out, for because it is better to go into the Kingdom of Heaven one-eyed than to be thrown into hell. Modern scholarly readers tend to assume that this parable is a metaphor designed to show just how disastrous sin is for the fate of the person after death. Maybe it was, but this was not the position of a succession of Roman emperors influenced by a more literal interpretation of Jesus' teachings. The emperor Constantine, for example, ordered that runaway slaves be punished by the amputation of a foot, and on one occasion instructed that the tongue of an informant by torn out. And by the sixth century CE, mutilation became quite common in Christian contexts as a form of punishment. Emperor Justinians legislation stated that heretical scribes and fraudulent tax collectors be punished by having their hands amputated. Notably, the use of mutilation as a form of punishment was unknown in Roman law prior to the advent of Christianity, and the justification for these punishments was explicitly grounded in the Gospel. Several hundred years later, in the medieval period, the Normans introduced blinding as a common punishment for thieves. Blinding as punishment had consequence of staining blindness with a criminal dye. Edward Wheatleys Stumbling Blocks before the Blind reveals that those with a visual impairment the majority of whom were, of course, not criminals were frequently socially stigmatized as a result of their potential criminality. Even as lex talionis gradually died out in Christian societies over the course of the medieval period, it continued to exert influence into the early modern period and beyond. While they rejected the idea that it should be enforced, Reformation thinkers like Martin Luther and John Calvin pointed to this principle as evidence for the importance of using natural law for the government of society. And in a 2008 article for Liberty University Law Review, David VanDrunen argued that even where the lex talionis is not literally carried out, the theoretical threat of the lex talionis can provide a helpful and perhaps even necessary means of justice. Financial reparations, perhaps the latter-day equivalent of lex talionis, create their own set of problems namely, by perpetuating inequality. While we can agree that the shift to financial compensation is preferable to legally sanctioned maimings, it can cosset the wealthy from facing the consequences of their actions. The guiding principle of an eye for an eye was equality: your eye is as valuable as mine. But when bodily punishment was commuted to reparations, the wealthy found themselves in a stronger position. The rich were more able to pay off victims than the poor, and so the poor were more likely to receive the most brutal of punishments. The principle extends beyond the criminal justice system. Modern insurance policies continue to view our bodies in terms of the valuation of individual functions and parts. Justin Foa, CEO and President of Foa and Son Insurance brokers, told The Daily Beast that most state workers compensation systems have codified the worth of body parts and developed elaborate criteria for identifying how much function was lost. Accidental Death and Dismemberment policies stipulate how much your arm is worth should you lose it. But whereas in the past one human beings eye was viewed (in principle) as equally valuable to another persons, today the value of human body parts is often correlated to their earnings. Its why athletes and rockstars and Mary Hart can pay to have their body parts valued for massive amounts based on the lessthan egalitarian principle that their body parts are essential to their earnings and are therefore worth more. In insurance, Foa added, the principle of an-eye-for-the-financial-value-of-an-eye constantly applies. This seems quite natural to us. In the meantime, however, the bigger issue of state-sponsored blinding remains. Authorities claim that they are enforcing the law in the Dehdasht case in part because of a recent rise in acid attacks in the region. They hope it will act as a deterrent. The net result, however, is more violence. Which has to make you wonder: if we enshrine violence in our legal system, can we ever hope to eliminate it from our society? Obama Calls Out Dr. Oz for Selling Political Snake Oil GET ELECTED WITH THIS SIMPLE TRICK! The former president took shots at Dr. Oz for his endorsement of quack medical products while campaigning for John Fetterman in Pittsburgh. CONQUEST Planning a fundraiser, like a breakfast benefit, is something that's typically in Nancy Halstead's wheelhouse, her colleagues said Sunday. Halstead has planned similar events during her time with the Conquest Fire Company, said Assistant Chief Charlene Stafford, company president. As a member for over 40 years, Halstead has worked behind the scenes as part of the company's auxiliary and had also served as secretary. Beyond her capacity to plan events, Halstead's duties also included serving refreshments to on-scene firefighters. The Conquest woman, however, has not been able to report to the company as of late due to cancer. To her understanding, Stafford said Halstead had been cancer-free at one point until she grew ill again within the last few months. "She's done a lot around here," said Shawna Burke, the company's treasurer secretary. "She's been the head of a lot of fundraisers. She knew what to order, what to cook and helped point people in the right directions on a lot of jobs. She knows the business." To help, Halstead's fellow firefighters are putting on a series of pancake breakfast fundraisers in her benefit. Proceeds from the events will go toward Halstead's medical bills and home expenses. Stafford said there are some repairs needed to Halstead's residence that have been delayed due to her illness. After the first event in January, the Conquest Fire Company hosted a breakfast on Sunday with others scheduled in March and April. Varieties of pancakes with eggs, sausage, home fries and muffins were served to roughly 65 people throughout Sunday morning. In planning the event, Stafford said the fire company saw an opportunity to reintegrate monthly pancake breakfasts back into the community. The town of Conquest, she said, had hosted similar events in the past. "Us members enjoy doing this and it's nice to see the people in the community that we serve," Stafford said. "To raise funds for Nancy, too, it's a win-win all the way around." The website of Ministry of Home Affairs is down and reports suggest that the portal could have been hacked. But, the MHA officials are not sure about it. The NIC, which maintains the website, is Investigating the matter. By Jitendra Bahadur Singh: Confusion prevails in the Ministry of Home Affairs about its website having been hacked or not. Some reports claimed that the MHA website was hacked and experts were trying to ascertain the damage caused to the portal. A PTI tweet also said that the MHA website was hacked. The PTI tweet quoted home ministry officials as saying that the website was hacked "prompting the authorities to temporarily block it." Ministry of Home Affairs (#MHA) website #hacked, prompting authorities to temporarily block it: officials. Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2017 advertisement However, when India Today spoke to senior MHA officials about the reported hacking of the website, they said, "The website is down since yesterday. The NIC (national informatics centre) is trying to find out the reason." "We are not sure about the website being hacked. Pending investigation by the NIC, the website has been blocked," the officials said. The report of MHA website being hacked comes close on the heels of the hacking of NSG (national security guard) portal last month. The hackers called themselves 'Alone Injector' and left a 'Pakistan Zindabad' message on the website. The authorities had then, too, taken down the website to recover and repair it. WEBSITE NOT HACKED Hours after the news broke, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that the website has not been hacked and it is blocked due to repair work. "There has been no hacking. The site is under construction, that is why it's down," he said. The Home Ministry website remained inaccessible throughout Sunday morning, which was subsequently attributed to a hacking in many news reports. --- ENDS --- JDO serves Australia RTD Jack Daniel's Brown Forman Australia has launched a new Jack Daniel's ready to drink (RTD) product, American Serve in packaging developed by JDO Brand and Design. Australia is the world leader in spirits RTD, representing 60% of the global market. The new range provides one and a half shots of Jack Daniels Old No.7 with a splash of cola, ginger or lemonade. JDO was briefed to develop a new way to showcase the American look & feel of the RTD packaging to target a more sophisticated drinker and to help grow the RTD market and recruit new consumers. The teams were asked to design a RTD concept that was premium, modern, confident and authentic but still held true to the strong Jack Daniels values of heritage and craftsmanship. The design also needed to credibly own the American Serve positioning in the Australian market. The new range design embraces American design cues and colours whilst retaining the tradition, provenance and heritage of the Jack Daniels brand. Lines have been introduced in the variant colour while small stars are added to the sub brand. The challenge was to adapt the Jack Daniels branding to fit a small 250ml can format and to give the new American Serve branding enough prominence. The smaller can format helps differentiate from other Jack Daniels serves. Ray Smith, JDO creative director says: We wanted to find the sweet spot; the perfect balance between classic Jack Daniels and a new ownable identity for American Serve. The challenge was to see how far we could push an American look and feel whilst still feeling credible in the Australian market. Marissa Murray, senior brand manager, Jack Daniels adds: JDOs new designs will help us reach a discerning consumer who can now enjoy the perfect serve of legendary Jack Daniels Old No.7 with some of their favourite mixers, in a more convenient way. JDOs new designs are featured on 250ml can formats and four pack outer cases across three flavour variants. 12 February 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor Love old or unusual movies but never know when they're on? Here are several I recommend: The Little Fugitive (1953): This strange and wonderful classic tells the story of young seven-year-old Joey (Richie Andrusco), a Brooklyn kid who, as a result of a cruel prank, believes the police are after him. He jumps on a train and flees to Coney Island. The movie paints a charming but sort of realistic depiction of how a young kid could cope on his own. How does he get money for food? How does he avoid adults wondering where his parents are? This is a fascinating movie from a true independent voice. -- Turner Classic Movies, 12:15 a.m. Wednesday. Videodrome (1983): This ultra-creepy, prophetic science fiction parable from shock director David Cronenberg may resonate today even more than when it was released in 1982. James Woods stars as a small-time cable executive who gets intrigued by rumors of a "snuff video" in the market. Things get more and more surreal as video programming begins to change the reality of the people who watch it. Full of eye-popping special effects and bitter (but spot on) social commentary, Videodrome is one of Cronenberg's very best. -- Cinemax, 2:05 a.m. Wednesday. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962): Director John Ford's last great film was also the first pairing of John Wayne and James Stewart. Wayne is the rough-and-ready embodiment of the rowdy Old West, and Stewart is a sort of a proto-metrosexual civilizing symbol of the modern west that was fast approaching. The movie also deals with how legends are made and maintained, as demonstrated by the fame given to the man who shot the notorious outlaw Liberty Valance. But who is that man? Watch and see. -- Turner Classic Movies, 9:15 p.m. Thursday. Internal Affairs (1990): Paul Figgis directed this one very dark tale about an idealistic cop (Andy Garcia) who begins investigating a suspected bad cop (Richard Gere). The real pleasure of this movie is the fact that the script lets Gere be a truly, deeply, interestingly, very bad guy. Gere's performance deservedly won him raves. Laurie Metcalf is excellent as Garcia's partner, as is Nancy Travis as his wife. Sadly, though co-star William Baldwin (Alec Baldwin's best-looking younger brother) is good in the film, Internal Affairs pretty much marked the end of his involvement in A pictures. -- Now available on demand on Showtime. Trivia Question #672: Which of this week's films co-stars a popular musical performer? Answer to Trivia Question #670: Actress Jean Hagen's character was "killed off" of the sitcom Make Room For Daddy. Bryan native Ray Ivey is a writer and movie fan in Hollywood, Calif. He would love to hear from you at rayivey@ca.rr.com. You can also visit his blog at www.starkravingray.com. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) The rift between founders of Infosys and its board spilled out in the open today with co-founder Narayana Murthy questioning executive compensation and corporate governance at Indias second biggest software services exporter led by Vishal Sikka. "Let me make it very very clear that it is not the management that concerns me. I think we are quite happy with (CEO) Vishal Sikka. He is doing a good job. However, what concerns some of us particularly the founders, and seniors, former Infoscions is that there have been certain acts of governance that could have been better," Murthy said. advertisement Murthy, along with other co-founders Nandan Nilekani and S Gopalakrishnan are believed to have written to Infosys board asking why Sikkas compensation was raised and hefty severance packages offered to two top-level executives who quit the company. Sikka was paid Rs 48.7 crore in base salary, bonus and benefits last year as compared to base salary of Rs 4.5 crore for a partial period in 2015. Murthy has questioned "paying the former CFO (Rajiv Bansal) a 30-month severance pay which amounted to Rs 23 crore." "The Chairman said at the AGM that he had some highly confidential, competitive information but anybody who knows our industry can quickly come to the conclusion that there are so many people in the company, senior people that have such competitive information. "In Infosys itself, we have had 2 CFOs who left before and several other senior people who are on the boards...senior VPs, etc who have such competitive information but we didnt pay anyone of them. So therefore, it has led to some kind of confusion...," he told news channel CNBC-TV18. Asked about market speculations that Bansal was paid off because he had damaging information on Infosys, Murthy said: "I hope it is not the case." Former executives Mohandas Pai, Ashok Vemuri, V Balakrishnan and B G Srinivas were never paid any severance pay, he added. Infosys, however, has denied any governance lapses. "The board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Dr Vishal Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation," Infosys Chairman R Seshasayee said in a statement. "Vishal and the board, while being pleased with the companys resumption of industry leading performance on many parameters, are keen to further accelerate the progress and achieve even more shareholder value increase, on the foundation of sound governance. We will remain undistracted with this focus," he added. Biocon Chairperson and independent director on Infosys board Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said there has been no breach in governance issues, but there may be "judgement calls" on which the board members differ with promoters. PTI BDN SR MBI ANZ ABM --- ENDS --- advertisement From our friends at OSU comes the following Call For Papers: CALL FOR PAPERS The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law is pleased to host the Second Annual Administrative Law New Scholarship Roundtable on June 27-28, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. The Roundtable is the creation of four schoolsMichigan State University, University of Michigan, Ohio State University, and University of Wisconsineach of which has committed to hosting the Roundtable during one of the first four years of the Roundtable. The Roundtable will bring together a mix of emerging and established scholars to present new work on Administrative Law. Participants will present their papers in small panel sessions designed to foster rich discussions with experts in the field and contribute to a vibrant Administrative Law community. Each panel will be led by a distinguished scholar who will facilitate the discussion. Confirmed commentators currently include Emily Hammond (George Washington), Lisa Heinzerling (Georgetown), Jon Michaels (UCLA), Nick Parrillo (Yale), Peter Shane (Ohio State), Cathy Sharkey (NYU), and Glen Staszewski (Michigan State). In addition to the paper panels, a lunch program will address current issues in Administrative Law and institutional resources for empirical research projects. Scholars wishing to participate in the Roundtable and present a paper must submit a one-to-two-page abstract by Friday, March 17, 2017. Applicants should include their title, institutional affiliation, and number of years teaching in the academy. Preference will be given to those who have been teaching nine years or less in a tenure-track position. Abstracts should be sent to Chris Walker at walker.1432@osu.edu. You may also contact Chris Walker or Peter Shane with any questions you may have about the Roundtable. The Roundtable will provide meals for all participants. Participants must cover their own travel and lodging costs. We will reserve a block of reasonably priced rooms at a local hotel in advance of the Roundtable. Administrative Law New Scholarship Roundtable Host Committee Nicholas Bagley, University of Michigan Michael SantAmbrogio, Michigan State University Miriam Seifter, University of Wisconsin Peter Shane, The Ohio State University Glen Staszewski, Michigan State University Christopher Walker, The Ohio State University By PTI: Kochi, Feb 12 (PTI) A Lok Sabha MP from Kerala has given a notice to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and sought permission to move a breach of privilege motion against authorities of RML Hospital in Delhi, contending it "mistreated" the MPs who had reached there to enquire about the health of IUML MP E Ahamed. Senior IUML leader and Lok Sabha MP E T Mohammed Basheer today said he had mentioned in his notice that RML authorities "mistreated MPs, including Congress President Sonia Gandhi," who had reached the hospital on January 31 night to enquire about the health of Ahamed, who had passed away in the hospital after suffering a heart attack during the Presidents address to the joint sitting of Parliament. advertisement "It is a contempt to the House. It is an insult to the House. My complaint is against authorities of the RML hospital," Basheer told PTI here. The IUML leader said had given the notice two days prior to the adjournment of the first part of the Budget Session. Besides Sonia Gandhi, other leaders including Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel and MPs from Kerala had reached the hospital coinciding with the complaint by Ahameds family that the hospital authorities were not allowing them to meet the former union minister. Ahamed died at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on February 1. Basheer expressed hope that the Speaker would accept his notice against the RML authorities. During the session, the Congress-led opposition had disrupted the Lok Sabha proceedings, demanding a probe into the death of the former Union Minister. The Speaker, however, had rejected the oppositions demand for constitution of a parliamentary panel to probe Ahameds death. PTI TGB APR KIS --- ENDS --- What to know about daylight saving time 2022 in Iowa Two Army jawans were killed and three soldiers, including an officer, were injured in the operation. The encounter is over but search operations are going on. By Ashraf Wani: Security forces today killed four Hizbul Mujahideen militants in an encounter in the Nowpora Yaripora area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district. Two Army jawans and one civilian were killed while three soldiers, including an officer, were injured in the operation. The martyred jawans include L/Nk Raghubeer Singh and L/Nk B G Singh while Major P K Nigam and RFN Sheeraj Ahmed, all from 1 Rashtriya Rifles, were injured. The martyred jawans advertisement Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir police's Special Operation group and the Indian Army cordoned off the village of Nowpora Sunday early morning after receiving specific inputs about presence of the militants in the village. As the forces neared the house where the militants were hiding, they came under gunfire, leading to a gunfight. Two of the killed militants were identified as Mudasir Tantary and Mohd. Hashim. Both are believed to be associated with the Hizbul Mujahideen. Two rifles along with other arms and ammunition has been recovered from the killed militants. The encounter is over and search and combing operations are currently going on. Meanwhile, commenting on the encounter, Union minister of state Jitendra Singh said that it is no longer a secret that entire terrorism on Indian soil, particularly in J&K is sponsored by Islamabad. Watch Video: 2 Army jawans, 4 Hizbul Mujahideen militants killed in encounter in Kashmir Also read: Jammu Kashmir: Security forces kill 2 militants, including Hizbul district commander --- ENDS --- By Utpal Kumar/Mail Today: Jhumpa Lahiri's latest book, The Clothing of Books, is all about book covers. Advocating what she calls "the naked book", the Pulitzer winner emphasises that "the dressed book no longer belongs to me". She writes, "Today the relationship between the reader and book is far more mediated, with a dozen people buzzing around. We are never alone together, the text and I. I miss the silence, the mystery of the naked book: solitary, without support." On a closer look, this preference for a naked book also marks the transition of the author. Lahiri thinks she isn't just another writer now. She seems to have graduated to the league of extraordinary authors who doesnt need any introduction. The very things that would fascinate a budding writer now, annoy her boundless. advertisement For a new writer, the cover with 'the blurb' is the most fascinating thing. It marks his arrival. But when the writer is established, the 'blurb' becomes "one of the most repugnant words in English". She starts missing "the silence, the mystery of the naked book", which allows one to "read in freedom, without without previews or introduction." Also Read: When Obama honoured Indian-American author Jhumpa Lahiri at White House Lahiri writes how American book jackets reflect the spirit of the country--little homogeneity, lots of diversity, with few "now untouchable authors" being allowed to wear "uniforms". She adds, "Jackets of this kind are a strong recognition, a sort of prize, almost always conferred posthumously...A contemporary book by a young author would not be worthy." Lahiri then reminds how, unlike the European series, "where living and dead authors co-exist, the American series "seems to me almost a mausoleum". It's not that Lahiri hasn't attempted to reinvent herself. Her previous book, In Other Words, was about her love affair with the Italian language. But by the end of the book, she found herself again at a crossroads, as she left Rome for New Jersey in the US. She reached out to Italian when English stopped offering her the sense of solitude--something she sorely missed after her first collection of stories, Interpreter of Maladies (1999), won the Pulitzer. Now that she is back in the predictable English world, she seems to have given up. She wants to be among the "now untouchable authors", in their mausoleum. Also Read: Extract: Jhumpa Lahiri's latest book In Other Words is a memoir in Italian Lahiris newfound love for naked books may also have been due to her discomfort with twin identity. She writes, "Upon close inspection, my covers tend perfectly to mirror my own double identity, bifurcated, disputed. As a result they are often projections, conjectures." She recalls how her name and photos were enough for the commissioning of a cover teeming with stereotyped references of India--elephants, exotic flowers, the Ganges, et al--even when the stories were based in the US. "For me, therefore, a wrong jacket is not just an aesthetic issue, because it retriggers a series of anxieties felt ever since I was a child. Who am I? How am I seen, dressed, perceived, read?" It's this identity-related dilemma that seems to have driven her to Italy--in search of a clean slate. But the endeavour wasn't truly successful and as Lahiri came back to the English world, the old ghost reappeared to haunt her. She failed to build a new identity in Rome, so in New Jersey, she aspires to wipe them all out. The naked book symbolises Lahiri's own attempt to have a naked identity. But what's worrisome is her desire to be among the dead. The literary scene flourishes along the river, ever flowing, ever renewing, and not in the mausoleum. advertisement The book is a reminder that the author's search for identity isn't over yet. One hopes she doesn't snuff herself out in the process. As for book jackets, this reviewer would go by what Tim Kreider wrote in The New Yorker in support of the covers, Even if you love your wife for who she is as a person, its still nice when she breaks out a sexy new outfit." Covers, if done aesthetically, only make the book better and smarter. --- ENDS --- This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For at least a few sweethearts locally, Tuesday is shaping up as a very big day as plans jell to go beyond the bouquet by dropping to one knee and popping the question. For those getting a head start on Valentines Day by proposing this weekend, the Trumbull Marriott would be a good place to head on Sunday to start planning the wedding. On Sunday, the Wedding Steps Bridal Show swings through Trumbull, running at the Marriott from 1 to 4 p.m., with more than 150 people indicating on Facebook they will be there, hunting up ideas and vendors for ceremonies and receptions. Organized by Brookfield-based Wedding Steps, the Trumbull show is the latest in a bridal show season that kicked off in early January with the Connecticut Bridal Show at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford and the Connecticut Bridal & Wedding Expo at Chelsea Piers in Stamford, followed by Wedding Steps shows in Danbury and Stamford. On the heels of the Trumbull show is the Danbury Wedding Expo Thursday evening at the Crowne Plaza Danbury, with Dolce Norwalk hosting the Wedding Steps Bridal Show on Feb. 26; and the second annual Bridal Show on March 5 at the Delamar Hotel in Southport. For vendors, the 2017 wedding season is shaping up as a strong one. In early February, the wedding planning website The Knot published its annual survey of brides and grooms to determine the cost of getting married, at a new high of $35,300 on average nationally and $42,100 in Connecticut or if a Manhattan ceremony is your thing, nearly $78,500. The Knot surveyed about 13,000 people to arrive at the figures, with the timing of ceremonies possibly playing into responses for instance, couples and parents footing the cost of a wedding might have their spending plans affected by year-end bonuses paid in January or tax returns in May. In the Knots survey, 47 percent of respondents reported exceeding their allotted budget last year. A scenic backdrop remains the top priority for 48 percent of couples when it comes to choosing a location, followed by having both indoor and outdoor space, at 30 percent. Already in possession of the former prerequisite in a setting overlooking salt marshes along Long Island Sound in Norwalk, Shorehaven Country Club rebuilt its main clubhouse the past few years to feature a main dining room opening onto a large outside seating area, recognizing the preference for events to have both, according to Brian Dwyer, general manager and chief operating officer. Every event weve done here this year, whether its a wedding or whatnot, weve picked up another event, Dwyer said. They come in and they go, wow, the place is gorgeous. But it remains a competitive market the Knot lists hundreds of venues in southwestern Connecticut, and non-traditional venues are increasing in popularity, whether farms, historic buildings, museums or public parks. The city of Norwalk has long offered up the historic Gallaher mansion on the 200-acre grounds of Cranbury Park; a five-hour rental of the mansions first floor, terrace, tent and tea house runs $2,375. Dwyer noted a gradual shift in ceremonies from the spring months to the late summer and autumn, with the Knot confirming that in its survey, which found nearly a third of ceremonies scheduled for September and October. More people get engaged in December than in any other month, according to the Knot, which means planning is gearing up in earnest as of February for a wedding in September or October. Numerous vendors will be on hand Sunday in Trumbull and at upcoming shows, whether Shelton-based Be The Star Photo Booth, in the category cited by The Knot as the fastest growing category among wedding vendors with spending up nearly 80 percent; to Party Pyro of Brookfield, with fireworks an increasingly popular option. Also on the rise are drone photography and live streams for people who are not at the event and, of course, the cheapest mementos being Twitter feeds pegged to a dedicated hashtag for that event. Due to a reporting error, a previous version misspelled the name of the Crowne Plaza Danbury. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman AURORA Live Healthy 2017 Health Fair was supposedly a one-day event that drew a number of health care providers and visitors to the Ag Building at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. But some people prepared for the Saturday event well in advance by attending one of the three Memorial Health Clinics in January and February to get a low-cost blood draw, according to Tina Hunt, marketing director for Aurora Community Health. Hunt said people then could go to Saturdays health fair to pick up their results, or they could go to Memorial Healths online portal. Its a big thing for people to pick up their results, Hunt said. She provided a folder that showed blood draw test results for white and red blood counts. The folder also provided explanations for what each test might possibly mean. For example, a low amount of red blood cells could indicate anemia. The blood draw also included explanations for five cholesterol and triglycerides tests, including explanations of what each means and when it might be advisable to consult a physician. Several tests look at both kidney and liver function. Its a complete blood panel, but also we do TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), Hunt said. Theres some extra thyroid functioning tests with it. People may want to do the extra A1C, which is for diabetes. And then we also have the PSA (prostate-specific antigen). Its really a complete panel plus. Both the A1C and PSA tests came with an additional cost. People could also schedule appointments to get three types of cardiovascular tests performed by the Bryan Health mobile screening unit. That was a popular attraction. Bryan Health was not the only health-care provider from outside Aurora to be at Saturdays health fair. CHI Health St. Francis had a visually arresting booth that showed the health pink lung of a non-smoker next to a blackened, shriveled lung for a smoker. The Central District Health Department, based in Grand Island, but covers Hall, Hamilton and Merrick counties, also had a booth in the Ag Building. Senior living and assisted-living centers near Aurora were also at the fair. There were booths for hospice care, message therapists and an organization that sells devices for older people living at home, for use in an emergency such as a fall. But with Memorial Community Health acting as the host for its own event, it was no surprise they had the most booths. We have 14 booths, Hunt said, who noted that those booths showed the full range of health care provided by Memorial Community Health, including: Memorial Community Care, which provides long-term care. The three Memorial Health Clinics, located in Aurora, Clay Center and Harvard. East Park Villa, which provides assisted and independent living. Memorial Community Health, the hospital. Hunt said the health fair also allows Memorial Community Health to show off its many departments and services such as radiology, diabetes education and pulmonary rehab. She said pulmonary rehab is relatively new, with the pulmonary and respiratory therapist busy working with people who have COPD, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. She said people may be surprised at the broad range of surgeries performed at Memorial Community Health. The health fair had a booth for its OB/GYN department. However, Hunt noted that Memorial Community Health also has a doula who provides information, as well as emotional and physical support to women before, during and after childbirth. The health fair also included a couple fitness demonstrations and a yoga demonstration by Mardell Jasnoski. Jasnoski said some people say they are not limber enough to do yoga but, she added, that is the very reason they should consider it. She said people can increase their flexibility through yoga. Jasnoski said yoga also works helps people with deep breathing, as well as maintaining balance, which becomes increasingly important as people age. CAIRO Solon Borglum is a household name to many in the Centura Public School District, thanks to the help of two teens. Trey Shultz and Nicholas Kortz, both 15-year-old Centura freshmen, recently traveled to Lincoln to nominate the famous Sculptor of the Prairie to the Nebraska Hall of Fame. The Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission selects notable Nebraskans for recognition, which includes busts of the honorees in the Nebraska State Capitol with the likes of other notable Nebraskans. Kortz and Shultz said they were the youngest ones presenting the case for their nominee to a group of commissioners. The boys history teacher, Beth Gross, said that is important. In May, the commission held a press conference that said they hoped youth would be inspired by the Nebraska Hall of Fame Inductees and to carry that forward. Gross mentioned that in her introduction of the students in Lincoln on Feb. 3. Shultz and Kortz, who are cousins, are passionate about Borglum. Not just because Borglum had strong Cairo ties and lived there for part of his life, but the teens have many personal connections with Borglum, as well. Kortzs grandmother works at the Cairo Roots Museum, which is how he got to know so much about Borglum. Shultzs grandfather, Charlie Kemptar, owns the same land that Borglum once owned. Kortzs great-great-grandpa was a farmhand for Borglum, and Trey lives on the land where the White Cloud schoolhouse used to stand. Borglum built the schoolhouse. The two boys great-grandma Opal fought to have a historical marker put up for Borglum and wanted him to be a part of the Nebraska Hall of Fame. With the nomination, the teens said they want to fulfill their family members dreams. If not in life, but death, Kortz said, referencing that his great-grandmother Opal passed away before he was born. Its hard to imagine, though, that the teens didnt really know about Borglum until last school year. Both were in Gross eighth-grade class in fall 2015. Both chose Borglum for a can-do project. Kortz and Shultz went off the grid a little bit with the project, and made it their own, which Gross encouraged. The two teens were in different class periods, Gross said. Once she saw the second presentation, she thought, I think Ive seen this before. Neither of the teens knew the other was doing a project on Borglum. Gross brought the two together and asked, Are you talking about the same guy? From there, the teens showed each other their presentation. The school guidance counselor came to Gross and said her friend, Jean Lukesh, just wrote a book about Borglum. Lukesh spoke to students about Borglum. Around Christmas of 2016, Gross asked for funds to purchase Lukeshs book so her students could read it. It then came to Gross knowledge that people were trying to raise money for a historical marker near Cairo for Borglum. Gross said the two boys headed up a penny war to raise money for the historical marker, which was one of their Grandma Opals dreams to have. These two really involved the whole school, Gross said. Throughout all of this, Gross said she and her students learned that Borglum was on a short list for the Hall of Fame, had there been one during his time. He was ranked sixth out of 20. It was kind of that goose-bump moment, Gross said. She found out the commission was accepting applications. Things just sort of fell into place at the right time. Its like a puzzle, Shultz said. Gross said she later found out that if Borglum is chosen, the nominators are responsible for the cost and transportation of the bust. Kortz said that comes in at around $25,000. She said shes not sure where shed get the money, but that she would die trying. Gross said they will cross that bridge if they get to it. Shultz and Kortz once again joined forces in November 2016 to complete the application and presentation to nominate Borglum. They said hes deserving because he inspired his brother, Gutzon, to carve Mount Rushmore. Solon Hannibal de la Mothe Borglum is perceived to be numerous things, such as a painter, a sculptor, a voice, a visionary, a creator, an inspiration, a leader, a genius, a veteran, a miracle, world-renowned, and come might even say a hero, the two teens presentation began. Gross is proud of her students, who took ownership of their creativity and wanted to learn more. The phrase that I use a lot is history is in our backyard, Gross said. A lot of times I dont think people realize what can be found, significant things, even miles from where we are. Kortz said he and his cousin hope to inspire other schools, students and teachers, all while fulfilling their grandparents dreams with this nomination. By India Today Web Desk: The trouble for Jolly LLB 2 does not seem to end. After the makers of the Akshay Kumar and Huma Qureshi-starrer were made to remove four scenes from the film before its release, comes the news that Jolly LLB 2 has been banned in Pakistan. According to a report in DNA, a reference to the Kashmir issue spelled doom for the film's Pakistan release. The report quotes a source as saying, "In the movie, Akshay Kumar plays a lawyer who treats his profession casually until he comes across the case of an innocent man who is killed and declared a Kashmiri militant, while the real Kashmiri militant goes into hiding in Uttar Pradesh. Bringing up the issue has not gone down well with the Pakistani censor board. They've banned the film, as they intend to ban all Indian films that bring up the Kashmir issue." advertisement Ever since the ban on Indian films in Pakistan was lifted, only Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam's revenge drama Kaabil was released in the neighbouring country. Shah Rukh Khan's Raees, which marked the debut of Pakistani actor Mahira Khan, was declared unfit for public viewing on the grounds that the "content undermines Islam." MOVIE REVIEW | JOLLY LLB 2 ALSO READ | Raees vs Kaabil: Pakistan declares Shah Rukh film unfit for viewing ALSO WATCH Jolly LLB 2 movie review: Akshay Kumar is fabulous in this drama --- ENDS --- WASHINGTON Stupid but legal. Such is the Trump administrations travel ban for people from seven Muslim countries. Of course, as with almost everything in American life, what should be a policy or even a moral issue becomes a legal one. The judicial challenge should have been given short shrift, since the presidential grant of authority to exclude the entry of aliens is extremely wide and statutorily clear. The judge who issued the temporary restraining order never even made a case for its illegality. But even if the immigration ban is ultimately vindicated in the courts, that doesnt change the fact that it makes for lousy policy. It began life as a barstool eruption after the San Bernardino massacre when Donald Trump proposed a total ban on Muslims entering the country until our countrys representatives can figure out what the hell is going on. Rudy Giuliani says he was tasked with cleaning up this idea. Hence the executive order suspending entry of citizens from the seven countries while the vetting process is reviewed and tightened. The core idea makes sense. These are failed, essentially ungovernable states (except for Iran) where reliable data is hard to find. But the moratorium was unnecessary and damaging. Its only purpose was to fulfill an ill-considered campaign promise. It caused enormous disruption without making us any safer. What was the emergency that compelled us to turn away people already in the air with already approved visas for entry to the U.S.? President Trump said he didnt want to give any warning. Otherwise, he tweeted, the bad would rush into our country. ... A lot of bad dudes out there! Rush? Not a single American has ever been killed in a terror attack in this country by a citizen from the notorious seven. The killers have come from precisely those countries not listed Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan (the Tsarnaev brothers). The notion that we had to act immediately because hordes of jihadists in these seven countries were about to board airplanes to blow up Americans is absurd. Vetting standards could easily have been revised and tightened without the moratorium and its attendant disruptions, stupidities, random cruelties and well-deserved bad press. The moratorium turned into a distillation of the worst aspects of our current airport-security system, which everyone knows to be 95 percent pantomime. The pat-down of the 80-year-old grandmother does nothing to make us safer. Its purpose is to give the illusion of doing something. Similarly, during the brief Trump moratorium, a cavalcade of innocent and indeed sympathetic characters graduate students, separated family members, returning doctors and scientists were denied entry. You saw this and said to yourself: We are protecting ourselves from these? If anything, the spectacle served to undermine Trumps case for extreme vigilance and wariness of foreigners entering the United States. There is already empirical evidence. A Nov. 23 Quinnipiac poll found a 6-point majority in favor of suspending immigration from terror prone regions; a Feb. 7 poll found a 6-point majority against. The same poll found a whopping 44-point majority opposed to suspending all immigration of Syrian refugees to the U.S. indefinitely. Then there is the opportunity cost of the whole debacle. It risks alienating the leaders of even nonaffected Muslim countries the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed grave concern- which may deter us from taking far more real and effective anti-terror measures. The administration was intent on declaring the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, a concrete measure that would hamper the operations of a global Islamist force. In the current atmosphere, however, that declaration is reportedly being delayed and rethought. Add to that the costs of the ill-prepared, unvetted, sloppy rollout. Consider the discordant, hostile message sent to loyal law-abiding Muslim-Americans by the initial denial of entry to green card holders. And the ripple effect of the initial denial of entry to those Iraqis who risked everything to help us in our war effort. In future conflicts, this will inevitably weigh upon local Muslims deciding whether to join and help our side. Actions have consequences. In the end, what was meant to be a piece of promise-keeping, tough-on-terror symbolism has become an oxygen-consuming distraction. This is a young administration with a transformative agenda to enact. At a time when it should be pushing and promoting deregulation, tax reform and health care transformation, it has steered itself into a pointless cul-de-sac where even winning is losing. Unemployment insurance is an important safety net for individuals who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Nebraska employers pay into the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund through a combined tax rate to fund benefits for up to 26 weeks for individuals who lose their job. Additionally, in Nebraska people who voluntarily quit their job are also eligible to receive up to 13 weeks of benefits. Although the weekly benefit amount is not large, it provides important support to help workers and families through financial challenges when unemployed. The long-term sustainability of safety net systems like unemployment insurance can be jeopardized when the system is abused beyond its original purpose. Nebraska allows an individual to reapply for unemployment benefits after voluntarily leaving a job a second time after only one week of work. A person could choose to quit their job, collect 13 weeks of unemployment benefits, go back to work for one week, then voluntarily quit again and collect another 13 weeks of benefits. Abuse of the system in this way costs employers higher contribution rates to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, as well as incentivizes a revolving-door practice of some individuals. It also burdens the system for those who truly need unemployment benefits when they lose their job due to circumstances beyond their control. Last month I presented LB203 to the Business and Labor Committee to require a requalification for unemployment benefits for those who quit their job without a reason. In order to qualify for 13 weeks of benefits a second time, the applicant would have to work long enough to earn four times their weekly benefit amount. To illustrate, an individual who received $300 per week for 13 weeks after quitting their job voluntarily would have to earn at least $1,200 in wages before they could receive another 13 weeks of benefits after voluntarily quitting a second time. Workers who lose their job due to layoff or other causes beyond their control are unaffected. They will be eligible for the full 26 weeks of benefits. Additionally, individuals who quit because of significant changes in their salary, benefits or working conditions are classified as good cause quits and are also unaffected. Persons who leave a job voluntarily the first time remain fully eligible for 13 weeks of benefits. Only those who leave their job voluntarily two or more times are impacted by the proposed change. According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, 7,912 Nebraskans received unemployment benefits in 2015 after leaving a job voluntarily. Of those, 2,880 received a second round of benefits that averaged $2,575. Annually, that amounts to over $7 million. While the second and subsequent round claimants could requalify under LB203, the Department of Labor estimates the annual savings to Nebraska job creators will approach $5 million with the new requalification requirement. Nebraska is one of only three states that do not require a requalification for benefits after a person voluntarily leaves a job without good cause. In comparison to the four-times-weekly requirement proposed in LB203, Iowa requires 10 times the weekly benefit amount, while South Dakota requires six and Wyoming requires eight. Government can and should provide a safety net for individuals who experience hard times or struggle during economic downturns. The sustainability and effectiveness of those programs should be carefully preserved. Taxpayers and businesses should not bear the additional burden for individuals who may abuse the system. WASHINGTON When John F. Kennedy nominated Byron Whizzer White to the U.S. Supreme Court, Democratic liberals expected the Coloradan would be attune with their political philosophy. Wrong. Instead, they got one of the more conservative justices to serve in the latter part of the last century an irascible, sometimes mean-spirited jurist who thought little of history or the First Amendments assertion of a free press. When Dwight Eisenhower tapped former California Republican Gov. Earl Warren to be chief justice of the United States, most conservatives thought he would lean toward their view of constitutional construction. Instead, they came to squirm in horror under a court that under his guidance became one of the most liberal in history. Signs proclaiming the need to impeach Warren popped up throughout the heartland. Both examples are cited only to certify that one cannot know for certain what one will get in the process of stocking the most important judicial bench in the land, not even when there is some record to suggest the direction a candidate might take when confirmed. The best one can do is determine whether a nominee has the qualifications education, experience, integrity and hope for the best. Certainly, Donald Trumps nominee from Colorado, Judge Neil M. Gorsuch, has all the credentials. He graduated from Columbia, Harvard and Oxford, worked for a distinguished private firm, and has served a decade on the 10th Circuit Court Of Appeals. And those are just a few of the highlights. The question of his fitness for court is not what the expected knockdown confirmation process will be about. It will be about political vengeance and the need to portray him as a conservative boogeyman as Democrats hunker down against Trumps resolution to swing the balance of the court hard right. It will be about paying back the Senates majority Republicans for refusing to consider moderate appeals court judge Merrick B. Garland for nearly nine months as a replacement for the late Justice Antonin Scalia. The hearings will be about the suitability of Trump himself and his efforts to change the direction, even the nature, of the nation. Shall we turn back the clock on a variety of social issues like abolishing same-sex marriage and abortion under any circumstance while continuing to grow gun rights? Gorsuchs record would clearly seem to be in line with much of Trumps agenda. The new presidents men vetted him thoroughly, and its clear Trump has little doubt about Gorsuchs ability to follow in Scalias footsteps. The modern day head-bashing controversies over nominations began when Lyndon Johnson decided to elevate Justice Abraham Fortas to chief justice and the move blocked by Senate Republicans. Looking for revenge when Richard Nixon became president, Democrats rejected two of his nominees, Judge Clement F. Haynsworth Jr. and Judge G. Harrold Carswell, in pitched battles that took weeks. Haynsworth was clearly qualified but ran into textile union problems. Judge Carswell was a weak choice whose appointment was seen as revenge for the rejection of Haynsworth. He later was involved in unsavory personal activity. Perhaps the most qualified nominee to be rejected was Ronald Reagans pick of Robert Bork, whose conservative rulings on lower courts were an anathema to majority Democrats despite his and their noteworthiness. The most sensational Senate confirmation battle in relatively recent times was over Justice Clarence Thomas, who was nominated by President George H.W. Bush. After sensational hearings involving allegations of sexual harassment by Anita Hill, he was confirmed by a narrow margin. Despite the silliness and thinness of her charges, Hill became more acceptable to African-Africans than Thomas because of his conservative views outside the black mainstream. As another storm over the court brews, we know that even the most qualified as Gorsuch obviously is can be rejected, especially if the 60-vote rule to overturn the filibuster comes back to haunt Democrats who installed it when in the majority. Gorsuchs superb qualifications wont be the point here. His political philosophy as depicted by past rulings and any scurrilous tidbit that can arise from a certain microscopic examination of his life by his opponents will be. Gorsuchs ability to withstand the onslaught will be the key. At this point, the betting is in his favor, but ... One of the success stories in rural Nebraska, and other states, has been the emergence of craft beer breweries. These breweries not only draw people from long distances to try their brews and to enjoy an evening of good food and drinks, but also employ local people and use ingredients grown right here in Nebraska. From town to town, they have been a big boost to the rural economy. Theres Scratchtown Brewing Company in Ord, Kinkaider Brewery in Broken Bow, Prairie Pride Brewing in Grand Island, Thunderhead Brewery in Kearney and Loop Brewing in McCook, just to name a few. Kinkaider has even announced plans to expand to downtown Grand Island and sell its craft beers there. However, Kinkaiders expansion plans and the future of craft brewing in Nebraska are in danger. Sen. Tyson Larson of ONeill has introduced LB632 that would put new restrictions on craft breweries. Craft brewers have responded by saying the measure would kill their craft. In return, they are working to kill the bill, which will have a hearing before the Legislatures General Affairs Committee at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the State Capitol in Lincoln. The bill would limit the craft brewers to selling their beers only at the location where they brew them. Current law, which was passed just last year, allows brewers to open taprooms at up to five locations. The new bill also would require the beer to go from the brewery to a distributor instead of shipping directly to retail locations. The current law makes sense and should be kept. It allows the brewers to expand, which then gives them more money to put into their product, employ more people and use more Nebraska ingredients. Its a business boom for rural Nebraska. Why would anyone want to keep that from happening? It appears that the big national and international beer companies are worried about local breweries infringing on their business. This has set up a classic David vs. Goliath battle. The small breweries are going up against the behemoths of the beer industry. Lets hope state senators see through this challenge and come down on the side of the little guy. If they dont, theyll be setting back rural economic development. Craft brewers have shown tremendous entrepreneurship. They are producing something of value right here in rural Nebraska. Their businesses are helping to bring renewal to downtowns and small towns throughout the state. Senators should reject Larsons bill. Instead of stunting growth, they should encourage it. They shouldnt place limits on craft breweries. By India Today Web Desk: When Katrina Kaif's younger sister Isabel made her film debut with Canadian romantic comedy Dr Cabbie, Kat was proud. She had said at the time, "If she wants to get into Bollywood films then I am here. I will do everything I can to help her." And it looks like Katrina might keep her word by launching Isabel in her own production. advertisement Recently, rumours were doing the rounds that Katrina has asked close friend Salman Khan to launch her sister. In fact, Salman was one of the co-producers of Isabel's debut film, and had even said that she was more talented than Kat. However, Mumbai Mirror quotes a source as saying, "Katrina and Salman discuss films extensively and are like family to each other. She has shown interest in venturing into film production soon while simultaneously balancing her acting gigs and has been reading scripts, discussing films with her close director friends as well. If there's anyone who'll launch her sister in a big Bollywood production, it'll be Katrina herself." When Mumbai Mirror reached out to the actor, she said, "Nothing really has crystallised yet. I will produce a film one day... soon." ALSO READ: Exes Ranbir and Katrina were shooting together. Then Salman Khan arrived ALSO WATCH: Katrina Kaif says her brother is in a WhatsApp group called "Sisters" --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Los Angeles, United States Sun, February 12, 2017 12:55 2092 9b519824cb3263083aedb70a0bf8f423 2 People jk-rowling,Piers-Morgan,Twitter,#Twitter,politics Free British TV personality Piers Morgan and British author J.K. Rowling are in a Twitter war over American politics. He called her work "drivel" and she called him "amoral" after Morgan defended the U.S. government's travel ban during an appearance on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" on Friday. Read also: SBYs Twitter whine his own business: VP This is why I've never read a single word of Harry Potter. https://t.co/XUJBMs4KKm Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2017 Because you had a premonition that one day the author would roar with laughter at seeing you called out for your bullshit on live TV? https://t.co/8rkKSqJTnG J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 11, 2017 Everything I said was factual. If you think screaming 'FUCK OFF!!!' at me changes that, then you're mistaken. https://t.co/0U9fVoTjfc Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2017 .@piersmorgan Would you like a couple of hours to mock up some pictures of refugees carrying explosives to substantiate your position? https://t.co/sFj0kqIajd J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 11, 2017 The superior, dismissive arrogance of rabid Remain/Clinton supporters like @jk_rowling is, of course, precisely why both campaigns lost. Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 11, 2017 The fact-free, amoral, bigotry-apologism of celebrity toady Piers Morgan is, of course, why it's so delicious to see him told to fuck off. https://t.co/4XNF4G0nlD J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 11, 2017 .@piersmorgan If only you'd read Harry Potter, you'd know the downside of sucking up to the biggest bully in school is getting burned alive. J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 11, 2017 Morgan faced off with Australian comic Jim Jefferies on the episode during a discussion of the executive order. Morgan said it was "not a Muslim ban," and Jefferies directed an expletive at him. Rowling tweeted that it was "satisfying" to hear Jefferies say that. A flurry of tweets between Rowling and Morgan followed. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andi Hajramurni, Severianus Endi and Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Makassar/Pontianak/Bandung Sat, February 11 2017 Election day is nearing and candidates and their camps across Indonesia are in the thick of a wild campaign season dominated by deep-rooted political dynasties. In West Kalimantan, Karolin Margret Natasa, the daughter of West Kalimantan Governor Cornelis, is running with incumbent Landak deputy regent Heriadi as the only candidate pair for the Landak regental election. Karolin, who has a medical degree, started her political career in 2009 when she became a member of the House of Representatives. Her father Cornelis was a former Landak regent. 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 Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, February 11 2017 As the deadline for increasing the proportion of energy from renewable sources moves closer, the government has experimented with various regulatory approaches to find the right recipe to convince potential investors. The latest regulatory effort is Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Decree No. 12/2017, which aims to persuade state-owned electricity firm PLN to buy renewable energy-sourced electricity at capped tariffs to replace the previous feed-in-tariff mechanism. 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 Arya Dipa and Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Sat, February 11 2017 Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab is facing arrest after failing to answer two police summonses for questioning over allegations he insulted the Pancasila state ideology and defamed founding father Sukarno. The police said Rizieq, who had already been named a suspect in the case, had been uncooperative during the investigation since he never showed up for questioning at the West Java Police headquarters. We have not received any information from his lawyer. They never responded to our calls, West Java Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Yusri Yunus said on Friday. 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 (Associated Press) Seoul Sun, February 12, 2017 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is condemning North Korea's latest missile launch as "absolutely intolerable" and President Donald Trump is assuring Japan that the U.S. stands behind it "100 percent." Abe and Trump appeared together for a statement Saturday night following reports that North Korea fired a ballistic missile in what would be its first such test of the year. In a ballroom at Trump's south Florida estate, Abe read a brief statement in which he called on the North to comply fully with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. He said Trump has assured him of U.S. support and that Trump's presence showed the president's determination and commitment. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." South Korea's presidential Blue House says the presidential security director Kim Kwan Jin has spoken with President Donald Trump's national security adviser Michael Flynn over the phone following North Korea's missile test launch. According to the statement, the two officials strongly condemned the launch and agreed that the countries will explore every possible way to suppress North Korean provocations. South Korea says North Korea's missile test-launch, along with Kim Jong Un's threat to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile in his New Year's address, shows the "irrational nature" of a government that "fanatically" obsesses with developing nuclear ballistic missiles. South's Foreign Ministry issued the statement in response to what it said was the North's first ballistic missile launch this year. It strongly condemned the launch as a "blatant and obvious" violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and a "serious threat" to international security. The ministry says that the South will continue to work with allies including the United States, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realize that it will "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn says his country will respond to punish rival North Korea for Sunday's missile launch. According to Yonhap news agency, Hwang says South Korea in tandem with the international community "is doing its best to ensure a corresponding response to punish the North" for its missile launch. South's military has confirmed that the missile launched Sunday flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles) into the sea. Yonhap reported that while determinations are still being made, it was not believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has told reporters the missile test-fired by North Korea did not hit Japanese territorial seas. South Korea's Yonhap news agency says that the Japanese government confirmed that the missile fell in seas between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says South Korean and U.S. military officials are analyzing further details from the launch early Sunday. In response to the launch, South Korea held a National Security Council meeting at the presidential Blue House, which was chaired by Kim Kwan Jin, the presidential national security director. (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Sun, February 12, 2017 Members of the Tebo Police criminal investigation unit have apprehended four men for allegedly transporting illegal logs in the Koto Ilir district of Jambi. The four men are Usman, 21, Safrius, 23, Safril, aka Cecep, 23, and Tropika, aka Ropi, 20, all of whom are residents of Teluk Lancang, Tebo regency. Criminal investigation unit chief Adj. Comr. Syahlan said the police apprehended the four suspects in Balai Rajo village, Koto Ilir district, on Friday, after stopping a truck that was carrying logs. The police asked for documents but the driver Usman could not show the proper documents for transporting the logs. Because they failed to show us official documents, we seized the truck and its cargo for further processing, he said on Saturday. The four men told police that the logs were taken from the Bukit Tigapuluh National Park. Investigators are developing the case to find out who is behind the illegal logging, Syahlan said. (rin) Three more MPs have joined the Panneerselvam camp, which had seen support grow on Saturday. Sasikala, meanwhile, has vowed to carry out a new form of protest today. Stay tuned for live updates. By India Today Web Desk: O Panneerselvam began Sunday on a happy note with three more AIADMK MPs extending their support to the caretaker chief minister of Tamil Nadu. On Saturday, Paneerselvam received support from four AIADMK MPs as well as C Ponnaiyan,a party founding member. OPS now has the support of 10 MPs and 7 MLAs, including himself. advertisement VK Sasikala, who now has the support of 127 MLAs, has promised to undertake a new form of protest today. AIADMK MP R Vaithilingam said that Chinnamma will announce the next course of action of Governor Vidyasagar Rao does not take a call on the issue by today. Latest developments of the day: I will go to the secretariat tomorrow. When the Assembly convenes, I will get the majority, says O Panneerselvam I'm in touch with officials. The administration is working well: Panneerselvam Amma said all her wealth was to go to the party after her life: Panneerselvam Amma had many servants. Does that mean all of them can become Amma? says Panneerselvam AIADMK MLA Parthiban extends support to O Panneerselvam Shedding crocodile tears, passing new remarks every day is not going to help. Will prove everything in assembly: Panneerselvam on Sasikala Deepa (Jayalalithaa's niece) was not allowed to even see Amma's body? Why?: Panneerselvam Only Amma stood by me all these years.Telling this for the 1st time,I was subjected to harassment & torture all these years: Panneerselvam I have a question. Yesterday #VKSasikala went to Kuvathur (where MLAs are staying at Golden Bay resort). Why did she go?: Panneerselvam Many party cadres not even in Chennai, are voicing their opinion against Sasikala assuming charge as TN CM: Panneerselvam Even today many party MLAs are contacting me and telling for each MLA there are four 'gundas' sitting: Panneerselvam That day I took a pledge, that I will safeguard the organisation she has left behind, till my last breath: V K Sasikala breaks down Portrait of Amma has to be installed in state assembly to show gratitude. Some people with us don't want it to happen: Sasikala If you all stay with me, nobody can harm our party: Sasikala After I was chosen as GS, I couldn't leave her samadhi. You all have trusted me and I promise on you that I will protect the party and this government until my last breath: Sasikala Panneerselvam has betrayed the party I request you to be conscious. Our goal is to see that Amma's governance continues and benefits Tamil Nadu: Sasikala Sasikala breaks down while addressing the MLAs at Golden Bay resort #TamilNadu: #VKSasikala breaks down while addressing party MLAs at Golden Bay resort pic.twitter.com/41g2kOv7Hc ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 Efforts are being made to dismiss AIADMK government. Amma and everyone is with us. Remember one thing, it was Amma that made us what we are. Always a lion will replace a lion. Amma has taught us a lot: Sasikala to MLAs You all are aware as to what extent our opponents have gone against us, we must stay together and foil their evil attempts: VK Sasikala Sasikala addresses MLAs at Golden bay resort Opposition parties are spreading rumours. Party MLAs are not locked up: V K Sasikala Opposition parties are spreading rumours. Party MLAs are not locked up: #VKSasikala at Golden Bay resort pic.twitter.com/HgjihnqMkh ANI (@ANI_news) 12 February 2017 We are working on it: V KSasikala on being asked if she would protest if not invited to form Government Party workers, and forces now opposing us will not succeed in their attempts, wont let it happen: V K Sasikala at Golden Bay resort Let it come, I will see: VK Sasikala when asked about the pending verdict in DA Case Please wait and see our next move: V K Sasikala Some of those who left us and the opposition spread rumours through media: Sasikala Everyone is staying united here and they are in contact with their family: Sasikala They complained that some have threatened them that they will kidnap the MLAs' children, everyone know what's the reason: Sasikala You can see truth that non of our MLAs have been forcibly kept here, we are living here as a family: #VKSasikala pic.twitter.com/XaEiwEpBWV ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017 Sasikala Gives one more day to Rajbhavan. Will wait till Monday evening if governor house doesn't take any decision then she will take necessary step. Sasikala claims she has support of 127 MLA, who were present in meeting inside. Sources said AIADMK/Sasikala is planning a march to President House if Governor Vidyasagar Rao doesn't invite to form the govt till Monday evening. Sasikala takes media in to show that MLAs are not kept against their will. Heavy Police deployment outside Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur, meeting underway between Sasikala and MLAs Meeting between V K Sasikala and MLAs begin at Golden Bay resort #TamilNadu: VK Sasikala at Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur to meet MLAs. Similar meeting was held yesterday as well. pic.twitter.com/UNVnrSafL2 ANI (@ANI_news) 12 February 2017 After being denied permission beyond a point, journalists protest outside Koovathur resort. Heavy police deployment at Raj Bhavan in Chennai. Supporters perform 'Aarti' in front of VK Sasikala when she was en route to Kuvathur's Golden Bay resort #WATCH: Supporters performed 'Aarti' in front of VK Sasikala when she was en route to Kuvathur's Golden Bay resort. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/1b6xUYNY9u ANI (@ANI_news) 12 February 2017 Panneerselvam meets and greets the crowd gathered at his residence in Chennai Panneerselvam meets supporters at his residence in Chennai I have extensively worked with Panneerselvam,he is a very nice man. Under his leadership, one can pop his collar and walk: Manobala What they do when MGR passed away, they are doing it again. The same group is playing this game again: Sasikala We are used to this. We have always sailed against the tide. I have crossed this path before and I'm not afraid of these threats: Sasikala The ground level cadres are still with us and this party belongs to them: Sasikala Leaving the party to gain a position is not forever. You all remain confident. I'm with you: Sasikala Tamil director, producer and actor Manobala extends support to Panneerselvam. VK Sasikala reaches Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur to meet MLAs. #TamilNadu: VK Sasikala reaches Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur to meet MLAs. Similar such meeting was held yesterday as well. pic.twitter.com/Vvqcu3JA0i ANI (@ANI_news) 12 February 2017 When I worked in 2001 as nurse, hundreds of times Amma used to call Sasikala. They were true companions, loved each other: R Piramila Visagan 34 years she was with her. How is it possible? false allegation that Sasikala was behind death of Jayalalithaa: Piramala Reports floating that Chinamma has done something to Periamma is totally unacceptable,nothing of this sort can happen between them: R Piramila, Jayalalithaa's nurse in 2001 Chinamma was a close companion of Periamma(Jayalalithaa),both shared a healthy relationship:R Piramila Visagan(Jayalalithaa's nurse in 2001) pic.twitter.com/UCZonoZlES ANI (@ANI_news) 12 February 2017 We believe in democracy,all MLAs are with me, will interact with them. You all know why all MPs are going to the other side: Sasikala Very difficult for a woman to be in politics, have not experienced it just now but earlier too with Amma: Sasikala The same group which went against Amma is now attacking us: Sasikala I have come to the party as general secretary, I am used to this suffering or challenge: Sasikala We trust democracy, I am going to speak to MLAs. Definitely, there will be an AIADMK government for the next 4 and half years: Sasikala I will respond to all allegations at the right time: Sasikala Sasikala has left her residence of Poes Garden and is on her way to meet party MLAs. A bus load of lady police personnel have entered the late Jayalalithaa's memorial at Marina beach. Sasikala expected to reach the Golden Bay resort where AIADMK MLAs are staying. The local DSP has reached the location. Update: Tamil Nadu Education Minister K Pandiarajan met AIADMK's Mylapore MLA R Nataraj and not VK Sasikala's husband M Natarajan as reported earlier. In an interesting development, Tamil Nadu Education Minister K Pandiarajan, who has offered support to Panneerselvam, has reached Poes Garden to meet Sasikala's husband M Natarajan. So far, 10 MPs (8 Lok Sabha and 2 Rajya Sabha) have switched to Panneerselvam's camp. OPS also has the support of 7 MLAs, including himself. This means that Sasikala currently has the support of 127 MLAs. Vaithilingam added that Sasikala will decide whether the next course of action will involve seeking legal remedy or launching a protest. Sasikala is waiting for the governor to take a call, will announce the upcoming step if nothing comes by today, AIADMK MP R Vaithilingam has said. Lakshmanan and another MP S Rajendran both announce their support for OPS. Lakshmanan removal followed reports that he is joining the Panneerselvam camp. Sasikala removes AIADMK MP R Lakshmanan (Villuppuram North) from the district secretary's post, appoints state minister CV Shanmugam in his place. Raj Bhavan sources also add that the governor believes he has a constitutional duty to provide a stable government to Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile word from inside Raj Bhavan is that Governor Rao believes the issue is not just about numbers. Sources close to Rao say he believes it is also about Sasikala's ability to get elected as an MLA in view of the upcoming Supreme Court verdict. Swamy says if the governor doesn't take a call on the issue by Monday, a writ petition accusing him of abetting horse trading could be filed. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy also brought up the horse trading point that Sorbajee spoke about in his conversation with India Today. The TN Guv must decide CM issue by tomorrow otherwise a WP under Art 32 of the Constitution can be filed charging abetment of horse trading Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) February 12, 2017 Soli Sorabjee further told India Today that if the judgement isn't pronounced by Wednesday, the house should be called and the majority should be asked to be proven. However, if the governor delays the decision for too long, that may encourage horse trading, Sorabjee noted. Sorabjee added that the governor is well within his right to defer swearing in, particularly in face of the upcoming Supreme Court judgement in the disproportionate case involving Sasikala. Former Attorney-General of India Soli J Sorabjee spoke to India Today acknowledging that he advised Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao on the issue. Sorabjee refused to divulge the content of his advice to the governor. R P Marutharaja is the third AIADMK from today to have backed Panneerselvam. Tamil Nadu fisheries minister K A Jaypal also present at Panneerselvam's residence in Chennai. Meanwhile at Chennai's Poes Garden, the residence of Sasikala, supporters of Chinnamma have been shouting anti-Panneerselvam slogans. Actor Thiyagu has also backed Panneerselvam for the Tamil Nadu chief minister's post. Party members and supporters felicitate #OPanneerselvam at his residence in Chennai pic.twitter.com/ZHJ2x7cXp4 ANI (@ANI_news) 12 February 2017 The former AIADMK MP said, 'Panneerselvam is our leader now, he is following path of M G Ramachandran'. The actor, who met with Panneerselvam at the latter's residence, praised the caretaker chief minister of Tamil Nadu for his actions during the recent jallikattu protests. Tamil actor Ramarajan has backed Panneerselvam. Vellore MP B Senguttuvan and Tuthukudi MP J Jeyasingh extend their support to Panneerselvam. AIADMK MPs B.Senguttuvan and J.Jeyasingh extend support to #OPanneerselvam; reach his residence to meet him pic.twitter.com/x4Np8wTd1O ANI (@ANI_news) 12 February 2017 The former minister refused to comment on the agriculture minister R Duraikannu going missing. Jaipal expressed confidence that OPS would win a majority in a floor test in the Assembly. Former Fisheries Minister K Jaipal told India Today that every person in Tamil Nadu, particularly the women are in support of Panneerselvam. The complaint has been filed by a person named Magalingam and claims that the Sasikala family is hiding the minister. A police complaint has been filed in Tamil Nadu alleging that the state's agriculture minister R Duraikannu is missing. Also read: Sasikala vs OPS: After 'another form of protest' threat, all eyes on Chinnamma today Also watch: Tamil Nadu agriculture minister Duraikannu goes missing --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, February 12, 2017 The campaign team of Jakarta gubernatorial candidates Anies Baswedan and his running mate Sandiaga Uno has announced spending Rp 64.4 billion (US$4.8 million) during the three months of campaigning, with Sandiaga bearing almost all the expenses. On Saturday, the team revealed that until February it had collected Rp 65.3 billion in campaign funds. Sandiaga dug down into his pocket by giving Rp 62.8 billion, while Anies only contributed Rp 400 million. The parties endorsing the pair, Gerindra and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), donated Rp 750 million and Rp 350 million, respectively. The team also received Rp 900 million in donations from a private company. One private company transferred Rp 700 million to the team's account. The rest of the donation was granted in the form of campaign attributes, Anies and Sandiagas campaign team treasurer Satrio Dimas Adityo said, as quoted by kompas.com. Satrio said the team had spent Rp 19.2 billion to buy campaign attributes and Rp 19 billion for some activities, including the consolidation of volunteers and political parties. The team also spent Rp 11.7 billion to hold dialogues with residents, Rp 6.5 billion to conduct major campaigns, Rp 2.3 billion to hold private meetings, Rp 1.3 billion to buy equipment and Rp 615 million for advertisements. The team spent Rp 2.9 million on daily operations, he said. (cal/evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang Sun, February 12, 2017 Twenty five students from Maria Goretty junior high school in Semarang, Central Java, visited the Chinese Tay Kak Sie temple, one of the oldest in the city, during the Cap Go Meh celebration on Saturday. Cap Go Meh is a Chinese celebration observed 15 days after Chinese New Year, locally known as Imlek. We take them here to see how followers of other faiths celebrate their religious festivals and also how they worship. This is meant to teach them about tolerance from an early age, Tutut Purwaningsih, one of the teachers, said. The students said it was their first visit to the Chinese temple, which was built in the 18th century and has now become a place of worship for the followers of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. This was my first visit here. I wrote down all the names of the Gods, Octavianus Benny, one of the students, said. Hariyanto, the secretary of the foundation that manages the temple, was asked by the students why the temple has so many Gods. This is a form of respect to our ancestors. In our religion, we are obligated to respect our ancestors [] some of the Gods were once good people who spent their whole lives helping people. We call them Gods. This is our culture, he said. (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Santa Dominggo Sun, February 12, 2017 Alec Baldwin does a pretty convincing Donald Trump impersonation - just ask a newspaper in the Dominican Republic. El Nacional published an apology on Saturday after mistakenly running a photo of the actor doing his impression of the U.S. president on "Saturday Night Live" instead of Trump himself. Accompanying an article in its Friday edition headlined in Spanish: "Trump says settlements in Israel don't favor peace," a photo of a scowling Baldwin in a blond wig appears next to a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement posted on its website, the Dominican newspaper said a photo of Baldwin imitating Trump - over the caption "Donald Trump, president of the USA" - was published on page 19 and the mistake went unnoticed by the newspaper's staff. "El Nacional apologizes to its readers and anyone who felt affect by the publication" of the photo, the statement said. Trump has lashed out at the way "Saturday Night Live" has lampooned him, saying Baldwin's semi-regular portrayal of him "stinks." (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, February 12, 2017 The Jakarta administration on Saturday provided mobile electronic identity cards (e-KTPs) and other civil document services to the victims of a recent fire that broke out early Tuesday night, ravaging an area in Central Jakarta. This mobile service was provided for victims who lost their civil documents during the fire in Kramat Dalam, Kwitang. The fire, reportedly caused by a short circuit, destroyed as many as 40 houses occupied by about 250 residents. It also left four people injured. (Read also: 250 victims of Central Jakarta fire receive aid) The head of the Central Jakarta Population and Civil Registry Agency, Remon Masadian, said civil documents for about 65 families had been published through the mobile service. Previously, the agency, helped by local neighborhoods, had validated and verified the data of the victims. As long as they are in our database, we can publish the documents, Remon said as quoted by beritajakarta.com. The city administration had also provided aid and assistance to the victims through several agencies. The Jakarta Social Agency provided supplies and counselors to assist the victims on Wednesday. (kkk/ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kim-Tong-Hyung (Associated Press) Seoul Sun, February 12, 2017 South Korea's military said Sunday that North Korea fired a projectile into its eastern sea, a likely effort to advance its weapons program while also challenging the young Trump administration in Washington. The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the projectile was fired from an area in the country's western region around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the country test launched its powerful midrange missile Musudan on Oct. 15 and 20. An official from Seoul's Defense Ministry says it isn't clear whether the projectile was a ballistic missile. The official didn't want to be named, citing office rules. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, said that the projectile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in his annual New Year's address that the North's preparations for launching an intercontinental ballistic missile have "reached the final stage." (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Sun, February 12, 2017 The West Java administration has issued a circular banning students in the conservative province from celebrating Valentines Day, saying the Western tradition was against prevailing religious, social and cultural norms. West Java Education Agency head Ahmad Hadadi signed the letter on the ban on Friday. [The administration] bans students from commemorating Valentines Day on February 14, 2017 at school or outside school, he said. The official argued that the ban was part of the governments efforts to build good moral character in students and prevent them from engaging in activities that contravened religious, social and cultural norms. The circular, he said, had been sent to 27 education agencies in the province. Local education activist Eko Purwono said the ban was useless, as it simply could not be enforced. If [students] buy cannabis or crystal meth, police would take action against them, he said, pointing to the fact that there is no legal ground to criminalize those celebrating Valentines Day. He said he wondered if the administration would actually ban students from buying chocolates on Valentines Day. Debates over Valentines Day happen every year in Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population. The celebration has a strong cultural and commercial presence in the country, despite objection from conservative groups. (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Mon, February 13 2017 Tight security measures are being put in place in preparation for Wednesdays elections in the Jambi regencies of Muarojambi, Sarolangun and Tebo. To anticipate unexpected incidents, police will put in place maximum security measures on election day, Jambi Police chief Brig.Gen.Yazid Fanani said on Saturday. He further said the police would do their best to prevent polarization triggered by the elections. 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) Jakarta Mon, February 13 2017 The Immigration Office foiled the departure of 16 Indonesians for Doha via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday morning. All of them are women. They failed to explain to us the purpose of their trips, the airports immigration head, Kaharudin Ali, was quoted as saying by tribunnews.com. 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) Jakarta Mon, February 13 2017 Indonesia will soon see the establishment of its long-planned National Cyber-Agency, assigned with the task of tackling cybercrimes in the country. First Marshall Sigit Priyono, the assistant deputy 2/VII for the coordination of telecommunications and information at the Office of the Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister, said the process to establish the body was already complete, including the synchronization of regulations and coordination among cyberdivisions within the government. The agency is now waiting for President Joko Jokowi Widodo to issue a presidential decree to set the operation of the body in motion. Cybercrimes are multidimensional, so we are seeking the best option that can coordinate all aspects, including those bodies or departments that already have sufficient supporting infrastructure. Other matters related to the planning are already complete and now we are waiting for the presidential regulation, Sigit said over the weekend. 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 Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, February 13 2017 After reducing corn imports by 60 percent for the feed industry last year, the government aims for zero imports this year on the back of an expansion of plantations and the use of newly invented Nasa 29 seeds. The Agriculture Ministry aims to increase corn production to 25.2 million tons, up 8.6 percent from the 23.2 million tons produced last year, to suffice national demand at around 20 million tons, including for the feed industry. With the increase in production, the ministry is upbeat about the target of zero imports, said Agung Hendriadi, head of public relations at the ministry, to The Jakarta Post recently. 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 By PTI: Los Angeles, Feb 12 (PTI) Scientists have for the first time seen the exact locations of more than 23,000 atoms in a particle that is small enough to fit inside the wall of a single cell. Researchers led by University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the US used a scanning electron microscope to examine a particle that was made of iron (Fe) and platinum (Pt) and only 8.4 nanometres across. advertisement "At the nanoscale, every atom counts," Michael Farle, a physicist at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. "For example, changing the relative positions of a few Fe and Pt atoms in a FePt nanoparticle dramatically alters the particles properties, such as its response to a magnetic field," said Farle. Getting such an accurate picture may help materials scientists in future to create nanometre-size structures for applications such as hard drives. Makers of hard drives want to fabricate tiny, near-perfect crystals so that they can be easily magnetised and will hold a magnetic field for a long time, Ercius noted. Knowing each atoms exact location would also allow scientists to predict how a crystal might grow, Live Science reported. A beam of electrons is passed over the surface of an object using a scanning electron microscope to create an image. That allows researchers to see even small details of tiny bits of material like crystals and protein molecules. The iron-platinum nanoparticles are a kind of irregular crystal. However, the ordinary scanning method would not work as well for them, because the atoms are arranged in unique and slightly irregular ways. The researchers had to find a new way to use the electron microscope. They altered the way the sample was prepared. Instead of leaving it in place, they put it on a special base that let them rotate and tilt their particle of iron and platinum, changing its orientation slightly after each "snapshot" with the electron beam. The varying orientations produced different patterns of scattering, which were picked up on a detector similar to the ones in digital cameras, that could be used to calculate the exact positions of the 6,569 iron and 16,627 platinum atoms in the nanoparticle. The research was published in the journal Nature. PTI SAR MHN --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, February 12, 2017 12:38 2092 9b519824cb3263083aedb70a0bf8bbed 1 News The-Pearl,Nemo33,restaurant,#restaurant,Brussels,Belgium,underwater Free Located 5 meters below the surface of one of the worlds deepest pools is The Pearl, a 2-meter wide sphere anchored to the bottom of the pool. The Pearl serves as an underwater restaurant in Nemo33, a facility in Brussels, Belgium, typically used for training divers. And for 99 (US$106) per person, you can enjoy foie gras, lobster salad and champagne served by expert scuba divers who deliver the food in waterproof briefcases. The pod took over a year to build, and multiple attempts were needed to perfect the design, the mechanics, and most importantly, the food delivery system. We are launching a new era of restaurants, said John Beernaerts, founder of the Nemo33 pool, as quoted by Reuters. (Read also: Six epic scuba dives for every adventurer) A photo posted by De Morgen (@demorgen) on Feb 1, 2017 at 3:30am PST "It was a wonderful experience," said Nicolas Mouchart, who ate in The Pearl with his wife, Florence. "It was the first time in our life that we ate underwater, which was really fun. It's a unique dinner and we will remember this all our life. The pair had to don scuba gear as well as weighted belts to make it into the place, swimming down into the pool before swimming underneath and up into the pod that would allow them to enjoy the rare sensation of eating in a bubble completely submerged underwater. Sixteen people have reportedly eaten in The Pearl since its opening in late 2016. (sul/kes) According to the New York Post, two men were attacked last night outside Clockwork Bar on Essex Street by a group of white supremacists. The incident happened at around 12:30 a.m. as the 27-year old twin brothers walked out of the punk dive bar at 21 Essex St. The Post reported that a gang of six or seven skinheads took offense at an anti-fascist sticker of one of the brothers cell phones. Heres more from the story: The beat down happened when the brothers, both 27-year-old Columbia graduate students noticed the large group of skinheads hanging inside one of their usual haunts called Clockwork on Essex Street and decided to head for the exits around 12:30 a.m. On the way out the door, they ran into a group of smokers outside who noticed the sticker on one of their phones reading New York City Anti-Fascists. One of the victims, who asked the Post not to use his name, said, One of the guys sees [my brothers] phone, grabs it and starts screaming, I know what the f that means, I know what the f that sticker is, you need to get the f out of here. He throws the phone on the ground and they just start jumping us right in front of the bar, said the man. The brothers were beat up by the gang, some of whom were using brass knuckles. Cops said they were wearing matching vests with patches that read, 211 Crew. Thats a known white supremacist group. When the brothers tried to get away, they were chased down Essex Street and Hester Street. The gang then continued attacking the brothers. The victim explained, One of the guys pulled a knife on my brother first and starts slashing at him. Then the guy with the knife starts coming over to me His buddy grabs him and I guess at that point they all decide to run off. Undervover cops happened to be driving by, spotted the victims and stopped to find out what had happened. The brothers were able to identify one of the suspects, who was still hanging out in the area. Police arrested 29-year-old John Young. According to online court records, Young was charged with second degree gang assault, grand larceny and menacing with a weapon. Several accomplices have not yet been caught. One of the victims said, I didnt think something like this could happen. This is crazy I didnt think they would be so brazen as to patronize a bar in Manhattan like that. I go there all the time and never felt a bad feeling. One of the men needed five staples to close a head wound. The other brother also suffered a head wound and required two staples. They both had cuts and bruises. UPDATE Feb. 13, 3:35 p.m. See more information here, including a statement from the owners of Clockwork Bar. Four shooters have been sent to track and kill the man-eater. On February 9 the wildlife department had trapped two leopards and shifted them to Jaipur zoo. Now it appears that those two were not the accused leopards. By Rohit Parihar: In a rare such directive, Rajasthan wildlife department has ordered to shoot a man-eater leopard after it killed a woman in the morning and a man in the evening on Sunday. This is the fourth killing of human beings in past one week - two women were killed a few days ago - and sixth in a few months in Thanagazi block near Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Alwar district. advertisement The inhabitants of 40 villages have been living in constant fear for the last few months. More than ten human beings have been injured in attacks. Four shooters have been sent to track and kill the man-eater. On February 9 the wildlife department had trapped two leopards and shifted them to Jaipur zoo. Now it appears that those two were not the accused leopards. Earlier too, the department had claimed that it caught and transported two leopards from here to Kumbhalgarh. Since February 7, the department had placed forty cages at various places where leopards were seen resulting in nabbing two of them who now appear innocent. People who were moving in groups and holding vigil against leopard attacks felt relieved then but it was short lived. On Sunday, hundreds of villages came out of homes and protested against the failure of the officials to identify and catch the man-eater. The number of leopards in the state is estimated at 434 in 2015 census. Also read | Leopard count rises in India: All you need to know Also read | Safety first: Leopard spotted at Delhi's biodiversity park to be shifted to Uttarakhand --- ENDS --- A cafe is challenging its customers to polish off a full English breakfast in 45 minutes, but theres a catch. The meal on offer is no ordinary full English as we know it, its a 4,000 calorie monster of a meal packed with portions upon portions of fry-up favourites. Treats Cafes platter contains four pieces of white toast, four pieces of fried bread, six rashers of bacon, six sausages, six fried eggs, six hash browns, four black puddings, two bubbles and squeak, two generous spoonfuls of sauteed mushrooms, two more of baked beans, two fresh tomatoes, tinned tomatoes and a cup of tea or coffee. And theres a vegetarian option available too. Phew. The breakfast costs 13.95 per person and if the challenger manages to polish their platter in 45 minutes, the price will be refunded. Both men and women have tried to conquer the meal with cafe manager Ricky Bodalia telling the Sun women tend to fare better than men but only one has been successful so far. James Cox managed to eat every last morsel in November 2016 in 36 minutes and 21 seconds, and recently broke his own record in February with a time of 26 minutes and 35 seconds. The Weston-super-Mare cafe introduced the breakfast challenge as it thought it would be good fun, although were not sure quite how easy it would be to eat 4,000 calories in 45 minutes. Movie lovers in search of captivating, stirring and provocative films will have two reasons to celebrate this coming weekand into the end of the monthas a homegrown Flagstaff festival and a marquee international event in Sedona both roll out their red carpets for several dozen independent films and documentaries. The Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival kicks off this Thursday and runs through Sunday, Feb. 19. It focuses many of its features on outdoor/adventure films, environmental and social justice documentaries and unique short films. Its primary venue is the Orpheum Theater, but other satellite events will occur. Learn more about tickets, schedules and individual events and films at www.flagstaffmountainfilms.org. The Sedona International Film Festival opens on Saturday and runs through Feb. 26. The nine-day festival is the largest in northern Arizona and one of the states premier cinematic events. It features independent narrative films and documentaries, as well as special events and guests. Musical performances by Bruce Hornsby and Michael Feinstein are big spotlights, as well as special night for the festivals Lifetime Achievement Award, given to Cloris Leachman. Learn more at www.sedonafilmfestival.org. Big torch John Tveten, the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival executive director, shared that this years festival will be a bounce-back from an event with somewhat less scope in 2016. The festival moved its time of year from October to February last time, and now it's is back for its second winter version. The film submissions flowed in, and with lots of work and strong features, Mountain Film looks to make a bigger impact this year with more than 100 titles in the lineup. A number of the documentary films in the queue this year are carrying a big torch for public lands. We always have a strong collection of environmental and conservation films, but this year we have a strong representation of films about preserving public lands, Tveten said. Theyre about protecting wildlife corridors and ecosystems. One of those films, Born to Rewild, has been cultivated through the festival and will get headlining treatment on Feb. 19 (it also plays at the Sedona film festival). It follows ultimate trekker John Davis on a 5,000-mile journey from Mexico to Canada to bring awareness to wildlife corridors. Ed George, a Flagstaff icon who passed away last year, was the original filmmaker on the project. George also will be honored with Ed Shred Locals Night, which features locally made and locally themed films. It also takes place on Feb. 19. We definitely want to support local filmmaking and make sure there was a forum for local projects, Tveten said. Other highlights include a song and stories night on Friday at Dark Sky Brewery from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; a coffee talk with Grand Canyon adventurer and author Kevin Fedarko at Rendezvous at 10 a.m. on Saturday; and a second coffee talk at same time and place Sunday, Feb. 19 with Grand Canyon artist Bruce Aiken and filmmaker and adventurer James Q Martin. Red rock reeling For cinephiles looking for a great lineup of movies and added star power, the Sedona International Film Festival enters its 23rd year with a bang. It is bringing two big musical performances with the aforementioned Hornsby and Feinstein, both live acts feeding into a bigger theme of music and the movies thats surfaced this year. Bruce Hornsby does all of the scoring for Spike Lees movies, so we have that connection, said Patrick Schweiss, executive director of the Sedona festival. He also noted that Feinstein will perform part of his music in the movies tribute. And one of the best films in the lineup is Score, a documentary about soundtracks. Its a mini-theme were seeing with this trifecta. Also, Leachman, as mentioned, is honored at the event. That special event at 6 p.m. Friday is scheduled to bring Ed Asner and Valerie Harper, for a small Mary Tyler Moore Show reunion. It comes a time of a big loss, as Moore passed away last month at the age of 80. The rest of the fest includes around 160 films selected from more than 1,200 entries, according to Schweiss. Among our lineup we have quite a few films that send a good message to help our planet," he said. "Theres one, A Plastic Ocean, and the director is coming over from London to do the Q&A. It puts a different twist on how we look things. We also have Sounds of the Sea, and the damage that noise pollution is doing to sea life Weve seen these kinds of titles emerge as part of our Docs That Make a Difference series. As another trend with films this year, Schweiss added, We also saw a surge in women filmmakers. And around 60 to 70 percent of our films were done by women. They are making a mark now more than ever in the film industry. While the staff and crew at the Sedona International Film Festival have a number of films theyre excited about, Schweiss noted that some of the highlights include multiple films nominated for an Oscar this year: The Salesman from Iran, Toni Erdmann from Germany and I Am Not Your Negro, a film about author James Baldwin. A documentary special presentation that will happen on Feb. 25 also is catching some buzz. We have a film called 'Good Fortune,' about John Paul DeJoria, he said. He is one of the founders of Paul Mitchell hair care products and Patron tequila. He was homeless twice in his life, living out of dumpsters and living on the street. Hes now a billionaire philanthropist and exists to give his money back. (DeJoria) will be here at our festival for the Q&A with the two filmmakers. With two film festivals putting up more than 250 films combined over this upcoming and the following weekend, its an inviting escape for anyone who loves a good film or compelling story. Gurgaon police crime branch arrested the accused and recovered 30kg gold in 829 packets, two pistols and four live cartridges from their possession. By Ajay Kumar: Gurgaon police on Saturday claimed to have cracked the Mannapuram branch heist that took place in broad day light on Thursday. Gurugaon police crime branch have arrested the three accused from city's sector 29 area and also recovered 30kg gold in 829 packets. Gurgaon police commissioner Sandeep Khirwar claimed to have arrested another accused named Devendra alias Deva from Ahmadabad. He had fled with his girlfriend to celebrate Valentine's Day there after executing the crime. Officials also seized two pistols and four live cartridges from their possession. advertisement The accused, aged between 24 to 30 years, are identified as Hosiyar Singh alias Manoj Saini - a native of Farrukhnagar in Gurgaon, Vikash Gupta - a native of Kanpur and Bijendar Singh alias Chabila - hailing from Jind. "Eight robbers attacked at the Mannapuram gold loan branch situated at New Railway road on February 9 and we managed to arrest four of them. We have specific inputs about the hideouts of the remaining absconders and will put them behind the bars soon," Khirwar said. ALSO READ | Muthoot branch robbery in Hyderabad: Accused backed by Chhota Rajan associate, planned to contest BMC polls In a major heist on Thursday at around 12.30pm, eight armed robbers looted gold jewellery weighing more than 33kg of and Rs 7.8 lakh cash from the branch. CCTV footage shows one of the robbers, with beard, talking to the security guard at the entry gate, for about two minutes. Showing his gold chain, he tried to convince that he wants to mortgage it in the firm to take a loan against it. As soon as the guard opens the door, the robbers barged inside forcibly and held hostage all customers and employees. They injured a guard named Mukesh Kumar and a customer with knife. They had sprayed foams on one CCTV camera installed in front of the gate but were caught in another. ALSO READ | Nobel prize of Indian peace laureate Kailash Satyarthi stolen from his Delhi flat --- ENDS --- We dont think its an exaggeration to say that sometimes we feel physically sick from the cheesiness emanating from a number of the Valentines Day cards we see around. And no, its totally not just cos were single and alone *coughs*. Do us all a favour please, and stick to buying one of these hilarious alternative Valentines Day cards in future, will you? (Etsy) (RocketBunnyStuff/Etsy) (Etsy) (yourmumrang/Etsy) Honestly, social media is full of some cracking ideas. Turns out there really is a meme for every occasion. For the 14 days of Valentines, imma post funny e-cards I found on Google. pic.twitter.com/3j1Y6u8qD6 Jessica (@little_red_2013) February 1, 2017 (TurtlesSoup/Etsy) (crappy little things/etsy) Take a look at these Donald Trump-inspired declarations of love because, apparently, hes unavoidable even when it comes to Valentines Day. (DarwinDesignsCards/Etsy) (StudioBoketto/Etsy) (StudioBoketto/etsy) Meanwhile, theres also a little something for TV and movie fans. When theres a Stranger Things-inspired card on sale, you know theres some good in the world. (HutchandWillow/Etsy) (MonsterCardsbyMV/Etsy) (Giddings Gifts/Etsy) Or what about totally bypassing the traditional Valentines Day card-giving and handing one over to your fave co-worker instead? (Etsy) (Etsy) Or, theres always a Morrissey way to express your feelings. 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Namun jangan khawatir, disini sebagai situs slot gacor MGS88 kami akan memberikan penjelasan lengkap mengenai tentang istilah yang ada di RTP SLOT dibawah ini. By PTI: New Delhi, Feb 12 (PTI) The official website of Ministry of Home Affairs went offline today amid reports that it had been hacked. Official sources said National Informatics Centre (NIC), which looks after all government websites, took it offline in the wee hours today after some "abnormal technical activities" were observed. Official sources said NIC would host the website soon after a recheck of all security features. advertisement Last month, suspected Pakistan-linked operatives had hacked the official website of the elite National Security Guard (NSG) and defaced it with a profanity-laden message against the Prime Minister and anti-India content. Similar cyber attacks also targeted websites of ordnance factories as well as railways. More than 700 websites of various central and state government departments have been hacked in the past four years and a total of 8,348 persons were arrested for their involvement in cyber crimes, according to official data released this month. As per information reported to and tracked by the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN), which works under the IT ministry, as many as 199 websites of central ministries/departments and state governments were hacked in 2016, as against 164 in 2015, 155 in 2014 and 189 in 2013. The government has already initiated several policy, legal and technical measures such as audit of the systems and networks, increasing awareness in area of cyber security, sharing threat-related information with stakeholders, issuing advisories on such threats through CERT-IN and National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to address the issue of cyber hacking. PTI SKL SK --- ENDS --- Made in Thailand: RPM fund first sailing boat designed for people with disabilities YACHTING: Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) has committed to fully-fund the first SV14 boat in Thailand a sail boat designed specifically for the needs of people with disabilities. transportmarine By The Phuket News Sunday 12 February 2017, 12:00PM The SV14 will be built by Disabled Sailing Thailand and launched in March 2017. Part of a global crowdsourcing project, the SV14 will be built by Disabled Sailing Thailand and launched in March 2017. Inspired by the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who introduced sailing to the Thai people, RPM wish to grow boating in Thailand and make sailing easily accessible to all. Speaking about his decision to fund the build of the first SV14 sailing boat in Thailand, Mr Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina said, Were very excited to be working with Disabled Sailing Thailand on what will be the first ever SV14 built. It will be built here in Thailand and the design means the boat can be easily moved around the country allowing people with disabilities the chance to enjoy sailing a sport which I love. The SV14 project was conceived by marine surveyor Mr Peter Jacops, who upon learning sailing had been dropped from the 2020 Paralympics decided to do something about it. While some countries in Asia were offering limited opportunities for disabled sailors, Thailand wasnt offering anything at all mainly due to the high price of suitable boats. I sought help from the global sailing community to design and create a cost-effective and easy to build boat, and now with the support from Royal Phuket Marina we will be able to launch the first SV14 very soon. Designed by Alex Simonis and Marten Voogd of Simonis Voogd Design the SV14 is ideal for both novice and competitive sailing. The SV14 provides a platform for beginners as well as anyone who may wish to compete at the Olympic level in the future, and design plans are offered free to anyone who wishes to build one and help sailors with disabilities. This is such a great idea, an innovative way to help grow boating for the disabled community in Thailand, and any other country in the world for that matter, added Mr Lalvani. As part of their Grow Boating initiative which launched last year, RPM is actively promoting boating in Phuket and Thailand. Working closely with the industry, RPM has developed a monthly networking platform which takes place on the first Friday of every month at The Speakeasy Yacht Club at RPM, and attracts key industry players from Thailand and the region to share ideas and help to Grow Boating in Thailand. Working with Disabled Sailing Thailand to deliver the first SV14 is one of Royal Phuket Marinas ways to further grow boating in Thailand. Sailing will help people with disabilities to improve their quality of life and we are very excited to be a part of that, concluded Mr Lalvani. For more information, visit www.royalphuketmarina.com or www.disabledsailingthailand.org. Phuket Opinion: Paying the ultimate price PHUKET: Jet-skis are back in the spotlight this week in the saddest of circumstances, with the death of 20-year-old Australian Emily Collie, the victim of a fatal collision off Kata Beach last Sunday (Feb 5). opiniontourismtransportmarinecorruptionaccidentsdeathpolice By The Phuket News Sunday 12 February 2017, 09:00AM Phuket Tourist Police check that a jet-ski rented out to tourists is as legal as it can get. Photo: The Phuket News / file Our deepest condolences to her family and friends, who have unfailingly described Ms Collie as bright, bubbly and full of life. Our heartfelt sympathies also go to her boyfriend Thomas Keating, who was driving the jet-ski that struck her. News of Ms Collies death echoed in headlines around the world, prompting officials to go scampering along the beaches to ensure the jet-ski operators were as legal as they could be with their token mandatory insurance coverage that fails to cover even minor damage to jet-skis hence giving license for the jet-ski damage rip-offs and extortion of tourists to continue nevermind a meagre B50,000 compensation in case of death. Even then, the knee-jerk raids this week still netted six jet-ski operators who were found to be lacking the required permits. Even more Kafkaesque, the officers were checking the legal requirements for an entirely illegal industry which is nonetheless permitted with the full blessing of the government itself. If that does not epitomise Thailand, little else will. To put it bluntly, to systematically profit from engaging in, organising or aiding and abetting an illegal activity is the very definition of organised crime. The government uses this definition when describing mafia suspects. There is no reason to shy away from using this word now. Beach management was at the top of Governor Chockchai Dejamornthans list of issues in Phuket that needed urgent attention and assistance from the Royal Thai Army to fix this week. Regular readers of The Phuket News will need no reminding that soon after arriving on the island Gov Chockchai publicly pointed out that he knew of no laws that empowered government officers to issue permits to allow people to work on the beaches and collect fees for such privileges. To no surprise he has since fallen silent on that issue Welcome to Phuket, Mr Chockchai. To be fair to the Governor, however, within months of seizing power in 2014 the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) issued a command for officials to clean up and regulate the business of jet-skis in many of Thailands famous beach destinations after the great sand-kicking incident at Pattaya. Thats about as high as authority can get in this country for the time being in legitimising an illegal business through recognition. As many people posting comments on The Phuket News in the wake of Ms Collies fatal accident have pointed out, by law people must be issued a second-class helmsman license to operate a jet-ski in Thailand. On the surface, this license seems to be yet another ridiculous paper chase and another excuse for officials to hold jet-ski drivers to ransom, but it does achieve one thing: it recognises that a jet-ski is a vehicle like any other and is dangerous nay, lethal in inexperienced hands. Ms Collie has now paid the ultimate price for that knowledge. For all their failings, the lawmakers who brought in this rule understood that licenses, like many other permits, are instituted to protect people from themselves. It takes little to understand why we dont allow children to own guns, so why would we allow learner drivers to operate a high-speed vehicle? If any government wants to steamroll over its own laws, they do so in the full foreknowledge the public will easily pick them off as moronic hypocrites. Either change the law, or change the requirements. At least do something to protect people from themselves. By PTI: London, Feb 12 (PTI) Scientists have discovered how a promising malaria vaccine target - the protein RH5 - helps parasites to invade human red blood cells, an advance that could lead to a more effective vaccine for the deadly disease. The study by researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the UK reveals that a previously mysterious protein on the surface of the parasite called P113 anchors the RH5 protein, and provides a molecular bridge between the parasite and a red blood cell. advertisement The discovery could be used to make a more effective malaria vaccine, researchers said. More than 200 million people a year are infected with malaria and the disease caused the deaths of nearly half a million people worldwide in 2015. Children under the age of five made up 70 per cent of these deaths. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites which are spread by infected mosquitos and an effective vaccine would vastly improve the lives of millions of people. Previous research by teams at the Sanger Institute discovered that to invade human red blood cells, Plasmodium parasites need RH5 to bind to a receptor called basigin on the surface of the blood cells. However, it was not known how RH5 was attached to the surface of the parasite. In this latest study the researchers discovered that when the Plasmodium RH5 protein is released, it is immediately caught by another parasite protein called P113. Thousands of P113 molecules on the surface of each parasite act like a Velcro chain, capturing RH5 at the surface of the parasite. The tethered RH5 then binds to the basigin receptor on the human red blood cell, bridging the gap just long enough to let the parasite invade the blood cell. "We knew both proteins were essential for invasion but this is the first time anyone has seen the interaction between RH5 and P113 and showed that they work together," said Julian Rayner, from the Sanger Institute. In theory, an antibody that blocked P113 could stop RH5 binding and so prevent the parasite from gaining entry to red blood cells. This makes the P113 protein another good vaccine target," said Rayner. Two more proteins - CyRPA and RIPR - were already known to be essential to the parasite and to form a complex with RH5. The researchers uncovered the details of how these three proteins bound to each other and that only one small part of the RH5 protein was needed to bind P113. This small region could become an easy-to-produce and cost-effective part of a multi-component malaria vaccine. advertisement "RH5 is an excellent vaccine target because it is essential for invasion by all strains of Plasmodium falciparum ? the species of parasite that causes the most severe disease in humans," Dr Francis Galway, from the Sanger Institute. "There is a great need for an effective malaria vaccine, and the RH5 complex is the most important link between parasite and host that we yet know of," said Dr Gavin Wright, lead author from the Sanger Institute. PTI SAR MHN --- ENDS --- How many people have already voted absentee in South Dakota ahead of Election Day? elections By PTI: London, Feb 12 (PTI) Astronomers are testing an idea developed by Albert Einstein about a century ago to resolve a longstanding puzzle over what is driving the accelerated expansion of the universe. Researchers have long sought to determine how the universes accelerated expansion is being driven. Calculations in a new study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK could help to explain whether dark energy - as required by Einsteins theory of general relativity - or a revised theory of gravity are responsible. advertisement Einsteins theory, which describes gravity as distortions of space and time, included a mathematical element known as a Cosmological Constant. Einstein originally introduced it to explain a static universe, but discarded his mathematical factor as a blunder after it was discovered that our universe is expanding. Research carried out two decades ago, however, showed that this expansion is accelerating, which suggests that Einsteins Constant may still have a part to play in accounting for dark energy. Without dark energy, the acceleration implies a failure of Einsteins theory of gravity across the largest distances in our universe. Scientists have discovered that the puzzle could be resolved by determining the speed of gravity in the cosmos from a study of gravitational waves - space-time ripples propagating through the universe. The researchers calculations show that if gravitational waves are found to travel at the speed of light, this would rule out alternative gravity theories, with no dark energy, in support of Einsteins Cosmological Constant. If however, their speed differs from that of light, then Einsteins theory must be revised. Such an experiment could be carried out by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US, whose twin detectors, 2000 miles apart, directly detected gravitational waves for the first time in 2015. Experiments at the facilities planned for this year could resolve the question in time for the 100th anniversary of Einsteins Constant. "Recent direct gravitational wave detection has opened up a new observational window to our Universe. Our results give an impression of how this will guide us in solving one of the most fundamental problems in physics," said Lucas Lombriser, from Edinburghs School of Physics and Astronomy. The research was published in the journal Physics Letters B. PTI SAR MHN --- ENDS --- In the last leg of poll campaign in Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the voters to wipe out the Congress in the assembly elections. Modi blamed the Congress for all the problems that Uttarakhand is facing today. By India Today Web Desk: Holding Congress responsible for the backwardness of Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the grand old party. Modi said he is fighting 'those powerful people', who have ruined the state and the country in the last 70 years. "These people have looted Uttarakhand and the nation for 70 years. They have become very powerful. What can a chaiwala do to contain them," Modi said at Srinagar in Uttarakhand. advertisement Asserting that he was fighting for benefit of the poor, Modi said, "With the blessings of the 125 crore citizens of the country, this chaiwala is fighting the all-powerful people. I am fighting for benefit of the poor." "I brought demonetisation as part of the fight against corruption and black money," Modi said. Slamming the Opposition for criticsing note ban, Modi said, "Some still haven't come to senses after demonetisation. They can say things. They can call me names but I don't mind I will fight and work for poor." READ| PM Modi in Uttarakhand: Those who turned devbhoomi a loot bhoomi must be defeated WHAT ELSE MODI SAID: THINGS TO KNOW We created three states- Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand. Despite being a predominantly tribal and maoist-violence affected states, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have progressed under BJP governments. Uttarakhand has remained backward due to Congress rule. Without removing them, Uttarakhand cannot progress. Samajwadi Party government had committed atrocities on women and the poor. But, now the Congress has entered into an alliance with the Samajwadi Party. Congress and SP are playing dirty games behind the curtains. These elections are for the bettering the fate of Uttarakhand and not merely about punishing a Chief Minister, who does not love his state. Paryatan, paryavaran, powdha and paani-- If you combine these forces, it will stop migration from the state. Like Bhutan, Uttarakhand too can gain from eco-tourism. Every plant here has medicinal qualities. The world is moving towards holistic healthcare. Every plant in the Himalayas can drive the economy of the state. We are seeking your mandate for growth and development. You need vision to encourage Bollywood to come to Uttarakhand for shooting. Spiritual tourism needs to be given a boost. Uttarakhand can also be a hot spot for adventure tourism. We don't want people of Uttarakhand to leave their state and migrate to bigger cities in search of jobs. If you are determined, then sabka saath sabka vikas is possible. In 70 years, an all-weather road could not be built for Char Dham pilgrimage. Rs 12,000 crore have been allocated for this purpose by the Centre. This will open doors to employment for youth. --- ENDS --- Three weeks after President Donald Trump's inauguration, George Orwell's 1984 is the best-selling book on Amazon.com. The hearts of a thousand English teachers must be warmed as people flock to a novel published in 1949 for ways to think about their present moment. Orwell set his story in Oceania, one of three blocs or mega-states fighting over the globe in 1984. There has been a nuclear exchange, and the blocs seem to have agreed to perpetual conventional war, probably because constant warfare serves their shared interests in domestic control. Oceania demands total subservience. It is a police state, with helicopters monitoring people's activities, even watching through their windows. But Orwell emphasises it is the ThinkPol, the Thought Police, who really monitor the Proles, the lowest 5 per cent of the population outside the party elite. The ThinkPol move invisibly among society seeking out, even encouraging, thought crimes so they can make the perpetrators disappear for reprogramming. The other main way the party elite, symbolised in the moustached figurehead Big Brother, encourage and police correct thought is through the technology of the Telescreen. These metal plaques transmit things like frightening video of enemy armies and of course the wisdom of Big Brother. But the Telescreen can see you, too. During mandatory morning exercise, the Telescreen not only shows a young, wiry trainer leading cardio, it can see if you are keeping up. Telescreens are everywhere they are in every room of people's homes. At the office, people use them to do their jobs. The story revolves around Winston Smith and Julia, who try to resist their government's overwhelming control over facts. Their act of rebellion is trying to discover the unofficial truth about the past and recording unauthorised information in a diary. Winston works at the colossal Ministry of Truth, on which is emblazoned IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH. His job is to erase politically inconvenient data from the public record. A party member falls out of favour? She never existed. Big Brother made a promise he could not fulfil? It never happened. Because his job calls on him to research old newspapers and other records for the facts he has to unfact, Winston is especially adept at doublethink. Winston calls it being conscious of complete truthfulness while telling carefully constructed lies' consciously to induce unconsciousness. Orwell's setting in 1984 is inspired by the way he foresaw the Cold War a phrase he coined in 1945 playing out. He wrote it just a few years after watching Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin carve up the world at the Tehran and Yalta conferences. The book is remarkably prescient about aspects of the Stalinist Soviet Union, East Germany and Maoist China. Orwell was a socialist. 1984 in part describes his fear that the democratic socialism in which he believed would be hijacked by authoritarian Stalinism. The novel grew out of his sharp observations of his world and the fact that Stalinists tried to kill him. In 1936, a fascist-supported military coup threatened the democratically elected socialist majority in Spain. Orwell and other committed socialists from around the world, including Ernest Hemingway, volunteered to fight against the rightist rebels. Meanwhile, Hitler lent the rightists his air power while Stalin tried to take over the leftist Republican resistance. When Orwell and other volunteers defied these Stalinists, they moved to crush the opposition. Hunted, Orwell and his wife had to flee for their lives from Spain in 1937. Back in London during World War II, Orwell saw for himself how a liberal democracy and individuals committed to freedom could find themselves on a path toward Big Brother. He worked for the BBC writing what can only be described as propaganda aimed at an Indian audience. What he wrote was not exactly doublethink, but it was news and commentary with a slant to serve a political purpose. Orwell sought to convince Indians that their sons and resources were serving the greater good in the war. Having written things he believed were untrue, he quit the job after two years, disgusted with himself. Imperialism itself disgusted him. As a young man in the 1920s, Orwell had served as a colonial police officer in Burma. In a distant foreshadowing of Big Brother's world, Orwell reviled the arbitrary and brutish role he took on in a colonial system. I hated it bitterly, he wrote. In a job like that you see the dirty work of Empire at close quarters. The wretched prisoners huddling in the stinking cages of the lock-ups, the gray, cowed faces of the long-term convicts' Oceania was a prescient product of a particular biography and particular moment when the Cold War was beginning. Naturally, then, today's world of alternative facts is quite different in ways that Orwell could not have imagined. Orwell described a singleparty system in which a tiny core of oligarchs, Oceania's inner party, controls all information. This is their chief means of controlling power. In the US today, information is wide open to those who can access the Internet, at least 84 per cent of Americans. And while the US arguably might be an oligarchy, power exists somewhere in a scrum including the electorate, constitution, the courts, bureaucracies and, inevitably, money. In other words, unlike in Oceania, both information and power are diffuse in 2017 America. Those who study the decline in standards of evidence and reasoning in the US electorate chiefly blame politicians concerted efforts from the 1970s to discredit expertise, degrade trust in Congress and its members, even question the legitimacy of government itself. With those leaders, institutions and expertise delegitimised, the strategy has been to replace them with alternative authorities and realities. In 2004, a senior White House adviser suggested a reporter belonged to the reality-based community, a sort of quaint minority of people who believe that solutions emerge from your judicious study of discernible reality. That's not the way the world really works anymore. Orwell could not have imagined the Internet and its role in distributing alternative facts, nor that people would carry around Telescreens in their pockets in the form of smartphones. There is no Ministry of Truth distributing and policing information, and in a way everyone is Big Brother. It seems less a situation that people are incapable of seeing through Big Brother's big lies, than they embrace alternative facts. Some researchers have found that when some people begin with a certain worldview for example, that scientific experts and public officials are untrustworthy they believe their misperceptions more strongly when given accurate conflicting information. In other words, arguing with facts can backfire. Having already decided what is more essentially true than the facts reported by experts or journalists, they seek confirmation in alternative facts and distribute them themselves via Facebook, no Big Brother required. In Orwell's Oceania, there is no freedom to speak facts except those that are official. In 2017 America, at least among many of the powerful minority who selected its president, the more official the fact, the more dubious. For Winston, Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. For this powerful minority, freedom is the freedom to say two plus two make five. The writer is associate professor, case Western Reserve University, Ohio, US The Independent Indian-origin British actor Dev Patel on Sunday took home a BAFTA Award for the Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Lion" a film about an Indian boy which also got the Best Adapted Screenplay honour. The winners for the 70th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards were announced at the Royal Albert Hall here. Dev, known for "Slumdog Millionaire", was nominated for the award with Aaron Taylor-Johnson ("Nocturnal Animals"), Jeff Bridges ("Hell or High Water"), Hugh Grant ("Florence Foster Jenkins") and Mahershala Ali ("Moonlight"). He had lost the Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role award to Aaron Taylor-Johnson at the 74th Golden Globes recently, but after getting a BAFTA Award, chances are high he may bag an Oscar too. Patel, who was suited and booted with a bow-tie in place for the ceremony here, had told IANS earlier: "I would be lying if I say that awards are not amazing. Awards can really change someone's career. You get recognition. "You might get scripts that you didn't get earlier. But I never took up a project thinking about a golden statue." Directed by Garth Davis, "Lion" is based on Saroo Brierley's best-selling autobiography "A Long Way Home". It's a true story about an Indian boy who falls asleep on a train only to wake up and realise he is miles away from home in a strange land where he does not speak the language. He experiences many challenges before getting adopted by a couple in Australia. Years later, he sets out to find his lost family. In the Best Adapted Screenplay category, "Lion" was contending with films "Arrival", "Hacksaw Ridge", "Hidden Figures" and "Nocturnal Animals". Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has a history of jumping guns. In 2004, he could not wait for then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, seated alongside with him on the dais, to declare the conversion of the Manipur University into a Central University. (The PM was in Imphal then to assuage the hurt feelings of the Manipuris following the rape and murder of Manorama Devi by personnel of the Assam Rifles). In his welcome address Ibobi announced the conversion. This time also he jumped the gun by making it public that the ongoing economic blockade that the United Naga Council had imposed from 1 November last year, would be called off and Gaidon Kamei and SK Stephen, president and information secretary respectively of the UNC, who are now under judicial custody, would be released. Before this, the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal East, had allowed the two leaders to be flown to Delhi to participate in the tripartite talks. The meeting took place on 3 February with Satyandra Garg, joint secretary in the Union home ministry in charge of the North-east presiding and J Suresh Babu, additional chief secretary (home) of the state government. The latter had made it clear that the state government cannot do anything about the rolling back of the creation of the two districts of Kangpokpi and Jiribam because of the code of conduct imposed for the assembly election next month and the decision, if any, will have to be taken by the new government that will be formed. And it was also agreed that once the blockade was lifted the two UNC leaders would be freed. This was at a private conversation between the additional chief secretary and this correspondent. But, by evening social media was filled with news clips of the announcement of the chief minister that the blockade was going to be lifted as told to a representative of a national weekly. On the next day, 7 February, the UNC held a presidential council meeting at Senapati and came out with the statement that the blockade would continue, come what may. By evening the state government had extended the custody of Gaidon and Kamei by 15 more days. And it appeared the situation was back to square one. Speaking to The Statesman from an unknown location over phone, S Milan, general secretary of the UNC, said that Ibobi had jumped the gun by announcing the impending lifting of the blockade for, according to him, the agreement reached at Delhi was that the two leaders would return to Senapati and first seek the consent of all the stakeholders, namely different Naga civil societies, church leaders and Naga tribal village chiefs before taking the final decision. Adding that perhaps Ibobi had the coming elections in mind. Milan also said that the core issue behind the blockade had never been understood even by the media. He elaborated that since the Manipur Land Revenue and Reforms Act is not applicable in the hill tribal areas, the state government is bound by law to first consult the people or Nagas who are the actual owners of the land before any developmental construction is commissioned. He also lamented the fact that Ibobi had dragged in the name of the NSCN(I-M) into the current crisis revolving around the creation of the Kangpokpi District (Sadar Hills) stating that the former dates back to 1981, even before the NSCN(I-M) came into existence. And that it is a political movement beyond the purview of the normal Indian laws in an obvious reference to the summon by the Manipur High Court to him and other office-bearers. He said that the person who had filed the PIL before the Court over the blockade issue should instead file a PIL against Ibobi for ignoring four memorandum of understandings the UNC and the government had signed between 1981 and 2011 to maintain status quo. Milan also said that the UNC respects the 2000 years of Manipurs history in an obvious respect to the Meiteis but their expectations should not be belied at the same time and that the blockade was not targeted against any community as it is being used only as a tool to attract the attention of the competent authorities. Before signing off, Milan said that both he and Ibobi are helpless as, if the creation of the two districts is rolled back, Ibobi would be killed by the Kukis and the Meiteis and the same fate awaits him if he calls off the blockade. He suggested a way out that perhaps Ibobi can give a commitment to honour the four MOUs signed before Manipur High Court and leave its implementation to the next government that takes office in March. Then, perhaps he could close the Pandoras box that he opened. But that apart, it is the sincerity of the BJP government at the Centre and the state Congress government over resolving or breaking the blockade. In 2011 when P Chidambaram was the Union home minister, he sought a daily status report on the blockade that was on knowing full well that law and order is a state subject. While, on the other hand, Union home minister Rajnath Singh, currently holding talks with the NSCN(I-M) and which controls the UNC, has been hedging the issue by first stating that blockades are a violation of the law of the land and at the same time, it being a state subject, the Centres role is perhaps limited to sending troops to aid the state government. Ibobi, on the other hand, has not come clean on the deployment of the troops sent by the Centre to help break the blockade. Thanks to the blockade, this has generated a growing hatred of the Meiteis towards the NSCN(IM) and the growing popularity of the UNC. And with the assembly elections due in March, Ibobi appears not to let the chance slip by for his return for a fourth term. This, coupled with the similarity of the statements both by the UNC and Prakash Javadekar, BJPs HRD minister, that the creation of the districts is following a divide and rule policy, might prove to be their Achilles heel in the ensuing polls, at least in the valley area. Caught between the power game of the Congress and the BJP, the people have now turned to Manipur High Court that has taken a very serious view of the matter. It has made the director-general of police and the general manager of the India Oil Corporation depot at Imphal to appear before it and explain their inability to ferry in 400 oil tankers every week as assured earlier, besides issuing summons to the office-bearers of the UNC. And unlike the UNC leaders who, in all probability, will be ignoring these, the government officials would have to come up with an answer and that seems to be the last ray of hope to a population who have now got used to queuing up at night in front of petrol pumps, having taken it almost as a fait accompli. (The writer is the Imphal-based special representative of The Statesman) The night of 2 February was reminiscent of The Night of the Guerrillas during the late 1950s and early 60s. Kohima lay burning while the Naga public, by and large, stayed cowering indoors. The only difference being that this time, it was the Nagas themselves who did the burning while the Indian Army stood by, ready to intervene should it be called upon to restore order. The immediate cause of all this was the issue of holding of elections to the urban local bodies with 33 per cent reservation for women and ego clashes between various Naga tribe organisations and the state government. People think men are suppressing womens rights. The Naga tribe bodies have been opposing the Municipalities Act from the time it was enforced. The tribe bodies have been pleading with the government to postpone it, so that proper consultations could take place. On the other hand, the government took the view that consultations had already been held. The spoiler in the equation was the powerful Naga Mothers Association and its joint action committee on women reservation, who saw the entire issue only through the prism of womens rights, and precipitated events with their petitions in the courts. What everyone failed to realise were the undercurrents that had been at work in Naga society even if these may not have been visible. First, most Nagas have become disappointed with the peace talks the NSCN(I-M) is holding with the Centre not yielding results even after nearly two decades. They blame both the Centre and Naga political groups for not being able to settle their differences and coming together to thrash out an acceptable and workable solution. Their refusal to budge from their positions has angered and frustrated the Nagas. Strong feelings had been, and are, simmering below the surface. Secondly, most Nagas have now realised that they needed to protect whatever little protections the Constitution provides. This was where Article 371(A) became so important to them. Delhis arrogant attitude, particularly after the BJP came to power, did not help to assuage or calm Naga feelings. The summary extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the fencing on the Indo-Myanmar border, without even consulting the public, are just two examples. Demonetisation and the suffering this caused only added to apprehension. What is in everyones mind was If Delhi can do this to the rest of India, what about us? And they have also lost faith in the state government and cynically think the peoples representatives are there only to make money and willingly dance to Delhis tunes. Thirdly, it did not make too many waves to the same degree among all the tribes, but accompanying the ULB elections, under the same law, was the issue of taxation by the new municipalities/town committees particularly if Smart Cities and Special Purpose Vehicles were also involved. Taxation has always been an abhorrent issue where Nagas are concerned. It led to the killing of the first British political officer in the Naga Hills in 1879 and the war against the British that followed. That ended in 1880 with the Battle of Khonoma, with a British soldier being awarded the Victory Cross (VC), the first in the Naga Hills. Taxation was again the cause for the rise and sustenance of Naga nationalism apart from other reasons. Ura Uvie! encapsulated the basic idea. The new Indian law that allows attaching personal assets for failure to pay taxes, would seem to give credence to this original fear of the Nagas! Again the Nagas have been vehemently opposing the forcible taxations imposed by the Naga political groups (as militants groups are known) although they claim they are fighting for the cause of the Naga people. The NSCN-IMs manifesto about nationalising private property, particularly land, only gives rise to more apprehensions about their leadership. Land, particularly in villages, gives identity to Nagas and without this they would become non-entities. Fourthly, the NMA, and particularly those in the forefront of the women reservation issue, failed to grasp these undercurrents or even take into consideration their own cultural values. Possibly affected by modern feminism, they may have thought they were championing the cause of Naga women and that they would be remembered as pioneers of women emancipation in Naga society. They only managed to jump in where even Naga men fear to tread by going against their own village communities and tribe bodies. According to press reports, the tribe bodies were not against women participation in decision-making. For example, the president of the Angami Public Organisation was even quoted as having suggested that women be nominated to these urban bodies even up to 40 or 50 per cent. But the women had made up their minds and were not willing to listen to others views. They were content with intimidating the state government and with their petitions in the High Court and Supreme Court. The result was not just the loss of lives, property and misery all across Nagaland, but the NMA now lies broken and in tatters, with several tribes women bodies having withdrawn from it and the committee on women reservation itself being dissolved. Far from advancing the cause of Naga women, their position may actually have regressed for several decades. Fifthly, the state government became obtuse to the pleadings of all sections of Naga society. Tribe after tribe opposed the immediate holding of elections, asking only for deferment, so that proper consultations could take place. The government kept harping on Constitutional obligations to holding the ULB elections, seemingly being totally intimidated by the women and court decisions. They even went back on an agreement inked with the JCC and the NBCC on the eve of the elections. What was forgotten in all these was that first and foremost, the government is accountable to the people without whom there would be no parliamentary democracy in the first place. What we have today is a further division of an already fragmented Naga society. Far from being encumbered, the Naga women seem to have proved how powerful they can be by intimidating the state government and dividing Naga society as they like. There seems to be two things that are out of character. Naga women have always been known for their healing touch.Throughout Naga history, while the men were out making wars, they took care of the family. When their men died or they came back wounded or disabled, their responsibilities grew. In many ways, Naga society survived because of Naga women. In traditional Naga society, even in the Angami one, women have always occupied a special place. Even at Khonoma, birthplace of the late Naga supremo Angami Zapu Phizo, considered by many as a place where women did not count at all, the women were held in high esteem. It was only that Khonoma people considered there were areas of responsibility for men and women, both separate but equally important. This is not understood by those from outside. But an easy example is that at any important ceremony, or feasts of merit, could not be held without women. There are also safeguards for their protection as any insult to them is considered an insult to the family/clan. There is, of course, no gainsaying that they are the hardest working and most contributing members of the community, which everyone acknowledges. Even in the NMA and in recent times, the women had gained high respect with their social activities and particularly their Shed No More Blood campaign among NPGs. Every Naga respected them and they were held in high esteem. But this time, they lost sight of the ground realities and their footing. They have done immense damage to a society, which has been wounded and hurting and which they had been helping to heal. Their loss is the loss of Naga society too because they formed just about the only neutral and objective organisation left whose voice was respectfully listened to. What a tragedy, a hope-filled story has become divided and disintegrated. It must not end here. The big question is, who will pick up the pieces? The other story that seems out of character is that of chief minister TR Zeliang. When one is at the top, he has nowhere to go but to take whatever is thrown at them and say the buck stops here. Blaming anyone or making excuses can only make things worse. And procrastination has never solved anything. Zeliang became a surprise chief minister of Nagaland in 2014. Surprise because he came from one of the backward and smallest tribes and districts of Nagaland Pere, which has only two MLAs and would not have made it to the hot seat under ordinary circumstances. Obviously he was a compromise candidate, after three-time chief mister Neiphiu Rio quit to contest the parliamentary election. His government has managed to survive till now despite challenges from dissidents and personal attacks. He went on to achieve some firsts partially due to benefits accruing from previous governments. All in all, Zeliang had shown he was a shrewd politician. But in this case, something apparently went wrong which is out of character. Everybody knew that there were a lot of differences within the ruling Naga Peoples Front could it have been just the 33 per cent women reservation or any possible intimidation from the Naga women? More people are willing to believe that the state government only wanted the money that would come in the wake of the ULB elections. But it is still not totally convincing because the consequence would be political suicide and hara-kiri by someone who has proved himself to be a shrewd politician. Was he being the fall guy for some political play that had gone awry? What happens now will depend greatly on the chief minister and the party president. Naga society today lies in tatters, worse than ever before. It needs to do serious reflection on what is happening to it and what are its priorities. The biggest gap in society is that there is no longer a single Naga organisation that can think for and speak with objectivity, rationality and without fear or favour, and be respected by the Naga public for its views. It is of no use talking about who destroyed such institutions and other structures of our society; we all contributed directly or indirectly. Will this be the next first step towards our peoplehood as Nagas learn baby steps to start walking again? The writer is a veteran journalist and author of naga imbrogio, is based in Kohima Popular television actress Kritika Kamra, known for her roles of Arohi in Kitani Mohabbat Hai and Dr Nidhi in Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, will soon play Princess Chandrakanta in Life Ok's new show Chandrakanta Prem aur Paheli. The show is an adaptation of Devaki Nandan Khatri's famous novel with the same name and also a second coming of the popular Doordarshan show Kahani Chandrakanta Ki. The actor recently visited the Capital to promote the show, where she discussed about the show, the changes and clash with another Chandrakanta on Colors channel. Excerpts: How did this show happen? Honestly, it all happened just like a fairy tale. I have never imagined myself in this type of character. When they approached me, I was not able to envision myself in this character. But when they did a look test, I became quite excited and agreed. Will the story be the same as depicted in the novel as well as the old Chandrakanta, which was aired in 1994? There will be a slight change in this show; in fact, the earlier version of Chandrakanta was more close to the novel. However, the theme will be the same, characters will be the same, names will be the same but we have given a modern twist to the story. Unlike the novel or the earlier Chandrakanta, the protagonist is not a bechari (weak or helpless). She is strong-willed and a fighter. This is not a story of a regressive heroine, in which every time a hero has to come to save his heroine. In this version, you will see a powerful heroine. I believe many people can't see a protagonist weak in today's time. It should be in sync with current times. The last version of Chandrakanta was an iconic show and widely accepted by the audience. Can this show repeat the same magic? Of course, it was an iconic show. I bet you, all those '90s kids, including me, remember the names, songs and everything about the show. But that time was different, there were very few show on television at that time. Now there is a flood of shows. It doesn't mean that this show can't create the same magic. This show has much potential and is intriguing; it will be acceptable today. I want this show to be hit ~ if a show gets hit, the character gets hit automatically. Did you get a chance to see old clips of Chandrakanta? Honestly, I haven't seen anything. All I remember is whatever I saw in childhood. The reason being, I want to give a fresh feel to the show. If I start watching the old shows, consciously or sub-consciously, I will start doing the same thing. Colors channel is also coming up with Chandrakanta, and it is produced by none other than the stalwart of television industry, Ekta Kapoor. What is your take on it? Even I got to know about it while shooting this show. Apart from its promos, I know nothing. I don't think, there will be any competition with the Ekta Kapoor show. The rivalry can be between channels or production houses, but it is not going to dent my friendship with Ekta Kapoor. I think, if both the shows are good, both can work. As it happened with Devdas. My job is limited ~ to give my best performance. I don't care about TRPs. Apart from this, are there any other shows you are doing? No, not at all. I work for this show 14 hours, I don't get time at all. This is a very heavy duty show, VFX and graphics are used in it. Right now, we are shooting in Filmcity on the outskirts of Bombay. Then we will go to Golconda (Hyderabad) for the shoot. This is a very time-consuming show. I call it one of the most difficult shows of my life. The show will be telecast from 4 March Ferozepur road, one of Lahore's arterial thoroughfares, evokes a lot of nostalgia. Starting from the Walled City, connecting several small ancient hamlets on the way, including Ichra, Mozang, Amar Sadhu and Kasur, it leads to Ferozepur in India. Or so it did. Somewhere along its path, a boundary fence has been constructed. Two of the largest armies in the world, armed to their teeth, stand guard on either side of this fence. The cities of Lahore and Ferozepur were linked by an ancient bond that several ravages of history Mongol and Afghan invasions, and British colonialism could not cut. But this bond was finally ripped apart in 1947 when the two new nation states of India and Pakistan were formed. The Ferozepur road now forlornly runs through Lahore, hastily abandoning its destination at the first sight of armed soldiers, betraying the traveller. Located on this road, facing a modern multi-storey building, is the Gulab Devi hospital, which sprawls over an area of 40 acres, an indulgent expanse of space in an increasingly congested city of old Lahore. For a young citizen, who has only known Pakistan, this name is likely to stand out. After Partition, this name would have been lost, just like the others, when the multi-religious Lahore of the past, with its several temples, gurdwaras, churches, mosques and dargahs, made way for a homogenous city. Old names, guilty by association with what was seen as an "impure" past were hurriedly jettisoned to keep afloat a new nationalist project. Gulab Devi survived because the hospital is run by a Trust, and one of its conditions is that the hospitals name cannot be changed. Constructed in 1934, and inaugurated by M.K. Gandhi, the hospital is named after the mother of Lala Lajpat Rai, the prominent Indian National Congress leader and freedom fighter. Gulab Devi had died in Lahore due to tuberculosis. Lala Lajpat Rai formed the trust in 1927, and intended to build a hospital in his mother's memory. Unfortunately the following year, before he could see his dream come true, he died due to a blow to his head at the Lahore Railway Station where he was a leading a procession to protest against the Simon Commission. The protest and the death of Lala Lajpat Rai prompted the Indian National Congress to form a commission to propose constitutional reforms for India. The Nehru Report of 1928, written by Motilal Nehru, the president of Congress at that time, was a step towards the Congress's demand for self-rule, or Purna Swaraj, from the British. The report demanded self-government under dominion status within the empire. The Nehru Report was made possible because of Gandhis non-cooperation movement, which was launched in 1920 after his return from South Africa. As part of this movement, Lala Lajpat Rai founded the National College in Lahore to cater to the youth who were now boycotting British colonial institutes. Located a few streets away from the office of the superintendent of police where freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and his comrades assassinated assistant superintendent of police John P Saunders to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, is the Bradlaugh Hall. The red brick building is a beautiful amalgamation of colonial and indigenous architectural traditions, but is locked and has fallen into disrepair. This building used to house the National College that Lala Lajpat Rai set up. It is here that Bhagat Singh and his friends received their initial doses of nationalism. During Bhagat Singh's trial in Lahore, his parents used to receive visitors and sympathisers outside this hall. Even though Bhagat Singh had parted ways with the Indian National Congress after being disillusioned by what he perceived to be their passive nationalism, the impact of his revolutionary fervour resonated with the younger cadre of the Congress. Jawaharlal Nehru had been appointed president of the Congress to take over from his father, Motilal Nehru, at the annual session of the Congress in Lahore in December 1929. Riding through the streets of the Lahore on a white horse, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had turned 40 just the previous month, arrived at the historic Congress session to proclaim "purna swaraj' or complete independence, rejecting his father's proposal for a new dominion status constitution for India. The All India Home Rule League and the All India Muslim League too had favoured a dominion status, but leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Aurobindo and Bipin Chandra Pal argued for a complete separation from British rule. Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose agreed with them. It was in this session in 1929 at Lahore that the Congress voted for complete independence as against a dominion status for India and passed a resolution fixing the last Sunday of January 1930 which happened to be January 26 as the Complete Independence Day. On the midnight of 31 December 1929, on the eastern bank of the river Ravi, in the shadow of the Badshahi Masjid, Gurdwara Dera Sahib and the Lahore Fort, Jawaharlal Nehru raised the "swaraj" flag that was later adopted as the national flag of India. After Partition and Independence on 15 August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru saw to it that India's new constitution took effect on 26 January 1950, thus ensuring that it would not remain just a date in history. Not very far from where the Congress session took place, on the other end of the Ravi Road, is Iqbal Park, earlier known as Minto Park. At the centre of this historical park is a tall minaret, Minar-i-Pakistan. It commemorates the Lahore Resolution that demanded provincial autonomy which the Muslim League adopted here on 23 March 1940. Gradually, after the creation of Pakistan, the resolution was appropriated as a demand for Pakistan, renamed Pakistan Resolution and celebrates it as Pakistan Day on 23 March. Every day, thousands of visitors descend upon Minari-Pakistan, paying homage to the founders of the country. In popular political discourse, politicians refer to the events of March 23 as a momentous moment in the history of Pakistan. Accolades are showered on Lahore, which is seen as the home of the movement that brought about Pakistan. Perhaps consciously, or not, Nehru's declaration of independence, Lala Lajpat Rai's protest against the Simon Commission, and Bhagat Singh's sacrifice have now been forgotten in a city where these freedom fighters were warmly received once. As India recently celebrated its Republic Day on 26 January, the streets of Lahore carried on their business unaware of the role they once played in this shared history. (Dawn/ANN) Failing to revive its tested "social engineering" formula which saw it victorious in the 2007 Uttar Pradesh polls, BSP is going all out to woo Muslims through various clerics and organisations for regaining power. In 2007, BSP had notched up the magic mark all by itself riding on social engineering which helped it garner support of other sections of society as well besides its core vote bank among the Dalits. This time, however, in the wake of a stiff challenge posed by SP-Congress alliance, which has presented a viable alternative both to Muslims and backwards, and BJP which is banking on polarisation to gain support of Hindus, especially upper castes, BSP has come up with the plan to get Muslim leadership and clergy to extend support to woo minorities. In the past couple of days, BSP leadership has been successful in roping in Rashtriya Ulema Council led by Maulana Aamir Rashadi Madani, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Maulana Ahmed Bukhari, noted Shia cleric and member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board Maulana Kalbe Jawwad and Ulema and Mashiakh Board of Maulana Syed Mohammad Ashraf Kichachauvi as well as AMU Students Union to extend support for sending a message among the Muslims. BSP chief Mayawati has been concertedly telling the minorities that voting for the SP-Congress alliance will go in vain and it will willy-nilly help BJP. "BSP is the only viable alternative before Muslims as it alone can check BJP SP is a divided house and both Akhilesh and Shivpal factions will harm each other in the polls and so voting for the SP-Congress alliance will only help BJP," has been her refrain during her campaign. But since Muslims have a pattern of voting for the party which is strongest to defeat BJP, SP-Congress alliance has given hope to them much to the discomfiture of BSP. After having fielded 99 Muslim candidates a record high for the party and basing its gameplan to a large extent on the Dalit-Muslim plank, BSP does not want to leave anything to chance and so it has been working overtime to win over Muslim leaders and clerics, analysts say. Rashtriya Ulema Council had fielded 84 candidates for the polls, but withdrew them after extending support to BSP saying there was need to work together with it to defeat fascist forces. Stressing that there had been continued atrocities on Muslims in the past five years, Jawwad appealed to Muslims to vote for BSP, describing it as the best option available before them under the prevailing circumstances. Shahi Imam Bukhari, who has a record in extending support to political parties at poll time, has this time extended support to BSP. "Muslims should look for a political alternative in UP and show exit route to the unjust SP that has gone back on its word," he said while declaring support to BSP. Stressing that Muslims bore the brunt of deprivation, injustice and unemployment, Bukhari blamed the SP for some 400 bloody riots and failure to fulfil promises like reservation, implementation of Sachar Committee report, setting free innocent Muslim youth framed in terror charges and recruitment of Muslims in security forces. The AMU Students' Union issued a statement expressing solidarity with BSP, while Ashraf Kichachauvi group too spoke in favour of Mayawati's party. Realising shortage of Muslim faces in the party, BSP has been taking the help of new entrant Afzal Ansari, who merged his Quami Ekta Dal with BSP after being spurned by Samajwadi Party. BSP national general secretary Naseemuddin Siddiqui has said his party will be using Madani for campaigning. The dearth of Muslim leaders is a problem for the party. Among the list of 40 star campaigners there are just three leaders from the community Siddiqui, also the west UP in-charge; his son Afzal, and party coordinator for Aligarh and Agra divisions Shamsuddin Raeen. BSP Rajya Sabha MP Munquad Ali, who hails from Meerut and was the party's in-charge for west UP till 2014, has not been named as star campaigner in the region. He is believed to have confined himself to Allahabad, Varanasi and Mirzapur divisions in eastern UP, where he is the party's zonal coordinator. According to election analysts, only 20 per cent Muslims voted for BSP in the 2012 Assembly elections. By India Today Web Desk: After their big fat wedding in Udaipur, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Rukmini Sahay returned to Mumbai. The newlyweds walked hand-in-hand at the Mumbai airport, leaving the onlookers awww-ing. Photo: Yogen Shah Photo: Yogen Shah Photo: Yogen Shah Photo: Yogen Shah Neil, like Shahid Kapoor, chose to go the arranged marriage way and got engaged to Rukmini in October last year. The Wazir actor tied the knot with Rukmini on February 9 in Udaipur in the presence of nearly 500 guests. The couple is back in town and will host a grand reception on February 17, which is expected to be a star-studded affair. advertisement Neil is already smitten by his wife. The actor told Mumbai Mirror, "The moment I saw her I knew she was the one. I just hoped she is as perfect in every way as she seemed. And after spending time with her in the last five months I must admit she is the most genuine person." ALSO WATCH: Neil Nitin Mukesh shakes a leg to Kala Chashma at his engagement in Udaipur PHOTOS: Neil Nitin Mukesh and Rukmini Sahay have a royal wedding ALSO WATCH: Nitin Mukesh says he was the happiest when Neil Nitin Mukesh's debut film got stuck for a year --- ENDS --- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lashed out at the Congress party for seeking proof of surgical strikes. "Shame on politicians who question valour of jawans and insult the forces," Modi said, addressing a poll rally in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh. "The Congress insulted the armed forces by earmarking a mere Rs.500 cr for OROP," he added. Also accusing the Congress government in Uttarakhand of having no vision for growth though the state has great potential in tourism and allied sectors, Modi asked the people to vote out the ruling party and give the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a chance to ensure new heights of development in the state in the next five years. "Have you ever thought why despite having such great potential Uttarakhand has lagged behind Chattisgarh and Jharkhand which were created together by Atal Bihari Vajpayee? In spite of the Maoist problem, Chattisgargh with a BJP government has established itself among the fastest growing states," he said in his speech at the GITI Maidan rally. Asking why Uttarakhand was lagging behind, Modi said that Jharkhand despite being a backward area has begun to attract investors under the BJP rule. He then said that he has grand plans to tap the state's tourism potential and herbal wealth to bring visitors from all over the world to its doorsteps. (With inputs from agencies) As several issues continue to rage against her, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief Sasikala on Sunday said it is "very difficult" for a woman to be in politics. "It is very difficult for a woman to be in politics. Have seen it during Jayalalithaa's time also," Sasikala said to media persons in Chennai before leaving her residence to meet party MLAs at a resort for the second day. Sasikala also said that her party government will continue for the next four-and-half years. "The AIADMK govt will continue for the next four-and-a-half years. I can say this as party General Secretary," she said. Meanwhile, there has been a growing support for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam as five more AIADMK MPs on Sunday joined his camp, taking the number of parliamentarians in his favour to 10. The polity stands ruptured: the spill-over of the 2014 elections has proved no less divisive than the Emergency. The outbursts in Parliament last Wednesday underscore the intolerance the President has been condemning. The apex legislature has been reduced to slanging-matches on raincoats and dogs, and the fate of the budget session is now threatened. To attempt to determine who started it would involve an exercise as futile as grading filth, yet it would be equally futile to ask when the downward spiral would hit rock bottom such is the prevailing viciousness. The Prime Minister has taken the line that his attack on his predecessor is badla for Dr Manmohan Singhs charge that demonetisation was organised loot and legalised plunder: a line echoed by several ministers, and serves as the benchmark for the diatribes of party spokespersons dominating the air waves. The presiding officers in both Houses have failed to foster an upgrade in debating standards, and the competence of the Chair was openly questioned by a senior minister in the Elders. The traditional duty of the government to make Parliament work is no longer honoured, the Opposition firmly believes that its role includes rendering the forum non-functional. It is difficult to believe that in the absence of a concerted effort at re-railing the legislature, the ill-will will blow over by the time the second phase of the budget session gets under way. The acrimony could be exacerbated on 11 March when the results of the elections to the state assemblies are declared. Those results could also impact the election of the next President, hence the political prognosis is far from salubrious. The stand-off that commenced with the 2014 election could so easily continue till the 2019 poll, and there is no telling what shape or form the divide will assume. For, in addition to political preferences, that divide now extends to the spheres of religion, caste, region and economic disparities. Is the system of parliamentary democracy approaching a point of no return? To draw comparisons with the Emergency is ever uncomfortable. Yet it must be recognised that in 1977 there were across the board political leaders chastised by the battering that democracy had taken, and were capable of an exercise in redemption. That does not appear the case now. Cheap comments like a suit-boot sarkar and fair and lovely are countered by equally silly slogans. The electorate, alas, has few choices. The national parties have failed them, the personality-cult that once marked regional parties has spread upward. Denying an outright victory to any single party might ensure some restraint, but the experience of coalition governments has been uninspiring. Much food for thought over the next couple of years? Sadiq Gabol, a former caretaker and resident of Rannikot Fort (also known as The Great Wall of Sindh) since 1981, tells me the two-and-a-half centuries-old story of his sword-bearing ancestor, Baagh Ali, and how he bravely defended himself from a chitos (leopard) in the Lakki Hills of the Kirthar Range where the 35-km long fort is located. Ali lost an arm in the process but thereafter he became a local legend. Taking turns to keep a watch out for leopards was part of the daily routine for those who dared the frontier life, explains Gabol. The chitos have long been extinct in this area but for most residents of Rannikot, life continues as it has for centuries. As we turn west off the Indus Highway in Jamshoro district, away from the town of Sann, the silence grows deafening but the air feels cleaner. It seems as if the clocks have wound backwards, transporting us to a realm frozen in time. There are about a thousand people currently residing in Rannikot, estimates Gabol. According to him, the current residents of Rannikot Gabol tribesmen came to the Lakki Hills as part of the Arghun military early in the 16th century. His ancestors first settled in a valley west of the fort, referred to by the locals as Mohan Patt, where they tended livestock. The lives of the Gabols too are frozen in time. Their settlements have no electricity or gas, no schools and hospitals the closest facilities are 32 km away in Sann. There is no mobile network or public transport and a singlelane metalled road links the fort to the outside world. Politically, the locals of this area are loyal to Syed Jalal Mehmood Shah who resides in Sann and is the grandson of GM Syed and president of the Sindh United Party. Yet, according to Sadiq, the PPP always come to power because of the feudal allegiances that are part and parcel of waderki siasat (feudal system). According to Shah, the fort has tremendous potential for tourism which could bring in some much needed revenue for the locals but the government has done little to promote tourism. It remains a historical enigma. There has been much conjecture but little certainty about the origins of the fort which is mentioned only twice in historical records. Rannikot appears to be very ancient, says Salman Rashid, travel writer and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. In remote parts that have never been visited by the common tourist, there are signs of several layers of repair and upgrading of the fortification. He adds. At one spot the ancient and earliest wall of clay and untreated rock rubble was evident. Above it were five layers of stonework each progressively finer than the one below. It predates the usual claimants the Talpurs who certainly did some work on Sann Gate and the southern part of the fortification. What is known for certain is that the Talpurs built the citadel of Shergarh, which stands atop Karo Jabbal. The picturesque aesthetic of the Lakki Hills has a darker underbelly. In this part of Sindh, wilderness is only a stones throw away. As Rannikot is part of Kirthar National Park, there is a spill-over of wildlife in the region. At night we hear the snarls of the gorpat, says Hatim Gabol, a local, about the honey badger, one of the most feared creatures to roam these parts. It digs up graves and feasts on freshly buried corpses. Apparently, Sadiq was almost attacked by one when he dosed off at a bus stop for privately run lorries that cart dwellers of Mohan Patt and Rannikot to the Indus Highway at least once a week. We also find striped hyenas and Indian wolves [a subspecies of the grey wolf] here, Hatim tells me. Sadiq later confirms that a few incidents of wild beast attacks have occurred on the western hill known as Opiyai. The steep climb up to Shergarh Fort is one of the more challenging hikes in Rannikot. Hatim and I make our way up a trail frequented by local labourers heading to Shergarh to carry out conservation work funded by the Endowment Fund Trust. A couple of goats and a variety of lizards that occasionally dart across are our companions. The uppermost watchtower of Shergarh provides a panoramic view of Mohan Patt the five-kilometre-wide valley to the west occupied largely by Gabols in comparison to which Rannikot appears quaint and familiar. Towards the east, beyond Sann Gate, lie the Khosa settlements, while Karchat and Thano Bula Khan lie towards the south. Immediately north are uninhabited, barren peaks from where few invaders would dare to scale the ramparts of Shergarh. Near the northwest boundary of Shergarh, a curiously angled cliff competes with the fort for elevation and majesty. Pointing to a cave, Hatim says, There are many climbers amongst us, but my uncle climbed all the way up to that cave. As it ran very deep, he couldn't reach its end. Upon descent, the bird's eye view gives way to detail and the absence of a school becomes a glaring reality. Abdul Qadir, Sadiq's son and the current caretaker of Rannikot later tells me he worked as a teacher for a community public school but it was later shut down. On our hike downhill, I ask 22- year-old Hatim who also works as a daily-wage labourer at Shergarh, whether he and his friends ever long for the vibrant environment a city can offer. It would be nice to live in a city, so we could go to a proper school, live in homes that have electricity and be less isolated from civilisation, he admits. But people my age enjoy rearing livestock and farming their land and compete with one another, Hatim quickly adds. Rannikot's natural and manmade fortifications give it an endearing sandbox quality. It has its own spring water and a little forest where a family of wild boars dwell. Each corner of the fort has its own distinct personality which is identified by the nearest hill or entry point. As we approach the foothills, I realise that Rannikot's appeal is largely because it has yet been spared the environmental degradation that is a part and parcel of development in Pakistan. Tourism in the area must enhance rather than disrupt pastoral lives of the locals and preserve the sanctity and ecological integrity of the area. Whether this is possible in Pakistan, remains to be seen. North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Saturday, South Korea's defence ministry said, the first since Donald Trump became US president. The missile, launched around 7:55 am (local time) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan, it said. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low around 65F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low around 65F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. A man watches a TV news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017.. North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump's new administration. Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant. The letters read "The ruling and the opposition parties denounce North Korea's missile launch." (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) By PTI: New York, Feb 12 (PTI) Crime and immigration patterns in the US are not linked, with places with higher immigration levels experiencing lower robberies, burglaries and murders, according to a new study which comes shortly after President Donald Trumps controversial travel ban order. Researchers explored whether larger scale immigration patterns in communities could be tied to increases in crime due to changes in cities, such as fewer economic opportunities or the claim that immigrants displace domestic workers from jobs. advertisement "Our research shows strong and stable evidence that, on average, across US metropolitan areas crime and immigration are not linked," said Robert Adelman, associate professor at University at Buffalo in the US. "The results show that immigration does not increase assaults and, in fact, robberies, burglaries, larceny, and murder are lower in places where immigration levels are higher," said Adelman "Facts are critical in the current political environment," said Adelman. "The empirical evidence in this study and other related research shows little support for the notion that more immigrants lead to more crime," he said. Previous research, based on arrest and offence data, has shown that, overall, foreign-born individuals are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans, according to Adelman. The researchers drew a sample of 200 metropolitan areas used census data and uniform crime reporting data from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a 40-year period from 1970 to 2010. "This is a study across time and across place and the evidence is clear. We are not claiming that immigrants are never involved in crime," said Adelman. "What we are explaining is that communities experiencing demographic change driven by immigration patterns do not experience significant increases in any of the kinds of crime we examined," he sad. "And in many cases, crime was either stable or actually declined in communities that incorporated many immigrants," Adelman added. Adelman said the relationship between immigration and crime is complex and more research needs to be done, but this research supports other scholarly conclusions that immigrants, on the whole, have a positive effect on American social and economic life. "It is important to base our public policies on facts and evidence rather than ideologies and baseless claims that demonise particular segments of the US population without any facts to back them up," said Adelman. The study was published in the Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice. PTI NKS MHN MHN --- ENDS --- Hitting back at Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for his remarks that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "fond of peeping into others' bathrooms", the BJP said on Saturday that the Congress leader "behaves as per his standards" and it does not expect anything better from him. "Everybody behaves according to his standard and BJP never expect anything better from the Congress leader," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters in New Delhi. In a strong attack, Gandhi said the Prime Minister was "fond of peeping into others' bathrooms" and Googling and was a "complete failure". "The prime minister is fond of Google searching, peeping into others' bathrooms, and reading others' horoscopes. Let him do that in his free time but his main job is that of a prime minister in which he has been a cent per cent failure," Gandhi said at the joint media conference with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow. Javadekar also took on Akhilesh Yadav, who attacked Modi, saying rather "getting emotional" or angry, he should have walk on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, which would compel even the prime minister to vote for the alliance. "Neither the SP and nor the BSP are the options for the people people of Uttar Pradesh. Only BJP can do overall development of the state," Javadekar said. The prime minister had earlier attracted the wrath of the Congress for attacking his predecessor Manmohan Singh in Parliament, accusing him of "bathing wearing a raincoat". As Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao still weighs options to end the political crisis in the state, AIADMK general secretary V.K.Sasikala on Sunday met the party MLAs and discussed the next course of action to be taken. This is the second consecutive day Sasikala has driven down to the Golden Bay resort near Mahabaliburam on the outskirts of Chennai to interact with the legislators. Addressing a meeting of the MLAs at the resort, the party chief launched a scathing attack on the rebel camp led by caretaker chief minister O.Panneerselvam, and said those who are opposing us will not succeed in their attempts. You all are aware as to what extent our opponents have gone against us, we must stay together and foil their evil attempts, she said in an emotional speech. Panneerselvam, a staunch Jayalalithaa loyalist, had launched a sensational revolt against Sasikala on Tuesday after he claimed that he was forced by the party chief to resign from the chief minister's post. His open rebellion came on a day when Sasikala was elected the legislative party leader paving way for her elevation to the chief minister post. Worried over several party leaders switching loyalty to the rebel camp over the last few days, Sasikala said Panneerselvam who had been a minister for so long, was all out to destroy the party now. It is same as hitting your eye with your own finger. We will form the government, then visit Amma's memorial and take a photograph. We will show it to the world. This is our pledge, she said. I will achieve everything if you all stand firmly behind me, I wont move away, I will be firm as I have been with Amma. She said some people did not want Jayalalithaa's portrait to be installed in the state assembly. Earlier, talking to reporters, Sasikala ruled out the claims that she had forcibly kept the MLAs at the resort and maintained that they were living there as a family. Opposition parties are spreading rumours. Party MLAs are not locked up, she said. Queried about the protest plan that she announced on Saturday if the Governor did not call her to form the government, she said: "Some preparatory work is being done for that." Asked about the delay on the part of Governor in calling her to form the government, she said that everybody knew the reason. By PTI: Bhopal, Feb 12 (PTI) RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that no one has the right to judge others patriotism. "Doosre ki bhakti naapne ka adhikar kisi ko nahin hai, mujhe bhi nahin hai (No one has the right to measure anybodys patriotism. I too dont have the right)," Bhagwat said yesterday while releasing a book here. advertisement "Even if you thinks that you are running the show in the country, you cannot measure anybodys patriotism, or after evaluating it come out with a judgment on it that if this is the kind of bhakti (devotion) you have, then it is patriotism, otherwise it isnt," Bhagwat said. He unveiled the book Bharat ki Khoj Me Mere Paanch Saal authored by journalist Vijay Monohar Tiwari. Earlier, addressing the Hindu Sammelan in Betul district three days ago, the RSS Chief had said, "Whoever lives in Hindustan and has respect for its traditions, are all Hindus. Muslims may have different way of performing prayers, but their nationality is Hindu." "All Hindus are accountable for Hindustan," he had added. PTI LAL MAS RMT RT --- ENDS --- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran President Hassan Rouhani better be careful after Rouhani was quoted as saying that anyone who speaks to Iranians with threats would regret it. Trump was asked in a brief appearance in the press cabin aboard Air Force One about Rouhanis reported remarks to a rally in Tehran to celebrate the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Rouhani was quoted in media reports as saying Iran had shown in the 38 years since the revolution that it will make anyone who speaks to Iranians with the language of threats regret it. He better be careful, Trump said. Trump on Feb. 2 put Iran on notice over charges that Tehran violated a nuclear deal with the West by test-firing a ballistic missile, taking an aggressive posture toward Iran that could raise tensions in the region. Trump made the comments about Rouhani while flying on the presidential jet carrying him and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a weekend at Trumps Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida. (AP) U.S. intelligence has collected information that Russia is considering turning over Edward Snowden as a gift to President Donald Trump who has called the NSA leaker a spy and a traitor who deserves to be executed. Thats according to a senior U.S. official who has analyzed a series of highly sensitive intelligence reports detailing Russian deliberations and who says a Snowden handover is one of various ploys to curry favor with Trump. A second source in the intelligence community confirms the intelligence about the Russian conversations and notes it has been gathered since the inauguration. Snowdens ACLU lawyer, Ben Wizner, told NBC News they are unaware of any plans that would send him back to the United States. Team Snowden has received no such signals and has no new reason for concern, Wizner said. Snowden responded to NBCs report on Twitter and said it shows that he did not work with the Russian government. Finally: irrefutable evidence that I never cooperated with Russian intel, Snowden said. No country trades away spies, as the rest would fear theyre next. READ MORE: NBC NEWS Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, who stands accused of accepting $20 million in bribes in his country, has taken an El Al flight to Israel to avoid prosecution, Reuters reported. The report adds there is an active international arrest warrant active for Toledo as well as a $30,000 reward. The flight is due to land in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening. It is explained that Toledos wife Eliane Karp is an Israeli citizen, leading to his decision to head to Tel Aviv. Prior to boarding the flight, he was detected in France a week ago, and then San Francisco. However, American officials told government officials in Peru they would not interfere, permitting him to board the El Al flight. The Times of Israel adds that Toledo is also a longtime friend of Israeli businessman Yosef Maiman, who Peruvian prosecutors say acted as a mediator in the bribery scandal and accepted over $10 million in bribes. Toledo denies the allegations against him, originally explaining the money came from a loan from his wifes mother that came from compensation she received as a Holocaust survivor. Toledo served as Perus president from 2001-2006. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reportedly spoken with MK (Machane Tzioni) Tzipi Livni, offering her the post of under-secretary-general, a position that requires the approval of the Security Council. If she accepts it and is approved, she will become the first Israeli to serve in the post. Guterres know Livni from his term as President of Portugal, meeting with her in her capacity as Israels Foreign Minister under Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who served between 2006-2009. Mrs. Livni met with the new UN Chief in NYC a number of weeks ago, during a one-day visit to the Big Apple. Livni began her career as a second-generation Likud MK, the daughter of one of the ideological founding fathers. She later migrated to the Kadima Party, then heading The Movement party and finally joining Labor party which is now called Machane Tzioni. It is rumored she plans to accept the high-level diplomatic post. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Alec Baldwin does a pretty convincing Donald Trump impersonation just ask a newspaper in the Dominican Republic. El Nacional published an apology on Saturday after mistakenly running a photo of the actor doing his impression of the U.S. president on Saturday Night Live instead of Trump himself. Accompanying an article in its Friday edition headlined in Spanish: Trump says settlements in Israel dont favor peace, a photo of a scowling Baldwin in a blond wig appears next to a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement posted on its website, the Dominican newspaper said a photo of Baldwin imitating Trump over the caption Donald Trump, president of the USA was published on page 19 and the mistake went unnoticed by the newspapers staff. El Nacional apologizes to its readers and anyone who felt affect by the publication of the photo, the statement said. Trump has lashed out at the way Saturday Night Live has lampooned him, saying Baldwins semi-regular portrayal of him stinks. (AP) MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Moshe Gafne, who heads the Degel Hatorah party, has spoken out against the rival Peleg Yerushalmi faction following days of the latters stormy anti-IDF protests and rioting around Israel. Days of violence began with the arrest of a talmid who police handed over to military authorities after learning he failed to register for the draft and was wanted by military authorities. Gafne made his comments during a motzei Shabbos event in Givat Zeev HaChadasha, speaking out against such protests. He questioned where we have a tradition to take part in such hafganos and to send 16-year-old bochrim to face off against police. Where in the world did we hear such things he questioned. He concluded by giving his bracha to the community and its rabbonim and that they should continue flourishing and growing and see the benches in the beis medrash fill. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The Shuvu Banim faction of Breslov reports that Rabbi Eliezer Berland was taken out of prison for emergency surgery and he now remains hospitalized, Walla News reports. Attorney Rotem Tuvol submitted a request on behalf of the rabbi, explaining the need for the surgical procedure. The matter was adjudicated in a closed-door session and the court prohibits publicizing the name of the hospital in which he is being treated. The Rabbi is expected to be hospitalized for at least a week which under the watchful eye of prison authority guards. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) A US official said that the test launch didn't seem to be that of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Japan reacted strongly to the test, calling it an act of provocation. By India Today Web Desk: North Korea fired a ballistic missile today, the South Korean defence ministry said. The ministry said the missile was launched from the Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan Province at around 7.55 am (local time) and flew east towards the Sea of Japan. The ministry said the type of missile was yet to be identified, adding that the missile launched seemed to be aimed at "drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities". "It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump," the ministry further said. advertisement The Pentagon confirmed the launch was not that of an intercontinental ballistic missile. It was a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Pentagon said, but did not comment on whether the test was a success or a failure. South Korean sources meanwhile told Reuters that the missile reached an altitude of about 550 kilometers and flew for about 500 kilometers. Meanwhile, Japan reacted strongly to the launch, calling it an act of provocation to Japan and the region. Japanese Prime Minister said the missile launch is absolutely unacceptable. Abe's comments came at a joint press conference with President Trump, who said the US stands behind Japan '100 per cent'. Abe is currently in the US. South Korea too condemned the launch with the country's foreign ministry saying, "North Korea's repeated provocations show the Kim Jong Un regime's nature of irrationality, maniacally obsessed in its nuclear and missile development." Also read: North Korea may test-launch ICBM soon, says South Korean media North Korea's nuclear dreams South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that the country's military suspected the North may have been testing a intermediate-range Musudan missile. Last October Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missiles twice from the same airbase. North Korea, in 2016, conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. In January leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the "final stages" of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying "It won't happen." The latest North Korean launch also comes after Trump assured visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally. Also read: Donald Trump dismisses North Korea nuclear threat, says it won't happen (With inputs from agencies) --- ENDS --- Bchasdei Hashem, none of the intended victims in an attempted stabbing attack in Hebron sustained injuries. At 4:35PM on Shabbos afternoon, a female terrorist arrived near the Machpelah. She drew a knife upon seeing border police but they reacted too quickly and pointed their weapons at her before she could stab anyone. She they fled and was apprehended nearby, dropping the knife without anyone being injured. The attacker, 17, was taken into custody without incident. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Two Jerusalem residents, men aged 25 and 57 are in police custody; accused of assisting chareidim in getting out of military service by providing medical documentation. The investigation began a month ago, with the arrest of the 25-year-old suspect at a protest against the draft on Rashi Street in Jerusalem, outside of the local draft office. Police searched his home and found over NIS 100,000 in cash. Police explain chareidim seeking to avoid IDF service and are willing to pay would use the suspects who in turn connected them with psychiatrists who issued the necessary paperwork to have them released. The suspects have been released to their homes with restrictions as the police investigation continues. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Love hurts, so the song goes, but it can also wreck your finances if the object of your affection proves to be a fake. Organised gangs of scammers, using both humans and robots, are ruthlessly targeting people through online dating services to steal money and identities. As the number of victims rises, follow our guide to fend off internet love cheats. Love's labour's lost: The average online dating scam costs lonely hearts a staggering 10,000 Romantics are preparing for Valentines Day on Tuesday but Cupids arrow has a costly outcome for an increasing number of single people searching for a soulmate. The booming 12billion online dating market is proving rich fodder for fraudsters who regularly trawl websites to hoodwink thousands of victims out of millions of pounds every year. A dating fraud campaign launched today aims to stamp out these romance scams where dates turn out to be nothing more than fraudsters who destroy peoples lives both financially and emotionally. The crime cost victims a collective 39million last year, a rise of nearly 50 per cent since 2015. Police figures show that 3,900 people reported being duped into parting with an average 10,000 last year through dating websites, with two thirds of victims women and one in four in their 50s. The average time it takes for someone to start sending money to a fraudster is 30 days. The date safe campaign is a collaboration between the charity Victim Support, advice website Get Safe Online, Age UK, City of London Police and Metropolitan Police, working with trade body the Online Dating Association. A spokesman for the City of London Police warns: The numbers we see are just the tip of the iceberg as people often do not report cases because they feel stupid for being deceived. People often do not report cases because they feel stupid for being deceived The campaign hopes to prevent the heartache and financial loss suffered by people such as David, who told The Mail on Sunday about being defrauded of his life savings in a dating scam. The warehouse worker is still piecing his life and finances back together three years on. David, 58, turned to online dating after the break-up of a long-term relationship. He says: I tried to meet someone the conventional way by going out with friends, but got nowhere so I tried a dating website. He soon stumbled across the profile of a woman called Kerry, who resembled someone he had known years before, who had moved to Canada. They began chatting online, but it was not long before she suggested they move their communications off the website. A scammers classic ploy is to lure their target away from the relative safety of the dating website. David says: We started emailing each other instead. The relationship made me happy. About four months later Kerry, who claimed to be 45, began to request money, initially for an air fare from Ghana, where she said she lived. David says: I agreed and sent money through the MoneyGram service at a post office. Have you lost your heart and money to an online trickster? Tell us in confidence. Email sally.hamilton@mailonsunday.co.uk The use of a money transfer service is another crafty ruse, as payees cannot be easily traced. David became suspicious as the requests for cash increased. But so sophisticated was the scam that Kerry produced a plane ticket, visa and other paperwork that all appeared genuine. He even called the immigration number on her documents. Unfortunately, it was an accomplice at the end of the phone. In total, David sent Kerry 15,000. He says: I got into debt, but she said she would pay me back. Many romance scams are even carried out by bots - whose questions and responses are automated using artificial intelligence software When Kerry said she could not get the flight to visit him without yet another payment to immigration, David finally sought advice and learnt he had been scammed. He had been targeted in a wider 7million fraud. Devastated, he turned to Victim Support to help him get back on his feet emotionally, and to debt charity StepChange to sort out his debts. He says: I was encouraged to take up a hobby and have been ballroom dancing several nights a week. It has been great as therapy and for making friends. Ive only just started to be able to trust people again. It would be nice to have romance, but I will never go near another dating website. He said he was a US soldier who needed to get out of the army Another victim who is also wary of the internet and has not used social media since she was scammed is Julie not her real name. Three years ago, Julie signed up to a dating website and fell for a tall, dark and very handsome man in uniform. He claimed to be a widower in his late-40s with a teenage daughter. Julie, then 47, believed he was from the American Midwest, a career soldier and an animal-lover who was fond of travel and looking for a long-term relationship. He told her he needed to buy himself out of the army and asked for thousands of pounds. Julie paid 5,000 in total. It was only when her sister became suspicious that she got in contact with the American Embassy to check his credentials. Her sister told The Mail on Sunday: Within 24 hours they confirmed he didnt exist. And the mobile number hed given her was tracked to Africa. She called it to confront him but he hung up. The number was no longer in service when she tried again. Analysis suggests that most victims of relationship fraud are men and women in their 40s and 50s Julie, like most victims, feels angry, stupid, duped and impotent. Behind the scenes, dating websites try to prevent these nightmares by weeding out scammers. Matt Connolly, founder of MyLovelyParent, aimed at older divorced or widowed customers, says it checks the IP or Internet Protocol address that pinpoints the location of computers. He says: If someone says they are in the UK, but the IP address is Nigeria, then that rings alarm bells and we can delete a profile. None of the profiles go up on the website until they have been approved by humans. Dan Winchester works for Scamalytics, a software company that helps protect many dating websites and their customers. He says: We help websites share intelligence, so if a scammer targets someone on one website this will be flagged up to others. Know the tell-tale signs: How to spot an internet dating fraudster Classic signals that a fraudster is at work include the use of fake photos, culled from other websites, or overly elaborate language on their profile. Winchester says: Sometimes they use the same photos, but with different profiles, which is another red flag. Many romance scams are even carried out by bots whose questions and responses are automated using artificial intelligence software. Their aim can be as simple as to persuade a customer to switch to another better website and take out a new subscription. This can be either a legitimate website that pays commission for new leads or a fake website gathering the cash for itself. Although people of all ages and genders are potential targets, analysis suggests that most victims of relationship fraud are men and women in their 40s and 50s. Winchester says scammers typically use photos of classically attractive women, often blue-eyed brunettes aged about 30, which are lifted from glamour websites, to reel in 50-something males. Female victims are usually hooked with profiles of middle-aged men. They are often of average appearance, wearing shirts with button down collars, and who claim to have solid jobs in the likes of medicine, the military or engineering. It is often this appearance of normality that lures victims in. Neil Masters, national fraud and cyber crime lead at Victim Support, says: We want to encourage anyone who may have been affected to seek help. People should not feel ashamed or embarrassed if they have been tricked this way. Wolfpack Lager, the craft beer business founded by Saracens player Chris Wyles and former captain Alistair Hargreaves, is expanding with its first microbrewery in Queens Park, North West London, due to open imminently. The pair launched Wolfpack Lager, currently brewed in Suffolk, in 2014, when Hargreaves was also still a professional rugby player, as they wanted to plan ahead for their retirement from the sport. Game plan: Hargreaves, left, and Wyles Hargreaves retired last autumn, at 30, after sustaining five concussions in two years, and spoke in support of The Mail on Sundays Concussion Campaign, aimed at raising awareness of the danger from concussion in sport. During his career he won four international caps for South Africa. American-born Wyles has captained the USA Eagles. Hargreaves said to create Wolfpack a nickname for Saracens we consulted a lot of people. We both brew as a hobby, but we went out and spoke to people with decades of experience in brewing. Craft beer: Wolfpack is a nickname for Saracens Rugby Now it is sold in around 50 pubs in London and on the Wolfpack Bus on match days at Allianz Park, the home of Saracens Rugby. The duo have plans to sell Wolfpack through pubs nationwide. If there was a trend in Pakistan that adapts crime thrillers into movies, there would be no doubt that Hamid will pioneer it. By Adila Matra: Pakistani crime writer Omar Shahid Hamid comes with a lot of know-how of the criminal world. He has been a police officer in Pakistan for 16 years and a senior member of Karachi police's Counter Terrorism Department. And that familiarity, paired with a knack for words, translate on to the pages of his books. The Prisoner was the first book that was born out of his five-year sabbatical from the force, and held uncanny resemblances to the underbelly of Karachi--the policemen, politicians and gangsters included. Another book later, Hamid is back with the same grit and a more complex, bone-chilling plot in The Party Worker. advertisement This time, Hamid shuttles between New York and Karachi, includes a Jewish victim, an eight year old Parsi, journalists and cops from the Big Apple. "The story is modelled on a murder that took place in London in 2010, under similar circumstances. It would have been too obvious to set the story in London, but at the same time I wanted to bring in some of my visual experiences of having lived in London and visited New York very frequently over the past five years, so that's why I expanded the canvas to a city outside Pakistan," says the 30-something author-cop. Also Read: Why Jhumpa Lahiri's latest offering on book covers is bad news The characters and the political parties in the book-- the self-exiled Pakistani politician in New York, Mohammed Ali Pichkari, and his party United Front--are obvious stand-ins but Hamid's plot goes beyond this to weave a tale that is very real, yet unimaginable. Even the protagonist Asad Haider has layers that the author prods us to peel. If there was a trend in Pakistan that adapts crime thrillers into movies, there would be no doubt that Hamid will pioneer it. Says the author, "The Prisoner, my first book, was very fortunate to be published at a point when the film industry in Pakistan was just beginning to find its feet, and resultantly a number of people approached me to negotiate the film rights for the book. I am still in negotiation with several parties, and hopefully, we will be able to do a deal soon that will see The Prisoner converted onto the silver screen as Pakistani cinema's first crime thriller/police procedural." Also Read: These 5 books tell you what Operation Bluestar was really all about When asked what was the most outrageous compliment he received as a writer, Hamid says with a nervous laugh, "A while back, a very senior intelligence officer said he and some of his colleagues used my books to try and come up with solutions for Karachi's problems. And that got me really worried." But to get into the psyche of criminals that he has been hunting for so long, nurture them as characters and finally add a dramatic and unpredictable climax require the unusual combo of creativity and perseverance, and Omar Shahid Hamid proudly flaunts it. --- ENDS --- advertisement 125 YEARS AGO 1892: C. R. Howard in from Ash Fork says its been raining there for the past 10 days and they had about 3 inches of snow since the beginning of this year. The thermostat fell below ZERO again this week. Monday night 9 below, Tuesday night it measured 16 BELOW. Then it became warmer on Wednesday with 2 above. While Arbor Day is not celebrated in this vicinity, what with the temperatures and snowfall, citizens were busy planting short sections of pine in their stoves. On Monday the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad shipped a train load of cottages from Coolidge, New Mexico to Winslow where they will be erected to house the trainmen. With the snow from 3 to 20 feet deep all over the mountains there will be plenty of water for several seasons to come, consequently our stock raisers have every reason for anticipating a profitable year to come. The Coconino County Sheepmen who have remained in the vicinity of the San Francisco Mountains have had but few losses this winter while those who left early for the Southern Ranges have had heavy losses. The recent rains there may mean the saving of their flocks. Peter Ellison an A & P Railroad bridge carpenter, slipped and fell under the wheels of a backing switch engine last Saturday night. He was mangled in a terrible manner and taken to Dr. Johnson in Williams who tended him with the utmost care possible but he perished shortly. He was not a young man being about 60 years of age. 100 YEARS AGO 1917: It is now being shown that a number of women in Chicago are wearing trousers and overalls while doing housework in emulation of the women in England. Two department stores have declared that it will not be long before trousers and overalls will be placed in their womens departments as new spring fashions for 1917 . Post Office Manager Byrne reports that there are 60 people on the wait list for a Post Office box. Better times are coming with the coming of the new Post Office. The Camp located at Beardsley will begin shearing in earnest on Monday. Theres a Valentine Dance at the new Marlar Hall on Friday evening beginning at 8 pm the 16th. Taken up. 1 branded broken brown horse & 1 branded Bay horse. Owner may have by identifying and paying feed bill at the A. L. & T. barn in Milton. The Board of Trade is steadily growing along with growing sentiment for the sewer bonds. All who want to partake of the sewer facility will be enabled to have a connection. Harvey Powell who was shot through the lung last week by Mrs. Elsie Marley in a fit of jealous rage died at the hospital in Albuquerque. Before he died he signed a paper absolving her of all blame and saying that she should not be held for murder given his provocation. Senate Secretary Houston announced that the grazing fee on National Forest land will be increased only 25% for the 1917 season instead of 33 1/3% as previously announced. 75 YEARS AGO 1942: Standard Gasoline and Service Stations are holding a 1942 Victory Book Drive. Good books are wanted for Army, Navy and Marine Corp camps. Tennys Market. Prices are born here and raised elsewhere. Eggs, 34 cts doz., No. 300 tin Tomato Juice 5 cts, Columbia River Salmon 39 cts. Lb., Barracuda 35 cts. Lb., Cabrillo Filet 35 cts., T-bone 39 cts. Lb. Calves Liver 50 Cts. Lb. Half or whole Bacon 26 cts. Lb. Let us baby your car for the duration of shortages and priorities. Scientific Motor analysis and tune up. Harrison Seaside Service. One stop shop (wholesale & Retail) between the College and the underpass. The Flagstaff Office of the U. S. Labor Supply Service placed 75 Job Seekers during the month of December. G. W. OReillly Manager. At the Orpheum Nothing but the Truth with Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard. Plus a color cartoon The Field Mouse. Earphones for the hard of hearing available. The Annual Valentines Day Charity Ball at the Monte Vista netted $185.60 for the Infantile Paralysis Fund. Mrs. Mary P. Lewis, County Chairman. Deputy County assessor reports that he has sold 2,136 license plates for 1942 year. Delinquent plate requests are now subject to a fine. 50 YEARS AGO 1967: In the year's first Lake Powell accident, a plane that took off from an old paved road about 5 miles from Page then plunged into the icy waters of Lake Powell. The 3 men aboard escaped from the plane into the 35 40 degree lake water. Only one managed to survive in the near freezing water and reach shore. He built a warming fire then walked barefoot 5 miles to Wahweap Marina. The cause of the crash is undetermined. Breaking entry and eating complaint has been filed. Someone broke in at 923 Coconino. The raider broke in through the bathroom window, ate what he could find in the refrigerator and leaving a stack of dirty dishes behind when he exited through the rear door. A Flagstaff police officer found 2 packs of marijuana underneath a seat in his vehicle. It appears that a person previously arrested had tucked it up there. Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph is at the Administrative Offices at NAU this week demonstrating the use of computers as a Super Teacher. It can handle 23 calls for information all at once. The new Coconino High School will be computerizing all student registrations as will both Junior High Schools thus saving weeks of manual scheduling. Sheriff Cecil Richardson warns merchants that there is currently a rash of phone calls from so-called advertising men soliciting advertising. Avoid being a victim. Real Ad men seeking your business will call in person and be carrying identification of themselves as a representative of their publication.. H. 57 Fr. L. 14 Wed. No snow. 25 YEARS AGO 1992: The new just established in February 1992 Family Food Center at 1903 N. Fourth St. is feeding about 100 people each evening! They had expected to have about 25 to 30 hungry people. Business is booming and about 40 percent of them are children. Retired Sou Chef Dan Johnson prepares its one meal a day. A search in Oak Creek was initiated on Thursday after a small pick-up truck was seen being swept away from the concrete crossing at Rainbow Bridge. The driver was seen further on downstream waving her arms for assistance but the water was moving too swiftly for an attempt to be made. The victim Tracy Porter's body was found later near the Midgley Bridge. Rainfall has been very heavy in the Oak Creek water shed. Valentines Special at Ruby Lous, 2080 S. Milton both Friday and Saturday evening. 2 stuffed Idaho Mountain Salmon served with a vegetable, roll beverage and desert $19.95. Real Home cooking the way you remember. H. 40 Wed. Low 11 Tues. Its been a slow go on Humphreys. Snow over of 8 left 2 official precipitation. Theres been 108 of snow so far this season. Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz on Saturday said the Indian Ocean faced challenges to peace due to its militarisation, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, increased missile capabilities and power projection by foreign militaries. By Indo-Asian News Service: Pakistan is determined to counter growing threats to peace in the Indian Ocean, particularly from its "nuclearisation" by India, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz said. Aziz on Saturday said the Indian Ocean faced challenges to peace due to its militarisation, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, increased missile capabilities and power projection by foreign militaries, Dawn online reported. advertisement The foreign affairs advisor also listed piracy, illegal fishing; human, drugs and arms smuggling; maritime pollution and climate change as major problems. Also read: Pakistan successfully tests second nuclear-capable missile "This trend is likely to intensify in the coming years," he warned at the 'International maritime conference on strategic outlook in Indian Ocean region, 2030 and beyond -- evolving challenges and strategies'. "We are aware of our national interests and every effort will be made to strengthen our capacity to ensure that we remain ready to meet the emerging maritime security challenges. For us, to remain oblivious of the developments taking place in the Indian Ocean region is not an option." Aziz said nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean had further destabilised the region. Pakistan's vested interest It was in Pakistan's vested interest that the region remained peaceful as 95 per cent of the country's trade took place through sea and it had over 1,000 km long coastline, an Exclusive Economic Zone of around 300,000 sq km, the Karachi port and the newly built deep sea port of Gwadar. He said the Indian Navy's substantial expansion was a cause of concern for Islamabad. "Pakistan has a strategic stake in the peaceful navigation and security of the Indian Ocean region." Also read: India successfully test-fires interceptor missile off Odisha coast "We realise the economic potential of the region. As the third-largest ocean providing coastline to more than 30 countries, the Indian Ocean provides connectivity not only to important regions in Asia, particularly South Asia and the Middle East, and Africa, it also connects Australia with Europe. Regular dialogue between stakeholders on security and safety have never been so important." He said an estimated 55 per cent of oil reserves of the world and 40 per cent of gas were located in the region. Indian Ocean as global trade route "Today, some 40 per cent of the global trade passes through the Indian Ocean. With the rise of Asia as the global powerhouse, the region indeed offers the unique platform for the globalised world as an attractive trade route. At present ports in the Indian Ocean handle about 30 per cent global trade and half the world's container traffic. But the establishment of a new system of routes and ports will further increase the economic importance of this ocean," he said. advertisement Aziz said the Indian Ocean region was not all about war. "It is a catalyst for peace and prosperity, cooperation, collaboration, connectivity and stability and security." He suggested that Pakistan, taking advantage of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), should begin working on two supplementary corridors. "There should be a corridor connecting Pakistan to West Asia and Africa. The West Asian corridor could go by Iran to Central Asia and Moscow and via Iran and Turkey to Europe and a second corridor would pass through or around the Gulf region and penetrate into Africa," he said, pointing out that Africa in particular was an upcoming continent with lots of potential. --- ENDS --- Firm founders Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca were detained because of the risk they might try to flee the country. By Reuters: The two founders of Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca were arrested on Saturday, the attorney general's office said, after both were indicted on charges of money-laundering in a case allegedly tied to a wide-ranging corruption scandal in Brazil. Firm founders Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca were detained because of the risk they might try to flee the country. Attorney General Kenia Porcell told reporters on Saturday that the information collected so far "allegedly identifies the Panamanian firm as a criminal organization that is dedicated to hiding assets or money from suspicious origins." advertisement Porcell said the one-year investigation that led to the arrests has been aided by prosecutors in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Switzerland and the United States. Mossack Fonseca is also at the centre of a separate case known as the Panama Papers, which involved millions of documents stolen from the firm and leaked to the media in April 2016. ALSO READ | Panama papers scandal: Law firm partners Ramon Fonseca Mora, Jurgen Mossack arrested The fallout from the leaks provoked a global scandal after numerous documents detailed how the rich and powerful used offshore corporations to hide money and potentially evade taxes. On Thursday, prosecutors raided Mossack Fonseca offices seeking evidence, and the homes of the firm's founders were searched on Friday. Fonseca, a former presidential adviser in Panama, has previously denied that the firm had any connection to Brazilian engineering company Odebrecht, which has admitted to bribing officials in Panama and other countries to obtain government contracts in the region between 2010 and 2014. "This investigation in principle is not related to Odebrecht, but to the Lava Jato case," Porcell said, referring to the probe centered on Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras. Fonseca has also denied any relationship with the Lava Jato case. Following the arrests, Mossack Fonseca defense lawyer Elias Solano called the accusations against the firm's founders "weak" and said he would challenge the evidence presented against his clients. A source in the prosecutors office told Reuters that an unidentified third lawyer with the firm had also been arrested, while a fourth faces an arrest warrant, but her whereabouts are unknown. ALSO READ | PM Nawaz Sharif's conversation with Trump won't save him from Panama case says, Imran Khan --- ENDS --- Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Patrick Donachie In the aftermath of the razor-thin confirmation Tuesday of Betsy DeVos as the education secretary in President Trumps cabinet, elected officials expressed concern about her views on public education. As the chair of the Assembly Education Committee and as a parent of a public school student, I am concerned about Secretary DeVoss views on policies which I believe will negatively affect our public schools, teachers, parents and most importantly our wonderful students, state Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Astoria) said. I have opposed her confirmation and am grateful our two New York senators voted no. Our students need more resources, not less. Northeast Queens has the two top-performing school districts in the city District 26 in the Bayside area and District 25 in the Flushing area. DeVos, a philanthropist and a former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, is an avowed advocate of school voucher programs and charter schools. Supporters laud her work in promoting school choice, but critics believe her tenure could be destructive to public education. At a news conference Jan. 17, Mayor Bill de Blasio said any push to dismantle public education on the part of DeVos could be misguided. There is a tremendous feeling for public education in this country, including in rural districts, including in red states, and anything that might undercut resources for our public schools is going to meet with a lot of opposition, he said. DeVos was criticized by Democrats for her answers during a Senate confirmation hearing Jan. 17, and many lawmakers reported hearing strong criticism from constituents, urging elected officials not to confirm DeVos. Two Republicans joined all Democratic senators in voting no to make the confirmation vote a 50-50 tie that needed to be broken by Vice President Mike Pence. Some city education leaders expressed support for DeVos, including Eva Moskowitz, the CEO of Success Academy. Moskowitz, an advocate for charter schools and a frequent critic of the de Blasio administration, said DeVos was right for the job. Betsy DeVos confirmation as education secretary is a positive step forward for the millions of public schoolchildren across America who have been failed by a broken education system, Moskowitz said. Her leadership and drive will deliver meaningful reforms and start a new chapter for all children no matter race, socioeconomic status, or zip code to have access to high-quality schools. De Blasio said New Yorkers concerned about DeVoss impact on city schools should know that the federal government could only do so much to local control of schools. Its not going to stop us from doing everything were doing, he said. But I also dont want to overstate the threat. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Philip Newman A South Ozone Park man has been charged with sex trafficking, rape and other crimes for allegedly forcing a 16-year-old girl into a life of prostitution and threatening to kill her should she try to flee from her plight, the Queens DA said. The defendant took advantage of a young girl shortly after she turned 16 to enslave and force her to work as a prostitute and turn all of her earnings over to him beginning when she was 16 and with physically abusing her and threatening her with death when she pleaded to be allowed to stop living as a prostitute, said DA Richard Brown. Some would say prostitution is a victimless crime, Brown said. It is not. Brown identified the defendant as Shawn Hawkins, 23, of 122nd Street in South Ozone Park. Hawkins was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court Judge Bruna Dibiase on a criminal complaint charging him with sex trafficking, promoting prostitution and endangering the welfare of a child. Hawkins faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. He was held on $500,000 bond, $250,000 cash bail and ordered to return to court March 21, Brown said. According to the charges, Hawkins took the girl now 18 to a Jamaica hotel around her 16th birthday and had sexual intercourse with her, then asked her to work for him as a prostitute. He is alleged to have posted signs advertising the girl and illustrated with her photo, the complaint said. Hawkins demanded that the girl address him as Daddy. According to the charges, when Hawkins ordered the victim to work as a prostitute on Jan 14, 2017 she refused and Hawkins punched her in the face and threw her to the floor, spraining her ankle. While then girl lay on the floor, Hawkins is alleged to have repeatedly punched her face, bruising her left eye. On occasions when the girl was too tired to work, Hawkins made her take cocaine or Xanax to keep calm and at work. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Joyce Shepard Do the people remember when President Richard Nixon made one very big mistake and was impeached? President Nixon made one mistake in the eight months he sat in the Oval Office, while President Donald J. Trump has been in office less than three weeks, as I am writing this letter, and has made big mistakes each day of his reign. When is enough enough? I was appalled when Trump announced that U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer was crying fake tears as he protested the ban on Muslims. Could it be possible that the ban on Muslims brought memories of the Holocaust and the ban against Jews? Could it be possible that Senator Schumers parents were in that ban? When will enough be enough? When will our representatives start discussing an impeachment effort to get this madman out of the Oval Office? And, send him back to his failing businesses before he makes our country bankrupt. When will our first lady appear? Or, is Melania shedding tears as Senator Schumer did because her husbands reign reminds her of the communist country she fled. Can someone with knowledge please answer my questions and let the people know what we can do to get Trump out of Washington and send him back to his ivory (gold) tower? Joyce Shepard Bay Terrace Strong defense, pair of goals from Shaye Bailey hands Freedom WPIAL Class 1A championship A shutdown defense and a pair of second-half goals from junior Shaye Bailey led the Freedom Bulldogs to a convincing 3-0 win over Springdale Friday. Albany Police are investigating a homicide that occurred early Sunday morning on Clinton Avenue. Albany police were called to a home on the 200 block of Clinton Avenue around 12:15 a.m. Sunday, where they found a 25-year-old male shot in the torso. The victim was treated at the scene and taken to Albany Medical Center where he later died, police said. Officials aren't releasing the victim's name until "proper notification has been made." Police did not provide a description or information on a possible suspect. Police are asking that anyone with information about the shooting contact the department's Detective Division at 462-8039. afries@timesunion.com 518-454-5353 @mandy_fries Schenectady A minor wall fire at 1044 Union Place in Schenectady displaced 16 residents after code enforcement officials decided the building was uninhabitable. The fire in the five-unit, wood-frame building near Union Street and Union College started at around 1:50 p.m. Saturday and was out about 20 minutes later, according to Deputy Chief Deputy Chief Vince Krawiecki. There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. The Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross says it is helping 10 adults and six children with financial assistance for shelter, food and clothing. Berlin A German parliamentary assembly will elect the country's new president on Sunday, with a respected former foreign minister who last year called Donald Trump one of the world's "hate preachers" the overwhelming favorite to win. The German president has little executive power, but is considered an important moral authority. The new head of state will succeed Joachim Gauck, a 77-year-old former pastor and East German pro-democracy activist, who announced last year that he wouldn't seek a second five-year term because of his age. The president is elected by a special 1,260-member assembly made up of the 630 lawmakers in parliament's lower house and an equal number of representatives from Germany's 16 states. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany's foreign minister until last month, has the support of Chancellor Angela Merkel's "grand coalition" of center-right and center-left parties. Between them, Merkel's conservative Union bloc and the center-left Social Democrats her junior coalition partners hold 923 seats, which should assure Steinmeier's election. Steinmeier, a Social Democrat, emerged as the government's candidate after Merkel was unable to find a conservative of presidential stature willing to run for the job. He has long been one of Germany's most popular politicians, although he failed in a long-shot bid to unseat Merkel as chancellor in 2009. The presidential vote is likely to be one of the last moments of coalition unity ahead of a parliamentary election in September in which Merkel is seeking a fourth term. Both sides hope to end the "grand coalition." The Social Democrats are currently enjoying a poll boost from their surprise nomination as her challenger of Martin Schulz, a former European Parliament president. Unlike Gauck, who has no party affiliation, Steinmeier has had a long career in German politics. As former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's chief of staff, he was one of the main architects of Schroeder's 2003 package of economic reforms and welfare cuts, which has been credited with making the German economy more robust. Under Merkel, he served twice as foreign minister from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 until this year, with a stint as opposition leader in between. He has won respect for his persistence in trying to resolve the long-running crisis in Ukraine. Steinmeier, 61, is normally studiously diplomatic, but strongly criticized Trump during the U.S. election campaign. Asked in August about the rise of right-wing populism in Germany and elsewhere, Steinmeier criticized those who "make politics with fear." He cited the nationalist Alternative for Germany party, the promoters of Britain's exit from the European Union, and "the hate preachers, like Donald Trump at the moment in the United States." There are four other candidates in Sunday's election. The opposition Left Party nominated Christoph Butterwegge, a political science professor who opposed Schroeder's economic reforms. A deputy leader of Alternative for Germany, Albrecht Glaser, also is running, as is Alexander Hold, nominated by the small Free Voters party in Bavaria, and Engelbert Sonneborn, the father of a satirist. The Prime Minister is learnt to have given the directive at a recent Cabinet meeting, sources said. By Press Trust of India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked his ministerial colleagues to give details of tours, if any, undertaken by them during the last three months, an exercise aimed at ascertaining whether they promoted demonetisation and other initiatives, sources said. The Prime Minister is learnt to have given the directive at a recent Cabinet meeting, the sources said. advertisement They have been asked to submit the details by Monday. Minister for Rural Development Narendra Singh Tomar has been directed to coordinate with the Ministries for this task, the sources added. "All the ministers have been asked to submit details of their outstation tour programmes of the last three months. If not on tour, they should mention if they were in Delhi and attended office. "The idea is to know if the Ministers visited places beyond their respective constituencies to promote initiatives of government, particularly demonetisation. The exercise is also aimed at knowing if they were balancing office work and field duties," a source said. Also read: Uttarakhand polls: A chaiwala is fighting mighty people for poor, says PM Modi PM Modi raises election pitch in Uttarakhand: Those who turned devbhoomi a loot bhoomi must be defeated --- ENDS --- Los Angeles Advocacy groups say Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are rounding up people in large numbers around the country as part of stepped-up enforcement under President Donald Trump. They say a roundup in Southern California was especially heavy-handed and cite arrests in places such as Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Texas and North Carolina that have rattled immigrants. The government says it's simply enforcing the laws and conducting routine enforcement targeting immigrants in the country illegally with criminal records. Authorities say it's no different than what happened during the Obama years on a regular basis. The truth lies somewhere in between. Here are some of the facts surrounding what's happening with immigration enforcement: Trump vs. Obama As a candidate, Donald Trump vowed to take a hard line on immigration. Five days after taking office, he signed a sweeping executive order that made clear that just about any immigrant living in the country illegally could be a priority for deportation, particularly those with outstanding deportation orders. The order also said enforcement priorities would include convicted criminals, immigrants who had been arrested for any criminal offense, those who committed fraud, and anyone who may have committed a crime. Under President Barack Obama, the government focused on immigrants in the country illegally who posed a threat to national security or public safety and recent border crossers. But despite the narrower focus, more than 2 million people were deported during Obama's time in office, including a record of more than 409,000 people in 2012. At one point, he was dubbed the "Deporter in Chief" by his critics. The record was reached with the help of the Secure Communities program that helped the government identify immigrants in the country illegally who had been arrested. In the latter half of Obama's tenure, deportations plummeted to lows matching those of former President George W. Bush's term. Is order spurring raids? Immigration officials say raids are not a direct result of Trump's order. David Marin, ICE's field office director for enforcement and removal operations in greater Los Angeles, said the agency carries out these operations two or three times a year in his region. He says the California operation was in the planning stages "before the administration came out with their current executive orders." But immigrant rights groups say the actions are harsher than in the past. Advocates began fielding calls Thursday from immigrants and their lawyers reporting raids at homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area. In one instance, agents showed up at the home of a house painter, Manuel Mosqueda, looking to arrest an immigrant who wasn't there. In the process, they spoke with Mosqueda, arrested him and put him on a bus to Mexico though lawyers were able to halt his deportation and bring him back. In all, ICE arrested about 160 people during a five-day sweep in Southern California aimed at immigrants with criminal histories and deportation orders, including a Salvadoran gang member wanted in his country and a Brazilian drug trafficker. Marin acknowledged that five of those arrested would not have met the Obama administration's enforcement priorities. The agency called it an "enforcement surge" that was no different than enforcement actions carried out in the past and said a "rash of recent reports about purported ICE checkpoints and random sweeps are false, dangerous, and irresponsible." The new normal? Despite the claims that this is business as usual, an indication of the changed tactics came earlier in the week when Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly testified before Congress. He told lawmakers immigration agents expressed frustration about that they were not fully allowed to enforce immigration laws under the Obama administration. He predicted Trump's directives would end that frustration. "I think their morale has suffered because of the job they were hired to do, and then in their sense, they're ... kind of hobbled or, you know, hands tied behind their back, that kind of thing," Kelly told the House Homeland Security Committee. "And now, they feel more positive about things. I bet if you watch the morale issue, you'll ... be surprised going forward." Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan, previously in charge of the agency's enforcement and removal operations, earlier this month made a point of noting that his agents would enforce the law. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Paris A peaceful demonstration protesting the alleged rape of a black youth by police has degenerated, with small groups igniting at least one car and throwing projectiles at police in a Paris suburb. Officers responded with tear gas. Hundreds demonstrated Saturday by the courthouse in the northeast Paris suburb of Bobigny, calling for justice for the 22-year-old man arrested Feb. 2 in Aulnay-Sous-Bois during a ID check by four police officers. The young man who is still hospitalized says he was sodomized with a police baton. The situation has sparked a week of nightly unrest in several small towns with minority populations. One officer was charged with aggravated rape and three others with aggravated assault. All deny the allegations. An RTL radio van was set ablaze Saturday in the unrest. By PTI: From Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Feb 12 (PTI) Nepal will plunge into a severe crisis in case of a failure to hold all three levels of elections within next 11 months, Prime Minister Prachanda said today as the countrys Maoist cadres observed the 22nd Peoples War Day. Prachanda, Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre), said the achievements made through the Maoist "peoples war" would not be allowed to go in vain at any cost. advertisement "Achievements from the peoples war will not be allowed to go waste. And we must be ready to make another sacrifice if need be to safeguard them," he said, speaking at a programme organised at CPN (Maoist Centre) party office on the occasion. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for holding all three levels of elections within the next 11 months to protect the achievements gained from the revolt and the new Constitution. "Our country will fall into a severe crisis if it does not happen so," he said. Describing the Constitution as a dynamic document which could be amended with time, he said the government was preparing to move ahead while protecting the rights of all. He said the Maoist war was a "historical movement" to unite hill, mountain and Tarai while sharing that people from all three parts of the country had contributed equally in the insurgency. Dahal expressed confidence that all Maoist parties will be united by next year. More than 16,000 people lost their lives during the decade-long Maoist insurgency against monarchy that ended in 2006 through a peace deal with the then government. Meanwhile, senior leader of Nepali Congress and former deputy prime minister Prakash Man Singh said the democratic system could not function without proper implementation of the new Constitution that was promulgated in September 2015. "Holding timely elections are essential for the implementation of the Constitution," he said. "The local body polls, which are scheduled to take place in May, should be conducted on time so that the roots of democracy would be strengthened," he added. While Maoist cadres marked the 22nd Peoples War Day, the Conflict Victims National Society observed it as a black day and staged an hour-long sit-in protest near the southern gate of the Singha Durbar. During the sit-in programme, the victims demanded justice while criticising the government and political parties for delaying justice through transitional justice mechanisms. PTI SBP PMS --- ENDS --- A meeting of the Roscrea Community Development Committee (RCDC), heard concerns regarding the fate of Roscrea Garda Station and the Swimming Pool. Cllr Michael Smith told the meeting that Roscrea had received a Ministerial commitment that there would be a strong commitment to better signage coming into town, especially regarding historic sites, and that Tipperary Co. Council would match that funding. This would come in conjunction with a new signage strategy for the town. Secondly, Roscrea will soon benefit from a scheme piloted in Cashel, where visitors who spend at least 15 in shops, would receive a voucher to visit Roscrea Castle, and Damer House. Sinn Fein representative Warren Dunne said Tour Guides in the Castle are put in the position where they cannot mention the four men executed there in 1923: that area is where they were shot. Garda Station There had been a lot of phone calls regarding the Garda Station, said Cllr Eddie Moran, who called on the Chief Supt. Catherine Kehoe to attend to answer questions. Mr Dunne said RCDC meetings seem to jump from one problem to the next without taking a stand. There has been no public rally to defend the Dean Maxwell home, he said. Mr Lee said the planned protest rally for Roscrea Garda Station is due for February 11th, at 3pm outside AIB bank. I got a lot of phone calls regarding whats going on. Were told its not being downgraded. Roscrea has a population of 5,500, with a lot of vulnerable people. The doors are closed to the public. The dogs on the street know its being downgraded. Mr Lee said he had gone to the Station to find the doors closed, then rang the Station where he was put through to Nenagh. They dont know what youre talking about. Are we doormats? RCDC Chairperson John Lupton said they had been told the Station was 24 hours. Mike Edwards of Roscrea Mens Shed said it might be that a Garda has to be out of the Station in a patrol car, but if funding is being diverted from the Station, then its fairly serious. Mr Lee said pressure should be put on Deputies Lowry and Kelly regarding the Station. Swimming Pool Mr PJ Wright called for clarity on Roscrea Swimming Pool and what happened at a recent Board of Management meeting. There seems to be some confusion between Cllr Smith and Cllr (John) Hogan. Cllr Smith said theres no confusion. The decision was made by the Board to suspend a plan to reduce hours. But you have to talk to staff, and thats whats being done at the moment. The decision will take 5 weeks to implement. Ellen Doherty read a statement issued to the media confirming the Boards decision regarding the hours of operation. Mr Wright said there should be annual meeting of the Board in public with local residents. Some 30,000 is needed to keep the Pool operating. Mr Dunne said its the people of the town who owned that pool. People had fought long and hard for it, and now find themselves fighting again to keep it open. Cllr Smith said mistakes were made but we learn from those mistakes, and now its one of the best operated pools in the region. A subvention for the pool has increased from 60k to 95k, although other centres get larger subventions, and this anomaly needs to be addressed. Management need to be given space, said Cllr Smith. Charity Events Mike Edwards said people who want to partake in the upcoming Cycle Against Suicide, taking in Dublin, Roscrea, and Cork, should call him (0879841033). There will be an Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) meeting next Wednesday (Feb. 8) regarding grief and loss, in Abbey Street, at 7pm. Guest speaker is Breda Carroll from Co. Wexford, of the Wexford Wheelers. Meanwhile, Ard Ross Residents are holding a fundraiser for a Poly-tunnel in aid of 'Keep The Children Involved Project'. Some proceeds will go to Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin Dublin. This will take place in Biddy's Bar Roscrea on Saturday 4th March. This project will benefit everyone in the area of Chapel Lane Cois Eaglais and Ard Ross. A look back on all of our reporting of the Delphi murders since 2017 crime By PTI: From Aditi Khanna London, Feb 12 (PTI) Queen Elizabeth II will host a spectacular UK-India Year of Culture launch at Buckingham Palace at the end of this month to strengthen the special cultural partnership between the two countries. UKs senior-most Indian-origin minister, Priti Patel, who will be among the key Cabinet ministers at the event, described it as a real demonstration of the strong ties between the two countries. advertisement "It will be a spectacular event and a wonderful opportunity to do more to celebrate the India-UK relationship," Patel, Britains Secretary of State for International Development, told PTI. The Palace had officially announced the date of the reception as February 27 in the monarchs engagements calendar earlier this week: "Her Majesty The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh will give a reception to mark the launch of the UK India Year of Culture 2017." Queen Elizabeth II, 90, is the worlds longest reigning sovereign and has become the first British monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee, with 65 years on the throne. The reception is expected to attract hundreds of guests from across various fields in the UK and India, including a senior Cabinet minister from the Indian side. "Throughout the year, we are going to see great works of art, great collaborations, all the cultural aspects coming together and a real demonstration of how strong our cultural ties are. It is going to be really exciting," Patel said. The Conservative party MP, who has completed six months in office as minister in the Department for International Development (DfID), described her last few months in the post as a "humbling and rewarding" experience. She has been on several visits to war-torn regions and has just returned from Lebanon and Jordan, countries at the heart of the Syrian refugee crisis. "Its been pretty humbling, my first six months; particularly where I have been and the state of the world in general. My focus has been on many of the humanitarian crises that have concentrated all our minds, in particular Syria," she said. "The UK has been at the forefront of dealing with the crisis. We have committed 2.3 billion pounds since the start of this conflict. It is our biggest ever response to humanitarian crisis and makes us the second-largest bilateral humanitarian donor. We have helped to get over 250,000 Syrian children into schools and get them educated." advertisement Asked about some of the negative rhetoric around refugees coming out of countries like the US under President Donald Trump, she said: "The US are a huge supporter to the refugee crisis, we should not lose sight of that. They are the number one contributor in the region." PTI AK AMS ABH AMS --- ENDS --- TODAY KANSAS CITY MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS THE MIDDLE-CLASS DEBATING BABY MURDER ON A WARM SATURDAY AFTERNOON!!! Quick culture war update on a topic wherein neither side will convince the other . . .Check the roundup of Conservatives who will never hold their own party accountable for the ongoing slaughter and local progressives who prize "ripping babies out of the womb" to quote Prez Trump . . .The rundown . . .Again, the tragic thing here is that the slaughter continues despite public opinion falling away from support of abortion and the desperate attempt to confuse women's rights with infant murder.Developing . . . "Some day I hope to meet you. When that happens you'll need a new nose, a lot of beefsteak for black eyes, and perhaps a supporter below!" Truman Library: Harry Truman to Music Critic Paul Hume Biz Insider: Harry Truman once wrote a newspaper columnist a scathing letter for being critical of his daughter A shame that Kansas City media didn't at least acknowledge parallels to former Prez Truman's angry defense of his daughter amid a great deal ofMoney quote from the Meth Town Prez to a lowly music critic after a scathing review of his daughter Margret. . .Review of the current beef with the local connection . . .Again, it's a shame that the story was consigned to Conservative click-bait media because there are a great many local experts who who could have shed light on this story and offered a teaching moment for Kansas City residents throughout the metro about our local connection to current debates over Presidential power and ethics . . . Instead, locals play the losing partisan game rather than offering a glimpse at local real life and real talk.You decide . . . ALL TODAY'S KANSAS CITY IMMIGRATION HYSTERIA NEGLECTS CONSTANT ABDUCTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS!!! Our Democratic Party friends and other so-called progressives quickly forget that President Obama and his policies helped to deport more people than any other Administration so far. Life goes on and TKC TOLD YOU that the war of terror and alleged Muslim targeting would eventually be focused upon low-wage undocumented Mexican workers who are easier to find than drug dealers, criminals and/or terrorists. Today, Kansas City leaders are confronting threats ofThere's even a silly rumor that ICE will be targeting places of worship, which is kinda silly and scary because that's just the start of places that cater to the undocumented/illegal . . . Walmart is probably just as guilty.However . . .Meanwhile,. . .A quote from our blog community: "I'm hearing ICE is already arresting undocumented workers in Kansas City. Things are on edge tonight. We're hearing about mass arrest in nearby cities. The question of the day is, "is Mayor Sly James in control of the City anymore." #SLYDONTBACKDOWN"Nevertheless . . .And yet there's still hope given thatbecause at the end of the day, tough talk from politicos and their acolytes rarely changes circumstances for the working poor of any demographic persuasion . . . Sadly, this is something that so many neophytes to politics are slowly starting to learn.You decide . . . Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias will pay a two-day official visit, the first after the opening of the Greek embassy in Hanoi ten years ago, to Vietnam. On Monday, Kotzias will meet with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Bhin Minh and with Alternate Foreign Minister Pham Sanh Chau and is also expected to be received by the country' Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. On Tuesday, the Greek Foreign Minister will visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh where he will lay a wreath and afterwards he will visit General Vo Nguyen Giap's historic residence. Later, Kotzias will visit Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in population in Vietnam and a very important industrial and cultural centre, where he will meet with the chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong. Before departing he will tour the High Tech Park and the War Museum. The visit aims to further strengthen the, already very good, relations at political level and in parallel to seek ways to broaden the cooperation in culture and education. Moreover, the possibility of a bilateral economic and trade cooperation will be examined with emphasis on the attraction of investments as well as the promotion of joint actions in the defence industry. The visit is part of Kotzias' active foreign policy through which is sought Greece's promotion into a stable interlocutor with the rapidly developing countries, independent of their geographic position in order Greece to become a bridge of communication of these specific countries' category with Europe and particularly with the European Union. 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 actress' latest saree might just be the perfect pick for a Valentine's Day date. By India Today Web Desk: With Rangoon all set to the hit big screen on February 24, its leading stars, Shahid Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut, are promoting the movie rigorously. Spotted together recently, the movie's starcast looked its fashionable best while on yet another promotional stint. While both Shahid and Saif kept things casual by pairing round-neck tees with jackets, it was Kangana's saree we're all heart(s) for. advertisement Also Read: Go home everybody, Kangana Ranaut's latest outfit just won the world Dressed in a pastel-hued, pink saree with heart motifs, Kangana gave the world some serious Valentine's Day fashion inspiration. Photo: Yogen Shah Styled by Ami Patel and Sanjay Kumar Dauhaliya, Kangana looked every bit a vintage heroine in her Galang Gabaan saree that was paired with a puffed-sleeve blouse. Add to that some subtle makeup, perfect curls and a pair of elegant earring by Amrapali Jewels, and you're good to go. --- ENDS --- The Saudi government has approved two prime locations - Sudair City for Industry and Businesses and Riyadh-Hawtat Rani Tamim Road - for its upcoming airport projects, said a report. Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar has endorsed recommendations regarding the locations of two domestic airports to be built in the northern and southeastern clusters of development centres in the region, according to Arab News. The location of the airport serving the northern cluster of development centres has been selected and reserved northeast of Sudair City for Industry and Businesses, over a total area of 24 sq km, it stated. The northern cluster includes the provinces of Zulfa, Al Magmaah and Al Ghat. The location is expected to achieve integration between air and railway transport on one side, and the industrial activities and logistic services offered by Sudair City for Industry and Businesses on the other, according to the report. The airports location will boost economic and demographic development in the northern cluster of development centres, the report said, citing Prince Faisal, who is also the chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh (HCDR). The airport serving the southeastern clusters of development centres will be developed over a 42-sq-km area on Riyadh-Hawtat Rani Tamim Road. The southeastern region of development centres includes the provinces of Al Kharj, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al Hariq and Al Aflaj said the report. The airports location will serve the provinces of Al Kharj, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al Hariq and Al Aflaj, as well as southern Riyadh, it added. The Executive Committee at the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, headed by Saeed Eid Al Ghafli, visited the site of the Louvre Abu Dhabi project, being built in the Saadiyat Cultural District of Abu Dhabi. The delegation was greeted by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, and Sufian Hasan Al Marzooqi, CEO of the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), said a Wam report. The visit included a tour of the project site and a briefing on the latest developments in the construction of the museum and its facilities. The tour started with the museums unique dome, which will allow light to enter the museums halls and corridors, to give what has been named as the "rain of light" effect. The dome will be fabricated into star-shaped aluminium and stainless steel corrosion resistant pieces, the largest of which will measure 13 m and weigh 1.3 tonnes. Its general structure will have a metal cover made up of eight layers -- four internal and four external, containing 7,850 pieces overall. The tour then continued to the maritime front, designed to give the illusion of the museum as a floating island, followed by a visit to the permanent and temporary exhibition rooms. Members of the committee who visited the site included: Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, chairman of Health Authority; Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of the Department of Economic Development; Dr Rawda Saeed Al Saedi, director-general of the Executive Committee Office, as well as a number of officials. Once completed, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will become an architectural masterpiece, with permanent exhibition rooms, temporary exhibition halls, a childrens museum and a theatre. Its 9,200-sq-m surface area will hold a rich and varied collection of timeless works of art, the report said. The Louvre Abu Dhabi will be the first museum to open in the Saadiyat Cultural District, and is the result of an agreement between the governments of the UAE and France. It will be the first international museum located in the Arab world, and will embody the spirit of cultural openness and dialogue, it said. The museum will display works of historic, cultural and social importance that reflect various periods, from antiquity to early civilisation, the Middle Ages, the start of Islam, the classical period, the Renaissance, right up to the modern age. DB Engineering and Consultancy, a provider of sophisticated mobility and transport solutions, is equipping the Doha Metro project with world-class technology and tailor-made transport solutions, a report said. With this, Qatar Rail will be able to operate high standard systems that are safe, reliable, and cost-efficient, Michael Ahlgrimm, DB Engineering and Consulting executive director Qatar, was quoted as saying in a Gulf Times report. He said DB E&Cs main tasks include alignment, stakeholder interaction, preliminary design and tender design, design review, and technical support to Qatar Rail in all fields of railways engineering. Our understanding of our role in this project was to develop a world-class metro for Qatar. This is in accordance with the clients requirements and based on our huge experience of planning and delivering international projects. Our focus was to plan a safe, sustainable, and high-quality metro system at an economically-reasonable price, Ahlgrimm told Gulf Times. Tata Motors, Indias largest automobile manufacturer and among the top 10 commercial vehicles manufacturers globally, has launched its Smart truck brand Tata Prima in Saudi Arabia. A next-generation range of heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the Tata Prima sets new benchmarks in styling and features, with a combination of power, world-class performance, fuel efficiency, superior technology and safety, the company said. Developed with Tata Motors subsidiary Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles (TDCV), the Tata Prima range is designed and developed with technical inputs from across the world, hence is also referred to as the World-Smart Truck from Tata Motors. The truck is based on an Italian cab design, with engine technology from the US, gearbox expertise from the US and Germany, chassis frame know-how from Mexico and sheet metal dies from Japan and Korea, combined with Swedish precision on a robotic weld line, it said. Tata Motors unveiled two new Prima heavy-duty trucks in Saudi Arabia the Prima 4438.S (4x2) tractor head and the Prima 4038.K (6x4) construction tipper, with Saudi dealer-partner Manahil International Company, a unit of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi & Brothers group (MYNM). Ravindra Pisharody, executive director, Commercial Vehicles Business unit, Tata Motors, said: The launch of our next-generation range of Tata Prima heavy-duty commercial vehicles is an important milestone in our journey towards further enriching the value trucking proposition, in one of the largest construction and infrastructure hubs in the Middle East. Shaped by technology know-how and expertise from across the globe, Tata Prima is world-class in every sense, enabling customers to upgrade to a next-generation commercial vehicle, with the trusted credentials and reliability of the Tata Motors brand, as they ready themselves for the next wave of growth in the countrys logistics sector. "As the country readies itself to become the largest construction and infrastructure destination in the world, we at Tata Motors are geared up to meet customers requirements of the market and will continue to introduce new products and solutions as we move forward, he said. Rudrarup Maitra, head international business, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, said: We are delighted to launch our next -generation range of Tata Prima heavy-duty commercial vehicles here in Saudi Arabia today. The Tata Prima has been built based on over six decades of experience in the commercial vehicles business and has been introduced, based on increasing customer preferences for a new-generation commercial vehicle with superior performance, suitable for more trips and long duty cycles, with the benefits of lowest turnaround time. "An integral part of introducing the Tata Prima range here is Manahil International Company, a partner that has showcased tremendous enthusiasm and passion in the countrys commercial vehicles industry and the Tata Motors brand. They are as customer-centric as we are. Through this partnership, we look forward towards further strengthening our relationship with our customers here in Saudi Arabia, he said. Tata Prima is available in different trims, including multi-axle trucks, tractor-trailers and tippers, apt for several applications, thus meeting varied end-user requirements. With the range extending up to 49 tonnes and engine options up to 400 bhp, the Tata Prima is an ideal work horse for movement of goods and material across distances and terrains, at the same time delivering efficiencies to the trucking business, the company said. - TradeArabia News Service In collaboration with Marka, the first public joint stock retail operator in the UAE, contemporary French jewelry brand dinh van marked its first anniversary by celebrating with guests, VIPs and media at its branch in City Walk, Dubai. The anniversary follows the recent opening of dinh vans second outlet, in Galeries Lafayette at The Dubai Mall, and sees the brand looking ahead to its expansion into Qatar where a new store will open in April 2017. Commenting on the celebration, Thierry Vasseur managing director at dinh van said: I am so proud of the accomplishments that have marked each step of this exceptional journey. After this incredible year, our brand continues to be recognized as a go-to destination for all jewelry lovers, thanks to our outstanding team and intuitive service standards. We are grateful to our valued guests and loyal customers in the Middle East for their ongoing trust in us their support has made us all the more excited and confident about our expansion into Qatar this year. As a trendsetter in the luxury business, dinh van enjoys a global celebrity following, offering bespoke, uniquely crafted jewelry pieces for independent and liberated women to wear in everyday life. Inspired by essential square and circle-shaped pieces, dinh van brings a new and modern approach to the world of exclusive jewelry, with its range of stylish, must-have pieces. - TradeArabia News Service Baker McKenzie, a global law firm, advised a consortium led by Arab Bank chairman Sabih al Masri in acquiring a 20 per cent stake in Arab Bank Group from Oger Middle East Holdings. A consortium of investors bought a 20 per cent stake in Arab Bank Group for $1.12 billion. These were led by Arab Bank Chairman Sabih al Masri, a businessman with stakes in other banks and the hotel industry, and owner of Astra, a diversified group of companies he founded with investments in a wide range of sectors that has 6,000 employees in 11 countries. Arab Bank, headquartered in Jordan, is one of the Arab world's largest privately owned banks and operates in 30 countries. The bank has assets of more than $46 billion, with 600 branches on five continents. It owns 40 per cent of Saudi Arabia's Arab National Bank ANB. The seller, Oger Middle East Holdings, is one of the Gulf's largest construction companies. Riyadh partner Karim Nassar led the team, assisted by Noura Taher."This was a complex acquisition of a large stake in one of the region's largest financial institutions, involving multiple investors and countries," said Nassar. "It underlines confidence in the banking sector and Arab Bank's continued opportunities for expansion." QInvest, a Qatari investment bank was the sole financial advisor to the consortium. TradeArabia News Service Dollar Rent A Car, one of the fastest growing car rental company in the region, will be participating in this years Jeddah International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (JTTX) to showcase its key offerings to existing and potential partners. JTTX is the leading local platform of all tourism sectors, presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry services. The exhibition will take place in Jeddah Hilton from February 15 to 17, 2017. The team of Dollar Rent A Car will be headed by Marwan Al Mulla, general manager for UAE and Oman. During the show, the team will highlight Dollar Rent A Cars brand new booking portal for tour operators in Saudi Arabia, the latest fleet of speciality vehicles and the new branches and network of counters that recently opened in the UAE and Oman to cater to visitors from this market. Visitors and exhibitors can visit the stand for more details as well as a chance to win a car rental. Al Mulla said: The GCC market is Dollar Rent A Cars main feeder market because Saudi Arabias tourism market is one of the worlds fastest growing markets and our presence in JTTX provides a unique opportunity to network, negotiate and conduct business with the decision makers and an ideal platform to present our diverse offerings to the qualified end users. As a leading industry exhibition in Saudi Arabia, JTTX highlights the importance of travel and tourism to the local economy. It presents a unique opportunity to share best practices, exchange ideas, and promote the industry in the Middle East and worldwide. JTTX is a great opportunity for exhibitors to provide their services and launch new products, attracting the highest attention from the media, trade and public visitors. - TradeArabia News Service Russia will take a decision in April-May if it would extend an agreement on oil production curbs, Tass news agency quoted Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak as saying on Saturday. "I think that it is still early to speak about it," Novak said. "We have such an opportunity and in about April-May we are due to take such a decision." Meeting next month in Kuwait A meeting of the Opec countries and non-cartel countries, parties to the production cut agreement, is due in Kuwait on March 22-23, he added. "The meeting will take place on March 22-23, a meeting of the technical council at the expert level will be in Vienna on February 21-22, the meeting of ministers - in Kuwait," he said. A ministerial control committee was set up at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) to monitor implementation of the agreements on crude production cuts sealed by Opec and non-Opec countries. The committee brings together five ministers: three are from Opec countries (Algeria, Kuwait and Venezuela) and two are from non-Opec countries (Russia and Oman). On December 10, 2016, Opec and non-Opec countries signed an agreement on joint reduction of oil output at a meeting in Vienna. Moreover, 11 countries will join the announced cut by Opec members of 1.164 million barrels per day in the first half of 2017, and reduce crude production by another 558,000 barrels per day. Thus, the total crude production cut will amount to 1.7-1.8 million barrels per day, according to the Tass report. By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Feb 12 (PTI) Appreciative of the US President Donald Trump standing with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe after North Korea conducted another ballistic missile test, a top Democratic Senator today said that the real answer to curtailing North Korea is China. "The real answer to curtailing North Korea is China. Like on so many other areas, China has been woefully inadequate," Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader told CBS News in an interview. advertisement "They could squeeze North Korea economically. Ninety per cent of the imports and exports go through China. And I think we have to tell the Chinese that they have to put the wood to North Korea in a much more serious way than they have done so far," Schumer said, a day after North Korea had yet another ballistic missile test, the first after Trump became the President. "North Korea has shown itself to be an irresponsible nation in every way. And I am sure they are testing President Trump. I was glad he issued the statement with the Prime Minister of Japan, but he also ought to do it quickly with South Korea," Schumer said. "South Korea is probably more susceptible to North Koreas virulence than any other country. And there was some doubt cast on the relationship in the campaign by the then candidate Trump. "So, do the same thing with South Korea that he did with Japan, and do it quickly," he said. Schumer said that the President should abandon his executive order that temporarily suspends the entry of refugees and people from seven Muslim-majority countries into the United States. "I think he ought to throw it in the trash. I think this executive order is so bad and so poisoned, and its genesis is so bad and terrible, that he ought to just throw it in the trash can," he asserted. "When immigrants dont come to this country, it hurts our job creation, our job growth. Silicon Valley is very worried that a lot of their jobs are going to have to go to Vancouver, where Canada has a much more forward-looking immigration policy," Schumer said. Schumer alleged that Trump is a President who is overreaching dramatically, who shows little respect for rule of law, who seems to violate the Constitution in his first three weeks, and intimidates judges who have cases before them. "This demands a new standard, a much more independent justice than in the past, because, after all, the Supreme Court is our last refuge against a President who overreaches, who doesnt respect balance of power," he said. PTI LKJ SUA SUA --- ENDS --- advertisement A meeting of the Opec countries and non-cartel countries, parties to the production cut agreement, is due in Kuwait on March 22-23, Russia's Minister of Energy Alexander Novak was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Tass on Saturday. "The meeting will take place on March 22-23, a meeting of the technical council at the expert level will be in Vienna on February 21-22, the meeting of ministers - in Kuwait," he said. A ministerial control committee was set up at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) to monitor implementation of the agreements on crude production cuts sealed by Opec and non-Opec countries. The committee brings together five ministers: three are from Opec countries (Algeria, Kuwait and Venezuela) and two are from non-Opec countries (Russia and Oman). On December 10, 2016, Opec and non-Opec countries signed an agreement on joint reduction of oil output at a meeting in Vienna. Moreover, 11 countries will join the announced cut by Opec members of 1.164 million barrels per day in the first half of 2017, and reduce crude production by another 558,000 barrels per day. Thus, the total crude production cut will amount to 1.7-1.8 million barrels per day, according to the Tass report. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dewa, will highlight its latest projects and initiatives in the field of sustainable energy during the 5th World Government Summit (WGS) opening today (February 12) in Dubai, UAE. The event will be held under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, until February 14, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency. Dewa will participate in the World Government Summit 2017, entitled 'Shaping Future Governments', as a sustainable energy partner. At the summit, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive officer of Dewa, will focus on the innovative projects launched to improve the electricity and water services in Dubai, while enhancing their efficiency. "The summit has become an important international platform to promote services based on innovation, encourage research and development, exchange expertise and learn about the latest technologies and practices that will help ensure a sustainable future," Al Tayer said. "We are keen to share our experiences in exploring the future of energy and disruptive technologies, while developing long-term plans to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The summit will be a gathering of government officials, prominent figures, decision makers and international experts, who will exchange their knowledge and experiences in various scientific, humanitarian and practical fields," Al Tayer added. "Dewa has realised that analysing and developing long-term strategic plans to identify future challenges and opportunities are vital to ensuring the success of future governments, enhancing services, and achieving happiness for individuals and the community. "Dewa strives to carry out the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 that aims to push up the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix up to 75 per cent by 2050. The strategy also aims to transform Dubai into an international hub for clean energy and green economy. Dewa will also implement the Demand Side Management Strategy to reduce the consumption of electricity and water by 30 per cent by 2030," Al Tayer concluded. World Government Summit 2017, the largest summit of its kind, will host 150 prominent speakers in 114 panel discussions. Over 4,000 attendees, including senior government officials, experts and decision makers from all over the world, will take part in the summit. Oman Air has said in a statement that any information or communication coming from the Twitter account, @omanairline, is unauthorised and should be disregarded. It said that @omanair is the airline's only official account. The statement said a video clip posted by a "citizen" is aimed at damaging the airline and has encouraged further similar activities that affect the sultanate's national carrier. "A fake Twitter account has been set up with the intention of damaging the image and reputation of Oman Air by responding offensively to Oman Airs respected guests," the airline's statement said. Government authorities have been informed about the imposter and firm legal action will be taken against the concerned individuals in accordance with the law, it said. Any attempt intended to damage the reputation of the airline in an inappropriate way, will be taken further in line with the jurisdiction of Oman, the statement warned. Oman Air as the national airline of the sultanate, which contributes over RO 900 million to the national economy by creating business and tourism opportunities. In 2017 over 10 million guests will travel onboard Oman Air, it added. - TradeArabia News Service The outbound market for Mice and luxury travel from the GCC region is witnessing changing trends for destination preferences according to key Mice and luxury travel specialists attending the upcoming fifth Annual Mice Arabia and Luxury Travel Congress. "For Mice, unique destinations that are connected well in aviation routes, food requirements as well as destination safety and security play a big part in the considerations of buyers/planners not to forget the relative costs of the destination. Required Mice facilities as well as unique local experiences are also a priority for these planners and buyers." said Jason Lim, chief operating officer DMC, Smailing Tours & Travel Service, Indonesia. The strong currency in most of the GCC countries, which enables exchange benefits makes for more attractive travel deals to Indonesia. Lim also drew attention to the expatriate population in the GCC countries, who according to him have contributed to the steady growth of outbound travel from the GCC countries, he further added. Furthermore, security continues to plays an important role with the current economic scenario. Security concerns are not isolated to GCC countries only, but are indeed a global issue for Mice, luxury travel and the hospitality industry. According to Khaled Aridi, director of Mice, Nakhal Tours, Lebanon, The GCC market represents around 70 per cent of all inbound tourism in Lebanon. However, the recent political situation in Lebanon, and the security conflicts in the Mena region have posed significant challenges to the development of this tourist demography, he continued. But Aridi suggested visa free travel for the GCC countries, luxury hotels and the high-quality services, and Lebanese cuisine, will act as stimulators to increase business and boost tourism in Lebanon. Outbound travel from the GCC is also influenced by popular culture, and the rich cultural and historical landscape of the Mena region. Turkish soap operas which are shown in GCC countries, drive great attention to Turkey, and Turkeys flexible visa regime is an advantage. Further, GCC guests also feel comfortable as Turkey is a Muslim country, and they can easily explore the whole country, from Istanbul to Antalya, Izmir and other cities without worrying about the availability of food and other necessities. The period from June to September is the main travel season. During these months, which coincide with school holidays and extreme summer heat, outbound travel is high. Exotic getaways are not always tropical or beach-based, and travellers from the GCC region do seek out different and natural weather phenomena. Scandinavia is as exotic to the GCC client as the GCC countries are to us. In contrast to the hot summers in the GCC countries, we offer cool, blue majestic fjord waters and midnight sunthis change of climate can be very attractive,said Dag Kastensson, CEO, SNE Northern Europe, a Swedish destination management company. Representing the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB), the head of Market Development Mice, Guendalina Rampazzi, agreed that weather and nature in Switzerland were a natural lure for travellers from the GCC. Switzerland is a dream destination in the GCC. It is well known as the place to go when seeking great nature, fresh air, excellent facilities, and thrilling experiences. However, we believe in continuous improvement and as such Switzerland is focusing on increasing quality in every aspect. We strongly believe that quality is the differentiating factor in the MICE business in Switzerland. We hope to live up to our motto, Switzerland Meeting Excellence. Availability of Halal food and beverages, and cultural familiarity ranks high among GCC traveller, according to some sponsors. Montenegro is a Mediterranean destination presenting GCC travellers with some form of familiarity," said Borislav Jablan, head of Business, 3e travel d.o.o. DMC, Montenegro. Beside this familiarity, hospitality services in Montenegro are showing progress in terms of high quality standards, necessary for authentic luxury travel experience, he continued. Most sponsors recognise the requirement for and importance of Halal food and beverages and are concentrating on delivering the necessities. The sponsors also agreed that the availability of hassle-free visa processes is extremely important for drawing travellers from the GCC region. Platforms such as the Mice Arabia and Luxury Travel Congress, offer individuals representing country tourist bureaus and boards, and private tourism and hospitality institutions, a chance to understand the requirements of the GCC Mice and Luxury traveller. It is easy to assume that Halal food is the number one priority, but security, convenience and exciting experiences are all important too. Further, the intricacies of these requirements are what will set the destinations, or the hospitality operators apart from the competition. We are glad to be offering this important platform curated in a five star environment to do business," commented. Sidh N.C, Director, QnA International- -organisers of the congress. The fifth annual Mice Arabia and Luxury Travel Congress will be held from March 01-02, 2017 at the Palazzo Versace, Dubai, UAE. - TradeArabia News Service By Press Trust of India: Peshawar, Feb 11 (PTI) At least 12 people, including four members of a family, have been killed and eight others injured in three separate road accidents in Pakistans Balochistan province, a media report said today. In the first incident, four members of a family, including a woman, were crushed to death when a passenger bus rammed into their car near Surgaz area of Mastung district. advertisement The car was on its way to Kirdgab from Quetta when a bus crashed into it yesterday, killing all the passengers in the car. The bodies were shifted to District Hospital Mastung and were later handed over to the heirs, officials said. Six passengers died on the spot and four others sustained serious injuries when a truck hit a passenger vehicle near Surab area of Kalat district, The Express Tribune reported. The injured and the deceased were shifted to the government hospital in Surab. Meanwhile, in a separate accident, two women were killed and four others injured when a truck collided with a car near Saranan area of Qila Abdullah district yesterday. The car carrying six people was on its way to Quetta from Chaman when it was hit by a truck near Saranan area, the report quoted security officials as saying. Two women traveling in the car died on the spot, while four others sustained injuries, it said. The injured and the deceased were shifted to district hospital Qila Abdullah. A case has been registered against the truck driver and investigations are under way, officials said. Road accidents are common in Pakistan due to poorly maintained roads, violation of safety rules and reckless driving. According to data compiled by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, over 9,000 road accidents are reported every year, killing 4,500 people on average in the country. PTI MRJ AKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- By PTI: Vadodara, Feb 12 (PTI) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said rural development holds the key for the growth of Indian economy and stressed that he has laid emphasis on the development of villages in the Budget so as to put the country among developed nations. Addressing a gathering at Karnali village which he has adopted under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna as an MP from Gujarat in Rajya Sabha, Jaitley asserted that Indian economy is the fastest growing in the world. advertisement "To put India in the category of developed nations, it is necessary to develop our villages. That is why I have laid emphasis on agriculture and rural development in the Budget. Our priority is to set up infrastructure needed for the overall development of the rural areas," the Union minister said. He said the Centre has made adequate financial allocation in the recent Budget for rural development such as power, irrigation, roads, drinking water, housing, and MGNREGA. Jaitley had adopted four villages of Karnali group panchayat and nearby Chandod village, situated on the banks of Narmada in Dabhoi taluka of the district. Due to their proximity, both the villages are generally referred to as Karnali-Chandod. During his visit, Jaitley inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various projected worth Rs 68.50 crore at these pilgrimage places. "Rs 68.50 crore will be spent on various developmental works, which includes water supply schemes, construction of roads, construction of a bridge between Chandod and Karnali" said Jaitley after performing puja at the famous Kuber Bhandari temple in Karnali. The minister travelled in a boat from Karnali to Chandod and paid his respects to river Narmada from Malhar Rao ghat. In Chandod, he performed ground breaking for the upcoming road which will connect Chandod to Mandva. He also supervised the ongoing work of a bridge connecting Chandod with Karnali over Orsang river. Jaitley told reporters that the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna, a brain child of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has transformed thousands of villages. He also exuded confidence that Karnali-Chandod will emerge as the best village in the country. PTI COR PJT PD NRB AAR --- ENDS --- By PTI: Dubai, Feb 12 (PTI) A female Omani officer has been appointed as the Director of the Police Rescue Department, becoming the first woman to hold the top position. Lt Col Hanan Al Salimi has been appointed by The Royal Oman Police for the new position for which she felt proud. "I feel happy and proud to hold this position, which shows the trust of the police command in Omani policewomen," she was quoted as saying by the Gulf news. advertisement Omani policewomen can work side by side with their male counterparts to provide the best for the nation. "Omani women are hardworking and ambitious. They occupy the top positions in the country, thanks to the support of Omani officials," she added. "After the success of the Police Rescue department in Muscat governorate, it was expanded to all other governorates," Al Salimi said. The Police Rescue Department also regulates traffic nationwide and patrols sites of events and festivals during national celebrations. In January, the Royal Oman Police appointed an Omani female officer as the head of a police station for the first time, the report said. Lt Colonel Shaikha Bint Ashour Al Hambasiyah, the new head of Watayah police station in the national capital Muscat, said that she was happy and proud to be the first Omani woman to head a police station. PTI AMS ZH AMS --- ENDS --- Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 12 As much as Rs21.1 crore was donated by various alumni of the PEC University of Technology for the campus infrastructure and for the economically weaker sections yesterday. The Global Annual Alumni Meet of the PEC University of Technology organised by the Punjab Engineering College Old Students Association (PECOSA), in collaboration with the office of the Dean Alumni, Corporate and International Relations, announced the donations. The chief guest on the occasion, Monte Ahuja, chairman and CEO, MURA Holdings, USA, was an alumnus of the 1967 batch. As a token of gratitude to his alma mater, he proposed a grant of Rs6.7 crore to PEC yesterday. Another alumnus, Manmohan Kalsi of the 1967 batch, also proposed a grant of Rs1.67 crore for the university. Ahuja narrated the challenges met by him during his lifes journey in the USA and inspired the alumni to remain connected to their roots. This year, the batches of 1957, 1967,1982 and 1992 were honoured. The alumni of 1988 and 1990 batch donated Rs12.76 crore to the institute. The batch of 1988, led by Gurvin Singh and Ranesh Bajaj, was honoured for setting up the Mechatronics laboratory at a cost of Rs14.05 lakh in the institute. The 1990 batch of electrical engineering was honoured for providing testing equipment for numerical relays of Rs5 lakh in the T&D lab of the institute. The alumni body provided an aid of Rs50,000 to a third-year student, who was facing scarcity of funds, for undertaking his internship in Italy. KK Vohra, president, PECOSA, explained that the theme of the alumni meet was purposefully chosen as building bridges across alumni as they needed to connect and exchange views in a better way if they wanted to reassert themselves as a strong and vibrant alumni body. Director, Dr Manoj K Arora, addressed 1,000 delegates who came from various parts of the country and the US. M. K. Bhadrakumar As India tiptoes toward the six-nation conference on Afghanistan in Moscow on Wednesday comprising Russia, China, India, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan a new process is beginning with regard to regional security. Quintessentially, a novel regional format is in the making. Kabul's participation in such a process will give it added international legitimacy. However, issues remain, which can be put into three clusters. At the most obvious level, it needs to be understood at the outset that India happens to be the odd man out in this proposed regional format. India is not quite there where the rest of the grouping has reached as regards perceptions regarding Taliban. The regional consensus as indeed international consensus is that Taliban's reconciliation, being an Afghan entity, is the key to an enduring settlement. Also, there is consensus that the prolongation of the war makes no sense, and the stalemate cannot be broken except through political means. All the other five countries participating in the Moscow meet maintain contacts with the Taliban in one way or another and they are willing to acknowledge it, too. India, therefore, needs a reality check: How long can it bury the head in the sand and insist on the imperative of waging a robust war against the Taliban when others tend to see the conflict more as fratricidal strife? Second, there is no gainsaying the fact that Pakistan has a key role to play in an enduring Afghan settlement. Even Iran, which has been at loggerheads with Pakistan over the Afghan situation, has harmonised its stance with Pakistan. Again, India is a solitary exception. From the second half of the nineties, India began viewing the Afghan situation in zero sum terms - although Taliban or the al-Qaeda operating out of Afghanistan never perpetrated terrorist acts on Indian soil. Suffice it to say, India-Pakistan tensions today have become a significant complicating factor in reaching an Afghan settlement, and, arguably, that could be an unspoken leitmotif of the Moscow meet. The surprising part is that Pakistan is no longer insisting on the exclusion of India from regional formats on Afghanistan as a pre-condition. Has Moscow prevailed upon Pakistan to show flexibility? Or, did Moscow and Beijing act in tandem during their 'trilateral' meeting with Pakistan in Moscow in late December? Interestingly, all the participants in the Moscow meet have one common credential - namely, their association with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). India must decide how far it is comfortable with that proposition. Pakistan, evidently, is. So are the others meeting in Moscow. Clearly, a new regional security paradigm is taking shape. So far, India largely bandwagoned with the US-led war in Afghanistan. That has reached a stalemate and the US' effort is primarily to see how outright defeat can be averted. Meanwhile, the regional states doubt the US' intentions in Afghanistan. Certainly, SCO states are "frontline states" in the war that so far has been dominated by the US and NATO, given its genesis in the 9/11 attacks. The regional states harbour profound disquiet that the war has been mishandled. It has become difficult for the US to shoo them away. This aspect highlights a third cluster of vital issues: How far Indian concerns and interests coincide with those of the United States in the period ahead? The answer to this also brings us to the Donald Trump presidency. We still do not know Trump's likely policy trajectory in Afghanistan. There is evidence of a tussle going on within the Washington establishment regarding foreign policies. It is playing out against the tumultuous backdrop of US' future relations with Russia and the future of "Euro-Atlanticism as well as the application of Trumps America First doctrine in relation to the US' wars abroad. Afghanistan is a classic case demanding US-Russia cooperation and coordination. But Washington establishment thinking takes a negative view of Russia. Trump wants a muscular military but he also claims to be less interventionist in the application of military force. On the other hand, he also disavows the kind of ambivalence (or nuance) that had been the hallmark of the Barack Obama administration. Things have deteriorated on the ground in Afghanistan. The US Special Inspector-General for Afghan Reconstruction, John Sopko, estimated last month that Afghan forces are losing territory and only around 60 per cent of the country's districts are under government control or influence. The US acknowledges that the war cannot be won on the battlefield, but Trump has not shown interest in nation-building. Without micro-management from Washington it is difficult to see how the tottering National Unity Government in Kabul can hold out, especially with the return of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, which rips open old ethnic rivalries. However, the phone conversation between Trump and Afghan President Asraf Ghani on Thursday hints at broad continuity in policies. Notably, Trump emphasised the on-going importance of the US-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership and discussed the opportunities to strengthen security. A beefing up of US/NATO troop presence may ensue. In fact, in a two-hour testimony last Thursday before the US Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, the US' top commander in Afghanistan, Gen John Nicholson, while admitting that the war is in stalemate, promised that Pentagon is working on a strategy to succeed in the war. He harped on the threat to US homeland security emanating from Afghanistan. Nicholson's remarks regarding Pakistan were highly nuanced. While repeating the long-standing complaint that Pakistan has not acted against the Haqqani Network, he also stressed common interests with Pakistani military and the need to work closely together with Rawalpindi, underscoring that Pakistan's cooperation is the number one factor that can produce positive results in Afghanistan. Nicholson called for holistic review of the US policies toward Pakistan. The US approach toward Pakistan is likely reverting to the traditional mode, leveraging the special ties that existed between the security and defence establishments of the two countries. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is turning into an arena of contestation between Washington and Russia. The timing of Trump's call to Ghani just ahead of the Moscow conference is no coincidence. Nicholson was critical of Russia's "return" to Afghanistan. All too obviously, Pentagon feels challenged. Nicholson alleged that Russia is legitimising Taliban and undermining the US and NATO presence. He touched on the geopolitics of holding on to a regional hub of high strategic significance bordering China, Central Asia and Iran. The regional environment of unprecedented big-power rivalry shaping up right on Indias doorstep doubts the efficacy of Delhi's current foreign-policy trajectory toward Afghanistan, which is largely derived through the prism of India-Pakistan tensions. A band of showers is expected to slowly push to the southeast throughout the day. The best chances for showers will be west of a line roughly from Prescott to Flagstaff to the Four Corners. Wet weather is forecast to continue on Sunday, with chances favoring eastern Arizona on Monday. A few areas above 7500-8000 feet could experience winter driving conditions due to snow, especially late Saturday and Sunday nights. Low water crossings across portions of Yavapai County could become impassable due to a combination of rain and melting snow. This includes Oak Creek, Dry Beaver Creeks, West Clear Creek and the Verde River. The snow that was predicted for the Kahtoola Uphill Challenge might not arrive until after the 5 p.m. start at Arizona Snowbowl. But winds are forecast to blow at 30 mph high on the Peaks, with gusts to 45 mph. Following is the weekend forecast for Flagstaff at 7,000 feet from the National Weather Service: Today A slight chance of showers before 11am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Tonight Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Sunday A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. East northeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Sunday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. East northeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Noon Friday update: Showery, blustery weekend in store for Flagstaff; snow for Kahtoola A cold front moving through northern Arizona will bring blustery winds and rain to Flagstaff this weekend but snow above 7,500 feet. That could turn the Kahtoola Uphill Challenge on Saturday at 5 p.m. into a weather challenge as well, with 2 to 4 inches of snow due to fall and winds gusting to 45 mph at Arizona Snowbowl. Following is the National Weather Service forecast for Flagstaff through next week: Today Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 8 to 13 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. West southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Saturday A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 48. Southwest wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Saturday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Sunday A chance of rain and snow showers before noon, then a chance of rain showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Northeast wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. Sunday Night A chance of rain showers before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. Monday A chance of rain and snow showers, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 51. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 54. AIADMK chief Sasikala has hit out at the rebel faction of the party led by CM O Panneerselvam saying that the group cannot tolerate a woman in politics. By India Today Web Desk: As support for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Panneerselvam kept swelling within the AIADMK, party chief Sasikala today hit out at the rebel camp. Hitting out at the Panneerselvam faction, Sasikala said that she faced opposition in the party for being a woman. "It's very difficult for a woman to be in politics. I have not experienced this just now but had experienced earlier too with Amma. advertisement READ| Sasikala-Panneerselvam LIVE: More MPs join rebel camp Sasikala claimed, "The same group which went against Amma is now attacking us. I am not scared of such threats." The same group which went against Amma is now attacking us- Respected Chinnamma AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 12, 2017 "A letter has been circulated as if I have written it. It shows there are people, who cannot tolerate a lady getting into politics," Sasikala said. Sasikala was referring to an apology letter, earlier released by Panneerselvam, who claimed that the AIADMK chief wrote the letter to late Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa after she expelled her long standing aide from the party in 2011. Sasikala purportedly wrote in the letter that she was not interested in politics or becoming a minister. But, she has denied having written that letter. The letter which claims to have been written by me is false- Respected Chinnamma AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 12, 2017 "Things which are happening now are not new to us. There were attempts in past also to divide the party," Sasikala said. The official twitter handle of the AIADMK posted a series of tweets quoting Sasikala. "We believe in democracy. All MLAs are with me," Sasikala said adding, "You all know why all MPs are going to the other side." "Hurdles and betrayals are the path which we have crossed. Our party will traverse these betrayals only to witness success. AIADMK government will continue in Tamil Nadu," Sasikala was quoted by AIADMK in tweets. --- ENDS --- Faizan Mustafa THE worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal, said Aristotle. Mohan Bhagwat, the Rahstriya Swamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief had last year made a legitimate call for the review of our reservation policies and suggested the setting up of an apolitical committee to undertake this exercise. In an interview to the RSS mouthpiece Organizer, he had said that: "We believe, form a committee of people genuinely concerned for the interest of the whole nation and committed for social equality, including representatives from society, they should decide which categories require reservation and for how long. The opposition made it an issue and took political advantage of this statement. The reservation debate is really infinitely divisive and is considered anti-merit and a compromise on quality and efficiency of administration. Though Bhagwat did not advocate abolition of reservation, the BJP lost the Bihar election and Bhagwat was wrongfully blamed for it. By December, 2016, Bhagwat conceded ground probably due to the upcoming assembly elections and said: As long as discrimination remains in the society, reservation is needed. At the recently concluded Jaipur Literary Festival, Manmohan Vaidya, head of the RSS's Communication's Department, advocated abolition of reservation and said that it is against the principle of equality.(Give them) opportunities, not reservation. In a yet another damage control, the RSS joint secretary clarified that underprivileged deserve reservation. There have been controversies about the reservation of Marathas, Jats, Gujjars, Patels and Muslims. A number of affirmative action laws extending the benefit of reservation have been struck down by the courts. It is painful that due to electoral arithmetic such an important issue is not objectively discussed and examined. Political parties have found the shortcut of reservation to prove their commitment to the constitutional egalitarianism. A statesman must bring about the change in the thinking of people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi does know it and that's why he rightly said addressing the BJP MPs after demonetisation that he had put country's interest before his party's interests. The nation is looking forward to listening from him on the contentious issue of reservation. There is some merit in Bhagwat's argument and we need to examine some highly contentious issues about our reservation policies: How far reservation benefits have percolated. In any case since class one jobs require graduation, only the educated elite within the backward classes is eligible to claim the benefit of reservation. Is there an elite within SCs/STs which has monopolised all the benefits? Should we extend the exclusion of creamy layer to SCs/STs as well? At present, the creamy layer exclusion is applicable only to OBCs. Should reservation benefit be confined to either admission or recruitment? Should reservation benefit at promotions be withdrawn? The Supreme Court did not permit it but the Constitution was amended to restore it. What should be the limits of judicial review in respect of affirmative action policies? Should courts be allowed to apply the strict-scrutiny test? Is it not negation of separation of powers doctrine which courts have repeatedly held as an integral part of the basic structure of the Constitution. How do we define backwardness? Should social backwardness be replaced with economic backwardness as the primary reason of reservation? Have 11 parameters of social and educational backwardness given by the nine-judge bench of apex court in Indira Sawhney become outdated and need revision? Since post-liberalisation, the government has very few jobs, should reservation be extended to the private sector? The diversity of the nation must be reflected in the private sector as well. Affirmative action is a constitutionally permissible device to bring unequals and underprivileged at the level of equals. It is intended to achieve social justice. The right to equality means likes are to be treated alike. Reservation is in favour of groups in our society who were historically disadvantaged. In spite of 70 years of reservation, there are hundreds of villages in our country where untouchability is still practised. Dalits are still discriminated against and not treated on a par with upper castes. In several villages, Dalit bridegrooms are still not allowed to ride the horse or get water from the common well. Moreover, we are unable to fill all the reserved seats as the sufficient number of qualified candidates is not available. Even OBCs are still under-represented in government jobs. The Constitution permits reservation in favour of any backward class which is not adequately represented. The problem with both the Mandal Commission as well as the approval of its yardsticks to determine the backwardness of a community by the Supreme Court is that governmental failure in undertaking social welfare is considered as justification of the backward status of a caste/class. Thus the 11 parameters to identify a caste/class as backward include source of drinking water is beyond half a kilometre for the 50 per cent of households of the group concerned; child marriages, that is, 25 per cent females and 10 per cent males above the state average are married below 17 years of age; participation of females at work is more than 25 per cent of state average; children between 5-15 years never attended school is at least 25 per cent above state average and the drop-out rate in this age group is 25 per cent above the state average; the proportion of matriculates is below 25 per cent of state average and the number of households living in kutchha houses is 25 per cent above the state average. It is abundantly clear that people get rewarded with benefit of reservation if the state has failed in providing them drinking water, housing and education. Moreover, even for the violation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act, castes/classes get reservation. Similarly, the view that higher women participation in work shows backwardness shows our patriarchial and dated mindset. In digital India, we must encourage our women to work. Moreover, in view of overall national development in terms of literacy, education, access to water, housing etc., the insistence on 25 per cent gap between the state average and the class/caste looks absurd. Even SCs and STs in number of states do not have this high gap.There is some merit in examining the economic criterion as the major yardstick to extend the reservation benefit though due to lower educational attainments most OBC groups may not fully benefit if economic criteria is adopted. Similarly, in some states if the number of SCs/STs and OBCs is more than 75 per cent, insistence on 50 per cent upper limit of reservation becomes problematic.The SCs and STs have 22.5 per cent reservation in proportion to their population. The Mandal Commission itself, on the basis of the 1931 Census, found that 52 per cent of India consists of OBCs. But only 27 per cent were given reservation due to the arbitrary upper limit of 50 per cent. Finally, the courts should not indulge in microscopic scrutiny of social justice legislations in striking them out. These are policy matters which should be left to the wisdom of governments. Of course, governments need to act on the recommendations of Backward Classes Commissions. If we are convinced that reservations do promote equality, the issue of abolishing it after some decades too becomes redundant. The author is Vice Chancellor NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. The views expressed are personal. Once upon a time political rallies were spartan affairs consisting of a makeshift stage and a mike and, sometimes a shamiana if a high constitutional authority was on the dais. Indira Gandhi broke that mould with her so-called kisan rally in 1980 to celebrate her unexpected return to power. No expenses were spared for the event supervised by the controversial Sanjay Gandhi. Trains were commandeered and pliant district administrations requisitioned thousands of buses and trucks to ferry bemused villagers to Delhi to listen to the born-again great leader. Even the Left got into the act. Wherever and whenever it holds power, its events are high voltage that reek of money power. Little was known earlier about the expenses incurred because the Right to Information bug was introduced into the system barely a decade back. Punjab, gripped by the poll fever till February 4, staged two different kinds of rallies. And the ludicrousness was exposed in both of them. In the first category was the Indira Gandhi-type rally where no expenses were spared. The official machinery in Punjab must have lent its shoulder with even more fervor, after all December 8 was the long-running Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's birthday. What better occasion to dress up the event as Save Punjab Day and whip up sentiment over water at the state expense? It now transpires, thanks to the RTI that also exposed the Badal family's free helicopter rides, that government departments have been asked to foot the bill two months after Badal was serenaded at Moga. The other type of rallies was staged after the elections to the Punjab assembly were announced. Information is still coming in but on available evidence, the expenses submitted by the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal to the Election Commission strain credulity. Congress candidate Navjot Sidhu reported total expenses of just over Rs. 4,000 for a rally in the Amritsar (East) constituency. The veteran CM also turned in an expense sheet of a mere Rs 2,768. But the template has been set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has adroitly exploited the dark hole in the RTI that bars political parties from being questioned. No matter how hard the management of India's number two IT company tries a cover-up, the ugly goings-on in Infosys Ltd have come out in the open. The companys celebrated founders, including N.R. Narayana Murthy, are questioning certain decisions of the Board of Directors and chief executive Vishal Sikka. Unhappy with the board not entertaining their suggestions, the founders have gone public, alleging lapses in governance. They have particularly picked up non-executive Chairman R. Seshasayee and nomination and remuneration panel head Jeffrey Lehman for their attack, questioning the rationale behind a Rs 17.38 crore severance payment to a former Chief Financial Officer and want them to accept their mistake and show contrition. The rift in Infosys is different from the one in the Tate group, where the Tata Sons board turned against the CEO, resulting in his graceless exit. At Infosys, the promoters legal status is not more than that of ordinary shareholders. They may feel ignored but cannot dictate terms. The board is answerable to the shareholders who alone can effect management changes, not any individual no matter how high. The old guard insists on having a say in decision-making and is encroaching on the operational space it had voluntarily vacated. The dispute is not over performance. Infosys under Vishal Sikka is rather doing well and investors back him. A law firm was needlessly roped in to evaluate suggestions given by the promoters. It is possible the transformation happening at Infosys, if successful, could eclipse the legacy of the veterans, once credited with ushering in Indias IT revolution. Insiders see the dispute a result of a clash of personalities. Both Murthy and Sikka are strong individuals, not given to bending easily. Total renunciation and distance do not come easily to the Indians. There are also familiar issues that crop up when a company run by founders is handed over to a team of professionals. Still, the differences between the old and the new are not such as cannot be resolved across the table only if the two sides agree to sit together. Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, February 12 As the Cabinet is meeting on Monday evening to clear many pending issues, the ruling BJP is facing intense pressure from different sections of society for getting the Cabinets nod to declare state holiday on the birthday (September 23) of the last ruler of J&K Maharaja Hari Singh. The Legislative Council had on January 24 passed a historic resolution for declaring a holiday on September 23. As people of the state, in general, and the Jammu region, in particular, have a great regard for Maharaja Hari Singh, the BJP was eager to reap political benefit of the resolution. After passing of the resolution, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh had assured that the government would officially endorse the resolution by declaring a state holiday on September 23 in the next Cabinet meeting. However, the Cabinet meeting scheduled for January 31 was postponed at the eleventh hour after controversy arose over Chief Minister Mehbooba Muftis statement in which she had dubbed all opponents of Article 370 and Article 35-A as anti-nationals. With the Cabinet meeting fixed for February 13, social groups have mounted pressure on the BJP to fulfil its promise. On Friday evening, a meeting of civil society was held in which the government was warned against adopting delaying tactics in declaring holiday on the birthday of the last Dogra ruler. The civil society also cautioned that people of Jammu, irrespective of their caste, creed or colour, would not tolerate any derogatory remarks against Hari Singh. Although members of the civil society avoided giving a direct warning to ths BJP, it was very much clear that their target was saffron party. Sub-panel meet on police cadre rationalisation The Cabinet Sub-Committee, which was constituted to solve contentious issue of the rationalisation of the police cadre will meet on Monday morning to discuss the issue. Chander Parkash Ganga, Bali Bhagat, Choudhary Lal Singh (all BJP), Haseeb Drabu, Naeem Akther and Choudhary Zulfikar (all PDP) are members of the the sub-committee which was constituted after differences cropped up between the two coalition partners on the issue. The BJP is opposed to the PDP proposal of appointing Kashmir Police Services cadre officers to the post of DIG or IG. In the Cabinet meeting on December 9, when the BJP ministers had opposed this idea, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had left the meeting in a huff. Majid Jahangir and Suhail A Shah Tribune News Service Anantnag, February 12 Four unidentified militants, two Army jawans and a civilian were killed during a gunfight in Frisal area of Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday morning. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) State police had alerted security forces about the presence of militants at a tailors house in a village in Kulgam district. Two army personnel identified as Sepoy Raghubeer Singh a 31-year-old soldier from a village in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district and Lance Naik Bhandoriya Gopal Singh a 33-year-old from a village in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district were killed, as was the tailors son, a civilian. Three jawans were also injured during the gunfight. "Three soldiers have also been injured, and have been airlifted to an Army hospital in Srinagar. Four AK-47 rifles have been recovered from the site of the encounter," an Army spokesperson said. The dead militants have been identified as Muddasir Ahmed Tantray and Wakeel Ahmed Thokar, both from Lashkar-e-Toiba, and Farooq Ahmed Bhatt and Mohameed Younis Lone of Hizbul Mujahideen. The security forces have achieved a "major success", Director General of Police SP Vaid said. "However, it is unfortunate that two soldiers were martyred and son of the house owner got caught in the crossfire and succumbed to injuries," he said. Tantray was an active militant since August 2014, while Thokar joined LeT in September last year. Bhatt has been with Hizbul Mujahideen since June 2015, but Lone was recruited in January this year. Officials said three militants all believed injured ran into nearby adjacent forests, Hizbul militant Altaf Kachroo is suspected to be among them. Police are conducting serach operations in the area. Hundreds, mostly youngsters, took to streets after the gunfight, provoking police into use tear gas and fire several live rounds to quell the protests, a policeman said. A youth was killed and 15 people were injured in the clashes, the policeman said. The youngster who was killed in the protests has been identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo. Reports of clashes continued to come in from Kulgam when this was filed. (With inputs from agencies) Tribune News Service Jammu, February 12 Union Minister of State in Prime Ministers Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh today said the government is aware of the difficulties being faced by Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) and will address them in a time-bound manner. Addressing a conference, Jitendra Singh said Kashmiri Pandits had given strength to the nationalist constituency in the state and their struggle had a huge following in the country. He added that the government was conscious of the difficulties of the Kashmiri Pandits and in the days to come all their issues would be addressed in a time-bound manner. Jitendra Singh was chief guest at the conference that was organised by the KP Joint Action. BJP state president Sat Sharma presided over the meet while the panelists included Panun Kashmir president Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, RK Bhatt, Sanjay Koul and Virender Raina, who is national spokesperson, KP Joint Action. A number of Kashmiri Pandit leaders representing a cross-section of society attended the meet. In his keynote address, Chrungoo said the community continued to languish even after 27 years of exile and the time had come to address the core issues of its geo-political aspirations in Kashmir. He stressed the need for creation of 1,000 more jobs in the Central departments for the displaced community in addition to those promised under the PMs employment package. Suhail A Shah Anantnag, February 12 A 22-year-old civilian was killed and more than 30 others were injured during clashes following the killing of four militants during an encounter in the Frisal area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district. Two Army men and a civilian were also killed in the gunfight. Hundreds of protesters marched towards the encounter site in the Nagbal area of Frisal, soon after the news of the killing of militants spread. The locals alleged that the security forces to thwart the movement of people fired at them, leaving more than 30 protesters injured. We received around 25 people at our hospital. More than 16 of them had bullet injuries, said a doctor posted at Anantnag district hospital. He said one of the injured, 22-year-old Mushtaq Ibrahim of Srigufwara in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district, had lost too much blood and succumbed to his injures before he could be referred for specialised treatment. He had two bullet wounds near his heart, said the doctor. He said four other injured were referred to Srinagar for specialised treatment. One has a pellet injury in his eyes. Another one with bullet wounds in his chest is critical, the doctor said. Deputy Inspector General (DIG), South Kashmir Range, SP Pani, told The Tribune that an investigation had been initiated into the matter. We are trying to investigate the circumstances that led our men to take such extreme steps, Pani said. Meanwhile, clashes erupted across Anantnag and Kulgam districts of south Kashmir amid a spontaneous shutdown. People came onto streets in Kulgam, Bijbehara and Anantnag towns and clashed with security forces personnel, who in return fired tear-smoke shells to quell the protests. Clashes were also reported from the Srigufwara area, native place of the slain youth. There were however no reports of injuries to anybody during these protests. NC condemns civilian killings Srinagar: The National Conference (NC) on Sunday condemned the killing of two civilians in Kulgam district and demanded an impartial and time-bound probe into it. In a statement issued from the party headquarters, NCs Kulgam district president and legislator Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi lashed out at the security forces, alleging that they resorted to indiscriminate and brute force which caused the death of the two civilians. No apology from the administration can bring the two civilians back. They didnt deserve to die. Therefore, it is necessary for the government to identify and punish those who are responsible for the killings, Larmi said. The legislator ridiculed the recent assurances of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti that civilian lives will be secured, questioning why the security forces did not following the standard operating procedure. Probe initiated, says DIG }An investigation has been initiated into the matter. We are trying to investigate the circumstances that led our men to take such extreme steps. SP Pani, DIG, south kashmir range Suhail A Shah & Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Anantnag/Srinagar, Feb 12 Two soldiers, four militants and a civilian were killed in a gunfight in South Kashmirs Kulgam district today, triggering clashes in Kulgam and Anantnag that left one dead and more than 24 injured. Three Armymen, including a Major, were injured in the encounter. The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The deceased Army men were identified as Lance Naik Bhandoriya Gopal Singh, 33, and Sepoy Raghubeer Singh, 31. Acting on a tip-off, teams of the Army and J&K Police cordoned a cluster of houses at Nagbal Frisal, Kulgam, 55 km from Srinagar. The teams searched a house twice but found nobody there. The third time, militants hiding inside opened fire, killing two soldiers and a civilian, DGP Shesh Paul Vaid said. Ashiq Reshi, 40, son of house owner Abdul Majeed, was also killed. The DIG, South Kashmir Range, SP Pani, said four militants, two from Hizbul-Mujahideen and two from Lashkar-e-Toiba, were killed. All of them hailed from Kulgam district. One of them had been missing since January 14. Three militants escaped. While the Army claimed the civilian was taken hostage by the militants, the locals claimed he was used by the soldiers as a shield. The operation was halted following inputs that a civilian was trapped inside. We tried to rescue him, asking the village elders to use the public address system to urge him to come out, but he didnt, explained Brig R Chakravarty, Commanding Officer, Sector-1, Rashtriya Rifles. At 5.30 am, we entered the house. The civilian tried to flee. But the militants opened fire, killing him as well as two jawans, he said. Locals and the family of the slain civilian refuted the Army claim. Abdul Majeed and his sons Ashiq and Muhammad Shafi were taken into custody after the village was cordoned. The Army personnel took Ashiq along as they entered the house. He and two soldiers were killed in cross-firing, they said. Ashiqs killing triggered fierce clashes in Kulgam and Anantnag. Mushtaq Ibrahim (22) of Anantnag was killed and more than 24 were injured. Sixteen sustained bullet injuries. The separatists have called for a shutdown on February 13 and Kulgam Chalo on February 15 against the killing of civilians. The slain militants were identified as Mudassir Tantrey, Wakeel Thokar, Farooq Ahmed Bhat and Mohd Younis Lone. KV Prasad Even as the winter season tapers off, diplomatic activity continues to buzz in the capital what with at least one or two distinguished visitors arriving in the country as part of regular exchanges. Last week was no exception. The Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, and WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo were in the city. Collaboration, trade and investment remained a predominant theme of De Croos visit while Azevedo came to discuss the agenda for the next ministerial round of meeting scheduled towards the end of the year in Buenos Aires, amid a push by India for an agreement on trade in services facilitation. A day after the distinguished visitor was here, Belgian Ambassador Jan Luykx told The Tribune the push from his country is to see how both sides can work towards digitisation development in consonance with Belgiums own priorities. The digital action plan Digital Belgium of Minister De Croo focuses on five strategic pillars: digital infrastructure, digital economy, digital inclusion, digital government and digital security. Most Indians are aware of Antwerp in Belgium, a place where diamonds are polished. A handful of Indians are engaged in the diamond trade that accounts for about 80 per cent of Belgian exports to India. Another aspect of the relationship is that Antwerp, which is among the top-ranking ports in the world, opened a new training centre in Mumbai in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. Although Port Trust of Antwerp is there since 2012, it entered into an agreement with the JLN Port Trust in 2015 to run a course offering port management, business development and marketing skills in India. Ambassador Luykx is very much a Dilliwala. Having pursued MPhil here, he served in the mission in 1990s, and returned two years ago to head the mission. While noticing that the city and many other places here have changed to become more modern, it warms his heart at how the Indian culture of respect, extending courtesy and accommodation remains undiluted. Besides, there is another India connect. During his student days, Luykx found his life partner Raka Singh. Daughter of a retired Army Colonel, she now pursues a mission to build a solar park, work for womens health, hygiene and creating libraries in her home district of Maharajganj in UP, through a non-governmental organisation Urja. In Delhi, Ambassador Luykx pursues another hobby, picking up antique furniture from the famed Lajpat Nagar. He feels too strongly for it, sighing at why Indians are discarding these priceless pieces. Diplomatic ties with Belgium go back to the time India gained freedom and their mission in Delhi is a landmark building designed by renowned artiste Satish Gujral. Chai pe charcha Last week, the Embassy of Japan hosted a demonstration and lecture by Dr Kyoko Horie, a renowned expert of traditional culture of the country, on Calligraphy, Tea Ceremony and Kimono. The audience was treated to some fine display of calligraphy, how to wear kimono but the most enjoyable part was chanoyu, the ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea. The process is not about drinking tea, but about aesthetics in which the host keeps the guest in mind in movement, gesture and even placement of tea utensils. Chai pe charcha, Japanese way. Soli Sorabjee, who advised Tamil Nadu Governor C Rao, said if the judgment in the assets case doesn't come in a day or two, the House should be called. By India Today Web Desk: With the power tussle between O Panneerselvam and Sasikala Natarajan taking a fresh twist every minute, all eyes are now on Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao to take a call on who gets to be the chief minister of the state. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Soli J Sorabjee, former Attorney General of India, said the "Governor is well within his right to defer swearing-in for a few days". advertisement HERE ARE THE DEVELOPMENTS: Sorabjee advised Governor Rao on the current political crisis in Tamil Nadu. "Yes, the Governor sought my advice and I gave him mine. I can't discuss the content of my advice. For that you have to ask the Governor," Sorabjee said. Sorabjee, however, dropped enough hints that the Governor may take some more time before he takes the next step. "I feel the Governor is well within his rights to defer the swearing-in for a few days particularly when the (verdict in the) disproportionate assets case, involving Sasikala, is imminent," the former Attorney General of India said. The Supreme Court's verdict in the high-profile disproportionate assets case against former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, in which Sasikala Natarajan is also an accused, is likely to be pronounced this week. The case, however, is not listed for pronouncement on Monday. "The Governor can't defer it (swearing-in) indefinitely as it will encourage horse trading. See, we know the judgment will in all likelihood come on Tuesday or Wednesday. If it doesn't, then the House should be called and majority should be proven. No more deferment," Sorabjee said. He called the allegations against the Governor for delaying the swearing-in "not fair". Sasikala had accused Governor Rao of deliberately delaying her swearing-in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, sources close to the Governor said the latter is not just thinking about numbers. The Governor, they said, is also considering "her (Sasikala's) ability to get elected as an MLA in view of the Supreme Court verdict" in the disproportionate assets case. Sources said the Governor believes he has the constitutional duty to provide a stable government in Tamil Nadu. BJP MP Subramanian Swamy also brought up the issue of horse trading in his latest tweet on the ongoing political crisis in Tamil Nadu. Swamy said Governor Rao must decide on the chief minister issue by tomorrow (Monday) or a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution can be filed against him, accusing him of abetting horse trading. ALSO READ: Is Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao not keen on swearing in Sasikala? Jayalalithaa illegal assets case returns to haunt Sasikala, Supreme Court verdict in a week FROM THE MAGAZINE: The enigma of Sasikala ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Ashis Ray London, February 12 A new feature film on the Partition based on goings-on at Viceroys House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan) in Delhi and the tragedy of Punjab blames Sir Winston Churchill, Britains prime minister during World War II, for the vivisection of the country. The movie, Viceroys House, made by British Indian director Gurinder Chadha of Bend it like Beckham fame, premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on Sunday night. It releases commercially in Britain next month and India in August to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Indian Independence. The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Chadha, whose mother was caught in the chaos of Partition having to hurriedly migrate as a child from Jhelum in Pakistan to India and spend months in a refugee camp described her effort as a British-Punjabi film. Churchill, a Conservative, was no longer prime minister the Labour partys Clement Attlee had succeeded him when transfer of power occurred in 1947. But the former is cited as the culprit for having prepared a partition plan in 1945, while he was still in power, which Attlee approved. The audio-visual essay does not overlook the fact that the British wanted to cut and run in the face of sectarian riots and mutinies in the ranks of the armed forces. But it lends currency to the view that Partition was a long, premeditated British plot to serve their own interests rather than the requirements of India. The film is an adaptation from Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierres Freedom at Midnight and Narendra Singh Sarilas The Shadow of the Great Game. It is from the second book that Chadha derived her theory that Churchill was primarily guilty. Sarila, who was an ADC to the last British Viceroy, Lord Louis Mountbatten, and later an Indian diplomat, claimed in his book that a secret plan was drawn up by the latters predecessor Lord Archibald Wavell at Churchills behest to divide India. The war-time prime minister, who otherwise fiercely opposed the concession of freedom to India, analysed Jawaharlal Nehru as being pro-Soviet Union and therefore likely to give the Communist power access to the warm water port of Karachi and consequently an easy passage to the Middle East. In contrast, he assessed the Muslim leadership demanding Pakistan as being pro-West and therefore likely to be resistant to Moscow. Many years later, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, an unabashed admirer of Churchill, famously lauded Pakistan dictator General Zia-ul-Haq as a bulwark against Soviet expansionism after Leonid Brezhnev intervened in neighbouring Afghanistan in 1979. In the great game of carving out spheres of influence between Britain and the Soviet Union, Churchill was attempting to checkmate what he perceived to be the United Kingdoms post-war, Cold War rival; but at a heavy cost to the people of India. The fact is access to the waters of the Arabian Sea through Pakistan has been denied to Russia to date. But if Churchills objective was to thwart communist enlargement and hegemony, he has failed, for China is comfortably ensconced not merely in Karachi, but in Gwadar, which is even closer to the Gulf. The film begins with the arrival of the Mountbattens played by Hugh Bonneville, who has distinguished himself in Downton Abbey, and Gillian Anderson, who has been starring in The X Files in India to implement the granting of Independence to India. Michael Gambon acts as Mountbattens slightly Machiavellian chief of staff, Lord Hastings Ismay. The Indian characters are led by a fictional young couple, one a Hindu and the other a Muslim, employed at Viceroys House and in love. Manish Dayal, who shot to attention in The Hundred Foot Journey, and Huma Qureshi, perhaps best known in India for her performance in Gangs of Wasseypur, bring romantic relief amid tense tripartite talks between the British, the Congress and the Muslim League. Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 12 Controversial Calcutta High Court Judge CS Karnan is expected to appear before the Supreme Court on Monday to respond to contempt notice issued to him for writing letters to various authorities, including the Prime Minister, accusing several judges of corruption. However, its not clear if Justice Karnan, who has played a Dalit card, will appear before the top court or seek time through his lawyer to respond to the contempt notice. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The Tribune tried to contact him but his cell phone was switched off. In a letter to the Supreme Court Registrar General on February 10, Justice Karnan had said the matter should not be taken up until Chief Justice of India JS Khehar retired and suggested that, if considered urgent, it should be referred to Parliament. He had alleged that he was being victimised as he was a Dalit and there was an attempt to get rid of him. This order does not conform to logic. Therefore, it is not suitable for execution, he has said. In an unprecedented order, the Supreme Court had on February 8 issued contempt notice to Justice Karnan and ordered him to forthwith refrain from discharging any judicial or administrative functions. A seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar had asked him to forthwith return all judicial and administrative files to the high court registrar general. The bench ordered him to remain present before it on February 13 to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him. Terming the order as unusual, he demanded that judicial and administrative work withdrawn from him should be restored. Justice Karnan described the contempt proceedings against him as erroneous and contended that courts had no power to initiate contempt proceedings against a sitting judge of a high court. He also contended that the contempt notice violated principles of natural justice. While repeating the allegations of corruption against many judges, he had said the contempt proceedings against him were not maintainable. New Delhi, February 12 Expensive and sleek snow scooters, usually found at ice-capped tourist spots for adventure sport lovers, have for the first time been inducted for patrol by ITBP troops along the Sino-Indian frontier. The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Five of these powerful scooters, procured from a US-based firm, have been deployed at high-altitude border locations of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police in Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim to monitor the Chinese PLA deployment on the other side. Officials said the modern scooters, all costing around a crore, can seat two personnel (driver and pillion rider) with their rifle and ammunition in tow and can negotiate a 45-degree slope on the hills. They are supported by chaincase belts to help the 278-kg machine glide smooth and cut through the ice. The force, as part of bolstering its capabilities to effectively secure the 3,488-km border, had last year procured over six dozen SUVs and sent them to far-flung border areas for patrol and transport. PTI Mukesh Ranjan Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 12 With preliminary investigations blaming Nepal-based terror modules for two back-to-back train derailments in India, security agencies have turned their focus on some 500 Kashmiri expatriates owning shops in Thamel, Kathmandu. Sources in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) said the expatriates were being put under surveillance to verify whether Pakistans Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and other militant outfits were using them to fund terror activities in India. So was reportedly suggested by investigations into the recent Hirakhand and Indore-Patna Express derailments, which claimed many lives. Initial probes by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) indicatedthough there is no concrete evidence yetthat the modules may have helped the ISI carry out the derailments. Such modules in Nepalganj, Krishnaganj, Parsa Birganj, Sunsari and Rautahaat serve as recruitment centres for the ISI. As they are strategically located in Nepal territory opposite Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the ISI can easily push recruits in to carry out covert operations, an IB official said. He said the agency had got inputs that some expatriate Kashmiri businessmen in Thamel had helped the ISI agents generate funds. An investigation officer said even the NIA was trying to establish money trail. He said the Bihar police too, during their probe, had found the operatives were given Rs 50,000 each for the sabotage. Jitendra K Shrivastava Tribune News Service Patna, February 12 A sharecropper was burnt to death allegedly by a landlord over division of rice in Bihars Nalanda district, the home turf of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, today. The deceased, Harihar Chaudhary (58) of Sumka village, had been cultivating paddy on land owned by Shiv Kumar Prasad. The duo is learnt to have had a quarrel yesterday over sharing rice and Prasad allegedly threatened to burn Chaudhary alive. Harihars half-burnt body was found in a field on the outskirts of the village in the wee hours. Prasad threatened to set my father afire. Hours later, he was found dead in a heap of straw It is up to the police to investigate, said the victims son, Ram Ishwar: Nalanda Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish said: As Prasad is about 65 years old and suffering from paralysis, he does not appear to have committed the crime. Prima facie, it appears some unidentified persons settled scores with Harihar while taking advantage of his quarrel with Prasad. Another possibility is paddy straw caught fire, burning the victim along, he said. Srinagar/Pithoragarh, February 12 Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed it was time for the Congress to pay the bill for plundering the country during its 70-year rule, as he made a clarion call for the state to vote Bharatiya Janata Partys to power when it votes on February 15. As he raised the tenor of BJPs campaign for state assembly elections at a rally in Pithoragarh his last in the state before it votes he accused the Congress of having brought the Devbhoomi state to ruin by its lack of vision and promised exemplary punishments to those who played with the countrys future. "The time for those who looted the country for 70 years has come to an end. I promise that those who looted the country will have to pay back now. I will not rest, not will I let the looters until this task is complete. Its time for everyone account for their actions," Modi said. He also accused the Congress of having insulted the armed forces by questioning Indias military strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan in September 10 days after a militant attack on an Army camp in Uri that killed 19 soldiers and said: It is a misfortune of our country that some parties and leaders raise questions about our armed forces and the valour of those who laid down their lives for the country. No one should ever question their bravery. "Does it behove Congress to do this. Is this not an insult to the armed forces? Is this not an insult to the valour of our brave soldiers? You do politics and attack Modi as much as you can, but don't ever raised doubts about our military and the soldiers' bravery," he said. He claimed the Congress slept over the armed forces One Rank, One Pension policy for 40 years. "Did they not insult the armed forces by ignoring the soldiers' claims for so long. Did they not make fun and insulted the armed forces by earmarking a mere Rs 500 crore in the budget for OROP which would have cost a total of Rs 12,500 crore. Our government has already paid Rs 6,500 crore to the soldiers as OROP benefit," he said. No vision Addressing a rally at GITI Maidan in Srinagar earlier in the day, Modi claimed Congress Chief Minister Harish Rawat had failed to create jobs and prevent exodus from the states villages. "Have you ever thought why despite having such great potential Uttarakhand lags behind Chattisgarh and Jharkhand which were created together by Atal Bihari Vajpayee? In spite of the Maoist problem, Chattisgargh with a BJP government has established itself among the fastest growing states," he said. Jharkhand despite being a backward area has begun to attract investors under BJP rule. Modi claimed he had plans of tapping into the state's tourism potential and herbal wealth to bring in tourists from across the world. The state will cast its ballot on February 15. PTI Our Correspondent Jaipur, February 12 The BSF and state CID on Sunday arrested two suspected spies in separate incidents along the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer. A resident of Bhojpur, Duraka (55) was arrested under suspicious circumstances at Dhanan post, 50 km from Jaisalmer, by BSF, forces spokesman Ravi Gandhi told The Tribune. The suspect who can speak and understand Bhojpuri and Hindi was being interrogated by BSF. Another suspected spy, Haji Khan (40) was arrested by state polices CID while roaming around the sensitive Kishangarh area under Ramgarh Thana in Jaisalmer border, Additional SP (CID) Rajiv Dutta said, adding that he was being interrogated. A number of mobile SIMs and documents were recovered from the suspect and he was being quizzed by different agencies, Dutta said. Haji is an Indian national but got married in Pakistan, he said, adding he was reportedly active in spying from the border. Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 12 Have a grievance against an advocate or a public prosecutor? Do not approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the administrative side for the redressal of your complaint. The High Court has made it clear that it cannot take any action on the administrative side either against an advocate or a public prosecutor for alleged professional misconduct. The court said the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, or the state government concerned, was the authority to be contacted in case of a grievance against either an advocate or a public prosecutor. Any complaint to the High Court in this regard would be spiked. Elaborating on it, the courts Joint Registrar (Rules)-cum-Public Information Officer has asserted that a decision has been taken by the High Court that the complaint, if any, made to this court against an advocate or public prosecutor with regard to his/her professional misconduct would be filed. The Joint Registrar (Rules) added that the complainant would not even be intimated regarding the spiking of the complaint. This was because the action-taking authorities against an advocate and a public prosecutor were the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana and the state government concerned, respectively. The High Court has already made it clear that a sworn affidavit and verifiable material was essential while making complaints against the subordinate judiciary. The High Court has also made it clear the complaints without those would not be entertained. The instruction forms part of the guidelines issued by the High Court on the issue. The High Court order said it was considered necessary to issue guidelines for dealing with the complaints received by it. Complaint-making allegations against members of the subordinate judiciary in the states will not be entertained and no action will be taken thereon, unless it is accompanied by a duly sworn affidavit of the complainant and verifiable material to substantiate the allegations made therein, it read. The order added: If action on such complaint, meeting the above requirement, is deemed necessary, authenticity of the complaint will be duly ascertained and further steps thereon will be taken only after satisfaction of the competent authority designated by the Chief Justice of the High Court. In case the necessary requirements were not complied with, the complaint would be filed/ lodged without taking any steps thereon. Aman Sood Tribune News Service Patiala, February 12 The firearms recovered from Nabha jailbreak mastermind Gurpreet Singh Sekhon and other gangsters today had been deposited with gun houses in Moga district after the enforcement of the model code of conduct. The police said these weapons were licensed. A preliminary interrogation suggests that Sekhon and his cousin got in touch with a weapon dealer in Moga and bought a revolver and a pistol. These weapons were used to take away two cars recently in Punjab, the police said, adding that the Moga police had been tasked with tracing the weapon dealer. The accused were planning a major crime in the state, said AIG (Counter Intelligence) Gurmeet Chauhan. Four police teams from Punjab and the police departments of six other states had been on the lookout for Sekhon, who hails from Mudki in Ferozepur district. Sources said the gangster left for Rajasthan soon after the jailbreak and remained truck-borne. He worked as a cleaner and did not use his phone during the first fortnight, they said. The sources said Sekhon stayed in Indore (Madhya Pradesh) for some time, apparently unaware that jailbreak co-accused, Kulpreet Singh alias Neeta Deol, was also staying there. It is learnt that Sekhon recently returned to Punjab and got in touch with his family members and cousins. His cousin, Manvir Sekhon, was also arrested today. The police brought the accused here to the CIA office, where cops grilled them. Meanwhile, a police team head said on the condition of anonymity, During the manhunt, we travelled to six states over the past several weeks and spent nights in vehicles. We even spent almost Rs 1 lakh each from our own pockets. Tribune News Service Dehradun, February 12 In the run up to the Assembly elections in the state, a number of prominent Congress leaders visited the state to boost Congress candidates' prospects. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid visited Dehradun today, while senior leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Rajya Sabha MP Kumari Selja had visited the state yesterday. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid questioned the Modi governments note ban describing it an autocratic step. Addressing a press conference in Dehradun today, Khurshid claimed that the Modi government in one stroke converted peoples hard-earned money into paper amply revealing his autocratic style of functioning. He said the PM now needed to answer to the general public as to how much black money had come out after the note ban. While the Congress has always believed in inclusive politics, the BJP has resorted to dividing society on the basis of caste and religion, he added. He alleged that Modi had revealed his destructive mindset by making mockery of the recent earthquake in Uttarakhand. Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Khurshid said former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee worked for the betterment and strengthening of society, but the incumbent Prime Minister was working to weaken society. He said: Rhetoric wont do as the people of the state were intelligent enough to understand the destructive forces. Khurshid also claimed that the Congress would register a big win in the Assembly elections in the state. BJP leaders in habit of using foul language: Singhvi Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Saturday said BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were in a habit of using a derogatory language against their political opponents. Singhvi, while addressing mediapersons in Dehradun today, said starting from Modis recent raincoat remark against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BJP leaders such as Sakshi Maharaj and Niranjan Jyoti had been using a foul language against their opponents, revealing their mindset. He said the Prime Minister had lowered the dignity of his post. Incompetent persons were being made head of key institutions of the country and the RSS background was the sole criterion of selection, he alleged. Singhvi said while BJP regularly referred to surgical strikes against Pakistan, it did not inform people that terror attacks in Kashmir have increased manifold ever since the BJP came to power at the Centre, revealing to the present poor security conditions. He accused the Central government of trying to destabilise elected governments in various states. The BJP tried to destabilise the popular government in Uttarakhand and now it is doing the same in Tamil Nadu, he alleged. Singhvi said corruption had increased during the BJP rule. Uttarakhand Congress spokesman Mathura Dutt Joshi was also present. A few days back Thackeray in a press conference had said that Maharashtra government is on notice period and his party members are ready with their resignations. This is the third time Shiv Sena has threatened to pull back support to BJP. By Sahil Joshi: After snapping ties with the Bhartiya Janata Party for civic polls, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today hinted at pulling back support to the Devendra Fadanvis led government. "People are looking for a change," said Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. A few days back Thackeray in a press conference had said that Maharashtra government is on notice period and his party members are ready with their resignations. This is the third time Shiv Sena has threatened to pull back support to BJP. advertisement However, sources close to BJP said that Uddhav's next move depends on the results of civic polls. "If Shiv Sena manages to win elections on its own, then BJP may face tough time whereas Sena is worried that NCP might see to it that this government doesn't fall," said sources. The relation between Shiv Sena and BJP is at its lowest as there is hardly any issue where the Sena has supported the central or state government. In fact Sena has criticised Modi's demonetisation and surgical strike. Shiv Sena is of the opnion that the BJP never sought support from its oldest alliance nor kept them informed about policies. BJP-Shiv Sena split: Did Uddhav snap 25-year-old alliance for Raj Thackeray? Mumbai civic polls: Raj Thackeray launches verbal - and musical - attack on BJP, Shiv Sena --- ENDS --- Srinagar, February 12 Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the Congress government in Uttarakhand has no vision for growth even though the state has great potential in tourism and allied sectors. He asked people to vote out the ruling Congress and give the BJP a chance to ensure new heights of development in the next five years. Have you ever thought why despite having such great potential Uttarakhand has lagged behind Chattisgarh and Jharkhand, which were created together by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government? In spite of the Maoist problem, Chattisgargh with a BJP government has established itself among the fastest growing states, he told a poll rally at the GITI Maidan here. Similarly, Jharkhand, despite being a backward area, has begun to attract investors under the BJP rule, Modi said while asking why Uttarakhand has lagged behind them in terms of development. He said the Congress government in the state was devoid of a vision to drive Uttarakhand on the path of development. He appealed to people to vote overwhelmingly for the BJP this time to change their fate. The Prime Minister said he has grand plans to tap the states tourism potential and herbal wealth to attract visitors from all over the world. Modi said Harish Rawat had failed to check mass migration of people from hill villages due to lack of job opportunities. Why should a state that has the potential to attract the whole world in the fields of tourism, herbal wealth and unique traditions in yoga should suffer from migration of young people in search of livelihood?, he added. Modi said yoga has become popular worldwide due to the Centres promotional efforts and people from far corners wanted to visit Haridwar and Rishikesh. There is tremendous untapped potential in these cities to become international yoga destinations, he added. Job opportunities can be generated in tourism, yoga and herbal sectors and the exodus of young people from hill villages can be stopped. It is not impossible. What is needed is a vision, a sense of purpose, Modi said. A railway network could be also laid in hills, he added. Modi said the Centre had laid the stone of the Rs 12,000-crore all-weather Char Dham road project and when completed it would give an unprecedented boost to tourism in the state. It will generate job opportunities for people living in rural areas, he said, adding it was a reflection of what a vision and a true intent to work could do for development. He appealed to people to come out in large numbers to cast their votes in favour of the BJP on February 15. He said they should not allow a party that was opposed to the creation of Uttarakhand to remain in power any longer. The present Chief Minister had opposed the creation of Uttarakhand. His party is in alliance with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh at the behest of which women were raped and people shot dead at Rampur Tiraha during the statehood agitation. Even in Uttarakhand, the Congress and the SP have a secret alliance. Would you vote for them? he asked. Modi hit back at the Congress for criticising him for demonitisation saying the measure had robbed the party of its sleep. It is three months since demonitisation happened but they are still abusing me. Dont you think I should make those who have looted this country ruthlessly for the 70 years pay back. I wont sit until I have made them do so. I have waged a war against corruption and black money for the sake of the poor and nothing can make me step back. I am ready to face anything for the sake of the poor, he said. Modi said Harish Rawat was caught on camera negotiating a monetary deal to buy back the support of disgruntled MLAs. The Chief Minister should be ashamed of turning devbhoomi into lootbhoomi, he added. PTI Modi underlines focus on jawans, veterans Pithoragarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the Congress-led state government had defamed Dev Bhoomi, the land of Char Dham, by resorting to rampant corruption. Modi, while addressing a rally at the Pithoragarh stadium, said the Central Government was serious about the welfare of Army personnel and ex-servicemen. We have released Rs 13,500 crore to meet the first stage expenses of one rank, one pension (OROP). The benefits of the Seventh Pay Commission have also been given to jawans. Several schemes have been announced for Army personnel and ex servicemen, he said. Assistance for their daughters marriage has been increased. Grants have been hiked for injured soldiers, who leave the Army on medical grounds. We have opened 500 new hospitals for retired soldiers across the country, he said. The Prime Minister also highlighted other projects being run by the Centre, including Namami Gange, solar and hydro-electric schemes. He mentioned the agreement between India and Nepal over tne Pancheswar dam on the Kali river in Champawat, underlining that the multi-purpose project worth Rs 35,000 crore, would not only generate 6,000 MW but also give employment to thousands of youths in the region. BD Kasniyal Ajay Ramola Tribune News Service Mussoorie, February 12 Ruskin Bond, renowned author and a resident of Mussoorie, is all geared up to cast his vote in the state Assembly elections on February 15. Bond, who was speaking exclusively to The Tribune at an autograph signing event held at Cambridge Book Depot today, did not divulge his party preferences this time around. Asked which party should people support in this election, Bond did not seem much interested. Rather, he said, every eligible person should go out and vote as it is the day of celebrating the beauty of vibrant democracy. The voters should cast their ballot considering the credibility and integrity of the Individual candidates in the fray, instead of looking for political affiliations. If a candidate from any party is ready to work for the constituency and the state, the voters should consider such person as an representative of their constituency, the author said. Bond also appealed to the voters not to be enticed by any meagre takeaways in form of liquor, cash etc if any candidate tries to offer in lieu of vote. One should vote with clear conscience and utter honesty and elect leaders who would do something for the state and the constituency, he said. His fans, especially children, who were at the venue for an autograph were elated to meet him and were impressed by the clarity of thought shown by the author. The authors words might be a cause of concern to the candidates in fray from major political parties but they are music to the ears of Independent candidates contesting from the respective constituencies in the state. Dhaka, February 12 At least 11 people were killed and three others injured on Sunday in a collision between a bus and a van in central Bangladesh. The bus collided with the van this morning in Narsingdi district, killing 11 passengers of the van, the DailyStar quoted the officer-in-charge of Belabo Police Station as saying. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, he said. The mishap happened two days after 13 people were charred to death and 20 others injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a van hauling gas cylinders in Faridpur district. Hundreds of people die in road accidents in Bangladesh every year. Bad roads and rash driving cause most of the accidents. PTI Beirut, February 12 Turkish troops backed by Syrian rebel fighters have entered the centre of the Islamic State group bastion of Al-Bab and will soon capture it, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday. The town in Syria's Aleppo province is the last stronghold of the jihadist group in the region, and has also been the target of an assault by Syrian government forces. The Syrian opposition meanwhile announced the formation of a delegation to attend a new round of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva on February 20. Islamic State has come under pressure from simultaneous offensives in both Syria and Iraq, where the group seized large swathes of territory in 2014 and proclaimed an Islamic "caliphate". Erdogan, speaking in Istanbul, said Al-Bab "is now besieged from all fronts". "Our forces entered the centre," he added, saying it was "only a matter of time" before the alliance of Turkish forces and rebels took control of the town. "Daesh forces have begun leaving Al-Bab completely," he said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. Turkish forces and allied rebels entered Al-Bab for the first time on Saturday, from the west, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Britain-based monitor reported heavy clashes inside western Al-Bab on Sunday, as well as on the northern edge of the town, where Turkish forces and rebels were advancing but had not yet entered the town. One Turkish soldier was killed and two soldiers wounded in clashes with the jihadists, the Turkish Dogan news agency reported. That raised to 67 the number of Turkish soldiers killed since Ankara began its Operation Euphrates Shield in August, targeting both Islamic State and the Kurdish YPG militia. Al-Bab has been a key target for both Operation Euphrates Shield, but also Syrian government forces, and Ankara now finds itself effectively jointly besieging the town with President Bashar al-Assad's forces despite opposing his government. Syria's army has advanced towards Al-Bab from the south, and on Monday severed the last road leading into the town, completing its encirclement. Erdogan added that Al-Bab was "not our final target", hinting that Ankara may participate in the fight to recapture Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital Raqqa. More than 310,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests, and successive rounds of peace talks have failed to produce a political solution. Invitations to new talks on February 20 in Geneva have been delayed while the opposition forms its delegation. On Sunday, the leading components of the political opposition announced a 21-member delegation, with a new delegation head and chief negotiator. AFP Washington, February 12 Hundreds of undocumented immigrants have been arrested in at least six US states this week, following President Donald Trump's executive order to broaden the scope of immigration enforcement targets. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Also read: Govt seeks data from firms to take up H-1B visa issue with US The Immigrants were netted in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina, Xinhua news agency quoted US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials as saying on Saturday. Among them 161 arrests were made in Los Angeles and some 200 in Atlanta, said local media reports. The authorities didn't reveal the total number of the arrests. Gillian Christensen, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, said the crackdown was part of routine immigration enforcement actions. A majority of those detained were serious criminals, including some who were convicted of murder and domestic violence, she said. "We're talking about people who are threats to public safety or a threat to the integrity of the immigration system," she said. However, a Washington Post report said some of the detained are without criminal records, calling it the first large-scale crackdown under the Trump administration. On January 25, Trump issued an executive order ending the previous "catch and release" policy. Under the new order, the immigration enforcement was allowed to target undocumented immigrants with minor offences or no convictions. Immigration officials acknowledged that as a result of Trump's executive order, authorities had cast a wider net than they would have last year, said the report. The Obama administration has also pursued a more aggressive deportation policy than any previous Presidents, sending over 400,000 people back to their birth countries in 2012. However, in his second term, Obama prioritised convicted criminals for deportation. On the 2016 campaign trail, Trump pledged to deport two to three million undocumented immigrants with criminal records. There are estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living across the United States. IANS Seoul, February 12 North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday in an apparent provocation to test the response from new US President Donald Trump, the South Korean defence ministry said. The missile, launched around 7.55 am (local time) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan Province, flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), it said. The missile flew about 500 kilometres before falling into the sea, a defence ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) "It is believed that today's missile launch ... is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities," the ministry said in a statement. "It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump," it added. Yonhap news agency said the South Korean military suspected the North might have been testing a intermediate-range Musudan missile. Last October, North Korea test-fired Musudan missiles twice from the same airbase. On a visit to Seoul earlier this month, new US Defence Secretary James Mattis warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an "effective and overwhelming" response. "Any attack on the United States or our allies will be defeated and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming," Mattis said. Pyongyang in 2016 conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. In January, leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the "final stages" of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying "It won't happen." The latest North Korean launch also comes after Trump assured visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally. "We will work together to promote our shared interests, of which we have many, in the region, including freedom from navigation and defending against the North Korean missile and nuclear threat, both of which I consider a very, very high priority," Trump said Friday. Washington has repeatedly vowed that it would never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father and longtime ruler, Kim Jong-Il, in December 2011. AFP Seoul/Washington, February 12 North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea early on Sunday, the first such test since US President Donald Trump was elected, and his administration indicated that Washington would have a calibrated response to avoid escalating tensions. The test was likely to have been of an intermediate-range Musudan-class missile that landed in the Sea of Japan, according to South Koreas military, not an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which the North has said it could test at any time. The launch marks the first test of Trumps vow to get tough on an isolated North Korean regime that last year tested nuclear devices and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate in violation of UN resolutions. A US official said the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean provocation soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in response, but these would be calibrated to show US resolve while avoiding escalation. The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting Trumps previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said. This was no surprise, the official said. The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this. The latest test comes a day after Trump held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and also follows Trumps phone call last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. China is North Koreas main ally but has been frustrated by Pyongyangs repeated provocations, although it bristles at pressure from Washington and Seoul to curb the North and its young leader, Kim Jong Un. Chinas foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters Madrid, February 12 Supporters of Spains Podemos handed Pablo Iglesias a clear victory today in the leftwing partys power struggle, re-electing him as party chief and backing his strategy to fight on as an anti-establishment grouping. More than 155,000 people voted to re-elect the charismatic 38-year-old as chief and a large majority of his list of candidates for the leadership council. They also backed his strategy for the future of Podemos, in what supporters hope will end months of in-fighting in one of Europes leading far-left parties. More than 89% of voters backed Iglesias as secretary-general, while 56% endorsed his vision for Podemos, in results that met with wild applause from thousands of Podemos followers. Born in 2014 out of the Indignados protest movement that swept Spain during a severe economic crisis, Podemos, an ally of Greeces Syriza, experienced a meteoric rise to national-level politics, winning millions of votes in two elections to become the countrys third party. Buoyed by promises of radical change and a more egalitarian society, Podemos won 71 seats in parliament as part of a wider leftwing coalition. But it found itself at a crossroads that divided its pony-tailed chief and his deputy and once close friend Inigo Errejon, creating a rift in the entire party over how to achieve its goal of replacing the Socialists as the main opposition party. Should Podemos, which harnessed the anger of millions stung by Spains economic woes, take to the streets again as an anti-establishment group, as wanted by Iglesias? Or should it shed an enfant terrible image that may be scaring away voters now that it has become a credible political force, and work from within parliament as Errejon proposed? In the end, activists made the final decision. Its good because we now have clarity, Podemos co-founder and lawmaker Carolina Bescansa, who has stayed out of the in-fighting, said. AFP Geneva, February 12 Swiss voters today approved a measure to make it easier for third-generation immigrants to become citizens, crushing rightwing nationalists who had stoked fears about granting nationality to more Muslims. According to final official results, the Yes camp claimed 60 per cent support and a victory in 19 of Switzerlands 26 cantons, meeting the two criteria needed for a win. The government as well as most lawmakers and political parties supported the proposal. Under it, the grandchildren of immigrants will be able to skip several steps in the lengthy process of securing a Swiss passport, although approval of their citizenship will still not be automatic. The rightwing Swiss Peoples Party (SVP), the largest party in Switzerland's parliament, fought against the measure by putting Islam and national identity at the centre of the debate. Reacting to the defeat, SVP lawmaker Jean-Luc Addor said his side was alone against everyone in this campaign. The problem of Islam, I'm afraid, it will catch up with us in a few years, he told RTS television. According to a migration department study, less than 25,000 people in the country of about eight million currently qualify as third-generation immigrants, a definition meaning they have at least one grandparent who was born in Switzerland or acquired residency. Nearly 60 per cent of that group are Italians, followed by those with origins in the Balkans and Turkey. AFP By PTI: Washington, Feb 12 (PTI) Smart grid technology - such as management systems in power plants - may be prone to hacking, say scientists who delved into "nightmare" scenarios where hackers exploit security weaknesses and execute a disruptive plan of cyberattacks. Reliability measures of electrical grid has risen to a new norm as it involves physical security and cybersecurity. Threats to either can trigger instability, leading to blackouts and economic losses. advertisement "Most of us take turning the lights on for granted. In reality, the energy we draw from the electrical grid to brighten homes, freeze food and watch TV is part of a complicated and widespread system," researchers said. "Understanding that systems vulnerabilities and reliability is a crucial step towards improving its security," they said. The fundamental problem is a gap between physical equipment and intangible software, said Chee-Wooi Ten, from Michigan Technological University in the US. Advances in smart grid technology - such as smart meters in homes, management systems for distributed energy resources like wind and solar production along with instrumentation systems in power plants, substations or control centres - create improvements in entry points for hackers. "Ten years ago, cybersecurity simply didnt exist - it wasnt talked about and it wasnt a problem," Ten said. "Now with events like in Ukraine last year and malware like Stuxnet, where hackers can plan for a cyberattack that can cause larger power outages, people are starting to grasp the severity of the problem," he said. Ten points out that hackers target specific parts of the control network of power infrastructure and they focus on the mechanisms that control it. Automated systems control much of the grid from generation to transmission to use. The convenience and cost reduction of automation streamlines the process, but without solid security measures, it also makes the systems vulnerable. The interconnectedness of the grid can also cause cascading impacts leading to blackouts, equipment failure and islanding where regions become cut off and isolated from the main power grid. Researchers drew connections and assessed weaknesses using a framework that would assess the bottleneck of a power grid and its interconnection with their neighbouring grids. With a better understanding of the systems weaknesses, it is easier to be strategic and shore up security risks. In the long run, improving regulations with specifics to match actual infrastructure needs and providing cybersecurity insurance will help, researchers said. "Simply because the remote substation networks are constantly commissioned with full compliance doesnt mean they are secure," Ten said. advertisement "There is going to be a tremendous impact if were negligent and fail to keep up with changes in communication infrastructure and emerging security threats," he said. PTI MHN MHN --- ENDS --- The two Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education seats up for election Tuesday each drew two candidates. In District 3, TPS board President Lana Turner-Addison, 52, is running against first-time board candidate and community activist Jennettie Marshall, 58. Both are TPS graduates and public advocates for north Tulsa, where Turner-Addison hopes to continue pushing for better access to opportunities for students and Marshall says she has been called to speak up for a neglected community. Whitney Cole also filed for the District 3 seat but said she was unable to begin her campaign. Her name will still appear on the ballot. Schools in District 3 are ECDC Bunche; Academy Central, Anderson, Celia Clinton, Gilcrease, Hamilton, Hawthorne, Jackson, Penn and Whitman elementary schools; Dual Language Program; Central Junior High, Monroe Demonstration School; McLain Junior High/7th Grade Academy; and Central and McLain high schools. In District 2, Amy Shelton, 28, and Phil Armstrong, 45, are running for the seat occupied for six years by Wilbert Collins, who withdrew from the race due to health concerns. His name will still appear on the ballot. Both first-time board candidates, Shelton brings experience working in TPS classrooms, the districts central office and with community partners, while Armstrong says he would offer a business mindset and understanding of fiduciary matters to a school system starved for resources. District 2 schools are Burroughs, Kendall-Whittier, McKinley, Mitchell, Owen, Sequoyah and Springdale elementary schools; Carver Middle School; Will Rogers College High and Junior High; and Booker T. Washington High School. If no candidate in a race receives more than half the votes, the two candidates with the most votes will meet in a runoff April 4. Lana Turner-Addison After graduating from Will Rogers High School in 1982, Turner-Addison received a bachelors degree in accounting and masters in urban education from Langston University, as well as a doctorate in occupational-adult education from Oklahoma State University. Her two daughters graduated from Central High School. Turner-Addison has worked at OSU-Tulsa as the community relations manager and the City of Tulsa as the director of human rights and is now the director of Pine Premier Child Care at 518 E. Pine St. She has volunteered at numerous Tulsa schools and community organizations and served on boards and in leadership positions for various local groups and initiatives, including as chair of the North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative. Turner-Addison hopes to continue her work promoting educational equity, which she defines as providing appropriate resources so Tulsa students access to high-quality education and future career opportunities is not determined by their geographic area, race or socioeconomic background. The issue is personal for Turner-Addison, who was raised in public housing by a single parent and attended north Tulsa schools, where she was frustrated by the low expectations and lack of opportunities for achievement. Thats why I fight so hard to make sure students have those options, Turner-Addison said. Turner-Addison has talked about the need to improve equity since she was first elected to the board in 2005. She says she is finally seeing momentum in what she called a new chapter at TPS in the second year of Superintendent Deborah Gists administration, which has named equity as a foundational principle guiding the districts five-year strategic plan adopted by the board in January 2016. Since then, TPS leaders and staff have undergone training to examine individual and institutional biases that may be at the root of racial, social and geographic disparities in student achievement and discipline. This is a calling for me, Turner-Addison said, explaining that she wants to continue being a voice for students and parents in under-served communities. She said she brings commitment, compassion, understanding and expertise to the board, as well as an ability to listen and work with diverse groups of people. In addition to continuing her work to improve equity, her priorities as a board member include lobbying for funding to increase teacher pay, increasing parent and community engagement in schools, ensuring district transparency and making all TPS employees feel valued and supported. Jennettie Marshall After graduating from Will Rogers High School in 1976, Marshall received associate degrees in political science from Tulsa Junior College and mortuary science from Dallas Institute of Funeral Services, as well as a bachelors in corrections and masters in business management from Langston University. Her children graduated from Edison and Central high schools. Marshall retired in 2000 from work at Oklahomas Department of Corrections and Department of Human Services. She has attended Anderson Theological Seminary and is pursuing a master of divinity degree. Marshall is running for the board to give back to the community that I have been a part of for so long and to answer the call from community members who want better educational opportunities for students, particularly in north Tulsa, where she said shes known as a community activist. I believe that I would bring to the board new vision, a will to listen to the people of the community and to be a voice to the community, which is something that has been long forgotten, Marshall said. One of the chief complaints from parents, students and educators in District 3 is that they feel their concerns have been neglected, said Marshall, who believes she would bring true representation back to the board. Marshall said she has heard these concerns as a pastor at Living Sanctuary Evangelistic Ministries and by always trying to keep my finger on the pulse in this community. Her priorities would include investigating why our schools are on the failing list; why were not meeting the standards; why our parents and our students are feeling disconnected; why we dont have real communication within this district; why people are feeling disconnected. She said she would bring harmony back to the district by working with communities that feel neglected and see the discussions about unity and equity as superficial. Challenges she sees facing District 3 are the number of emergency-certified teachers and the divisions and lack of access that leave its schools inadequately equipped compared to other Tulsa public schools. She said the divided educational system at TPS could be addressed by leveling the disparities in funding for schools and by taking action and fostering open dialogue rather than continuing superficial discussions that she said have been going on for decades. Phil Armstrong Armstrong grew up in Ohio and moved to Tulsa in 1997 following a visit with a college friend who had attended TPS. He has lived in District 2 for 16 of those 20 years. Armstrongs two daughters attended Eisenhower Elementary, Thoreau Demonstration Academy and Booker T. Washington High School. His daughters are now at Cascia Hall and Oklahoma Christian University, and his two sons attend Jenks Public Schools. Armstrong has a bachelors degree in mass communication from Ohios Central State University and a masters in public administration from the University of Akron in Ohio. He says hell bring a business mindset to the board. He recently remodeled and reopened a north Tulsa Subway restaurant he bought last year, and he is employed as the companys vice president of franchise development for eastern Oklahoma. After volunteering at Tulsa schools for years, Armstrong said he got charged on the policy side of education after he was appointed to the Oklahoma Commission on School Security several years ago, an experience that drove him to advocate for more diversity in educational leadership. He has also served on the Reading Partners board in Tulsa, which he described as an eye-opening experience, seeing the potential of a program that could change the trajectory of students lives. Armstrong says his business background would give him a niche on the board, which would benefit from his understanding of fiduciary matters and ability to analyze budgets in a time when schools are starved for resources. He says he would be a strong advocate for resources and find ways to arrange finances to enhance classrooms. He would also work to create incentives for teacher recruitment and retention by finding creative ways to increase their salaries and offer bonuses. Armstrong said the allocation of resources is the biggest challenge he sees facing the district, as well as providing funding for teacher pay and retention, and he would work with legislators on ways to fix those issues. He added that he would hope to improve resources for English-language learning students and continue board member Collins legacy bringing the voice of an African-American male to the board. Amy Shelton Shelton was born in Michigan and moved to Tulsa in 2011 to teach at TPS for Teach for America, an experience she says caused me to change course and devote the rest of my career to public education. She has a bachelors in international studies from Cedarville University in Ohio, a masters degree in educational studies from the University of Tulsa and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from Oklahoma State University. After teaching fifth-graders for a year each at Anderson and Cooper, Shelton served a summer internship with TPS central office under the assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, researching programs that would encourage collaboration and sharing of best practices between teachers across the district. Shelton has been involved with Reading Partners by helping it launch in Tulsa in 2013, working as a site coordinator at Kendall-Whittier Elementary and then helping create and run a summer program. Shelton decided to pursue the board after seeing the struggles and potential of teachers, students and school leaders during her time in the classroom, central office and a community partner organization. She added that she wants to ensure the district is serving all of its diverse populations and better engaging families in north Tulsa and Hispanic students, who make up a significant portion of District 2. Since she has worked as a TPS teacher and lived the day-to-day experiences inside a classroom, she says she would speak up about policies that look great on paper but would actually burden teachers and students. While teacher pay is important and she would advocate for the state Legislature to increase it, she said she would focus on other ways such as by working more efficiently with partners in education organizations to provide incentives to stay in Tulsa, especially at schools with high teacher turnover rates. As a teacher, I felt more able to do my job well when I felt supported by the community, she said. She said she would prioritize strategizing ways to maximize resources from community partners so they are not wasted and work to determine the systemic issues causing educational inequities. Shelton said shes encouraged by district leaders talking about improving equity, but she recognizes that some community members believe it is just for show and are skeptical it will actually lead to positive results. McCLOUD The two actresses sat back to back, holding bundles representing babies while going through a courthouse scene where a girl may lose custody of her infant. The story is about the prisoner who wrote the piece. She was also one of the performers on that stage in front of a full room of fellow inmates. Through playwriting, Cyndie Jones, from McAlester, spoke about having a child at age 14 after her own early years were filled with violence and neglect. She described her 8-year-old self running from a man who ended up catching her by the hair, backhanding her to a split lip then whipping her with an electrical cord. So many women who got here have these stories, and they are not being heard, Jones said. The hour-long performance Friday evening at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center for women was the culmination of the writing and acting program ArtsAloud, offered through Oklahoma State University. It is also held at the Jess Dunn facility in Taft and the John Lilley center in Boley. At the end of the performance, three OSU theater students put their own spin on the works produced by the inmates. As Jones listened to the words of her life coming from the actors, she put her elbows on her knees, breathed deeply and sobbed. It was that overwhelming. She had no regrets. The best healing is to let people know what happened, and that will also help others, Jones said. I was so angry when I came here, but Im trying to trust the judicial system. I want to be an advocate for the women here. I believe people deserve a second chance. Budget woes: Oklahoma has a well-earned reputation for locking up its residents. The state has the second-highest incarceration rate in the U.S. For more than 25 years, Oklahoma has been No. 1 in the incarceration rate of women, with only brief moments at being No. 2. In December, the DOC announced that for the first time in 49 years, the population of people incarcerated, on supervision or currently in a county jail awaiting transfer surpassed 61,000. Last week, the Governors Task Force for Judicial Reform reported that at this rate more than 7,200 inmates will be added in the next decade. That would bring an additional cost of $1.9 billion to construct three more prisons. All this is at a time with drastic revenue shortfalls including a state budget failure last year. Funding has not kept up with the increase in prisoners. Programs to rehabilitate and to transition inmates into the community were cut from the budget years ago. What is offered falls largely to volunteers. Jodi Jinks, artistic director of ArtsAloud and the Mary Lou Lemon endowed professor for underrepresented voices, imported the program from Austin, Texas, four years ago. It fulfills the research mission of OSU and provides ongoing education and a creative outlet for inmates. The emphasis is not on the way they perform. The emphasis is on writing the story then performing it, Jinks said. Because this is autobiographical, it is their story, there is an emotional attachment to it. Each session develops differently. As the prisoners write from prompts given, a theme emerges. On Friday, the performance was called Happiness. The goal is to break down the walls for those on the inside and those on the outside, Jinks said. This allows for increased empathy, understanding and self-empowerment. Human again: OSU senior Peyton Meacham beat back tears several times watching the prisoners perform. She was most moved by this line: Im from rolling hills verging on the mountains but not quite. I was wanting to meet her so much and let her know how that line changed me, Meacham said. Its beautiful. It was written by inmate Geneva Phillips within a poem filled with poignant metaphors of her upbringing. ArtsAloud is life-giving. This is not a place of life, but arts is life, Phillips said. So many creative people are in prison. I dont know why the ratio is so high in prison like that, but it is. This allows us some small moment each week to be human again. Day in and day out, we arent allowed to be human. Bonding experience: The performance swayed between bouts of laughter and tears dredged from depths of sorrow. After Jones suddenly stopped her narrative when detailing the taste of blood as the cord lashed her backside, the other prisoners urged her on. Come on girl. You got this. You can do this. She continued, ending with her mothers response to the question as to why she couldnt protect her daughters from dangerous men. Some women arent meant to be mothers. The silence of the room was only broken by a few mmm hmms nearly whispered in sympathetic solidarity. In a well-timed turn, the next vignette told of learning to make fried chicken, only to cause a fire that banned her from her godmothers kitchen. The 12-woman ensemble of inmates sang a version of the original Mouseketeers Mickey Mouse March, danced to jingles and created whimsical novelty songs. Women noted their love of fishing, puppies, children and grandchildren. A woman belted out the television show theme to In the Heat of the Night, and an El Salvadoran prisoner had an ongoing joke about not being Mexican. Im also American and I love this country, she said. Drama punched between the comedy. An inmate recounted memories of her best friend, who died after a 10-year-old suicide bomber killed him. A woman claimed being from a heartbroken man with whiskey bottled-up rage. A prisoner serving life for murder grievously pondered whether she would outlast the punishment they deemed. In an ode of gratitude, a prisoner shared her fears at age 15 being sent behind bars, where she has stayed. With no outside support, her fellow inmates became her family. Even though you had your own kids, you had a hand in raising me, she said. I thank you for allowing me to grow up and wanting to help me. The final act shifted the tenor of the room into one of inspiration and motivation by taking on the theme What we want the world to know, Were human, not a number. World peace starts with one person. Love a little, love a lot. Everyone deserves a second chance. The rousing ending featured the theme song to the television show the Golden Girls. Its hard not to be uplifted while clapping and singing, Thank you for being a friend. After the show, OSU junior Cody Finger talked about the lessons learned through the project. Its eye-opening, and it makes you think twice before judging people, he said. And, they really do have very good writing. By PTI: Naidu to CMs New Delhi, Feb 12 (PTI) With four states and six UTs notifying the final real estate rules, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has urged chief ministers to take personal interest in ensuring implementation of the Act. In a letter dated February 9 to all chief ministers, he said, "Real Estate Act is one of the most important reforms for the sector which would bring benefits to all stakeholders. advertisement "It is therefore, my sincere request to please bestow your personal attention to this matter so that the Act is implemented in time and in the spirit with which it was passed by the Parliament," he said. "Appropriate governments are required to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authorities and the Appellate Tribunals, maximum by April 30, 2017," Naidu said. "The timelines are important as the Act would commence its full operation from May 1 and in the absence of Rules and Regulatory Authority and Appellate Tribunal the implementation of the Act would be affected in your state, leading to a vacuum in the sector," he said in the two-page letter. The minister said the Real Estate Act, 2016 was one of the most consumer-friendly laws passed by the Parliament and its timely implementation was the responsibility of both the central and state governments. It would not only provide the much needed consumer protection but would also give a fillip to the sector, benefiting all the stakeholders, he said. Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ministry had organised a consultative workshop with all the states/UTs last month to review their progress. The ministry, mandated with the responsibility of making rules for UTs without legislatures, has done so for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep while the Ministry of Urban Development has done so for Delhi. A few other states have been reported to have notified only draft rules seeking views and suggestions from stakeholders. States that have notified final rules are Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. The ministry has also referred the complaints regarding the dilution of some of the provisions of the Act to the Committee on Subordinate Legislation of Rajya Sabha. From May 1 this year, under the provisions of the Act, both buyers and developers of real estate property can approach Real Estate Regulatory Authorities seeking relief against violation of the contractual obligations and other provisions of the Act. PTI MP AAR --- ENDS --- [Ratan Tata reportedly went to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur to help broker the changes that he has asked for in the Tata board. NarayanMurthy is accused of lobbying hard to become Indias President.] There are two questions that people ask about India. What is happening with demonetization and what is going on with the Tatas. The issue of demonetization has been discussed threadbare in various columns. The Tata story is equally bizarre and has a number of interesting facets. And even as a new Chairman gets ready to take over on the 21st of February, the spotlight is back on Indias corporate sector because of new developments in anther respected brand, Infosys. In a repeat of what happened at Bombay House, we have another founder Chairman, Narayan Murthy asking for a review of corporate governance at Infosys. His former colleague and then CFO, Balakrishnan has been more direct in asking for the sacking of the Chairman Vishal Sikka. The new board at Infosys is being blamed for giving a very large hike to the Chairman and huge severance payouts to two senior employees. Infosys raised the annual pay for Vishal Sikka, whose term has been extended till 2021, to nearly 80 crore rupees a year, $11 million, which includes variable pay subject to certain performance-based targets. The former chief financial officer Rajiv Bansal's was given a severance package of Rs 17.38 crore, equivalent to or 24 month's pay. In the US, Infosys paid its former general counsel David Kennedy a severance payment of about 5 crore rupees and other reimbursements over 12 months. These two examples are noteworthy for a number of reasons. The Tatas are an old and established brand. They made their mark and their money in the old fashioned manufacturing sector, making steel and cars, before they also set up Indias largest software company, TCS. Infosys was a new age company set up by a bunch of technology graduates, leveraging Indias strengths in the service sector to build one of the greatest software brands in the world. Both then acquired multinational status but remained firmly rooted in India even as they set up offices across the globe. Both these groups emerged as Indias showcase companies, maintaining very high ethical standards and building a global presence based on trust and recognition. Ratan Tata and NarayanMurthy acquired iconic statuses as individual leaders and were respected across the political and business spectrums. Both continue to have large presence in the philanthropic space and have defined corporate giving in the country. Their names are associated with some of the largest and most influential educational institutions in the country. The mistakes they made were dismissed as minor misdemeanors given their vast contributions. Ratan Tata reportedly went to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur to help broker the changes that he has asked for in the Tata board. He was definitely embarrassed when some unseemly conversations of his came out with the Nira Radia tapes. NarayanMurthy was accused of lobbying hard to become Indias President. Infosys and TCS were both named by te US Labour department in investigation on the possible abuse of H1B visas used to hire temporary workers to work in the US. Despite all this, the two big names, Ratan Tata and NarayanMurthy remained above board and hugely respected. This was not the case with other corporate giants whose reputations collapsed completely with allegations against them. Vijay Mallya and Subroto Roy are two recent examples of larger than life individuals whose companies collapsed along with the owners who either had to flee the country or land up in jail. Ramalinga Raju suffered huge losses, a jail term and a literal dissolution of large global brand built over The same period as Infosys. The questions that arise are many. The first is one that ironically Ratan Tata had himself asked a few years ago. Why does Mukesh Ambani live in such opulence, Ratan Tata had asked. He explained that it is the display of such wealth which could lead to revolutions. Income disparity is not something that should be flaunted especially where a large portion of the population lives amidst great hardship. Today, NarayanMurthy and co founders are questioning this huge raise given to Sikka. Should there be a cap and regulation on what corporate CEOs pay themselves? The second question that arises is, should former Chairmen and founders interfere in present day management? Ratan Tata had resigned fours years ago, himself appointing Cyrus Mistry. It was NarayanMurthy first, who had quit in 2011 came back in 2013 to become Chairman again. He then himself chose Vishal Sikka and made him CEO in 2014. Three years later he has started questioning Vishal Sikkas working style and asking for changes to be made on the board. Ratan Tata similarly came up with the demand to sack Mistry at a board meeting after four years at the helm. What does all this mean for how businesses run themselves? Should they be tightly regulated by the Companies Act? What is the responsibility that Directors owe to the company, the board and its shareholders? Should they keep silent when they notice, like NarayanMurthy is saying, something unethical and illegal being carried out by the senior management? And when they do so, should they be held liable and penalized? There are a number of tough laws we have passed. SEBI, FEMA, Competition law and the Companies Act each have been enacted to bring transparency and accountability in corporate governance. They define the duties and rights of Directors on the board. But when these same Directors decide to collude or look the other way when their management indulges in short cuts, the law is rendered irrelevant. There is already a hue and cry that Indian legislation is draconian and does not allow firms in the country to grow large and profitable by giving the board freedom to take its decisions. It is indeed unfortunate that such drama is unfolding in the board rooms of our most respected firms just when brand India was looking to take off. Even as our firms establish offices abroad and seek listings in stock markets across the world, doubts raised on their ethical standards will act as dampeners. On can only hope that these are stray incidents that will not dent the countrys growth story. Also that it is mere coincidence that this board room activity has played out in dramatic fashion in two of our most respected firms at around the same time. North Korea or the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea is anything but democratic. Though its rulers describe the country as self-sufficient, prosperous and well-governed, the stark reality is unsavory. Run by propaganda and controlled awareness about the rest of the world, North Korea has become a place of interest for many tourists and political enthusiasts. Here are some photographs of North Korea taken by two photographers, Michael Huniewicz, who traveled to the country through China, and Eric Lafforgue, who was banned from ever visiting again. 1 The scene that greets the tourists upon their arrival in Pyongyang. A group of men and women who appear to be walking in a hurry so that the station doesnt look empty. The train in which Huniewicz arrived was the only train that day. 2 A view of Pyongyang from Yanggakdo Hotel where non-Chinese tourists stay. Chinese tourists have relatively more freedom and are allowed to walk around the block or cross the street on their own, without a guide. 3 According to Huniewicz, the guides are usually inclined to show the tourists the glamorous parts of the city, such as these large buildings, and speed up the tour vehicle when they are in less impressive areas. Advertisements 4 Photographers are forbidden to take pictures of North Korean citizens if they are not well-dressed. This man carrying a cylinder on his back was not dressed well enough according to Lafforgues guide. 5 Here is a picture of soldiers having a cigarette and having a relaxed moment, again something that isnt allowed to be photographed. 6 Lafforgue explains that guides strongly encourage visitors to take photographs when visiting families where the kids have computers, even though, as in the image shown here, there is no electricity in the home. Advertisements 7 A policeman watches as two women clean up the road. 8 Workers carrying something on their shoulders across a bridge. 9 A man using an old tyre as a boat for fishing. Fishing in small lakes in the countryside is a way for those living in remote areas to get fresh food. Advertisements 10 Many soldiers of the North Korean army can often be seen performing menial tasks, though the army is said to be the most important in the world. This one was probably helping in a farm. 11 A side of the capital city that the authorities try to hide. 12 Thats a queue of people waiting to get on to a bus and go to work. Vamshi had gone to California in 2013 and completed his MS in Silicon Valley University. While he was looking for a job in software industry in US he recently took a part-time assignment at a local store. By India Today Web Desk: A youth hailing from Telangana was shot dead in America's California by a drug addict who was arrested later on by the police. The incident happened last morning, according to Indian time, when 26-year-old Mamidala Vamshi Chander Reddy was returning after completing his part-time shift at a local store in Milpitas city of Santa Clara County. HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED The youth hailed from Warangal district of Telangana. "Vamshi's friends called me on Saturday saying my son is missing and that an incident has taken place wherein a person was shot at. They later informed me that it was Vamshi who got killed," Vamshi's father Sanjeeva Reddy told reporters today. Vamshi had gone to California in 2013 and completed his MS in Silicon Valley University. While he was looking for a job in software industry in US he recently took a part-time assignment at a local store. "His friends told me that Vamshi was shot dead by a carjacker who was trying to take away car of a woman at gun point in the parking garage of the apartment," Sanjeeva said. He said Vamshi spoke to him over phone just two days back. "He was worried about finding a software job there. I asked him to come back and find a job here. We wanted to get him married. He said he would come back home soon but we did not expect such a thing to happen to him," Sanjeeva said while fighting back tears. He appealed state and central governments to bring back Vamshi's body without delay. Local MLA Aroori Ramesh visited the grieving family and consoled them. He assured to extend all possible help to bring back Vamshi's mortal remains. "I have got report from our consulate in San Francisco. The report says Vamshi was killed by a drug addict on Friday evening at Milpitas," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted later on. "The culprit has been arrested," she stated, adding that the consulate was in touch with the victim's family and assured all help and assistance. advertisement (With inputs from PTI) --- ENDS --- The "Dragon Ball Super" episode 78 will continue the Universe Survival Arc. In this episode, the destructive competition will finally kick off, but not before every "Dragon Ball Super" characters realizes the true stakes that come to the tournament. 11 universes in "Dragon Ball Super" anime series are expected to be destroyed by the end of the Tournament of Power. Some "Dragon Ball Super" episode 78 spoilers claimed that the main protagonist Goku might finally realize that the competition is a mistake. A number of "Dragon Ball Super" fans hope that the main protagonist would stop the tournament before many worlds will be demolished. As stated by the famous "Dragon Ball Super" spoiler, Todd Blankenship, the "Dragon Ball Super" episode 78 will have a first one-off match before the actual Tournament of Power starts. Wherein, the Omni-King will witness the match. This could indicate that before the main competition kicks off, each universe will first determine the fighters that will best represent their universes by taking measures of their strength. Nevertheless, the official synopsis of "Dragon Ball Super" episode 79 was revealed by Shonen Jump magazine. The hitman of the universe 9 Basilio will go head to head with Majin Buu of the universe 7. The Universe 7 fighters include Majin Buu, Goku and Gohan. While the Universe 9 fighters will feature Lavenda, Basil and Bergamo, according to Blasting News. The video trailer of "Dragon Ball Super" episode 79 showcased that the wolves cause trouble for the powerful Majin Buu. Nonetheless, Toei Animation is rumored to pitch in more buzz for the upcoming episodes of the "Dragon Ball Super." The "Dragon Ball Super" episode 78 is slated to telecast on Sunday, Feb. 12. The episode 79 of the anime series is expected to fire up on Feb. 19. Jump preview for DBS ep.79, airing a February 19th. Spoilers. pic.twitter.com/qntsUgJ0ZH Todd Blankenship (@Herms98) February 9, 2017 Watch The Video Here: Microsoft Azure is updating its platform-as-a-service (PaaS) with some few important updates. The company's cloud computing service is about to receive a new data protection capabilities and along with some important features. New Data Protection Feature Launched According to eWeek, which got the full details of the story, the Redmond-based software company is about to give Azure Cloud platform a new data protection capabilities along with an expanded set of new storage management features which aimed at bigger workloads. Azure Backup isn't the only cloud storage-related update Microsoft has released this week. Microsoft is also introducing a new instant file recovery feature for Azure Backup that will enable the service to pull double duty as a restore-as-a-service solution. The company called Instant Restore. As mentioned in the Microsoft's blog post, with Instant Restore, users can now restore files and folders instantly from cloud-based recovery points without provisioning any additional infrastructure, and at no additional cost. The new data protection feature will also provide a writeable snapshot of a recovery point that the users can quickly mount as one or more iSCSI based recovery volumes. Additionally, the new data protection feature can be used to unify file and folder recovery operations from the cloud or on-premises sources and works with both Azure virtual machines and local machine. In addition to the file and folder recovery operations, the Azure Backup Instant Recovery feature will also allow Microsoft customers to validate backups and preview application files without completely restoring them. Azure customers can also use the new feature to restore multiple files from various folders to a network share or local server, according to Microsoft. Azure Backup Instant Recovery And Feature Availability The Azure Backup Instant Recovery is currently available in preview for Microsoft customers using the Azure Backup agent and Azure VM backup with Windows VMs. Microsoft has made a walk-through available online to provide more information about the new Azure File Recovery feature. In other Microsoft Azure news, the software company has just announced that its Managed Disks service for Azure VMs, which said to help bridge the PaaS and IaaS gap for the cloud customers, has finally entered general availability. By PTI: New Delhi, Feb 12 (PTI) Seeking investments from India in areas like automation, smart electronics and biotech, Thailand Board of Investment has said that the country provides tax holidays and an investor-friendly environment. "Indian businesses can contribute to our growth further in various ways. No matter big or small, even startups can be our partners. There is a wide range from trading, manufacturing and other high value-added services. However, they have to come with technology and be environment friendly," the boards Director and Consul (Investment) Kanokporn Chotipal told PTI. advertisement She said Indian business can also participate in sectors like aerospace, automation and medical devices. "Apart from that, India can also be our partner in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and IT/ITeS," she said, adding Indian companies can explore business opportunities in several sectors in Thailand. With an aim to attract investments from India and other countries, Thailand is organising a mega event - Opportunity Thailand Seminar 2017 in Bangkok on February 15. Over 2,500 investors from across the globe would participate in the seminar. Chotipal said that several Indian companies have presence in the South East Asian nation and "more will go to Thailand according to Act East policy of the Indian government because Thailand is a strategic location, situated in the centre of ASEAN". She also expressed hope that negotiations for the Thailand-India free trade agreement will be concluded soon to boost economic relations between both the countries. Bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 8.5 billion in 2015-16. PTI RR ABM JM --- ENDS --- The intermediate examination is scheduled to begin from 14th February and will end on 25th February. By Rohit Kumar Singh: After the toppers scam expose and repeated reporting of mass cheating in matric and intermediate examinations of the Bihar Board by the media every year, the officials now have a unique way of course correction. Keep the media out from covering the examination centers from this year onwards. Secretary of the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), Anup Kumar Sinha has shot off a letter to all the district magistrates and superintendent of police directing them to keep the media out of the examination centers. India Today is in possession of the letter that directs the district officials to further make examination controllers, invigilators and center superintendents aware of this diktat. advertisement Also read: Bihar topper scam: Someone else wrote exam for Ruby, claims forensic report The govt has also come out with advertisements in newspapers instructing media to be kept away from the examination centers. The intermediate examination is scheduled to begin from 14th February and will end on 25th February while the matric exams will begin on 1st March and will be held till 8th March. Also read: Bihar topper scam kingpin Lalkeshwar Prasad, wife arrested In the light of the toppers scam, the Board has taken measures to ensure that the exams are conducted in a fair manner with series of new initiatives taken which includes linking of aadhaar card number of students with their examination forms to avoid duplication. From this year, the answer sheets of the candidates will also be evaluated digitally. --- ENDS --- Incidents of rape and murder are not new to us. But it is terrifying to hear of one so close to home. Most of these criminals live amongst us. Child abuse, which is a fundamental problem in Indian society, is perpetrated more often by family members and close family friends rather than outsiders. About 94.8% of children suffer from some form of abuse. Parents need to monitor their children closely and pay heed to their emotional needs. In spite of the presence of several NGOs and support groups working against sexual abuse and rape, the numbers continue to be high at around 6 rape cases a day and close to 15 cases of molestation. Giving the highest possible punishment to these convicts will definitely send out a strong message to the society. Until then, unfortunately, every other girl and every other child continue to live in perpetual fear that someday it might happen to them. MoT has denied Uber Vietnams proposal to join a rideshare trial programme that would ensure its legality Photo: Le Toan Uber Vietnams development of the trial scheme and proposing the ministrys approval under authorisation of Uber BV is not enough of a guarantee to tie down Uber BVs responsibility for implementation of the scheme, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) said in its Document No.634/BGTVT-VT recently sent to Uber Vietnam. MoT received the firms proposal for this trial scheme in late 2016. The scheme is about applying information technology to support the management and connection of commercial passenger transportation by contract. The business lines of Uber Vietnam registered in its business licence cover management consulting, as well as market research and public opinion polls which are not related to the authorised activity, the document explained. If Uber Vietnam is authorised to build, propose, and implement the trial scheme, this firm needs to add the business line to its business licence, while directly building, signing, and taking responsibility for business contracts with transportation units, and contracts supplying connection services with passengers in Vietnam, according to the MoT document. Regarding the contents of the e-contract application, MoT also asked Uber Vietnam to supplement to the trial scheme the detailed description and analysis of contents and process of its transportation contracts. The contents of the e-contracts must abide by Decree No.86/2014/ND-CP, dated September 2014, covering business conditions for automobile transportation business, and MoTs Circular No.63/2014/TT-BGTVT on management of automobile transportation and road transportation facilitation services. In terms of protection of customers rights, the trial scheme does not clarify the rights and responsibilities of sci-tech service providers and transportation businesses for customers rights, nor does it include co-ordination regulations to deal with customers complaints. According to reports by Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City departments of Transport, many individual cars used Uber software to run passenger transportation business without a licence. Thus, MoT has asked Uber Vietnam not to co-operate with individual car owners to operate such an unlawful business until it completes all the contents of the trial scheme in line with local rules. In January 2016, MoT started applying information technology to support the management and connection of commercial passenger transportation by contract (known as GrabCar), over a two-year trial period. The GrabCar project was submitted to MoT in August 2015 by GrabTaxi Co., Ltd., and the government approved the pilot project submitted by the ministry a few months later. Under the project, five cities and provinces - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Quang Ninh, and Khanh Hoa - have been selected to test the trial service. Afghan troops, backed by American air support, Sunday launched a major offensive against Islamic State, or IS, bases in the eastern Nangarhar province. A regional military spokesman, Shirin Aqa, told reporters in the provincial capital of Jalalabad that security forces have been tasked to clear Kot and Haska districts of IS militants before extending the action to other districts. Afghans refer to IS by its Arabic acronym of Daesh. He said that both military and police forces have been involved in the counter-IS operation and they will be provided with air support by US forces if needed. The army spokesman explained that the offensive will continue until the threat is eliminated in the area. We can confirm that the United States is providing combat enabling support, to include air support, to our Afghan partners, said U.S. military spokesman Brigadier General Charles Cleveland in a written statement sent to VOA. IS affiliate, Islamic State Khorasan Province or ISK-P, has been trying to establish a foothold in Afghanistan since the beginning of 2015. But U.S. counterterrorism airstrikes and repeated ground offensives by Afghan forces have prevented the loyalists of the terrorist group from extending their extremist activities beyond a few districts of Nangarhar. The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, told a congressional hearing in Washington this past Thursday that the Afghan government along with U.S. counterterrorism forces have achieved significant successes against IS in within the last year. The general said that initially the group was active in 11 districts in Nangahar but it has now been confined to a only few districts. We have reduced their fighters by half, their territory by two-thirds, we have killed their leader, in fact their top 12 leaders and continue to disrupt their operations, said Nicholson. WATCH: Video report IS militants have also come under attack from the rival Taliban insurgency in parts of the country. The eastern Afghan province borders Pakistan and General Nicholson says that fighters from the anti-state Pakistani Taliban as well as outlawed Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan mostly fill IS ranks in Afghanistan. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI) In an apparent double murder case, bodies of two trader brothers, with their throats slit, were today found in Mori Gate area in Old Delhi, police said. "The victims have been identified as Raj Kumar Manchanda (53) and Devendra Manchanda (60). Both were residents of Rohini," they said. Jatin Narwal, DCP (North) said, "The family members of the victims had organised Mata ki chowki (prayer) in Rohini and were waiting for the brothers to return home. When their calls went unanswered, the relatives rushed to the second floor of the building at Mori Gate, which housed the car garage-cum accessory shop of the brothers." advertisement "They found the door locked and had to break it open to gain entry. The bodies of the brothers with brutal injury marks were found on the second floor of the building," he said. "A PCR call was received at 7:45 PM from one of the relatives of the victims," police said. The bodies have been sent for postmortem, they said. Narwal said two out of the four servants working at the premises were missing, adding that the police was on the lookout for them. PTI SLB/KND SRY --- ENDS --- Al-Shabab militants overran two small military camps outside Mogadishu in a dawn attack early Sunday morning, residents and military sources say. Residents in Tihsile and Warmahan villages, 45 kilometers and 60 kilometers west of Mogadishu respectively said the militants attacked government troops in two camps in simultaneous attacks. Military sources estimated that about 40-50 government soldiers were stationed in each of the two camps. At least two soldiers were killed in Tihsile, while casualties from Warmahan are not yet known. A reinforcement convoy sent from Ballidogle military base was hit by a roadside explosion near the town of Wanlaweyn, 90 kilometers west of Mogadishu, military sources tell VOA Somali. The deputy commander of the 6th Division and a second military officer were among four killed in the roadside explosion, military sources have confirmed. Eight other soldiers were wounded in the explosion. The explosion on the convoy occurred just before sunrise as the troops headed towards Tihsile and Warmahan to reinforce government troops under attack. Residents in the villages believe most of the government soldiers in the two camps escaped unharmed. The militants have now reportedly withdrawn from the villages. The al-Shabab militant group claimed its militias seized ammunitions and two military vehicles. Meanwhile, late Saturday two government soldiers were killed near the town of El-Wak in Gedo region after al-Shabab attacked a government checkpoint. A third wounded soldier was reportedly captured by the militants. These are the first deadly al-Shabab attacks on government soldiers since the election of new President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in Somalia Wednesday. Government soldiers were among those who hugely welcomed the election of Farmajo in anticipation that they will be paid their salaries. When Farmajo was prime minister in 2010-2011, the soldiers were paid on time and given rations. Al-Shabab's leadership has not yet commented on the election of the new president. Junior al-Shabab preachers, however, have spoken at mosques in Jilib and Saakow towns telling the congregations the election of Farmajo does not change their view of the Somali government. Colombia's president is asking for President Donald Trump's support in approving U.S. funding to back the country's peace deal with leftist rebels. The request came in a 25-minute phone call Saturday between Trump and President Juan Manuel Santos, the first between the two leaders since the Republican president took office. The Obama administration laid out a plan of $450 million in assistance this year to support peace with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. But Congress has yet to approve the funds and some conservative U.S. lawmakers are pushing for bigger concessions from the FARC and a stronger commitment from Santos to eradicate exploding levels of cocaine crops. According to Santos' aides, Trump said he was interested in continuing support for Colombia - long the U.S.'s staunchest ally in Latin America. Trump also invited last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner to the White House in a future, undisclosed date, aides said. Aides released a photo of Santos during the conversation smiling widely. They wouldn't say if the Colombian leader raised objections shared widely in Latin America over Trump's proposal to build a wall with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants. Santos' aides said Trump praised the high quality of Colombian workmanship and construction materials used to build his real estate empire. A 36-year-old Egyptian woman, believed to be the worlds heaviest woman at 500 kilograms, has been brought to an Indian hospital to undergo surgical procedures aimed at drastically reducing her weight and giving her a chance of a normal life. For Eman Ahmed, the journey to Mumbai was her first outside her home in Alexandria in 25 years. And it involved complex logistics on many fronts: The Indian foreign ministers intervention to get her a visa, an Airbus modified to equip it with a special bed, a truck at the Indian airport to whisk her to the hospital where a crane lifted her bed into a special unit for her treatment. Born a heavy baby at 5 kgs, her family has said she began putting on weight by the age of 11 and stopped going to school by fifth grade when it became difficult for her to move. Stroke worsened her condition Her condition worsened two years ago when Ahmed suffered a stroke, which not only left her bedridden, but also affected her speech. The reason for her abnormal weight is not clear. Her family has said she was diagnosed with elephantiasis, in which limbs swell because of a parasitic infection. In Mumbai, she will undergo a series of tests to identify her ailment. Last October, a Mumbai doctor, Muffazal Lakdawala, who specializes in weight reduction surgeries, responded to a plea for help from the womans sister. Travel, arrangements difficult But the going was not smooth. Initially the Indian embassy in Cairo turned down her visa request because she could not travel to the city for the interview. However, a tweet by Lakdawala in December to Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, who was herself in the hospital at the time, drew an immediate response and a visa was promptly granted. After that, preparations to get her to Mumbai got into full swing. But it took time to arrange her travel because no airline was willing to carry her because of her health complications and the special arrangements that would have to be made. Eventually she took the seven-hour flight on an Egypt Air plane. Before she arrived in Mumbai Saturday, Indian doctors prepared her for the journey. A team of doctors has been in Egypt for the last 10 days to optimize the conditions for her travel, a statement by her doctor said. Egyptian Consul General in Mumbai Ahmad Khalil, who met her briefly at the airport, said she was happy to be in Mumbai and expressed hope her suffering would be over. Her treatment in Mumbai could take two to three months. She will undergo bariatric, or weight loss surgery, which is a stomach-shrinking procedure. At the moment, the Guinness Book of Records lists Pauline Potter from the United States, who weighs 291.6 kg as the worlds heaviest woman. If Ahmeds family has her weight correct, she is much heavier at 500 kgs. Afghan provincial officials reported a rise in girls enrollment rates across eastern Nangarhar Province, despite constant attacks and threats by Islamic State and other militant groups in the area. Of the 14,000 graduates last year, we had 3,000 girls. This year, 4,000 girls graduated out of the total 18,000 graduates, said Mohammad Asif, a spokesperson for the department of education in Nangarhar. Asif added that girls constituted 45 percent of the 820,000 total students in the province. Girls are traditionally deprived of education in Afghanistans remote areas and were not allowed to go to school when the Taliban was in power. Decades-long conflict in the country has had negative effects on education, but there has been improvement in the last 15 years, with millions of students including girls, returning to school. Urban and rural disparities Analysts say more girls are attending school in urban areas than in rural parts of the province. The number has risen in urban centers but girls in several remote districts are still unable to attend school, said Malalai Shinwari, an advisor to President Ashraf Ghani and a civil society activist. Girls in many rural and remote regions are faced with multiple societal and security challenges, including lack of infrastructure for schools in certain areas. There are no schools for girls in many areas in Nangarhar, Shinwari said. In some areas girls are only able to attend home-based schools, which receive little support from the government. In many areas girls do not go to school because there is no school nearby, Haroon Rashid Sherzad, a civil society activist from Nangarhar and former deputy minister of narcotics, told VOA. Huge distances to the nearest schools discourage parents from sending their daughters to school. Increasing security threats have also kept girls out of schools in many areas where educational institutions have been a soft target of terrorist groups. IS militants, who are active in several districts of Nangarhar, have shuttered classrooms, particularly for girls, in areas under their control. The situation in remote areas is worrisome. Militants presence is a serious challenge to girls education, Sherzad said. Another issue is the lack of female teachers, as many parents hesitate to send their daughters to school with male teachers. The lack of qualified female teachers is a major obstacle to the girls education in many districts as the socio-cultural pressure that girls be taught by female teachers limits girls access to education, said Shinwari, who hails from Nangarhars Achin district where IS has established a strong footprint for the past two years. The government should generate enough female teachers in rural and remote areas, the presidential advisor added, suggesting that the government should hire women teachers from nearby areas and arrange for their daily commute to schools. Parents and local elders too should speak up for their girls educational rights, she said. The ratio of female teachers is still low in certain areas of the country. According to Nangarhar provincial government estimates, of the 15,500 teachers in the province, only 1,400 are women. The son of Irans last monarch is appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump to distinguish between the Iranian people and their Islamist rulers as the president considers whether to impose new restrictions on immigration to the United States. In an exclusive studio interview with VOAs Persian Service, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi said Iranians are sensitive to being confused with an Iranian government long accused by Washington of sponsoring global terrorism. Nothing hurts us more as Iranians every time the name of Iran comes up, they say, Iran terrorism. Its not Iran and Iranians, its the regime, said Pahlavi, who leads the Iran National Council for Free Elections opposition group. Many Iranians [also] have been victims of the regime thats why I think its important to make a clear distinction [between them] to make sure you dont paint everyone with the same brush. A victim of terrorism Iran has long denied being a state sponsor of terrorism, saying instead it is a victim of terrorism. Trump included Iran in a group of seven nations whose citizens he temporarily banned from entering the U.S. in a January 27 executive order, citing his predecessors administration identifying those nations as sources of terrorist activity. A federal court suspended Trumps order February 3 in response to legal challenges from critics who called it an unconstitutional ban on Muslim immigration. Trumps administration rejects that characterization, pointing to dozens of Muslim-majority nations whose citizens were not affected by the measure. Trump told reporters Friday he might issue a new immigration order as early as Monday or Tuesday, saying such a move could be a faster way to protect the countrys security than waiting to defend his original order in court. Speaking to VOA Persian in Washington Thursday, Pahlavi said he realizes that any country has a right to protect itself by deciding how much immigration to accept and how closely to vet immigrants. Sensitivity is key In this day and age, when we are facing so many threats that is understandable, he said. But he said the Trump administration should show sensitivity in explaining its immigration policy, to help Iranians understand the reasons for any restriction without alienating them. So a lot of [the sensitivity] goes into the way it is presented and the language, he said. Pahlavi also said the Trump administrations immigration policy should send a message that the U.S. respects the Iranian peoples abilities and values. It is an asset for a country to have such [Iranian] immigrants, such a diaspora, he said, because one day, if the [political] situation in Iran changes, these people will be the best ambassadors to connect [Iran] with the country they are currently living in. The Iranian crown prince expressed his concerns about Trumps January 27 travel ban on Iranians in a January 31 letter to the president. In the letter, he also urged the U.S. to play a pivotal role in supporting what he called the Iranian peoples quest for liberty and justice in their homeland. Pahlavi has long called for free elections in Iran to bring about a transition from clerical rule to a democratic and secular government that he believes would bring peace to the region. Israel said on Sunday it would not allow in former Peruvian president Alejandro Toledo, who is wanted in connection with a corruption probe, before his affairs were settled in Peru. Peru had been informed by U.S. authorities on Saturday that they were not planning to keep Toledo from boarding a flight to Israel from California that was scheduled to land in Tel Aviv on Sunday. "Former Peru President Toledo will be allowed into Israel only when his matters are settled in Peru," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said, without elaborating. It was unclear whether Toledo had boarded the flight to Israel, which does not have an extradition treaty with Peru. A judge in Peru issued an international arrest warrant for Toledo on Thursday, and the government offered a 100,000 soles ($30,000) reward for any information leading to his capture after he failed to turn himself in to authorities. Peru has said Interpol issued a red alert to 190 member countries to help find him, but Toledo does not appear on its list of wanted persons. Interpol has not responded to requests for comment on Toledo. Prosecutors in Peru allege Toledo took $20 million in bribes from Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht (ODBES.UL) and a judge ruled that he must be jailed for up to 18 months while charges against him are prepared. Toledo, who has an economics degrees from Stanford University, has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged or convicted of any crimes. Toledo's lawyer said he did not know Toledo's whereabouts and declined further comment. Toledo's wife has Israeli citizenship and Toledo has a long friendship with Israeli businessman Yosef Maiman, who prosecutors accuse of acting as a middleman for at least $10 million in alleged bribes. A former Odebrecht executive has said he personally negotiated the bribes with Toledo in Rio de Janeiro in 2004, prosecutors say. Four militants and two Indian soldiers were among seven people killed in a gun battle in Kashmir Sunday, a police spokesman said. It is the latest sign of increasing tension in the Himalayan region disputed by nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan. Militants opened fire on army troops in the village of Prisal south of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indias state of Jammu and Kashmir, S.P. Pani, the deputy inspector general of police, told Reuters. Two army men, four militants, and a civilian, the house owner, were killed in the gun battle, Pani added, referring to the building where the militants had holed up. Three soldiers were injured in the exchange of fire. The army seized four weapons from the site of the encounter in the village, which security forces had cordoned off, army spokesman Rajesh Kalia said. India has blamed Pakistan for stoking violence in Kashmir by supplying fighters and material across the border, but Pakistan has denied these charges. The violence peaked last year after Burhan Wani, a 22-year-old separatist leader who enjoyed widespread support in the Muslim-majority region, was shot dead by Indian security forces in July. Last month, three road-building workers were killed after unidentified militants attacked a camp housing them, police said. Anti-abortion activists and supporters of a woman's right to choose staged demonstrations in dozens of U.S. cities Saturday, with the nonprofit group Planned Parenthood at the center of the discussion. Anti-abortion activists organized rallies in more than 200 locations Saturday, according to one of the national organizers, Monica Miller of Citizens for a Pro-Life Society. The activists are calling for the federal government to stop providing funds to Planned Parenthood because it provides abortions. It is something U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants to do. Meanwhile, pro-choice activists organized in many of the same locations to express support for the nonprofit, which provides a number of reproductive health services such as pregnancy testing, birth control, and breast exams at hundreds of locations across the United States. Planned Parenthood does not get federal funding for abortions, but Medicaid, a government health care subsidy for low-income families, pays into Planned Parenthoods other services. Critics say those funds help subsidize the more than 300,000 abortions the organization provides each year. Dueling demonstrations In some cities the protesters lined up on opposite sides of a major roadway and held up their signs to passing motorists. Many of the Planned Parenthood supporters wore pink knitted caps that have become their symbol of solidarity. In some cities, such as Evansville, Indiana, turnout was small on both sides. Karen Meacham, a Planned Parenthood supporter who brought her 11-year-old daughter to the protest, notes that Indiana is the home state of Vice President Mike Pence, a longtime abortion opponent. Still, Meacham says, there were as many as 130 Planned Parenthood supporters at the Evansville event, as opposed to about 60 against. The anti-abortion activists, she said, were mostly older people and they didnt stay out as long as we did. ... The pro-choice turnout was actually really good for our small, conservative city. In Fort Collins, Colorado, about 1,000 people turned out in Old Town Square, far from the local Planned Parenthood facility. Supporter Lauren Farley said the measure was taken to avoid disturbing people seeking services at the clinic. Colorado Senator John Kefalas and Representative Joann Ginal both spoke at the rally. Ginal told the crowd, We cannot go backwards. She added that voices of support for womens reproductive rights are more important now than ever. Farley, who came to the rally with her mother and sister, said the dueling demonstrators were largely peaceful. One solitary guy shouted baby killers at us a few times, she said. He was largely ignored. Rally outside clinic Meanwhile, several dozen anti-abortion activists gathered directly outside the Planned Parenthood clinic, several kilometers away. The demonstrators held signs saying choose life and stop abortion now. Anti-abortion activist Kevin Williams, who organized the protest at the Fort Collins clinic, told the local newspaper, Were here to help these girls. Were not here to judge them or condemn. We are here to help and to let them know that theres alternatives to abortion. The pro-choice/anti-abortion issues that the rallies settled into, however, distressed Charsey Prose, who attended a rally in Sacramento, California. The Sacramento Bee reported about 15 anti-abortion activists faced off with some 200 Planned Parenthood supporters. Prose said she fears the subtler issues of federal funding got lost in the argument over whether abortion should be legal at all. I think a lot of us that recognize all that Planned Parenthood does and the funding they need were a bit uncomfortable with it being turned into an our body, our choice protest, she said. Prose added: Regardless, it was great that so many people came out. In 2014, the most recent year for which figures are available, Planned Parenthood said it provided 324,000 abortions. But it also said the majority of its clients are seeking birth control, being tested for sexually transmitted diseases or other services. The voter identified himself as a cancer survivor, and he had something to say to Republican Rep. Justin Amash: "I am scared to death that I will not have health insurance in the future." The comment earned 61-year-old retiree Paul Bonis a standing ovation from the crowd packed into a school auditorium in Amash's Michigan district Thursday night. And the congressman was booed for his response: That the Affordable Care Act has "hurt a lot of people," and he supports his party's plans to repeal and replace it, even though the GOP still hasn't united around an alternative. It's a scene that's played out around the country over the past several weeks as Republicans and President Donald Trump have assumed control of Washington and begun moving forward on their long-held promise to undo former President Barack Obama's health care law. In an echo of the raucous complaints that confronted Democrats back in 2009 as they worked to pass "Obamacare" in the first place, Republicans who want to repeal it now are facing angry pushback of their own at constituent gatherings from Utah to Michigan to Tennessee and elsewhere, even in solidly Republican districts. And just as the protests in 2009 focused on health care but reflected broader concerns over an increasingly divisive new president and Democrats' monopoly control over Washington, now, too, constituent complaints at town hall meetings appear to reflect more general fears about the Trump administration and the implications of one-party GOP rule of the nation's capital. In a Salt Lake City suburb on Thursday night, GOP Rep. Jason Chaffetz faced irate constituents chanting "Do your job!" as they pressed the House Oversight Committee chairman to investigate Trump. Chaffetz struggled to be heard as he faced a litany of sharp questions and screams from a crowd of people who grilled him on everything from Obamacare to Chaffetz's desire to overturn a new national monument in southern Utah. "Come on, we're better than this," Chaffetz protested over the hubbub at one point, practically pleading with the deafening crowd to let him speak. In Tennessee, GOP Rep. Diane Black faced questions from impassioned and well-informed constituents defending the Affordable Care Act, including one man who told her that he and others with health conditions might die without insurance. "And you want to take away this coverage, and have nothing to replace it with," the man said. Black argued that the Affordable Care Act has been ineffective because although 20 million people gave gained coverage under the law, millions more have chosen to pay a fine and remain uninsured. And in southern Wisconsin, GOP Rep. James Sensenbrenner faced a voter who asked him: "Who's going to be the check and balance on Donald Trump?" Like others interviewed at town halls around the country, the woman asking the question, Barbara Kresse, said she has not been politically active, another similarity to 2009 when the advent of the Obama administration seemed to cause enough anxiety to awaken groups of voters who had never previously gotten involved. Indeed the recent protests are being amplified by liberal activists modeling their opposition to Trump on the tea party groups that sprang up to oppose Obama and the Democrats. Calling itself "Indivisible," a non-profit group that grew out of a how-to guide written by former Democratic congressional staffers has advertised town hall gatherings nationally, suggesting at least some level of coordination, which was the case with the anti-Obamacare protests as well. Some Republicans, including White House press secretary Sean Spicer, have dismissed the protesters as orchestrated and even paid, though there's been no evidence of that. House GOP leaders have taken note of the protests, and took time during a regular meeting of their conference this past week to give lawmakers "best practices" advice for dealing with them, including to treat protesters with courtesy and respect, consider hiring security or a moderator for town hall gatherings, or even "kill them with kindness" by offering cookies or coffee. Lawmakers insisted that they are not changing their public schedules out of concern over being met by protesters, but town hall meetings have grown rarer in recent years anyway, with some lawmakers citing the shooting of Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords at a constituent gathering in Tucson, Arizona in 2011 as one reason. In some districts and states, constituents have been trying to shame lawmakers into holding town halls to discuss Obamacare or other issues, showing up at district offices with signs demanding a meeting. In a letter to fellow House Republicans on Thursday, Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia, vice chairman of the GOP conference, downplayed the opposition and sought to encourage lawmakers to stay committed to their agenda. "We have been charged with holistic reform," Collins wrote. "And to the extent that we are leading our communities in a new direction, we remember -- with sadness -- that, because a broken system became the status quo, even those who have suffered under that brokenness may resist its repair." Somalia intends to resume printing banknotes this year for the first time since the government collapsed in 1991. The governor of Somalias central bank, Bashir Issa Ali, told VOA in an exclusive interview Saturday that all technical preparations are complete, and his government is confident it can assemble a financial aid package within three months to fund the printing program. Further work would take another four months. Asked if Somalia will print and distribute banknotes during 2017, Ali answered: Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely! He pledged the new currency would include good, reliable security features. Pre-1991 banknotes have disappeared from Somali markets, replaced by either Western currencies, including dollars, or privately printed notes, most of which are worthless fakes. Financial reforms to take hold soon Ali said international institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as the U.S. Treasury, have been helping Somalia reform its financial sector and train central bank staff. We have prepared all the issues and all the basic groundwork, and put in place the technical requirements, he told VOA. Outgoing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met a key demand of the international community last year by signing into law parliament-approved legislation to outlaw money laundering and financial terrorism. The Somali government needs $60 million to be able to begin printing banknotes. Ali said he expects to obtain pledges for that sum at an international donors conference for Somalia in London in May. We expect the international community to assist us with that issue, the bank governor said. Private banks, mobile money Hardship and the scarcity of trustworthy currency has created opportunities for some innovative strategies in the private sector, Ali said, and Somalia has made some progress in establishing private banks and mobile money systems. Many transactions in Somalia now take place using electronic mobile money, Ali added. Somali shillings account for a small portion of the payments system, he said. Most of it is done through dollars and electronic money, which is a great thing for ... saving costs and effort and very convenient, also. Remittance companies that relay payments from Somalis working abroad operate in many parts of the country, Ali noted, but a large part of the nation does not have access to electronic funds or dollars, so there is an urgent need for a reliable national currency. Once Somalia-printed banknotes begin to circulate, the central bank governor said, his staff will be able to regulate and control operations by private banks and remittance services. The bank now has trained staff members to work on the financial and exchange systems, and training efforts are continuing. On February 12, he said, more than 10 staffers are departing for training about counterfeiting and financial controls. They include staff from the bank, police and the national security agency. Monetary policy comes next Since Somalia does not yet have its own currency, it also lacks a monetary policy, Ali said, but once the banknotes begin circulating, he looks forward to the beginning of a new era in the East African nation. Monetary policy always must come together in close collaboration with the fiscal policy of the government taxation and revenue, the public budget and these kind of things, Ali told VOA. We dont apply any monetary policy at the moment. Economists have recently predicted a slowdown for Somalias domestic economy, which largely relies on livestock exports. Ali said a very disastrous drought has killed thousands of farm animals. When you dont have enough crops, it will contribute to food shortages, he said. When you have drought problems, you will not be able to export livestock. That will affect our foreign market and our exports, he added, so Somalias foreign-exchange earnings will decline. When you get less foreign exchange, you will not be able to import what is required, the bank governor said, and when you import less, there will be less tax revenue for the government. In the short term, the peaceful election of a new Somali president appears to have helped the nations economy. The Somali shilling rose in value compared with the U.S. dollar over a two-day period; $1 brought 22,000 shillings before the election in Mogadishu, and by Saturday it was trading at 16,000 shillings. Its a matter of expectations. There is a new government, new environment and new atmosphere, Ali said, and that will have an effect on peoples opinions about security, the economy and the stability of the government. The surgery on Sahana Khatun was done at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Saturday. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: A 10-year-old Bangladeshi girl, who was suffering from a rare skin disorder known as tree man illness, has successfully undergone surgery to remove warts, which resemble tree roots, from her body. The surgery on Sahana Khatun was done at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Saturday. "Surgery has been successfully completed. She is now in good condition and hope she will not need any more operation in future," coordinator of Dhaka Medical college's Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit Dr. Shamonto Lal Sen said. advertisement Earlier, Abul Bajandar from Khulna's Paikgacha who was dubbed "tree man" took admission at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) with similar syndrome. Later, Sahana Khatun, a class three girl from Netrokona, took admission at DMCH with bark like warts on different parts of her body including cheek, nose and chin. "Fear was noticed on Sahana's face when she came here to take admission. She always tried to hide herself and did not talk to anyone. After the operations she will get back her childish restlessness," Shamonto Lal said. "We have indentified 5 persons in total infected with this type of syndrome including Abdul Bajandar and Sahana Khatun. We have plan to initiate research program to lessen the incidence and propensity of the disease as such patients are being found," he said. "Blood sample of Abul Bajandar has been sent abroad already. Sahana's blood and tissue sample will be sent to the United States through World Health Organization (WHO). Sahana's blood sample will be sent to the same person who is doing research with Bajandar's one," he added. He could also find out where the disease originated from after examining the two different samples. "Sahana can return to her home after two weeks," Dr. Sen said. --- ENDS --- The parliament of the break-away republic of Somaliland has overwhelming approved a deal to allow the United Arab Emirates to establish an air and naval base in the port town of Berbera. Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo presented the motion on Sunday to a joint session by both houses of the parliament, saying it will attract investments, and it will not bring any harm to Somaliland or the region. A number of lawmakers angrily opposed the motion and shouted against the president before they were removed form parliament. The motion then passed with the support of 144 out of 151 lawmakers. If signed, the deal gives the UAE a strong military foothold in the Horn of Africa. The UAE had already secured a military base in the port of Assab in Eritrea. Observers say UAE plans to have a long-term military bases to monitor naval traffics in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Somalilands Aviation Minister Farhan Adan Haybe said the deal is valid for 25 years, and after it expires the Somaliland government will own the military base and all the investments made by UAE. The base is on a lease, it cant be used any other nation except the UAE and cant be sub-leased, the minister said. In return the UAE has agreed to implement in Somaliland various development projects, including modernizing highways. The deal follows a $442-million agreement with a Dubai-based Company (DP World) to upgrade the port of Berbera. The deal signed in September will transform Berbera port into a major Red Sea shipping stop. The UAE government is among various countries assisting Somalias regional administrations in their fight against al-Shabab militants. Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991, but no country has so far recognized its independence bid. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says North Korea's firing of an unidentified ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan is "absolutely intolerable." Abe spoke late Saturday alongside U.S. President Donald Trump at a called news conference in Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida where Abe has been visiting with Trump. "North Korea must fully comply with the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions," the Japanese leader said. "During the summit meeting that I had with President Trump, he assured me that the United States will always [be with] Japan 100 percent, and to demonstrate his determination as well as commitment, he is here with me at his joint press conference." Trump said at the news conference, "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent." The North Korean test is widely interpreted as a challenge to the Trump administration. North Korea fired the missile into the Sea of Japan early Sunday in Asia. The U.S. Defense Department said late Saturday, "The launch of a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile occurred near the northwestern city of Kusong," noting it was tracked into the Sea of Japan and "never posed a threat to North America." NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the launch, calling it a further violation by Pyongyang of multiple UN Security Council Resolution. Pyongyang issued no statement about the launch, but experts said the rocket was most likely a model capable of reaching targets in Japan, but not the U.S. North Korea detonated two unauthorized nuclear test explosions last year and launched nearly two dozen rockets in continuing efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared in a speech on New Year's Day that his country has "reached the final stage" in its program to build ICBMs (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile), but Western experts have been skeptical about his forecast. At the time, Trump answered Kim's ICBM boast with one of his trademark curt Twitter messages: "It won't happen!" Harry Kazianis, the director of Defense Studies at the Center for the National Interest in Washington said North Korea wanted to provoke Trump with Sundays missile launch, but did not want to risk an ICBM test that might fail. I think the North Koreans would be a little bit afraid that if [an ICBM] test failed that would obviously not make them look very good, he said. Harry Kazianis, the director of Defense Studies at the Center for the National Interest in Washington said North Korea wanted to provoke Trump with Sundays missile launch, but did not want to risk an ICBM test that might fail. I think the North Koreans would be a little bit afraid that if [an ICBM] test failed that would obviously not make them look very good, he said. Trump briefed, monitoring situation When he welcomed Abe to Washington Friday, Trump emphasized that the United States is committed to the security of its key Asian ally. "We will work together to promote our shared interests," the president said at the White House, including "defending against the North Korean missile and nuclear threat." During the 2016 presidential election Trump raised concerns about U.S. military spending overseas, but since taking office, President Trump and his Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis have emphasized Americas commitment to support its allies in Asia against the growing North Korean nuclear threat. Mattis' first trip abroad was to Asia. The United States has repeatedly vowed it will never accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed nation. Same launch site used 4 months ago South Korean military officials said the missile was launched at 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 Saturday UTC) from a military site at Banghyeon -- the same place where the North test-launched powerful Musudan rockets twice during October. Such missiles are estimated to have an effective range of about 3,000 kilometers. Officials said the rocket crossed the Korean Peninsula from the launch site in western North Korea and headed east over the Sea of Japan, after a flight path of about 500 kilometers. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga denounced the North Korean missile launch as an as act of provocation to Japan and the region and noted that it was purposely timed to disrupt Prime Minster Abes summit with Trump. South Korea convened a national security meeting Sunday in response to the missile launch. South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said Seoul will work with the international community to punish the North (for its missile launch)." "North Korea's repeated provocations show the Kim Jong Un regime's nature of irrationality, maniacally obsessed in its nuclear and missile development," the South's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. North Korea-watchers reported late in January that the North Korean military had loaded missiles aboard two mobile launchers, a sign that test-firings could be imminent. They noted at the time, however, that the missiles appeared to be no more than 15 meters long, which would tend to rule out the possibility that a long-range weapon was involved. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realizing its full military ambitions, especially since it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. However, most experts agree that the North has made considerable progress since Kim took over absolute power in the country following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in December 2011. Talks broke down in 2009 For more than a decade, Washington and a vast majority of world governments have demanded that North Korea denuclearize the Korean peninsula. However, Western leaders have yet to devise a plan that would either compel the North to cooperate or create incentives for it to do so. China-sponsored talks between Pyongyang and a six-nation panel have been stalled since 2009, when the communist North pulled out of the negotiations. The North had carried out its first underground nuclear test explosion three years before the talks broke down. Washington has since said the six-party talks could not resume until Kim's regime in Pyongyang would recommit itself to halting all nuclear tests and scrapping its nuclear development program. That policy was agreed to during the administration of former President Barack Obama, and President Trump's government has reaffirmed it. Pyongyang has so far rejected Western overtures and continues to resist world leaders' attempts to bring it into compliance with a string of United Nations resolutions. VOAs Brian Padden in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report. President Donald Trump has promised that the country's immigration system will not be used as a tool to advance the cause of foreign terrorists. In his weekly broadcast address to the American people, Trump said he met this week with sheriffs and police chiefs from around the country and pledged that he and his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, would support them in the fight against criminal threats. "We will continue to fight to take all necessary and legal action to keep terrorists, radicals and dangerous extremists from ever entering our country," Trump said. "We will not allow our general system of immigration to be turned against us as a tool for terrorism and truly bad people." He added, "We must take firm steps today to ensure that we are safe tomorrow." New order considered On Friday, Trump said he was considering a "brand-new order" on immigration after an appellate court unanimously let stand a federal judge's ruling that suspended the president's effort to bar refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. The appellate ruling did not say whether Trump's original order was constitutional; that underlying question has yet to be resolved. Trump: Will Win Court Battle on Travel Ban, or Offer Other Options As Trump headed to Florida for the weekend, he told reporters aboard Air Force One that a new executive order could be issued as soon as Monday or Tuesday, if the administration decided to pursue that course of action. He said such a move might be faster than defending the current rule in court. "We need speed for reasons of security," he said. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus sought to clarify to reporters, however, that "every single court option is on the table, including an appeal of the 9th Circuit decision on the TRO [temporary restraining order] to the Supreme Court, including fighting out this case on the merits." Meanwhile, an unidentified judge on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals requested that the court's 25 full-time judges vote on whether the temporary block of the president's travel ban should be reheard before an 11-judge panel, known as an en banc review, according to a court order. Both sides in the lawsuit have been asked to file briefs by next week. In the meantime, foreign travelers with valid visas can expect to enter the U.S. unhindered. New security measures Earlier Friday, speaking at a White House news conference with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump said he would be announcing new measures to bolster U.S. security next week. He did not disclose any details about the new security measures but said he intended to bar from the United States people who were looking to do harm. Critics have charged that Trump's original order discriminated against members of the Muslim faith. Democratic leaders have urged Trump to abandon the policy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted that Trump should abandon the proposal, "roll up his sleeves" and come up with a "real bipartisan plan to keep us safe." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Democrats would continue to push for the controversial ban to be withdrawn. The Republicans' leaders in Congress, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, declined to comment. Supreme Court split John Banzhaf, a law professor at George Washington University in the nation's capital, told VOA he thought any move by the Trump administration to immediately take its travel ban case to the Supreme Court was unlikely to succeed, because legal experts see the high court as ideologically divided, with four justices most likely favoring Trump's view and the four others likely opposing it. A 4-4 vote would leave the stay of the order in place. However, Banzhaf added, the administration's chances of prevailing in court would rise if the case was delayed until Trump's nominee to fill the vacant ninth seat on the Supreme Court, Judge Neil Gorsuch, was confirmed and installed. Gorsuch was nominated January 31, and the confirmation process is expected to take months. "If they wait until the lower courts decide the underlying, important issues Does the president have this authority? Is it constitutional? by the time that important issue gets up to the Supreme Court, there will almost certainly be nine justices," Banzhaf said. Trump took to Twitter following the appellate court's ruling on Thursday: "See you in court, the security of our nation is at stake." A short time later, he told reporters at the White house that the court made a "political decision," and said his administration eventually would win the case "very easily." Appellate arguments In arguments Tuesday before the 9th U.S. Circuit panel, government attorney August Flentje argued that Trump's executive order was within the powers granted to him by Congress and the Constitution. In opposition, the solicitor general of Washington state, Noah Purcell, said reinstating the travel ban without a full judicial review would throw the country "back into chaos," with families separated and travelers confused and wondering whether they would be able to enter the country. A professor law at Florida's University of Miami, David Abraham, said it would be easier for Trump to replace the executive orders rather than try to fix them. "These orders are tainted beyond recognition and the administration has already backed off substantial parts of them," he said. Trump's original order was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could expire before the issue could get to the Supreme Court. Before then, however, the administration could revise the scope of the order or its duration. The United Nations said Sunday that last weeks U.S. airstrikes in southern Afghanistan could have killed at least 18 civilians. The strikes targeted insurgent positions on Thursday and Friday in Sangin, an embattled district in the province of Helmand, according to a statement by the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA. UNAMAs initial enquiries suggest that the airstrikes killed at least 18 civilians, nearly all women and children, it said and noted the U.S. military has initiated an investigation into the incident. On Friday, a U.S. military spokesman confirmed the U.S. carried out air raids against Taliban positions in the area, and it was looking into allegations of civilian casualties in the strikes. We are aware of the allegations of civilian casualties, and take every allegation very seriously, a statement quoted the spokesman as saying. Helmand governor and military commanders have denied allegations of civilian casualties in Sangin, insisting the airstrikes targeted insurgent positions and killed nearly 60 Taliban fighters. The Islamist insurgency launched a major offensive against Sangin two weeks ago and captured areas in and around the district center. Afghan security forces, backed by U.S. air support, have since been trying to evict the insurgents and both sides have suffered heavy casualties. Helmand, the countrys largest province and poppy-growing region, is mostly controlled by the Taliban. The Afghan government fully controls only its capital city of Lashkar Gah and few district centers. On Saturday, a Taliban suicide bomber detonated his explosives-packed car just outside a bank in they city, killing at least seven people and wounding 20 others, including women and children. The attack was aimed at Afghan security forces and several soldiers were among the dead. UNAMA has expressed its grave concern at the escalation of violence in Helmand. The people of Helmand have suffered greatly due to the armed conflict in Afghanistan, with 891 civilians killed or injured during 2016. This figure was the highest in the country in 2016 outside of Kabul, said the missions statement. It reiterated the need for all parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to take all feasible measures to protect civilians from harm. UNAMA documented a record more than 11,400 civilian casualties in Afghanistan last year, including nearly 3,500 deaths. The figures showed a three percent rise in overall casualties compared to the year before while child casualties rose by 24 percent President Donald Trump's administration is stepping back from a request made by the Obama administration in an ongoing lawsuit over bathroom rights for transgender students in public schools. The Department of Justice on Friday withdrew a motion asking that a temporary injunction blocking Obama administration guidance on the issue only apply to the states suing the federal government. Texas and 12 other states are challenging the guidance, which directs public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. A federal judge temporarily blocked the directive nationwide last year. The Obama administration asked that the directive only be put on hold in the 13 states while it appealed. A hearing on that request was set for Tuesday, but Friday's filing asked that the hearing be canceled, saying the parties are "currently considering how best to proceed in this appeal." Meanwhile, a massive crowd energized in opposition to Trump and to a state law limiting LGBT rights streamed into North Carolina's capital in Raleigh for an annual civil rights march on Saturday. The "Moral March on Raleigh" was led by the North Carolina NAACP for an 11th year. Participants carried signs promoting issues from gerrymandering and immigration to public education. Raleigh police don't provide crowd estimates. Event organizers predicted 20,000 people. The surface area that the crowd covered neared the march's previous peak from 2014. Saturday's protesters also want to see a repeal of House Bill 2, which limits LGBT rights and which bathrooms transgender people can use. Water started flowing over an emergency spillway at the nation's tallest dam, on Lake Oroville, for the first time Saturday after erosion damaged the Northern California dam's main spillway. Officials hoped to avoid using Oroville Dam's emergency spillway, fearing it could cause trees to fall and leave debris cascading into water that rushes through the Feather River, into the Sacramento River and on to the San Francisco Bay. Crews prepared for several days, clearing trees and brush. Water began running over the emergency spillway around 8 a.m., according to California's Department of Water Resources. It was the first time the emergency spillway has been used in the reservoir's nearly 50-year history. Water was expected to continuing flowing over the emergency spillway for 38 to 56 hours, agency spokesman Eric See said at a news conference Saturday afternoon. In addition to the emergency spillway, water is also flowing through the main spillway that was significantly damaged from erosion, he said. "This is a very unusual event for us here in Oroville," See said. Unexpected erosion chewed through the main spillway earlier this week, sending chunks of concrete flying and creating a 200-foot-long, 30-foot-deep hole that continues growing. Engineers don't know what caused the cave-in that is expected to keep getting bigger until it reaches bedrock. Bill Croyle, the Department of Water Resources' acting director, said officials are continuously monitoring the erosion both on site and through cameras. "This is mother nature kind of kicking us a few times here," he said. Croyle said the main spillway will need a "complete replacement" from the damage. Officials noted earlier this week that the cost of repairing the dam could approach $100 million, but they noted the estimate was an early, ballpark figure. Officials have stressed Oroville Dam is sound and there is no imminent threat to the public. State officials also had been attempting to rescue millions of hatchery-raised fish imperiled by muddy water flowing downstream alongside the damaged spillway after sections of its concrete walls collapsed earlier this week. About 240 kilometers (150 miles) northeast of San Francisco, Lake Oroville is one of California's largest man-made lakes, and the 234-meter-tall (770-foot-tall) Oroville Dam is the nation's tallest. The lake is a central piece of California's government-run water delivery network, supplying water for agriculture in the Central Valley and residents and businesses in Southern California. A key aide to U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday the White House is considering "all of our options" in an effort to blunt a court ruling freezing Trump's order to ban travel from seven majority-Muslim countries and block refugees from entering the United States. Senior policy adviser Stephen Miller said the three-week-old Trump administration is "pursuing every single possible action to keep our country safe from terrorism." Trump's 31-year-old aide told NBC's Meet the Press that he believes the president has the right to decide who can enter the U.S. and that officials chose the seven countries "based upon the threat they assess today and in the future." Miller said the Trump administration recognizes the equality of the three branches of the U.S. government the White House, the court system and Congress. But Miller said there is "no such thing as judicial supremacy." "A district judge in Seattle cannot make immigration law for the United States," Miller said, referring to the decision that blocked Trump's travel ban, which subsequently was upheld last week by a three-judge appellate panel. Miller, who played a key role in drafting the ban, said he does not believe the judge can give foreign nationals immigration rights or keep Trump from stopping refugees from entering the United States. "No foreign national ... has a constitutional right to enter our country," Miller said. Trump, as he headed Friday to Florida for a weekend visit at his oceanfront Mar-a-Lago retreat with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said he is considering a "brand new order" on immigration after the appellate court unanimously ruled against him. He told reporters that a new executive order could be issued as soon as Monday or Tuesday. Trump said such a move might be faster than defending his blocked executive order in a further court appeal. "We need speed for reasons of security," he said, although White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said an appeal of the appellate was still under consideration. The president said in Twitter comments over the weekend that since the initial court ruling against him February 3,72 percent of the refugees admitted into U.S. are from the seven countries where he imposed the travel ban, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Iran, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. "Our legal system is broken! SO DANGEROUS!" he said. Trump, who frequently watches his aides on television news shows to see how well they handle reporters' questions, said after Miller spoke, "Congratulations Stephen Miller on representing me this morning on the various Sunday morning shows. Great job!" U.S. immigration authorities have arrested hundreds of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally in raids across the country that began last week, although authorities say the enforcement action is not linked to a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump. Trump said on Twitter Sunday morning "The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed!" The raids targeted criminal illegals, Gillian Christensen, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, told The Washington Post, noting they were part of a routine action. Were talking about people who are threats to public safety or a threat to the integrity of the immigration system, Christensen told the newspaper. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokeswoman Jennifer Elzea told the French news agency, "The focus of these operations is no different than the routine, targeted arrests carried out by ICE's Fugitive Operations Teams on a daily basis." The enforcement actions took place in in at least six states, and included cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, where more than 160 people were arrested throughout the week. White House Senior Policy Adviser Stephen Miller told NBC's Meet the Press that the enforcement actions happening all over the country focuses on gang members, drug dealers, and sex offenders. The order describes a criminal offense, which will typically mean anything from a misdemeanor to a felony Our emphasis is deporting and removing criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety, Miller said. Speaking to reporters Friday night, ICE Enforcement and Removals (ERO) LA Field Office Director David Marin said about 75 percent of those arrested in Los Angeles had felony convictions and had no connection to the Trump order. This operation that we conducted is on par with similar operations that were done in the past, said Marin. Trump issued an executive order last month to crack down on the estimated 11 million immigrants living in America illegally. He also made changes to Obama era policies, prioritizing the deportations of those illegal immigrants with criminal histories and allowing immigration agents broader authority to deport those with minor offenses or no offenses at all. The raids have led to numerous protests around the country, including in Austin, Texas, which counts about 100,000 undocumented immigrants among its population; Minneapolis, Minnesota, New York City, Los Angeles and Washington. More than 100 people protested late Friday in Austin against what they said were intensified ICE operations over the past few weeks. One of the first deportations under Trump's new order was a mother of two children, both U.S. citizens, who was deported to Mexico early Thursday, her lawyer said. The deportation showed a change in U.S. policy toward undocumented immigrants. Ray Ybarra Maldonado said the undocumented woman, Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, 36, was taken into custody Wednesday in Phoenix, Arizona, when she stopped in for a routine check at a U.S. immigration office. Garcia de Rayos had checked in with U.S. immigration authorities every year since 2008, when she was stopped for using a fake Social Security number during a raid on a water park where she worked. In past visits, she answered questions that were put to her and went home. But when Garcia de Rayos went in for her meeting Wednesday, she was arrested and deportation proceedings were begun. She had lived in the U.S. for more than 22 years. By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Feb 12 (PTI) The Trump Administration is considering "all options" on travel ban including approaching the Supreme Court or issuing a new executive order, the White House said today, alleging "judicial usurpation" of power by the federal court which blocked Presidents earlier executive order. "We have multiple options and were considering all of them. We can appeal the emergency stay to the Supreme Court. Or we can return to the district court and have a trial on the merits. We can pursue further executive actions. All options are on the table," Stephen Miller, the White House Policy Advisor, told ABC News in an interview. advertisement President Donald Trumps earlier executive order which temporarily suspended entry of refugees and people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US was blocked by a federal court. Earlier this week, a federal appeals court had refused to let Trump reinstate the temporary ban on travelers, ruling that it violates the due process rights of people affected without a sufficient national security justification. Miller said there are equal branches of government in this country. "The judiciary is not supreme. A district judge in Seattle cannot force the President of the US to change our laws and our Constitution because of their own personal views. The President has the power to suspend the entry of aliens when its in the national interest," he asserted. "He has that same power under the Article II powers to conduct the foreign affairs of our country. And we will do whatever we need to do consistent with the law to keep this country safe," Miller said. Appearing on Fox News on another Sunday talk shows, Miller slammed the judges for their verdict against the executive orders of President Trump, which he asserted are legal and constitutional. "The Presidents powers here are beyond question. The President has the authority to suspend the entry of aliens into this country," Miller told Fox News. "He has powers to also engage in conducting border control and immigration control into this country. Those powers are substantial. They present the very apex of presidential authority," he said. The three judges of the 9th Appeals Court in San Francisco, he alleged made a broad overreaching statement about the ability to check the executive power. "The Ninth Circuit has a long history of being overturned and Ninth Circuit has a long history of overreaching. We dont have judicial supremacy in this country. We have three coequal branches of government. "This is a judicial usurpation of the power. It is a violation of judges proper roles in litigating disputes. We will fight it. And we will make sure that we take action to keep from happening in the future whats happened in the past," Miller alleged. PTI LKJ SUA SUA --- ENDS --- advertisement Beyonce blessed this cruel, cruel world with the announcement of twins last month and a maternity photo shoot! and you just know that those babies will cause quite the international stir when theyre born. (Same with yours, Clooneys. Dont worry.) Tracy Morgan seems to be as excited as everyone for the expansion of the Carter clan, as he made his valiant return to the SNL stage to hang out and generally just fool around in Beyonces womb with Kenan Thompson. Arent you a sight for sore eyes, Tracy! That kid may not end being an athlete, but hell definitely be hilarious. President Donald Trumps travel ban was unanimously rebuffed by the so-called Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals this week, so theres obviously only one reasonable thing that the president should be doing under the circumstances heading off to The Peoples Court to fight this ruling, baby! And hell be sure to yell fun things like overruled! or wrong! or Ill allow it! to help fight his cause, and maybe even bring in his Russian BFF Vladimir Putin as a character witness with impeccable credentials. Dont worry, Judge Judy. Youll definitely get the next case. Well make sure of it. By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Feb 12 (PTI) President Donald Trump standing shoulder to shoulder with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a "powerful" message to the world that the US will stand with its allies in the Pacific region to address the "North Korean menace," the White House said today. "Last night, what you saw was the president of the United States sending a powerful and unmistakable signal to North Korea and the entire world as he stood shoulder to shoulder with the prime minister of Japan and declared our steadfast and unwavering support of the alliance. The meaning of that will be lost on no one," said White House Senior Policy Advisor Stephen Miller told Fox News. advertisement "The message were sending to the world right now is a message of strength and solidarity. We stand with Japan and we stand with our allies in the region to address the North Korean menace," Miller said. His remarks came after Abe denounced the North Koreas missile launch - the first after Trump became the President - at a hastily organised joint briefing at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. "The message is that we are going to reinforce and strengthen our vital alliances in the Pacific region as part of our strategy to deter and prevent the increasing hostility that we have seen in recent years from the North Korean regime," he said in response to a question. "More broadly, we are inheriting a situation around the world today that is deeply troubling. The situation in North Korea, the situation in Iraq, the situation in Syria, the situation in Yemen, and this president is committed to a fundamental rebuilding of the armed forces of the United States that will again send a signal to the world that Americas strength will not be tested," Miller said. He said the important point was that the US was inheriting a situation around the world that is as challenging as "any we have ever seen in our lives." "Thats why President Trump is displaying the strength of America to the whole world and its why were going to begin a process of rebuilding our depleted defense capabilities on a scale we have not seen in generations," Miller told ABC News. Trump had termed Japan as a "great ally" after his meeting with Abe. "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent," Trump said. "North Koreas most recent missile launch is absolutely intolerable. North Korea must fully comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions," Abe said. PTI LKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- Morgan Freeman. Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Invictus Games Do not promise Morgan Freeman to Uzbekistan if you do not intend to follow through, damn it! A film from the country, Daydi (it translates to Rogue), was set for release this week, but the Uzbekistan film-licensing agency pulled it for failing to star Morgan Freeman as promised. According to The Independent, Freeman was featured prominently in the trailer and poster for the film, but his likeness was reportedly ripped from his role in 2015s Last Knights. Freemans absence in Daydi despite the advertising is thus being called a breach of consumers rights by the licensing agency. Two government bodies will ultimate decide if Daydi can debut. Trying to dupe your audience with the almighty himself? Pretty slick. Reddit Hudson, co-founder of the National Coalition of Law Enforcement Officers for Justice, will be the featured speaker at the Waco NAACPs 2017 Scholarship Banquet set for 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at the John Knox Texas Rangers Memorial Center. A former St. Louis, Missouri, police officer, Hudson left the police force in 1999 to focus on addressing systemic problems in the criminal justice system and improving the police-community relationship. Tickets cost $40. Tables for eight cost $320. Tickets can be purchased via PayPal using the email address waconaacp@gmail.com. For more information, call 733-5261. Baylor recital Orchestral trombonists Nathan Zgonc and Bill Thomas will present a free recital at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Baylor Universitys Roxy Grove Hall. Zgonc is acting principal trombone of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Thomas serves as second trombone in the Tonhalle-Orchester Zurich. Also on the program will be two Baylor faculty members, assistant professor of piano Kae Hosoda-Ayer and associate professor of trombone Brent Phillips. For more information, visit www.baylor.edu/music or call 710-3991. Holy Relics Tour As part of a 10-day Holy Relics Tour through the Austin Catholic Diocese, two first-class and holy relics of St. Anthony of Padua will be featured at a stop Tuesday at St. Francis on the Brazos, 315 Jefferson Ave. Veneration will start at 3 p.m., with Mass to be held at 7 p.m. The relics will be accompanied by a friar from the Messenger of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy. For more information, call 752-8434. Ballet Folklorico El Ballet Folklorico Estrellas De Waco will conduct registration from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday in the dance room at the South Waco Community Center, 2815 Speight Ave. The dance group is divided into three age groups, 7 to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 and older. Practices will be held on Mondays, starting March 6. For more information, call Mary Lou Pesina at 855-1759. Waco Rotary Club The Rotary Club of Waco will meet at noon Monday at the Lions Den, 1716 N. 42nd St. Cost is $10 for a catered lunch from Casa de Castillo. For more information, call 776-2115. DARs Washington Tea The Elizabeth Gordon Bradley Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will have its annual George Washington Tea program from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Clifton House, 2600 Austin Ave. Mary Duty, educator and veterans supporter, will present a program about the first U.S. president, George Washington. For more information, call Marilyn Judy at 744-6076. Submit items for Briefly in printed or typed form to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco 76702-2588; fax to 757-0302; or email to goingson@wacotrib.com at least one week before an event. A few local entrepreneurs have graduated from a new program that left them with confidence and guidance to sustain a viable business. The first class of City Center of Wacos new Workshop in Business Opportunities program graduated last week. Program director Cuevas Peacock said the program is based on the idea that people with an entrepreneurial spirit can be taught how to start and grow a profitable business that develops economic power, provides jobs and improves the community. Peacock said the 16-week program is open to anyone but specifically targets low-income, underserved communities. Workshop in Business Opportunities is part of a national program founded in New York Citys Harlem neighborhood. The Waco course is the first in Texas, he said. The first graduates were Erick Gama, co-owner of Rufis Cocina; Orva McCoy, owner of 2Pickled Gourmet Flavored Pickles; Johnny McDowell, owner of House of Legacy Publishing; and Linda Weaver, owner of Franklin Real Estate Development Co. Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the community, said Andrea Barefield, City Center Waco main street manager. Organizations like City Center Waco and the people who have supported WIBO, its our responsibility to make sure our citys lifeblood is sustained, merchants and small businesses owners, and we continue to do everything we can to make Waco grow. McDowell, who opened his publishing company in 2011 in Waco, said becoming an entrepreneur was a way to take control of his destiny. When he heard about the class, he jumped at the opportunity to be part of the program, and hes glad he did, he said. McDowell said he gained new insights into marketing, promotions, taxes and administrative work. The programs instructors were Class A, he said. There was a chapter during class that each of the four students was stuck on. Instead of taking a week off for Christmas, the instructors agreed to keep meeting with the students to help them understand the material, McDowell said. McDowell served some prison time and was released in 2007, he said. Since then, he has worked to bring his family together, start his business and secure clients. He said someone gave him a chance, and now he wants to do the same by helping someone in grade school publish a childrens book. Think about their why Barefield said she encouraged the students to think about their why. The marriage between the personal why and the business why allows a company to flourish, she said. Many businesses dont take advantage of resources available to them, which can add to their list of obstacles, she said. City Center Waco aims to ensure small businesses are connected to the resources they need, she said. McCoy said she had her own business for about three years before she realized it wasnt financially viable anymore. After taking this class, she said she expects 2Pickled to be far more successful than her last venture. She opened for business in May and spent part of this week searching for a storefront in Waco to call home so she can move out of her kitchen. Workshop in Business Opportunities instructors helped explain the importance of tracking finances, she said. The lady talked about having receipts in a shoebox. I was one of those, McCoy said. Im learning to write those down. She said she also learned a lot about the hiring process. I do look forward to one day creating some jobs for the community, for people that are homemakers, people that want something extra to do after retirement, McCoy said. Various pickle flavors The lifelong Waco resident said her pickles feature various flavors, including green apple, tropical punch, grape, candy apple and more. Ive had many things Ive done before, but none have given me what this gives me, she said. My personality is extreme. So in everything I do, I was told coming up as a kid and adult, You are so extreme. So my extreme nature is in these pickles. Gama said he has run several kitchens over the years, but he has less experience on the management side. The lessons on taxes and payroll were among the most useful for him, Gama said. The business end is the hard part for me, trying to read numbers and understand what those numbers mean, he said. Focus on many factors Peacock said the Workshop in Business Opportunities course aims to focus on as many factors as possible, from human resources to networking and sustainability. Entrepreneurs help create their own community within a community and build fellowship, he said. Baylor University paid for the first four students to attend the course, which ran at $350 each to cover materials, he said. Organizers are working to identify potential donors to help offset costs for participants for future courses. By Press Trust of India: Kushinagar (UP), Feb 11 (PTI) In a Taliban-like diktat, Uttar Pradesh Minister Radhey Shyam Singh allegedly threatened to set a local journalist afire for not supporting him during the ongoing Assembly elections in the state. Kushinagar goes to polls on March 4 in the penultimate phase of the seven-phase Assembly elections ending March 8. advertisement The journalist has filed a complaint with the police and has handed over the mobile audio of the alleged threat to the Superintendent of Police, Kushinagar, Raju Babu Singh. Singh said he had received the complaint and the matter would be investigated. In the past too, the minister was accused of abusing and threatening local government officials over phone. Earlier, another Uttar Pradesh Minister, Ram Murti Singh Verma, was booked along with five others in connection with the killing of a journalist Jagendra Singh by allegedly setting him on fire in Shahjahanpur district in June 2015. Jagendra had made a Facebook post against the minister regarding his alleged involvement in illegal sand mining and land grabbing. PTI SMI BSA --- ENDS --- McLennan Countys state representatives have expressed support for a bill that would allow first responders with a state License to Carry a Handgun to carry while responding to emergencies, but local officials have differing views. Waco Fire Chief Bobby Tatum, said hes adamantly opposed to firefighters caring guns on duty. I would be in favor of leaving guns in the hands of police officers, Tatum said. We have a specific mission to save lives and property, and I think carrying a firearm would cross the line in that regard. McLennan County doesnt have a policy in place, but the Waco Fire Department prohibits firefighters from carrying on duty. The bill would implement a statewide policy requiring local jurisdictions to allow licensed first responders to keep their guns on them during calls. House Bill 982 defines a first responder as anyone who works in fire protection or emergency medical services, including volunteers. Rep. John Wray, R-Waxahachie, said he filed the bill after a volunteer firefighter brought the issue to his attention. Some departments and local governments allow first responders to carry while others do not. The bill would bring uniformity, Wray said. Allowing licensed first responders to keep a handgun with them is especially important in rural areas, he said. Particularly with a volunteer department, first responders may arrive at a scene before police and find a dangerous situation waiting, he said. They dont need to perform a peace officer role, but they are certainly entitled to protect themselves, Wray said. Rep. Kyle Kacal, R-College Station, said he thinks first responders have a right to personal protection, even in their official capacity as public servants. In many communities across our state, and especially rural Texas, emergency responders, including EMS and firefighters, are solely volunteer and may carry firearms in their everyday life, Kacal said. The bill, as filed, is intended to relieve the burden of first responders from having to remove and store their firearms before responding to emergencies in firearm-restricted locations. Because timeliness is critical in most emergency situations, I believe its necessary to consider any efforts to maximize the effectiveness of emergency response. Wray said similar bills were filed in previous sessions and failed to become law. But like so many things, every time the issue is brought to lawmakers attention, more people become aware, and the likelihood improves of getting the measure passed, he said. I feel positive and reasonably encouraged that well be able to get this bill in front of the governor during this go-round, Wray said. Sometimes first responders dont know a violent threat is at the scene until they arrive, said Jimmy Rogers, a Robinson volunteer firefighter and city council member. Often when theres a threat, police officers instruct fire and EMS responders to wait at a different location, Rogers said. Those violent situations often evolve and shift toward the staging area, he said. Rogers said he supports first responders carrying as long as they are licensed. Being licensed to carry while on a call or doing a fire department function is no different than having the need to carry while youre a private citizen at home, he said. Those unfortunate situations can arise at any time, even on fire calls. Even during a fire call, theres sometimes a heightened threat there. Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, said he supports the concept of the bill but needs to review the legislation in detail before committing. Birdwell said lawmakers also need to consider whether open carry, concealed carry or both would be appropriate for first responders in uniform or on duty. China Spring volunteer Fire Chief Scott Needler said during his two years as chief he hasnt really seen a need for first responders to carry a weapon. Needler said the proposal wouldnt make much of a difference one way or the other. He said if his firefighters notice anything suspicious, they call the sheriffs office or local state troopers. Rep. Charles Doc Anderson, R-Waco, said first responders should not have to enter areas that may be dangerous without the ability to defend themselves. Having a handgun license ensures the person carrying is trained and has passed a background check, among other requirements, he said. Retired Col. Jimmie W. Hanes Jr. grew up among the cornfields of Ohio. The Crawford resident, 76, had no way of knowing a military career would lead him from the Vietnam jungles to the Saudi Arabian desert and all points in between. Hanes grew up in Enon, Ohio, near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Many of his friends were the children of military personnel. He remembers it well. He also attended military camp, which further left an impression. When he finished high school, he chose college and earned a Bachelor of Social Science degree from Hiram College. He was 23 when he was accepted into pilot training in 1963. After training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, he moved on to Craig AFB in Alabama and then James Connally AFB in Waco, where he earned his navigator wings. The day after that ceremony he married Mary Hoel, whom he met in Waco. Hanes also trained on the Douglas EB-66C Destroyer, an unarmed reconnaissance plane modified for use in night photography, electronics and weather observation. But weather isnt what Hanes would use it for. In January 1966 just four months after he was married Hanes volunteered to go to Vietnam, serving six months flying out of Takhli Royal AFB in Thailand with the 41st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron. As a pilot, he joined with a team of four electronic warfare officers and a navigator to provide support with radar-detection and jamming devices, helping to evade or block enemy attacks against U.S. fighter jets, among other tasks. Or, as Hanes put it, detect, deter and counter. In all, Hanes would fly 107 missions while deployed with the 41st. On-the-job learning It didnt take long for him to adapt on his first mission. Youre apprehensive when you first go out, but you have a job to do, so you just do it, he said. Typically flying higher than other aircraft, the three EBs protecting the parameters would circle the area, frequently changing positions and patterns to avoid detection. It was a dangerous job, as they were often first on the scene. As such, they risked detection and enemy fire, especially in an area known to the men as the pocket. But Hanes wasnt concerned, because as he said, I dont think they (enemy missiles) could hit us at that range. But that wasnt always the case. We lost planes and had casualties, he said. Hanes and his team, however, came out without a scratch. There were tense moments, such as when they suddenly encountered an enemy MiG, which eyeballed the B-66 but inexplicably flew past. Hanes wrapped up his Vietnam tour by serving as an instructor/evaluator in his last few months before returning stateside to attend B-52 training at Homestead AFB in Florida. Married less than a year six months of which he spent in Vietnam Mary joined him. At Wright-Patterson, he joined the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. SAC had nuclear missiles, long-range bombers and a variety of other flight missions that required being on standby for seven days at a time. Hanes once left Wright-Patterson at 11:30 p.m. and landed 24 hours later, having spent the entire time, including refueling, airborne. Climbing the military ladder As he moved up during his career, places, assignments and job titles changed, as did his rank. He was assigned to the Alternate National Military Command Center at Camp David Raven Rock in Pennsylvania. It would turn out to be one of his favorite postings. The Underground Pentagon as some personnel called it, once had 69 buildings with approximately 640,000 square feet of space on 716 acres. Designed for about 3,000 persons, it was considered an alternate site to command U.S. military operations and those in power if the Pentagon was ever under attack or destroyed. It was an interesting assignment, Hanes said. He would work Monday through Friday (nights included) and return home for a week, followed by another five-day shift. He had everything he needed, including sleeping quarters, good food, the company of dignitaries (at times) and even gyms and a jogging path. As operations staff officer and later, as chief of the joint staff communications officer, there were other changes coming, not the least of which was raising a family. And, the Saudi Arabian desert awaited him. Voices of Valor, featuring stories about Central Texas veterans, publishes every Sunday in the Waco Trib. To suggest a story about a Central Texas veteran, email voicesofvalor@wacotrib.com. Voices of Valor is proudly sponsored by Johnson Roofing. There has been substantial confusion and some hysteria regarding President Trumps recent Executive Order 13769 to temporarily suspend the entry of persons from seven troubled countries. I think its important to separate fact from fiction from flawed logic surrounding this order. Thus, Im writing to report the facts. Before getting into the weeds of this discussion, I want to state unequivocally that while I support the presidents executive order, I am profoundly disappointed by the exceptionally sloppy manner in which this executive order was implemented. I have communicated those concerns to the White House on behalf of our Central Texas constituents. We Americans are a compassionate and generous people who value legal immigration along with admitting refugees who are capable of embracing our culture, our history and our unique liberties. That said, we should never needlessly expose ourselves to the tangible dangers our intelligence and security officials have repeatedly warned us about in recent months. In December 2015, then-President Obama signed the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act into law to restrict travel to the United States for persons who lived in or visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria since March 2011. The law was soon expanded by Obamas Department of Homeland Security to cover Libya, Somalia and Yemen. These were identified in the agencys announcement as countries of concern, a phrase used in the law. In January, President Trump signed his executive order to suspend for 90 days the entry of immigrants and non-immigrants from those countries. The president issued this order to provide a pause for our national security agencies to implement robust improvements to our currently flawed refugee vetting processes. Facts, fiction & flawed logic Its a fact the president has the authority to execute this executive order. Pursuant to The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, 8 USC 1101 (as subsequently amended), Section 1182(f) states: Whenever the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or non-immigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate. The authority conferred upon the president under this decades-old act has been affirmed by the nations courts in the past. Currently, President Trumps executive order has been subject to conflicting legal decisions and could be resolved by the Supreme Court. Detailed process The myth that the current vetting system is adequate because it is a detailed process taking 18-24 months for refugee admission is deeply flawed. Just because a process contains many steps and takes a long time does not automatically mean that it is effective or safe. Our current system has flaws and it is urgent that these weaknesses be addressed before resuming refugee immigration from the subject countries. There are some who believe we should publicly disclose the flaws in our current vetting system. Such an action would be incredibly irresponsible because it would essentially give terrorists a road map to exploit our current system. I can share that the most concerning challenges to our current refugee program are ISIS and other terrorist elements. They actively seek to exploit weaknesses in our refugee and immigration programs. Our nations security personnel have stated that they are unable to properly vet persons traveling from these seven nations, which are classified as having fragile central governments. Not fragile states The criticism that the current suspension does not include Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries is unfounded. Those countries are not classified as fragile states and we have the capability to vet refugees and immigrants from those countries. Nonetheless, the implementation of changes to our vetting system during the temporary refugee suspension will also improve our vetting system for refugees from all countries. Some argue that none of the 9/11 terrorists came from these seven countries. While this is correct, the footprint of al-Qaida and ISIS terrorist activities has grown significantly during the past eight years and they have taken advantage of areas with fragile and unstable governments throughout the world, particularly the Middle East and Africa. As with any security initiative, our activities should be focused on where the enemy is today and where the enemy is expected to be in the future, not where it was 16 years ago. While it is partially true that no domestic terror attacks have been carried out by recently admitted refugees, we cannot forget that some of the recent domestic terror attacks were perpetrated by second-generation Sunni persons whose parents entered the country as immigrants and/or refugees. More importantly, while our country needs to be concerned with terrorism, it also needs to be focused on avoiding and stopping other criminal activities. In this regard, its worth noting the recent experiences of several European countries that have been afflicted by a spike in terrorist attacks as well as other criminal activity due to their governments failures to properly address the influx of refugees. In closing, I agree with the president that we need to re-examine who we are allowing to come to our country, under what circumstances and the information that allows us to be able to ensure the safety of the American people. We should never needlessly expose our families to potential terrorism and other criminal activities. Republican Congressman Bill Flores represents a district that includes Waco, Bryan/College Station and part of Austin. During the 114th Congress, Flores House colleagues elected him to serve as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest and most influential caucus in Congress. Stephen Bannon, the White House strategist, roving provocateur and now foreign policy guru for President Donald Trump, stirred up a hornets nest recently when he called the national media the opposition party. Mainstream media organizations howled in protest at Bannons mischaracterization of their role and pledged anew their dedication to fairness, truth and accuracy. As they should. But I suggest they also take a deep breath and eagerly embrace Bannons (and subsequently Trumps) description of the medias mandate in these deeply troubled times for American democracy. Not the party part, of course. But being an independent opposition an outside check on abuses of power by government and by other public and private institutions is exactly what the Founding Fathers had in mind for the feisty, boisterous scribes and pamphleteers of their time. Its just what the media should do, and what the country needs, today. Surely Bannon is aware of the rich history behind the concept of the media as opposition: Journalist Benjamin Franklin Bache, grandson of the great philosopher of the American Revolution, was such a vociferous critic of figures including George Washington that he was jailed under the Alien and Sedition Acts. Abraham Lincoln was denounced as a tyrant by the media of his time for the way he centralized power and suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War. For an extended period in the mid-20th century, some theorists extolled the potential of the press to serve as a fourth branch of government, albeit an unofficial one, working in concert with the legislative, executive and judicial branches to advance a post-World War II agenda around which there seemed to be a national consensus. One consequence was to ignore or help cover up questionable practices of presidents and other high officials. But even then, the U.S. Information Agency was sending American journalists and scholars around the world to help developing countries learn how to nurture and protect independent and, yes, opposition media. Perhaps that overseas experience helped debunk the dewy-eyed patriotic notion that we were all one big happy family working together in concert. Indeed, in some of the most memorable crises of recent times, the media moved into the vanguard of reform. During the civil rights movement, for example, it was courageous editors, reporters and photographers, particularly in the South, not mainstream elected officials of either major party, who perceived the growing unrest and impelled the revision of unjust laws and social practices. Likewise, in the case of the long, withering war in Vietnam, Americas formal political institutions failed miserably to reflect the degree of dissent over a dramatically unsuccessful policy. Even the few members of Congress who began to speak out against the war generally voted for massive appropriations to keep it going. Famously, President John F. Kennedy asked the New York Times to withdraw David Halberstam from Saigon, where Halberstam and other independent-minded war correspondents were raising difficult questions about the quagmire. Ultimately, it was the people of all ages protesting in the streets of U.S. cities (counted more accurately by the media than by the government) and hard-driving journalists, not politicians, who brought about a shift in policy. The unauthorized publication of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 did not end the war, as Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the documents, thought it might, but finally made it more respectable for reluctant critics to go public with their misgivings. Solidarity among various journalistic organizations outweighed competitive instincts, making it feasible to beat back the governments efforts to persuade the Supreme Court to suspend the revelations. Certainly there were moments when the Nixon administration treated journalists as the true opposition, and realistically so. When Times reporter Earl Caldwell managed to report from the inside about the activities of the Black Panther Party, Nixons Justice Department sought to compel him to testify before a federal grand jury and reveal his sources; he was willing to face jail time rather than do so. It took intrepid young reporters from The Post to convince the public, not to mention Democratic members of Congress, that the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex in 1972 was more than a third-rate burglary. The rest is history. And so it goes. Awkward as it may be, at the moment, for the media to accept the mantle of the opposition that Bannon has conferred upon them, that is surely how events will play out. Having helped Trump climb to power by paying so much attention to him in the early days of his candidacy, they will by no means now be intimidated and keep their mouths shut, as Bannon has suggested. Perceiving American journalists the real ones, that is, who reject alternative facts and tell the carefully researched truth in the face of power as the only genuine protection against autocracy and tyranny is exactly right. Long live the real opposition. Sanford J. Ungar, a veteran journalist and president emeritus of Goucher College, is distinguished scholar in residence at Georgetown University and a Lumina Foundation fellow. He teaches seminars on free speech at Harvard University and Georgetown. He is an international journalist with extensive experience at news organizations such as Foreign Policy, The Washington Post and The Atlantic, and he was an award-winning co-host of All Things Considered at NPR. Refugee debate For anyone active on social media, particularly Twitter, its become clear that Congressman Bill Flores is modeling his public persona on that of President Trump. Hes been brash, colorful and surprisingly active for someone with such a busy schedule. Despite his Trumpian persona, though, Flores made it clear on Twitter this week that hes not the man of the people, anti-politician though he claims to be. After sustained pressure on social media to explain exactly how the refugee screening process currently works and what he thought needed to be improved, Flores responded on Tuesday evening with a series of tweets in which he claimed that he couldnt provide this information, as it is classified. A brief Google search will reveal that the refugee vetting process is by no means classified. The White House website itself has a detailed explanation. We asked Flores to explain the process because we wanted to know if he understood it himself. He told us a blatant and obvious lie to avoid the question. The appeal of Trump, for better or worse, was his populism: He claimed to be for the everyday, working-class person. Flores has proven this untrue of himself by lying to us so blatantly. The 2018 election is coming, Congressman Flores. If you want our support for re-election, stop giving us alternative facts and treat us as mature and thoughtful people. Jake Raabe, Waco n n n Those complaining of President Trumps temporary immigration restrictions are politically motivated, ignorant of religious wars that have taken place in the Middle East for 1,300 years or both. The past few years several million refugees have been created by these endless wars, mostly between Shiites and Sunnis. Both oppose the infidels, which includes most of us. These wars are the root cause of refugee woes. Till this cause is eliminated, the symptom displaced persons wont go away. That should be the focus of our attention. For immigration to be successful, those entering the United States must assimilate into our culture. This includes accepting the Constitution as the basis of law. Most refugees coming from Europe, South America, Africa and Asia have adopted our customs, values and beliefs. But many from the Middle East have not because of radically different customs and beliefs. Sharia Law, which many bring with them, is not compatible with Western Civilization, which is based on the Judeo-Christian ethic, the foundation of the Constitution. To require those immigrating into the United States to agree to accept customs, values and beliefs based on Judeo-Christian ethics may appear to be against some religions, but it is not. Its just pro-American. The alternative is the real possibility of our children and grandchildren one day living under Sharia Law. Don Hardcastle, Speegleville The move comes days after a US court refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries, which did not include Pakistan. By India Today Web Desk: The US government has denied visa to Pakistan's Senate Deputy Chairman and leader of one of the largest Islamic parties. The move has lead to cancellation of a two-member delegation's planned visit to New York to attend a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union at the UN headquarters. HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, the deputy chairman and the secretary general of Jamiat Ulema Islam, was scheduled to lead a two-member Senate delegation at IPU meeting being held on February 13 and 14 at the UN. The move comes days after a US court refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries, which did not include Pakistan. "The visa of Haidri was put on hold in what can be termed a technical refusal," the Express Tribune reported, quoting its sources. Senator Lt Gen (retd) Salahuddin Tirmizi, who was to accompany Haidri, was granted a visa just two days before. The visit of the two senators has now been cancelled on the direction of Pakistan's Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani who had taken note of the issue. Trump had signed an executive order last month barring citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, fulfilling one of his campaign promises. Citing official sources, the paper said the Senate Secretariat had applied for official visas for them two weeks ago. "They said when the Senate Secretariat checked with the US Embassy about the status of Haidri's passport through official channels, it was told that the US authorities would get back to it by Tuesday, clearly meaning that Haidri could not travel to the US to attend the IPU conference," it said. "It is a technical refusal," a top Senate official said. Earlier, the Senate Secretariat said that there was a delay in issuance of visa to the deputy chairman and the Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani had taken notice of the issue. Rabbani issued directives to his secretariat not to entertain any US delegation or diplomat till the issue was resolved. "No delegation, member of Congress or diplomat of the US will be welcomed by the Senate of Pakistan, Senate Standing Committees and the senators in their official capacity till this issue is resolved," Rabbani had said in a statement issued to media yesterday. advertisement (Inputs from PTI) Also read: US reverses travel ban after judge stayed President Trump's order Also read | I pray Trump imposes visa restrictions on Pakistanis: Imran Khan --- ENDS --- Young eastern grey kangaroo joeys are being bludgeoned to death in increasing numbers during the ACT's annual cull, a draft management plan for the species has revealed. While the number of kangaroos culled has risen by 30 per cent in the past three years, the number of pouch young - joeys aged up to 9.3 months - killed has increased by 42 per cent. More than 2000 pouch young have been killed in the past three years. Credit:Jeffrey Chan However a spokesman for Territory and Municipal Services said the increase was in line with an overall rise in the number of kangaroos being culled. "The number of kangaroos killed in the last three years has increased (from 1521 to 1689 to 1989) so it follows that over the same period more pouch young will also be required to be euthanised," he said. Meteorologists were predicting NSW would set a state-wide record for February warmth during the current heatwave but few would have tipped the mark would be broken two days in a row. The blast of summer heat has placed south-eastern Australia on the map as the hottest place on the planet. Residents of Richmond saw the mercury climb to 47 degrees on Saturday, placing the town on the north-west fringe of Sydney within less than a degree of the title of global hot spot - Ivanhoe Airport recorded a maximum of 47.6 degrees. Before Friday, NSW had never had a February day above 42 degrees, based on averaged maximums in the state, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The girls who are now six, four and two all have iPads and we FaceTime, which they think is pretty cool. They always want to know where Mum is. Usually it's "Hi Mum, where are you?" "Mummy is in Melbourne" or "Mummy is in New Zealand this week". What I've learnt, as any good working parent would know, is that some times are really good times for us to talk, and some times, such as homework and reading time, are really inappropriate. Early mornings are usually good. I miss out on some things but I make it a rule that I don't miss out on everything. Sometimes I can't work on a particular day not that other people need to know because I am prioritising something for my children. When I am not here, Scott is on. When Scott is working, then my job is to do that role. I have a whiteboard filled with this stuff. And I have an amazing cleaner. I outsource chores wherever I can to support the lifestyle we live. And while I travel, there is also a benefit in that I'm often home as well. I love working I am really good at it, actually and so I manage both. My children are happy and secure and they get to do lots of interesting things because of my work. I'm sure it might look a bit weird from the outside but I'm okay with that. And, most importantly, my husband and I are both okay with that. Socially, I'm not going to lie sometimes it's just too much for some people to comprehend and of course I have had that. I cope with that by surrounding myself with like-minded people. But on a daily basis I think, "I've got this. This is great." SARAH HANSON-YOUNG Greens senator for South Australia A lot of mums in this situation have to continue managing the logistics whether they're at home or away. I'm a single mum and I manage with the help of a number of different people either my sister, the woman who helps nanny for my daughter, or her dad. Kora is nine now and we have been living this crazy fly-in, fly-out lifestyle between Adelaide and Canberra since she was born on the campaign trail in 2007. I've never known politics without juggling her, and she doesn't know what life is like without me juggling politics. I have lots of her photos and artwork here in my office in Canberra and it does send me a bit of a message that there is a real life going on. When she was very little, Kora used to fly with me everywhere. The flying back and forth from Canberra to Adelaide dropped off when she had to go to school, and so now she doesn't travel as much as she used to. I try and keep her routine, even though my schedule is anything but regular. Sometimes I'm away for a couple of days a week, sometimes for a week and I get back on the weekends. Other times I am away for two weeks at a time. Children can fly unaccompanied from the age of five and that was a huge relief. I can just get someone to put her on the plane and meet her at the airport. I remember the first couple of solo flights. All the flight attendants were like, "Are you nervous, is this your first flight?" She just balled on in, took her own boarding pass. She knew exactly what seat she was in, she knew the drill! We FaceTime as much as possible, and it's just such a good way of being able to check in. I was a little bit reluctant to give Kora her own iPad but it has been a saving grace. It's so nice she can call me when she wants and we can see each other and I can pick up on things. I think we mums are the worst at making ourselves feel guilty about things. I don't ever want anyone to think that it's easy or that I am some kind of supermum. There are days when it's crap, and days when I feel guilty, and days when I think, "I just want to be at home with her." And there are times when I actually haven't been able to get in touch with her, for whatever reason. I think most mums do the best job they can, and that a happy kid is the best indication that things are okay. ALISON BUTLER Fleet management co-ordinator I've been working in mines in central Queensland for about 11 years. I met my partner Tessa eight years ago. She started in the mines and I was her truck trainer. That's a bit naughty, isn't it? We were together for about 18 months and then we talked about having a child and obviously we were both doing fi-fo seven days on, seven off and we finally decided to do IVF. So we pulled my egg out, fertilised it, and popped it into her. She had a baby, took 12 months maternity leave, and during that time we broke up. We talked to the company we both worked for and they agreed to allow us to work back-to-back so that we could share custody of Lucas. And because we work back-to-back, we are never home at the same time really, unless we take holidays. Lucas has high-functioning autism. Going from one place to the next was a bit hard for him we wanted to try and keep where he was living fairly routine and decided it was cheaper and easier to live in the same house. We fly out of Brisbane airport to Moranbah, which takes an hour and 40 minutes. It's not like the WA mines, where most people fly for four hours and are doing two weeks on, one week off, or three weeks on, one week off. We're pretty fortunate with our work hours, and with the fact that we earn good money and are able to do it. It is getting harder for Lucas to understand us going away. He doesn't like it when either of us goes, but we use FaceTime and spend a lot of time communicating with him. Toward the end of a week of being home with an ASD hyperactive child, you're kind of hanging to get back to work. By about day two at work you're like, "I miss him, let's go home again." It gets really hard midweek I really start to pine to see him. The Barnett government's extraordinary move to give first preferences to One Nation ahead of its long-term coalition partners the Nationals, smacks of "desperation" and could backfire, according to political experts. Under the terms of the deal detailed in the Sunday Times newspaper, the Liberals will preference One Nation above the Nationals in the upper house country regions in exchange for the far-right party's support in all lower house seats at the upcoming March 11 state election. The news of the deal comes just days after WA Premier Colin Barnett cautioned people against voting for One Nation, saying it would be bad if the balance of power in WA's upper house was controlled by candidates from a minor party. The move could spell the end to the Liberal/National coalition which has already been on shaky ground over the last year. Il Barroccio, a restaurant in Rome's Via dei Pastini, which was raided in 2015 as an alleged front for the money-laundering operations of the 'Ndrangheta. Credit:AP "If Calabria stays Italy's most underdeveloped region, it'll keep having the most potent mafia," said Isaia Sales, an expert and author of books on criminal organisations. "Regardless of the families." Even Di Bella admits to losing more than an occasional night's sleep over taking children away from their parents. Still, he says, since he started separating the children, fathers have written to him to thank him for it. Children have told him they feel liberated. Mothers ask if he will do it for their children. Roberto Di Bella: 'The state can't allow that children are educated to be criminals'. Credit:New York Times The success of the approach says everything about the bonds that have made the 'Ndrangheta, a strictly family-run business, one of Italy's hardest Mafia networks to penetrate. From its base in the south, the 'Ndrangheta has infiltrated communities even in northern Italy and abroad, becoming one of the most powerful criminal syndications in the world, spanning Italy to South America and Australia. Specialised in international drug and weapons smuggling, it is the No. 1 cocaine supplier into Europe. An Italian police officer holds a sub-machine gun at a roadblock near San Luca, a Calabrian town notoriously known as an organised crime stronghold. Credit:AP The methods that keep the network tightly knit and functioning are both intimate and brutal, and for those caught up in the 'Ndrangheta's web, difficult to escape. "We hear things that are much worse than Gomorrah," Di Bella said, referring to an award-winning book and movie that recounted gruesome lives inside another of Italy's notorious mob networks, the Neapolitan Camorra. Critics say child removal overlooks the environmental factors that have made Calabria (pictured) one of Italy's poorest and most violent regions. Credit:AP Di Bella and others are convinced that severing familial links is not only one of the most effective ways to defeat the 'Ndrangheta, but that it also restores to the children of the mob families the possibility of a normal life. Some minors end up in the program after committing symptomatic crimes, like gang violence or setting police cars on fire. Others become full-blown mafiosi at a young age. Enrico Interdonato, a psychologist who works with youth from organised crime families: 'Emotionally, they are very alone'. Credit:New York Times The Reggio Calabria juvenile court has sentenced about 100 minors for Mafia association and 50 for murder or attempted murder since the 1990s. Teenagers who come from 'Ndrangheta families have access to unlimited, if illicit, wealth, walk around with Rolex watches on their wrists and are encouraged to neglect their education and spend time only within the family circle. "Emotionally, they are very alone," said Enrico Interdonato, a 32-year-old psychologist who has volunteered to work with Di Bella. "My job is mostly to relate to them humanly. "We don't want to change anyone," he added. "But we can help them be free to build their own conscience." After the children are moved to a different Italian region, the authorities can try to create the conditions for an ordinary childhood. In the last two years, mothers have started to turn to Di Bella, in the hope of saving their children from an inescapable destiny of death or prison, and sometimes to escape Mafia ties themselves. Psychologists and social workers work with the children constantly. After they turn 18, the children can then choose whether to go back to Calabria. Most stay in touch with the judges and their social workers even after the program ends. But authorities can remove a child only if they can prove he or she is physically or psychologically endangered by their families' Mafioso behaviour. Separating a child from his or her family is always a wrenching decision, and one Di Bella does not take lightly. In one case, Di Bella considered revoking the decision for a 12-year-old girl whose parents were both in jail for Mafia association. "Her departure was so excruciating that even the policeman who accompanied her cried," Di Bella recalled at a recent afternoon in his guarded office. "But a few days later, she called me and thanked me," he said. The girl told him that she was finally free to be herself. She was no longer "the daughter of", he recounted. One father, under a strict prison regime, wrote to Di Bella to thank him for the "chance you gave to my children to live in a taintless environment and to live in legality", he said in a letter. "I am proud to grant my children a different future," he wrote. Di Bella says he sees the project as the "future of the fight against mafias". But he is the first to admit it is embryonic and underfunded. "We need specialists," he said referring to psychologists, host families and specialised judges. "We need norms, funds and training, so that we can enlarge the scope of this project." After years of work with Di Bella and other prosecutors, the Justice Ministry is now ready to standardise the procedure so it can be applied first regionally, then nationally. "We try to start a process to provide them education and psychological help to show them that a different world is possible," Francesco Cascini, director of the department for juvenile justice at the Justice Ministry, said. "But we need funds for that." In the Reggio Calabria province, 81 towns out of 83 do not have a social worker, a significant hurdle to the process, he said. But talk of expansion alarms some. Critics say that context is more crucial than the family in the fight against the Mafia, and consider the project an admission of the inability of the state to change the social and economic environment in Calabria. Sales argues that in the 19th century Italy's southern cities were not much different from Paris or London, overrun with poor people who were trying to survive through crime. In Northern Europe, though, the economic and social context improved, he said. "It's a defeat to me," Sales said of the program. "Because it implies not believing that the context can be cleaned up." But Interdonato, the psychologist who collaborates with Di Bella, and others like him are of a different mind. He recalled his experience working with a 15-year-old boy who came from a 'Ndrangheta family who had been relocated. "The first message is, 'No one knows you here, just live," he said. "Then we start showing them how being honest doesn't imply being a loser." Di Bella and others say their mission is to give the young people freedom, against long odds. "We are a bit like David against Goliath," Di Bella said. "But the 'Ndrangheta infiltrates our community, and we try to infiltrate them culturally, making their children free to choose." Unlike the 2014 General Elections when Jats voted in favour of Narendra Modi and the BJP, the bloc is divided this time. By Balkrishna: With the first phase of Uttar Pradesh assembly election over, we bring you a ground report on the voter sentiment. The crucial belt of western Uttar Pradesh voted on Saturday. Demonetisation was not as big an issue among voters as it was projected to be. The Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance seems to have caught people's imagination. The BJP, which enjoyed Jat support in 2014 General Elections, may see the Rashtriya Lok Dal biting into its share this time. advertisement HERE ARE THE OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR GROUND REPORT: 1) Speculations, fatwas and edicts aside, a large number of Muslims seem have voted for the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance in western Uttar Pradesh, reports suggest. If initial reports are to be believed, Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has not emerged as the first choice of the community despite fielding 100 Muslim candidates. Muslims have seemingly thrown their weight behind the Samajwadi Party's (SP) Hindu nominees in constituencies like Budhana in Muzaffarnagar district, rejecting the BSP's candidates from their own community. Mustaqim, a papaya vendor in Budhana, was one of the first to arrive at a polling booth in his area. "I can bring in a cycle home, but not an elephant," said Mustaqim. 2) Going by the initial reports, Muslims leaning towards the Samajwadi Party in Western UP is an alarm for Mayawati. The region has been her traditional stronghold. In the last election, the BSP won as many seats as the Samajwadi Party despite a strong pro-SP wave back then. A trail in these 73 constituencies will spell trouble for the BSP in the next four phases of the assembly election. Muslims make up 17 per cent of the state's population. In Western UP, they constitute 26 percent. 3) Securing considerable Muslim support in Western UP is a positive sign for the Samajwadi Party. The SP can now hope that this trend will continue in other parts of the state as well. That said, translating Muslim votes into seats in western Uttar Pradesh remains a challenge for Akhilesh Yadav as the region hardly has a solid Yadav bloc. Nor has Western UP any other caste group that could have lent support to the Samajwadi Party, together with Muslims, to help Yadav win a sizeable number of constituencies in this part of the state. A factor in Samajwadi Party's favour is Akhilesh Yadav's sway over young voters. For BSP, backing from Muslims along with the support from the loyal Dalit bloc can help Mayawati lay foundation for a glorious victory. 4) In contrast to the BJP's tall claims, Jats are in no mood to hide their resentment against the saffron party. advertisement Unlike the 2014 General elections when Jats voted in favour of Narendra Modi and the BJP, the bloc is divided this time. Jats are a decisive force in most of the 73 constituencies that polled on Saturday. And in most of these boroughs, the Jat vote-bloc was divided between the BJP and Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Jat voters, especially the elderly, in rural areas were heard saying that they will vote for the RLD "to teach BJP a lesson". In cities though, Jats, especially young, said they would support the BJP. 5) Jats are angry with the BJP for not fulfilling their demand of reservation in government jobs. The impact of the Jat agitation in Haryana is visible in western Uttar Pradesh. The community remembers the death of 21 Jats during the agitation in Haryana last year. Many Jats, with whom India Today spoke, felt they were used by the BJP during the 2014 elections post the Muzaffarnagar riots and got nothing in return. In Kharad village along the Muzaffarnagar-Shamli road, Jitendra Malik was upset with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi , he said, did not forget to congratulate Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif on his birthday but would not post a single tweet on the birth anniversary of late Jat leader Chaudhary Charan Singh. advertisement 6) Ajit Singh's RLD has managed to win support in a number of Jat-dominated constituencies, and is likely to spoil the BJP's party this time. On its own though, the RLD will be able to secure only a handful of seats as besides anti-BJP Jats it has not got backing from any other caste. 7) The BJP hopes for some gains out of a possible division of Muslim votes. However, going by early trends, the voting pattern may cause some worry to the party. While the BJP seems to have full-fledged support of upper castes in western UP, the backward communities may not have sided with the saffron party, which initially appeared to be successful in wooing them. 8) Speculations were rife the BJP might lose out for not projecting a chief ministerial face. On the ground, it seems the party is winning support mostly in Narendra Modi 's name though the Modi wave is weaker compared to 2014 General Elections. Yet, reports suggest that people are voting for the BJP because of Prime Minister Modi. advertisement 9) Polarisation in and around Muzaffarnagar has weakened but still exists. What's strange though is that both the Jats and the Muslims -- who mostly fought with each other during the Muzaffarnagar riots -- are now vowing to defeat the BJP. 10) Demonetisation is not an issue for a lot of voters, especially in rural areas. Candidates and party leaders spoke about note ban but the rural farming community in western UP has other issues on its mind. In the sugar belt, difficulties of cane farmers are a significant issue. Local farmers are worried about the competition from their counterparts in Haryana who are selling their produce to sugar mills of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli in western UP. Among urban voters, problems related to note ban were discussed to some extent. ALSO READ: Uttar Pradesh Assembly election: Despite EC's objections, parties use caste factor to woo voters UP elections: Mulayam Singh campaigns against Akhilesh Yadav; seeks vote for Lok Dal in Etawah ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress-led government in Uttarakhand. He exhorted people to teach the Congress a lesson and vote for the BJP. By India Today Web Desk: With two days to go before the poll campaign ends in Uttarakhand, electioneering is reaching its zenith today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi are in Uttarakhand to seek votes for their respective parties. Prime Minister Modi is holding two election rallies in Uttarakhand- at Srinagar and Pithoragarh-in the last leg of the election campaign. advertisement At his rally in Srinagar, the Prime Minister launched a sharp attack on the Harish Rawat-led government, and promised to take the state to newer heights over the next five years. Confident of a BJP victory in the state, the Prime Minister said the current government will be relegated to the past on March 12--a day after the Assembly election results in the five states will be announced. The election in Uttarakhand will be held in a single phase on February 17. HERE ARE THE LIVE UPDATES FROM MODI's SPEECHES: Surprised that a few speak about Harda tax. But why are development projects stalled? This has badly hit progress of state We have increased funds being allotted to the armed personnel. This has benefited them and their families immensely. We have increased funds being allotted to the armed personnel. This has benefited them & their families immensely: PM in Pithoragarh pic.twitter.com/DCMtq1gfee ANI (@ANI_news) 12 February 2017 I will not rest till I finish the work I have undertaken; won't let the goons rest either Modi addresses gathering in Pithoragarh: Those have been looting the nation for last 70 years, will have to pay back. Modi ends his speech in Srinagar Vote for BJP, break all records at polling booths Uttarakhand has now turned 16, and now needs special care for the next five years Congress should be taught a lesson this time. In five years, we will take Uttarakhand to greater heights 1.8 crore households now have a gas connection. I promise we will ensure every household in Uttarakhand has a gas connection Demonetisation is not a result of politics, it is a fight for the poor For 70-years these powerful people looted the nation, they think what can this chai wala do? They are very powerful people People who sat in power plundered the nation, be it bureaucrats, politicians or even police officers They have made dev bhoomi a loot bhoomi. They were caught on camera indulging in corrupt practices We calculated the cost of One Rank, One Pension and it came to Rs 12,500 crore. Of this, more than Rs 6,000 crore has been disbursed. Congress has humiliated defence personnel; they demanded the proof for surgical strikes. For One Rank, One Pension, they allocated just Rs 500 crore Paryatan, paryavaran, powdha and paani -- If you combine these forces, it will stop migration from the state. and -- If you combine these forces, it will stop migration from the state. Every plant here has medicinal qualities. The world is moving towards holistic healthcare. Every plant in the Himalayas can drive the economy of the state. Like Bhutan, Uttarakhand too can gain from eco-tourism We are seeking your mandate for growth and development You need vision to encourage Bollywood to come to Uttarakhand for shooting Spiritual tourism needs to be given a boost. Uttarakhand can also be a hot spot for adventure tourism We don't people of Uttarakhand to leave their state and migrate to bigger cities in search of jobs.If you are determined, then sabka saath sabka vikas is possible is possible This will open doors to employment for youth In 70 years, an all-weather road could not be built for Char Dham pilgrimage. Rs 12,000 crore have been allocated for this When the doors of the temples close, then they give ads asking people to come and visit Kedarnath, Badrinath Samajwadi Party and Congress are playing with you... This election is not just to punish the current government but to change the fate of Uttarakhand What is the reason why Uttarakhand lost out to other states in progress? asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi 12 March ko aaj jo sarkaar hai wo bhootpurva ban jayegi, jo nateejey aayenge wo abhootpurva ho jayenge (On March 12, the current government will be become a thing of past, and the results will be astounding) Rahul Gandhi will be holding a 75-km road show and nukkad sabhas in Haridwar. READ| Uttarakhand Election 2017: Congress launches aggressive outreach program ELECTIONEERING IN UTTARAKHAND: THINGS TO KNOW Rahul Gandhi's road show - Jansampark Programme- will begin from Bhagwanpur and will end at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. Rahul Gandhi will cover 10 assembly constituencies in his road show. Rahul Gandhi's road show will see participation of over 5,000 bikers and more than 150 drummers. Congress leaders Sachin Pilot, Anand Sharma and Kumari Selja will also be addressing rallies today in Uttarakhand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an election rally at Rudrapur yesterday. Modi alleged that the Harish Rawat government had been soft on corruption and it ought to be replaced in the assembly elections. Besides PM Modi, other central BJP leaders are also expected to address poll rallies in Uttarakhand today. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has alleged that he was being harassed at the behest of the Centre after his helicopter was checked for 'unaccounted cash' during election campaign. In his election campaign, Harish Rawat has termed PM Modi as an outsider in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand goes to the polls on February 15 for 71-seat assembly. Voting will take place for 70 seats. One member is nominated as representative of Anglo-Indian community. --- ENDS --- advertisement All clear after semi crashes blocked I-24 Caldwell County; semi crashes also blocked detour route Rita Redmond was a true lady who felt that every pupil had something to gift to the world World's Largest English Language News Service with Over 500 Articles Updated Daily "The News You Need TodayFor The World Youll Live In Tomorrow." What You Arent Being Told About The World You Live In How The Conspiracy Theory Label Was Conceived To Derail The Truth Movement How Covert American Agents Infiltrate the Internet to Manipulate, Deceive, and Destroy Reputations February 12, 2017 Trump Rushes CIA Medal To Saudi Prince Who Exposed US State Department Islamic Spy Ring By: Sorcha Faal, and as reported to her Western Subscribers A fascinating, but very brief, Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) report circulating in the Kremlin today states that Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo was rushed to Saudi Arabia over this past weekend, on the orders of President Donald Trump, to personally present to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef the first-of-its-kind George Tenet Award for this Deputy Premiers aiding the CIA in the uncovering of a massive radical Islamic spy ring in the US State Department. [Note: Some words and/or phrases appearing in quotes in this report are English language approximations of Russian words/phrases having no exact counterpart.] According to this report, this unique George Tenet Award gifted to this Saudi Prince by the CIA on the behalf of the United States is named after former CIA Director George Tenet who served under both the President Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrationsand most notably, during the 11 September 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks on the United States. CIA Director Mike Pompeo (left) presenting George Tenet Award to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef (right) on 10 February 2017 The uncovering of this massive radical Islamic spy ring within the US State Department (US-DOS), this report continues, allowed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to clean house of these Society of the Muslim Brothers (Muslim Brotherhood) subversives that the previous President Obama administration had, literally, flooded the US government with. Of the most critical of information revealed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef to the CIA about this massive radical Islamic spy ring in the US State Department, this report notes, were secretly obtained/made telephonic recordings between the longtime Neocon (warmonger) American diplomat Elliott Abrams (who served in both the President Ronald Reagan and President George W. Bush administrations) and Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Ghafoor Haideriand whose Taliban forces have long supported the Muslim Brotherhood. Though the contents of these telephonic recordings between Abrams and Haideri remain more highly classified than this general report permits, President Trump upon his learning of them moved swiftlyincluding his barring of Abrams from being Secretary of State Tillersons deputy, and even more gravely, his immediate outlawing of Haideri from ever being able to enter the United States again. Haideri and his Taliban aligned forces, likewise, this report notes, quickly retaliated against President Trump by stating that Pakistan 's Senate would not welcome any US. delegation, member of US Congress or American dignitary to their nationand in an even more dangerous move, SVR intelligence operatives note numerous electronic communications being made between Haideri and North Korean military officials too. With Haideri being a firm advocate of the Pakistan-North Korea Security Partnership, this report concludes, SVR intelligence analysts note with dire concern that within hours after these electronic communications were detected, and in an implicit challenge to President Trump, North Korea appeared to fire a ballistic missile just hours ago in what would be its first such test of the year. February 12, 2017 EU and US all rights reserved. Permission to use this report in its entirety is granted under the condition it is linked back to its original source at WhatDoesItMean.Com. Freebase content licensed under CC-BY and GFDL. [Note: Many governments and their intelligence services actively campaign against the information found in these reports so as not to alarm their citizens about the many catastrophic Earth changes and events to come, a stance that the Sisters of Sorcha Faal strongly disagree with in believing that it is every human beings right to know the truth. Due to our missions conflicts with that of those governments, the responses of their agents has been a longstanding misinformation/misdirection campaign designed to discredit us, and others like us, that is exampled in numerous places, including HERE.] [Note: The WhatDoesItMean.com website was created for and donated to the Sisters of Sorcha Faal in 2003 by a small group of American computer experts led by the late global technology guru Wayne Green (1922-2013) to counter the propaganda being used by the West to promote their illegal 2003 invasion of Iraq.] [Note: The word Kremlin (fortress inside a city) as used in this report refers to Russian citadels, including in Moscow , having cathedrals wherein female Schema monks (Orthodox nuns) reside, many of whom are devoted to the mission of the Sisters of Sorcha Faal.] Final Battle For The World Begins: But Will Trumpian Forces Unite? America Goes Insane As It Rushes Towards Civil War Return To Main Page MANY CHANGES/IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPERTY IN HENDERSONVILLE SOME CITY LOTS ARE BEING CLEARED; OTHER PROPERTIES TO BE IMPROVED The First United Methodist Church has purchased and torn down the former Hobbs Wax Museum building at the corner of Fifth Avenue West and Buncombe Street. Its been left clean and clear and could eventually be used for church parking. The former Two Guys Pizza on Sixth Avenue has come down, too. Nick Losue with Castles and Cottages LLC bought that lot across from the new large Health Science Center. He has no immediate plan for the property and is looking to partner with nearby landowners. The First Baptist Church will be taking possession of the Hendersonville Post Office property on Fifth Avenue West later this yearand we can expect an announcement from the US Postal Service this spring on ther the new location willk be for the post oiffice. Hendersonvilles Chick-Fil-A will be undergoing a major make-over in late March and April. Owner Joel Benson is planning an all new look and major improvements that should be complete by late April. And as weve been reporting, the Opportunity House property will likely see some changes soon as it transitions into the Music Academy Property of western North Carolina. The former motel property close to it, once owned by former Mayor Fred Niehoff, has already been leveled and cleared. The new Interfaith Assistance Ministry facility behind the Blue Ridge Mall will be complete by early spring Ingles is getting close to completing their large new store on the Spartanburg Highway. And Publix is still hoping to have their new store where Atha Plaza has been for years on the Greenville Highway open later this year. In Mills River, a new Bojangles is opening on Highway 280 across from Ingles. And "The Landing At Mills River", a new 65-bed assisted living fscility, will officially break ground on February 21st on Highway 191 near the intersection with Banner Farm Road. And Blue Ridge Humane Society has purchased property on South Grove Street Just some of the MANY progressive, new, and exciting things happening in Hendersonville late this winter. The family faces a difficult decision in the weeks ahead, as Wang Qi decides whether to return to his family in India, or relocate with his wife, even as his children live in India. By Ananth Krishnan: Wang Qi, the 77-year-old Chinese army veteran who returned to China on Saturday after 54 years in India, has not yet decided whether he will eventually settle in China or return to his home in Madhya Pradesh, his family has said. Since his emotional reunion on Saturday in Xian with his brothers and sister, Wang has been swept up in a whirl of media attention and feted by the government. His return has been celebrated by the Chinese media and has received non-stop coverage for the past few days. advertisement While Wang's wife Sushila, whom he married in the village of Tirodi in Madhya Pradesh where he has lived since 1969, and daughter Anita did not accompany him on the long journey to China because of health reasons and remain in India, he was accompanied by his son Vishnu Wang, his daughter-in-law Neha and grandson. As Wang in the coming days reunites with long-lost relatives here, the family will also in weeks ahead have to decide on his future. The 77-year-old is thought to be keen "on spending the last years of life in China" as one acquaintance said, but his wife remains in India, where his son and daughter and their families reside. WHAT NEXT FOR WANG QI "This is a decision the family has to sit together and decide, whether my father and us stay or go back, and when we go back," Vishnu Wang told India Today, speaking at the hotel where the Wang family has been residing since their arrival. They have been hosted by the local government in the town of Xiangyang, near Xian, which is an hour away from the remote and difficult-to-reach family village of Xuezhai where Wang Qi's brothers live. Wang is expected to travel to the remote village on Monday and pay respects at the grave of his mother, whom he never had the chance to see since his jailing in 1963. She passed away seven years ago. Also read: Exclusive: As soldier returns from India, China village offers him a new home Also read: Chinese media urges India to return 1962 war prisoner Vishnu spoke of his father's joy at reuniting with his brothers, who last saw him as a young 20-year-old. "My father met with his family for the first time after 54 years, his older and younger brother, and sister. He couldn't stop crying," Vishnu said. "We are thankful to both India and China governments for taking the good decision of allowing him to come to China. I'm also so happy, that for the first time he has been able to come here." The family's only regret was Wang being unable to see his mother. "The only thing I'm sad about is he was waiting for so long to see his mother, but its a source of sadness for our family that she was not alive to see this," Vishnu said. GOVT TO PROVIDE LAND, HOME TO QI IN CHINA advertisement The family faces a difficult decision in the weeks ahead, as Wang Qi decides whether to return to his family in India, or relocate with his wife, even as his children live in India. Wang is a Chinese citizen, and was issued a passport by China in 2003. He has been granted a one-year visa by India, relatives said, which would allow him to return to his home in Madhya Pradesh. China has unusually given his son Vishnu and his family a two-year visa that is rarely granted to foreign citizens, underlining the significance Beijing has attached to the case. But under Chinese laws, Wang's children, who are Indian citizens, will not be able to reside permanently in China unless they find employment here. It is clear that China would like Wang to stay, given how the government has hailed his return. The local government has said they would make land and a home available for Wang in his home village and given the widespread coverage that Wang Qi has received from media outlets in China, there is unlikely to be any shortage of help and support should he return. For the government, Wang's story has also served propaganda value, with media highlighting the government's efforts to bring back a forgotten veteran - few questions have been asked as to why it took the authorities so long to do so, including several decades before he was even issued a Chinese passport - and also stressing good relations between India and China amid recent strains. advertisement While officials told media outlets on Saturday they would be barred from witnessing Wang's long awaited reunion with his brothers at Xian airport to allow "a private moment" for the family, the State broadcaster CCTV and the Xinhua news agency were somehow on hand to capture the moment in a restricted area in Xian airport. CCTV and XInhua have covered Wang's every move since his feted arrival. For the Chinese government, Wang Qi's long-awaited return to China presents the perfect ending to a complex story that has received wide attention. For the Wang family however, after a joyous and delayed reunion with their loved ones, the task of resolving difficult questions surrounding their future is only just beginning. --- ENDS --- With Mardi Gras fast approaching, I thought it might be fun to salute New Orleans cuisine by finding a new use for the citys unique and far-famed Creole spice mix. Creole is the term used to describe something or someone of mixed European and African descent, like New Orleans itself. Creole spice mix typically includes several different types of ground pepper, as well as garlic, onion powder and dried herbs. In New Orleans they sprinkle it on meat, fish, poultry and vegetables, and add it to soups, gumbos and sauces. Since 1889, the pre-eminent commercial brand has been Zatarains, which describes its spice mix as the delicious alternative to salt and pepper. Given that one of the mixs main ingredients is indeed salt, Ive always wondered why cooks didnt add it to recipes earlier in the process. Why not use it at the very beginning as a dry rub, giving the salt time to work its typical magic? Doing so would not only deeply flavor the food in question, but in the case of drier proteins like chicken, turkey and lean cuts of pork it would help them to retain moisture, too. Here, several hours before cooking, I rubbed my own Creole seasoning mix onto some pork chops. When the moment of truth arrived, I seared the chops and topped them off with the holy trinity of Cajun cooking onions, bell peppers and celery along with some tomatoes for good luck. Sure enough, the spice mix made a huge difference. Youll find commercial brands of the Creole spice mix at most supermarkets, but I invite you to use my recipe to whip up a batch at home. Youll end up with more than you need for this dish, but the extra will keep nicely in the cupboard for at least six months ... allowing any day to taste like Mardi Gras. Spicy Pork Chops in Creole Mustard Sauce 4 teaspoons Creole Spice Mix (recipe below) or store-bought creole spice mix, divided Four 1 to 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops (about 10 to 12 ounces each) cup vegetable oil, divided 1 cup thinly sliced onion cup thinly sliced red bell pepper cup thinly sliced green bell pepper 1/3 cup thinly sliced celery 1 cup medium chopped cherry or plum tomatoes 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon flour 1 cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons Creole (whole grain) mustard Kosher salt and black pepper Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the spice mix all over each chop, coating it well. Marinate the chops, covered, for at least 1 hour and preferably, 6 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Pat the chops dry. In a large skillet heat half the oil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, add 2 of the chops, cook them until nicely seared about 1 1/2 minutes a side and transfer them to a rimmed sheet pan. (Reduce the heat if the spice mix starts to color too much in the pan.) Add the remaining chops and sear them, transferring them to the sheet pan. Bake the chops on the middle shelf of the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 140 F, about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Add the remaining oil and the onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden, about 5 minutes. Add the peppers and celery and cook, covered, stirring occasionally until they are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally until the tomato is softened, about 4 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer it for 2 minutes. Stir in the mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Add the chops and any juices from the plate to the skillet and cook gently, turning the chops until they are warmed, about 1 minute. Transfer the chops to each of four plates and top each one with a mound of the pepper mixture. Start to finish: 50 minutes (20 active); serves 4. Creole Spice Mix 2 teaspoons hot paprika 1 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon onion powder teaspoon cayenne teaspoon oregano teaspoon thyme teaspoon freshly ground black pepper In a small bowl combine all the ingredients and stir well. Makes a scant 3 tablespoons. Nutritional information per serving: 429 calories; 242 calories from fat; 27 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 107 mg cholesterol; 425 mg sodium; 8 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 36 g protein. ST. CHARLES After two failed attempts to pass a referendum, the St. Charles School District is examining its priorities and revisiting its hopes for improvements to school facilities. The May referendum proposal had been paired down to about $12.4 million from the original $18.2 million request, but voters still said no by a tight margin about 48 percent voted for, with 52 percent voting against. So, its back to the drawing board again for the district and supporters. But theres one thing they know they cant fix. The votes broke down along familiar barriers for rural school districts, with tax increases from bonding, because of the states formula, disproportionately laid on rural property owners and farming families. This year, the Minnesota Legislature is again proposing changes that could ease the burden on farmers and make school projects more palatable for rural communities. The changes were written into last years tax bill, which didnt make it past Gov. Mark Daytons desk, and in part were driven by Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, after a series of listening sessions he held across the state. St. Charles superintendent Mark Roubinek said that after the second attempt, the district isnt planning on going for a third immediately. Roubinek said the attitude in the community isnt that the the school built in 1966 doesnt need facility updates. Instead, the bottom line is that the tax increases were too much. At its initial amount of $18 million, the referendum would have increase the property taxes on a $150,000 property by $190 a year, $140 a year for a property valued at $125,000, and $108 a year for a property valued at $100,000, according to an online calculator tool the district had provided to residents. Farming residents, meanwhile, can be expected to pay up to 10 times as much in taxes for bonding projects as city residents, according to data from the Minnesota Farm Bureau. This year, legislators proposing to offset the cost of school levies by covering up to 40 percent of the taxes placed on farmers, to around $34 million. Gov. Daytons tax proposal this year also includes the aid, citing a 114 percent property tax increase for farming property over the past decade. Roubinek said it would be at the very least a step toward making a tax increase easier to accept. I think without it your odds of passing (a referendum) are very low, Roubinek said. You have limited resources. The states farming community has been lobbying for this change for a long time. Glen Groth, president of the Winona County Farm Bureau, said its always high on the list of priorities for the group. The Minnesota Farm Bureau estimates that in 20 percent of Minnesota state school districts, agricultural property makes up 75 percent or more of the tax base, and in over 30 percent of school districts, it makes up 50 percent or more. Groth said the problem is exacerbated by changes in the farming landscape, like the prevalence of renting land where the property owners dont live in the district. A downturn in commodity prices in recent years, especially in corn, is only adding pressure on budgets. Every dollar in agriculture has to be minded a little closer, Groth said. So far, lawmakers seem to be hearing both the schools and the agricultural community on the issue. The question, as it always is in the earlier days of the Legislatures session, is whether the proposal will clear every barrier. Drazkowski and Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, both have supported the bill in the past, and Drazkowski has introduced legislation to not only subsidize the tax cost on farmers, but to put them at the same tax rate for school projects. In 2016 the same proposal for offsetting the cost made it through both the Senate and the House in the omnibus tax bill, before being vetoed by the governor for unrelated reasons. Drazkowski said in the next several weeks lawmakers will be discussing the change. To make it so farm families pay as much as someone in town, Drazkowski said, just doesnt make sense and its unfair. Davids proposed similarly extending the assistance to school districts retroactively as well, to help pay off the costs of new facilities, such as in the Rushford-Peterson and Caledonia school districts. Davids said the bill will be important to stop pitting the farms against the people in town. Thats a very, very important provision for Minnesota, Davids said. Any school district that passed a referendum will need some relief, too. As St. Charles continues to look at its options for facilities improvements, a decision by the Legislature could make a difference in the scope and timeline of the school boards decision. Roubinek, who is retiring this year, said he didnt know what the district will decide, or if the proposed legislation would change the entire attitude around bonding for facility improvements, but said the decision would help in a complicated climate. It would be a real positive step in the right direction, Roubinek said. The Minnesota Farm Bureau estimates that in 20 percent of Minnesota state school districts, agricultural property makes up 75 percent or more of the tax base, and in over 30 percent of school districts, it makes up 50 percent or more. Whats the best way to make sure a message gets heard? Try to muzzle it. Both liberals and conservatives are newly rediscovering the political power of this phenomenon, known as the Streisand Effect. The term refers to what happens when an attempt to censor information backfires and instead unintentionally draws more attention to the censorship target. Its namesake is Barbra Streisand, who in 2003 sued a photographer for including a photograph of her Malibu home among a series of 12,000 aerial images documenting California coastal erosion. Thanks to the lawsuit, which was unsuccessful, this previously little-seen photo soon received enormous publicity and hundreds of thousands of views. Plenty of other celebrities, companies and government agencies have come to rue the times they inadvertently publicized things they were trying to smother. Meanwhile, provocateurs and activists have learned how to weaponize the Streisand Effect, using censorship attempts to amplify their own voices. After all, suppression of speech not only generates more public interest, as bystanders scramble to learn what all the fuss is about; it can also win the speaker sympathy and the moral high ground. So far this month, there have been two major and, in different ways, instructive examples of political speech being amplified by censorship. On Tuesday, during Senate debate over the confirmation of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) as attorney general, Sen.?Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) began reading a 1986 letter from civil rights icon Coretta Scott King. King had opposed Sessionss nomination to a federal judgeship, on grounds that he had used his position as a federal prosecutor to suppress black votes. As she read Kings letter, Warren was stopped, scolded and formally silenced by Republican senators. The reason? She had apparently violated Senate Rule 19, which bars the impugning of motives and conduct of a colleague. These senatorial snowflakes, it seems, were more interested in silencing speech they disliked than rebutting it. Never mind that Rule 19 is rarely invoked, or that it seems particularly wrongheaded to shut down criticism of a senator when the subject of debate is precisely that senators character, conduct and suitability for another office. Whatever Republicans thought they were achieving, the primary consequences were to energize the left and make Kings once-obscure letter go viral. Warren has not indicated that she was trying to goad her colleagues into silencing her. But she could have hardly conceived of a better way to magnify her message, or her own stature. She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) declared, in phrasing that seems perfectly scripted for a 2020 presidential campaign ad. A week earlier, on the opposite coast, a completely different kind of character from the other side of the political spectrum appeared to leverage the Streisand Effect for less noble purposes. Milo Yiannopoulos, Breitbart writer and sleazy professional troll, has built a career out of stoking Pavlovian outrage and censorship attempts from the left in order to build his audience on the right. He has mocked Jews, Muslims, African Americans, feminists, people who are overweight and the LGBT community (though he himself is gay), among others. Clearly, the goal is to bait his intellectual opponents (not all of whom are liberal, mind you) into trying to forcibly silence him. Sometimes youre not trying to score. Sometimes youre just trying to draw a foul. Sure enough, Yiannopouloss opponents happily oblige, with heckles, threats and sometimes even violence such as the riots that erupted at the University of California at Berkeley this month, which led to the cancellation of his talk and his evacuation from campus. The riots didnt silence Yiannopoulos, however; instead, the resulting coverage megaphoned his ugly message to a much broader audience and will help him sell more books, schedule more lucrative speaking gigs and receive more sympathetic tweets from our sitting president. (President Trump, under the guidance of former Breitbart publisher Stephen K. Bannon, has also proved especially adept at alchemizing liberal indignation into self-aggrandizing news coverage.) There are many compelling arguments for why protecting free speech, including speech you disagree with or even abhor, is important. Its enshrined in our Constitution; it is among the sacred liberal values we promote throughout the world; free and open dialogue helps advance scientific inquiry; and so on. But one underappreciated argument is self-interest. Forcibly silencing and thereby martyring your opponents rather than employing counter-speech to expose them as wrong or, better yet, ridiculous may be exactly what they want you to do. As President Trump steamrolls his executive order machine across this country, trampling on civil liberties and upending environmental protections, he risks getting derailed by the issue of tribal sovereignty. The status of American Indians goes beyond race, class and religion. As members of tribes, Indians are citizens of nations. There are more than 500 tribal nations, in fact. A century ago, when tribes ceded land and natural resources, even giving up their own culture in order to exist as nations, treaties were signed with the U.S. government. Those treaties were based on a clear understanding that tribes were and would remain sovereign, governing their people as nations. Tribal sovereignty affords tribes the right to fully engage the federal government on matters affecting their communities. When an Indian communitys way of life is threatened by a massive oil pipeline, the federal government cannot easily put corporate interests above tribal concerns. President Trumps recent executive orders greenlighting two oil pipelines in the Dakotas that would impact the Rosebud and Standing Rock Sioux tribes show a blatant disregard of tribal sovereignty. They ignore the tribes longstanding rights as separate nations to have a say in this process. These rights are not within the presidents powers to simply ignore. Of course, Trump is not the first president to disrespect tribal nationhood. Throughout history, Indian treaties have consistently been broken. From defending against the theft of land resources to ending culture-crushing white assimilation policies, tribes have had to rise up and forcibly remind the federal government to honor Indian treaties. But the assault on tribal sovereignty continues. Recently, two North Dakota state legislators put forth legislation to urge the feds to turn jurisdictional authority over tribes to the states. What these lawmakers do not understand is that tribes would never allow states to control their affairs. Tribes signed their treaties with the U.S. government, not with state governments. But the biggest challenge to upholding tribal sovereignty could happen along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Tohono Oodham Nation has announced it will not allow Trumps border wall to be built on its homelands. Many of their community members live south of the border as they have for generations. In the early days of this country, it was very common for tribes to send delegations to Washington to meet with the president and other government leaders. In 1994, President Bill Clinton opened up the White House lawn for a historic meeting with tribal leaders. Clinton vowed to honor and respect tribal sovereignty. Clearly, President Trump needs a primer on what nation-to-nation consultations with tribes mean. Meeting with tribal leaders representing Indian nations would be an important step for the president in gaining an understanding of tribal sovereignty. General Mills, Inc. manufactures and markets branded consumer foods worldwide. The company operates in five segments: North America Retail; Convenience Stores & Foodservice; Europe & Australia; Asia & Latin America; and Pet. It offers ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, bakery flour, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, snack bars, fruit and salty snacks, ice cream, nutrition bars, wellness beverages, and savory and grain snacks, as well as various organic products, including frozen and shelf-stable vegetables. It also supplies branded and unbranded food products to the North American foodservice and commercial baking industries; and manufactures and markets pet food products, including dog and cat food. The company markets its products under the Annie's, Betty Crocker, Bisquick, Blue Buffalo, Blue Basics, Blue Freedom, Bugles, Cascadian Farm, Cheerios, Chex, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Cookie Crisp, EPIC, Fiber One, Food Should Taste Good, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Gushers, Fruit Roll-Ups, Gardetto's, Go-Gurt, Gold Medal, Golden Grahams, Haagen-Dazs, Helpers, Jus-Rol, Kitano, Kix, Larabar, Latina, Liberte, Lucky Charms, Muir Glen, Nature Valley, Oatmeal Crisp, Old El Paso, Oui, Pillsbury, Progresso, Raisin Nut Bran, Total, Totino's, Trix, Wanchai Ferry, Wheaties, Wilderness, Yoki, and Yoplait trademarks. It sells its products directly, as well as through broker and distribution arrangements to grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, e-commerce retailers, commercial and noncommercial foodservice distributors and operators, restaurants, convenience stores, and pet specialty stores, as well as drug, dollar, and discount chains. The company operates 466 leased and 392 franchise ice cream parlors. General Mills, Inc. was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The re-naming of a residence hall at Yale University from Calhoun to Hopper was big news on 11 Feb. 2017, just one day beforeLincoln's birthday. The Washington Post, among others, discussed the matter:[link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2017/02/11/yale-renames-calhoun-college-because-of-historic-ties-to-white-supremacy-and-slavery/?utm_term=.5564714efa54 ]Yes, Calhoun, a Southern firebrand, graduated from Yale University (in fact, class valedictorian) and separately went to Litchfield law in Connecticut. Calhoun was vice-president TWICE under two different presidents (JQ Adams AND Jackson). His appointment as secretary of state is connected to the very unusual incident involving the USS Princeton, which has some curious New Jersey connections. Also curious is the origin of Calhoun's ideas on nullification, from the New Englanders he met at Yale, who were unhappy with life under Thomas Jefferson.As to some invention connections, Eli Whitney, who also went to Yale, wanted to be a lawyer, but didn't have the funds, so he got an appointment in South Carolina, and on the way got the inspiration for the invention of the cotton gin. The USS Princeton was the Navy's first screw-propelled steam sloop and was designed by one John Ericsson (later the inventor of the Monitor). Ericsson also designed a novel 12 inch gun, initially called the Orator, and later the Oregon. Robert Stockton (of New Jersey fame) provided the political clout for the project but also started claiming inventorship credit. A second gun designed by Stockton {the Peacemaker), but lacking the improvements of Ericsson, exploded on February 28, 1844, killing, among others, then Secretary of State Abel Upshur, which opened that position for Calhoun. Armistead, the slave and valet of President Tyler, was also killed, and "but for" going down ship, President Tyler likely would have been killed. Stockton shifted blame for the disaster to Ericsson, who developed a distrust of the US Navy, which may have delayed adoption of Ericsson's later inventions.** Some text about the "cotton gin":from Joseph H. Sommer, 15 Berkeley Tech. L.J. 1145 (2000) on the relationship between the cotton gin and slavery:Accord, Stephen M. Feldman, 81 Brooklyn L. Rev. 1 (2015) :from Michael Risch. AMERICA'S FIRST PATENTS, 64 Fla. L. Rev. 1279 (2012) :from Steven Cherensky, 81 Calif. L. Rev. 595 (1993) , on how Whitney's invention was what the framers had in mind when discussing patents:from Benjamin N. Roin, 81 U. Chi. L. Rev. 999 (2014) on how Whitney monetized his invention:BUT see also, Elizabeth M. Thoman, 83 U. Cin. L. Rev. 989 (2015) :AND from Ryan Hauer, 24 DePaul J. Art Tech. & Intell. Prop. L. 367 (2014) :AND from DAVID G. BARKER, 2005 Duke L. & Tech. Rev. 9 (2005) :from ALAN L. DURHAM, 53 B.C. L. Rev. 489 (2012) , related to Lemley's "Myth of the Sole Inventor":from Catherine L. Fisk, 65 U. Chi. L. Rev. 1127 (1998) :---And as footnotes to this post** from Mark L. Wolf, 1 B.U. J. SCI. & TECH. L. 1 (1995) :** History of Slavery in New Jersey The following companies are subsidiares of Thermo Fisher Scientific: 236 Perinton Parkway LLC, 27 Forge Parkway LLC, ABR--Affinity BioReagents, ACI Holdings Inc., ARG Services LLC, ASPEX Corporation, Abgene Inc., Abgene Limited, Acoustic Cytometry Systems Inc., AcroMetrix LLC, Acros Organics B.V.B.A., Advanced Biotechnologies Limited, Advanced Scientifics (ASI), Advanced Scientifics Inc., Advanced Scientifics International Inc., Affymetrix Biotech Participacoes Ltda., Affymetrix Biotech Shanghai Ltd, Affymetrix Inc, Affymetrix Japan K.K., Affymetrix Pte Ltd, Affymetrix UK Ltd, Afora S.A.U., Ahura Scientific, Alchematrix Inc., Alchematrix LLC, Alfa Aesar, Alfa Aesar (China) Chemical Co. 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KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific HR Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) I, Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) II , Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings Europe Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific IT Services GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Malta) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments Malta (Sweden Financing) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Invitrogen Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific K.K., Thermo Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific LSI Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments III S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments IV S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life NL Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Netherlands Holding C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Switzerland Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Tech Korea Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Enterprise Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investments Holding LP, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Luxembourg Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Enterprise Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg German Holdings S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Life Technologies UK Holding S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings I S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings II S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malta Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Messtechnik GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Mexico City S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Middle East Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Milano Srl, Thermo Fisher Scientific NHK Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Holdings, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway Holdings AS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway US Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Operating Company LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 C.V, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Panama I Cayman Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Peru S.R.L., Thermo Fisher Scientific Pte. 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Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific West Palm Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Wissenschaftliche Gerate GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Worldwide Investments (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific eCommerce Solutions LLC , Thermo Fisher Senior Canada Holdings LLC, Thermo Foundation Inc., Thermo Gamma-Metrics Holdings Pty Ltd., Thermo Gamma-Metrics LLC, Thermo Gamma-Metrics Pty Ltd, Thermo Holding European Operations LLC, Thermo Hypersil Ltd, Thermo Hypersil-Keystone LLC, Thermo Informatics Asia Pacific Pty Ltd., Thermo Instrument Controls de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Thermo Kevex X-Ray LLC, Thermo Keytek LLC, Thermo LabSystems Inc., Thermo LabSystems S.A., Thermo Life Science International Trading (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Thermo Life Sciences AB, Thermo Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo MF Physics LLC, Thermo Measurement Ltd, Thermo Measuretech Canada Inc., Thermo Neslab LLC, Thermo Nicolet Limited, Thermo Onix Limited, Thermo Optek (Australia) Pty Ltd., Thermo Optek Limited, Thermo Optek S.A., Thermo Orion Inc., Thermo Portable Holdings LLC, Thermo Power Corporation, Thermo Process Instruments GP LLC, Thermo Process Instruments L.P., Thermo Projects Limited, Thermo Quest S.A., Thermo Radiometrie Limited, Thermo Ramsey Italia S.r.l., Thermo Ramsey LLC, Thermo Ramsey S.A., Thermo Re Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Pte Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Sdn Bhd, Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc., Thermo Scientific Services Inc., Thermo Securities Corporation, Thermo Sentron Canada Inc., Thermo Sentron Limited, Thermo Shandon Inc., Thermo Shandon Limited, Thermo Suomi Holding B.V., Thermo TLH (UK) Limited, Thermo TLH L.P., Thermo Trace Pty Ltd., Thermo-Fisher Biochemical Product (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ThermoLase LLC, ThermoSpectra Limited, Trek Diagnostic Systems LLC, Trek Diagnostic Systems Ltd., Trek Holding Company II Ltd., Trek Holding Company Ltd., Trex Medical Corporation, USB Corporation, Union Lab Supplies Limited, United Diagnostics Inc., VG Systems Limited, Westover Scientific Inc., ZAO PE Biosystems, eBioscience GmbH, eBioscience Ltd, eBioscience SAS, and picoSpin LLC. Read More AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom. If Page didnt exist, a screenwriter would have to invent it. On the map, it is about as isolated a city of 7,000 as remains anywhere in the Mountain West. It sits beside a giant reservoir that lately has been rising and falling by more than 50 feet a year, there is a huge coal-fired power plant belching smoke on the horizon and invasive quagga mussels have gained a foothold. Yet Lake Powell tourism hasnt missed a beat. The main highway to the outside world slid down a mountainside and took two years to rebuild, and its nearest neighbors are the Navajo Nation, with some of the highest poverty and jobless rates in the nation. But the municipal economy, fueled almost entirely by sales taxes, has never been stronger. BIGGEST CHALLENGE Now, however, Page and its Navajo neighbors face their biggest challenge since Glen Canyon Dam was finished in 1964. The 50-year land lease for the coal-fired Navajo Generating Station expires in 2019, and plant owners could decide as early as Monday to walk away and shutter it. How central is NGS to Page and nearby Navajo Nation chapters? Consider that after the dam was completed, the local population shrank by half to 1,439 people, according to the 1970 census. The slowly filling canyon, although a novelty, wasnt much of a draw. But by 1980, the census counted 4,907 people in Page, and the reason was construction in the 1970s of the generating station. It not only employs 500 workers, mostly from the Rez, but also underwrites another 2,000 jobs at the coal mine in Kayenta and in support services throughout the region. The payroll at the power plant alone is at least $50 million, which is a lot of money on a reservation where the median family income is $23,000 and 43 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. By all accounts, the NGS is a well-run plant, even though its pollution controls are outdated and, because of its size, it contributes an outsized proportion of the regions greenhouse gases and haze. Its electricity powers the pumps that push water through the Central Arizona Project canals to Phoenix and Tucson, and other utilities like SRP and APS depend on the plant for base-load power. END OF AN ERA But the era of coal-fired power plants is coming to an end, and not just because they use a non-renewable fuel source that contributes to global warming. The rise of cheaper domestic natural gas supplies and technological advances that have lowered the cost of wind and solar power have sent coal companies into bankruptcy and shuttered several plants. No new coal plants are being built in the U.S., and major foreign coal customers like China are canceling orders in favor of gas. The Navajo plant ran at only 61 percent capacity in 2016 and the total cost of making power was about $38 per megawatt hour, at least $6 higher than the average price of power in the region. The plant is planning to shut down one of its three generating units by 2020 in order to reduce pollution, and it would need to invest an additional billion dollars on new controls by 2030, forcing up the cost of generating power to an estimated $51 per megawatt hour. A lease extension with the Navajo Nation in 2019 covering 7,000 acres will also get more expensive. Faced with those numbers, it is no wonder the plants owners are considering throwing in the towel sooner rather than later. A California utility has already sold its share, and one in Nevada is planning to follow suit they have already made plans to replace the power. The other owners have already agreed to the one-third cutback in power by 2020, but so far they havent revealed how they will replace the other two-thirds if the plant is decommissioned by 2019. But given the rising costs at NGS, its likely the owners have arranged to purchase power elsewhere at lower prices otherwise, why would they be bothering to vote on a closure tomorrow? CALLOUS DISREGARD That might be good for utility customers and even for air quality in the region. But the accelerated closure decision strikes us as callous in its disregard for the employees and nearby communities, who in 2014 were told by the EPA that the plants two units could operate through at least 2030 without major pollution control investments. Granted, the talk of an early shutdown can hardly be a shock to local and county officials they have been working on an economic redevelopment plan for four years. Now, that timetable will be speeded up, thanks to a $300,000 federal grant that will take a hard look at bringing in new business opportunities, funding internships, developing an astrotourism (or dark skies) strategy and working on education and skills training. The Grand Canyon Trust has weighed in with ideas for solar and wind power development. Also in progress is a new education partnership among Northern Arizona University, Coconino Community College, Dine College and Navajo Technical College. The four have agreed to work together to establish a higher education center in Page that will offer technical and industry-specific training for things like apartment maintenance, marina pilot training, marina mechanics, nursing, hospitality and culinary arts, according to county Supervisor Lena Fowler said. INVOLVE RECREATION AREA Thats a good start. But the agency with the biggest clout is the Interior Department and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. A comprehensive redevelopment plan may need to start from scratch when it comes to federal land and its commercial uses. The arbitrary demarcation of the entire shoreline of the second biggest reservoir in the nation as undevelopable might be consistent policy. But consistency and precedent ring hollow when the economic rug has been pulled out from under an entire region. If the Navajo Nation can develop a marina and restaurant complex at Antelope Point, for example, why are other entrepreneurs denied the same opportunity? Our point is that the Page region is rich in outstanding natural resources that are awaiting creative and responsible uses. Its time to reopen the map on the national recreation area and integrate it with ongoing plans to reimagine life after the Navajo Generating Station. The fact that change is coming sooner rather than later only underscores the need to bring all the players to the table right from the start. The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United states and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. The Business Insurance segment offers workers' compensation, commercial automobile and property, general liability, commercial multi-peril, employers' liability, public and product liability, professional indemnity, marine, aviation, onshore and offshore energy, construction, terrorism, personal accident, and kidnap and ransom insurance products. This segment operates through select accounts, which serve small businesses; commercial accounts that serve mid-sized businesses; national accounts, which serve large companies; and national property and other that serve large and mid-sized customers, commercial trucking industry, and agricultural businesses, as well as markets and distributes its products through brokers, wholesale agents, and program managers. The Bond & Specialty Insurance segment provides surety, fidelity, management and professional liability, and other property and casualty coverages and related risk management services through independent agencies and brokers. The Personal Insurance segment offers property and casualty insurance covering personal risks, primarily automobile and homeowners insurance to individuals through independent agencies and brokers. The Travelers Companies, Inc. was founded in 1853 and is based in New York, New York. Telefonica, S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services in Europe and Latin America. The company's mobile and related services and products comprise mobile voice, value added, mobile data and Internet, wholesale, corporate, roaming, fixed wireless, and trunking and paging services. Its fixed telecommunication services include PSTN lines; ISDN accesses; public telephone services; local, domestic, and international long-distance and fixed-to-mobile communications; corporate communications; supplementary value-added services; video telephony; intelligent network; and telephony information services, as well as leases and sells handset equipment. The company also provides Internet and broadband multimedia services comprising Internet service provider, portal and network, retail and wholesale broadband access, narrowband switched access, high-speed Internet through fibre to the home, and voice over Internet protocol services. In addition, it offers leased line, virtual private network, fibre optics, web hosting and application, outsourcing and consultancy, desktop, and system integration and professional services. Further, the company offers wholesale services for telecommunication operators, including domestic interconnection and international wholesale services; leased lines for other operators; and local loop leasing services, as well as bit stream services, wholesale line rental accesses, and leased ducts for other operators' fiber deployment. Additionally, it provides video/TV services; smart connectivity and services, and consumer IoT products; financial and other payment, security, cloud computing, advertising, big data, and digital telco experience services; virtual assistants; digital home platforms; and Movistar Home devices. It also offers online telemedicine, home insurance, music streaming, and consumer loan services. The company was incorporated in 1924 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. VMware, Inc. provides software solutions in the areas of modern applications, cloud management and infrastructure, networking, security, and digital workspaces in the United States and internationally. It offers VMware multi-cloud solutions, including VMware vSphere, a data center infrastructure that provides the fundamental compute layer; vSAN and VxRail, which offers holistic data storage and protection options to applications running on vSphere; and vRealize Cloud Management solutions that manages hybrid and multi-cloud environments running in virtual machines and containers, as well as VMware Cloud Foundation, a cloud platform that combines its vSphere, vSAN, and NSX with vRealize Cloud Management into an integrated stack and delivers enterprise-ready cloud infrastructure for private and public clouds. The company also provides networking solutions, such as VMware NSX, NSX Distributed and Gateway Firewalls, NSX Network Detection and Response Engine, NSX Advanced Load Balancer, Tanzu Service Mesh, and VMware SASE; security solutions consisting of VMware Carbon Black Endpoint, Workload, and Container; and digital workspace solutions comprising Workspace ONE Unified Endpoint Management, Access, Intelligent Hub, and Horizon. In addition, it offers application modernization solutions, such as Tanzu Application and Operations Platform, Tanzu Application Service Platform, Tanzu Observability, Tanzu Community Edition, and Tanzu Labs; and cloud management solutions, including vRealize Cloud Management, vCloud Suite, and CloudHealth by VMware Suite. The company sells its products through distributors, resellers, system vendors, and systems integrators. VMware, Inc. has a strategic alliance with Amazon Web Services to build and deliver an integrated hybrid solution. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. 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 Abused woman (illustration) By: Tanya Clark WorldWideWeirdNews.com A immigrant from Congo, attacked a woman by stabbing her numerous times and beheading her during an altercation, according to police in Germany. Berlin police said that they have arrested 39-year-old Yve M., after being accused of killing his girlfriend, 39-year-old Tunay G., by stabbing her in the stomach and chest. According to the police investigation, Yve migrated from Congo, and applied for asylum in Berlin. In Berlin, he met his victim and began a relationship with her. At some point, an altercation broke out and Yve stabbed Tunay more than 30 times. He then beheaded her and left her body in his apartment. Neighbors called police after noticing a bad odor coming from the killeras apartment. Police officers who arrived at the scene, found the dead body of Tunay. An autopsy revealed that she died of blood loss. Prosecutors told the court that the suspect is a danger to the general public and are asking for him to be remanded into a psychiatric hospital. Crime scene (illustration) By: Emily Lewis WorldWideWeirdNews.com (Scroll down for video) A young girl called police after finding her parents dead on their living room floor. Police in Houston, Texas, were called to the home at 4954 North Cancun Drive, at around 9:30 a.m. There, the 9-year-old girl told police that she woke up to find her mother and her stepfather dead. Det. Christopher Elder said that the girl heard her mother, who was in her late 20as and her stepfather in his mid 30as, arguing at about 1:00 a.m. The girl said that she then heard gunshots. Neighbors told police that they also heard gunshots, but nobody called police. Police found a gun that was used in what they called a murder-suicide. Police said that the man killed his wife before turning the gun on himself. The coupleas 6-month-old triplets were in the home, but were unharmed. Authorities will hand the babies and the 9-year-old girl over to family members. A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took Thanks for visiting ! The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Thank you for your support! Approval Granted to Demolish Rhosnesni Methodist Church to Make Way For Housing This article is old - Published: Sunday, Feb 12th, 2017 Plans to demolish a Methodist Church in Wrexham and use the site for housing have been given the go ahead. Members of Wrexham Councils Planning Committee have unanimously backed outline plans to demolish the Methodist Church on Rhosnesni Lane to make way for the construction of a pair of semi-detached houses on the site. Concerns about the proposals had been raised by Acton Community Council, who stated that the highway safety of the two proposed driveways are in close proximity to the main entrance of Rhosnesni High School, albeit on a one way street after the main entrance. Speaking at this weeks meeting a representative speaking in favour of the development noted that the local Community Council had raised concerns about highway safety, however both the proposed houses would be served by two driveways. The spokesperson continued: The new proposals will generate less traffic and all off road parking has been addressed. There is no need for visitors to park on the public highway. The highway safety will improve from its current use. Local member for the Rhosnesni ward, Cllr Anne Evans noted she had an extensive discussion with the planning officer about the development and that the revised application was a big improvement. Cllr Evans said: Any time you have a development, however small near a school in a big built up area, you have to be careful. I had all the concerns other people had, however I havent had petitions or loads of objections but there was a general feeling of disquiet about the first plans. I feel the amended plans have gone a long way to mitigate the traffic issues. The issues I was most concerned with was the school and the safety of the children, but given the site think its the best we could do. The planning officer explained it very well. I thought it was a big improvement. My choice would be not to have the little church gone, but that is not my choice. I am a lot happier with this and as long as conditions are adhered to, I am happy with it. Picture Google Maps [February 11, 2017] Milton Security Opens a Security Operations Center and Offers Network Access Control as a Service FULLERTON, Calif., Feb. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Milton Security Group Inc., a global leader and innovator in network and endpoint security, today launched the Milton Security Operations Center (SOC). Included with this new SOC, Milton is bringing Network Access Control (NAC) As A Service, which reduces the burden on staff. As many professionals in the cyber industry gather next week in San Francisco for RSA to look at all the new blinky light boxes, we are here standing watch over our customers' networks. Organizations now will get real-time results without the noise, letting them focus on their primary business rather than trying to use limited resources in building and maintaining their own SOC. With NAC As A Service, when customers sign up for SOC Services at the 18x7 or 24x7 levels, they get the needed EdgeWall NAC appliances included for free. Understanding the high cost of hiring and training technical experts to work round-the-clock, as well as a capital expense for equipment, Milton is happy to offer Security as a Service at an affordable price to its customers. With both 18x7 or 24x7 coverage options, customers are able to sign up for a SOC Plan of their choosing. "Milton has revolutionized the Network Access Control space and has minimized the path to adoption," said James McMurry, CEO. "We wanted to simplify theimplementation to get your organization to the next level of layered security architecture. The industry experience of our team, and the 10 years of building one of the premier NAC solutions ensure we enhance the security posture of any organization. We will be your NAC administrator, Subject Matter Expert, and your ever vigilant, around the clock cyber security partner." As we have all witnessed, attacks are becoming more frequent and the targets are not just large organizations, but organizations of all sizes. The amount of data coming from internal platforms, applications, anti-virus, anti-malware, IDS, firewalls, Network Access Control is becoming larger by the day. Fancy marketing and advertisements in airports does not make your organization secure. With our proactive SOC and inline EdgeWall solutions, we are able stop threats in real-time, even the silent ones. About Milton Security Group Inc.: Our core belief is that marketing terms and blinky lights do not solve cyber security problems. We have designed a range of solutions tailored to meeting critical infrastructure needs in securing systems. From the foundation of the EdgeWall NAC, to our new SOC, Milton has proved that security starts with you. Milton Security Group Inc. is a Department of Veterans Affairs Certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB). For more information about Milton Security Group, please visit http://www.miltonsecurity.com/. Milton Security Group 801 North Harbor Blvd Fullerton CA 92832 (714) 515 4011 Media Contact: Lydia Coulter [email protected] 714-515-4011 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/milton-security-opens-a-security-operations-center-and-offers-network-access-control-as-a-service-300405949.html SOURCE Milton Security Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida Gov. Rick Scott's big party in Washington D.C. to celebrate the inauguration of President Donald Trump cost at least $600,000, according to campaign finance records. Scott and First Lady Ann Scott in January hosted the Florida Sunshine Ball at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium two days before Trump's inauguration. Free tickets to the ball went to hundreds of people invited by the governor and first lady. Records show that Scott's political committee Let's Get to Work paid a company more than $609,000 to rent the auditorium, hire caterers and stage the event featuring The Beach Boys. Let's Get to Work regularly receives donations from some of the state's main corporate interests. In the last few weeks Duke Energy donated $100,000 as did private prison provider The Geo Group. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Palm Beach County commissioner is asking Gov. Rick Scott to declare a public health emergency that would help Florida jurisdictions deal with problems related to opioid-abuse. Melissa McKinlay wrote a letter to the governor last week asking for the help since she said local governments can't tackle the problems alone. The Palm Beach Post reports that the commissioner hadn't heard back from the governor's office yet. The newspaper has reported that heroin-related hospital costs in Florida have reached about $4.1 million a day. McKinlay says in the letter that other states like Virginia and Massachusetts have declared health emergencies in the wake of spikes in heroin deaths. ___ Information from: The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post, http://www.pbpost.com (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) YAKIMA, Wash. -- Jacob Leon enrolled in Perry Technical Institutes construction program last fall after working in construction for a couple If You Go What: Two performances of Nihonjin Face, a one-act play by Janet Hayakawa and Teresita Martinez. It is the fourth play in the Tacoma-based Broadway Center for the Performing Arts Civil Rights Legacy program. When and where: Thursday in Yakima; 2 p.m. at Garfield Elementary School, 612 N. Sixth Ave., and 7 p.m. at the A.C. Davis High School Kiva, 212 S. Sixth Ave. Both are open to the public. Cost: Free. Information: http://www.broadwaycenter.org/education/touring-shows. 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. (TCO-PROG NOC-TA) Vacancy No. EAPRO/TCO-VA-2017/17 Job Level: NO-C Duty Station: Thailand Country Office, Bangkok Position No: New Application Close: 14 March 2017 Contract Type: Temporary Appointment (364 days) Purpose of the Position Business impacts on childrens rights in a significant way and therefore UNICEF Thailand aims to place childrens rights at the centre of the business agenda for social responsibility and sustainability. Under the supervision of the Deputy Representative, the incumbent will develop, manage and evaluate non-financial partnerships with the corporate community in support of UNICEFs mission, objectives and programme in the country, setting child rights agenda in policy and advocacy development related to business sector and enhance the organisations credibility and brand as a technical expert in the area of child rights and responsible business. The incumbent is also expected to provide technical inputs in line with UNICEFs strategic Framework on CSR/Children's Rights and Business Principle (CRBP) and manage programmatic alliances with the national CSR related agencies including business industry champions and companies, Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and Chambers of Commerce in Thailand. Major Responsibilities 1. Lead the implementation of Strategic Framework on CSR and Advocacy; also provide technical Inputs: in line with UNICEFs Strategic Framework on CSR and promote implementation of the Child Rights and Business Principles and tools: Advocacy with Government of Thailand, industry bodies, business industry associations and national think tanks on CSR/ Business Responsibility. Providing technical inputs to and managing strategic alliances with the SET and other technical partnerships including capacity building. 2. Provide Advocacy and technical support to Government and Civil Society Organisations: Support main governmental partners (in particular Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and Ministry of Tourism) and civil society partners of UNICEF country programme in interacting with the private sector to ensure that childrens rights are protected, in line with the CRC General Comment 16 on State obligations regarding the impact of the business sector on children's rights and the recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the Child in its latest concluding observations. Provide technical inputs and liaise with National Human Rights Commission and Ministry of Justice on integration of child rights issues in the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. 3. Develop strategies / intervention on CSR to increase an engagement/ participation of government, companies and partners. Build and cultivate Corporate Relations/ Partnerships Management: Identifying and scoping potential corporate partners in line with the Thailand Country Office programme priorities and section needs and developing MOUs and programme concept notes with inputs from the relevant sections. Effective and timely professional management of corporate partnerships and relations with potential, existing and past corporate partners. Build capacity of corporate partners in Childrens Rights and Business Principles including innovative approaches to supporting child rights among business operations. 4. Update, implement, and monitor the Thailand CSR/CRBP Strategy as a main advocacy tool towards achieving programmatic results, annual workplan, periodic updates and other documentation as needed: Ensure that the elaboration of strategy paper and annual work plan is timely executed and followed up to support country programme priorities, regional and global directives. Act as a CSR/CRBP focal point in the office including documentation and institutional memory. 5. Work closely with programme sections in particular education, child protection and adolescents to support the partnership with the private sector in implementing their programmatic activities. 6. Manage the related programme output including planning, budget, disbursement of funds to partners, related supply, reporting and other management tasks. 7. Document and share best practices on CSR among relevant colleagues. 8. Provide support in other related tasks; such as internal training, participation to the integrated corporate team meetings, etc. A young Palestinian contortionist known in Gaza as "Spiderman" has entered the Guinness Book of Records, his trainer said Thursday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The 13-year-old, Mohammad Al-Sheikh, broke the record for the most full body revolutions maintaining a chest stand in one minute, Mohammed Loubbad told AFP. The move involves lying on the chest, bending the back to put the feet in front of the head then rotating the hips to run the feet in laps around the body. Mohammad Al-Sheikh (Photo: AFP) A team from Guinness World Records was planning to visit the small coastal enclave to see the attempt but it has been subject to a tight Israeli blockade for 10 years, he said. Instead, the attempt took place in Amman, Jordan. Neither Sheikh's mother nor his trainer received Israeli permission to leave the Gaza Strip, so he traveled with another adult, but those obstacles did not dampen his trainer's determination. "We are preparing another three record attempts," said Loubbad, who has been working with Sheikh for three years. "He has received invitations to competitions and shows in several countries," That is a bright prospect for the youngster who, says his trainer, fears returning and being "buried" in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been holding a series of consultations in recent days in preparation for his meeting with US President Donald Trump this week in Washington. On Sunday, Netanyahu will ask his ministers their opinions, as well. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Netanyahu, who will take off on Monday and meet with Trump on Wednesday, is to discuss security and intelligence collaboration between their two countries, as well as Iran, Syria and Palestinians. Thus far, the consensus is that Israel must express the position to the Trump administration that they oppose any Iranian presence in Syria in any future agreement. While Netanyahu won't ask Trump to cancel the nuclear agreement with Tehran, the prime minister will urge the American president to enforce existing sanctions against Iran and impose additional sanctions against the Islamic Republic's support of terrorism and its missiles program. Trump and Netanyahu at their last meeting (Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO) While the issue of moving the American embassy to Jerusalem will be raised during the meeting, all signs indicate to the administration postponing the move until at least May, when Trump will need to renew a presidential exemption from implementing a law passed in Congress to move the embassy. The decision to postpone the move is coming because of messages from Jerusalem, among other things, according to which this is not the burning issue at the moment. Trump's meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah and other Arab leaders have also contributed to that decision. The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the matter. Netanyahu will seek to lower American expectations on the Palestinian issue. The Israeli government is not enthusiastic about talks on a regional intiative by the moderate Arab nations or the new US president's desire to lead to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. Netanyahu will present a policy that supports the establishment of a Palestinian state with an emphasis on its demilitarization and recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. The two will discuss the resumption of peace talks and the US blocking unilateral Palestinian initiatives at the UN. Another topic the two are expected to discuss is settlement construction. The White House has already stated that new settlement construction "may not be helpful" in achievement peace. Netanyahu will try to reach understandings with Trump regarding the extent of construction, where could Israel build and the possibility of annexing parts of Area C. The prime minister's bureau and national security bodies have held consultations ahead of the meeting. Israel's ambassador in DC, Ron Dermer, has come to Israel to help prepare. On Thursday, a meeting was held at the prime minister's with all the relevant agencies represented. In attendance were Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, and the heads of the Military Intelligence Directorate, their research Department, the Mossad and the Israel Atomic Energy Commission. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also involved in preparing the prime minister to meet with the new American president. The ministry has prepared several position papers on various topics for that purpose. The MFA's Director General, Yuval Rotem, presented them to the prime minister in a preparatory meeting. Netanyahu will also meet with American Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan, the Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and with other senators. Netanyahu's wife, Sara, will meet with the American First Lady, Melania. The prime minister's son, Yair Netanyahu, 26, will join his parents for the visit in Washington and is expected to attend some of the events and meetings. The Netanyahu family's spokesman, Nir Hafetz, said the junior Netanyahu is currently in the US on a private trip and will arrive in Washington at his own expense. The Israeli delegation will depart the States for Israel on Thursday evening. Minister of Education Naftali Bennett posted a warning to his Facebook page on Saturday night regarding the two heads of governments' first joint statement, saying that if it mentions "the commitment to the establishment of Palestine or to 'two states' in one wording or another, all of us will feel it in the coming years in our flesh. The earth will tremble." A political source said even before Bennett's post that ministerial statements before hearing Trump's position in closed forums may sabotage the talks. The monument for Sgt. Saleh Kasem Tafesh, a Druze soldier who fell in south Lebanon in 1992 and became a symbol for bravery, was found riddled with bullet holes. The monument, which is located in the Upper Galilee, suffered heavy damage. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Israel Police have opened an investigation, but do not have any suspects at this moment. Sergeant Tafesh and the defaced monument (Photo: Gil Nechushtan) Lutfe Tafesh, the late Saleh's brother, said: "This is a crime of the outmost severity. They have hurt the deceased and us. We never expected something like this to happen. We don't yet know why he carried out this heinous crime, but I hope the police will find and arrest the shooter. We want to know why they did it." According to him, his family members are having difficulties coming to grips with what happened. Tafesh's monument (Photo: Nazia Kablan) Taesh was a 21-year-old medic who fell in battle after trying to help Lt. Col. (res.) Aviel Jarafi ion April 6, 1992, when their convoy was hit near Hula village in South Lebanon. The convoy was making its way south when terrorists opened fire on them. Jarafi was then badly wounded, and Tafesh ran to aid him. The convoy was then bombarded by heavy gun fire, mortars and RPGs, and Jafari, worried for Tafesh's life, tried pushing him away so he could save himself, but Tafesh insisted and kept bandaging his wounds. While trying to apply a tourniquet to his leg, Tafesh was hit in the head by a bullet and killed. He received posthumous decorations for his bravery in battle. North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump, who stood with the Japanese leader as Shinzo Abe called the move "absolutely intolerable." There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The US Strategic Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile. It said the missile did not pose a threat to North America. The command said the launch occurred near the northwestern city of Kusong. SAN FRANCISCO - An immigration rights group has filed a petition to join a lawsuit by Washington and Minnesota states against President Donald Trump's executive order banning travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project filed the petition Friday in US District Court in Seattle. The group last month filed a federal class-action lawsuit against Trump's order on behalf of two US citizens and a legal resident trying to reunite with their children. Plaintiff Juweiya Abdiaziz Ali is a US citizen living in Seattle who started the process last August of bringing her son from Somalia. She says Trump's order has made her worried that her son's visa process will be indefinitely suspended. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday unanimously refused to reinstate the order blocked last week by US District Judge James Robart in Seattle. Robart issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is considering appointing Israel's former foreign minister Tzipi Livni (Zionist Union) to a senior position in the United Nations at the rank of Under-Secretary-General in return for the US withdrawing its objection to a Palestinian appointment. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Over the weekend, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley blocked the appointment of former Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad to lead the UN political mission in Libya. Seeking to resolve the crisis, Guterres has offered to appoint Livni to the senior post if the Americans remove their objection to Fayyad's appointment. Tzipi Livni (Photo: Knesset Spokesman's Office) Guterres has reportedly spoken to Livni over the weekend and discussed the appointment with her. Sources close to Livni said the appointment has not been officially offered to her. It is unclear, however, whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would allow such a solution, as this would mean the promotion of one of his staunchest politician opponents. Under-Secretary-General (USG) is one of the highest ranks in the organizations, which can be given to a wide variety of position holders. Among the positions reportedly being considered for Livni are Under-Secretary-General for Public Information or a special UN envoy, among others. Such a position includes a staff, an office, a salary of $200,000-$250,000 a year, and an expense account of some $1 million a year. Guterres sent a letter to all members of the UN Security Council last week announcing his intentions to appoint Fayyad as the UN's special envoy to Libya. According to UN procedures, the appointment must receive a unanimous approval from the members of the Security Council to be approved. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Photo: EPA) Fayyad's planned appointment angered both the Americans and the Israelis, particularly as the secretary-general's letter mentioned in parenthesis that Fayaad was a representative of "Palestine." A Palestinian official has never been appointment to such a senior position and Israel is worried of the precedent of appointing a Palestinian official to such a high-ranked position, the likes of which was never given to an Israeli. US Ambassador Haley said the Trump administration "was disappointed" of Guterres's intentions to appoint Fayyad. "For too long the UN has been unfairly biased in favor of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel," Haley said. She added that the US does not recognize a Palestinian state and does not support the message Fayyad's appointment would send. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon welcomed the American statement, saying "This is the beginning of a new era at the UN, an era where the US stands firmly behind Israel against any and all attempts to harm the Jewish State." Dan Shapiro, until recently the US ambassador to Israel, criticized the American move to block the appointment, calling it "stunningly dumb." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will land in Washington this week and finally receive the status he has been waiting for over the past eight years: The White Houses darling. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter President Donald Trump, who uses every opportunity to mention how fond he is of the Israeli prime minister, will shower him with compliments and smiles and convey to the world that that is the way to treat the man who Washington wishes to honor. On Wednesday, however, Trump will present Netanyahu with a warning. He will make it clear to him that the party is over. He finds the unbridled settlement construction deep within the West Bank unacceptable. He sees the settlements as an obstacle to peace. The American embassy will also remain in Tel Aviv for now. This is no longer an act of foot-dragging by the president; its a decision. Netanyahu and Trump in New York before the US elections. This time, the president will present the prime minister with a warning sign (Photo: Kobi Gideon, GPO) Trump has been in office for less than a month, and he is already beginning to understand the limitations of power. A big mouth and reckless moves may sound good during a wild and convention-shattering election campaign, but in reality he does not have the ability to change the world completely. Reality hit him in the face when the court thwarted the immigration order he issued against Muslims (although the final word has yet to be said on that issue), and in the Middle Eastern swamp Trump is not the only player. Its no coincidence that the White House announced that new settlements were an impediment to peace just a few hours after Trumps meeting with Jordans King Abdullah , who made it clear to him that expanding the settlement enterprise and moving the US embassy to Jerusalem was like throwing a match into a powder keg. Trump made a U-turn and ordered his advisors, primarily Jared Kushner, to find a proper deal. The papers placed in front of him, as well as the maps of the region with future borders, point to the direction: At this stage, Trump seeks to adopt parts of the Saudi initiative, which the Arab League approves of, as former President Barack Obama did. He plans to reach a deal under which the large settlement blocs will be annexed to Israel in exchange for alternative land for the Palestinians, just like President George W. Bush suggested before him. Trump is interested in bolstering the Sunni axis versus Shiite Iran, to stop the Islamic Republic from turning into a leading regional power. The Israeli Right opened the champagne bottles too early following Trumps election. A president comes and a president goes, and in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict there is nothing new under the sun and no magical solution. Netanyahu will be received in Washington with great honor, with a lot of noise and pleasantries. But even in the White House he will find himself under warning. Unless he surprises himself too, and arrives with a real plan. LIMA/SAN FRANCISCO - Peru has been informed by US authorities that they are not planning to keep former Peru President Alejandro Toledo, who is wanted in connection with a corruption probe, from boarding a flight to Israel from California on Sunday, a source in Peru's Interior Ministry has said. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The US Justice and State Departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The source said it was unclear why the United States did not want to detain Toledo. The government of Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was pressuring for the United States to change its mind, the source said. Former Peru President Alejandro Toledo (Photo: AP) The dispute threatens to strain relations between the United States and one of its traditional allies in South America. Toledo is booked on an 8pm (4am GMT) flight from San Francisco to Tel Aviv, the source said. Peru has an extradition treaty with the United States but does not have one with Israel. A judge in Peru issued an international arrest warrant for Toledo Thursday, and the government offered a 100,000 soles ($30,000) reward for any information leading to his capture after he failed to turn himself in to authorities. Peru has said Interpol issued a red alert to 190 member countries to help find him, but Toledo does not appear on its list of wanted persons. Interpol has not responded to requests for comment on Toledo. Prosecutors in Peru allege Toledo took $20 million in bribes from Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht and a judge ruled that he must be jailed for up to 18 months while charges against him are prepared. Photo: Reuters Toledo, who has earned economics degrees from Stanford University, has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged or convicted of any crimes. Toledo's lawyer said he did not know Toledo's whereabouts and declined further comment. Toledo's wife has Israeli citizenship and Toledo has a long friendship with Israeli businessman Yosef Maiman, who prosecutors accuse of acting as a middleman for at least $10 million in alleged bribes. A former Odebrecht executive has said he personally negotiated the bribes with Toledo in Rio de Janeiro in 2004, prosecutors say. Maiman has not responded to requests for comment. Kuczynski served as finance minister and then prime minister in Toledo's 2001-2006 government, when Peru awarded lucrative highway contracts to Odebrecht. Unlike other terrorists, whose proud neighbors hang photos of them all over their village, the terrorist who carried out the attack at the Petah Tikva market received no such honor. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The village is considered to be pretty well off financially. Many of its residents have Israeli work permits; others work in trade, especially vegetable marketing. Following the attack, Israel revoked all work permits of members of the terrorist's family. The terrorist's wealthy family lives at the northernmost part of the village in a big three-story house in a narrow and quiet street. The father works in renovations and has Israeli coworkers and clients, while the mother runs a shop. The house carries no indication that this is the home of the "Petah Tikva terrorist," as he was dubbed on social media. IDF soldiers raid the terrorist's house (Photo: IDF Spokesman's Office) On Saturday, the terrorist's mother was sitting in the living room surrounded by family and neighbors and was trying to understand what it was that suddenly made her son commit such an attack. "My son was an honor student," she said, "but lately his grades plummeted. In the day of the attack, he found out that he failed two final exams and was very upset. He came to me at work and told me that. I got very angry, yelled at him and threw him out of the shop. That was the last time I saw him." The mother is convinced that her son's troubled mental state was what made him commit the attack. "We heard it was him who carried out the attack from the media," she said. "I was in shock. I started screaming. We knew nothing of his plans." The terrorist's aunt, sitting beside his mother, said that his relatives were anxious to find out his exam results. "But this is what ended up happening," The aunt said. "When I heard what he did I started crying and screaming like crazy," another aunt said. "We all gathered here with our neighbors, in complete shock. We still can't believe he did what he did. No one here is proud of his actions. It's been three days that all we're thinking is 'Why? Why?!'" On the eve of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus trip to Washington, for his first meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, winds of war are blowing through the top ranks of the government. One war faction, led by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, is pulling towards Gaza; another war faction, led by Netanyahu, is pulling towards Iran. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter These words are not aimed at frightening the Israeli public. In the field of intimidation, there are commentators much more enthusiastic than me. There is no war yet, but the flames are rising high, and there are those who are interested in fanning them. Lets start with the small war, the Gaza one. Lieberman entered the Defense Ministry with one goal: To establish himself among the public as a natural and necessary candidate for the position of prime minister. The mission he has undertaken is complicated and quite difficult to achieve. It requires, among other things, a return to the Likud party. That will happen at some point, as Lieberman has used up everything he can get from Yisrael Beytenu, and all he is left with is the burden: The investigations, the criminal charges, the voters who have disappeared. His followers in Likudand there are many of themwill make sure to open the door for him. Trump and Netanyahu in New York before the US elections. Gaza will be a footnote at the most in their conversation Wednesday (Photo: Kobi Gideon, GPO) In the meantime, he is proving to the Likudniks that he is the minister most devoted to Netanyahu. More than Tzachi Hanegbi, more than Yoav Galant. Lieberman will stand behind Netanyahu in all his investigations, speak in his favor, pray for him. And if Netanyahu falls, he wont have to ask for onion to induce crying ; the tears will just flow on their own. This mission requires much more than that: A move from the radical right to the moderate right. The entire right wing is moving to the right, even Netanyahu, and only Lieberman is moving to the left. The man who traveled all the way to the military court in Kastina to support Elor Azaria is the man who is now backing the court ; the man who used every opportunity to mock the IDF top command's performance is now representing the General Staff loyally, adopting the generals appointments, and is as concerned as they are about every political move that sets the territories on fire or irritates our friends in the world. On the crucial day, he will be able to say: I am the only person who has served both as foreign minister and as defense minister; I am experienced; I am pragmatic; I am highly regarded in Israel and in the world; I am the successor. Lieberman entered the Defense Ministry with one goal: To create a public basis which would turn him into a natural candidate for prime minister (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) There is only one issue in which the new Lieberman is connected to the old Lieberman: Gaza. If I were defense minister, he once said in a cultural event in Beer Sheva, I would say to Mr. (Ismail) Haniyeh: Either you return the bodies and the civilians within 48 hours, or youre dead. The promise was filmed and aired time and again since then. It haunts him. In the meantime, the Israeli government, with Lieberman and Naftali Bennett, has offered Hamas quite a generous proposalboth living prisoners and bodies. Hamas rejected the proposal out of hand, made it public and mocked Israel in the media. Mr. Haniyeh is not dead; he is alive and kicking. Netanyahu is prepared to play this game, to move with Haniyeh from Operation Protective Edge 1 to Operation Protective Edge 2, not to let Gaza live and not to let Gaza die. Lieberman seeks to move closer to attack and neutralize the enemy. Gaza will be a footnote at most in the conversation between Netanyahu and Trump. The main issue will be Iran . Netanyahu is arriving in Washington at an interesting timing. Iran had just test-fired a long-range missile Trump responded with a warning ; Iran announced that it didnt give a damn; Trump threatened, and sent a battleship. According to a story leaked to the Wall Street Journal, he is interested in driving a wedge between Russia and Iran. He and Putin, he believes, will teach the ayatollahs a lesson. Iran has two bitter enemies in Trumps cabinet: Secretary of Defense James Mattis and National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. They both fought in Iraq a decade agoMattis as a division commander, Flynn as a senior intelligence officer. They saw with their own eyes Iranians killing American soldiers, intentionally. They have not forgiven the Iranians. Israeli defense officials have a lot of appreciation for Mattis; they have less appreciation for Flynn. When it comes to Iran, these two side with Netanyahu. What do you suggest, Trump will ask him. Netanyahu will respond with a series of suggestions, starting with imposing economic sanctions to improving or cancelling the nuclear agreement. He has a golden opportunity here. He must not succeed too much, however. If he convinces Trump to bomb Iran, the immediate Iranian response wont be on American soil but in Israel, in the form of thousands of rockets that will be launched from Lebanon and Syria. In addition, when the war will get more complicated, as wars do, the war opponents in America will point an accusing finger at Israel. The Amona settlers protested outside the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday morning to demand that the government build a new settlement for them. The settlers were evacuated from their homes after the High Court determined they were built on privately-owned Palestinian land. Ahead of the evacuation, the government and the settlers reached a compromise agreement according to which alternative housing will be built for them in return for a peaceful and willing evacuation. The High Court struck down the agreement. Last week, the settlers found a location for their new settlement near Shiloh. Police has arrested two Jerusalem residents on suspicion of heading an organized network to help ultra-Orthodox men evade IDF service, it was cleared for publication on Sunday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The two, aged 25 and 57, allegedly received money from Haredi candidates to help them obtain medical documents that would secure them an exemption from military service. The two would schedule meetings for the Haredi men with psychiatrist and guide them on how to behave during the session. The would-be draft dodgers allegedly received medical documents that declared them unfit for service. Haredim outside the IDF induction center in Tel HaShomer (Photo: Motti Kimchi) The investigation into the two began following the arrest of an ultra-Orthodox rioter a month ago while he was protesting outside the IDF draft center in Jerusalem. During his police questioning, investigators found medical documents signed by psychiatrists in his possession. After interrogating the 25-year-old suspect, police reached the older suspect. A search of his home found over NIS 100,000 hidden and organized in separate packages, each labeled with the name and details of a different person. The investigation found each of their "clients" received a document noting different mental issues he was supposedly suffering from, which the Haredi man would then present to military authorities during the recruitment process to receive the sought-after exemption. Investigators also collected testimony from several psychiatrists. "There's suspicion of forgery and use of fake documents," said Chief Superintendent Doron Benamo, an Intelligence and Investigations officer at the Jerusalem District Police. "Some sort of big wigs in the ultra-Orthodox sector who found men who were being drafted to the IDF, took them to psychiatrists, and for NIS 500-800 procured documents for them indicating they were unfit for military service due to a mental problem." The two suspects' remand was extended twice, and they have since been released under certain restrictions as the investigation continues. ISLAMABAD - The chairman of Pakistan's senate says the body will not welcome any US delegation, member of Congress or dignitary in Islamabad. The move comes after the US failed to issue a visa to the senate's deputy chairman, a member of the right-wing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam political party. Chairman Raza Rabbani says in a statement that no Pakistani senate delegation will visit the US until an explanation for the delay in issuing a visa to Maulana Ghafoor Haideri is given by US authorities. A US embassy spokesman in Islamabad said Sunday they could not comment on visa cases due to privacy laws. Haideri was to travel Sunday to New York to attend a meeting at the United Nations. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is known for pro-Taliban and anti-US stances. After vigorously pushing for transparency in budgetary decisions made in the government, MK Stav Shaffir (Zionist Union) was appointed chairwoman of the OECD Transparency Committee. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The committee is an initiative by Shaffir in cooperation with Israel's ambassador to the organization, Carmel Shama-Hacohen, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its purpose is for parliaments around the world to share information, research and modes of operation on fighting corruption, as well as share the information with the public. MK Stav Shaffir Shaffir, whose appointment is considered a great honor, held her first meeting on the topic of open government and open parliament at an OECD meeting in Paris earlier this month. More than 90 representatives participated in the meeting, among them members of the Turkish, Argentinean and British delegations of the organization. In the meeting Shaffir said that "the Israeli parliament achieved many accomplishments concerning transparency and the accessibility of information, but we still have much to learn and improve. There is no doubt that the great efforts done around the world for transparency are a fundamental part of democracies' battle against corruption." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to lower expectations for a drastic change in American policies now that President Donald Trump is in the White House, telling Likud ministers on Sunday that "to think there are no limitations now would be wrong." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Speaking of his upcoming meeting with Trump on Wednesday, the prime minister said that "we must act with responsibility and rationality." "Trump and I know each other for many years, but this is the first time we'll be meeting as US president and prime minister," he added. Prime Minister Netanyahu (Photo: EPA) At the beginning of the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu explained that "this meeting is very important for Israel's security and its international status. I've been holding numerous consultations ahead of the meeting with officials from the defense establishment, the National Security Council and the Foreign Ministry." Bayit Yehudi Ministers, including party leader Naftali Bennett, have urged Netanyahu to distance himself from the two state solution and the idea of establishing a Palestinian state during his meeting with Trump. Justice Minister Ayeled Shaked, also of Bayit Yehudi, added fuel to the fire: "The Republican Party has removed the establishment of a Palestinian state from its platform, so there is no reason a right wing Israeli government should push it to the left. I call on the prime minister to renounce the idea of a Palestinian state and offer an alternative." Likud Ministers attacked the calls from Bayit Yehudi, with Culture Minister Miri Regev telling Bennett, "No one will teach the prime minister how to run the country." Minister Ofir Akunis added, "We don't need to answer every tweet, it just gives them power." Netanyahu offered his own response to Bayit Yehudi, saying "I hear and understand there is great excitement ahead of this meeting, with all kinds of motivations behind it, but my motivation is singular: Israel's national interests. This requires a responsible policy of discretion and this is how I intend to act. I've navigated the relations between Israel and the United States wisely and I will do so now." The prime minister also addressed the criticism following the US move at the UN to block the appointment of the former Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad as a special envoy to Libya. "It's time there was reciprocity in the treatment of Israel, and you can't keep giving free gifts to the Palestinian side," he explained. "It's time they give status and appointments to the Israeli side as well , if he (Fayyad) is appointed." Last week hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews demonstrated against the imprisonment of a Haredi soldier who deserted from the IDF, shouting at police: "Murderers, Nazis" and showing their complete objection to the enlistment process that includes every Israeli citizen. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In the tail end of the mass protests, the Soldiers of the Haredi Company of Givati Brigade are ashamed but unfettered. "We are doing a great serviceprotecting the Jewish people." Haredi soldier "These protests are blasphemy," said Haredi Soldier A. "These protestors are bums that do nothing all day but look for trouble. As a Haredi soldier I'm telling all Haredi Jews: there is no reason to fear the enlistment. Yes, it is difficult, and some families make it a disaster, but there is nothing to fear. The army protects the Haredi way of life and the teaching of the bible." Like many of his friends, A. is also scared to leave his house in uniform. "I once got on the bus in uniform and a Haredi from Bnei Brak who sat next to me told me that we're no better than terrorists. A three hour bus drive and he kept yelling and cursing me throughout. Not once a Haredi spat on the floor when I walked by. I'm serving my country and protecting them, it's a shame that the way it is I have to be weary when I'm in uniform." Haredi Soldier L. shares these feelings. "It's a disgrace that we have to hide in our country instead of taking pride that we are IDF soldiers," he said. "It's a disgrace that this is how they treat Haredi soldiers. It's disrespecting the religion, not praising god. All the talk about how the military is turning us atheist is nonsense and propaganda. The army cares for religious soldiers in every aspect: there are rabbis, prayer times, bible study, separation of sexes and everything is kosher to the highest degree." Haredi protests in Jerusalem (Photo: Jerusalem fire department) Haredi Soldier S. received an exemption from military service, but decided to enlist after Operation Protective Edge. "I sometimes had Haredi people telling me 'I wish I had the courage' after finding out that I serve in the IDF" he said. "Rabbis are afraid that we will enlist and lose our faith, but it's completely untrue. My faith even grew stronger during my service. Still, we need the country to understand that whenever a person enlists, it affects his whole family. My brothers for instance don't want people to know that I'm in the army so they won't be made fun of." As a Haredi and a former military officer who saw his fair share of combat, Captain (res.) Eitan Fund is definitely someone who understands the hardships of Haredi soldiers. Fund was awarded the Medal of Distinguished Service after he led a force of four fighters, officers and soldiers into a terror tunnel in an attempt to save the life of the late Lt. Hadar Goldin who was kidnapped after being killed by terrorist forces. Fund receiving the Medal of Distinguished Service (Photo: IDF spokesperson) "I'm calling for Haredi youth to not succumb to the threats and propaganda and enlist in the IDF," he said on Saturday. "I'm not belittling those who are afraid to enlist. The fear is legitimate in my eyes, and it's important for me that people know that the enlistment process can be very difficult for a Haredi. Some Haredi people who enlist do it out of fear of being ostracized. "I think the army is going to great lengths to make it easier on Haredi enlisters, and I must say to them 'well done' for that," he added. "Because of them, enlisting Haredi youths will be considered the norm in years to come, and both the army and the Haredi community will understand that you can combine the two without compromising the enlister's religious beliefs." In response to the claim that the army distances the Haredim from religion, Fund said: "We're not coming to change the soldiers into something else. He enters Haredi, he leaves Haredi. We are not brainwashing them. On the contrary, we want to keep their uniqueness as Haredim. In some cases they even leave the army more in touch with their identity as a Haredi than before." BERLIN - Former foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected Germany's president on Sunday, the 12th person to hold the largely ceremonial post in the post-war era. Steinmeier, a Social Democrat who had served as foreign minister until last month, won 931 of the 1,260 votes by lawmakers and representatives of Germany's 16 federal states. His predecessor, Joachim Gauck, steps down on March 18. The German constitution mandates that a special assembly is convened to elect presidents. It includes 630 lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house and an equal number of representatives from the federal states. A major in the air force was grounded for a year following his direct and unauthorized communications with the media, against orders and regulations. The officer was put on trial and sentenced to 7 days suspended incarceration. An official in the Palestinian security institutions told Ynet that according to their data, Hamas's military wing managed to get their people into the secret election for the Hamas leadership, but did not the majority vote. This stands in contrast to the report by Asharq Al-Awsat newpaper, which stated that the military wing won majority vote over the political wing. The secret election for the leadership of Hamas's institutes and leadership are expected to end in the first quarter of 2017. Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah verbally attacked the US President Donald Trump and said that "he exposed the true face of the American government, the ugly, oppressive and racist one. We thank him for that." Nasrallah added: "We aren't worried, we are optimistic since the person sitting in the White House is a fool. This is the beginning of redemption." Indictments were submitted against nine Haredi protesters Sunday, following the mass ultra-Orthodox protests that turned violent last week over a Haredi IDF soldier who was arrested and imprisoned for desertion. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The protests, which were led by the Lithuanian-Jerusalem stream headed by Rabbi Auerbach, began last Tuesday and spread nation-wide, resulting scores of arrests and violent incidents. Mass Haredim protest last week in Jerusalem X One of the defendants, Amram Margalit, 27, was charged with rioting on Shivtei Yisrael Street in Jerusalem last week, during which he, along with other protesters, rolled a large dumpster into the street and blocking traffic. In addition, Margalit hurled a rock at a mounted police officer. The Prosecution has asked to extend his remand until the end of procedures. According to the indictments issued by the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office, Natan Papenheim, 36, and Yona David Pearl, 40, from Beit Shemesh were accused of not adhering to the police officers' orders to disperse an illegal gathering on Nahar HaYarden Street, and violently resisting arrest. Haredim protest in Jerusalem Moreover, Shalom Yaacov Friedman was charged with rioting, lighting a newspaper on fire and tossing the burning paper into a garbage can. Five others were charged with rioting as well and road blocking in the Beit Shemesh area. They are set to be released on house arrest. Police arrested a total of 67 Haredim since the beginning of the protests. Protesters in Bnei Brak, 15 of whom were arrested, sought to block central junctions while several protesters hurled an array of objects at the police officers, lightly injuring at least 2 of them. Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg Seven protesters were arrested in Jerusalem and five in Beit Shemesh for disturbing the peace and attempting to block roads. The protests continued late into the night, during which 18 more rioters were arrested. Another protest took place last week in Jerusalem in the Shabbat Square which followed the same pattern as the others, seeing the blocking of streets as garbage cans were set on fire rocks were thrown at officers. There were no injuries in the protests, but 13 suspects were arrested, two of whom were teenagers. Soldier using pepper spray Minister of Public Defense Gilad Erdan addressed the rioting at the end of last week, during which an IDF soldier was attacked by a crowd of Haredim, either before or after using pepper spray against them. "Those pictures showing an IDF soldier being brutally attacked by dozens of Haredim are appalling," he said. "The circumstances surrounding the soldier's use of pepper spray should also be examined. However, there is no justification for the extreme violence. I have instructed the police to do everything in their power to bring the outlaws to justice. Their place is behind bars. Anyone who hurts our soldiers must pay a hefty price." Attorney Erez Padan, department director at the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office, stated: "We filed indictments today against nine defendants for disturbance of peace, road blocking, and assault on police officers. These join the others filed last week, in an effort to continue maintaining the public peace and preventing mass delinquency. Protests and demonstrations are fine, bullying and violence are not." The Population and Immigration Authority announced that "Alejandro Toledo will be allowed to enter Israel only when he settles his affairs in Peru." Former President of Peru Toledo is facing charges of bribery in his home country and he was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison. If he chooses Israel as a refuge destination, politically and legally, Israel will be faced with a very awkward situation since Peru has no extradition treaty with Israel Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah stated Sunday that he is unperturbed by US President Donald Trump's political positions, stating that he has merely "exposed the true face of the American government, the ugly, oppressive, and racist one." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter During his speech which he gave during the memorial service for a Hezbollah cleric who had recently passed away, Nasrallah addressed publications propounding that Hezbollah is worried and fears the rise of Trump. Hassan Nasrallah (Photo: EPA) "What's new? The new thing is that previously, there was a president who covered himself in hypocrisy and spoke beautiful words, but he invoked sanctions and supported wars like the one in Yemen that led thousands into starvation, supported dictatorships and created ISIS to damage the religion of Islam," the leader of the terrorist group said. After slamming the former US President Barack Obama, Nasrallah moved on to mock the new Republican President Trump. "Trump set hypocrisy aside. We thank him since he exposed the true face of the American government, the ugly, oppressive, and racist one. Ever since he was elected, he revealed the true nature of the American government. "For us, fear dissipated a long time ago, in 1982, when we were few and Israel had conquered half of Lebanon. Triumph is achieved nowadays through Syria, Iraq and Yemen, and neither Trump nor his ancestors, nor Bush, nor any of those racists can harm the faith of our children or of our adults," Nasrallah asserted, before delivering a direct insult on the president. "When a fool is sitting in the White House, who glorifies in his stupidity, this marks the beginning of redemption," he said as he concluded his speech. President Trump (Photo: AFP) Last week, Nasrallah's assistant Naim Qassem said in an interview regarding Trump's travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries that "Trump is basing his actions on the belief that this would serve US interest. I don't know what Trump will bring and I don't care what he wants, but he is acting crazy. He thinks he is serving the US while more than half of his people are against him on this issue. He has problems with several countries. Let's let Trump hurtle into the abyss on his own without us guiding him on what is right or wrong." Nasrallah's assistant also sent a message to Trump in which he said that a political solution in Syria does not include abolishing Hezbollah, which has been assisting the Syrian regime in the conflict against the rebel organizations, as well as against other terror organizations like ISIS. Zohar Katz, 22, fell ill during a trip in South America. She was hospitalized in Lima, Peru, where she contracted deadly bacteria. Her condition is considered critical. Israelis in the area are asked to urgently donate blood to help save Katz. A 16-page document presented on Sunday by Minister of Construction Yoav Galant during the Cabinet Meeting offers a far-reaching political and strategic plan, whose ultimate goal is to block the growing Iranian threat to Israel's northern border. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Galant, who is a member of the Security Cabinet and a Maj. Gen. (res.), plans to thwart the formation of an Iranian-Syrian-Lebanese "axis of evil." Yoav Galant It would be in Israel's best interest to prevent a Shiite hegemony in Damascus, impede the formation of a corridor between Iran and Hezbollah and push toward recognition of Israeli sovereignty in the Golan as part of a future settlement with Syria. Implementation of the plan, surmised Galant, would also be of interest to the US, Russia, Europe and the moderate Sunniswho are supposed to serve an integral part in the plan's execution. According to the plan, the US will lead a global coalition, some form or other of "task force," to rehabilitate Syria with an investment of dozens of billions of dollars. The Russians will make this possible in exchange for international recognition of Moscow's centrality in the plan and its right to maintain a stronghold in the Middle East, the center of which is occupied by Syria. The war-torn country's rehabilitation with the assistance of international funding will be contingent upon Syrian recognition of Israel's sovereignty in the Golan. Galant proposed that Trump's administration conditions the monetary investment by having the Russians block Iran's involvement in Syria. The US and Israel will support the replacement of President Assadas long as it serves Russian interests. The Iranians currently hold complete or partial control of four capitals: Tehran, Beirut, Bagdad and Sana'a, and their power is gradually growing in Syria through their ally Assad and the assistance of Hezbollah and other Shiite militias. A northern Israeli border under Iranian-Shiite control and Russian protected centers of power in Damascus paint a dangerous scenario for Israel. Galant's plan is designed to prevent the Golan from becoming another front in the Iran-Israel conflict. An 83-year-old man perished in a fire in his home on Menucha Venachala Street in Hod Sharon Sunday night while earlier in Jerusalem, Yosef Shalom was pronounced dead after the 85-year-old suffered critical injuries following a fire in his home on Hatzabar Street. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Jerusalem apartment fire X In both cases, the fire broke out in the kitchen. According to initial assessments, the Hod Hasharon fire started due to contact between an electric heater and a flammable object, while the one in Jerusalem was probably caused by a faulty appliance. Photo: Yair Sagi Four fire and rescue teams extinguished the flames in Hod Hasharon and dispersed the smoke. Neighbors had noticed the fire prior to the arrival of the teams. Ohad Bine, a MDA paramedic said that they attempted to treat the senior citizen in the yard after he was extracted by the firefighters but to no avail. "We unfortunately had to pronounce him dead," he lamented. Photo: Jerusalem Fire & Rescue Photo: Jerusalem Fire & Rescue Photo: Jerusalem Fire & Rescue Photo: Jerusalem Fire & Rescue Earlier in the afternoon, Yosef Shalom was critically injured in a fire that broke out in his Jerusalem apartment, probably due to a power failure in one of his kitchen appliances. MDA teams performed CPR on the victim, who was wheelchair-bound. Photo: Yair Sagi The injured man was transferred to Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where his death was pronounced later in the evening. One of the firefighters who arrived at the scene, Shlomi Gil, was horrified to discover that the victim was his own grandfather. The Jerusalem District Fire & Rescue Authority offered their condolences for the firefighter's loss. The Jerusalem apartment building (Photo: MDA) The Fire teams managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to the entire building. "Upon arrival, we quickly noticed the locked apartment door with heavy smoke billowing out of it. We broke into the apartment, and while scanning the rooms, located a seriously injured man, who was wheelchair-bound," said Lt. Motti Melamed. "We got him out as quickly as possible, all the while the fire crews performed CPR on him," he continued. The man's death was later pronounced at the hospital. Peru's fugitive former president was not on a plane from San Francisco to Tel Aviv Sunday night, Israel's Foreign Ministry said, following reports he was en route amid an international manhunt for his arrest over a corruption scandal in South America. Alejandro Toledo, whose wife has dual Belgian-Israeli citizenship, had been believed to be in San Francisco over the weekend and was thought to be aboard a flight to Israel, which does not have an extradition treaty with the South American nation. But Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said Toledo was not on the flight from San Francisco that landed Sunday night. Earlier, the ministry said Toledo, who governed Peru from 2001 to 2006, would only be allowed into Israel "once his affairs in Peru are settled." Piles of stamps, homemade postcards and boxes of pens and markers filled the tables of Street Side Saigon on Wednesday night as about a dozen people wrote message after message to their legislators. The notes expressed worry about President Donald Trumps immigration policies, supported halting construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and protested a measure making it easier to drill in national parks. It was the second of what organizers hope will be a weekly gathering to send a steady stream of feedback to Arizonas elected officials about what they see as a flood of alarming decisions on the state and national level. The postcard writing is just one item on a robust list of events and actions organized and promoted by Together We Will Northern Arizona. The group, which came together two days after the November election, is part of a web of local and national organizations that sprang up post-election with a goal of building and sustaining a progressive resistance to the Trump administrations agenda. Over the course of just a few months, the Flagstaff group has developed a three-pronged approach that includes daily calls to action, marches and public protests and a schedule of community events like talks and art shows, Executive Director Lori Poloni-Staudinger said. Many of the actions replicate those being taken by community groups across the nation or are coordinated with national efforts to amplify impact. Taken together, the Trump resistance has turned into a grassroots network with a suite of strategies that organizers acknowledge are nothing new they have been wielded by resistance movements since the beginning of our democracy, Poloni-Staudinger said. But it doesnt require looking far back in history to see the last time such tactics were used with striking success. Even on a local level, Together We Will members acknowledge they are pulling from the same playbook as that used by the Tea Party to stonewall much of former President Barack Obamas initial agenda. They knew what they were doing, Pam Gemin said matter-of-factly, as she worked through a stack of postcards on Wednesday. Its the same energy, different outcome. ORGANIZING FOR ACTION With more than 1,500 members on Facebook, Together We Will Northern Arizona has a broad mission of standing up to threats that are sexist, racist, xenophobic, homophobic or environmentally destructive, Poloni-Staudinger said. Demonstrating a level of organization and focus on local legislators that echoes the Tea Partys strategy, Together We Will regularly updates a Google document that lists current legislation or other issues of concern, along with contact information for relevant Arizona legislators and a sample script for advocating a particular outcome. The calls to action include both Arizona-specific topics and those pulled from legislative calendars and announcements produced by national progressive organizations like Together We Will USA, Move On and The Action Network, Poloni-Staudinger said. Last week, items ranged from opposing Trumps nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary to pressing Sen. John McCain to help release Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who was deported last week after being in the United States for more than two decades. One of the action items that remains on the list is a call for State Rep. Bob Thorpe to hold a public forum in Flagstaff. After seeing their phone calls, Twitter messages and emails to Thorpe either ignored or never returned, Together We Will has targeted the Flagstaff legislator with repeated calls to his office and a #wheresbob social media blitz that includes photos of Thorpes face on missing posters and milk cartons. Typically elected representatives will meet with constituents and he's made it very difficult and has shut down all forms of communication, Poloni-Staudinger said. If he's not communicating then he doesn't necessarily know what we care about. Group members also requested, and were granted, meetings with U.S. Rep. Tom O'Halleran. When it comes to getting involved in the next election, Poloni-Staudinger said the group won't be directly campaigning or fundraising for particular candidates. Together We Will is registered with the state as a nonprofit and is filing as a social welfare organization with the Internal Revenue Service, she said. That federal designation falls into a campaign finance gray zone, however, and is often associated with dark money because it allows an organization to participate in political activities, though not to coordinate directly with candidates, but does not require them to disclose details about their donors. TRYING ANYTHING Among those who were writing postcards Wednesday evening, most were wading into political activism for the first time. After feeling a new level of frustration and fear upon watching the Trump administrations first days, they said they felt compelled to get involved in some way. I wake up every morning, worrying about the state of our world. Every morning thats the first thing on my mind and its the last thing when I go to bed. Thats never happened before and it doesnt seem to be going away, said Tracy Walther, who helped organize Wednesday's event. Ive always been kind of not optimistic about this process working but what else can you do? I feel like there is no other option but to try every single avenue. Several others at Street Side Saigon echoed that sentiment, saying the postcards at least seemed to be something tangible they could do to inundate their legislators with the message that their constituents are not happy. While their efforts may not have deep-pocketed donors behind them, Walther said she sees in herself and many others a new willingness to put in sweat equity of sorts. The voice of the people does not cost a dime and were here and were ready and I think the people are willing to sacrifice that time. Ive never felt that before but now I do. Definitely, she said. Being relentless is just one of the qualities that those resisting Trumps agenda can learn from the Tea Party strategy, Gemin said. I think that they knew what they were doing and were remarkably organized, she said, later adding, the other thing, too, is dont get discouraged, just keep pushing. Ann Kirkpatrick, the former U.S. Representative for Arizona's Congressional District 1, was one of the legislators caught up in the Tea Partys fierce opposition to Obamas Affordable Care Act. In one highly publicized video, Kirkpatrick had to leave a "Chat with Ann" event after being shouted down by anti-Obamacare attendees. Though in Kirkpatricks case people got so aggressive that the county sheriff asked her to leave, the former congresswoman maintains that in-person events are some of the most effective ways for people to make their views heard. People should use their voices in any way they can, Kirkpatrick said. Poloni-Staudinger maintains that one major difference is Together We Will and others do not employ or promote the same aggressive tactics as the Tea Party. The way Stewart Deats sees it, it was a very small, squeaky-wheeled group of people who got Trump elected. Now its time for the silent majority, he said. You cant be counted unless youre heard. An-My Le wanted to be embedded with U.S. forces during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. But she wasnt among those chosen to document the early days of the war. So Le got permission to take her camera to 29 Palms, the desert base near Palm Springs, California, and look at the training of Marines preparing to go to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan. Using a 4-by-5 camera, which captures great detail on a large negative, Le created a series of black-and-white photographs, titled 29 Palms, that documents the Marines' training while exploring reality and illusion. That is illusion in the sense that the training can be seen as war games, or rehearsals that are almost theatrical with captured Iraqis "played" by other Marines and exercises carefully staged. That makes Les photographs function as something like photographs shot to promote movies -- not all that far removed from Cindy Shermans famous series of Untitled Film Stills. But Les photos all have titles, describing whats going on -- Small Convoy Attack, Infantry Platoon Retreat, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (translation: defusing a bomb). But the Sheldon Museum of Art hanging of the photos doesnt have the titles near the pictures -- theyre available on sheets that the viewer can pick up. The photographs are arranged in two rows on the east wall of the gallery outside the museums auditorium and extend onto the north and south walls, creating a panoramic view -- again almost movie-like. That presentation encourages the photos to be viewed as a group from a distance as well as individual works seen close up. The former delivers a sense of the range of multiple activities and action in the training. The latter shows the striking detail in the gorgeous gelatin silver prints. Near portraits, like Colonel Greenwood, vividly capture the soldiers, in Greenwoods case searching the landscape through binoculars, with the vistas of California mountains and deserts as background. Re-supply Operations and similar photos show small military enclosures and tiny figures diminished by the sprawling desert. Together, Les photographs are informative as they depict aspects of training from Mechanized Assault and an Embassy Medevac to a Propelled Grenade Ambush, a bivouac and a striking view of Night Operations. But theyre just as effective without those specifics. 29 Palms is a companion exhibition to Conflict and Consequence: Photographing War and Its Aftermath, a Sheldon-curated grouping of the work of 12 contemporary photographers. Many of those images come from Afghanistan -- where some of the Marines that Le photographed very likely served. The contrast between the shows is striking -- the staged feel of the 29 Palms images, for example, contrasts with the chaos of Susan Meiselass photographs of the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua. But one distinction is very clear in Les work: 29 Palms, while documentary, is fine art photography, not journalism in the conventional sense. That is Le has created beautifully executed images that go beyond their specific content to raise issues of the nature of war and theater, of the contrast between training and conflict and of the difference between art and journalism. Stiri pe aceeasi tema - Serviciul de presa al Brigazii 95 Separate de Asalt Aeropurtat a publicat un videoclip spectaculos cu unul dintre soldatii Batalionului 1 de Asalt Aeropurtat al brigazii care distruge de unul singur un tanc rusesc de 3 milioane de euro, relateaza portalul ucrainean de stiri Defence Express . In imaginile - The X Day Paris event takes place between 3 and 5 November, in the Capital of France, the inaugural edition of a series of annual Elrond Network conferences aimed at presenting new technologies that will lead to the creation of web3, the next generation of Internet technology. These events will push - Imagini dramatice au aparut joi pe retelele de socializare cu momentul in care un tanc rusesc a picat intr-o ambuscada, undeva pe frontul din Ucraina. Din imaginile video se vede cum tancul rusesc T-80BV merge de-a lungul unui drum pe langa o liziera, iar la un moment dat loveste o mina care explodeaza - Echipajul unui avion militar american a efectuat, marti seara, o manevra indrazneata in apropierea bazei Rusiei din Siria, scrie Politico . Un avion de realimentare aeriana KC-135 Stratotanker a desenat un penis pe cer in apropiere de baza Tartus din Siria instalatia navala a Kremlinului din Marea - Chief of the Defence Staff (SMAp), General Daniel Petrescu, will pay an official visit to the US, as of Monday, 9 November, within which several meetings are scheduled to take place with chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the heads of the categories of forces, as well as with representatives - France's Orchestre National de Jazz (ONJ) under the baton of conductor Frederic Maurin will present on November 1 at Bragadiru Palace in Bucharest their newest recording called "Rituels." Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro - UPDATE 12:50 - Retragerea trupelor rusesti din Krasny Liman (denumirea ruseasca a orasului ucrainean Liman), potrivit multor experti militari rusi, nu este meritul Fortelor Armate ale Ucrainei si al consultantilor acestora din randul tarilor aliate militar ale Kievului, ci calculele gresite ale liderilor - More than ever we need European news, we need to bring different perspectives together, because the challenges we face go far beyond a single country, EU Vice President Vera Jourova said at the European Newsroom launch event on Tuesday in Brussels. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Don Walton Political reporter/columnist Don Walton covers politics and the Legislature along with writing a weekly column. Follow Don Walton 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Impasse in the Legislature. When and how does it end? Legislative payback is one of the motivating factors -- but not the only one -- fueling the filibuster rule battle that has virtually brought the Legislature to a halt. It was a major driver on the opening day of the 2017 session when senators who are Democrats weren't the only ones targeted in leadership elections. Some independent Republicans were denied leadership positions or stripped of their leadership posts by a bloc of conservative Republicans who voted for a slate of candidates. Twenty-seven days into the legislative session, as conservatives attempt to squeeze filibuster rights, the schism is not healed and the battle rages on. It bubbled up briefly at a Committee on Committees meeting last week when one senator suddenly referred back to a perceived transgression, or two, as the committee was preparing to fill a seat on the Appropriations Committee, prompting another senator to yell: "Don't go there!" The storm quickly dissipated, but it was a reminder that, like Willie Nelson says, you are always on my mind. * * * Sen. Mark Kolterman had been eyed as the likely choice to fill the Appropriations Committee slot opened by Bill Kintner's resignation from the Legislature. Kolterman had the seniority and was viewed as experienced, open and fair-minded. But Kolterman told senators on the Committee on Committees that he had decided not to seek that seat after Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed Robert Clements, a banker experienced in finances, to the Legislature to succeed Kintner. Kolterman stressed to fellow senators that he had no contact or conversation with the governor preceding his own decision. Clements subsequently received the recommendation of the 1st Congressional District caucus, where the decision needed to originate. That was followed by a unanimous vote from the Committee on Committees, prompting Sen. Paul Schumacher to suggest to the Legislature that "peace has been offered" and the filibuster battle now should end. No sale. * * * Sen. Ben Sasse emerging. Sasse already has attracted a measure of national curiosity and attention during his first two years in office, but now he appears to be entering a far more visible stage. Sasse no longer is turning down all requests to appear on national TV news shows. Following an appearance on ABC This Week, he showed up on MSNBC's Morning Joe. Sasse waited a year after he was elected to make his first Senate floor speech; now, with new seats gained on the high-profile Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, he appears to be expanding his national visibility and reach. * * * The gun lobby, which virtually owns Congress by wielding a combination of campaign finance support and threats to campaign against incumbents who do not toe the line, presented this argument to a legislative committee in Lincoln last week. "Any attempts to alter this bill to weaken it, even under the excuse that it will make it more palatable to anti-gun senators, will be reported to gun owners in your district." Marching orders. The bill would overturn local gun regulations in favor of a statewide gun rights policy, removing the ability of Omaha and Lincoln to enact laws that fit their city needs. * * * Finishing up: * All eyes on the University of Nebraska budget when the Appropriations Committee's temporary state budget recommendations emerge probably later this week. That looks like the budget battleground that will take us into spring. * Warning to Twitter impersonator who is posting porn on a phony site using Sen. Bob Krist's name: He will find you. * Meanwhile, Vincente Fox continues to pursue President Trump on Twitter after colorfully naming his proposed wall. * The recent rush-hour snowstorm in Omaha had to be Mayor Jean Stothert's worst nightmare. Mayors dread weather events, chuckholes and the slow pace of street repairs, especially in re-election years. * Damage control in Washington must be a fast-growing industry. * The statistics of legislative impasse in Lincoln: 102 bills backed up at first-stage floor consideration, nine at the second stage, two ready for a final vote, zero bills enacted as the Legislature enters its 28th day in session. * OK, we made it. Pitchers and catchers report today. Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh recorded 64 percent polling in the first of the seven-phased elections on Saturday. Various permutation and combinations have been projected by political commentators with some asserting Samajwadi Party will be wresting power while others suggesting there may be windfall for BJP. Here are some observations from the ground zero: 1) A large number of Muslims seem to have voted for the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance in Western Uttar Pradesh. And Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is not the first choice for Muslim voters. Muslims have reportedly voted in favour of SP's Hindu nominees in places like Budhana in Muzaffarnagar district. 2) Muslims voting for SP is a major setback for Mayawati as she tried hard to woo them by fielding more candidates from the community. Muslims make up 17 percent of the state's population. In Western UP, they constitute 26 percent. 3) The Jat bloc stood divided in their support of BJP as opposed to the 2014 general elections when they overwhielmingly voted for Narendra Modi. Jat votes in the 73 constituencies, polled on Saturday, was split between BJP and Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal. While the younger Jats favoured BJP, the older ones preferred RLD, reports suggest. 4) Jats are apparently unhappy with BJP for not heeding to their reservation demand. The Jat agitaion in Haryana was also felt in Western UP as voters felt the BJP has manipulated them post the 2014 Muzzafarnagar riots. 5) RLD, which has the support of Jat-dominated constituencies in UP, is likely to spoil the safrom party's chances this time. 6) BJP seems to have full support of the upper caste in Western UP but backward communities may not have sided with the saffron party. BJP now hopes to make some gains over a possible split in the Muslim votes. 7) The saffron party has been eyeing UP ever since its spectacular victory in 2014. Partys national president Amit Shah has launched a series of public rallies in the run up to the polls. However, it may lose out for not projecting a chief ministerial face. 8) Polarisation in and around Muzaffarnagar is still evident. But what's strange though is that both Jats and Muslims, who fought with each other during the Muzaffarnagar riots, are now vowing to defeat the BJP. 9) All party leaders have spoken on demonetisation but note ban is not an issue for a lot of voters, particularly in the rural areas. ****************************************************************** Winners and losers in UP first-phase election: Highlights Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh recorded 64 percent polling in the first of the seven-phased elections on Saturday. Various permutation and combinations have been projected by political commentators with some asserting Samajwadi Party will be wresting power while others suggesting there may be windfall for BJP. Here are some observations from the ground zero: 1) Speculations, fatwas and edicts aside, a large number of Muslims seem have voted for the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance in western Uttar Pradesh, reports suggest. If initial reports are to be believed, Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has not emerged as the first choice of the community despite fielding 100 Muslim candidates. Muslims have seemingly thrown their weight behind the Samajwadi Party's (SP) Hindu nominees in constituencies like Budhana in Muzaffarnagar district, rejecting the BSP's candidates from their own community. Mustaqim, a papaya vendor in Budhana, was one of the first to arrive at a polling booth in his area. "I can bring in a cycle home, but not an elephant," said Mustaqim. 2) Going by the initial reports, Muslims leaning towards the Samajwadi Party in Western UP is an alarm for Mayawati. The region has been her traditional stronghold. In the last election, the BSP won as many seats as the Samajwadi Party despite a strong pro-SP wave back then. A trail in these 73 constituencies will spell trouble for the BSP in the next four phases of the assembly election. Muslims make up 17 per cent of the state's population. In Western UP, they constitute 26 percent. 3) Securing considerable Muslim support in Western UP is a positive sign for the Samajwadi Party. The SP can now hope that this trend will continue in other parts of the state as well. That said, translating Muslim votes into seats in western Uttar Pradesh remains a challenge for Akhilesh Yadav as the region hardly has a solid Yadav bloc. Nor has Western UP any other caste group that could have lent support to the Samajwadi Party, together with Muslims, to help Yadav win a sizeable number of constituencies in this part of the state. A factor in Samajwadi Party's favour is Akhilesh Yadav's sway over young voters. For BSP, backing from Muslims along with the support from the loyal Dalit bloc can help Mayawati lay foundation for a glorious victory. 4) In contrast to the BJP's tall claims, Jats are in no mood to hide their resentment against the saffron party. Unlike the 2014 General elections when Jats voted in favour of Narendra Modi and the BJP, the bloc is divided this time. Jats are a decisive force in most of the 73 constituencies that polled on Saturday. And in most of these boroughs, the Jat vote-bloc was divided between the BJP and Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Jat voters, especially the elderly, in rural areas were heard saying that they will vote for the RLD "to teach BJP a lesson". In cities though, Jats, especially young, said they would support the BJP. 5) Jats are angry with the BJP for not fulfilling their demand of reservation in government jobs. The impact of the Jat agitation in Haryana is visible in western Uttar Pradesh. The community remembers the death of 21 Jats during the agitation in Haryana last year. Many Jats, with whom India Today spoke, felt they were used by the BJP during the 2014 elections post the Muzaffarnagar riots and got nothing in return. In Kharad village along the Muzaffarnagar-Shamli road, Jitendra Malik was upset with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi , he said, did not forget to congratulate Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif on his birthday but would not post a single tweet on the birth anniversary of late Jat leader Chaudhary Charan Singh. 6) Ajit Singh's RLD has managed to win support in a number of Jat-dominated constituencies, and is likely to spoil the BJP's party this time. On its own though, the RLD will be able to secure only a handful of seats as besides anti-BJP Jats it has not got backing from any other caste. 7) The BJP hopes for some gains out of a possible division of Muslim votes. However, going by early trends, the voting pattern may cause some worry to the party. While the BJP seems to have full-fledged support of upper castes in western UP, the backward communities may not have sided with the saffron party, which initially appeared to be successful in wooing them. 8) Speculations were rife the BJP might lose out for not projecting a chief ministerial face. On the ground, it seems the party is winning support mostly in Narendra Modi 's name though the Modi wave is weaker compared to 2014 General Elections. Yet, reports suggest that people are voting for the BJP because of Prime Minister Modi. 9) Polarisation in and around Muzaffarnagar has weakened but still exists. What's strange though is that both the Jats and the Muslims -- who mostly fought with each other during the Muzaffarnagar riots -- are now vowing to defeat the BJP. 10) Demonetisation is not an issue for a lot of voters, especially in rural areas. Candidates and party leaders spoke about note ban but the rural farming community in western UP has other issues on its mind. In the sugar belt, difficulties of cane farmers are a significant issue. Local farmers are worried about the competition from their counterparts in Haryana who are selling their produce to sugar mills of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli in western UP. Cindy Lange-Kubick Columnist Cindy Lange-Kubick has loved writing columns about life in her hometown since 1994. She had hoped to become a people person by now, nonetheless she would love to hear your tales of fascinating neighbors and interesting places. Follow Cindy Lange-Kubick 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The Girl Scouts are eating appetizers in a train car Wednesday, a twist on their weekly meeting at Goodrich Middle School. A heaping plate of nachos arrived first, followed by onion rings served with spicy sauce, hummus and pita bread and a potato-y concoction covered in gravy and cheese curds. Canadian nachos, declares the Leadbelly bartender, setting the towering plate in front of five puzzled scouts and their three leaders. Its progressive dinner night for Troop 82906. Appetizers, followed by dinner at The Oven and desserts from Green Gateau and a quick cruise to the Capitol (to the top, to the top!) in the giant white-and-green Girl Scout van. These middle-school girls born in the Middle East and Africa have been cooking with their troop at school. Sushi and spaghetti, Christmas cookies and pad thai. A way to learn about foods from other cultures and share their own, on their way to earning their first Girl Scout badges. Zinah Al Jadooa eyes the cheese curds. The 12-year-old is the troops chattiest member; when they cooked at school, she brought leftover pad thai home for her family to sample. My dad loved it. He said could he dress up like a girl and come to school and have some more? She giggles. The sixth-grader is from Iraq, like Worood Alfatle, nibbling a nacho across the table and Shahad Razaq, eyeing the onion rings suspiciously. Zinah, the only girl to show up at the troops first meeting, talks her way through the first course. It was just you and me making bracelets, remember? says Renae Ninneman. Ninneman is the program and outreach coordinator for Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska and the troop leader for these girls. A few months ago, she hosted a get-to-know-you lunch with potential members, assisted by the ELL teacher at Goodrich. Several girls attended the lunch, but only Zinah was bold enough to take the next step. But since that first Zinah-only meeting, the troop has four or five girls in regular attendance. Most of them are here tonight. The three scouts from Iraq; Lauren Abu Snaineh from Jordan, quiet with long dark hair; and soft-spoken Mirguich Mabiala Nzaou from Gabon, a French-speaking country in west-central Africa. Shes satisfied with the turnout, says Ninneman. The Girl Scouts received a grant last summer to start a program for refugee girls who might not otherwise become involved in scouting. Girls who might not even know what Girl Scouts are. In Girl Scouts, inclusiveness is important to us and we wanted to find some girls we hadnt reached before, says Ninneman. This was kind of a new outreach. Last fall, the leader began working with ELL teachers in Lincoln to find potential members. So far, there are after-school refugee troops at Goodrich and Park middle schools, and at North Star High School. A fourth troop comprised of Yazidi girls just began meeting at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, and an Asian Center troop is in the works. The leader is assisted by volunteers like Elaine Hart and Jamison Ulrich, both Nebraska Wesleyan students. Its been really fun, says Hart. In the beginning, they were more reserved, but the girls have really come out of their shells. Wednesday night, those girls sample new foods Try everything, says Ninneman and chat about their families. A new baby coming, a brother who died in Iraq, Bollywood movies and handsome movie stars (Salman Khan), the right word for pop in Arabic giggling when someone suggests a word that means burp instead. In so many ways the girls are the same (as American girls), talking about boys, playing with their phones, Ninneman says. But I think, too, they have experiences and stories that go deeper. Its not the troops purpose to ferret out those stories, she says. We want them to grow up to be leaders, so thats what we talk about. In the train car Wednesday, at the start of a fun-filled progressive dinner, no one wants to be first to try the onion rings. You try it for me, says Shahad, holding up half a batter-coated slice. Lets try it together, says Mirguich, holding the other half. One, two, three And they do, Girl Scouts together. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 11, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia received on February 11 Russian Transport Minister, Co-Chairman of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation Maksim Sokolov who is in Armenia to participate in the 6th consultation of transport authorities of the EAEU member states. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia, the sides discussed issues of further development of Armenian-Russian relations, as well as the implementation process of the agreements reached during the official visit of the Armenian Prime Minister to Russia. It was stated that there is already progress in that direction. Highly assessing the level of allied relations between Armenia and Russia, Karen Karapetyan once again noted that there is great potential to deepen them in a number of directions. In this regard, Premier Karapetyan highlighted the creation of Armenian-Russian investment fund, which will give an opportunity to attract the Russian capital into Armenian business by the implementation of joint ventures and foster trade turnover. The Head of the Executive underlined the necessity to deepen agricultural cooperation and mentioned with satisfaction that specific measures are already taken with the Russian side for the supplies of agricultural techniques. Karen Karapetyan and Maksim Sokolov referred to the cooperation in the sphere of transport, improvement and development of infrastructures, the program to establish a free economic zone on the border with Iran and the involvement of Russian companies there. The Russian Transport Minister stated that the free economic zone to be established in Meghri can serve as a good platform for the Russian business to expand trade and economic relations with the Iranian market. According to Sokolov, this project can be beneficial for all the sides. Karen Karapetyan and Maksim Sokolov expressed readiness to continue the productive cooperation and give new impetus to bilateral trade and economic relations. NEW YORK LittleRedBunny is set to join the industry's international elite at the 2017 European Summit (TES) and Third Annual Live Cam Awards (LCA), March 4-7 , in Sitges (Barcelona). LittleRedBunny will primarily be on hand as company spokesperson to introduce the official launch of DivaTraffic at the Summit; a new token based traffic-boosting platform designed to empower cam models and studios to take charge of their own traffic on live cam sites and better build their brand. DivaTraffic is a game-changer for the industry, said LittleRedBunny. The feedback weve had from models and studios while in Beta testing has been extremely positive and encouraging for its potential and demand. DivaTraffic is a Diamond co-sponsor with ad network PlugRush for the European Summit, as well as the presenting sponsor for the LCA on March 5 . Although not officially launched, DivaTraffics positive word-of-mouth has been enough to be honored with two LCA nominations for Best Traffic Company and Best Live Cam Models Concept. Not only will LittleRedBunny be in attendance for the business-to-business aspect of TES, she is also nominated in three categories at the LCAs: Best Female Live Cam Model, Best Live Cam Model Personal Site and Cam Celebrity of the Year. She was the inaugural winner of Best Female Live Cam Model in 2015. LittleRedBunny is also a featured guest speaker on two TES panels Sunday, March 5 : Cam Models: Broadcasting on Freemium versus Premium Cam Sites ( 1:30pm ) and Cam Models: Discover Why and How Top Models Reach Higher Earnings ( 2:30pm ). Im so excited to not only be able to give professional tips to models and studios on these panels, but to now also have a very productive tool to recommend to them in DivaTraffic, said LittleRedBunny. I am so glad to use my existing skills while developing new ones and my potential in this industry, and its exciting having it all coming together at the TES and LCA. Also to be sharing this with DivaTraffic just makes these events, and our visit to Spain, that much more incredible. Those attending the Summit will be able to meet LittleRedBunny at the DivaTraffic booth on the mezzanine level of the Calipolis Hotel. For more information about LittleRedBunny and her appearance with DivaTraffic at The European Summit, visit TheEuropeanSummit.com. To vote for LittleRedBunny and DivaTraffic in their nominated categories, visit LiveCamAwards.com. Find LittleRedBunny at LittleRedBunny.com and cams.LittleRedBunny.com. It seems there isn't a demographic that justifies stocking Ivanka Trump's "Trump Home" items they've now been removed from high-end retailer Nordstrom's, mid-range retailer Sears, and low-end retailer Kmart. They've also been removed from TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Neiman Marcus. The brand's sales fell 70% in the weeks leading to the election. It's been a bumpy week for Ivanka Trump's brand. Neiman Marcus stopped carrying the line's high-end jewelry last weekend, and T.J. Maxx and Marshalls have spent the week distancing themselves from the brand. Of course, the news that Nordstrom wouldn't be restocking the line after current stock sells out made the biggest splash, if only because both President Trump and Kellyanne Conway complained about the move on Twitter and Fox & Friends, relatively speaking. Sears, Kmart Dump Ivanka Trump Products From Online Stores [Jenni Miller/New York Magazine] (Image: Police light, Fred the Oyster, CC-BY-SA) The Trump White House should be less concerned with the U.S. border with Mexico and turn its attention to Canada instead, an investigative report in the U.S. online news site The Daily Beast suggested this week. The report quotes unnamed FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials as saying far more "suspected terrorists" are being encountered at the U.S.-Canada border. "We are looking in the wrong direction," the story quotes a senior Homeland Security official as saying. "Not to say that Mexico isn't a problem, but the real bad guys aren't coming from there at least not yet." The story points to leaked FBI data collected between 2014 and 2016 that showed the number of "suspected terrorists" trying to enter the U.S. from Canada at land border crossings was in some months twice that encountered at the Mexico-U.S. border. - The Investigators airs Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET on CBC News Network. The data was leaked to Daily Beast reporter Jana Winter, who said the term "suspected terrorist" can be misleading. "Our watch list system has long been criticized for being way too broad, so it could mean, you are, you know, a terrorist [or] you have the same name as someone who is being investigated. Or you could be associated with a certain group from a certain country It really covers the gamut." While focus is on south, criminals head north Speaking this week to The Investigators, Winter said her story has prompted reaction on both sides of the border. "I think most shocking [is] that some of the law enforcement officials and also congressmen and senators who live and work in border states had no idea that these numbers existed. The U.S is so busy focusing on Mexico." But when asked, she deemed "ridiculous" any suggestion that the data was leaked by those opposed to a border wall with Mexico trying to shift the focus to Canada. Story continues "I was given them, frankly, by sources who largely agree that there should be some sort of border wall but who think both sides need to be looked at," Winter said. "Plus, the more that you're on TV talking about the southern border as the only threat as one of my sources pointed out if you were a terrorist trying to get into the country, and you weren't incredibly stupid, you would probably go to the border that isn't the focus of every single conversation." The Canadian government has responded to the story by pointing out that "no terrorist attack has ever been carried out by individuals entering the United States from Canada." For years, after the 9/11 attacks, some U.S. government officials including for a time, then New York Senator Hillary Clinton mistakenly insisted some of the attackers had made their way to the U.S. through Canada. They did not. But Winter suggests the numbers she's obtained show the U.S. has to at least consider the possibility that Canada poses a substantial threat. "How about we have a discussion about what's actually happening?" she said. "The trend towards the northern border has been increasing substantially, which doesn't mean that Mexico is still not a threat. But, it seems sort of ridiculous to be focusing on one border, when the the other one is right there." Also this week on The Investigators: Why are so many asylum seekers illegally crossing into Canada from the U.S. at the Manitoba border? CBC News reporter Karen Pauls talks about trying to find who's behind the asylum pipeline. Watch the show Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET on CBC News Network. Mark Cuban Billionaire business mogul Mark Cuban posted a series of tweets responding to President Donald Trump on Sunday after the president tweeted Cuban is "not smart enough" to seek the presidency. Trump wrote Sunday, "I know Mark Cuban well," adding, "He backed me big-time but I wasn't interested in taking all of his calls. He's not smart enough to run for president!" Initially, Cuban responded with a single acronym. "Lol," Cuban wrote. The owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and star of ABC's "Shark Tank" followed up with screenshots of a pair of emails. One was a message he sent to Trump's team following a primary victory in April, which was marked up by Trump. The other was a lengthy email he sent to the then-presumptive Republican nominee in May. "How soon they forget ...." Cuban tweeted. The first email, which Cuban sent congratulating Trump, contained a short reply from the future president. "Mark Wow, saw you on CNN Nasty! What happened?" Trump wrote. How soon they forget .... pic.twitter.com/VXcfnjj4qX Mark Cuban (@mcuban) February 12, 2017 Cuban had downplayed questions of whether he will seek the presidency in a future election prior to Trump's victory over Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, whom Cuban backed and for whom he was a prominent surrogate. In September, Cuban shot down the idea at the first presidential debate. However, he suggested in his email responding to Trump's comments last May that he "may go after that job someday and it could be against you." After a Twitter user responded to Cuban's tweets asking why the president was dissing him on social media, Cuban said he did not know. "But isn't it better for all of us that he is tweeting rather than trying to govern?" he added. Trump's initial Sunday tweet followed a New York Post story from earlier in the day on how his team is planning ahead for his 2020 reelection effort. Sources told the Post that the idea of Cuban seeking the presidency and challenging Trump is the White House's "biggest fear" because he would have similar outsider appeal to Republicans and independents. Weiterlesen "Hes not a typical candidate," one insider told the Post. "He appeals to a lot of people the same way Trump did." "If you believe in the Trump revolution, you can believe a candidate like Mark Cuban could win an election," the source added. "And Mark is the kind of guy who would drop half a billion dollars of his own money on the race." In recent weeks, after laying off of Trump following his electoral victory, Cuban has returned to hammering the president on social media and in TV interviews. Cuban took aim at Trump for his implementation of the travel ban, taking a more openly critical position toward it than any prominent executive. "I've been crushing POTUS," he wrote on Twitter in late January. "He has earned it." Cuban was warmer to the idea of a Trump presidency during the primary season, but quickly soured on the Manhattan billionaire after he secured the nomination. NOW WATCH: Trump's doctor and a hair surgeon explain what's going on with his hair More From Business Insider One dark January evening, Mike Ward was taking compost out to his backyard bin when he discovered a hole, a big hole with tubes sticking out and no protective fencing. It was Allo Communications subcontractors at work, getting ready to run fiber through the neighborhood for a new internet, TV and telephone service option. Last summer and fall, Allo installed 175 miles of fiber in southeast Lincoln and downtown, as the initial construction season of the companys four-year effort to bring 1-gigabit service to every home and business in the city. And that work left a trail of frustrated and concerned homeowners. Cathy and Mike Ward, who bought their home in southeast Lincoln last fall, said they were blindsided by the work. They dont remember any door hanger, letting them know a contractor would be in the area. The unprotected hole was a hazard, and would have been even more troubling if they had children or a dog, Cathy Ward said. In addition, they certainly didnt know the public easement, which runs across most lots in the city, would be the site of an Allo service box, or what Allo calls a structure. Its a big, plastic green thing, beside a beautiful white pine, and sticks out like a sore thumb, Cathy Ward said. Ward got a $50 gift certificate for plantings to hide the box, but she would have preferred some warning, beyond a door hanger, of the intrusion and some input into where the box was placed. It feels like I was violated in a way. Allo is not really on my nice list, Ward said. Allo Communications President Brad Moline knows the work being done in backyards is invasive and can be frustrating. And Allo leaders are apologetic about problems, and will be replacing some of the subcontractors and working to improve communication, Moline said. But the work is necessary. We have to be behind every business and every home in order to bring the cable to everyone across the city. The work is done in stages, so the company has crews working in neighborhoods three to four times, generally over a six- to 14-week period, before an area is complete, he said. That timetable assumes cold winter months dont intervene. Some recent complaints relate specifically to winter problems, where Allo stopped in the middle of projects when the ground froze. The companys contractors will be filling up holes, planting grass and returning those easement areas to usable condition this spring, Moline said. Allo is putting its fiber primarily in easements, which is property, generally behind a home or business, that utilities can use without getting any extra permission from the city, explained Steve Huggenberger, an assistant city attorney. Homeowners have little control over what goes into those easements, where utilities have the right to go in at any time to replace, repair and inspect equipment. So if a property owner has a fence, or a building, or a planting in the easement, they have it there "at their own risk, he said. Those in charge of utilities have said they do not want to disturb what people have in those easement areas, if they can avoid it. And all have expressed the intent to contact a landowner if something there will be disturbed, he said. To the extent a utility damages homeowner property in the easement, the utility has no legal obligation to repair, replace or do anything, Huggenberger explained. However, virtually every company has said it will be responsible for the damage when it works in an easement, Huggenberger said. Some Allo fiber may go in rights-of-way, areas on private property between the street and the sidewalk. The city owns this area and utilities must get permission from the city to work in a right-of-way, Huggenberger said. Some residents in Allos path last year were philosophical about the mess progress can create. Residents at Wellington Greens, a neighborhood at 70th and South streets, have seen flags and digging by Allo, the cable company, and Lincoln Electric System on their property over the past year. They come in, do their work, clean up and leave, said Jim Davidson, association president. Its just the way it is." Whats happening in southeast Lincoln over the past year will be duplicated in other neighborhoods over the next four years as Allo extends its fiber across the city. The company will announce its presence as it moves into neighborhoods, said Moline. This temporary construction is his least-favorite part of the business, Moline said. But this fiber should serve customers for the next 35 to 50 years, he said. The main thing is we appreciate the communitys patience, he said. By Mitra Taj LIMA (Reuters) - Peru's fugitive former president Alejandro Toledo, wanted in connection with a far-reaching graft probe, was likely still in the United States where efforts to capture him have stalled on legal hurdles, the Peruvian government said on Sunday. Peruvian authorities had suspected Toledo would travel late on Saturday from California to Israel, which does not have an extradition treaty with Peru and where his wife has citizenship. But Toledo, who has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, did not board a flight that he had booked from San Francisco to Tel Aviv, and Israel said on Sunday that it would not allow him to enter until "his matters are settled in Peru." The United States has asked Peru to provide more evidence of probable cause before ordering Toledo's detention, Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio said. "It's hard for us to understand what additional indications are needed ... we find what's been uncovered thus far unsettling," Basombrio said. U.S. authorities have signalled the "greatest willingness" to cooperate and prosecutors were sending additional information, Basombrio added. The U.S. Department of Justice declined to comment. The disagreement threatens to strain tensions between the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and Peru, a traditional U.S. ally in South America and one of the world's biggest producers of cocaine. On Friday, a day after a judge issued an international arrest warrant for Toledo, the government of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said Toledo was likely in San Francisco with plans to flee to Israel. But the announcement upset the attorney general's office, which would have preferred to coordinate discretely with U.S. and Israeli authorities in order to catch him by surprise, a source with knowledge of the case told Reuters. Basombrio said the government aimed to draw attention to Toledo to keep him from fleeing the United States, which has an extradition treaty with Peru. Toledo has earned degrees from Stanford University and was last believed to be there on Saturday. Prosecutors allege Toledo, once an anti-graft crusader who governed Peru from 2001-2006, took $20 million in bribes from Brazilian builder Odebrecht, and a judge said he must be detained for up to 18 months during an ongoing inquiry. Toledo has not been convicted of any crimes yet and his attorney has slammed the judge's order as excessive. Peru frequently jails suspected criminals for extended periods to keep them from fleeing or obstructing investigations, a practice criticized by some as a violation of due process. Kuczynski served as prime minister and finance minister during Toledo's 2001-2006 term and has denied any involvement in Odebrecht's kickback schemes. (Reporting By Mitra Taj; Editing by Alan Crosby and Sandra Maler) HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While the effects of light therapy have been monitored for over twenty years, recent studies discovered promising results from near infrared light therapy in health treatments. Infrared light, known as red light, emits a low energy wave of photons that absorb into the skin. When timed with certain doses and frequency, infrared light provides patients with a variety of health benefits, including faster wound healing, pain relief, and improved mental health. Skocik Chiropractic, a wellness center located in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, features this breakthrough for patients with their Anodyne Light Therapy program. In search of a faster and more cost-effective way to heal wounds, pain, and muscle stiffness in hospitals, medical scientists began studying the use of near infrared light therapy in the 1990's. The results they found were remarkable - wounds from ulcers and post-amputations that patients had for years were cleared in as little as a few months. Pleased with the findings, the technology became available on the market and Anodyne Light Therapy was born. How does near infrared light therapy work? When the skin is exposed to the low energy wave of photons, nitric oxide is released, which plays an important role in the body's complex process for healing its own tissue. Topical heat and energy from the light are also absorbed into the blood vessels and assist with healing. Improvements from the light treatment, also known as red light therapy, can be felt almost immediately, with complete health peaking a few months later. The treatment is non-invasive, pain-free, and has little to no side effects. To this day the power of light therapy continues to be studied. Research in the past several years discovered that red light therapy effectively treats traumatic brain injury patients, improves symptoms of depression, and increases the rate of healing in open wounds. "Anodyne Light Therapy is well-documented in the clinical studies and has helped over half a million patients live pain-free for the past 15 years," says Dr. Albert Skocik, an experienced chiropractor of Skocik Chiropractic in Pennsylvania. "I trust their devices and use them all the time for my patients. It's exciting to see the potential light therapy has to help our bodies heal from conditions once thought untreatable." For more information about receiving Anodyne Light Therapy from Dr. Skocik, future patients can contact him through the following information below. About Skocik Chiropractic Dr. Albert Skocik is the owner of Skocik Chiropractic and has provided whole body wellness to over 16,000 patients in Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania for 27 years. For those interested in learning more about Anodyne Light therapy and how to schedule an appointment may call his office at (717) 540-8448 or visit his website at http://www.harrisburgchirodc.com/. Re: MBA Rankings: All 2023 Rankings [ #permalink 9 Kudos The more I see different ranking lists with wild fluctuations in some schools' positioning, the more I realize that you cannot live and die by a school rank. Just as the school needs to look at more than just your GMAT score when deciding whether or not to consider taking you in, you as an applicant have got to look at the total package and not just the position on a list. I mean, how can a school be in the top 3 on one list and not even crack the top 20 on another? And some of these lists are US-centric besides, which doesn't help much if you're looking at UK/European schools as well. That said, this post is definitely helpful. Thanks for posting! By Saumya I was a social entrepreneur in India for three years prior to attending the Kellogg School of Management. After graduating from Kelloggs Two-Year MBA Program, I am moving back to India to continue my journey as a social entrepreneur. My friends and family are often baffled to hear this short summary of my past five years. Their biggest question is: If you already knew that this is what you wanted to do, why spend the time and money on an MBA? This is a question I have asked myself multiple times over the many quarters I have spent at Kellogg: Is a business school in the American Midwest the most conducive place to build a social enterprise that solves the problems of small-holder farmers halfway across the world in India? As I near the end of my two years at Kellogg, I can say without hesitation that the answer is yes. Social Entrepreneurship at Kellogg: An Inside Look To attend Kellogg, I had turned down an admission offer with scholarship from a competitive business school with a celebrated social-enterprise program. In my mind, running a social enterprise was no different than running any other mainstream for-profit business. A social enterprise needs to be sustainable and scalable in order to solve the deep-rooted challenges that exist in our world today. I wanted to acquire skills such as how to run a business, manage teams, liaise with different stakeholders, raise funding and so on. Joining a top-five business school made perfect sense from that perspective. My introduction to social enterprise at Kellogg started with the Social Impact Days, an intense two-day workshop where student teams come together to create a business to pitch to a panel of judges. A few months prior to joining Kellogg, my friends and I had come up with a business idea in the agriculture space focused on helping small farmers get out of poverty. I was very excited when I found out that one of the sectors highlighted during Social Impact Days was Food and Agriculture. I was looking forward to finding classmates that were as passionate about solving the food crisis and helping farmers as I was. Thankfully, I did find classmates interested in the sector, but Food and Agriculture meant something completely different to each one of them. At the end of two days, we ended up creating an app to help elderly people navigate through the millions of food choices in grocery stores in order to get the nutrition they need. We even won second prize for our idea! While I had a great time with my team (and I am still very close friends with some of them) it struck me that I was in a developed country now where people are struggling with a completely different set of problems. When you think entrepreneurship, you may think of other schools at first. While awareness for the entrepreneurship initiative at Kellogg has been growing, the number of entrepreneurs is still relatively small, especially right when you are entering school. This means that you have a lot more resources per entrepreneur and you get a lot of personal attention from the administration and faculty. Additionally, you can actually customize a lot of the resources according to your own needs. My biggest reason for getting over recruiting FOMO to focus on developing my idea (now known as Kheyti) was primarily due to Professor Mohanbir Sawhney. I met him in October 2015 after cold-emailing many professors at Kellogg who I thought could provide advice. I remember meeting Professor Sawhney at the Allen Center for about 15 minutes to introduce myself and share my idea. By the end of that meeting, he had offered to fund my summer internship with Kheyti through his Center for Research in Technology and Innovation! This was something I hadnt even fathomed. He took me under his wing and pushed me to dive headfirst into building Kheyti at Kellogg. Since Kheyti was just an idea for my first few quarters at Kellogg, I started by pitching Kheyti in multiple forums such as Northwestern Universitys Pitch Night, the Kellogg Business Plan Competition, NUVC and others. Linda Darragh and Sunny Russell of the Kellogg Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative were very helpful in letting me know about opportunities inside and outside of Northwestern. Thankfully, we won a handful of these competitions and had a decent seed fund to start prototyping in December 2015. Around that same time, Megan Kashner, the current director of Social Impact, joined Kellogg. Megan has an outstanding background in the nonprofit space and is one of the most approachable people I have met at Kellogg. After she heard I wanted to pursue Kheyti over the summer, she connected connected with Jennifer Mayer, manager of the Project Impact program. I have worked with Jennifer over the past 1.5 years through Project Impact and then through Zell Fellows. She is the reason Kheyti became the inaugural recipient of the Resnick Family Social Impact Award given by ISEN. When Jennifer sent me the application for the award, and I saw it was focused on sustainability, my knee-jerk reaction was that Kheyti wouldnt be eligible since we were an impact-focused company and sustainability was just a byproduct of our work. But Jennifer encouraged me to go for the first meeting, and, by the second meeting, ISEN decided to award us a $25,000 grant! Trina Ntamere, the current senior program administrator for the Kellogg Public-Private Interface, has also played a big part in allowing me to stay connected with my team back in India through Project Impact. Over the past 1.5 years, I have been to India four times, which includes a three-month summer stint with Kheyti. All of these trips have been almost entirely funded through Project Impact, which has enabled me to stay in touch with ground operations. In addition to KPPI, KIEI has provided support in applying for business-plan competitions and pitching Kheyti at various forums. The vote of confidence the administration has had in my passion is a huge deal for me. In my second year, I was selected as a Zell Fellow, which isnt a social impact program per se, but has given me substantial funding for Kheyti and a set of excellent mentors such as David Schonthal and Gregg Latterman. Through Zell, I have met exceptionally inspiring entrepreneurs, including Sam Zell of EGII, Jai Shekhawat of SAP FieldGlass and Dhani Jones, a former NFL linebacker. I also met a cohort of fellow entrepreneurs at Kellogg who are daring to walk the path of entrepreneurship alongside me. The best part about my experience of building Kheyti at Kellogg has been seeing so many doors open. All I had to do was ask and people made sure I had it, whether it was funding for going to India or traveling to pitch competitions or trying to increase potential loan forgiveness assistance. I remember in one of our first meetings Megan told me she knew that the financial resources for social entrepreneurs at the time were limited, but she also promised that she would do whatever it takes to make it better. A year later, I learned that Kellogg had increased their cap for the loan forgiveness program to up to $15,000 per year. I never expected this change would happen so soon, especially with the number of stakeholders involved in a massive institution like Kellogg. The other thing that differentiates Kellogg from all other business schools is that they let students focus on their businesses while being at school. Most other programs believe that students are at school to study and not work. While ideation is welcomed, executing your idea during school is actually discouraged. At Kellogg, I have only felt supported from all sides, including professors who have gone out of their way to let me submit make-up assignments or even record classes when I was traveling to India. Kellogg also has a generous Social Entrepreneurship Award of $70,000 startup funding and a newly introduced scholarship of $60,000 for students joining their social enterprises full-time after Kellogg. What impressed me is that these awards were continuously updated after listening to the needs of student entrepreneurs. The $60,000 scholarship was introduced after entrepreneurs such as Tiffany Smith (of Tiltas) and I talked to the administration about how challenging it could be to launch a nonprofit with significant debt burden. I was lucky enough to get $110,000 from both the award and the scholarship right before graduating and joining my startup full-time. This is something I havent seen in any other school. Kellogg is still refining and improving its entrepreneurial offering but even in its early stages it has given me a wonderful experience. I would like to leave you with my advice, if you choose to take this route at Kellogg: Just ask. Anything is possible, so dont assume things are set in stone. It is very important to work hard on your pitch and then make your needs known. Entrepreneurship is not about having things served on a platter. You need to open doors for yourself instead of waiting for others to do it for you. Know that you are your biggest strength. Investors and funders are looking to support you as an individual more than your idea. Make sure you show them your passion and enthusiasm to get them on board. Know the risks. Your startup, whether for- or nonprofit will require a lot of sacrifices, including family, relationships, social life, weekends, vacations and more. Evaluate the best and worst that could happen and see whether the small chance of success is worth risking all these things. Saumya is a second-year student in Kelloggs Two-Year MBA Program. She is currently incubating her agri-tech social enterprise Kheyti and has been an entrepreneur in the Indian social enterprise space for the past four years. Prior to Kellogg, she was running her startup, YellowLeaf, which saved migrant blue-collar workers from exploitation. Filed under: Uncategorized http://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments ... .com/8497/ https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=kellogg ... ef=&feed=1 Official Solution: Federal regulations require that corporations use separate accounting firms for audit and non-audit services. This presents difficulties for many multi-national companies because there are only four large international accounting firms based in the United States. An outspoken group of CEOs has suggested breaking up the "Big Four" firms into smaller operations, so that for non-audit services corporations will have significantly more options than they have now. Which of the following stipulations would be most helpful in assuring the success of the CEOs plan to provide more variety in accounting services by breaking up the Big Four firms? Premise (X): Conclusion (Y): Each of the Big Four firms should not be broken into an audit and a non-audit section. Before break-up: corporation had 4 choices After break-up: it still has 4 options the corporation still has 4 options: Thus, the corporations will NOT have more options for their accounting needs (= negative of conclusion Y) by breaking up each player into an audit and a non-audit section ( = negative of option E). Thus, negating option E breaks down the argument X> Y and hence is the correct answer. A. This option does not directly impact the question of variety. B. The origin of new CEOs does not deal with variety or with the separating of audit and non-audit services. C. This provision specifies what decisions corporations may be allowed to make, but it does not insure variety. D. This option does not directly impact the question of variety. E. Correct. As explained above. A. The firms should maintain their multi-national contacts.B. CEOs for the new companies should be chosen from inside each firm.C. Corporations must keep the same firm for their audit services, but should choose a new firm for non-audit needs.D. The new firms should maintain their internal audit procedures.E. Each of the Big Four firms should not be broken into an audit and a non-audit section.break-up the Big Four Firms into smaller operationscorporations will have more options for their accounting needsAs usual, for an assumption question, it is often effective to negate a choice and examine whether the argument X > Y thereby breaks down. If negation of a choice breaks down the argument, then the choice must be an underlying assumption.Negating option E leads to the following statement:Let us examine what happens when each of the firms is broken into an audit and a non-audit section:A corporation needs to take up 2 types of services: A. audit services, B. non-audit services.Suppose, before breaking up, the four players (accounting firms) were P1, P2, P3 and P4. Hence thefor carrying out each of A (audit services) and B (non-audit services) : P1, P2, P3 and P4.Now taking negation of option E as basis, each player breaks up into an audit and a non-audit sections. P1 breaks into P1a and P1b (the ending letter a denotes an audit firm and b denotes a non-audit firm), So the 8 players after break-up are P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4a and P4b . Now suppose the corporation wants to carry out audit service -: P1a, P2a, P3a and P4a. The same is true for non-audit services as well -P1b, P2b, P3b and P4b.A brief explanation of the other options are as below:Answer: E_________________ Before we introduce todays guest I want to invite you to our newest webinar, Get Accepted to INSEAD , which will be held on Feb 15 at 10 AM PT/1 pm ET/ 6 PM CET. This is the latest addition to our Get Accepted to webinar series and the first time that we are focusing on a school outside the U.S. The webinar is free, but you do need to register to reserve your spot How did you decide on a career in business? Some people have a more cynical view of business. How would you respond? Can you tell me a little about your book? Your Guide to Succeed in University Your Guide to Get Into Medical School Your Guide to Succeed After Graduation Whats distinctive about your book? Why INSEAD? Can you give an example? What was the hardest part of the INSEAD application process for you? Did you have any challenges with INSEADs video? What will you miss about INSEAD? What could be improved at INSEAD? You have accounting designations, experience as a consultant, and an MBA why are you going for another degree with Schwarzman Scholars What was the most difficult part of the Schwarzman Scholars application? What are your plans for after your Schwarzman year? Any advice for applicants to INSEAD or Schwarzman Scholars? Related Links: Your Guide to Succeed In University Related Shows: Subscribe: Samara Mohammed, an 11th-grader at Lincoln High School, has never loved math. But around noon Saturday at Marcus Theaters, where she, her third-grade sister and seventh-grade brother and their father had spent the past two hours, she thought maybe she should be more open-minded about the subject. Samara and her family were among about 400 people whod just watched a free screening of Hidden Figures, the story of three African-American women mathematicians who played an instrumental role in NASAs launch of astronaut John Glenn into space on Feb. 20, 1962. The launch made Glenn the first American to successfully orbit the earth, galvanizing a space program that sent a man to the moon seven years later. Samara like most of the world had never heard of the movies three real-life protagonists. It was really amazing how the first African-American women were in NASA and how they made a great thing for society, she said. Thats just the sort of reaction Shannon Mitchell-Boekstal and Miki Montgomery were hoping for Saturday, when they organized the free screening of the movie for students in third through eighth grade and their families. Mitchell-Boekstal, a service coordinator at Lincoln Public Schools who works with families of young children with developmental delays, read how Taraji P. Henson, who plays Katherine Johnson in the movie, bought out a theater so low-income children could see the movie. That hit home. I was a struggling single mom for a long time and couldnt afford to take my kids to a movie, she said. You take advantage of the times when you can be with your kids and not break the bank or take money out of the grocery fund. She wanted to do that here, and called her friend Montgomery, who used to teach school at Clinton Elementary. Montgomery was immediately on board. They called friends and organizations such as South Street Temple, which helped solicit donations. Goldenrod Printing printed fliers for free, Indigo Bridge Bookstore donated books with strong female characters to be raffled off Saturday at the theater and Ivanna Cone gave out coupons. They rented three movie screens and had to turn people down. Saturday morning, the theater was decorated with pictures of famous women. Sally Wei, coordinator of engineering education and outreach with the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, was there with a host of science and math games for students to try out before the movie. Michelle Suarez, retired principal of Everett Elementary who now works with the initiative Prosper Nebraska, encouraged students to keep putting one foot in front of the other to achieve their dreams. Part of what Mitchell-Boekstal wanted to do was let people know about three women whod played such an integral part in the history of the space program and had gotten no recognition for it. I didnt know who a lot of these women were and I should have I wanted to get that out. She and Montgomery wanted to inspire young children to pursue their dreams, to let young girls know that they can pursue careers in science and math and engineering, if thats their passion. They welcomed families because they wanted to spark discussion. We wanted to start a dialogue with families, Mitchell-Boekstal said. We wanted young people to feel empowered and supported by families. For Samara, one of the best parts of the movie was when one of the women convinced a judge to allow her to attend an all-white high school to get the extension credits she needed to qualify to become an engineer. That was something and just the sort of seeds Mitchell-Boekstal and Montgomery hoped to plant. If this inspired one child, one little girl to think she can do science and succeed, then it was all worth it, Mitchell-Boekstal said. 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 Protesters gathered in front of the Nebraska State Capitol on Saturday afternoon, showing their support for abortion rights with speeches, signs and chants. The protest, which was held as a counter-demonstration to the hundreds of anti-abortion rallies that took place at Planned Parenthood clinics across the United States on Saturday, drew about 100 people. Speakers, including march organizer Wendy Hines, told their stories. The retired University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor spoke to the crowd about her personal experiences with Planned Parenthood. Hines said she got pregnant for the first time while in graduate school. I knew that if I had the baby, I wouldnt be able to give it up, she said. Hines didnt want to drop out of school, so she had an abortion at a Planned Parenthood clinic. I graduated. I became a professor at UNL, she said. And many young women, because of me, went to get Ph.D.s in mathematics. If I hadnt had that abortion, I would never have had the opportunity to influence those young women I wouldnt have the son that I have now. Hines recognized Planned Parenthood for providing her a safe way to terminate the pregnancy. Imagine if I couldnt have had an abortion at Planned Parenthood. Id have had to have an abortion in a back alley, she said. ... If Id have had a back-alley abortion, who knows what would have happened to me. About 15 members of the self-described "neo suffrigist" group Betsy Riot wore red dresses and white bonnets with red lace covering their faces. One member, carrying a giant coat hanger, said the groups appearance was meant to imitate the women in Margaret Atwoods speculative fiction, The Handmaids Tale. The woman, who wished to go by the name Betsy, said the novel depicts women in a religious, oppressive government in a dystopian future, who were forced to be breeders. Betsy said the coat hanger was a message to groups such as the handful of anti-abortion protesters standing across the street. That group started its own chants and held large signs with images of aborted fetuses. We often see images like the one across the street, but the reality is, when we dont have safe, accessible abortions for women, it leads to mangled, dead women, she said. Thats what were talking about today. That women's lives are human lives. William Stewart-Starks, one of the anti-abortion protesters, said he came to represent the voiceless. All children are gifts from God, he said. If people dont want to have their children, theres many options for them. Abortion rights protesters later marched to Sen. Ben Sasses office, chanting phrases such as My body, my choice and Keep your rosaries off our ovaries. Sasse spoke at last month's anti-abortion Walk for Life. As a product of Nebraska public schools, a parent who sent each of my children to a public school in Nebraska, and someone with grandchildren in public school today, I support a strong public school system. Strong public schools are a bedrock of our society and crucial to our economy. However, not every parent in Nebraska is as fortunate as I have been in accessing high performing schools. Thats why Im supporting three bills to provide more high quality school options for children in Nebraska, regardless of their familys income level or zip code. Years ago, Nebraska embraced school choice by giving families the ability to opt in to a different school from which their child was zoned, including schools outside their home district. Thousands of Nebraskans take advantage of this opportunity today, a choice funded by Nebraska taxpayers. For many low-income families, however, that choice is limited or non-existent. Higher performing public schools are at capacity, or inaccessible due to location, and nearby, higher performing private schools lack the resources to meet the demand for need-based scholarships. Consequently, a familys income often determines the quality of their childs education. Thats not acceptable by any standard and counter to Nebraska values. While Nebraska has many high quality schools, some struggle and have been identified by the state as needs improvement schools. Often, these schools are in neighborhoods with a high rate of poverty. And though funding has increased over the years, too many schools continue to fail the children they are meant to serve. Every student has the potential to excel in a great school; however, Nebraska has the largest achievement gaps in the nation between black students and white students. It is unacceptable, and we must work to make these gaps disappear. Nebraskans are committed to K-12 education, spending $3.66 billion annually, which amounts to more than $2,000 for every person living in Nebraska, nearly $12,000 per student. We know no resource is as precious as a childs future and nothing matters more to the future prosperity of our state than a well-educated citizenry. But we cannot wait any longer to provide options to parents whose children are zoned to schools that are not hitting the mark. Believing in public education should not, and cannot, equate to defending every building without regard for student outcomes. We accept competition in every aspect of our lives: we dont shop where the service is poor; we dont eat where the food lacks taste; and we dont buy cars that dont run. So why should any child be forced to attend a school thats not working for him or for her? School choice empowers families without increasing costs to taxpayers. It creates a healthy level of competition that promotes accountability and drives overall school improvement. The improvement in learning among low-income and minority students attending a school of choice has been particularly profound. Children cannot afford to wait for solutions that have proved effective and are in high demand in nearly every other state in this country. And we cannot wait any longer for an open, honest conversation regarding the need for great school options for every child in Nebraska. 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 ... Lenovo is getting ready to launch a follow-up to last years Miix 310 Windows tablet with a detachable keyboard. The new model is called the Miix 320, and at first glance it looks an awful lot like last years model. Its still a 10 inch tablet with a detachable keyboard and an Intel Atom x5 Cherry Trail processor. But this years model supports up to twice as much RAM and storage and an optional full HD display. Lenovo will probably give the Miix 320 an official launch at Mobile World Congress later this month, but detailed specs have leaked ahead of schedule. First spotted by WinFuture, the new tablet actually showed up briefly on several Lenovo websites before the company removed those pages. Theyre still available via Google cache, as of this writing though. Heres a quick overview of the Miix 320s spec sheet: 10.1 inch, up to 1920 x 1200 pixel touchscreen display Intel Atom x5 processor Up to 4GB of RAM Up to 128GB of eMMC storage 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 Optional 4G LTE 1 USB 3.0 Type-C port, 2 USB 2.0 ports, micro HDMI and microSD Stereo speakers and a headset jack 10 hour battery 5MP rear camera with autofocus and 2MP front camera with mic The tablet measures about 0.3 inches thick and weighs about 1.2 pounds. Add the keyboard and the system weighs 2.2 pounds and measures about 0.7 inches thick. Overall, the Miix 320 seems like a modest update. Itd be nice of Lenovo upgraded the processor, but now that Intel isnt pushing Atom chips for this type of device anymore, Lenovo would have had to opt for a more expensive and more power hungry Apollo Lake processor. Maybe well see more advances in the entry-level Windows tablet space in the coming year now that Microsoft is working on a new version of Windows 10 designed to run on devices with ARM-based processors. The Moroccan security services have dismantled 168 terrorist cells since September 2011, a figure which shows Moroccos relentless war against terrorism. About fifty of the dismantled cells are linked to hotbeds of tension, particularly Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria and the Sahel, said Mohamed Moufakir, Head of International Cooperation at the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior. The dismantling of these cells led to the arrest of 2,963 persons and helped to foil 341 terror plots, he explained at a seminar held Thursday in Rabat on the fight against terrorism and extremism in the Mediterranean region. He also said that more than 1,600 Moroccans are believed to have gone to these conflict zones and 147 of them returned to Morocco. After the interrogation of the returnees, 132 were arrested and prosecuted. According to Moufakir, the Moroccan strategy against terrorism is based on a comprehensive and proactive approach, in addition to the reform of the religious field, the consolidation of socio-economic development, human rights culture and multilateral cooperation. The senior official of the Interior ministry said Morocco has strengthened its security cooperation with various partners, including Spain and other European countries. The North African Kingdom is sharing its experience in the field with Sahel countries and is ready to strengthen its counterterrorism cooperation with Maghreb countries, he said. According to US strategic intelligence firm Stratfor, one of the main factors helping to keep Moroccos jihadists in check is the competence of its security forces. Stratfor also said that the countrys powerful intelligence agency, national police force, paramilitary police and Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (Moroccos version of the FBI) work closely with their American and European counterparts, receive extensive training and are highly proficient. Because of Moroccos robust security environment, it is difficult for jihadist groups to establish operations in the country, despite the large number of militants who hail from within its borders, stressed Stratfor. (HealthDay)There is considerable variation in hospital total unexpected complication rates among newborns in Florida, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in Pediatrics. Yuri V. Sebastiao, Ph.D., M.P.H., from the University of South Florida in Tampa, and colleagues conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of linked birth certificate and hospital discharge records for a population of 1,604,774 term, singleton livebirths in 124 hospitals from 2004 to 2013. Using a published algorithm, the authors identified severe and moderate complications. The researchers observed variation in hospital total complication rates from 6.7 to 98.6 per 1,000 births. There was no association between severe and moderate complication rates by hospital. Medically indicated early-term delivery, no prenatal care, nulliparity, pre-pregnancy obesity, tobacco use, and delivery in southern Florida hospitals were leading risk factors for complications. For severe and moderate complication rates, hospital factors, such as geographic location, level of care, or birth volume, and Medicaid births percentage explained 35 and 27.8 percent of variation, respectively. An additional 6 percent of variation in severe complication rates was explained by individual factors. The hospital factors that contributed to severe and moderate complications were driven by different complication subcategories (such as infections and hospital transfers). "The high proportion of variation explained by hospital factors suggests potential opportunities for improvement, and identifying specific complication categories may provide focus areas," the authors write. Copyright 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved. The South African Safehouse Association is warning people about illegal and unsafe Schuko plugs and sockets in the country. The Safehouse Association is an industry initiative which aims to protect consumers, expose unsafe products and services, and promote environmental protection. Brands which are part of the association include Ellies, Schneider Electric, Electrolux, and CBI Electric. The Safehouse Association lists four groups of plugs and sockets: Legal and Safe, Legal but Unsafe, Illegal but Safe, and Illegal and Unsafe. Despite the warnings, many local retailers still stock unsafe products. Legal and Safe The South African SANS164-2 standard allows for both the 3-pin and 2-pin plug. The Europlug (EN 50075), which has also been adopted by the country as SANS 164-5, is shown being plugged into a standard socket. These configurations are both safe and legal in SA. Legal but Unsafe In this case, the unearthed socket, legal in SA and compliant with SANS 164-6, allows the entry of an earthed Schuko plug because of the poor design of the protruding plastic rim at the top of the socket. This may lead to electric shocks, as the appliance requires the protective earth. It may not pick up the internal fault due to the lack of earthing. Illegal but Safe These are examples of the Schuko system (DIN49441) where both the plug and the socket outlet are earthed. The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications has banned this configuration for sale or installation in SA in VC8008 for over 30 years. The system is safe when used correctly in countries which allow it. Illegal and Unsafe The adaptor shown below has been banned since 2005. The open 2-pin sockets are now enclosed in a 12mm-deep trapezoidal well. A situation where an earthed Schuko plug can be plugged into this type of open 2-pin socket is not only illegal, but also dangerous due to the lack of earth connection to the appliance. This raises the risk of electric shock and appliance failure which can lead to a fire. Credit Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch for standing up for an independent judiciary by rebuking President Donald Trump, who chose him to fill the vacancy on the nations highest court. During a Feb. 4 tweet-storm railing against the decision of U.S. District Judge James L. Robart to temporarily block Trumps travel and immigration ban, the president referred to Robart as a so-called judge. That insult, designed to demean and delegitimize Robart, led Gorsuch to tell senators during private interviews that Trumps comments were demoralizing and disheartening. Gorsuch has not made any public statements since his nomination was announced. He got pretty passionate about it, Sen. Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on MSNBC. I asked him about the so-called judges comment and this is a guy who kind of welled up with some energy and said any attack, I think his term to me was, on brothers or sisters of the robe, is an attack on all judges and he believes in an independent judiciary. The offending Trump tweet reads: The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned! In fact, Robarts ruling was not overturned, but rather unanimously confirmed Thursday by a three judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The panel declined to reinstate the travel ban and rejected Trumps claim that his executive order could not be reviewed by the judicial system, saying that notion was contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy. Trump, of course, tweeted SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE! in response. The administrations next step, as hinted at in the tweet, is to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. Regardless of the outcome of the case, Gorsuchs unprecedented criticism of the president who nominated him is an appropriate defense of our countrys independent judiciary system and a welcome resistance to the bullying authoritarianism of the tweeter-in-chief. BMW M4 turned into a pickup truck Blinken calls on Israel and Palestine to urgently de-escalate tensions Romania signs deal with Norway for purchase of over 30 F-16 fighters Stoltenberg: The alliance has no plans to change nuclear positions and deployments Tagesschau: Nearly 200,000 people took part in strikes at industrial enterprises of Germany Teenagers hacks Uzbekistan senate website Artsakh Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis fired at tractor in Khramort village of Artsakh Rally participants' statement: Artsakh can't be a part of Azerbaijan Person accused of arson in Russia cafe confesses Fars: Iranian Foreign Ministry reported UAV deliveries to Russia a few months before the start of the UAS Bayramov: Azerbaijan, Armenia leaders next meeting will take place in Brussels this month Unity rally of participants start march in downtown Yerevan North Korea launches 4 ballistic missiles Council of Border Guard Troops commanders discusses situation at CIS external borders Armenia ex-President Kocharyan joins rally in downtown Yerevan Russia oil, natural gas companies plan to collaborate with Iraq Armenia army intelligence troops 30th anniversary is solemnly celebrated (PHOTOS) Rally of unity in support of Karabakh kicks off in downtown Yerevan Pentagon announces sending 8 NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine Armenian Apostolic Church Supreme Spiritual Council meeting ends, Armenia and Artsakh security discussed Tropical Storm Nalgae death toll climbs to 155 in Philippines Artak Beglaryan is appointed advisor to Artsakh Minister of State (PHOTOS) US House committee extends deadline for Trump to produce documents on Capitol attack Over 200 elephants die in Kenya amid drought 13 dead in cafe fire in Russia Armenia Security Council chief to head for Poland, Netherlands, Lithuania Rishi Sunak: State cannot fix all problems Newspaper: To what extent Armenia adheres to sanctions on Russia? Biden accuses Twitter of spewing lies Newspaper: There are active political processes in Karabakh Qatar FM slams hypocrisy of calls to boycott World Cup France, Singapore and Switzerland begin joint testing of experimental digital currencies Oil war is Biden's biggest mistake Japan considers possible deployment of hypersonic missiles by 2030 Germany to install better air defense system over Defense Ministry buildings Erdogan and Stoltenberg discuss war in Ukraine Armenian MOD: Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire in direction of Armenian positions True cost of Europe's rejection of Russian gas White House tries to explain Biden's statement about freeing Iran Former Pakistani Prime Minister: Either we will have a peaceful revolution or a bloody one Aramyan: Why are police officers' salaries increasing, while defense officers' are not? Pentagon and U.S. weapons manufacturers to discuss Russia, human resources and supply chain Ankara says U.S. may approve sale of F-16s to Turkey within few months IMF: Turkey should tighten monetary policy and give the Central Bank more independence Pope urges religious leaders to keep the world from brink of abyss Putin awards Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II with Order of Honor U.S. says G7 countries realize need for coordinated response to China Round-the-clock curfew is introduced in Kherson Borrell says they can't put China and Russia on same level Olaf Scholz calls on China to influence Russia G7 foreign ministers express 'unwavering commitment' to protecting Ukraine, criticized PRC and IRI Political technologist explains why Pashinyan was elected chairman of board of ruling party in Armenia Erdogan signs up for TikTok China's army is constantly preparing for war amid provocative U.S. actions Kalin: Armenia is constructive about normalization of relations Poland asks EU to suspend fines Putin: Situation in Ukraine was deadly for Russia Portugal to test a four-day workweek US embassy in Armenia issues statement ahead of November 5 protests in Yerevan Dollar, euro go up in Armenia Baku authorities once again refuse to allow PFPA to hold protest rally Iranians commemorate anniversary of US embassy seizure Richard Kauzlarich: Azerbaijan, Armenia FMs meeting in Washington 'will send message to Putin' Russia ratifies protocol on requirements for length of service of EEU bodies' employees for pensions Armenia deputy defense minister in Russia, discusses military cooperation Yerevan receives proposal to hold Russia-Armenia-Azerbaijan interparliamentary talks Health minister: We will work with fallen Armenia detainees relatives one more time after which bodies will be buried Putin allows mobilization of citizens with unexpunged criminal record for serious crimes Arnika, NESEHNUTI NGOs of Czech Rep. issue joint statement on plan to expand gold mine in Armenias Karaberd Putin urges to evacuate civilians living in Kherson from the war zone Iran parliament speaker to visit Armenia Ruling force MP: Canada is opening embassy in Armenia because we are one of worlds most democratic countries Girl with Armenian roots ends up in Vladimir orphanage Erdogan says he has agreed with Putin to supply grain to needy countries for free Armenia President, UK envoy agree to continue cooperation, close contacts Armenia FM receives EU Monitoring Capacity Spanish MPs don't approve agreement with Baku as a sign of solidarity with Armenia Japan says North Korea may go ahead with nuclear test Armenia government to allocate about $5M to Karabakh refugees support program Belarusian border service: Border guards intercepts Ukrainian training drone President appoints Ruben Vardanyan as Karabakh Minister of State US embassy expresses concern about human rights violation in Azerbaijan Azerbaijan continues muscle play on Iran border Ibrahim Kalin says Turkey will become an important gas center one way or another Biden: We're gonna free Iran Reuters: G7 countries and Australia agrees on fixed price for Russian oil World oil prices dropping Wizz Air to launch new flights between Venice, Yerevan EU assesses Armenia, Azerbaijan border commissions meeting in Brussels as constructive Artsakh President convenes enlarged working consultation Envoy: China supports Armenians Azerbaijan MOD disseminates disinformation, Armenia army did not fire Armenia ruling party recounts congress voting results Quake jolts Turkey Newspaper: Armenia PM once again manipulates topic of negotiations, Karabakh conflict Newspaper: Studies underway on Armenia MPs business involvement US wants to prevent Germany, other allies from working together with China Protests turn violent in Iran's Alborz Province Portugal is considering abandoning golden visa scheme Biden and Erdogan to meet at G-20 summit Amnesty International condemns the extradition of a blogger from Belarus to Azerbaijan. The criminal proceedings against Aleksander Lapshin should be terminated, and he should be released immediately, organization said in a statement. Amnesty International is not aware of any other cases of extradition requests being made by the Azerbaijani authorities against individuals who have entered Nagorno-Karabakh without their permission. However, there are numerous individuals who have visited the territory without permission from the Azerbaijani authorities and been blacklisted by Azerbaijan - put on an official list of offenders who will be permanently refused entry to Azerbaijan. Amnesty International takes the view that the extradition and charges against Aleksander Lapshin are a means of targeting him principally in connection with his blogs, in particular his criticism of the Azerbaijani border control system and the countrys social inequality. The charge of public appeals against the state has no legal basis, as the criticism of the Azerbaijani authorities in his blog falls entirely within the scope of his right to freedom of expression. With regard to the criminal charge of illegal border crossing, the organization maintains that irregular entry should not be treated as a criminal offence. As such, Amnesty International considers that his detention is arbitrary and calls for the criminal proceedings against Aleksandr Lapshin to be terminated. He should be released immediately, the statement reads. Concerns were raised regarding the conditions of Aleksander Lapshins detention in Belarus where he was held at the pre-trial detention centre (SIZO) #1 in Minsk. He is also at risk of torture and other ill-treatment while in custody in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani authorities have persistently failed to investigate allegations of torture and other ill-treatment and the Azerbaijani courts have on numerous occasions admitted as evidence confessions obtained under torture. In extraditing Aleksander Lapshin to Azerbaijan, where he is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment, amongst other human rights violations, the Belarusian authorities have failed to adhere to their obligations under international human rights law. Belarus ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 1998, according to which no State Party shall expel, return or extradite a person to another State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture. Never again. This is a phrase that many Jews, no matter their political beliefs, see as a representation of our duty to stand tall when the lives of the innocent are endangered because of the color of their skin or their chosen deity. We do not question President Trumps interest in protecting Americans from violent extremism. While the author of the executive order, titled Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States, clearly intends to protect American citizens from terrorism, a consequence of the chosen mechanism is to betray our shared value of non-discrimination. This order comes from a place of anxiety over the intentions of those who are different, and justifies endangering the lives of many courageous people out of fear of the unknown. This moment in history is foreshadowed by a regrettable event in our countrys past. In 1939, when the slogan America First was also ringing through our heartland, the MS St. Louis attempted to find refuge for over 900 Jews fleeing from Germany. Due to fear, our own economic self-interest, and other factors, the United States refused those aboard the ship sanctuary. It is estimated that approximately a quarter of the asylum seekers were later put to death in Nazi concentration camps. Today we refuse entry of families who are trying to leave their own deadly environment, who are endangered simply because of their religious beliefs, supporting the United States or political alignment. We have no evidence that the system for vetting these refugees is in any way inadequate, but we fear that in the mix of people struggling to keep themselves and their loved ones alive, are some who will travel to our home only with ill-intent. Beyond the havoc that this order has already caused, it is reasonable to conclude that many more innocent people will end up dead at the hands of their oppressors or in the icy waters that separate their homes from Europe because we have so callously shuttered our doors. The administration has argued that they are seeking to improve the vetting process and will reopen travel and immigration in the future. If and when that day does occur, few Muslim refugees will be able to reach our shores. The order caps the total refugees, regardless of origin, for 2017 to 50,000 people. By prioritizing minority religious groups, those who are doing the vetting can discriminate based on ones faith, as opposed to judging each applicant on the merit of their case. Again, just as in 1939, we look out at a big world with anxiety and fear of what these non-Christian newcomers will mean for our safety and prosperity. We can choose to shut our doors in the hopes of eliminating any inlet for a terrorist, while letting those who need our help suffer; or we can follow the lead of other western democracies and accept properly vetted applicants without consideration of their religion. After World War II the captain of the MS St. Louis was treated as a hero. He and his crew took the actions that they could to try to protect a group of people who were reviled, feared and different from the mainstream. Let us learn from our past and act now. Call and write your representatives. Try to talk with and listen to those who support the ban. Fund organizations like the ACLU and others who are fighting for refugee rights and those like the International Rescue Committee who are providing for their basic needs. And vote in all elections because your opinion matters. Never again cannot just be a thought. It requires action. We hope you take it with us. I am trying to stay grounded, focused and optimistic despite the fact that our government has been upended in the span of a few short weeks. The very people that need to be thoughtful, measured and knowledgeable before making decisions that affect human lives, the environment and our place in the world, to mention a few important issues, are not demonstrating those qualities. I am encouraged by those who question the rash decisions this new president is making, who defend our Constitution and the rights of individuals to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I am disappointed and alarmed by those falling in step behind Mr. Donald Trump without questioning his choices or the consequences. Because of his recent actions, our very rights as citizens are in jeopardy and our standing in the world is on shaky ground. Free speech, clean air, clean water, innovation, education, health and welfare are all on the line. I have to shake myself and remind myself this is America, a democracy in which we all have a stake and a responsibility to maintain. I have awakened from my complacency and intend to make my voice heard, not only for myself, but for my children, grandchildren, my fellow citizens, including world citizens and for our future as a democracy. Please get involved in the issues you hold dear, contact your elected officials and let them know how you feel so they can do their jobs representing our interests, not the interests of the few. Patricia Spitzer, Lincoln In January, President Donald Trump banned immigrants and refugees from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States for the next 120 days, and Syrian refugees indefinitely. The ban has been temporarily halted, and refugees with visas have been urged to hurry into the country before the ban goes back into effect. The presidents executive order has also called attention to the needs of refugees who are already in the U.S. Here are a few places to get involved and support refugees in Milwaukee. Lutheran Social Services is looking for donations to help fund its Refugee Resettlement Program and provide for more than 2,200 refugees the organization has worked with during the past five years. Lutheran Social Services is also in need of funding to purchase a new van for transporting goods and refugees. Donations are accepted here. The International Institute of Wisconsin is working to help refugees successfully immigrate and become self-sufficient. IIW is accepting cash and material donations, specifically household items. It is also looking for volunteers; all opportunities can be found on the website. Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement program offers help to refugees at no cost to them. Catholic Charities is accepting donations and offering opportunities for community members to volunteer. Its Migrant and Refugee Services Program is in need of a volunteer to oversee a computer classroom and help with basic computer functions such as keyboarding, job searching or Google searches. An internet watchdog group said Saturday that a spyware hacking attempt targeted activists who campaigned against soft drinks and junk foods, and purportedly used Israeli-produced software sold to governments. The Citizen Lab based at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs said the attack targeted public health advocates Alejandro Calvillo and Luis Encarnacion, and public health researcher Simon Barquera. Mexico passed a soda tax several years ago and Calvillo has campaigned for sugar warnings on food products. The report implicated software produced by Israel's NSO Group. The Pegasus spyware gives hackers free reign to eavesdrop on calls, harvest messages, activate cameras and drain a phone's trove of personal data. The report said "NSO's government surveillance tool may have been misused on behalf of special commercial interests, not for fighting crime or terrorism." NSO said Saturday its programs are intended only "for the investigation and prevention of criminal activities and terrorism" and doubted its products were involved. Calvillo said he suspected the Mexican government or the soft drink and snacks industry. "Whether the industry did it or the government did it, we don't know," said Calvillo, who was a leading force behind a special per-liter tax on sugary soft drinks established in 2014. Calvillo said the hacking attempt arrived in the form of a message from an unknown number last year, and contained a link to a purported news story. Calvillo said it was both a hacking attempt and a threat: when he clicked on the link, it led him to a page for a funeral home chain. Mexico has some of the world's highest obesity, diabetes and soda-consumption rates. 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Apple CEO Tim Cook pictured during a visit to the shopfitting company Dula that delivers tables for Apple stores worldwide in Vreden, western Germany, on February 7, 2017 Technology firms must up their game in tackling "fake news", Apple chief executive Tim Cook said Saturday, calling for a major public information campaign. "All of us technology companies need to create some tools that help diminish the volume of fake news," the US tech giant boss told the Daily Telegraph in an interview. "We must try to squeeze this without stepping on freedom of speech and of the press, but we must also help the reader. "Too many of us are just in the complain category right now and haven't figured out what to do." But Cook, who met British Prime Minister Theresa May at Downing Street on Thursday, said governments should also introduce a public information campaign. "We need the modern version of a public-service announcement campaign. It can be done quickly if there is a will," he said. He added: "We are going through this period of time right here where unfortunately some of the people that are winning are the people that spend their time trying to get the most clicks, not tell the most truth. "It's killing people's minds in a way." Fake newsfabricated reports designed to promote a particular agendacame to prominence during last year's US presidential election campaign. Facebook in particular has come under pressure for failing to take action, and last month modified its system for showing trending topics. The change is designed to ensure that trends reflect real world events being covered by multiple news outlets. 2017 AFP A die hard critic of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state, Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party under which platform he criticized the PDP for over three years in Delta state. Oghenesivbe, who came into prominence during the run up to the 2015 general elections, began his ride into the murky waters of politics when he emerged as the communication manager of the a PDP aspirant, Tony Obuh during the preparations for the party primaries in 2014. But Obuh, who was powerfully supported by the former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, lost the PDP primaries to the incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Following the woeful failure of his candidate, Oghenesivbe was taken over by his Urhobo APC governorship candidate, Olorogun Otega Emerhor. James Ibori (in blue wrapper) with others at the thanksgiving service in celebration of his release from prison READ ALSO: Ibori's kinsmen deny Delta government sponsoring Ibori's thanksgiving service His job was principally to handle the communication and media job of the Emerhor, a job he did perfectly well, but since APC has no stronghold in Delta, his candidate could not win the election, although there were allegations of rigging, an issue which has become prominent in the politics of Delta state. And as a trained lawyer, Oghenesivbe powerfully engaged the Okowa campaign team through the media. During the campaigns leading to the 2015 elections, Oghenesivbe rolled out media strategies that the Okowa multi-media crew could not circumvent. His main tool was the online and social media, especially the facebook where he was vigorously attacking the Okowa's government. Even as his candidate lost the election, he was still vigorously campaigning against the Okowas government. During the tribunal through to the Supreme Court judgment, Oghenesivbe powerfully engaged the Okowa's team and brought them down with his media strategies. He dug out the past history of Okowa, some of his short comings, where he failed, the corruption allegations against him and the need for his probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His writing prowess and application of language could not be matched by the multitude of Okowas team, they were left on the defensive but their defensive engagement could actually not convince the average and even the educated people of Delta state. However, his media strategy could not give any political success to his master, Otega Emerhor. Eventually, Emerhor fell out at the Supreme Court in attempt to overturn the electoral victory of Governor Okowa. Olorogun Otega Emerhor (left) and Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe READ ALSO: Ruling APC suspends chairman over misappropriation of Christmas rice But as soon as the pursuit of electoral litigation was over, the APC in the state became enmeshed in internal crisis. There was a serious leadership problem which rocked the party and tore it apart. Various groups broke out with dissident views on who should emerge as leader of the party which is yet to gain foothold in the state. The internal squabbles disintegrated the party and the members were sharply divided. This development led to the national headquarters of the APC delegating minister of Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, to take over the leadership of the party in the state pending when peace eventually returns. But in the process of all these, the noise about the return of the former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, who has been in London prison, began making wave but with no specific date of his return in mind. While the drama continues, unknown to the people, Ibori was already in Nigeria and in a matter of hours he was in Oghara, his community where he escaped from over five years ago. But with the belief that the return of Ibori, who is widely known as the father of Delta politics and a demi-god to the people undermining the degree of corruption leveled against him, Oghenesivbe made a U-turn. Within a few days of Iboris return who is of Urhobo extraction with him, Oghenesivbe tendered a resignation letter to the APC, stating various reasons for his resignation, waved the APC and his former employer bye bye and defected to the PDP, a party he vigorously campaigned against, naming it the most corrupt party in Nigeria. He changed his facebook profile picture to Ibori and began singing Delta is in safe hands, the campaign slogan of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. For him, change is inevitable. In politics there is no permanent enemy, there is no permanent friend. Although the governor he campaigned against, calling for prosecution, is yet to make any statement over his defection, some members of the PDP have started beckoning on him to come quickly over and align forces with them so as to powerfully wipe out the existence of APC from Delta state. Governor Okowa and Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Already, he had started giving the APC names, saying the change slogan which it used to win the 2015 election it cannot achieve it. He was a die hard promoter of President Muhammadu Buhari and had a group he headed in the South south but had abandoned them all for the PDP. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App While some described him as a never-do-well in politics, others see his action as part of politics in Nigeria, following the constitutional provision of freedom of association. His defection actually may not be unconnected with the belief that Ibori, though yet to speak on his next line of political consideration, may remain in PDP and if Ibori remains, and being a PDP man, the hope of APC winning any election in the state may well be ruled off. This is so because any political decision made by Ibori remains unconsciously binding on all power brokers in the state as he is seen as the one who makes the final political decision in the state. Even many of the opposition party members in the state are his die-hard loyalists. In this wise, any party he turns to, there is every certainty that the people will follow him without blinking the eyes. Oghenesivbe's defection to PDP therefore may not unconnected with this assumption. The sitting governor Ifeanyi Okowa cannot wish the decision of the former governor away with a wave of the hand. He was a beneficiary of his government. He was a commissioner when Ibori was governor. Even his election into the governorship of the state in 2015, Ibori played a significant role as he was allegedly traveling to the London jail for his political blessings. His emergence as the governor, many say, was the result of the agreement Ibori had between him and the immediate past governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Hence, he respects his decision in the affairs of the state. Source: Legit.ng Turkish troops backed by Syrian rebel fighters have entered the centre of the Islamic State group bastion of Al-Bab and will soon capture it, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday. The town in Syria's Aleppo province is the last stronghold of the jihadist group in the region, and has also been targeted by Syrian government forces. The Syrian opposition, meanwhile, announced the formation of a delegation to attend a new round of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva on February 20. IS has come under pressure from simultaneous offensives in both Syria and Iraq, where the group seized large swathes of territory in 2014 and proclaimed an Islamic "caliphate". Erdogan, speaking in Istanbul, said Al-Bab "is now besieged from all fronts". "Our forces entered the centre," he added, saying it was "only a matter of time" before the alliance of Turkish forces and rebels took control of the town. "Daesh forces have begun leaving Al-Bab completely," he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. Turkish forces and allied rebels entered Al-Bab for the first time on Saturday, from the west, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Britain-based monitor reported heavy clashes inside western Al-Bab on Sunday, as well as on the northern edge of the town, where Turkish forces and rebels were advancing but had not yet entered. One Turkish soldier was killed and two soldiers wounded in clashes with IS, the Turkish Dogan news agency reported. That raised to 67 the number of Turkish soldiers killed since Ankara began Operation Euphrates Shield in August, targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia. - Turkey eyes Raqa operation - Al-Bab has been a key target for both Operation Euphrates Shield, but also Syrian government forces, and Ankara now finds itself effectively jointly besieging the town with President Bashar al-Assad's forces despite opposing his government. Syria's army has advanced towards Al-Bab from the south, and on Monday severed the last road leading into the town, completing its encirclement. Erdogan added that Al-Bab was "not our final target", hinting that Ankara may participate in the fight to recapture IS's de facto Syrian capital Raqa. More than 310,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests, and successive rounds of peace talks have failed to produce a political solution. Invitations to the new talks in Geneva have been delayed while the opposition forms its delegation. On Sunday, the leading components of the political opposition announced a 21-member delegation, with a new delegation head and chief negotiator. The delegation includes 10 rebel representatives, and will be headed by Nasr al-Hariri, a member of the National Coalition, a leading opposition body. The chief negotiator was named as lawyer Mohamed Sabra, who replaces Mohamed Alloush of the Army of Islam rebel group. Neither Alloush nor other Army of Islam figures were listed, though it was unclear if the faction was boycotting the talks or being represented by other officials. No reason was given for there being a new delegation head and chief negotiator. - New Astana meeting - The umbrella High Negotiations Committee (HNC) which has represented the opposition at previous rounds of talks, described the delegation as inclusive. It said it included for the first time representatives from two additional opposition groupings, known informally as the Moscow group and the Cairo group. However, representatives from both groups denied they were part of the delegation. In the past, the HNC has opposed the inclusion of the rival opposition groupings in its delegation, accusing members of the coalitions of being too flexible with regard to the Syrian government. Ahead of the talks, Kazakhstan has invited Syrian rebels and government officials to Astana, where both sides met for talks that ended without any breakthrough last month. Neither side has officially confirmed attendance at the February 15-16 Astana meeting. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is sending a "technical team" rather than participating personally. The last round of talks in Astana was sponsored by regime allies Russia and Iran, along with Turkey, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday Moscow was preparing for the new discussions in the Kazakh capital. He said Moscow wanted to bring more rebels into the process and Jordan was helping on that front, adding that the talks were not meant to substitute for UN-led peace efforts. On the ground meanwhile, Syrian state media said two civilians were killed Sunday by rebel rocket fire on government-held parts of the southern city of Daraa as opposition fighters launched a major operation. The Observatory said at least 15 opposition fighters, including two Fateh al-Sham suicide bombers, were killed in the operation during which at least six members of the regime forces and allied fighters also died. AFP News Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was recovering in hospital Friday after a gunman shot him in the leg, with his supporters vowing the assassination attempt will not derail his "long march" bid to return to power. The attack on his convoy, apparently by a lone gunman, killed one man and wounded at least 10, significantly raising the stakes in a political crisis that has gripped the South Asian nation since Khan's ousting in April. Khan "was stable and he was doing fine" at Shaukat Khanum hospital in the eastern city of Lahore, his doctor Faisal Sultan told AFP Friday. Seemi Bokhari, a lawmaker with Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, said after visiting Khan the former premier was in high spirits. "The doctors are allowing him to move ... He is feeling perfectly well and he will soon be discharged," she told AFP. The 70-year-old former international cricket star had been leading a campaign convoy of thousands since last week from Lahore to the capital Islamabad when he was attacked. Khan suffered at least one bullet wound to his right leg when a gunmen sprayed pistol fire at his modified container truck as it drove slowly through a thick crowd in Wazirabad, around 170 kilometres (105 miles) east of Islamabad. "Everyone who was standing in the very front row got hit," former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, who was standing behind Khan, told AFP. Senior aide Raoof Hasan said it was "an attempt to kill him, to assassinate him". Chaudhry said party officials would meet later Friday to discuss the immediate fate of Khan's campaign march. "The real freedom long march will continue and the movement for people's rights will remain until an announcement on the general elections," he tweeted. - Threats - Party officials also called for supporters to stage rallies and marches across the country after Friday afternoon prayers, the most important of the week. Protesters lit fires and blocked roads in several cities late Thursday as news of Khan's shooting spread. His campaign truck has become a crime scene for now, cordoned off and guarded by commandos as forensic experts comb the area. Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Thursday the attacker had been taken into custody. Officials shared an apparent confession video that was circulating online. "I did it because (Khan) was misleading the public," says a dishevelled man in the leaked video, shown with his hands tied behind his back in what appears to be a police station. He says he was angry with the procession for making a racket during the call to prayer that summons Muslims to the mosque five times a day. Pervaiz Elahi, the chief minister of Punjab, said officers who leaked the video would be disciplined. Pakistan has been grappling with Islamist militancy for decades, with right-wing religious groups having huge sway over the population. It has been no stranger to assassination attempts during decades of political instability, and the powerful military has led the country several times. Pakistan's first prime minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, was shot dead at a rally in Rawalpindi in 1951. Another former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, was killed in 2007 when a huge bomb detonated near her vehicle as she greeted supporters in the city of Rawalpindi. - Kicked from power - Khan was booted from office in April by a no-confidence vote after defections by some of his coalition partners, but he retains huge support. He was voted into power in 2018 on an anti-corruption platform by an electorate tired of dynastic politics, but his mishandling of the economy -- and falling out with a military accused of helping his rise -- sealed his fate. Since then, he has railed against the establishment and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, which he says was imposed on Pakistan by a "conspiracy" involving the United States. Khan and Shehbaz have for months traded bitter accusations of corruption and incompetence, raising the political temperature in a nation that is frequently at boiling point. Khan has repeatedly told supporters he was prepared to die for the country, and aides have long warned of unspecified threats made on his life. The attack drew international condemnation including from the United States, which had uneasy relations with Khan when he was in power. "Violence has no place in politics, and we call on all parties to refrain from violence, harassment and intimidation," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. sjd/fox/ecl/pbt/dhc Patients spend the night outside a hospital after abandoning their rooms following a powerful earthquake that rocked Surigao city, Surigao del Norte province, in the southern Philippines, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017. Officials said, the powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5, caused an undetermined number of casualties, damaged roads and buildings, including the airport, and knocked power out. (AP Photo) SURIGAO, Philippines (AP) Philippine officials on Sunday warned survivors of a powerful earthquake that left at least eight people dead in the country's south to ensure their homes and buildings are sturdy enough before venturing back amid continuing aftershocks. A strong aftershock alarmed residents, some of whom screamed in fear, while waiting for President Rodrigo Duterte to arrive to console earthquake survivors gathered in a gymnasium in the hard-hit capital of Surigao del Norte province. The magnitude 6.7 quake struck late Friday, killing at least eight people, injuring more than 200 and damaging the main provincial airport and about 1,000 houses in Surigao, officials said. Some residents said the shaking was so strong they could not stand up to rush out of their houses. Officials appealed for volunteer engineers to help check the stability of damaged schools, hospitals, malls, hotels and other buildings, especially in the provincial capital of Surigao city, which has been placed under a state of calamity to ensure a rapid release of emergency funds and prevent food hoarding. Power was restored Sunday in some parts of the city. "Our call is do not return hastily after the strong quake," said Romina Marasigan, spokeswoman of the government's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. "We have to ensure that our residences are safe." "The critical infrastructures the schools, the hospitals and offices that provide services should also be checked if they are still safe for use," she said. "We are again reiterating our appeal for help from civil and structural engineers to ensure the safety of the people." Renato Solidum, who heads the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology, said at least 137 aftershocks had hit following the quake. "Aftershocks are normal after a strong earthquake. Typically, these may last for days, up to weeks," he said. Story continues Among the structures damaged by the quake were 12 schools, six bridges and some shopping malls, many of which had visible cracks, shattered glass windows and damaged canopies. The quake may have busted tap water pipes, limiting supply in Surigao city, which lies about 700 kilometers (430 miles) southeast of Manila, and three outlying towns, officials said. Duterte arrived more than three hours late in Surigao city because his entourage had to make a detour following the closure of its airport due to deep cracks in its runway. He later expressed sympathy and pledged financial help to quake survivors needing medical treatment. The Philippines sits in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where earthquakes and volcanoes are common. The last major earthquake that struck Surigao, an impoverished region also dealing with a communist insurgency, was in 1879, Solidum said. A magnitude 7.7 quake killed nearly 2,000 people on the northern island of Luzon in 1990. Following Friday's quake, communist guerrillas declared an indefinite cease-fire in quake-hit areas to foster rehabilitation work and help people recover faster from the calamity. "Rest assured we will not do any harm to the military as long as they will not come to our areas," Comrade Oto, a regional rebel spokesman, said in a statement. ___ Associated Press writer Jim Gomez in Manila contributed to this report. AFP News Pope Francis warned the world is on the edge of a "delicate precipice" and buffeted by "winds of war" as he held inter-faith talks with one of Sunni Islam's top leaders in Bahrain on Friday. The 85-year-old Argentine decried the "opposing blocs" of East and West, a veiled reference to the standoff over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in a speech to religious leaders in the tiny Gulf state. "We continue to find ourselves on the brink of a delicate precipice and we do not want to fall," he told an audience including Bahrain's king and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Cairo's prestigious Al-Azhar mosque. "A few potentates are caught up in a resolute struggle for partisan interests, reviving obsolete rhetoric, redesigning spheres of influence and opposing blocs," he added. "We appear to be witnessing a dramatic and childlike scenario: in the garden of humanity, instead of cultivating our surroundings, we are playing instead with fire, missiles and bombs." The pope's visit, aimed at strengthening relations with Islam, comes with the Ukraine war in its ninth month, and as tensions grow on the Korean peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who met Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in September, told journalists that there had been "a few small signs" of progress in negotiations with Moscow, warning that peace initiatives should not be "exploited for other goals". Francis, who is on his second visit to the wealthy Gulf, later met privately with al-Tayeb, with whom he signed a Muslim-Christian manifesto for peace in the United Arab Emirates in 2019. "This meeting has great symbolic importance, both locally and internationally, for promoting peace and peaceful co-existence between different religions and civilisations," said Hala Ramzi Fayez, a Christian and member of Bahrain's parliament. - Sunni, Shiite talks? - Leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics, Francis has placed inter-faith dialogue at the heart of his papacy, visiting other Muslim-majority countries including Egypt, Turkey and Iraq. Al-Tayeb, who met with the pope on previous Middle East visits, also called on Friday for talks between Islam's two main branches, Sunni and Shiite, to settle sectarian differences. Later, the pope addressed 17 members of the Muslim Council of Elders, an international group of Islamic scholars and dignitaries, at the mosque of the Sakhir Royal Palace. He told them dialogue was "the oxygen of peaceful coexistence". "In a world that is increasingly wounded and divided, that beneath the surface of globalisation senses anxiety and fear, the great religious traditions must be the heart that unites the members of the body," he said. He also struck out at the arms trade, a "commerce of death" that he said was "turning our common home into one great arsenal". The pope, who is using a wheelchair and a walking stick due to long-standing knee problems, began the first papal visit to Bahrain on Thursday by hitting out at the death penalty and urging respect for human rights and better conditions for workers. Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, Bahrain's minister of finance and national economy, insisted the country has "led the region" with its criminal justice reforms. "We have some of the most robust and wide-ranging human rights and criminal justice protections in the region," the minister told AFP on Friday. "There are very well-established channels through which any of these critics can go, well established institutions of accountability," he said, adding that the pope's comments on the death penalty did not single out Bahrain. "It is important to note that that reference... was a general reference to countries around the world," the minister said. Bahrain has executed six people since 2017, when it carried out its first execution in seven years. Some of the condemned were convicted following a 2011 uprising put down with military support from neighbouring Saudi Arabia. cmk-lar/par/ho/th/dwo DAMASCUS President Bashar Assad of Syria will leave office whenever the Syrian people dont want me, he told Yahoo News in an exclusive interview in Damascus. Assad, whose country has been racked by a civil war that has created nearly 5 million refugees, was elected in 2014 to a seven-year term (his third) with nearly 90 percent of the vote. The election, which was held only in government-controlled areas, was widely denounced as a farce. Assads willingness to step down was contingent on first defeating the terrorists and establishing a national unity government after dialogue between the Syrians about the future of Syria. He added that there would need to be a public consensus on his leaving. Asked how he would know if there was such a consensus, he said it was something you can sense, you can feel and then if you want to do something documented, you can have [a] referendum. _____ As with all interviews granted by Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content. Full interview Read more from the Yahoo News Exclusive interview with Syrian President Assad: AFP News Zhang Yao recalls the moment he realised something had gone deeply wrong at the Chinese mega-factory where he and hundreds of thousands of other workers assembled iPhones and other high-end electronics. In early October, supervisors suddenly warned him that 3,000 colleagues had been taken into quarantine after someone tested positive for Covid-19 at the factory. "They told us not to take our masks off," Zhang, speaking under a pseudonym for fear of retaliation, told AFP by telephone. What followed was a weeks-long ordeal including food shortages and the ever-present fear of infection, before he finally escaped on Tuesday. Zhang's employer, Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn, has said it faces a "protracted battle" against infections and imposed a "closed loop" bubble around its sprawling campus in central China's Zhengzhou city. Local authorities locked down the area surrounding the major Apple supplier's factory on Wednesday, but not before reports emerged of employees fleeing on foot and a lack of adequate medical care at the plant. China is the last major economy committed to a zero-Covid strategy, persisting with snap lockdowns, mass testing and lengthy quarantines in a bid to stamp out emerging outbreaks. But new variants have tested officials' ability to snuff out flare-ups and dragged down economic activity with the threat of sudden disruptions. - Desperation - Multiple workers have recounted scenes of chaos and increasing disorganisation at Foxconn's complex of workshops and dormitories, which form a city-within-a-city near Zhengzhou's airport. Zhang told AFP that "positive tests and double lines (on antigen tests) had become a common sight" in his workshop before he left. "Of course we were scared, it was so close to us." "People with fevers are not guaranteed to receive medicine," another Foxconn worker, a 30-year-old man who also asked to remain anonymous, told AFP. "We are drowning," he said. Those who decided to stop working were not offered meals at their dormitories, Zhang said, adding that some were able to survive on personal stockpiles of instant noodles. Kai, a worker at in the complex who gave an interview to state-owned Sanlian Lifeweek, told the magazine Foxconn's "closed loop" involved cordoning off paths between dormitory compounds and the factory, and complained he was left to his own devices after being thrown in quarantine. TikTok videos geolocated by AFP showed mounds of uncollected rubbish outside buildings in late October, while employees in N95 masks squeezed onto packed shuttle buses taking them from dormitories to their work stations. A 27-year-old woman working at Foxconn, who asked not to be named, told AFP a roommate who tested positive for Covid was sent back to her dormitory on Thursday morning, crying, after she decided to hand in her notice while in quarantine. "Now the three of us are living in the same room: one a confirmed case and two of us testing positive on the rapid test, still waiting for our nucleic acid test results," the worker told AFP. Many became so desperate by the end of last month that they attempted to walk back to their hometowns to get around Covid transport curbs. As videos of people dragging their suitcases down motorways and struggling up hills spread on Chinese social media, the authorities rushed in to do damage control. The Zhengzhou city government on Sunday said it had arranged for special buses to take employees back to their hometowns. Surrounding Henan province has officially reported a spike of more than 600 Covid cases since the start of this week. - Distrust - When Zhang finally attempted to leave the Foxconn campus on Tuesday, he found the company had set up obstacle after obstacle. "There were people with loudspeakers advertising the latest Foxconn policy, saying that each day there would be a 400 yuan ($55) bonus," Zhang told AFP. A crowd of employees gathered at a pick-up point in front of empty buses but were not let on. People in hazmat suits, known colloquially as "big whites" in China, claimed they had been sent by the city government. "They tried to persuade people to stay in Zhengzhou... and avoid going home," Zhang said. "But when we asked to see their work ID, they had nothing to show us, so we suspected they were actually from Foxconn." Foxconn pointed to the local government's lockdown orders from Wednesday when asked by AFP if it attempted to stop employees from leaving, without giving any further response. The company had on Sunday said it was "providing employees with complimentary three meals a day" and cooperating with the government to provide transport home. Eventually, the crowd of unhappy workers who had gathered decided to take matters into their own hands and walked over seven kilometres on foot to the nearest highway entry ramp. There, more people claiming to be government officials pleaded with the employees to wait for the bus. The crowd had no choice as the road was blocked. Buses eventually arrived at five in the afternoon -- nearly nine hours after Zhang had begun his attempt to secure transport. "They were trying to grind us down," he said. Back in his hometown, Zhang is now waiting out the home quarantine period required by the local government. "All I feel is, I've finally left Zhengzhou," he told AFP. bur-tjx/oho/je/mca/cwl 2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #6 Posted on 12 February 2017 by John Hartz Story of the Week... La Nina Update... Toon of the Week... Quote of the Week... Graphic of the Week... SkS in the News... Photo of the Week... SkS Spotlights... Video of the Week... Coming Soon on SkS... Poster of the Week... Climate Feedback Reviews... SkS Week in Review... 97 Hours of Consensus... Story of the Week... Humans causing climate to change 170 times faster than natural forces Researchers behind Anthropocene equation say impact of peoples intense activity on Earth far exceeds that of natural events spread across millennia Photograph: ISS/NASA For the first time, researchers have developed a mathematical equation to describe the impact of human activity on the earth, finding people are causing the climate to change 170 times faster than natural forces. The equation was developed in conjunction with Professor Will Steffen, a climate change expert and researcher at the Australian National University, and was published in the journal The Anthropocene Review. The authors of the paper wrote that for the past 4.5bn years astronomical and geophysical factors have been the dominating influences on the Earth system. The Earth system is defined by the researchers as the biosphere, including interactions and feedbacks with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and upper lithosphere. But over the past six decades human forces have driven exceptionally rapid rates of change in the Earth system, the authors wrote, giving rise to a period known as the Anthropocene. Human activities now rival the great forces of nature in driving changes to the Earth system, the paper said. Steffen and his co-researcher, Owen Gaffney, from the Stockholm Resilience Centre, came up with an Anthropocene Equation to determine the impact of this period of intense human activity on the earth Humans causing climate to change 170 times faster than natural forces by Melissa Davey, Guardian, Feb 12, 2017 Journal reference: The Anthropocene Review, doi: 10.1177/2053019616688022 Also see: Simple equation shows how human activity is trashing the planet by Owen Gaffney, New Scientist, Feb 10, 2017 La Nina Update... Well, that was quick! The ocean surface in the tropical Pacific is close to average for this time of year, putting an end to La Nina, and forecasters expect that it will hover around average for a few months. Lets dig in to what happened during January, and what the forecast looks like. February 2017 ENSO update: bye-bye, La Nina! by Emily Becker, NOAA's Climate.gov, Feb 9, 2017 Toon of the Week... Quote of the Week... As Gavin Schmidt, Director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Principal Investigator for the GISS ModelE Earth System Model, put it, In science, nothing is ever known perfectly. Is there remaining uncertainty in the exact value of gravity? Yes. But to something like the fourth decimal place. It doesnt matter. So the question is: Is the remaining uncertainty relevant to any policy decision anyone would want to make? And the answer is: no. How the New Climate Denial Is Like the Old Climate Denial: Both are excuses for inaction. by Meehan Crist, The Atlantic, Feb 10, 2017 Graphic of the Week... Arctic 2.0: What happens after all the ice goes? by Julia Rosen, Nature, Feb 8, 2017 SkS in the News... John Cook's article, What do gorilla suits and blowfish fallacies have to do with climate change? originally published in the Conversation US has been reposted on a number of news sites including: SFGate, Photo of the Week... From the "Death of Evidence" rally in Ottawa, 2012. All images by Richard Webster Canadas Censored Scientists Are Helping American Researchers Resist Trump by Stephen Buranyi, Motherboard, Feb 9, 2017 SkS Spotlights... The Stockholm Resilience Centre is an international research centre at Stockholm University that focuses on the resilience of social-ecological systems. The centre is a transdisciplinary initiative between Stockholm University and the Beijer International Institute of Ecological Economics at The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. It also offers a Masters programmes on social-ecological resilience and has its own PhD Research school. Research at the Stockholm Resilience Centre is transdisciplinary but organized within the following areas: Adaptive governance, knowledge generation and social networks studies how the different aspects of governance and knowledge groups interact to provide resilience against global challenges. studies how the different aspects of governance and knowledge groups interact to provide resilience against global challenges. Governance of marine systems aims to secure the oceans' ability to continue to provide ecosystem services. aims to secure the oceans' ability to continue to provide ecosystem services. Governing freshwater works on ways to improve freshwater green water and blue water flows. works on ways to improve freshwater green water and blue water flows. Regime shifts focuses on sudden and often dramatic changes in social-ecological systems and the subsequent reorganization focuses on sudden and often dramatic changes in social-ecological systems and the subsequent reorganization Global and cross-level dynamics studies the interactions between human activities and Earth's environment, particularly how local and regional drivers can generate global-scale changes studies the interactions between human activities and Earth's environment, particularly how local and regional drivers can generate global-scale changes Urban social-ecological systems studies the challenges posed by urbanization and the transformation of rural, peri-urban and urban landscapes. Source: Wikipedia Video of the Week... NOAA vs Mail on Sunday FACT CHECK, potholer54, YouTube, Feb 9, 2017 Coming Soon on SkS... Why claiming that climate scientists are in it for the money is absurd (Baerbel) (Baerbel) Trump can save his presidency by saving the climate (Dana) (Dana) Loyola's ignorance in Forbes (Sarah) (Sarah) Guest Post (John Abraham) (John Abraham) Elevator Pitches - Chapter 01 - Ancient Sunlight (Rob Honeycutt) (Rob Honeycutt) 2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #7 (John Hartz) (John Hartz) 2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Waming Digest #7 (John Hartz) Poster of the Week... Alliance for Climate Education Climate Feedback Reviews... Climate Feedback asked its network of scientists to review the article, The big melt: Global sea ice at record low by Doyle Rice, USA Today, Feb 8, 2017 Twelve scientists analyzed the article and estimated its overall scientific credibility to be very high. Click here to access the detailed review. SkS Week in Review... 97 Hours of Consensus... Heidi Cullen's bio page & Quote source High resolution JPEG (1024 pixels wide) doomsday prep If a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other unforeseen apocalypse hits the US, doomsday preppers will be ready. They've already been stockpiling food, buying water filters, and hatching escape plans in some cases for years. Recently, preppers seem to have found another reason for concern: Donald Trump's election. At least a handful of American prepping supply companies have seen spikes in sales since Election Day. My Patriot Supply, an Idaho-based emergency supplies company, doubled its online sales during the week of Inauguration Day compared to the same week in 2016, marketing VP Keith Bansemer tells Business Insider. In the three months leading up to Election Day, it also experienced triple the normal amount of sales. "Nationwide, we were working non-stop in shifts around the clock," Bansemer says. The company handles online orders from both blue and red states in rural and urban areas. But there has been a huge sales surge in cities since the election, including Boston, St. Louis, and Dallas, where customers often express worry that they won't be able to reach a grocery store during a crisis, Bansemer says. Recently, My Patriot Supply's most popular items have been two-week and four-week food kits as well as water filtration systems. The food kits which contain comfort foods like pizza and soups are customer favorites don't expire for 20 years. Doomsday Prep, which has a storefront in Georgia, also noticed increases in online orders around Election Day and Inauguration Day, owner David Sanders tells BI. Since the election, it has seen more than a 15% growth in year-over-year sales, especially in products like pre-packaged meals, first aid kits, and evacuation bags. Trump's election has caused some to feel more fear according to Bansemer, which he believes has persuaded more people to start prepping. "I often hear 'I don't know what's going on anymore,' 'everything seems to be changing,' 'this is not good, so I think I need to be able to protect myself,' or 'I'm not going to depend on the government if there's a threat,'" he says. Story continues When talking with Doomsday Prep customers, Sanders says many feel more worried about the economy. "Economic collapse is a real and looming scenario that we've seen more and more American's prepare for," he says. Bansemer predicts that prepping is only going to become more mainstream over the next four years. Everyone from from middle-aged moms to Silicon Valley's super-rich shop at My Patriot Supply. The other day, a wealthy tech executive ordered four one-year food kits, which each includes 1,800 servings. The order totaled $7,000. "Prepping used to be something a few people did end-of-the-world doomsday types and didn't tell anybody," Bansemer says. "That's not who's calling. I have more mothers trying to protect their families that you would think." NOW WATCH: PayPal's CEO reveals the 2 key trends that are driving the fintech revolution More From Business Insider COLUMBUS The Nebraska150 Celebrations largest project plans stops in 42 towns this year, including Beatrice, Hebron, Seward, Wahoo and York. Truckin Through Nebraska: A Mobile Childrens Museum" was created under the guidance of the Omaha Childrens Museum. We wanted to make sure to hit places where we would be one to two hours away from every Nebraska child, said Regan Anson, executive director of Nebraska150 Celebration. Truckin Through Nebraska will be a hands-on childrens museum created as part of the celebration of Nebraskas 150th year of statehood. The mobile museum will tour the state from April through September, although specific dates in many cases have not yet been set. The museum will be contained in a state-of-the-art double-wide trailer specifically designed for traveling museum exhibits. The trailer, which will be handicapped-accessible, includes GPS tracking and WiFi and will be climate-controlled. The museum, with exhibits both inside and outside the trailer, will be geared toward children ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome. Admission is free. Plans are for the tour to begin in early April at the Omaha Childrens Museum, an appropriate starting point, Anson said. They helped design the exhibit," Anson said. "They have been instrumental and invaluable in guiding us through this process. Other known location dates are North Platte for the Nebraskaland Days parade June 17 and Grand Island for the Nebraska State Fair, which runs from Aug. 25 to Sept. 4. The museum will also be in Lincoln for A Salute to the Good Life, a celebration that marks the conclusion of festivities set for Sept. 22-23 at Centennial Mall. More information about the Nebraska150 Celebration can be found at ne150.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/nebraska150 and on Twitter, @ne150. The Campaign Against Arms Trade has accused the Government of unlawfully failing to suspend the sale of UK arms to Saudi Arabia, despite evidence the Gulf state is guilty of 'repeated and serious breaches' of international humanitarian law: PA Government ministers reportedly came within hours of suspending controversial UK arms exports to Saudi Arabia, official documents have shown. On 12 February last year, Sajid Javid, the then Business Secretary, threatened to end the exports by the end of the day, The Observer reports. Court documents show that Mr Javid wanted both former Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon to back continuing the exports, otherwise he would suspend them. A briefing document seen by The Observer, written by an MoD official for Sir Michael, said: the Business Secretary has indicated he will suspend exports if he does not have the cross-government agreement by the end of [the day]. It came as the Government was considering how to respond to a legal challenge brought by campaigners to force ministers to stop issuing export licences for weapons to Saudi Arabia. Part of the document states: Following the advice of senior government lawyers and the Foreign Secretary, the Business Secretary is prepared not to suspend export licences to Saudi Arabia. The next paragraph added that he is considering suspending all export licences related to the campaign in Yemen. However, in the result of an unfavourable judgement in a judicial review it is not clear which export licences would be suspended. The document was disclosed as part of High Court proceedings over the continued sale of arms to Saudi Arabia. The Campaign Against Arms Trade has accused the Government of unlawfully failing to suspend the sale of UK arms to Saudi Arabia, despite evidence that the Gulf state is guilty of repeated and serious breaches of international humanitarian law. The group argues UK fighter jets and bombs sent to the desert kingdom have been used in the conflict in Yemen, in which thousands have died. It recently emerged that the Government refused to stop the sale of bombs to Saudi Arabia after it was privately advised to do so by the top civil servant in charge of weapons exports control. Story continues Edward Bell, head of the Governments Export Control Organisation, told Mr Javid it would be prudent and cautious to stop selling to the Saudi regime amid widespread reports of war crimes by its military in Yemen. The war, which has raged since March 2015, has killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, and unleashed a humanitarian crisis in the poorest country in the Middle East. Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal Mexicos drug cartels earn billions of dollars in profits as they funnel heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana into drug-hungry countries, including the United States. Crime, death and ruined lives flow right along with those drugs to places as varied as New York City, West Virginia coal country, Albuquerque, Espanola and western Europe. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the cartels rival international corporations in size and reach. The drugs they peddle are cheaper and more plentiful than ever before, claiming thousands of victims every year. The Albuquerque Journal today begins a six-part investigative report on a criminal enterprise wreaking havoc across the country. FIRST IN A SERIES You dont have to look south across the border to see the Mexican drug cartels in operation. They are operating right next door. Heroin rings and methamphetamine dealers with direct connections to international drug traffickers based in Mexico have operated out of stash houses in Albuquerques Northeast Heights, horse ranches in Valencia County, communities on the Navajo Nation and small towns a stones throw from the Mexican border. And while we in New Mexico focus on drug-fueled property crimes such as auto theft and horrific violence such as the murders of 10-year-old Victoria Martens and Rio Rancho police officer Gregg Nigel Benner, our state is much more than a local market. It is a primary corridor for the cartels to ship drugs nationwide. Federal law enforcement estimates the Sinaloa Cartel alone controls somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of illegal drugs used in the United States. It supplies dealers in cities and states including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, New England, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Mexico. The Juarez Cartel supplies heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana dealers in North Carolina, Alabama, Oklahoma, Minnesota, New Mexico and parts of Texas. There is plenty of proof of Mexican cartel operations in New Mexico, as evidenced by some of the operations taken down by law enforcement. For example: In May 2012, Luis Rangel and his brother, Miguel, set up shop in Shiprock, on the Navajo reservation. Their business: selling methamphetamine obtained from the Sinaloa Cartel in Phoenix to their Navajo neighbors and in the nearby community of Kirtland, just off the reservation. Since the 1990s, members of Ivan Romeros family have run a tight-knit distribution network that cornered the heroin market in Taos County, serving addicts in the villages and towns of northern New Mexico with heroin imported through Albuquerque from Mexico. In Albuquerque, Jesus Munoz Lechuga ran an auto body shop in the far South Valley, receiving cocaine, marijuana and heroin from La Linea faction of the Juarez Cartel and then shipping it to Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Illinois and Alabama. Homero Varela ran a racehorse business in Valencia County when federal law enforcement broke up the Sinaloa Cartel associates $15 million cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana business. At the time of his arrest in July 2015 in Roswell, Joseph Mendiola and his associates were caught by federal and local agents holding 16 pounds of methamphetamine, most of it coming from the Phoenix area and delivered by Francisco Aguilar-Larios. The methamphetamine was destined for sale across the southeastern part of the state. From his home in Socorro, Carlos Tafoya Jr. turned out to be one of three suppliers of highly pure methamphetamine to dealers for $800 to $1,200 an ounce who then sold it in smaller amounts on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. In the past year, federal agents have broken up two methamphetamine and heroin rings operating in and around Sunland Park, often following the drugs as couriers crossed the bridges in El Paso and made their deliveries in the small New Mexico city. Big business Estimates on how much money the cartels make each year vary widely. A RAND Corp. study estimated that $6.6 billion in drug profits make it back to Mexico from the United States. Other studies place the figure much higher, in the $40 billion range. Those figures are meaningless to drug addicts paying $20 for two-tenths of a gram of heroin in Questa. And the reality is that only a portion of that $20 is going back to Mexico. How big a portion depends on whether the seller was a dealer with a specific cartel or working for a local drug trafficking group that would keep a larger portion of the $20. Law enforcement has the same problem when estimating the size of the cartels. One study says there are 150,000 members of the Sinaloa Cartel. Another says most of those people are independent contractors and there are only 150 real members of the cartel. Whichever is correct, the enterprise is massive. And the cartels are hard to crack along with being big and profitable. Cartel operations are so compartmentalized that most people working for the organization couldnt tell you the names of more than 10 co-workers. And virtually all of them would prefer some time in a U.S. prison to giving up significant information. In fact, a sentence of less than 10 years in a U.S. prison is a badge of honor and good resume building. Under any estimate, the drug profits taken in by the cartels are immense, rivaling those of any international corporation. All these operations, small and large, track the drugs they sell back to two of Mexicos six major transnational criminal organizations the Juarez and Sinaloa cartels. Will Glaspy, Drug Enforcement Administration special agent in charge of the El Paso division, is responsible for an area that extends from the Big Bend area in Texas to the New Mexico-Arizona line. If you look at that entire area, were still seeing marijuana, were seeing cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, Glaspy said. If you look at the last four, five years of seizure data, cocaine is the only seizure stat that I have that is going down. Marijuana, meth and heroin are all going up. Seizures may be going down in some corridors, but not in our corridor. Death toll The death toll keeps rising, right along with the flow of illegal drugs and prescription opioids which in some respects is a different but related problem. Heroin and opioid addiction have grabbed New Mexicos headlines over the past few years as the state either led the nation or was near the top in the percentage of people dying of drug overdoses. Last year, the state improved to eighth nationally partly as a result of efforts to stem the problem and treat addicts and partly because death tolls jumped in other states. In rural and urban New Mexico, health officials, police and federal law enforcement use the word epidemic so often the word loses its impact. Nationwide, more than 47,000 people died of drug overdoses in 2014 more than were killed by firearms or in car accidents. More than half of those died of overdoses of prescription drugs, either legally or illegally purchased. But there were more than 10,000 heroin overdose deaths last year, and the number of methamphetamine overdose deaths appears to be rising. The exact number of heroin addicts in the United States has always been a moving target as addicts die, enter treatment, go to jail or prison and new initiates start using. But from 2007 to 2014, the number of new heroin users doubled from 106,000 a year to 212,000 a year, according to federal health officials. Some of the most tragic are young people who start on prescription drugs and switch to cheaper and readily available heroin. The national estimate for methamphetamine users in 2014 was 1.3 million up from almost 1.2 million in 2013. Meanwhile, the price of methamphetamine the drug the people charged in the sexual assault and murder of 10-year-old Victoria Martens in Albuquerque allegedly were high on has dropped from a high of more than $250 a gram in 2007 to below $50 in 2015. And the purity of the drug on the street exceeds 90 percent, making it cheaper and stronger than cocaine or crack cocaine. That follows the same pattern established by Mexican heroin, prices of which have fallen to less than $40 a gram to dealers who in turn sell to addicts. Drug crime It is accepted law enforcement wisdom that illegal drugs drive crime in communities. Most violent and property crime ties back to drugs, said Deputy APD Chief Eric Garcia. Both heroin and methamphetamine are extremely addictive, he said. Were finding more polydrug users. Meth users take heroin to come down from their high. As a result, were seeing more polydrug dealers on the street. Last year, agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and APD ran an undercover operation in Albuquerque expecting to make gun and drug deals with up to 50 career criminals. They made 104 cases in four months, almost overwhelming the ability of the U.S. Attorneys Office to handle. While heroin overdose deaths caught the attention of health officials, law enforcement usually ranks methamphetamine abuse as a greater threat to public safety than heroin addiction. The crimes with meth tend to be more heinous, more shocking, Garcia said. And New Mexico is no stranger to the horrific crimes linked to both drugs. Among them: There was methamphetamine running through Andrew Romeros bloodstream when he shot and killed Rio Rancho Police Officer Gregg Nigel Benner in May 2015 while planning a robbery to pay for more drugs during a 25-day drug and robbery binge. Davon Lymon was slinging heroin and arranging a heroin buy for a 17-year-old girl when he allegedly shot and killed Albuquerque police officer Daniel Webster during a traffic stop on East Central in October 2015. Fabian Gonzales was a regular meth user for years, before he was charged in the grisly murder of his girlfriends 10-year-old daughter, Victoria Martens, last summer. Victorias mother, Michelle Martens, and Jessica Kelly are also charged with first-degree murder and intentional abuse of a child, among many other offenses. A 13-year-old girl on the Mescalero Apache Reservation was brutally assaulted by two other teens, both of whom were high on methamphetamine. The only thing the crimes have in common is drugs, and the drugs all come from Mexico cheaper and stronger than ever. Video As a bonus to our readers, Journal investigative reporter Mike Gallagher provides additional background and insights about the Juarez and Sinaloa cartels in video interviews. https://abqjournal.com/946286/cartels.htm Six major Mexican cartels control drug smuggling corridors within Mexico and on the U.S.-Mexican border. Two of them, the Juarez and Sinaloa cartels, are significant players in New Mexico. Taken as a group, the Mexican cartels now control more than 90 percent of the heroin and methamphetamine traffic in the United States. They also supply most of the cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl and other drugs to the illicit U.S. drug market and to Europe and Africa. The Sinaloa Cartel has attempted to set up operations in Australia and the Philippines. The U.S. Department of Justice refers to the cartels as transnational criminal organizations, or TCOs, and they run like efficient corporate enterprises. While Juarez and Sinaloa are the key players here, other Mexican trafficking organizations are allowed to smuggle drug shipments through their border corridors with the payment of a tax, or access fee. All of these organizations have flexible drug distribution networks at various locations in the United States that act as wholesale suppliers for local and regional street gangs that conduct retail-level distribution operations. Only the big Mexican drug organizations operating in the U.S. report directly to cartel leaders in Mexico. Most of the independent contractors operating in the U.S. deal with them through intermediaries usually a relative who can buy the drugs in Mexico, pay the cartel its taxes and get another contractor to move the drugs into the U.S. Many of the cartel operators in the U.S. dont carry weapons and try to avoid violence because it attracts law enforcement attention. But the cartels have directed killings of known informers in the United States. Its a different story on their home turf, where the cartels are brutal beheading rivals, hanging bodies from highway overpasses or piling up the heads of their rivals in town squares. Cartels like Los Zetas and the New Generation Jalisco Cartel have large followings on social media, and supporters regularly castigate local media when stories of cartel crimes are reported. Here are brief sketches of the major cartels: SINALOA It is one of the oldest and most established drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. It actually consists of several cartels and numerous drug trafficking organizations that work together. Though its birthplace and stronghold is the Mexican state of Sinaloa, the Sinaloa Cartel controls various regions in Mexico, particularly along the Pacific Coast. Additionally, it maintains the most expansive international footprint of the Mexican cartels. The Sinaloa Cartel exports and distributes wholesale amounts of methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine and heroin in the United States by maintaining key distribution hubs in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver and Chicago, among other cities. Drugs distributed by the Sinaloa Cartel are primarily smuggled into the United States through crossing points along Mexicos border with California, Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas. With the arrest and extradition of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, Ismael Zambada-Garcia, alias Mayo, and Damaso Lopez-Nunez, alias El Licenciado, are believed to be the current key leaders. BELTRAN-LEYVA Some U.S. law enforcement intelligence analysts have argued that this cartel should be downgraded to a drug trafficking organization. Formed after the Beltran-Leyva brothers split from the Sinaloa Cartel in 2008, it fought a long and bitter war with the Sinaloa Cartel. All the Beltran-Leyva brothers have been killed or arrested; one is doing time in a U.S. federal prison. The remnants of the organization operate independently in the Mexican states of Guerrero, Morelos and Sinaloa and rely on alliances with the Juarez Cartel and Los Zetas for access to smuggling corridors along the central and eastern Mexican-U.S. border. The organization can still move large quantities of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine and maintains distribution hubs in Phoenix, Los Angeles and Atlanta. NEW GENERATION JALISCO CARTEL It is usually referred to by its Spanish-language initials, CJNG, and is the most recently formed of the six cartels, breaking off from the Sinaloa Cartel in July 2010. It is based in the Mexican state of Jalisco, particularly its capital city of Guadalajara. CJNG deals in wholesale amounts of primarily methamphetamine, but also cocaine, heroin and marijuana. It smuggles drugs into the United States by accessing various trafficking corridors along its southwest border including Tijuana, Juarez and Nuevo Laredo. The CJNG has gained a reputation of being willing to engage Mexican law enforcement and military in violent confrontations, ambushing security forces in rural Jalisco. That has led to retaliation by law enforcement and military that has killed civilians. CJNG has also fought pitched battles with members of the Sinaloa Cartel. U.S. law enforcement believes the CJNG has reached some sort of accommodation with the Juarez Cartel to transport drugs through the areas it controls. GULF The Gulf Cartel once delivered its political payoffs directly to government offices in Mexico City. It is a long-standing cartel, with a traditional base of power in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Gulf Cartel drug trafficking operations concentrate primarily on marijuana and cocaine, and to a lesser extent on heroin and methamphetamine. Due to its territorial dominance over areas in northeastern Mexico, the Gulf Cartel smuggles the majority of its drug shipments between the Rio Grande Valley and South Padre Island in South Texas. The Gulf Cartel maintains key distribution hubs in Houston and Atlanta and has been linked to drug supplies in Arkansas and Michigan. In recent years, ongoing battles with Los Zetas and the arrest of key leaders in Mexico have led to a decline in its influence. JUAREZ The Juarez Cartel is one of the oldest, formed in the early 1990s. The Mexican state of Chihuahua, south of West Texas and New Mexico, represents the traditional stronghold of the Juarez Cartel. Proving its resilience, the Juarez Cartel endured a multiyear turf war with the Sinaloa Cartel, which, at its height in mid-2010, registered thousands of drug-related murders in Chihuahua. Members of the Barrio Azteca gang, based in Juarez and El Paso, were convicted of killing employees of the American consulate in Juarez in the middle of the war with the Sinaloa Cartel. Though not as expansive as its major rival, the Juarez Cartel continues to affect U.S. drug consumer markets, primarily in Denver, Chicago, Oklahoma and Kansas City. The Juarez Cartel once controlled almost all the cocaine traffic through Mexico but now is a multidrug operation. LOS ZETAS Los Zetas was the enforcement arm of the Gulf Cartel, originally formed from Mexican army units that received U.S. anti-drug training. Most of those original members are dead or in prison. The group splintered from the Gulf Cartel in early 2010. Los Zetas held territorial sway over large parts of eastern, central and southern Mexico. However, due to pressure from rival cartels, Mexican law enforcement and internal conflicts, the influence of Los Zetas has lessened significantly in recent years. In 2011, members of Los Zetas were charged with the killing of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Jaime Zapata. He and another agent were ambushed by a group of Zetas in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, while on official assignment. Los Zetas smuggles the majority of its illicit drugs via border crossing points between Del Rio and Falcon Lake, Texas. Significant drug supply hubs controlled by Los Zetas are in Dallas, New Orleans and Atlanta. Drug Enforcement Administration agents were waiting for the deal to go down on South Main Street in Belen. They watched as longtime drug dealer Ricky Gallegos, 41, with a history of convictions dating back decades, parked his red Chevy Colorado next to another car. When agents approached Gallegos car and identified themselves, he sped away only to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a pile of dirt. Gallegos, who is paralyzed from the waist down, crawled out of the truck and buried two packages containing a kilogram of methamphetamine in the dirt near the drivers-side door. Agents who were chasing Gallegos saw him try to hide the drugs as they approached the wreck. Gallegos, who has 10 prior state convictions for various drug charges and property crimes some dating back 20 years, said he was asked to deliver the packages containing the drugs, but didnt know who was supposed to receive them. He pleaded guilty to trafficking methamphetamine and was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. An Albuquerque woman whose drivers license was revoked because of a prior drunken driving case was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide by DWI in connection with a fatal crash at Lomas and Pennsylvania on Friday morning. Elaine Sandoval, 33, was driving south on Pennsylvania when she crashed into a car that was going west on Lomas at about 7:45 a.m., according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Elaine Sandoval, 33, was driving south on Pennsylvania when she crashed into a car that was going west on Lomas at about 7:45 a.m., according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Karina Leanos, the driver of the other vehicle, was killed in the wreck, police said in the complaint. Her age was not provided. A Journal photograph of the crash scene showed that both vehicles left the roadway and one had flipped onto its side. An Albuquerque police sergeant attempted to interview Sandoval at the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she was taken after the crash. The sergeant wrote in the complaint that Sandoval smelled of alcohol, and had bloodshot and watery eyes. Sandoval could only moan and nod, but she admitted to being the only person in her vehicle at the time of the crash, the complaint states. Police said a blood sample was collected and will be tested to see if Sandoval was impaired at the time of the crash. A police database showed that Sandovals license was revoked because of a prior drunken driving case, according to the complaint. She is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center on a $35,000 cash or surety bond, according to jail records. It wasnt known if she retained an attorney. A man was arrested Friday on suspicion of raping a woman after he offered her a ride home in September. The woman told police that she was trying to get a ride home from The Downs Racetrack & Casino on Sept. 27, but when she got in the car the man instead took her to the horse stalls at Expo New Mexico, where he ripped off her clothes and raped her in a small room by the stalls, according to a criminal com plaint filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. The woman told police that she was trying to get a ride home from The Downs Racetrack & Casino on Sept. 27, but when she got in the car the man instead took her to the horse stalls at Expo New Mexico, where he ripped off her clothes and raped her in a small room by the stalls, according to a criminal complaint filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. The suspect, Antonio Contano Dominguez, 37, was being held without bond on Saturday. He has been charged with criminal sexual penetration and aggravated battery. The woman told police that when she resisted Dominguez he punched her in the face and then three times in the stomach, according to the complaint. After the assault, he dropped her off at a gas station and the woman got a ride to her home from a passerby. A security guard where she lives then took her to University of New Mexico Hospital, where a rape examination was done, according to the complaint. New Mexico State Police officers were able to see Dominguez drop the woman off at the gas station on security video. They then traced the car he was driving to a woman, who said she was Dominguezs ex-girlfriend, and had his vehicle registered in her name because he was in the country illegally, according to the complaint. A warrant for his arrest was issued Sept. 30. She described him as abusive and scary and said he had previously been deported, the complaint states. New Mexico ranches are drawing visitors from all around the world who want to escape the stresses of 21st-century life to experience the lifestyle of the Old West. Guest ranches offer the chance to ride horses through forests and wide open rangeland, work cattle, enjoy the starry skies and chow down on home cooking. Families, couples, singles and groups of friends choose to stay at guest ranches, sometimes called dude ranches, to unplug and get recharged, said Colleen Hodson, executive director of the Cody, Wyo.-based Dude Ranch Association, which represents 101 ranches in the United States and some in Canada. Although the state Tourism Department doesnt track statistics specific to guest ranch tourism, said spokeswoman Heather Briganti, The department certainly considers dude ranches to be an important part of the overall experience the state is able to provide to visitors. The guest ranches in New Mexico are typically in remote areas, where cellphone coverage is iffy or non-existent and a trip to the nearest store means driving miles of dirt roads. At some ranches guests help work cattle, others offer rides through national forest land or bird watching, hiking or fishing. They usually accommodate fewer than 20 guests and everyone gathers for an evening meal together. Ranch life My advice for anyone considering this type of vacation: go for it! Just leave any preconceptions behind, grab a pair of chaps, and enjoy the camaraderie, said Ann Lokey of Dunedin, Fla., who stayed at the Burnt Well Guest Ranch, one of several such properties in the state. Located about 40 miles southwest of Roswell, Burnt Well is a working family ranch with about 330 head of beef cattle. Owners Kim and Patricia Chesser added the guest business about 14 years ago as a way to supplement their ranching income. Theyve had visitors from all over the United States and 24 other countries. The majority of our guests are folks who want to see what living on a ranch is like, said Kim Chesser. That life experience can include riding out to round up cattle, check fences, help with branding calves and myriad other chores that make up a ranchers day. We did a proper cowboys job. It was hot, dirty hard work, emotional and fantastic, said former Burnt Well guests Mary and Adrian Holmes. The British couple in their fifties, said theyd grown up watching John Wayne movies and The Lone Ranger on TV and wanted the real cowboy experience. The all-inclusive rate for accommodation in the guest lodge, three meals and horse activities is $305 per day for adults, $230 for children 6 to 12 years, $125 3 to 6 years. Children under 3 are free. Patricia Chesser said they usually have no more than a dozen guests at a time, which allows them to tailor menus and activities to guests wishes and to ensure they have suitable horses to match guests riding abilities. Foreign market The Creek Ranch near Santa Rosa in eastern New Mexico is a working guest ranch managed by business partners Andrea Behrens and Claudia Schnettler from Germany. They opened in 2014. What sets them apart from other guest ranches in New Mexico is that they speak German. They advertise mostly in the European market. Carefree, relaxed, tough as nails, horseback riding, sitting around the campfire eating beans and telling stories, says the Creek Ranch website. Many of their guests hail from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden and Norway. They love it over here. We have a lot of returning customers, they like the big house where we share meals, Schnettler said. The ranch is open between April 1 and Oct. 31. It has six guest rooms that can accommodate a maximum of 12 visitors. Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch near the village of Winston, in Sierra County northwest of Truth or Consequences, is not a working ranch but guests can explore on horseback in the meadows, rocky canyons and forested areas of the Gila National Forest. People come here to get away and disconnect, said co-owner Meris Stout. The remote ranch generates all its own power. Meris Stout grew up in Maine but spent vacations on guest ranches in Colorado. Her parents bought Geronimo Trails and she and her husband, Seth Stout, now run it. They have had guests from all over the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland and Canada. They are listed on the Dude Ranch Association website and sites like Equitrekking. They have capacity for up to 16 guests in cabins. The rate is $321 per adult per night for a five- to seven-night stay, which includes meals and activities. Living history Concho Hills Guest Ranch near Magdalena is a cattle ranch. Timothy Norris and his wife, Marilyn Norris, bought the property in 2014 after working as nuclear engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Both had agricultural backgrounds, were avid riders and wanted to stay in New Mexico. They realized they needed to supplement their ranching income. They built six guest rooms and opened the operation in 2015. About half of their guests come from overseas, including from Europe, the Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan. There are three main reasons people want to live the ranch life: the lifestyle change, horse riding and the historical aspect. This is the Old West, said Timothy Norris. They can accommodate up to 12 guests. Activities include riding in the foothills of the San Mateo Mountains or the San Augustin Plains and cowboy-style competition shooting. The nightly rate is $300 per person, which includes meals, lodging and activities. Los Pinos Guest Ranch near Pecos, in northern New Mexico, has been a guest property since the 1920s. It has been owned since 1965 by the McSweeney family. Horse riding is available; its sub-alpine setting offers ample opportunities for bird watching, hiking and fly fishing. Alice McSweeney is the chef, her brother Bill McSweeney is the wrangler. Its open from June 1 through Sept. 30. They have four cabins with room for up to 12 guests. Alice McSweeney said theyve had visitors from throughout the U.S. and from Scotland, France, Germany and Canada. Its popular for family reunions and with couples celebrating an anniversary. The nightly per person rate of $145 includes breakfast, a packed lunch and an evening meal. Horse riding is extra. Information Burnt Well Guest Ranch: Burnt Well Guest Ranch: burntwellguestranch.com , 575-347-2668 The Creek Ranch: creek-ranch.com/content/creek-ranch, 575-472-0472 Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch: geronimoranch.com, 575-772-5157 Concho Hills Guest Ranch: conchohillsranch.com, 575-772-5757 Los Pinos Guest Ranch: lospinosranch.com, 505-757-6213 You cant take it with you but you can leave it here for history. This was the observation made by Donald Chavez as he led officials from Belen Consolidated Schools on a tour of his farm Terra Patre Farm south of Belen. The 20-acre spread is what remains of 200-plus acres of farm and grazing land in the rural part of Valencia County. As his visitors strolled the acreage, fallen cottonwood leaves crunching underfoot, Chavez talks about the value of the New Mexico Dahl sheep that populate the fields, both in terms of heritage and dollars. At 66, Chavez says hes not a spring chicken. Nearly 30 years ago, he bought a small flock of sheep the Dahl that had virtually disappeared from memory for nearly 400 years. Chavez stumbled upon the sheep while writing a historical book about the regions cowboys. During frequent livestock purchases at local auctions, he began to notice there were more and more of the distinctive sheep. The sheep had horns as ewes and rams, similar to the Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep. He searched literature online and in libraries to pinpoint what these rare sheep were, but found there was a scarce amount of information available. Through Spanish journals and archives, Chavez learned hair sheep were brought to New Mexico by the original Spanish settlers. There are family journals where they talk about these borregos de pelo and these sheep actually survived better when they crossed the Rio Bravo, Chavez said. Hair sheep could swim across the river and didnt need to be transported in rafts like wool sheep. Wool sheep would drown while crossing the Rio Grande, since their wool would absorb water and become too heavy for them to carry. With the high interest in wool to make clothes, farmers turned away from hair sheep, Chavez said. The hair sheep relocated to remote mountainous areas in New Mexico and remained there throughout the past 400 years. They went feral and these sheep are very hardy. They thrive on low nutrition, he said. After decades of work, breeding out the characteristics of wool sheep from the hair sheep, Chavez feels he has restored the New Mexico Dahl sheep to its original look. With that accomplishment under his belt, Chavez is now at the point in his life where he is focusing on preserving the breed and his work. Im not sure my kids and grandkids have the same enthusiasm for them as I do, Chavez said. I thought to put the farm and sheep into the trust. He initially approached the city of Belen about it possibly being the caretaker of the property and animals. The administration suggested that he bring the school district in as a partner, allowing students to take advantage of the live, hands-on learning experience of working with a heritage breed of animal. This has gone from about half a dozen sheep to about 100 now, Chavez said. We have about a dozen breeders here in Valencia and Bernalillo counties. People are ordering them from all over the country. Im excited they are making a comeback. Chavez said he wants to create a trust for the land and animals, to preserve the operation for future generations. During a presentation on the sheep and possible formation of a trust by Chavez to the Belen Board of Education, board member Tom Wisneski asked how the sheep would be sustained. Does the acreage do that for feed and water, Wisneski asked. Id hate to take on this awesome thing and fail at it. Chavez said the sheep are hardy and low maintenance, eating whatever grows in the pastures on the farm. He said the pastures do need to be managed and regularly irrigated. Recently at the Gutierrez Hubble House Museum on Isleta Road, they set up an alliance and created a permanent display for the Dahl sheep there, he said. The land belongs to Bernalillo County and it is run and operated by people who love and appreciate the museum. My thought is to do something similar here. He said a weaned lamb sells for about $350, so a successful breeding program could support the farm. In 2013, the New Mexico Legislature recognized the New Mexico Dahl sheep as the only official heritage breed in the state. Chavez said his goal in bringing his idea was to see the sheep continue into the future for the community. This is a way to preserve living history, he said. Clara Apodaca sees the beauty in everything. Whether its the beauty of Dona Ana, her hometown, or the beauty in front of her, say, standing in front of a Georgia OKeeffe painting, the New Mexico native takes it all in. Growing up in Dona Ana, a small unincorporated farming community outside Las Cruces, Apodaca was raised in humble surroundings. Yet because of her mother, she was exposed to theater, music and the arts. That seed slowly grew. Apodaca, 82, has spent her adult life cultivating her passion and becoming known as a stalwart advocate for the arts in New Mexico. The Del Norte Rotary Foundation will honor her on Saturday, Feb. 18. Im honored and humbled, she says of the distinction. Ive never belonged to the Rotary, because as a young woman, the Rotary didnt allow women. Their mission of service above self is something I live by. Making a splash Apodacas public service for the arts in New Mexico began when she became first lady in 1975. She joined her then-husband, Gov. Jerry Apodaca, in Santa Fe. In 1975, she spearheaded the opening of The Governors Gallery, on the fourth floor of the State Capitol. Not only was the gallery a new idea in showcasing New Mexicans artwork, Apodaca wanted to make a splash with its opening. It took her a few months to get the space ready, as it belonged to the Legislature and she needed the approval. After she got the green light, Apodaca was able to secure one of the biggest names in art Georgia OKeeffe. Everybody was making bets that she wouldnt show up (to the opening), she says. She actually stood in line for two hours on a Sunday and greeted everyone. The exhibit stayed up for six weeks and was closely supervised by OKeeffe. Georgia in those years was already in her 80s, and Juan Hamilton has just come into her life, she says. She was eccentric, like most people are. She liked to deal more with the men, and if I wanted to get ahold of her, I would have to get my husband to call her. And she loved New Mexico and enjoyed being in Abiquiu. That statement is quintessential Apodaca witty, but ever the diplomat. Her tiny frame masks a strong drive to achieve high goals and expectations. Furthering her work in the arts, Apodaca became the secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs after the Apodaca administration. The division oversees state museums and parks. During her tenure, she was tasked with starting the museums admissions program. The governor (Toney Anaya) wasnt in favor of that, she says. But the Legislature mandated us to start charging. After leaving the Department of Cultural Affairs, Apodaca headed to Washington, D.C., where she lived for 18 years. From 1993 to 2001, she served in the Clinton administration as a special assistant to the secretary of the Treasury. Return to NM Though she was away from New Mexico, she remained an advocate for the arts. She returned to the Land of Enchantment to serve as the president and CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation. She helped raise funds for the community gallery inside the centers art museum. To this day, the gallery showcases N.M. talent. She held that position for seven years. She retired from that full-time job more than four years ago, but she still sits on five boards. I dont accept a board commitment if I cant give it all, she says. One of the boards she sits on is the Albuquerque Film and Music Experience Foundation. And founder Ivan Wiener has been thrilled to have her. Clara is one of the most respected people in our city, state and throughout the country, Wiener says. Her passion and commitment for growth and sustainability are reflected on a daily basis through her involvement in the community, especially towards the betterment of the arts. Claras impact, both socially and politically, are second to none. When shes not busy working advocating for the arts, the 14th-generation New Mexican spends time with her children and grandchildren. Looking back at her career in public service, Apodaca says she has always had a common goal get New Mexican artists recognized on a national level. I think because I saw so many artists in New Mexico that werent recognized nationally, I made it a mission to correct that, she says. Look at the weavers in northern New Mexico. Or the potters. We have very successful artists in the state. Her legacy will lives on with The Governors Gallery. Weve had probably several million people in the 40 years come see the gallery, she says. That was the reason I wanted to do it. A public servant A few of the foundations Clara Apodaca has served on: Washington Performing Arts Society Board Hitachi Foundation New Mexico First Mayor Berrys Albuquerque Womens Pay Equality Task Force Spanish Colonial Arts Society The International Womens Forum/ New Mexico Albuquerque Film & Music Experience (AFME) Chairwoman of the foundation set up by her son, The Jeff Apodaca, Celebration of Life Foundation If you go WHAT: Del Norte Rotary Foundation honors Clara Apodaca WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 WHERE: Isleta Resort & Casino, 11000 Broadway SE HOW MUCH: $150 per person at dnrgala.ticketleap.com or rotarydelnorte.org Guest conductor Grant Cooper will pack his SUV with a homemade, giant hammer when he drives from West Virginia to Albuquerque this week. Cooper will lead the New Mexico Philharmonic through the hammer blows of fate with Mahlers Symphony No. 6 (Tragic) and Schuberts Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished) at Popejoy Hall on Saturday, Feb. 18. The New Zealand-born artistic director of the West Virginia Symphony, Cooper constructed his own wooden hammer and a box complete with F holes to produce the final, devastating blows required by the finale of Mahlers masterpiece. We know he was never happy with the sound of the hammer, Cooper said of the composer. Mahler wrote the work in 1903 and 1904. At the time of its 1906 premiere, the percussionist banged on a bass drum. He went off the podium and hit it himself and had to laugh because it didnt sound any better, Cooper said. Mahler wanted to create the sound of a tree crashing from the impact. The tree was his metaphor for the hero of the piece. So Cooper constructed a 180-cubic-foot box from plywood. A 3-foot-long maul used for splitting wood and made of pressure-treated lumber serves as his hammer. Ive cut air holes into it so that it looks like a musical instrument, he said. By the time of the French Revolution and Beethoven, music was slowly moving beyond the sound of royalty and the church into a more personal expression. In the past, composers infused their pieces with a redemptive spirit. You would struggle, but you would emerge triumphant, Cooper said. But Mahler knew better. His wife, Alma, later said the composers own three blows came from the death of his eldest daughter, his own diagnosis of a fatal heart condition and his forced resignation from the Vienna Opera. No matter how hard the hero struggles, he cannot escape the reality of despair, Cooper said. You must pull yourself out of tragedy. Both the Mahler and the Schubert symphonies feature an A major to A minor chord progression, Cooper said. Its unmistakably a reference, he said. No one really knows why Schubert never finished his symphony, although there is plenty of speculation. As a young man, Schubert had played in pickup orchestras in Vienna doing Beethovens Second Symphony, Cooper said. The composer wrote 20 bars of a piano sketch. The similarities to Beethovens Second are extremely close, Cooper said. He was always afraid of accusations of plagiarism. Maybe he realized they were so close that he realized he couldnt complete the Beethoven-like theme, Cooper said. In its own way, its also a tragic symphony, Cooper said, because he couldnt finish the piece. Its the promise of what might have been. If you go WHAT: Mahlers Symphony No. 6 (Tragic) and Schuberts Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished) by the New Mexico Philharmonic WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 WHERE: Popejoy Hall, University of New Mexico campus HOW MUCH: $22-$75 at unmtickets.com or call 925-5626. Tickets are also available at all Albertsons in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe. As a lifelong New Mexican, rancher, community advocate, and former state land commissioner, I commend current Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn for demonstrating strong leadership when he decided that he could do something to provide a new and meaningful source of funding for education. His proposal to establish the Early Childhood Land Grant Permanent Fund to support early childhood education and other programs to help young children succeed provides a new opportunity for generating millions of dollars of funding without raising taxes on New Mexico families or raiding the Land Grant Permanent Fund. He is asking the federal government to transfer nearly 6.6 million acres of unleased federal mineral estate that lie under privately-owned surface lands to the State Land Office, and revenue earned from leasing the minerals would flow into the Early Childhood Land Grant Permanent Fund. Although Commissioner Dunn has offered up an exciting idea and a potentially permanent solution to funding early childhood education it is not a radical land grab or a new way to transfer federal land to New Mexico. In fact, for many years after statehood, New Mexico land commissioners and congressional leaders fought to get the minerals on, and under, the State Trust Lands that Congress had granted years before. At the time the original grants were transferred from the federal government to New Mexico, the federal government kept the minerals and refused to convey them to the state. New Mexico persisted in its fight, and finally in the 1920s the U.S. Congress passed the Jones Act, which conveyed the minerals to make the State Land Trust whole. Had it not been for those past land commissioners and congressional leaders fighting for and insisting those minerals rightly belonged to beneficiaries of the New Mexico State Land Trust, there would be no meaningful, multibillion dollar Land Grant Permanent fund today. Over 90 percent of the corpus of the Permanent Fund has come from trust mineral estate. The only other source of revenue that flows into the Permanent Fund are proceeds from the sale of trust surface estate, which the commissioner is opposed to. Many criticisms of Commissioner Dunns proposal are unfair and incorrect. It will not fence off or deny access to any lands because these minerals are under private surface and were mostly reserved by the federal government in Homestead Act conveyances to early settlers. Oil and gas operations on all lands in New Mexico have constantly improved. Additionally, New Mexico has a Surface Owner Protection law in place to protect landowners. It is unfortunate that in all the years since the original minerals were transferred to the trust, no one else ever thought of, or pursued, acquiring these minerals for the trust or creating a new beneficiary until Commissioner Dunn. Commissioner Dunn should be congratulated and supported for a great idea and new effort to grow the Land Grant Permanent Fund instead of raiding it and raising the tax burden on New Mexico families. W.R. Humphries served as New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands from 1987-1990. With more than 300 sunny days per year, its no surprise that New Mexico ranks among the top states in solar energy capacity. Solar is growing rapidly here, and with this boon theres an urgent need to have meaningful protections in place to give consumers confidence when purchasing, financing or leasing their solar systems. As a community, were looking to the New Mexico Legislature to put consumer protection safeguards in place. N.M. Sen. Clemente Sanchez and Rep. Debbie Rodella have proposed legislation (SB 210/HB 199) that would protect the rights of consumers, while also supporting and promoting the continued growth of New Mexicos thriving solar industry. The long-term financial stability of most New Mexico families is tied deeply to their homes, and installing rooftop solar is a major home-improvement investment for any homeowner. It often involves complex leasing or financing agreements. These complicated agreements, along with the high-pressure sales tactics some companies use, can lead to costly misrepresentations and misinterpretations, which can cause a significant increase in home expenses and can even jeopardize the value or sale of a home. Seniors, young families, small farmers and those at the lower end of our economic scale are particularly vulnerable to these unethical tactics. Because solar has unique aspects, it is vital to have specific protections in place that give New Mexico consumers confidence when buying their solar systems. This legislation does this by simply requiring reasonable solar-specific disclosures prior to signing a contract, so homeowners better understand what they are agreeing to when they purchase, finance or lease a rooftop solar system. As an economic bonus, the added degree of consumer confidence will help promote our local solar industry as a safe, reliable option for home and business owners interested in solar. This consumer protection legislation was developed in collaboration with local and national solar companies, small businesses, low-income advocates and key community stakeholders, further indicating that it represents the best interests of all New Mexicans. Put simply, this legislation, if passed, will provide meaningful protection to consumers as they consider rooftop solar systems. At the same time, it will support the growth of the solar industry and help ensure a bright and sustainable energy future for all New Mexicans. Roger A. Gonzales, M.Ed., is chairman of the board of directors, HELP-New Mexico, Inc., a non-profit organization existing to create self-sufficiency and promote economic opportunities to strengthen families throughout New Mexico. Job seekers beware, especially students. The FBI has renewed its warning to college students about an employment scam that features phony job ads posted on college employment websites and sent as emails to student school accounts. Students who respond receive a counterfeit check, supposedly for materials, software or other start-up costs and are told to deposit it. They are then directed to wire a portion of the money to another individual, often described as a vendor. But the money is really going to the bad guys. There is no job, and students are out whatever amount of money they wired. Even if youre not a student, there are lessons to be learned because this is a common way to scam job-seekers of all ages. In these scenarios, the victims are responsible for reimbursing the bank for the amount of the counterfeit check. And their personal information is at risk because the scammers often ask for details while posing as employers. Here are tips from the FBI: Never accept a job that requires depositing checks into your account and wiring portions to other individuals or accounts. Many of the scammers who send these messages are not native English speakers. Look for poor use of the English language in e-mails such as incorrect grammar, capitalization and tenses. Las Cruces police are cautioning residents about placing payment checks in unsecured mailboxes. Officers have gotten at least three reports of mail box break-ins, in which the thieves steal outgoing personal checks and wash or bleach them so the details can be rewritten and cashed. City detectives believe thieves are targeting boxes that have their red flag raised, indicating there is mail inside awaiting pickup. Heres the latest alert from the IRS, this time about unscrupulous tax preparers. The agency says to be on guard against preparers who tout inflated tax refunds as a way to get your business. Exercise caution when a return preparer promises an extremely large refund or one based on credits or benefits youve never been able to claim before, the alert says. Such scams can make you vulnerable to significant penalties (plus interest) and possible criminal prosecution. If youre uncertain about a tax preparer, you can check out the persons credentials on an IRS directory at https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf. Obviously, never sign a blank tax return. Make sure you review all documents before they are submitted and get copies. Also, avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of their clients refund, and make sure your refund goes directly to you. Ellen Marks is assistant business editor at the Albuquerque Journal. Contact her at emarks@ abqjournal.com or 505-823-3842 if you are aware of what sounds like a scam. To report a scam to law enforcement, contact the New Mexico Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 1-844-255-9210. Meet Reza and Fahimeh Foudazi. He is an assistant professor at New Mexico State University with a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and a passion for water research. She is a visual artist studying for Masters in Fine Arts at NMSU. They are husband and wife, Iranian, Muslim, legal permanent residents of the United States and adopted Las Crucens. And they are worried, for themselves and their Iranian friends and family. President Donald Trumps executive order temporarily banning people from seven predominately Muslim countries now halted under a court injunction hit New Mexicos Iranian community especially hard. As is true nationwide, at New Mexican universities Iranians make up the largest share of foreign students and faculty from the seven countries. There are currently 12,269 Iranian students studying at U.S. colleges and universities, according to a 2016 report by nonprofit Institute of International Education. In New Mexico, the states three research universities host nearly 200 Iranian faculty and students, most of whom are studying at the graduate or doctoral level. The universities have advised even those holding green cards not to leave the U.S., as they may not be able to return as long as the ban is in place. The Trump administration says the three-month ban is necessary to protect the country from foreign terrorists. A federal appeals court last week upheld a lower courts preliminary injunction, freezing the ban after citing that the government submitted no evidence that nationals of any of the seven countries had perpetrated a terrorist attack in the U.S. A study by the Cato Institute, a conservative think tank, also showed there have been no lethal attacks by citizens of any of the seven countries on U.S. soil. Trump indicated in a message on Twitter that he would continue to fight for his order to be reinstated. But the situation is in flux and already has wreaked expensive havoc: For the Foudazis family, friends and students, international flights and visa interview appointments have been automatically canceled, suddenly reinstated, and missed; there is no U.S. embassy in Tehran, and Iranians must travel to Dubai to secure permission to come to the U.S. NMSU recruited Reza for his pioneering work using polymers to conserve water in agriculture research that eventually could be applied to New Mexicos chile, pecan, onion and other fields. Fahimehs art is focused on the mysticism and spirituality of Islam and changing Americans notions about her religion and her hijab, the head scarf she wears as part of her devotional practice. He, the scientist, speaks optimistically about the power of science to unite across borders. She, the artist, speaks gravely about the times. Science doesnt have borders, Reza says, talking in his small office in the College of Engineering. It doesnt matter for me if my students are American, Asian, African. I dont see the borders in science. All scientific communities are like that. People from different countries, different cultures, they get along, they share their ideas. So its somehow very difficult for scientists to face this issue. Fahimeh meets me at a Middle Eastern restaurant. I tell her shell spot me with my reporters notebook. She says in an email, Since I am wearing a scarf, you might recognize me immediately. Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Iran have been frozen since the 1979 revolution that established the Islamic Republic, when conservative clerical forces deposed the ruling monarch and established a theocracy in Iran. The U.S. considers Iran a state sponsor of terror but, despite a fraught relationship, the two countries have a common enemy in the Islamic State, or ISIS. The U.S.-Iran relationship began thawing in the last years of the Obama administration, including the relaxing of visa requirements. The new rules allowed students and professionals like the Foudazis to obtain multiple-entry visas, allowing them to come and go from the U.S. to Iran and other countries; in years prior, Iranians could only obtain single-entry visas under great pains. Fahimeh describes it as a claustrophobic feeling, like you are in a cage Iranians could not travel home to visit family under the old single-entry card. Even though she now has permanent legal residency, the new travel ban evokes a similar feeling, she says. Trump has taken a tougher line in the first few weeks of his presidency, amping up rhetoric and adding new sanctions after the Iranian government performed ballistic missile tests and sharpened its own rhetoric against the U.S. following the travel ban. The Foudazis dont care much for politics. For Reza, science transcends politics. For Fahimeh, religion is a spiritual, not political, practice. What I want to convey in my art, I want to dispel the impression Western people have of Islam, she said. The core of most religions, specifically Islam, is to appreciate the beauty of Allahs, or Gods, creation different species, races, genders, languages, cultures. When Trump announced the travel ban, one of the Foudazis neighbors left a card on their door, offering support, letting them know they shouldnt worry, Reza said. Fahimeh says Las Cruces always has been very welcoming, but she has sensed a change since the presidential election something in the way people look at her, a stray comment under someones breath at a store. I am carrying the flag, she says of her hijab. It is with me. You cant hide that you are Muslim if you are woman. Reza sees hope in his students. I have American, Chinese, Iranian, Hispanic and non-Hispanic students, he said. My group is very diverse. They all get together very good. I hope the world should be like that. UpFront is a daily 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. In 1952, teenager Johnny Washington was shining shoes at a barber shop in Virginia one weekend when he was approached by a military recruiter. He soon dropped out of high school, enlisted in the Air Force and served in the Korean War. He later made a home and a life for himself in Clovis after he was honorably discharged in 1956 as an Airman 2nd Class/Apprentice Cook. But Washington spent the next 61 years questioning whether he made the right choice to drop out of school. The 82-year-old veteran said that changed on Saturday when New Mexico Veterans Services Secretary Jack Fox surprised Washington with an honorary high school diploma on behalf of the Virginia Department of Education during the American Legion/New Mexico Mid-Winter Conference in Albuquerque. I still asked myself up until today if it was the right choice, Washington said in an interview at American Legion Post 49. Now I know its the right choice. This proved it was the right choice. Born in Bowling Green, Va., Washington was the oldest of eight children. His father worked long days at a factory, then on a farm in the evening. His mother cleaned houses seven days a week. That meant Washington often had to stay home from school to care for his brothers and sisters. I pretty well raised all my sisters and brothers, he said. I didnt get all my education. During the war, Washington earned the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Its just trying to help the United States of America, he said. They needed people and I had to make a choice. Fox said many veterans of World War II and the Korean War dropped out of high school and enlisted. Its become very important to us to find those men who didnt finish high school because they were serving our country, he said. They made a choice. They could graduate high school or they could save the world. The diploma he handed Washington at the ceremony was well earned, Fox said. Hes paid for it dearly many times, he said. Though his family still resides on the East Coast, Washington said hes glad he made New Mexico home. I fell in love with the people. All states are good and Virginia Commonwealth is a good state. But, to me, people here are more friendly, Washington said. Ive been here so long I call myself New Mexican. Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal LAS CRUCES As federal immigration authorities launched raids in at least half a dozen states this past week, the nations only Latina governor said enforcement policies should distinguish between the various situations of people living in the country illegally. I think the rhetoric isnt helpful, Republican Gov. Susana Martinez told the Journal Saturday in Las Cruces. I have lived literally on the border for 50 years. It is a very different view from even northern New Mexico, much less from Washington, D.C., on what actually happens on that border. Underscoring that she has long opposed efforts to make New Mexico a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants, Martinez likewise warned against allowing harsh rhetoric to get ahead of policymaking that should treat multiple problems in immigration policy with multiple answers. I would love to see our leadership come up with a solution, she said. Its not just one answer for all problems. Definitely, those that commit crimes in this country do not belong in this country. They need to be removed. Someone who doesnt have a home to go to (outside this country), who has worked and paid their taxes, and been involved in the community and has an American child what is the solution for that? How different is that from someone who is dealing drugs? There could be various answers to the various situations. The governor has often taken a more moderate tone on immigration at the national versus state level; she faced criticism from immigrants rights groups for her push to repeal the 2003 state drivers licenses law. President Donald Trumps Jan. 25 executive order authorizing construction of a border wall also directed federal departments and agencies to prevent further illegal immigration into the United States, and to repatriate illegal aliens swiftly, consistently and humanely. The order did not restrict immigration enforcement to unauthorized immigrants convicted of violent crimes as had been the policy for the past few years under the Obama administration. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents rounded up hundreds of unauthorized immigrants last week during enforcement operations in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, New York and elsewhere. There was no large-scale enforcement action in New Mexico last week. In a statement to the Journal, ICE said that it regularly conducts targeted enforcement operations. An ICE spokesman told the Associated Press that the latest enforcement surge was in the planning phase before the current administration issued the executive order. But immigrant advocates say the enforcement actions were harsher than in the past. The presidents No. 1 priority is to keep Americans safe, to have a secure border to keep out people who want to cause us harm, Martinez said. I dont think anybody disagrees with a secure border. Now, what that looks like, I think thats still in discussion. Does part of it become a wall? she asked. Does part of it become more boots on the ground? Does part of it become because of the terrain technology that you use because you cant have boots on the ground necessarily right there? Martinez, a former state prosecutor, said that convicted criminals who are in the country illegally should be deported. But split a mother from her son, just because she is undocumented? I came out of a movie theater about two weeks ago, Martinez said. A little boy had been waiting for me on a bench. He was about 9 years old. And he comes up to me and says, Are you Gov. Martinez? I kneeled down with him. He says, Can I ask you a question? I said of course. I want to know if the president is going to send my mother back to Mexico.' Martinez said she asked him why he was worried. Because she came here when she was five and she doesnt have a home in Mexico, the boy told Martinez. She said, I said, Look, why dont you let us grownups worry about things like that? She has been here a very, very long time and hopefully the grownups are going to come up with ideas that are going to make sure were never splitting up your mom from you.' Martinez said her message to the Trump administration would be to include governors, mayors, law enforcement, Border Patrol agents and people who live on the border, including border ranchers, in making border-related policies people who have actually been there for a period of time that have a whole lot of input, versus seeing this as a global picture (where) you dont get the real flavor of what its like to live there. Martinez spoke to the Journal after an event at New Mexico State University that gave about 500 at-risk middle schoolers a taste of college life. The governor encouraged them to dream big and never let anyone tell them they cant be what they want to be. At 17, Martinez told them, she dreamed of being president of the United States. LAS CRUCES Surrounded by the noise and commotion inside and outside of the Tombaugh Elementary School cafeteria there were moments Saturday when Diana Talamantes-Lopez had to stop and quietly regain her composure. She paused, sat quietly and wiped her eyes. People would stop by and offer words of encouragement, and a family member stopped and gave her a plastic bag filled with cash. Most of the time, there were heartfelt hand grips and hugs. At least a thousand people, maybe even more, gathered for a benefit fair and car show at Tombaugh to raise funds for 8-year-old Manny Lopez, a Tombaugh third-grade student recently diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, bone cancer in his lower left leg. This this is just incredible, just amazing, said Talamantes-Lopez, often taking a few seconds to catch her breath. I dont know what to say, I dont know how to describe this. Surrounding Talmantes-Lopez as she sat in Tombaughs cafeteria were people, lots of people. Up and down Carver Road and side streets near Tombaugh, vehicles were parked. Sounds of kids and music playing could be heard hundreds of yards away. The smell of food from food trucks parked in the schools parking lot seemed to draw even more people. In this usually quiet neighborhood it looked and felt as if school were in session for an extra day. This is who and what Las Cruces is all about, the good side of Cruces, said Gabe Knotts, who came to event to see the cars on display. I dont even know Manny Lopez, but if I can do something to help this kid, even if its only a small thing, I want to do what I can. I know if this were someone in my family Id want as much help and support I could get. Manny Lopez was diagnosed with bone cancer Nov. 14. Through her training as a home health nurse and a mothers intuition, Diana Talmantes-Lopez was the first person to sense Manny was in trouble. Its been devastating, said Talamantes-Lopez, as tears began to well in her eyes. I found a lump on his leg. Right away I knew something wasnt right; he had been complaining of some pain. Within a few days, Lopez Talamantes worst fears became reality. A diagnosis of Osteosarcoma was confirmed by doctors at University of New Mexico Childrens Hospital and 10 weeks of chemotherapy followed. Upon the diagnosis doctors initially recommended Mannys lower left leg be amputated. We were told we could get a second opinion and we wanted that second opinion. We didnt hesitate, Talmantes-Lopez said. We went to Denver to get that. As it stands for now, there is a chance Manny might not have to have his leg amputated. Instead, surgery might be able to reconstruct damage to Mannys leg. Because of his medical needs, Talmantes-Lopez has had to take time off from work. She has used all of her personal time off and the company she works for does not allow co-workers to donate time to Talamantes-Lopez. Now, if I dont work, I dont get paid, she said. The costs of Mannys medical care and hospitalization continue to increase, despite help from Talamantes-Lopezs health insurance plan. Then, there are the costs of traveling to Albuquerque and Denver for doctors appointments. While the survival rate favors Manny, partly because of his young age, there is also the unsettling thought Manny might have to have his left leg amputated below the knee. All those factors and considerations can overwhelm. Manny and his family are trying to cope. At first I didnt realize it, but Ive got a lot of rosaries, Talamantes-Lopez said. I pray them all. I pray a lot. GoFundMe and Team Manny Facebook pages have been set up. The GoFundMe page helps raise money Manny and his family need for medical care, now and for the rest of his life. The Facebook page was established so Talamantes-Lopez could provide regular updates and thank people for their help and support. Also, donations can be deposited in Wells Fargo Bank bank account number 3434160952 to Team Manny. Information is available by sending an email to: teammanny2008@gmail.com. No kid, his family and his friends regardless of who it is or how old the kid is should ever have to deal with anything as nightmarish as this, said Las Crucen Desiree Hernandez. That (Lopez) family is stronger than know. Theyre very close, and it shows. They deserve any and all the help they can get. Talamantes-Lopez said Manny has had difficulties during chemotherapy treatments, and at times when the cancer has prevented him from playing and interacting with kids his own age. But Saturday, Manny was a boy again, playing on jumping balloons with other kids, laughing and doing anything but worrying about cancer. Cool, said Manny, offering a one-word explanation, when asked his thoughts about the benefit fair and car show in his honor. Can I go now. Just that quick, he was playing again, just like every other 8-year-old child. Steve Ramirez can be reached at 575-541-5452, sramirez@lcsun-news.com, or @SteveRamirez6 on Twitter. 2017 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. _____ Pastor Fred Morris looked out over his congregation Sunday as news ricocheted around the world that American authorities were rounding up immigrants in an enforcement surge that President Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail. Parishioners did not smile as on any other Sunday morning. They stared down at their feet. Others didnt attend at all. There is a dreadful sense of fear. Its more than palpable. Its radiating. People are terrified, said Morris, whose United Methodist mission is in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood of Los Angeles. They were just sitting there in stunned silence. For days, fear and confusion have gripped immigrant communities after word spread that federal agents were rounding up hundreds of immigrants in cities across the country. The scope of the operation remained unclear on Sunday. Advocates and immigration lawyers scrambled to contain the panic and to organize seminars and social media campaigns to teach people their rights. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency said the efforts were routine and no different than the arrests carried out under former President Barack Obama that targeted those with criminal histories or multiple immigration violations. But Trump took to Twitter to claim credit. The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise, the president wrote. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed! The raids included nearly 200 people in the Carolinas and Georgia, more than 150 in and around Los Angeles, and around 40 in New York, ICE confirmed. Among those arrested were a Salvadoran gang member and a Brazilian drug trafficker, officials said. A decade ago, immigration officers searching for specific individuals would often arrest others encountered along the way, a practice that drew criticism from advocates. Under the Obama administration, agents focused more narrowly on specific individuals who posed a security or public safety threat. Trump signed an executive order days after taking office that made clear that almost any immigrant living illegally in America could be targeted. Immigrant-rights groups cite the case of Manuel Mosqueda, a 50-year-old house painter, as an example of how they believe ICE agents in the new administration are again going too far. During last weeks enforcement operation, ICE agents showed up at Mosquedas home in the LA suburbs looking for someone else. While there, they inquired about Mosqueda, learned he was here illegally and put him on a bus to Mexico. Karla Navarrete, a lawyer for the advocacy group CHIRLA, said she sought to stop Mosqueda from being placed on the bus and was told by ICE that things had changed. She said another lawyer filed federal court papers and got a judge to stop the deportation. The bus turned around, and Mosqueda is now jailed in Southern California, waiting to learn his fate. In Virginia, agents who went to an apartment Thursday looking for a wanted man picked up everyone else in the apartment too, except for one women with a baby in her arms, said Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, legal director for Legal Aid Justice Centers immigrant advocacy program in northern Virginia. Heres what happens on the ground: Somebody knocks on the door, they ask for a name, the people are very scared, said Tessie Borden, an advocate in Los Angeles. Then they round everybody up and say Well sort it out later. But sorting it out later may mean separating families and breaking down support systems for these folks. For supporters of Trumps immigration policies, the new and broader approach was welcome news. The main thing is to send the message that the immigration laws are actually being enforced again, said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank that advocates for tighter controls on immigration. Immigration advocates said many immigrants are now afraid to send their children to school and afraid to go to church or work or the hospital. Panicked rumors spread as quickly as the truth. Every time so much as a white guy with a clipboard is walking around, everyone runs into their apartments and locks the doors, Sandoval-Moshenberg said. One case that sowed widespread fear was that of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, a mother of two in Phoenix who pleaded guilty nearly a decade ago to a felony for using a false ID to get a job as a janitor. The government declined to deport her. On Wednesday, she showed up at the ICE building in Phoenix for a scheduled check-in with immigration officers and was deported to Mexico. In Baltimore, another immigrant mother from Mexico said shes been afraid to let her children go outside after school. Shes even considering giving up custody of her children, who are American citizens, in case shes deported. She said she feels powerless. Adriana spoke to The Associated Press through a translator on the condition that her last name not be used because she is here illegally. She has lived in Baltimore for 12 years. She teaches Mexican art courses at a local nonprofit organization, babysits on the side and pays taxes. At his Sunday service, Morris handed out a double-sided sheet listing congregants civil rights: Dont open the door to anyone without a warrant. Dont talk. Dont sign any document. He is planning a community meeting for Monday night. He has another plan, too. He started organizing a phone chain. If he hears about a raid in his community, he will call five people, who will call five people and so on. They will all show up, stand on the sidewalk and chant: ICE go home. The only weapon we have, he said, is solidarity. ___ Associated Press writers Josh Hoffner in Phoenix and Deepti Hajela in New York contributed to this report. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 11, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyuan attended the solemn event dedicated to St. Sarkis the warrior on February 11 at Saint Sarkis Church of Araratian Pontifical Diocese. Armenpress reports Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan, Culture Minister Armen Amiryan, Ararat Governor Aramayis Grigoryan also attended the event. A blessing of servicemen took place following the Divine Liturgy with the participation of 20 mandatory servicemen with best combat performance. President Serzh Sargsyan addressed a congratulatory speech on the occasion of the commemoration day of St. Sarkis the warrior. Your military service passes in the most important zone the front line. Be convinced that you are backed by an ancient and powerful nation - resilient and hardworking, a combat ready nation that has an experience of millennia and an unwavering belief in tomorrows victory, Serzh sargsyan said, turning to the servicemen. Serzh Sargsyan expressed deep regret for some brave soldiers are not standing in the row since they were killed last year in April, but assured that they will always remain with us. The President highly appreciated the courage and bravery of Armenian soldiers, but at the same time emphasized that they must combine courage and bravery with staying alive. President Sargsyan stated that todays soldiers in no way remain behind the soldiers of 90s by their courage and combat readiness. You have even surpassed them, President Sargsyan said, adding that he has instructed the commanders of the soldiers present at the event to give them a 10-day holiday. In the United Kingdom, for example, the cheapest Toyota your pounds sterling can buy is the Aygo x. For 9,135, you get the car, a three-cylinder engine with 69 horsepower and a manual transmission, a radio with USB connectivity and MP3 capability, power windows, LED daytime running lights, and hill-start assist. At the other end of the spectrum, the Aygo x-clusiv is equipped with sensibly more goodies than the entry-level grade.For 2017, Toyota decided to add more standard equipment to the mix, making for even better value for money than the previous model year. On sale now, the revised Aygo x-clusiv kicks off from 13,035 when equipped with a five-speed manual. With the x-shift automated manual, make that 13,735.Up until 2017, the x-clusiv was only available in one exterior finish: Electro Grey. Now, though, customers are also offered White Flash, Silver Splash, Bold Black, Red Pop, Deep Blue Buzz, and Cyan Splash. The latter is exclusive to the x-clusiv.As far as the interior is concerned, Vogue leather seats welcome the driver and passengers. On the seatback and cushions, youll notice a dark grey multi-panel design with Anthracite grey sections. And following in the footsteps of the x-style and x-press, the x-clusiv now carries its exterior paint finish on the upper part of the door panels and across the dash.Whats not so super, however, is the retractable canvas roof . Or should I say the lack of a retractable canvas roof. The so-called Funroof was previously standard equipment on the x-clusiv, yet now it is featured on the options list. 895 is how much Toyota is charging for it, which is a lot, if I may say.Also on the options list, the Aygo x-clusiv is available with a flurry of active safety systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Alert. As with every other Toyota on sale in the United Kingdom, the Aygo x-clusiv is backed by a five-year/100,000-mile warranty. The answer, a big, fat "yes", is more objective than it might seem at first. It all starts with the engine positioning of the two Zuffenhausen machines. Come to think of it, spending time behind the wheel of rear-engined and mid-engined RWD pair will turn even the slowest of drivers into a skilled person able to tame motorized beasts.In fact, it's almost as if Zuffenhausen intended us to buy the two together. At least that's what you can imagine after mentioning the gearbox difference between the two.With the Cayman GT4, things were pretty simple - throw in a 991.1 Carrera S engine, a stick shift and things are going to be explosive. However, when it came to the Rennsport Neunelfer, things were more complicated.Taking the performance world by shock, the German automaker delivered the 911 GT3 and GT3 RS in PDK-only trim. After tons of protests, Porsche showed empathy towards those who love to shift their own gears by introducing the three-pedal 911 R.And, fortunately, this is just the beginning. With 991 units produced, most of which were offered to 918 Spyder owners, the R was more of a pedigree builder than anything else.However, the imminent 991.2 GT3 will bring back the manual for the masses, if we may use this idea. The GT Division rear-engined animal is set to make its debut in one moment from now, coming at the Geneva Motor Show.Returning to the 911 R - Cayman GT4 combo, we're inviting you to feast your eyes on the Belgian pair in the images to your right - lens tip to Power Switch Photography (via Autogespot) for the pics.Oh, and there's another for which the two said Porsches go well together: asking a Zuffenhausen aficionado to chose between them would be a bit sadistic, at least in our book. EGR NEDC The PSA Group is the corporation behind the Peugeot Citroen , and DS brands, and a few of its diesel engines are suspected of cheating in emissions tests.Representatives of the PSA Group have stated that they are extremely surprised, even shocked by the decision, and they deny the use of software cheats to trick emissions testing probes.France has previously inquired other automakers regarding diesel emissions, and they include Volkswagen, Renault, and FCA Automobiles. The commission focused on Euro 5 diesel engines from the PSA Group, which are no longer being sold in passenger cars due to European regulations.According to the investigation, five models built by PSA had significantly higher NOx figures in highway driving conditions when the engines temperature was increased, Le Parisien informs.Gilles Le Borgne, the engineering chief at PSA, explained that theemissions treatment is deliberately reduced at higher temperatures to enable low CO2 figures at high-speeds found while driving outside urban areas, where NOx and particle outputs are less critical.At this point, the automaker is not currently facing charges, but we will find out more regarding the situation in the following weeks.The French at PSA Group began a campaign last year that involved publishing its real world fuel economy figures . The strategy employed an independent organization that conducted the tests with standard models from the company.It was an effort of transparency towards consumers, who have complained to multiple agencies and car makers that thetest cycle is not that conclusive in providing real-world figures.The PSA Group wanted to show consumers that its automobiles have a low fuel consumption even if they are tested outside of the laboratory where the regular efficiency tests are performed under strict conditions.Europe will get a different standardized test for fuel economy in the future, which should provide consumers with figures closer to what they can achieve in real world driving For instance, why hasn't the world's most exotic police vehicle fleet added a Rolls-Royce so far?Anybody willing to play the reasonable card could argue that the Spirit of Ecstasy doesn't make too much sense as a law enforcement vehicle, especially not in two-door trim.However, given the kind of vehicle the Dubai Police uses, many of which make its Lamborghini Aventador seem less outlandish than it is (think: Aston Martin One:77 ), a Wraith wouldn't such an unusual proposal after all.In fact, we could think of at least two reasons for which a Dubai Police RR Wraith, such as the one featured in this pixel play coming from 2NCS 3D Graphics , would actually make sense.For one thing, it wouldn't be the first Rolls-Royce used as a police vehicle in that part of the world. Allow us to remind you that, back in 2015, the Abu Dhabi Police official "livery" was splashed all over a Rolls-Royce Phantom - here's a video of the vehicle, in case you missed it.Sure, the lavish proposal came as part of a complex campaign called "Your Choice Determines Your Destiny", but, in the end, the overly luxurious sedan still had to do what most police cars do, such as wear a light bar. Still, it's worth noting that this kind of vehicles have more of promotional purpose than a baddie-chasing one.Then there's the idea of high-end law enforcement. Since luxury prisons aren't anything new, why wouldn't the police turn to a Roller?It's worth noting this Wraith also wears a custom body kit, as well as a set of rims "supplied" by ADV.1 Wheels. Welcome to the Internet, ladies and gentlemen. Great History, Greenery and Pubs Dublin is home to more than a quarter of the entire Republic of Irelands population and was originally founded as a Viking settlement. A lot has changed from those Viking days, and Dublin is now famous for its literary history and the most green-spaces of any other European capital, making Dublin a real Irish gem. Dublin Castle is at the heart of the city's history and Trinity College holds the renowned Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript from circa 800 AD. The Hapenny Bridge is the citys most photographed landmark and the statue of Molly Malone celebrates the heroine of Dublins unofficial anthem. Dublin is home to many important literary figures including Oscar Wilde, William Yeats, Samuel Beckett and George Bernard Shaw. As the famous location of James Joyces Ulysses, the city offers tours tracing the protagonists footsteps. Being one of the most youthful European cities, Dublin has a vibrant nightlife scene with the popular Temple Bar area and plenty of bars and pubs, which invite you to stay out until the wee hours of the morning. The Dublin Airport is the gateway to your Irish holiday, so whether youre looking for a stylish hotel, a self-catering apartment or a trendy hostel, Booking.com has a perfect deal for your Dublin trip. RACINE The gradual changing of building codes over the years and decades has not been kind to older commercial buildings or those who own them. But a newly introduced city program will tackle that problem by providing financial assistance to owners of older buildings who want to bring them up to code and make them available to new business tenants. The city Redevelopment Authority on Monday, Feb. 6, unanimously recommended adoption of the White Box Program presented by City Development Director Amy Connolly. In real estate lingo, a white box is a commercial space thats ready for a business to move into and set up shop. As the introduction to the four-page program description states, The City of Racine White Box program is designed to encourage the redevelopment of older commercial buildings as vibrant, retail commercial spaces within traditional neighborhood district and Downtown. The city recognizes that many buildings may be noncompliant with modern building codes and that the costs of these improvements often fall to new entrepreneurs looking to establish small businesses. The program expected to start sometime in March is strictly for first-floor interiors of commercial buildings older than 50 years. Currently that would mean buildings constructed before 1967. We want to make sure were putting all of our City of Racine buildings on a level playing field with some of the newer developments that might be outside of the city, Connolly said. So this is our attempt to try to incentivize developers, building owners, and new lessees in a vacant space to white box their buildings in order to bring them up to code. When fully adopted, the program would cover many types of code noncompliance. Eligible expenses include: Plumbing, electrical or heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Repairing or replacing drywall, plaster walls, floors or ceilings. Repairing or construction of required bathrooms. Repairs or construction required under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The program will be funded by $100,000 set aside in the citys intergovernmental revenue fund. Financial incentives available either to building owners or developers will be grants of up to $10 per square foot with a maximum of $20,000. A grant may not exceed 50 percent of the total white box project costs. Among the eligibility requirements is this: If there is a competitive award process, funding for retail and restaurant commercial spaces is preferred over office uses. Milwaukee as model Connolly said the White Box Program is based on a successful one that Milwaukee has. Her department recommended to the RDA that, when someone applies for a white box grant, the Downtown Area Design Review Committee would review the application and then make a recommendation to the RDA. The program would cover the same area as the citys Commercial Building Facade Grant Program, Connolly said. That takes in a large portion of the city. There are buildings in every commercial district that could be good candidates for the white box program, said Downtown Racine Corp. Executive Director Devin Sutherland. It could be a really powerful tool. Sutherland said hes working with potential Downtown retail tenants now on those sorts of matters. Im trying to help them make sure those issues are addressed before they sign their leases, he said. He said the program could be especially valuable in a case where, without the white box grant, the numbers dont work to support the opening of a new business. The City Council is tentatively scheduled to consider White Box Program approval on Feb. 21. Connolly said the program could begin sometime next month, and she estimated it could provide code compliance incentives to seven to nine building owners or business tenants this year. If this is really popular, we could come back and ask for more money, she said. But I want to make sure we get this out on the street as soon as we can, and that its being put to use. It would be really nice if we ran out of money really quick. For more information, call the Department of City Development at 262-636-9151. Two rockets have landed in Baghdad's Green Zone following clashes at anti-government protests that left five people dead, according to Iraqi officials. The rocket attack caused no casualties as the munitions landed on the parade grounds in the centre of the highly fortified compound that is home to Iraq's government and most foreign embassies. It was not immediately clear who fired the projectiles. Saturday's protests were called for by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and clashes that erupted as crowds pushed towards the Green Zone left two policemen and three protesters dead, according to police and hospital officials. The officials said six other policemen were injured along with dozens of protesters. The violent outbreak prompted the government to call for a "full investigation". The demonstrators loyal to Mr al-Sadr gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir square to demand an overhaul of the commission overseeing local elections scheduled for this year. Mr al-Sadr has accused the commission of being riddled with corruption and has called for its overhaul. Shots rang out in central Baghdad as security forces used live fire and tear gas to disperse the crowds. An Associated Press team at the scene witnessed ambulances rushing away protesters suffering from breathing difficulties. Hospital officials said the policemen died of gunshot wounds. They gave no details as to the cause of death of the protesters. While at times the crowds advanced towards the Green Zone, by afternoon they began to disperse after a statement from Mr al-Sadr's office called on his followers to refrain from trying to enter the compound. Meanwhile, Iraq's prime minister ordered an investigation into the violence. "The prime minister ordered a full investigation into the injuries among security forces and protesters during the demonstration today in Tahrir square," read a statement from Haider al-Abadi's office on Saturday evening. Mr al-Sadr's office issued another statement on Saturday night following news of protester casualties claiming that "excessive force" was used against the demonstrators and threatened greater protests. "The next time the blood of our martyrs will not go in vain," the statement read. "We will not give in to threats," said the head of the electoral commission, Serbat Mustafa, in an interview with a local Iraqi television channel on Saturday afternoon. Mr Mustafa said he would not offer his resignation and accused Mr al-Sadr of using the commission as a political "scapegoat". Mr al-Sadr has been a vocal critic of Mr al-Abadi, and last year protests that included many of his followers breached the Green Zone twice. Attention in Iraq is generally focused on the war against Islamic State, with Iraqi forces currently fighting the militants in Mosul, but Mr al-Abadi is also facing a serious power struggle in Baghdad. A deepening economic crisis and persistent insurgent attacks in the Iraqi capital have fuelled support for powerful political opponents of Mr al-Abadi like Mr al-Sadr. Mr al-Abadi has said that he respects the rights of all Iraqis to peacefully demonstrate but called on the protesters to obey the law and respect public and private property. AP With the prospect of President Trump seeking to renegotiate existing trade agreements, it is possible for amendments to include measures to curb the effects of industrial fishing on ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems. Danny Quintana, founder of the Global High Seas Marine Preserve and author of Space & Ocean Exploration: The Alternative to the Military-Industrial Complex, penned the following article to encourage the new administration to take a close look at how industrialized nations are operating on the high seas and in territorial waters. Not many people are aware of the reality that approximately half of the wildlife in the oceans is gone and 90 percent of the top-of-the-food-chain marine predators have been slaughtered. Ten nations, which include the two most powerful economic blocks, the European Union and NAFTA, catch 70 percent of the fish yet only constitute one percent of the fisherman. Studies indicate that by mid-century the world's fisheries will be fished out, which will effectively kill the world's fragile marine ecosystems. The Trump Administration can save the fisheries by amending existing trade agreements with industrialized nations. This can be accomplished with amendments on the types of fishing vessels allowed to operate on the high seas, banning long-lining, by-catch, purse netting and, above all, an end to tax subsidies for national fishing industries. Prior to 1950 the world's fisheries were in reasonably good shape. Certain species and fisheries like the Cod banks off New England had been harmed by over fishing. But by and large most of the world's oceans still had plenty of fish. This changed when industrial fishing emerged with updated technology and the creation of giant fishing vessels. Current versions, essentially floating fish processing factories, have nets that are so large they can fit two 747s. This is not "fishing" but wholesale slaughter with tools that can strip the oceans of life quite rapidly. Without generous government tax subsidies, these ships would not be profitable. The killing of the wildlife is not necessary for protein for the rich developed world. These tax subsidies and over fishing occurs so rich consumers can have seafood as a food choice. Eliminating these tax subsidies is not going to cause people in rich countries to go hungry. The fishing industry generates approximately $80 Billion in annual revenue. This is not a large amount of money. Approximately 200 million people are engaged in some capacity in this global industry. Walmart has gross annual revenue of approximately $440 Billion. Many large public companies have gross revenues in excess of $80 Billion annually. The shark fin soup trade generates its own billions but at a cost of 230,000 dead sharks each day. This slaughter of the top predator in the food chain has to stop for obvious environmental reasons. Add tens of thousands of tons of plastic garbage to the oceans and we are creating a human and environmental disaster. If, or rather when, the fisheries collapse, the one billion people who depend on the oceans for their protein will face hunger and possible starvation. They will migrate but nobody wants them. So there will be more political instability, violence and environmental migrants. This bleak future can be averted. If the administration will amend the trade deals to demand an end to all subsidies for fishing, end all industrial trawlers on the high seas, no long lining, no shark fining, no nets- the fisheries will recover. In ten-years the fishermen will have more fish and the consumers will have a food resource that will last into the next several generations. How can these changes be accomplished? The United States needs to ratify the Law of the Seas Treaty and amend it to create a Global High Seas Marine Preserve. The goal of this global marine preserve is to take 70 percent of the oceans off limits to industrial commercial fishing. This creation of a nature park on the high seas will place humans and the environment on an equal footing. Future generations will forever be able to enjoy the wildlife in the oceans. Can this be done by an administration that is widely viewed as "anti-environment"? Yes, it clearly can be accomplished. The Trump administration cannot be attacked by the extreme right. Just as only Nixon could open the trade door to China, only the Trump administration can close the trade door to shark finning and over fishing. Japan is notorious in their destruction of the wildlife in the oceans. Trump can bring about changes to Japanese wildlife destruction through trade amendments. Japan kills whales, Blue Fin tuna and overfish, we can demand this stop because we are one of their largest trading partners. The United States can set an example for humanity on how to co-exist with nature. This can all be accomplished by amending existing trade deals to demand that the world save the wildlife in the oceans. We can talk trade or we can actually do sensible amendments to existing trade agreements. We cannot continue on our present path. No there are not plenty of fish in the sea, not anymore. We have just about fished them out and the fisheries, the sharks, dolphins, whales and other creatures all need a break. The sensible environmental solution is for this administration to take a hold of this important issue and deal with it. The piece meal approach of the Obama administration put band aids on a gushing wound. The Asian countries, the Europeans, Russians, Indonesians and others still have to sell their goods and services into our huge NAFTA market, the world's largest not only by trade volume but by dollar value of over $21 Trillion. Requiring our trading partners to do a better job of protecting the wildlife in the oceans is doable right here right now. They will either comply with the changes in these trade agreements or the consumers can boycott them in the marketplace. I guarantee you, boycotts not protests work to make substantive change. The benefits for this public relations nightmare of an administration is better relations with the environmental movement and young people. We cannot discount youth and their future by neglecting to address the collapse of the fisheries and protection of the wildlife on land and sea. Their concerns have to be taken seriously and they are rightly worried about their future. Ending subsidies, industrial fishing, long lining, shark fining, purse nets and cleaning up the garbage in the oceans is long overdue. If we can clean the swamp in Washington, we can certainly clean up the oceans and save the wildlife in the process. All of this can be accomplished by this administration by amending our trade agreements to protect the wildlife. The fish, sharks and other wildlife don't have a voice in how they survive or are slaughtered. It is up to the consumer and governments in other parts of this small planet to be their voice and that of youth and their future. For more info go to www.SavingOceans.org and for media interviews with Danny Quintana contact E.B. GO Vision Media at c@ebgoinc.com. Workington MP Sue Hayman has been appointed shadow Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) secretary by Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn. Ms Hayman, MP for Workington in West Cumbria, was a shadow environment minister before her promotion. The previous shadow Defra secretary, Rachael Maskell, stepped down from her position on the Labour front bench to vote against triggering Article 50. Mr Corbyn said: Im pleased to announce appointments to Labours shadow cabinet. We have a wealth of talent in our party and the strength of our shadow team will develop Labours alternative plan to rebuild and transform Britain, so that no one and no community is left behind. (ASX:LPI) Hello Im Carolyn Herbert from the Finance News Network and joining me from Lithium Power International Limitedis CEO, Martin Holland. Martin, welcome back.Thank you for having me.Can you start by giving us a quick introduction to your Maricunga project?The Maricunga project is a very unique project. It is regarded as the highest-grade pre-production lithium asset in South America. Its located in Chile. Chile itself is the home of mining in Latin America and were located in a very strategic position of Chile in the Atacama region, which is in the northern part of Chile.Whats been taking place at Maricunga?Lots has been taking place, weve done an extensive drilling program, weve acquired assets. Were working in a parallel at the moment to take the project all the way through, up until our resource upgrade in April/May this year. In parallel weve just hired a tier one contractor, who has had extensive experience in Chile from an environmental point of view. And were actually moving ahead with our scoping study and aiming to have the PFS completed by year end.Can you tell us about the latest drill results?The latest drill results have been very promising for the company. Every single drill hole that were drilling from surface, so literally like a metre deep all the way down to 200 metres, where the hole is ending in high-grade lithium bearing sands. And were drilling to the north, east, south and west. It doesnt matter where we put the drill rig were finding very thick intervals over 200 metres, across every hole were drilling.In addition to that, weve completed one deep hole. This theory was in our resource update thats coming out. Was to have a measured form, overall resource, from zero to 200 metres and then to test at depth to see if the basin increased. And what were actually finding is that the mineralisation is continuing all the way down to 360 metres, as well.What about flow rates; can you tell us about that?Flow rates are very important. So its not just about the lithium grade, its also about the porosity. And the porosity data that were getting is pretty much second to none for any other lithium project in South America. And on top of that, we have installed a production well and the flow rates that are coming are again, multiples of other projects in South America. So the production well that we put in was actually running for 30 days and it flowed at 25 litres per second, a very high-grade lithium over that duration.What about metallurgical test work, what does that tell you about the resource?A lot of people focus on the grade of lithium and our grade is the highest-grade lithium going around in South America at the moment. Also from a metallurgical point of view, we have Peter Ehrens whos a chemical processing engineer for Orocobre Limited, working for us. Hes been working on the metallurgical side of this brine since 2009, and we dont see any red flags with it. So its comparable to that of the SQM (NYSE:SQM) and Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) projects in the Atacama region. We have built 10 trial evaporation ponds and test work is happening at the moment, and its all looking very promising.Finally Martin. What sort of announcements or milestones should investors be looking out for in the coming months?Investors have seen quite a ramp up of our drilling program. We have three drill rigs onsite, we had production well happening and weve announced eight of the holes that weve put down to 200 metres. Moving forward, we have two further sonic diamond holes, as they call them, announcements coming out with those assays down to 200 metres. And one deep hole that will come out down to 360 metres and that will test the overall depth, of what were actually sitting on in this basin.Moving forward we have our resource upgrade coming out, which is going to be a milestone for the company itself. And then moving forward from that, were aiming to have our scoping study out with our prefeasibility study completed by yearend.Martin Holland, thanks for the update on Lithium Power International.Thank you very much for having me. Name: Bill Schalk Age: 74 Current town/city of residence: Village of Wind Point Connection to Racine County: I moved to Racine in 1986 to be with family after retiring from the U.S. Navy. Occupation: Racine County assistant district attorney (retired); career Naval officer (retired) Title of book and publisher: Even Our Friendship Was Illegal, published by the Coe Review Press, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Synopsis of book (plot): Racine resident Bill Schalk has co-authored a book about a trip he took with 12 fellow Coe College students to Tougaloo, Miss., in 1962, just before the civil rights movement came to a boil. At the time, Mississippi was fighting to remain segregated despite recent Federal laws banning the practice. And yet, a resistance movement built on love and peaceful protest was gaining momentum. Without fully understanding what they were getting into, these students embarked on a two-week summer service project. They lived on the campus of Tougaloo Southern Christian College, a historically black college, where they befriended students, met civil rights leaders and quietly fostered change. Just for being an integrated group, these students experienced hatred and bigotry. They were harassed and some were held incommunicado in a small town jail, but through all this they continued their summer work project at the college. Through memoir and journal entry, Even Our Friendship Was Illegal tells the story of their eye-opening experience and shows how their lives were changed forever. Is this your first book? Yes, this is my first book. Im one of eight co-authors who wrote about our experiences in Mississippi in 1962. Why did you write the book? Im a member of the Coe College Alumni Council. At a council meeting in 2014 the alumni director mentioned that in 1962 some students from Coe went to Mississippi on a summer work project. When I told her that I was one of those students I thought she was going to faint at the irony of meeting one of those students 50 years later. From there things happened fast, and I got five more of our group together at Coe for a homecoming and a presentation. About 500 students, faculty, and local citizens came to hear about our trip. We finished with everyone rising and singing We Shall Overcome. There were tears flowing and students cheering. At that point we knew we had done something special. The alumni director asked for our notes for the college archives, and while working on them we decided to go one step further and write a book. How long did it take you to write the book? It took nine months to write the book. We started in January 2016 and published it in September 2016. How did you get interested in writing? The nature of my jobs was directly responsible for my interest in writing. During my military career I had to do a lot of evaluations of personnel, point papers on issues, and briefings in the Pentagon. After I retired from the military I went to law school where effective and precise writing was critical. Where is the book available for purchase? Books may be purchased through Amazon.com. Profits from the sales go to future work-study projects for minority students at Coe. Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations and others. For details, contact Jean Johnson, Office of Alumni Affairs, Coe College, 1220 1st Ave., NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Is the book available at the library? Yes, the book is available at the Racine Public Library and I will be speaking at the library at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 1. Website or Facebook page readers can visit for more information: Amazon.com. Boone, NC, February 7, 2017 As 2017 opens the Two Rivers Community School 7th and 8th grade have been busy sharing the many lessons they learned throughout the first half of the school year. At Two Rivers, students and teachers organize Exhibition Nights to present student work to families and friends. The Exhibition Night is a staple of the student experience at Two Rivers, lending students the opportunity to share their ideas and knowledge, while exercising their public speaking and presentation skills. While Two Rivers is not officially an Expeditionary Learning School, the school does share many of the same values and principles. Kelly Lynn, 7th & 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, explains a bit more about Exhibition Nights and the 7th and 8th grade experience: Probably the most exciting aspect of the Expeditionary Learning model is the Expedition. But what, exactly, is an Expedition? In a nutshell, an Expedition is something like an interdisciplinary thematic unit but more. Two Rivers Expeditions are based on the NC State Curriculum Standards. They are long-term, in-depth studies that offer real-world connections. They require students to engage in original research, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving. These skill building activities are structured around specific elements, such as kick-off experiences, case studies, projects, specific lessons, guest experts, field trips and field work, all of which culminates in an Exhibition. The Exhibitions are a celebration of learning. They feature high-quality student work conducted or created during the course of the Expedition. At TRCS, each grade level has two Expeditions per year. In the middle school, we held our Exhibitions in late January. Our Fall Expeditions are amazing journeys for our students. The seventh grade fall Expedition is Winds of Change. It is all about innovation. The kick-off of this odyssey is a design challenge. Each team is presented with a set of materials and a specific goal. They then compete to see which teams design best achieves that goal. This years challenge was for students to design a water balloon catapult that hits a specified target. Following this fun are lessons and case studies on topics that include simple machines and physics, the history of how Renaissance inventions led to the Age of Exploration and then to the Industrial Revolution, along with innovations in government, culture, economics, and more. Science continues with explorations into energy. In literature, we read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind , the true story of William Kamkwamba, a young, self-taught Malawian who changed the lives of the people of his village when he built a windmill to generate electricity. All of this culminates in the building of wind turbines, which are presented at Exhibition Night. Much like the kick-off, students work in teams. Their goal is to design a turbine with the greatest output of voltage and amps. We kick-off the eighth grade Expedition, NC FLOW, with a three-day camping and canoe trip led by Nathan Roark, director of Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center. NC FLOW is all about water. We begin in the headwaters of the Appalachians in early September. Our journey ends at the sea, in Charleston, SC in December. Along the way, we conduct studies of water quality in local streams, gain a sense of how waterways influenced the development of towns and industries, and how those towns and industries then impacted the waterways that made them possible. Students learn about current and past, local and global, social justice issues involving water. They research the varieties of ecosystems within water and even learn how water has impacted our understanding of geological time and history with a study on fossils. In the end, students present their work to the public with a slide show as they explain the many engaging activities and what they learned from each. This years NC FLOW Exhibition was at the Watauga County Library, presented to a capacity crowd in the meeting room. Founded in 2005, Two Rivers Community School is a North Carolina Green School of Quality serving grades K-8. It is a tuition-free public-charter school located in Boone, NC under the leadership of a Board of Directors made up of local community members. The Two Rivers curriculum challenges students with dynamic learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. Academics are at the core of every student opportunity with the expectation that students grow in both character and intellect during their time at Two Rivers. This year the schools enrollment is 175 students. Open enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year begins March 13th. Download your application via the schools website or visit the front office anytime during business hours. If you would like to learn more about Two Rivers Community School, please contact Beth Vossen at 828-262-5411 or email at [email protected]. Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket To the Editor: Avery County is one of the most beautiful places on earth and has some of the most spectacular views a person will find anywhere. With the beauty of our area comes some of the most dangerous roads in our state. The 2,300 miles our buses travel each day create a challenge for any driver in any type vehicle, especially a school bus. Thankfully we have some of the most competent bus drivers in the country. To honor bus drivers, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has designated the month of February as Love the Bus month to express our sincere appreciation to our drivers. According to the American School Bus Council (ASBC) national school buses carry approximately 26 million children safely to and from schools each day. Avery County Schools travels 2,303 miles daily, and transports 1,120 students served by 30 buses and 30 drivers. Transporting students involves teamwork and effort as we strife for efficiency and safety. In North Carolina, over 700,000 public school students ride in 14,000 yellow buses each day. NCDPI School Support Division Director Ben Matthews said the benefits of school bus transportation are not limited to safety. As more students take the school bus to school, the environmental impacts are significant. Traffic congestion and pollution can be reduced around schools, not to mention the fuel savings for family cars. In this economy, lots of families are looking for ways to trim their fuel budgets, Matthews said. Here are some more facts about school buses and some safety tips: Fact Sheet: School Bus Safety The National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other authorities agree that school buses are the safest form of transportation for getting children to and from school. Some 480,000 school buses carry 26 million children more than half of Americas schoolchildren. Students are about 50 times more likely to arrive at school alive if they take the bus than if they drive themselves or ride with friends. Students are much safer riding the bus than being driven by a parent, and are about 20 times more likely to arrive to school alive if they take the bus than if a parent drives them. School buses decrease our dependence on foreign oil through an annual savings of 2.3 billion gallons of fuel. A 20-mile round-trip school commute saves an approximate $420 annually for each student who rides the bus and an approximate $10.9 billion nationwide. Large school buses are heavier and distribute crash forces differently than do passenger cars and light trucks. Because of these differences, the crash forces experienced by occupants of buses are much less than that experienced by occupants of passenger cars, light trucks or vans. Safety features including the color and size of school buses, height, reinforced sides, flashing red lights, cross view mirrors, and crossing and stop sign arms ensure children are protected and secure on and off the bus. School bus drivers are highly trained professionals in student behavior management, loading and unloading, security and emergency medical procedures. Drivers participate in pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing, as well as frequent driving record checks, and submit to background checks and periodic medical exams to keep their Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a School Bus Endorsement. The school bus industry operates by a set of safety, security, health and driver qualification guidelines that meet, and in some cases exceed, federal and state laws, and ensure that school buses are the safest mode of transportation for our nations schoolchildren. Safety tips for students: Be alert to traffic. Check traffic both ways before existing the bus. Make eye contact with the bus driver; wait for his/her signal before crossing the street. Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus to cross the street. While waiting for the bus, stay in a safe place away from the street. Before leaving the sidewalk, look for the flashing red lights. Never go near or under the bus to retrieve something youve dropped. Safety tips for parents: Review the safety tips with your child regularly. Get to know the parents of other riders as well as student riders with your child. Team up with other parents to get involved and monitor bus stops and bus routes. Voice concerns immediately to your school district. Attend back to school nights and tour your childs school bus. Get to know your schools transportation coordinator and your childs bus driver. Keep phone numbers handy in case the bus is delayed or in the event of an emergency. Please join me in the campaign to thank our drivers and transportation department for their dedication and diligent work. Valentines Day, Feb. 14, as been designate as Love Your Bus Day. On behalf of Avery County Schools, Thank you, Bus Drivers, Brian King-Director of ACS Transportation, Linda King-Transportation Information Management Specialist and our Transportation Mechanics for ensuring that our students are safe and cared for as they travel on our buses. We truly appreciate you! Sincerely, David Burleson Superintendent Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket If you have not made plans for your Valentines Day next week, look no further than the stimulating discussion of, A Trump Putin Love Affair? on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 7 p.m. in the Belk Library Room 114. This panel discussion will look into the relationship of the political love affair of President Donald Trump of the United States of America and Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. Sponsored by the Government and Justice Studies Department of Appalachian State University this free event, open to the public will host several candidates for a panel discussion. Dr. Lara Piccardo, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science from the University of Genoa, Italy will be joining our campus for the event. She has completed research on the USSR/Russia and European Integration, as well as on the relations between 18th century Russian and Italian revolutionaries. She teaches contemporary history, history of sport and International history at the University of Genoa, and peace-keeping and the frozen conflict in Eastern Europe at the Post-Conflict Operation Centre of the Italian Army. She will be joined by Dr. Frederiga Bindi, the current Appalachian State University Dan German distinguished visiting chair and a senior fellow at SAIS John Hopkins University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Aleksander Lust, an assistant professor and Dr. Cary Fraser, an assistant professor both in the department of government and justice studies from Appalachian State University. As well as Dr. Anatoly Isaenko from the department of history at Appalachian State. Dr. Bindi leads the foreign policy initiative at the Institute for Women Policy Research in Washington DC. She held a number of policy appointments in government, among which Fellow at the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee under Sen. John Kerry. She advised four different Italian governments and a number of international organizations such as the European Commission, the Council of Europe, UNIDO and the World Bank. Dr. Lusts areas of interest in his studies include international security, regional integration, and social protest in Europe and the Russian realm. He teaches a wide range of courses in comparative politics and international relations, including international politics and foreign policy, ethics of war, and European government and politics. Dr. Frasers areas of expertise and interest cover United States foreign policy, International relations in the twentieth century, imperialism and decolonization, and politics of race in the Americas and the Atlantic world. Dr. Isaenko earned his B.A. and M.A. in History and English Language at North Ossetian State University in Vladikavkaz, Russia. Dr. Isaenko went on to complete his Ph.D. in Global History at Moscow State University, Russia in 1976 with a dissertation titled The Puritan Movement in England in the Sixteenth and the Beginning of the Seventeenth Centuries. Prior to becoming a professor at Appalachian State University, Dr. Isaenko was Professor and Chair of Ancient and Medieval History at North Ossetian State University, in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia-Alania, Russia. To attend this free event, view the invitation. For more about events in the College of Arts and Sciences, please visit the CAS website. Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket By Makhan Saikia The way US President Donald Trump is handling Xis China has raised hackles of his party men. The ties between the two nuclear-armed countries could rapidly deteriorate into an economic or even military confrontations if compromise on issues, including trade, Taiwan and the SCS, cannot be found Chinas grand imperial designs have no end, probably. With Xi Jinping, the country has certainly bolstered its claim over more and more territories, including the ones in the most controversial chain of islands in the South China Sea (SCS). It is nothing new for China as it has been claiming its ownership and control over the entire SCS islands. But what came as a rude shock to the international community, particularly to the nations around the SCS, was Beijings swift move to construct artificial islands in the disputed areas. It caused tremors in Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei and Vietnam. All of them looked for an immediate intervention by the US and the other regional powers, like Japan, so as to contain Chinas aggressive expansionist agenda. But then President Barack Obama maintained a feeble stance on Chinas sovereignty claims. The Obama Administration did not recognise any ownership of the islands and asserted that these are international water, and, therefore, China alone cannot have its sole right to either occupy or claim them altogether. But then finally the US sent the USS Decatur, a warship into the area in the last October near the most disputed Paracel Islands, calling it as the freedom of navigation exercises. The White House said it was to demonstrate lawful uses of the sea that the United States and all States are entitled to exercise under international law. Ironically, what the international community had witnessed was reassertion by Beijing and coming up with more construction activities in controversial islands. Meanwhile, China accused the US of an illegal act and of being intentionally provocative. Since then what brought the Chinese authorities to international attention was the Philippines successful attempt to drag the former to the UN special tribunal at The Hague. The Tribunal recognised the claims made by the Philippines and said, Chinas nine-dash line had no foundation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Tribunal also declared that China had supported activities that infringe on the Philippines rights to stock fish and preserve marine environment. Another remarkable judgment was given by the Tribunal regarding UNCLOS Article 121, which says that any island that can sustain human habitation or economic life is entitled to claim a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. The Tribunal clearly said that none of the contested islands in the SCS, including the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoals, are islands under Article 121. But the Tribunal did not make any judgments over issues pertaining to contested territorial claims by several nations. However, China reacted strongly to the Tribunals verdict and said that it will not be bound by the same. To Beijing, these island chains are its own lands and, therefore, it does not need any ones permission or verdict to conduct any activity out there. Further, to the leadership in China, it is just asserting its sovereign territorial claims in the SCS and nothing else. Now as the Philippines has complained that China may try to build on a reef the formers coast. Delfin Lorenzana, the Defence Secretary of the Philippines, claimed that Chinas actions would be unacceptable in the flashpoint waterway. And, he strongly believes that China would eventually reclaim the Scarborough Shoal, which is just 230 kilometre from the main Philippine island of Luzon. This is adding fuel to the fire in the SCS zone. Why China is adopting this new offensive? Is it planning to demonstrate to Donald Trump that Chinese claims of sovereignty over the SCS will remain unchanged? It seems China is on its regular course of action whether it is the SCS or any other controversial territorial claims the nation has been making over decades. Of course, with Xi, Beijing has expanded its globetrotting campaign and shaken the entire continent. To some, Chinas latest move may have been inspired by Trumps nominee for the post of the Secretary of the State in January, Rex Tillerson, that China should be barred from artificial islands it has built in the SCS. He also said that Chinas control and construction of artificial islands in waters claimed by neighbouring countries was akin to Russias taking of Crimea. In a first response to Tillersons comment, Chinas Foreign Ministry emphasised the importance of mutual respect and cooperation with the US. Nevertheless, Lu Kang Lu, one of the spokesmen of the ministry, hinted at some hope and said that China-US relations are based on non-confrontation, non-conflict, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. China has restrained from taking a tough stand against the Trump Administration so far. But all indications are that Chinas attitude rightly demonstrates its control over the SCS as a foregone conclusion. If America takes up a military venture, then only it can stop China from the SCS. And it is unlikely to happen. Then, how Tillerson will move forward, remains a mystery. For, Xi, he will maintain calm as he is winding down his first term by the end of the year and the party top guns are locked in a power struggle to appoint their allies in the new Cabinet. But, Xi is not likely to be seen as weak at all. Naysayers, activists, globalists, leaders from various parts and finally, of course the Democrats, and some of Trumps own partymen are concerned about the way Trump is handling Xis China. Some of the worlds leading China experts bring home startling facts about the future of the US-China relations. A report submitted by the group to the White House on February 5 highlights that the ties between the two nuclear-armed countries could rapidly deteriorate into an economic or even military confrontations if compromise on issues, including trade, Taiwan and the SCS, cannot be found. However, the boisterous language that the Trump Administration used for China will not help de-escalate the tension between the two global powers. What Evan Medeiros, one of Obamas top advisers on Asia, says reflects the chances of possible damage in the bilateral relations: You cant do everything simultaneously. You cant pick a fight with China on Taiwan, on trade, on North Korea and the South China Sea at the same time. It simply wont work. Youll just end up in a big fight with China that doesnt produce anything for the United States. Though the current situation is somewhere between uncertain and very worried as Medeiros echoed, there is some glimmers of hope from Trump. Being a billionaire businessman, he will have to understand the global and regional realities wherein interests of both America and China lie together. He and his establishment must see to it that China is not pushed and pressed too far. If this happens at all, neither China nor America will be benefitted. Hope, Trump realises it sooner. (The writer is Senior Editor, The Pioneer) Source : Daily Pioneer Heres a thought experiment for you: Imagine two sales people working for the same company but in different regions. Johnson slaves away in her area. She does a great job, shes a professional and accomplished sales representative and shes always ready to help her clients and colleagues. However, due to circumstances beyond her control she doesnt reach her sales target this quarter. Maybe her biggest account goes bankrupt or maybe theres just less economic activity in her region. Smith, on the other hand, is lazy. He is not very competent and he never bothers to go the extra mile to help his colleagues or his clients. But due to circumstances beyond his control, he achieves his sales target nonetheless that quarter. Maybe a big order drops in completely by chance, or maybe the growth in his region is increasing, or maybe his sales target just wasnt ambitious enough from the start. Which of the two deserves praise and recognition? Johnson, who does a great job, but performs below target or lazy Smith, who just got lucky this budget year? To me its pretty obvious that its better, more fair and more helpful to the future results of the company to acknowledge and reward employees who have delivered the bigger effort. And of course most companies do the opposite and reward only results, partly because results are easier to measure, but also beca... About Webcast Supporting 30,000 employees worldwide, the Workforce Information team at Micron has a clear vision: when someone thinks of analytics at Micron, they want that person to think of HR. For most companies today, that seems a tall order to fulfill. And, at Micron, with a highly technical staff of over 10,000 engineers, it was a particularly bold aspiration. However, over the past two years Microns Workforce Information team, working within the HR department, has made significant progress in achieving that goal. Join 2014 Brandon Hall Excellence in Technology award winner Tim Long, Director, Workforce Information at Micron, as he discusses his teams journey in enabling HR to demand evidence and think critically. Tim will share his teams experience: Developing global standards for workforce data Implementing a highly scalable solution for workforce analytics on demand Fostering a data-driven culture within HR Leveraging workforce analytics in HR processes, such as compensation reviews Since implementing Visier Workforce Analytics in late 2013, as part of its broader data-driven HR strategy, Microns Workforce Information team has rolled out self-service analytics to more than 150 HR leaders and business partners and more than 800 business area managers globally. As a result, Micron is uncovering new workforce insights that can be used to make decisions that are closely linked to business performance. For more than 30 years, Microns teams of dreamers, visionaries, and scientists have redefined innovationdesigning and building some of the worlds most advanced memory and semiconductor technologies. Join Tim Long as he shares Microns innovative journey with workforce analytics. By registering for this webcast you will receive email communications and notifications from the sponsor(s). Update 1pm: While a Commission of Investigation is to examine whether there was a smear campaign against Sergeant Maurice McCabe, the Government insists the Garda Commissioner has its full confidence. However Cormac Lucey, former advisor in the Department of Justice, believes Noirin O'Sullivan needs to go. "Here you're either all-in or you're not in, so either we have a Garda Commissioner there with full Government confidence or we don't. "I think the question is why does the Government, or does the Government have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner right now - if I were in their position I wouldn't. I think the Gardai right now are like the cat with nine lives, they're up to life 14 at this stage." Earlier: Sinn Fein is to table a motion of no confidence in what it describes as a "kick for touch, cover up" government. The move follows a week of pressure on the Government over hospital waiting lists and the latest revelations about an alleged smear campaign against Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe. Fianna Fail's arrangement with the Government requires it not to support any motion of No Confidence, but Sinn Fein says it will encourage Fianna Fail to support its move. Sinn Fein Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said the health crisis is a factor in tabling a motion of no confidence in the Government, but the situation involving Sergeant McCabe is of major concern. "I suppose it is the turn of events around the scandalous campaign of vilification and character assassination against Sergeant Maurice McCabe, and the way in which the Government has failed to protect his interests and the interests of citizens more broadly in this very shocking scenario." She said that the hospital waiting list scandal has "exposed the government's complete failure" in what she describes as a crisis in the health service. Yesterday, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams called for a General Election. Speaking in Belfast on the controversy surrounding Sergeant Maurice McCabe, he said that the Fine Gael led government is '"stumbling from one crisis to another". "They have covered up on the NAMA scandal and they are now playing the public for fools on the Garda/Tusla/McCabe controversy." Mr Adams said that if his party was in government, they would not tolerate it. He added: "People deserve an election. They deserve to have their say on all of these matters. Also yesterday, the HSE said it is apologising unreservedly to Mr. McCabe and his family for the distress caused on foot of this error. "The HSE is making arrangements to offer this apology formally to Mr. McCabe as soon as possible," the statement said. The HSE said it will fully co-operate with any Inquiry or Investigation into this matter. Sinn Fein is to use its Dail time on Wednesday to table the motion of no confidence, with a vote the following day. KENOSHA WGTD (91.1 FM) is owned and operated as a public service of Gateway Technical College and is an affiliate of Wisconsin Public Radio. For an updated schedule, visit its website at www.wgtd.org. The Morning Show airs every weekday between 8:10 and 9 a.m. Following is a schedule of show topics for the coming week: Monday The story of the Koss Family Foundation and their upcoming fundraiser. They are planning to disperse funds to area families impacted by cancer, to help them with non-medical expenses. Tuesday Previewing the Independent Lens documentary titled Tower. The film recounts the story of the mass shooting which occurred on the campus of the University of Texas on Aug. 1, 1966, when a lone gunman began shooting innocent passers-by from a tall tower in the center of the campus. Wednesday Dr. Wael Farouk, head of piano at Carthage College, will discuss The Brahms Project, an ambitious series of recitals this spring in which he will be playing an impressive number of piano works by Brahms. Thursday Nan Calvert, Jayne Herring (Gateway Technical College) and Sister Jane (Eco-Justice Center) preview the upcoming Eco Fest. Friday Rebroadcast for Black History Month, Giants: The Parallel Lives of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Saturday Programming includes Financial Overview at 9 a.m., Breakfast Bytes at 9:45 a.m., Education Matters at 10:30 a.m. and Community Matters at 11:15 a.m. Ally Financial Inc., a digital financial-services company, provides various digital financial products and services to consumer, commercial, and corporate customers primarily in the United States and Canada. It operates through four segments: Automotive Finance Operations, Insurance Operations, Mortgage Finance Operations, and Corporate Finance Operations. The Automotive Finance Operations segment offers automotive financing services, including providing retail installment sales contracts, loans and operating leases, term loans to dealers, financing dealer floorplans and other lines of credit to dealers, warehouse lines to automotive retailers, and fleet financing. It also provides financing services to companies and municipalities for the purchase or lease of vehicles, and vehicle-remarketing services. The Insurance Operations segment offers consumer finance protection and insurance products through the automotive dealer channel, and commercial insurance products directly to dealers. This segment provides vehicle service and maintenance contract, and guaranteed asset protection products; and underwrites commercial insurance coverages, which primarily insure dealers' vehicle inventory. The Mortgage Finance Operations segment manages consumer mortgage loan portfolio that includes bulk purchases of jumbo and low-to-moderate income mortgage loans originated by third parties, as well as direct-to-consumer mortgage offerings. The Corporate Finance Operations segment provides senior secured leveraged cash flow and asset-based loans to middle market companies; leveraged loans; and commercial real estate product to serve companies in the healthcare industry. The company also offers commercial banking products and services. In addition, it provides securities brokerage and investment advisory services. The company was formerly known as GMAC Inc. and changed its name to Ally Financial Inc. in May 2010. Ally Financial Inc. was founded in 1919 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. MOUNT PLEASANT After complaints about alleged property violations were filed against Village President Jerry Garski, the village will turn to an outside agency to handle the investigation. The Mount Pleasant Finance and Legal License Committee has approved a contract with Safebuilt Wisconsin LLC for zoning and building code enforcement matters on an as-needed basis. The contract was prompted by complaints filed in November against Garski, according to Interim Village Administrator Tim Zarzecki, who said the village wanted to avoid a conflict of interest. Three complaints filed in November alleged Garski has zoning and parking violations at his two Mount Pleasant properties. Those violations, according to the complaints, include a higher number of outbuildings than allowed by ordinance and commercial vehicles and equipment parked in violation of village rules. Garski argues he has no infractions and says the accusations are politically driven as he runs for re-election in April against Trustee Dave DeGroot. A former trustee and a former Community Development Authority chairwoman were among those filing complaints. The committee approved the contract unanimously Thursday. Garski was not at the meeting and the complaints against him werent referenced by name during discussion. Other agencies decline Zarzecki has said he checked with surrounding municipalities but struggled to find another agency willing to take on the case, as many local officials also work with Garski and Mount Pleasant. Safebuilt is a private building-inspection service based in Waukesha. Under the contract, the village would pay between $75 and $100 per hour for services. City of Burlington officials recommended Safebuilt to Mount Pleasant, saying they were pleased with the work and felt the rates were reasonable, Zarzecki said. Burlington had a similar conflict-of-interest case involving a firefighter, Zarzecki said. Fees paid to Safebuilt would come from the villages building inspection budget. Zarzecki said he doesnt anticipate the village using Safebuilt often. We do need something for these situations as they arise, Trustee Gary Feest said. Consolidated Edison, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.5 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,555 customers in parts of Manhattan. The company also supplies electricity to approximately 0.3 million customers in southeastern New York and northern New Jersey; and gas to approximately 0.1 million customers in southeastern New York. In addition, it operates 533 circuit miles of transmission lines; 15 transmission substations; 64 distribution substations; 87,564 in-service line transformers; 3,924 pole miles of overhead distribution lines; and 2,291 miles of underground distribution lines, as well as 4,350 miles of mains and 377,971 service lines for natural gas distribution. Further, the company owns, operates, and develops renewable and energy infrastructure projects; and provides energy-related products and services to wholesale and retail customers, as well as invests in electric and gas transmission projects. It primarily sells electricity to industrial, commercial, residential, and government customers. The company was founded in 1823 and is based in New York, New York. Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides newborn, maternal-fetal, pediatric cardiology, and other pediatric subspecialty care services in the United States and Puerto Rico. It offers neonatal care services, such as clinical care to babies born prematurely or with complications within specific units at hospitals through neonatal physician subspecialists, neonatal nurse practitioners, and other pediatric clinicians. The company also provides maternal-fetal care services, including inpatient and office-based clinical care to expectant mothers and unborn babies through affiliated maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists, as well as obstetricians and other clinicians, including maternal-fetal nurse practitioners, certified nurse mid-wives, ultrasonographers, and genetic counselors. In addition, it offers pediatric cardiology care services comprising inpatient and office-based pediatric cardiology care of the fetus, infant, child, and adolescent patient with congenital heart defects and acquired heart disease, as well as adults with congenital heart defects through affiliated pediatric cardiologist subspecialists and other related clinical professionals; and specialized cardiac care to the fetus, neonatal and pediatric patients. Further, the company provides other pediatric subspecialty care services through pediatric subspecialists, such as pediatric intensivists, pediatric hospitalists, pediatric surgeons, and pediatric ophthalmologists, as well as pediatric ear, nose, and throat physicians; and support services in the areas of hospitals, primarily in the pediatric emergency rooms, labor and delivery areas, and nursery and pediatric departments. As of February 17, 2022, it operated a network of approximately 2,700 physicians. The company was formerly known as MEDNAX, Inc. and changed its name to Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. in July 2022. Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. was founded in 1979 and is based in Sunrise, Florida. Humana Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health and well-being company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail, Group and Specialty, and Healthcare Services. The company offers medical and supplemental benefit plans to individuals. It also has a contract with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to administer the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition prescription drug plan program; and contracts with various states to provide Medicaid, dual eligible, and long-term support services benefits. In addition, the company provides commercial fully insured medical and specialty health insurance benefits comprising dental, vision, and other supplemental health benefits; and administrative services only products to individuals and employer groups, as well as military services, such as TRICARE T2017 East Region contract. Further, it offers pharmacy solutions, provider services, and home solutions services, such as home health and other services to its health plan members, as well as to third parties. As of December 31, 2021, the company had approximately 17 million members in medical benefit plans, as well as approximately 5 million members in specialty products. Humana Inc. was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Counselor George Lutterodt is unfazed by threats of legal action from Victoria Lebene Mekpa, actress and fiancee of veteran actor Kofi Adjorlolo. According to the controversial marriage counselor, he still stands by comments he made in a video that surfaced online that Victoria is too young to marry Kofi Adjorlolo adding that she is only trying to kill the veteran actor before his time. He stated that in the video that, if she marries Kofi Adjorlolo she would see what I will do to her because she is a small girl. She is just about 27-years-old so she should take her time, which led to the actress to breaking down in tears. Victoria Lebene Mekpa, shortly after the incident, indicated plans to sue Counselor Lutterodt in an interview with [email protected] on Hitz FM. According to the actress, her management has a letter to the counselor and she will take the legal action if he doesnt retract the unsavory words he used against her. But Counselor Lutterodt, speaking in an interview with Doreen Avio on [email protected] sais he stands by his comments. Ive not seen the letter. The content is what will determine my response. I dont know what they want me to retract. I stand by what I said and Im too sure of what I said, he maintained. The counselor said that an attempt to join the two as husband and wife would lead to the lady killing the veteran actor Kofi Adjorlolo and he will not allow that. Lebene is going to give Kofi Ajdorlolo stress, Counselor Lutterodt said. The counselor explained that he likes Kofi Adjorlolo so much and he wants him to live long. According to him, he also wants Victoria to have a better future and not be a widow. 12.02.2017 LISTEN The Minister of Information-designate, Mustapha Hamid, has told the Appointments Committee of Parliament that President Akufo-Addo is not an ethnic bigot as his opponents wanted to tag him, and that his description of Alhaji Haruna Attah, Ghana's former High Commissioner to Namibia, and former President John Mahama as ethnic bigots was in defence of his boss (Nana), who was being accused as such. He regretted the incident, which compelled him to make those comments, and assured the committee that when given to nod to become Information Minister, he would use his position to ensure that mudslinging in the political arena, which all the parties were guilty of doing, had been reduced. Alhaji Haruna Attah had alleged in November last year that President Akufo-Addo once invited him to his office at Ridge, and castigated him (Haruna) for supporting the late Aliu Mahama in the 2008 NPP presidential primary. The words have been indelibly etched on my conscience: 'Harruna, 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, the immediate past Ghana High Commissioner to Namibia wrote in an article, which was given wide publicity. Reacting to the accusation then, Mustapha contended that No such conversation had taken place between Nana Addo and Alhaji Harunah Attah, and that the article he authored was a complete fabrication. According to him, if there was any unrepentant ethnocentric bigot in this election (2016), there is no doubt that it is President John Mahama. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale North, Alhaji Suhuyini, who had gone back to the records to fish out this comment, wanted to find out from the nominee whether he still stands by it. Mustapha responded, and said that has never been his character, and that he was compelled to make those comments to defend his presidential candidate, who was being tagged as ethnically-biased person, when, in fact, he is not. The Minority again referred to a purported statement made by the nominee in the heat of the 2016 electioneering campaign that President Akufo-Addo would return the GITMO three when he assumes power, and whether he would fulfill his promise now that he is the President of Ghana. Mustapha responded that he did not remember making such a statement, but he if he indeed said something to that effect, he (Nana Addo) would definitely study the reason why the GITMO three were brought to Ghana, and take a decision on the issue. The Minister-designate also assured the nation of his commitment to be honest to Ghanaian people when it comes to information dissemination. The assurance was in response to the Minority position that GH7 billion that the current government claimed was missing, was actually not true, and that whether he was also going to follow the same example when transmitting government information to the public. The nominee, however, promised to give Ghanaians timeous and accurate information. Mustapha Hamid dismissed the argument, which was again advanced by the Minority, that his job as the Presidential Spokesman would conflict with his position as the Minister of Information. To him, the President is the embodiment of the government he would be serving as a Minister, and that such a conflict would never arise. The Minister for Information-designate also assured Ghanaian journalists that they would not be charged before being given accreditation to cover government programmes. He, however, admitted that foreign journalists, as per briefing he had received, are made to pay certain fees, which he described as 'facilitation fees', to enable the ministry (Information) process documents that would make their movements in Ghana free from hindrances. Whilst supporting the broadcast bill, and promising to ensure its passage into law, Mustapha also promised to properly utilise the media funds, if available, to support the capacity building of journalists in the country. He called on the members of the committee to disregard the propaganda going on that he does not come from Upper East Region. Pointing to his father, who was sitting right behind him, the nominee said he is a Busanga and comes from Widana. By Emmanuel Akli 12.02.2017 LISTEN The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshall Samson Oje, has revealed that the decision by President Akufo-Addo to review upwards the allowances paid to soldiers on the United Nations peacekeeping duties, has boosted their morale. From the few directives youve given so far, I can see a bright light in the Ghana Armed Forces. The issue about the peacekeeping allowances has been solved within a short time, and it has boosted the morale of the service personnel, he remarked The CDS made this known at a meeting with the President to bid him farewell, as he retires from the military. He thanked the people of Ghana for giving him the chance to serve for the past 42 years. President Akufo-Addo, on behalf of Ghanaians, thanked the former army chief for his contribution towards the security of the nation. We are very grateful to you for what you have done for the country, and I know that you are available. Yes, going into retirement doesnt mean you are no longer available for service. I know how you feel for your country, and I know that you will come to offer your service, the President noted Meanwhile, the President has also appointed Major General Obed Akwa as the Acting Chief of Defence Staff, pending consultation from the Council of State. The President, knowing the career and personality of Major General Obed Akwa, said he was qualified for the task ahead. Maj. Gen. Akwa, who was the Chief of Army Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, is expected to be confirmed when a new Council of State is constituted. Until his appointment as Chief of Army Staff on July 1, 2016, Maj. Gen. Akwa was the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). Major General Akwa enlisted into the Ghana Military Academy in October 1975. He was commissioned into the Ghana Army as a Second Lieutenant in March 1977, with extensive experience in Global Security, Defence and Strategic Studies. He also has an excellent understanding of the theory and practice of international peace support operations. He served as the Western Brigade Commander/Ghanaian Contingent Commander with the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Congo (MONUSCO). Major General Akwa had his basic military training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom, from 1976-1977. He has academic qualifications in Global Security (MSc) from Cranfield University, England, 2003; Defence and Strategic Studies (MSc) from Madras University, India, 1977; and Public Administration (Certificate) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Accra, Ghana, 1989. The Commandant of the Military Academy and Training School, Major General William Azure Ayamdo, has been appointed acting Chief of Army Staff. By Maxwell Ofori, Jubilee House Accra The Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Professor Harrison Dapaah, has noted that as a nation, it is imperative for Ghana to encourage the study of science at all levels of education, so as to help find practical solutions to the country's problems, through scientific discoveries. Speaking at the maiden Science Festival organised by the UENR on campus recently, Prof. Dapaah reiterated that scientific knowledge has become an invaluable resource for wealth generation, which, when prioritised, would eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development. Prof. Dapaah continued that Ghana has no excuse to relegate the study of science to the background, and it was against that background that the UENR conceived the science festival to encourage the study of science among basic and senior high school students in the Brong-Ahafo Region, and the country as a whole. He explained that the main idea of the science festival is to combine three words, daily life, science and business, and show their relations and areas of integration during the three-day event. The Vice Chancellor of the UENR disclosed that the university will collaborate with the Ghana Education Service and use the Science Festival platform to whip up interest in the study of science in the Brong-Ahafo Region. Also, Prof. Dapaah indicated that UENR, in the not too distant future, would organise science and mathematics clinics for Senior High School (SHS) female students with deficiencies in science and mathematics, to enable them re-sit their WASSCE. According to the Vice-Chancellor, the Science and Mathematics clinic for female students is geared towards the gender mainstreaming policy of the UENR to encourage more females to enter into science and engineering programmes in the university. He used the occasion to appeal to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to increase the number of science-based SHS in the Brong-Ahafo Region, as most of the high schools in the region are not offering science. Prof. Dapaah said when the science-based SHS is increased, it would help in producing more science-inclined students for the nation, to help unearth discoveries to address challenges facing societies today, such as climate change, inclusive societies, energy, famine, drought, health and ageing. In all, a total of 15 schools from the Primary, Junior High School (JHS) and SHS from within the Sunyani Municipality are participating in the science festival. Activities earmarked for the three-day event include, experiments at scientific laboratories -density and reflection of light, exploring the solar system, night sky viewing session, virtual reality show, the secrets of weather forecasting, and a trip to Bui Dam for selected JHS and SHS students. From Michael Boateng, Sunyani 12.02.2017 LISTEN A former Headmaster of McKeon Senior High School in Kumasi, Mr. George K. Eshun, has lauded Ghana for entrenching democracy in Ghana, and Africa as a whole. The retired educationist, in a chat with The Chronicle, described the transfer of power from one political party to another as legendary, adding that Ghana is a role model of peace and stability, not only in Africa, but the world at large. He mentioned that over the years, the change of power through the ballot box in Ghana, with politicians respecting the constitutional terms of their tenure in office, makes Ghana's democratic dispensation unparalleled and worthy of emulation by fellow African countries. Mr. Eshun, who is also an Elder of Holy Ghost Power Sanctuary in Kumasi, expressed his profound appreciation to Ghanaian leaders, past and present, for promoting pan-Africanism, and Ghana's immense contribution to political advancement in other African countries. Ex-Headmaster Eshun, who has currently embarked on stepping up moral education in public schools to raise fallen standards, commended former presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor for entrenching constitutional rule in Ghana, and hoped an Akufo-Addo government would relentlessly contribute its quota and add to the status quo. He urged the government to encourage the introduction of moral education in the school curriculum to help instill discipline and righteousness in the youth, noting that an upright youth is a guarantee for a virtuous adult population and nation. From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi 12.02.2017 LISTEN Afro-Arab Group, an Accra-based mini-conglomerate, yesterday announced an effort to facilitate the growth of small businesses in Ghana. First, Group Consultant Alhaji Salam Amadu described Afro-Arabs new partnership with the Joudy Group, the Izmer, Turkey-based trade show specialist. The first initiative with Joudy will enable Ghanaian business people to attend Turkish Trade Fairs, at a reduced cost. Specifically, Afro-Arab is promoting a $400 package that includes a four-nights hotel stay, local transportation, plus discounts on airfare to Istanbul. The idea is that if more Ghana-based Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can attend one of the many Turkish tradeshows, they can, not only expand their businesses, but also encourage European business people to visit Ghana. Secondly, Alhaji Salam Amadu spoke of the need for the new Ghana government to work with Afro-Arab, and others, to create new trade shows in Ghana, that could help attract foreign investment. Alhaji Salam Amadu stated that only by the development of a robust Government/Private Industry Partnership, could Ghana compete in the world marketplace and help fulfill the promise of one district-one factory. When asked how much of a financial commitment he would solicit from the government to accomplish his goals, Alhaji Salam Amadu declined to name a figure, and indicated it depended on how big a trade show was being discussed. While these efforts to promote growth are admirable, the bigger question is why has Ghana not been able to attract more multinationals to build manufacturing facilities here in Ghana, instead of in China, Mexico, etc? With its young, English speaking, and educated workforce, Ghana should be a very popular location for new facilities. However, one often hears international business people say that until the government stamps out corruption and fixes the poor infrastructure, Ghana will remain well below its potential in its ability to attract new foreign investors. By Richard Lee Two people are in the custody of the Suhum District Police Command on suspicion of possessing items suspected to be human parts. The two were arrested at Densuso a suburb of the Suhum Municipality in the Eastern region upon a tip off. Akakpo Kwame, 26, and Daniel Larbi,18, allegedly went to a fetish priest at Densuso to sell the human parts, which according to reports looked like a bone of the hand. However, the priest called to inform the police about the two after which the police proceeded to effect their arrest, said the Suhum District PoliceCommander, DSP Yaaya Musheratu who confirmed the arrest to Joy News correspondent Maxwell Kudekor. More soon... Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim Nairobi (AFP) - A senior South Sudanese general has quit, accusing President Salva Kiir and top members from his majority Dinka tribe of "ethnic cleansing," according to a resignation letter obtained by AFP Sunday. Lieutenant-General Thomas Cirillo Swaka is the country's deputy chief of general staff for logistics and a respected figure among the country's foreign partners. I "have lost patience with the conduct of the president and commander in chief, the chief of staff and other senior officers in the headquarters of the SPLA as well as unit commanders," Cirillo wrote. Kiir and other officers of the SPLA -- the country's national army -- "have systematically frustrated the implementation" of a 2015 peace agreement and sought to "pursue the agenda" of the elders' council of the Dinka ethnic community, Cirillo charged. This agenda, Cirillo wrote, rests on "ethnic cleansing", "forceful displacement of people from their ancestral lands" and "ethnic domination", all crimes against humanity. South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but broke out into war in December 2013, pitting the Dinkas of President Kiir against former vice-president Riek Machar and his Nuer tribe supporters. Observers said it later metastasised with other tribes joining one side or the other, often with the hope of getting an upper hand in local conflicts over land and other issues. A peace agreement signed two and a half years later raised hopes of an end to the conflict, but the deal lasted just over two months. Tens of thousands have died in the conflict, despite a 12,000-man UN peacekeeping force posted in the area, while over three million have been displaced. Cirillo accused Kiir and his entourage of turning the country's military into a Dinka "tribal" army that has taken part "in systematic killings of people, rape of women and the burning of villages in the name of pursuing rebels in peaceful villages". Cirillo is from the southern Equatoria region surrounding capital Juba that escaped violence in the beginning of the civil war. Fighting had largely been restricted to the northern states of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei until war broke out in Juba last July. In the past six months, it has expanded into Equatoria, where ethnic killings intensified, particularly in and around the southern town of Yei, prompting tens of thousands of people to seek refuge in neighbouring Uganda. Dinka troops were accused of driving the atrocities, which drew the attention of the international community. It led UN experts in early December to report "ethnic cleansing" in several parts of South Sudan. "Soldiers from the Dinka ethnic group have been strategically deployed and posted in non-Dinka areas to support the policy of land occupation," Cirillo said. They "have appropriated to themselves other people's properties" and "deliberately neglected and left without deployment," he added. This week, Festus Mogae, a former president of Botswana who leads the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), reported that new militia groups have emerged in the conflict and expressed fears of renewed ethnic violence. Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says the government wants a relationship with the international community driven by trade rather that aid. According to him, such position will help Ghana position itself in the continent's growth. Dr Bawumia made the comment while contributing to a panel discussion on Leapfrogging Development: The African Story, at the 5th World Government Summit currently ongoing in Dubai, UAE. Mr Ashish Tkakkar, Founder of Mara Group (L), President of Guinea, Alpha Conde, (M), Ghana Vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (R) He noted that there was a great potential for Africa's growth leveraging technology and that opportunity must be tapped urgently to realize the Africa's growth. He added that, Africa has to understand that the process of leapfrogging must be homegrown and implemented in full.. In the next five years, Africa will become the fastest growing continent. Other leaders on the panel were the president of Guinea, Alpha Conde, who is also AU Chairman and Mr Ashish Tkakkar, Founder of Mara Group and Mara Foundation. Mr Ashish Tkakkar, Founder of Mara Group (L), President of Guinea, Alpha Conde, (M), Ghana Vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (R) Dr Bawumia is among the over 90 top government and business leaders who have gathered in the gulf country for the event. The 3-day World Government summit which started on Sunday, 12th February will end on Tuesday 14th February with an awards ceremony. The World Government Summit is a global platform dedicated to shaping the future of governments worldwide. The annual summit sets an agenda with a focus on harnessing innovation and technology to solve universal challenges. Mr Ashish Tkakkar, Founder of Mara Group (L), President of Guinea, Alpha Conde, (M), Ghana Vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (R) It functions as a thought leadership platform and networking hub for policymakers, experts, and pioneers in human development. By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @jnyabor Maseru (Lesotho) (AFP) - The former prime minister of Lesotho returned to the landlocked mountain kingdom on Sunday, pledging to win back power two years after fleeing in fear of his life. Thomas Thabane, leader of the All Basotho Convention (ABC) party, was greeted by thousands of supporters at a rally in the capital Maseru, as political instability threatens to again shake the country. "Prime Minister (Pakalitha) Mosisili must open parliament... so that we can legally overthrow his government and take over," Thabane said. "It is clear that he no longer has enough parliamentary seats to govern this country." Lesotho has been hit by power struggles since a failed coup in June 2014, which led to elections in early 2015 when Thabane narrowly lost power. Mosisili, of the Democratic Congress (DC) party, currently heads a fragmented coalition government that took power after the elections. Thabane, who said he fled after being tipped off about a plot to kill him, told the South African News24 website: "I am taking a huge risk by going back to Lesotho. The threat on my life is still there." In 2014, army chief Tlali Kamoli was accused of launching a coup against Thabane when soldiers attacked police headquarters, looted weapons and killed one officer. A senior general, who was seen as close to Thabane, was gunned down in June 2015 by soldiers. South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc have repeatedly called for peace and political reform in Lesotho. Thabane, who was based in South Africa during his self-imposed exile, used his speech on Sunday to criticise the SADC for lack of support. Surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho is one of the world's poorest countries and its economy is heavily dependent on its larger neighbour, to where it exports water and hydroelectric power. Two other opposition leaders also returned with Thabane on Sunday. The three opposition parties are pushing for a no-confidence motion against Mosisili's government when parliament reopens on February 24. Lesotho, a constitutional monarchy, was a British protectorate known as Basutoland before independence in 1966. 12.02.2017 LISTEN In this day and age many Ghanaian children study under trees where they are constantly exposed to the elements. Many a child who is just fortunate to study in brick-and-mortar classrooms does so in deathtrap. Those six unfortunate children who died recently, those several others who unfortunately died yesteryear, just yesterday, all did sosadlyin what seemed like rejected ectopic pregnancies of cold deathtraps and sweltering slave ships that also pass for authentic brick-and-mortar classrooms. Yet we know who the slimy perpetrators of these heinous crimes are, these shameless and hypocritical moirologists called politicians. Leadership crises, gross mismanagement of the public purse, institutional corruption, and political wickedness are the grand ghost authors of the mournful, harmful obituaries of these innocent children. These wicked politicians have taken to writing the obituaries of innocent Ghanaian children even before they are born, burying the future of these children in the ashes of bitterness. And yet these shameless, wicked politicians build strings of castles and mansions to the tune of tens of millions of dollarsfor themselves. And yet these shameless, wicked politicians buy a fleet of expensive cars for themselves. They even steal some of these expensive for their private use. Yes, the taxpayers money, that is itthe secret to the material success of political mortician. The wicked politicians growing fat at the expense of the taxpayer. This is to say, the taxpayers hard-earned money foots the humongous bills of his childrens premature and preventable deaths, such as happened in the case of the six childrentheir angelic souls should rest in peace rather than in piecesand others orchestrated obituaries at the hands of the politician, and the like. The wicked politician is indeed a bloodsucker, a scheming leech with an effective scolex. The alleged discerning taxpayer, we are consistently told, knows the politician inside out and yet he goes all the way to vote the same politician into officeyear in, year out. For instance, maintenance cost for the fleet of cars kept at the presidency and the fuel for this fleet of cars, Oh Ghana, are borne by the poor hardworking taxpayer. While the taxpayer grows anorexic on account of his political immaturity and ignorance, while expectant mothers cry out for medications and beds, while the nations networks of rutty and rusty and unmotorable roads continue to remain highly accessible burial grounds for citizens, while open defecation elevates Ghana to the seventh dirtiest country on the planet, while unemployment and institutional corruption gnaw at the soul of the nation, these wicked sybaritic politicians continue to live extravagantly while feeding the citizenry on fact lies. In fact the taxpayer is totally lost in the misty dustiness of abject ignorance. The wicked politician, on the other hand, is a dead wood in the thick of absolute coldness and, as well, floating in the limbo of stupidity and, once again, this, as far as his lack of scientific and technocratic grasp of the intricacies of nation-building building is concerned. Why wont both then be caught up in the quagmire of accelerated arrested development? The taxpayer is afraid of, and thus stands in absolute awe of the redoubtable political superstition built around the all-powerful politician, the ruling class. Now, we are being told that the descendants of those who vigorously yet avowedly resisted or campaigned against independence for the Gold Coast are going to spend millions to celebrate Ghanas sixtieth anniversary. The [email protected] logo which Akufo-Addo unveiled recently is being linked to another shameful act of international plagiarismallegedly, and this, coming after the infamous international plagiarism vis-a-vis his inaugural speech. Scheming, clueless Akufo-Addo says corporate Ghana in particular will provide the funds for the anniversary. Oh yes, the man is not clueless after all. He actually knows what he is doing. Payback time to party loyalists and financiers, we guess! The National Democratic Party (NDC) did it. Vicious circle! Politics of equalization! And so the New Patriotic Party must also do it. And when two elephants fight, the grass-taxpayer suffers dearly and bears the brunt of the elephantine tussle. Why corporate Ghana in particular? What terms define this quid pro quo? In other words what does corporate Ghana stand to gain? Which specific entities within corporate Ghana are going to foot the bill for the anniversary? Are their names going to be made accessible to the public? And the issue of conflict of interest: Are these entities affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in any way? Did they contribute to Akufo-Addos campaign? Will the government award them sole-source or no-bid contracts in exchange for footing the bill for the anniversary? Transparency and accountability and probity should guide this controversial decision of asking corporate Ghana to provide the funds for the anniversary. For this is not the time to turn our fragile open-defecation democracy into or entrench the politics of the belly, prebendalism, crony capitalism, and kleptomaniacal corruption. Do we know that in our beloved country, as in hell, corporate Ghana is the insensitive politicians partner-in-crime, an underground economy that deals in and warehouses reprobate public corruptocrats, political criminals and murderous thieves? In Ghana more particularly, thus, the Orwellian doublespeak of the political or ruling class threatens to contaminate the moral fabric of society, for better or for worse. You look up, when the politician decrees otherwise. Such is the trendy character of political realism in Ghanaian politics. Property-owning democracy for social democracy! Social democracy for property-owning democracy! Political thieves and criminals are celebrities and saints and angels. Celebrities and saints and criminals are political thieves and criminals. In Ghanaian politics the end always justifies the means. In Ghanaian politics correlation does always imply causation. Mahama for Akufo-Addo. Akufo-Addo for Mahama. The same nauseating local stench, nothing changes. Though the political and ideological colors are in plain white and black, there exist no nuances between our pied open-democracy, there exist no subtleties in the stale sandwich we call schadenfreude duopoly. The Ghanaian politician who feels he is invisible and untouchable and redoubtable, and is over the moon so long as he succeeds in wrecking havoc on his country, is also an epitome of mediocrity, stupidity and shame, and a disgrace to human intelligence. The Ghanaian politician is undeserving of human society, a threat to human civilization and moral decency, and thus he must be banished from any civilized society. His political mind falls outside the responsible profile of moral quantum, a fixture of his mental landscape antithetical to the progressive profile of transparency, accountability and probity. The Ghanaian politician is therefore an endangered species that must be forced into extinction, into perpetual retirement, just so he will no longer pose a threat to himself and his society. The national flag: He has reduced green to a desert. He has turned yellow, the gold, to foreign interests on the cheap. He has turned the black star over to internal colonialism and economic slavery. He has turned red into tears of blood for those citizens perpetually trapped in a vicious circle of social-economic hardship. The national flag he has turned into a used toilet paper! We shall return with Part 2, the concluding segment. REFERENCES Ghanaweb. [email protected] Celebration To Cost GHC20m. February 10, 2016. 12.02.2017 LISTEN The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo should not consider appointing Mr. Patrick Gilima who stood as NPP parliamentary candidate in 2008 and 2012 for the Krachi East constituency as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the following reasons. 1. He has been dabbling in chieftaincy disputes (even though he is not an Elder, sub-chief, and neither does he have lineage to the stool nor is he an indigene) in the Pai Traditional which in May 2014 led to a sub-chief in the Pai Traditional area being found dead on his farm with gunshot wounds, with the exact circumstances leading to his death yet to be uncovered. 2. He has engaged hooligans in the Pai-Katanka township to support a destooled chief to seize the "gong-gong" and assaulted the "town crier" who was asked to beat the gong-gong for the new Pai chief. 3. Not only has Mr. Gilima been providing moral support to the destooled chief Nana Diawuo Bediako II he has more importantly used his wealth to influence the police to prevent action being taken against the hooligans involved in the seizing of the gong-gong and assaulting the gong-gong beater. The destooled chief whom Mr. Gilima provides unflinching support has had adverse findings recommended against him by the Justice Yaw Apau's Judgment Debt Commission; this destooled chief was one of the three signatories to an account and a major beneficiary of monies paid into that account through fraudulent claims of 15 % of the total compensation paid by GoG for Volta River Flooded Lands. 4. In the mid 1990s during the Konkomba-Nanumba conflict, Mr. Gilima publicly wielding a gun paraded the Pai-Katanka township with his hooligans threatening citizens with war should any Pai citizen claim ownership of the land on which the Konkombas farmed in the area even though Pai Traditional was far away from the scene of the conflict and shared no jurisdiction with the conflict area. More important the people of the Pai Traditional had lived peacefully with the Konkombas and there had never arisen a dispute about farming on Pai stool lands. But who are the people of present day Pai-Katanka and the Pai Traditional area? The people of the present day Pai-Katanka were resettled in the Krachi East District after the inundation of their ancestral homelands in the Pai-Traditional Area. The reason for the resettlement was the inundation of the ancestral homelands resulting from the construction of the Akosombo dam. Now a short history of the Pai Traditional area. According to the traditions of the Afram Plains documented by Kwabena Ameyaw, there are five towns that make up the Pai Traditional Area. The towns that make up the traditional area are Pai Ahenkro (Wurubi), Motodua, Apaaso, Otiso and Supom (Ahenkro). The lands belonging to these five towns were consecrated and placed under the five Akan black stools awarded by Nana Diawuo, Omanhene of Kwahu Traditional Area at the end of the war campaign against Atara Firam, when the latter was defeated. Each of the five generals that fought with Nana Diawuo was given a black stool as their symbol of loyalty and authority over the land consecrated under his stool. Further, all the five black stools owed their allegiance to Nana Diawuo, Omanhene of Kwahu at Abene and the subsequent successors until the Germans broke the official tributes paid by the Pai Traditional area chiefs to the Omanhene of Kwahu Traditional Area. In spite of the prohibition that took place under the occupation of the area by the Germans around 1896, the people of the Pai Traditional Area still maintain customary rites between the two Traditional Areas to this day. The people of the Pai Traditionl Area were very welcoming and lived happily and peacefully with Ghanaians of all ethnicities including Mr. Patrick Gilima's Konkomba ethnic group prior to the inundation of the Pai ancestral lands resulting from the construction of the Akosombo dam. Most of the Konkombas including Mr. Patrick Gilima's family were resettled by the VRA in the Krachi East District with the indigenes of the Pai Traditional traditional area. Mr. Patrick Gilima therefore, has no lineage to the Pai stool whose decisions has tried over the years to use his wealth to influence and thus cause anarchy and confusion in the area. I wish to bring out these facts to the attention of the Presidency so that Mr. Patrick Gilima is not considered for the position DCE of the Krachi East in order to prevent his abuse of power that will lead to an onslaught of potential violence and bloodshed that will embarrass the government. The Author is an indigene of the Pai Traditional area in the Krachi East District and may be contacted at [email protected] 12.02.2017 LISTEN Dear His Excellency the President, Peace of God be unto you. I am very much aware of the fact that you are very busy, working against the clock, and probably losing sleep over finding solutions to the numerous and varied socio-economic problems confronting the nation at the moment. However, we should not lose sight of the idiomatic expression, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Subsequently, I would like to take you off your busy schedule for a second but onto a playful questions and answers game where getting the answers correct will deliver a magic key to the winner to unlock the room that holds the solutions to some major problem his nation is confronted with. Every electrician must have a tools box. Among his tools are testers, screw drivers of various sizes and shapes, a hammer, a pair of pliers, a torch, an electricians knife etc. An electrician is faced with fixing an electric socket or switch onto a wall-embedded plastic box meant for the socket or switch. The two screws on the socket or the switch have four-star heads. To be able to fix the socket onto the embedded plastic box, the electrician, although has screw drivers; he will need a right screw driver of the right size. However, among his many screw drivers he has not the type that can perfectly fit onto the star-shaped screws although he can struggle with the sizes that he has. However, it may take him a bit of effort and time to successfully carry out the job. A man happens to pass by. He realises the problem faced by the electrician. He looks into his own tools box and offers the electrician the right type and right size of the screw driver he needs for the job at hand. He advises the electrician to keep it as he may need it in future. The man is not a friend of the electrician. The man does not come from the same town as the electrician. The man is from say, a town that is not too friendly with the people of the electricians town. His Excellency the President, in case you were the electrician, would you accept the timely offer by the stranger? If your response is in the affirmative, explain why. If your response is negative (no), please give reasons as to why such an answer. No, I had better cite an example from your own field of study. A defence lawyer was preparing to go to court to argue a case in favour of his client (defendant). He was relying on say, an out-dated document or book for most of his facts. A person happened to come by who had an updated book with all the up to date amendments attached or incorporated. This person is ready to assist you by giving to you the book from which you can always quote your case references and relevant supporting facts likely to win you court cases. The person is neither from your town nor is he your friend although he is a fellow Ghanaian. He associates with your rivals, let me put it mildly that way. Will you accept his book or not? Before you proceed any further, could you please either write down your answer as to yes or no, or tell yourself what the answer you are choosing is. Having chosen your answer, please let it be known to you that both questions on being whether an electrician or a lawyer demand same answers. They are two in one. They are both parables. As Jesus Christ was at times required to explain his narrated parables, so shall I explain mine to my dear His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo. The stranger coming your way is Brother Martin Amidu, the Citizen Vigilante. The plastic electrical box embedded in the wall is the problem of the institutional corruption faced by mother Ghana and Ghanaians. The nonstandard screw drivers the electrician has signify the non availability of proven men and women of integrity in the eyes of the public to help fight or uproot the corruption successfully. The new star screw driver being offered by the stranger is the expertise and the proven resolute determination through acts of honesty by the stranger to rid Ghana of corruption. The stranger not coming from your town signifies Brother Martin Amidu not being a core member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) but a known and pride National Democratic Congress (NDC) cadre. I will not go any further but to leave His Excellency the President to muse about it. If Brother Martin Amidu has the potential to help you fight corruption, the bane of Ghanas socio-economic advancement, why not engage his services as you would to the new screw driver or the updated book? This idea came into my mind when I was sleeping with something urging me to convey the message to His Excellency the President. Could it be that I was dreaming about what I had on my mind since it is said, we dream about what we have on the mind most? No, it was not a dream but a real mental feeling of being instructed to act. Brother Martin Amidu does exhibit the same characteristics as one former Divisional Police Commander Paul Avuyi. Because of Pauls honesty, firmness and dedication to be of selfless service to his people and nation, the Rawlings NDC-led government could not contain him, neither was President Kufuors NPP. He was frustrated to a point where he decided the best option was to proceed on retirement although he still had a few years that he could serve in the police service. Darkness and light are highly impossible to stay in the same compartment. Many police officers throughout Ghana know or have heard about DCOP Paul Avuyi (Dada Paul). His Excellency the President please be aware that God has chosen you for a purpose which He expects you to fulfil very faithfully. He has given you abundant tools to help you to achieve the set goal. Please, use the services of the experts, technocrats and the honest people He has abundantly made available to you. I shall reiterate here again that It does not belong to he who is leading to redirect their steps hence my preparedness to point you in the right direction as and when my intuition tells me. Yours Faithfully, Rockson Adofo (Written on Sunday 12 February 2017) 12.02.2017 LISTEN There is no doubt that the northern part of Nigeria is predominated by Muslims who are guided by Islam through two holy sources: the Quran and sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. If this is established amidst events and situations in the north, then something is fundamentally wrong or fate has been misinterpreted. I strongly believe that the two sources of guidance in Islam have the solutions to all political, social and religious problems ever faced by humanity since creation. I also strongly believe that no society suffers which is led by a just, honest and Allah-fearing person. Whither my presumptions sway, lurked is the ignored truth about leadership nowadays. It is an extremely bitter truth. Leadership is the problem of the north and by extension the nation. This is in no way suggesting that Muslims are not good leaders. The truth is that most Muslim leaders are far away from being guided by the Quran and the sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. Almost all the states of the north are governed by Muslims. That is to say that out of the 19 northern states, over 95 percent have governors who are Muslims, practicing or otherwise. I think only Benue, Plateau and Taraba that have non-Muslim governors. Almost all the three senatorial districts of every state of the north are occupied by distinguished senators who are Muslims, practicing or otherwise. In the lower chambers of the national assembly, nearly 90 percent of the honourable members from the north are Muslims, practicing or otherwise. Over 90 percent of commissioners of every state of the north are Muslims, practicing or otherwise. Over 90 percent of traditional rulers popularly known as emirs of the northern states are Muslims, practicing or otherwise. The north has so many great men who are very rich and influential. A large percentage of this category of northerners are Muslims, practicing or otherwise. In short, the richest man in Africa and a competing figure in the world economy, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is from the north and a Muslim. Many organs of the federal government are occupied by Muslims, practicing or otherwise. There are very many scholars, preachers and Islamic proponents who are Muslims in the north. There are many Mosques scattered across the landscape of the north as well as Islamic orientation centers where Muslims are tutored how to be good, lovely and loving, just, forbearing, honest and Allah-fearing. Moreover, there are many prominent Muslim sons and daughters of the north who have connections with almost all the countries of the Muslim world, hence getting enough assistance required to put smile on the faces of the underprivileged of the north. Why then is anything called poverty, illiteracy, injustice and deadly wickedness prevalent in the north? Though no answer can be thoroughly saturating, I surmise that there is lust and avarice on the part of the privileged. I think there are within high level of selfishness, injustice, faithlessness and complacency. I strongly believe the play with words is more than action. Too much talk with little or no actions has become the order of the day. Where is the sincerity and commitment to develop the region? By Allah, if all the people mentioned above give out the prescribed yearly alms (zakat) from their wealth, there will be no poor or needy Muslim in the whole northern part of Nigeria. But how can they do that? A large number of them cannot, by Allah, say exactly how much they have. So how can they determine the prescribed annual alms they ought to give out as decreed by their Creator the Almighty Allah? Furthermore, a good number of them get their wealth from questionable sources. So, how can they have the blessing of the mind to give out from such wealth? Again, it is arguable that some of them do not belong to some secret devilish groups to sustain their affluence, influence and substance. How can such category of Muslims have the feeling for their brethren, nay humanity? They should fear Quran 6:24-25. If the Muslims of the north return to Allah, the region and by extension Nigeria will return to greatness. The religious minority groups in the north have not been practically shown the sweetness of Islam in terms of equity, fairness, justice and humanity. That is why they are fighting for freedom and recognition. Quran 9:6 is explicit on this. The practical way Muslims lived with non-Muslims in the past is documented in books and very well known and preached by scholars of the north. Do as I say, not as I do is a very misleading sermon. And that is why many past nations went astray; they focused on prosperity; they did not aid one another on goodness; they rather aided one another on evil, wickedness, lawlessness and faithlessness. However, the simple way to return to Allah is by practicing Islam, not merely going to Mosques to pray as many Muslims of today think. How many go to pray five times in the Mosques but they do not have good hearts! Hypocrisy has taken over many claimants of the Islamic faith. Quran 16:142-145 capture it all. Happenings of today are clear evidences. The Holy Book of Islam clearly states that prayer stops a worshiper from immorality, injustice, wickedness and all sorts of evildoing. Quran 29:45 is crystal clear. What is then the effect of the five daily prayers that some Muslims claim to be performing, if they can comfortably feed while millions of Muslims around them are hungry, thirsty and dejected; if they sleep on foams while millions of Muslims around them sleep on bones; if their children go to schools abroad or the best schools in Nigeria while the children of millions of Muslims carry plates begging for food from house to house or abused or killed, not to talk of schooling at all! How many of them go to Saudi Arabia for Hajj every year but they cannot claim inside them a difference of divine touch! In short, many go to Saudi every year to seek power and favour, not to accomplish a fundamental pillar of Islam. They claim to seek Hajj mabrur without faith mabrur accepted Hajj without accepted faith! It is a pride amongst those who control the wealth of Muslims to go abroad and waste such wealth in trivialities while Muslims around them live in squalor. Because of the prevalent injustice, a single Muslim sits on the fortune to millions of Muslims, with the claim that it is his knowledge, wisdom, smartness or luck that brought him such. In this regard, sometimes, fate becomes an inexplicable article of faith. If truly fate grants one the wealth he has amassed, then the person should be humble to work for humanity. Every political office holder and appointee amongst the Muslims of the north has the capacity to empower at least 100 Muslims around him or her. By empowerment, I mean making 100 Muslims self-independent. By this, the 100 Muslims would grow and empower others. Only few years will proclaim the results of such initiative with the sincerity of intension and total submission to the decrees of Allah. It has become necessary for Muslims of the north, especially the privileged ones to run to Allah and once they don themselves with Quran 16: 90 which they claim to believe in, things will change for good for the region. There is no better solution to the many social ills pervading the north than to sincerely return to Allah. It is quite possible that the enemies of the north are planning against them. When Boko Haram came up, the enemies of the north created a political group codenamed Boko Haram. The killing of innocent northern citizens in Kaduna state has been abated by the enemies of the north under a pseudonym called herdsmen. Unlike before, the northern children are gradually being lured into smoking Indian hem, engaging in cultism and armed banditry. Immorality and drinking of intoxicants, against Islamic code of life, are permeating the northern societies. Aminu Sarki, leader of a United States Agency for International Aids (USAID) funded programme Management Services for Health Organizations the USAID Prevention and Organizational System-AIDS Care and Treatment (PRO-ACT) recently revealed that 94,141 pregnant women were HIV/AIDS positive in Zamfara. There have been reports of how a sex worker infected no fewer than 500 men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Zamfara State. This is the state where the sharia was first proclaimed. The so much noise generated over the implementation of sharia in some northern states melted away with the silencing of the Islamic code of life. The political sharia is being practiced while the true Islamic way of life has been left in volumes of books to rot. Speaking in Kaduna at a summit organized by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, raised alarm over the deplorable condition of Internally Displaced People (IDP) in the North-east, saying: Almost N100 billion was collected for the victims support fund by the former government, where is that money? Gen. T. Y. Danjuma (rtd) is the chairman of that fund. Northern governors should come together and help to rebuild the region. The camps are so bad and people are suffering. Also, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), through its deputy chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), AVM Mouktar Muhammad frowned at the level of starvation and sexual assaults against Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the northeast. If the enemies of the north are to be held responsible for the spread of immorality and criminality to an extent, who is responsible for the widespread of illiteracy, hunger, underdevelopment and surprisingly high level of hypocrisy and faithlessness? How has divorce which is an abhorred lawful act in Islam become extremely very rampant in the north among Muslims? Have Muslims taken marriage as a joke or a mere means to flirt with Muslim women at will under (il)legal cover? Are Muslims playing politics with the fear of Allah by doing justice and not collecting Haram money: eating, clothing, building, living on illegal wealth wealth of the common masses? Have the Muslims stopped collecting interests in trade or are they facing Q2:278-79? The greatness of the north is possible again. The Muslims have to return fully to the rope of Allah. Muhammad Ajah is an advocate of humanity, peace and good governance in Abuja. E-mail [email protected] There is seeming tension among the NPP in Tema and Ashaiman Metropolis as prospective candidates who have applied for the position of MMDCE'S on saturday trooped to the NPP Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Ishmael Ashitey's residence to ensure their names makes it into the final list to be sent to the national executives. According to some of the prospective candidates who trooped the residence of the Regional Chairman who doubles as the Regional Minister nominee, their decision to visit the house was informed about the fact that they have gotten hint that some last minute changes are being done to the list submitted. According to them Mr Ashitey has exhibited total bias in the selection of candidates since he is seen to be planting his own candidates in almost all the areas in the region hence the need to go to his house upon hearing of a last minute sorting that was happening at his residence on Saturday. "We decided to go to his house to ensure our names are not removed because the information we have heard is that there is an attempt to replace some qualified names with favorites of the regional Minister's. Any attempt to do such thing shall be fiercely opposed. The regional Minister since this process begun has exhibited total bias in the selection process by planting his favorites and thereby preventing some of us not on his list from getting vital information regarding the top job at the Assembly" Meanwhile, an alleged letter purported to be coming from the Tema Traditional Council seeking to project one candidate who is the favourite of the regional Minister is scheduled to be delivered to the national executives and the local government ministry and the presidency on Monday. This has also infuriated some of the prospective candidates in Tema who have vowed to oppose the imposition of candidate on them by Mr. Ashitey and his cohorts. The prospective candidates accused Mr Ashitey of grossly interfering in the process and refusing to allow a leveled playing field for all candidates who have applied for the top job in the Assembly. Mr Ashitey is accused of also trying to fix his co executives at the regional level at some Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies which includes Tema, Ashiman and AMA. At Ashaiman some coordinators of the NPP together with some polling agents have warned that they will oppose the removal of qualified candidates from the list. "If Mr. Ashitey is fighting to include the name of his first vice chairman in the race despite all odds, then he dare not remove the name of any constituency executive member or any other qualified member of the party from the constituency who has also equally worked and suffered for the party from the list. We know those who worked hard for the party so he cannot come and impose any one on us" they stated Meanwhile the Tema East constituency chairman of the NPP, Ofoe Teye has called on the national executives to call the Greater Accra regional chairman of the party to order as his actions are those that would create total chaos if not checked. Mr Teye accused Mr Ashitey of planting a non-party person as government appointee at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly. This he said shall be fiercely opposed until such appointment is revoked. He has therefore asked the party hierarchy to investigate the incident and immediately come out with its verdict by revoking the appointment since it will not augur well for the party. Meanwhile 13 persons are so far vying for the MCE position in the Tema Metropolis whilst eleven persons are seeking to occupy that of Ashaiman. When contacted, Mr Ashitey denied interfering in the process but said candidates shall be selected based on merit. "I am unaware of any letter from the traditional council and I am also not supporting any particular candidates; however candidates shall be selected based on their competence, loyalty and dedication to the party coupled to their ability to deliver" Just some few days into political power of the npp, we cannot count the many incidents of illegalities, inconsistencies and incompetencies. Prior to the 2016 elections, the npp had been competent and consistent on one main thing that the NDC lacks the wherewithal to manage the economy even at a time the nation had experienced a significant growth in all sectors of the economy. They also said the NDC do not read and do not understand basic economics and twisted the economy debate to their advantage. I would have expected that a change of government especially with the npp being in power, all our economic challenges would have disappeared. What we are hearing from them is their competent and consistent blames on the erstwhile NDC government on many accounts. They have carried all their ugly excruciating noise of accusations, propaganda and unwarranted blame game into governance. With their(NPP) self trumpeting experience, one would have expected Nana to tell his boys to now stop the blame game and demonstrate the competence which many are yet to see any sign amongst them. Already, we have heard the clear incompetent postures of some of the appointees before the vetting committee. For instance, the finance minister Ken Ofori, promises this nation that he is bringing into the country, foreign experts to manage the economy. Could this be competence? Surprisingly, almost everything this NPP government is doing, is plagiarized except the unprecedented creation of non existing ministries to prosecute the parties agenda of job for the boys. What is becoming annoying and embarrassing is how they wickedly put aside the very constitution that elected them and act as if they are a military autocrats in some undemocratic nation. You are dismissing innocent public and civil servants who are neither politicians nor earned their jobs through politics, just to find work for party boys. That is a barbaric, uncivilized, illegal and lazy approach to job creation for the npp youth. We don't have an NPP Ghana. Ghana is for all of us and Nana indeed hypocritically promised Ghanaians that he would be a president to all, in that plagiarized inaugural speech. Has Nana forgotten too soon? After all, it was a plagiarized speech! You need to know that governance is a serious business and you cannot continue this excessive deception and expect all Ghanaians to support you!! I cannot support you to sack others to employ your favourites when you did promised every willing citizen a job. Such double standard and hypocrisy really make some people say "politics is a dirty game". You spoke against opulence and unnecessary expenditure yet you line up a thirty man political squad to plan [email protected] anniversary of which twenty million Ghana cedis is going to be spent. Can any broken economy finance such an event with that gargantuan amount? Monitoring from every corner, you are overly incompetent and dishonest. Ghanaians have started learning lessons from your political demeanor. Stop the sleeping and sit for the job and don't send this country into a military junta!! *All that glitters is not gold*. Denis Andaban. [email protected] Source: denisandabanblog.blogspot.com 12.02.2017 LISTEN The valentine segment is seen as one of the market groupings that exhibit similar behavior to demonstrate love to each other as exemplified by saint valentine. The observance of this day evokes a universal sense of socio cultural and commercial underpinnings. The attractiveness of this segment is not in doubt because of its world size, accessibility, purchasing power, distinctiveness and most importantly its potential management. According to the greetings card association, a figure of one billion gift are sent in the form of greeting cards each year , making valentine day the second largest card sending holiday. A retrospective into valentine reveals that this day is set aside as lovers festival and celebrated on every 14th February across the world and characterized with an expression of love through the exchange of flowers, confectionery, and sending greeting cards. The idea to buy, actually purchase or use these products is intensified because this occasion comes once a year with memories of all times. In other geographic units, saint valentine keys are given to lovers as romantic symbols and invitation to unlock the givers heart. Children with epilepsy as called saint valentine malady is ward off. There is also the common belief in England and France that 14th of February appears to be the beginning of the mating period for birds compelling the day to be aligned to the occasion. The origin of valentines is unique to beloved pope Valentine for his goodness and pity when he died after 40 days during his reign from August to September 827. History had it that there were different versions of the same original account which connect the celebration to the western Christian liturgical feast in honor of one or more early saints named valentinus or Valentine. These saints had several martyrdom stories which made them worthy of celebration. The application of the valentine card became the only means to express ones emotions as direct expression was discouraged as in the case of the persona in this celebration. The hagiographical account that Saint Valentine applied in performing wedding for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and ministering to Christians who were persecuted under Roman Empire marked Saint Valentine as distinctive. Eventually, saint valentine was imprisoned and during this imprisonment according to the legend, Saint Valentine healed the daughter of the jailer, Asterius and fell in love with the young girl during his confinement. Before he could be executed, he wrote her letter and signed your valentine as farewell. Although, the reality behind Saint Valentine appears murky, he is an embodiment of sympathy, heroine, and romance. These knowledge, attitude or responses to situations provide a unique opportunity for tailored programs to meet needs that arouse the emotions of people to the reality. In 1840, an American, Esther A Howland known as the mother of valentine began selling the first mass produced valentine card to meet these needs with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures. The adoption of the chocolate in Ghana in this line provides a tailored means of targeting this peculiar segment. The celebration therefore brings a lot of commercial value to organizations. Valentine market does not only focus on the Eros lovers but also provide the impetus to strengthen the Christian love as reviewed in 1 Corinthians 13, vrs 4 to 7 that love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong, love does not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. These attributes of love has varied implications for individuals to audit themselves knowing where they are if it comes to the extent to which love leads ones relationship, the ideal state they would really love to be, identify what has actually strengthened their love affairs, reduce the deficiency with strategies to live a life that allow them love their neighbor as themselves making valentine an integral aspect of our lives. The diverse attributes of love recognizes that people will experience love in different form because they differ in their emotional needs, perceptions and attitude. It will therefore take an extra effort to adapt offers more closely to match the needs of the valentine market. It is important because human situations are not the same. As put by Joseph Fletcher in his theory of situationalism, he rejects the legalistic labeling of a behavior. According to him, an act is morally good if it produces the greatest Christian love or agape love. This consequential theory defined agape love as unconditional loving concern for ones neighbor, characterized by ones love for God. Loves decisions are determined by particular situations and the end justifies the means. Surely, this is the only way the society can achieve its peace because it is the byproduct of love in building all spheres of lives. The celebration therefore demands we position our goods and services very well in that consumers will choose that which will give them the greatest value among competing services designed for this occasion. You can only win by understanding them better if you have the marketing pulse, understand their buying process better than competitors. It is one thing selling flowers, cards and chocolate but another thing delivering value which is superior. It is also important we consider our product mix, people and the image you consistently want put out there. More importantly, the customers will still want to make you stand out during this special occasion and above all we make the effort to communicate and deliver the chosen position. This is the only way we can tailor our needs to valentine, identify an attractive market for the future, take advantage of the opportunities and threat of the valentine segment and remain different from the competition. Having dissected the subject, it is understandable organizations are initiating special ad for the occasion in order to influence attitude and behavior of lovers through marketers initiated techniques. The gap however remains that the psychology of these segment per our geography will need clarity on who are lovers, grouping them on the basis of having similar characteristics so as to get the most attractive and a strategy to better meet their needs for the second most populous card sending celebration which is common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or written note just to make the world a better place through the love therapy. Your valentine ADABUNU BRIGHT Like all incoming presidents, Donald Trump has inherited the mess of previous presidential administrations. Arguably the biggest mess is that of the US led global war on terror, which was begun by George W. Bush and continued under the Obama administration, notwithstanding promises to the contrary by Obama. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to halt all refugees to the US for 120 days and to indefinitely ban refugees from Syria until extreme vetting measures could be put in place. It also limits VISA issuance to individuals from six other predominantly Muslim countries: Iran, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Despite its supposed fight against terrorism and terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda the reason this war on terror was purportedly initiated in the first place it is now known that the US has been supporting certain terrorists groups in countries like Syria, Iraq and Libya. While the US has long claimed to be opposed to Islamic extremism and Islamic terrorism, it has been directly or indirectly fostering it in the Middle East for decades. For everyday people in the US, this might be confusing. Why would a secular country that claims to be opposed to radical Islam and Islamic terrorism actually support these things? Because it serves its political, economic and geological interests, thats why. Previous US administrations have actually promoted terrorism and Islamic extremism in the Middle East while targeting secular Muslim leaders, such as Iraqs Saddam Hussein, Libyas Muammar Gaddafi and, presently, Syrias Bashar al-Assad. The same is true of Lebanon, a secular mixed-religion country that has suffered decades of western meddling and sectarian destabilization tactics. Part of the reason these secular countries and their governments are targeted is that they do not comply with the US (and Israels) imperial agenda and policies in the region. Rather than supporting moderate, modern and secular Middle Eastern states, the US has hitherto declared war on them while allying with the most backward and extremist countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia. When the US (and its western and Middle Eastern allies) fund and support Islamic extremists and violent terrorist groups against these countries, there are people internally that will opportunistically join forces with them, either as paid mercenaries or for ideological reasons or other personal or political reasons. Many join the terrorist groups and kill and plunder alongside them, as has happened in Syria, Iraq and Libya. These are not the type of people any population would want to welcome as refugees and immigrants. Yet, without strict vetting practices, it is possible that such individuals can enter countries like the US under the pretense of seeking refuge or asylum. This becomes more likely as terrorist fighters lose ground and are forced to retreat, as they currently are in Syria. With the many terrorist groups in Syria presently being defeated by Syrian and Russian forces, one can imagine that thousands will be frantic and eager to evade capture and escape the country. One way to do this is to leave the country as a refugee and head for the west, especially to sympathetic countries like the US, which were indirectly funding and arming these groups (until very recently) in the first place! The seven Muslim-majority countries targeted by the executive action are the states which have suffered the most from Washingtons assertive foreign policy. Due to WikiLeaks disclosures it is no longer secret that the Obama administration played a substantial role in fanning the flames of unrest in Syria. The White House was well-aware that al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists have been the major driving force behind the Syrian insurgency since the beginning of the conflict in 2011. The US-led NATO invasions of Iraq and Libya in 2003 and 2011, respectively, inflicted tremendous damage to the population of the countries and created a power vacuum immediately filled by radical Islamists. Meanwhile, the story of the US-backed Saudi coalitions bombardment of Yemen still remains largely neglected. However, it is well documented that Washington has helped Saudi Arabia to fight against the Yemeni Shiite minority from the very beginning of the conflict in 2015, providing military intelligence to Riyadh and refueling Saudi fighting jets. In January US special forces operatives carried out a raid in central Yemen, targeting the house of a suspected leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). One American soldier was killed and several were wounded. The U.S. commandos killed anyone in sight and bombed the shit out of any nearby structure. According to Yemeni sources between 30 and 57 Yemenis were killed including eight women and eight children. The U.S. military claimed, as it always does, that no civilians were hurt in the raid. Furthermore, the US foreign policy establishment has also had a hand in Sudans secession back in the 1990s and in the early 2000s. Citing a Congressional Research Service report, Rebecca Hamilton of the Atlantic chronicled in 2011 that Washington threw its weight behind the southern rebels to undermine the countrys government and eventually divide the state. As for Somalia, the White House has long waged covert operations in the country as part of its so-called war on terror.The Somalia campaign is a blueprint for warfare that President Obama has embraced and will pass along to his successor. It is a model the United States now employs across the Middle East and North Africa from Syria to Libya, The New York Times reported in October 2016. Needless to say that Iran had repeatedly become again the focus of Washingtons attention. Some days ago in an extraordinarily bellicose statement, US National Security Adviser Michael Flynn accused Iran of destabilising behaviour across the Middle East and warned, As of today we are officially putting Iran on notice. He denounced Tehran for carrying out a ballistic missile test on Sunday and accused the Iranian regime, without any substantiation, of responsibility for an attack on a Saudi Arabian warship by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Speaking last March at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Trump declared: My No.1 priority is to dismantle the disastrous deal with Iran. This deal is catastrophic for America, for Israel, and for the whole Middle East. He vowed to halt Irans missile program, claiming it threatened Israel, Europe and the United States. We are not going to let that happen, Trump stated. Israel, Washingtons closest ally in the Middle East, is armed to the teeth with the aid and assistance of the United States, and has built its own substantial nuclear arsenal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who bitterly opposed the 2015 nuclear agreement, immediately condemned the Iranian missile test. He said he would press the Trump administration to renew economic sanctions on Tehran when he visits Washington this month. Overall, to summarize the main points above, under previous US administrations murdering lunatics were propped up in the Middle East, including in Syria as part of a US-led effort to oust Bashar al-Assad and completely destabilize that secular Muslim country. Now that this mission has failed, it is not unlikely that some of these murderous US cronies/terrorists could end up in the US as supposed refugees. This is a situation that would benefit no one; and makes a vetting process necessary. While Trumps sweeping executive order is likely to create serious upheaval and uncertainly for refugees and migrants already en route, it is borne of an even greater mess and chaos begun by previous administrations and their radicalization and destabilization campaigns in secular countries in the Middle East. In order to understand the current situation, one must have a critical understanding of that larger context. The Nzema Youth Association (NYA) could have said, no response to the spurious responses by a groups purported to be surrogates and lobbyists for Dr. Ben Asante caretaker CEO of Ghana Gas, to an issue based petition put forward by the NYA. The NYA in their petition never attacked Dr. Ben Asante person, neither did they advocate against his tribal background rather, raised cogent issues based on his track record as the technical director and a consultant and the role he played at Ghana Gas from the very beginning of the Early Phase Gas Infrastructure Project of which he (Dr. Ben Asante) himself admit in his resume and take credit as the brain behind the Gas Master Plan. Interrogating the issues that his surrogates opined in their rebuttal, further raises a great degree of absurdity for which the NYA would like to react once more. To begin with, when did judging someone on his stewardship become a crime and a tribal issue in this country? Is it not a fact the Dr. Asante was a leading member of the Gas Master Plan? Has the NPP then in opposition led by some of it leading members including Hon. Boakye Agyarko then NPP spokesperson on energy, and now Minister of Energy and Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, not spoken about the rot and the technical bankruptcy in Ghana Gas? Was Dr. Asante not the technical advisor and a consultant to Ghana Gas? Is it not a fact and on record as contained in his CV that he was the person who came up with the Gas Master Plan and eventually became the consultant to the project? Is he running away from his record? Or simply put, does he want to pick and choose and for that matter take the credit for all the good things in Ghana Gas and heap all the rot on his paymasters Dr. Sipa Yankey and the NDC administration? Doesnt it sound of a hypocrisy of the highest order on the part of Dr. Ben Asante? Perhaps, the NPP administration should tell the people of Ghana and the world that Ghana Gas did a fantastic job and like the ostrich, everything they said or raised against Ghana Gas during the campaign and the issues we have raised now and then was for political propaganda? In fact and for the record, the NYA is not an affiliate of any political party and neither do they engage in any political arm-twisting but a credible issue-based association for the development of our people with a track record. For the doubting Thomass, it is the same Association which in 2011 during the relocation of the Gas Processing Plant, vehemently protested against the then NDC administration and had audience with President Atta Mills of blessed memories at the castle. Was Dr. Ben Asante not introduced to us at the Western Regional House of Chiefs as the technical advisor and a consultant at Ghana Gas? Didnt Dr. Ben Asante at the then charged meeting with the Chiefs at the Regional House of Chiefs indicated to us that some of them have put their lives on the line and will make sure that the Government succeeds in its relocation effort? Was the Paramount Chief of Western Nzema Traditional Area, Awulae Annor Adjaye 111, not interrupted unnecessarily and hooted at? Today, it is the same issue and perhaps much deeper ones which when well interrogated exposes some of the actions and inactions of GNGC that is hunting Dr. Asante. Our humble advice is that he must behave as a man and forthright defend his track record at GNGC and desist from the pick and choose, hypocritical attitude. Interrogating further, the NYA would like to examine Dr. Asante stewardship in Ghana Gas for the fact that he himself claim in his CV, that he masterminded the master-plan of the Early Phase Gas Infrastructure. Did we hear him right? And on his record? If so, then our interrogation will commence by finding the dictionary meaning of a Master-plan. According to Google, synonyms for master plan are: arrangement, blueprint, design, game plan, road map, strategy etc. Also, according to the English Dictionary, a Master Plan means a comprehensive document that sets out an overall strategy (http:/enwiltionary.org/wiki/master plan). Granted this definition, how would Dr. Asante having provided a comprehensive document of the gas project and thereafter appointed a consultant and a technical advisor to a lawyer Dr. Sipa Yankey on the execution of a technical project be so innocent on the projects shortfalls? Is this not hypocrisy at the highest order? The NYA cannot sit idle for someone like Dr. Asante who occupied such a pedestal at GNGC to become so innocent of the inequities of Ghana Gas and turn round to play the ostrich? We cannot stop talking until reasonable answers are provided to our concerns and the concerns of many Ghanaians if indeed there were rots at GNGC. Again, was the Gas Master Plan which Dr. Asante spearheaded and subsequently supervised its implementation devoid of the relocation baggage? Was it devoid of the Prestea pipeline baggage? Was it devoid of the delays and baggage in the construction of the LPG Loading Bay paving way for the construction of the Anorkyi Quantum Terminals LPG Bay? Was it devoid of an early tie in to the West Africa Gas Pipeline? Was it devoid of the baggage in the excessive expenditures in the backfill jobs at Atuabo? Was it devoid of the land grabbing baggage for the construction of the GNGC head office at Ebi Bokazo in the Ellemble District? We can go on and on but for want of space we will pause. The NYA, is of the strong belief that His Excellency, the President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo will give a listening ear to the full content of our petition and bring on a neutral devoid of any ethnic and tribal bias but not Dr. Ben Asante which comes with a lot of baggage in terms of results. Mr. President, we acknowledge your over-arching desire to do good for the Ghanaian people and your admonishing to all Ghanaians to be citizens and not spectators in the forward match of our nation building and we promise to stand by you in achieving your promise by exposing pretenders and saboteurs who come with load of credentials but deliver very little. Mr. President, the rot at GNGC is real and for that makes Dr. Asante unfit for the CEO Job. Perhaps, he can stay on as caretaker and eventually change him for a capable and loyal hand; for your Party (NPP) is not bereft of some of the finest brains. Mark Asmah Arthur (+233 20 811 0441) Spokesman Sixty years in the life of a man (and I mean this in generic terms) is a very important milestone. If Ghana were a human, he/she will be hitting the retirement age in March. You know what that means, dont you? It presupposes that you must have worked hard, put together some decent savings to help you live a decent life after retirement. In the Ghanaian culture, if you fail to save towards retirement, you are described as a stupid old man, who failed to work hard in his youth or just enjoyed partying, drinking, womanizing etc making all the wrong choices in life. Has Ghana as a country put down some good savings at the age of 60 for its citizens, particularly the children of today and those to be born? In the period of 60 years, South Korea went from a country devastated by war to become an OECD member state, Singapore, Malaysia all went from a poor country to very decent upper middle class countries knocking on the doors of becoming a first world country. Where do we stand in this? Will Ghana be described as a stupid old man who fooled about in his youth and failed to make decent savings for its people? Where do we stand as a country 60 years after independence? Today our debt to GDP stands at above 70%, about 40% of our population still survive on less than $2.00 a day, there is still open defecating where shockingly Ghana ranks only second to Sudan in Africa, we still have dumsor, statistics are hard to come by but unemployment may be as high as 40%, many have no access to clean drinking water, basic health services, and formal education. The President Nana Akuffo Addo was charitable in his choice of words when he described Ghanas development in the last 60 years as slow. It has been painfully slow and in fact in many instances, we either stagnated or retrogressed. It is disheartening to note that Ghana, once the beacon of hope in Africa, a country so blessed with many natural resources cannot meet the most basic of its needs after sixty years of political independence. What went wrong? Where did the promise and the dream go? Theres an article that I like sharing with Ghanaians on the occasion of important milestone in the countrys history hoping it will prick our conscience to start addressing with all seriousness the issues that have bedeviled our development efforts over the years. I have shared it a few times in the past, but it is timeless. So I would like to draw readers attention to a very well written and well analyzed article by my dear friend B.K. Obeng- Diawuo, originally titled: Ghana: The Burden of Underdevelopment. So I am reproducing the original article here. Credit is due him. Please read on. Sometimes, I even wonder if we arent going back instead of forward. I grew up at Asamankese in the Eastern Region. When I take a look back at the township, in terms of social development, I do not find any remarkable changes that have occurred in the last forty years that I have known this beautiful town. The first and only public water pipes that were laid for the town were provided by the Progress Party government of Dr. Kofi Busia in 1970. Around the same time, the Asamankese-Suhum road was constructed under Busias Rural Development Programme. Ever since then no more pipe stands have been added to the already existing ones; infact, the few that were erected have long since ceased to function and have not been serviced since. No new roads have been added to the ones that were constructed in the early 1970s by the Busia government. This is regardless of the fact that the number of vehicles on our roads have increased by over 1,000% since those roads were built. No new School buildings have been added to the already existing ones. The same buildings that served as classrooms and offices for the Asamankese-Anum Presby School, where I received my Public School education, have not seen any major renovations. The same old dwarf walls remain to this day. In some parts of the town, erosion has undercut several structures, so much so that what used to be a favourite haunt of children have become decrepit death traps that people stay away from. Yet the township has increased in size far beyond what used to be its boundaries in the 1970s. I have only used Asamankese as a microcosmic picture of what may be happening elsewhere in Ghana. I am sure that many other towns in Ghana have undergone similar structural damage and ecological atrophy. Some people look at the number and sizes of private buildings that have sprung up across the country since say, 1990, and the number of cars that ply our roads today as opposed to what the number was in the same period, and conclude that Ghana is developing. I call this Growth without Development. These optimists are often too quick to point out that if you go to Accra or Kumasi and see the cars that some people are driving, you wouldnt believe it. They argue that the Developed World must stop calling us Third World because we drive the same cars that they drive and live the same affluent lifestyles that they live. My answer to these arguments is this: majority of the people in Ghana do not live in Accra, Kumasi, etc. and even in Kumasi, Accra, etc, less than 1% of the people drive those cars. Whenever you notice one stae of the art vehicle passes by, because your attention is riveted on that car for the next five, or even ten, minutes, you do not notice that ten or 15 tro-tro buses and /or taxis will pass by before another similarly state of the art car zooms by. The tro-tros and taxis that limp by in between the porsh cars, carry the bulk of the people who live in the cities the average person, those who constitute the other 99% of the population and for whom ever riding in such cars remains, for now, only a mirage. In fact the average person does not even live in Kumasi, Accra or Takoradi. How many of such cities do we have in Ghana? The average person lives in places like Aburi, Akropong, Asankragwa, Enchi, Goaso, Sankore, Bogoso, Ayanfuri, Ateiku, Huni-Valley (these are places I have lived before, so am familiar with life there) etc. And how many of these cars and buildings do we see in these towns? It is fine that people drive such sleek automobiles in Ghana, because it graces their egos and make them feel really good; but that is not a true indicator of the fact that we are not a Third World country. The true indicator comes when that $150,000 cross country vehicle overturns somewhere between Obuasi and Akim Oda (one of the worst roads I have ever travelled), or veers off the Goaso-Sankore road. Suddenly, there is an emergency on our hands. Several people are unconscious and some are losing blood quickly. You pull out your cell phone to call, and all lines are busy. You may never reach the police because they do not even have a telephone. But lets say you finally reach the New Edubiase or Goaso police, you are most likely to be told that there is no vehicle at the station because the District Police Chief has travelled to Kumasi, or Sunyani in the only official vehicle. So you resort to self help, which is what we rely on for many things in Ghana. You literally beg the commercial vehicles that pass by, and a kind driver finally stops to empty his Sprinter of its passengers and offers to transport the victims to the nearby hospital. This phrase nearby hospital always fascinates me. Sometimes it is three hours drive away. The accident victims are, by now, in a hopeless situation because no first aid/care is being administered on the way to the hospital. What is even worse, the fact that they were scooped out of the wreck by untrained, on-the-spur-of-the-moment road-side paramedics who did not give any thought to the correct way of handling accident victims, has even pushed these hapless victims much closer to the point where they are almost beyond any help. Now, you finally arrive at the Assin Foso Government Hospital only to discover that the only doctor on duty has already left. It takes about three hours to get him to come back. Tragically, all of this has taken a total of about five hours! Five hours in an emergency like this one is too long a time to be toying with the lives of accident victims. By now most of the critically injured victims those who need oxygen, or those who have been bleeding from major arteries are too far gone to be redeemed. Many are dead, and the luckier ones are comatose and may never regain consciousness, because they have suffered massive brain damage. A few others have had their spinal cords severed at the base of their necks and at other delicate spots because of their handling by untrained persons. Unfortunately, this is what many Ghanaians go through every day whether they are driving state-of the-art cross country vehicles (V8s) or glistening salon cars; or whether they are brandishing the latest models of NOKIA cell phones, Blackberry or iPhone 7. Many people die untimely deaths because what is considered basic services in other lands are beyond our reach in Ghana. And this is regardless of whether you drive a Jaguar, a V8 or you steal a ride on a Goaso-Berekum kosan watonkyene. In other words, the concept of Development is not necessarily about sleek automobiles, cell phones, computers, etc. Development includes among many other things, how speedily certain essential amenities and social services could accessed by the people of a given country. A countrys level of development also manifests in times of emergencies when swift action is needed to cope with situations that are spiraling out of control. The physical tools that are considered status symbols in Ghana, or that are seen as the paraphernalia of the elite, such as sleek cars, high-rise buildings, overhead roads, cell phones, computers, microwave ovens, rice cookers, etc. are merely what I call the accessories of a countrys level of development. They are not the real indicators of whether or not a country is developed. In other more developed lands, these things are not used to assess the level of development because they are basic to life. The foundations of a countrys level of development go much deeper than these superficial indices. Much of the time, the real indicators of Development are intangible factors that we do not see as we go about our normal routines until something critical happens. Consider this hypothetical case: A person may be living on Welfare in any of the Developed countries of the world. She may be living in a run-down apartment in a slum area of the city. She may not have a car; maybe not even a telephone. But at 7am when people are leaving their homes to go to work, her child is suddenly taken ill. She asks her neighbour to call the emergency number for her, and youll bet that within 5-10 minutes, or even less time than that, an ambulance may be whisking her child to the nearest hospital. In her country it is really the nearest hospital. The early morning rush hour traffic would not get in their way, because this is an emergency vehicle hurtling down a city road on a dedicated lane. And even before they get to the hospital, treatment of her child may have already begun. The woman may not have any medical insurance, but that problem would not prevent her child from receiving critical care at the time that she needs it most. She would not have to put forward any down payment before her child is given the essential care she needs. If a similar thing happened to a family in Ghana at 7am, there obviously may not be any ambulance to her rescue. But that family drives a $50,000 cross country vehicle or a Jaguar. So fine, they haul the dying child into the car and roll out of their drive way at East Legon. The struggle then begins to fight the early morning infamous traffic under the one lane bridge or the Tetteh Quarshie Circle jams because this is not an emergency vehicle. I am nervous because this little girls life is slipping away in the early morning Accra traffic, and no one seems to care because again, this is not an emergency vehicle. In fact, on the contrary, the tro-tros and taxis and the mmobrowas are fuming with anger because they mistakenly think that this wealthy family is trying to bully them out of the way. So, quite often, out of spite, the mmobrowa would get in their way to frustrate them. I wonder if this critically sick child will ever make it to the nearest hospital. Dont make any mistakes. This is a filthy rich family who could fly their child out of the country and pay for her treatment without sweat. This is a very wealthy family who may even millions of cedis loaded onto their car ready to pay for the best treatment that any Accra doctor would offer their dying child. Lets say their daughter was pulled out of the bottom of their swimming pool. When a person is unconscious under such circumstances, she needs oxygen to her brain to avert brain damage, she has only minutes to receive the care she requires or she would become permanently brain-damaged and later die. The traffic is so heavy that even before the family gets to the Airport intersection, their child breathes her last. So on the one hand a working class woman on welfare receives timely and quality treatment to save her child from imminent death. On the other hand, an affluent family in Ghana watches on as their childs life slips away because of in-built weaknesses in the system that her country runs. Thats why it doesnt pay to steal your countrys money as a politician to give yourself a better life at the expense of all. That cannot save you in an emergency. Politicians must think of a way of making life better for all not for themselves and their families. It seems obvious on a casual look that the wealthy Ghanaian family enjoys a higher standard of living than the American, British or Japanese woman in our hypothetical story. But it might be a little simplistic to come to this hasty conclusion without analyzing what goes into making a country a Developed entity. What constitutes a high standard of life? Is it seen only in pleasant physical structures and contraptions, or in intangible attributes as well? In developed societies, those whom political power is entrusted think of how to make life better for all not how to make things better for themselves and their families. I dont want to dwell too much on the subject of standard of life because it is a highly controversial one.. Suffice it to say that, I only want to stir up debate in your minds about what really constitutes a higher standard of life using the above hypothetical story as a tool of analysis. The point I am making here is that, it is not enough to be wealthy in a Third World country and assume that all is well and will continue to be well. There are times when your wealth may be useless in your hands to save you from certain situations. That is what our elders call, SIKAMUMU (literally, money that cannot speak, but idiomatically it means useless wealth). On the other hand, it does not always require money or status to receive some of the more important services in the more advanced societies of the world. I believe that we would be better off to know quite clearly where we stand when it comes to the roll call of development after 60 years of nationhood. This would jolt us into action, because we need to take drastic measures to prevent a further slide down the hole we are in right now. Our governments, past and present, do not seem to feel this sense of urgency. Successive governments have failed our country! There are certain basic services or social amenities and infrastructures that are needed to deal with emergencies, especially those that border on life and death. We thought that 60 years of independence and 24 years of uninterrupted democratic rule would provide us with a certain level of development that would form a basis for pulling Ghana out of this present predicament. The benefit of being a late comer is that you learn from the mistakes of others and take the positive lessons from those who managed to lift their people out of poverty within the same period of time that we messed up big time as a nation. We can learn from Singapore, Malaysia and South Korean experience. Yep, Mr. Obeng-Diawuoh did a cogent analysis of the concepts of development and underdevelopment as they apply to our current situation in Ghana. I think it is a brilliant analysis that deserves commendation from all. Are we moving forward or backwards or may be we are just marking time 60 years after independence. Ben Ofosu-Appiah, Accra, Ghana. The author is senior political and social analyst. He welcomes your comments; You can reach him at ; [email protected] or on telephone" +233 26 765 5421. This continent is collapsing, says Croatian philosopher Srecko Horvat at the start of Europes Forbidden Colony, a two-part documentary series coming to Al Jazeera. Often these phenomena are discussed as if they are forces of nature beyond our control, says Horvat. But as a philosopher I look for the root causes. What if the economic collapse, refugees and terrorism are actually all caused by something more fundamental? In the first episode, The Business of Colonisation, Srecko finds evidence that the colonial methods of extraction and democratic suppression that European nations once applied to much of the Middle East and Africa are now being practised on Europe itself. Its a new multinational colonialism, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange tells Horvat. In the second episode, The Colonised Society, Horvat looks at how the people of Europe are responding, not just through terrorism and the rise of the far right, but also through the No Middle Man movement in Greece; the election of a housing activist as mayor of Barcelona; and the move within Germany to restore energy grids to public ownership. Visiting Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Romania, Spain and the UK, Horvat speaks to Welsh steel workers, French protesters, refugees in Greece, and the likes of Noam Chomsky, Nigel Farage, Slavoj Zizek, and Agnes Heller to present a nuanced view of Europe today. Europes Forbidden Colony screens in two parts on Al Jazeera English on Sunday, 19 February and Sunday, 26 February 2017 at 2000GMT / 2100WAT / 2200CAT / 2300EAT. For more information, visit http://pr.aljazeera.com/post/156396004240/al-jazeera-english-to-air-europes-forbidden. 12.02.2017 LISTEN On the 9th of February, 2017, I read a news item written by one Mr. Korsi Senyo and published by Awake Africa online news portal with the above heading which I was not happy. Media plays an important role in national development by bringing out hidden issues to public domain for prompt action, Awake Africa is one of the news portal I visit almost every day to read the news items but when I came across this story headline I was so disappointed in a way the author featured the story, on the ethical sense, this heading should have been put in a better way to still serve as a suspense to the reader but it rather looks like the writer is being ethnically biased here, for example how does he know that the youth who attacked the Fulanis were only Konkombas since there are other ethnic groups in Banda? Lets look at the meaning this story headline conveys out: First of all, the name Konkomba is an ethnic group whose people are spread across Ghana and Togo, they are found in the Northern,Volta,Brong Ahafo,Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions; the Konkomba ethnic group is divided into several tribes such as Bigbem,Bichabob,Bikoomb,Nankpatiib,Bimonkpem,Binaloklb,etc within these tribes we have clans, so when the story talks about Konkomba youth attacking Fulani Herdsmen the meaning it carries across is generic, referring to all Konkomba Youth including me who is a konkomba man, meanwhile I am seated somewhere without any knowledge of this attack in Banda. Again,the story goes on to report that Some irate youth of Konkomba Tribe from Bandadoes this writer bend on betraying the Konkomba Ethnic Group or what is he after in that statement? In the write up, the term a konkomba man was used as the identity of the culprit, the question is, why not his name but rather referring to his ethnicity, is that a proper way of identifying someone?. I wish to state and to suggest to the media houses and the media personnel to be unbiased in their reportage and not to defame or paint any ethnic group black by their reportage. There have been several cases of these Fulani herdsmen activities across the country and normally the stories are not generalized this way to portray some ethnic group as wrong. For example, when the issue of Fulani and Agogo people broke up, the media never repoterd that Ashantis in Agogo and Fulanis Attack each other or when the Chieftaincy conflict broke up in Bimbilla no one reported that Nanumbas were fighting the name of the town Bimbilla was used, so I cannot fathom why Awake Africa decided to put much emphasis on the generalized name konkomba This story should have been captured in a better way as : V/R:Banda Youth and Fulani Herdmen Clash or Banda Youth Clashes with Fulani Herdsmen and try to get the names of the people who started the fight, this will still carry your message to the desired destination than what has been published. I am by this praying that Awake Africa news portal should re-frame their story so as not to betray the entire Konkomba ethnic group as partaking in the attack, it is time to deal with people individually and not collectively as done unless of course there is a hidden agenda on the part of the reporter on Konkombas. There is no doubt that your grass root representation is a laudable idea but your correspondence need some level of circumspection in their reportage in order to make us patronize your news network as an independent body. Below is a link for the Publication of the story by awakeafrica.com by Korsi Senyo http://awakeafrica.com/vr-kokomba-youth-attacks-fulani-herdsmen-s-houses-burnt/everal . By: Abraham Njonaan Nlenkiba Chamba-Bimbilla [email protected] The Rivers state government has traced the black soot polluting the atmosphere of Port Harcourt and its environs to a Chinese construction company, named CGC. According to a statement Commissioner of Information, Dr Austin Tam-George, the company has been shutdown by the Rivers State Task Force on the Black Soot. A statement by Tam-George on Saturday, February 11 read: "This is to inform the public that a Chinese construction company, named CGC, located on the Obirikwere-Airport Link Road has been shut down on Friday, the 10th of February, 2017, by the Rivers State Task Force on the Black Soot. "The Asphalt plant was found to be producing thick black smog out of the furnace in the process of burning Asphalt, heavily polluting the air. "The Asphalt plant was immediately shut down by the task force. All the directors of the company will be prosecuted according to the law. "The public is therefore advised to cooperate with the Task Force, by providing useful information on the Black Soot. "Please call or send Whatsapp messages to the following hot lines: 08065768366, 08036621435, 08037503473." Recall that the Rivers state government had set up a Task Force to tackle the black soot polluting the atmosphere of Port Harcourt and its environs. The Task Force was mandated to investigate and resolve the environmental challenge. This was part of the resolutions of the State Executive Council meeting of Wednesday, February 8 at the government House, Port Harcourt Executive Council Chambers chaired by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App Rivers state govt sets up task force to tackle black soot READ ALSO: 'Save our children, we can't breathe!' - Nigerians react as air and sky in Port Harcourt turns black The Task Force to investigate the Black Soot has the Commissioner of Environment, Professor Roseline Konya, Commissioner of Special Duties, Emeka Onowu and the Commissioner of Information, Dr Austin Tam-George as members. The committee which will be backed by technical experts will liaise with major stakeholders to resolve the environmental challenges posed by the black soot. For over two months, Port Harcourt has been engulfed with black soot polluting the air and putting the residents health in danger. Black soot includes black particles composed by carbon produced by incomplete combustion of coals. Soot can consist of acid, chemicals, or soil and dust and the particles are extremely tiny powder form. Source: Legit.ng - Prof Ango Abdullahi says it will be hard to believe any future political agreement - The Northern leader said the region feels betrayed by Obasanjo and Jonathan's action - He said it is up to the APC to decide if it accepts zoning or not The Northern Elders Forum has said that former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan betrayed the north by trying to go against the agreed zoning in the Peoples Democratic Party (PFP). In an interview with The Sun, Prof Ango Abdullahi said the PDP had agreed that the presidency should be rotated between the north and south but that Obasanjo tried to side-line it when he was seeking a third term in office while Jonathan should not have contested in 2015 as a northerner should have been presented. READ ALSO: MASSOB rejects Obasanjo's call for 2019 Igbo presidency He said: When PDP came into existence, there were views that were saying give the South the first shot under this rotational arrangement. There were those who were very adamant that this will not go. I remember my friend very well, may his soul rest in peace, Abubakar Rimi, refused. He said every aspirant should be given the opportunity to slug it out in the primary election. If the southerner or a northerner gets it, fine and that next time the issue of a northerner or a southerner contesting would not arise. Many of us agreed that the South should take the first shot. That was why Obasanjo and Ekwueme slugged it out Obasanjo got the second ticket to contest for second term and he got it. I thought that everybody should be happy with that and those who are not happy should accept that another time will come for them to go particularly if they were the ones interested. But Obasanjo after eight years decided to play hara-kiri He forgot that he came under this arrangement and this thing is entrenched in the constitution of the party. He tried to get people to work for his third term, some of them surprisingly, many of them northerners. Thank God, led by the late Olusola Saraki, under the Northern Union I was his deputy, we mobilized and defeated him. So the North was supposed to take over from Obasanjo. Eight years for Obasanjo, eight years expected of a candidate of northern extraction as the president of Nigeria. So Obasanjo came and picked Umaru YarAdua. You know Umaru was not elected by us. Some of us initially kicked against it, but we were told by our elders to keep our cool and since Umaru is there, a northerner, so be it. But Umaru died three years in office. I am sure you remember this. So if politics is the basis on which some of these relationships should be respected and kept, the North needs not to ask, under PDP, I am not saying under any other party, that it would provide a candidate for four more years because the fourth year of YarAdua would have been used by his vice-President as the constitution has provided because Jonathan was sworn in as president after Umarus death. So lets say PDP under commonsense will come out and say the North where is the candidate? They did not. You argued vehemently that Jonathan should continue as president of this country against the zoning arrangement and he came out denying knowledge of this zoning arrangement. Even Obasanjo did deny that there was zoning. So there is this complete break-down of trust. I couldnt trust Jonathan or Obasanjo for anything having known all these and denying it and they want to be my president. This was what triggered us into saying the next president, come what may, should be of northern extraction. But of course the North gave us away, the Northern governors in particular in 2011 because that was when the North should have taken over. But they sold out. PDP governors 16 of them here in the North sold out for Jonathan to remain their candidate in 2011. We tried and our consensus candidate didnt go so far and that was Atiku Abubakar, you remember. From that time we said okay the time has come now for us to look at our political interest first and this is how the Northern Elders Forum came into being. There is another forum, ACF, but it said it is a socio-cultural organization, but the Northern Elders Forum will be a political activist group that will defend the political interest of Northern Nigeria in Nigeria if possible. So this is how we formed it and these are the background reasons why we said under no circumstances should Jonathan win the election in 2015 and thats why we mobilized the North and despite any claim that the North was divided, the Tanko Yakassais have sold out to Jonathan and so on. At the end, Jonathan was defeated. READ ALSO: North should have been allowed to complete tenure after death of Yar'Adua - Attah On whether the north will concede power after Buharis eight years in office, Abdullahi said: The party that decided to support zoning was PDP and the party on ground that brought about the presidency of Buhari was not PDP and it is not likely to be PDP in 2019. It all depends to my mind how members of the APC particularly its leadership of the APC decides how they will play their game. For your information I am not a member of any party. What I am interested in is to remain socially and politically involved in matters of public affairs But we learnt some bitter lessons and based on these bitter lessons, it is going to take a lot of persuasion for northerners who really went through the rigours or treatments under Obasanjos third term and then under Jonathans manipulations of his nomination in 2011 and his insistence, against the constitution of this country to contest election in 2015. If he had contested elections in 2015 and supposing he won, he would be president of Nigeria for nine years and this is against the constitution of this country. Source: Legit.ng A few tweaks to report is what Morcha seeks The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, which has objected to the Local Level Restructuring Committee (LLRC) report, has hinted that it could accept it if 100 local units, give or take, are added in the Tarai region. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Sunday, February 12, accused the Nigerian Army of genocide. According to a statement made available to Legit.ng by Comrade Emma Powerful, media and publicity secretary for IPOB, an attack on members of the group has just occurred in Asaba, Delta state capital. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App IPOB accuses Army of genocide in Delta state READ ALSO: IPOB lays shocking allegations against army, police The statement read: Another Nigerian Army massacre going on now at IPOB family meeting at okwe primary school, Oshimili South LGA Asaba, Delta state. Hausa Fulani people living near the primary school called their Islamic brothers in the Nigerian Army who came and opened fire on another IPOB peaceful assembly yet again. Five people confirmed dead right now. Reaction from the Nigerian Army was still expected as at the time of filing this report. More details later Source: Legit.ng Jaya Bahadur Chand named as new IGP Government appointed Jaya Bahadur Chand as the new Inspector General of Police on Sunday. Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state and the Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saad Abubakar gathered on Sunday, February 12, to pray for President Muhammadu Buharis quick recovery and return as well as the peace and progress of Nigeria. The prayer programme which was organised by the Osun state Muslim community was attended by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, a former Inspector General of Police Alhaji Musliu Smith and other Islamic leaders across Nigeria, The Punch reports. The Sultan of Sokoto and others have prayed for the quick recovery of President Buhari Offering the prayers, Oloyede, who is also the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board said: We start this by praying specially for President Muhammadu Buhari. May almighty Allah grant him happiness including health. Every right thinking person is expecting his return. READ ALSO: Opinion: The travails of Apostle Johnson Suleman and the inciting words of Sultan of Sokoto The Sultan of Sokoto commended Aregbesola for his commitment to religious tolerance We pray that almighty Allah will see him back safely and grant him the strength, wherewithal, the knowledge, the justice to run the great complex country of ours. Before leading a national prayer for peace, security, stability and development, the Sultan commended Governor Aregbesola for his commitment to religious tolerance in the state. He also called on various religious groups across the country to make prayer a daily routine as the country needs spiritual solutions to its peculiar challenges. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App We start this by praying specially for President Muhammadu Buhari, Oloyede said Source: Legit.ng Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the special adviser to the president on political matters, on Saturday, February 11, said looters who are afraid of being brought to justice are the ones wishing President Muhammadu Buhari dead to escape prosecution. Ojudu made this known while hosting leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the 16 local government areas of Ekiti state at his residence in Ado Ekiti, The Punch reports. Senator Ojudu says only looters are the ones wishing Buhari dead PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App According to him, Buhari had so far given the country exemplary leadership and cleared the rot left behind by the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ojudu said: Our President is honest, patriotic, committed and passionate that this country must be great. Nobody can accuse the President of fraud, corruption and stealing in government. He is on a holiday and he can use the opportunity to check the state of his health. At my own age, I do visit my doctors to check myself, my blood pressure, my sugar level and all the rest. I want to assure concerned Nigerians who really love the President that he will soon be back. It is only those who have stolen our money and kept it away that are wishing him dead. The President will soon be back and by Gods grace, he will not die as some mischievous people wish. Ojudu also noted that his desire was to ensure unity of APC members in Ekiti and bring everybody on board to build a stronger party ahead of the 2018 poll. He said: Ekiti is a progressive state, our people must join the party of the progressives and they must reject the retrogressive party. Let our members go out and mobilise our people to drive away the interlopers in power. The image of Ekiti has been battered and damaged but we are coming back to repair it. All of us are ready to change the government here. The man should start packing his bags. Buhari initially embarked on a 10-day vacation, but wrote to the Senate to extend it for medical reasons. He did not specify the date he would return to the country thus fuelling speculation that he could be in a critical condition. But photos of the president with a former Interim National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande and the partys national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in London on Thursday, February 9, seems to have silenced speculators. Source: Legit.ng CIB arrests murder convict from Saudia Arabia A Nepali murder convict has been repatriated from Saudi Arabia, eighteen years after the crime took place. I wasnt convinced. So Jihae, now a professor at the University of Wisconsin, designed some experiments. She asked people to come up with new business ideas. Some were randomly assigned to start right away. Others were given five minutes to first play Minesweeper or Solitaire. Everyone submitted their ideas, and independent raters rated how original they were. The procrastinators ideas were 28 percent more creative. Minesweeper is awesome, but it wasnt the driver of the effect. When people played games before being told about the task, there was no increase in creativity. It was only when they first learned about the task and then put it off that they considered more novel ideas. It turned out that procrastination encouraged divergent thinking. Our first ideas, after all, are usually our most conventional. My senior thesis in college ended up replicating a bunch of existing ideas instead of introducing new ones. When you procrastinate, youre more likely to let your mind wander. That gives you a better chance of stumbling onto the unusual and spotting unexpected patterns. Nearly a century ago, the psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik found that people had a better memory for incomplete tasks than for complete ones. When we finish a project, we file it away. But when its in limbo, it stays active in our minds. Begrudgingly, I acknowledged that procrastination might help with everyday creativity. But monumental achievements are a different story, right? Wrong. Steve Jobs procrastinated constantly, several of his collaborators have told me. Bill Clinton has been described as a chronic procrastinator who waits until the last minute to revise his speeches. Frank Lloyd Wright spent almost a year procrastinating on a commission, to the point that his patron drove out and insisted that he produce a drawing on the spot. It became Fallingwater, his masterpiece. Aaron Sorkin, the screenwriter behind Steve Jobs and The West Wing, is known to put off writing until the last minute. When Katie Couric asked him about it, he replied, You call it procrastination, I call it thinking. So what if creativity happens not in spite of procrastination, but because of it? I decided to give it a try. The good news is that I am no stranger to self-discipline. So I woke up one morning and wrote a to-do list for procrastinating more. Then I set out to achieve the goal of not making progress toward my goals. It didnt go excellently. BALTIMORE The outpouring of protests across the country has scrambled the contest for chairman of the Democratic National Committee two weeks before the vote, as party activists thrash out who should be the face of a newly energized party. The surge of liberal activism in response to President Trumps election has transcended the divisions that some Democrats feared would cleave the party after its defeat in November. But it has also injected volatility into a race for party chairman that had been shaping up as a straightforward proxy war between the candidates most closely identified with Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Hillary Clinton. Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota, one of Mr. Sanderss most prominent surrogates during last years primary race, and Thomas E. Perez, the former labor secretary who backed Mrs. Clinton and received consideration to be her running mate, have emerged as the leading contenders. Yet neither has secured the support of anywhere close to a majority of the 447 committee members who will decide the race, as other candidates did in the weeks leading up to prior votes. This is partly because other hopefuls in a field that has swelled to double digits have yet to withdraw from the race. But it also owes to the genuine uncertainty about who can best harness the antipathy toward Mr. Trump, and lead a party that has been dominated by former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton and Mrs. Clinton for more than two decades. A nationwide injunction that has kept transgender students from using school bathrooms and other facilities that correspond with their gender identity will remain in place after the Trump administration decided not to challenge it in court. The move, announced Friday, ended an effort mounted by the Obama administration after the order was announced last year. The injunction was issued in August by Judge Reed OConnor of the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas as part of a lawsuit filed by more than a dozen states over the Obama administrations position that Title IX, the federal law that bans sex discrimination in schools, protects transgender students. Under that interpretation, transgender students have access to facilities like bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity, a proposition to which social conservatives strongly object. They argue that allowing transgender students to use those facilities poses a threat to the privacy and safety of other students. The Obama administration appealed the injunction and requested that it apply only to states involved in the lawsuit and not nationwide. Oral arguments in that case were scheduled to begin on Tuesday, but on Friday, the Justice Department withdrew the previous administrations challenge. SEOUL, South Korea North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the sea off its eastern coast on Sunday, in what South Korea called the Norths first attempt to test President Trumps policy on the isolated country. A projectile believed to be a modified version of the Norths intermediate-range ballistic missile Musudan took off at 7:55 a.m. from Banghyon, a town near North Koreas northwestern border with China, and flew 310 miles before falling in the sea, the South Korean military said. Earlier, the United States Strategic Command issued a statement identifying the missile as a medium- or intermediate-range system that did not pose a threat to North America. South Korea condemned the missile launching, saying that it violated a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions that bar North Korea from developing or testing ballistic missile and nuclear weapons technologies. It also said the North had launched the missile to raise tensions over its weapons programs and to use it as leverage in dealing with the Trump administration. We see this as part of an attempt by the North to grab attention by demonstrating its nuclear and missile capabilities and to counter the new United States administrations strong policy line against North Korea, the South Korean military said in its statement. The auction house Sothebys has announced that Bauerngarten, a dazzling 1907 landscape painting by the Viennese modernist Gustav Klimt, will lead its Impressionist and Modern Art sale on March 1, in London. This marks the first time in more than two decades that the oil painting has been offered at auction, where it is expected to fetch in excess of $45 million. Bauerngarten was first exhibited in Vienna in 1908, and was painted by Klimt during the same period as some of his most celebrated portraits, which were largely commissioned. The most visible of these are Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II, which, according to a new Bloomberg report, was sold last year by Oprah Winfrey for $150 million to an unidentified Chinese buyer. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I was at the center of the 2015 film Woman in Gold, starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds. Until his death in 1918, Klimt painted landscapes in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, at Lake Attersee and elsewhere. There, according to a Times travelogue from 2013, he shed city clothing for floor-length robes, temporarily abandoned his city mistresses and traded stylized portrait painting for the bracing, vivid landscapes of his summer idyll. Klimt returned to Lake Attersee for 15 summers, the Times report continues, creating more than 45 of his 50 landscapes in the tiny lakefront towns of Seewalchen, Litzlberg and Weissenbach. Bauerngarten was most recently exhibited in 2016 at the Royal Academy of Arts, in London. It took nearly an hour for Alec Baldwin, this weekends host of Saturday Night Live and its resident impersonator of President Trump, to don a certain familiar orange wig and assume the role that has occasionally infuriated the current real-life occupant of the Oval Office. In the meantime, S.N.L. took plenty of satirical shots at the Trump administration, starting with the return of Melissa McCarthy as the White House press secretary, Sean Spicer. Ms. McCarthy, who made a surprise appearance last week as an agitated Mr. Spicer in an S.N.L. sketch that drew wide acclaim (and apparently created some consternation in Mr. Trumps inner circle), was back in the role, in the opening of this weeks show. As Mr. Spicer, she announced to the White House press corps that Im calm now, then stopped herself from swearing because, as she explained, Thats the old Spicey, and this is the new Spicey. She went on to use action figures and Barbie dolls to explain a new process of extreme vetting; chastised the news media for failing to report on terrorist attacks like the Horror at Six Flags, the Slaughter at Fraggle Rock, and the Night they Drove Old Dixie Down; and plugged some of Ivanka Trumps merchandise, a bangle and a shoe (These babies are real head-turners), before introducing the new attorney general, Jeff Sessions, played by the S.N.L. cast member Kate McKinnon. James Corden, he of the viral car-pool karaoke sessions, takes on the job of hosting this years Grammy Awards. On HBO, Girls returns for its final season, and Last Week Tonight With John Oliver is back for the first time since the week after the election. Whats on TV THE 59TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS 8 p.m. on CBS. James Corden, the late-night talk-show host and car-pool karaoke impresario, will host the Grammys for the first time after a warmhearted debut as the host of the Tony Awards last June. Of course, Beyonce is nominated, as are other pop titans like Adele and Justin Bieber. The program will also include tributes to George Michael and Prince. Tune in at 7:30 for the red carpet coverage on CBS, or at 6 p.m. for E!s red carpet broadcast. Earlier, at 7, 60 Minutes presents a Grammy-themed program that features moments from Steve Krofts 2010 interview with Beyonce; Anderson Cooper in conversation with Adele in 2012; and Lara Logan speaking in November with Bruno Mars, who takes her back to his Hawaiian roots and talks about how he writes catchy hits like Uptown Funk. THE MISSING 8 p.m. on Starz. This mysterious drama, about a woman who disappears from her hometown and reappears 11 years later, is back for Season 2. But dont expect more of the same plot or characters. Now the detective Julien Baptiste is hard at work on the case of another missing girl. If you want to play catch-up with Season 1, check it out on Amazon or Vudu. Fast and luxurious Every day, thousands of people enter the Kathmandu Valley from all over the country looking for opportunities, with the result that the population has swelled to around 5 million in the last decade. Sam Sifton emails readers of Cooking five days a week to talk about food and suggest recipes. That email also appears here. To receive it in your inbox, register here. Good morning. Valentines Day is on Tuesday. (What, you forgot?) I wrote about the holiday for my Eat column today, an exercise that got me talking to a lot of restaurant people. The interviews left me convinced that you ought this year not to book a table somewhere putatively romantic, but instead cook at home. Heres the recipe I came up with for the night, and its not just for a dish but a meal: chicken confit with roasted potatoes and a parsley salad. More than that, its a meal that you could shop for and start preparing today, so that the business of roasting the potatoes and assembling the salad is all, really, that you have to do on Tuesday besides crisping the chicken in a pan and hoping that the person youre cooking for remembers for once to come home on time. Thats Tuesday night covered, then. The chicken today is easy work. So maybe make Regina Schramblings terrific recipe for beef stew with Dijon mustard and cognac for dinner this evening? I like it with buttered egg noodles, myself. With a little flourish on the l as he wrote Michael on the first of the days birthday cakes, Mr. Piekarski said some things did not change with repetition. Halfway through Anthony, crossing the t and dotting the i in happy birthday, he said his writing on the cakes had always looked the same as his handwriting on paper. A third graders handwriting, he said. He inscribed a cake for Gabriel, then one for Nicholas. Mr. Piekarskis photograph is on Page 278 of the Gods Love We Deliver Cookbook, opposite his recipe for double chocolate oatmeal cookies, in proportions that would not overwhelm a home kitchen, and the accompanying words reveal something he did not mention as he inscribed the cakes. His biography says he did not know what Gods Love was when he answered a want ad for a baker. He found out during the job interview that the group was serving people with H.I.V. or AIDS, a mission since broadened to include people with other serious illnesses. There was an emotional resonance he had lost his companion to AIDS four years earlier. He has been making hundreds of desserts a day ever since. His workplace is the Joan Rivers Bakery, named for the comedian who was on the Gods Love board for 20 years. At 62, he is old enough to remember when she appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson. He also remembers when they decorated cakes together. I set up the cakes, he said. Joan came along, all aproned up, and I gave her a really quick course in decorating. I taught her how to do flowers. Examining the life of a person charged in a brutal crime does not lessen the loss felt by the victims family. Some would argue that the details of Chanel Lewiss past do not warrant a public airing. But it is natural to look to an accused killers past for missed signs, for clues. In this case, the search leads only to more questions. Richard Lewiss old flip phone rang steadily during a reporters visit on Tuesday. Many of the calls were from friends in Jamaica. They cant believe it at all, he said. Not at all, sir. I cant even believe it, either. The days had taken a toll. The elder Mr. Lewis appeared confused at times last week, repeatedly asking a callers name and writing it down, even after a fourth call and a fifth. He said that he had been having trouble sleeping and that one night he had heard on television that the charges would be dropped. Im not the same person I used to be, he said. He and Chanels mother, Veta Lewis, split up more than a decade ago but remain close, he said. Ms. Lewis answered a knock at her door on Tuesday and spoke of Ms. Vetranos mother. Im sorry for that mother who lost her daughter because Im a mother, too, she said. She lost a daughter, and I lost a son. CAMDEN, N.J. Jernica Quinones, a mother of five, was the first parent in New Jersey to get her free baby box a portable, low-tech bassinet made of laminated cardboard. But first, she had to take an online course about safe sleeping practices, which experts say can sharply reduce the chances of sudden infant death syndrome. Basically, you want to have the baby on the mattress, and thats it, she said after watching a 20-minute series of videos. The message may not be new. But health officials say it is critical to keeping babies safe. To reduce infant mortality, parents must put babies to sleep on their backs on a firm mattress in either a bassinet or a crib with no pillow, blanket, stuffed animal or bumpers. Now, New Jersey has become the first state to adopt a broad program to reduce infant deaths by aiming to distribute as many as 105,000 of the so-called baby boxes the expected number of births in the state this year. Baby boxes, which have a snug-fitting mattress, have been handed out to new parents for decades in Finland, which has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, and less than half that of the United States. Aging subways in other cities, like London and Boston, are also struggling with overcrowding, and Tokyo famously uses staff to jam passengers onto crowded trains. It is difficult to compare performance among cities because systems measure it differently, but some newer subways are known for punctuality, including Hong Kongs, which boasts that 99 percent of trains are on time. In New York, many riders mistakenly blame Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, for their subway woes since the system serves four of the citys five boroughs. But the transportation authority is, in fact, controlled by another Democrat, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who has recently focused his attention on promoting the long-awaited opening of the Second Avenue subway in Manhattan three new stations serving a strip of the Upper East Side. Transit advocates are pressing Mr. Cuomo to expend the same level of urgency on improving service across the system. If the governor is going to take credit for opening the Second Avenue subway on time, he has to take responsibility for all of the things that are not working on the subway, said John Raskin, the executive director of the Riders Alliance, an advocacy group. A spokesman for Mr. Cuomo, Jon Weinstein, defended the governors record, saying he had secured the largest capital plan in the authoritys history to finance improvements that would help reduce delays. The $29.5 billion plan includes buying new subway cars and upgrading signals and tracks. Anyone who claims this governor hasnt been focused on improving the M.T.A. simply isnt paying attention or doesnt understand how long these challenges went unaddressed, Mr. Weinstein said in a statement. It all began in 1927. After the communists fledging armed forces suffered serious losses against the Kuomintang government, Mao Zedong and his associates decided to create a hierarchy within the military that would mirror the structure of the party. The idea was to instill a fighting spirit throughout the ranks by ensuring the partys top commands would be relayed all the way down. Party branches () were set up at the company level, party cells () at the platoon and squad levels, and together they recruited foot soldiers who were solid party material. In just a few years, an unruly peasant army was whipped into a formidable fighting force. The rest is history. Fast-forward to 2002 and the C.C.P.s 16th national congress, convened under Jiang Zemin. In the interval, China underwent two revolutions. The first, in 1949, established a communist state; the second, in 1978, jettisoned a stagnant socialist planned economy in favor of pro-market reforms. By 2002, China was competing with France to be the worlds fifth-largest economy, and the Chinese peoples entrepreneurial spirit had been reawakened. Much of the political elite, including relatives of party and government officials, had become the owners and managers of private businesses. To legitimize the growing importance of these so-called new social strata (), the party congress inducted many of their influential members into the C.C.P. The move would have been heresy under canonical Marxism, but it was made acceptable by the convenient adoption of a new ideology: socialism with Chinese characteristics. It was also an astute bargain. In return for becoming politically acceptable, capitalists and top business managers at private firms would come under the partys chain of command. The year before the party started controlling the managerial classes, it had already begun to manipulate how private companies ran their businesses. Starting in 2001, every private-sector firm with at least three C.C.P. members among its employees was required to have a party unit. Much like the party cells in the Red Army decades earlier, party units in companies were expected to firmly implement the Partys line, principles and policies, as the Constitution of the C.C.P. stipulates. This control mechanism had been a fixture of state-owned enterprises since the first days of the communist republic. It was brought into the private sector in earnest in 2001 just on the heels of Chinas accession to the W.T.O. and extended after the 2002 party congress. Around 2006, it was introduced to private firms set up with foreign capital, like Walmart. PHNOM PENH, Cambodia The embattled leader of Cambodias main opposition party abruptly quit on Saturday in the face of increasing government pressure, ceding a political stage he had occupied for more than two decades. The resignation of the leader, Sam Rainsy, came after the government began a series of moves that would allow it to dissolve the Cambodia National Rescue Party he led, in advance of crucial local elections set for June. The opposition has also been hit with a barrage of lawsuits and leaked telephone conversations between leading figures and women purported to be their mistresses. It was unclear whether Mr. Sam Rainsy, 67, was leaving politics for good or was planning to work quietly behind the scenes. Either way, his exit seemed to represent the end of an era. As the head of three liberal-leaning political parties since 1995, he had been a thorn in the side of the countrys long-ruling prime minister, Hun Sen, for more than 20 years. NEW DELHI Indian security forces in Kashmir engaged in an intense, 12-hour-long gun battle with militants that ended late Sunday morning, leaving four militants, two soldiers and one civilian dead, the authorities said. An additional civilian died after a protest. The police had learned that the militants were in a village, and cordoned it off late Saturday. They were conducting searches when they were fired upon by militants; security forces began firing back. BERLIN She is considered the indispensable European, yet one of the biggest questions looming over the Continents crucial elections this year is whether Germany still regards Angela Merkel as indispensable, too. Seven months before national elections in Germany, the prevailing wisdom has held that Ms. Merkel, now seeking a fourth four-year term as chancellor, is most vulnerable to the rising popularity of the countrys far right, just as other populist, far-right parties are gaining in coming elections in the Netherlands and France. Yet suddenly, Germanys left has unexpectedly resurged, prompting Der Spiegel magazine this weekend to pose a question on its cover: Will She Fall? A reliable answer is not in sight. The shocks of 2016 Britains vote to leave the European Union and the election of Donald J. Trump as president of the United States have profoundly shaken Germany, which depends more than any other European nation on Pax Americana and global institutions set up after World War II. MADRID Pablo Iglesias, the head of Spains far-left Podemos Party, defeated a challenge in a leadership vote on Sunday, giving him a strong mandate to stick with the radical line that has made Podemos one of Europes main anti-establishment parties. Mr. Iglesias, 38, won an unexpectedly clear victory, receiving 89 percent of the votes as party leader, while his main supporters won 60 percent of the seats on the partys governing council. The victory of Mr. Iglesias during a two-day party congress is likely to raise the pressure on the Socialists, Spains main opposition party, to resolve a bitter leadership dispute of their own. The Socialists have been functioning under a caretaker management since ousting their leader, Pedro Sanchez, last October, which then helped clear the way for Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, a conservative, to win re-election. Founded in 2014 during a period of extreme discontent and record unemployment generated by the world financial crisis, Podemos made a meteoric rise that also uprooted Spains two-party system. But after coming in third in its first general elections in late 2015, Podemos found it harder to switch from anti-austerity street protests to parliamentary politics and lost votes in repeat elections six months later. Faulty appointment On January 8, the Supreme Court quashed the recommendation of the Constitutional Council (CC) and subsequent act of the President to appoint Lok Man Singh Karki to the powerful post of Chief of Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) made some four years before. We are quite surprised, said Stefan Egli, a manager of Operation Libero, a politically independent group that campaigned in support of the initiative and organized the poster campaign featuring the two Vanessas, among others. Mr. Egli said he had thought the referendum would win the national popular vote, but he worried that more of the rural cantons would oppose the change. Swiss law typically requires foreigners to be residents of the country for 12 years before applying for citizenship; after that they must undergo a series of tests and interviews to assess their suitability, and are judged by criteria that differ from one canton to another. Unlike the United States and some European countries, Switzerland does not grant automatic citizenship to children born on its soil. The measure approved on Sunday will not change those basic rules, but will speed up and simplify the approval process, using uniform criteria, for foreigners under 25 whose parents and grandparents have permanent residence status in Switzerland. These are people who are at home, Simonetta Sommaruga, the federal justice minister, said in a statement explaining the governments position on third-generation immigrants. The only difference is they do not have a red (Swiss) passport. An assessment by Geneva University for the governments department of migration found that just under 25,000 people could benefit from the changes. Most of them are Italian, it found, and nearly 80 percent are of European extraction. Vanessa Seyffert, the second woman in the poster, will not be one of them; she is already deep in the process of applying the old way. She said she had taken part in the poster campaign to highlight the inequality facing young people who were brought up attending the same schools and speaking the same language but do not have the same rights. The crucial thing for me is to be able to vote, Ms. Seyffert said in an interview. I just want to have a voice. JERUSALEM As President Trump appeared to shift closer to the political center on several contentious policies on Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested on Sunday that it was unrealistic to expect their two countries to agree completely on all issues. But amid growing challenges from the right, Mr. Netanyahu said he was the strongest leader to navigate the relationship the nations most important, yet often its trickiest. The Israeli leaders comments came the night before he leaves for Washington for his first face-to-face meeting with Mr. Trump as president. While Mr. Trump at first appeared to give Israels leaders carte blanche he remained silent, for example, as the nation announced the construction of thousands of new homes in the occupied West Bank he has since said he does not believe that going forward with these settlements is a good thing for peace. UNITED NATIONS The shock is gone. Panic is subsiding. Now, diplomats who represent the nations of the world are entering what one described as the third stage of grief: figuring out how to deal with President Trump. Theyre scrambling to speak with his advisers and poring over his Twitter posts or if theyre old school, ordering their minions to print out twice-daily lists of presidential outbursts. Theyre watching anxiously how he reacts to a series of high-stakes tests (military provocations by Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine, for instance), while trying to parse the contradictory statements coming out of his administration (what exactly is the United States view on Russia?). And theyre counting on his United Nations envoy, Nikki R. Haley, to be a coolheaded adviser, even as they wonder whether she, his not-so-long-ago critic, has her mercurial bosss ear. Their doubts surfaced late Friday over the abruptly annulled appointment of a Palestinian leader for a senior United Nations post. Diplomats said they had been led to believe the appointment of the Palestinian, Salam Fayyad, had been approved by all Security Council members only to be greeted with a last-minute statement from Ms. Haleys office, quashing the appointment. The United States does not recognize Palestine as a state, the statement read, raising questions about whether Ms. Haley had been overridden by the White House. Residential property prices in Albania have increased 10.3% year on year to the end of the third quarter as a number of economic pointers and figures indicate a positive outlook for next year. The figures from Albanias Central Bank also shows that the countrys Rental Price Index is also up with a 1.1% increase year on year. According to the budget bill passed by the Albanian parliament recently, Albania is predicted to see its budget deficit drop to 3% of GDP next year with economic growth reaching highs of around 4.3% despite the debt crisis currently affecting many countries. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is predicting strong economic growth of 3.5% in Albania for 2012. Travel guide Frommers has declared the Albanian Riviera as the Top Value Destination for 2012 according to its editors, authors, and experts from around the world. There was a 200% increase in tourists visiting the country between January and August this year compared to 2008. The first 38 kilometre stretch of motorway linking Albanias border directly to Kosovos capital Pristina was delivered ahead of schedule and within budget a few weeks ago. It was recently announced that a new 53 million loan from the EBRD has been agreed for the construction of two bypass roads in the south of the Albania. With growth in the Balkan region predicted to be around four times higher than the 0.5% growth the European Union is expected to post next year, those wishing to invest in property will be making a sensible choice if they look in Albanias direction, said Ravin Maharajah, partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, a five star luxury residential development located on Albanias Adriatic coastline. Indeed, demand for property in Albania this year has been on the up and in light of 2012 predictions will no doubt continue as property hunters search for alternative options. For example, the international market is starting to wake up to Albanias potential as a beach holiday destination which has generated excellent demand, he explained. Maharajah believes that Albania has a good set of attributes to attract an increasing number of visitors and thus boost the rental potential of properties. Govt agency mulls using drones to keep an eye on litterbugs Dumping trash in Bagmati River could now be very costly as a government agency is considering to employ drone cameras for the surveillance. The idea of investing in off plan developments around the world has caught the attention of many would-be real estate investors. While the majority of these investors are experienced individuals who will research their targets thoroughly, ensure they are fully aware of their obligations and cut no corners to save just a few euros, there are others who may be tempted by the advice of unscrupulous real estate agents and developers. There are ways and means of investing in off plan developments in Bulgaria in a manner which protects your investment, gives you the best chance of a decent return and above all ensures that everything goes smoothly. An off plan develop in Bulgaria is a property which does not yet have a use permit which is issued when the development has been completed and regulatory approval has been granted. So, what are the stages of off plan development in Bulgaria and what should you be aware of? Planning permission This is the first stage of development with regards to an off plan investment and basically entitles the developer to commission an architectural design with relevant construction plans. These must abide by the statutory regulations and be produced in accordance with local authority guidelines. Quote from PropertyForum.com : I have a nice property in bankya near Sofia with a building permit with about 1000mwhich I would like to sell for about 120.000. I would prefer not to have to pay for an agency. Does anyone have a good idea where I should advertise for it? Is ebay a good idea? I am not in a hurry selling within a year is totally fine for me. Construction permit As you move towards the construction permit the actual building of the development draws nearer as this allows construction plans to be put in place. This will only happen once the relevant architectural designs and construction plans have been approved by the local authorities. Construction The construction stage is something that many speculative and fraudulent off plan developments never reach and is perhaps the reason why countries such as Bulgaria have brought in strict regulations. Once the construction stage begins this should reflect that funding is available, the project is viable and hopefully completion will not be too far away. Certificate of completion There are two stages to the completion process with a certificate of completion given together with an approval of rough construction which means that in theory the development abides by local guidelines and regulations and is legal. We will then move onto the next stage which will effectively see the development signed-off. Compliance certificate As with any new development there will be a need for detailed examination by statutory bodies and assuming that all has gone well and to plan the development will be signed off if completed to the local statutory rules. Many investors will now breathe a sigh of relief on reaching this particular stage! Use permit As you might expect, this is the final piece of the jigsaw and effectively means that the property is ready to be inhabited and full ownership can now be transferred over. While some speculators have had their fingers burnt in Bulgaria, and other similar emerging real estate markets, these guidelines, assuming that all parties abide by them, should ensure a smoother and ultimately fruitful investment. Conclusion If you are looking to acquire off plan developments in countries such as Bulgaria you will still need the assistance of legal and property experts who are able to protect your investment and give you the best advice. There are many different parties to choose from and if possible a word-of-mouth recommendation should be sought although there are still other ways and means of investigating the quality of potential partners. If there is one thing which you should always bear in mind it is the fact that cutting corners, to save just a few euros here and there, can have catastrophic consequences in the long run. Stick by the guidelines, follow the process stage by stage and youll give yourself the best chance of making a return on your investment. The Cyprus property market has been under pressure for some time amid concerns about not only the issue of title deeds but also the fact it tends to be considered in the same breath as Greece. Thankfully, amidst a little pressure from the European Union, the Cyprus authorities are set to introduce laws to protect those acquiring property and ensure that they receive their title deeds in a timely manner. The issue of title deeds has caused major problems across the Cyprus property market although thankfully a resolution seems to be just around the corner. Money talks It is the fact that Cyprus is awaiting the next 500 million instalment of its bailout crisis loan from the European Union which has focused the minds of the authorities. The European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund have also been very vocal in their criticism of the Cyprus property market which has added to the pressure. Politicians are now on a mission to ensure those acquiring property in the future receive their paperwork on time and those who acquired property in the past, but never received their title deeds, are protected. Fiscal incentives While many property investors hope that the ongoing activities within the Cyprus property market will lead to a new period of prosperity the authorities have also introduced a number of fiscal incentives. Those who acquire property in Cyprus up until the end of 2016 we receive a 50% reduction on the property title deed transfer fee tax. They will also be immune from capital gains tax on properties acquired during this period which at this moment in time offers a potential saving of 20%. In many ways it is the title deed issue which has reignited interest in the Cyprus property market and now hopefully all of the other benefits will receive full recognition. Increased interest in Cyprus property As we await the title deed and fiscal incentive schemes to be rubberstamped by the Cyprus parliament, real estate agents are already reporting increased interest. There seems to be significant interest from the UK with investors looking to make use of the relatively strong pound. It is also worth noting that private pensions are only taxed at 5% when living in Cyprus which to those looking to retire to a warmer climate can make a massive difference. Looking back this is probably the changes that investors have been waiting for because like so many real estate markets in the region Cyprus has struggled of late. We will no doubt see an array of investment reports in the short to medium term highlighting the particular issues impacting Cyprus property prices. This in itself is likely to encourage more interest in the region and once other investors see the market beginning to turn we could see momentum begin to build. Conclusion The Cyprus property market has been overshadowed by a number of issues including the title deed problems of years gone by as well as its often unwanted association with Greece. The final resolution of the title deeds issue together with an array of fiscal incentives has already increased demand for Cyprus property. After years in the doldrums the Cyprus real estate market is certainly one to monitor. Extractive industries affect Indigenous peoples in Sweden and Australia, and Indigenous group's perspectives are often ignored or trivialised, according to a PhD thesis from Umea University in Sweden. Kristina Sehlin MacNeil has collaborated with Indigenous organisations in developing concepts that include Indigenous peoples' perspectives on conflicts and power relations. The PhD compares situations for Laevas cearru, a Sami reindeer herding community in northern Sweden and Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners, an Indigenous people in South Australia. Both groups identify various forms of violence caused by extractive activities on their lands as threats to their societies, livelihoods and cultures. Furthermore, the results show that in order to address violence against Indigenous peoples and improve processes of conflict transformation, Indigenous and decolonising perspectives should be heard and taken into account. "By illuminating asymmetrical conflicts and power relations between Indigenous groups and extractive industries and by highlighting Indigenous peoples' perspectives, a better foundation for inclusive dialogue and conflict transformation can hopefully be achieved," says Kristina Sehlin MacNeil, PhD student at Vaartoe -- Centre for Sami Research at Umea University. As a part of Umea University's Industrial Doctoral School, Kristina Sehlin MacNeil, with the mentorship of the Swedish Sami Organisation, Samiid Riikkasearvi, has also developed methods and analytical tools aimed to make the research more relevant for the communities it concerns. In her study, Sehlin MacNeil has used Indigenous and decolonising methodologies to centre the research participants' perspectives and create space for their voices. Kristina Sehlin MacNeil has adapted the Violence Triangle, developed by Norwegian peace researcher Johan Galtung, in order to understand the conflicts and power relations. The model includes structural violence (unfair social structures), cultural violence (discriminating attitudes) and direct violence (physical violence). "As the model didn't allow for the type of violence that the Sami and Aboriginal research participants experience when their lands are destroyed by extractive industries, I introduced the term extractive violence, to replace direct violence. Extractive violence is a concept that illuminates how extractivism impacts Indigenous peoples negatively and how this is often ignored or trivialised," concludes Kristina Sehlin MacNeil. An international team has, for the first time, developed a way of combining anonymised data from mobile phones and satellite imagery data to create high resolution maps to measure poverty. The researchers, led by WorldPop at the University of Southampton and the Flowminder Foundation, have worked with Telenor Research and mobile phone company Grameenphone to examine rates of poverty and its distribution across Bangladesh -- analysing a range of information relating to mobile phone usage. Findings from the study, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, are published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. The team found that by combining mobile data and geospatial data from satellites, they were able to produce poverty predictions which are comparable with those made from traditional sources, but with significant advantages. Lead author Dr Jessica Steele explains: "Census and household surveys are normally used as data sources to estimate rates of poverty. However, they aren't regularly updated -- for example, censuses only take place every ten years -- and in low income countries, surveys can be patchy. "The advantage of using mobile phone data is that it provides us with information which is continually updated, can be interrogated in a variety of ways and can track changes on an ongoing basis. Paired with satellite data that has similar features, it can give a much more dynamic view of poverty and its geographic spread." Every time a person uses a mobile it sends information to a receiving tower and gives an approximate location of where they are. It also contains information about levels of data usage, numbers of texts sent, times calls were made and their duration. It can reveal how much and how far people are travelling, as well as the type of phone they're using -- i.e. basic mobile device, or smart phone. This kind of anonymised data helps build a picture of poverty. For example, monthly credit consumption on mobiles, and the proportion of people in an area using them, can indicate household access to financial resources -- while movements of mobiles and their use of networks provide information on individuals' economic opportunities. Similarly, remote sensing from satellites can indicate the living conditions of communities. Researchers in WorldPop have, for several years, undertaken research on how data on rainfall, temperature and vegetation reveals information about agricultural productivity, while how far people live from roads and cities and whether they can light their homes may reflect a community's access to markets and information. Dr Steele adds: "Satellite data can provide us with excellent information about living conditions in rural areas, but in tightly packed cities it's more difficult. It's the reverse for mobiles -- more masts in cities means more information, contrasted with the countryside where mobile receiving towers can be thinly spread." The researchers recognise that some of the very poorest in society may not own a mobile, but even taking this in to account, they were able to identify distinct differences between low income informal settlements and richer areas. In 2016, the United Nations pledged to '...end poverty in all forms and dimensions by 2030' as part of its Sustainable Development Goals. One of the steps towards achieving this involves targeting the most vulnerable in society. The researchers are now expanding their work to other countries. They hope their findings can be utilised to track poverty more effectively in the future and provide detailed and accurate information to better inform governments and relief organisations. Older adults who live in poor and violent urban neighborhoods are at greater risk for depression, a study by researchers from UC Davis, the University of Minnesota and other institutions published Jan. 23 in the journal Health & Place has found. The research specifically showed that older adults who lived in neighborhoods with more homicide and a higher poverty rate experienced more depressive symptoms. In fact, neighborhood homicide rates accounted for almost a third of the effect of neighborhood poverty on older adult depression. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects 120 million people worldwide. It is the third leading cause of global disease burden and it is projected that unipolar depressive disorders will become the leading cause of global disease burden by 2030. While depression is a major issue at any age, it is a particular concern for the elderly, increasing disability and mental decline and reducing quality of life. "Given the shift towards an aging population and the growing rates of depression among older adults, understanding the factors that contribute to depression is critical," said Spruha Joshi, a doctoral student in epidemiology at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and first author on the paper. Neighborhoods in which older adults live are an important factor influencing depression and overall mental health, she said. "We wanted to investigate the total effect poverty has on older adult depression, but also look at particular characteristics that might explain that relationship," said Magdalena Cerda, associate professor in the UC Davis Health Department of Emergency Medicine and senior author. "Specifically, what is it about poor neighborhoods that make people depressed? This study really highlights the role violence plays in affecting mental health." While previous studies revealed a link between poverty and depression, few have focused exclusively on older adults. In addition, previous efforts had not addressed the many conditions in poor neighborhoods that could contribute to older adult depression. advertisement "Older adults tend to be less mobile and more dependent on the amenities, services and sources of social support in the neighborhoods where they live," Joshi said. For the study, the researchers queried data from the New York City Neighborhood and Mental Health in the Elderly Study II (NYCNAMES II), a three-year study of elderly residents in the nation's most populous city. Depression was measured using the nine-question Patient Health Questionnaire. The team looked at several neighborhood factors that might contribute to depression, such as high homicide rates, poor perception of safety, pedestrian and bicyclist injuries, green space, social cohesion and walkability. The study sample was 61 percent female and 47 percent non-Hispanic white. In addition, 60 percent of respondents had incomes below $40,000. While many factors were examined, violence was the only neighborhood characteristic that substantially contributed to depression in older adults in impoverished, urban communities. "We found that about 30 percent of the relationship between neighborhood poverty and depression was explained by the higher homicide rate," Cerda said. advertisement These findings could help shape policy to improve quality of life for older adults in urban neighborhoods. "Violence in the pathway between poverty and depression is a critical finding," Joshi said. "Now we can look at neighborhoods that are not only poor but also have high levels of violence and possibly provide support for older adults in the area." The study highlights the key role that violence can play in shaping the mental health of local residents. By investing in violence prevention in high-poverty neighborhoods, it's possible to reduce violence and improve the mental health of vulnerable populations, Cerda added. More work will need to be done to tease out the relationships between neighborhood conditions and depression for older adults in impoverished neighborhoods. "There are still many pathways through which poor neighborhoods can shape mental health that we don't yet understand," Joshi said. "Identifying these pathways will be critical if we want to identify suitable ways to promote mental health in local residents." Home Ministrys website mha.nic.in hacked; Hackers exploited Drupal vulnerability Unknown hackers today used a Drupal exploit to hack mha.nic.in, which is Indian governments Ministry of Home Affairs website. Immediately after the website was hacked, National Informatics Center which maintains the website, took it offline. Indian CERT-In, the computer emergency response team is investigating into the hacking but it looks like the hackers used some Drupal vulnerability to hack into the website. It may be noted that Pakistan-based hackers are always on the lookout for hacking targets across the border to score brownie points in the virtual cyber war with their Indian counterparts. Last month, Pakistan-affiliated hackers had hacked the official website of the elite National Security Guard (NSG) and defaced it with a profanity-laden message against the Prime Minister and anti-India content. Most Indian government websites, managed by NIC are hosted using Drupal CMS which is prone to several hacks over the years. The hacking of MHA website seems to spur the opposition parties in India who are questioning Prime Minister Modis digital push to bring a billion Indians on to a pan India digital platform. While the hacking may or may not be the work of a Pakistani hacker, using it to blame Indian governments Digital India program seems to be taking it to far. Here is the notice that United Kingdom users of Pirate Bay, ExtraTorrent, Torrentz2, Rarbg, 1337x, KickassTorrents are getting from their ISPs It seems that the ISPs in the United Kingdom are on a warpath with Torrent users. We had written about how the ISPs like Sky are sending a popup message when the user visits The Pirate Bay, ExtraTorrent, Torrentz2, Rarbg, 1337x, KickassTorrents and other file sharing sites. Now we have got hold of one such email that was sent to a TPB user by Sky, which is the premier Internet service provider in Britain. While the notice is stereotypical, the frightening fact is that the message from ISPs contains a swathe of information including IP address, torrent website visited, the name of the torrent file accessed, who owns the copyright and exactly when the file was downloaded.. Also frightening is that the first batch of warning messages have now been received by torrent users show that the ISPs know a lot about torrent users online activity. One torrent user has released a copy of the message they received to TorrentFreak, which reveals the full extent of what is known about illegal activity taking place on computers. The email (above image) links to the Get it Right campaign website we wrote about in detail in the previous article. Sky, BT, TalkTalk and other smaller ISPs have signed on to the Get it Right Campaign to stop online piracy. Speaking to TorrenkFreak a torrent user revealed: I was expecting [a warning] sooner or later as a heavy BitTorrent user. I dont think the warnings will work, at least not on a big scale. Maybe they will educate some people who did it by mistake or did it just once but for someone like me there is no hope. But at least the campaign is not aggressive. Visiting the Skys newly launched Get it Right website, explains why Sky and the other ISPs have signed up to the Get It Right campaign. The website reads, Sky is supporting the Get It Right from a Genuine Site initiative. This is a government-backed scheme which aims to support Britains creative industry by informing people about legal sources of content, with the aim of reducing the illegal sharing of copyrighted material. By sharing illegally rather than enjoying it from legitimate sources, you arent supporting the growth and success of the content you love. The email further cautions the users that they have 20 days to stop downloading copyrighted material using peer-to-peer websites.If the user continues to use TPB, KickassTorrents or similar torrent/file sharing after 20 day period, the Get it Right guys will send another educational email to the torrent user. A similar campaign in the United States only offers torrent site users seven-days to comply. It is not known what will happen if the ISPs find repeated torrent downloaders. While educating torrent users about copyrights is fine, they cant be arrested/penalised unless the specific movie studio files a complaint to that effect with the UK police. India Budget 2017 The Indian budget appears to be fiscally prudent, but it is primarily election-driven and offers little to correct the harm done to the growth momentum and employment by an ill-judged demonetisation move. EMERSON, MAN.Twenty-one people crossed the border illegally this weekend near a Manitoba community where there has been a surge in asylum seekers, the latest to arrive in a method authorities say is on the rise. RCMP said they arrested two groups of people, one group of 16 and the other of five, illegally crossing at Emerson, Man., late Friday and early Saturday. I had a few people call me saying they were ringing their doorbell and banging their doors, said Greg Janzen, the communitys reeve. I know one household that let a young family in until the police came, he added. Police say all of the people asked to make refugee claims and were taken to the Canada Border Services Agency port at Emerson so they could do so. No one could be reached with the border services agency on Saturday for word on their status. An increasing number of refugee claimants, mostly from African countries such as Somalia and Ghana, have been risking freezing temperatures and walking through farmers fields to get over the border and into Emerson in the past few months. RCMP Sgt. Harold Pfleiderer said in an email there has been an increase in illegal migration in Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia, with the largest increase being seen in Quebec, although he said police werent able to provide specific numbers. The increase follows planned new restrictions in the United States on refugees. Asylum seekers who cross the border illegally are generally doing so to circumvent the Safe Third Country Agreement, which is based on the premise that Canada and the United States are generally safe countries for refugees. That means Canadian officials typically wont admit refugees who have already claimed asylum in the United States. Those who cross illegally can make their claims once theyre in Canada, according to immigration lawyer Julie Lessard. With the instability and insecurity these people feel in the United States they try to enter illegally, because thats the way to go around that agreement, she said. The mayor of the U.S.-adjacent township of Hemmingford, Que., says refugees are coming across every day, usually straight into the arms of RCMP officers already waiting to take them into custody. They want to be noticed, theyre not hiding. They want to be picked up, Paul Viau said. Politicians in Emerson met with RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency on Thursday to address concerns after 22 refugees walked into Canada last weekend. Janzen said Saturday that he was pleased with the communication from authorities about the latest arrivals. He said authorities were asked if they needed the town hall for the latest arrivals, which was where last weekends refugees were sheltered, but he said the offer was declined. The RCMP said Thursday it is increasing resources in the Emerson area to intercept border jumpers and take them to officials should they make a refugee claim. Two men from Ghana were severely frostbitten in December when they crossed the border at Emerson. Janzen said it isnt as cold now as it was before in southern Manitoba, and he thinks that means the number of illegal crossings will probably increase. He said hes faced some criticism and even claims hes racist for advising residents to not open their doors and call RCMP if a stranger shows up. He said he doesnt disagree with the person who opened the door for the family, though. He felt sorry for them. At that point, you know, the humanitarian part kicks in, Janzen said. SHARE: There was straight talk and there was cake. Yep. Cake. When U.S. President Donald Trumps top military adviser, the gruff and tough Defence Secretary James Mad Dog Mattis, met Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus defence minister, Harjit Sajjan, last Monday, they sat down for serious discussions. Mattis brought a disarming surprise. A Happy 150th birthday Canada cake with a big Canadian flag on it, offered to Sajjan and his staff by Pentagon officials. After the formal bilateral meeting, Sajjan and Mattis held a private dinner with their top aides while the others split the cake. Then Sajjan brought the uneaten middle chunk with a big Maple Leaf on it back to Ottawa. He presented it to Trudeau at a cabinet meeting the next day. With gestures like that, you might expect the tables been set for a friendly meeting between Trudeau and Trump on Monday. But that may depend on whether the two leaders can find any chemistry despite their obvious differences. Read more: Meeting is Trudeaus best bet for dealing with Trump: Paul Wells Trudeaus meeting with Trump will set tone for years A look at how past PMs have handled unpopular U.S. presidents If nothing else, the conservative populist Republican businessman and the progressive Liberal with political blue blood running in his veins each need the relationship to work. In advance of the meeting, Trudeau seems to think it will. He said Friday in Yellowknife that because the nation-to-nation relationship is long, deep and multi-faceted, and because both leaders are focused on prosperity and opportunity for the middle class on both sides of the border, were certainly going to find common ground. Trudeau acknowledged there will be differences, but he said he will disagree respectfully. And yet Trudeau seems to think he can win Trump over, not by carrying the torch of liberalism, but on a practical level. I will continue to defend Canadian values, not out of a sense of ideology but because we know that our pragmatic and open approach to the world and to trade and a broad number of issues works for our society, works for our country and can work for the world. Earlier at a town hall in Yellowknife, asked how hell approach their differences, Trudeau said that in an increasingly pluralistic world, Canada has a really, really important story to tell. Its going to be important that we tell it. One speaker quipped Trudeau should tell Trump, we want to build our wall, too. One thing is certain: It will be a high-wire balancing act for both. Trump needs allies as he barges onto the world stage. Trudeau needs Trump to view Canada as a friend, ally and trusted trading partner. He would, after all, know well the truth of the phrase coined by his father, former prime minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau that the Canadian mouse sleeping with an American elephant feels every twitch no matter how friendly or even-tempered is the beast. So Trudeau and the Canadian ministers repeat the mantra: Canada is the No. 1 export destination for 35 states, and the two countries do more than $2.4 billion in trade very day. And more than 9 million American jobs depend directly on exports to Canada. Its a good pitch they hope will persuade Trump that hell hurt his own people if he rips up NAFTA as threatened, or seeks punitive trade measures or tariffs at the border. But words still matter. And slip-ups happen. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland met Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Trumps top foreign affairs adviser, and other Washington power brokers on Wednesday. There was no cake. No gifts exchanged. Still, Freeland emerged thrilled to report how informed the Americans already were about the integrated Canadian and U.S. economies, saying she was really pushing on an open door. Freeland has worked overtime in recent weeks getting ready for Trumps anticipated moves. She led consultations with key Canadian stakeholders, labour representatives, softwood lumber industry representatives, the financial and banking sectors, tech sector and natural resources sector. But in the space of one conference call with Canadian reporters, Freeland stomped on the governments main message. She said shed made clear to the Americans that Canada believed tariffs on exports would be mutually harmful to both Canada and the United States, and if such an idea were ever to come into being Canada would respond appropriately. It was language that sounded more threatening and unfriendly than sources in government say was intended. It led immediately to headlines that Canada was prepared to levy a tax back or readying for a trade war, a mixed message at odds with what was supposed to be Canadas message that day: that the Trudeau government is strongly opposed to any imposition of new tariffs between Canada and the United States. Meanwhile, in Ottawa, Trudeau is under pressure to drop economic policies that might make Canada uncompetitive with the U.S., or to stand up to Trump on sensitive issues like immigration and cross-border traffic. Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre warned the Monday summit with the president must not turn into an episode of The Apprentice. One-fifth of our workers depend on Canada-U.S. trade for their jobs. Donald Trump wants to move those jobs south, he said, telling Trudeau to drop plans for carbon taxes and fiscal measures he said would hurt companies here. The NDPs Nathan Cullen said scornfully it is a celebrity summit where Trudeau cant afford to simply make nice. It has to be more than a cordial first chat, Cullen said. A trade war with Canada is being threatened from Mr. Trumps office and some Republicans now. So we dont have time for Mr. Trudeau just to have a Budweiser with Mr. Trump. Straight, firm talk from our prime minister would be the only way to gain respect in this White House. SHARE: OTTAWAThe last time Justin Trudeau visited the White House, it was a love-in. There was pomp and ceremony on the front lawn, gracious toasts at a state dinner and Trudeau and the Canadian delegation basked in the welcome laid on by President Barack Obama last March. Well, theres a new guy in town now and the Canadians are working to take his measure on Monday, adjust their agenda and come to terms with the political phenomenon known as Donald Trump. Trudeau took a big step to ease that acquaintance already. Trudeaus aides reached out to Trumps team and pitched an event that jibes with the prime ministers emphasis on women in the workplace and Ivanka Trumps commitment to advance womens issues like child care and maternity leave in the workplace. At a business roundtable that Trump and Trudeau will attend with Canadian and American female executives in Washington Monday, the two countries will launch a joint task force called the United States Canada Council for the Advancement of Women Business Leaders-Female Entrepreneurs. A PMO official said Trudeau had similarly advocated for the advancement of women in the workplace, especially at the executive level in China, in New York and at home and is looking forward to being able to do this now in the White House. It seemed like a natural fit given their commitments in Trumps platform as well. It is potentially a good sign for a visit that will look very different than the very warm reception Trudeau got from the Obamas in March. Thats another world. That world is not here right now so you have to deal with a different world, said former diplomat Paul Frazer. But that doesnt mean this new reality is necessarily bad for Canada, he said. Frazer says no other government has better prepared for the Trump administration than Canada, reaching out even before last Novembers U.S. election to forge ties with his advisers in the possibility though rare as it seemed back then he might win. More recently, Trudeau shuffled his cabinet, dispatching foreign affairs minister Stephane Dion to a diplomatic posting and installing Chrystia Freeland in his place, making retired army general Andrew Leslie a parliamentary secretary with special responsibility for cross-border ties and changing staff behind the scenes, all to put greater emphasis on Canadas relations with the United States. Freeland will join Trudeau on his Monday trip to Washington, along with Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, Transport Minister Marc Garneau and Finance Minister Bill Morneau. Hes done an enormous amount to get ready for this, said Frazer, a former Canadian diplomat who now serves as a consultant in Washington. All that has laid the groundwork for Trudeaus Oval Office tete-a-tete with Trump. In the bloody chaotic town that is Washington right now, the Monday meeting offers a respite for the Trump team to latch onto something that actually works, Frazer said. Weeks into this rock and roll administration, I think the president is probably open to a little calm, he said. Frazers advice? Dont walk in with a list of grievances or complaints about Trumps policies, such as his controversial immigration moves, at least not for the first meeting. Lay out the argument that keeping the border open and avoiding protectionist measures will help the economy and help boost the financial fortunes of the middle class in both countries. Lay it out quickly. We dont need long detailed policy memos here, Frazer said. Heres what weve got and its better than anything else in the world and how do we make it better. Lets not do anything to screw it up, he said. (Trump) responds well to facts, to a businesslike approach, kind of a roll-up-our-sleeves, what is it you want, what is it I want, Frazer said. Trudeau suggested Friday thats the very angle hell be taking when he sits down with Trump. Relations between Canada and the United States are much deeper than just what is happening between a president and a prime minister. Obviously well talk about jobs and growth for the middle class and well find a lot of common ground, the prime minister said during a visit to Yellowknife last week. Both sides have been working on deliverables for the meeting, concrete commitments they can point to as evidence that the two leaders did more than just talk. But for a first meeting, talk is important, too, especially as Trumps early days in office have already left some world leaders unsettled, especially by his treatment of allies. The U.S. president drew fire for giving short shrift to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in a telephone call. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto scrapped his own White House visit in the continuing dispute over paying the cost of a wall along their shared border. But Japans prime minister, Shinzo Abe, got a warm reception when he met with Trump Friday at the White House. Abe had met once before with Trump, travelling to his New York apartment for a pre-inauguration visit with the incoming president. Trump declared Friday that he has a good chemistry with the Japanese leader. I shook hands, but I grabbed him and hugged him because thats the way we feel. We have a very, very good bond, he said, adding, Ill let you know if it changes. During his joint news conference with Abe, Trump touched on themes that should encourage Canadians getting ready for their own meeting. He highlighted the importance of working together with Japan on shared interests, of which we have many. We face numerous challenges and bilateral co-operation is essential. Our country is committed to being an active and fully engaged partner, Trump said. Were going to have a tremendous relationship, long-term relationship of mutual benefit with Japan, the president said. That kind of language bolds well for Trudeaus visit, who will be looking to tap similar sentiments with Trump and his cabinet team. And as one of the first leaders in to see the U.S. president, others on the world stage will be looking to Trudeau for his impressions and advice lessons he will be able to impart later in the week when he travels to Germany and France to meet with European politicians. What great timing for the Europeans to see him after hes had his personal meeting with Trump and quietly give them a personal sense of whats his takeaway, Frazer said. With files from Tonda MacCharles Read more about: SHARE: Immigration lawyers say theyve received an influx of requests from refugees in the U.S. hoping to seek asylum in Canada despite an agreement that makes it nearly impossible. The Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement requires people to apply for asylum in the first country where they arrive, unless an immediate family member lives in the other country. The Canadian government has faced pressure to repeal the agreement since President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning travel and immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. But Canadas government has so far refused. Alastair Clarke, of Clarke Immigration Law in Winnipeg, said thats a mistake. He said 10 new clients have been referred to him in the last week some of whom crossed the border on foot, successfully bypassing border points so they could make their refugee claims once already in the country. Its a method police say is on the rise the RCMP said 21 people were arrested for illegally crossing the border into Emerson, Man., Saturday. Clarke said its putting people at risk. Theyre crossing farmer fields on foot, he added. When its -10, -15 with the wind chill factors, its highly risky. Read more: RCMP say 21 refugees arrested for crossing border in Manitoba Is Trumps refugee crackdown threat pushing asylum seekers into Canada? Ottawa should suspend refugee pact with U.S., Harvard report says He noted that refugees are avoiding coming through border crossing points because they fear that if they get turned away from the border due to the Safe Third Country Agreement, they wont be able to file for refugee status in Canada later on. He said the agreement should either be repealed, amended or suspended. The refugees who are coming into Canada do not feel safe in the United States, he said. The federal government did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday, but earlier this month, a spokesperson said the government wouldnt suspend the agreement. Our government has no indication that the executive order has any impact on the American asylum system, said the Feb. 1 statement from Nancy Caron. Caron said the agreement is focused on how to handle people who show up at either land border to make asylum claims, not the resettled refugees covered by Trumps edict. Even if they were covered, the deal operates independently of any executive orders, she added. Henry Giroux, an American-born cultural critic and professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, said its no wonder refugees dont feel safe in the U.S. It seems to me that when you have seven countries largely populated by Muslims labelled as terrorist countries, when in fact almost none of those countries has actually been responsible for a terrorist act in the United States, it instills an enormous amount of fear in people. An enormous amount of insecurity, he said. Zool Suleman, of Suleman and Co. in Vancouver, said hes heard from people other than those who would have been affected by the executive order. Its not as simple as, Im a new refugee to America and I want to come to Canada. There is such a group, but theres another group of people who arrived in America from very difficult situations years ago, who now have lives in America, he said. He said hes received calls from people who were originally from Mexico, Central America, South America and Africa. Its not just claimants from Muslim-majority countries. Im hearing from people who are already in America and do not feel that they will get a fair hearing. And there has been a noticeable increase in these types of calls since the executive orders took place. Suleman said his responses to callers vary case-by-case, but he said he has to warn them about the Safe Third Country Agreement. I think the Canadian government should seriously explore if the Safe Third Country Agreement is a viable option, he said. Increasingly this problem is going to be on the front pages, and I think our government needs to look at some sort of humanitarian response. Trumps executive order was suspended by a judge pending a legal challenge in the U.S. courts. Read more about: SHARE: WINDSOR, ONT.A Superintendent at a southwestern Ontario school board says the board has cancelled a handful of school trips to the U.S. due to concerns of safety and equity. Clara Howitt said the Greater Essex County District School Board, which covers Windsor, Ont., and the surrounding area, has cancelled all trips to the U.S. that were scheduled for February, along with a trip to Washington, D.C. in April. She said the April trip was cancelled because it would have coincided with a march on Washington that is expected to be attended by half a million people. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump Howitt said the board was worried about students safety because of the size of the rally. She said the February trips were cancelled because of concerns about equity. While an executive order put in place by U.S. President Donald Trump banning travel from citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries is not currently in effect and it didnt affect citizens and permanent residents of Canada when it was being enforced Howitt said the board feels things are still too uncertain. Read more:Canadian lawyers call for change to Safe Third Country Agreement amid influx of refugees I cancelled my trip to California. And I feel ashamed The board is being cautious because school trips have been affected before, Howitt said. There were buses detained for a significant period of time, and students turned away. That was shortly after 9/11, she said. So weve been in this circumstance before. She said the board is trying to prevent that from happening again. Howitt said the cancellations are just an interim measure, and the board will re-evaluate going forward. She didnt say when that would be. Correction February 13, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly referred to Clara Howitt as a trustee. Read more about: SHARE: Investigators have recaptured a violent and dangerous suspect who escaped custody at Toronto General Hospital last month after a manhunt through Regent Park, Toronto police said Sunday. Justin Yates, 39, was at the hospital for treatment of an undisclosed issue, and was in custody when he escaped on Jan. 26. He somehow escaped handcuffs and leg irons before getting into a taxi and getting dropped off near Yonge St. and Dundas St., one of the busiest spots in the downtown. Police launched a manhunt as tips from the public began rolling in. One of them led investigators to a building at Dundas St. and Parliament St., in the Regent Park area. Officers spotted Yates leaving the building at around 6 p.m. He dashed back into the building as police gave chase, catching Yates as he broke a window in an attempt to jump through it, police said. As the officers tried to handcuff him, police said Yates slashed at them with a piece of broken glass. They let go to avoid getting hurt, and Yates jumped through the window, falling to the ground, police said. Yates then ran into another building, police said. Police searched it room-by-room until they were able to arrest him Saturday. Yates is now charged with two counts of escaping custody, possession of stolen property, assaulting a police officer with a weapon and mischief. Yates had been wanted by police for an alleged robbery of property worth over $100,000 in the area of Queen St. W and Bay St. earlier in January. He appeared in court Sunday morning at Old City Hall. SHARE: Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email sunnews@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes Insurgency's achievements won't go waste: PM Dahal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the achievements made through the Maoist 'people's war' would not be allowed to go in vain at any cost. People who eat white bread, fashionista Diana Vreeland once said, have no dreams. Selling it is something else entirely. By introducing his sliced white bread to Mexican consumers in 1945, Lorenzo Servitje fulfilled a vision that transformed the company he helped found into the biggest bakery in the world. Servitje, who established Grupo Bimbo with four fellow dreamers, has died. His death was announced by the company, a Mexican conglomerate whose trademarks include Wonder Bread, Sara Lee, Entenmanns, Thomas English muffins, Brownberry, Boboli and, in Britain, New York-brand bagels. Today, if you buy Arnold bread in the East or Orowheat in the West, Freihofer in Pennsylvania or Mrs. Baird in Texas, Stroehmanns in the mid-Atlantic or Old Country in Arizona, not to mention Roman-Meal, Sun-Made and Francisco sourdough, its Bimbo, Aaron Bobrow-Strain wrote in White Bread: A Social History of the Store-Bought Loaf (2012). The company began as a small bakery and retail store opened by Servitjes father, a Spanish immigrant from Catalonia, in 1928. When his father died suddenly in 1936, Servitje inherited the business, gave up his work as an accountant and began figuring out how to import modern U.S. industrial baking technology. The company began with 34 employees and 10 trucks. Today, Grupo Bimbo has 130,000 employees and 170 factories in 22 countries that make 10,000 products. Servitje succeeded with a multipronged strategy. He marketed his cellophane-wrapped, mass-produced bread as healthful and dependable, in contrast to the traditional French rolls, or bolillos that were unavailable intermittently during frequent labour disputes and that sometimes originated in unhygienic bakeries. The company became the biggest baking company in the U.S. in 2009 after acquiring Weston Foods; two years later, it became the worlds biggest after scooping up competitors in Spain, Portugal and Argentina. SHARE: Canadians have been beseeching Justin Trudeau to open up Canadas borders to those affected by Donald Trumps ban on refugees as well as immigrants and visitors from seven Muslim nations. Canadians also want the prime minister to stand up to the president, whom he meets in Washington on Monday. We should be agitating just as vigorously against the dangerous levels of anti-Muslim bigotry right here at home. And rather than have Trudeau pick a fight with Trump over domestic American issues already being contested in the courts there, we want the prime minister to stay focused on safeguarding our economic lifeline to the U.S. and also ensure that Canadian citizens are not targeted for bigoted harassment when travelling to the U.S. The Jan. 29 massacre in a Quebec City mosque did not happen in a vacuum. The alleged killer, Alexandre Bissonnette, is a fan of Trump and also of Marine Le Pen, leader of Frances extreme right, who brought her anti-Muslim message to Quebec last year. Canadians jolted by the tragedy have been demonstrating exemplary solidarity with Muslims. Trudeau and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard have struck the right chords. But far too many politicians, especially Quebec nationalists and federal Conservatives, are shedding crocodile tears, given their own record in recent years of stigmatizing Muslims and stoking public fear of Muslims. Jason Kenney, Kellie Leitch and Chris Alexander may have been the spear-carriers for Stephen Harpers cultural war on Muslims. But Rona Ambrose, interim Conservative leader, and many on her front bench in the House of Commons are equally guilty of having introduced Trumpism in Canada long before Trump mainstreamed it in the U.S. In the days after the Quebec City murders, Jean-Francois Lisee, leader of the Parti Quebecois, offered a half-hearted mea culpa for the excesses of its Charter of Quebec Values. But by last week, he was back playing identity politics in the National Assembly. To pull Canada back from such toxic polarization, heres a to-do list. Canadians should not let the Leitches and Lisees off the hook. Leitch, of Barbaric Cultural Practices fame, remains an unapologetic admirer of Trump. So is Kevin OLeary, another leadership candidate. Her proposal to vet potential immigrants for anti-Canadian values is a dead ringer for Trumps extreme vetting, to ban those with hostile attitudes toward the U.S. As immigration minister, Alexander kept the door mostly shut on Syrian refugees, while holding it open for Christians from that region, implementing religious discrimination well ahead of Trump. Like Trump, the Harperites conflated Muslim terrorists with all Muslims. They falsely accused mosques of fomenting jihad and undermined legitimate mainstream Muslim organizations by boycotting them or libelling them with unsubstantiated charges of Islamic militancy. In some instances, the Harperites and the Quebec nationalists were worse than Trump for example, bullying Muslim women by associating their dress with misogyny, barbarism and terrorism, and concocting absurdly discriminatory policies against them. Trudeau must protect our trade with the U.S., but not at the expense of Canadian Muslims. One Montreal woman was turned back from the Vermont border, while a Toronto woman was grilled at a border crossing in Buffalo. Neither had faced such harassment before, or had anything to do with the Muslim-majority countries listed in Trumps executive order. But both were wearing hijabs. Their treatment puts a lie to Trump administration claim that it is not targeting Muslims. Trudeau has a duty to ensure that all Canadians are treated fairly. Expand the remit of the intelligence and security services, as well as anti-radicalization groups, to include the monitoring and ferreting out of right-wing extremists. There are about 100 white supremacist, anti-immigrant and virulently anti-Muslim groups active across Canada, especially in Quebec. They need to be on the radar. Protect mosques and Muslims. Dozens of mosques have been vandalized, and Muslims physically assaulted or harassed in public spaces, and discriminated against at work. Women have been disproportionately targeted perverse testimony to the falsehood of Islamophobes ostensible concern about the status of Muslim women. Federal, provincial and municipal governments should audit the many police investigations into such incidents, to see what was done or mostly not done. Police services have a duty to seriously investigate allegations of incitement of hatred, prohibited under the Criminal Code. Ottawa should restore the hate speech provision of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Harper axed Section 13 in deference to those demanding unfettered freedom to malign Muslims and Islam. The media joined them, citing free speech, without ever answering whether they favour free speech for anti-Semites and homophobes, for example. The need to balance free speech with protecting vulnerable groups has long been a cherished Canadian value. The Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly upheld hate speech prohibitions of both the Criminal Code and the Human Rights Act. But Harper ignored the rulings, just as Trump does not want the American courts to stay in the way of his diktats. Mayor John Tory needs to stop obfuscating his close links with Nick Kouvalis, who recently quit the Leitch campaign for using Trump-like tactics of name-calling and telling the big lie to unsettle the opposition. Tory is a decent man but hes known to compromise principles in trying to appease all sides. Kouvalis was his chief strategist in the 2014 election. Tory must publicly rule out any role for him in the 2018 mayoral election. Torys other friend, Andy Pringle, whom he installed as head of the Police Services Board, raised funds for Leitchs leadership bid. He stopped only after media raised questions. The harm is already done. How can he possibly be assumed to be impartial about issues involving the policing of minorities after his financial and political support for someone peddling racist policies? He should resign. Tory should ask him to. Premier Couillard must abandon his bill before the Quebec National Assembly banning niqab-wearing Muslim women from giving or receiving government services, even health care. He had introduced it to pacify anti-Muslim nationalists, who are not easily pacified. Lisee and Francois Legault, leader of the third-party Coalition Avenir Quebec, announced Tuesday they will target both the niqab and the hijab. It matters not whether Couillard or you or I dislike the niqab. At stake is a secular principle the state has no business telling women how to dress or to how practise their faith, so long as that practice does not cause harm to others. Quebec City needs to be transparent as to why a permit for a Muslim cemetery has been held up for years, necessitating the transportation of bodies to the Montreal area. Municipalities across Canada must re-examine all delayed construction permits for mosques to ensure that the objections over zoning and traffic are not smokescreens for anti-Muslim prejudices. They should take a lesson from Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, who last year blew the whistle on anti-Muslim bigots. Islamophobia is the new anti-Semitism. It is our collective duty to roll it back and not just because Canada has proportionately more Muslims than the U.S., nearly four in 100 Canadians to one in 100 Americans. It is in our enlightened self-interest to keep Canada as the only G7 nation that values diversity; maintains national consensus on relatively high levels of non-discriminatory immigration; and has an enviable record of integrating newcomers. As the latest census data shows, two-thirds of our population growth comes from immigrants. They will increasingly be critical to our prosperity and global reach. While Americans and Europeans wallow in deep divisions, we must maintain our civility, mutual respect and harmony. We need only look to Quebec City to remind us why. Haroon Siddiqui, former columnist and editorial page editor emeritus of the Star, is Distinguished Visiting Professor at Ryerson University. Siddiqui.canada@gmail.com Read more about: SHARE: When he arrived at Brown University in August 2015, it was the first time Babak Hemmatian had ever left Iran. But he felt as comfortable among the schools brick buildings, tree-lined walks and lively students as anywhere hed been. You can be totally yourself here, he said. You dont have to lie about any of your beliefs, you dont have to lie about any aspect of your lifestyle, and people will accept you nonetheless. Hemmatian, 25, is a Ph.D student in cognitive science, a beloved only son and a self-confessed nerd. But hes also gay. In Iran, his sexuality could get him jailed or even killed, so he kept it hidden. The visa that allowed him to travel to the United States for graduate school was a ticket to a different kind of life an opportunity to be open about who he was. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump But now it could all vanish. Under the executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, citizens of Iran and six other majority-Muslim countries were barred from entering the United States for at least 90 days. This includes people like Hemmatian who hold visas to study or work here. As news of the ban broke, Hemmatian felt sick. The country that, for him, represented acceptance would now turn people like him away. Making matters worse, Hemmatians father is battling stage four colon cancer and has only a slim chance of surviving until Hemmatians graduation in two years. If the young man travels home to see his father one last time, he may not be allowed back to finish his degree. Yet part of Hemmatian, the part that sees the world through a scientists critical eye, knows the ban also illustrates why he is here. Hemmatian came to the United States to study reasoning. He is interested in how categories are created, what makes beliefs take hold, why people are willing to accept stereotypes as fact. After graduating from the University of Tehran with a degree in clinical psychology, he couldnt find any Iranian researchers doing this work, so he applied for the Ph.D program at Brown. Think of when someone says something like, Why is he acting like this? and someone else responds, Because hes a Republican, or because hes a Muslim, Hemmatian said. Those kinds of explanations can provide no information at all, and still, as long as those labels are used in the community, and the community considers those labels related to those qualities ... people think they are perfectly good explanations. Read more: Trump says hes considering brand new order on immigration I cancelled my trip to California. And I feel ashamed The text of the presidents order says that its intent is to keep out visitors who might hold hostile attitudes toward this country or engage in acts of bigotry like oppression of people based on their religion, race, gender or sexual orientation. The impetus for the new policy is said to be recent terrorist attacks committed by foreign nationals, such as the 2015 shooting at a community centre in San Bernardino, Calif. But that description of visitors with hostile attitudes doesnt fit Hemmatian or, he said, most of the Iranians he knows. And based on the countries targeted Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia the ban itself wouldnt have prevented any of the deadly attacks by Islamic terrorists on U.S. soil in the past 16 years. To Hemmatian, the immigration order is an example of labels in this case, seven nationalities being invoked without evidence that theyre really relevant. Research by Hemmatian and his adviser has shown that people use stereotypes to interpret situations about which they have only a shallow understanding. Asking them to explain their reasoning can begin to change attitudes. Thats when most people realize they do not know as much as they thought they did, he said. And that leads to less extremism in their beliefs. Here is what Hemmatian wishes strangers knew about him. Hes in a serious relationship with a fellow graduate student, Graham. They met online, and from their very first date Hemmatian knew that this was someone he wanted to be with. Graham is serious, smart and sophisticated, Hemmatian said, laughing that he has an even higher bar for movies than I do. And his eyes dont glaze over when Hemmatian launches into one of his long-winded monologues about politics. In Iran, same-sex relationships are cloaked in secrecy and burdened by the anxiety of being found out. Yet when Hemmatian visited Tehran last month and told his family he had found a partner, they were immediately accepting. What did you think? I realized you were dating him because you were talking with him non-stop every day, his mother said. Hemmatians sister wanted to buy Graham gifts. His father, a postal service employee who spends his free time translating Charles Dickens novels into Persian, wanted to talk with Graham about books. He told me I should invite Graham to Iran to come stay for a couple weeks, Hemmatian said. We also talked about plans for the opposite, for my parents to maybe visit in the summer and see Graham and see the East Coast ... That doesnt seem like an option anymore. The travel ban comes as time is running out for his father. Hemmatian talks with his parents daily, trying to figure out what he will do if his fathers condition worsens. And hes started calling his sister for updates as well, not trusting that his parents will keep him informed about their health. They think that I just shouldnt risk my studies here, he said. That if I have to choose between visiting and finishing my studies, I should just stay here. But I dont think I can do that. Like thousands of other students from the seven countries who currently are in the United States, Hemmatian has spent much of the past few days talking with administrators at his school, trying to figure out what he will do if the ban persists. Because of his sexuality, Hemmatian wont return to Iran permanently if he were to be denied re-entry here. Perhaps he will finish his degree at a university in Canada or Europe. But the thought of losing his community at Brown is hard to stomach. Ive pretty much set up my life here, he said. I would just have to leave it all behind. Read more about: SHARE: Immigrant advocates had long pushed Los Angeles to legalize street vending, arguing that sidewalk sellers who hawk ice cream, hotdogs wrapped in bacon, or other food and goods should not face criminal charges that could put them at risk of being deported. But the idea languished at City Hall as lawmakers sparred over where and how sidewalk vending should be allowed. Activists grew frustrated as the years passed with hearing after hearing yet no clear plan for legalizing and regulating their trade. Then Donald Trump was elected president, and local officials decided to hustle. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump Fearing a coming crackdown on immigrants, Los Angeles City Council members Joe Buscaino and Curren Price vowed to stop punishing vending as a crime and begin setting up a regulated system. The council voted to draft a law that would decriminalize sidewalk vending. Councilman Jose Huizar told reporters it was a sign to this Trump administration that we will not abide by his fear, his vilification, his scapegoating of immigrants. Instead, Los Angeles is saying, You do not have to work in the shadows, Huizar said. City staffers say it could take months, however, for Los Angeles to work out all of the details and begin handing out permits to vendors. In the meantime, vendors who ply their trade on city sidewalks could still be cited and fined for violating the municipal code, but they would not face criminal convictions. Such charges could jeopardize immigrants in the country illegally. Trump has signed an order that emphasized deporting not only people convicted of crimes but also people who were charged with crimes not yet adjudicated, and even those who have not been charged but are believed to have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offence. Those disturbing developments helped spur the city to take action, said Mike Dennis, who sits on the steering committee of the L.A. Street Vendor Campaign. It took something horrible at the national level for them to see the urgency that weve been seeing for a long time. Business groups, including many that had raised concerns about vending, also said they supported decriminalization. Theres still work to be done, said Councilman Gil Cedillo, who has long opposed misdemeanour charges for vending. But this is a huge step forward. Sidewalk vendors and their advocates have argued that some of the proposed rules are too restrictive. The L.A. Street Vendor Campaign contends that the city should not allow neighbourhoods to totally prohibit sidewalk vending, nor require vendors to get permission from neighbouring shops to do business outside. The Coalition to Save Small Business, which has raised concerns about how sidewalk vending can affect brick-and-mortar businesses, has insisted that communities should be able to choose more, less or no sidewalk vending if they desire. Eliminating criminal charges for sidewalk vending is one of a string of proposals that Los Angeles lawmakers have backed to counter the actions of the Trump administration, including opposing the proposed Environmental Protection Agency chief and approving the hiring of an immigrant advocate at City Hall. If Los Angeles wants to stand up for immigrants, we cant simply talk about opposing Trumps policies or nominees, Buscaino said. We need to take serious actions like this one. Read more about: SHARE: With the world the way it is these days, citizens by the thousands are picking up placards and taking part in public protests, marches and demonstrations many for the first time in their lives. While peaceful protests are the norm, things can go sideways. So, just in case and borrowing, mostly, from a Toronto Star tip sheet for journalists covering the 2010 G8 and G20 summits in Muskoka and Toronto here are some preparation and survival tips for the uninitiated. Exit plan Know where you are and how to get out fast. Police in past Canadian protests, most notably the Summit of the Americas in Quebec City in 2001, have fired waves of tear gas, at varying distances, all at once. This can cause panic among less hard-core protesters and cause a stampede. Food and water Carry it with you. If the protests get bad, shops will close and you will have a tough time staying fed and hydrated. High-energy power bars are good. For water, bring a bottle with a spray or spout top. Its handy for drinking and for first aid. If you get tear-gassed, and it gets in your eyes, spraying with water is the only cure. Aim for the corner of your eye by your nose. Water should flush around your eye and clear out the gas. Better yet, get someone else to do it. Buddy system Everyone should have a buddy to act as an extra set of eyes. Have a communication plan and prearranged meeting spot, should you become separated. Dont count on smartphones. You might lose yours in a crowd, as I did at the Summit of the Americas in 2001, and cell systems can get swamped. Crowbar hotel If arrested, have a phone number handy for a lawyer. Protesters who engage in peaceful civil disobedience and expect to be arrested often write the number on their arms with a Sharpie marker. Tear gas Dont pick up a detonated tear gas canister with bare hands. They are very hot. If you must, kick it away. If you get enough of a snoot full of tear gas, you will find yourself on your hands and knees, leaking big time from eyes, nose and mouth. It will be very hard to breathe. This is normal. You will be disoriented, but try not to panic, find relative shelter, if you can, and ride it out. Youll feel like youre dying but youll live. Water cannons, rubber bullets Avoid them. Up close, water cannons can knock you off your feet. Not a bad idea to put your phone in a Ziploc bag. Rubber bullets can break bones and, in rare instances, kill. Avoid getting close to police carrying medium- and long-barrelled guns. Dress the part Tear gas sticks to natural fibres, so wear nylon, polyester, etc. The last thing you want is to take that stink home. Dress for the weather and wear sunblock. Dont wear all black clothing (see black bloc!). Black bloc While almost all of your fellow protestes are looking to peacefully express their message, beware of those whose tactics involve destruction and violence, or so-called black bloc techniques. Yes, they usually wear black, but not always. They might be wearing protective armour. Do not get caught between these types of protesters and police lines. If you do, protect your head from rocks and other projectiles. Look out for Molotov cocktails glass bottles containing flammable liquid and a cloth wick. Read more about: SHARE: Duke Schneider is an aging professional wrestler known as Pitbull and a retired Rikers Island guard. And for eight years, he was a member of the National Socialist Movement. His devotion was first to Adolf Hitler and second to the cadre of neo-Nazis he commanded from his Brooklyn home. But a few years ago when he took stock of his life, he found himself missing a friend, Catherine Boone. Schneider had met her years ago at an autograph convention. They now saw less of each other, partly because he was so busy being a neo-Nazi and partly because his comrades would have disapproved. Boone is black. I had to keep a stiff upper lip and follow Mein Kampf, Schneider, 66, explained as he and Boone sat at their usual table in the back of the Floridian Diner. Today they are happily married in a most unusual love story. Schneiders SS uniform is stuffed in a garbage bag in his attic and he speaks ruefully about his time with the National Socialist Movement, generally considered Americas largest neo-Nazi group. I did not drink or break the law, but I was one of the most evil men that ever lived, Schneider said. I was not serving God. I was serving Satan by serving Hitler. You got that right, his wife chimed in. Schneiders story is one of the more unlikely tales of transformation. These days, Schneider said, he works as a guard for Orthodox Jews. To understand how he became a neo-Nazi, Schneider said as a child he felt unwanted. His father was absent, his mother hated me for reminding her of him, and an older relative beat him mercilessly. As a boy, his back sometimes sore from being whipped with a dog leash, he would watch documentaries. Nothing rivalled his fascination with shows about the Third Reich. The imposing uniforms and talk of a superior race enthralled him. Why cant I be as tough as they were? he wondered. He became a weightlifter and joined the pro wrestling circuit. For 20 years, he was a correctional officer on Rikers Island, retiring in 1999. And through the years, he harboured a not-so-secret Nazi obsession. In retirement, Schneider found work as a guard and returned to the ring. In his free time, he went to events like the Chiller Theater Expo, an autograph-signing convention for the formerly famous and formerly almost famous. There he struck up a conversation with Boone, who was signing pictures for fans who recognized her from a public access cable station. Schneider was a security guard and Boone needed protection. She told him she feared a violent man from a former relationship. Schneider became her protector. He would accompany her shopping and would stop by to check on her. She eventually moved into his home. And then he became a neo-Nazi. Schneiders motives were muddled. In his telling, he intended to infiltrate the white supremacist movement. The reason, he said, was that Boone had been harassed by skinheads on a city bus. But after a half-century fascination with the Nazis, Schneider found himself excited to be dialing the number for the National Socialist Movement. He spoke to a recruiter, applied for membership and bought a brownshirt uniform. He tried it on immediately. It was almost like regressing back to age 6. Within months, he joined the inner circle its SS cadre. He pledged his life to Hitler and Jeff Schoep, a neo-Nazi in Michigan who commanded Americas National Socialist Movement. Schneider would march, in various U.S. states. I would pray that he gets back safe and I would pray that he gets out of this movement, Boone remembered. Schneider became one of the groups public faces. He compared undocumented immigrants to cockroaches, and when asked about the Holocaust would talk about how the Germans, too, had suffered. At rallies, he mingled with people who had named their children after Hitler and others who wore their hate on their skin. A lot of them had very unhappy childhoods and they were behaving like lost kids and I thought maybe I could help them, he said. But Schneider was also blinded, he said, by his rapid rise.Not even after the violent deaths of two men he considered comrades did he rethink things. Also in 2012, doctors found what appeared to be a cancerous tumour in Schneiders throat. The prognosis was grim. For years, Schneider had felt a growing distance between him and Boone, but he suddenly realized she was the only one who made me feel there was any hope. With her encouragement, he spoke with her pastor. He appeared before the congregation and confessed everything and repented, Schneider said. I figured I was about to die. The tumour turned out to be benign Gods doing, he said. From his hospital bed, he told Boone, As soon as I get my strength back we are getting married. Weeks later, they did. He renounced National Socialism and vowed to live by the Bible. His current assignment is guarding yeshivas and synagogues. He has been touched by the kindness of the rabbis relatives, but is anxious that his past will be discovered. . SHARE: SAO PAULOThe government of Brazils southeastern state of Espirito Santo has indicted more than 700 military police officers for allegedly refusing to work as part of a pay raise movement that has led to a wave of violence and more than 100 deaths. Public Safety Director Andre Garcia said Friday that 703 officers have been charged with the crime of revolt. Brazils military police force patrols the nations cities and its members are barred by law from going on strike. Read more:Brazil army takes over police duties as crisis sparks killings The killings in the state capital of Vitoria and other cities erupted one week ago as friends and family of the officers blocked their barracks to demand higher pay for the officers. Because of the absence of police patrols, schools have been closed and medical services at public hospitals interrupted. Public transportation has been suspended and some shops have been looted. Similar protests were staged in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, but police authorities said that most of them did not prevent officers from patrolling the city. In Espirito Santo, the union representing civil police officers said 121 people have been killed since police stopped patrolling the streets. The state government has not released a death toll. Earlier this week, Espirito Santo turned over security duties to the army, which has sent 1,200 troops to help quell the violence and Garcia the public safety director told reporters on Friday he expected that number to increase to 3,000. Read more about: SHARE: REGGIO CALABRIA, ITALYFighting the Mafia at the very toe of Italy, Roberto Di Bella has seen a lot: children as young as 11 or 12 serving as lookouts during murders, attending drug deals and mob strategy sessions, or learning how to handle a Kalashnikov assault rifle. But it was the day he charged the younger brother of a minor he had jailed years before that he decided to take a drastic step: separating children from their mob families and moving them to a different part of Italy to break a generational cycle of criminality. I am not taking them away for nothing, said Di Bella, a 53-year-old magistrate, president of the Reggio Calabria minors court. Sons follow their fathers, he said. But the state cant allow that children are educated to be criminals. Since he began taking children away from parents convicted of mob association in 2012, Di Bella has separated about 40 boys and girls, ages 12 to 16, from their families, in an approach that has proved as controversial as it has been effective. About a quarter of the time, mothers looking to flee the mafias tentacles go with them. The rest of the children are put into foster care, but Di Bella said that none of the children he had separated from their families had since committed a crime. The Italian Justice Ministry has just codified statutes so Di Bellas innovation, so far limited to his corner of Calabria, can be applied to fight mafias nationwide. Some are appalled by the strategy in a country where family bonds are so cherished. Critics have called it a Nazi-like method that overlooks the environmental factors that have made Calabria one of Italys poorest and most violent regions. If Calabria stays Italys most underdeveloped region, itll keep having the most potent mafia, said Isaia Sales, an expert and author of books on criminal organizations. Regardless of the families. Even Di Bella admits to losing more than an occasional nights sleep over taking children away from their parents. Still, he says, since he started separating the children, fathers have written to him to thank him for it. Children have told him they feel liberated. Mothers ask if he will do it for their children. The success of the approach says everything about the bonds that have made the Ndrangheta (pronounced n-DRAHN-ghe-ta), a strictly family-run business, one of Italys hardest Mafia networks to penetrate. From its base in the south, the Ndrangheta has infiltrated communities even in northern Italy and abroad, becoming one of the most powerful criminal syndications in the world, spanning Italy to South America and Australia. Specialized in international drug and weapons smuggling, it is the No. 1 cocaine supplier into Europe. The methods that keep the network tightly knit and functioning are both intimate and brutal and for those caught up in the Ndranghetas web, difficult to escape. We hear things that are much worse than Gomorrah, Di Bella said, referring to an award-winning book and movie that recounted gruesome lives inside another of Italys notorious mob networks, the Neapolitan Camorra. Di Bella and others are convinced that severing familial links is not only one of the most effective ways to defeat the Ndrangheta, but that it also restores to the children of the mob families the possibility of a normal life. Some minors end up in the program after committing symptomatic crimes, like gang violence or setting police cars on fire. Others become full-blown Mafiosos at a young age. The Reggio Calabria juvenile court has sentenced about 100 minors for Mafia association and 50 for murder or attempted murder since the 1990s. Teenagers who come from Ndrangheta families have access to unlimited, if illicit, wealth, walk around with Rolex watches on their wrists and are encouraged to neglect their education and spend time only within the family circle. Emotionally, they are very alone, said Enrico Interdonato, a 32-year-old psychologist who has volunteered to work with Di Bella. My job is mostly to relate to them humanly. We dont want to change anyone, he added. But we can help them be free to build their own conscience. After the children are moved to a different Italian region, the authorities can try to create the conditions for an ordinary childhood. In the last two years, mothers have started to turn to Di Bella, in the hope of saving their children from an inescapable destiny of death or prison and sometimes to escape Mafia ties themselves. Psychologists and social workers work with the children constantly. After they turn 18, the children can then choose whether to go back to Calabria. Most stay in touch with the judges and their social workers even after the program ends. But authorities can remove a child only if they can prove he or she is physically or psychologically endangered by their families Mafioso behaviour. Separating a child from his or her family is always a wrenching decision and one Di Bella does not take lightly. In one case, Di Bella considered revoking the decision for a 12-year-old girl whose parents were both in jail for Mafia association. Her departure was so excruciating that even the policeman who accompanied her cried, Di Bella recalled at a recent afternoon in his guarded office. But a few days later, she called me and thanked me, he said. The girl told him that she was finally free to be herself. She was no longer the daughter of, he recounted. One father, under a strict prison regime, wrote to Di Bella to thank him for the chance you gave to my children to live in a taintless environment and to live in legality, he said in a letter. I am proud to grant my children a different future, he wrote. Di Bella says he sees the project as the future of the fight against mafias. But he is the first to admit it is embryonic and underfunded. We need specialists, he said referring to psychologists, host families and specialized judges. We need norms, funds and training so that we can enlarge the scope of this project. After years of work with Di Bella and other prosecutors, the Justice Ministry is now ready to standardize the procedure so it can be applied first regionally, then nationally. We try to start a process to provide them education and psychological help to show them that a different world is possible, Francesco Cascini, director of the department for juvenile justice at the Justice Ministry, said. But we need funds for that. In the Reggio Calabria province, 81 towns out of 83 do not have a social worker, a significant hurdle to the process, he said. But talk of expansion alarms some. Critics say that context is more crucial than the family in the fight against the Mafia and consider the project as an admission of inability of the state to change the social and economic environment of Calabria. Sales, the author, argues that in the 19th century Italys southern cities were not much different from Paris or London, overrun with poor people who were trying to survive through crime. In Northern Europe, though, the economic and social context improved, he said. Its a defeat to me, Sales said of the program. Because it implies not believing that the context can be cleaned up. But those like Interdonato, the psychologist who collaborates with Di Bella, are of a different mind. He recalled his experience working with a 15-year-old boy who came from a Ndrangheta family who had been relocated. The first message is, No one knows you here, just live, he said. Then we start showing them how being honest doesnt imply being a loser. Di Bella and others say their mission is to give the young people freedom, against long odds. We are a bit like David against Goliath, Di Bella said. But the Ndrangheta infiltrates our community and we try to infiltrate them culturally, making their children free to choose. SHARE: SAN FRANCISCOLast summer, Dr. Simon Barqueras phone started buzzing with a series of disturbing text messages from unknown numbers. One said his daughter had been in a serious accident. Another claimed to be from a friend whose father had died with a link to funeral details. Yet another message informed Barquera, director of nutrition policy at Mexicos National Institute of Public Health, that a Mexican news outlet had accused him of negligence, again with a link. And in more menacing messages, someone claimed to be sleeping with Barqueras wife. That included a link to what the sender claimed was photo evidence of their affair. That same week, Luis Manuel Encarnacion, then director at Fundacion Midete, a foundation in Mexico City that battles obesity, also started receiving strange messages with links. When he clicked, Encarnacion was ominously redirected to Gayosso, Mexicos largest funeral service. The messages Encarnacion received were identical to a series of texts sent to Alejandro Calvillo, a mild-mannered activist and founder of El Poder del Consumidor, yet another Mexico City organization that has been at the forefront of battling childhood obesity in the country. What the men had in common was this: All were vocal proponents of Mexicos 2014 soda tax, the first national soda tax of its kind. It is aimed at reducing consumption of sugary drinks in Mexico, where weight-related diseases kill more people every year than violent crime. The links sent to the men were laced with an invasive form of spyware developed by NSO Group, an Israeli cyberarms dealer that sells its digital spy tools exclusively to governments and that has contracts with multiple agencies inside Mexico, according to company emails leaked to The New York Times last year. NSO Group and the dozens of other commercial spyware outfits that have cropped up around the globe over the past decade operate in a largely unregulated market. Spyware makers like NSO Group, Hacking Team in Italy and Gamma Group in Britain insist they sell tools only to governments for criminal and terrorism investigations. But it is left to government agents to decide whom they will and will not hack with spying tools that can trace a targets every phone call, text message, email, keystroke, location, sound and sight. The discovery of NSOs spyware on the phones of Mexican nutrition policymakers, activists and even government employees, like Barquera, raises new questions about whether NSOs tools are being used to advance the soda industrys commercial interests in Mexico. The soda industry has poured over $67 million (U.S.) into defeating state and local efforts to regulate soft drink sales in the United States since 2009, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. But the tax in Mexico Coca-Colas biggest consumer market by per capita consumption posed an exceptional threat. After the tax passed in 2014, Coca-Cola pledged $8.2 billion worth of investments in Mexico through 2020. And soda giants have lobbied against the tax through various industry groups, like ConMexico, which represents Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Calvillo said he suspected the Mexican government or the soft drink and snacks industry. Whether the industry did it or the government did it, we dont know, said Calvillo, who was a leading force behind a special per-litre tax on sugary soft drinks established in 2014. Lorena Cerdan, director of ConMexico, said the group had no knowledge of, or part in, the mobile hacking. This is the first were hearing of it, Cerdan said. And frankly, it scares us too. The timing of the hacking coincided with a planned effort by advocacy organizations and health researchers including Barquera, Calvillo and Encarnacion to co-ordinate a mass media campaign to build support for doubling the soda tax, an effort that stalled in Mexicos Congress in November. The three men also opposed a failed effort by Mexican legislators and soda lobbyists in 2015 to cut the tax in half. One week after health researchers and advocates announced their campaign in a news conference last summer, their phones began to buzz with the spyware-laced messages. This is proof that surveillance in Mexico is out of control, said Luis Fernando Garcia, director of the Red en Defensa de los Derechos Digitales, a Mexican digital rights nonprofit better known by the acronym R3D. When we have proof that this surveillance is being used against nutritional activists, its clear Mexico should not be given these technologies. NSO Groups motto is Make the World a Safer Place. But its spyware is increasingly turning up on the phones of journalists, dissidents and human rights activists. NSO said Saturday its programs are intended only for the investigation and prevention of criminal activities and terrorism and doubted its products were involved. NSO spyware was discovered on the phone of a human-rights activist in the United Arab Emirates and a prominent Mexican journalist in August. Researchers at the Citizen Lab at the University of Torontos Munk School of Global Affairs discovered NSO had exploited flaws in Apple software since patched to infiltrate the phones of Emirati activist and Mexican journalist Rafael Cabrera. In 2015, Cabrera reported that a luxury home that had been custom-built for President Enrique Pena Nieto of Mexico and his wife was owned by the subsidiary of a Chinese company that had been awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in government contracts. Cabreras report forced the presidential couple to forgo its stake in the home and the government to rescind contracts. The discovery of spyware on Cabreras phone prompted digital rights activists to warn more journalists and activists in Mexico to look out for similarly suspicious text messages. In the process, they uncovered a new class of targets: nutrition policymakers and activists, some of whom were government employees. Each had been targeted by NSOs main product, a tracking system called Pegasus, that could extract their text messages, contact lists, calendar records, emails, instant messages and location. It turned their phones into recording devices and secretly captured live footage off their cameras. Its full range of capabilities was detailed in an NSO Group marketing proposal leaked to The Times last year. In interviews and statements, NSO Group, whose headquarters are in Herzliya, Israel, but which sold a controlling stake in 2014 to Francisco Partners, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, claims to sell its spyware only to law enforcement agencies to track terrorists, criminals and drug lords. NSO executives point to technical safeguards that prevent clients from sharing its spy tools. An NSO spokesman reiterated those restrictions in a statement Thursday, and said the company had no knowledge of the tracking of health researchers and advocates inside Mexico. It is not clear why any Mexican government agency would deploy the spyware to track those on the front lines of the fight to battle obesity in Mexico, where diabetes was recently declared a national emergency, nor is it clear which Mexican government agency could be behind the surveillance. Mexicos intelligence systems are subject to federal relevant legislation and have legal authorization, Ricardo Alday, a spokesman for the Mexican Embassy in Washington, said in a statement. They are not used against journalists or activists. All contracts with the federal government are done in accordance with the law. The NSO emails leaked to the Times referred to multimillion-dollar, continuing NSO Group contracts with several government agencies inside Mexico, and the Mexican government has been an enthusiastic buyer of foreign spy tools. Mexico was listed as the biggest client of Hacking Team, the Italian cyber-surveillance firm, which was hacked in 2015. Hacked internal documents published online showed that at least 14 Mexican states and government agencies had paid $6.3 million to Hacking Team for its spy tools since 2010. Mexicos Interior Ministry, which operates CISEN, the civil national security intelligence service, was listed as Hacking Teams highest-paying client. Other clients included the Mexican navy, federal police and attorney generals office, as well as several Mexican states. The leaked Hacking Team emails also revealed that the firm was increasingly facing competition from NSO Group to procure contracts with CISEN, the Mexican attorney generals office and SEDENA, an acronym for the office of Mexicos secretary of national defence. The health researchers did not discover their phones had been targeted with NSO spyware until August. That month, SocialTIC, a Mexican digital security nonprofit, and R3D warned its contacts to look for suspicious messages. A subsequent forensics investigation by Citizen Lab of the messages sent to Calvillo, Barquera, Encarnacion and others confirmed that they were laced with NSO Group spyware. NSO Group executives say they have a strict vetting process to determine the countries with which they will do business, which includes an ethics committee comprising employees and an outside counsel that vets potential government clients based on human rights rankings set by the World Bank and other bodies. Executives said they had pulled contracts when they uncovered human rights violations. But it is unclear how the Mexican spy efforts made it through the vetting process. This is one of the most brazen cases of abuse we have ever seen, said John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab. It points to a total breakdown of government oversight in Mexico, and a complete failure of due diligence by the NSO Group. The legal case for the use of spyware in Mexico is uncertain. Only the federal and justice authorities can lawfully intercept private communications in Mexico, but they require a court order to do so. However, Garcia and others argue that spyware is more invasive than traditional forms of interception, and they say it is not clear what case the government would have to monitor the communications of health researchers and activists. I doubt these intrusions were approved by any judge, Garcia, of R3D, said. In interviews, Barquera, Encarnacion and Calvillo all said they were not sure which government agency could be behind the hacking. Each said he was wary of using his phone for sensitive communications. And yet they insist they are undeterred. Suddenly, you are aware of everything you say, Barquera said. Everything you say feels like a potential threat, that it could come back to haunt you. With files from The Associated Press Read more about: SHARE: LIMAPerus former president Alejandro Toledo may have fled to San Francisco from Paris after a judge ordered his arrest on suspicions of taking bribes from the Odebrecht construction firm, Perus Justice Ministry said Friday. The office of Perus cabinet chief said it has asked U.S. authorities to detain Toledo and expel him after receiving a tip-off on his whereabouts. Toledo may be planning to reach Israel, according to a statement from the cabinet office. Peru issued an international arrest warrant for Toledo after a court Thursday said he should be detained as a precautionary measure before standing trial. The attorney generals office accuses him of receiving $20 million from Odebrecht in exchange for awarding it a major highway contract. Toledo denies any wrongdoing and his lawyers have appealed the courts decision. Odebrecht, of Brazil, is at the heart of a region-wide corruption scandal. Panamanian prosecutors raided the offices of Mossack Fonseca, the law firm at the centre of the Panama Papers, seeking possible links to Odebrecht, Reuters reported Thursday. Perus Congress withdrew Toledos benefits, including a lifetime pension, insurance and support staff, newspaper Andina reported on Saturday. Toledo was president of Peru from 2001 to 2006. He finished fourth in the 2011 election and was a candidate in the 2016 race, but withdrew before the vote. According to Toledos Facebook page, he travelled to Paris last month to speak at an event organized by the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development. He was accepted as a visiting scholar by Stanford University in California from September 2016 to October 2017, according to a letter posted on his Facebook page. SHARE: Maoist cadre injured in Siraha shooting An unidentified gang opened fire at Lalu Khan, a cadre of CPN (Maoist Centre), at Malhaniya, Mirchaiya-3 in Siraha district on Sunday. CANNONBALL RIVER, N.D. Five people who did not know one another a few months ago stood around a campfire talking with passion, wit and pain about how they came to live together here in the cold. Somebody put bacon in a skillet. It was just after noon. The temperature was minus-8 C. In weather like this, explained the man from Kentucky, you need to keep your calories up. Not that anyone seemed cold. Not Cindy, who quit her job in Oregon to be here. Not Chato Duncan, who grew up in northern California with parents who are from the Dine and Pomo tribes. Not Christopher, the homeless Kentuckian. Not Benji Buffalo, who was raised in the Blackfeet tribe in Montana and, if you ask the others, is the leader of this improvised tribe. Hes our chief, Duncan said. Of the thousands of people who spent hours or months here protesting against the Dakota Access oil pipeline before approval of its final segment this past week by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, some have had mysterious backgrounds and lengthy arrest records, while others have been prominent and accomplished. At least one, Patricia Arquette, has won an Academy Award. Some would not reveal their real names or where they work. Some would pray daily for peace. Many have been Native American. Some arrived with one group of people only to migrate to another. They all came to help the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe fight the pipeline, which would carry oil through lands it considers sacred, and beneath a lake that provides its water supply. Yet even as they share a common purpose, protesters have been notable for their diversity and fluidity. That helps explain the tension that had been apparent lately, as some people have resisted a request by the Sioux to clean up and clear out so the tribe can shift focus to the legal and political battles ahead with the Trump administration. But it also might explain the camps resilience. Part of what has drawn and kept many people here has been the chance to see themselves anew in the service of a larger cause, a greater good. People may be circumspect about themselves, but they have been quick to talk expansively, righteously, frequently with deep ache or anger about what brought them here. As a country, were not going to move forward unless we as a people unite in one voice, said Christopher, who volunteered with a nonprofit called Red Road Awareness, which supports Native American rights. And its not going to start unless (we) white people start with the people we stole the land from. We were taught a bunch of lies in grade school, you know. Historys not being told accurately. I dont know my whole ancestry, but I was white enough to understand what privilege is all about. Duncan expanded on the point, putting it in the context of the wall that U.S. President Donald Trump wants to build on the Mexican border to reduce illegal immigration. The whole illegal immigration thing, hey, this whole country was taken by theft, rape and murder, and then you guys want to talk about legality? Duncan said. Thats why we have a hard time with the whole American ideal. You know, it just doesnt make sense. Cindy first came last fall for a brief visit. Then she came back with her Winnebago, her dog and her cat. I was going to stay for a couple of days, but then I stayed a little longer, Cindy said. And then I went home, said goodbye to my grandkids, quit my job and came back. Why? Justice! Buffalo answered for her, feigning passion, ribbing her because he had heard this explanation before. Social justice! Cindy, unruffled, clarified. For Buffalo, the issue was desecration of what the Standing Rock Sioux say are ancient cultural and burial sites in the path of the pipeline. They wouldnt go plow through the cemetery in town or the veterans cemetery, Buffalo said. But if any of us ever dug one shovels worth out of one of their cemeteries boom, youre in jail. And they get to just plow through this? These are our warriors, our family, our people. He pointed to small sand-filled bags and large rubber pellets fired by law enforcement officers during a clash near the pipeline site. What gives them the right? Its because they got the more mightier dollar? Buffalo said. That doesnt give them the right. Theyre going to have to live with this for the rest of their life. SHARE: Fear and panic have gripped immigrant communities in the United States as reports circulate that federal agents have become newly aggressive under Donald Trump, who campaigned for the presidency with a vow to create a deportation force. Federal officials insist they have not made fundamental changes in enforcement actions and they deny stopping people randomly at checkpoints or conducting sweeps of locations where undocumented immigrants are common. But anxiety among immigrants spiked this week after the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency conducted a series of enforcement actions in large metropolitan areas. On Saturday, the agency announced that more than 200 people had been arrested this week in six states overseen by the Chicago office. That was in addition to more than 160 detained in the Los Angeles area, as well as arrests in New York, Atlanta and other cities. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump Members of the Congressional Hispanic Congress on Saturday demanded an immediate meeting with Thomas Homan, the acting head of ICE. These raids have struck fear in the hearts of the immigrant community as many fear that President Trumps promised deportation force is now in full-swing, the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Homan. Whats certain is that even if ICE and other officials say this is business as usual, many immigrants find more persuasive the words and actions of Trump, whose political rise was propelled by anti-immigrant rhetoric, a vow to build a wall on the Mexican border and the promise to deport 3 million immigrants he deemed criminal. The president roiled Washington two weeks ago with his surprise executive order banning travel to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority countries and a halt in accepting refugees. That order was blocked by federal judges, and while Trump ponders whether to appeal the case to the Supreme Court, he has said he will craft other executive orders to make the U.S. more secure. On Jan. 25, five days after taking the oath of office, he issued an executive order titled Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States. Media attention focused on Trumps call for an end to federal funds for sanctuary cities, which are communities that, to varying degrees, do not automatically hand over illegal immigrants who come to the attention of local law enforcement. But the order also expanded the list of deportation priorities to include any noncitizen who is charged with a criminal offense of any kind or who is suspected of committing criminal acts, fraud or willful dishonesty while interacting with immigration officials, is the subject of a pending order of removal or has been previously deported and re-entered the country. The order gave much broader leeway to ICE officers in deciding whether someone posed a risk to public safety and therefore could be detained. For immigrant rights activists, the rules of engagement have clearly changed. Donald Trump has effectively created a way to deport individuals who have been accused, charged or convicted of anything from murder to jaywalking, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. And if you read the text of that executive order broadly, that applies to all noncitizens. I can tell you, the possibilities have made a lot of people here shudder. Read more: White House defends travel ban as Trump faces test from North Korea Trump says hes considering brand new order on immigration I cancelled my trip to California. And I feel ashamed Entering the country illegally what is technically known as entering the U.S. without inspection is itself a misdemeanor. Anyone caught in possession of fake identification documents or who is not honest with immigration officials can also be charged with a crime. Under Barack Obama, priority deportees included people who had been convicted of murder and other violent crimes as well as certain drug offences and gang involvement. Obamas policies called on ICE officials to avoid detaining, whenever possible, nursing mothers and those with serious medical conditions. That kind of surgical deportation practice was particularly welcome in Los Angeles, where in 2009 immigrant advocates unearthed details about conditions in a basement-level downtown immigrant detention facility known locally as B-18. Immigrants held at B-18 were, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, not given drinking water, changes of clothes or necessary feminine hygiene products and were sometimes unable to communicate with lawyers. The government and immigrant advocates came to an agreement to change conditions and practices at B-18, but it remains a dreaded place for many of the citys undocumented. Fear of being detained or deported could lead many people to avoid going to work, school or to public places in coming days, Salas said. She noted that one person detained by ICE this week had been at his job in a Target store. ICE wants us to believe they have removed a bunch of felons who were just plotting their next crime, Salas said. We know that ICE picked up some collaterals, people who happened to be nearby when officers arrived looking for someone else and we think what weve just witnessed is how an emboldened ICE will operate. ICE this week has put out messages on Twitter suggesting that the enforcement actions were not part of a major crackdown ordered by Trump. ICE immigration enforcement actions target specific individuals according to the laws passed by Congress, reads a tweet posted by ICE on Thursday. A spokeswoman for ICE, Sarah Rodriguez, said, ICE does not use checkpoints, nor do we use sweeping raids. We use targeted enforcement actions against specific individuals to make these arrests. Immigration rights activists are hoping to call attention to the actions of ICE while at the same time preventing full-scale panic among people who may be avoiding going to work or riding buses out of fear of being detained. Were not trying to sow hysteria here, so were not reporting rumors, said Elizabeth Alex, a regional field director for Casa de Maryland in Baltimore County. Were sticking to cases where we can verify the situation and that can often take days. But it is fair to say we are seeing new tactics across the county. She said ICE agents detained a handful of people after they exited the county courthouse in Towson, Maryland. In one incident, on Monday, an undocumented immigrant who had gone to the courthouse to pay a ticket for driving on a suspended licence was taken into custody by federal agents as he left, she said. Courthouses are supposed to be places where you want people to go so they can serve as witnesses to crimes and to pay traffic tickets, so I find this so very troubling, Alex said. She added that Casa has documented cases of illegal immigrants being taken into custody in recent weeks after they showed up for check-in meetings with parole and probation officers in the county. Other illegal immigrants have awoken to find immigration officers staking out their home and have been detained as they left to go to work, Alex said. In Montgomery County (Maryland), considered a sanctuary jurisdiction, lawmakers and dozens of advocates for the states immigrant population fanned out Friday evening and Saturday morning after unfounded rumors circulated on Facebook that a public bus had been raided by federal immigration officers. As the rumor went, officers boarded a bus in the Wheaton area (Maryland), home to a sizable chunk of the Washington areas El Salvadorian community, and began removing riders who could not produce identification. ICE spokeswoman Rodriguez denied that, and local officials said they found no evidence to back up the rumor either. There were no buses stopped in Maryland by immigration officers, she said. Similar unfounded rumors popped up elsewhere in the country, including Portland, Ore., and Austin. But that did not stop Facebook posts from spreading, and on Saturday morning, often-busy bus stops near the Wheaton Mall were mostly empty. Two young men walking along University Boulevard declined to talk to a Post reporter, but said in Spanish that they had heard about the purported raid. The bottom line is, overnight, people are terrorized, said Gustavo Torres, executive director of Casa de Maryland. In Los Angeles, several undocumented people declined interviews or to be identified by name in The Washington Post because of concerns that the Trump administration might use newspaper coverage to craft a new list of deportation targets. Read more about: SHARE: The somewhat sketchy parallels between Richard Nixons failed presidency and that, prospectively, of Donald Trump are already being widely drawn erratic, deeply unpopular, wilfully tone-deaf. There is at least one domain in which they have nothing in common at all. Richard Nixon could not have conceived of the digital exoskeleton that now wraps and has transformed the American political arena. In his day, three networks and a dozen big city dailies set the political agenda each day and it was one that was generally favourable to his goals, if not enthusiastic about the man. His opponents had to rely on the nascent underground press beginning to takeoff in those same cities, and a few supportive mainstream journalists to rally support. But it is the speed of the political attack and counterattack today that is so extraordinary. News cycles then were almost hilariously slow. TV news film of the Vietnam War was three days old by the time it aired. Expensive long-distance telephone calls were the only tool then, today filled by smartphones, high-speed broadband and nanosecond social media campaigns. It is hard to convey how much slower, more vulnerable, and inefficient political communication and organization was 50 years ago especially if you were the insurgent. Nixon and Trump do share one key, potentially fatal, political disability, however. After angry demonstrations at his 1969 inauguration, anti-war protests slowly built from thousands to hundreds of thousands over the first half of his administration. It had two dramatic impacts: it enraged Nixon and his followers and provoked them to make increasingly unwise political choices. It also began to physically isolate him. At his nadir, he could not appear in any open public arena without being shouted down by angry protestors. For an embattled politician desperate to get his increasingly unpopular message out, having only the Oval Office of the White House as a pulpit, predicted a certain fate. Donald Trumps victorious 4 a.m. stance, a colossus bestride the Twitterverse, was important to his overwhelming a far more hostile party, media and political establishment. Even if his thundering rants did often make him the crazy uncle in the attic from whom no one could yet wrest his battered iPhone. But two pairs of events since his inauguration may be the first signs that those who live by the 140 character sword can also be decapitated by it. The dramatic success of the Womens March of protest, with arguably greater numbers for the insurgents sorry, Donald than rallied for the victor was a digital triumph. Even more stunning, in terms of speed and scale, was the marshalling of thousands of protestors, at a dozen American airports, within hours of Trumps teenage tantrum of a Muslim ban. Tom Hayden and Jerry Rubin, protest organizers of that earlier era must be looking down in astonishment at this lightning-speed digital political war. In the following week came a more ominous foreshadowing of the Nixon nightmare. First, the White House had to quietly cancel a planned visit to the iconic Harley Davidson factory. Within hours of its even being rumoured, Harley employees had tweeted their intention to be outside with the protestors if he showed up. Then, somewhat astonishingly, given their history and traditional British restraint, the speaker of the U.K. House of Commons, declared from his chair in the House, that under no circumstances would Trump be welcome to address their Parliament. His effrontery was followed by demands that a planned official visit also be cancelled. Theresa May was left in the awkward position of having to publicly defend her not now so helpful new friend. Several presidents have done the almost cliched Harley visit, along with many other aspirant politicians. Warm presidential visits to the Queen are also too common to be much noted any more. Except when they are denied. Donald Trump may be on the verge of facing the first political contest fought over the heads of the mainstream media and the political establishments of both parties, as millions of Americans plot, attack, mobilize and isolate him digitally in real-time. For a populist politician who needs the power of big crowds for personal validation and communication, to be denied any controlled forum outside the White House gates would be fatal just as it became for Nixon. Yes, he is the first modern politician to have truly mastered the lightning bolt power of digital attack. But he will soon be battling tens of millions of Americans, and global citizens, with the same tools and perhaps even greater motivation. I dont like his odds. Robin V. Sears, a principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group and a Broadbent Institute leadership fellow, was an NDP strategist for 20 years. Read more about: SHARE: Neither Justin Trudeau nor Donald Trump are lawyers, but when they meet in Washington tomorrow, unusual legal and judicial issues will be lurking alongside the regular agenda items of jobs, trade and the unique relationship between Canada and the U.S. The timing for this first meeting between the two leaders is awkward given President Trump is clearly smarting from a very strong legal slap in the face. A unanimous judicial decision has for the moment, denied the presidents Executive Order for a 120 day travel ban on immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries and an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. The attempt to implement the order caused chaos and confusion on both sides of the border. As protests to the ban grew, so did the genuine anger of many Canadian and American lawyers, who rushed to airports to help those who were turned away. Simultaneously, Canada saw a surge in asylum seekers from the U.S. as small border towns struggled with an expanding community. In spite of warnings in Trumps campaign rhetoric, the shift in American refugee policy was stunning. The Statue of Libertys light, long a beacon of welcome to huddled masses yearning to breathe free, seemed to dim, evoking long ago memories of prejudice and bias. In 1939, the beleaguered German ship the MS St. Louis, primarily full of Jewish passengers, was turned away, first by Cuba, then the United States and Canada. This type of discrimination was never to happen again as cherished legal principles, including the rule of law the belief that all people are equal before the law gained prominence over the years. Yet, suddenly, our legal history seemed in peril. If this wasnt bad enough, the real time legal drama, which included the Apprentice-like firing of the acting Attorney General, had more twists and turns than the television series, Law and Order. Invoking national security concerns, the poorly considered order asserted the power of the executive branch yet failed to understand that the separation of powers requires symmetry for efficient and wise enforcement of public policy. While all three branches of government (executive, judiciary and legislative) are independent of each other, they are in fact, dependent on each other for execution. To make matters worse, judicial independence was also at risk after Trumps astonishing Twitter attack on Judge James Robart, the justice, who issued the initial temporary restraining order on the ban. Even the presidents choice for the crucially important Supreme Court vacancy, Neil Gorsuch, felt compelled to state that although he was not referring to Trump he finds any criticism of a judges integrity and independence disheartening and demoralizing. (Canada has not been immune from this kind of attitude toward the judiciary. In 2014, then-PM Stephen Harper attacked Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, as she tried to quietly warn the government that their choice of Marc Nadon for the Supreme Court was ineligible. She was proven to be right.) However, there is a silver lining. While the two leaders may have to be politically silent on these thorny issues, others will not be so reticent. The sleeping giant of law, as a watchdog on extreme political authority in a democracy, is now fully awake and alert. Columbia Law Human Rights Organizations have launched an online tool called the Trump Human Rights Tracker, which records and summarizes the human rights affected or violated by each of the presidents orders. It is already chilling reading. And just this week, our government announced the reinstatement of the Court Challenges Program, which provides financial assistance to those who wish to launch a Charter challenge. A particular emphasis will be placed on litigation, one of the biggest roadblocks to mounting such a case. As well, law professor Jennifer Bond, faculty director of the Refugee Hub University of Ottawa and the spark behind the Refugee Sponsorship Support Program, notes the increased activism throughout the legal community, including the amazing support of law students. Our students are critical partners in all aspects of this effort both because we need their valuable contributions today and because we need them to learn the importance of this kind of work so that they are leading it tomorrow. A line in Shakespeares play, Henry VI, jokes that, The first thing we do, lets kill all the lawyers. Little did Shakespeare know that Donald Trump would emerge later in the worlds history. Instead of killing all the lawyers, he has given them, and the law, new life. Yes, see you in court, Mr. President. Penny Collenette is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Ottawa and was a senior director of the Prime Ministers Office for Jean Chretien. Read more about: SHARE: Justin Trudeau came to power with the enthusiastic backing of young people. They turned out to vote in huge numbers in 2015 and embraced his call for change in Ottawa. It wasnt just about style. Trudeau promised to create a lot of jobs for young people specifically 40,000 good youth jobs every year from 2016 to 2018. He even named himself Minister of Youth for good measure. Now, though, one of the central promises that Trudeaus Liberal party made to young people seems to have evaporated. During the 2015 campaign the Liberals pledged to encourage employers to hire young people. The government would offer them a 12-month holiday on employment insurance premiums if they hired people aged 18 to 24 for permanent jobs. The idea, similar to one a previous Liberal government tried with some success in the 1990s, was to counter the chronically high unemployment rate among young workers. Its now running at 12.6 per cent, almost double the overall jobless rate of 6.9 per cent. The promise of an EI premium break was included in the mandate letter that Trudeau gave his first employment minister, MaryAnn Mihychuk. And there were high hopes it would be included in Finance Bill Morneaus first budget last March. But it was nowhere to be found. Now the promise has disappeared entirely from the mandate letter given to the new employment minister, Patty Hajdu, who got the job in Januarys cabinet shuffle. Instead, the new minister was instructed to work with the governments Expert Panel on Youth Employment to come up with ways of lowering the jobless rate among young people. That sounds very much like a recipe for delay, delay and more delay. The promise of a temporary break on EI premiums was a focused measure that could be implemented quickly and give employers a concrete incentive to hire young people. In 2015 the Liberals estimated it would have saved employers who took advantage of it between $60 million and $80 million a year. Its still not too late for Morneau to include such a measure in this springs budget, though the fact that it is not to be found in Hajdus official job description doesnt make that very likely. The EI break was a relatively small-bore promise. But letting it fall by the wayside is problematic, especially since the prime minister is having trouble meeting the hopes that were raised when he named himself youth minister in addition to his day job of running the federal government. It was great symbolism. But as the Stars Alex Ballingall reported this past week, advocates for young people and students are starting to feel let down by Trudeau the youth minister. So far his government has a mixed record in this area. It has increased student grants substantially for people from low- to middle-income families, raised the income threshold for repaying student loans, and created more summer jobs. At the same time, student debt continues to mount, tuition costs are rising, and youth unemployment remains at stubbornly high levels. Its asking a lot for a prime minister to also be an active, engaged youth minister, perhaps too much. One concrete gesture would be to revive his old promise and put the break on EI premiums to encourage jobs for young people back on the governments agenda. SHARE: Embattled York Region school board trustee Nancy Elgie is now considering all the options amid escalating calls for her resignation over using a racial slur. I hope youll understand that my mother is ill and getting treatment for a serious injury, Stewart Elgie said in an email to the Star, referring to a previous fall that cracked her head open and that her family has cited as the reason Nancy Elgie, 82, used the word n----- in referring to a black parent, in public, after a board meeting last November. She cant comment on this now, beyond the sincere written apologies she has given, but will do so once she is better, said Stewart Elgie, a professor at the University of Ottawa. He said while some are calling for his mother to resign including the chair of the York Region District School Board, a provincial cabinet minister, the leader of Ontarios official opposition, community groups as well as a petition with almost 3,000 signatures weve also heard from many in the community and on the board who know her life-long opposition to discrimination. They accept that she was referring to the awful word that kids were being called, not to the parent and that she has apologized for her horrible mistake. He went on to write: My mother knows that what she said even inadvertently was hurtful and has caused real pain. She has apologized fully and taken responsibility. She is listening to all the feedback she gets, and is considering all the options. Nancy Elgie wants to do what she can to promote healing, learning and restoration in the community and on the board, he added. Elgie suffered a head injury in October, and has remained on the board, attending and participating in meetings for weeks after. Last week, her family announced she had been seen by a head injury specialist who confirmed she suffered a concussion and is experiencing the usual symptoms, exacerbated by her age, and that she is taking an indefinite medical leave. So far, she has resisted all calls to resign from her position as trustee for Georgina. Elgie cannot be forced out because she is an elected official, however fellow trustees do have the option of suspending her from meetings. Loralea Carruthers, the new York Region school board chair, is the latest to join the chorus of those calling for Elgie to resign. I strongly urge her to take responsibility for what this has done to our board and the community we serve, Carruthers told the Star. Meanwhile, at Queens Park, Michael Coteau, minister of children and youth services, and Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown have also said Elgie is no longer fit for public office. The York board meets on Monday evening and Carruthers has said she hopes trustees will go ahead with plans to create a position for an independent integrity commissioner. A social media campaign is also gathering steam with ads targeting trustees and asking them to take action and vote to suspend Elgie. Ongoing issues at the York board and accusations that it ignored incidents of racism and Islamophobia, as well as questions about trustee spending and conduct, prompted the provincial government to send in two investigators. They are expected to issue a report in April. SHARE: NC President Deuba refutes his alleged influence in IGP appointment Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that his attention has been drawn over the news report concerning the appointment of the chief of Nepal Police (Inspector General of Police) linking his name to promote deputy Inspector General (DIG) Jay Bahadur Chand to the post. Nearly 100 bushfires raging in Australia's New South Wales state Rural areas of Australia's New South Wales (NSW) state have been evacuated as wildfires rage across the state, threatening homes and closing roads. Principal Financial Group, Inc. provides retirement, asset management, and insurance products and services to businesses, individuals, and institutional clients worldwide. The company operates through Retirement and Income Solutions, Principal Global Investors, Principal International, and U.S. Insurance Solutions segments. The Retirement and Income Solutions segment provides a portfolio of asset accumulation products and services for retirement savings and income. It offers products and services for defined contribution plans, including 401(k) and 403(b) plans, defined benefit pension plans, nonqualified executive benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans, equity compensation, and pension risk transfer services; individual retirement accounts; investment only products; and mutual funds, individual variable annuities, and bank products. The Principal Global Investors segment provides equity, fixed income, real estate, and other alternative investments, as well as asset allocation, stable value management, and other structured investment strategies. The Principal International segment offers pension accumulation products and services, mutual funds, asset management, income annuities, and life insurance accumulation products, as well as voluntary savings plans in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, India, and Southeast Asia. The U.S. Insurance Solutions segment provides specialty benefits, such as group dental and vision insurance, group life insurance, and group and individual disability insurance, as well as administers group dental, disability, and vision benefits; and individual life insurance products comprising universal, variable universal, indexed universal, and term life insurance products in the United States. It also offers insurance solutions for small and medium-sized businesses and their owners, as well as executives. Principal Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 1879 and is based in Des Moines, Iowa. Opinions divided over exploitation of resources Issues related to exploitation of natural resources in Dhading have lately become a hot topic for debate. 1 An Afghan refugee sits up after waking up in an abandoned warehouse where he and other migrants took refuge in Belgrade, Serbia. Hundreds of migrants have been sleeping in freezing conditions in central Belgrade looking for ways to cross the heavily guarded EU borders. Support us - Help us upgrade our services! Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. Improved multilanguage support Tsunami alerts Faster responsiveness Design upgrade Detailed quake stats Additional seismic data sources Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world.We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team.If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please PayPal or Online credit card payment )., these features have been added recently: Steve Salis, the co-founder of local chain &pizza, is the new owner of Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post) The longtime management team at Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, a Dupont Circle institution, quit last week, its new owner, Steve Salis, confirmed. People who left the company confirmed that they had done so in a coordinated effort after clashing with the new owner, according to three people familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. The issues began, the people said, late last year, when Salis, the 33-year-old co-founder of local chain &pizza, bought the decades-old business from its founders. Salis quickly sprang into action, taking over the 800-square-foot space next door and looking for ways to expand the stores lineup of cookbooks, fiction and childrens books. He also brought in a new chief operating officer: Jamie Galler, who formerly was involved with New York restaurant ventures. Employees soon began to raise concerns about the work environment, according to the people. Salis, who called the claims unequivocally inaccurate, eventually brought in a legal team to look into the staffers complaints but would not comment on the outcome of the inquiry. He said the company has an open-door policy and is committed to the highest standards of excellence. The bookstores events director resigned three weeks ago. Five others, including the general manager and head buyer, quit Monday, according to Salis. We dont know why they left no notice and no explanation, Salis said in an email. Just did not show up one day. [After 40 years, Kramerbooks gets a (young) new owner] Leah Frelinghuysen, a spokeswoman for Kramerbooks, added that three of the five employees who decided to leave the company went on a trip the week before not showing up for work, using unauthorized company funds. A former employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal said, That is materially false and completely untrue. A spokesman for the American Booksellers Association confirmed that three Kramerbooks employees had registered for its Winter Institute in Minneapolis from Jan. 27 to Jan. 30. Galler, whom Salis called a key stakeholder in Kramerbooks, was at one time a senior executive vice president at Riese Restaurants, which owned Hawaiian Tropic Zone in New Yorks Times Square. It had well-publicized conflicts between its bikini-clad waitresses and its managers when it closed in 2010. The restaurants owner had faced a lawsuit brought by employees. Court documents show they agreed to settle out of court. Salis said he was aware of that trouble prior to hiring Galler, and that he was satisfied that Galler had not engaged in or tolerated any inappropriate behavior toward female employees. Jamie went through a rigorous onboarding process like all of our senior leaders do, Salis said, and he passed with flying colors. Frelinghuysen said Galler would not be available to comment for this story. Since it opened in 1976, Kramerbooks has become a neighborhood fixture known for its crammed shelves and late-night menu. Monica Lewinsky famously shopped at the store, and luminaries who visited over the years included Maya Angelou, Andy Warhol and Toni Morrison. The property is undergoing a months-long renovation. Salis plans to build a new coffee bar, add events space and create a childrens annex next door. Salis, who co-founded &pizza with Michael Lastoria, has not been involved in its management or day-to-day operations since early 2015. He said he had also anticipated some changes in personnel. It is inevitable that some longtime employees will not adapt to or accept change or new management, he said. Update: This story has been updated with an additional statement from a Kramerbooks spokeswoman. A line was also amended to state that Galler was a senior vice president of Riese Restaurants, which owned Hawaiian Tropic Zone. Read more: This local pizza chain pays for employee tattoos of the companys logo French manicures, Bud Light and fly fishing: How Trump staffers are changing Washington An uneasy union: Couples are getting cold feet about weddings at Trumps hotel Parties failed to institutionalise change: Ex-Prez Yadav Former President Ram Baran Yadav has complained that the political parties were yet to institutionalise the democratic system. Aerial view of Narsaq in Greenland. A community long sustained by fishing, hunting and farming is on the brink of transformation: Plans are underway for an open-pit uranium mine in the mountains overlooking the town. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) As principal of the primary school in this once-prosperous fishing town near the southern tip of Greenland, Ivalo Motzfeldt has a clear view of what unemployment and shrinking opportunity can do to families: Children arriving at school hungry and traumatized by domestic violence. Recurrent waves of suicides. Flagging motivation and stubbornly low rates of academic advancement. Motzfeldt knows that breaking this pattern is critical to Narsaqs future and to Greenlands. But she passionately opposes the governments proposed solution: an open-pit rare earth-minerals and uranium mine near town financed by a pair of Australian and Chinese mining companies. She fears that the mine will poison South Greenlands pristine environment with radioactive waste and open the tiny nation of 56,000 to foreign meddling. We need money, but we cant sacrifice the land for money, she said. While the world focuses on the potentially disastrous effects of Greenlands melting ice cap, Greenlanders themselves are struggling to solve a very different problem: how to tap their wealth of natural resources without inviting the environmental and political problems that have devastated other developing nations. With a territory larger than Mexico and a population that could fit inside a football stadium, Greenland badly needs new sources of income to provide jobs and combat chronic social ills. Its economy leans heavily on one major export shrimp and is propped up by an annual block grant of more than $500 million from Denmark. The question is what to do about it. Many in Greenland, including Prime Minister Kim Kielsen, view resource development as the nations best chance for self-sufficiency. The issue is tightly intertwined with Greenlands fervent movement to win independence from Denmark, which began colonizing the sprawling territory almost 300 years ago. Greenland negotiated the right to self-rule in 1979 and has since built the institutions of a modern democratic society. The Kuannersuit Plateau, the planned site of mining for uranium and rare earth minerals in Greenlands south. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) The next step, pro-development interests think, is to launch large-scale mining projects to jump-start a diversification of the economy. Opponents counter that courting foreign mining interests amounts to swapping one form of dependency for another, with the added risk of environmental degradation. The policy debate is playing out in Nuuk, Greenlands capital, but the struggle is more palpable in Narsaq, where mining companies propose digging into a treeless mountain called Kvanefjeld that rises imposingly just outside of town. The mine would produce 3 million tons of ore per year when at full production. It would be the worlds second-largest rare earth mine; its overall footprint, including disposal areas and housing for workers, would be close to five square miles. From the top of Kvanefjeld, its easy to see whats at stake. The view is spectacular a patchwork of rugged mountains and aquamarine fjords studded with ice floes in various shades of white and blue. But the surrounding region is in steady decline. Although it thrived for generations on fishing, that changed in 2010, when Royal Greenland, the state-owned fishing company, closed the local shrimp-processing plant, eliminating more than 100 jobs. Narsaqs population has dropped 13 percent since 2006 as young people have moved elsewhere. Those who remain are left wondering how they can carve out a new future in an Arctic region that is changing rapidly and dramatically. The operations manager The Kuannersuit Plateau in the background is the planned site of the mine. The project would transform the bay in the foreground into an industrial harbor. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Ib Laursen, a manager of Greenland Mines and Energy, the Australian company planning the uranium and rare earth minerals mine, points out the intended project site. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Ib Laursen, the local manager of the Australian mining company Greenland Minerals and Energy (GME), spends much of his time trying to convince his neighbors that uranium concerns are overblown. Unless GME and its Chinese partner, Shenghe Resources Holding Co., demonstrate that they can develop and operate the proposed mine safely, he said, theres no way Greenlands government will allow the companies to proceed. At 61, Laursen is tall and toned, a former fitness specialist in the Danish army who moved to Greenland to be a hunting outfitter 31 years ago. He and his wife have raised two children here, and he claims as much stake as anyone else in making sure the mine doesnt contaminate his adopted home. Greenland isnt Angola or the Congo, he said, nations where Chinese mining interests have run roughshod. We have the institutions. We have the transparency, he insisted. Greenland needs to have one good experience and develop from there. So far, GME has spent $65 million studying the mines feasibility and will soon submit final environmental- and social-impact studies. To help defray costs, it brought in Shenghe as a 12.5 percent partner in September. The agreement included the possibility of increasing that stake to 60 percent in the future, a detail that has raised concern among mining opponents. Standing on a hill near the mine site made barren by naturally occurring high levels of toxic fluorine in the soil, Laursen explained that Kvanefjeld was formed when liquid magma forced its way into the Earths crust eons ago, then slowly cooled in place instead of spilling over as a volcano. The cooling produced one of the worlds richest deposits of rare earth oxides, which are used in the manufacture of consumer electronics and alternative energy technologies. (China controls the rare earth market with a near monopoly on production.) Uranium, Laursen is quick to point out, makes up only about 9 percent of the total value of the deposit. But theres no way of getting at the more lucrative minerals without generating radioactive waste, dramatically increasing the projects environmental risk. GMEs mitigation plan is elaborate. The company proposes building a two-mile pipeline over the mountain to channel a slurry of radioactive tailings from the mine into a lake perched high above the fjord. The miners will build a complex dam that blocks the lakes outlet stream but allows snowmelt to pass through so the lake basin doesnt overflow. Then theres the radioactive dust: The miners will have to deploy a host of measures to keep it from contaminating the town and nearby sheep pastures. Not surprisingly, the complexity of this plan gives many locals pause. They also balk at plans to establish a village for more than 700 mostly foreign workers and transform Narsaqs pristine harbor into a transpolar shipping facility. But Laursen argues that all of this is manageable. This is a golden opportunity to do it correctly, he said. Greenland is standing at the starting block just waiting for the gun to go off. The tattoo artist In 2013, Narsaqs population was 1,503, a 17 percent decline from the 1990 count. Fishing and ecotourism are the towns economic mainstays. The community has lately struggled with unemployment and youth suicides. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Paninnguag Lind Jensen, a tatoo artist and teacher in Narsaq, worries about the environmental consequences of uranium mining. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Tattoo artist Paninnguag Lind Jensen isnt buying it. She fears that the environmental degradation and health risks posed by an open-pit mine will inevitably outweigh the benefits. If you Google open-pit mine, all you see is destruction, she said. It would be like killing the spirit of South Greenland. But Jensen has also seen Narsaqs decline firsthand. While growing up here in the 1990s, most of the adults she knew had jobs, and her neighborhood was filled with children playing in the streets, the older ones looking after the younger. Jensen left Narsaq at 16 to finish her education in Denmark, and when she returned last year at 26, the town was diminished: The fish plant was closed, whole apartment buildings were boarded up and unemployment had become a major problem. Its like people lost all hope about Narsaq, she said. Hope can be fragile in Greenland, which has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Of the 30 children in Jensens primary school class, five have taken their own lives over the years, she said. With the rise in joblessness, social problems in general have spread. Yet to help rein in public spending, the government has consolidated many health and counseling services in the larger town of Qaqortoq, an hour by boat up the fjord. Jensen suffered from depression while she was in Denmark but was able to find help there relatively easily. Here, she said, you have to be close to death before you can get help. Shed like to think these problems would go away if the mine added jobs and improved local health services, but shes convinced its not that easy. Thats a really romantic picture, she said, but I dont believe it. The shrimper A warming climate has meant the seas around Narsaq are less subject to icing than they used to be, allowing for plans to develop a mining export hub in the bay. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Jorgen Olesen was a shrimper for most of his working life and made a good living at it. When shrimp stocks collapsed, he began ferrying tourists around the fjords. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Until he died in December from a sudden illness at 58, Jorgen Olesen had spent most of his life at sea. He and his brothers owned a small fleet of shrimp boats, and he was fond of telling stories about the days not so long ago when hauling 16 tons of prawns in a three-day run was commonplace. The town had a flow to it then, Olesen had said, when interviewed in September. People were happy. They went to work every day and got paid every two weeks. Narsaqs local processing plant ran 24 hours a day in three shifts, peeling, freezing and packing shrimp for a global market. While climate change seems to be benefiting Greenlands overall fishing industry, coastal shrimping near Narsaq has fallen victim to several factors. Because shrimp thrive in the cold, they have moved to deeper water and farther north as temperatures rise. Royal Greenlands large, modern factory ships are better suited to chasing moving species and can process them more efficiently onboard. To preserve some jobs, the government mandates that 25 percent of the catch be delivered to onshore plants, but Narsaqs was not one of them. Left without a place to land their catch, small boats such as Olesens eventually stopped operating. With less pressure on their numbers, some shrimp are returning to the fjord, raising hopes that the processing plant may reopen one day. Halibut fishing is also better and mackerel are on the rise. But few think Narsaq will see renewed fishing employment anytime soon. Olesen said he had counseled his son to find another career but not in the mine, which he opposed. Even if you thought it made sense to take the environmental risk, Olesen said, mining is unsustainable. The project is expected to run its course in 30 to 40 years, a shorter span than he spent at sea. Young people taking jobs there wont be employed even for a generation, Olesen said. Then theyll just throw them back into unemployment. The farmers Thanks in part to global warming, agriculture thrives in Greenlands south. Elsewhere, the country is cold and barren. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Aviaja Lennert and Klaus Frederiksen rear sheep an hours boat ride from Kvanefjeld. Despite official assurances, they think the mine will be a polluter. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Greenland now has sufficiently warm seasons in the south to accommodate an agricultural sector, which is helped by a state research farm, Upernaviarsuk. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) All that Klaus Frederiksen and Aviaja Lennert have to do to remember why they oppose the mine is to walk out their front door. Sixty-six acres of sheep pasture stretch toward a blue fjord choked with giant ice floes that have calved from the nearby glacier a southern tributary of Greenlands massive ice cap. Frederiksens family has farmed this land for three generations, since the days when South Greenland and North Greenland were separate Danish colonies. (They merged in 1950.) The area has supported agriculture off and on for a millennium: Eric the Red established Greenlands first Norse settlement there after he was banished from Iceland for murder in 982. Frederiksen has firsthand experience with uranium. He apprenticed on a Norwegian sheep farm in 1993 that was still finding radiation in animals seven years after the Soviet Chernobyl nuclear plant accident. He knows the mine is not Chernobyl, but still worries that if radioactive dust drifts northward from Narsaq on Greenlands strong wind currents, it could taint the pastures where he grazes his 600 sheep. GME says there is no threat of such contamination, but farmers fear that even the suggestion of such exposure could turn consumers off the meat from South Greenland and discourage tourism. Like many of their neighbors, Frederiksen and Lennert have developed a nice side income by renting their outbuildings to ecotourists. Lennert thinks a rapidly warming climate will create opportunities to develop new forms of sustainable agriculture. But climate change is also unpredictable. Warming has produced an extended drought in the region that has forced sheep farmers to import fresh hay from Denmark via barge, an enormously expensive undertaking. The government provides some subsidies, but the increase in costs is still painful. Frederiksen said a family used to be able to make a living from 300 sheep but now must own 500 to get by. Even so, Lennert wouldnt trade her life for anyone elses. I feel like Im rich, she said. The seal hunter Sebu Kaspersen is a whale and seal hunter who says cetaceans and pinnipeds are scarcer as the climate warms. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Standing on a bloody dock next to six small boats filled with slabs of whale meat, Sebu Kaspersen, 31, said he, too, is also feeling the effects of climate change. For years, he has hunted adult seals that sun themselves on the sea ice that floats down from East Greenland each spring. But a lack of ice last year meant seals were scarce. Whale hunting has also changed. The 26-foot minke whale that Kaspersen and his hunting partners were selling on the dock filled the areas annual quota of two whales. But that would have happened several months earlier in past years, Kaspersen said, because whales used to arrive in late spring. Whale and seal hunting hardly endears Greenlanders to the rest of the world, but it is a proud Inuit tradition and an important source of food and jobs. As friends and neighbors crowded around the boats to fill bags with meat and blubber, Kaspersen said he considers himself part of an essential circle of life that has sustained both the Inuit and the Arctic environment for thousands of years. Kaspersen grew up on his fathers boat and got his professional hunting license at 18. The work isnt easy, but the idea of trading his life for a job in the mine, he said, is unthinkable. Still, Kaspersen is in favor of the Kvanefjeld project. Having watched Narsaq decline after the shrimp plant closed, he thinks the town needs a new source of jobs. Several of his friends have gone to school to earn mining certificates and are eager to work for GME. Although Kaspersen said he would keep a wary eye on the local environment, hes confident uranium can be mined safely. Today the technology is much better, he said. Im okay with it. The politician An iceberg in South Greenland waters. The countrys quickening glacial melt contributes to rising sea levels, but a warming climate also presents opportunities. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Vittus Qujaukitsoq is the minister for industry, labor, trade and foreign affairs. His government will decide on the plans for a uranium mine. He supports the project. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) For Vittus Qujaukitsoq, Greenlands minister of industry, labor and trade, the question is not whether a uranium mine makes sense for Narsaq but whether the town has any choice. Is it an option for people to be unemployed and supported by subsidies? he asked. No. Qujaukitsoq, who is also Greenlands foreign minister, is a blunt, hard-nosed leader of the Siumut party that has controlled Greenlands government since 2013. Wide-shouldered and solid, he has the pugnacious air of a big-city mayor and is not afraid to pick a fight. He recently demanded that Denmark either clean up nuclear waste generated by a shuttered U.S. missile base or get the United States to do it. After Novembers election, he welcomed the Trump administration, reasoning that its pro-development agenda would benefit Greenland. When asked whether Greenland has the administrative clout to defend itself against foreign money interests, Qujaukitsoq didnt hesitate. Were not afraid of being overrun by the Chinese, he said. Qujaukitsoq and his Siumut colleagues successfully petitioned Denmark for the right to mine and export uranium, with a critical ruling in Denmark last June. That seemed to clear the way for the Kvanefjeld mine. But amid growing opposition to the project organized by the anti-uranium Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party, Siumut shook up its governing coalition and joined with IA in a pro-independence coalition government. Both sides agreed to put aside the uranium issue for now while they concentrate on areas of agreement. The issue will come to a head when GME and Shenghe Resources submit their impact statements, putting Siumuts political clout to the test. IA is not anti-mining, but uranium will be a sticking point. For Qujaukitsoq, however, the stakes are bigger: Is Greenland ready to carve out a larger place for itself in the world? Qujaukitsoq insisted there is no reason to think the laws and frameworks in place will not protect Greenlands interests environmental, cultural and political. Is our small size a concern? he said. No. We have to become more than we are. . . . Everything has a price, including our freedom. Its a question of how willing the people are to be free. The shopkeeper In struggling Narsaq, some residents look forward to mining jobs, while others think the mine will finish off the town. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) I was positive about the mine, but now Im a father and I see things different, said Hans Knudsen. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Hans Knudsen did not expect to be back here. He had gone away after primary school and eventually studied IT support and multimedia Web design in Denmark. He thought he was headed for a job in the new economy. But when the shrimp plant shut down, his fathers variety store began to falter. Fishermen and plant workers customers for cigarettes, laundry detergent and much else once were a steady clientele, but now their patronage was gone. Knudsens father called him home to help out. He complied. And like his father, Knudsen, 33, was initially a big supporter of the mine proposal. The town needed jobs, and a mine could provide them. But then he began a relationship with a local girl, and they had a child. The mine opponents warnings about toxic dust floating over the town began to resonate. Im worried about my own family now, he said. But hes also concerned about keeping the family business afloat. Hes stuck on the fence, not sure what to think and full of anxiety about the future. I dont know, he said. Im not saying no and Im not saying yes. South Greenlands waters get less ice these days, and that means open seas for exporting the uranium mines output. (Sirio Magnabosco/Arctic Times Project) Michael Oneal went to Greenland as part of the nonprofit Arctic Times Project, an international team of journalists exploring transformation in the Arctic region. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Allagashs Hoppy Table Beer. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post) The groundhog saw his shadow. Snow is in the forecast. But spring is just around the corner, and until it gets here, Im going to drink an Allagash beer that makes me think of the brighter, greener days ahead. Hoppy Table Beer is the first new addition to the Maine brewery folks year-round lineup since 2014, after making its debut as a brewery-only release last summer. Honestly, this was too good to keep to themselves. Allagash says the new offering is inspired by the Belgian tradition of low-ABV [alcohol by volume], easily drinkable beers. That and the name make it seem like such a simple beer, compared with Allagashs barrel-aged and spontaneously fermented ales, but Hoppy Table Beer has a surprising depth. The light-straw color and big, white head make it look like a witbier, but the aromas are of bright lemon zest and grassy hops. Notes of coriander and a peppery spice are revealed in the body, which has a lovely crispness and a surprisingly soft mouth feel. The hops are assertive throughout, and the beer is dry-hopped with Azacca and Comet, leading to a piney and grapefruity bitterness and a very dry finish. I typically think about drinking Allagash beers by the goblet or snifter, but I would definitely take a pitcher of this especially because its only 4.8 percent alcohol by volume. Now, if only the sun would hang around for a few days so I could enjoy this on a patio. Fritz Hahn Allagash Hoppy Table Beer. allagash.com. About $10 for a four-pack of 12-ounce bottles. Now that the intense media coverage of new U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is over, could we please turn our attention to a little-noticed threat to our most effective high school classes? Congress congratulated itself last year when it passed the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). But its Republican and Democratic sponsors failed to say they were blindsiding teachers and students responsible for a remarkable surge of academic depth in high schools. The most challenging courses in American public education have been expanding rapidly since the federal government in 1998 began subsidizing disadvantaged students exam fees in college-level courses, particularly the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. In 2016, 941,557 AP exams were taken by students from low-income families. At that moment of startling success, the congressional sponsors of ESSA killed the program. Nobody knows yet what will happen as the students scramble to find money for those tough exams in May. Many people know how prized AP and IB courses are in suburban schools. Students who want to attend selective colleges essentially have to take them. Most of their parents and schools can afford the fees, $93 for the three-hour AP exams and about $116 for what are often five-hour IB exams. But few people have witnessed the transformation that comes from bringing AP and IB into disadvantaged schools. Go into high schools like Wakefield in Arlington County, Columbia Heights in the District, Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, Foshay in south-central Los Angeles or Young Womens Prep in Miami and you see kids on fire asking questions, arguing historical points and polishing their writing. IDEA Public Schools, a charter network in Texas that enrolls mostly low-income students, has AP test participation rates at some campuses twice as high as affluent public schools such as McLean or private institutions such as National Cathedral School. How will their students handle fees far above the $5 to $15 per test they have paid in the past? If we take away the reimbursement for the AP test, we take away a powerful incentive that moved more kids to test, said Tom Torkelson, chief executive of IDEA Public Schools. Our experience tells us that there will be many students who will not register for exams if support for test fees is not available, said Colleen Duffy, a spokeswoman for IB. The College Board has been encouraging low-income student participation in AP for more than 30 years, beginning with its embrace of East Los Angeles mathematics teacher Jaime Escalante. Escalante and a teacher he trained produced 26 percent of all Mexican American students in the country in 1987 who passed an AP calculus exam. Escalante showed that such results were possible if teachers gave more students more encouragement and time to learn. Trevor Packer, the College Board vice president who oversees AP, said there are more than 500,000 low-income students sitting in AP classes now who are affected by the funding changes. The College Board has increased its low-income subsidy from $22 to $31 per exam, which totals more than the former federal subsidy. But it still has to pay for expert human graders who are much more expensive than the machines that score multiple-choice state tests, or the SAT and ACT. Some Washington-area districts, including the District, Prince Georges County and Charles County, say they will protect disadvantaged students from increased fees this year. Nineteen states are using their funds as a stopgap this year while seeing how much money will be available from underfunded federal block grants which AP and IB have to share with dozens of other programs, but most states havent done much. Escalantes students held carwashes to pay for tests. Such old-fashioned funding may be necessary. Rich folks like DeVos could put their money where it would do immediate good if they asked local public schools how to support teenagers who need to more money for those big tests. Prathik Naidu, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va., is one of 40 finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the nations best-known and most competitive science fairs. His project examines the DNA in cancer cells. (Courtesy of Prathik Naidu) They are digging into the structure of the genes behind cancer, studying the mysterious forces of the cosmos and developing software to read emotions. The 40 finalists of the Regeneron Science Talent Search who arrive in the District next month represent the pinnacle of science research among teens. Their projects could translate into important developments in science and medicine. Four are from the Washington area: Prathik Naidu, of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County; David Rekhtman, of Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda; and Sambuddha Chattopadhyay and Rohan Dalvi, both of Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring. [From 2016: These teen scientists, vying for $1 million in scholarships, will give you faith in the future] The contest, previously known as the Intel Science Talent Search, has a new name and a new principal sponsor. Regeneron, a biotechnology company, was started by two talent-search finalists. The contests aim is the same. Fellow finalist Emily Peterson, 17, of New York, conducts research at the Living Skin Bank, housed in the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, in summer 2016. Peterson's research examines a protein that appears to be critical for wound repair and hopes her research will someday be used to improve how doctors treat burn victims. (Courtesy of Emily Peterson) We are looking for the future scientific leaders of this country, said Maya Ajmera, the president and chief executive of the Society for Science & the Public, which produces the science talent search. The teens in the competition are more than lab geeks. Many work part-time jobs and throw their skills and time into volunteering. Some have founded nonprofit organizations dedicated to classical language and computer science. Nearly half are athletes, and several edit student publications. [From 2016: Meet the teen who just won $150,000 for inventing a device to diagnose lung disease] The kids are incredibly well-rounded. They not only do science research, but they are involved in all aspects of the world around them, Ajmera said. They want to make the world a better place, and they see this as a steppingstone. All finalists will receive $25,000 scholarships. The top prize comes with a $250,000 scholarship. Here is a look at some of the finalists: When Prathik Naidu, 17, envisioned becoming a research scientist, he saw himself in a white lab jacket. He performed his first experiments using a chemistry kit he got for his birthday in his parents kitchen, donning miniature goggles. Then he spent a summer at Johns Hopkins University, where he discovered computational biology, a field in which scientists use computers to make predictions and process large amounts of biological data. They are more prone to be found hunched over a computer than a petri dish. Thats what really got me interested in bridging the gap between computer science and biology, Naidu said. Naidus project, developed during a summer internship at MIT, examines the genes of cancer cells in a three-dimensional way with software he built himself. This gives us an unprecedented insight into the inner working of cancer cells, something that we havent be able to see before using normal techniques, Naidu said. His passion for computational biology has taken him to an international conference in Dublin, where he was the only high school student to present research. It also led him to establish a computational biology conference, hoping to get middle and high school students excited about real-world applications of computer science. He has applied his love of computer science to an entirely different field: ancient languages. He is the founder of the Classics Project, which aims to promote Latin and Greek in the classroom and in veterans homes. Naidu has led groups, with veterans reading classics such as The Aeneid. If I learn something cool, then someone else should know it, too, Naidu said. If he could spread his excitement about computer science or the classics to a younger generation of students, that could create the next generation of young scientists or young researchers or young change-makers. Sambuddha Chattopadhyay, 17, sees himself not only as a budding physicist but also as an explorer akin to the movie character Indiana Jones. Rather than chasing relics in booby-trapped temples in Peru, Sambuddha is probing mysteries of the far reaches of the universe theoretically speaking. Its very much like being like Indiana Jones, Chattopadhyay said. Youre on the forefront of putting stuff in museums, but just in a different way. Chattopadhyays project explores dark energy, an enigmatic phenomenon that is causing the accelerating expansion of the universe, he said. Physicists discovered dark energy in the late 1990s, but have had difficulty quantifying it and understanding it. Were very much in the dark of how to deal with dark energy, Chattopadhyay said. He said his research may provide a viable path to understanding dark energy in the future. Outside the laboratory, Chattopadhyay helps Blair High put on a math tournament for middle schoolers and performs Bengali songs and poetry. After his school day ends at Whitman High, David Rekhtman, 18, leaves campus for an unusual activity: research at the National Institutes of Health. There, Rekhtman, who is in the second year of a special high school internship program at NIH, helped discover something that could lead to an important breakthrough in cancer treatment. Rekhtmans project examines the potential of immunogenic cell death in cancer treatment, which he explained as training the immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells. The approach could come with fewer side effects than common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. Its better to use your own body to fight disease than it is to use many many different kinds of drugs, Rekhtman said. Rekhtman experimented with heating cancer cells using a laser, a simple approach that appeared to prompt an immune response, at least within the confines of the lab. Now, the technique is being tested in clinical trials at NIH, where researchers will test its effectiveness in real patients. Rohan Dalvi, 17, has been drawn to biology for a simple reason: I really like that its sort of driven by the desire to improve human lives, he said. Dalvi spent the summer of 2015 at a genetics lab at Johns Hopkins University, where he grew deeply fascinated by the interactions between the molecules. For his project, Dalvi worked with researchers in a Georgetown University chemistry lab, where he aided them in developing a faster and more efficient technique for gauging the size and structure of biomolecules the molecules that make up living organisms. It is a long way from being refined, but Dalvi said if it is ever adopted on a large scale, it could accelerate drug research. Developing a new drug can be a tedious game of hit-or-miss, so a new tool that can analyze molecules faster and more efficiently could be a game-changer. Dalvi said the new technique has the potential to look at the structure of a drug molecule and its ability to bind to a protein at the same time. That could give researchers clues to how effective a drug would be. The technique could also give researchers a better sense of how proteins function, aiding them in studying diseases and developing better treatments. We can potentially understand the mechanisms on a molecular level that underlay some of these diseases, Rohan said. *** When Emily Peterson was in elementary school, she started an organization to buy teddy bears for young burn victims at Stonybrook Hospital in New York, an effort inspired by her firefighter father. She recalls the first time she delivered a bear to a patient, a 3- or 4-year-old boy covered in bandages. I remember walking into the room. This little boy was just crying and screaming to his parents because it hurt so badly, said Peterson, now 17, a senior at Smithtown High School East in St. James, N.Y. It really opened my eyes to how severe it can be and how devastating it could be to someones life. As an eighth grader, she learned about a researchers work on improving and speeding up recovery for burn victims while she made waffles for an awards ceremony at the burn center. She then discovered her calling: to improve the lives of burn victims. Peterson started her research at 16 at the Living Skin Bank, part of the Stony Book School of Dental Medicine. She has focused on probing the function of a special protein, called lecithin-retinol acyltransferase, or LRAT, that plays a role in wound repair. Her research suggests that the absence of the protein could play a role in skin cancer because cancerous cells do not express the protein. Emily hopes her work will help doctors develop better treatments for burn victims. Much of the foundational treatment, she said, has not changed for centuries and still involves an abundance of patience and extreme pain. She said her work with burn patients will continue to drive her efforts. Ive met the person who my research is going to affect someday and I know the problem thats its going to help, Emily said. Once we gain enough knowledge about the healthy wound-healing process, well be able to improve that in burn victims. *** Students in developing countries face plenty of challenges in getting an education: a lack of books and pencils, and in some cases, a teacher. Krithika Iyer, 17, of Plano, Tex., said some students are now relying primarily or exclusively on donated laptops and tablets, loaded with software, to get their education without a teacher who can explain difficult-to-comprehend subjects and encourage them when they feel challenged. So she created an app that can read a students face through a camera and help gauge whether a student is comprehending a subject or growing frustrated. When theres no teachers, you really dont get the social atmosphere, Iyer said. This is trying to take into account the students emotional response. Iyer said emotional cues are critical to help teachers discern whether a student is absorbing a topic, and she aims to try to replicate that with the app. If a student is alone and struggling, the app could develop a feature that prompts a message suggesting a student take a break or directing the student to less-challenging materials. Iyer said the app could help keep students in the virtual classroom. Working alone, some could be tempted to give up. It will allow them to have a social atmosphere because the system will take in their emotions and will give them more humanlike response, Iyer said. When they reach that critical stage of frustration, where they just want to give up, if theres a system that can understand that theyre frustrated and do something about it, that will keep them engaged. MARYLAND Infant suffers methadone overdose A 1-year-old infant who showed symptoms of poisoning was determined to be suffering from an overdose of methadone, the Calvert County sheriffs office said. They said the child, who had been under a grandmothers care at her home in the county, was taken to Calvert Memorial Hospital on Thursday after his mother picked him up. He was later transferred to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, the sheriffs office said. Methadone is an opioid medication. The child, who was not identified, was listed in critical condition, the sheriffs office said. The sheriffs office said the grandmother was charged with child abuse and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. Martin Weil Fire causes heavy damage in Accokeek Flames tore through the roof Friday of a house in the Accokeek area, the Prince Georges County fire department said. The blaze in the 14900 block of West Ridge Road was accidental but caused $250,000 in damage and displaced the residents, fire spokesman Mark Brady said. Martin Weil THE DISTRICT Man shot, wounded in the leg in Northeast A man was shot Saturday afternoon on the eastern end of the H Street NE strip, D.C. police said. The shooting apparently occurred about 12:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of H Street, based on an account from police. They said ammunition casings were found there after the sound of shooting was reported. The victim was later found near 15th and Morse streets NE, about five blocks away, the police said. He had a non-life-threatening gunshot wound in a leg, they said. Martin Weil Gunpoint daytime robbery on Capitol Hill A gunpoint robbery occurred Saturday in an apartment house on Capitol Hill, police said. They said the female victim had gotten out of an elevator in a building in the 500 block of Ninth Street NE when the robber approached. She told police that he showed a black handgun, took her purse and ran down the buildings stairs. The street is just north of Maryland Avenue and includes both rowhouses and apartment houses. Police said the robber was described as a dark-skinned black man in his mid to late 20s, thin and about 6 feet tall. Police said he wore a black hooded jacket and black jeans. Martin Weil VIRGINIA Thefts from 15 cars in North Arlington Fifteen cars were entered on a street in North Arlington and numerous valuable items were taken, the Arlington police said. They said the thefts were reported in the 3800 block of 38th Street about 8:30 a.m. Thursday. That indicated that the thefts probably occurred late Wednesday or early Thursday. The neighborhood is one of the quietest in the area. It is near Military and N. Glebe roads, about a half-mile from Chain Bridge. Police said most of the vehicles involved were not locked. Martin Weil THE REGION Yes, some saw lunar eclipse despite clouds Some people in the Washington region did see and even photograph the lunar eclipse Friday night despite the overcast skies. Photos of the gray moon above the Washington Monument were posted on Twitter. The grayness was characteristic of the type of eclipse, in which the moon did not enter the darkest part of the Earths shadow. Instead, it was in the area called the penumbra. In one Twitter photo, the face of the moon was not only gray but also mottled with clouds. By 2 a.m. Saturday, the eclipse was long over, but skygazers could see overhead the February full moon that is known as the Snow Moon. (It should be noted that despite the designation, no snow fell here.) Martin Weil Brendon Hanafin, chief of Prince Williams historic preservation division, points out some original siding at the Barnes house. (Jonathan Hunley for The Washington Post) If one of the goals of a library is to make stories come alive for patrons, Montclair Community Library, with a historic home sitting right next door, has an advantage. The librarys neighbor, the Barnes house, is the former home of freed slave Eppa Barnes and his family. Prince William County preservationists are restoring the two-story structure, and it will be open for hard-hat tours Feb. 25 in recognition of Black History Month. The preservation of the home, which measures about 1,500 square feet, dates to 2003. Built in 1797 in the Independent Hill area, the building was in danger of being torn down when Route 234 was being widened. But Prince Williams Board of County Supervisors agreed to save it, Brendon Hanafin, chief of the historic preservation division of the county public works department, said last week. The house was moved to Prince Williams landfill property in January 2004, because that was the closest secure facility the county owned. It was brought to its current site in November 2014. About 70 percent of the original structure remains, Hanafin said, and restoration work should be done by September. Interest in the building is already high. Hard-hat tours a year ago drew about 140 people, Hanafin said, some of whom arrived more than an hour early. This is how people remember, he said, patting the white, beaded clapboard siding on the front of the home. County researchers are still learning about Eppa Barnes, his family and their home. Theyre not sure who originally owned the building, but they know Moses and Nancy Copen bought the house and surrounding property in 1834. The Copen family also owned slaves, including Jane Barnes and her three children. After the Barnes family obtained their freedom, Moses Copens daughter, Permilia, wanted them to continue to work at her farm, so she gave Jane Barnes a small house and 7 acres of land. Jane Barness son Eppa left the Copen farm, but by 1875, he had returned to the area. He married Amanda Lambert, and in 1899, they purchased the farm, including the home that remains. Eppa and Amanda Barnes eventually owned more than 300 acres of farmland and raised 12 children. Eppa Barnes died in 1930. His familys legacy lives on, though. Corinne C. Doerr, who represents the area that includes the Montclair library on the Prince William Public Library System Board of Trustees, said the Barnes house was always a part of the plan for the library land. She and Hanafin said that an earlier concept even called for placing the Barnes house inside the library, but that idea was scrapped. Doerr would like for volunteer docents eventually to take tours through the Barnes house, and for the site to become a destination for school field trips. A fourth-grade teacher at Henderson Elementary School, Doerr appreciates the history the Barnes house can bring to life for students such as hers. In Virginia, fourth-graders study state history. Another idea of Doerrs would be to incorporate the Barnes house into a larger look at Prince William-area history. Perhaps a map could be created noting the past of sites such as the former Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth, chartered in 1893 by former slave Jennie Dean, she said. It could also include information about the history of the town of Dumfries as a Colonial port, for example, or about the legacy of the Marines as told at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The Rev. Cozy Bailey, president of the Prince William branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said the Barnes house could be particularly useful as an educational tool if it displays other artifacts that illuminate the African American experience. Society has yet to reach the post-racial atmosphere some thought possible in the 21st century, Bailey said. But if Americans can learn from the past, he said, maybe theyll be able to live together more respectfully in the future. Thats called hope, he said. Hard-hat tours of the Barnes house are scheduled for Feb. 25 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The house is outside the Montclair Community Library, 5049 Waterway Dr., Dumfries. A $5 donation is suggested. For information, call 703-792-4754. I walked past a glass-walled conference room at The Washington Post the other day and felt a complex mix of emotions. There was a meeting going on inside, and I hadnt been invited. I actually dont go to many meetings these days. As a columnist, Im like a commando: I work alone behind enemy lines, surviving on my guile and expense account. I was given my orders years ago disrupt enemy supply chains; write about squirrels and now I carry out solo hit-and-run raids, then fade back into the jungle. On the rare occasions when Im roped into going to a meeting, Im the guy sitting at the back of the room with his feet up, trimming his cuticles with a Ka-Bar knife, not quite comfortable with the stultifying conventions of bureaucratic life. Meetings? Ha! Who has the time? An article in the British Psychology Societys Research Digest said a third of all meetings are unproductive, costing companies $37 billion a year. But back when I was on the management side of things, I went to meetings all the time: planning meetings, budget meetings, HR meetings. . . . Meetings were like an orrery, that complex mechanical model of the solar system that shows the movement of the planets. I could track my progress through the week, month, year by the meetings I attended. To be honest, I kind of liked meetings. Im a sucker for anything that makes me feel like a grown-up, and meetings certainly qualify. They are the pinstripe suit, necktie and polished wingtips of the business world: a little uncomfortable and mainly for show. Hardly anybody wears wingtips anymore, but companies still have meetings. We do here at The Post, at least. I walk past them all the time: from a half-dozen to a few dozen people sitting in one of our conference rooms engaged in the timeless act of talking about figuring out the best way to maybe start deciding whether or not to perhaps do something. Sure, most meetings are tedious, but there always exists the chance that you might say something in one that advances your career: Good point, Johnson. I like your thinking. (Of course, theres also the equal chance you might destroy it.) But things have changed since I was last a meeting habitue. At meetings 20 years ago, the person with the best handwriting would be stationed at an easel that held a big pad of paper or maybe at an erasable white board. With marker in hand, he or she would jot down ideas. Scattered on the conference table would be printed agendas. Today, a screen on a wall displays the meetings agenda and any other information that might need to be accessed and mulled over. Some attendees dont even need to bother coming to the meeting. They can dial in from their remote locations, watching on their computers or listening on their phones. Im sorry, but that is not a meeting. Do you think Sir Galahad and Sir Bedivere WebExed their way into meetings of the Round Table? Do you think John F. Kennedy set up a Google Hangout to discuss the Cuban Missile Crisis? Do you think the College of Cardinals picks a pope via video conference? Meetings require face time, not FaceTime. And they require boredom. This was the main thing that struck me about the meeting I walked past the other day: It looked like every person in there was tapping or swiping on his or her cell phone or laptop. Taking notes? I doubt it. Anyone can survive a meeting if they can use their cellphone or laptop to surreptitiously check Facebook or eBay. Back in my day, all we had were the insides of our own minds. We had to tough it out. We couldnt alleviate boredom by watching a cat video or sending a funny Tweet. We had to doodle in the margins of our legal pad. We had to suppress yawns and stave off sleep by digging our fingernails into our palms. Or, and this is my real point, we had to pay attention to what was going on in the room. I cant help but wonder if our ability to multi-task during meetings has just spawned . . . more meetings. Someone should probably schedule a meeting to discuss this. Meet cute Whats the worst thing that ever happened to you in a meeting? Sat in the wrong conference room for an hour? Thought your phone was muted while you had a fight with your boyfriend? Email me your meeting stories, with Meetings in the subject line. Twitter: @johnkelly For previous columns, visit washingtonpost.com/johnkelly. PM: Works for construction of Fast Track to begin in a month Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said works for construction of much-hyped and much-awaited Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track would begin within a month. TUESDAY, FEB. 7 Police identify remains found in Woodbridge Prince William County authorities said they have determined that the human remains found last week in the 1100 block of Marseille Lane in Woodbridge were those of a 61-year-old Woodbridge man who committed suicide. Family members reported the man missing Nov. 11. FRIDAY, FEB. 10 Patriot High removes pro-diversity posters Students at Patriot High School in Nokesville wondered last week why administrators took down the International Clubs hand-drawn posters promoting diversity at the school, even though they had obtained approval for the display, according to club members. On Thursday evening, the schools principal, Michael Bishop, addressed the controversy in an email to the school community, acknowledging that things got off on the wrong foot and we are hoping to change that. . . . [The posters] mentioned several groups, but unfortunately, others in the school felt left out. He did not elaborate on which groups felt left out. Bishop told students a suggestion box would be made available Friday for them to offer their thoughts about the many groups that need to be represented as part of our inclusive community. Fairfax County was legally justified when it fired one of its staff attorneys for winning election to the Fairfax City Council in 2014, a federal appeals court has ruled. The opinion marked the end of a nearly three-year saga for Nancy Fry Loftus, who had worked as an assistant Fairfax County attorney for 17 years, handling tax collection and bankruptcy matters. A native of Fairfax City, she asked her boss, then-Fairfax County attorney David Bobzien, in early 2014 if she could run for city council. Loftus said Bobzien and another county attorney gave her their approval, and she filed her candidacy. But two weeks before the election, Bobzien sent her a memo telling her that she would be terminated if she won. The interactions between Fairfax County and Fairfax City could create intractable conflicts, Bobzien said, citing ethics opinions from the Virginia State Bar. Although there is a Virginia law that bars localities from prohibiting its employees participation in politics, Bobzien said there was no right to actually hold office. Simply, she could run, but she could not win. Loftus ran, she won, and she was fired. Her part-time council job paid about $4,500, while her county attorney job paid about $85,000 annually. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled unanimously Wednesday that the firing was permissible. Public employees who desire to hold elected office, Judge G. Steven Agee wrote, face restrictions different from those faced by nonpublic employees by virtue of the special trust and responsibilities of being a public employee. This is particularly true for lawyer-legislators who are public employees, as they are further bound by the ethical requirements of their profession. Loftus argued that firing her infringed on her First Amendment right to free speech. We conclude any infringement was minimal, Agee wrote. He said that the County was not required to sit idly by as one of its employee lawyers took on additional duties or allegiances to another locality or political constituency whose interests are or could be adverse to its own. And even though Virginia has a law stating that no locality shall prohibit an employee of the locality . . . from participating in political activities . . . while off duty, the appeals court ruled that the law did not provide for any private lawsuit if violated and does not mention actually holding office as a protected right. J. Chapman Chap Petersen, a Virginia state senator from Fairfax City who represented Loftus, said that basically makes the right to run law meaningless. He said the ruling leaves Virginia public employees without any remedy if they are threatened by their boss with termination if they become a candidate for public office. Fairfax County officials declined to comment on the ruling. Bobzien retired last year. Loftus was disappointed by the ruling. I tried to follow the rules and do the right thing, she said. David Bobzien gave me permission, in writing, to serve on the city council and to continue working for the county. . . . Then, for some reason, two months into the campaign, something or someone suddenly changed Davids mind. Just two weeks before the election, he summoned me to his office and threatened that if I did not drop out of the race, he would fire me if I won. Loftus noted the appeals ruling cited other jurisdictions that had Hatch Act-type policies against political participation by employees, but Fairfax does not. In fact, other Fairfax County employees, even other attorneys, have held elected office in Fairfax City without any repercussions. I was singled out and treated differently. That is the antithesis of free speech. Police are still seeking leads and a suspect in the shooting death of Johan de Leede, shown in this undated family photo. He was shot and killed at his home in the Mason Neck area. (Family photo) The retired World Bank economist and his wife found a refuge in their large home on an idyllic bend of the Potomac. Johan de Leede, 83, tended flowers, took grandchildren out on the river in a flotilla of little boats and sparred with guests over politics around a crackling fire. De Leede was happiest when the house was full, and so it was one night last March when a gunman crept up behind the residence in Fairfax County, his family said. De Leede sat drinking a warm milk and eating a banana in front of the TV in his living room. While his wife and her relatives slept in nearby bedrooms, the gunman unleashed a barrage of gunfire, hitting de Leede multiple times in the back just after 1 a.m., the family said. De Leede later died, and his killer slipped into the night. Nearly 11 months later, the de Leede family said in their first public comments about the killing that it makes no more sense today than it did that night. Who would target an elderly man quietly living out his golden years? They hope speaking out can help crack the case. The circumstances have made the slaying of the avid outdoorsman and civic activist one of the most mysterious in the D.C. area. Fairfax County police revealed this month that a pickup truck was seen leaving the neighborhood near de Leedes home on River Drive in Lorton on the night of the killing and asked that anyone with information come forward. LORTON, VA - MARCH 11: Police and other agencies line the street near Johan De Leede's home. Police are investigating the murder of 83-year-old De Leede. (Photo by Antonio Olivo/TWP) [Retired World Bank economist, 83, found slain in upscale Va. neighborhood] De Leedes slaying would be tragic under any circumstances, but the family said the lack of answers has lent it a special cruelty. Liesbeth de Leede, 78, who was married to Johan for 56 years, described herself as lost in a note to The Washington Post. She said she was too distraught to sit for an interview, but her daughter-in-law did agree to speak for the family. The de Leedes said the home that was the center of the familys life, where Johan de Leede joyfully tripped over his grandchildrens toys and they warmly shared large gatherings at Christmas, has become a place of mourning. I do not feel at home, Liesbeth de Leede wrote. The last thing Johan would have ever imagined is to die in this way in a house he loved so much. The de Leedes residence sits in an upscale neighborhood of $1 million homes on the Mason Neck peninsula, which is about 45 minutes south of the District but feels much farther away because of its bucolic beauty. The home has views of the river, which laps at the back yard. Johan and Liesbeth were born in the Netherlands and emigrated to the United States in 1970, when he got a job at the World Bank. De Leede spent 25 years working on improving economic infrastructure in Sudan and other African countries before retiring. He helped spearhead the Mason Neck Trail project in the area. He had four children and eight grandchildren. The night of the killing unfolded with little indication of the trouble to come, said Susie Paul-de Leede, de Leedes daughter-in-law. On March 10, de Leede and his wife were hosting her siblings, who were visiting from abroad. The couple and the three houseguests had a lively dinner that night, before everyone except Johan de Leede turned in about 11:30 p.m., Paul-de Leede said. Shortly after 1 a.m., Liesbeth de Leede wrote she was awoke by the sound of gunfire. At first, Liesbeth thought the shots had come from a program her husband was watching on TV. She found de Leede lying on the floor. She thought he had fallen. But in the minutes that followed, Liesbeth noticed broken glass and blinds. She realized with growing alarm that Johan had been shot. The family said it appears de Leede was sitting in a chair in the living room when he was struck by the bullets. They said it appeared the shooter remained outside and fired through a back window of the house. Paul-de Leede said the family believes de Leede then staggered out of the chair and fell. Johan was hit in the back three or four times, and other bullets were discovered in the home, Paul-de Leede said. The slaying touched off a massive search for the assailant. Fairfax County police combed the property and surrounding areas with dogs and a helicopter, but the perpetrator was never located. The de Leede family was in shock as the story played out on the local news the next morning. The family had watched countless news reports about murders, but now they were the ones featured. On the banner at the bottom of the screen was his name, Paul-de Leede said of her father-in-law. Its just surreal. The phone starts ringing, and people are checking in to see if its true. That day, Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. appealed for the publics help, calling the case a true mystery. In the months that followed, police canvassed the neighborhood, set up a checkpoint, put divers in the river and filed a search warrant for cellphone numbers that had pinged a nearby tower on the night of the killing. Second Lt. Ron Haugsdahl of the Fairfax County police homicide unit said police have yet to discover a suspect or motive, despite ongoing efforts. He renewed the chiefs call for assistance, mentioning the public could provide tips anonymously via the CrimeStoppers program. As far as active suspects, we still do need the publics help, Haugsdahl said. Mainly, its because we havent had any breaks in the case to link evidence weve found at the scene to a suspect. Haugsdahl declined to discuss the evidence, saying it might jeopardize the probe. He did say a neighbor saw a dark, full-size pickup truck leaving the area quickly with its lights off on the night of the shooting. He said it remains unclear whether the truck is tied to the crime. Haugsdahl said police are also still working to unravel another mystery about the case: Did the killer arrive at the scene by land or water? They havent been able to arrive at a definitive answer. Like the police, the de Leede family has spent months turning over the killing in their minds. Paul-de Leede said they have failed to find any enemies, financial issues or feuds in de Leedes past that might have led him to be targeted. That has left them apprehensive: Could the perpetrator strike again? Despite the fears, Paul-de Leede said their lives have begun to settle into a new normal. They try to remember de Leede as he lived, not as he died, for the benefit of the grandchildren. The family is working to reclaim the house they love so much. Still, finding the killer would bring some sense of closure. The week after de Leedes slaying, the family held a memorial service attended by mourners who came from as far as Europe and Japan. Paul-de Leede said each mourner dropped a flower in the river that de Leede loved so much. You are altered, Paul-de Leede said of the killing. Maybe you dont see things as nicely as before. Our bubble has been burst. Passengers on the Green Line are seen at the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station in Washington. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post) As Metro stares down a $290 million budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year, it is all but certain the agency will dip into a pool of federal grant money to offset some of the costs. The question is how much of the annual formula-based allotment, intended for long-term maintenance and planning needs, the agency will instead use to cover day-to-day expenses. Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld has proposed using $60 million of the $300 million pot to support short-term needs for the fiscal year that begins July 1. But some board members want to increase that amount by tens of millions to stave off fare increases and service cuts, continuing a trend in which the transit system has dipped deeper and deeper into federal money intended for capital needs to fill holes in its operating budget. Congress and the Federal Transit Administration have in the past criticized the agency for the practice. Meanwhile, former Metro officials, who embraced the budget move during their terms, now warn against it saying that years of deferring the systems long-term needs to balance the budget contributed to the systems deterioration. Metro leaders say they might be left with no choice, however. The revenue gap is driven in part by declining ridership, and the agency is weighing fare increases and service reductions that threaten to accelerate the decline. [Metro sank into crisis despite decades of warnings] Even Metro Board Chairman Jack Evans, who last fall vowed not to repeat the practice saying, even if its legal were not doing it has changed his mind. I would rather not do it, Evans said recently. I would rather get money from [the District, Maryland and Virginia] and the federal government. If that is not going to come, then we have that hard choice. The District, Maryland and Virginia already have agreed to increase the amount of money they contribute to Metro included in Wiedefelds fiscal year 2018 budget. But still their contributions will not be enough to cover the budget shortfall, and Wiedefeld has proposed raising bus and rail fares, reducing the frequency of trains and eliminating bus routes to limit operating costs. The funds needed to avoid those steps would have to come from the jurisdictions or the grant money, Evans said. [Budget proposal paints grim portrait of Metros future] Its a clear change of heart for Evans, who last year said: Well, well do it, Ill just quit. Over the long term, its impractical because you need the capital dollars to do the capital improvements. The FTA has yet to make a final decision on whether Metros proposed budget makes appropriate use of the formula funds, an agency spokesman said Friday. The agency, which has assumed temporary safety oversight of Metro, said it requires that the funds be spent on correcting safety deficiencies before being steered toward other projects. The FTA is comparing Metros proposed list of projects with the transit systems safety and state of good repair needs before reaching a conclusion, the spokesman said. And as the region learned in the past week, running afoul of FTA guidance can have serious ramifications. The FTA announced Friday that it will withhold millions of dollars in funding from the District, Maryland and Virginia because they missed a deadline to create an independent Metro oversight commission. The largest amount, more than $4 million, would have flowed to Metro between now and September. The FTA said it will not give any of the three jurisdictions any of the money, which could total as much as $15 million over a full fiscal year, until the oversight commission has been established. [U. S. withholds millions of dollars until Metro Safety Commission is created] To complicate matters, the FTA also has given Metro indications in recent months that the transit system might be okay in shifting the funds. Capital funds cannot be used for operating costs such as wages, but they technically can be steered toward preventive maintenance, which the FTA considers a capital expense, the agency said. The term is essentially meaningless, however. Under one grant definition, the FTA says preventive maintenance is all maintenance. Under that definition, one former Metro official said, money that the transit system reserved for uses such as traction power upgrades, railcar rehabilitation and replacement, and fixing rotting tracks, could instead be used for oil changes and wiping down rail cars. Former Metro board chairman Tom Downs, who approved the redirection of capital funds during his tenure, while acknowledging the risks, said it amounts to financial trickery. Its the work that didnt get done on rail, on ties, on connectors, on the power system, Downs said. The problem with the use of capital [funds] for operating is that the effects are not seen for years. Board policy has traditionally limited capital funding of preventive maintenance to $31 million annually. But Metro has increasingly drawn from the federal cash pool in recent years. Last year, as the agency sought to avoid fare increases and service cuts, in what was then also viewed as a dire budget situation, Metro made what it called a one-time increase to $95 million. [Metros SafeTrack is eating into this years ridership revenue] Wiedefelds proposed budget takes the amount down to $60 million. But in the face of daunting cuts, some board members are suggesting the amount be increased to $80 million or more. Whether we stay at 60 or go up to 70, 80, 90 I think thats all on the table for discussion, depending on what we can do, Evans said. He pointed out that other systems also use federal grant money for maintenance. For fiscal year 2016, the comparably smaller Boston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles systems used between 5 and 21 percent of their federal grant funds for preventive maintenance, respectively, according to a recent FTA memo. But neither New York, the nations busiest subway, nor Chicago, the third, used federal funds in that manner. (Metro is the countrys second-busiest subway.) Wiedefeld acknowledges that spending capital funds for operating needs has a downside potentially deferring long-term work that has been neglected in the system. But, he said, the decision ultimately is up to the board. I mean, its a slippery slope when you use capital money for operating, he said. The boards got to make a tough call on that one. Former board chairman Mortimer L. Downey, who also approved the practice while on the panel, said the move is particularly risky now when the future of all federal funding for mass transit is uncertain. The Republican Party platform calls for the end of such funding, saying it is a local responsibility. With a Republican president and Republican-controlled Congress, there are fears that that could become a reality. [Metro gets some financial breathing room but only for the short-term] Making the fight for capital funds is weakened if youre actually using them for operating, Downey said. Downey, however, defended his decision to approve the use of $95 million of the funds while he was on the board, citing the dire and limited circumstances. Part of the agreement was that it would only be for one year, he said. Once the budget is totally cooked, I had to vote for it. What would be the effects of prolonging the practice? For the system in itself, it would be a reduction in the replacement and capital upgrade work that needs to be done, Downey said. Which would mean either further deterioration in condition or failure to improve the condition at the rate that theyd like to. For example, instead of going to long-term track fixes, replacing rails, crossties and upgrading the traction power system, the redirected funds could go to day-to-day maintenance: cleaning the cars, changing the oil on the buses, he said. Once you get down to using your capital money for that, you really have hit bottom, Downey said. I think at the $95 [million] level, they certainly are getting there. Still, Metro ridership is down about 100,000 daily trips from its 2009 peaks, and reducing train frequencies and raising fares while riders continue to be frustrated with chronic service disruptions is likely to accelerate the decline. Downs acknowledged that board members are in a bind. [Metro sank into crisis despite decades of warnings] I know that the board members probably think they dont have any other choice, he said. Their jurisdictions have said no, were not going to cough up any more money. They should point out the fact that they dont have any choices, that this is being done with a gun to their head. Board member Carol Carmody, who represents the federal government on the panel, acknowledged the potential perils of the move but said she has not decided either way. Theres a risk to it, she said. If you get used to plugging your operating budget with capital funds, the hole is still going to exist next year. Martine Powers contributed to this report. As a safety measure, Metro track work spots are distinctly marked with end zones like this one in the tunnel near the Ballston Metro stop. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) It has been seven weeks since Metros last SafeTrack surge, but the hard-earned respite is coming to an end: Surge No. 12 launched Saturday, and Northern Virginia riders will suffer yet again, with an 18-day service shutdown between Rosslyn and Pentagon stations. The shutdown means that the Blue Line will disappear altogether from the Metro map though Feb. 28. And riders on the Yellow, Orange and Silver lines will experience the repercussions, as throngs of displaced Blue Line riders crowd onto alternate trains. Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said Thursday he understands that riders in Northern Virginia may be exasperated with the weeks-long detours they have endured during the course of SafeTrack especially when unplanned disruptions and delays still occur on the system. But he said that Metro is safer now than it was before the start of SafeTrack, even if it is difficult for riders to see. I cant measure what weve prevented by doing this work, Wiedefeld said. But the reality is that if we didnt do it, wed be in a much worse place. Blue Line customers in Virginia should consider alternate travel options. (Claritza Jimenez,Danielle Kunitz/The Washington Post) Blue Line riders who typically board at Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street stations will have access to only Yellow Line Rush Plus trains, which will run all day and ferry them to Pentagon station and then over the river and directly to LEnfant Plaza. But riders should expect crowding on all Yellow Line trains between Virginia and the District. Northern Virginia Blue Line riders who commute to Rosslyn or Foggy Bottom will have a particularly circuitous route to work. They will need to jump on the Yellow Line, swap trains at LEnfant Plaza, and ride the Silver or Orange lines back west to reach their destination. About 3,000 daily riders begin their trips on the southern end of the Blue Line and end in Rosslyn, Metro officials said. Initially, officials had considered running the usual barrage of bus shuttles between Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery and Rosslyn stations to mimic the shuttered portion of the Blue Line. But they later decided that directing people to the Yellow Line was a better option: traffic in Rosslyn would slow down the buses, and changing trains inside of LEnfant Plaza would be more comfortable than waiting for buses out in the cold at Pentagon. Regular Yellow Line trains, along with Yellow Rush Plus trains, will operate with eight minute headways during rush hour. During off-peak midday and evening hours, there will be 12 minute headways between trains. Trains on the Green Line will run less frequently to accommodate the extra Yellow Line trains: Wait times between Green Line trains will increase to eight minutes from six during rush hour. After 9 p.m., all trains will operate with 20 minute headways. On weekends, the Yellow Rush Plus trains will operate only from Franconia-Springfield to Reagan National Airport stations also with 20-minute headways. The impacts are going to be felt heavily, but in a geographically focused area, said Dennis Leach, transportation director for Arlington County. For people who live on the Virginia end of the Blue Line its going to be absolutely inconvenient, theres no question. [SafeTrack closures: These D.C. Metro lines and stations will be disrupted in the next year] Although there will be no Metro bus shuttles connecting Pentagon and Rosslyn stations, Arlington Transit offers two buses that can help displaced riders: The ART 42 carries passengers between Ballston and Pentagon stations, stopping at Virginia Square, Clarendon, Courthouse Road and the Department of Human Services. The ART 43 runs a route between Crystal City, Rosslyn and Court House stations. Leach said ridership on those two bus lines more than doubled during previous SafeTrack surges that affected the Virginia end of the Blue Line and that after the surges finished, many riders continued to use the buses in addition to, or instead of, Metro. That is because they are surprisingly fast and convenient, he said. The ART 43 is highly reliable. You can get from Crystal City to Rosslyn in 10 minutes or less, Leach said. Were really urging people to use that. The Metroway bus runs along Route 1 between Pentagon City and Braddock Road stations. During this surge, Metro work crews will be replacing hundreds of wooden rail ties and thousands of fasteners, as well as installing thousands of feet of new grout pads and running rails. They also will be realigning the third rail, and fixing leaks and dim lighting inside the tunnels. Additionally, workers will perform structural work at the Arlington Cemetery station, which is aboveground. [I just cant seem to get a break: After a year, Metros chief still faces an uphill climb] The Arlington Cemetery station will be shuttered. People attempting to access the cemetery by Metro will need to ride the Yellow Line to Pentagon, then jump on a shuttle bus that will deliver them to the entrance of the cemetery. Cemetery spokesman Stephen Smith said staff members have been trying to publicize the shuttles to local residents who might visit. But most tourists to the cemetery come by car or tour bus, he said. We know its an unfortunate inconvenience for those who were planning to come during this time frame, and we know that it makes visiting here more difficult, he said. As for people who are attending funerals at the cemetery or visiting a friend, Smith said they usually park in a lot outside of the cemetery, or obtain a pass that allows them to drive their vehicles inside the cemetery gates. As much as we love people coming to visit, our primary function is an act of being a cemetery, Smith said. So even though its obviously not ideal, it doesnt really affect us that much. The temporary shutdown of the Blue Line will affect the rest of the system. For example, fewer Green Line trains will be available because of the extra Yellow Line trains added to serve Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street stations. But there might be fewer delays on the Silver and Orange lines, Metro spokesman Dan Stessel said, because there will be fewer trains crowding the oversubscribed Rosslyn tunnel while the Blue Line takes a hiatus. Metro staff members will be monitoring ridership, he added, and can add more Orange and Silver line trains if crowding becomes a problem. [Metros SafeTrack is eating into this years ridership revenue] After this surge, one more long-term disruption is scheduled for Northern Virginia: Surge No. 13, a 37-day stretch in March and April when single-tracking will roll in phases on the southern end of the Yellow and Blue lines, between Braddock Road and Huntington stations. After that, the 14th, 15th and 16th surges target the Green, Orange and Red lines. Wiedefeld acknowledged that, even after the end of SafeTrack, the Blue Line will need more preventive maintenance and investment particularly to address the capacity issues of the Rosslyn tunnel, where Orange, Silver and Blue line trains often experience delays because of backups. But for now, he said, he is simply trying to fix the most basic and the most widespread track defects that impede reliability. Lets get that all behind us first, Wiedefeld said, and then well talk more about the longer-term issues that we have to deal with on the Blue Line and the tunnel access issues. The protest camp near the Dakota Access pipeline drilling site, in North Dakota, where rising temperatures have led to snowmelt and rising water, shown on Saturday. Many protesters are preparing to leave the camp. (Joe Heim/The Washington Post) The main camp here, once home to thousands of Native Americans and their allies who gathered to protest the completion of the Dakota Access crude-oil pipeline, is quickly turning into a gooey pit of mud. Unseasonably warm weather over the weekend melted giant mounds of snow, and many of the remaining 200 or so pipeline protesters self-described water protectors are gathering their possessions and making plans to get off the 80-acre property, which sits in a flood zone near the Missouri River. The rising waters, and a federal eviction notice for Feb. 22, have forced their hands. Others say they will stay and fight the Army Corps of Engineers, which decided last week to allow completion of the 1,172-mile pipeline. After President Trump cleared the way, the corps granted an easement to Energy Transfer Partners to drill under a reservoir less than a mile from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes reservation. The drilling began last week. [Trump administration approves final permit for Dakota Access pipeline] The tribe has argued in court that this short stretch of the $3.8 billion pipeline threatens its water supply, crosses sacred burial grounds, and violates long-standing treaties between the Native Americans and the federal government. But the path forward for the fight is unclear; many are pinning their hopes on court challenges, including one scheduled Monday in Washington seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the political and actual machinery. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has joined a motion by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe to halt the drilling. Horses still run free in the camp. Small packs of dogs dart about, tussling in the snow, their barks drowned out by the incessant whine of a snowmobile that wends its way through the slushy mess. Everything is white, brown, gray. The only flashes of color come from weatherworn tribal flags, banners that were jubilantly raised last summer and now, some in tatters, snap to and fro in the ever-changing wind. Tribal flags catch the wind in the camp of opponents of the Dakota Access oil pipeline near Cannon Ball, N.D., on Feb. 8. (Terray Sylvester/Reuters) In the slurry running through camp are the remains of a mostly abandoned mini-city: an unopened packet of Top Ramen, a broken shovel, a mud-soaked glove, a pacifier. One day soon, all of this will be gone: the tepees packed away, the yurts pulled down, the abandoned tents and sleeping bags and boxes of belongings scraped up by bulldozers into waiting dumpsters and hauled off to landfills. The question for the camps inhabitants and visitors and supporters is whether its dismantling becomes a catalyst for renewed Native American activism or fades into the hazy nostalgia of uprisings past. Josh Dayrider, a member of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana, has been at the camp off and on since early last year. The 30-year-old isnt quite ready to leave, but he knows departure is inevitable. Were still in the fight, Dayrider said. And weve accomplished something amazing. We woke the world up by showing how the oil companies treat the land and the people. Were still standing. Were still fighting. Tanya Olsen stood next to her mini-camper, pulling out a mattress that had been soaked by rising waters. The plan is to stay until the last minute, said Olsen, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. She arrived here in November. I was never an activist. I knew very little about pipelines. But what really caught my attention was the mistreatment of the Natives here. I thought, Ive got to go there. I need to stand with my people. As she prepares to leave, Olsen says she takes solace from the impact the year-long protest has had on tribes. It has brought the people of all of our nations together, she said. It has awoken the children, the seventh generation, and it has been a learning experience for us as culture. Its sad that they went and allowed them to drill, but this hasnt been all for nothing. From across the camp, theres a yell: Mni Wiconi! Loosely translated from the Lakota language, it means water is life, and it has become the protesters rallying cry. The yell is picked up and repeated from different corners of the camp for a minute or so, echoing up to a snowy bluff overlooking the encampment where state and local police sit in a fleet of law enforcement vehicles, monitoring comings and goings. Quiet returns. A person looks out over the camp where people have gathered to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline as the sun rises in Cannon Ball, N.D., in this file photo from Dec. 5. (David Goldman/Associated Press) For the Standing Rock tribe and its supporters, the decision to allow completion of the pipeline without a promised environmental impact study came as one more slap in the face. Particularly upsetting to Standing Rock Chairman David Archambault II was that he had traveled to Washington on Tuesday for a White House meeting with a Trump administration official the following day; he believed he would have one more chance to plead the tribes case. But he arrived at Reagan National Airport to learn that final approval had been granted while he was en route. [Standing Rock Sioux chairman: I was slighted. I was disrespected.] The snub was a sharp insult to the tribes 16,000 members. On Friday night at the Standing Rock High School gym in Fort Yates, 25 miles down the road from the protest camp, several hundred fans from the reservation gathered to watch the home Warriors girls basketball team take on the New Salem Holsteins. Cheers and the squeak of sneakers filled the gym, where banners hang from the rafters touting the reservations champion teams and athletes going back to the 1940s. Standing Rock Sioux Chairman David Archambault II said he felt slighted and disrespected by the manner in which the pipelines final approval was granted. (Thomas Simonetti/The Washington Post) In the lobby, members of the Standing Rock high school band were holding a bake sale. Their teacher, Kim Warren, a tribal member, said she made regular visits to the main camp in the fall, believing the protest was a necessary and valuable one. We cant give up, especially with this new administration, said Warren, who has been teaching at the school for 18 years. We cant give up. Thats what I tell my students every day. Every struggle that they have, I tell them dont give up, keep going. Despite assurances from the pipelines owners that it is safe and is using the most advanced technology available, there is almost universal belief among Standing Rock tribal members that an accident is unavoidable and that their drinking water will be contaminated. Pipelines break all the time, said Charles Bailey, 46, a tribal member, as he stood outside the gym. Everybody knows that its going to break at some point. At my age, Im thinking about how is this going to affect our youth, my daughters. As legal options dwindle and the prospect of a completed pipeline that could begin transporting more than 500,000 barrels of crude oil a day in two to three months appears more likely, its opponents are taking stock. Dallas Goldtooth has been one of the leading voices of the protest, filing regular Facebook Live feeds to share the most recent developments. An environmental activist who is an Isanti Dakota from Minnesota, he wants supporters to know that their participation has not been in vain, no matter what the outcome. Some feel it is all or nothing, but we cannot adopt that frame of thinking, Goldtooth said. Weve seen defeat as indigenous people, but we still persist, were still striving. Whether we get a win here or not, weve pushed the boulder down the hill and its running. The fight never stops. It builds. It moves. It grows. Some activists have called for more protesters to come out to the site, but the Standing Rock tribe has discouraged that, asking that opposition be directed at the local level and at a March 10 march planned for Native American rights in Washington. The relationship between the camps remaining inhabitants and the Standing Rock tribe has at times been prickly. The tribe welcomed the 200 or so Native tribes that gathered here in late summer and fall to help their cause, and it welcomed the national and international support that followed. But the ongoing protest, at times involving violent clashes with law enforcement from neighboring Morton County, has drained the tribes attention and resources. One of the reservations leading sources of revenue, the Prairie Knights casino hotel and concert venue, has taken a financial hit as the main road between the casino and Bismarck normally an hours drive has been blocked off by state police for months, forcing patrons to make a lengthier trip. [Sheriffs ask Trump for federal help with Dakota Access pipeline protesters] The ongoing protest also has strained an already tense relationship with Morton County law enforcement officials, who have arrested more than 700 protesters in recent months, including members of the Standing Rock tribe. And the unrest has led to the introduction of bills in the North Dakota legislature that create severe penalties for protest activities, a move that Amnesty International said would undermine the rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. A police officer monitors the outskirts of the Dakota Access oil pipeline protest camp on Jan. 29. (Terray Sylvester/Reuters) Joe Plouff, 67, a former Wisconsin state representative and an Army veteran from Prairie View, Wis., stood outside his tent near the entrance to the Sacred Stone camp, which sits across the frozen Cannonball River from the main camp. Hes not hopeful at this point that the pipeline can be stopped, but since arriving here in December, he says he has drawn inspiration from the movement and from the number of young people involved. Will they be demoralized if they lose this battle? Yes. Depressed? Yes? Hurt? Yes. But I see a lot of young people here and I think they will take it as a start, he said. Theres optimism because the Native Americans here have brought forward an issue that most of us have not paid attention to, and that is the safety of our water. Theyve taken a local issue and made it a national one. Services at district hospitals soon At least 13 district hospitals are set to begin specialty services in collaboration with various medical colleges from this month. Government hospitals in Sarlahi, Omar Alshogre is shown in the left image in July 2015 and in the right image in January 2017, one month after he got out of Syrias Saydnaya prison. (Omar Alshogre /via Associated Press) AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL calls it the human slaughterhouse: a Syrian military prison where thousands of civilians have been killed after being repeatedly tortured and systematically deprived of food, water, medicine and medical care. Allegations of atrocities against civilians are nothing new for the regime of Bashar al-Assad, which has subjected entire towns to starvation sieges, dropped barrel bombs full of nails or chlorine on hospitals, supermarkets and schools and pulverized a U.N. aid convoy during the recent siege of Aleppo. But the story of the Saydnaya military prison deserves attention, if only because it shows the regimes calculated sadism and cold determination to exterminate all who oppose it. Amnestys report, based on a year of research and 84 interviews with former Saydnaya prisoners, guards, judges, doctors and others, estimates that between 5,000 and 13,000 civilians were extrajudicially executed at the facility outside of Damascus between September 2011 and December 2015 and there is no reason to believe the killings have stopped since then. These were not rebel fighters, but civilians perceived to oppose the government in some way: participants in demonstrations, dissidents, human rights advocates, journalists. The victims were mostly abducted by security forces, tortured into confessions and rushed through trials that often lasted only two or three minutes, according to Amnesty. They were secretly executed in groups of 20 to 50: First blindfolded and then badly beaten, they were told only at the last moment that they were to be hanged, when a noose was slipped around their necks. Many died before execution from the horrific conditions in the prison, including starvation and rape. Amnesty said it had concluded that the detainees had been subjected to a policy of extermination, defined in international law as measures calculated to bring about the destruction of part of a population. Their bodies were dumped in mass graves. Amnesty said it collected information on officials who sat on the execution panels and others involved in the executions, which it described as crimes against humanity. That gives reason for hope that some will eventually be brought to justice; in other parts of the world such atrocities have been successfully prosecuted decades after they occurred. In the meantime, the Saydnaya report should be considered by all those who believe that the Syrian civil war with its endless carnage, breeding of terrorism and waves of refugees can be brought to an end while the Assad regime remains in power. The horrific abuses inflicted by the regime on tens of thousands of Syrians ensure that it will never be tolerated by the vast majority of the population. Its barbaric practices render it unable to compromise with people it has attempted to murder en masse. A decision by the Trump administration to tolerate or even support the butchers of Damascus will only result in more warfare, more recruits for the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, and more unconscionable murders at Saydnaya prison. Correction: An earlier version of this editorial incorrectly stated that the FCC offered no immediate explanation for changes to its Lifeline program. On the same day as the changes were made, the FCC released the order for reconsideration and a news release about the action. This version has been updated. IN HIS first speech in the role, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai extolled the importance of bridging the digital divide between those who can afford Internet access and those who cannot. Days later, though, he opened another gap, this time between his words and his actions. Mr. Pai used his inaugural remarks to express his commitment to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans. Another early pledge to publish pending FCC regulations in a pilot program geared toward greater transparency was equally encouraging. But in a single Friday afternoon, the FCC took steps to undermine both promises: It removed nine companies from the roster of its Lifeline program for low-income broadband consumers, and it retracted four reports two directly related to the digital divide from its record. The FCC launched Lifeline in 1985 to make phone service more affordable for low-income Americans by allowing them to purchase discounted services from participating carriers. In 2016, the FCC shifted its focus to broadband access, and as part of that effort it began granting companies the right to enroll in the program nationally. This move stitched up holes in a state-by-state patchwork of participants to make the market everywhere more competitive. The nine companies booted from Lifeline this month owed their status to the change. Mr. Pai argues that the Lifeline designations were an Obama administration rush job and that pulling them back affected only a small percentage of the more than 900 companies in the program. An FCC spokesman also noted that the retracted reports remain in the former FCC chairmans online archive, although they now have no legal or other effect or meaning. Thats all true. But critics are right to worry that Mr. Pais decisions may be the first steps in crippling Lifeline. He has long expressed skepticism of the program, citing concerns about fraud, although in a July 2016 congressional hearing on the subject he admitted he had yet to uncover any. Already, Mr. Pai has called for a hold on litigation in a court case challenging the FCCs authority to approve companies for national Lifeline participation, and it is unclear whether the agency will ever resume its defense in the case. The revocation of the reports one of the four focused on expanding WiFi networks in primary and secondary schools and libraries, and another on improving the nations digital infrastructure only lends credence to concerns about Mr. Pais stated commitment to closing the digital divide. It certainly throws cold water on his claims to transparency. And these arent the only reasons to fear the FCC is headed in a disturbing direction. Mr. Pai has also expressed eagerness to roll back other Obama-era changes to the agency that make for a freer and fairer Internet. Thats one area where we can hope that, once again, he does not mean what he says. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. March 17, 2017 President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post The beginning of the presidents term has featured controversial executive orders and frequent conflicts with the media. The new president is expected to make his mark on an aggressive legislative agenda. The new president is expected to make his mark on an aggressive legislative agenda. See what President Trump has been doing since taking office See what President Trump has been doing since taking office President Trump has embarked on the most aggressive campaign against government regulation in a generation, joining with Republican lawmakers to roll back rules already on the books and limit the ability of federal regulators to impose new ones. After just a few weeks in office, the new administration is targeting dozens of Obama-era policies, using both legislative and executive tactics. The fallout is already rippling across the federal bureaucracy and throughout the U.S. economy, affecting how dentists dispose of mercury fillings, how schools meet the needs of poor and disabled students, and whether companies reject mineral purchases that fuel one of the worlds bloodiest conflicts. The campaign has alarmed labor unions, public safety advocates and environmental activists, who fear losing regulations that have been in place for years, along with relatively new federal mandates. Business groups, however, are thrilled, saying Trump is responding to long-standing complaints that a profusion of federal regulations unnecessarily increases costs and hampers their ability to create jobs. Under Trump, theres great optimism that all of them will be addressed, said Rosario Palmieri, vice president for labor, legal and regulatory policy at the National Association of Manufacturers. Trump and congressional Republicans are working to strip rules away at an unprecedented rate. One of the most powerful levers is the Congressional Review Act, a 1996 law that gives lawmakers the power to nullify any regulation within 60 days of enactment. Before Trump took office, the Congressional Review Act had been successfully used only once, to overturn a Clinton administration ergonomics rule in 2001. So far this year, the House has moved to nullify eight new rules and is considering dozens more. Two of those measures which would loosen environmental restrictions on waste-mining companies and financial disclosure requirements on oil and gas firms have cleared the Senate and are on their way to the White House for the presidents signature. A more extensive assault on government regulation is likely to come. On Jan. 30, Trump signed an executive order that requires agencies to offset the cost of every significant new regulation by eliminating existing regulations or making them less onerous. The order declares that the total incremental cost of all new regulations issued this year shall be no more than zero. That sets a far more stringent standard than recent Republican administrations have attempted, experts on regulation said, leaving a slew of Obama-era rules in limbo. Its clear as can be that they intend to reduce the level of regulation, said James Gattuso, a senior fellow in regulatory policy at the conservative Heritage Foundation, who said the directive marks the first explicit attempt to contain the costs of federal mandates. If successful, Gattuso said, it would be the first time in a generation, since Ronald Reagan was in the White House. According to the White House Office of Management and Budget, the cost of federal regulations has grown every year since 1982. Republicans of all stripes have long railed against what they say are crippling economic effects. Overregulation has stemmed economic growth and job creation, White House press secretary Sean Spicer recently told reporters. Making sure government rules are meeting their intent and not stifling job creation at the expense of whatever they were intended to do is something that should be smart and welcome by everybody, he said. The administrations anti- regulatory push goes well beyond a technical review, however. Its a much more aggressive rollback attempt than weve seen in recent years, said Tevi Troy, who served George W. Bush as a senior White House official and in two Cabinet-level agencies. He noted that many conservatives have long been disappointed that the Bush administration did not do more to clear out some of the regulatory underbrush. [With days left in office, Obama ushers in dozens of policies] Votes under the Congressional Review Act have come at such a rapid clip that liberal interest groups feel pummeled. After the House voted last week to overturn a planning rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management, Defenders of Wildlife spokeswoman Haley McKey issued a statement headlined: The Congressional Review Act Claims Latest Victim. Meanwhile, the Trump White House is employing an executive tactic that dates to the Reagan administration: issuing a 60-day freeze on new regulations. The tactic is a mainstay of new administrations. George W. Bush initially delayed 90 Clinton-era rules, and Barack Obama delayed, altered or rescinded more than two dozen of Bushs actions. Within a week of Trumps inauguration, the new administration withdrew 24 significant rules that were about to be sent to the Federal Register for publication, regulatory analyst Curtis Copeland said. The new administration also delayed the effective dates of roughly 250 others, including 30 Environmental Protection Agency rules that were frozen in a single day, with no opportunity for public comment. And although White House Chief of Staff Reince Preibuss Jan. 20 memo called for a 60-day regulatory freeze, some regulations already are being delayed longer than that. An Agriculture Department rule tightening animal welfare requirements for organic livestock and poultry was just delayed from March 20 until May 19. As a result, groups that had finally settled long-fought battles are feuding once again. Take the issue of the rusty patched bumble bee, whose population has shrunk 87 percent since the mid-1990s. On Jan. 11, the Obama administration declared it would be added to the endangered species list. Last Thursday a day before those protections were set to take effect the Trump administration said it would postpone the listing until at least March 21. [Obama to top aides: What are we doing on bees?] Ryan Yates, director of congressional relations for the American Farm Bureau, said the group is pleased that the administration is taking a second look. If the bee is declared endangered, he said, farmers in parts of Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota would be subject to severe penalties for killing or harming the insects through normal farming operations such as plowing and pesticide use. As an alternative, Yates said, the Farm Bureau is open to discussing a strategy for voluntary conservation. But voluntary plans are inadequate, said Rebecca Riley, a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Riley said the group is weighing whether to challenge the delay, which was issued without the normal 30-day period for public comment. We dont want to reach a point of no return for the rusty patched bumblebee, Riley said in an email, but further delay could dash our last, best chance to keep this bee around. Incoming agency officials are also signaling significant shifts in the way some industries are regulated. In November, the EPA sent out a lengthy request to nearly 20,000 oil and gas companies, asking them to gauge their emissions of methane within 60 or 180 days, depending on their facilities. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas linked to climate change. Matthew Hite, who represents gas processors as vice president for government affairs at the GPA Midstream Association, called the request unnecessary and duplicative and estimated that complying would cost each processor nearly $3 million. Since Trump took office, EPA officials have been granting companies that ask for it a 90-day extension. Several oil and gas officials said they expect the methane survey to be scaled back significantly or abandoned altogether. Meanwhile, Michael S. Piwowar, the acting chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said he has instructed staff to determine whether it is still appropriate to require manufacturers to certify that they do not use minerals from conflict-ridden areas such as Congo, where armed groups accused of massive human rights violations profit from their trade. Some major U.S. firms, including Intel and Tiffany & Co., have embraced the policy, but others have said complying with the disclosure rule is costly and complicated. Lawrence Heim, managing director at Elm Sustainability, an auditing firm that consults on conflict minerals, said he has seen a notable slowdown in the demand for doing due diligence on the origin of minerals, as manufacturers apparently place bets that the rule will soon disappear. Implementation of Trumps Jan. 30 executive order will be left in large part to the White House budget director. Nominee Mick Mulvaney, a Republican congressman from South Carolina, could be confirmed as soon as this week. A coalition of liberal groups that include Public Citizen, NRDC and the Communications Workers of America has challenged the order in court, calling it arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and not in accordance with the law. They predicted the order would force the government to eliminate critical public protections. Spicer called those claims wildly inaccurate, saying they make a ton of assumptions . . . on what may or may not happen in the future. Whatever happens in court, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) predicts Trumps executive order will cause complete chaos. Huffman noted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration briefly declined to issue critical regulations for the opening of fishing seasons off both coasts, unnerving commercial fishermen who rely on the government to set the annual guidelines. Apparently members of the new administration dont understand some regulations are critically important for the economic sector, and businesses depend on them, Huffman said. Some industries are openly worried about what the directive will mean for them. Commercial drone manufacturers, for example, waited four years for the Federal Aviation Administration to issue its first rule integrating drones into public airspace. The FAA has been planning to tackle bigger questions, such as whether drones may fly over peoples heads or travel long distances. Brian Wynne, president of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, said he fears that the answers to those questions will be delayed. The current inaction, he said in a statement, could prevent drone operations, such as news reporting, disaster relief and public safety, from becoming a reality. Many companies, however, foresee huge benefits from the regulatory rollback. Eric Myers, chief executive at Oil City Iron Works in Oil City, Tex., said hes seen a flood of new orders since Trump took office. The company makes metal castings for equipment used in energy, mining, farming and transportation industries expected to benefit from Trump administration actions. Its not happening in a tidal wave, Myers said in an interview, but it is coming. In the heat of the 2016 campaign, Meet the Press host Chuck Todd asked Donald Trump whom he spoke to for military advice. Well, I watch the shows, Trump responded. I mean, I really see a lot of great you know, when you watch your show and all of the other shows, and you have the generals. Trumps campaign insisted that he was misunderstood that he spoke to lots of military advisers in addition to watching them on television. Um, maybe. But what has become very clear in the intervening months even as Trump stunned the world by winning the presidential election is that he a) watches a massive amount of cable TV and b) regularly reacts to it and borrows ideas from it. Take this example from Sunday morning. At 6:25 a.m., Fox News showed a graphic claiming that 72 percent of all refugees admitted into the United States since Trumps travel ban was put on ice by the courts hail from the seven countries that were on the no-admittance list of the executive order. Thirty minutes later, Trump tweeted: 72% of refugees admitted into U.S. (2/3 -2/11) during COURT BREAKDOWN are from 7 countries: SYRIA, IRAQ, SOMALIA, IRAN, SUDAN, LIBYA & YEMEN. (Thanks to CNNs Brian Stelter for documenting it!) Or this one from Friday: Twelve minutes after he saw an allegedly supportive blog post featured on MSNBCs Morning Joe about the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruling, Trump tweeted it to his 24.7 million followers. (Sidebar: That blog post wasnt as supportive as he thought.) These are far from isolated incidents. In fact, it has become something of a cottage industry to try to link Trumps early-morning tweets to something he has seen on television in the very recent past. An Associated Press article this past week detailed Trumps difficult transition to the White House and included this remarkable paragraph. The presidents advisers have tried to curb his cable news consumption during the workday. But there are no limits when the president returns to the residence. During another recent telephone conversation, Trump briefly put down the phone so he could turn up the volume on a CNN report. When he returned to the call, he was complaining about fake news. The best possible interpretation of Trumps obsession with cable TV is that he is constantly plugged in, always searching for pieces of information that help inform a situation or sell a plan to the public. President Barack Obama famously disdained cable news and actively sought to avoid it a decision that led some of his critics to cast him as aloof and out of touch. But even if you are a Trump ally, it is hard to see the amount of cable television he consumes as a good thing. Presidents need to be aware of the circumstances in the country and the world, but using cable news as your primary source for that information probably isnt the best move. (Nota bene: I love cable news!) A president simply cant be reactive to every gibe that is thrown his way on 24-hour news networks. If you spent your days responding to what people said about you on cable, you wouldnt have much time to do anything else. Like, for instance, run the country. Thats the point Trumps advisers seem to be making to him albeit unsuccessfully over and over. And yet, every morning, like clockwork, Trump takes to his phone to provide running commentary on cable news. (Another gem from Sunday morning: While on FAKE NEWS @CNN, Bernie Sanders was cut off for using the term fake news to describe the network. They said technical difficulties! This interview actually occurred several days ago. And Sanders was joking about fake news.) The reality of Trump is that he is a 70-year-old man who is set in his ways. (Thats not meant as a criticism. I am a 40-year-old man who is set in his ways.) Trump has spent a lifetime using cable TV as a sounding board. He seems to believe that he learns from it and benefits politically from reacting to it. No adviser is going to dissuade him from those habits simply because he is now president of the United States. In Trump, we have the first president of and for the cable news era. Hes obsessed. Hes not changing. And hes not sorry. CONNECTICUT Yale changes Calhoun Colleges name NEW HAVEN, Conn. Yale University will rename one of its residential colleges, replacing the name of an alumnus remembered as an advocate of slavery with that of an alumna who was a pioneering mathematician and computer scientist who helped transform the way people use technology. The decision to rename Calhoun College as Grace Murray Hopper College reverses one made last spring, when Yale President Peter Salovey said he did not want to erase history, but confront it and learn from it. Colleges across the country have wrestled with similar questions, as they consider monuments to the past in the context of modern life. The legacy of John C. Calhoun, who graduated from Yale and served as a U.S. vice president, secretary of state, secretary of war and senator, becoming an influential champion of slavery, had been debated at the school over the years. But those discussions turned to urgent pleas in 2015 after a white man who revered the Confederacy shot and killed nine black worshipers at a church in Charleston, S.C. Monica Wang and Susan Svrluga Emergency spillway used at tallest U.S. dam: Water started flowing over an emergency spillway at the nations tallest dam, on Lake Oroville, for the first time Saturday after erosion damaged the Northern California dams main spillway. Officials estimate the cost of repairs could approach $100 million. Water department officials emphasized that Oroville Dam is sound and there is no imminent threat to the public. Both sides rally in abortion debate: Antiabortion activists emboldened by the new administration of President Trump staged rallies around the country Saturday calling for the federal government to cut off payments to Planned Parenthood, but in some cities counterprotests dwarfed the demonstrations. Sears, Kmart remove Trump items: Retailers Sears and Kmart last week removed 31 Trump Home items from their online product offerings to focus on more profitable items, a spokesman said on Saturday. The decision follows Nordstroms announcement that it had decided to stop carrying Ivanka Trump items because of declining sales. Kmart is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings. Atomic bomb test caused cancer, surveys say: Residents say the worlds first atomic bomb test caused generations of southern New Mexico families to suffer from cancer and economic hardship, according to surveys gathered by an advocacy group seeking compensation for descendants. The health effects have long been debated in New Mexico. From news services A Planned Parenthood supporter looks on during Rep. Jason Chaffetzs town hall meeting in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on Thursday. Hundreds of people lined up for town halls with Chaffetz (R-Utah) and other Republican congressional members across the country. (Rick Bowmer/AP) A super PAC formed to reelect Barack Obama in 2012 is driving activists to congressional town halls. Veterans of Bill Clintons administration are joining marches and plotting bigger ones for the spring. Democratic senators who had befriended Jeff Sessions in the Senate voted 47 to 1 against his nomination for attorney general. Three weeks into President Trumps term, the Democratic Party and progressive establishment have almost entirely adopted the demands of a restive, active and aggressive base. They are hopeful that the new activism more closely resembles the tea party movement, which embraced electoral politics, than the Occupy Wall Street movement, which did not. The pace of the activists, and the runaway-train approach of Trumps administration, have given them little time to puzzle it out. He has a strategy to do so many things that he overwhelms the opposition, Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) said of Trump, [but] hes creating the largest opposition movement Ive seen in my lifetime in the United States. After previous defeats, the modern Democratic Party typically plunged into a discussion between a moderate wing and a liberal wing. George McGoverns 1972 loss led to an internal party battle against the New Left. After Walter Mondales 1984 defeat, a group of moderate strategists formed the Democratic Leadership Council. After the 2004 defeat of John F. Kerry, a new generation of like-minded strategists launched Third Way, with a focus on lost moderate voters. (Alice Li,Whitney Leaming/The Washington Post) There is nothing like that in 2017. Democrats, taking cues from their base, have given Trumps key Cabinet nominees the smallest level of support from an opposition party in history. They have joined and sometimes led protests, organizing more than 70 rallies against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and joining activists at airports to help travelers affected by Trumps executive orders on immigration and refugees. The scale has even impressed some Republicans. The march the day after the inauguration probably exceeded any of the tea party marches, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) told The Washington Post in an interview for C-SPANs Newsmakers series. But like Occupy Wall Street, its not real focused, as far as what exactly they want. Moderating forces, increasingly, are being held at arms length. Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), seen as the most potentially endangered senator in the upcoming midterm elections, is derided on social media for meeting with Trump. Manchin was the sole Democratic senator who voted to confirm Sessions for attorney general. Progressive groups protested the very presence of Third Way at the House Democratic retreat in Baltimore. At a briefing with reporters, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) insisted that Third Way was only attending to give a data analysis presentation and denied a well-traveled rumor that progressives had walked out. Whats organizing people is that theyre fearing for the country they grew up in, said Neera Tanden, the president of the Center for American Progress, which was founded by Clinton administration exiles to emulate the successful think tanks of the right. People are definitely seeing the purpose of working through the political process to oppose him. . . . Its a primal scream, but the truth is, since Election Day, it has been growing. CAP Action, the political arm of Tandens think tank, is one of several progressive and center-left groups urging activists to attend congressional town halls. Elected Democrats, while stopping short of that, have egged on activists in person and on social media. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), the youngest member of the party in the Senate, has also led a brusque change of tone in messaging, from defending his colleague Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) from Trump attacks (As a prosecutor, Dick used to put guys like u in jail) to mocking the presidents Cabinet picks (The chances you will be watching [C-span] are bested only by the chances a grizzly bear walks into your kids school today). We lost. Now we fight, Murphy tweeted after Sessions was confirmed. Nothing is inevitable. Any anxiety or fear you feel can be cured by political action. Less clear is how Democrats will convert political action into electoral results. Much has been said about the failures of 2016 chief among them the flawed belief that bashing Trump was enough, and the absence of a coherent economic message. (Priya Mathew/The Washington Post) Yet even now, at every level of national Democratic politics, the discussion of how the party can win back voters it lost is subsumed by the argument about how to oppose Trump. The answer is always: as much as possible. And for the moment, that does seem to be engaging a broad, new population of activists. In the race for chairman of the Democratic National Committee, even Thomas Perez, the former secretary of labor viewed skeptically by some supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), has said that Democrats should hit Trump between the eyes with a two-by-four and treat him like Mitch McConnell treated Barack Obama. That tone is widespread among Democrats, who were bitter about the rise of the tea party a combination of grass-roots energy and well-funded conservative organizing and are enamored with the idea of their own version. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), who is term-limited out of office early next year, said that the new energy was manifesting in the recruitment of candidates ahead of schedule a reversal from previous years when Republican primaries were packed with candidates, while Democrats left some state legislative seats uncontested. The activism is already being translated into people stepping up to put their name on a ballot, McAuliffe said. Theres a lot of energy. We cant let it dissipate. Im still so disheartened that 92 million Americans who were eligible to vote did not vote last year. Ninety-two million people sat home, and now theyre all saying, Oh, my goodness, how did this possibly happen? How did Trump get elected? Well, it happened because you stayed home. To McAuliffe and many other Democrats, the party seems to be at a nadir that greater voter participation can only improve. That has had an effect on the intraparty discussion, as few members of the party now court conservative voters to get reelected. In 2008, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) won the lowest share of votes for a Republican presidential candidate in 50 years. Yet in 2010, 48 House Democrats represented districts whose voters had picked McCain for president over Barack Obama. Today, after two Republican waves and a round of redistricting that favored the GOP, just one Democrat Rep. Collin C. Peterson (Minn.) represents a district that voted for McCain. That has left Democrats playing offense, and it has put the party in sync with the opposition. Like the Republicans of 2009, Democrats find the protest movement making it easier to recruit candidates. Like those Republicans, they see a president creating the conditions for a backlash election one that is likelier if the party locks into opposition mode. President Trump is a better recruitment tool for us than he is the central campaign issue. Weve talked to over 40 people already, many of whom are coming forward out of concern for him, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (N.M.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, told reporters in Baltimore on Thursday during a roundtable about the partys chances of taking the House. At the end of the day, 2018 will be more a referendum on what it is the House Republicans are going to allow him to do. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (Md.), chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee who ran the DCCC during its high watermark in 2008 and its wipeout in 2010, said that a similar narrative would play out in his races. In the Senate, weve got a lot of senators up for reelection in states that Trump won, but people are focusing on the fact that Senate Democrats are the last line of defense between Donald Trump and a lot of bad things, Van Hollen said. So, they are motivated at the grass-roots level to help. One model for that strategy predates the tea party and Occupy Wall Street. In 2005 and 2006, Democrats recovered with surprising speed from a national defeat, but the base had only two real litmus tests. It demanded that candidates oppose the Iraq War and that they refuse to work with President George W. Bush on his campaign to partially privatize Social Security. Both the war and the campaign were broadly unpopular by November 2006. There were primary challenges in that cycle most notably, the defeat in the Democratic primary of Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, who was reelected in Connecticut as an independent. But as in 2017, the partys base was demanding opposition more than it was demanding specific policies. From race to race, there are signs that this opposition may work the same way. In January, the DCCC raised $4.1 million online with an average donation of $18. Daily Kos, the blog community that fueled Democratic campaigns in the Bush years, has already aggregated $400,000 in donations for Jon Ossoff, a 29-year-old candidate for the suburban Atlanta House seat being vacated as Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) becomes the new secretary of health and human services. And without a president in the White House or anything like a presidential front-runner progressive groups are focusing more on broad resistance than on a single target. Guy Cecil, who took over the super PAC Priorities USA when it transitioned from a pro-Obama group to a group dedicated to electing Hillary Clinton, said that it had since evolved from a candidate-centered super PAC to a progressive advocacy organization. Theres not going to be one leader of the Democratic Party for a while, Cecil said. Theres not going to be one group that leads the progressive movement. Thats a very good thing. Were going to keep finding that this resistance is springing up in places we havent been looking. Read more at PowerPost German officials on Sunday evacuated hundreds of people from Hamburg Airport and briefly closed the facility after dozens of passengers were affected by a substance that authorities said was probably pepper spray disseminated through the air-conditioning system. Maik Lewerenz, spokesman for the federal police in the northern German city, said that 68 people had experienced eye irritation and breathing difficulties. Rene Schonhardt, spokesman for the Hamburg police, said there was no evidence that the incident was a terrorist attack. Instead, he said, the injuries most likely stemmed from a cartridge containing pepper spray that was found in a bin provided for travelers to dispose of liquids before boarding. Nothing else has been found, Schonhardt said. The fire department didnt detect any dangerous substances. Werner Nolken, spokesman for the Hamburg fire department, said, We are not assuming a terrorist attack. The current assumption, he said, was that some clown, for whatever reason released pepper spray into an air-conditioning vent, causing the substance to spread. The cartridge found in the bin was only the size of a lipstick, he said, so it would not have been possible to injure so many people without the air-conditioning system diffusing the gas. Airport officials said in a statement that an investigation was underway to determine how the substance got into the system. Passengers and staff in a security luggage-check area began complaining about a bad smell, burning eyes and nausea around 11 a.m., and many were coughing. More than a dozen flights were canceled, and by 12.30 p.m., all the airport terminals had been evacuated. Flights resumed about 2 p.m., and the terminals were reopened. Although authorities were quick to rule out a terrorist agenda, the incident shows how easy it is to disrupt everyday life at a time of rising fear of such attacks in Germany. The country has been on edge since the Dec. 19 attack on a Christmas market in Berlin that left 12 people dead and dozens injured. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Sharma discusses Kampa in Pokhara A discussion of author Sharada Sharmas latest novel, Kampa, took place in Pokhara on Saturday. Employees from Iraqs North Oil Co. monitor firefighters trying to control a blaze at Well 77 near Qayyarah. Authorities say the fire burns 500 to 1,000 barrels of oil each day. (Peter Holley/The Washington Post) The flames exploded into the sky like a volcanic eruption, blanketing a swath of the Iraqi countryside in a noxious haze of black smoke. The inferno reached more than 300 feet high on a recent afternoon when the wind shifted direction, bending the billowing wall of fire toward the men from Iraqs North Oil Co. on the ground below. Within seconds, a fast-moving cloud of hot gas and thick smoke washed over the work site, blotting out the sun and sending workers and engineers scurrying for safety. Some of the men sprinted toward their vehicles; others took cover in corrugated tin sheds, where they patiently waited for the wind to change direction so they could return to the work without being burned alive. It was just another day in the life of an Iraqi oil worker. If hell is fire, then this place is hell on Earth, said Ayad al-Jboory, 42, assistant chief geologist for the North Oil Co. It looks like the end of the world. (Peter Holley/The Washington Post) Fifty miles north in Mosul, beleaguered Islamic State fighters have lost control of half of their last major stronghold as Iraqi security forces advance. But at least five of the 25 oil well fires left in the militants wake still rage, according to Reuters, forming a second front in the battle for Iraq that is no less dangerous for the proud men involved. Each well is a battle unto itself, revealing the militants willingness to harness chaotic destruction as a weapon. [A file on ISIS problem foreign fighters shows some are refusing to fight ] Oil workers are fond of saying that the best protective clothing when battling a stubborn blaze is distance. In that case, the 100 or so men manning Well 77 several miles outside Qayyarah work so close to the flames that they might as well be naked. Their goal sounds simple enough: control the fire, stop the oil leak, cap the well and move on to the next one. The reality of the job is far more complicated. Aside from the unpredictable flames, poisonous gases and rapidly changing conditions, the men from the North Oil Co. most of whom are from Kirkuk and Irbil toil for long hours using equipment prone to overheating and failure. There is also the ever-present threat of booby traps and explosive devices, which are still being found around damaged wells. The men wearing tar-stained clothing, helmets and sometimes only scarves to cover their faces keep photos of the homemade bombs on their cellphones to show family members and friends. An employee of Iraqs North Oil Co. takes a break near Well 77 outside Qayyarah. The well has been on fire since Islamic State fighters blew it up in August. (Peter Holley/The Washington Post) This is a dangerous job too hard, said Mohammed Marouf, a 40-year-old firefighter and father of four from Kirkuk. My wife and my children know its a hard job and its not safe, and my wife wants to know why I wont stop. I tell her I am doing this for the future of our country. This is good for Iraq, he added. The Islamic State made hundreds of millions of dollars by selling oil on the black market after capturing oil fields in Iraq and Syria in 2014, according to U.S. government estimates cited by Reuters. Before Iraqi security forces retook this area in August, Islamic State fighters placed explosives at about 20 wells, and snipers detonated them from afar. Experts say the militants may have many reasons for setting the flames. They tend to just do things to cause destruction and, basically, just to be nasty, Oxfam spokeswoman Amy Christian said. Theyll destroy water plants so theres no access to clean drinking water, for example. [Iraq has never seen this kind of fighting in its battles with ISIS] Hamza al-Jawahiri, an official in the Iraqi Oil Ministry, said oil workers have fully repaired about half of the wells destroyed by the Islamic State. Collectively, he said, the damaged wells can produce 50,000 to 60,000 barrels of oil a day, much of which is bitumen a particularly thick grade of crude used primarily in road construction. All of the wells place the workers in extreme danger for wages of about $50 a day. The biggest challenge that the workers are facing right now is the security situation, since they are working very close to a battlefield full of IEDs that have to be defused, Jawahiri said. Theres also the bad weather conditions. Working with huge fires means the wind can be deadly sometimes. To date, workers said, no location had presented more problems than Well 77, where they have been trying to contain the flames for months. When they arrived here, the men said, the Islamic State was still lobbing mortars at the well. Now, they had another problem: The well was badly damaged and unusually deep, causing equipment to break, disgorging toxic gases and unleashing at the surface a massive column of fire so intensely hot that it could singe the skin of a person 100 yards away. Engineers on the ground estimated that the well was burning between 500 and 1,000 barrels of oil a day. The battle was slow and exhausting, with firefighters aiming a stream of water at the wellhead while a backhoe struggled to remove rocks, tar and flaming sand that was being dumped at the mens feet. The goal, workers said, was to control the fire so they could move close enough to the wellhead to inject it with water and then cement, plugging the subterranean column permanently. Progress ended when the backhoe overheated, forcing the men to drive it away from the fire and cool the machine with jets of water. It was the middle of January, and the temperature was in the low 50s. Last summer, the men said, they battled flames under a scorching sun in heat that topped 120 degrees. The men work from sunrise to sunset, taking a midday break to eat lunch and pray under the billowing tower of smoke and fire. There have been injuries and burns over the past few months, but so far, supervisors said, nobody had been killed. Parked among the trucks and digging equipment, an ambulance is always on call. Despite the perilous conditions, Jboory said, his men volunteered for the job, mostly because of national pride but also out of contempt for the Islamic State. A firefighter takes refuge in a corrugated tin shed to escape the heat of the burning well. Firefighters brave poisonous gases, bombs and booby traps, and extreme heat as they struggle to plug the well. (Peter Holley/The Washington Post) Asked what it will be like when the well is finally capped, the engineer beamed. Like Christmas, he said. The men are sacrificing everything to do this job just like a soldier, Jboory added. This is another way to fight ISIS. We already hate them, but each day under this fire and smoke, we hate them even more. Mustafa Salim contributed to this report. Read more: A baby named Trump and admiration for a new U.S. president in northern Iraq Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Palestinian laborers work at a construction site in a housing project in the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, near Jerusalem, a day after the Israeli parliament voted to retroactively legalize thousands of West Bank settlement homes built on private Palestinian land. (Oded Balilty/Associated Press) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likes to boast to his boisterous cabinet that no one understands the Americans better than he does. But in his many years in power, appeasing and challenging Republicans and Democrats alike, Netanyahu has never dealt with a leader such as President Trump. The two are to sit down as equals at the White House on Wednesday. They have known each other since Netanyahu served as Israels ambassador to the United Nations in New York in the 1980s and was friendly with Trumps father, Fred. Netanyahu has been in nonstop consultations with his advisers as they prepare him for one of the most important meetings of his career. Israeli officials say the prime minister will seek to strengthen his already warm rapport with Trump after years of feuding and policy clashes with the Obama administration. But there is stark division on what message his right-wing government wants him to deliver in Washington. His education minister and coalition partner, Naftali Bennett, leader of the pro-settlement Jewish Home party, has pressed him to abandon his tentative commitment to the two-state solution, which Netanyahu first announced in a speech at Bar Ilan University in 2009. Calling the upcoming visit to the White House the test of Netanyahus life, Bennett warned the 67-year-old prime minister that there were two words he could not utter at the meeting: Palestinian state. They must not be said. This is our test, Bennett cautioned, voicing an ultimatum from the increasingly powerful settlers wing, a group that numbers more than 600,000 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. If either side utters those words after the meeting, Bennett said, the earth will shake. [Rights groups ask court to bar Israel from taking Palestinian land for settlements] Inside Netanyahus own Likud party, activists have been circulating a letter calling for the prime minister to jettison the two-state paradigm. Israels intelligence minister, Yisrael Katz, told Army Radio on Sunday: Whoever talks about a Palestinian state today does not live in the real world. There is a general consensus among the public there is no way to reach it. But Katz said Bennett was wrong to try to publicly force Netanyahu into a corner on the eve of his Washington trip. There is broad agreement in Netanyahus coalition cabinet that the prime minister should seek a mind-meld with Trump on Iran, which is seen not only by Israel, but also by its moderate Sunni Arab neighbors, such as Saudi Arabia, as the looming challenge to regional security. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said the Trump meeting should have one overarching goal. The greatest threat to Israel is Iran, Iran and Iran, he said. But as much as Netanyahu might want to keep circling back to Iran, the long-running Palestinian conflict has flared again, even as Israel begins its 50th year of military occupation. After Trumps election, Israels right wing was almost giddy with expectations of better days to come, hailing Trump as a savior of Greater Israel who would not only get tough with Iran, Israels nemesis, but also would quickly move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and green-light a building boom for Jewish settlements in the West Bank. But it has been a stormy few weeks for the settlements and Netanyahu personally, who is facing down police investigations including an embarrassing probe into his familys receipt of thousands of dollars in gifts from wealthy benefactors, such as diamond jewelry, pink champagne and fancy cigars. No politician likes to wake up to a front-page headline like the one in the Haaretz newspaper last week that read The Netanyahus requests for gifts made me sick. Late last month, after years of delays, the Israeli police finally carried out a Supreme Court order for the demolition of Amona, an illegal Jewish outpost in the West Bank built on private Palestinian land. Israeli TV screens blazed with the images of violent resistance for 24 hours. Netanyahu and Lieberman quickly sought to shore up their right flank by announcing building plans for 5,500 more homes in the settlements. Then Israels parliament passed a controversial bill last week allowing the state to expropriate more private Palestinian land and grant it to settlers so there would never be another Amona eviction. Netanyahu supported the bill, but even his fellow Likudnik, Israels president Reuven Rivlin, cautioned, It will cause Israel to be seen as an apartheid state, which it is not, according to Israeli news media accounts. On Friday, Trump surprised Jerusalem when he gently warned Israel in an interview that building more homes in Jewish settlements was not good for peace and said that he wanted Israel to act reasonably as his administration explores paths toward brokering peace talks with the Palestinians and Arab governments. Trump also said he would move cautiously on a possible relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, which Arabs have warned would inflame religious passions and spark violence. [Trump says he really wants Israeli-Palestinian peace deal, warns both sides to act reasonably] The interview was published in Israel Hayom, the pro-Netanyahu newspaper owned by the prime ministers long-term supporter Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate and GOP mega-donor who dined at the White House with Trump last week. For the Israeli government, the most problematic takeaway of the interview was Trumps suggestion that he and his son-in-law, senior adviser Jared Kushner, are considering a new round of peace talks to broker what Trump has called the ultimate deal. Orly Azoulay, a columnist for the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, wrote on Sunday, The Israeli right wing appear to have popped their champagne corks a bit prematurely when they celebrated Trumps victory. She added, Presidents come and presidents go, but there is nothing new under the sun in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and nor are there any magical solutions. On Sunday at his cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said, I hear and understand that there is great excitement ahead of this meeting with Trump, with all different kinds of motivation behind it. But he stressed that his goals were to strengthen the steadfast alliance with the U.S. and other national interests dependent on that tie. In response to the calls to abandon the two-state solution, Netanyahu said his White House visit requires a responsible and considered policy and thus I intend to act. I have navigated Israeli-U.S. relations in a prudent manner, he said, and I will continue to do so now. Ruth Eglash contributed to this report. Read more: Role of Trumps son-in-law raises questions about private diplomacy Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news North Korea fired a ballistic missile Sunday morning, its first provocation since Donald Trump was elected president of the United States and one that sets up a test for the new administration in Washington. The missile was fired shortly before 8 a.m. local time from a known test site in North Pyongan province in the west of the country, not far from the border with China, and flew over the Korean Peninsula and into the Sea of Japan, South Koreas joint chiefs of staff said. The launch happened while President Trump was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his golf resort in Florida. In a brief joint appearance after the news of the missile test, the two presented a united front. Abe called the test absolutely intolerable. He said that in his summit with Trump at the White House on Friday the president assured me the United States will always stand with Japan 100 percent. After Abe spoke, Trump, who had been standing behind him, took the microphone and said: I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent. Trump did not mention South Korea, also an important U.S. ally. Neither leader answered questions. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gives field guidance to the Kangdong Precision Machine Plant in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang February 7, 2017. (Kcna/Reuters) South Koreas military leaders were still working to analyze data from the projectile but said it appeared to be a medium-range Musudan missile, the type that North Korea had been trying to perfect last year. The Musudan is technically capable of flying as far as 2,400 miles, putting Guam within range and almost reaching Alaska. But the joint chiefs said this missile appeared to fly only 300 miles. [North Korea fires 3 missiles as G-20 continues in China] The military is determining if the missile is a modified Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile or the shorter range Rodong missile, a military official told the Souths Yonhap News Agency. But some analysts thought the launch could have been the first stages of an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States. I think were all waiting for the first two stages of the ICBM, said Jeffrey Lewis of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. They finished testing that engine on the stand so now its time to test it in the air. I dont think this [missile test] is designed to respond to Trump; I think this is part of Kim Jong Uns continued efforts to try to advance his programs, said Jon Wolfsthal, a senior nonproliferation official in the Obama administration now at Harvards Belfer Center. But it has the added effect of calling Trumps bluff. The real question is not what North Korea has done, but what the U.S. is going to do about it, he said. Kims regime has declared a goal of producing an intercontinental missile that can deliver a nuclear payload to the United States and last year appeared to be making a concerted effort toward achieving that goal. It conducted two nuclear tests and dozens of missile tests, including eight Musudan tests. Only one, in June, was a success, flying about 250 miles and reaching a surprisingly high altitude. (AP) But the regime had not fired any since October, perhaps to avoid influencing domestic politics in the United States ahead of the presidential election and in South Korea, where the conservative president has been impeached and there is now a good chance of a progressive administration that is friendlier to Pyongyang. In his New Years address, Kim said that North Korea had test-fired in various ways for a nuclear strike to cope with the imperialists nuclear war threats and said that the country had entered the final stage of preparation for the test launch of intercontinental ballistic missile. [North Korea at the top of the agenda as Mattis heads to Seoul] In response, Trump tweeted: North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It wont happen! But apart from repeating the usual pledges to work to stop North Korea from reaching its nuclear goals, the Trump administration has said little on what it would do to stop Kim. The administration is understood to be embarking on a view of North Korea after eight years in which the Obama administration practiced strategic patience hoping that it could wait out North Korea. In Seoul, the national security council convened a meeting and acting president Hwang Kyo-ahn said the South Korean government would work with its allies to ensure a concerted response to punish North Korea. John Wagner in Florida and David Nakamura in Washington contributed to this report. Defying skeptics, Kim Jong Un marks five years at the helm of North Korea Did North Korea just test missiles capable of hitting the U.S.? Maybe. Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news People hold signs denouncing President Trump during a protest Sunday in Mexico City. Many also used the event to criticize their own leaders, accusing them, among other things, of weakness in the face of Trumps threats. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images) Mexicans took to the streets of their capital and other cities Sunday afternoon to denounce President Trumps depictions of them as rapists and robbers, as well as to demand the respecting of Mexico. But that was by no means the only item on the agenda. Many marchers were protesting their own unpopular president and political class rather than Trump even as the U.S. leader proceeds with plans to build a border wall and continues to target the countrys currency and economy with barbed tweets. Donald Trump is a global threat, said Jaime Sanchez, one of an estimated 11,000 marchers making their way to the Angel of Independence monument here. But we also have threats in Mexico, starting with the government. Vibra Mexico (roughly, Mexico Moves), a self-described nonpartisan and respectful protest organized by more than 70 civic groups, universities and nongovernment organizations, had marshaled a protest aimed at condemning Trumps treatment of Mexico but also demanding more of Mexican politicians. Such a balance proved difficult to maintain Sunday as some protesters carried signs comparing Trump to Hitler and chanted, No wall! while others shouted, Pena out! a reference to the countrys unpopular leader, Enrique Pena Nieto, whose approval hovers at 12 percent. Even with the perceived Trump threat looming, hashtags criticizing the Vibra Mexico protest were trending on Twitter, and march organizers pleaded with protesters to recognize Trump as the primary worry. Mexicans are outraged by many things. Were outraged by poverty, were outraged by inequality, were outraged by impunity, said Enrique Graue, rector of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the countrys largest public university and part of the Vibra Mexico coalition. The point is: What outrages us most? At this time, were most outraged by the treatment Mexico has received from the U.S. president. [Under Trumps plan, Mexico wont end up paying for the wall. You will.] Organizers of a rival march in Mexico City, calling itself Mexicanos Unidos, or Mexicans United, agree, although they explicitly called for supporting Pena Nieto a stance that earned them a volley of insults as they also tried to congregate at the angel monument, Mexican news organizations reported. Polls show a deep dislike of Trump south of the border, but many Mexicans voice greater discontent about domestic problems than about disrespect from a foreign leader. Trumps election coincided with mass protests in Mexico over a 20 percent hike in the government-set gasoline price, accusations that governors in eight states were pilfering the public purse and stories of politicians paying themselves inexplicable bonuses. Analysts are skeptical that castigating a foreign villain will change many Mexicans minds about their political class, who are being held responsible for the countrys weakness as it confronts Trump and his threats. Trump is being presented as Mexicos main problem. The main problem for most Mexicans is Pena Nieto, said Ilan Semo, a history professor at the Ibero-American University. They wont back the current regime because theres a feeling that Pena Nieto and his team are going to use the nationalist script to try to rebuild some sort of consensus. [Trump is bullying Mexico because Mexico is letting him do it] Vibra Mexico organizers stressed that their march is open to everyone. They also have called on the president to ensure transparency in his negotiations with Trump, and they demanded that his government come to terms with inequality, corruption, impunity and human rights abuses. But its been a tough sell, and organizers have had to fend off allegations that they are not interested in protesting injustices at home. Some supporters have tried shaming people into the streets; historian and public intellectual Enrique Krauze tweeted, Not marching projects passivity, indifference and even cowardice. DONT FORGET: Mexico lost the war of 1847 and half its territory due to all the internal divisions, tweeted Krauze, who has called Trump the biggest foreign threat to Mexico since President James K. Polk, instigator of the Mexican-American War. The admonitions highlight the consensus coalescing among Mexicos elite on the topic of Trump, with media, the business class and religious leaders calling for unity. Billionaire Carlos Slim who dined with Trump at the presidents Florida retreat, Mar-a-Lago, in December said at a rare news conference, We have to back [Pena Nieto]. All of the country has to do so in the face of a special risk in U.S. relations we have not seen in 100 years. [In fight with Trump, Mexico has plenty of ways to punch back] Much of the anti-Trump talk has come from politicians, whose high-profile stunts have included bashing Trump pinatas and proposing a boycott on Ford vehicles after the automaker withdrew a $1.6 billion investment in Mexico. [Trumps] not only ignorant. Hes not only an imperialist. Hes not even a good Christian, shouted Hugo Eric Flores, leader of Encuentro Social, a party founded by evangelical pastors, at an Inauguration Day protest. Despite the widespread skepticism of anything advocated by politicians, there are signs the anti-Trump view is spreading. The story of a woman turning in her tourist visa to the U.S. Consulate in Hermosillo was widely lauded. On Feb. 5, Tijuana residents observed #UnasHorasPorMexico (A few hours for Mexico), boycotting U.S. companies and staying on the Mexican side of the border. Plans for other boycotts notably, Adios Starbucks have trended on Twitter. Yet many Mexicans still express fond feelings for the United States and say their protests are anti-Trump, not anti-American. Were speaking out against Trump, said Mario Silvan, a lawyer, and not the American people. Read more Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news The fast-track rise of dozens of film festivals in Eastern and Central Europe has created a proving ground for scores of emerging filmmaking talents, creating tight competition for fests striving to present the brightest new visionaries in the region. One event that draws the attention of scouts despite freezing winter weather, the Black Nights fest in Tallinn, Estonia, offers a handy overview of Baltic talent. Tallinn-born helmer Tanel Toom, whose 2010 short The Confession was Oscar-nommed and screened in the festivals shorts sidebar, is now prepping his feature debut, sci-fi thriller Gateway 6, according to its programmer Hannes Aava, who is eagerly awaiting a look. Another Estonian filmmaker to watch, musicvideo maker Triin Ruumet, won the jury prize last year for her debut Days That Confused, a wild ride through teenage wasteland, at Karlovy Varys East of West section, which focuses on films from the former East Bloc. Estonian Vallo Toomla, meanwhile, sold nervy home-invasion thriller The Pretenders (pictured above) to Wide Management following its San Sebastian debut last year. And Latvian Ranars Vimba, whose feature debut Mellow Mud won the Generation 14Plus kudo at Berlinale last year, is another filmmaker fests are keeping their eyes on. Serbian Ivana Mladenovic won praises for her documentary Turn Off the Lights at Tribeca, following up with an impressive acting turn in Radu Judes Locarno jury prize-winner Scarred Hearts. Her upcoming feature debut, based on Romanian novel Soldiers, parlays an intense yet toxic gay affair between an ex-con and an intellectual music scholar. It is the first major Romanian film dealing with a strong and daring gay topic, says Transilvania Intl. Film Festival artistic director Mihai Chirilov. Theologian and filmmaker Daniel Sandu, meanwhile, recently made his feature debut, One Step Behind the Seraphim, based on his own upbringing in an Orthodox seminary in Romania, a project repped by Indie Sales and produced by indie vet Ada Solomon (Childs Pose). Story continues Former film critic Andrei Cretulescu, whose third short, Ramona, was selected for Cannes in 2015, is in post-production on feature debut, Charlton Heston. The tense grief story was honored as a work-in-progress at the Thessaloniki fest last year. Thats impressive, says Chirilov, for a film that is pretty atypical for a Romanian production: an uber-stylish and tender melodrama with cynical and tongue-in-cheek undertones, packed with smart cinephile references. Karlovy Vary artistic director Karel Och is perpetually on the lookout for emerging Czech talent. He cites three incredibly talented young filmmakers, each now working on feature debuts: Zuzana Spidlova and Michael Hogenauer, both scored attention at Cinefondation. Spidlova won in 2008 with student film Baba. Meanwhile, Ondrej Hudecek is following up his jury prize at Sundance last year for queer romance short Peacock with Bohemian Rhapsody, based on the illicit romance of celebrated playwright Ladislav Stroupeznicky. And, adds Och, L.A.-based director Martin Krejci, known for stylized and over-the-top commercial spots, will shoot his first feature narrative this summer in English. One summer ritual thats a must for scouting new talent, the Sarajevo fest, is also a window into compelling new Balkan visions, says fest director Mirsad Purivatra. The fests Talents program and CineLink event are set up to discover and support the emerging talent even before we screen their films at the festival, he says. The farm team system has proven its value with directors such as Laslo Nemes (Son of Saul) and Nana Ekvtimishvili (In Bloom), among others. In 2017, Purivatra adds, keep your eyes on Alen Drljevics debut fiction feature Men Dont Cry. The Warsaw fest is also adept at discovering talent, as Pawel Maslonas upcoming feature debut Panic Attack bears out, according to fest director Stefan Laudyn. Agnieszka Elbanowska, who scored the top short prize in Warsaw with her absurdist doc First Pole on Mars, is another find, he says, as is documentarian Anna Zamecka, whose feature-length Communion won Critics Week in Locarno along with Warsaws top doc kudo. Related stories China's Hishow Snares 'Hunter Killer,' 'Escobar' from Nu Image/Millennium Berlin Film Review: 'Barrage' Nazi-Themed Thriller 'SS-GB' Invades Europe Supreme Court stays Chand's appointment as IGP The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an order suspending the implementation of Jaya Bahadur Chand's appointment as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP). Sure, the annual BAFTA Film Awards honors the best in British films, but it also singles out the greatest international titles of the year, which means those in the U.S. will be in interested in finding out who wins. Luckily for those not located across the pond, the EE British Academy Film Awards will air in the U.S. live on Sunday, Feb. 12. Those tuning in from the U.S., Bermuda and Canada can watch on BBC America. According to the networks schedule, the show kicks off at 8 p.m. EST and is expected to conclude at 10:30 p.m. EST. Hollywoods biggest stars come out for Britains most glamorous night in this awards ceremony honoring the best of the year in film, the network has teased of the event. BAFTAS Photo: Reuters Those more interested in the fashion at the BAFTAs should plan on tuning in to the red carpet celebration. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts plans to have a live broadcast of the red carpet on their website and on Facebook starting at 11:30 a.m. (16.30 GMT) Sunday. The 2017 BAFTAs will see the presentation of 24 awards. La La Land, which has been sweeping award season thus far, has the most nominations with 11. Following behind the Damien Chazelle-directed flick is Arrival and Nocturnal Animals, each with nine nominations. The drama Manchester by the Sea has an impressive six. The public will choose a winner for the EE Rising Star Award. This years recognized actors include Anya Taylor-Joy, Laia Costa, Lucas Hedges, Ruth Negga and Tom Holland. View the complete list of 2017 nominees here. The award show will take place live the Royal Albert Hall in London. The ceremony will be hosted by Stephen Fry. Related Articles Barely two weeks after Germany deported him, an Afghan asylum seeker was struck by flying shrapnel in a suicide bombing in Kabul, highlighting the perils of repatriation to the war-battered country. Atiqullah Akbari, 23, was caught up in Tuesday's militant attack at the Supreme Court in Kabul, a terrifying scene of carnage, bloodshed and agonising screams, which left 20 people dead and 41 others wounded. Akbari, now battling severe headaches after shrapnel injured his face, was deported to Kabul on January 24 after he was picked up a day earlier by German police in his home in Bavaria where he sought refuge. He is among 60 Afghan nationals who have been returned to Kabul since December under an agreement signed between the European Union and Afghanistan last October. "I will go back, I must go back," Akbari told AFP on the day he arrived, clutching two handbags, his only possessions. "I have nothing left here. My family has fled to Turkey after selling our house," he said, seemingly lost in the crowd on the snowy day. Germany's government is under pressure to act as the migrant influx has boosted a right-wing populist and anti-immigration movement, and the number of far-right hate crimes against foreigners has soared. But the government has also faced increasing opposition at the state level against sending Afghan nationals back home to an increasingly dangerous environment. - 'No, Afghanistan is not safe' - In October 2015 Akbari fled his home in the western city of Herat, where he worked for an Afghan NGO, after what he described as death threats. "We'll kill you, your family first, then it will be you," he recalled, without specifying the source of the threat. "Here there is 100 percent danger for me," he said, explaining his motivation to flee to Germany -- first to Munich and then to the town of Bamberg in Bavaria. This is where Uschi Josat, a German merchant from the neighbouring area of Strullendorf took him under her wings, eventually becoming a mother figure to him. Story continues "We helped him out, he came to eat with us and on weekends he slept at home," Josat told AFP. "Atiqullah was completely integrated in Germany. He learnt to speak and write German... He was the best in his integration class," Josat added, voicing dismay over his deportation. They have spoken nearly every night since he returned to Kabul. "Psychologically he is very affected," she said. "It was unfair that he was expelled. He did nothing wrong. He needs another chance." Afghanistan is plagued by insecurity, poverty and unemployment, and is increasingly overwhelmed by people repatriated from Pakistan, Iran and Europe along with hundreds of thousands of others displaced by war. Germany, which has taken in over one million asylum seekers since 2015, last Thursday announced plans to speed up the deportation of those denied refugee status. Five German state governments have decided to halt most expulsions to Afghanistan, according to media reports, citing the worsening instability in the strife-torn country. Chancellor Angela Merkel -- who faces a re-election bid in September amid a voter backlash over the mass influx -- argues that though it was "not easy" to send Afghans back home, those denied asylum could be sent back to certain regions that were safer. "No, Afghanistan is not a safe country," placards said at protests in various German cities on Saturday against the deportations. The United Nations reported in early February that civilian casualties in Afghanistan peaked in 2016, with nearly 11,500 non-combatants -- one third of them children -- killed or wounded. Al Franken says a few of his Republican colleagues in the Senate have expressed concern over President Trumps mental health. Its not the majority of them. Its a few, the Minnesota Democrat said on CNNs State of the Union Sunday. In the way that we all have this suspicion that you know, that hes not he lies a lot. He says thing that arent true. Thats the same as lying, I guess. Franken cited Trumps baseless claim that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in last years presidential election as chief among Trumps alarming untruths. You know, that is not the norm for a president of the United States, or, actually, for a human being, Franken said. Franken did not say which of his GOP colleagues acknowledged they are concerned about the presidents mental state. Some will say that hes not right mentally, Franken said on HBOs Real Time With Bill Maher on Friday night. And then some are harsher. Related: #LetLizSpeak: Dems protest GOP silencing of Elizabeth Warren Franken also criticized comments Trump made about his Democratic colleague, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, last week during a private meeting with 10 senators at the White House. As he had during the presidential campaign, Trump made a disparaging reference to the controversy over Warrens claim of Native American heritage. Pocahontas is now the face of your party, Trump reportedly said. I heard this from a couple of my colleagues who were there, Franken said Sunday. I would have said something. I would have said, Mr. President, with all due respect, thats racist. Dont please stop doing that. Im on [the U.S. Senate Committee on] Indian Affairs. This is completely unacceptable. You really should stop doing this. It doesnt serve anybody. More from Yahoo News: ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports The Packers ruled out linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (knee) after he missed practice all week. That leaves rookie Quay Walker to wear the communication helmet on defense against the Lions. The only game Campbell has missed the past six seasons was Week 18 last season when he was inactive to rest for the postseason, not for [more] Eight people were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir Sunday after a gunbattle broke out between suspected rebels and the Indian army, officials said. The alleged militants were hiding in a south Kashmir village when the military and police surrounded it and a firefight broke out. "Four terrorists were killed and four weapons were recovered from the encounter site," army spokesman in Srinagar, Col Manish told AFP. "Two soldiers were also martyred and three injured during the encounter." Two civilians, including the son of the owner of the house in which the militants were hiding, also died, police told AFP. Clashes occurred between government forces and protesters in the aftermath of the battle and at least 25 people were injured including 12 with bullet injuries, authorities said. Three militants managed to escape, and a heavy police contingent has been deployed in the area "to maintain law and order", police added. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since they won independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. Several rebel groups have for decades fought tens of thousands of Indian troops deployed in the region, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan. The fighting has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead. Eastern Australia endured severe "off the scale" fire conditions on Sunday amid a record-breaking heatwave that sparked dire warnings from authorities. While bushfires are common in Australia's arid summer, climate change has pushed up land and sea temperatures and led to more extremely hot days and severe fire seasons. "The conditions for Sunday are the worst possible conditions when it comes to fire danger ratings," New South Wales (NSW) state Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told reporters Friday. "They are catastrophic, they are labelled catastrophic for a reason, they are rare, they are infrequent, and to put it simply, they are off the old conventional scale. "It's not another summer's day. It's not another bad fire weather day. This is as bad as it gets in these circumstances." Fitzsimmons said Sunday afternoon several homes may have been lost in bushfires across the state. Some 2,500 firefighters were battling more than 80 blazes in NSW, with 32 "not contained", the Rural Fire Service said. The organisation added that a person from a fire at Boggabri, a small town in northwestern NSW some 470 kilometres (292 miles) from Sydney, was flown to the harbour city after suffering burns. Further north in Queensland, the Bureau of Meteorology said Sunday numerous February temperature records were being broken across the state as the mercury soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Temperature records were also breached across NSW on Saturday, the weather bureau said. Cooler conditions were forecast to come through later Sunday. Australia has warmed by approximately 1.0 C since 1910, according to the biannual State of the Climate report from the Bureau of Meteorology and national science body CSIRO released in October. The number of days each year that post temperatures of more than 35C was increasing in recent decades except in northern Australia, the report said. Meanwhile, rainfall has reduced by 19 percent between May to July in southwestern Australia since 1970. "Black Saturday", the worst firestorm in recent years, devastated the southern state of Victoria in 2009, razing thousands of homes and killing 173 people. By Jamie Freed SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian banks seeking permission from the country's competition regulator to bargain collectively with Apple Inc over its mobile payment system said on Monday they will focus on gaining access to the U.S. tech company's contactless payment function, removing the fees Apple charges as a bone of contention. Commonwealth Bank of Australia , Westpac Banking Corp , National Australia Bank Ltd and Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Ltd command two-thirds of Australia's credit card market but have yet to allow use of their cards with Apple Pay which was introduced to the country last year. Under Australian law, bargaining cartels can be formed with the approval of authorities. A cartel would strengthen the banks in negotiating the ability to offer their own digital wallets for Apple's iPhones - the first major challenge to Apple Pay of its kind globally. Apple Pay allows users to register credit cards on iPhones, and pay for goods and services by swiping the devices over contactless payment terminals. Apple charges card providers for transactions made using Apple Pay and does not allow companies to develop their own mobile wallets, which would allow banks to circumvent transaction fees and get customers to engage more frequently with their own apps. In the banks' initial application lodged in July, they sought to negotiate with Apple over fees as well as access to the contactless payments function. In a draft decision issued in November, which it described as "finely balanced", the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) proposed to deny the collective bargaining application. At the time, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims told Reuters that if fees were at the heart of the banks' application, then it would be difficult for them to win approval. But if the issue was more about access to Apple's contactless payment technology, then the banks had a stronger case, he said. In a statement ahead of a final decision from the regulator, the banks on Monday said they had narrowed the application to focus on contactless payments and halved the collective bargaining authorization term to 18 months. "It is about the consumer having the choice of multiple wallets," said Lance Blockley, a spokesman for the banks. In a submission to the competition regulator on Jan. 31, Apple said there were no public benefits to providing the banks access to its contactless payment system, and that doing so would give them a "free-ride" on Apple's investment in technology. Among other banks, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd has offered Apple Pay to customers since April, while Macquarie Group Ltd and ING Groep NV's ING Direct on Friday said they would introduce Apple Pay this month. (Reporting by Jamie Freed; Editing by Bill Rigby) Chinas Military Calls for Putting Its Nuclear Forces on Alert (2016) In contrast with the United States, which keeps hundreds of nuclear weapons on hair-trigger alert, Chinas longstanding approach to nuclear deterrence is premised on survivabilitythe idea that some fraction of their 250 or so nuclear warheads could survive a nuclear first strike and retaliate afterwards. Since the strategy doesnt require rapid launch, Chinas warheads arent currently attached to missiles or bombs, and instead are hidden away in tunnels and military installations. But this relatively low-risk policy may change. Recent excerpts and quotes from Chinese military sources suggest pressure is building to change Chinas nuclear posture away from a focus on survivability, and toward a policy of launch-on-warning and hair-trigger alert. Such a change would dramatically increase the risk of a nuclear exchange or accidenta dangerous shift that the United States could help avert. Evidence that Chinas policies are changing Following a 2012 speech on nuclear policy by Chinese President Xi Jingping, the commander of Chinas land-based nuclear missile forces told his troops to maintain a high alert level assuring that if something happens were ready to go. In 2013, an updated edition of a standard text on Chinese military strategy, partially translated by the Union of Concerned Scientists, said Chinas nuclear forces will move towards a launch-on-warning posture, where under conditions confirming the enemy has launched nuclear missiles against us, before the enemy nuclear warheads have reached us [we can] quickly launch a nuclear missile retaliatory strike. These and other statements suggest that a domestic conversation about raising the alert level of Chinas nuclear forces is taking place. The debate is driven in part by concerns about accurate U.S. nuclear weapons, high-precision conventional weapons, and missile defenseall of which are perceived as compromising Chinas current posture. Preventing Chinese hair-trigger alert Adopting a launch-on-warning policy raises the risk of an accidental, mistaken, or unauthorized nuclear launch, as evidenced by dozens of close calls in the United States, Russia, and former Soviet Union. Technical and human errors are especially likely early on, as radar and satellite warning systems are developed. Since concerns about the United States are driving the alerting debate in China, the U.S. has a unique opportunity to influence Chinas decision. Taking our own weapons off hair-trigger alert would be a good first step; adopting a sole purpose nuclear doctrine, acknowledging mutual vulnerability, limiting missile defense, and open discussions about new conventional capabilities would also help. Trumping the world? I am not an expert in international relations, but as a student of political science, I keep more than a common readers interest in global politics. By Harry Pearl SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian authorities ordered the evacuation of some sparsely populated rural areas of New South Wales on Sunday as bushfires, fanned by extreme heat and strong winds, raged across the state, threatening homes and closing roads. A heat wave on Australia's east coast saw temperatures hit records in some parts of the state, creating conditions that officials said were worse than those preceding Victoria's 2009 "Black Saturday" fires, Australia's worst bush fire event that killed 173 people. "This is the worst day we have seen in the history of New South Wales when it comes to fire danger ratings and fire conditions," Shane Fitzsimmons, the state's rural fire chief, told reporters. The areas hit by fires are hundreds of kilometers from Sydney, the state capital. Fitzsimmons said there were unconfirmed reports of homes, farm sheds and machinery being destroyed by fast-moving fires breaking containment lines. There were no reports of injuries, but some firefighters were suffering from heat-related issues. By Sunday afternoon, emergency warnings were issued for five rural areas. People were told to evacuate if they could, or seek shelter and avoid bush or grassland where it was too late to leave. More than 2,000 firefighters, many of them volunteers, were battling 86 fires across New South Wales on Sunday afternoon, with 38 of them not under control. A 13-year-old boy and a 40-year-old man were charged on Sunday for allegedly starting fires. Temperatures climbed above 45 degrees Celsius in some parts. Dry and hot northwesterly winds coming from Australia's desert center, some up to 75 kilometers an hour, were fanning the bushfires. A southerly wind change associated with a cold front was forecast to arrive by early evening, the Bureau of Meteorology said. Fitzsimmons said the front would eventually offer relief, but would create volatile conditions as it met the northwesterly flow. Since Friday, heat wave conditions caused cancellation of major sporting events and put pressure on the electricity grid. A paper mill, water treatment operations and Australia's largest aluminum smelter, Tomago, were among businesses halting operations to conserve energy on Friday. (Reporting by Harry Pearl; Editing by Richard Borsuk) SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) Austria's foreign minister says closing the so-called "Balkan route" to migrants seeking to reach central and northern Europe was the right move. Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz held talks with his Macedonian counterpart, Nikola Poposki, on Sunday. He told reporters afterward that closing borders to deter migrants has become an accepted practice despite initial criticism. Earlier, Kurz visited a refugee camp in the town of Gevgelija, on Macedonia's southern border with Greece. He praised Macedonia's role in securing European borders. On Monday, he is scheduled to tour a similar camp in the country's northern border with Serbia. Before the Balkan route was shut in March 2016, over 1 million refugees and other migrants had traveled through Macedonia on their way to wealthier EU members. About 200 remain stranded in Macedonia. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chief executives of 18 major automakers and their U.S. units urged President Donald Trump to revisit a decision by the Obama administration to lock in vehicle fuel efficiency rules through 2025. In a letter sent late Friday and viewed by Reuters, the chief executives of General Motors Co , Ford Motor Co, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, along with the top North American executives at Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T>, Volkswagen AG , Honda Motor Co <7267.T>, Hyundai Motor Co <005380.KS>, Nissan Motor Co <7201.T> and others urged Trump to reverse the decision, warning thousands of jobs could be at risk. On Jan. 13, the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a determination that the landmark fuel efficiency rules instituted by then President Barack Obama should be locked in through 2025, a bid to maintain a key part of his administration's climate legacy. As part of a 2012 regulation, EPA had to decide by April 2018 whether to modify the 2022-2025 model year vehicle emission rules requiring average fleet-wide efficiency of more than 50 miles per gallon through a "midterm review." The agency in November moved up the timetable for proposing automakers could meet the 2025 standards. The auto CEO letter asked Trump to reopen the midterm review "without prejudging the outcome" and praised Trump's "personal focus on steps to strengthen the economy in the United States and your commitment to jobs in our sector." Days after Trump was elected, automakers quickly appealed to Trump to review the rules, saying they impose significant costs and are out of step with consumer preferences. Gloria Bergquist, a spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said Sunday, automakers are "seeking a restoration of the process -- that's all. This is a reset." The chief executives of Ford, GM and Fiat Chrysler also raised the issue in a White House meeting with Trump last month. The letter warned the rules could "threaten future production levels, putting hundreds of thousands and perhaps as many as a million jobs at risk." Environmentalists say the rules are working, saving drivers thousands in fuel costs and shouldn't be changed. Luke Tonachel of the Natural Resources Defense Council, said lowering the standards would "cost consumers more, increase our dependence on oil and put Americans at greater risk from a changing climate." Trump EPA nominee Scott Pruitt told a Senate panel he will review the Obama administration's decision. In 2011, Obama announced an agreement with automakers to raise fuel efficiency standards to 54.5 miles per gallon. This, the administration said, would save motorists $1.7 trillion in fuel costs over the life of the vehicles, but cost the auto industry about $200 billion over 13 years. The EPA said in July that because Americans were buying fewer cars and more SUVs and trucks, it estimated the fleet will average 50.8 mpg to 52.6 mpg in 2025. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Andrea Ricci) Paris (AFP) - Switzerland's Timea Bacsinszky overcame being stung by a wasp to beat French rival Alize Cornet in the Fed Cup as three of the four World Group ties ended all-square. The Swiss were 1-1 against France in Geneva while defending champions the Czech Republic also split the opening rubbers with Spain in Ostrava as did top-flight debutants Belarus against the Netherlands in Minsk. The United States were closing in on a 2-0 lead over Germany when rain halted action in Hawaii. Bacsinszky downed Cornet 7-5, 6-4 but only after needing treatment when she was stung on her arm by a wasp at 3-3 in the first set of the clash at Geneva's Palexpo arena. The Swiss number one immediately dunked her left elbow in a courtside bucket of water before leaving the court for further treatment on the sting. When she returned, she broke Cornet's serve before going on to secure eventual victory on a fourth match point. "Who would have thought that we would have wasps in Switzerland in February," said Bacsinszky, the world number 16. "It hurt a lot but maybe it will give me super powers on Sunday." She added: "The last time I got stung was a long time ago, and I ended up in hospital, so I had a little panic today." France, the runners-up to the Czechs last season, eventually levelled the quarter-final when 23rd-ranked Kristina Mladenovic eased past her best friend Belinda Bencic 6-3, 6-4. The reverse singles and doubles take place on Sunday with the eventual winners to face either Belarus or the Dutch for a place in the final. The Czechs were tied 1-1 with Spain after number-one players Karolina Pliskova and Garbine Muguruza won their opening rubbers. World number seven Muguruza, the French Open champion, beat 17th-ranked Barbora Strycova 6-0, 3-6, 6-1 before third-ranked Pliskova levelled the tie after seeing off world number 70 Lara Arruabarrena 6-4, 7-5. The Czechs are seeking their fourth straight Fed Cup title after winning five of the last six editions of the team competition. Spain last won the trophy in 1998. Story continues The home side are without 12th-ranked two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova who is recovering from a hand injury she suffered when fighting a knife-wielding burglar last December. The winners of the tie will face either 17-time champions United States or Germany who are playing in Hawaii. - Riske rewarded - Alison Riske put the Americans up 1-0 with a 7-6 (12/10), 6-2 victory over Andrea Petkovic, in a tie that started on an awkward note when an outdated version of the German national anthem was performed. "The USTA extends a sincere apology to the German Fed Cup team & fans 4 the outdated National Anthem," the US Tennis Association said in a tweet after a stanza of the anthem that dates back to World War II -- long dropped by Germany -- was sung. "This mistake will not occur again." It was the start of a tough day for Germany. After Riske's win America's shock Australian Open semi-finalist CoCo Vandeweghe took a 6-3, 3-1 lead over Julia Goerges before rain stopped play for the day -- Goerges also tweaking a knee when she slipped on a rain-slicked baseline. In Minsk, Kiki Bertens rallied from a set down to beat Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus to draw the Dutch level at 1-1. World number 24 Bertens won 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in her first ever meeting with the 18-year-old Belarusian. Earlier, Aliaksandra Sasnovich, ranked 128th, put Belarus into the lead as she battled back from a set down to beat Michaella Krajicek 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Barcelona (AFP) - Barcelona right-back Aleix Vidal will take no further part in the Spanish champions quest for a treble this season after suffering a dislocated right ankle that will keep him out for five months. Vidal was injured with just three minutes to go of Barca's 6-0 rout at Alaves on Saturday when he came off worst in a challenge with on-loan Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez. "The player has been transferred to a hospital in Vitoria and a dislocation to the right ankle that required reconstructive surgery has been confirmed," Barca said in a statement. "The approximate downtime will be about five months." Vidal had only just recently fought his way back into Barca boss Luis Enrique's plans after being cast aside for large parts of the opening half of the campaign. "I am upset by Aleix's injury, the way it came about and what it means for him," said Enrique. "I hope it doesnt turn out to be as bad as it looks," added Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic. "I was quite shocked. Hopefully he'll be back soon as he is a great guy and he was playing excellently." SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Bosnia reported its first case of bird flu on Sunday, after the H5N8 strain was detected at a hen farm in the northwestern town of Prijedor. The authorities took measures to contain the outbreak of the disease and banned visits to the farm, the state-owned Srna news agency reported citing the agriculture ministry of Bosnia's autonomous Serb Republic, where the farm is located. Nobody from the ministry was immediately available to confirm the news. Cases of bird flu have been found in a number of countries across Europe in the past months, including in neighbouring Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro. [L5N1F62CA] The ministry said it would inform the public about its further steps, Srna reported. (Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Toby Chopra) Its Abraham Lincolns 208th birthday today, but you wouldnt know it by watching the number of states that observe the day as a paid holiday. Currently, the Lincoln holiday is celebrated unofficially nationwide, as part of what many states call Presidents Day, which falls on Monday, February 20 this year. Just a few states celebrate the actual Lincoln birthday on its date. And technically, the federal Presidents Day commemorates George Washingtons observed birthday: There is no national holiday called Presidents Day. The third Monday in February is the date designated for the federal Washingtons Birthday holiday under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971. So on February 12, Lincolns real birthday, there are few celebrations on a state level, along with a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. There is also a wreath ceremony at Lincolns birthplace in Kentucky. Lincoln really was born in a one-room log cabin, on Sinking Spring Farm near present-day Hodgenville, Kentucky. (The original cabin was destroyed by the time of Lincolns death in 1865.) There were efforts right after Lincolns death to get this birthday recognized as a holiday, but there has never been a federal Lincoln-birthday holiday. By 1890, Lincolns birthday was observed as a paid holiday in 10 states. According to one blog that tracks the holiday, in 1940 24 states and the District Of Columbia observed Lincolns Birthday. Now, after the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed in 1971 and states moved toward considering the federal Washington-birthday holiday as Presidents Day, there are just a handful of states that honor Lincoln directly. The states that currently have Lincoln-birthday holidays on February 12 include Illinois (Lincolns adopted home state), California, Connecticut, Missouri, and New York. There have been several attempts in Congress to get Lincoln his own national holiday, but none have succeeded. Now, more states celebrate Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) than Lincolns birthday. In fact, 18 states, not including Indiana, have days off for state employees for Black Friday. Another 10 states give their employees the day off for Good Friday, and five states recognize December 26 as a holiday. Story continues And although it may seem odd that Indiana, and also New Mexico, honor Lincoln on the day after Thanksgiving, it was President Lincoln who issued the proclamation in 1863 that officially set the precedent for Americas national day of Thanksgiving. Recent Constitution Daily Stories About Lincoln 50 interesting facts about Abraham Lincolns life On this day, Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation changes history If Abraham Lincoln had died 1861, who would have replaced him? By Paulo Whitaker VITORIA, Brazil (Reuters) - Police in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo did not return to work on Saturday, although the government announced hours earlier that a deal had been struck to end a week-long strike that has led to a sharp increase in murders. Most of the violence has been centered in the poor regions of metropolitan Vitoria, the state capital, which is ringed by beaches and where the petroleum, mining and port industries have a strong presence. On Saturday, Vitoria streets were calm as more soldiers and elite federal police arrived in the state, with more than 4,000 in place to bolster the initial deployment of 1,200 soldiers. Officials in the state, located just north of Rio de Janeiro, said late Friday that they had reached an agreement with representatives of the police for patrols to resume at 7 a.m. (0900 GMT). But family members of the officers told Reuters that no such accord had been reached. Defense Minister Raul Jungmann and Brazil's chief prosecutor, Rodrigo Janot, met with state officials and representatives of the police in Vitoria on Saturday in an effort to advance negotiations, but no accord was reached. Jungmann told the UOL news portal that striking police officers "are contributing to the rise in crime" and that "whether they know it or not, are on the side of the criminals that are killing citizens." The wives of police and other relatives, who have led the strike by forming human blockades of barracks, refused to budge Saturday. Under Brazilian law, it is illegal for police to strike, which is why their family members have taken action to physically prevent police cars leaving barracks. The police themselves have not tried to remove their families, leading to fears among some of the relatives that soldiers could try to remove them by force. The striking police said they had not received a raise in four years and their base pay of about 2,700 reais ($867) a month was among the lowest in Brazil. Aline Santana, an 18-year-old mother of two young boys, was out for a walk in central Vitoria on Saturday, and her mix of understanding and frustration echoed the sentiments of many citizens. "I think most people understand their need to strike, but they are leaving the population vulnerable to all types of threats," she said. "If they had been on strike for two or three days, we could take it. But a week of being in this chaos is not acceptable." Officials have closed schools, clinics and public transportation, while shops and other businesses have remained shuttered, causing over $30 million in losses, a state retail association said. Espirito Santo is one of several Brazilian states hit by a budget crisis that is crippling essential public services. The police strike over pay has left a security vacuum and led to rampant assaults, robberies and looting, often in broad daylight. The police union said Saturday that 138 people had been murdered in the state since last Saturday - a six-fold increase over the average homicide rate in 2016. State security agents have said that most of the murders appear to be related to the drug trade or other crimes, although bystanders have also been caught up in the violence. Limited protests by police in Rio de Janeiro on Friday and Saturday alarmed residents of the metropolitan area of 12 million people, where crime has spiked in the past year. But state officials said more than 95 percent of police were on patrol in Rio, calming fears of an imminent strike. ($1 = 3.1145 reais) (Reporting by Paulo Whitaker; Additional reporting by Brad Brooks in Sao Paulo; Editing by Grant McCool and Leslie Adler) Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Several hundred police returned to their patrols on Sunday after eight days of strikes in a southeastern Brazilian state that was plunged into violence during the work stoppage. Relatives of officers had blocked access to all military police stations since February 4 to demand raises and better working conditions for police, who are barred by the constitution from going on strike or protesting. Although relatives continue to block some stations, "military policemen have been seen in several cities in Espirito Santo," the local government said Saturday night on social media. "They have responded to the call of command and are back in the streets," it said. A government spokesman told AFP that 875 officers were in uniform and working Sunday in the state of Espirito Santo, including 275 in the capital city Vitoria. Normally, 2,000 of the state's 10,400 policemen are on patrol each day. At least 137 people were reported killed amid looting and robbery in Espirito Santo since police went on strike more than a week ago. Some officers were taken by helicopter to city streets because of the blockades. With police gone from the streets, assaults, vandalism and killings rose sharply in Espirito Santo, which is 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro. More than 3,000 soldiers were deployed to maintain order, and will remain on the streets until the situation returns to normal, Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said Saturday. He traveled to Vitoria, the state capital, that day with other members of the government. The state government warned Friday that 703 officers would be charged with rebellion, an offense that could see them sentenced to between eight and 20 years in prison. On Friday, similar strikes erupted at some of Rio de Janeiro's police stations over unpaid wages, and relatives of officers also blockaded police stations. But police were on duty Sunday morning. Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years. Bobigny (France) (AFP) - Thirty-seven people were arrested in the Paris suburbs when clashes erupted after a protest over the assault of a young black man allegedly sodomised with a police truncheon, a police source said Sunday. Around 2,000 people demonstrated Saturday outside a courthouse to demand justice for Theo, a 22-year-old youth worker who required surgery after his arrest last week in the gritty suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois. The protest in the northern suburb of Bobigny near Aulnay-sous-Bois was peaceful at the start but groups of demonstrators later clashed with police and went on the rampage, attacking cars, shops and public property. Several vehicles were torched and bus shelters and shopfronts smashed in Bobigny and neighbouring areas. A little girl trapped in a burning car was rescued by a 16-year-old demonstrator, who was heralded as a hero on social media. The police accused "several hundred" individuals of various "acts of violence and damage." The rioting capped a week of nightly clashes in the northern Paris suburb over the treatment of Theo, who claims a police officer sodomised him with his baton after a stop-and-search check in a housing estate. Around 50 people have been detained since the protests began. One officer has been charged with rape over the affair, and three others with assault. All four have been suspended from their duties. Theo's case has revived long-simmering frustrations over policing in immigrant communities, where young men accuse the police of repeatedly targeting them in aggressive stop-and-search operations and using excessive force during arrests. The police for their part complain of being drawn into a cat-and-mouse game with delinquents and drug dealers operating out of housing estates. In 2005, the death of two teenagers who were electrocuted while hiding from police in an electricity substation sparked weeks of riots in France. Some of the demonstrators in Bobigny on Saturday carried placards reading "Police rape" and "Police kill innocent people". Story continues Small rallies took place in other French cities, including Rouen in the north, Nantes in the west and Toulouse in the south-west. Theo is still in hospital where he was operated for severe injuries to the anus and rectal area. He was declared unfit to work for two months. An internal police investigation found insufficient evidence to support allegations that he was raped and said the injuries were not inflicted intentionally. The criminal probe is, however, ongoing. BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Colombia's president is asking for President Donald Trump's support in approving U.S. funding to back the country's peace deal with leftist rebels. The request came in a 25-minute phone call Saturday between Trump and President Juan Manuel Santos, the first between the two leaders since the Republican president took office. The Obama administration laid out a plan of $450 million in assistance this year to support peace with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. But Congress has yet to approve the funds and some conservative U.S. lawmakers are pushing for bigger concessions from the FARC and a stronger commitment from Santos to eradicate exploding levels of cocaine crops. According to Santos' aides, Trump said he was interested in continuing support for Colombia long the U.S.'s staunchest ally in Latin America. Trump also invited last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner to the White House in a future, undisclosed date, aides said. Aides released a photo of Santos during the conversation smiling widely. They wouldn't say if the Colombian leader raised objections shared widely in Latin America over Trump's proposal to build a wall with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants. Santos' aides said Trump praised the high quality of Colombian workmanship and construction materials used to build his real estate empire. Bogota (AFP) - President Juan Manuel Santos spoke with US President Donald Trump on the phone Saturday and asked him to support Colombia's peace plan with FARC rebels, the Latin American leader said on Twitter. Santos, in a series of posts, described their conversation as "productive." "@POTUS expressed his support for peace and desire to maintain the best relations with Colombia," Santos said, referring to Trump by his Twitter handle. He said he asked Trump to support approval of the Colombia peace plan in the US Congress. "(Trump) said he was very interested and would take charge of it personally," said Santos, who added that Trump extended an invitation for him to visit the White House. The call lasted about 25 minutes, Santos's office said. The United States has pledged $450 million to support implementation of the peace agreement signed in November between Bogota and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), bringing an end to a 52-year conflict. Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in negotiating an end to the conflict that grew out of a crushed uprising over land rights in the 1960s. It killed more than 260,000 people and left 60,000 missing, according to authorities. As of early Sunday, the White House Press Office had yet to release a read-out of the call. Employees of several companies, whose executives showed support to President Donald Trump, have threatened to quit, according to Bloomberg. Trump had received backing from top executives of IBM, Oracle and Uber, among others. The Wednesday report from Bloomberg stated that IBM Chief Executive Officer Ginni Romettys move to congratulate Trump for his presidential victory resulted in a petition from employees asking to "respect our right to refuse to participate in any government contracts that violate constitutional and civil liberties." The petition got over 1,600 signatures. Elizabeth Wood, a digital strategist with IBM, wrote an open letter last November saying that she has resigned from the company due to Rometty's support to Trump. [Trump] has demonstrated contempt for immigrants, veterans, people with disabilities, Black, Latinx, Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ communities. These groups comprise a growing portion of the company you lead, Ms. Rometty. They work every day for IBMs success and have been silenced by your words, Wood wrote. Since Trump assumed office, executives at companies including Facebook and Uber have come under fire from their employees, Bloomberg noted. After Oracle Co-Chief Executive Officer Safra Catz joined Trumps transition team, a senior executive of cloud operations stepped down. George Polisner, who had been working with the company since 1993, posted his resignation on LinkedIn and stated concerns over Trumps choice of cabinet, tax and environmental policies and creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among minorities. Ubers Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick quit Trumps White House advisory council after facing backlash from employees. Apart from this, some job candidates canceled their interviews at companies because of the conflicting political views. According to Bloomberg, a 39-year-old lawyer canceled an interview at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius law firm after knowing the firm handled Trumps ethics and conflicts-of-interest compliance and that it had won a Russia Law Firm of the Year award. Related Articles (Reuters) - Trump-branded consumer products have suffered new blows, with U.S. retailers Sears Holdings Corp and Kmart Corp discontinuing online sales of 31 Trump Home items, while new details emerged showing sales of Ivanka Trump's brand fell in the weeks before Nordstrom Inc stopped carrying her products. Sears and its wholly owned subsidiary, Kmart, disclosed their decision on Saturday, saying it was part of a push to focus their online business on the most profitable items. Separately, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that Nordstrom sales of Ivanka Trump's brand had dropped sharply before the retailer discontinued sales this week. Citing internal Nordstrom data, the Journal reported sales of Ivanka Trump-branded clothing and shoes had dropped more than 70 percent in the second, third and fourth week of October compared with the same weeks the previous year. The election was held on Nov. 8. The developments were the latest in a week of controversy swirling around commercial activity connected to the Trump name. And the moves may be a rare sign of companies taking calculated risks in making business decisions that might invite criticism from President Donald Trump's Twitter account. Neil Stern, a retail consultant for McMillan Doolittle, said Nordstrom may have felt insulated given its stores tend to be located in cities and affluent suburbs, which tend to tack Democratic. If there is a political blowback they will survive it given where there stores are, he said. For Sears, which last month announced plans to close 150 stores, any publicity that draws attention away from the retailer's financial struggles is welcome, Stern added. On Friday, three athletes sponsored by Under Armour Inc took to social media to distance themselves from comments by the company's chief executive, Kevin Plank, in support of President Trump. Earlier in the week, a congressional committee said it was seeking a review into whether senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway had violated ethics rules by using her position to promote Ivanka Trump's product lines. Story continues Prior to Conway's comments, Donald Trump used Twitter to defend his daughter in the wake of Nordstrom's decision to discontinue her product line. White House spokesman Sean Spicer characterized the Nordstrom move as a "direct attack" on the president's policies. Neither Sears nor Kmart carried the Trump Home products in their retail stores, a Sears Holdings Corp spokesman said. "As part of the companys initiative to optimize its online product assortment, we constantly refine that assortment to focus on our most profitable items," spokesman Brian Hanover said in a statement. "Amid that streamlining effort, 31 Trump Home items were among the items removed online this week," he said, adding those items can be found through a third-party vendor, without providing additional information about the products. The Trump Home collection includes lines of furniture, bedding and lighting, often from makers that supply Trump hotels, according to the collection's website. Nordstrom, in announcing the discontinuation of Ivanka Trump's line last week, said sales had "steadily declined to the point where it didnt make good business sense" to continue selling the products. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas; Additional reporting by Joel Schectman in Washington; Writing by David Greising; Editing by Grant McCool and Matthew Lewis) Yadav says state govts should hold local polls Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav has said the provincial government, not the central government, should hold the local polls for lasting peace and stability through proper implementation of the constitution. The U.S. Department of Education apologized Sunday for a tweet that misspelled the name of W.E.B. Du Bois while quoting the late writer, historian and civil rights activist. The tweet spelled his last name DeBois a typo that appeared to mimic the name of the departments controversial new secretary, Betsy DeVos. I see they left Ms. "DuVos" in charge of the @usedgov Twitter feed pic.twitter.com/SW0scGm49u Jason Tocci (@JasonT) February 12, 2017 The NAACP, which Du Bois co-founded, was quick to mock the typo. In the Days of Loose & Careless Logic, We Must Teach Thinkers to THINK. William Edward Burghardt DU Bois, the NAACP tweeted. The Du Bois error was left unaddressed for nearly four hours before the department posted a corrected version of the tweet and issued an apology which also included a typo. Our deepest apologizes for the earlier typo, the initial apology tweet read before a second one was issued. "Education must not simply teach work it must teach life." W.E.B. Du Bois pic.twitter.com/hSg4R1rLHH US Dept of Education (@usedgov) February 12, 2017 DeVos was confirmed by the Senate last week, with Vice President Mike Pence casting a historic tie-breaking vote. The Michigan billionaires razor-thin confirmation followed bruising confirmation hearings, where critics highlighted her support for vouchers to attend private schools and the fact that she has neither worked in nor attended a public school nor sent her children to public schools. Betsy DeVos and the misspelled tweet. (DeVos: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters; illustration by Yahoo News) On Wednesday, a photo of DeVos walking into her new office was posted to her personal Twitter feed. Day 1 on the job is done, but were only getting started. Now where do I find the pencils? pic.twitter.com/0vRKF1opE9 Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVos) February 9, 2017 Day 1 on the job is done, but were only getting started, she wrote. Now where do I find the pencils? Story continues At the store, Robin McCauley Lynch, a Los Angeles teacher, replied. Something you should know: we teachers buy pencils and supplies for our classes with our OWN money. @BetsyDeVos At the store. Something you should know: we teachers buy pencils and supplies for our classes with our OWN money. Robin McCauley Lynch (@RobinMcCauley) February 9, 2017 And for DeVos, it seems, erasers may come in handy. More from Yahoo News: Santo Domingo (AFP) - A Dominican newspaper apologized Sunday for publishing a photo of actor Alec Baldwin in his satirical role as US President Donald Trump, alongside an article on the US president's stance on Israeli settlements. The Friday edition of El Nacional featured Baldwin's photo -- instead of an actual image of Trump -- next to one of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a story about Israeli settlements in areas claimed by the Palestinians. Baldwin has channeled the billionaire US president's strained squint and pouty, twitching lips on the sketch comedy "Saturday Night Live" since the show's 42nd season premiered. El Nacional issued an apology for the gaffe in its Sunday paper, saying the mix-up "went unnoticed by all who reviewed page 19," where the photo ran. "El Nacional apologizes to the readers and all those who felt affected by the publication," the paper said. The Republican former reality TV host has attacked Baldwin and the late-night variety show on Twitter, writing that the show is "unwatchable!" "Totally biased, not funny and the Baldwin impersonation just can't get any worse. Sad." Baldwin has received critical praise for his performance, however, and the newspaper gaffe might be the highest compliment yet. Alec Baldwin's impression of the President: Will Heath/NBC In the run up to his presidency, Donald Trump made it very clear that he was not a fan of Alec Baldwin's impersonations in which he famously mimicked the Republican candidate on Saturday Night Live. It's emerged, however, that so effective is the impression, a newspaper has mistakenly used a picture of Baldwin's version of Trump in place of actual Donald Trump. The newspaper in question is the Dominican Republic's El Nacional with the gaffe arriving in a story about the President's policies in the Middle East. As far as reports are concerned, the piece was not intended to be satirical or tongue-in-cheek which makes the entire error more hilarious. See for yourself below. That awkward moment when a Dominican newspaper uses a picture of Alec Baldwin instead of Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/nRUlikR7Ef Andrew Bloch (@AndrewBloch) February 11, 2017 Baldwin's not the only one to have jumped on the impression bandwagon; Melissa McCarthy impersonated White House press secretary Sean Spicer while Rosie O'Donnell threw her name into the ring to take on Trump's assistant, Steve Bannon. This week, Australian comedian Jim Jefferies tore into Piers Morgan on a US talk show after the British broadcaster refused to brand Trump's travel ruling a Muslim ban. Trump stands in the White House Oval Office: Getty After weeks of speculation that he would break with almost four decades of US foreign policy, President Donald Trump will now stay in line with the countrys official One China policy. The President stoked diplomatic concerns after he arranged a phone call with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen shortly after the 2016 election. The call was the first by a US president-elect or president since Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979. The White House confirmed Mr Trumps decision to step away from an earlier comment that the US did not necessarily have to adhere to the policy, under which Taiwan is not recognised as a sovereign territory. After a lengthy phone call with China President Xi Jinping, the White House said that the two discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our One China policy. Mr Trump himself acknowledged the Thursday call in a tweet criticising The New York Times for reporting that his last call with President Xi took place on 14 November in their coverage of this weeks talk between the leaders. The paper did not make reference to the Thursday-evening call in the early edition of Friday's newspaper, but later added the White House's announcement to the online story. The failing [New York Times] does major FAKE NEWS China story saying Mr Xi has not spoken to Trump since Nov 14, he tweeted the next morning, misquoting the third paragraph of the story about the Thursday call. We spoke at length yesterday. The White House has previously admitted that they will refer to any news critical of the President as "fake". Mr Trumps December stumble prompted a diplomatic protest from Beijing. When asked about whether he would adhere to the One China policy amid the controversy, Mr Trump trotted out his characteristic tough talk in an interview with the conservative Fox News. I fully understand the One China policy, but I dont know why we have to be bound by a One China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade, he said. Story continues China responded with concern, saying that the policy was instrumental to any trade deals with the US. The nationalistic Chinese paper Global Times condemned Mr Trump's handling of diplomacy in an editorial piece, saying that he was ignorant like a child. If Trump abandons the One China principle, the paper added, why should China need to be the US's partner in most international affairs?" By Maha El Dahan DUBAI (Reuters) - Dubai's Al Khaleej Sugar Refinery, the world's largest port-based refinery for the commodity, said on Sunday it was operating at full capacity and expected to remain so for the next month. Jamal al-Ghurair, managing director of the refinery, also told Reuters he was satisfied with the current levels of sugar white premiums, which have been averaging at around $90 a tonne. The whites-over-raws premium is a measure of refining profitability. "I think it is a good price to sell ... they should remain the same in the second half of the year," he said in an interview on the sidelines of the Dubai Sugar Conference. Ghurair also said Al Khaleej could choose to deliver sugar to ICE Futures as it did in late 2016, depending on the export market situation. Al Khaleej said in November it had delivered 404,250 tonnes of white sugar against the ICE December futures contract, the largest ever quantity by a single deliverer. [nL8N1DH5BI] "It is a last minute option, but we can't say at the moment if we will do it," he said. Ghurair said the export market for white sugar was still limited in the region, amid increasing refining capacity in the Middle East, adding that the refinery had produced a stable 1.8 million tonnes in 2016 with no plans for expansion. Of the total production, around 220,000 tonnes go to supply the local market in the UAE while the rest is for export. Al Khaleej used to sell the bulk of its white sugar to Iraq but that market is now producing most of its white sugar locally after the Babylon-based Etihad sugar refinery came onstream in 2015. "Our export markets are the same as last year no change," Ghurair said. He would not reveal the level of raw sugar stocks at the refinery silos but said it was all Brazilian raw sugar and that there was a steady supply according to contracts. (Reporting By Maha El Dahan, Editing by WIlliam Maclean and Susan Fenton) Executions in Ohio have been stayed after the drugs used to administer lethal injections were challenged in court: AFP/Getty Images Eight prisoners on death row have had their executions stayed amid a legal challenge over how condemned prisoners should be put to death in the state of Ohio. A judge ruled a proposed new three-drug method for lethal injection was unconstitutional after prisoners issued a legal challenge saying it would be too painful, causing Governor John Kasich to halt executions for the second successive year. Prisoner Ronald Phillips was scheduled to die on February 15 for the 1993 rape and murder of his girlfriends three-year-old daughter, Sheila Marie Evan, but this has now been postponed until May 10. Ohio became the first state to adopt a single drug, pentobarbital, for lethal injections in 2009 after three executions were botched in a three year period using the three drug procedure. In 2011, the Danish company which manufactures pentobarbital announced its distributors would not supply the drug to prisons which carry out the death penalty, leading to new combinations of drugs being tested by Ohio. The last man to be executed by Ohio was convicted rapist and murderer Dennis McGuire in 2014, sparking controversy after he took an unusually long 25 minutes to die with a new two-drug procedure. Ohio state law says that drugs used during executions must quickly and painlessly cause death. Critics say proposed anti-anxiety drug midazolam does not render prisoners deeply unconscious which may lead to pain from the other two drugs that stop the heart. Lawyers argue the proposed method could be in violation of the constitutional protection from cruel and unusual punishments. A lawyer for Ohio said the state has asked seven other states to supply it with the single-dose drug pentobarbital but all had refused. Ohio is among several states that have had problems obtaining drugs used in lethal injections. Mr Kasich said he is confident the state will win an appeal based on a prior ruling in the Supreme Court that upheld the use of midazolam in a three-drug process. Story continues These delays are necessary to allow the judicial process to come to a full resolution and ensure that the state can move forward with the executions, he said. The US Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati will hear the case on February 21. Ohio was the second state to adopt the electric chair as its preferred method of capital punishment in 1897, and reinstated the death penalty in 1974 after a hiatus although it did not resume executions until 1999. The death penalty remains a legal punishment in 31 out of 50 US states, with 2095 inmates on death row in July 2016. The use of capital punishment has declined steadily in the US since 1999, when 98 were carried out nationwide, to just 20 instances last year. elon musk Tesla CEO Elon Musk is denying allegations that factory workers are subject to poor working conditions. In fact, Musk called the allegations "morally outrageous," in a direct message with Gizmodo. On Thursday, Jose Moran, a factory worker at Tesla's Fremont plant for the last 4 years, publicly outlined why factory workers have reached out to the United Auto Workers (UAW) to form a union. Moran said employees are subject to frequent excessive mandatory overtime to reach production goals and are subject to preventable injuries because the machinery is not compatible with workers' bodies. "Frankly, I find this attack to be morally outrageous. Tesla is the last car company left in California, because costs are so high. The UAW killed NUMMI and abandoned the workers at our Fremont plant in 2010. They have no leg to stand on," Musk told Gizmodo. Musk admitted that factory workers sometimes face mandatory overtime in the message with Gizmodo. There is sometimes mandatory overtime if we are trying to make up for a production stoppage, but it is dropping almost every week, he said. Musk said "the understanding" is that Moran was paid by the UAW to agitate for the union, something that the UAW categorically denied on Friday in a statement: "Mr. Moran is not and has not been paid by the UAW. We would hope that Tesla would apologize to their employee, Mr. Moran, for spreading fake news about him. We can confirm that Mr. Moran and others at Tesla have approached the UAW, and we welcome them with open arms," the statement reads. Tesla confirmed in a statement to Business Insider on Thursday that Moran is a Tesla factory worker. Tesla did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on the UAW's statement. On Thursday, Tesla declined to comment to Business Insider on allegations that factory workers face excessive mandatory overtime and unsafe working conditions. Reach out to the author at dmuoio@businessinsider.com or securely on wickr: @muoiod Story continues NOW WATCH: We went inside Elon Musk's futuristic Tesla factory filled with over 150 robots More From Business Insider Beirut (AFP) - Turkish troops backed by Syrian rebel fighters have entered the centre of the Islamic State group bastion of Al-Bab and will soon capture it, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday. The town in Syria's Aleppo province is the last stronghold of the jihadist group in the region, and has also been targeted by Syrian government forces. The Syrian opposition, meanwhile, announced the formation of a delegation to attend a new round of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva on February 20. IS has come under pressure from simultaneous offensives in both Syria and Iraq, where the group seized large swathes of territory in 2014 and proclaimed an Islamic "caliphate". Erdogan, speaking in Istanbul, said Al-Bab "is now besieged from all fronts". "Our forces entered the centre," he added, saying it was "only a matter of time" before the alliance of Turkish forces and rebels took control of the town. "Daesh forces have begun leaving Al-Bab completely," he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. Turkish forces and allied rebels entered Al-Bab for the first time on Saturday, from the west, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Britain-based monitor reported heavy clashes inside western Al-Bab on Sunday, as well as on the northern edge of the town, where Turkish forces and rebels were advancing but had not yet entered. One Turkish soldier was killed and two soldiers wounded in clashes with IS, the Turkish Dogan news agency reported. That raised to 67 the number of Turkish soldiers killed since Ankara began Operation Euphrates Shield in August, targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia. - Turkey eyes Raqa operation - Al-Bab has been a key target for both Operation Euphrates Shield, but also Syrian government forces, and Ankara now finds itself effectively jointly besieging the town with President Bashar al-Assad's forces despite opposing his government. Syria's army has advanced towards Al-Bab from the south, and on Monday severed the last road leading into the town, completing its encirclement. Story continues Erdogan added that Al-Bab was "not our final target", hinting that Ankara may participate in the fight to recapture IS's de facto Syrian capital Raqa. More than 310,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests, and successive rounds of peace talks have failed to produce a political solution. Invitations to the new talks in Geneva have been delayed while the opposition forms its delegation. On Sunday, the leading components of the political opposition announced a 21-member delegation, with a new delegation head and chief negotiator. The delegation includes 10 rebel representatives, and will be headed by Nasr al-Hariri, a member of the National Coalition, a leading opposition body. The chief negotiator was named as lawyer Mohamed Sabra, who replaces Mohamed Alloush of the Army of Islam rebel group. Neither Alloush nor other Army of Islam figures were listed, though it was unclear if the faction was boycotting the talks or being represented by other officials. No reason was given for there being a new delegation head and chief negotiator. - New Astana meeting - The umbrella High Negotiations Committee (HNC) which has represented the opposition at previous rounds of talks, described the delegation as inclusive. It said it included for the first time representatives from two additional opposition groupings, known informally as the Moscow group and the Cairo group. However, representatives from both groups denied they were part of the delegation. In the past, the HNC has opposed the inclusion of the rival opposition groupings in its delegation, accusing members of the coalitions of being too flexible with regard to the Syrian government. Ahead of the talks, Kazakhstan has invited Syrian rebels and government officials to Astana, where both sides met for talks that ended without any breakthrough last month. Neither side has officially confirmed attendance at the February 15-16 Astana meeting. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is sending a "technical team" rather than participating personally. The last round of talks in Astana was sponsored by regime allies Russia and Iran, along with Turkey, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday Moscow was preparing for the new discussions in the Kazakh capital. He said Moscow wanted to bring more rebels into the process and Jordan was helping on that front, adding that the talks were not meant to substitute for UN-led peace efforts. On the ground meanwhile, Syrian state media said two civilians were killed Sunday by rebel rocket fire on government-held parts of the southern city of Daraa as opposition fighters launched a major operation. The Observatory said at least 15 opposition fighters, including two Fateh al-Sham suicide bombers, were killed in the operation during which at least six members of the regime forces and allied fighters also died. (Reuters) - Indonesians will vote on Wednesday in regional elections in more than 100 provinces, cities, and districts, with the contest for the powerful post of Jakarta governor turning into one of the more divisive political battles in the country's democratic era. The race to lead the city of more than 10 million is being fought by three candidates - an ethnic Chinese Christian and two Muslims - and has triggered mass protests and stirred religious and political tensions in the world's third-largest democracy. CANDIDATES IN JAKARTA ELECTION BASUKI TJAHAJA PURNAMA, KNOWN AS "AHOK" The incumbent governor took over running Jakarta in 2014 when his then boss, Joko Widodo, won the presidency. Purnama, 50, is the city's first ethnic Chinese and Christian leader, and has angered some Muslim voters for allegedly insulting the Koran. He has denied wrongdoing, but is on trial for blasphemy in a case that some view as politically motivated. He is backed by the country's ruling party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Purnama's popular policies include a commitment to tackling chronic flooding and traffic in the city and improving the bureaucracy. AGUS YUDHOYONO He is the oldest son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and retired from the military at 38 to run for the governorship. He is backed by the Democrat Party and some Islamic parties. Yuhoyono's campaign has focused on improving the lives of Jakarta's poor and he has promised cash handouts to low-income families. ANIES BASWEDAN Baswedan, 47, was the former education minister in President Widodo's government. He is supported by Gerindra, a party headed by failed presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto. Baswedan's campaign has focused on improving public education and combating the rising costs of food and living. VOTING PROCESS IN JAKARTA Official results are expected to be announced March 8-10. If no candidates achieves a majority in the first round, a runoff is expected in May between the two candidates securing the most votes. Defeated candidates can dispute the results in the Constitutional Court. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES If incumbent governor Purnama wins the Jakarta election but is convicted of blasphemy, he is legally allowed to assume office as long as the appeals process is ongoing. BY THE NUMBERS 7.1 million people are registered to vote in Jakarta. Elections will be held for governors, mayors and regents in 101 regions throughout the country. Seven provinces, including Jakarta, will choose a governor and there will 18 city elections and 76 district elections. (Reporting by Ben Weir; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Bill Tarrant) Berlin (AFP) - French Economy Minister Michel Sapin has dismissed a US attack on Germany's trade surplus but urged Europe's biggest economy to boost its spending on investment. In an interview trailed by the financial daily Handelsblatt for its Monday edition, Sapin brushed aside US criticism that Germany exploited an "undervalued" euro to fuel its exports. The attack "very obviously is meaningless," said Sapin. But, he added, Germany "could be more ambitious" in investment spending. "We think that this would be in the interests both of Germans and the eurozone," said Sapin, who also holds the finance portfolio. Sapin's words add to external pressure and to an internal debate in Germany about the country's trade surplus, which has repeatedly broken records since the 2008-9 financial crisis. Last Thursday, the federal statistics office Destatis said Germany exported 253 billion euros ($270 billion) more than it imported in 2016. Exports added 1.2 percent to top 1.2 trillion euros, while imports climbed 0.6 percent to 955 billion euros. The European Commission and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are among those who have called on Germany to boost internal consumption, which would spur sluggish growth in the EU. But Germany's policy, driven by the conservative finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, is to give priority to debt reduction, followed by tax cuts in the mid-term if Chancellor Angela Merkel is re-elected in September. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), the minority party in the governing coalition, has promised to stimulate infrastructure investment. Germany's major partners, including the United States and France, run big deficits in bilateral trade with Berlin. On January 31, in an interview with the Financial Times, US President Donald Trump's top trade adviser Peter Navarro accused Berlin of "(continuing) to exploit other countries in the EU as well as the US with an 'implicit Deutsche mark' that is grossly undervalued." Many economists say that Germany gains a currency advantage by being part of the eurozone. For German exporters, the euro's exchange rate is relatively low, reflecting the weaker economies of Greece, Italy and Spain and other fellow members. Paris (AFP) - Defending champions Czech Republic as well as Switzerland and Belarus reached the Fed Cup semi-finals Sunday but the tournament was hit by an embarrassing gaffe over the German national anthem and accusations of gamesmanship. As 17-time champions United States were trying to beat Germany and book a last-four date against the Czechs, their efforts were overshadowed by a controversial blunder over the German anthem played just before action got underway in Hawaii. German star Andrea Petkovic said she had "never felt so disrespected" after an American soloist sang an old version of the anthem which leads off with a stanza considered overtly nationalist -- "Deutschland, Deutschland ueber alles" -- a reference to German supremacy. Singing that version is a major embarrassment in Germany, because of its strong links to the Nazi era, and only the third stanza of the old anthem is now in use. Organisers apologised but a fuming Petkovic went on to lose to Alison Riske 7-6 (12/10), 6-2 to put the US 1-0 up. "I have never felt so disrespected in my life, it was an absolute effrontery and insolence, of the very worst kind," said the 29-year-old Petkovic adding that she and team-mate Julia Georges were in tears. "We're in 2017 -- something like this should not happen in America. It is embarrassing and smacks of ignorance." Germany team skipper Barbara Rittner described it as "a real scandal and inexcusable". On Sunday, the organisers managed to play the correct version of the anthem. However, it didn't help Germany who slipped 2-0 down when Goerges retired injured as she trailed CoCo Vandeweghe 6-3, 3-1. In Ostrava, Karolina Pliskova and Barbora Strycova led defending champions the Czech Republic into the semi-finals for a ninth successive season with victory against Spain. Pliskova overcame seventh-ranked French Open champion Garbine Muguruza 6-2, 6-2. - 'Like a kangaroo' - Story continues Then Strycova, ranked 17th, beat 70th-ranked Lara Arruabarrena 6-4, 6-4 in almost two hours. Seeking a fourth straight Fed Cup title, and sixth from the last seven editions, the 10-time champions Czechs will face either Germany or the US in the semi-finals on April 22-23. Switzerland knocked out last year's runners-up France after Timea Bacsinszky downed Kristina Mladenovic 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-5 in a 3hr 20min thriller before Belinda Bencic eased past Pauline Parmentier 6-3, 6-4. However, Bacsinszky was accused of gamesmanship by a frustrated Mladenovic. On Saturday, world number 16 Bacsinszky left the court in Geneva for treatment to a wasp sting on her elbow while, on Sunday, she again sought medical help for a knee injury when a break point down in the sixth game of the deciding set. When she returned, she took a 21-shot rally and claimed eight of the next nine points to stretch to a 5-2 lead. "She did a kangaroo jump and ran better than before," fumed Mladenovic. "There was the wasp attack and a medical timeout at 5-4 against Alize (Cornet, in the second set on Saturday) to regain her spirits. "That's a lot in two days. There are rules, she uses them to the maximum, it's her way of fighting, she's known for it. I do not have values like this." In the semi-finals, Switzerland will face World Group debutants Belarus who defeated the Netherlands 4-1 in Minsk. Aryna Sabalenka, 18, ranked 142 in the world, downed Michaella Krajicek 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 for the crucial point after Aliaksandra Sasnovich, the world number 128, defeated 24th-ranked Kiki Bertens 6-3, 6-4 ending the Dutchwoman's eight-match winning streak in Fed Cup. Berlin (AFP) - Billed as Germany's "anti-Trump", centre-left former foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to be elected Sunday as the new ceremonial head of state. The 61-year-old, who regularly polls as Germany's most popular politician, will represent the EU's top economy abroad and act as a kind of moral arbiter for the nation. His Social Democrats (SPD) hope the appointment will boost their fortunes just as their candidate Martin Schulz, the former European parliament president, readies to challenge Chancellor Angela Merkel in September elections. Steinmeier is expected to receive a large majority of votes after Merkel's conservatives, lacking a strong candidate of their own, agreed to back him to replace incumbent Joachim Gauck, 77, a former pastor from ex-communist East Germany. The vote will be held in Berlin's glass-domed Reichstag building by a 1,260-strong special Federal Assembly, made up of national lawmakers and electors sent from Germany's 16 states -- among them deputies but also artists, writers, musicians and national football coach Joachim Loew. With his snowy white hair, round glasses and dimpled smile, Steinmeier is one of Germany's best-known politicians, having twice served as top diplomat under Merkel for a total of seven years. Though the trained lawyer is usually measured in his speech, in the thick of last year's US election campaign Steinmeier labelled Donald Trump a "hate preacher". After the billionaire won the White House, Steinmeier predicted relations would get "more difficult" and said his staff were struggling to detect any "clear and coherent" foreign policy positions from Trump. - 'Antidote to populists' - As Steinmeier has prepared for the new post, which he assumes on March 19, he has vowed to serve as a "counterweight to the trend of boundless simplification", calling this approach "the best antidote to the populists". Story continues The Berliner Morgenpost newspaper judged that Steinmeier looks set to be "the anti-Trump president". Steinmeier is only known to have lost his cool once, in 2014, when he yelled at Berlin protesters who had accused him of being a "warmonger" over his Ukraine policy. The outburst was so unusual it became a minor YouTube hit. A policy wonk by nature, Steinmeier served as advisor and then chief of staff to Merkel's predecessor, the SPD's Gerhard Schroeder. In 2009, Steinmeier ran against Merkel and lost badly, only to return years later to serve in her cabinet. Political scientist Michael Broening of the SPD's think-tank the Friedrich Ebert Foundation said that "as foreign minister, Steinmeier often acted as a voice of reason, bridging gaps and bringing people together". "It is hardly surprising that Steinmeier has branded himself as the essential anti-Trump," he added. Steinmeier is well known in the world's capitals, but his appointment worries some in eastern Europe, who see him as too soft on Russian President Vladimir Putin. He raised eyebrows with NATO partners last year when he criticised a military exercise in Poland as "sabre rattling". - 'Changed equation' - Having Steinmeier move into the presidential Bellevue Castle in Berlin has emboldened the SPD. After years in the shadow of Merkel, the Social Democrats are smelling blood as the chancellor faces deep divisions within her own conservative camp, and the rise of the hard-right populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD) after opening German borders to a million asylum-seekers since 2015. Since Schulz took over the candidacy in late January, the SPD has risen sharply in the opinion polls. It scored 32 percent -- its highest in a decade and only one point behind Merkel's conservatives -- in an Emnid poll for the Bild am Sonntag newspaper, which asked in a headline: "Is this the beginning of the end of the Merkel era?" The election may still be more than seven months away, but the SPD finally hopes to have a realistic shot at toppling Merkel. "For Germany's Social Democrats, Steinmeier's election is a prelude to something bigger to come: a victory in September's elections against Merkel," said Broening. "While this seemed impossible only a few days ago, the recent rise in polls has changed the equation." The German president has little executive power but is considered an important moral authority: Getty A German parliamentary assembly has elected Frank-Walter Steinmeier to become the countrys next president by an overwhelming majority. Mr Steinmeier, Germanys former foreign minister, strongly criticised Donald Trump during the US election campaign. When asked in August about the rise of right-wing populism in Germany and elsewhere, Mr Steinmeier criticised those who make politics with fear. He cited the nationalist Alternative for Germany party, the promoters of Britains exit from the European Union, and the hate preachers, like Donald Trump at the moment in the United States. The daily Berliner Morgenpost billed Mr Steinmeier as the anti-Trump president. He was elected with 931 of 1,260 votes. The German president has little executive power but is considered an important moral authority. "Let's be brave, because then we don't have to be afraid of the future," Mr Steinmeier said in his acceptance speech. He said the world faces "rough times," but Germany, as a functioning democracy, had the responsibility to fight for stability. "Isn't it actually wonderful, that this Germany, our difficult fatherland, that this country has become an anchor of hope in the world for many," after overcoming wars and totalitarianism, Mr Steinmeier said. Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Mr Steinmeier and said she was convinced he would be an excellent president who would have the support of the vast majority of the people. "This is a good day for Germany," she said. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Mr Steinmeier and invited him to the Kremlin. Mr Putin president "expressed confidence that Mr Steinmeiers work as President of Germany will promote Russia-Germany relations and efficient cooperation in various sectors in the interests of the citizens of both nations, in line with reinforcing stability and security on the European continent and globally," a Kremlin press release said. Story continues Foreign secretary Boris Johnson also tweeted his congratulations. Congratulations to Frank-Walter #Steinmeier on his election as Federal President of Germany Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 12, 2017 Mr Steinmeier, a Social Democrat, had the support of Ms Merkels grand coalition of centre-right and centre-left parties. He has long been one of Germanys most popular politicians. Under Ms Merkel, he served twice as foreign minister from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 until this year, with a stint as opposition leader in between. He has also won respect for his persistence in trying to resolve the long-running crisis in Ukraine. He will succeed Joachim Gauck, a 77-year-old former pastor and East German pro-democracy activist. He did not seek a second five-year term because of his age. His election is likely to be one of the last moments of coalition unity ahead of a parliamentary election in September in which Ms Merkel is seeking a fourth term. Both sides hope to end the grand coalition. Additional reporting by AP Thessaloniki (Greece) (AFP) - Greek soldiers on Sunday successfully defused a World War II bomb in Thessaloniki, the country's second largest city, after evacuating tens of thousands of people from the area. The bomb was unearthed near a petrol station in the northern port city during road works last week. "The operation is over, everything went well," regional security chief Apostolos Tzitzikostas said four hours after a demining team began its work. The 1.5-metre (4.9-feet) -long bomb was initially thought to contain nearly 250 kilogrammes (550 pounds) of explosives, but on closer inspection was found to be a 170-kilo device. Army chief of staff Nikos Phanios said the bomb's firing mechanism "was still in a very good shape, and this was what had us worried." The device was American-made he said. According to Greek media reports, the bomb was dropped by a British plane during air strikes on the city's nearby railway station and port in 1943 in which hundreds of local inhabitants died. The start of the operation was slightly delayed as police removed a camera that had been placed above the crater by a Greek media outlet in breach of guidelines for covering the event. Some 70,000 people were evacuated within a 1.9-kilometre (1.1-mile) radius of the site, affecting three working-class neighbourhoods west of the city centre. The operation was unprecedented in Greece, "where a bomb of this size has never been found in an area this densely populated," Tzitzikostas said. He praised the population for its discipline. But shopkeeper Stelios Orphanos said many chose to stay at home, "because they are scared of thieves." Most of the buses brought for evacuation remained empty as many people left on their own. Some 400 refugees in a nearby camp were also bussed to safer areas. Seven decades after the end of World War II, unexploded bombs from the conflict are still being found around the globe. On January 23, dozens of people were evacuated after a bomb was found near a Hong Kong university, while three days before that Britain's navy disposed of a suspected wartime bomb found close to the parliament in London. In the German city of Augsburg, 54,000 people had an unwelcome Christmas surprise on December 25 when they had to leave their homes while authorities dealt with a bomb dropped by Britain during the war. KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) Pakistani police say gunmen opened fire on a TV crew in the southern port city of Karachi, killing one of them. Police officer Bashir Barohi says the crew was on its way to cover a hand grenade attack on a police patrol on Sunday when the gunmen attacked their vehicle. SAMAA TV says 22-year-old Tamour Khan, a satellite technician, was killed. Barohi says no one was wounded in the attack on the police patrol. No one has claimed either attack. Karachi is often the scene of political, ethnic and religious violence. Gunmen shot dead an employee of a Pakistani TV news channel in Karachi on Sunday shortly after launching a grenade attack on a police vehicle, officials said. Taimoor Abbas, an assistant for privately run Samaa, had gone with colleagues to North Nazimabad neighbourhood to report on the assault on police when the van they were travelling in came under fire. The 22-year-old was taken to hospital but died from his bullet wounds, senior police official Muqadas Haider told AFP. Haider said the unidentified assailants had thrown an explosive device on a police armoured personnel carrier. No one was hurt in the initial attack but when the Samaa vehicle arrived the gunmen started shooting. Nobody has yet claimed responsibility for the assault but counter terrorism department chief Raja Umar Khitab said it was a "targeted attack against both media and police". Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and a major business and industrial hub, is rife with political, sectarian and ethnic militancy. A strategic operation in the city by security forces in recent years has brought a lull in violence, but scattered attacks still take place. Pakistan is ranked among the world's most dangerous countries for the media. Last month unidentified attackers shot dead a newspaper journalist in Pakistan's troubled southwestern Balochistan province as he returned home on his motorcycle. Riyadh (AFP) - A heartbroken United Nations chief on Sunday called for the "resurrection" of peace talks between Yemen's warring sides to end the suffering of civilians. Thousands of people have died in Yemen and millions are struggling to feed themselves almost two years after a Saudi-led coalition intervened to support Yemen's government and halt an advance by rebels. Seven ceasefires brokered between government and rebel forces by the United Nations have failed, while UN-backed peace talks have repeatedly broken down. "You know, I am a Catholic. And Catholics believe in resurrection," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters during a visit to the Saudi capital. "So if negotiations are dead they can always resurrect. And I do believe that they need to for a very simple reason, the suffering of the Yemeni people." The world body has called repeatedly for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of relief supplies. UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien warned last month that Yemen could face famine this year if no immediate action is taken. Guterres, who visited Yemen in his former post as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, praised the generosity of Yemenis despite their poverty. He said that to see them "suffering so much is something that really breaks my heart". He spoke at a joint news conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir after talks with King Salman, Crown Prince and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the defence minister. UN peace envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed also attended the press briefing as he continues to push a peace plan that would restore a ceasefire and lead to a political transition in the country. A Saudi-led coalition of several Arab states began air strikes over Yemen in March 2015 to support the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi against the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. Story continues The Huthis are allied with former members of the security forces loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh. Late last month, Ould Cheikh Ahmed told the UN Security Council that Hadi, who spends most of his time in Riyadh, "continues to criticise" the peace proposals without agreeing to discuss them. "And this will hinder and impede the path towards peace," he said. Under the plan, Hadi's powers would be dramatically reduced in favour of a new vice president who would oversee the formation of an interim government that would lead a transition to elections. The Saudi foreign minister said blame for the failure of the peace effort lies with the Huthi-Saleh forces. "We have made more than 70 agreements with Huthi-Saleh and they have not implemented one of these agreements," Jubeir said. Guterres arrived in Saudi Arabia from Turkey and will be in Dubai on Monday for the World Government Summit during his regional tour. Beirut (AFP) - The head of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement on Sunday urged the government to coordinate with Damascus to help refugees to return now that "large areas" of Syria are "safe". In a televised address, Hassan Nasrallah said Syrian refugees should not be coerced into going home, but added that a string of "victories" by President Bashar al-Assad's forces meant it would be safe for many to return. "Military victories in Syria, the most recent of them the victory in Aleppo... have turned large areas into safe and quiet spaces," Nasrallah said. He urged "cooperation to return the majority of these refugees to their towns and villages and homes, so they will no longer be refugees sitting in tents or in the streets". Lebanon hosts around a million registered Syrian refugees and has struggled with the consequences of the war in neighbouring Syria since it began in March 2011. Hezbollah is a key ally of Assad's government, and its fighters battle alongside his troops against opposition forces, including during the December recapture of second city Aleppo. Nasrallah said the process of returning Syrian refugees should be "one of persuasion, not of coercion". "It is the duty of all Lebanese to deal with this issue in a humanitarian fashion, setting aside political considerations or fears," he added. He also urged the government in Beirut to engage with its Syrian counterpart on the issue, despite the deep antipathy between Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Damascus. Hariri accused Damascus of involvement in the 2005 assassination of his father, former premier Rafiq al-Hariri, and backed the uprising against Assad. "Frankly, the Lebanese government must end its obstinacy... and talk to the Syrian government: is this issue not pressing?" Nasrallah asked. He called on the government to work with Damascus "and develop a single plan, because this cannot be addressed by Lebanon alone, and begging will not solve our problem". Story continues Lebanon has struggled to deal with the massive influx of refugees, who have added to the pressure on its already stretched infrastructure and economy. Beirut has regularly called for more international assistance, and President Michel Aoun earlier this month urged the international community to facilitate the safe return of refugees. At the end of January, Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem also "renewed the invitation of the government to Syrian refugees living in neighbouring countries to return". He "stressed the country was ready to receive them and grant them a dignified life", state news agency SANA reported. More than half of Syria's population has been displaced internally or externally by the conflict, which has killed more than 310,000 people. Around 4.9 million people have become refugees. Madrid (AFP) - At the head of Spain's far-left Podemos party for three years, Pablo Iglesias is considered a dangerous populist for some Spaniards, and a passionate and sincere leader to others. But all agree that the pony-tailed former university lecturer has shaken up politics since taking the reins of Podemos, uprooting Spain's traditional two-party system and transforming his party into the country's third most powerful political force. But after years of fighting against the establishment, he faced a far more personal struggle at a weekend party congress as supporters voted on whether to back him and his strategy for Podemos' future after months of bitter in-fighting. He need not have worried. The 38-year-old was handed a clear victory, with more than 89 percent of party supporters backing him to remain as chief and a large majority of his candidates chosen for the leadership council. Supporters also backed his strategy for Podemos to fight on as an anti-establishment street movement, in what supporters hope will end months of bitter divisions in one of Europe's leading far-left parties. "The wind of change continues to blow," he told thousands of cheering supporters. - Back to the streets - Bearded and with a solemn gaze that is regularly broken by a winning smile, Iglesias vows to defend those left behind in a country stricken by sky-high unemployment, inequalities and corruption. A brilliant orator and strategist, Iglesias has managed to harness the anger of Spain's Indignados anti-austerity street movement into an influential political force. He created Podemos in January 2014 along with colleagues from Madrid's Complutense University where he taught. Four months later, it won 1.2 million votes and five seats in elections for the European parliament. Then Podemos came third in December 2015 elections and again in repeat polls in June 2016, uprooting the traditional dominance of the conservative Popular Party and the Socialists. Story continues Buoyed by promises of radical change and a more egalitarian society, Podemos won 71 seats in parliament as part of a wider leftwing coalition. But it has found itself riven by competing visions of how to eventually achieve its goal of governing Spain. Iglesias argued that Podemos, which harnessed the anger of millions stung by Spain's economic woes, should take to the streets again as an anti-establishment group. His deputy Inigo Errejon meanwhile wanted the party to work purely from within parliament and shed its "enfant terrible" image. On Sunday, Iglesias won, with 56 percent of voters backing his strategy for the party. - 'Game of Thrones' fan - Raised in the working-class Madrid neighbourhood of Vallecas where he still lives in a modest flat, his parents gave him the name of Socialist party founder Pablo Iglesias Posse -- in front of whose grave they met. In contrast with Posse, a humble typographer, the Podemos leader has a raft of diplomas in politics, law and communication. Immersed in politics from an early age, Iglesias was active in the communist youth and anti-globalisation movements before the Indignados protest wave erupted in Spain in 2011 at the height of the economic crisis. He can be cutting one moment, and gentle the next. In his 2011 thesis on Evo Morales's left-wing party in Bolivia, Errejon thanked Iglesias, "a comrade with a sharp mind and Bolshevik drive" who had taught him about "the art of war" and how to practise it "methodically and with persistence". His vehement speeches have divided opinion. But he can also come across as funny and accessible, playing his guitar live on television, giving a ride to a presenter on his red scooter or quoting from TV series such as "Game of Thrones" or "The Simpsons". One of his teachers, Ramon Cotarelo, remembers him as a "considerate" person and "brilliant" student. But former colleague Antonio Elorza was not so flattering in his assessment. "You couldn't trust him. He would do whatever he pleased, didn't defend any just cause so as not to lose an ounce of power," he said. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli ministers on Sunday endorsed a contentious draft bill which Muslims say is meant to silence the traditional call to prayer, information released by the justice ministry showed. A list of draft legislation put to the vote in the powerful ministerial committee on legislation marked the "bill for prevention of noise from public address systems in houses of prayer" as having "passed". It gave no further details. Approval by the committee, chaired by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the far-right Jewish Home party, means that the draft will now go before parliament as a government bill. While its heading makes no mention of any specific religion, the bill has become commonly known as the "muezzin law" after the lay Muslim officials charged with calling the faithful to prayer, often through powerful speakers mounted on minarets. An earlier draft was rejected because it might have silenced the siren sounded in Jewish areas at sunset on Friday to mark the start of the sabbath. The revised version bans amplified sound nightly, from 11:00 pm (2100 GMT) to 7:00 am, limiting its scope to the first of the five daily Muslim calls to prayer just before dawn. "This law does not deal with noise nor with quality of life, just with racist incitement against a national minority," Israeli Arab MP Ayman Odeh, head of the Joint Arab List, said in a statement. "The voice of the muezzin was heard here long before the racists of the (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu government and will after them," he said. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has spoken against the bill, which has sparked outrage around the Arab and wider Muslim world, saying that he believes existing noise pollution regulations provide a solution. If passed into law the bill would apply to mosques in annexed Arab east Jerusalem as well as Israel, but not to the highly sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, according to an Israeli official. The bill's sponsor, Motti Yogev, also of the Jewish Home, says the legislation is necessary to avoid daily disturbance to the lives of hundreds of thousands of non-Muslim Israelis. LIMA, Peru (AP) The leader of Peru asked U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday to deport a former Peruvian president sought in the South American nation on suspicion of taking bribes as part of a regional corruption scandal. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's office said the request was made to Trump during a phone conversation between the two men. The White House confirmed the talk, but did not mention Peru's deportation request. It said they discussed the need for strong economic group as well as the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Venezuela. Last week, a Peruvian court ordered the arrest and detention of ex-President Alejandro Toledo as prosecutors investigate whether he took $20 million in payments from the giant Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. Peruvian officials have said they believe Toledo is in San Francisco, where he has been researching a book as a visiting scholar at nearby Stanford University. Local media reported he had intended to fly over the weekend to Israel, where his wife has citizenship, until Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government said he would be denied entry. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said Toledo was not on a flight from San Francisco that landed Sunday night. In a posting on his Twitter account late Sunday, Toledo denied that he is a fugitive, saying that "I have never run away." But he did not say where he was and did not say if he would return to Peru. Authorities across Latin America have been moving fast to charge officials accused of taking some $800 million in bribes from Odebrecht. The company acknowledged the bribes when it signed a plea agreement in December with the U.S. Justice Department. Used to win business in 12 countries, the bribes include some $29 million paid in Peru for projects built during the administrations of Toledo (2001-2006) and two of his successors. So far, three officials have been arrested. Toledo, a former pro-democracy activist who led street protests that brought down former strongman Alberto Fujimori in 2000, is accused of receiving some $20 million in bribes from Odebrecht in exchange for favoring the company in a contract to build a major highway from Brazil to Peru's Pacific coast. Story continues In a nationally televised address Sunday night, Kuczysnki called on Toledo to return immediately to Peru to clarify his legal situation. Earlier, Kuczynski thanked Israel's government for its support in a letter to Netanyahu. The White House said Trump expressed concerns about developments in Venezuela. Kuczysnki, a 78-year-old former Wall Street banker, has spearheaded calls among Latin American leaders to punish Venezuela's socialist government for allegedly breaking with the nation's democratic order. Kuczynski, a 78-year-old former Wall Street banker has seen his approval ratings fall as a result of a number of ethical slips by members of his Cabinet, though none of those cases are tied to Odebrecht. In his address, he announced executive measures meant to strengthen Peru's fight against corruption. They include a bigger budget for prosecutors as well as rewards and protections for whistleblowers and a ban for life on contracting with the state for companies that engage in graft. "We have to act relentlessly and immediately to stop the rot of corruption in Peru," the president said. Kuczynski's calls for zero tolerance for corruption comes as prosecutors in the Odebrecht case want to speak with the president himself. As Toledo's prime minister in 2006, Kuczynski signed a law passed by congress allowing Odebrecht to participate in an auction to build two highways despite a ban on it bidding for government contracts at the time because it was facing legal action for irregularities in another project. Odebrecht eventually was awarded the roads contract. Kuczynski has denied any wrongdoing. ___ Associated Press writer Joshua Goodman in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report. 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. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel said Sunday it will not allow entry to Peru's fugitive ex-president Alejandro Toledo, who is wanted in his homeland over accusations he took $20 million in bribes. "Toledo will be allowed in Israel only when his affairs in Peru are settled," foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement. The Peruvian government has said it has information that Toledo, whose wife, Eliane Karp, has Israeli citizenship, could try to flee to the Jewish state. Peruvian police launched a manhunt for Toledo, 70, once hailed as an anti-corruption champion, after a judge ordered his arrest. He was initially believed to be in Paris. But the Peruvian government said Friday it had information he was in San Francisco and could try to flee to Israel. Authorities in both countries have been alerted, it said. Israel's foreign ministry later said he was not aboard a Sunday evening flight from San Francisco which landed at the country's main international airport. Toledo is a visiting professor at Stanford University, near San Francisco, where he graduated with a PhD in economics. He denies the accusations against him, branding them political persecution. But he has struggled to explain where the money came from. He originally said it was a loan from his mother-in-law that came from compensation she received as a Holocaust survivor. But his former vice president, David Waisman, himself a prominent member of Peru's Jewish community, said the account was untrue. JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel said on Sunday it would not allow in former Peruvian president Alejandro Toledo, who is wanted in connection with a corruption probe, before his affairs were settled in Peru. Peru had been informed by U.S. authorities on Saturday that they were not planning to keep Toledo from boarding a flight to Israel from California that was scheduled to land in Tel Aviv on Sunday. "Former Peru President Toledo will be allowed into Israel only when his matters are settled in Peru," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said, without elaborating. It was unclear whether Toledo had boarded the flight to Israel, which does not have an extradition treaty with Peru. A judge in Peru issued an international arrest warrant for Toledo on Thursday, and the government offered a 100,000 soles ($30,000) reward for any information leading to his capture after he failed to turn himself in to authorities. Peru has said Interpol issued a red alert to 190 member countries to help find him, but Toledo does not appear on its list of wanted persons. Interpol has not responded to requests for comment on Toledo. Prosecutors in Peru allege Toledo took $20 million in bribes from Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht [ODBES.UL] and a judge ruled that he must be jailed for up to 18 months while charges against him are prepared. Toledo, who has an economics degrees from Stanford University, has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged or convicted of any crimes. Toledo's lawyer said he did not know Toledo's whereabouts and declined further comment. Toledo's wife has Israeli citizenship and Toledo has a long friendship with Israeli businessman Yosef Maiman, who prosecutors accuse of acting as a middleman for at least $10 million in alleged bribes. A former Odebrecht executive has said he personally negotiated the bribes with Toledo in Rio de Janeiro in 2004, prosecutors say. Maiman has not responded to requests for comment. In 2013, Israel arranged for the extradition of Dan Cohen, a former judge and director at IEC, from Peru, and arrested him on suspicion of receiving millions of dollars in bribes. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt and Stephen Powell) As Japan prepares to celebrate Valentine's Day, a cranky group of Marxist protesters have called for an end to public displays of love, claiming it hurts their feelings. Members of 'Kakuhido', or the Revolutionary Alliance of Men that Women find Unattractive, unfurled a giant "Smash Valentine's Day" banner as the party-poopers set off to try and overthrow the annual celebration of romance. The grumpy comrades elicited curious looks from passers-by in the trendy Shibuya district where they rallied against commercialism and chanted other buzz-kill slogans such as "public smooching is terrorism!" "Our aim is to crush this love capitalism," the group's public relations chief Takayuki Akimoto told AFP. "People like us who don't seek value in love are being oppressed by society," he added. "It's a conspiracy by people who think unattractive guys are inferior, or losers -- like cuddling in public, it makes us feel bad. It's unforgivable." Previously, the killjoy group has also protested against "housewives who control Japan's future" as their hapless husbands work all hours at the office. Valentine's Day in Japan is a huge money-spinner for the confectionery business as women are traditionally expected to buy chocolates for the men in their lives -- from lovers to work colleagues. Men reciprocate a month later on White Day, a Japanese marketing brainwave dreamt up by confectioners in the 1980s to keep the cash tills ringing. "The tradition of giving chocolates means you're always competing," said Akimoto, 33, blasting what his group calls the "passion-based capitalism" of Valentine's Day. "You're judged by how many sweets you get. It's a business strategy by the chocolate capitalists, it's ridiculous." Valentine's Day originated as an ancient Christian and Roman tradition and Akimoto fumed: "Religious overtones have been twisted and turned into a vehicle to make money." Story continues Japan is experiencing a loss of mojo with couples apparently too stressed or busy to have sex, frustrating government efforts to raise the birthrate as policymakers struggle to cope with a shrinking population. Akimoto claims the group's message has begun to hit home after 10 years of protests. "Recently you hear of more people spending Christmas alone or women growing tired of Valentine's Day," he said. "We believe that through our fight, we've helped contribute to that social shift." Kakuhido was founded in 2006 by Katsuhiro Furusawa, who began reading the Communist Manifesto after being dumped by his girlfriend and came to the conclusion that being unpopular with the opposite sex was a class issue, fuelling his anti-Valentine message. Akimoto offered some advice for would-be disciples of the spoil-sport group, which also protests White Day and Christmas. "We're saying you don't have to enjoy Christmas or Valentine's Day," he said joylessly, adding that Kakuhido is also taking aim at Halloween. "Just spend the day doing normal things. Our enemy is formidable, but we are ready for a long, drawn-out war." PALM BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - North Korea's test launch of a ballistic missile was absolutely unacceptable, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a joint news conference on Saturday with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast early on Sunday, South Korea's military said, the first time the isolated state has tested such a device since Trump's election. The test came a day after Abe's summit meeting with Trump, during which Trump confirmed the US commitment to the security of Japan. (Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Kaley Cuoco recently goofed off with her boyfriend, Karl Cook, in a new Instagram post. In the video, the Big Bang Theory can be seen jumping behind the interviewer and making faces, while Cook is being interviewed in front of the camera. Luckily, Cook was able to keep a straight face the whole time. Both Cuoco and Cook are in their horseback riding gear, and the interview took place at the barn. As of late, it is still unclear what it is for and where it will be released. Two days earlier, Cuoco also posted a photo of herself riding one of her horses. The actress gushed over her new trainers heel in the snap. Cuoco has been riding horses for several years now, and her love for the sport is also what led to her and Cook getting together. While speaking with The Talk last year, Cuoco expressed her excitement over finding someone who loves horses as much as she does. We went to a horse show. I finally found my horse guy. I know. It was meant to be. Hes an amazing, amazing rider. Rider and jumper. Amazing equestrian and great human. We share obviously our passion for horses and dogs and all that, she said. However, Cuoco doesnt only have good and positive stories about her passion for the sport. In 2010, the actress suffered from a serious injury after falling off her horse. Cuoco broke her ankle, and she needed to undergo surgery and therapy. Initially, the doctors told Cuoco that amputation may be the only solution for her. Luckily for her, her recovery was very quick. Despite the accident, Cuoco still continued riding her horses and recently purchased a new one named Escarlata. Kaley Cuoco Photo: Getty Images/Matt Winkelmeyer Related Articles SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korean prosecutors summoned Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong for questioning over bribery allegations again on Monday, less than a month after a Seoul court rejected their request for his arrest. Samsung is suspected of providing tens of millions of dollars in money and favors to President Park Geun-hye and her jailed friend Choi Soon-sil in exchange for government support of a merger deal between two Samsung affiliates in 2015. The merger helped Lee, the billionaire vice chairman of technology giant Samsung Electronics, promote a father-to-son transfer of leadership and wealth at the group. The bribery allegation surfaced as authorities expanded investigations into a political scandal that led to Park's parliamentary impeachment. Prosecutors accuse Park of letting Choi pull government strings from the shadows and extort money from Samsung and other big companies. Prosecutors planned to question Lee over new findings they made in the past few weeks and may consider requesting an arrest warrant for him again, according to prosecution spokesman Lee Kyu-chul. While entering a prosecution office, Lee Jae-yong told reporters that he will faithfully undergo questioning. Prosecutors had sought to arrest Lee when they summoned him last month, but the Seoul Central District Court ruled there wasn't enough evidence to justify Lee's arrest at that point. Moon Hyung-pyo, the country's former health minister, has been indicted on charges that he pressured the National Pension Service to support the Samsung merger even though the fund's stake in one of the companies lost an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars in value. Park's lawyers scrapped plans to let authorities question Park in person last week to protest media leaks about the timing and location of her interview. The moves comes as the country's Constitutional Court deliberates on whether to formally end her rule and trigger an early election to choose her successor. (LONDON) Glamour was shot through with grit at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday. Frothy musical La La Land took five prizes including best picture, but major awards also went to tough welfare-state drama I, Daniel Blake and fractured-family stories Lion and Manchester by the Sea. In keeping with an awards season that has coincided with a wrenching change of government in the United States, even La La Lands prizes came with a political tinge. Accepting the best-actress trophy, Emma Stone said that in a divided world, it was vital to celebrate the positive gift of creativity and how we can transcend borders and how we help people to feel a little less alone. La La Land also took home prizes for director Damien Chazelle, original screenplay, music and cinematography. Casey Affleck was named best actor for playing a grieving handyman in Manchester by the Sea. Affleck, who is also Oscar-nominated for the role, thanked writer-director Kenneth Lonergan for creating a film that dignifies everyday lives and their struggles with great compassion. The wintry New England drama also won Lonergan the prize for best original screenplay. British actor Dev Patel pulled off an upset, beating favorite Mahershala Ali, from Moonlight, to the best supporting actor trophy for Lion. The London-born Patel expressed shock at being a winner at a ceremony he used to watch on TV with his family. He said Lion, which co-stars Nicole Kidman is a film, about family, about a love that transcends borders, race, color, anything. He thanked his amazing team, who had the insane task of trying to get this Indian dude, this noodle with wonky teeth and a lazy eye and floppy hair, work in this industry. Lion also took the BAFTA for best adapted screenplay. Story continues Loachs I, Daniel Blake was named best British film. The 80-year-old director used his acceptance speech to lambast the countrys Conservative government. Loach said his docudrama about a carpenter trying to get welfare after a heart attack shows that the most vulnerable and the poorest people are treated by this government with a callous brutality that is disgraceful. He was cheered by an audience at Londons Royal Albert Hall that included Prince William, his wife, Kate, and nominees including Meryl Streep, Casey Affleck, Emma Stone and Nicole Kidman. Both William and Kate wore black and white he a tuxedo, she an off-the-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown and glittering chandelier earrings. The U.K. awards, known as BAFTAs, are often seen as an indicator of who will win at Hollywoods Academy Awards, held two weeks later. La La Land already is a dominant force at the Oscars, with 14 nominations. It also has won seven Golden Globes. But while the luscious musical was an academy favorite, academy voters also rewarded less escapist fare. Viola Davis won the supporting actress BAFTA for Fences, Denzel Washingtons adaptation of August Wilsons stage drama about an African-American family. A visibly moved Davis praised Wilsons play for showing that our lives mattered as African Americans. The horse groomer, the sanitation worker, the people who grew up under the heavy boot of Jim Crow, she said. The people who did not make it into history books, but they have a story and those stories deserve to be told. Ada DuVernays film about mass incarceration in America, The 13th, was named best documentary, and Laszlo Nemes unbearably powerful Holocaust drama Son of Saul took the trophy for best foreign-language film. The stars brought a dose of glamour to gray, wintry London, as hundreds of fans lined the red carpet outside the domed concert hall beside Londons Hyde Park. Many of those attending expected politics to make a guest appearance at the ceremony, as it has so often this awards season. Streep is among the stars who have used the awards stage to criticize President Donald Trump. Master of ceremonies Stephen Fry joked about Trumps dismissal of Streep as overrated, declaring from the stage: I look down on row after row of the most overrated people on the planet. Prince William, who is also president of Britains film academy, presented the academys lifetime-achievement honor to veteran comedian Mel Brooks during Sundays ceremony. The 90-year-old entertainer said he would treasure the award. This is one of the awards you will not see on eBay, he said. LONDON (Reuters) - Musical "La La Land" won big at Britain's main film awards on Sunday as it scooped the prize for best film, while Emma Stone and Damien Chazelle picked up awards for best actress and best director respectively. It won five gongs in total to keep its hot streak in the movie awards season going before the Oscars later this month, as it also picked up awards for cinematography and original music. Amid the awards there were also veiled references to new U.S. president Donald Trump, who has caused controversy with his plans to build a wall on the Mexican border and his restrictions on migration. "In a time that's so divisive I think it's really special that we were able to come together... to celebrate the positive gift of creativity and how it can transcend borders and how it can help people to feel a little less alone," Emma Stone said in her acceptance speech. "La La Land", a throwback musical about an aspiring actress and a jazz pianist who are trying to make their way in Hollywood, had been nominated for 11 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards. Its success follows on from the Golden Globes, where it picked up seven awards. It has a joint-record 14 nominations for the Academy Awards on February 26, Hollywood's highlight of the awards season. Justin Hurwitz, who won the award for the film's music, said that he hoped the success of the film might prompt a renaissance in the genre. "I love to go the theater and see musicals. So if this can help any more musicals get green-lit, that would be amazing," he told Reuters ahead of the ceremony. While Stone triumphed, co-star Ryan Gosling lost out in the best actor category to Casey Affleck, for his performance in family drama "Manchester by the Sea". Gosling was also notable by his absence, with the film's producers saying he had a family matter to attend to. "Manchester by the Sea" picked up two awards in total, with Kenneth Lonergan's picking up an award for original screenplay. A popular pick among the audience in the Royal Albert Hall, Londoner Dev Patel, 26, won best supporting actor for his performance in "Lion", which charts the real-life story of an Indian boy adopted by an Australian couple. The film also won an award for best adapted screenplay. Viola Davis took home the prize for best supporting actress for her performance in "Fences", an adaption of a Pulitzer Prize winning play about the life of a black family in 1950s Pennsylvania. She alluded to issues with race relations in the United States in her acceptance speech, and defended Meryl Streep, who was criticized by Trump after the Golden Globes. "Anyone who labels Meryl Streep 'an overrated actress' obviously doesn't know anything about acting," she told reporters. "That's not even just directed towards Donald Trump, that's directed towards anyone." Outspoken director Ken Loach turned his ire onto British politicians, lambasting the "callous brutality" of the government as he accepted the award for "I, Daniel Blake", an unflinching depiction of a man's struggles while on benefits. However, some of the political interventions were more light-hearted. American director Mel Brooks, who wrote and directed "The Producers", a 1968 comedy about the producers of a musical about Nazi Germany, also made light of the current political situation. "I'm not afraid of Trump, not at all," Brooks told reporters, after he won an award for contribution to film, known as the Fellowship. "I think he's mostly an entertainer." (Reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Larry King and Sandra Maler) BASEL, Switzerland (AP) The Latest on Switzerland's referendums on Sunday (all times local): 3:55 p.m. Early returns show that Swiss voters have rejected a complex tax reform initiative which had aimed to put Switzerland in line with international standards. The measure would have scrapped a two-track tax system that offers lower rates to foreign firms to lure investment. Swiss broadcaster SRF reported Sunday the reform of the corporate tax rates failed. Experts say that means that overall rates are likely to be set higher which would be a disincentive to companies that bring in jobs and ultimately tax revenues. Many domestic companies, meanwhile, will stand to see their tax rates go down. Critics including regional government leaders and much of the political left had said the initiative would deplete tax coffers and has only an uncertain payoff. ___ 3:40 p.m. Early returns show Swiss voters want to make it easier for "third-generation" foreigners to get Swiss citizenship. Swiss broadcaster SRF said Sunday's projections showed that the "simplified naturalization of third-generation immigrants" measure passed in a national referendum. It will simplify applications for anyone under 25 whose parents and grandparents have lived in Switzerland for years. The citizenship referendum was the latest installment of Switzerland's direct democracy that gives voters a frequent say on political decisions. It strikes at a Europe-wide dilemma about how best to integrate newcomers, but generally involves people from elsewhere in Europe or Turkey whose families have been in the Alpine nation. While just under 25,000 people would be affected if the measure passes, the long-term implications are far-reaching: Roughly one-fourth of Switzerland's total population of 8.2 million is foreign-born, one of the highest such percentages in Europe. ___ 7 a.m. Swiss voters were deciding Sunday whether to make it easier for "third-generation foreigners" to get Swiss citizenship and whether to lock in competitive low tax rates for foreign companies in Switzerland. Story continues The "simplified naturalization of third-generation immigrants" measure is expected to pass in the referendum. It would simplify applications for anyone under 25 whose parents and grandparents have lived in Switzerland for years. Polls have suggested a tight race over the complex tax reform initiative, which aims to get Switzerland in line with international standards by scrapping a two-track tax system that offers lower rates to foreign firms to lure investment. Sunday's referendum is the latest installment of Switzerland's direct democracy that gives voters a frequent say on political decisions. A third issue on the national ballot involves infrastructure spending. Voters in the eastern Graubuenden canton, or region, are also deciding whether to bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. By Huda Majeed and Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Tension between Iraq's Shi'ite leaders mounted on Sunday as the toll from protests in central Baghdad on Saturday increased to six killed, five demonstrators loyal to the fiery cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and one policeman. At least 174 other protesters were injured in clashes that pitted police and Sadr's followers who had gathered to demand an overhaul of a commission that supervises elections, ahead of a provincial poll due in September. The clashes broke out as the protesters attempted to cross the bridge that links Tahrir Square where they had gathered and the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings, embassies and international organizations. In a statement reacting to the killing of his followers on Saturday evening, Sadr said: "Their blood won't have been shed in vain." He promised "peaceful" retaliation. Several Katyusha rockets hit the Green Zone on Saturday evening but there were no casualties, a military spokesman said. Sadr's military wing, the Peace Brigades, denied in a statement firing the rockets, reacting to the military spokesman who said they seem to have been fired from Baladiyat, a district where the cleric has many followers. The growing tensions come at a bad time for Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi who is trying to focus on a critical battle with Islamic State in Mosul, the last major urban stronghold of the Sunni militants in northern Iraq. Four of the five protesters killed were hit by bullets and the fifth died of unknown causes, according to an updated casualties toll given by an Interior Ministry official. Most of the injured were treated for choking on tear gas, he said. Sadr says the electoral commission is favorable to his Shi'ite rival, former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki, a politician close to Iran whom he accuses of corruption. He also blames Maliki for the failure of the Iraqi army to contain the advance of Islamic State in 2014, as he was then prime minister and commander of the armed forces. The cleric said his supporters wanted to get near the Green Zone to make their voices heard by decision-makers, and had no intention of storming it again. Abadi ordered an investigation into the violence amid claims by the Interior Ministry that some demonstrators carried firearms and knives. Sadr insists his followers were peaceful. In a statement, Maliki's Dawa party accused Sadr without naming him of trying to "distract the Iraqi people in sedition in order to prevent the efforts to get rid of Daesh," an acronym for Islamic State. Sadr is openly hostile to American policies in the Middle East and, at the same time, he has a troubled relationship with Iraqi political groups allied with Iran. Sadr is the heir of a clerical family who suffered under Saddam Hussein, the former president toppled in the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. His Shi'ite rivals had fled Saddam's persecution, returning to Iraq after the invasion. A hardline Iranian-backed Shi'ite leader, sheikh Qais al-Khazali warned Sadr against escalation. "While we stand by the freedom to demonstrate, we stress the need not to allow events to spin out of control and lead to harmful consequences." Sadr's followers held several demonstrations last year to press for anti-corruption reforms and stormed the Green Zone after violent clashes with security forces. Iraqi forces last month completed the first phase of the Mosul offensive that started in October, by removing the militants from the eastern side of the city. They are now preparing to attack the part that lies west of the Tigris river. (Reporting by Huda Majeed and Ahmed Rasheed; Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Toby Chopra and Stephen Powell) A powerful nighttime earthquake in the southern Philippines killed at least six people, injured more than 120 others, damaged buildings and an airport and knocked out power, officials said Saturday. The late Friday quake with a magnitude of 6.5 roused residents from sleep in Surigao del Norte province, sending hundreds to flee their homes. The quake was centered about 14 kilometres (8 miles) northwest of the provincial capital of Surigao at a relatively shallow depth of 11 kilometres (6.8 miles), said Renato Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology. Nearly 100 aftershocks have been felt, officials said, adding that schools were being reopened as evacuation centers for residents wary of returning to their damaged homes. Solidum said the quake was set off by movement in the Philippine fault, which sits in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where quakes and volcanoes are common. At least four people were killed, some after being hit by falling debris and blunt objects, provincial disaster-response official Gilbert Gonzales said, correcting an earlier report by a regional hospital, which reported 15 residents who were rushed in with injuries as dead. At least 126 others were injured in Surigao city, about 700 kilometres (430 miles) southeast of Manila. "We're still doing a rapid needs and damage assessment," Office of Civil Defence director Antonio Gonzales told The Associated Press by telephone. Several mostly low-slung buildings and schools sustained cracks in the coastal city and a bridge collapsed in an outlying town. Rescue teams were checking for possible casualties in a village called Poknoy in the city of 140,500 people, he said. The city's airport was temporarily closed due to cracks in the runway, aviation officials said. A major port in Lipata district also was closed while engineers checked the stability of an access road, Gonzales said. "The shaking was so strong I could hardly stand," coast guard personnel Rayner Neil Elopre said. Story continues Village leaders asked residents to move to a school building on higher ground, Elopre said, pausing briefly during a mild aftershock while talking on the phone. Police officer Jimmy Sarael said he, his wife and two children embraced each other until the shaking eased. They later moved to the moonlit grounds outside the provincial capitol complex to join more than 1,000 jittery residents, he said. The last major earthquake that struck Surigao, an impoverished region also dealing with a communist insurgency, was in the 1800s, Solidum said. A magnitude 7.7 quake killed nearly 2,000 people on the northern island of Luzon in 1990. KIEV, Ukraine -- Marina Lemischenko and Marina Kostetska were excited to be starting a new life together outside the Ukrainian capital of Kiev after they managed to flee the war waged by pro-Russian separatists in the eastern part of the country. Yet even after seeming to find safety and freedom, the two Marina's have discovered they face a different kind of battle -- against discrimination. Both about 30 years old, the women have been lesbian partners for more than five years. Although the highly Westernized government in Kiev claimed in its pursuit of European Union membership that it respected LGBT rights, both women said they still must be very careful in public because of possible retribution for being in a same-sex relationship. On the street, we can hold hands and kiss each other, said Lemischenko, 29. But quickly, so that we dont draw attention to ourselves, finished Kostetska, 31, who said she cant be open with her sexuality at work. unnamed Photo: Natasha Bluth for International Business Times Members of the LGBT community in Ukraine said they have faced discrimination in many forms. Thats a deep disappointment to many leaders of the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution, also known as the Revolution of Dignity or Euromaidan Revolution, named for the Kiev square where the uprising that was at times violent started with protests by thousands of people. The revolution sought to remove a corrupt government closely allied with Russia, protect human rights and improve Ukraines ties with Europe. But three years later, many of the social reforms promised by the new government that would take power have failed to take hold. Amid the countrys failure to uphold its vow to expand LGBT rights, activists and members of the LGBT community who participated in the revolution have become frustrated by the slow pace of social progress. Its very sad, but also fascinating to see that in a country of 45 million people, you dont know almost anyone whos openly gay. And if you know them, theyre LGBT rights activists, said Maxim Eristavi, one of the only openly gay public figures in Ukraine. Story continues On the first day of the revolution, Eristavi co-founded the independent television network Hromadske International to provide an alternative to state-run media. While the revolution was a moment of hope for gay rights, Eristavi said traditional stigmas and institutionalized homophobia have persisted. When it comes to Ukraine, were not talking about gay marriage at the moment, [or] full constitutional equality, for instance, he said. Were talking about basic things to protect us from violence that is not punishable, that is not being recorded. Lemischenko and Kostetska fled their home in the Eastern Ukrainian city of Lugansk in 2015. As two of the 1.7 million Ukrainians displaced by war, they said they're lucky to have found a relatively safe, quiet place to live on Kiev's outskirts. But that luck didn't extend to their sexuality Discrimination against gay and transgender people in Ukraine have made life difficult and sometimes risky for them and other members of the LGBT community despite a 2015 anti-discrimination law that was added to Ukraines labor code, protecting employers gender identity and sexual orientation. Still, many have been refused work or housing in Ukraine because of their sexual orientation. When the couple first arrived in Kiev, far from friends and family, they had no place to stay. They eventually found refuge at an LGBT shelter in Ukraine a four-bedroom apartment run by a nonprofit called Insight, which houses migrants from the warzone, Russian-occupied Crimea and people facing difficult living situations at home for up to three months. There was absolutely no one to turn to and Insight really helped us, Lemischenko said. First, they gave us a roof over our heads. Then they told us where we could find work. The Insight shelter was the only one in Ukraine specifically for the LGBT community, said head coordinator Olga Olshanskaya. However, it was struggling financially and has received no funding from the state. All of our projects are financed by donor organizations from Europe or America, she said. We understand that not a single party in Ukraine supports LGBT rights. One political party called Democratic Alliance has become an advocate for the community, but it didn't hold seats in parliament. RTX2FQK1 Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko Fearing stigmatization, discrimination and hate crimes, the homosexual and transsexual population in Ukraine has remained largely undercover. There hasn't been any data recorded on how many people in the country identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, according to Andrii Maymulakhin, the head coordinator of Nash Mir, a national LGBT advocacy group based in Kiev. Maymulakhin has estimated that in any human society, about four percent of men are exclusively homosexual in their lifetimes. That was about one in every million Ukrainians. But a lack of census data for the LGBT community in Ukraine paled in comparison to the other challenges posed for the group. The transgender people we have in the shelter either didnt work or werent able to find a job because their appearance didnt match the picture on their documents, Olshanskaya said. Employers dont hire them. Ukraine has been struggling to balance national identity and European values. Insight has monitored hate crimes and discrimination as well as advocates for legislative changes to protect the LGBT community. The organization of five members came up against the traditional value system in Ukraine, a country in which 70 percent of people identify as Orthodox Christian. Whats more, a wave of nationalism spread through the country after the revolution and reached extremes among some of the 15,000 pro-Ukrainian volunteers who have been fighting in informal battalions in the East. These battalions have often been affiliated with the far-right and neo-Nazi groups that oppose LGBT rights. Because members of battalions were volunteering in the war, they could easily evade Ukrainian laws against attacks on LGBT people. Once veterans return home, they can dictate whatever they want to see in their city, said Insight founder Olena Shevchenko. Theyre above the law, or they are the law. In 2016, Insight planned an Equality Festival to promote tolerance and civil rights for social groups in the western city of Lviv. Unlike the gay rights pride parade in Kiev which passed without incident, the festival was canceled at the last minute by a local court with little explanation. In front of their hotel, festival goers were met with crowds of masked right-wing protesters, some throwing rocks. In the end, the LGBT activists were evacuated by bus because of a bomb threat. Threats of violence at the festival and elsewhere have prompted many LGBT activists to feel that their own society and government dont protect them, or even work against them. Our politicians are much more liberal and tolerant when they go abroad and are speaking to an international audience and much less vocal on LGBT rights in the country, in Ukraine, said Maymulakhin. To Maymulakhin and others at Nash Mir, the ongoing war with pro-Russian separatists, as well as continued economic downturn, have given the government excuses to push back on civil reform. In spite of the 2015 anti-discrimination law, government support for civil rights has remained largely rhetorical. Volodymyr Groysman, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliamentand now Prime Minister of Ukraineexpressed his disapproval of LGBT rights in November 2015 after the legislation was introduced. We stand for family values in Ukraine, Groysman told parliament. I hear false reports that same-sex marriage will be made legal in Ukraine. God forbid that this ever happens. We will never support it. Only a few individual and younger members of parliament, like Svitlana Zalishchuk, have advocated for LGBT rights. If we are serious about what we are talking about, then lets start with human rights, including LGBT rights, because this is how its working in European countriesthose countries we are trying to integrate with, Zalishchuk said. However, Eristavi said he believes Ukrainian politicians are not ready to fight for the LGBT community. People tell me, were not against the issue, but lets wait 20 or 30 years, he said. I cannot wait 30 years to have a normal life. Far from the warzone, with a new apartment and new jobs, Lemischenko and Kostetska echoed Eristavis words, but said that they have hope for the future of Ukraine. We dont want to leave our country, so we can be part of building a new country as we want to see itone completely open for society, where politicians work for the people, where theres no bribery, when theres no discrimination against religious or race, or for belonging to the LGBT community, Lemischenko said. This article and video were produced through the GlobalBeat program at New York Universitys Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. Credits: Natasha Bluth, Correspondent; Rahmah Pauzi, Videographer; Jason Maloney, Professor. Related Articles NEW YORK (Reuters) - Macy's Inc could see its shares rise by 50 percent in a potential sale, as the struggling retailer looks to turn around its business by downsizing its physical-store operations and reinvesting in its online presence, Barron's said on Sunday. The Cincinnati-based company, which in recent years has become the sixth-largest online retailer, is a bargain for investors despite Wall Street's gloomy outlook with management's plans to close 100 underperforming stores, which could increase its stock by 20 to 30 percent. It also plans to cut up to 10,000 jobs out of a total 157,900. That could reduce costs by $550 million annually, freeing up funds to invest in the company's growing online business. Earlier this month, Hudson's Bay Co made a takeover approach for the retailer in an effort to further push into the U.S. market, according to people familiar with the matter. A potential sale, particularly one with a spinoff of the company's real estate assets, could boost Macy's stock to $45 to $50, the report added. On Friday, its stock closed at $31.99. Macy's property portfolio is estimated to be worth as much as $21 billion. It has around 900 stores in the United States, which includes its Bloomingdale's outlets and its flagship store in New York City's Herald Square. (Reporting by Catherine Ngai; Editing by Sandra Maler) Mexico City (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Mexicans protested Sunday against US President Donald Trump, hitting back at his anti-Mexican rhetoric and his pledges to make their country pay for his "big, beautiful" border wall. "Mexico must be respected, Mr Trump," said a giant banner carried by protesters in Mexico City, who waved a sea of red, white and green Mexican flags as they marched down the capital's main avenue under the watchful eyes of thousands of police. Protester Julieta Rosas was wearing a T-shirt with a picture of Trump sporting an Adolf Hitler mustache. "We're here to make Trump see and feel that an entire country, united, is rising up against him and his xenophobic, discriminatory and fascist stupidity," said Rosas, a literature student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). In what looked set to be Mexico's biggest anti-Trump protest yet, some 20 cities joined the call to march made by a group of dozens of universities, business associations and civic organizations. There were 20,000 demonstrators in Mexico City, according to local authorities. Marches in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Morelia also drew thousands of people -- though a planned protest in the border city of Tijuana fell flat. US-Mexican relations have plunged to their lowest point in decades since Trump took office on January 20. Trump, who launched his presidential campaign calling Mexican immigrants "criminals" and "rapists," has infuriated the United States' southern neighbor with his plan to stop illegal migration by building a wall on the border. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled a January 31 trip to Washington over Trump's insistence that Mexico pay for the wall. "This is a time to build bridges, not walls," said 73-year-old protester Jose Antonio Sanchez, who was marching in Mexico City with his nine-year-old granddaughter. American protester Erick Smith, who is married to a Mexican woman, marched with a sign reading "Sorry Mexico." Story continues "I came to say that I'm ashamed of my president," he told AFP. "I don't want this wall." Trump has also wrought havoc on the Mexican economy with his threats to terminate the country's privileged trade relationship with the United States, blaming Mexico for the loss of American jobs. The Mexican peso has taken a beating nearly every time Trump has insisted he will renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), attacked car-makers and other companies that manufacture in Mexico, or vowed to slap steep tariffs on Mexican-made goods. Mexico sends 80 percent of its exports to the United States -- nearly $300 billion in goods in 2015. - New nationalism - The confrontation has stoked patriotic pride in Mexico, where US companies like Starbucks, Coca-Cola and McDonald's are the targets of boycotts. Many people have taken to putting the Mexican flag in their profile pictures on social media. Not everyone is on board with Sunday's protests, however. Some accused Pena Nieto of using them to try to bolster his own popularity -- which has taken a beating over perceptions that he has been too conciliatory toward a bullying neighbor. The hashtag "#It'sNotTrumpIt'sPena" is trending on Twitter in Mexico. The new nationalism appears to be giving a boost to Mexican presidential hopeful Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, whom some political analysts call a "leftist Donald Trump" for his populist, anti-establishment rhetoric. Lopez Obrador -- widely known by his initials, AMLO -- was the runner-up in the past two presidential elections. He is leading in opinion polls for presidential elections in 2018 and appears to be benefiting from Trump's anti-Mexican vitriol, which has badly dented not only Pena Nieto -- who is ineligible for re-election -- but also the ruling PRI party. Ironically, a Lopez Obrador victory next year could work to Trump's disadvantage, giving him a far more hardline counterpart to work with. As Sunday's protests unfolded in Mexico, Lopez Obrador was visiting the United States to address both Mexicans and Americans in Los Angeles about what he called Trump's "poisonous" rhetoric. MONACO (AP) Monaco forward Gabriel Boschilia faces a long spell out after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury in his right knee during Saturday's 5-0 home win against Metz. The 20-year-old Brazilian went off on a stretcher midway through the second half following a heavy tackle from defender Jonathan Rivierez. League leader Monaco said on its website that Boschilia will undergo surgery, without saying how long he is expected to be out. Boschilia is one of several promising young players in the Monaco squad and has scored eight goals this season. Seoul (AFP) - North Korea on Sunday staged its first ballistic missile test since Donald Trump took office, a move denounced by Japan's leader who won "100 percent" backing from the new US President. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose country would be in range of a hostile North, called the launch "absolutely intolerable". South Korea said Pyongyang was testing Trump. The missile was launched around 7:55 am (2255 GMT Saturday) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the South's defence ministry said. It flew about 500 kilometres (310 miles) before falling into the sea, a ministry spokesman said, adding the exact type of missile had yet to be identified. "Today's missile launch... is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities", the ministry said in a statement. "It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump," it added. The US Strategic Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium-range ballistic missile It was the first such test since last October. Trump responded with an assurance to the visiting Abe that Washington was committed to the security of its key Asian ally. "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent," he said, without elaborating. Abe denounced the launch as "absolutely intolerable" while top government spokesman Yoshihide Suge told reporters in Tokyo it was "clearly a provocation to Japan and the region". North Korea is barred under UN resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology. But six sets of UN sanctions since Pyongyang's first nuclear test in 2006 have failed to halt its drive for what it insists are defensive weapons. Story continues - 'Clear provocation' - Last year the country conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. A South Korean army official quoted by Yonhap news agency ruled out the possibility of a long-range missile test, describing the device as an upgraded version of the North's Rodong missile. Seoul-based academic Yang Moo-Jin said the latest test was "a celebratory launch" to mark the February 16 birthday of Kim Jong-Il, late ruler and father of current leader Kim Jong-Un. Pyongyang often celebrates key anniversaries involving current and former leaders with missile launches, Yang, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, told AFP. South Korea's acting president Hwang Gyo-Ahn vowed a "corresponding punishment" in response to the launch, which came on the heels of a visit to Seoul by US Defense Secretary James Mattis this month. Mattis had warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an "effective and overwhelming" response. Trump's national security adviser Michael Flynn, spoke to his South Korean counterpart Kim Kwan-Jin by phone and agreed to "seek all possible options" to curb future provocations by the North, Seoul's presidential office said. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also condemned the launch as a "further threat to regional... peace and stability" and vowed to work with Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo to heap pressure on Pyongyang. In January leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that Pyongyang was in the "final stages" of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in an apparent attempt to pressure the incoming US president. Trump shot back on Twitter, saying "It won't happen." James Char, senior analyst at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore, said the launch was Pyongyang's "way of showing characteristic defiance against... Trump". - Test for Trump - The latest launch poses a test for Trump, who will need the help of the North's closest ally China to deal with the reclusive state. Relations have thawed in recent days after Trump reaffirmed Washington's "One China" policy in what he described as a "very warm" telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an ICBM. But all agree it has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over after the death of his father in December 2011. Donald Trump has pledged to stand fully behind Japan after North Korea fired a missile into the sea off the east coast of the Korean peninsula. The object was launched from an area in North Korea's western region, the South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a short statement. It did not provide further details. Quoting an unnamed US official, CNN reported that the Koreans had fired an intermediate range ballistic missile. Mr Trump, who has been hosting the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida retreat promised American support. I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent," he said. Mr Abe, described the missile launch as absolutely intolerable, adding that North Korea should fully comply with United Nations resolutions. The United States had been expecting the North Koreans to flex their muscles in the early days of the Trump administration. After a frenzy of activity last year the North Koreans last tested a ballistic missile on October 20. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in his New Year speech that the country was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and state media have said such a launch could come at any time. North Koreas nuclear history: key moments That prompted a vow of an "overwhelming" response from U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis when he travelled to South Korea earlier this month. During the visit he defended the deployment of a missile defence system in South Korea even though the Chinese had raised objections. North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests and a number of missile-related tests at an unprecedented rate since early last year and was seen by experts and officials to be making progress in its weapons capabilities. South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said that his country will punish North Korea for the missile launch. He did not elaborate. Story continues "Our government, in tandem with the international community, is doing its best to ensure a corresponding response to punish the North," Mr Hwang said. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said the missile had apparently landed in the Sea of Japan but not within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)."We can absolutely not accept these continued provocations by North Korea, and have protested strongly to them," Mr Suga said. By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he would present "responsible policies" in talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling to the Israeli far-right to curb its territorial demands in the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu leaves for Washington on Monday and will see Trump at the White House on Wednesday for their first meeting since the Republican's inauguration last month, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and policy toward Iran on the agenda. During his 2016 election campaign, Trump indicated his presidency would be a boon for Israel and tough on Palestinians, after an acrimonious relationship between his predecessor Barack Obama and Netanyahu that included clashes over settlement building and Iran's nuclear program. Trump talked of moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, naming an ambassador who backs Israeli settlement on occupied land which Palestinians seek for a state and exerting no pressure on Israel for peace negotiations, which collapsed in 2014. But he has since toned down his pro-Israel bravado ahead of Netanyahu's visit, a change that could help the prime minister keep in check ultra-nationalist coalition partners calling on him to push a more militant agenda. "To believe there are no restrictions now would be a mistake," Israel Radio quoted Netanyahu as telling members of his Likud party with respect to settlement expansion now that Trump is in office. On the eve of Netanyahu's departure for Washington, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the ultra-nationalist Jewish Home party, publicly cautioned him not to mention the words "two-state solution" in talks with Trump. Bennett's party is also promoting the annexation of parts of the West Bank. Netanyahu has stopped short of endorsing those positions - steps that would put Israel at odds with long-standing U.S. and European policies - while speaking of building in major settlement blocs Israel intends to keep in any future peace deal. In public remarks to his cabinet on Sunday, he seemed to urge the far-right to tone down its expectations. "I understand there's great excitement about this meeting (with Trump)," he said. "But ... my primary concern is Israel's security (and) strengthening our solid alliance with the United States." That, Netanyahu said, "requires responsible policies, policies that are given careful consideration - and that's how I intend to act." He did not elaborate. His comments appeared to echo remarks Trump made in an interview published on Friday in the pro-Netanyahu Israeli daily Israel Hayom. Calling on Israel "to be reasonable with respect to peace", he said settlements "don't help the process". In recent weeks, Netanyahu approved the construction of some 6,000 settler homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, drawing Palestinian and international condemnation which the Trump administration did not join. However, Trump's remarks in the Israeli newspaper interview appeared to take a tougher line toward Israeli settlement policy. (Editing by Stephen Powell) Paris (AFP) - Nice's fading Ligue 1 title aspirations suffered a costly setback as they fell five points behind leaders Monaco despite rallying from two goals down in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Rennes. First-half strikes from Morgan Amalfitano and Giovanni Sio left Rennes on course for a first win in nine matches, but Valentin Eysseric set up Anastasios Dosis to pull one back on the hour mark. Eysseric then raced clear as Nice caught Rennes on the counter-attack to equalise nine minutes from time with the visitors salvaging a point in the absence of an unwell Mario Balotelli. However, Lucien Favre's side, who topped the table at the start of the year, have won just twice in their last seven matches to leave aspirations of upstaging Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain looking increasingly remote. "I think it's a good point. We were squeezed like lemons, and they did it very well," Favre said of the home side's suffocating tactics. "Psychologically it's important to come back from 2-0 down to 2-2. At the end we could have even done more but they also had chances on the counter... if you concede a third, it's all over." Later, strugglers Nantes upset Marseille 3-2. Goals from Diego Carlos and Mariusz Stepinski in the first 20 minutes put Nantes in control. Bafetimbi Gomis halved the deficit three minutes after the restart, his shot helped past Nantes keeper Remy Riou by a deflection off the right post. Marseille's chances of getting something out of the match were made that much harder two minutes later when Adrien Thomasson foiled Yohanne Pele at close range. The south coast club's defensive frailties were exposed again when Lucas Lima fired in a free-kick which hit the post, Sala getting the rebound in the back of the net but the effort was disallowed for a foul by Carlos on Pele. On the hour Morgan Sanson crossed to Gomis who headed in to give the visitors renewed hope. Gomis had to come off shortly after with an injured knee. Story continues Marseille, who remain in sixth place, bossed the closing stages but Nantes, one point off the relegation zone before kick-off, held on to jump five places to 12th. On Saturday, Kylian Mbappe netted a hat-trick while Radamel Falcao struck twice as Monaco thrashed Metz 5-0 at home to stay three points clear of reigning champions PSG. The capital club cruised to a 3-0 victory at Bordeaux on Friday with Edinson Cavani -- now up to 25 league goals this season -- scoring either side of an Angel Di Maria effort. Thinkstock Over the years, taxpayers have concocted a lot of zany arguments to justify their tax breaks. We've come up with what we think are the 16 most creative ones that the courts decided did not quite work. As secret agent Maxwell Smart would say, "Missed it by that much!" A Little Peace and Quiet Thinkstock A busy tax preparer ran her business from her home. During tax season, she felt so harassed from clients calling her at all hours of the day and night that she occasionally booked a room at a local hotel for some peace and quiet. On her own return, she deducted the cost of this rest and relaxation as a business expense. Unfortunately for her, the Tax Court ruled that the cost of her good night's sleep was a nondeductible personal expense. SEE ALSO: The Most-Overlooked Tax Deductions Keeping the Tax Man at Bay iStockphoto An Oregon couple filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection but continued to get repeated letters from the IRS demanding payment and threatening enforcement actions. That's a no-no--one of the core tenets of the bankruptcy process is the "automatic stay," which requires all creditors to hold off once a petition is filed. The couple sought $4,000 in emotional damages for the letters ("brief losses of appetite, stress, and mounting frustration' for the husband; "debilitating migraines for the wife") and a bankruptcy court agreed. But a district court overturned that. The ruling judge evinced some skepticism of the merit of the couple's claims, but threw out their suit for a different reason: sovereign immunity. In short, unlike an individual or corporation, the federal government can't be held liable for emotional distress. Shoddy Construction Thinkstock A couple paid a builder to construct their dream home. Not long after they moved in, they discovered a series of problems with the house, including the foundation, that made living there a nightmare. They claimed that the builder defrauded them and deducted a large theft loss on their tax return. Story continues But the Tax Court denied the deduction, saying that although they were victims of poor workmanship, they weren't victims of fraud. SEE ALSO: Red Flags That Raise Your Chances of an Audit Pizza for the Kids Thinkstock A woman in Washington, D.C., ran her own staffing and consulting business. She hired her three children, ranging in age from 8 to 15, to help her with jobs such as shredding, stuffing envelopes, copying and tending the yard around her home office. The mother, who was also a paid tax preparer, included the hours her kids worked on time sheets and issued them W-2 forms. But instead of paying her children in cash, she bought them meals, including pizza, and paid for tutoring. She tried to deduct the kids' "wages" as business expenses, but the Tax Court didn't buy it. In its view, the services that the children performed were more for parental training and discipline than part of the typical activities of employees, so it denied her write-off in full. Love & Marriage & Self-Employment Tax Thinkstock A married couple operated separate proprietorships. The wife's operation turned a small profit, but her husband's business generated a sea of red ink. When figuring their self-employment tax bill, the couple claimed the bonds of matrimony allowed them to offset his loss against her income to wipe out any self-employment tax liability. The IRS disagreed, saying that even though they were married, his losses could not be used to reduce the self-employment tax bill on her income. Playing the referee in this tax dispute, the Tax Court sided with the IRS because the husband had no hand in running her firm. "The fact that they discussed their respective businesses over meals does not establish that [the husband] played a role in operating the realty business," the ruling noted. Payment for an Affair Thinkstock After a police officer discovered his wife was having an affair with her doctor, he confronted the doctor and threatened a lawsuit. Eventually, the doctor agreed to pay $25,000 to settle the matter. The police officer claimed the $25,000 was a tax-free gift, but the Tax Court said that the payment is taxed as income because it was offered to settle the doctor's misconduct. SEE ALSO: 9 Surprising Things That Are Taxable Prostitutes and Porn Thinkstock A tax lawyer spent more than $65,000 in a year on prostitutes and pornographic materials. He deducted the total as a medical expense, making a novel argument that cited the positive health effects of sex therapy. However, the Tax Court red-lighted his write-off, saying that his conduct not only was illegal, but also wasn't for the treatment of a medical condition. Overdone Overdrafts Thinkstock A couple who owned two struggling dry-cleaning businesses couldn't get a loan from their bank because they were judged to be a bad credit risk. But they worked out a deal to regularly overdraw their account and then satisfy the overdraft after the bank called them. This odd financing method caused them to incur more than $30,000 a year in overdraft charges, which they deducted as a business expense. This didn't wash with the Tax Court, which nixed the write-off, saying the charges were unreasonably high. Not surprisingly, the pair wound up filing for bankruptcy. SEE ALSO: 7 Tax Forms That Can Accidentally Increase Your Tax Bill Billing Mommy Thinkstock A wife was sent to jail for killing her husband. Although she was named as the primary beneficiary of his 401(k) plan, state law barred her from receiving any of the funds because of her crime. So the account was paid to their son instead as the secondary beneficiary. He claimed that his mother should be taxed on the payout as the intended beneficiary. An Appeals Court gave him an A for effort but an F in taxation, ruling that he owes tax on the distribution. Vegas Gambling Junket Thinkstock In an effort to drum up business from banks, a repo firm sponsored a bus trip to Las Vegas. Although employees talked informally with their collection contacts on the ride to Vegas, no formal business meetings were scheduled, and everyone spent most of the weekend gambling. The trip was a rousing success because the repo firm got a lot more business from the attendees. The company was less successful in the Tax Court, which denied the deduction for the junket because the business discussions were an insubstantial part of the trip. SEE ALSO: Don't Miss These Middle Class Tax Breaks Lunch with Cohorts Thinkstock A partner in a law firm met every day with his colleagues at lunch to discuss the firm's business, such as case assignments and settlements. But the IRS balked when he asked Uncle Sam to pick up part of the tab. The Tax Court came down on IRS' side, saying that the cost of the meals was a non-deductible personal expense, even though business was discussed. The moral of the story is that while the partner can have his cake and eat it for dessert, he can't get a subsidy from other taxpayers for his meals. Designer Clothes iStockphoto Sales personnel for Ralph Lauren are expected to wear their employer's clothing when they're on the job. But while this may constitute a uniform of sorts, just like a welder's flame-retardant coveralls, the IRS sees an important distinction: The designer's duds are "suitable for general or personal wear." So the Tax Court stripped bare a New York-based salesman's attempt to deduct nearly $5,000 of clothes as unreimbursed employee expenses. A New York bartender ran into similar trouble for attempting a five-figure deduction for the all-black clothing he was expected to wear on the job. SEE ALSO: 7 Ways to File Your Taxes for Free A Fish Tank Thinkstock A couple's tax returns were filed late and were riddled with questionable deductions, such as the cost of dining room furniture and a fish tank. That piqued the IRS's attention. After an audit, the couple was slapped with a late-filing penalty and a big tax bill. They claimed that their late filing should be excused because their accountant had been sent to jail for killing her husband and the person who took over her office was incompetent. The Tax Court refused to cut them any slack. Red Blood Cell Depletion Allowance Thinkstock A woman with a rare blood type made more than $7,000 in a year as a blood plasma donor. She sought to offset the income by claiming a depletion deduction for the loss of both her blood's mineral content and her blood's ability to regenerate. While depletion is a proper write-off for firms that remove natural deposits of minerals such as coal and iron ore from the ground, the Tax Court decided that individuals cannot claim depletion on their bodies. Letting Others Burn Down the House Thinkstock Homeowners who want to tear down their homes and rebuild sometimes ask firefighters to burn them down. This training exercise serves the public good. But to get a deduction, an Appeals Court says that the homeowner must show that the value of the donation exceeded the value of the demolition services provided. Since the house in the case before the court had to be destroyed anyway to make room for its successor, its value was negligible and didn't exceed the value of the demolition services that the owners received, so the homeowner's charitable deduction was denied. Wrecking a Rental Car Thinkstock An airline employee needed to get to New Orleans but was stranded by heavy fog. He worked out a great deal with a rental car company where he paid nothing for a car that the company needed driven to New Orleans. Unfortunately, he wrecked the auto in Mississippi and had to pay for the damages. He tried to deduct the payment as a casualty loss, but the Tax Court denied his write-off because he wasn't the owner of the vehicle. SEE ALSO: 5 States Where Taxes Are Going Up in 2017 By Ju-min Park and Matt Spetalnick SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea early on Sunday, the first such test since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected, and his administration indicated that Washington would have a calibrated response to avoid escalating tensions. The test was likely to have been of an intermediate-range Musudan-class missile that landed in the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea's military, not an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which the North has said it could test at any time. The launch marks the first test of Trump's vow to get tough on an isolated North Korean regime that last year tested nuclear devices and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate in violation of United Nations resolutions. A U.S. official said the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in response, but they would be calibrated to show U.S. resolve while avoiding escalation. Later, White House adviser Stephen Miller said on the television show "Fox News Sunday" that "we are going to reinforce and strengthen our vital alliances in the Pacific region as part of our strategy to deter and prevent the increasing hostility that we've seen in recent years from the North Korean regime." The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting Trump's previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This was no surprise," the official said. "The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this." The latest test comes a day after Trump held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and also follows Trump's phone call last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I just want everybody to understand, and fully know, that the United States of America is behind Japan, our great ally, 100 percent," Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, speaking alongside Abe. He made no further comments. Abe called the launch "absolutely intolerable" and said North Korea must comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. NATO condemned the missile test in a statement by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who said North Korea "must refrain from further provocations, halt all launches using ballistic missile technology and abandon once and for all its ballistic missile programs ... " The French foreign ministry also condemned the launch, issuing a statement that said "France reaffirms its solidarity with its partners in Asia-Pacific whose security is threatened by the North Korean nuclear and ballistic program." China is North Korea's main ally but has been frustrated by Pyongyang's repeated provocations, although it bristles at pressure from Washington and Seoul to curb the North and its young leader, Kim Jong Un. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump and his aides are likely to weigh a series of possible responses, including new U.S. sanctions to tighten financial controls, an increase in naval and air assets in and around the Korean peninsula and accelerated installation of new missile defense systems in South Korea, the administration official said. But the official said that given that the missile was believed not to have been an ICBM and that Pyongyang had not carried out a new nuclear explosion, any response will seek to avoid ratcheting up tensions. "IT WON'T HAPPEN" Trump has pledged a more assertive approach to North Korea but given no clear sign of how his policy would differ from Obama's so-called strategic patience. In January, Trump tweeted "It wont happen!" after Kim said the North was close to testing an ICBM, but his aides never explained how he would do so. The missile was launched from an area called Panghyon in North Korea's western region just before 8 a.m. (2300 GMT Saturday) and flew about 500 km (300 miles), the South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. "Our assessment is that it is part of a show of force in response to the new U.S. administration's hardline position against the North," the office said in a statement. A South Korean military source said the missile reached an altitude of about 550 km. While Seoul initially said the missile was probably a medium-range Rodong, it later said the launch was likely of a Musudan, which is designed to fly up to 3,000-4,000 km. The North attempted eight Musudan launches last year. Only one of those launches - of a missile that flew 400 km (250 miles) in June - was considered a success by officials and experts in South Korea and the United States. Kim said in his New Year speech that the country was close to test-launching an ICBM and state media have said such a launch could come at any time. The comments prompted a vow of an "overwhelming" response from U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis when he traveled to South Korea earlier this month. Once fully developed, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is about 9,000 km (5,500 miles) from North Korea. ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,500 km (3,400 miles), but some are designed to travel 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or more. North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile-related tests last year and was seen by experts and officials to be making progress in its weapons capabilities, although until Sunday no ballistic missile launch attempt had been detected since October. Its repeated missile launches prompted Washington and Seoul to agree to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile battery in South Korea later this year, which is strongly opposed by Beijing, which worries the system's powerful radar undermines its own security. Sunday's launch comes at an awkward time for South Korea, where President Park Geun-hye has been stripped of her powers after a December parliamentary vote to impeach her. Her fate will be decided by the Constitutional Court, which is hearing arguments on whether to uphold or overturn the impeachment. (Additional reporting by Jack Kim and Yun Hwan Chae in Seoul, Phil Stewart in Washington, Ayesha Rascoe and Kiyoshi Takenaka in Palm Beach, Elaine Lies in Tokyo, and Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by Tony Munroe and Raju Gopalakrishnan, Larry King) SEOUL (Reuters) - A ballistic missile that North Korea launched on Sunday flew about 500 kilometers, South Korea's military said, calling it North Korea's "show of force" against the hard-line stance of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump on Pyongyang. "The flight distance was about 500 kilometers, and South Korea and the United States are conducting a close-up analysis on additional information," South Korea's Office of Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. South Korea's presidential office said it called a national security meeting at 9:30 a.m. Seoul time. (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Leslie Adler) (PYONGYANG, North Korea) North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump, who stood with the Japanese leader as Shinzo Abe called the move absolutely intolerable. There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The U.S. Strategic Command said it detected and tracked what it assessed to be a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile. North Korean media are often slow to announce such launches, if they announce them at all. As of Sunday afternoon, there had been no official announcement and most North Koreans went about their day with no inkling that the launch was major international news. The reports came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Uns late father, Kim Jong Il. Appearing with Trump at a news conference at the presidents south Florida estate, Abe condemned the missile launch as absolutely intolerable. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100%. Abe read a brief statement in which he called on the North to comply fully with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. He said Trump has assured him of U.S. support and that Trumps presence showed the presidents determination and commitment. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement the missile was fired from around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test launched its powerful midrange Musudan missile on Oct. 15 and 20. The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles). But Yonhap reported that while determinations are still being made, it was not believed to be an ICBM. Story continues The missile splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, according to the U.S. Strategic Command. Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Jong Un said in his New Years address that the country has reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States. Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its hostile policy and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programs until the U.S. changes its diplomatic approach. Just days ago, it also reaffirmed its plan to conduct more space launches, which it staunchly defends but which have been criticized because they involve dual use technology that can be transferred to improve missiles. Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, speculated the missile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. Analysts are divided, however, over how close the North is to having a reliable long-range rocket that could be coupled with a nuclear warhead capable to striking U.S. targets. South Koreas Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said that his country will punish North Korea for the missile launch. According to the Foreign Ministry, South Korea will continue to work with allies including the United States, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against the North and make the country realize that it will never be able to survive without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programs. ___ Associated Press writers Kim Tong-Hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Jill Colvin in Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report. North Korea on Monday confirmed it had "successfully" tested a ballistic missile, in what was seen as a challenge to new US President Donald Trump. "A surface-to-surface medium long-range ballistic missile Pukguksong-2... was successfully test-fired on Sunday," the state-run news agency KCNA said, describing it as a "Korean-style new type strategic weapon system". The missile was launched from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), South Korea's defence ministry said Sunday. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un "personally guided the preparations" for the test, the KCNA report said, adding it was carried out in a way that took the "security of the neighbouring countries into consideration". Kim "expressed great satisfaction over the possession of another powerful nuclear attack means which adds to the tremendous might of the country", KCNA said. "Thanks to the development of the new strategic weapon system, our People's Army is capable of performing its strategic duties most accurately and rapidly in any space: under waters or on the land." Sunday's missile launch was an apparent test of newly elected Trump, who responded to the provocation by pledging "100 percent" support of Washington's key regional ally Japan. The North Korean missile flew about 500 kilometres (310 miles) before falling into the sea, the South's defence ministry said. "Today's missile launch... is aimed at drawing global attention to the North by boasting its nuclear and missile capabilities", the ministry said in a statement. "It is also believed that it was an armed provocation to test the response from the new US administration under President Trump," it added. It was the first such test since last October. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose country would be in range of a hostile North Korean missile launch, called the test "absolutely intolerable" during an impromptu press conference with Trump in Florida. Story continues North Korea is barred under UN resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology. But six sets of UN sanctions since Pyongyang's first nuclear test in 2006 have failed to halt its drive for what it insists are defensive weapons. Last year the country conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. South Korea's acting president Hwang Gyo-Ahn vowed a "corresponding punishment" in response to the launch, which came on the heels of a visit to Seoul by US Defense Secretary James Mattis this month. Mattis had warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack would be met with an "effective and overwhelming" response. SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea said on Monday it had successfully test-fired a new type of medium-to-long-range ballistic missile on Sunday, claiming further advancement in a weapons program it is pursuing in violation of United Nations resolutions. North Korea fired the ballistic missile into the sea early on Sunday, the first test of U.S. President Donald Trump's vow to get tough on an isolated North Korean regime that last year tested nuclear devices and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate. The North's state-run KCNA news agency said leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test of the Pukguksong-2, a new type of strategic weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year, although its claims to be able to miniaturise a nuclear weapon to be mounted on a missile have never been independently verified. KCNA added that the missile was fired at a high angle in consideration of the safety of neighboring countries. A South Korean military source said on Sunday the missile reached an altitude of 550 kilometers (342 miles). It flew a distance of about 500 km, landing in the Sea of Japan. North Korea also said the missile was propelled by a solid fuel engine, which follows last year's test of what it said was a solid-fuel powered submarine-launched missile. Solid fuel engines boost the power of ballistic rockets and give them greater range. They give less warning of an impending launch because it takes less time to fuel the rocket. A U.S. official said over the weekend that the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office. The United States will consider a full range of options in response, but they would be calibrated to show U.S. resolve while avoiding escalation, the official added. The latest test comes a day after Trump held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and also follows Trump's phone call last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. For a Graphic on North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile tests, click: http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/NORTHKOREA-MISSILES/010031V7472/index.html (Reporting by Ju-min Park and Tony Munroe; Editing by Lincoln Feast) North Korea test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile early Sunday into the East Sea in a show of force, according to South Koreas military. This is the first missile test by Kim Jong Uns country since Donald Trump assumed office as the U.S. president last month. The missile was fired from around Banghyon in North Pyongan Province, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. It flew about 310 miles ending up into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, Yonhap News Agency reported. The U.S. and South Korean authorities are trying to determine the kind of missile test-fired. They, however, said it was not an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which is reportedly capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. North Korea has not yet confirmed the missile test. Seoul and Washington are conducting a joint analysis on additional information to determine if the missile is a modified Musudan missile or the shorter range Rodong missile," JCS said. Yonhap noted that the missiles flight distance of just over 300 miles is shorter compared to the Musudans estimated range of more than 1,864 miles. This is North Koreas first test-launch of a missile this year. It also comes when Trump is on an official visit to Japan, whose Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. While Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned the Norths missile test calling it absolutely intolerable, Trump said that Tokyo has 100 percent support from Washington. Meanwhile, the U.S. Strategic Command (Stratcom) tracked the missile launch. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America," Stratcom reportedly said. Following the missile test, South Koreas presidential office called a national security meeting, Yonhap reported. South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said that his country is doing its best to give out a corresponding response to the test-fire. Story continues Our government, in tandem with the international community, is doing its best to ensure a corresponding response to punish the North (for its missile launch), Hwang said. Last month, the North Korean foreign ministry threatened to launch ICBM and noted it developed the ICBM to boost its self-defense capabilities and to counter the ever more undisguised nuclear war threat from the U.S. Related Articles WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States detected a North Korean test-launch of either a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile, the U.S. military's Strategic Command said on Saturday, adding the missile did not pose a threat to North America. "U.S. Strategic Command systems detected and tracked what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 4:55 p.m. CST," spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Martin O'Donnell said. "The launch of a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile occurred near the northwestern city of Kusong." Strategic Command said it tracked the missile over North Korea and into the Sea of Japan. It did not state whether the launch was deemed a success or failure. It added that U.S. military forces would "remain vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and are fully committed to working closely with our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies to maintain security." It was the first time the isolated state has tested such a device since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office and would consider a full range of options in a response to Pyongyangs missile test, but calibrated to show U.S. resolve while avoiding escalation. The new administration was also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting Trump's previously stated view that Beijing had not done enough on this front, the official said. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's military said a ballistic missile launched by North Korea on Sunday was probably an intermediate range Musudan class, revising its earlier assessment that it was likely to have been a medium-range missile. "The missile fired around Panghyon in the city of Kusong is likely to be an improved version of a Musudan missile," South Korea's Office of Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. The missile launched on Sunday flew about 500 kilometers (300 miles). A Musudan is designed to travel up to 3,000-4,000 kilometers. (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Richard Borsuk) Donald Trump met with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe: Getty Images / Mario Tama Three weeks into his presidency Donald Trump has given numerous indications that he wants to put domestic issues first in his effort to Make America Great Again. The security of the United States borders, the protection of its workers and a conservative vision of its culture have all been the subject of executive orders and presidential pronouncements. Little has been achieved without controversy. Most worryingly, his desire for action has already come at the expense of both procedural rigour and the kind of statesmanlike reflection which might have been hoped for in a holder of such high office. The fallout from his attempt to impose a travel ban to the US from seven predominantly Muslim countries has offered a disturbing glimpse of how little regard Mr Trump has for the accepted norms of government. Yet however much President Trump may prefer to focus on Americas internal affairs, it was only a matter of time before his approach to pressing global concerns faced a severe challenge. Following the trial firing of a ballistic missile by North Korea this weekend, the moment may have come. Indeed, for all the talk about defeating Isis, rewriting US policy towards the Middle East and potential changes to Americas relationship with Nato, perhaps it is no real surprise that it is Kim Jong-un who has provided the first major test of Mr Trumps diplomatic mettle. There is no more unpredictable nation in the world than North Korea, which makes President Trumps response to its latest posturing all the more significant. The firing of the missile was timed to coincide with a visit to the US by the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, who declared the test which sent an intermediate-range projectile 300 miles towards the Sea of Japan to be absolutely intolerable. His presidential host, meanwhile, spoke of the importance of Americas great alliance with Japan, behind whom the US would stand 100 per cent. Previously, in a joint statement published on Friday, the two men had spoken of the need for North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Mr Trumps pick as Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis, travelled to South Korea last week on his first official visit outside the US and indicated that any use by Pyongyang of nuclear weapons would be met with an effective and overwhelming response. Story continues Such tough language may be emblematic of Mr Trumps own style but it is not very different from the words previous US administrations might have offered. Nonetheless, the strategic situation has changed in important ways. First, North Koreas offensive capabilities have continued to expand for every year of failed diplomacy and ineffective sanctions, the threat it poses beyond its borders has become more substantial. Second, Mr Trump has yet to establish any sort of working relationship with China. And it is ultimately Washingtons relationship with Beijing that holds the key to determining whether Kim Jong-uns ambitions, difficult though they are to read, can be contained. Thus far, Mr Trump has suggested a degree of ambivalence towards the need to build an alliance with China. He has regularly cited Chinese economic advancement as having undermined American industry and he has criticised Chinas military build-up in the South China Sea. His decision to take a phone call from the Taiwanese President shortly after winning Novembers election was unwise, to say the least. On Friday it was revealed that he had finally reaffirmed Americas longstanding One China policy in a telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping; yet questions have been raised about why it took so long for Mr Trump to call his counterpart in Beijing. Certainly, his warm meeting with Shinzo Abe provokes a stark contrast. The greatest danger in respect of North Korea is that its real or imagined threat leads to unilateral action either by America or by one of its allies, South Korea or Japan. The reaction that in turn might provoke from China can only be guessed at. For Mr Trump, then, the challenge posed by Pyongyang is not to his authority but to his ability to stay calm. In the long run, North Korea must be made to understand that it cannot risk attacking another nation. But it is only by effective diplomacy that there can be any chance of Kim Jong-uns regime being brought to heel. And for that to happen, President Trump must understand that Americas most important role in the region is not as Pyongyangs policeman but as the vital glue in the complex relationship between the more rational powers of Japan, South Korea and China. HOUSTON (Reuters) - One contract worker remained hospitalized on Saturday after a hydrofluoric acid leak at Phillips 66's Ferndale, Washington, refinery on Friday, the company said in a statement. Five other contract workers and one Phillips 66 employee were released from the hospital by early Saturday after being treated for exposure to hydrofluoric acid, which can be fatal. The workers were exposed while the 101,000 barrel per day (bpd) refinery had units shut down for an overhaul that began on Wednesday. The leak was from the refinery's alkylation unit according to a report on the Bellingham Herald newspaper website. Alkylation units use hydrofluoric acid to convert refining byproducts into octane-boosting components of gasoline. The hydrofluoric acid release forced workers at the refinery to shelter indoors for about an hour, the company said. Alkylation units are considered the most dangerous in a refinery because a release of hydrofluoric acid from an explosion or fire could spread a possibly lethal vapor cloud across surrounding communities. The South Coast Air Quality Management District, which regulates polluters in the Los Angeles area, has proposed banning the substance. A 2015 explosion at a Los Angeles-area then owned by Exxon Mobil Corp was found to have nearly released hydrofluoric acid into the atmosphere. A Nov. 22 explosion at an alkylation unit injured four people at Exxon's refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing by Bill Trott and Mary Milliken) By Elida Moreno PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - The two founders of Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca were arrested on Saturday, the attorney general's office said, after both were indicted on charges of money-laundering in a case allegedly tied to a wide-ranging corruption scandal in Brazil. Firm founders Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca were detained because of the risk they might try to flee the country. Attorney General Kenia Porcell told reporters on Saturday that the information collected so far "allegedly identifies the Panamanian firm as a criminal organization that is dedicated to hiding assets or money from suspicious origins." Porcell said the one-year investigation that led to the arrests has been aided by prosecutors in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Switzerland and the United States. Mossack Fonseca is also at the center of a separate case known as the Panama Papers, which involved millions of documents stolen from the firm and leaked to the media in April 2016. The fallout from the leaks provoked a global scandal after numerous documents detailed how the rich and powerful used offshore corporations to hide money and potentially evade taxes. On Thursday, prosecutors raided Mossack Fonseca offices seeking evidence, and the homes of the firm's founders were searched on Friday. Fonseca, a former presidential adviser in Panama, has previously denied that the firm had any connection to Brazilian engineering company Odebrecht, which has admitted to bribing officials in Panama and other countries to obtain government contracts in the region between 2010 and 2014. "This investigation in principle is not related to Odebrecht, but to the Lava Jato case," Porcell said, referring to the probe centered on Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras. Fonseca has also denied any relationship with the Lava Jato case. Following the arrests, Mossack Fonseca defense lawyer Elias Solano called the accusations against the firm's founders "weak" and said he would challenge the evidence presented against his clients. A source in the prosecutors office told Reuters that an unidentified third lawyer with the firm had also been arrested, while a fourth faces an arrest warrant, but her whereabouts are unknown. The two additional lawyers were not named by Porcell. (Reporting by Elida Moreno; Writing by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Leslie Adler) Lima (AFP) - Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has urged his US counterpart Donald Trump to consider extraditing fugitive former leader Alejandro Toledo, believed to be in the United States, to face graft charges. The net appeared to be closing on the former Peruvian president as Israel said it would refuse entry to Toledo, who is accused of taking bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. Toledo's French-born wife Eliane Karp has Israeli citizenship. "President Kuczynski has asked Donald Trump to evaluate... with the State Department the idea of sending Toledo back to Peru," where he is wanted on charges of taking $20 million in bribes while in office, state news agency Andina reported on Sunday. However, the United States said it could not arrest Toledo until it received more information on the case, according to Peruvian officials, who were scrambling to send investigation documents to their US counterparts. Peruvian authorities believe Toledo, 70, is in San Francisco. He is a visiting professor at nearby Stanford University. Toledo issued a statement on Twitter late Sunday night, without revealing his whereabouts but denying he was on the run as he had not been facing charges when he left Peru. "The court in Lima did not request my testimony to help with their investigation. On the contrary, it accused me of crimes that I have not committed and that the court cannot prove," he said. Toledo has branded the accusations against him as political persecution. But he has struggled to explain the source of the money. A White House readout of a call between Kuczynski and Trump did not mention Toledo. Instead, it said the pair discussed the "humanitarian situation" and other concerns in Venezuela, and "the need to promote democratic governance throughout the Western Hemisphere." The White House hinted at a future meeting between the two leaders. - Israel alerted - Toledo, once hailed as an anti-corruption champion, is accused of taking a huge payoff from Odebrecht in exchange for a massive highway contract connecting Peru and Brazil during his 2001-2006 presidency. Story continues Peruvian police launched a manhunt for him after a judge ordered his arrest Thursday night. There is a $30,000 reward for information leading to his capture. The Peruvian government has indicated that Toledo might try to flee to Israel. "We heard from a solid source that he was trying to flee to Israel. So we alerted Israel," Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio said on RPP Radio. But Israel blocked any such effort by Toledo. "Toledo will be allowed in Israel only when his affairs in Peru are settled," foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement. Peru's authorities have a warrant for Toledo to be detained and held in preventive custody for 18 months pending a full investigation. He is accused of influence peddling and money laundering. At the moment, Toledo could leave the United States, since the US has not yet received the documents on which the warrant is based, according to Basombrio. Israel's foreign ministry later said he was not aboard a flight from San Francisco that landed at the country's main international airport late Sunday. India's Hindustan Motors has sold its Ambassador car to France's Peugeot for just $12 million, capping a spectacular downfall for a vehicle once emblematic of the country's political class. The CK Birla group, the owners of Hindustan Motors, have sold the car brand for 800 million rupees to the French auto makers, a company spokesman confirmed to AFP on Sunday. Hindustan Motors, India's oldest car maker, stopped production of the Ambassador in 2014 citing debt and lack of demand for the vehicle which was designed on Britain's long-defunct Morris Oxford. "We have sold it for just 800 million rupees but we had already stopped production at the plant nearly three years back. The plant has been closed since," the official said. Last month, the Birla group had signed a separate agreement with Peugeot to set up two joint ventures with production capacity initially estimated at 100,000 vehicles per year by 2020. The PSA Group, which makes Peugeot and Citroen cars, said at the time it had not yet decided which model it will build in India. The curvy Ambassador once ruled India's roads and for years was the only car driven by politicians and senior government officials. But the car was muscled out over the years by the entry of more modern vehicles, particularly SUVs increasingly favoured by senior bureaucrats. The car still remains popular with some taxi drivers and politicians and tourists looking for nostalgia. The PSA group was among the first foreign car manufacturers to make a foray into India in the Nineties after the government opened up investment. But after a fall-out with their local partners, the company withdrew from India in 1997. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) More than 1,000 military police returned to patrols in Espirito Santo on Sunday as the southeastern Brazilian state inched toward normalcy after a protest left a security vacuum that fueled a crime wave. Schools in the state are scheduled to reopen Monday and public transport will resume a full schedule, the president's office said on Twitter. While Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said normalcy was beginning to return in Espirito Santo, families and friends of military police officers continued to protest in front of barracks to demand higher pay for their loved ones, who belong to a force that plays a key role in Brazil's security by patrolling the streets of its cities. By law, military police are not allowed to strike, so their relatives have taken the lead by demonstrating. Officers claimed the protests kept them confined to their barracks and prevented vehicles from leaving, paralyzing the force for nine days. The result was an extraordinary wave of violence in Espirito Santo, including more than 130 homicides. Amid the insecurity, many state services were suspended. Authorities called in more than 3,000 federal soldiers and sailors last week, and Jungmann has said those troops halted the crime spree and brought the homicide rate down. Then, on Saturday, several hundred military police officers crossed the barricades to return to duty. On Sunday, even resumed patrols. The state's Department of Public Safety said in a statement that more than 1,200 military police officers reported for duty Sunday. They patrolled in two 8-hour shifts, on foot and with 59 vehicles. On a normal day, around 2,000 officers would be patrolling. The Espirito Santo state government is experiencing an economic and fiscal crisis like many Brazilian states and has rejected demands for higher pay, though it has said it would analyze the system of promotions. WARSAW (Reuters) - Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said on Sunday that the injuries she suffered in a car crash on Friday were not serious and that she hopes to leave hospital within the next few days. "I am feeling very well, these are not serious injuries," she told public broadcaster TVP1 by telephone. "When it comes to me, I could leave the hospital today, but this is a decision to be made by the doctors ... but I think, I hope that it is a decision that will be made within the next few days." Szydlo's car struck a tree in a crash in southern Poland. No specific details of her injuries have been made public. The accident raised security concerns, given that Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz was involved in a similar accident last month and President Andrzej Duda had a minor car bump last year. Both escaped injury. Szydlo's motorcade was also involved in a minor collision while on a visit to Israel. On Saturday, Poland's Interior Ministry accused the media and political opposition of publicizing car accidents involving government officials more than in previous years. Szydlo has been meeting officials and her colleagues while in the hospital, the government's spokesman earlier told the same television channel. Szydlo said that German Chancellor Angela Merkel called with best wishes and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May sent a letter. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Writing by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Alison Williams) Americans were split on impeaching President Donald Trump, with a majority preferring to have Barack Obama back in the White House. A plurality would even prefer election loser Hillary Clinton over the embattled billionaire and mogul less than a month into the administration, a new Public Policy Polling (PPP) survey released Friday showed. The new national data showed a major increase in Trumps disapproval rating while 46 percent are for impeaching the 45th president and the same percentage are against the extreme measure. PPPs first poll showed 44 percent both approved and disapproved of Trump, but now his approval rating has slipped to 43 percent and disapproval has reached 53 percent. Two weeks ago only 35 percent were for impeaching Trump. In turn, 52 percent of those polled would rather have Obama back in the Oval Office, compared to 44 percent who dont. Forty-nine percent would rather have Clinton at the helm of the executive branch. At first, only 65 percent of Clinton voters were for impeaching Trump but that figure has since climbed to a commanding 83 percent. Related Video: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. The national poll, which surveyed 712 registered voters between Feb. 7 and 8, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percent. Eighty percent of the respondents were surveyed over the phone and the remaining 20 percent online. It only took three weeks in office for half the country to decide it wants to impeach Donald Trump, Dean Debnam, president of PPP, said. Voters who didnt like Trump but were willing to give him a chance have quickly decided hes not fit to hold the office. The poll also found a majority were against a number of the key issues and executive orders Trump has pushed through during his first month in office. Trump has repeatedly said his immigration ban was intended to make the country safer from terrorists, but 66 percent of Americans already believe the country is safe compared to only 23 percent who think its unsafe. Only 45 percent were in favor of the ban, compared to 49 percent against. Story continues In stark contrast to PPPs results, a Morning Consult/Politico poll released earlier this week showed a majority of Americans were in support of Trumps numerous executive orders. Related Articles By Lacey Johnson and Rich McKay WASHINGTON/MARIETTA, Ga. (Reuters) - Anti-abortion protesters rallied at scores of Planned Parenthood clinics on Saturday to urge Congress and President Donald Trump to strip the health services provider of federal funding, while supporters of the organization staged counter-demonstrations around the United States. With anti-abortion groups expecting protests at up to 225 clinics, Planned Parenthood supporters organized 150 protests of their own at parks, government buildings and other sites, including clinics. At some of those clinics, the counter-demonstrators outnumbered those demanding an end to federal funding for Planned Parenthood. All told, rallies and marches were called in 45 states in cities large and small, from Washington and Philadelphia to St. Paul, Minnesota, and Orange, California As many as 6,000 people turned up for competing demonstrations in St. Paul, Minnesota, police said, but at other places, only a few dozen demonstrators turned out. "We expected that tens of thousands of pro-lifers will be out today sending a message that we want Planned Parenthood to be defunded," Monica Miller, director of Citizens for a Pro-Life Society and one of the national organizers of the anti-abortion rallies, said in a telephone interview. "As long as they are going stay in the abortion business, that is an organization that shouldnt be getting one red cent of federal tax money," Miller said. The 100-year-old organization of about 650 health centers provides birth control and other women's health services in addition to abortion, according to its website. The U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling but U.S. law prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions. Anti-abortion activists say funding for other purposes acts to subsidize abortions. In some cities, the two sides in the long-simmering issue positioned themselves along the same street. Initial reports indicate the rallies were vocal and peaceful. In the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, anti-abortion and abortion-rights groups took opposite sides of a four-lane highway, waving signs at traffic and shouting slogans. "Trump is going to hear our trumpet call," said anti-abortion activist Sandy Prescott, 61, a homemaker from Roswell, Georgia, who was part of a group of about 100 people demanding an end to federal funding for Planned Parenthood. At the competing abortion-rights demonstration, about 50 people gathered and held signs that included: "Women's rights are human rights." Many wore the pink "pussy hats" that have became an anti-Trump symbol since the Republican's inauguration on Jan. 20. David Daleiden, an anti-abortion activist who in 2015 targeted Planned Parenthood with surreptitiously filmed videos to try and show it was profiting from the sale of aborted fetal tissue, addressed a rally of nearly 500 people in rain-soaked Orange, a Los Angeles suburb. "Im confident that together, if we keep the faith, take the next right step, at the end of the day we will soon see a day when there will no longer be a price tag put on human life," said Daleiden, founder of the Center of Medical Progress. Daleiden and fellow activist Sandra Merritt were indicted in January 2016 for using illegal government identifications to secretly film a Planned Parenthood facility in Texas, but the charges were later dropped. A grand jury cleared Planned Parenthood of wrongdoing. ALLIES IN WASHINGTON Anti-abortion activists have said they are energized by the election of Trump, who has promised to restrict abortions. He selected their long-time ally, Mike Pence, as vice president, and nominated conservative jurist Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court. Two weeks ago, tens of thousands converged on Washington for the 44th March for Life, where Pence became the most senior government official to speak in person at the annual anti-abortion rally, organizers said. "We finally have someone in the White House who has the power and authority to save and defend lives, said Margie Sznajder, one of 300 anti-abortion protesters at a rally in her hometown of Aurora, Illinois, outside Chicago. Planned Parenthood leaders say abortions rights supporters also have been energized by Trump's election, as exemplified by the hundreds of thousands who flooded Washington a day after Trump's inauguration in favor of women's rights, including abortion rights. In Denver, hundreds gathered outside the office of U.S. Senator Cory Gardner, urging the Republican not to pursue funding cuts. Some in the energetic but peaceful crowd carried signs with slogans like "I refuse to go back to the 1950s," and "If its not your body, it's not your decision." The pro-Planned Parenthood events on Saturday were organized spontaneously, without the group's initiative, a spokeswoman said. "Saturday, and every day, Planned Parenthood advocates and activists show that they refuse to be intimidated and they won't back down," Kelley Robinson, a leader of Planned Parenthood Action Fund Support, said in a statement. Planned Parenthood receives federal funds from Medicaid reimbursements and Title X, a federal program that supports family planning and preventive health services. Planned Parenthood says cutting off those funds would make it more difficult for women to obtain birth control, Pap smears or testing for sexually transmitted diseases. At some points in Washington, Planned Parenthood supporters formed lines to block about 50 people marching from the Supreme Court to a Planned Parenthood clinic but police officers moved them aside. "Abortion, to me, is the greatest evil of our time," said Delia Tyagi, 36, an accountant who lives in Arlington, Virginia. "Planned Parenthood has wronged women in a lot of ways. I feel like we have the momentum to finally defund them." (Additional reporting by Frank McGurty and Daniel Trotta in New York, David DeKok in Philadelphia, Robert Chiarito in Aurora, Illinois, Troy Anderson in Orange, Calif., Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas, and Keith Coffman in Denver; Writing by Frank McGurty; Editing by Grant McCool and Matthew Lewis) NEW YORK (AP) -- The revolution may not be televised but it apparently will be tweeted. And Facebooked. And Instagrammed. Not long after President Donald Trump temporarily barred most people from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the U.S., social activist Dex Torricke-Barton took to Facebook. "I'm thinking of organizing a rally," he posted. Within a few hours, more than 1,000 people expressed interest. The resulting protest a week later, in front of San Francisco's City Hall, drew thousands more. Torricke-Barton is far from alone. From organizing protests on the fly to raising money for refugee and immigrant rights groups, people have been using social media to fuel the resistance against Trump in ways their organizing predecessors from the 1960s could have hardly imagined. ROOTS OF PROTEST In Queens, New York, for instance, a group of 27 women met up to write postcards to their state and local representatives during a "Postcard-Writing Happy Hour" organized through Facebook. And on Ravelry, the social network for knitters and crocheters, members have been trading advice and knitting patterns for the pink "pussy hats" that emerged as a symbol during the Women's March on Washington and similar protests elsewhere after Trump's inauguration. "This is an incredible project because it's mixed between digital and physical," says Jayna Zweiman, one of the founders of the Pussyhat Project. "We harnessed social media for good." In 1969, activists planned massive marches around the U.S. to protest the war in Vietnam. The protests, called the Moratorium, drew millions of people around the world. But "it took months, a lot of effort, a national office of the organization to get it off the ground," says Christopher Huff, a Beacon College professor focused on social movements of the 1960s. "The women's march was achieved at a much larger scale at a fraction of the time." This immediacy is both an asset and a disadvantage. While online networks help people rally quickly around a cause, Huff says, they don't necessarily help people grasp the "long-term effort" required to sustain a movement. Story continues ONLINE, THEN OFF In Silicon Valley and across the tech world, Trump's travel ban created a stir that went well beyond the industry's usual calls for deregulation and more coding classes for kids. Between aggregating donations, issuing fiery statements, and walking out of work in protest, tech company executives and employees took up the anti-Trump cause at a scale not seen in other industries. New York-based Meetup, for instance, broke with nearly 15 years of helping people form and join interest groups on a non-partisan basis. "We're vital plumbing for democracy," the company wrote in a Medium post this week. "But after Donald Trump's order to block people on the basis of nationality and religion, a line had been crossed." So Meetup held a company-wide "resist-a-thon" a riff on the hackathons tech companies hold to devise new technologies to help people get involved in the anti-Trump movement known as "the resistance." It then unveiled more than 1,000 new "#resist" Meetup groups that people can join for free (it's normally $15 a month to run a group). As of Wednesday, some 35,000 people had joined the #resist Meetup groups, and scheduled 625 events around the world. Torricke-Barton, who in earlier incarnations wrote speeches for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Alphabet Chairman Eric Schmidt, said he and two sisters of Iranian descent organized their last-minute protest using Facebook groups and Messenger. That's quite a contrast to Torricke-Barton's earlier experience protesting violence in Darfur more than a decade ago. Back then, "lawyers, marketers, communications people would help you get (the protests) off the ground ... networks had to be created in advance," he said. "Now, protests can start without any kind of infrastructure." FOLLOW THE MONEY Shortly after Trump's order, the venture capitalist Bijan Sabet tweeted a link to the fundraising platform Crowdrise alongside an explanation of his support for the American Civil Liberties Union and then asked his followers to do the same. Sabet figured it might take as long as two months to reach his $50,000 goal. It took three days. That weekend, the ACLU raised $24 million, far more than the $4 million it receives in a typical year. Sabet, whose father is from Iran, says he's seeing civic involvement "level up," and that social media is pushing that along. Previously, he said, people would maybe say, "yeah, I'm a bit frustrated, but I don't have all the information, I don't know how to get involved." Now, there's no excuse. LITTLE THINGS The effects of social media aren't limited to huge efforts. A week or so after the election, Marisa Frantz, an art director in Cerrillos, New Mexico, teamed up with her sister-in-law Sarah Bailey Hogarty to create a private Facebook group called "America is Watching." To join, all people had to do was comment "yes." If they then posted their zip code in comments, Frantz would send them contact information for their senators and representative, Hogarty explained in an email. "Like many of us, I was floundering around feeling terrible and afraid," said Hogarty, a digital producer for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. "I wanted to do something, but I had no idea where to start." Hogarty called the group her "foothold to resistance." Now, the group has more than 1,000 members across the U.S. and organizes weekly "calls to action," such as contacting senators and representatives about a particular issue determined by a poll of the group. Groups like this demonstrate how social media has helped "lower the barrier to entry" into social activism, in the words of Tarun Banerjee, a sociology professor at the University of Pittsburgh. "What social media can do really well is spread awareness," Banerjee said. "Can people make President Trump back down because of social media? Probably not. But it can shine the light." ___ Reach Barbara Ortutay on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BarbaraOrtutay Konjic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) (AFP) - Bosnia's fisheries watchdog gazes over an expanse of sand and mud, a space once occupied by a large thriving lake but recently emptied in the race for electricity production. "I have nothing to do here anymore," said Emir Alebic by the greyish valley that was once the site of the artificially formed, 30-kilometre (18-mile) long Jablanica lake on the Neretva river in southern Bosnia. The water level should soon begin to rise again, with snow on the surrounding mountains melting and rains starting to fall after a prolonged period of drought. But fishermen and environmental groups say the damage has been done, with stocks of "more than two million" fish, such as perch and trout, "devastated" by the sudden drop in water about 40 days ago. They blame the national power firm Elektroprivreda BiH, which manages the Jablanica dam and the hydroelectric power station about 30 kilometres west of the lake. "This is an ecological catastrophe," said Hrabren Kapic, head of a local fishing association, the valley below him littered with dozens of stranded boats. He admitted that the lake's water level had dropped in previous years -- "but never like this". - Ecosystem in crisis - The power firm said the drop in the lake's level was caused by "periods of exceptional drought" between September and January as well as very low temperatures last month which increased electricity consumption. "Despite these circumstances, the emptying of the lake was done in line with the rules and with a single objective, to meet the system's needs," it said in a statement. But conservationists remain fearful for the future of the lake, for which about 700 fishing permits were issued last year. "An entire ecosystem was brought into question," said Amir Variscic from Bosnian environmental group Zeleni-Neretva. According to local NGOs, some fish have been trapped and remained buried in swampy areas, while others have migrated towards the dam. Story continues They fear the fish will not return as the microorganisms they eat have also suffered from the near disappearance of the water. According to Variscic, the lake's level drops every year by around a third, but this time it has almost dried up. He accused the national power company of an "exacerbated desire" to "transform each litre of water into a kilowatt, in a period of exceptionally high electricity prices in the market due to a bad hydrological situation in the region". Bosnia, a poor Balkan country whose industry has still not recovered from its devastating 1990s civil war, has one source of wealth -- its rivers. The country is one of the few exporters of electricity in southeastern Europe, bringing 165 million euros ($176 million) into the state's coffers last year. But officials say only 30 percent of Bosnia's hydroelectric potential is being used. - 'Extreme situation' - Following complaints from fishing groups, the authorities have begun an on-site investigation. And Elektroprivreda BiH ordered its own report, asking a biology professor at Sarajevo University, Samir Djug, to look into possible damage. Djug warned of an "extreme situation" due to "extreme dryness" but said water life was adaptable and that the fish "will return if they are alive". "This situation could have negative effects on biodiversity, especially fish, but also other animals." Zoran Mateljak, who represents the World Wildlife Fund in Bosnia, says the threats go well beyond Jablanica. He is worried about plans to build other hydroelectric facilities including "hundreds of mini power plants" across the country. He is particularly concerned about a huge project slated in the southeast, which he says would endanger the Hutovo Blato nature reserve, home to about 160 bird species and a winter shelter for many migratory birds. "It would mean total disaster" for the park, he said. LONDON (AP) Fourteen retired Anglican bishops are criticizing the Church of England's attitude to homosexuality, saying the church is not listening to the voices of gay Christians. They are responding to a report from the church's House of Bishops, which calls for a "fresh tone and culture of welcome and support" for gays and lesbians, but says the church should not lift its opposition to same-sex marriage. In an open letter , the ex-bishops say that "while the pain of LGBT people is spoken about in your report, we do not hear its authentic voice." Former Bishop of Worcester Peter Selby, one of the signatories, said Sunday that some gay Anglicans feel betrayed by the lack of support for change. Gay marriage has long divided the Anglican communion, which has 85 million adherents. LONDON (AP) Britain's Royal Navy says a warship has rescued 14 sailors after their racing yacht lost its mast, leaving them stranded in the mid- Atlantic. Britain's Coast Guard received a mayday signal from the 60-foot (18-meter) Clyde Challenger late Thursday. Royal Air Force and U.S. Air Force planes helped search for the yacht, and a passing chemical tanker attempted a rescue but was hampered by bad weather. British destroyer HMS Dragon reached the vessel, 610 miles (980 kilometers) southwest of England's southern tip, on Saturday afternoon, and managed to rescue the 14 crew members 13 Britons and one American. Petty Officer Max Grosse, chief bosun's mate on HMS Dragon, said the Atlantic swell made conditions "enormously challenging." The crew members were treated for minor injuries. Their vessel could not be recovered. South Korean prosecutors said on Sunday they would question the Samsung heir again as part of a probe into a corruption and influence-peddling scandal that caused President Park Geun-Hye to be impeached. Lee Jae-Yong, Samsung Electronics vice chairman and the son of the Samsung group boss Lee Kun-Hee, has been quizzed several times over his alleged role in the scandal that has rocked the nation. The 48-year-old will be summoned again Monday morning, said a spokesman for the special team of prosecutors probing the affair. Lee, described as a key suspect in the scandal, narrowly avoided being formally arrested last month when the prosecutors accused him of bribery involving nearly $40 million. A Seoul court rejected the arrest warrant on grounds of insufficient evidence. Lee has effectively taken the helm of the group since his father suffered a heart attack in 2014. "We need to question Lee...over other things we have discovered (after the arrest warrant was rejected)," said Lee Kyu-Chul, spokesman for the prosecutors' team. The scandal centres on Park's secret confidante Choi Soon-Sil, who is accused of using her presidential ties to force local firms to "donate" tens of millions of dollars to two non-profit foundations which Choi allegedly used for personal gain. Samsung was the biggest donor to the foundations and is accused of separately giving millions of euros to Choi and her daughter in a bid to receive policy favours from Park in return. Park has been named as an accomplice with Choi, and also stands accused of letting Choi handle a wide range of state affairs including senior nominations even though she held no official post. Two other senior Samsung executives would also be questioned Monday as criminal suspects, the spokesman said. Prosecutors may try again to formally arrest Lee based on the outcome of the questioning, he added. Samsung is South Korea's largest group with revenue equivalent to about a fifth of the country's GDP. Its key unit Samsung Electronics is the world's largest smartphone maker. Story continues But it suffered a major blow to its reputation after its de facto leader was accused of bribing Choi in a bid to ensure a smooth transition of power within the founding Lee family. Prosecutors are probing whether Samsung's payments to Choi were aimed at securing official approval for the controversial merger of two Samsung units in 2015, seen as smoothing the way for a transition. The merger was opposed by many investors who said it wilfully unvalued the shares of one of the firms. But it went through after the state pension fund -- a major Samsung shareholder -- approved it. UPDATE: 2:20 p.m. EST Sen. Bernie Sanders later tweeted though he disagreed with former President George W. Bush all the time, he never called him a pathological liar. Original story Sen. Bernie Sanders called President Trump delusional and a pathological liar Sunday, who is using his outrageous statements to distract from economic issues. Sen. Al Franken said some members of Congress, including Republicans, have called the president crazy. We have a president who is delusional in many respects, a pathological liar, Sanders, I-Vt., said on NBCs Meet the Press, adding that will make it very difficult for Congress to work with him. I know it sounds it is very harsh. But I think thats the truth. Franken, D-Minn., in an appearance on CNNs State of the Union, repeated a comment he made Friday night on HBOs Real Time with Bill Maher, that several of his Republican colleagues had wondered aloud whether Trump has mental health issues. It's not the majority of them. It's a few, Franken said Sunday. In the way that we all have this suspicion that you know, that he's not he lies a lot. He says thing that aren't true. That's the same as lying, I guess. He you know, 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally. There was a new one about people going in from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. And, you know, that is not the norm for a president of the United States, or, actually, for a human being. Sanders said Trump is backtracking on every economic promise that he made to the American people when he told workers and senior citizens he was not going to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. To distract from that, Sanders said Trump focused the country on immigration. He is appointing Wall Street bankers, the same people he told us he would oppose, to very high positions. Gary Cohn has gotten a $250 million severance package from Goldman Sachs. He is now the main financial advisor. So we're talking a whole lot about dividing the American people up. We're supposed to hate Muslims. We're supposed to hate Latinos. We're supposed to hate blacks, Sanders said. Story continues Sanders cited Trumps promise to clean the swamp of Washington politics. Well, guess whos running the swamp right now? Sanders asked. The same exact Wall Street guys from Goldman Sachs who were there in the past. So were all talking about who do we hate tomorrow? Is it the Muslims? Is it Latinos? Who are we supposed to hate? Sanders said Trumps claim of 3 million to 5 million illegally cast votes is ridiculous. But Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller agreed with his boss, maintaining on ABCs This Week that voter fraud is a serious problem in this country. He alleged that anyone who has been around New Hampshire politics knows thousands of illegal voters are bused in for elections. I can tell you that this issue of busing voters into New Hampshire is widely known by anyone whos worked in New Hampshire politics. It's very real. Its very serious, he said without offering any evidence. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., jumped in, tweeting a denial of Millers allegation. Miller continued: The reality is, is that we know for a fact, you have massive numbers of noncitizens registered to vote in this country. Nobody disputes that. And many, many highly qualified people, like Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, have looked deeply into this issue and have confirmed it to be true and have put together evidence. Calling the president 100 percent correct, Miller said the White House has provided enormous evidence with respect to voter fraud, with respect to people being registered in more than one state, dead people voting, noncitizens being registered to vote. George, it is a fact and you will not deny it, that there are massive numbers of non-citizens in this country, who are registered to vote. That is a scandal. A statewide audit of votes in Michigan found 31 of the nearly 4.8 million people voted twice in the Nov. 8 election. Related Articles Saturday Night Live is enjoying its strongest ratings in 22 years, but that success hasn't come without some controversy, as a sketch in last night's show mocking Trump aide Kellyanne Conway appears to illustrate. SNL, known for its scathing portrayals of politicians on both sides of the aisle, has been criticized by many conservatives, including President Trump himself, for being biased. White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who was mocked again this week by Melissa McCarthy, has called the show "mean." But it's not just conservatives who have criticized the show at times this season. Cast member Michael Che, who hosts the show's "Weekend Update" segment, agreed with the commander-in-chief in an interview with Esquire following the election. Che said despite attempts to remain balanced, the show seems to have shifted leftward. Oddly, I agree with him, Che said. We try to write that way. But I do agree with him. I think the show should show all views and we make a conscious effort to do so. During last nights show, a pre-taped segment fearing Kate McKinnon as Conway and Beck Bennett as CNN host Jake Tapper seemed to ignite a discussion about the shows bias and taste level. And not from a crowd youd normally expect. SNL just gave a gift to the White House with this sexist, unfunny Kellyanne Conway skit, Olivia Nuzzi, who covers the Trump administration for New York Magazine, wrote on Twitter, noting that casting Conway as Glenn Closes unstable career woman from Fatal Attraction was the wrong move by the show. It will be interpreted as unfair and mean to a wife and mother, Nuzzi wrote. SNL just gave a gift to the White House with this sexist, unfunny Kellyanne Conway skit. Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) February 12, 2017 Prediction: the White House will use that sexist skit to dismiss all criticisms of Conway and lying more broadly. Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) February 12, 2017 Casting Kellyanne Conway as Glenn Close was a miscalculation on SNL's part. Will be interpreted as unfair and mean to a wife and mother. Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) February 12, 2017 Washington Post columnist Jonathan Capehart, who has criticized Conway in the past and accused her of providing a platform for white supremacy, also had reservations about the sketch. Story continues Not sure about that Kellyanne skit. #snl Jonathan Capehart (@CapehartJ) February 12, 2017 As did MSNBC host and NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent Andrea Mitchell. Conway has yet to respond to the sketch, but Tapper weighed in on Twitter early Sunday morning. The sketch, a spoof of the 1987 thriller Fatal Attraction, features McKinnons Conway upset after being rejected as a guest on CNNs State of the Union for citing a nonexistent Bowling Green massacre to justify President Trumps controversial travel ban. I just want to be a part of the news, Jake, McKinnons Conway tells Bennetts Tapper. What was I supposed to do? You weren't answering my calls, you changed your number. I'm not going to be ignored, Jake! The sketch starts off with McKinnons Conway trying to seduce Bennetts Tapper, before pulling out a knife and threatening to kill the CNN anchor. Out of fear for his own live, he acquiesces to her demands and says she can return to his show whenever she wants. The sketch ends with Conway appearing to fall to her death out of Tappers window, before her dismembered body pulls itself back together. Im fine, but I do only have three lives left, McKinnons Conway says. See you on the news! Watch: "SNL" has done a number of sketches during the election that have hit the left. In one, the host of Black Jeopardy is surprised that a white Trump support has a lot in common with the other black contestants. In another, we see liberals in denial over Trumps election wanting to move into a bubble protecting their progressive ideas from other forms of thinking. There was also a sketch during an episode hosted by David Chappelle, where we see white New York liberals melt down during election night as it becomes clear Trump is going to win. Most Popular on Philly.com Edward Snowden tweeted Sunday that he is not afraid of being handed over to the U.S. after a report stated that Russia is considering sending the whistleblower to his home country as a gift to President Donald Trump. In his tweets, Snowden implied that these rumors are a result of his criticism of Russian governments new law that allows surveillance in a bid to counter terrorism in the country. Snowden has dubbed it the Big Brother law. On Friday, NBC News reported, citing two senior U.S. officials, Russia is mulling over the idea to send the former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor to the U.S. to curry favor with Trump. The U.S. president, on his part, has been looking to establish better ties with Moscow a move Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed. Snowden reacted sharply to the report, saying that it proved he never spied for Russia because no country trades away spies, as the rest would fear they're next. Snowdens American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Ben Wizner said he is not aware of any such plans by Russia as stated in the NBC News report. Team Snowden has received no such signals and has no new reason for concern, he said. In March 2016, during his presidential campaign, Trump said of Snowden: I said he was a spy and we should get him back. And if Russia respected our country, they would have sent him back immediately, but he was a spy. It didnt take me a long time to figure that one out. However, Russia rejected the allegations that Snowden was spying for the country. Snowden has been in Russia since 2013. He is facing espionage charges in the U.S. for leaking documents about secret mass surveillance programs. The whistleblower has been accused of spying for Russia. Related Articles WASHINGTON (AP) The Education Department is getting social media criticism after misspelling the name of a prominent African-American sociologist. In a tweet Sunday from its official account, the department attributes a quotation to W.E.B. DeBois (doo-BOYZ'), incorrectly spelling the last name with an "E." It immediately drew hundreds of responses mocking the department's misspelling of the sociologist's last name, which is correctly spelled D-U B-O-I-S. One commenter tweeted: "Looks like @Betsy DeVos is in charge now!" referring to the billionaire GOP donor narrowly confirmed as education secretary last week with a tie-breaker vote by Vice President Mike Pence. Others posted quizzical looks from African-American students. Another tweeted: "Smooth move during #BlackHistoryMonth." Email messages seeking comment from the Education Department were not immediately returned. MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) Somalia's breakaway northern territory of Somaliland has said the United Arab Emirates can establish a military base in its territory. The Emirati government in January submitted a formal application seeking permission from the Somaliland government to open a military base in the port town of Berbera. The parliament of Somaliland on Sunday approved the UAE plan. The plan is controversial and the neighboring countries of Ethiopia and Djibouti are opposed to it, according to local reports. In Sunday's vote 144 lawmakers were in favor of the military base, two voted against and two abstained. Nine others opposed to the base shouted against President Ahmed Silanyo and were led out of the chamber by soldiers. Silanyo had spoken in favor of the base, saying it would create jobs in Somaliland. The UAE government is planning to establish a naval base with warships that would be used to attack Shia Houthi fighters fighting the government in Yemen, according to a Somaliland official who insisted on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press. Speaking at the parliament session, Somaliland's president said that the military base would benefit Somaliland most and help create jobs. The plan follows a multimillion dollar, 30-year contract for UAE's international ports operator, DP World, to manage Somaliland's largest port, Berbera. The former British protectorate of Somaliland declared a unilateral independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991 and has succeeded in establishing peace and stability. But no country has so far recognized it as an independent state. GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) Authorities say South Carolina sheriff's deputies shot a man to death during an altercation at a motel where they've been called hundreds of times in the past year. Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis tells local media outlets three deputies were patrolling the parking lot of the Super Lodge Motel at around 2 a.m. Saturday when they encountered suspicious activity. Lewis says shots were fired, and a suspect died at the scene. None of the deputies were injured. The coroner later identified the suspect as 37-year-old Jason Robert Mendez of Fountain Inn. The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating, which is standard practice. The races of the deputies and suspect were not immediately released. Lewis says authorities have been called to the area nearly 400 times in the last year. By Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's special prosecutor said it would again summon Samsung Group scion Jay Y. Lee on Monday to question him on suspicion of bribery, as it investigates a graft scandal that has engulfed the country's president. Last month, special prosecution officials questioned 48-year-old Lee for more than 22 hours straight, but a court rejected a warrant to arrest him in the inquiry into a scandal that led parliament to impeach President Park Geun-hye. Lee Kyu-chul, a spokesman for the special prosecutor, told a news briefing the office would decide later, possibly this week, whether to again seek an arrest warrant for Lee after he is questioned on Monday. The special prosecution team would also question two other executives of Samsung, the country's largest conglomerate, on Monday, the spokesman said. The special prosecution had investigated further during the three weeks since the court rejected the earlier application for an arrest warrant, the spokesman added. "We are summoning Jay Y. Lee to check with him on our further findings," Lee, the spokesman, said on Sunday. A spokeswoman for Samsung Group declined to comment. Prosecutors have been investigating whether Samsung pledged to provide 43 billion won ($37.54 million) to a business and foundations backed by President Park's friend, Choi Soon-sil, in exchange for support by the state pension fund for the controversial merger of two Samsung affiliates in 2015. The funding included sponsorship for the equestrian career of Choi's daughter, who is under arrest in Denmark, after being sought by South Korean authorities. Samsung and President Park have denied the bribery accusations. South Korea's Constitutional Court is hearing arguments in its case to decide whether to uphold parliament's impeachment of Park, who has been stripped of her powers pending the verdict. The two executives who also face questioning are Park Sang-jin, a Samsung Electronics Co Ltd president and Hwang Sung-soo, a senior company official. Both are also office-bearers of the Korea Equestrian Federation and have previously been questioned in the case. (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Additional reporting by Se Young Lee; Editing by Tony Munroe and Clarence Fernandez) Nairobi (AFP) - A senior South Sudanese general has quit, accusing President Salva Kiir and top members from his majority Dinka tribe of "ethnic cleansing," according to a resignation letter obtained by AFP Sunday. Lieutenant-General Thomas Cirillo Swaka was the country's deputy chief of general staff for logistics and a respected figure among the country's foreign partners. I "have lost patience with the conduct of the president and commander in chief, the chief of staff and other senior officers in the headquarters of the SPLA as well as unit commanders," Cirillo wrote. Kiir and other officers of the SPLA -- the country's national army -- "have systematically frustrated the implementation" of a 2015 peace agreement and sought to "pursue the agenda" of the elders' council of the Dinka ethnic community, Cirillo charged. This agenda, Cirillo wrote, rests on "ethnic cleansing", "forceful displacement of people from their ancestral lands" and "ethnic domination", all crimes against humanity. Concurring sources later told AFP that Cirillo had now left the country, but were unable to say where he had gone. South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but broke out into war in December 2013, pitting the Dinkas of President Kiir against former vice-president Riek Machar and his Nuer tribe supporters. Observers said it later metastasised with other tribes joining one side or the other, often with the hope of getting an upper hand in local conflicts over land and other issues. - 'Systematic killings' - A peace agreement signed two and a half years later raised hopes of an end to the conflict, but the deal lasted just over two months. Tens of thousands have died in the conflict, despite a 12,000-man UN peacekeeping force posted in the area, while over three million have been displaced. Cirillo accused Kiir and his entourage of turning the country's military into a Dinka "tribal" army that has taken part "in systematic killings of people, rape of women and the burning of villages in the name of pursuing rebels in peaceful villages". Story continues Cirillo is from the southern Equatoria region surrounding capital Juba that escaped violence in the beginning of the civil war. Fighting had largely been restricted to the northern states of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei until war broke out in Juba last July. In the past six months, it has expanded into Equatoria, where ethnic killings intensified, particularly in and around the southern town of Yei, prompting tens of thousands of people to seek refuge in neighbouring Uganda. Dinka troops were accused of driving the atrocities, which drew the attention of the international community. It led UN experts in early December to report "ethnic cleansing" in several parts of South Sudan. "Soldiers from the Dinka ethnic group have been strategically deployed and posted in non-Dinka areas to support the policy of land occupation," Cirillo said. They "have appropriated to themselves other people's properties" and "deliberately neglected and left without deployment," he added. This week, Festus Mogae, a former president of Botswana who leads the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), reported that new militia groups have emerged in the conflict and expressed fears of renewed ethnic violence. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has gone vertical at NASA's historic Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) for the first time. The California-based company is getting ready for a planned Feb. 18 liftoff from LC-39A, which is part of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Falcon 9 will blast SpaceX's robotic Dragon cargo capsule toward the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA, if all goes according to plan. Over the years, Apollo moon missions and space shuttles lifted off from LC-39A. SpaceX signed a 20-year lease for the pad in 2014 and, after making some modifications, is now ready to start using it. Falcon 9 rocket now vertical at Cape Canaveral on launch complex 39-A. This is the same launch pad used by the Saturn V rocket that first took people to the moon in 1969. We are honored to be allowed to use it. A photo posted by Elon Musk (@elonmusk) on Feb 10, 2017 at 12:17pm PST "This is the same launch pad used by the Saturn V rocket that first took people to the moon in 1969. We are honored to be allowed to use it," SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk posted on Instagram Friday (Feb. 10), along with a photo of the Falcon 9 at LC-39A. The Feb. 18 launch will kick off SpaceX's 10th ISS resupply mission, during which Dragon will deliver more than 5,500 lbs. (2,500 kg) of scientific hardware and other cargo to the orbiting lab. SpaceX plans to launch Falcon Heavy rockets as well as Falcon 9s from LC-39A. The Falcon Heavy is still in development; the booster's first flight should come sometime this year, Musk has said. The last launch from LC-39A occurred in July 2011, when the orbiter Atlantis lifted off on the last-ever mission of NASA's space shuttle program. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. Editor's Recommendations Madrid (AFP) - Supporters of Spain's Podemos party handed Pablo Iglesias a clear victory Sunday in a battle for the far-left party's direction, re-electing him as leader and backing his call to return to the streets as a protest movement. More than 155,000 people voted in a party primary, putting an end to months of bitter divisions between Iglesias and his deputy over how to steer one of Europe's leading radical left parties. Such were their differences that they morphed into party-wide in-fighting, threatening to seriously weaken a party that managed to harness the anger of millions stung by Spain's economic woes and rise at meteoric speed to national-level politics. Born in 2014 out of the Indignados protest movement that swept Spain during a severe economic crisis, Podemos, an ally of Greece's Syriza, went on to win millions of votes in two elections to become the country's third party. "The wind of change continues to blow," Iglesias shouted Sunday in the Vistalegre concert arena in Madrid to a cheering crowd of thousands, standing on a stage flanked by large purple flags, the colour of Podemos. As the vote results were read out on the second day of a party congress, the crowd shouted "yes we can" and "unity", applauding and shouting in a deafening roar. More than 89 percent of those who cast their ballot in a week-long, online vote backed Iglesias as secretary general, while 56 percent endorsed his vision for Podemos. They also picked a large majority of the candidates he proposed for the party's leadership council. - 'Clarity' at last - Buoyed by promises of radical change for a more egalitarian society, Podemos won 71 seats in parliament in 2016 as part of a wider leftwing coalition. But it soon found itself at a crossroads that divided its pony-tailed chief and his deputy and once close friend Inigo Errejon, creating a rift over how to achieve the goal of replacing the Socialists as the main opposition and eventually taking power. Story continues Should Podemos activists and supporters take to the streets again in droves as an anti-establishment group -- as well as work for change from within parliament -- as wanted by Iglesias? Or should it shed an "enfant terrible" image that may be scaring away voters now that it has become a credible political force, and work purely from within parliament as Errejon proposed? In the end, activists made the final decision. "It's good because we now have clarity," Podemos co-founder and lawmaker Carolina Bescansa told AFP. Claudia Otero, a 21-year-old student, concurred. "It seemed to me that the Vistalegre congress was going to be the beginning of the end, like the Titanic sinking, but I think we are going home calmer and more united," she said. - Time to move on? - Iglesias, 38, had been almost assured of being re-elected given he was only up against a low-profile lawmaker, but his list of candidates for the leadership council met with stiff competition. Errejon, who is 33, had presented his own list, as had others. But Iglesias had pledged that if his list was rejected, he would step aside, precipitating another crisis for the party. "Pablo won by threatening to leave," complained Tristan Duanel, a 30-year-old unemployed Podemos activist, disappointed at the recent display of in-fighting. The new leadership council is composed of a majority of those on Iglesias's list, even if some of Errejon's team are also included, including the number two himself. On Sunday, Iglesias hugged each of the new members of the council on stage. He took an extra minute to embrace Errejon, who gave a weak smile. Iglesias and Errejon have pledged that come what may, it will be business as usual for Podemos from Monday, putting divisions firmly behind them. Daniel Montero, a 36-year-old supporter of Iglesias, said he hoped this would be the case. "I think that Inigo Errejon is the most intelligent person in the party," he said of the bespectacled Podemos deputy. "It would be a shame if he bowed out." Berlin (AFP) - Gurinder Chadha, the woman behind "Bend It Like Beckham", demands British "accountability" for the humanitarian disaster triggered by the Indian subcontinent's partition, in her new all-star drama Sunday at the Berlin film festival. "Viceroy's House" tells the story of Lord Mountbatten (Hugh Bonneville of "Downton Abbey") overseeing the 1947 end of three centuries of colonial rule. He and his wife (British-American actress Gillian Anderson) are portrayed as well-meaning if naive puppets of London at the start of the Cold War, as Mountbatten agrees to the carve up the subcontinent between Hindu-dominant India and Muslim Pakistan. While global politics is being made upstairs, the Indian servants observe the goings-on with mounting horror, just as a love story buds between a Muslim member of staff (Huma Qureshi of "Gangs of Wasseypur") and a Hindu valet (Manish Dayal of "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."). In the film, the partition is seen as rushed, chaotic and eventually disastrous, fuelling sectarian violence and a refugee crisis that displaced an estimated 14 million people and left up to a million dead. - Brexit, Trump echoes - "Viceroy's House" begins with the tagline "History is written by the victors", often attributed to Winston Churchill. Chadha, who made one of the most successful British movies of all time with 2002's "Bend It Like Beckham", is a Punjabi Briton whose own family was displaced by the partition. She said she aimed to challenge the received wisdom on it. "There was a far bigger game at play which was the geopolitics of the time, which are not too dissimilar to the geopolitics playing today in that part of the world," she said. "The film shows a series of blunders that led to the disaster as well as careful political manoeuvering for bigger interests in the back." Chadha indicates in the film that the British fomented religious hatred based on a "divide-and-rule" strategy and planned for the partition, even as World War II raged, to squeeze the Soviet Union out of a regional foothold. Story continues Although she began working on the project seven years ago, long before Brexit or Donald Trump's run for US president, she said the film's themes of poisonous divisions and the destructive power of walls resonated more strongly now. "Here we are releasing the film when the politics of hate and division are so prevalent and are defining not just America at the moment but... (also) Europe," she said. "I feel this film is a timely reminder of what happens when you promote hate and division and start to criminalise a group of people. The end result is violence and death and history tells us that." Quereshi acknowledged that "the scars are still very deep" on the subcontinent, "so much so that even now, no policy, no decision can be made without a reference to the partition". Bonneville, best known as the Earl of Grantham from "Downton Abbey", joked that it took his "extraordinary range" as an actor for him to play in another lush period piece with a familiar upstairs-downstairs dynamic. He said the upbeat ending of the film, which features a reunion in a refugee camp based on a true story, appealed to him. "Despite this backdrop of seismic shifts, there are seeds of hope...even in these ghastly times that we're living in," he said. "Viceroy's House" is screening out of competition at the Berlin film festival, which runs until February 19. LONDON (Reuters) - The successful passage of British legislation to start Brexit talks through the lower house of parliament is a "pretty powerful message" to the upper house which will consider the bill, the leader of the House of Commons said on Sunday. In an interview with the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show, David Lidington said the House of Lords, or upper house, had a role in debating the legislation that gives the government the right to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty and start talks. "The fact that the exit bill, the Article 50 bill, has gone to the House of Lords with a majority of more than 300 from the House of Commons and unamended ... is a pretty powerful message to the lords," he said. (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Toby Chopra) A suspected suicide bombing targeting a police vehicle killed at least six people and injured more than 20 in Lashkargah, the capital of Afghanistans restive Helmand province, on February 11, according to local reports citing officials. Earlier reports had said 11 people were killed, but this was later revised. Pajhwok News Agency, citing public officials, reported that Afghan National Army members were among those killed in the blast, which occurred around 2 pm near a branch of Kabul Bank. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss voters on Sunday approved making it easier for third-generation immigrants to become citizens, dismissing suggestions that the move could pose a security threat. Projections by broadcaster SRF after polls closed showed the measure easily winning by a 59-41 percent margin. Right-wing activists had used posters showing a burqa-clad woman with the slogan "no unchecked naturalization" to campaign against the proposal, which was backed by the government and parliament. Around a quarter of neutral Switzerland's population is foreign, a relatively high rate in comparison with other countries that make it easier for the children and grandchildren of immigrants to be naturalized. The government had lobbied for the measure helping many young foreigners born and raised in Switzerland after their grandparents moved here. Under the current system they had faced a lengthy and often expensive naturalization procedure. The new constitutional amendment simplifies -- but does not make automatic -- naturalization for well-integrated people no older than 25 who were born in Switzerland, went to school here for at least five years, share Swiss cultural values, speak a national language and do not depend on state aid. (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Toby Chopra) BASEL, Switzerland (AP) Voters in Switzerland decided Sunday to make it easier for young "third-generation foreigners" to get Swiss citizenship, agreeing to extend to about 25,000 people under age 25 access to the fast-track process now available to foreign spouses of Swiss nationals. The national statistics office said the "naturalization of third-generation immigrants" initiative passed with 60.4 percent of the vote, paving the way to a simplified path to citizenship for young people whose parents and grandparents have lived in Switzerland for decades. As in some other European countries, being born in Switzerland doesn't automatically confer citizenship. While about 25,000 people are estimated to be eligible for the new process, the referendum's passage ultimately could be far-reaching in a country where non-citizens make up one-fourth of the population. The citizenship measure was one of three on the national ballot on Sunday. Another carried international implications: Voters handily rejected a corporate tax reform designed to harmonize taxes at a competitive, relatively low rate, a victory of sorts for the political left that had shunned alleged handouts to foreign businesses. The statistics office said 59.1 percent of voters rejected the measure, which would have scrapped the two-track tax system that offers lower rates to foreign firms to lure investment potentially at the expense of higher tax-countries of the neighboring European Union. Experts say the tax initiative's failure means that overall rates are likely to be set higher which would be a disincentive to companies that bring in jobs and ultimately tax revenues. Many domestic companies, meanwhile, could see their tax rates go down. Critics including regional government leaders and much of the political left had said the initiative would deplete tax coffers for an uncertain payoff. Proponents had countered that the reforms were needed to keep competitive a country that has few exportable natural resources and relies heavily on globalized industries such as finance and pharmaceuticals. Story continues U.S.-based machinery giant Caterpillar, which employs 600 people in Switzerland and has its Europe, Africa and Middle East headquarters in Geneva, had vocally expressed support for the tax reform referendum, and expressed "respect" for the public's will after it was rejected. "Though this vote creates additional uncertainty in a challenging business environment, we remain confident that Switzerland and the Cantons (regions) will find a consensus allowing to pass a new federal tax law that will support innovation and employment for all economic actors in Switzerland," the company said in a statement Sunday. Despite the rejection, Switzerland must still abolish its two-track system: Sunday's measure would have kept future rates relatively low, and now policymakers will have to come up with a new plan which could raise rates on foreign firms. The "third-generation foreigners" initiative will mean less paperwork, fewer delays and lower fees for anyone under 25 whose parents and grandparents have lived in Switzerland for years, but who did not go through the time-consuming, onerous naturalization process. Its immediate beneficiaries are mostly people from elsewhere in Europe or Turkey whose families have been in the Alpine nation for decades, not migrants and refugees from Africa and the Middle East whose recent arrival in Europe has sparked a backlash from the political far-right. Switzerland, which is not in the 28-nation European Union but is all but surrounded by bloc members, has been taking in foreigners for centuries. To become a citizen generally requires 12 years of residency, mastery of at least one of Switzerland's four national languages, and honoring the "fundamental values" of the Swiss Constitution, such as equal rights for women and men and freedom of conscience. Sunday's referendum was the latest installment of Switzerland's direct democracy that gives voters a frequent say on political decisions. A third issue on the national ballot involving infrastructure spending passed with 61.9 percent of the votes. Voters in the eastern Graubuenden canton, or region, also decided against a bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. Four years ago, the region rejected a similar referendum about the 2022 Winter Games, which were eventually awarded to Beijing. Taiwanese celebrate the worlds most dangerous fireworks festival People wearing helmets get sprayed by fire sparks during the Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival on Feb. 10, 2017 in Yanshui District, Tainan City, Taiwan. (Photo: Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images) The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, held on the 15th day after the beginning of the Lunar New Year in Tainan City, Taiwan, is an annual tradition that has been celebrated for more than 130 years. Participants in Yanshui District gear up with motorcycle helmets, fire-retardant clothing and thick gloves to prepare for the hundreds of thousands of firecrackers that go off at the same time. According to Taiwans Tourism Bureau, the beehive fireworks festival started in 1885 as a request to the gods to spare Yanshui from a cholera outbreak, which was making its way through the villages. Future generations followed this tradition, and this year, 40 beehive firecrackers were placed around the city, each firing 600,000 shots, as the Taiwanese believe the baptism of fireworks gets rid of calamity and troubles while bringing good fortune in the new year. (Getty Images) Photography by Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. Tear gas was deployed during protests against police brutality in the Paris suburbs of Bobigny on Saturday, February 11. Al Jazeera reported the police fired tear gas at demonstrators who threw objects at officers and set cars and rubbish bins on fire. Looting and vandalism were also reported. A police officer was suspended and placed under formal investigation for the suspected rape and excessive force during the arrest of Theo in Aulnay-sous-Bois on February 2. The incident sparked weeks of protests. Credit: mica hunc via Storyful ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) At least two people have been injured after an unknown assailant threw a tear gas canister during a party for LGBT people in Croatia's capital. Police say an investigation is underway into the incident at a Zagreb night club early Sunday. Local news reports say people inside the club fled in panic, storming the exit and breaking windows to get out. A witness tells Vecernji List daily that he was trampled during a rush for the stairs. Croatian gay rights groups are describing the attack as an "act of hate violence." The Zagreb Pride group says in a statement that Croatia's conservative government has turned a blind eye to a recent surge in right-wing sentiment in the European Union's newest member state. Minsk (AFP) - The 18-year-old Aryna Sabalenka put Belarus into the Fed Cup semi-finals on Sunday with a straight-sets win over Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands in the World Group opening round tie. Sabalenka, who is 142 in the world, won 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 her first ever meeting with Krajicek, 28, to give the hosts Belarus an unassailable 3-1 advantage. "It's unbelievable! It's an incredible feeling," Sabalenka said. "We all acted as a single unit and that was the key to our success. I failed to recover completely after yesterday's match with Kiki Bertens and experienced some problems with my serve. But everything ended well." The rivals traded breaks throughout the opening set, which Sabalanka took in a tiebreak after 50 minutes on court. The second set was almost a carbon copy of the first as the exchange of breaks continued. But the Belarus teenager was a bit more accurate again taking the set and the match in one hour 37 minutes. Earlier on Sunday Aliaksandra Sasnovich, ranked 128th, put Belarus into a 2-1 lead as she beat Bertens also in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 in one hour 23 minutes ending the Dutch star's eight-match winning streak in Fed Cup. "I'm very happy," Sasnovich said. "I knew how to play against Bertens after watching yesterday's Aryna (Sabalenka) match with her. That match boosted my self-confidence a great deal." Sasnovich acted confidently from the start at the hard court of Minsk Chizhovka Arena under watchful gaze of Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko. She produced four breaks to earn a one-set advantage after 41 minutes, while Bertens broke back only on two occasions. The opponents traded break throughout the second set but Sasnovich was more precise winning the set and the match to level her record with Bertens, ranked 24th in the world, at 1-1. "I didn't play well today. That's all," Bertens said. "I was hoping that yesterday's win will help me today but it didn't happen." MEXICO CITY (AP) About 20,000 people staged a march through Mexico's capital Sunday demanding respect for their country and its migrants in the face of perceived hostility from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Many marchers carried Mexican flags and dressed in white as a sign of unity and to signal the non-political nature of the march. One of the banners read: "Gracias, Trump, for unifying Mexico!" The marchers protested Trump's plans for a border wall and increased deportations of migrants. Trump has also pressured U.S. corporations to provide jobs in the United States, not Mexico. Paulina Ortega carried a placard in English proclaiming: "We love Americans, we hate racism." "This is a march for dignity," she said. Irene Aguilar, a university professor, said the main message of the marchers was to show the unity of Mexicans in the face of adversity. The march also featured many signs supporting Mexican migrants living in the United States. "We want demonstrate to all of those who suffer discrimination in the United States that we are with them," said Ana Fernanda Islas, a university student. Mexicans have called for unity in facing the challenge posed by Trump's policies, but the march featured almost as many banners criticizing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto as the new U.S. leader. Smaller marches were held in other Mexican cities Sunday. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the family name of first marcher quoted is Ortega. Bucharest (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Romanians braved the cold and returned to the streets in protest on Sunday, calling on the government to resign as they accused it of attempting to water down anti-corruption laws. "Thieves! Resign!" chanted protesters in front of the seat of government in Bucharest, as they used the torches from their mobile phones to form a giant Romanian flag. Up to 50,000 protesters took part in the Bucharest march, according to Romanian media reports. The authorities did not give any estimate of their own. Responding to a call on social media, the protesters held up their mobile phone torches against coloured pieces of paper, lighting up the cold night air with the blue, yellow and red of the national flag. "Resist," read a huge slogan projected onto a nearby building. Some protesters in the crowd held up banners with the message "Stop corruption! Fighting for democracy". "We want to give the government a red card," one of the protesters, 33-year-old businessman Adrian Tofan, told AFP in Bucharest. Meanwhile, up to 30,000 more took to the streets in other major cities, calling on the government to stand down. Among them were some 10,000 protesters in Cluj, Transylvania's main city, 4,000 in Timisoara in the west, and 5,000 in the central city of Sibiu. Sunday's demonstrations, the 13th consecutive day of protests against the government, took place despite the administration backing down over a planned controversial decree which would have made abuse of power a crime punishable by jail only if the sums involved exceeded 200,000 lei (44,000 euros, $47,500). - 'We want early elections' - The demonstrations, the largest since the ousting and summary execution of communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989, have continued despite the resignation on Thursday of justice minister Florin Iordache. "The justice minister's resignation isn't enough after what they tried to do," said Tofan, the protester. Story continues Another demonstrator also said he had completely lost faith in the government. "We don't trust this government, we want early elections," said Andreea Moldovan, a doctor who had made a 170-kilometre (105-mile) journey to Bucharest, especially for the protest. Romania joined the European Union in 2007 and Brussels has long taken Bucharest to task over slow progress dealing with corruption and organised crime. The country has intensified the fight against corruption in recent years with the creation of a prosecutor attached to the DNA anti-corruption agency, which has become one of the most popular government agencies following the conviction of several ministers and senior officials. Graft watchdog Transparency International ranked Romania below all but three of its fellow EU states in a January report based on public perception of the prevalence of corruption. Worldwide, the country ranked 57th. Bucharest (AFP) - Thousands of protesters braved the cold to march in Romania's main cities on Saturday, angered by government attempts to water down anti-corruption laws. In the capital Bucharest, where a major rally is planned for Sunday, around 3,000 people gathered at the seat of government despite sub-zero temperatures. "We are resisting, we aren't going away" yelled the protesters, who are calling for the left-leaning Social Democrat government, which only took power in December, to stand down Another 8,000 people took part in protests in the rest of the country, according to the national Agerpres news agency. These included 3,000 in Timisoara, in the west and around 2,500 at protests in towns of Cluj and Sibiu. Saturday's demonstrations, the 12th consecutive day of protests against the government, took place despite the administration backing down over a planned controversial decree which would have made abuse of power a crime punishable by jail only if the sums involved exceeded 200,000 lei (44,000 euros, $47,500). The demonstrations, the largest since the ousting and summary execution of communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989, have also continued despite the resignation on Thursday of justice minister Florin Iordache. Romania joined the European Union in 2007 and Brussels has long taken Bucharest to task over slow progress dealing with corruption and organised crime. The country has intensified the fight against corruption in recent years with the creation of a prosecutor attached to the DNA anti-corruption agency, which has become one of the most popular government agencies following the conviction of several ministers and senior officials. Graft watchdog Transparency International ranked Romania below all but three of its fellow EU states in a January report based on public perception of the prevalence of corruption. Worldwide, the country ranked 57th. A counter-demonstration in support of the government also took place in Bucharest on Saturday, but mustered only a few hundred people in front of the presidential palace. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean provocation soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in a response to Pyongyangs missile test, but calibrated to show U.S. resolve while avoiding escalation, a U.S. official told Reuters on Saturday. The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting President Donald Trump's previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. This was no surprise, the official said. "The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this." Trump and his aides are likely to weigh a series of possible responses, including new U.S. sanctions to tighten financial controls, an increase in U.S. naval and air assets in and around the Korean peninsula and accelerated installation of new missile defense systems in South Korea, the official said. But the official said that, given that the missile test was believed not to have been a threatened intercontinental missile test and that Pyongyang had not carried out a new nuclear explosion, any response will seek to avoid ratcheting up tensions. (Reporting By Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Mary Milliken) President Trump delivers remarks at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., on Saturday. (Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters) President Trump says the raids carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency last week are simply part of his campaign promise to crack down on illegal criminals. The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise, Trump tweeted early Sunday. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed! U.S. immigration officials confirmed that hundreds of undocumented immigrants were arrested last week in at least six states. The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2017 In Los Angeles, David Marin, head of ICEs local removal operations, told reporters that the agency had made approximately 160 arrests, and that roughly 75 percent of those arrested had prior felony convictions. But Marin said some of the undocumented immigrants netted in the raids did not, stoking fear and panic among those living in immigrant communities. In Texas, where there were a flurry of arrests in cities such as San Antonio and Austin, Rep. Joaquin Castro said he is asking ICE to clarify whether these individuals are in fact dangerous, violent threats to our communities, and not people who are here peacefully raising families and contributing to our state. The raids were the first large-scale enforcement carried out under Trumps Jan. 25 executive order that broadened the scope of powers given to ICE agents to crack down on the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to triple the number of ICE deportation officers. I am going to create a new special deportation task force focused on identifying and quickly removing the most dangerous criminal illegal immigrants in America who have evaded justice, Trump said last August. Anyone who has entered the United States illegally is subject to deportation. That is what it means to have laws and to have a country. Otherwise we dont have a country. Story continues Amnesty International said the recent ICE raids raise grave human rights concerns. It is a violation of human rights to tear families apart through deportation, Amnesty International executive director Margaret Huang said in a statement. We call for an immediate pause in these raids and a suspension of this executive order in order to ensure that peoples human rights are protected. ICE officials contend the raids arent raids at all, but targeted enforcement actions. Meanwhile, leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus sent an open letter to ICE acting director Thomas Homan demanding a meeting to discuss the impact these raids have had on our communities. These raids have struck fear in the hearts of the immigrant community as many fear that President Trumps promised deportation force is now in full-swing, the lawmakers wrote. It is critical that our constituents have clarity on ICE operations. Without this guidance, our communities will be paralyzed as students will remain home from school, parents will be afraid to leave children alone and our local economies will be irreparably damaged. Right now there are enforcement actions happening all over this country in which gang members, drug dealers, sex offenders are being swept up, Stephen Miller, Trumps senior policy advisor, said on NBCs Meet the Press Sunday. But Miller declined to say whether the president believes that if the only crime an undocumented immigrant committed is living in the U.S. illegally was enough to justify deportation. An immigration judge makes those decisions, Miller said. An ICE officer makes those decisions. I and the White House dont make those decisions. More from Yahoo News: PALM BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said late on Saturday that the United States stands fully behind Japan in the aftermath of North Korea's latest missile launch. "I just want everybody to understand, and fully know, that the United States of America is behind Japan, our great ally, 100 percent," Trump told reporters during a joint statement with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump made no further comments. (Reporting by Ayesha Rascoe and Matt Spetalnick; Writing by Mary Milliken; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Donald Trump The Department of Justice is weighing whether or not to appeal a decision issued by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to deny reinstating President Donald Trump's immigration order while its legality is established, according to multiple reports Friday. That's because the White House is apparently rewriting the controversial executive order which temporarily bans immigration from six predominantly Muslim countries and permanently from Syria so that it has a better chance of withstanding legal challenges. Trump tweeted on Thursday night that he intends to appeal the Ninth Circuit's decision: "SEE YOU IN COURT," he wrote shortly after the judges issued their 29-page opinion. But he wavered on that pronouncement Friday, saying he "very well could" issue a "brand new order" next week. Legal experts say rewriting the order is likely a much better option for the Trump administration than sticking with the "extreme vetting" order in its current form, which would likely result in more litigation. "There are a variety of things the government could do to help their case. It's just a matter of how much they're willing to change the executive order," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a professor of immigration law at Cornell University. Yale-Loehr said that the order's most controversial sections 3(c) and the near entirety of section 5, which were the subject of a lawsuit brought by Washington and Minnesota against the government that ultimately resulted in the temporary restraining order (TRO) placed on the ban would either have to be changed significantly or removed entirely if the administration wanted to shield itself from further litigation. The key section Section 3(c) of the immigration order stipulates that "immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from" Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya and Yemen "would be detrimental to the interests of the United States," and that Trump would "hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order." Story continues The original order did not list the countries specifically but referred to those targeted in an Obama-era visa-waiver policy, the Department of Homeland Security later clarified. dulles The nationwide enforcement of Section 3(c) was restrained "in its entirety" last week by US District Judge James Robart, who sided with the states' argument that the order caused "significant and ongoing harm" to "substantial numbers of people, to the detriment of the States." When Robart asked the government lawyer, Michelle Bennett, if there had been any terrorist attacks by people from the seven counties listed in Trump's order since 9/11, Bennett said she didn't know. "The answer is none," Robart said, according to Reuters. "You're here arguing we have to protect from these individuals from these countries, and there's no support for that." Even after appealing the restraining order to the Ninth Circuit, the government still had difficulty proving that citizens from the seven countries posed an elevated terror risk above others. "The proceedings have been moving very fast," the Department of Justice lawyer, August Flentje, told Ninth Circuit Judge Michelle Friedland when she asked whether the government had any evidence connecting the seven nations targeted by the order to terrorism. Fuad Sharef Suleman and his son Bnyad Fuad Sharef arrive at Terminal 1 at JFK airport in Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. February 5, 2017. The Iraqi family were previously prevented from boarding a plane to the U.S. following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily bar travelers from seven countries, including Iraq. Another option rather than gutting Section 3(c) altogether would be to stipulate that people from those countries have to go through greater screening procedures to get a visa, Yale-Loehr said. "But they'd need to outline what those new procedures are in a revised executive order to make them comply with due-process requirements," she said. The due-process clauses in the Constitution safeguard people from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property by the government outside of the sanction of law. The government had argued before the Ninth Circuit that the TRO should apply only to lawful permanent residents, because as it stands it "covers aliens who cannot assert cognizable liberty interests." But the judges determined Thursday that limiting the scope of the TRO, as the government requested, would "on its face omit aliens who are in the United States unlawfully, and those individuals have due process rights as well." "The government has not met its burden of showing likelihood of success on appeal on its arguments with respect to the due process claim," the judges wrote. In need of 'an adequate factual basis' Critics of the order have said that the countries it targets seem arbitrary, since it does not include countries that have posed serious terror threats in the past, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. The immigration order cites the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks three times as justification, but the 9/11 hijackers were from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon. Lyman Stone put it bluntly in an article for The Federalist: "Most reasonable people would agree that banning people who have never been associated with any terrorist attack in our country (say, Bhutanese Hindus) doesnt make much sense." Litigation over the order will likely continue until the government provides "an adequate factual basis for singling out these specific countries as distinct sources of risk," Richard Pildes, a professor of Constitutional Law at New York University, told Business Insider in an email. Obama Trump Trump has argued that the seven countries named in the executive order "are the same countries previously identified by the Obama administration as sources of terror." The DOJ similarly claimed in its filing to the US Court of Appeals that the listed countries had "a previously identified link to an increased risk of terrorist activity." Yet the Ninth Circuit judges expressed skepticism of Trump's use of Obama's policy to justify his immigration ban. "Although the Government points to the fact that Congress and the Executive identified the seven countries named in the Executive Order as countries of concern in 2015 and 2016, the Government has not offered any evidence or even an explanation of how the national security concerns that justified those designations, which triggered visa requirements, can be extrapolated to justify an urgent need for the Executive Order to be immediately reinstated," the judges wrote. "We cannot conclude that the Government has shown that it is 'absolutely clear that the allegedly wrongful behavior could not reasonably be expected to recur,'" they added. Section 5 Section 5 of the immigration order which stipulates a "realignment of the US Refugee Admissions Program for Fiscal Year 2017" and a suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 120 days has also proved controversial. The nationwide enforcement of sections 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), and 5(e) along with 3(c) was blocked by the Seattle judge's retraining order, which was upheld by the Ninth Circuit on Thursday. "In a best-case scenario, in terms of their chances of winning in court, they would not completely suspend the refugee-admissions program but require some kind of additional screening procedures for refugees and start rolling those out," Yale-Loehr said. syrian refugees children kids reuters RTX2V5VY "Section 5(c), which bars anyone from Syria from entering the US, would also have to go," he added. "Any argument they make for keeping that in would result in the same kinds of legal challenges presented by Section 3(c), which poses the question of, 'Why have people from these countries been deemed more dangerous than others?'" 'The States' claims present significant constitutional questions' Sections 5(b) and 5(e) which indicate that the US will "prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual's country of nationality" have also been blocked, pursuant to the TRO, to the extent that it "purports to prioritize refugee claims of certain religious minorities." The TRO also prohibits the government from "proceeding with any action that prioritizes the refugee claims of certain religious minorities." Civil-rights organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, had cited the order's prioritization of religious minorities as evidence of discrimination in favor of Christians, who are minorities in the seven countries that the order targets. aclu legal observer protest Their arguments were bolstered last month by Trump's interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, during which he said that Syrian Christians would be given priority when applying for refugee status. "The States argue that the Executive Order violates the Establishment and Equal Protection Clauses because it was intended to disfavor Muslims," the Ninth Circuit judges wrote on Thursday. "In support of this argument, the States have offered evidence of numerous statements by the President about his intent to implement a 'Muslim ban' as well as evidence they claim suggests that the Executive Order was intended to be that ban, including sections 5(b) and 5(e) of the Order," the judges continued. "The States' claims raise serious allegations and present significant constitutional questions ... we reserve consideration of these claims until the merits of this appeal have been fully briefed." NOW WATCH: Merriam-Webster cant stop trolling the Trump administration on Twitter More From Business Insider BEIRUT (AP) Turkey's president says his troops and allied Syrian fighters have reached the heart of the Islamic State stronghold of al-Bab in northern Syria and will eventually march on the extremists' de facto capital, Raqqa. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said IS fighters have begun deserting al-Bab, which has been under attack for weeks. But the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of activists inside Syria, says Turkish troops have yet to enter the town's center, with the fighting still concentrated on its outskirts. The Turkish-backed opposition forces advancing from the north are racing to seize al-Bab before Syrian government forces reach the town from the south. The Turkish-backed forces are still a long way from Raqqa, which is largely surrounded by U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces. Last week, the Kurdish-led Syria Democratic Forces launched a new phase in its Raqqa offensive, aiming to capture towns and villages east of Raqqa. The U.S.-led coalition has targeted several bridges across the Euphrates River in support of the operation. Turkey is leading Syrian opposition forces in a broad operation called "Euphrates Shield" against both IS and the SDF. Ankara views the Kurdish group that dominates the SDF as a terrorist organization because of its links to Kurdish insurgents in Turkey. "After al-Bab is about to be over, the period following that will be Manbij and Raqqa," Erdogan said, referring to the northern town of Manbij, which was captured by the SDF last year after weeks of deadly fighting with IS. "Right now al-Bab, whether by us or by the Free Syrian Army, is now besieged on all four sides and our forces along with the Free Syrian Army have entered the center," he said. The Observatory reported intense clashes and Turkish airstrikes and shelling on the northern, western and southern edges of the town, which is 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the Turkish border. Story continues In Lebanon, the leader of the militant Hezbollah group, which is fighting alongside President Bashar Assad's forces, said it supports a Dec. 30 cease-fire between the government and the opposition that was brokered by Turkey and Russia. "We are with every measure that stops the shedding of blood and paves the way for a political solution" in Syria, Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech aired in Beirut. He was responding to claims by opposition media that Hezbollah opposes the truce. ____ Associated Press writer Cinar Kiper in Istanbul contributed to this report. ASHGABAT (Reuters) - Turkmen President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov is certain to secure a third term in Sunday's election, maintaining his grip on power in the gas-rich nation which he wants to take into the ranks of the developed world. Berdymukhamedov, 59, has run the former Soviet republic of five million people with an iron fist for a decade after succeeding equally autocratic president-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov who died in 2006. Berdymukhamedov, a dentist by training, has kept in place Niyazov's repressive political system which tolerates no political opposition or public expressions of discontent, while refocusing his predecessor's elaborate personality cult on himself. While Niyazov was known as Turkmenbashi, the head of all Turkmen, Berdymukhamedov is often referred to as Arkadag, the protector. Gilded statues of both leaders have been erected in Ashgabat, the capital city. Berdymukhamedov cast his ballot at a downtown polling station after arriving with his family, including his son Serdar who last year became a member of parliament after winning a by-election. "Turkmenistan's goal is joining the ranks of the industrially developed nations," Berdymukhamedov told reporters, adding that all candidates had had equal opportunities in the election campaign. Running against Berdymukhamedov are eight other candidates, all of them public servants, managers of state-owned companies or nominees of political parties completely loyal to the government. In the previous election in 2012, Berdymukhamedov won 97 percent of the vote. According to the Central Election Commission, 97.27 percent of the country's 3.2 million voters had cast their ballots by 7 p.m. (1400 GMT), when polls closed. "He is carrying out a successful campaign against drug abuse and has promise to provide free housing for the disabled," said Zukhra, a 42-year-old medical worker who supported Berdymukhamedov. Dovlet, 32, a taxi driver, declined to say who he had voted for, saying: "This is my personal business and it will hardly affect election results, because all the other candidates (running against Berdymukhamedov) are little known." Last year, Turkmenistan amended its constitution in a way that could allow Berdymukhamedov to stay in power indefinitely, removing the 70-year age limit for presidential candidates and extending the presidential term to seven years from five. This consolidation of power has been taking place against a background of slowing economic growth and shortages of foreign currency due to Russia's decision to halt imports of Turkmen gas, Ashgabat's main source of export revenue. Moscow had long been the main buyer of Turkmen gas and sales to China, although significant, have not completely offset the loss of Russian money flows. Faced with budget deficits after years of surpluses, the authorities are considering scaling down a generous welfare system which includes free gasoline rations. Amid the gas row, Turkmenistan has also flatly rejected the idea of Russia providing military assistance to the Central Asian nations in the light of escalating violence in neighboring Afghanistan. it has also vehemently denied claims of violent incidents at the Afghan border. (Reporting by Marat Gurt; Additional reporting and writing by Olzhas Auyezov in Almaty; Editing by Susan Fenton and Stephen Powell) Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) (AFP) - Turkmenistan voted Sunday with a massive announced turnout in a presidential vote expected to tighten strongman Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov's hold over the gas-rich Central Asian country. Polling stations closed at 1900 local time (1400 GMT) and the Central Election Commission said the turnout exceeded 97 percent in the country of more than five million people. Preliminary results were expected on Monday at around 9:30 am local time (0430 GMT), a central electoral commission official told AFP. Berdymukhamedov, 59, faced eight rivals including low-ranking regional officials who were viewed as token opponents. The former dentist and health minister took power in 2006 after the death of predecessor Saparmurat Niyazov. Casting his vote at a school in the capital Ashgabat, the president said the vote would decide "the fate of the people for the coming seven years". The president was accompanied by family members including his son, who was elected as an MP last year. "If I am elected then our policies aimed at improving the welfare of the people will continue," Berdymukhamedov said. Last year Berdymukhamedov signed off on constitutional changes that paved the way for his lifelong rule by stripping away upper age limits for presidential candidates. Another change lengthened presidential terms from five to seven years. Voters in Ashgabat overwhelmingly said they were backing Berdymukhamedov. "I voted for the first time, and chose our president," said Zokhra, an 18-year old student who was voting at her university. "We are deciding our future," said Zokhra, adding that she was handed one of Berdymukhamedov's books and a bunch of flowers by officials after she cast her vote. Young women in colourful embroidered national dress handed out sweet pastry treats as voters entered one polling station in Ashgabat. But a number of people in and around the capital told AFP they did not intend to vote, casting some doubt on the official turnout figure. Story continues Sabir Rakhmanov, an Ashgabat taxi driver, said he could not participate because he is registered to vote in another region. "I don't think my vote would affect anything anyway," he told AFP. "The main thing is to have regular work. That's something I would vote for!" One-sided votes are typical in Central Asia, a Muslim-majority ex-Soviet region politically close to Russia and China, where reigning presidents are usually expected to die in power. "These regimes have a logic of their own and they very much follow that logic," said Annette Bohr, an associate fellow of the Russia and Eurasia programme at the Chatham House think tank. Turkmenistan's regime is "even more repressive and personalist" than those found in neighbouring Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Bohr said. "Berdymukhamedov is predictable in that he will do what he has to do in order to perpetuate that regime." - Leadership cult - Like Turkmenistan's first president Niyazov, who renamed months after family members and wrote a "book of the soul" that was compulsory in schools, Berdymukhamedov has presided over a flowering leadership cult. Both men are honoured by golden statues in Ashgabat, where natural gas wealth is flaunted in lavish, grandiose white marble architecture, even as other parts of the country suffer poverty. Berdymukhamedov is referred to by state media as the country's "protector" and has written poetry and books on topics from tea to horses. He is also a keen equestrian but fell off his horse after winning a race in 2013 in a incident captured by spectators on video but hushed up by state media. New York-based watchdog Human Rights Watch said ahead of the polls that Berdymukhamedov has taken "a few modest steps to reverse some of Niyazov's damaging policies" but has continued some of his "most serious abuses." Ahead of the vote, "voters cannot express their views about all candidates in an open manner and without fear," the group said. Turkmenistan is set to host the Asian Indoor Games in September and Reporters Without Borders warned Friday that the handful of independent journalists in the country are "being subjected to an unprecedented crackdown" ahead of the showpiece event. Although Turkmenistan sits on the world's fourth largest natural gas reserves, it has failed to diversify its economy and remains heavily reliant on exports to China. At the beginning of 2015 the government devalued the manat currency by 19 percent, while Berdymukhamedov has warned of the need to raise tariffs for water, gas and electricity, which were all free under Niyazov. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f36540%2f6a3abec4-d5ee-478f-a623-3b2efcd8a957 Nothing like a little friendly competition among brothers. On Saturday, twins from Lincoln, Nebraska, found themselves in an epic battle to win the 30th annual Lincoln Public Schools Spelling Bee. As the Lincoln Star Journal reports, 12 year-olds Eswar and Sankar Ramamurthy found themselves in the final round but had to go through 58 words before Eswar was eventually declared winner of the LPS Spelling Bee. SEE ALSO: Betsy DeVos' Department of Education misspells W.E.B. Du Bois' name, then misspells its apology The winning word? Farfalle. We have farfalle pasta all the time, Eswar told the Journal. Looks like all that pasta paid off Eswar was the first to spell two words correctly in a row. An hour of words like lapidary and Hanseatic" landed him $100 in prize money, a dictionary and thesaurus. Eswar will also head to Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., this May. It was anybodys game until the very end, Bhuvana Gopal, mother of the Lux Middle School sixth graders, said. I know that they are equally capable and they work equally hard. Either of them could have done it. This is not something that happened overnight; theyve been doing this for years now. They put in a lot of work and its paid off," she explained. The brothers competed against each other at last year's spelling bee as well. After correctly spelling "Byzantine," Eswar took home the title then, and Sankar landed in third place. C-o-n-g-r-a-t-s to the Ramamurthy family! WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is committed to the security of its allies in the Pacific region and will bolster its allies there against any hostile actions from North Korea, a White House official said on Sunday. "The message is that we are going to reinforce and strengthen our vital alliances in the Pacific region as part of our strategy to deter and prevent the increasing hostility that we've seen in recent years from the North Korean regime," White House adviser Stephen Miller said on the television show "Fox News Sunday." (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Alan Crosby) Germaine de Randamie of The Netherlands celebrates with the belt after defeating Holly Holm of United States in their UFC women's featherweight championship bout during UFC 208: Getty The UFC hosted their first ever event at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, last evening as Germaine de Randamie, the highly decorated 16-time World Muay Thai champion, controversially beat Holy Holm via unanimous decision to claim the first womens featherweight title. The shadow of the most dominant womens featherweight fighter in the world, Cristine Cyborg Justino, loomed large over the build-up to the fight, but as Cyborg watched on from cageside the focus switched to Holm and de Randamie as they made their way into the Octagon. After the introductions were done, the first womens featherweight title fight got underway and the two opened tentatively throwing single shots from the outside as Holm continuously circled to avoid de Randamie squaring her up and unloading. The Dutch fighter landed the better strikes of the two and stuffed a late takedown attempt by Holm at the end of the opening first five minutes. Germaine de Randamie lands a blow to her opponent's head (Getty) Round two came and went as pattern began to emerge. Holms striking from the outset was landing short and de Randamie continually landed stiff counters to rock back her opponents head and punish her. Controversy struck at the end of the second when de Randamie clocked Holm with a brutal punch way after the round had come to a close and buckled her legs as she staggered back to the corner. Holm answered the bell for the third round, but she continued tentatively as de Randamie probed forward looking for opportunities to punish her with single pot shots. A clinch against the cage saw Holm attempt a takedown, but de Randamie was wise to it and broke away easily landing a punch on the break. De Randamie with her belt after victory (Getty) Controversy followed once again at the end of the third with Holm enjoying her brightest spot in the fight to land a fierce head kick. De Randamies legs slightly dipped, but she responded again by throwing another punch that clipped Holm again after the bell for the round had clearly sounded. The fans booed and the commentator urged the referee to take a point, but de Randamie went unpunished yet again. Story continues Round four opened with Holm dictating the fight as she pushed de Randamie back against the cage twice. Holm tried desperately to get the takedown, but the Dutchwoman resisted and managed to break away landing a knee as she did. The final round began tentatively with both women sensing they were close on the cards. Holm scored the first significant strike of the round with a big left hand, but she again attempted to take de Randamie down up against the cage and failed. The fight closed out with both women trading strikes until the final few seconds with both their faces bloodied. The tale of Holly Holm vs. Germaine de Randamie at #UFC208! pic.twitter.com/f94ICyuKN2 UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) February 12, 2017 The rest was then up to the judges and after a brief wait, it was announced that all three judges scored the bout 48-47 in favour of the UFCs first Dutch champion since Bas Rutten, Germaine de Randamie. Not everyone in attendance liked the result and Joe Rogan on commentary was quick to point out that had the referee deducted a point like he shouldve done at the end of round three, then the fight would have been a draw. That wasnt the case though and de Randamie celebrated with her team after with the UFC belt strapped around her waist. Anderson Silva wins controversial decision The co-main event of the evening saw Anderson Silva take on Derek Brunson in middleweight action. Silva walked into the fight having not won a fight at 185-pounds since July 2012 when he defeated Chael Sonnen at UFC 146. Nearly five years down the line, the former UFC middleweight champion faced a tricky opponent in Brunson and his caution was obvious from the outset as the two tentatively met in the centre of the Octagon with not a single strike thrown in the opening minute. Brunson finished round one strongly with some nice counter uppercuts, but it was a tight, tense opening five minutes. The two continued to look reluctant to engage throughout the second round as the five minutes flew past with barely a strike of any significance landed. With both fighters knowing the fight was close heading into round three, they closed their distance on their striking battles and exchanged several elbows and knees inside the clinch as the clock ticked down. Brunson was the aggressor pushing the pace up a notch, but Silva ducked and slipped to evade his strikes until he was taken down in the last minute. After a close, but relatively uneventful fight, Anderson Silva got the win via unanimous decisionsuffice to say, social media wasnt in total agreement with the 29-28, 29-28, 30-27 scorecards. Jacare hot on the heels of Bisping The contenders for Michael Bispings middleweight title are closing in and Ronaldo Jacare Souza last evening strengthened his case for being the next man to get a shot at the British champion. After seven fights in a row going to a decision it was almost a life relief for everyone in attendance when Souza submitted his man in the first round. The finish came when Souza pinned Boetsch up against the fence and proceeded to take him down to the mat and from there it was academic. Souza passed Boetschs guard like butter and applied a deep kimura arm lock to get the tap at three minutes and forty-one seconds. UFC 208 Full Results Germaine de Randamie def. Holly Holm via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) Anderson Silva def. Derek Brunson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza def. Tim Boetsch via submission (kimura), Round 1, 3:41 Glover Teixeira def. Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26) Dustin Poirier def. Jim Miller via majority decision (28-28, 30-27, 29-28) Anderson Silva during his fight with Derek Brunson (Getty) Belal Muhammad def. Randy Brown by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Wilson Reis def. Ulka Sasaki via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Islam Makhachev def. Nik Lentz via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27) Rick Glenn def. Phillipe Nover via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28) Ryan LaFlare def. Roan Carneiro via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28) The Trump administration is under fire after it blocked the appointment of a well-respected former Palestinian prime minister to a senior UN role seemingly because he is a Palestinian. Salam Fayyad, a Western-educated technocrat, won plaudits from Israeli leaders and from the Bush administration for his reform efforts when he served prime minister of the Palestinian Authority in the late 2000s. The 65-year-old had been tipped to become the new UN special representative in Libya, a role that would have nothing to do with the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. But his prospects at the job appear to have been dashed after Nikki Haley, the new US ambassador to the UN, objected to his appointment out of support for Israel. The United States was disappointed to see a letter indicating the intention to appoint the former Palestinian Authority prime minister to lead the UN Mission in Libya, Mrs Haley said. For too long the UN has been unfairly biased in favor of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel. The United States does not currently recognise a Palestinian state or support the signal this appointment would send within the United Nations, however, we encourage the two sides to come together directly on a solution. Dan Shapiro, Barack Obamas ambassador to Israel, called the decision stunningly dumb. Every US official who worked with Fayyad knows him to be serious, clean, and a pro. So what if he's Palestinian? Mr Shapiro added. Martin Indyk, a former US special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian issues, called the move one of the most anti-Israel decisions Trump could take. The Palestinian Liberation Organisation, the official international representative of the Palestinian people, said the decision to block Mr Fayyad was blatant discrimination against him on the basis of his nationality. Story continues We hope that saner voices will prevail and that the US will take back this irrational and discriminatory decision immediately and not deprive the UN of such a highly qualified individual. Israels mission to the UN praised the move, saying: The new administration proved once again that it stands firmly alongside the State of Israel in the international arena and in the UN in particular. The decision comes ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime, in Washington this week. Profile | Nikki Haley BERLIN (AP) The U.S. Army has begun unloading dozens of Chinook, Apache and Black Hawk helicopters at a port in northern Germany so the aircraft can be moved to a base in Bavaria. German news agency dpa reported Sunday that 94 helicopters and several trucks from the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade in Fort Drum, New York were sent to the port of Bremerhaven. Most of the equipment is bound for an Army base in the town of Illesheim, but dpa says some will be assigned to rotating stints in Lithuania and Romania. The deployment is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which foresees the continuous presence of an American armored brigade combat team in Europe. The mission is meant to help allay concerns from Poland and other NATO allies over an increasingly bellicose Russia. US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued a joint statement on February 11 following reports of North Korea firing a medium-range ballistic missile into the East Sea. Abe called the missile launch absolutely intolerable and said Trump confirmed the United States commitment to protecting Japan. Trump reiterated Abes speech, saying the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent. The South Korea military called North Koreas test an apparent provocation to boast its military readiness and was conducted to test the response from the new Donald Trump administration, South Koreas Yonhap News Agency reported. The missile was launched around 7:55 am local time from the Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan. Abe travelled to the White House on Friday and spent the weekend at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, according to The Washington Post. Credit: The White House via Storyful Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected with 931 of 1,260 votes: Getty Russian president Vladimir Putin has congratulated Germany's new "anti-Trump" president and invited him to the Kremlin. Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected president by an overwhelming majority. He strongly criticised Donald Trump during the US election campaign. When asked in August about the rise of right-wing populism in Germany and elsewhere, Mr Steinmeier criticised those who make politics with fear. He cited the nationalist Alternative for Germany party, the promoters of Britains exit from the European Union, and the hate preachers, like Donald Trump at the moment in the United States. The daily Berliner Morgenpost billed Mr Steinmeier as the anti-Trump president. The Russian president "expressed confidence that Mr Steinmeiers work as President of Germany will promote Russia-Germany relations and efficient cooperation in various sectors in the interests of the citizens of both nations, in line with reinforcing stability and security on the European continent and globally," a Kremlin press release said. The German president has little executive power, but is considered an important moral authority and symbol of the country as its host for visiting dignitaries. "Let's be brave, because then we don't have to be afraid of the future," Mr Steinmeier said in his acceptance speech. He said the world faces "rough times," but that Germany, as a functioning democracy, had the responsibility to fight for stability. "Isn't it actually wonderful, that this Germany, our difficult fatherland, that this country has become an anchor of hope in the world for many," after overcoming wars and totalitarianism, Mr Steinmeier said. Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Mr Steinmeier and said she was convinced he would be an excellent president who would have the support of the vast majority of the people. "This is a good day for Germany," Ms Merkel said. More follows SEATTLE (AP) The legal challenge that would launch Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson into the vanguard of resistance against President Donald Trump's travel ban was already in the works as Ferguson flew home from Florida the morning after Trump issued his executive order. In fact, it had been planned for some time. "We were having internal conversations about a potential action by the president along those lines," Ferguson recalled in an interview. "It wasn't like we were starting from ground zero." The legwork paid off. Within three days, the state's lawsuit over the ban a more sweeping challenge than other cases filed over Trump's order had been filed. The result? First a decision from a federal judge in Seattle that blocked nationwide enforcement of the ban, then a resounding win at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The strategic thinking that led to the victories is one of Ferguson's hallmarks, say those who have observed his career. Ferguson attributes it to spending his formative years playing competitive chess. He was a two-time state champion by his early 20s. "Chess teaches you to anticipate your opponent's threats and moves," he said. "If your opponent makes a move that surprises you, that's a problem." Ferguson, a boyish 51-year-old Democrat, is serving his second term as Washington's top lawyer after winning two-thirds of the vote against a Libertarian challenger last fall. The Republicans didn't field a candidate. His office has launched significant lawsuits during his tenure, including several that made national headlines. He has filed consumer protection lawsuits against major computer technical support and student loan companies over what he described as predatory practices; sued President Barack Obama's administration over cleanup of the Hanford nuclear reservation, where the government made plutonium for weapons; and took a florist to court for refusing to serve clients staging a gay wedding. Story continues Last fall, Ferguson made Washington the first state to sue the agrochemical giant Monsanto over pervasive pollution from PCBs. An avid backpacker and mountain climber, he spoke of his anger that one of Washington's major rivers, the Skagit, on which his great-grandparents homesteaded in the 19th century, is now contaminated. None of those cases generated the interest of the one challenging Trump's order halting refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the U.S. Ferguson called it unconstitutional and un-American. Ferguson had been attending a meeting of Democratic attorneys general in Florida when the ban was announced late Friday, Jan. 27. When he landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Saturday, his voicemail was full of messages alerting him to Gov. Jay Inslee's plans for a news conference at the airport to condemn the ban. Ferguson decided to skip it and headed north to Seattle, where his team, led by state Solicitor General Noah Purcell and the head of the office's civil rights unit, Colleen Melody, was already putting together the state's lawsuit. They worked through the weekend. Where other lawsuits had sought the release of specific travelers who had been detained on arrival in the U.S., Washington sued on its own sake citing widespread harm to its universities, businesses, tax collections and residents. "He's got this smartest-kid-in-your-high-school-class thing, but he's a bulldog when he wants something," Chris Vance, former head of the state Republican Party, said about Ferguson. "He's extremely politically ambitious, and he's unwilling to take no for an answer." Ferguson was 38 during his first campaign, virtually unknown and taking on the chairwoman of the King County Council, a 20-year incumbent from his own party. That didn't sit well with the local Democratic honchos, but Ferguson says he knocked on 22,000 doors and won by 528 votes after 30,000 ballots were cast. "I remember talking to him saying, 'Hey, Bob, come down to the Seattle Chamber of Commerce for their interview panel because you might have a shot at getting their endorsement,'" said King County Councilman Rod Dembowski, who helped run Ferguson's campaign. "He wouldn't do it because it would have taken three hours away from doorbelling." Two years later, the council reduced its size from 13 members to nine and the powers repaid Ferguson by eliminating his district, forcing him to run against another Democratic incumbent. He won again. Ferguson has gone his own way as attorney general, too, perhaps no more so than in his 2013 hiring of Purcell, who's been arguing the state's case against the travel ban in court. The solicitor general position normally goes to a seasoned attorney. Purcell, a former clerk for Justice David Souter, was 33. "That Noah was so young and had never argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court or even the state Supreme Court did not go unnoticed by many folks in my office," Ferguson said. Once his staff saw Purcell in action, though, any concerns evaporated. Questioned about whether he's comfortable in the national spotlight, Ferguson demurred. The attention comes with the territory, he said. And though he's frequently mentioned as a possible governor, that's not on his mind right now. "When I ran for attorney general, I used to say I felt that it was the most consequential position in state government, and people often looked at me with a strange expression," Ferguson said. "I can tell you, when I say that now, nobody gives me a funny look." ___ Follow Gene Johnson at https://twitter.com/GeneAPseattle . Actress Melissa McCarthy returned to Saturday Night Live to portray White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. McCarthy apparently took the real Spicers advice to cut down on the gum, saying at the beginning of the skit that I have been told that I am going to cut back on the gum chewing, so Ive cut back to one slice a day before pulling out a giant novelty stick of gum. McCarthy as Spicer also promised to remain calm, especially after last weeks episode where she sprayed journalists with a water gun for asking questions. However, the promise didnt last long McCarthy used a leaf blower on a female journalist played by Cecily Strong after she questioned the White Houses murder rate statistics in Chicago. You know what that was? That was me blowing away their dishonesty, McCarthy as Spicer said. As Spicer, McCarthy also mocked Kellyanne Conway for encouraging people to buy Ivanka Trumps clothing line, and also defended her story about the Bowling Green Massacre. Watch the whole sketch above. Washington (AFP) - The White House confirms it is considering issuing a new order on immigration now that President Donald Trump's travel ban has been halted as it makes its way through the courts. "Right now we are considering and pursuing all options," presidential aide Stephen Miller told Fox television. He said the next step would be either filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, defending the merits of the order in lower courts or issuing a new one. "The president's powers here are beyond question," said Miller, who is considered one of the driving forces behind Trump's first actions on immigration. Miller insisted the president has the power to keep some people from entering the United States. "We are contemplating new and additional actions to ensure that immigration is not a vehicle for admitting people into our country that are hostile to its nation and its values," Miller said. The order that Trump issued abruptly on January 27 halts resettlement of all refugees for 120 days and that of Syrian refugees indefinitely. It also bars for 90 days the entry of nationals from seven mainly Muslim countries. A federal judge in Seattle issued a stay against the order on February 3. Then a three judge appeals panel in San Francisco voted unanimously last week against reinstating Trump's ban. Among other things, it rejected the argument that the president's actions in the area of immigration cannot be reviewed by the courts. The Trump ban was supposed to be in place while the government comes up with a new system of so-called "extreme vetting" of people seeking entry visas. This could include checks on their social media accounts, according to John Kelly, the secretary of homeland security. "Our immigration system should not be a vehicle for admitting people who have anything but love in their hearts for this nation and this constitution," said Miller, who is 31. Story continues "It is a message that I want the world to hear today. This country will protect its borders. It will protect its people," Miller said. The idea of the White House issuing a modified immigration order that would survive scrutiny in the courts does not convince Democrats, who from the outset have charged that Trump's order is simply anti-Muslim and plays into the hands of extremists. "It will be used as a recruitment for terrorist organizations. It will put Americans at greater risk traveling abroad," said Democratic Senator Ben Cardin. White House senior policy advisor Stephen Miller defended President Trumps claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2016 election, but refused to give any evidence of it. During a tense interview Sunday on ABCs This Week, host George Stephanopoulos asked Miller to provide evidence of voter fraud after Trump falsely alleged last week that he would have won New Hampshire during the election if thousands of people hadnt been bused in to illegally vote. Anyone whos worked in New Hampshire politics is aware of this, Miller said, who insisted that the White House has provided enormous evidence of voter fraud, citing the massive numbers of non-citizens in this country who are registered to vote. White House senior advisor doubles down on unsubstantiated NH voter fraud claims: Voter fraud is a serious problem in this country pic.twitter.com/DC6lVPQznz ABC News (@ABC) February 12, 2017 Trump has repeatedly alleged that voter fraud cost him the popular vote to former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, though these claims have refuted. Regardless, the President called for an investigation in to the matter shortly after he was inaugurated. Stephanopoulos continually pressed Miller for more evidence throughout the interview, but Millers failed to provide further detail. For the record, you have provided zero evidence that the president was the victim of massive voter fraud in New Hampshire, Stephanopoulos said at the end of the interview. You have provided zero evidence of the presidents claim that he would have won the popular vote if 3-to-5 million illegal immigrants hadnt voted. Zero evidence for either one of those claims. Thanks a lot of joining us this morning. Donald Trump this week could become the latest president to backtrack on a campaign-trail promise to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Or he could become the first president to make good on that pledge, at the risk of unleashing chaos in Americas relationship with the Arab world. Moving the embassy would mean that the U.S. formally recognizes Jerusalem as Israels capital, undermining Palestinian hopes of anchoring a future state in the eastern part of the city and thereby potentially making it impossible to restart stalled Middle East peace talks. Already, Arab allies have warned Trump against the move, while Israel has encouraged him, at least in public. A decision could come by Wednesday, when the unpredictable president hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. A day later, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will grill Trumps pick to be U.S. ambassador to Israel, bankruptcy lawyer David Friedman. Throughout the 2016 campaign, Trump vowed to move the embassy. In the statement announcing his nomination, Friedman said he looked forward to working from the U.S. Embassy in Israels eternal capital, Jerusalem. And just days before his inauguration, Trump reportedly responded to a journalist asking him about his pledge by saying, You know Im not a person who breaks promises. But the president has, since taking office, eased off his campaign-trail certainty that the diplomatic mission should move. A 1995 law makes it U.S. policy to relocate the embassy to Jerusalem, but successive presidents have used their waiver authority under the legislation to delay doing so, worried about scuttling Arab-Israeli peace efforts. Barack Obamas last waiver lapses in June roughly when Israelis celebrate a holiday commemorating Jerusalem reunification. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; President Donald Trump. (Photos: Ronen Zvulun, Evan Vucci/AP) The embassy is not an easy decision, Trump told the Israel Hayom daily in an interview this week. It has obviously been out there for many, many years, and nobody has wanted to make that decision. Im thinking about it very seriously, and we will see what happens. Story continues That echoed Trumps hedging in a January 29 interview with Christian broadcaster CBN. While there is certainly a chance that hell move the embassy, the president said, this has two sides to it; its not easy to do it its not easy and I will make a decision over the not-too-distant future. Trump could also try to find what might be seen as a middle path recommitting the U.S. to moving its diplomatic mission in Israel but without a clear timetable for doing so. Or he could let his future ambassador to Israel work out of the modern diplomatic facilities the U.S. maintains in Jerusalem, without formally calling his office an embassy. Because of the size of those facilities, there would be no immediate need to build a new embassy, a step that would require Congress to approve money. The question of whether to move the embassy is just one of many looming over Trumps stated goal of resetting relations with Israel and especially with Netanyahu. The prime minister clashed constantly with Obama on a personal level. Bilateral relations were more complex, as Obama chased the Iran nuclear deal over Netanyahus fervent and public opposition, while the U.S. stepped up military and intelligence cooperation with its staunch Middle East ally. As a candidate, Trump promised to tear up the Iran nuclear deal, and expressed support for Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Its not clear whether the president agrees that Middle East peace requires the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, a position dubbed the two-state solution. White House officials have ducked repeated questions about whether he endorses that approach, and a recent written statement mildly critical of Israeli settlements notably omitted any reference to it. The two-state solution would see Israel and the Palestinians work out their borders and the status of Jerusalem. Israel claims the city as its capital, but the Palestinians want East Jerusalem as their capital. Still, Trump recently criticized Israel for pushing ahead with new home construction in the West Bank, using language that hints at support for the two-state approach. They [settlements] dont help the process. I can say that. There is so much land left. And every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left, he told the Israel Hayom daily this week. I am not somebody that believes that going forward with these settlements is a good thing for peace. Defense Secretary James Mattis. (Photo: Ed Jones/Getty Images) Defense Secretary James Mattis is known not to favor the embassy move, seeing it as an unnecessary provocation that could inflame anti-American sentiment across the Arab world. And a Trump aide recently told Yahoo News that opposition to the embassy move from Jordans King Abdullah carried weight with the White House. Jordans Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi said after talks in Egypt last week that the king had taken up the issue when he met informally with Trump in Washington on February 2. In our view, Jerusalem is extremely important; our firm stance is that we reject any unilateral efforts that attempt to change the Arab, Muslim and Christian identity of the holy city, Safadi said. This stance has been clearly articulated by his majesty, and we have conveyed our viewpoint on the outcome of any decision that threatens the identity of Jerusalem clearly and honestly to the United States administration. In his final press conference, Obama did not directly address the embassy question, but warned that when sudden unilateral moves are made that speak to the core issues or sensitivities of either side [in the Middle East], that can be explosive. The sensitivities of the issue are clear on official government websites. The CIAs World Factbook says this under the entry for Israels capital: Jerusalem: note while Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, the international community does not recognize it as such; the US, like all other countries, maintains its embassy in Tel Aviv-Yafo. (Over at the State Department, the page that normally would include such details is currently being updated.) The issue led to some infamously awkward moments in the Obama White House, including a back-and-forth in which White House spokesman Jay Carney tried to duck the question. And the White House changed a transcript of Obamas eulogy for the late Israeli president Shimon Peres, striking Israel from a dateline that read Jerusalem. Read more from Yahoo News: Los Angeles (AFP) - Cello virtuoso Yo-Yo Ma on Sunday won a Grammy with his Silk Road Ensemble for "Sing Me Home," an exploration of the musical connections across Eurasia. The French-born Chinese American cellist had previously won an impressive 17 Grammys but his latest is his first for Best World Music Album. Ma set up The Silk Road Ensemble to bring together musicians from the historic route that connected the Middle East and Asia, in hopes both of finding artistic commonalities and furthering the cause of intercultural understanding. "Sing Me Home" started with deliberately loose guidelines, as skilled artists from the Silk Road chose works that were personally important to them and jammed with other musicians, spontaneously finding their own form of fusion. "We were strangers but having worked together over the past 15, 20 years has enriched our lives tremendously," the Russian-born, New York-based violinist Jonathan Gandelsman said as he accepted the award in a ceremony before the main Grammy telecast. The album was released to accompany a documentary on Ma's project entitled "The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble." Musicians on the album include the New York-based Syrian clarinet player Kinan Azmeh, who was recently stranded overseas when US President Donald Trump imposed a sweeping ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries even if they had visas or legal residency. Azmeh was able to return after a court blocked Trump's order -- he took part in a solidarity concert of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra that featured music from the blacklisted countries. "When things like this happen, it impacts us directly because a lot of us come from a lot of those countries," Indian tabla player Sandeep Das told reporters after accepting the award. He said that the ensemble sent a "powerful message of unity" as it taught the musicians -- and the audiences -- to respect one another's cultures. "In the current situation, I think we'll keep playing more music and sharing more love," Das said. "Sing Me Home" won out in a category that included sitarist Anoushka Shankar's "Land of Gold," which reflects on the global refugee crisis, and a live album by Brazilian legends Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil. This police dog wouldnt stop kissing his partner during a photo shoot, and it was magical This police dog just cant stop loving. Conservation Officer Levi Knach and his faithful BFF Kenobi posed for an official photo shoot. But Kenobi had trouble acting official unless were talking officially enamored. Indiana State Parks posted four photos on Facebook of the adorable portrait session. The pics of the chocolate lab kissing his partner quickly went viral, because theyre just too damn cute. Officer Knach does his best to keep things professional, but caught off-gaurd, he cant help but smile. Knach and Kenobi are both members of Indianas Department of Natural Resources (DNR) law enforcement agency. Indiana DNR Law EnforcementThe pair work together to fight crime on conserved land in the Hoosier state. But Kenobi never misses an opportunity to show his partner affection. Even if it means interrupting official photoshoots. Or impeding some of the work. [Officer Knach] and Kenobi constantly train for the unfortunate situations of locating missing persons, locating evidence from criminal activity, and detecting illegally taken wildlife, DNR Corporal Rodney Clear told The Dodo. The two did finally manage to get a formal shot. But we hope the DNR frames the behind-the-scenes pic, too. Actually, they ought to go in a doggy officer hall of fame. We all know that dogs are great at fighting crime. Just ask McGruff the Crime Dog. But, we think Kenobi ought become the new mascot: McLovin the Crime Dog, with an updated slogan, kiss crime away. A French businessman from Cote dAzur has sued Uber, asking for no less 45 million in damages, or around US$48 million. The reason is mildly amusing, unless of course youre the man who filed the lawsuit: He claims Uber was the cause of his divorce. Don't Miss: The Galaxy Note 7 disaster is forcing Samsung to make the Galaxy S8 worse As French news site Le Figaro explains, a notification bug in Uber allowed his wife to spy on him without his knowledge. The man used her iPhone to order Ubers, and then he signed out of the app. However, notifications for his Uber account kept arriving on her phone after that, even though he was signed out. Thats probably how his wife figured out he was lying about certain things, since she was able to see all his Uber notifications without alerting him. She was able to see details about his orders, including driver name, license plate, and arrival time. She may not have been able to track his location in real time or see the destinations, but she received plenty of information that would let her know when he was lying. For example, a working late at the office excuse doesnt really work in your favor if you keep taking Uber rides all evening long, and someone can prove it. Le Figaro was able to replicate the bug, but only on iPhones and only using an Uber app version older than the December 15th update. That update apparently fixeed the issue. The case should head to court next month. Its unclear why the man is asking for so much money or what his wife learned from the notifications she was receiving. Suffice to say that she divorced him after that, at least according to his suit. Uber, meanwhile, will not comment on the case. Uber doesnt comment publicly on individual cases, and especially on cases that involve a divorcing couple, a spokesperson told the French site. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - Facebook must do much more to stamp out hate speech on its site, the president of Italy's lower house of parliament said, warning that rising abuse on various social media was being fueled by fake news. Laura Boldrini, herself often the focus of sexist insults and online threats, complained to Facebook managers in November about hate speech on the social network and put forward several proposals on ways to deal with the problem. "Two months after our meeting, they have done nothing. They have not even written to me about what I said. Good manners would have expected at least a reply," Boldrini told Reuters in a gilded, art-filled room in the parliament building. She said she would write an open letter to Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg this week reiterating her call for a more effective and timely policing of his site. "His platform risks becoming home to dangerous predators ... the company has to take responsibility for this," she said. In a statement, Facebook said it was committed to battling hate speech and fake news, and was working closely with various institutions in Italy to deal with cyber bullying. Facebook, Twitter, Google's YouTube and Microsoft agreed last May to an EU code of conduct to tackle online hate speech, pledging to review the majority of valid requests for removal of illegal abuse within 24 hours in Europe. However, in a report released in December, the European Commission said only 40 percent of hate speech was being reviewed within 24 hours, with wide variations from country to country. In Italy, just four percent of hate posts were being removed within a day, the report said. MALICIOUS Boldrini, who is the third most senior official in Italy behind only the president and the president of the upper house Senate, says she is regularly deluged with abuse and in November published a selection of the offending comments. "Boldrini, you are a handicapped whore," says one. "Why has no one killed this terrorist," says another. Despite flagging such insults to senior Facebook managers, many still remained on her homepage, she said. One of her requests was for Facebook to open a full office in Italy to deal with its 28 million users in the country. At present, Italian complaints are handled at the company's European headquarters in Ireland, but Boldrini said the firm had not told her how many of its employees there spoke Italian. Boldrini, a former spokesperson for the United Nations Refugee Agency, said many of those who abused her on Facebook had been spurred on by malicious, fake news articles about her. These included stories about her saying migrants should get housing before locals, that Italian women should wear the veil or that her long-dead sister was making money from migration. "Fake news and hate go together. It is not being done as a joke. They are looking to discredit their adversaries. It is short-circuiting democracy," she said. Boldrini last week launched a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of false information, saying they raised a threat to ordinary people - such as lies spread deliberately about vaccinations for children or health scares. "Fake news is harming people and spreading hate. Hate is poisoning the well," she said. (Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Susan Fenton) By Makiko Yamazaki and Taro Fuse TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp <6502.T> will on Tuesday detail a writedown of close to $6 billion after bruising cost overruns at its U.S. nuclear arm, turning investor attention to the Japanese group's efforts to fix that and other balance sheet headaches. The TVs-to-construction conglomerate warned of a potential multi-billion dollar nuclear writedown in December, a year after a $1.3 billion accounting scandal. Sources familiar with the matter say the final charge, to be detailed alongside quarterly earnings, will be as high as 700 billion yen ($6.2 billion), a sum which alone would wipe out the company's shareholder equity. Toshiba, which has seen its market value almost halve since the prospect of a writedown emerged in December, is also expected to outline the prospects for its nuclear arm and update investors on efforts to raise capital, including through the sale of a stake in its flagship memory chips business. "The question for Toshiba is how is it going to move forward," said Masahiko Ishino, analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Center. He added Toshiba would need to show how it could stay competitive in the cash-generating but capital-intensive memory chip industry, given its battered balance sheet. Toshiba has offered a 19.9 percent of its prize chips business to investment funds and rivals including Bain Capital, SK Hynix <000660.KS> and Micron Technology . PILLAR OF BUSINESS On Thursday, a source said that Toshiba had received bids of between 200 billion yen to 400 billion yen for the flash memory stake, a range that could cover the 300 billion yen the company wants to raise. It prefers multiple investors. Toshiba is a pillar of Japan's business establishment. Born in the tumult of Japan's emergence from centuries of isolation, it made Japan's first light bulb and was a pioneer in laptop computers. Toshiba's 190,000 workers, employed at some 500 units, likely will make it too big to fail. But as with other established Japanese firms that have dodged financial collapse, such as liquid crystal display inventor Sharp Corp <6753.T>, Toshiba could face protracted pain. Financial sources last week pointed to problem businesses within Toshiba beyond nuclear, including Landis+Gyr AG. Toshiba agreed to buy that unlisted meter maker for $2.3 billion in 2011 to tap smart grid demand that at the time was expected to grow six-fold to around $70 billion in 10 years. At the end of September, the goodwill value of Landis+Gyr was 143.2 billion yen ($1.3 billion). Other stumbling blocks for Toshiba include a $7.4 billion commitment four years ago to buy U.S. liquefied natural gas believing that would help sell power plant turbines. ACCOUNTING SCANDAL A fall in Asian gas prices, now at about half the level they were, has cast doubt on that strategy. Toshiba, on a stock exchange watchlist barring it from issuing new shares, must also contend with fallout from the 2015 accounting scandal. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corp <8306.T> last month said it will seek 1 billion yen in damages, while sources say Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Ltd and Mizuho Trust & Banking Co are preparing similar suits.[nL4N1FK07I} With its latest financial crisis unresolved, investors appear most nervous about Toshiba's short-term prospects. The cost of insuring against a credit default has soared over the past two months. Five-year insurance, or credit default swaps, was quoted at 315/355 basis points on Friday, compared with 75 basis points in mid-December. That quote, below late December highs, suggests it would cost $315,000-$355,000 per year for five years to insure $10 million in bonds. The CDS curve <0#TOSBJPACMPBMK=> is inverted, suggesting short-term cover is most expensive. ($1 = 113.1900 yen) (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki and Taro Fuse; Writing by Tim Kelly; Editing by Richard Borsuk) Discussions in parliament took a refreshing turn when statements made yesterday had most parliamentarians arguing over which senior high school is the best in the country. Get the latest news on politics here READ ALSO: Ask Julius Debrah - Administrator General on missing state vehicles Hon Adena Osei-Asare, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Atiwa East in the Eastern Region, made an initial statement speaking on the 180th anniversary of the Wesley Girls High School. An anniversary which happens to fall to today. Hon Abena Osei-Asare's comment triggered a comment from Hon Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, MP for Cape Coast South, to the effect that Wesley Girls High School is perceived as the best school in the region, and that the Cape Coast Region in general is home to the best schools in the country. Hon Ricketts-Hagan's comment soon had many MPs - most of which were male - contesting the assertion. Pay Attention: Get news whenever and wherever you go with YEN NEWS android app here NPP MP for Old Tafo, Anthony Akoto Osei, also put in his two cents. According to him, Greater Accra is the region that held the best schools in the country, with Achimota - which happens to be his alma mater - being one of them. Female MP's who attended Wesley Girls High School like Zenator Rawlings, NDC MP for Klottey-Korley and Babara Asher Ayisi, NPP MP for Cape Coast North, couldn't help but come to Hon Kweku Ricketts-Hagan's defense saying that Wesley Girls High School, affectionately referred to as "Wey Gey Hey" by former students of the school ('Old Girls'), had produced many women of integrity who have contributed immensely to the country's development. Pay Attention: Get all the latest news on yen.com.gh Hammer in on her point, Hon Abena Osei-Asare mentioned the names of former students of Wesley Girls who went on to do great things, particularly the late Dr Mrs Mary Grant, first female doctor in Ghana; Prof Florence Dolphyne, first female Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana; Dr Mrs Sylvia Boye, first female registrar of the West African Examination Council (WAEC); Dr Mrs Rosina Aboagyewaa Acheampong, first female Ghanaian headmistress of the school and first Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service as well as Squadron Leader Melody Danquah, first female pilot of the Ghana Air Force. NPP MP for Ablekuma North, Hon Akua Afriyie, said that these anniversaries were opportunities for MPs to encourage students of less privileged educational institutions to strive harder to become useful citizens. READ ALSO: Uniformed men confiscate former Vice Presidential aide's 'personal' vehicle Source: YEN.com.gh Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mainly clear. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 41F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 41F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Feb. 24 is expected to be the last day for the Jeris Hallmark store in Valley View Mall, said Tonya Whitewater, who manages both that store and the Jeris Hallmark in the Crosseroads Center shopping center in Onalaska. The mall store has been holding an inventory clearance sale to prepare for its closing later this month. The mall stores four employees will transfer to the Crosseroads Center store, which will remain open, Whitewater said. Were looking at expanding hours there in the future, she added. With the Macys department store next door closing soon, Jeris Hallmark decided not to renew its own lease at the mall when it expires at the end of the month, Whitewater said. Were still committed to the area with our newly remodeled store in the Crosseroads Center, Whitewater said. Weve added the Vera Bradley line (of handbags, which Macys carries) and are adding other unique items to that store. Fleet Paint & Body Repair LLC at N5565 Commerce Road in Onalaska, recently added a second shop, in the former TCI warehouse at 3332 Commerce St. on the far North Side of La Crosse. The second shop opened in late January, said Tom DeBauche, who owns the business with his wife, Jayne, and their son, Bob. We did this to better serve our customers as their businesses grow, DeBauche said of adding a second shop. We primarily perform collision and paint repairs on commercial trucks, trailers and buses, DeBauche said. The business also works on recreational vehicles, construction equipment and boats. We opened our first shop in 1996, servicing many local and regional truck fleets, DeBauche said. And providing paint and body repair service to local truck and RV dealers and marinas. For more information, call Tom DeBauche at the Onalaska shop at 608-783-0662 or Bob DeBauche at the new La Crosse location at 608-783-5555 or visit www.fleetpaintbody.com. Construction is under way on a 6,000-square-foot factory addition at La Crosse Sign Co. at 1450 Oak Forest Drive, along Interstate 90 in Onalaska. Also, the business is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It will be for finished goods, a new spray booth and continuing expansion, owner and President Paul Fuchsel said of the addition. There have been other expansions since La Crosse Sign built its Onalaska facility in 1993. The addition is expected to be completed by the end of March and is expected to result in a few additional jobs. La Crosse Sign has a total of about 65 employees at its facilities in Onalaska, Madison and Eau Claire. Of those, more than 50 are in Onalaska. The companys history goes back to 1917, when Theodore Schultz started the La Crosse Sign and Advertising Co. Fuchsel has been in the sign business since 1975, when he went to work for what by then was the Collins-La Crosse Sign Co. In 1988, he purchased the on-premise sign part of the company. Well celebrate our 100-year anniversary throughout the year, Fuchsel said. The Sons of Serendip a classical crossover group that will play the Marie W. Heider Center for the Arts in West Salem on Sunday eveningfirst came to prominence as a result of its stirring performances on Americas Got Talent. Although the groups choice of instruments is classical piano, cello and harp their live shows feature more mainstream music most audience members will recognize. We usually do songs that people already love, explained principal vocalist Micah Christian. We take music from other genres rock, pop and soul rearrange it and put our own spin on it. That spin includes Christians soulful voice plus that unusual instrumentation. The bands set list includes songs like Leonard Cohens Hallelujah, Carry on My Wayward Son, by Kansas and Signed, Sealed and Delivered by Stevie Wonder. You wont often hear Stevie Wonder done with classical instruments, Christian said. Although the groups appearance on Americas Got Talent brought them national exposure, its likely no one would have ever heard of the Sons of Serendip if it werent for a series of incredible coincidences. Christian was once a divinity school student intent on becoming a minister. In a sense, hes been on a ministry of a different kind after the unexpected success on Americas Got Talent. Although their audition to appear on the popular NBC show was only the second time SOS had ever played together in public, the four men wowed the judges in performance after performance and survived all the way to the finals of the show. Meanwhile, the national exposure and public acclaim they received impacted their lives in unexpected ways. That experience changed everything, Christian said. I was teaching, Cord (pianist Cordaro Rodriguez) was a lawyer and the other two guys (cellist Kendall Ramseur and harpist Mason Morton) were also teaching. After the show we decided to quit our jobs and commit to this 100 percent we knew it wouldnt work otherwise. Asked whether the decision to commit to music felt like a calling, Christian was emphatic: Absolutely! I think thats how we all feel. There were so many circumstances that were out of our control that led us to come together that we believe this is what God wants for us. Those circumstances are reflected in the groups name. But serendipity might not be a strong enough word to describe all the coincidences that led them to Boston University. For example, after getting his undergraduate degree, Christian was getting ready to spend two years with Teach for America, a non-profit that sends students from top universities to teach in low-income communities. On the day he was called to make decision, a recruiter from Teach for America told him that something within her spoke to her saying that he belonged at Boston University instead. So, Christian went back to grad school to become a minister. Christian grew up in Massachusetts so Boston University wasnt far away, but Rodriguez and Ramseur grew up in Charlotte, N.C. They would take a more circuitous route before arriving at the same place. The two became friends when Ramseurs family moved into the same neighborhood as Rodriguez when he was 8 years old. Like Christian, both came from musical families. Years later, after graduating from Princeton with a psychology degree and losing touch with Ramseur, Rodriguez was going to be a lawyer. An adviser encouraged him to apply to law school at Boston College. Unfamiliar with the area, Rodriguez mistakenly applied and was accepted at Boston University instead. Soon after, he met Christian at a church service. Meanwhile, Ramseur had gotten his bachelors degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts and was pondering where to go to get a masters degree in cello performance. Despite offers of more financial aid elsewhere, he somehow decided on Boston University. Arriving in 2010, he was stunned to run into his old friend Rodriguez already there. The final piece of the Sons of Serendip puzzle was Morton. He grew up in Atlanta and went to college at Rice University in Texas. Mortons harp teacher at Rice suggested he go to grad school at Boston University and study there under her former teacher. Morton arrived in Boston with no idea where he would live, but quickly found a room in an apartment with Ramseur. Two years later, after Ramseur and Rodriguez had reunited, all three moved into an apartment together. Then, in 2014, after a difficult year volunteering in Peru, Christian decided to audition for Americas Got Talent (hed been signing in a cappela groups for fun). He asked Rodriguez to join him and then Rodriguez asked his roommates Ramseur and Mason. From the beginning the foursome discovered that they a unique chemistry. Their performances have been described as music for the soul, and Christians background probably has something to do with that. Beside his volunteer stint in Peru, Christian has volunteered in Honduras and in Calcutta with Mother Teresas Missionaries of Charity. He considers those experiences invaluable in shaping him and his approach to music. They helped me to really value being with people and, learning from them and doing my best to love them as best as I could. Its like an anchor for me and it brings me back to whats important and thats loving people. Christian said theres a wide range of reactions to Sons of Serendip shows. We incorporate humor so there are moments when people are laughing and others when people are crying or just content and happy. We always go out and meet people after the show, and we love hugs! According to Christian, after their shows sometimes people will tell them about sacred moments in their lives when their songs made a difference. In one memorable instance, a family in California called Christian in Boston and asked if the group could play a favorite song for someone on their deathbed. Christian said they were honored and humbled to do so. We did it over the phone in an effort to provide comfort, healing and peace, he said. So far, its been a very surprising and wondrous journey weve been on. CHICAGO While President Donald Trumps suspended travel ban may be up in the air, one thing is certain: His executive order has put the field of immigration law front and center. Its extremely busy. Im fielding a lot more calls than I normally would, not only from new clients, but also from clients who have pretty settled legal status, said Michael Jarecki, a Chicago immigration attorney. I even have Canadian citizens who have status in the U.S. call me and say, Can I go back to Canada? Whats the likelihood that the borders are going to be shut? The executive order, issued Jan. 27 with the intention of protecting the U.S. from foreign terrorists, temporarily barred entry for people from seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The order precipitated chaotic scenes at airports across the U.S. that weekend, including Chicagos OHare International Airport. Responding to calls from the International Refugee Assistance Project, lawyers flocked to airports, offering assistance to the families of stranded travelers. On Feb. 3, a Seattle federal judge temporarily blocked the immigration order. A federal appeals court has been considering whether to reinstate the ban. Despite the uncertainty of the travel ban and the potential difficulty of companies recruiting and maintaining foreign talent, one conclusion has emerged in the first few weeks of President Trumps administration: Lawyers with immigration know-how are in high demand, both by companies with deep pockets and families of modest means. Marketa Lindt, a Chicago business immigration lawyer and a vice president of the 14,000-member American Immigration Lawyers Association, said confusion is the order of the day for many companies. Weve had many calls from both the companies we work with as well as their foreign national employees, asking how the travel ban affects employees, and whether they need to cancel their own family or business travel even if theyre from countries other than the seven named in the executive order, Lindt said. For family-based immigration issues, the legal aspects of the travel ban are complicated by the limited financial resources available for many of those affected. Attorneys are stepping up. On Thursday, a seminar to train corporate attorneys from Chicago law firms on immigration law drew a record 130 attendees, said Tara Tidwell Cullen, a spokeswoman for the National Immigrant Justice Center, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides pro bono legal services for low-income immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. About 100 of them registered after the travel ban went into place, Cullen said. They realized they can play a really important role in helping immigrants who are going to be targeted by the Trump administration. For immigrants who can afford to hire legal representation, the phone calls have been fast and furious since the travel ban was enacted, according to Erin Cobb, 39, a Chicago immigration attorney. Im seeing phone calls from some clients who received citizenship years ago, who arent from any of the seven countries, who are now afraid to travel out of the country to visit their family, because they dont know whats going to happen, Cobb said. The ramifications of the travel ban are far-reaching. Nearly 100 U.S. technology companies filed a brief with the appeals court Feb. 5 opposing the ban and arguing the order disrupts ongoing business operations and threatens companies ability to attract talent, business, and investment to the United States. Amy McCormack, a Chicago-based legal recruiter, expects employment opportunities for immigration lawyers to increase during the Trump administration. I suspect everyone in the immigration space has been gearing up since the election, McCormack said in an email Monday. We have not seen a real uptick in law firm hiring of immigration lawyers yet, but it would not surprise me if it happens. McCormack said business immigration attorneys in particular should be in high demand in the coming months as larger corporations navigate the ramifications of potential travel restrictions on their workforce. While business may be booming, Jarecki said there are enough immigration attorneys out there to handle the paid workload, citing pro bono services as the most pressing need. Its a demand he expects to keep rising if the travel ban is upheld. Valentines Day. For many people it is a special day, intended to let close friends know how important they are in our lives, and to shower loved ones with tangible expressions of undying love. For others, it is an overcommercialized, made-up excuse for greeting card companies and candy makers to line their pockets to the tune of billions of dollars. The truth probably lies somewhere in between the two trains of thought. I fall on the side of expressions of love. In a 2011 article, NPR.org posited that we have the ancient Romans to thank from Feb. 13 to 15 they observed a festival known as Lupercalia, to honor the Roman god Lupercus, roughly the equivalent of the Greek god, Pan. During this festival, men sacrificed a goat and a dog (Im not sure if it was just one of each or one by each man). They then used the hides to whip the women, who actually lined up for it, believing it would help pregnant women have easier deliveries, and increase non-pregnant womens fertility. There was a matchmaking lottery the men would draw womens names, for their date for the duration of the festival. Longer, if things worked out. Sort of an ancient match.com/blind date. In the 3rd Century, A.D., two men named Valentine were executed, on Feb. 14 in separate years, by Emperor Claudius II. At least one of them was canonized, and the Catholic church celebrated their lives and martyrdom with St. Valentines Day. In the 5th Century, Pope Gelasius I merged Lupercalia and Valentines Day, in part to diminish the pagan ritual effect, but it remained a day to celebrate fertility and love. Valentines Days popularity increased in Britain and the rest of Europe in part due to the works of Chaucer and Shakespeare. Handmade cards came into vogue as love tokens in the middle ages. The tradition eventually made its way to America, and in 1913, Hallmark began mass-producing and marketing cards, and the rest, as they say, is history (actually, so was the first part). Jewelry and candy were apparently a natural extension of the cards. How much do these expressions of love set us back annually? NPR says the total was $17.6 billion in 2010 and predicted $18.6 billion in 2011. A Feb.5, 2017 article from retaildive.com predicts that of this years projected $18.2 billion price tag, $4.3 billion will be spent on jewelry, $2 billion on flowers, $1.7 billion on candy and $1 billion on cards. If youd like to rein in the spending a bit, the following recipes might be helpful for a nice candlelit dinner at home. Shrimp (or lobster, or crab, etc.) Newburg is relatively inexpensive, and amazingly elegant, considering how simple it is to make. It is one of those recipes that will have people convinced that you slaved over a complicated and tricky to execute recipe, when in reality, you can make it and be back to your champagne and bonbons in a matter of minutes. I like to add a cup or so of frozen peas, thawed, and some sauteed fresh mushrooms at the end, just to add a little color and texture to the dish. Serve the Newburg with a side salad. A dessert of cinnamon roll trifle could only be simpler if you bought the rolls instead of baking them. You could use frozen strawberries, thawed, for the first two layers, and then arrange fresh sliced strawberries decoratively on the top. And dont forget, candles and strawberries pair nicely with a flute of champagne. I received an email from Marlene Humfeld last week, letting me know that she switched out the flour to gluten free and added a pinch of xanthan gum to the Betty Crocker traditional sugar cookie recipe that ran in the Exchange in Nov. 2015, with very good results. She enthused: These cookies turned out beautifully! This is the best sugar cookie and icing recipe I have ever used, including my Moms/ Grandmothers. The icing is so easy, and hardens quickly, so they can be stacked or frozen. Now, that is a sterling endorsement if ever I heard one! That same week, I had come across some gluten free cookie recipes, again, from Betty Crocker, and I am running that sugar cookie recipe today. Frosted, heart-shaped sugar cookies would be another quick and delicious Valentines Day treat. The site, bettycrocker.com/cookies/gluten-free, also contains links to other gluten free cookie recipes, including gingerbread cut-outs, Russian tea cakes, chocolate crinkles, snickerdoodles and peanut butter blossoms. We are down to two current requests at this point. First is sauerkraut soup with pork and dumplings for Loretta Nockels. And Im sure there are almost as many tiramisu recipes out there as there are rehabilitative exercises. We could use a few more of the former for our physical therapist buddy DeanIm sure he has more than enough of the latter. Shrimp Newburg 6 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 cups light cream 3 beaten egg yolks 8 ounces medium to large shrimp, cut in bite-sized pieces 3 tablespoons dry white wine 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice teaspoon salt Frozen puff pastry shells, baked according to package directions Dash paprika Extra shrimp, for garnish Melt butter or margarine in a 10-inch skillet; blend in flour. Add cream all at once; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles. Quickly (so egg does not start to cook) and thoroughly stir small amount of hot sauce into egg yolks. Return to pan and cook, stirring constantly until thickened. Add lobster and heat through. Add wine, lemon juice and salt. Serve in puff pastry shells, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika. Can be made with crab meat or lobster. Garnish each serving with 2 whole shrimp, set in heart shape. Cinnamon Roll Trifle 6 Rhodes cinnamon rolls, baked and cooled 2 packages white chocolate instant pudding mix 3 cups milk 8 ounces cool whip 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced Bake cinnamon rolls as directed on package and let cool. Combine pudding mixes and milk. Mix with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes. Fold in cool whip. Cut cinnamon rolls into small pieces. In a trifle bowl, layer 1/3 of the pudding, half the cinnamon roll pieces and 1/3 of the strawberries. Repeat; top with remaining pudding and strawberries. (rhodesbread.com) Gluten Free Christmas Sugar Cookies 1 cup granulated sugar cup shortening cup butter, softened 2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla 1 egg 2 cups Betty Crocker All-Purpose Gluten Free Rice Flour Blend teaspoon gluten-free baking powder teaspoon salt Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk Heat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, shortening and softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. On low speed, beat in vanilla and egg. Stir in flour blend, baking powder and salt until well mixed. Divide dough in half; shape each half into disk. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm. On work surface lightly sprinkled with flour blend, roll each half of dough to -inch thickness. Cut with 2-inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. Stir together glaze ingredients. Spread on cookies. Sprinkle with additional granulated sugar, if desired. 2 dozen (bettycrocker.com/cookies/gluten-free) The Affordable Care Act and working people are linked in ways that are often overlooked. But with the health care law likely to be repealed by a Republican-controlled Congress under President Donald Obamacare is a Disaster Trump, its worth looking at _ and caring about _ the worry and confusion many workers now endure. Whatever your opinion on the ACA, it gave many entrepreneurial people the ability to strike out on their own and leave full-time jobs with companies that provided health benefits. Private insurance was always available for freelance workers or small-business owners, but the premiums could be prohibitive, particularly for people with pre-existing conditions, and the coverage was often subpar. The ACA, even with its many flaws, opened the door for people to work on their own terms _ to start businesses or to stitch together careers as freelance or gig workers. Now, with no clear sense of what would replace the ACA if it is repealed, workers across the country who rely on Obamacare are in limbo and, in many cases, thinking a return to full-time company work might be required. The ACA allowed Andy Freivogel to leave a full-time job with Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea in Chicago, one that provided him and his family with health care, and start his own internet technology company in 2014. His wife, Laurie, is an artist with an established business of her own. Andy and Laurie and one of their two children have asthma, but they were still able to get coverage for about $700 per month. It wouldve been impossible to buy that before, with pre-existing conditions he said. We wanted to build something for ourselves that is possibly an enterprise we can hand off to the kids or something we can build up and sell off to someone, kind of a last Hail Mary of our careers. Obamacare hasnt worked flawlessly for the Freivogels. They had to switch to a different insurance company and the familys monthly premium has gone up to almost $1,200 per month. But both say its still far better than anything they could have gotten pre-ACA. And theyre worried the whole system could soon be on the way out. Ive been angry at elections, but Ive never been scared, Laurie said. Im scared for my children. Andy is having to consider the future of the company he launched, which provides IT services to independent retailers. Im already thinking, What are my options for getting a full-time job that will allow me to get benefits? he said. If one of us has to do it, itll be me. And if they say repeal is going to take effect in 2017 or 2018, then I have to start looking for that job now, because those jobs are going to be hard to find. I recently tweeted out a request to speak with people who do freelance work or run their own businesses and rely on Obamacare. Responses came in from across the country, by the dozens. And most of them mirrored the worry currently felt in the Freivogel familys suburban Chicago home. Wendy Grahn and her daughter recently opened a shared commercial kitchen in Chicago. More than 30 independent food companies use that space. Grahn, who is diabetic, worked in a corporate setting for three decades, staying longer than she wanted because of health insurance coverage. When the ACA came about, it was a driving factor in making a career change and opening a business, she said. I dont think the ACA is perfect, not at all. But its a start. So my preference would be to fix the parts that arent working rather than scrapping the whole thing. But she can see the writing on the wall, at least at this moment: Republicans seem determined to do away with the ACA, and theyve been unable to provide a detailed plan for its replacement. The only option thats out there, they want to take that way from me, Grahn said. It makes me look ahead thinking I have to change everything and go back and get a corporate job to get insurance. I makes me worried that I might need to close down the new business and not give it a chance to get going. I understand that people have been hurt by Obamacare, because of everything from premium and deductible increases to having to switch doctors. But people also have been helped, and the path were on right now puts everyone _ those hurt and those helped _ in a cloud of uncertainty and half-baked political promises. Emily Lallouz is a 34-year-old freelance casting producer in Los Angeles. Shes pregnant, due in April, and worried. Its hard to prepare and plan for something that is so uncertain, she said. Nobody knows whats going on. Im due in April. What could even happen between now and then? Will I be able to go to these important doctors appointments that I need to? Meg Craig is a 30-year-old kidney donor covered by the ACA through the nonprofit organization where she works in Chicago. (Craig also does freelance editing, sometimes for the Chicago Tribune.) If the pre-existing condition clause goes away, Im essentially uninsurable, she said. I dont have plans to leave, but if I had to think about being able to pay for the cost of health care and it wasnt feasible at this place or any other, I cant just be uninsured. I dont want to be forced into a situation like that. I love what I do, I want to keep doing it and I dont want insurance to be the thing that forces me out. Thats a key point in all this: The need for affordable health insurance shouldnt be the reason people have to stay in jobs they dont want. That stifles creativity, increases stress and decreases productivity. Its a lose-lose scenario, not to mention a morally questionable one. I know Obamacare needs fixing. And perhaps it does need to be scrapped and replaced with something else. But working people like the Freivogels and Grahn and others deserve clarity _ quickly. Republicans have been criticizing and getting in the way of the ACA since its inception. Theyve had eight years to come up with a sensible replacement that will perform even better. Its time to show American workers a replacement plan. And if Republicans cant do that, its time to get to work at making the ACA better. DULUTH, Minn. Think about this from a third-graders perspective. From the day they were born, they were strapped into a car seat. Then a booster seat. Now their parents constantly harp them to strap on seat belts. But then they step on a school bus, and theres not even the option to buckle up. So when third-graders at Laura MacArthur Elementary School in Duluth were tasked with writing a letter to their local state senator, suggesting an idea for a bill to introduce, requiring seat belts on school buses seemed like a no-brainer. They were all just kind of, we have to wear them in cars, why dont we have to wear them on the bus? explained Emily Glomski, whose class composed the letter just after the election. Glomski assumed the class would get a polite reply, but little else. To her surprise, state Sen. Erik Simonson, DFL-Duluth, decided to introduce a bill, inspired by her third-graders. Then, earlier this week, he visited the school to talk to the class. The reason Im here today, and the reason Ive introduced a bill in the state Senate, is because of the work that you guys did, he told the students as they sat cross-legged in front of him in the school library. Thats the only reason. The original idea came from a student named Hunter Kuehnow, decked out for Simonsons visit in a black corduroy sport coat and red tie (clip-on, he admitted), and black-rimmed glasses. He slowly read a few sentences from the letter. We should have seat belts so we can stay safe on the bus. If we get in a crash, we dont want to hit our heads on the seats. When he was a kindergartner, Kuehnow said, he got hurt when a friend was messing around with him on the bus, and he got stitches in the back of his head. Despite that injury, school buses are already incredibly safe, Simonson told Kuehnow and his classmates. To be clear, and to be fair, school buses are the safest way to get kids from point A to point B, without a doubt, he said. School buses are seven times safer than passenger cars, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Board. Theyre heavy, high off the ground, and bright yellow so other drivers can easily spot them. And the rubberized seats, placed close together, are designed to protect kids in the event of a crash. School buses transport more than 23 million kids back and forth to school. Yet on average, only six die in bus crashes every year. But we have an opportunity here to make them even safer, I think, Simonson told the kids. Then the senator opened it up for questions. And immediately a third-grade student cut right to the chase. How are you going to pay for this? he asked. Huh. Excellent question, Simonson said. If theres one argument that could be made against seat belts, its the cost of the seat belts. And I understand that. And well try to figure out a way around this. It costs between $8,000 and $10,000 to equip a bus with seat belts, according to industry officials. With about 12,500 buses in Minnesota, that adds up to between $100 and $125 million. The price tag is a big part of the reason why similar legislation has failed to pass three times in Minnesota since 2011. Currently only six states require seat belts in school buses. While everyone acknowledges that seat belts save lives, there are also other concerns with installing them in school buses. Groups that represent bus operators and companies worry that drivers will be required to make sure kids wear the seat belts. And if there is an accident, they say, it could be difficult to free kids from their belts to leave the bus. But momentum may be shifting in favor of the idea. Minnesota is one of 17 states where school bus seat belt bills have been introduced this year, according to Amanda Essex with the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some states have pointed to the fatal crash in Tennessee in November of last year, she said, in which six grade school students died. The accident received a huge amount of national attention. I think that has maybe spurred this to the top of the mind for some legislators, she said. Also, about a year and a half ago, the administrator for the National Highway Transportation Safety Board for the first time came out in favor of seat belts on school buses, although the board has declined to mandate them. Then the National Safety Council followed with its own recommendation that seat belts should be installed on new school buses, a move that Simonson said could give the bill a better chance in the Legislature this year. But Derrick Agate, transportation director for the Hopkins school district, said requiring seat belts on new buses would put districts like his in an uncomfortable position because typically a district will buy only a handful of new buses every year. It could take 10 years to replace the entire fleet. How do you tell one set of parents that, yes, were having new buses in, but were going to be using it in this neighborhood, as opposed to this neighborhood? he said. Agate, whos also president of the Minnesota Association of Pupil Transportation, doesnt oppose seat belts. But he said any bill should also include money for school districts to pay for them. And that leads to another tough question posed by a Duluth third-grader to state senator Erik Simonson. What happens if the bill doesnt pass? Thats a really good question, and a really strong possibility, Simonson conceded. He told the class if it doesnt pass, hell keep trying, every year, until it does. Whatever happens, Glomski said her students wont forget that they spoke up and got the Capitols attention. Its just been awesome for these kids, she said. Even though theyre just 8 and 9, were all citizens, and all of our voices matter. Now they have this initial dipping their toes in civic engagement. Its pretty cool. It costs between $8,000 and $10,000 to equip a bus with seat belts, according to industry officials. With about 12,500 buses in Minnesota, that adds up to between $100 and $125 million. The price tag is a big part of the reason why similar legislation has failed to pass three times in Minnesota since 2011. Currently only six states require seat belts in school buses. It costs between $8,000 and $10,000 to equip a bus with seat belts, according to industry officials. With about 12,500 buses in Minnesota, that adds up to between $100 and $125 million. The price tag is a big part of the reason why similar legislation has failed to pass three times in Minnesota since 2011. Currently only six states require seat belts in school buses. While a change faces hurdles to overcome at the Capitol, some La Crosse parents and educators would welcome the opportunity to start the school year earlier. A law enacted in 2000 and backed by the tourism industry prohibits Wisconsin public schools from starting before the first day of September. Rep. Jim Ott, R-Mequon, is circulating a bill that would remove that restriction, which educators said would allow them more flexibility in creating an optimal school calendar. La Crosse School District Superintendent Randy Nelson said the district would be interested in starting the school year earlier. Most parents and students are ready to come back by the end of August, and the change to the law would put the control of the school calendar back in the hands of the districts. An earlier start would help maximize learning, Nelson said. Students are most ready in August to learn. By the spring days, we start to see diminished returns. Holmen District Administrator Kristen Mueller said school activities start in mid-August, and being able to start the school year at the same time would benefit both students and their families. It could also help combat backsliding over the summer by decreasing the amount of time between when students leave for the summer and start again in the fall. And it would give the district the opportunity to provide more breaks for students and staff during the year. It is really nice to have a break every so often, she said. Having the flexibility would allow for more of those. The proposal will have some big hurdles to overcome, including Senate Education Committee Chairman Luther Olsen, who said he will vote against any proposal to change the start date requirement. Olsens district includes Wisconsin Dells, and tourism advocates are opposed to any change. A.J. Frels, the executive director of the La Crosse County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said families want to vacation when the weather is good, and the end of August is an ideal time for that in Wisconsin. Lakes, rivers and streams are at their warmest in the last weeks of August, and the La Crosse area relies heavily on visits from boaters, kayakers, swimmers and beach-goers. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, 2015 tourism spending was $130 million higher in August than in June and provided an additional $10 million in tax revenues. August is a strong time for the county, Frels said, when hotel occupancy is at some of its highest levels. We just know that is a good time for tourism, he said. There would be a huge impact if there is a change to the school start day. We hope it doesnt. La Crosse parent Kerrie Moore has two kids at SOTA I, another child in preschool and one child at Aquinas Catholic Schools Blessed Sacrament. She said private schools in La Crosse start earlier than the district and would be in favor of an earlier start to the school year. By the end of the August, she said, her kids are more than ready to go back and reconnect with friends. It would also be nice to be done earlier in the spring and have longer breaks during the school year. That said, shes not hopeful the bill will get anywhere in the Legislature this year. I think the people in the Dells have a lot of clout, she said. EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) Tim Brudnicki stared intently at the partially finished structure in front of him, thought for a moment as he envisioned the next step building it, then said quietly I think that will work. Brudnicki, the owner of Eau Claire Woodworks, worked Tuesday constructing a large custom wooden inventory display case in a high-ceilinged space at Ambient Inks. He meticulously made his way through each step required to turn the blueprint in his mind into a finished product. But for Brudnicki, his work is about more than function and form. He also envisions his labor as art, as a means of expression through wood. That function/art mix was evident as Brudnicki, working with two employees, continued his work for Ambient Inks. He took his best guess at where studs in the wall he would anchor shelves to were, then drilled two holes to check. Got em he said with a smile after finding studs when he drilled. A moment later his artistic side surfaced. He unfurled a tape measure, holding it at one side of the display case, then strode toward the other side of the structure to measure there. He pondered the work for a moment before discussing how he planned to alter his original design to give it a more attractive appearance. Of course there is the part of this that is about function, about designing and building what people want and about it working for their needs, the 48-year-old Brudnicki said during a brief break from his work. But I am an artist. I need to innovate and explore, to create and to bring out the best aspects of whatever wood I happen to be working with. Trying to do that, to find new ways to turn wood into something beautiful, I guess thats what keeps me going with this. Brudnicki has garnered acclaim for his work, especially during the past year, when he experienced significant business growth. He became involved with an effort to recycle ash trees in Eau Claire being cut down to prevent the spread of a disease spread by the emerald ash borer into furniture and other wooden works. Another business Brudnicki is involved with, Tree Purpose of Eau Claire, is a result of that effort. Brudnicki was subsequently hired to create furniture and other works, such as attractive desks and bar tops, for the Oxbow Hotel and The Lismore hotel. Last year his company created more than 200 pieces of furniture for the Oxbow, including signature pieces in the hotels restaurant, the Lakely. That project, Brudnicki said, stretched him in terms of meeting demand. It also served as a big business boost. The work at the Oxbow really was a catalyst to get my name out there more locally, Brudnicki said, noting that prior to the hotel projects, the majority of his business was from out-of-town sales. Since finishing his work at the hotels, Brudnicki continues to receive a growing number of requests for projects, which range from small ones such as cribbage and cutting boards to bigger, more creative works like tables and headboards. Business wasnt always so good for Brudnicki. He and his wife, Christine, and the couples two boys moved to their rural Rock Falls home six years ago, relocating from Milwaukee, where Brudnicki once worked doing high-end carpentry and as a youth pastor. At first Brudnicki struggled to get his business off the ground. At one point he was on the verge of giving it up and finding other work. Then he created a new product, two tables showcasing the woods attractive grain interspersed with a winding cutout dotted with pebbles he had gathered from the Boundary Waters. Brudnicki drove to a shop in the tiny, artistic Pepin County village of Stockholm, where he sold items. He walked into the store with the tables and a woman perusing items saw them and bought them on the spot. Brudnicki figured he was onto something and built more of the tables that are part of the Rivers Edge series. They sold too, and his business grew. On Friday Brudnicki sat behind a large Rivers Edge table in the office of the workshop he built at his property last year, a building just 39 steps from his front door. Nearby, two company employees worked on projects as a table saw whined. I love that sound, Brudnicki said, smiling. He marveled at the growth of his business, how Eau Claire has wrapped its arms around him and how fortunate he is to have a job doing what he loves. He discussed the importance of balancing business growth with family life. And he said he is eager to focus increasingly on the artistic aspect of his work. Turning wood into works of art is something I have to offer, he said. Art is meant to be shared, and it feels most satisfying when I can make it and it can become a part of this community. I am an artist. I need to innovate and explore, to create and to bring out the best aspects of whatever wood I happen to be working with. Tim Budnick, 48 ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) From its humble beginnings on St. Cloud's north side almost 60 years ago, Peters Body Shop has continued to specialize in one thing: auto body repair. "Our main forte is auto body," said Glen Sunder, Peters Body Shop's chief financial officer. "We repair and replace panels to bring vehicles back to their pre-loss condition." It's an industry that has certainly evolved since founder Nick Peters opened his original shop in 1957. And it's a business, like many others in the automotive industry in Central Minnesota, that has continued to grow as demand for services has increased. It is precisely that industry growth coupled with a lack of qualified candidates in Central Minnesota that prompted Times Media to feature businesses such as Peters Body Shop as part of its 10-month initiative called Spark: Igniting Your Future. The series features a different industry each month that is growing according to data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and in need of workers. And businesses in the automotive and trucking industry, like Peters Body Shop, are no exception. In 1966, Peters was sold to Darwin Bonn and Vern Klein, who opted to keep the name as it had become a staple in the community. Bonn's son, Roger, joined the company ownership team in 1987 after Klein retired. In 1997, Roger Bonn and Sunder took over full ownership of the company. Today, the shop at 205 Osseo Ave. N is in transition as Sunder prepares to take on the president and chief executive officer roles in October. Throughout the company's tenure, Peters has expanded significantly in both physical size having outgrown its original location and service capabilities. The shop has added a wheel alignment and balancing machine to give customers a one-stop-shop experience. It has an in-house auto mechanic to provide services such as oil changes, suspension checks and repairs, and air conditioning checks and maintenance. "We want our customers to have peace of mind knowing that Peters will take care of them start to finish," Sunder said. Peters Body Shop started with a handful of employees nearly 60 years ago and now has the equivalent of 26 full-time jobs. Positions in the company vary from estimators and auto body technicians, to service managers, detail personnel and painters. "We have 10 body techs who when vehicles get dropped off will do all of the dismantling, repair and straightening of the panels," Sunder said. "At this shop we do a combination of fixing and replacing." Each auto body tech has two lifts so they can work on multiple cars simultaneously. This is especially important if parts are on back-order. "If it is a late model vehicle, sometimes insurance will allow us to order new parts," Sunder said. "But a lot of times we get in reconditioned parts." After the work is completed including basic auto mechanic work done in-house the reassembled vehicle makes its way to a prep station where it is taped and ready to be painted. "The painting is done in an enclosed space in order to have a clean paint job," Sunder said. The vehicle gets detailed and is then ready for the customer to pick up. It may sound like a simple process, but Sunder said auto body technicians need a lot of training and problem-solving skills to get a customer's vehicle back up and running. "It can be challenging," he said. "Every vehicle we work on is unique. No two hits are the same." In order to keep up with changing technology, every employee at Peters is required to undergo some sort of continuing education. Often that program is designed by car manufacturers and helps the shop become a preferred provider for many brands including Ford, General Motors, Honda and Nissan. That commitment to education earned Peters Body Shop original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certification 2015, allowing the shop to make repairs using the exact specifications and parts the manufacturer did. Starting pay for Peters varies with experience. Sunder said employees get a flat hourly wage and the opportunity to earn incentives as they increase efficiency. The shop also offers a full benefits package. Sunder said experience from a technical college does help teach some of the basics behind auto body repair. "But bottom line is a lot of training will come from people mirroring more experienced techs," he said. "We are not throwing them out to the wolves. We can teach them the trade and the skills, but they have to be willing to learn." And in an industry where technology is rapidly evolving, more people especially those who are capable of adapting to those technology changes are and will be in high demand. "(You) have to be a thinker to be in this industry," said Sunder. "You have to be a problem-solver and be able to think on your feet. It's a very challenging career and we are truly proud of what we do." MINNEAPOLIS From handwritten 17th-century letters to underground hip hop albums from the 1970s, a whole bevy of African-American historical artifacts are now available via the University of Minnesotas Umbra search. The site, which houses digital African American archives, is now completely free and open to public just in time for Black History Month. With more than 500,000 materials from nearly 1,000 institutions, the site was created as a central repository for use by researchers, teachers, students, artists and faculty, said Cecily Marcus, curator of the Archie Givens, Sr., Collection of African American Literature at Anderson Library. The project is a national initiative between several institutions, such as Yale University and the Smithsonian Institution, but was led by the University. Nearly 50 percent of the collections materials come from the Digital Public Library of America, Marcus said. The sites singular focus on African American culture and history makes it unique, she said. Theres a lot of information you might not be able to get in school, said Dorothy Berry, who leads the projects digitization process. The site collects everything from art and music to letters and clothing, Berry said. It gives users a well-rounded picture of black culture during a given time period, she said. In that way, Umbra gives you a jumping off point [to learn], she said. And teachers at St. Pauls Gordon Parks High School are already using the site in classes. Jamie Tomlin, an English teacher at Gordon Parks, said the accessibility the search provides is useful for high school students, since similar materials are usually only available at museums or libraries. Tomlin co-teaches a class at Gordon Parks with University professor Catherine Squires on African American history in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Aside from using the site during Black History month, Tomlin said senior students are already planning to use it for final projects. Tomlin said the site is proving useful in teaching students, allowing them to engage with aspects of African American history that might not usually be discussed in the classroom. The students are becoming digital historians, Tomlin said. The Umbra project will continue to digitize items as it goes on, Berry said. Currently, Berry said she is working with the Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies and Kerlan Collection of childrens stories to find archival materials that intersect with African American history. Every four months or so, Marcus said, the University will go through its own and other institutions collections to see if theres anything new to add; the collection could even double over the course of this year. (The site) gives you a perspective beyond just a paragraph in a textbook, Berry said. MADISON A federal court has ordered the Wisconsin Legislature to redraw voting districts in time for the 2018 elections. This is a victory for voters, who have been voting in gerrymandered districts that were ruled unconstitutional in November. Although the court did not specify how the Legislature should redraw the maps, the League of Women Voters urges lawmakers to choose a method that will minimize undue partisanship. The League filed a brief in the case offering possible ways to accomplish that. The Wisconsin constitution gives the legislature the responsibility of redistricting, which takes place every ten years after the census. Unfortunately, when you have one-party rule, as was the case in Wisconsin in 2011, the majority party is able to choose the voters by drawing meandering district boundaries designed to include some voters and exclude others. Of the nonpartisan redistricting methods we proposed, the most practical is the procedure followed successfully in Iowa, which has a similar constitutional provision. There, a nonpartisan legislative agency drafts the district maps for the Legislature, which retains final responsibility for enacting (or rejecting) the proposed maps. The Wisconsin Legislature could direct its Legislative Reference Bureau, the nonpartisan service agency which drafts all legislation, to create new maps. The agency would have to follow the usual districting criteria mandated by state and federal law, such as compactness, contiguity, respect for existing municipal boundaries and non-dilution of minority voting power. The plan should also provide for public input. Iowas Legislative Services Agency is advised by a nonpartisan commission and must hold at least three public hearings about the plan in different regions of the state and report on the hearings to the Legislature. The Legislature then brings the redistricting bill to a vote shortly after receiving the report. Only corrective amendments are allowed. If the initial plan is rejected, the agency must submit a second version within 35 days. Again, the Legislature votes, with only corrective amendments allowed. There is plenty of time for such a process to take place in Wisconsin before the court-ordered deadline of Nov. 1. Since its creation in 1980, the Iowa process has operated smoothly and with the support of both parties. Each decade the Legislature has enacted the first or second proposed plan. No plan has been challenged in court, saving Iowa taxpayers millions of dollars in litigation fees. Iowas plan has resulted in some of the most competitive districts in the nation, offering voters a choice of two or more viable candidates. In Wisconsin, none of our eight congressional districts is considered competitive, and Common Cause in Wisconsin reported in 2016 that just one in 10 of our legislative districts could be considered competitive. That leads to uncontested elections and less choice for voters. There are currently proposals before the Wisconsin Legislature to adopt the Iowa plan. Lawmakers should do so this session. They also should apply the plan now to redraw the current, unconstitutional districts in a way that will give voters confidence that they are not being manipulated by politicians seeking an unfair partisan advantage. Donald Trump has righted another great Obama wrong. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers has reissued the permit for the Dakota Access Oil Pipeline. As a retired permit coordinator for the state of Wisconsin, I'm free to speak while those still in public service are not. The Corps of Engineers withdrew the permit for the pipeline at the insistence of the Obama Justice Department. The only way a permit could be withdrawn is that some new significant adverse material fact was discovered. As none has been produced or can be produced, the Obama administration gives the appearance of withdrawing the permit solely on partisan political grounds. This would be an abuse of power and might constitute criminal activity. Anti-pipeline protesters have been featured in news reports decrying threats to the environment and cultural heritage sites. None of these protesters seem to have a working knowledge of the exhaustive environmental and archaeological reviews required for such a major construction project. Nor are they familiar with the reviews on this permit even though these documents are available to the public. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers requires complete compliance with environmental and archaeological reviews before a permit was ever issued. The assertion that the Corps would run a slipshod review is ridiculous. Underground river crossing pipelines are common and have a known safety history. There are numerous such crossings in our area. Realize that you personally benefit from these pipelines next time you hear some anti-pipeline protester virtually slandering the character of the people at these government agencies, pipeline companies and their contractors. Tomah to Portage, Wisconsin may not be the jazziest title for the episode of a television series, but when that series audience is exclusively in the United Kingdom, all of them subscribers to the BBC2 television network, the names of those two local cities probably portend something much more exotic. In this case, the connection between Portage and Tomah and the area in between is the American railroad, as seen through the eyes of the producers of the show Great American Railroad Journeys. The episode with the aforementioned title aired on BBC2 Thursday evening (Greenwhich Standard Time, of course), and it is not yet viewable by anyone over here across the pond from the UK or anywhere outside of that realm, for that matter. (Viewing rights issues apparently have a hand in this embargo.) But, ultimately, anyone interested in seeing a British take on the areas historical high points will be able to view the episode sometime soon, either at Circus World Museum in Baraboo or at H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum in Wisconsin Dells, according to the directors of both of those historical destinations. Scott ODonnell, executive director of Circus World, and Dave Rambow, site director of the H.H. Bennett Studio, apparently feature prominently in the episode, which was touted for the past few weeks on the BBC2 website. ODonnell and Rambow both were interviewed on-location on multiple days last September for the episode by series host Michael Portillo, a former British Member of Parliament-turned-television host who stars in the series. In addition to visiting Circus World and the Bennett Studio for the episode, Portillo and his crew traveled to Portage where they interviewed Fred Galley, an advocate for the historic Canals restoration and began their Tomah to Portage journey with a visit to a cranberry bog in Tomah. Portillo and crew joined Rambow at a scenic spot overlooking the Wisconsin River, where the relatively new site director of the historic Dells studio and museum re-enacted the efforts of legendary photography innovator and legend H.H. Bennett in the practice of wet-plate photography. Rambow even wore period-appropriate garb, which he is wont to do when he demonstrates the photographic practices of the man who helped invent both the stop-action photograph and Wisconsins tourism industry. The fact that Bennett art, science and commerce and melded them together for his own use was of special interest to Portillo and his crew, and the promo page for Portage to Tomah (bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08dzxnz), refers to Bennett as an innovative photographer who first captured motion. A visit to Circus World in Baraboo following the time with Rambow included an extensive tour of the spectacular wagons or train cars that used to transport the circus as it crisscrossed the U.S. after the development of the railroad through the area enabled the Big Tops exponential growth across the U.S., ODonnell noted. We discussed the great history and legacy of association between circus and rail, ODonnell recalled this week. Its a big chapter in the history of the circus. Once they transitioned from horse and wagon (to transport the Big Top), the sky was the limit you could expand across the country, exponentially. ODonnell, himself a former circus owner and ringmaster, also taught Portillo a bit of a showman, apparently, who was deeply involved in the recent Brexit campaign in England how to juggle and spin plates. It was quite fun watching him trying to learn circus tricks, ODonnell said. He said Ive been spinning plates for most of my life, and to actually learn how to do it is amazing. As for a local viewing, both ODonnell and Rambow said they have requested copies of the episode and will show them at their respective historical sites as soon as they can. A 29-year-old Sparta woman was referred to the Monroe County District Attorney on drug charges after she was stopped by police Aug. 28, 2016, in Winnebago Park shortly after 7 p.m. Police were dispatched to Winnebago Park concerning a woman, later identified as Ashley N. Coville, and man together in the womens restroom at the park. A witness told police she attempted to enter the restroom only to have a man pull the door shut. When police arrived, Coville and the man were walking away from the restroom. According to the report, Coville told police she didnt have any identification with her and said her name was Ashley N. Giffin. The report says Coville was sweating heavily and that her pupils were pinpointed. Police seized Covilles purse and reportedly uncovered multiple items of drug paraphernalia, including syringes and a spoon. The purse also allegedly contained a straw with a powdery residue and a container with a red liquid, both of which were sent to the state crime lab in Madison. Coville was referred for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She also has a bond condition that established a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew, which triggered a bail jumping referral. In other Tomah Police Department news: Robert S. Linenberg, 59, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for being armed while intoxicated after a Feb. 4 traffic stop. Police pulled over a vehicle driven by Linenberg for an improper stop. The report says Linenberg was slurring his words and acknowledged consuming between three and six alcoholic beverages. The report says he told police there were no weapons, alcohol or drugs in the vehicle. After reportedly failing a field sobriety test, a preliminary breath test recorded a blood-alcohol count of .159. After Linenberg was handcuffed, he told police there was a firearm in the vehicle, and police found a holstered handgun on the drivers side floorboard, which triggered the firearms referral. He was issued a citation for first-offense drunk driving. Kelley Jo Spivey, 20, Sparta, was referred to the district attorney on multiple charges after police responded to a report of loud music at a Birch Lane residence. Police were allowed into the residence, where Spivey and another person were sitting a table with several cans of open beer. Spivey acknowledged consuming beers despite being underage. Dispatch confirmed that Spivey had a bond condition that prohibited her from consuming alcohol. Police also detected the odor of marijuana and reportedly recovered a smoking pipe that was hidden in Spiveys bra. Spivey was referred for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and bail jumping. Curtis Aaron Johnson, 45, Circle Pines, Minnesota, was referred to the district attorney for second-offense drunk driving with a passenger under 16 years old. Police pulled over a vehicle driven by Johnson on Superior Avenue Feb. 5 for crossing the yellow line on two occasions. The report says police detected the odor of alcohol and that Johnson had glassy eyes. He reportedly failed a field sobriety test, a preliminary breath test recorded a blood-alcohol count of .154. Michael P. Severson, 46, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for bail jumping. He is accused of violating a bond condition that prohibits him from consuming alcohol. Shallan A. Rhea, 35, La Crosse, was referred to the district attorney for second-offense drunk driving after a Jan. 29 traffic stop. Police pulled over a vehicle driven by Rhea for allegedly failing to come to a complete stop. The report says Rhea barely opened her window and avoided eye contact with police. When asked how many drinks she had consumed, she replied, a few. The report says Rhea failed the horizontal gaze test and that the field test was discontinued after she told police she had a torn meniscus. A preliminary breath test measured a blood-alcohol count of .18. Tanya Lynn Ludke, 42, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for forging checks. Police were called to TACU Credit Union Jan. 30 three days after Ludke wrote a check to open a checking account for $825. TACU determined that the account associated with the check no longer existed. The report says Ludke also wrote a check from the same lapsed account to purchase multiple items from a local convenience store. Ludke was referred for theft by fraud, issuing a worthless check. It has been said that you need to have lived the blues to sing the blues. I am not sure I agree with that but when it comes to Jazz, I do think you have to live it to play and sing it. Al Jarreau did just that. According to CBS-DFW News: "...when Ortega tried to register to vote in Tarrant County, she admitted she was not a citizen, so her application was rejected. When she told them she had already been voting in Dallas County, that's when investigators started looking into her case..." In a newspaper local to Urbana, the hometown of Miguel Valencia-Sandoval, in an article that covered his arraignment, News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich added: "Also Thursday, a separate indictment charged Salvador Garcia-Lund, 27, of the 1700 block of Henry Street, Champaign, with making a false statement of U.S. citizenship and aggravated identity theft in March 2016 on a passport application. He also is charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, an illegal immigrant, on Jan. 4." In July of 2015, WND.com columnist Aaron Klein relayed a report by the FBI. "The FBI [...] documented [that] gangs in Southwestern border regions consisting of up to 80 percent illegal aliens were committing a multitude of crimes in America, 'including drug-related crimes, weapons trafficking, alien smuggling, human trafficking, prostitution, extortion, robbery, auto theft, assault, homicide, racketeering, and money laundering.'" Klein continued: "The report reveals that 'in many cases, gang members who commit criminal activity in the region are not U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents.'" In an interview with WND.com, Clare Lopez, a senior Middle East analyst for the Center for Security Policy exclaimed the following: "Today, it is the nation-state system and any concept of national sovereignty that is under concerted attack by the forces of the global jihad movement..." Lopez continued: "Jihad is not only a violent phenomenon but can be pursued by many other means, including hijra." For more articles like this, visit Conservative Articles. Follow Russell on Facebook and Twitter. Contact the author on social media or by email @ AllenJR100@gmail.com With the Democrats losing the presidency, after winning the popular vote by over 2 million votes more than the victor, Donald J. Trump: Should the constitutional provision of the Electoral College be scrapped? Yes, the votes for president should be concentrated in the population centers. No, the Electoral College provides for better representation from the less populated states. I rarely vote because I have little knowledge of the issues. 103 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? Throughout his campaign, President Trump warned against what he called a "rigged" election. Conservatives like myself defended this claim incessantly, despite harsh backlash from Liberal voters. A "rigged" election can mean a number of things and I would argue that several elements of the 2016 campaign were out of whack, to say the least.I believe there is strong evidence to support the claim that the Democrat party attempts to appease illegal immigrants for the purpose of establishing a larger voting bloc in America. If the Left can make it easier for illegal immigrants to cross the border and settle in America, they believe that the majority of those immigrants will return the favor at the polls. Obviously, the Left would never publicly admit it, so we now have to change our criteria for what counts as proof. How much evidence must we pile up in front of ourselves before we decide to accept the conclusion as reality?In most states a photo ID is not required when voting. Although the fight to change this has raged for years, few states have "strict" voting laws. For the right price, a foreign national can enter the United States, obtain a fraudulent birth certificate, a fraudulent social security number, and a fraudulent photo ID. This was proven when a Mexican national who lived in Illinois for more than 10 years was arraigned on February 9th, 2017, charged with seven federal counts, including four counts of voting by an illegal immigrant.Miguel Valencia-Sandoval, a Mexican-national living in Urbana, Illinois, paid $50,000 in return for the birth certificate of an American citizen named Ramiro G. Vasquez. The victim's brother sold the birth certificate to Valencia-Sandoval.Miguel was arrested attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. He had a Texas-issued birth certificate and an ID card issued from the state of Illinois. The documentation had Vasquez's name and Valencia-Sandoval admitted to authorities that he did not obtain permission prior to using the stolen birth certificate.Miguel voted in 2012, 2014, and 2016. [ News-Gazette Another case is that of Rosa Ortega, a Mexican-national living in Tarrant County, Texas, who was just recently sentenced to eight years in prison for voter fraud.Rosa's Uncle, Felipe Ortega, told the Dallas-Ft. Worth news station that:Rosa's attorney also spoke with the news station. The attorney said that Rosa:A learning disability does not justify Ms. Ortega being allowed to vote multiple times because she hasThis means that Ms. Ortega has friends and family in her life here in the states. If she truly has a learning disability, as claimed by her attorney, Rosa's family has had to guide her through life; if not her family directly, someone in her life has helped her. Therefore, someone in Rosa's life would have communicated to her laws that she must follow to avoid being caught, arrested, and sent back to Mexico.Of course, under President Obama deportation was a very rare thing, and I don't necessarily blame Rosa for feeling confident enough to vote multiple times. However, if she had the wherewithal to fill out a voter registration, fraudulently stating she was a legal citizen, and if she had the wherewithal to go to the polling station and vote, no doubt for the front-running Democrat on-ballot, then she had the wherewithal to know right from wrong.There's no doubt that many illegal immigrants come into America with bad intentions, and even more come here with no particular intentions at all and end up running into the law later on in life. Illegal aliens are criminals because they entered the United States illegally. Those who break our laws should be punished accordingly. In the words of former-presidents Obama and Clinton,Those laws are being broken at a high rate and illegal immigrants are very much involved. Despite reality, Huffington Post and other far-Left-leaning publications have characterized illegal immigrants as mostly peaceful, hard-working people. President Trump blasted these publications during the 2016 Presidential campaign and he took heat for it. But, the FBI has confirmed our President's assertions concerning crime and illegal immigrants.Moreover, the FBI report referenced by Klein goes on to state that illegal immigrants have been caught numerous times in possession of:This is concerning considering the danger it poses to children and families living in those areas. It's scary to imagine that just a few miles across the border there's a war zone overrun with cartels and gangsters, many of whom alternate freely between the U.S. and Mexico.While some illegal immigrants are good people, they break the law when they enter America illegally. Moreover, many of the illegal immigrants coming into America daily are terrible people with terrible intentions. Many of these people are former and current gang members. Many of these illegal aliens are members of especially brutal gangs like MS-13 and the Latin Kings.Illegal immigration brings new, underpaid, non-taxed people onto the national payroll. These aliens take jobs that Americans would otherwise be doing. Illegal aliens pay sales tax when they purchase consumer goods, but they pay nothing in the form of income tax. It's impossible for U.S. workers to compete with Mexican-nationals who work for half the pay, under the table, sending a large portion of the money to Mexico to be spent on the Mexican economy.This information is important because it establishes the problem. The problem is trivialized when someone just saysorbecause we hear that almost every day. Corrupt political elites stand to gain from a whole new class of potential voters. It's been done in the past, undoubtedly, and it will be done in the future.When we add Islamic refugees to the mix we see the potential rise for terrorists to gain entry into our country covertly and illegally. The Islamic State (ISIS) has stated clearly that it intends to use the "Syrian refugee crisis" to insert terrorists into other countries. This is just one of numerous Islamic-terrorist sects and they've been extremely successful infiltrating European countries.Many in the mainstream media would have us believe that America is safe from this possibility. Several outlets have cited widely-reported statistics concerning the likelihood of Americans being killed in terrorist attacks, reporting husbands and lightning more deadly to Americans than terrorism. But for Americans well versed in Islam and the methods condoned and even taught by Islamic literature, these trivial statistics do not take into account the reality of Hijrah.Hijrah means immigrating in the name of Allah and Islam. It is a stealth move. The spreading of Islam by means of Hijrah is considered righteous among Muslims. The Koran goes in depth about methods to be used for the purpose of spreading Islam. Immigration is a tactic used by Islamic terrorists to stealthily insert their warriors into enemy provinces and countries. It's been used for centuries and it's being done today in the face of world leaders not versed on these issues.There's little doubt in my mind that they've infiltrated America as well, but politicians on the Left can't admit, or even address this reality. These politicians count on public-naivety to push their corrupt agendas. Most Americans are not familiar with the tactics used by these Islamic warriors. It's easy for politicians to point fingers at the Right and scream "bigot" and "Islamophobic" when they know that many Americans simply don't know any better. Sunday, February 12, 2017 President Trump's harsh immigration bluster -- and Executive Orders -- may be having impacts that go beyond what might be expected. College Greenlight reports that applications for the California DREAM Act have plummeted by 64 percent in the 2017-2018 school year -- a decrease of 21,842 applications from the 2016-2017 academic year. So far, California has received 12,299 applications for the 2017-2018 school year. In 2016-2017, it received 34,141. Applications close on March 2. The California DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Minors) is a California law that allows some children who immigrated to the U.S. to receive financial aid. To qualify, a student must have been brought to the U.S. when they were less than 16 years of age and lacked proper immigration paperwork. As long as a student attended high school on a regular basis and meets in-state tuition and GPA requirements, he or she is eligible for financial aid. KJ https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2017/02/california-dream-act-applications-decrease-64-percent-.html Rankings are very important in higher education. Lots of publications produce lists of the best colleges and universities. They use several measures to decide the rankings. Price, size and the average starting salary for graduates are just some of those measures. The rankings can help students decide which school they want to attend. But rankings are not just for colleges and universities as a whole. Their individual parts, namely professors, are also rated. At the end of a period of study, almost every university in the United States asks its students to evaluate their professors. This often happens before the students know how well they performed in their classes. Schools ask students about the teaching abilities of their professors, and the usefulness of the material covered in the class. Administrators use this information to help make decisions about a professors value to the school. Universities rarely share this information with students. But, students want information about teachers they have yet to take a class with. How difficult are the classes this professor teaches? How much time does that professor offer outside of class to help students? Does the professor use digital technology, like posting notes online? These are some of the kinds of questions students want answers to. So in 1999 a computer programmer designed a website called RateMyProfessors. The site let students from Canada, Britain and the U.S. rate their professors on a scale of 1 to 5 in several areas. These areas included clarity, easiness, helpfulness and overall quality. The site also let students rate the professors physical appeal. As of December 2016, RateMyProfessors listed about 17 million ratings of more than 1.6 million professors from over 7,000 schools. However, last May the site removed clarity and helpfulness as individual qualities to be rated. Universities rarely, if ever, use RateMyProfessors ratings as a way of evaluating the performance of a professor. Students may find them useful. However, this system of evaluation does present problems. Andrew Rosen is a graduate student studying chemical engineering at Northwestern University outside of Chicago. He says he used RateMyProfessors often in the past. He likes that students can list comments about professors to give more information than just a rating. But, Rosen says, he noticed a sharp gender disparity in such ratings. So he designed a computer program to study the almost 8 million ratings of professors at U.S. universities. He says no one had ever done a study of this kind. The academic publication Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education published the findings in January. Rosen looked at the differences in average overall quality scores between professors in different areas of study. He also looked at the differences in average overall quality scores between male and female professors. "So across all of the disciplines on the site, theres not one discipline where females professors score higher than male professors. And, of course, by that I dont mean to imply that female professors may not be as good professors as male professors. Thats not true at all. What I do mean is that students that submit these reviews may have gender biases against or for certain professors." Rosen says students may not realize they are consistently rating women lower than men. But he says the study shows that subconscious bias among students affects their judgement. And, he says, gender is not the only thing students are considering. Rosen found that professors with higher average scores for easy classes also had higher average overall quality scores. Overall quality scores were also higher for professors rated as good looking. There were also major differences in how students view academic fields. Professors of mathematics and science often had lower ratings than those teaching art or language. For example, the average overall quality rating of physics professors is 3.4 out of 5. The average overall quality rating of foreign language professors is 4. Rosen suggests this may be because professors in some fields have more experience in research than in teaching. But the rating process could also be affected by student expectations as to how professors of certain subjects should look and act. "Some disciplines probably have different gender stereotypes. The stereotypical image of a scientist is kind of like a white male in a lab coat with a beaker, right? So, if you have a professor that doesnt fit that mold, perhaps these gender stereotypes are causing these differences." RateMyProfessors chose not to speak with VOA for this story. But other experts in higher education also argue these types of rating methods have problems. Philip Stark is a professor of statistics at the University of California at Berkeley. He and his research partner, Anne Boring, also published a study of student evaluations of professors. They looked at about 23,000 university-operated student evaluations of 379 professors in France. They also looked at a U.S. study of college student evaluations of an online class. Students in that class had never met their professors nor even learned their names. Two classes secretly had a male teacher and two other classes had a female teacher. Stark and Boring found the French students and the U.S. students both favored male professors in their ratings. And in the online classes, the students gave lower ratings when they thought their teacher was a woman. This happened despite test results showing students performed better in the classes taught by the female. Stark says universities began about 30 years ago to use their own student evaluation systems in employment decisions. He says it proved an easy and low-cost way of measuring teacher effectiveness. But, he says it may not be fair to judge all professors in the same way. "It gives students a voice It makes it really easy on administrators to rank people. The problem is that it may be giving students a voice in the wrong way, or we may be misinterpreting exactly what the voices are able to judge well. And in making it easy for the university, the administration to do their job, that doesnt mean that theyre doing a good job as a result." Stark says there is no proof that male professors perform better than females. And students may not fully understand the usefulness of some material over others and so may not be fit to judge. He suggests administrators should instead take care when evaluating teaching ability. They should consider the time and effort professors put into teaching in and outside their classes. That way professors can be rated on their level of commitment, and not just by student opinion. I'm Jill Robbins. And Im Pete Musto. Pete Musto reported this story for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. What qualities do you think make a good professor? How do you think schools and students should evaluate a professors teaching abilities? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story ranking(s) n. a list of people or things that are ordered according to their quality, ability, or size salary n. an amount of money that an employee is paid each year graduate(s) n. a person who has earned a degree or diploma from a school, college, or university evaluate v. to judge the value or condition of someone or something in a careful and thoughtful way class(es) n. a series of meetings in which students are taught a particular subject or activity rate v. to make a judgment about the quality, ability, or value of someone or something scale n. a range of numbers that is used to show the size, strength, or quality of something usually singular clarity n. the quality of being easily understood gender n. the state of being male or female disparity n. a noticeable and often unfair difference between people or things academic adj. of or relating to schools and education score(s) n. the number of points that someone gets for correct answers on a test, exam or evaluation discipline(s) n. a field of study imply v. to express something in an indirect way submit v. to give a document, proposal, or piece of writing to someone so that it can be considered or approved bias(es) n. a tendency to believe that some people, things or ideas are better than others that usually results in treating some people unfairly subconscious adj. existing in the part of the mind that a person is not aware of stereotype(s) n. an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic lab coat n. a piece of clothing that is worn over a shirt as part of the uniform of a doctor or scientist beaker n. a wide glass with a lip for pouring that is used especially in chemistry for holding and measuring liquids mold n. a usual or typical example of something online adj. connected to a computer, a computer network, or the Internet misinterpret(ing) v. to understand or explain something incorrectly commitment n. a promise to do or give something The United States last added a group to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations on June 30, 2016. On that day, the Obama administration put al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinental on the list. It said the group carried out attacks in Pakistan and murdered writers and activists in Bangladesh. President Donald Trump is considering adding two more groups: the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Ted Cruz: It is time to call this enemy Senator Ted Cruz of Texas lost out to Trump for the Republican Party presidential nomination. He and other Republicans in Congress last month proposed bills that ask Trump to consider adding the Brotherhood and Iran's Revolutionary Guard to the terrorist list. It is time to call this enemy by its name and speak with clarity and moral authority, Cruz said. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is Irans main security group. It also controls large parts of Irans economy and is a major influence on its politics. Opponents of naming the Iranian Guard a terrorist organization worry the move could do more harm than good. They say it likely would increase support for Iranian hardliners, reducing the influence of moderate leaders. The Muslim Brotherhood wants countries to be governed by Islamic Law. The Muslim Brotherhoods Mohamed Morsi was elected president of Egypt in 2012. But he was removed by the military, led by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, one year later. After taking over as the countrys president, el-Sisi has banned the Muslim Brotherhood. And he has been calling on the U.S. to add the group to its terrorist list. There is also opposition to putting the Muslim Brotherhood on the terrorist list. The Council on American-Islamic Relations works to protect civil liberties of American Muslims. Ibrahim Cooper speaks for the group, which also opposes President Trumps executive order blocking travel to the U.S. from seven majority Muslim nations. A court has put the order on hold. Cooper told VOA that those pushing for the terrorist declaration are trying to connect American Muslims to the Muslim Brotherhood. Such a declaration, he said, would be used in a political campaign to attack American Muslims. But important advisers to President Trump support the terrorist declaration for the Brotherhood. Among them is his chief strategist Stephen Bannon, the former head of Breitbart News. He has called the Brotherhood the foundation of modern terrorism. Sean Spicer is the press secretary for President Trump. He would not say if Trump is ready to declare the Brotherhood and Iran's Revolutionary Guard terrorist organizations. But he said the presidents main goal is to attack and destroy Islamic terrorism. The Egyptian government recently ordered 1,500 people to appear in court on charges of helping fund the Muslim Brotherhood. Human Rights Watch said the action amounts to indiscriminate use of Egypts anti-terrorism laws. What happens to groups on U.S. terrorism list? American people and businesses are prohibited from doing business with groups on the foreign terrorist organizations list. And the groups and their members are prohibited from using any money or other holdings they own in the U.S. Since 1997, 61 groups have been declared terrorist groups by the U.S. government. The list includes some of the worlds deadliest terrorist groups. Among them are al-Qaida, the Islamic State, al-Shabaab, and Boko Haram. Other well-known groups on the list include HAMAS, and Hezbollah. Twelve of the groups were removed because they are no longer considered a threat. Among those removed was the Khmer Rouge. The group was responsible for 2 million deaths in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Bruce Alpert reported this story for VOA Learning English with materials from VOA News, Reuters and other sources. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story clarity - n. the quality of being expressed, remembered, understood, etc., in a very exact way authority - n. a quality that makes something seem true or real hardliner - n. someone considered to have radical and unbending opinions foundation - n. something such as an idea or principle that provides support for something indiscriminate - adj. affecting or harming many people or things in a careless or unfair way holdings - n. things owned by individuals or groups, such as real estate prohibit - v. to order (someone) not to use or do something DOWN Not a herd. The National Park Service resumed shipping corralled bison to slaughter, starting with 15 cows that had been quarantined for the past year because the state of Montana would not allow the animals to be transported to a quarantine facility on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Under a compromise with state and federal agencies, 24 male bison were moved to a quarantine facility just north of Yellowstone Park at Corwin Springs. The tribes who have invested in a proper quarantine facility at Fort Peck will have a hard time building a herd with males only. UP Open books. The Montana House passed a six-year renewal of the states per capita grant funding of public libraries and public library districts. We urge the Senate to also approve House Bill 261, which continues the state funding of 40 cents per resident per year. DOWN 2015 oil spill. The oil spill that fouled the Yellowstone River and temporarily forced closure of the Glendive municipal water plant resulted in a $1 million fine for the pipeline operator, True Energy, of Casper, Wyo. True already had a record of 30 spills and multiple fines before the Jan. 17, 2015, break above Glendive. That kind of record gives the pipeline industry a bad reputation. UP Chairman Daines. U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., the new chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks pledged to work to reduce the maintenance backlog that has left Yellowstone and Glacier national parks with poor roads and deteriorating facilities. UP Voter convenience. The House State Administration Committee approved HB 287 making the absentee (mail ballot) list permanent. We call on all lawmakers, especially those representing Yellowstone County, to support this common-sense bill that will save voters and county elections offices time and money. DOWN Neighborly notice. The Montana Senate passed Senate Bill 93 requiring oil and gas drillers to give notice to owners of occupied dwellings within 990 feet of a wellbores surface location at least 20 days before drilling activity starts. That would be a good step toward neighbor notification, except that the Montana Board of Oil and Gas last fall adopted a rule requiring notice be given to owners of occupied buildings including schools within 1,320 feet of the wellbore. SB93, sponsored by Sen. Tom Richmond, R-Billings, actually would reduce the notification requirement. Not too neighborly. DOWN Nonprofits targeted. The latest legislative attempt to tax Montanas not-for-profit hospitals proposes to revoke their property tax exemption if they pay their top executives and physicians competitive salaries. House Bill 331 sponsor Rep. Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, said his bill protects nonprofits. In fact, it could force Montanas largest non-profit hospitals to consider becoming for-profit companies to stay open. As opponents of this bad bill noted in the House Taxation hearing, the Montana attorney general's review has shown that Montanas largest nonprofit hospitals have annually returned community benefit, including charity care, valued at three times their property tax exemption. Do not pass this bill. UP Pet protection. The Wyoming House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Senate File 115 that would make it a felony to kill or injure an animal belonging to someone else while on the owners property or somewhere else it was allowed to be. Wyoming law already provides felony penalties for killing such an animal, but if the animal is injured even if it must be euthanized the crime presently is only a misdemeanor. Testimony to the committee indicated that poisonings, shootings and other attacks on animals are not uncommon. One out of every five Montanans gets health care through Medicare. That was 201,000 of us last year everybody over age 64, along with some disabled adults. With so many Montanans depending on Medicare, questions and problems frequently arise. Good communication is crucial to resolve them. Many Montanans turn to our congressional delegation for help, hoping that a U.S. senator or representative can get the answers needed. That source of help has been severely hampered since the Trump administration took over the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CMS employees wont talk to congressional offices; they say theyve been told not to talk or correspond with Congress. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., wrote a letter to President Donald Trump on Feb. 2, asking him to lift the order you have given that bars federal agencies, particularly the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from communicating with members of Congress. Meanwhile, Montanans kept calling about medical claims and enrollment. Hospitals, clinics and doctors offices contacted his office about Medicare issues. So when Trump invited Tester and nine other senators to lunch Thursday, Montanas senior senator brought along a pocketful of email printouts showing unsuccessful attempts at communicating with CMS on a Medicare issue that a Montana hospital needs to resolve. When Tester brought up the CMS communication ban, Trump seemed genuinely surprised and said that shouldnt be happening and looked at Reince Priebus, Tester told The Gazette later. I said Ive got an email trail that shows this is going on. Tester gave Priebus the emails, and the White House chief of staff gave his cell number to the senator. "To be fair to the president, I dont think he knew about, Tester said. I had the impression they were going to fix it. Tester said he will be back in touch with the White House early this week if the communication blackout continues. Tester described the lunch meeting as a free-flowing conversation between the president, four GOP senators and six Democratic senators. Tester brought up other issues at the White House: the effects of the Trump hiring freeze on veterans claims processing, support for public lands and transparency in campaign finance. The critical point is that the senator communicated, the president communicated. When the flow of information is blocked between the executive and legislative branches as has happened with CMS during the past few weeks, Congress cannot do its oversight work. When government cuts out information to the public, citizens are denied their right to fully participate in their government. Think about what CMS silence means for senior citizens who are just trying to get the health care coverage theyve earned and being fearful that a claim wont be paid and theyll be stuck with the bill, or for small, rural Montana clinics that serve all in need in their community trying to deal with a huge federal agency in Washington, D.C. As Tester wrote to Trump in the letter he hand-delivered Thursday: The recent communication ban puts Montana seniors at risk. We join Tester in calling for opening better lines of communication with CMS and throughout the federal government. Hundreds of Iraqi civilians have been killed and wounded in Baghdad by American bombers. Iraqi foreign minister Tariq Aziz said: This was a criminal, pre-meditated, planned attack against civilians. Local reports say two laser-guided precision bombs hit an air-raid shelter in the middle class district of Amiriya, five miles from the centre of the Iraqi capital. So far 235 bodies have been recovered, 12 hours after the attacks at 0445 GMT and 0450 GMT. Continuing fires and intense heat in the bunker complex which includes a school, mosque and supermarket have hampered rescue efforts and 300 people are still thought to be trapped inside. White House spokesperson Martin Fitzwater said the loss of civilian life was truly tragic, but described the bunker as a well-known military target. We dont know why civilians were at this location. We do know that Saddam Hussein does not share our sanctity for human life, he continued. One American intelligence officer said the bunker had been transmitting military signals until the moment the bombs hit. Another US spokesperson in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, suggested Saddam had deliberately created a human shield a tactic he has used before to inflame international opinion against allied air strikes. The Baghdad shelter manager said: We didnt have a single military man in the shelter. It is allocated to civilians. According to intelligence sources the shelter was built during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s with a 10 to 15-foot thick concrete ceiling, reinforced with steel, designed to withstand electro-magnetic pulses from a thermo-nuclear blast. Both sides are investigating the incident caught on camera by US planes. Tariq Aziz has called on the UN meeting tonight to condemn the hideous crime. A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar expressed dismay at such a large loss of civilian life. Courtesy BBC News In context The final death toll was 314 including 130 children, after one of the 900kg bombs exploded in the middle of the largest upstairs room and the other blew up and blocked a ventilation shaft. The incident was widely reported by the western media and brought the horror of modern, hi-technology warfare into peoples homes across the world. The row over whether the bunker had been a military installation was never properly settled. Ten days later the allied ground attack against Iraqs occupation of Kuwait began. Within three days Iraqi troops began to withdraw and Kuwait was liberated on 27 February 1991. In March 2003, the United States led a new coalition force in a war against Iraq which succeeded in toppling Saddam Husseins regime. The former Iraqi leader was captured after several months in hiding in December 2003. He was tried by an Iraqi court which sentenced him to death. He was executed on 30 December 2006. Behind some of the worlds most reputed concert halls is a Japanese engineer whose finesse in shaping sound is so perfectly unobtrusive that all listeners hear is the music in all its subtlety, texture and fullness. Yasuhisa Toyotas talents are coveted as classical music venues are increasingly designed in vineyard style, where audiences surround the stage to hear the performers up close and enjoy an almost-interactive experience, feeling more like a part of the music and being able to be seen and respond to it. Toyotas Nagata Acoustics has just 20 employees globally, but it dominates acoustics work for halls in Japan and is expanding abroad. Hes designed the acoustics for orchestras in Los Angeles, Helsinki, Paris and Shanghai. Another of his projects, the Elbephilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg, opened Jan. 11. Still, when asked to summarize the reason for success, Toyota hesitates. So many factors are involved in fine-tuning acoustics, and each hall has a different design, creating fresh challenges. No one can explain in one word why a Stradivarius violin sounds so beautiful, or how the way it was made may have shaped that beautiful sound, Toyota said in a recent interview at his Tokyo home. Whether sound is beautiful, clear or pleasant is extremely complex, he said. So when were talking about acoustics in a concert hall, there is basically that space itself. Toyota, 64, is not a musician but was raised listening to and loving classical music. The company founded in 1971 has headquarters in Tokyo and Los Angeles, which is Toyotas main home these days as he oversees Nagatas projects outside Japan. Toyota coined the expression psycho-acoustics to describe the importance of emotions and other senses in sound. Would a pink violin, for instance, sound as good as a brown one, he asks? There is discussion about a formula for acoustics because sound is invisible. People dont ask those questions about visual design, said Toyota, whose carefree flair, quick wit and laugh are unusual among Japanese of his usually staid generation. At times sounding like a Zen monk when he talks about the art of sound, Toyota says crafting acoustics requires a thorough knowledge of building materials, close collaboration with architects, comprehension of musicians needs, computerized simulations, use of scale models of the halls and analysis of reverberating sound. The thickness of a wall, its shape, material and curves, the fixtures hanging from the ceiling, and the musicians themselves all affect acoustics. In the old-style shoebox design of concert halls, where the audience sits in rows facing the stage, the sound is easier to control. The vineyard format is trickier. David Howard, a bass clarinetist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has played in several halls Toyota has worked on and says he appreciates the direct, clear and full, and intimate nature of their sound. In that sense, Mr. Toyota hit a home run, he said. Apart from the just opened Elbephilharmonie, Toyota has done the acoustics for Stanford Universitys Bing Concert Hall, Helzberg Hall at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Chamber Hall at the Museo Del Violino in Cremona, Italy. His first major overseas project was the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which opened in 2003, for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The acoustics of the hall the Los Angeles orchestra used before were so bad that musicians overplayed to compensate, and that carried over to other venues. The ideal environment, Howard said, is one where I can feel unencumbered in terms of being concerned about my individual sound, and I can just play, so that the ingredients are such that I dont have to worry about it being beautiful enough, or loud enough, or clear enough, that those things are more or less taken care of for me, so that I can just make music. Toyotas fame started with Tokyos majestic Suntory Hall, but its 1986 opening was a nightmare, he recalls. It took time for the musicians to adjust to its finely tuned acoustics. That process can take several years. But these days, musical experts agree the acoustics in Suntory Hall are impeccable. Toyota said he asks all musicians to play more softly while adjusting to a new venue where hes worked. When all 80 people are nervous and playing in all directions, then there is utter chaos on stage, he said. Japans love for classical music and Toyotas talent were evident at a recent JapanPhilharmonic Orchestra performance at Suntory Hall of Bruckners Symphony No. 8 in C minor. Kikue Sugimito, a long-time Japan Philharmonic season-ticket holder, remembers being awed by the sound quality when the orchestra moved from its previous venue to Suntory Hall. There is a transparence about the sound here, she said. Pietari Inkinen, the conductor, said the hall was so close to perfect any kind of piece could be played, inspiring the performers because listeners can feel the symphony in their stomachs. This is really one of the best halls in the world, he said. You can play unbelievably softly and it carries to the last row. The architect Frank Gehry, who worked with Toyota on Disney Hall, says the aim in designing a concert hall is to make the space comfortable and interactive for all in the room. Gehry and Toyota donated their work to build a hall, opening in March, for Berlins Barenboim-Said Akademie, which was founded by conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim and the American-Palestinian scholar Edward W. Said to educate and bring together young musicians, including Arabs and Israelis. In music, youre taking sounds and putting them together to create beauty and a feeling. When you do a building, youre taking inert materials and putting them together to create beauty and a feeling, said Gehry, who admires Japanese culture, including gagaku music and architecture, and, especially, Toyota. You make the space comfortable, interactive and humane so that people feel together in the room and people feel together with the orchestra. The orchestra feels the relationship with the people. And it makes it better. That was what we tried to do. We could talk about it that way, said Gehry in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. I love working with him an enriching treat beyond belief, he said. Although architects and acousticians sometimes dont get along, as they infringe by definition on each others turf, Toyota told a story about the cross-cultural collaborative relationship he has with Gehry, joking about sharing blame equally if Disney Hall were to fail. So he tells me, Yasu, if things dont go well, lets commit harakiri together. But you have to do it first, and Im following because I have no idea how to do it. My response was, Frank, you have to do it first. If I did, there will be no one who can help you. I can help you. You should go first. Im going after you. By Yuri Kageyama, AP Walt Disney Co. raised ticket prices at most of its domestic theme parks from 1.9 percent to 4.9 percent, more modest increases than last year when the company introduced higher fees on the most popular days. The cost of a regular ticket to Disneys Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Florida, will rise to USD115 from $110, the company said Saturday in an e-mailed statement. The $124 peak price at Magic Kingdom, which includes many summer days and holidays, is unchanged. Magic Kingdom is the worlds most attended theme park. At Disneyland, in Anaheim, California, the regular, single-day ticket price rose by $5 to $110. The peak price at the companys two parks there also reached $124. All of the changes went into effect yesterday. Disney, the worlds largest theme-park operator, has been investing heavily in the business, opening a $5.5 billion resort in Shanghai last June, for example. An attraction modeled after the film Avatar will debut at the companys Animal Kingdom park in Orlando in May. Two Star Wars-themed lands are planned in California and Florida for 2019. The company introduced three tiers of pricing at its domestic parks last year, with the cost of a ticket on the busiest days rising as much as 20 percent. Disney offers discounts on tickets purchased for multiple days. It also offers annual passes. Prices for two of the highest levels of annual passes at Disneyland, the $849 Signature Passport, which excludes some days, and the $1,049 Signature Plus, which provides access every day of the year, are unchanged. Some multi-day options will decrease in price. Our pricing provides guests a range of options that allow us to better manage demand to maximize the guest experience and is reflective of the distinctly Disney offerings at all of our parks, Suzi Brown, a spokeswoman for the Burbank, California- based company, said in an e-mail. Theme parks were the only one of Disneys four divisions to post an increase in profit last quarter. Operating income for the three-month period ending in December rose 13 percent to $1.1 billion, even though domestic attendance fell and the Orlando properties were closed for a day because of Hurricane Matthew. Domestic attendance slipped 5 percent in the December quarter and was down 1 percent in the fiscal year that ended Oct. 1. Christopher Palmeri, Bloomberg Gov. Doug Burgum has rejected a plea by North Dakotas American Indian tribes to give them exclusive rights to host internet gambling and sports betting in the state. But Burgum did endorse the tribes appeal to lower the legal gambling age from 21 to 19 at American Indian casinos and to allow use of credit or debit cards to bet. The tribes asked Burgum to approve the gambling expansion under tribal-state agreements. The tribes wanted gamblers using mobile devices to place bets that would be funneled through computer servers on tribal land. Burgum says state law doesn't allow that. NORTH KOREA In an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump, North Korea appeared to fire a ballistic missile yesterday in what would be its first such test of the year. The reports of the launch came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Uns late father, Kim Jong Il. TAIWAN A minor earthquake hit the southern part of Taiwan early Saturday, injuring four people. Authorities said the magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck near the coast of Tainan city at around 1:12 a.m., leaving as many as 50,000 households briefly in the dark before power was restored. No deaths were reported. PHILIPPINES Officials yesterday warned survivors of a powerful earthquake that left at least eight people dead in the countrys south to ensure their homes and buildings are sturdy enough before venturing back amid continuing aftershocks. INDONESIA Tens of thousands of Indonesians gathered at the national mosque in the capital on Saturday for mass prayers urging people to vote for a Muslim governor of the city as the country prepares for regional elections next week. Jakarta police estimated the crowd at 60,000 to 70,000 people. MYANMAR leader Aung San Suu Kyi called on all armed ethnic groups to sign a cease-fire agreement during a speech yesterday in the same place where her father, an independence hero, signed a peace deal 70 years ago. SYRIA Turkeys president says his troops and allied Syrian opposition fighters have entered the center of the northern town of al-Bab that is a stronghold of the Islamic State group. The Turkish-backed forces are racing to seize al-Bab before rival Syrian government forces arrive. POLAND A police spokeswoman in Poland says 13 people have been injured after a truck rammed into the bus carrying American band The Dillinger Escape Plan to a concert in Krakow. GERMANY Firefighters yesterday evacuated hundreds of passengers at Hamburg Airport after 50 people were injured by an unknown toxin that likely spread through the airports air conditioning system. All flights were halted for several hours due to the evacuation, an airport spokeswoman said. COLOMBIAs president, Juan Manuel Santos, has asked for Donald Trumps support in approving U.S. funding to back the countrys peace deal with leftist rebels. I thought little more about the brothers until February 2015 when, in a moment of boredom, I made a random Google search for J & M Lazarus, their trade signature. It was only then that I discovered that they had lived and worked in Africa, in Lourenco Marques (present day Maputo), between 1899 and 1908, as well as operating a studio in Beira, a coastal town in central Mozambique. But I was intrigued and even more so once the citations were translated. The medals, known as Ordem Militar SantIago da Espada (Order of St. James of the Sword) are an official honour given by the President of Portugal for outstanding artistic, intellectual or scientific merit. It was an extraordinary revelation. Both men had received the Order, which accounted for the two chains, in recognition for their work as photographers for the Portuguese royal household and then later, for the Republic. When I interviewed my father about his childhood in Portugal, in April 2013, he produced the only evidence he had of that time none of which I had seen before: a dusty, plastic bag of family photos, a few letters written to him by his father and his uncle Maurice and a box of medals. Inside were two sets of heavy, ceremonial-looking collar chains, each dominated by a red sword centrepiece surrounded by green laurels with what appeared to be a motto, Ciencias, Letras, E Artes engraved around the swords tip. On the lid was an inscription in Portuguese, dated 1930 and signed by the then President of Portugal, Oscar Carmona. Dad did not know the medals origin, nor had he ever thought or wanted to find out. I had always known that my paternal grandfather, Joseph Lazarus, had been a photographer in Lisbon. But that was all. My father had spent his early years growing up there until he was 11. The premature loss of both his parents and the onset of war brought him back to the UK where he was then adopted by his uncle and aunt and became a brother to his two older cousins. One link led to a blog written by Antonio Botelho de Melo, a Maputo-born banker with a particular interest in the history of Mozambique. When I emailed him, his response was immediate. Your grandfather and great uncle are kind of celebrities in my little worldThey captured the city at a time of major growth and economic expansion, as well as providing a unique insight into the colonial experience in Mozambique. Their work, he wrote, is among the very best visual record produced at the time. This visual record was accompanied by an evocative commentary, written by the brothers in an introduction to the second edition of their album, A Souvenir of Lourenco Marques in 1901. Lourenco Marques is unquestionably the most picturesque place in South Africa and one that no traveler to the Cape should fail to visit, they wrote. The old-time almost romantic aspect of the town, [its] many palm trees swaying to the will of the wind with dignified condescension the strange costumes of the cosmopolitan peoples who make up the population and the buildings[which are] oriental in architecture. Within the last five years [it] has merged from the chrysalis state of primitiveness into a busy constantly improving town. The brothers were born in Sunderland in the 1870s. The family left for South Africa, sometime in 1880s. By the 1890s, Joseph and Maurice owned a studio in Barberton, a town in the Mpumalanga province. Their route to Lourenco Marques might have been influenced by the Transvaal railway line, which had opened in 1895 the construction of which they had documented connecting Pretoria with southern Mozambique. In Lourenco Marques, the affluent, international capital of colonial, pre-independence Mozambique, the brothers established one of the first and most successful commercial houses of photography. From Mozambique, they moved to Lisbon and in the summer of 2015, I travelled there with Jake, my then 19-year-old son. Lisbon would have been an entirely different experience for the brothers from Africa. They witnessed the fall of the monarchy, the chaos and uncertainty of the First Republic and the dictatorship of Antonio Oliveira Salazar. They lived here until their deaths Joseph in 1940 and Maurice in 1949 both are buried in Lisbons Jewish cemetery. Their studio, Photographia Ingleza de J & M Lazarus, was on Rua Ivens, 53-59 in Chiado the heart of bustling, downtown commercial Lisbon. As prominent studio photographers they produced high quality portraits for leading figures, later branching out into selling photographic equipment and frames. They were also contributors to several newspapers and magazines. Nowadays, their former studio is a Levis clothing store. Although there were hundreds of photographic houses in 1910/20s Lisbon, only a few had the prestigious connections that the Lazarus brothers had, explained Bruno Saraiva, part researcher, part curator and historian at Museu da Presidencia da Republica, Lisbons Presidential Museum. Not only was their studio well placed, he told us, unusually, it had a telephone further evidence of their position and status. Sitting in a grand, oak-panelled room within the museum complex, with paintings of Portugals past presidents looking down on us, Bruno produced the gelatin silver prints on glass, of Presidents Carmona and Pais that the brothers had taken. The images had been included in a 2010 exhibition at the museum that he had helped curate. Later photos of us were taken for the museums Facebook page. As a result, several months later, I heard from Paulo Azevedo, a researcher who sent me his self-published book about the Lazarus brothers. My ongoing research and growing inquisitiveness led to a family holiday, in December, to Mozambique now a very different place from the one my grandfather knew. Having gained independence from Portugal in 1975, its subsequent years have been turbulent, experiencing civil war, economic instability and corruption. Palm trees still nod and sway on Maputos main boulevards but the modern city lacks the allure and bewitching exoticism of its past. In Cafe Continental, a popular, central Maputo landmark, I met Dr Antonio Sopa, former director of historic archives in Maputo. Talking above the noisy clatter via an interpreter, Dr Sopa explained why he felt the Lazarus brothers were such accomplished photographers. The sheer quality of their work, he said, pointing to their pictures in front of me, and their use of perspective. They were the ones who [sometimes] photographed from above. Their book, A Souvenir of Lourenco Marques, was the first photographic album ever produced about the city. It is now a rare, collectors item, a copy of which can be found in the British Library. They went on to publish two more albums. They photographed the elite, he continued, including Governors, Commissioners and members of the British Council. Their postcards and albums were a means of conveying life in LM to the outside world. He thought their subsequent move to Lisbon, in 1908, was likely to have been due to their successful coverage of the visit of Crown Prince Luis Filipe of Portugal to Mozambique in 1907 the first member of the royal family to visit the Portuguese colonies in Africa. Dr Sopa then disclosed yet another revelation: that he believed that the brothers had also worked in Malawi. As I explored Maputo, to my surprise, the Lazarus brothers presence was with me wherever I went their record of the city had created a strange sense of familiarity as I walked past the buildings that they had photographed. Images appeared in unlikely places in the railway station where pictures depicted its early days and in the black and white photos of old buildings lining the walls of our hotel lobby. It was drizzly and humid on my final day and I was not certain that I would find the actual address of the brothers studio. Like much of the city, downtown Bagamoya St, previously named Araujo St, is a curious mix of decaying colonial-era pastel-painted elegance and ugly modern concrete office blocks. It also happens to be the citys red light district. Pacing up and down the street, armed with a photograph from Google Street View (marked with a hand drawn arrow), a fantastic local guide and the advice of a renowned, retired Maputo-based historian, I finally located my grandfathers studio. One hundred and eight years after he left the city and just over two years after my fathers death, I was standing outside a one storey corrugated roofed, semi-whitewashed building. This narrow streets name and numbering might have changed over the years but there was no mistaking it. It was here that they made their significant contribution to the early history of photography a record of which exists in private and public collections all over the world. Despite discovering so much, I feel frustrated about the vast amount that I still dont know, especially about their personal lives. Even though the brothers were the catalyst that brought me to Mozambique, I had not expected to leave with such an intense feeling of connection, pride and vast curiosity to explore their legacy further. In https://www.thejc.com/lifestyle/features/my-quest-to-find-the-brothers-studios-in-maputo-and-lisbon-1.431838 TWIN FALLS Any child old enough to love is old enough to grieve, says the Kids Count Too! Grief Center. The grief group for children and teens plans to hold its Winter Bereavement Day Camp next month to allow kids who have lost a loved one to share their feelings in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The camp will be from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 4 at 588 Addison Ave. W. in Twin Falls. Because of community support, the camp is free. Trained and professional members of the Kids Count Too! team will guide the children through a variety of special activities as they deal with their own personal grief. In addition, The Grief Process: A Roller Coaster of Emotions, a free learning session for parents or guardians of participating children, will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. the same day. Deadline for camp registration is Feb. 24. If a minimum number is not reached, the camp may be postponed. The camp is sponsored by Parkes Funeral Home, Thrivent Financial Corporation, St. Lukes Community Health Initiative, Idaho Gives, Twin Falls Kiwanis Club, Twin Falls Health Initiative Trust, Twin Falls Lions Club and Jump Time. TWIN FALLS COUNTY FELONY SENTENCINGS Robert Lester Kreger, 52, Twin Falls; possession of a controlled substance, $285.50 costs, $100 DNA, $731.93, seven years penitentiary, two and a half years determinate, four and a half indeterminate, 82 days credited. Shelina Rae Mowrey, 47, Twin Falls; possession of a controlled substance, $285.50 costs, seven years penitentiary, three years determinate, four indeterminate, twenty days credited, 365 days retained jurisdiction, sentence to run concurrent to 2016 case. Shelina Rae Mowrey, 47, Twin Falls; possession of a controlled substance, $285.50 costs, seven years penitentiary, three years determinate, four indeterminate, three days credited, 365 days retained jurisdiction, sentence to run concurrent to 2017 case. Andrew Michael Hawley, 31, Las Vegas, Nevada; 33 charges possessing or accessing child sexually exploitive material by any means dismissed. Two charges possessing or accessing child sexually exploitive material by any means, $545.50 costs, 10 years penitentiary, three determinate, seven years indeterminate, credit for time served, sentence suspended, four years supervised probation each. Possessing or accessing child sexually exploitive material by any means, 10 years penitentiary, three determinate, seven years indeterminate, credit for time served. Fourth charge possessing or accessing child sexually exploitive material by any means, 10 years penitentiary, three determinate, seven years indeterminate, credit for time served. Kaylea Danielle Sartor, 38, Twin Falls; DUI third or subsequent offense, $290.50 costs, $500 public defender, $100 DNA, six years penitentiary, three determinate, three indeterminate, 52 days credited, 365 days retained jurisdiction, one year drivers license suspension, two years interlock device to follow suspension. Tyler Zackary Andre, 32, Twin Falls; $285.50 costs, $500 public defender, seven years penitentiary, three determinate, four indeterminate, 48 days credited, 365 days retained jurisdiction. Tori Lyn McKinley, 33, Twin Falls; possession of a controlled substance, $285.50 costs, $60 workmans comp. program fee, seven years penitentiary, three determinate, four indeterminate, 46 days credited, 365 days retained jurisdiction. Chandler Lee Palmer-Holcomb, 24, Twin Falls; possession of a controlled substance, $285.50 costs, seven years penitentiary, three determinate, four indeterminate, 34 days credited. Attempt to flee or elude a police officer in a motor vehicle, $245.50 costs, five years penitentiary, 34 days credited, sentence to run concurrent to 2014 case and other charge, one year drivers license suspension. Skylar Wade Meade, 24, Filer; Attempt to flee or elude a police officer in a motor vehicle charge dismissed. Possession of a controlled substance, $285.50 costs, five years determinate penitentiary, 110 days credited, sentence to run concurrent to 2010 case. Assaulting a police or correctional officer, $245.50 costs, 20 years penitentiary, 10 determinate, 10 indeterminate, 110 days credited, sentence to run concurrent to 2010 case. Unlawful discharge of a weapon charge dismissed. Unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, $245.50 costs, five years determinate, 110 days credited, sentence to run concurrent to 2010 case. Three other charges unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon charge dismissed. No drivers license charge dismissed. Skylar Wade Meade, 24, Filer; major contraband introduced or convey, possess, receive, obtain or remove contraband in a correctional facility, $275.50 costs, five years penitentiary, sentence to run concurrent to 2010 and other 2016 case. Dustin Gregory Lee, 26, Gooding; possession of a controlled substance, $285.50 costs, $60 days workmans comp. program fee, seven years penitentiary, three determinate, four indeterminate, 31 days credited, 365 days retained jurisdiction, sentence to run concurrent to 2013 case and Jerome 2010 case. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE SENTENCINGS Corey Michael Edwards, 24, Twin Falls; DUI excessive,$500 fine, $202.50 costs, 180 days jail, 151 suspended, credit for time served, 365 days drivers license suspension, 12 months supervised probation. Timothy Allen Stastny, 45, Kimberly; DUI, $400 fine, $202.50 costs, $100 restitution, 180 days jail, 178 suspended, one day credited, eight hours work detail, 180 days restitution, 12 months supervised probation. Alexander Ray Palmer, 24, Buhl; DUI, $400 fine, $202.50 costs, $75 public defender, 180 days jail, 175 suspended, one day credited, guilty withheld sentence, 180 days restricted drivers license suspension, 12 months supervised probation. Blake K. Worsley, 35, Twin Falls; DUI, $400 fine, $202.50 costs, $75 public defender, 180 days jail, balance suspended, credit for time served, guilty withheld judgment, 180 days restricted drivers license, 12 months supervised probation. Lani Jo Lee Stafford, 26, Twin Falls; DUI, $400 fine, $202.50 costs, $75 public defender, 180 days jail, 175 suspended, two days jail, 16 hours work detail, 180 days restricted drivers license, 12 months supervised probation. Injury to a child when adult transports minor in a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, $100 fine, 180 days jail, 176 suspended, two days credited. Leslie Chad Steube, 27, Twin Falls; DUI, $400 fine, $202.50 costs, 180 days jail, 170 suspended, two days credited, 180 days jail, 12 months supervised probation. Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer in a motor vehicle, $100 fine, 180 days jail, 170 suspended, two days credited. Roy Dean Garcia, 32, Twin Falls; DUI second offense, $700 fine, $202.50 costs, 365 days jail, 355 suspended, one day credited, 365 days restricted drivers license, 24 months supervised probation, complete the veterans treatment court program. Demetrea Helen Stephens, 49, Twin Falls; $500 fine, $202.50 costs, 365 days jail, 355 suspended, one day credited, 365 days jail, 12 months supervised probation, attend victim impact panel. DIVORCE CIVIL PROCEEDINGS Stephen Petty v. Lezley Petty Athena Jacobsen v. Phillip Termini Shelley Wray v. Tanner Wray Eric Espinosa v. Madison Quinones Steven Smith v. Karen Smith Sara Smithson v. Brandon Smithson Thomas Miller v. Rocky Miller Elizabeth Robinson v. Health Robinson Mary Wengert v. Norman Wengert Chelsea Tucker v. Ryan Tucker Brianne Roberts v. Colby Roberts TWIN FALLS A worsening back injury pushed Lorie Wendel out of the work force and into the ranks of the homeless. Living in a single cramped room at the Old Towne Lodge in downtown Twin Falls, the divorced mothers three teenagers are getting their homework done and doing well in school. But its a challenge. The biggest impact is were all in the same room, Wendel said. Theres no privacy. The two boys fight constantly. Despite a strong economy and low unemployment rates, many south-central Idaho school districts see an increasing number of homeless students. But those students situations are different than you might expect. Homelessness is a totally different look, said Kim Bedke, homeless services coordinator for the Cassia County School District. A lot of times, youre not going to see people on the streets or with signs. Instead, many share an apartment or house with another family. Across Idaho, 7,832 students were homeless last school year, up almost 1,700 from the 2012-13 school year. Here in the Magic Valley, school officials say one reason for the uptick may be that theyre doing a better job of identifying homeless students. Four percent of Twin Falls School District students are homeless, and the number has increased more than 50 percent over five years. As of May, 527 Twin Falls children were identified as homeless 434 of whom were in school. Seventy-seven percent were doubled up with another family; 11 percent lived in motels, 10 percent in a shelter and 2 percent in a camper trailer, motor home or car. Who qualifies? The definition children who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence is set by the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which went into effect in 1987 and was reauthorized by Congress in 2015 under the Every Student Succeeds Act. If students are identified as homeless, they keep that designation throughout the school year, even if their living situations change. What leads to homelessness? The circumstances may include divorce, domestic violence, a lost job, parents who are in and out of jail, house fires, mold in homes, and unexpected medical issues or accidents. Theres just an array of different reasons people become homeless, said JoAnn Gemar, at-risk services coordinator and homeless liaison for the Twin Falls School District. The effects on children can be huge. Homeless students may be in an environment where its a struggle to get adequate sleep and food or to find a quiet place to do homework. And parents might rely on teens to look after younger siblings and prepare meals while they work. Like their peers, homeless middle schoolers want to hang out with their friends and be goofy. Theyre not any different than any other kid, Robert Stuart Middle School Principal Amy McBride said. If schools can help students through homelessness and toward successful graduation, Twin Falls School District spokeswoman Eva Craner said, perhaps they can build better lives. Ultimately, she said, we want them to break that cycle. What homelesness looks like Jerome families demonstrate the variety of situations called homelessness: a young adult raising younger siblings while both parents are in prison, for example. A family living in a motel after losing a home to fire. A family in a fifth wheel on a relatives property. Some families moved to Jerome thinking they could find work but havent been successful. Some of our high school youth are couch surfing, Jerome School District federal programs director Kim Lickley said. That qualifies as homeless, too. Cassia Countys homeless liaison, Jeannie Lierman, noticed an increase this year of high schoolers living on their own. The Twin Falls district is getting better at identifying students who qualify as homeless. In Jerome, thats a particularly complicated task. Jerome School Districts number of homeless students has fluctuated wildly over the past seven years from a peak of 171 during the 2011-12 school year to just 45 this year. But that apparent drop is deceptive. I personally dont think theres been a huge change, Lickley said. But determining whos homeless is not black-and-white at all. Some families no longer qualify, she said, because theyre voluntarily doubling up. Its something Jerome school officials started looking at more closely last school year. For some Hispanic families, in particular, the explanation is cultural: several generations living under the same roof. Of Jerome students still identified as homeless, 85 percent share a residence with another family. In our community, and I assume a lot of the Magic Valley, we have a lot of families who are doubled up, Lickley said. As of mid-January all of Goodings homeless families were doubled up, said Tami Anderson, Gooding Elementarys social worker. The stigma To help homeless families, schools first need to know who they are. But some keep their living situations secret because theyre embarrassed or afraid of judgment. Twin Falls Robert Stuart Middle School has a well-stocked food pantry. But despite information being distributed, not many families use it. McBride suspects some parents may be embarrassed to ask for help. Just before Thanksgiving, a school counselor delivered a box of food to one students family at home. Were extremely sensitive to the embarrassment factor, McBride said. Many circumstances are beyond students control. But with kids, anything can be a stigma, McBride said. And kids are not always kind. In Gooding, Anderson doesnt use the word homeless when meeting with families who may need help. If families qualify as homeless, students automatically qualify for free school lunches. Sometimes, I use that as a conversation starter so I can build a relationship with a family and get more information, she said. The stigma is most often experienced by families who are homeless for the first time, Gemar said, particularly those whove been through a recent divorce or medical issue. Identifying students In registration packets distributed at the beginning of each school year, Magic Valley families are asked to fill out a residency form. Its questions include whether the family lives in a motel, doubled up, in a vehicle or in a house without running water. School secretaries check to see if any yes answers are marked. If so, information is passed to a homeless liaison a designated person in each school or at a school district office. The liaison contacts the family to see if theres a need. In Twin Falls, Robert Stuart Middle School and Canyon Ridge High School each have an employee to help check on students who may meet homeless guidelines. But Gemar oversees the process for the entire school district. That includes interviewing families and providing assistance. Gemar also receives phone calls from people giving her a heads-up about families who may be struggling. Some I can get ahold of, some I cant, Gemar said. But she often goes to high schools to interview homeless students. Siblings of Twin Falls School District students including preschoolers and teens who dropped out of school can qualify for assistance, too. Under the federal guidelines, they want us to track those kids, Gemar said. Midway through the school year, Magic Valley schools make the residency form available again and encourage families to fill it out if their living situations have changed. Our eyes and ears are always open, Lickley said. Often there arent warning signs. Some middle schoolers wear the same clothes frequently regardless of their living situations. Teachers become aware of childrens homelessness by building a relationship, McBride said. A lot of it becomes revealed at the ground level. Elementary school teachers may notice earlier because they see the same students all day, she said, but middle school teachers do well even with only 45-minute class periods and 30 students in each class. Gemar reports to school administrators once a month about homeless students at each school. At Robert Stuart, numbers in early January hovered between 45 and 50. Its a small percentage of the student body, McBride said, but its striking. When I think of 50 kids, that seems exponential. Providing services Children identified as homeless are eligible to receive help through their school districts. In Twin Falls, that means free school breakfasts and lunches, a weekend backpack program with food through The Idaho Foodbank, school supplies, transportation, tutoring, hygiene items, clothing, school uniforms for Bridge Academy students and referrals to community agencies to help with other needs. In Cassia County, it means backpacks, school supplies, senior project supplies, class fees and college entrance exams. The Cassia County district can also purchase school uniforms, required at Cassia High School, and provide vouchers for Deseret Industries clothing. A portion of federal Title I funding to school districts, which help students living in poverty, is designated for homeless students. For the Jerome School District, thats only about $2,000 this year. So in Jerome, homeless families are referred to community resources such as the Jerome Food Ministry. Free hot meals are offered at St. Jerome Catholic Church; food is available at Martha & Marys Food Pantry, and clothing at Josephs Closet. The rest of it is mostly pointing them in the right direction, Lickley said. Many school districts work with Deseret Industries to provide vouchers for thrift store clothing. The problem in Jerome: Families may not have transportation to get to the Twin Falls store. One of Lickleys frustrations is finding community resources for homeless high schoolers, such as those who have just a few months before graduation. Being in Jerome, we dont have a shelter, she said. Lickley wants to start a program to find temporary host families in Jerome. In the five months Ive been here, there were a couple of situations where it would have been nice to have a host family, she said. Besides the federal Title I money, the Twin Falls district has a McKinney-Vento subgrant of $105,000 for three years money that helps pay for Gemars salary and homeless student services. Eight Twin Falls schools have food pantries on campus: Bickel, Harrison, Lincoln, Oregon Trail and Rock Creek elementary schools; Robert Stuart Middle School; and Canyon Ridge and Magic Valley high schools. The Twin Falls Optimist Clubs Coats for Kids project provides coats. Local churches help out with food donations and Payless gift cards for shoes. The network JoAnn has created is incredible, Craner said. Last year, a homeless student at Magic Valley High School was living on his own and working full time but didnt have transportation, Gemar said. A local church donated a bicycle, helmet and lock. He was so excited. Recently, the school district gave a grandmother gas cards so she could drive her grandchildren whom shes raising 17 miles to school in Twin Falls so they wouldnt have to change schools. Parents have a choice about whether to keep their children in their home schools, and the school district provides busing. We try very, very hard to keep them in their same school, Gemar said. Its important for homeless students to have something consistent in their lives, McBride said, and staying at a home school gives that stability. Grades can fluctuate when students move frequently, so Gemar checks Twin Falls homeless students grades each quarter. If theyre failing a class, the school formulates a plan if parents give the OK to help them pass. Robert Stuart employees also check homeless students grades every week or every other week; if theyre struggling in a class, school officials talk with the teacher and come up with a plan. One option is staying after school to complete homework. Robert Stuart offers tutoring for all students from 2:45 to nearly 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a school bus takes them home. The school district can also provide tutoring if its not offered at a students school. Its Gemars fifth year in the job, and she has encountered few people who said no to help. But most werent aware of the services offered until she got in touch. She said its key to be respectful of homeless families and to offer help thats in their best interests. I think its just dropping those barriers. Gemar who has worked in social services more than 40 years said its ultimately a familys choice whether to accept assistance. And overseeing more than 400 homeless students doesnt leave time for individual case management. JEROME Homeless students arent always displaced with their families. Sometimes, theyre on their own. Thats what happened to 18-year-old Karelis Garcia. She recently graduated from Jerome High School a semester early, thanks to taking online and summer classes. She qualified as homeless and had the option of getting extra help through the Jerome School District. But she has a roof over her head and a job to support herself. Gotta grow up About five years ago, her mother and brother moved to Mexico. Karelis stayed behind and was going to school in Gooding but just wanted to try something new, she said. She spent her freshman year at Jerome High, went back to Gooding High School for her sophomore year and returned to Jerome for junior year. With her dads approval, she lived with an aunt in Jerome. But on Aug. 26, her dad died just a couple of days into Karelis senior year. Things got difficult, she said. Sometimes youve gotta grow up sooner than you, she added later, her voice trailing off. The Jerome School District constantly offered help, Karelis said, such as counseling and connections with community resources for food and clothing. They were really good about that, she said. I didnt really take it because I felt other people might be more in need than I am. Karelis got a job as a waitress at La Campesina Restaurant and moved in with her boyfriend in a neighborhood off Tiger Drive. During fall semester, she went to school for three classes, then headed off to work. Now, she works a full schedule. With a job, she said, I can pay things off. Her boyfriend helps out, too. Kind of like in-between On a chilly afternoon Jan. 26, Karelis was at La Campesina on South Lincoln Avenue, wearing all black and her hair pulled back into a long braid. At 4 p.m., there were a few full tables as recorded mariachi music played. Between serving customers, Karelis sat in a booth and rolled clean silverware into paper napkins. Shes sending money to her mother and brother in Mexico something her father did before he died. And her future? Right now, Im kind of like in-between with whats going to happen, Karelis said. She hopes to enroll at the College of Southern Idaho within the next year and wants to become a certified nursing assistant. WENDELL After four failed bond attempts, the Wendell School District was running low on options to pay for school repairs. Over two years starting in 2014, the majority of voters said yes during each election. But it wasnt enough to clear the required two-thirds supermajority: 66.67 percent. It meant needed facility projects such as replacing a leaky roof at the Wendell High School gymnasium were delayed. And others werent tackled at all. Wendell and other school districts across Idaho have struggled for years with the supermajority requirement. Communities that have aging buildings sometimes face an uphill battle to get that vote, said Brady Dickinson, director of operations for the Twin Falls School District. The Idaho Constitution requires a two-thirds voter approval to pass a bond measure. For years, local government officials have said that requirement is too high and prevents critical projects from moving forward. House Minority Leader Mat Erpelding says this requirement in the Idaho Constitution is antiquated and that the threshold should be reduced to 60 percent. The House Local Government Committee approved Erpeldings bill on Wednesday. Constitutional amendments must pass with a two-thirds majority in both bodies and then win a simple majority in a statewide vote come November. A constitutional amendment is a long process, said Wendell School District Superintendent Greg Lowe. The legislators cant just do that on their own. And the topic has come up before at the legislature, Dickinson said. Usually, it doesnt make it too far. The legislature has a strong commitment to protecting property owners, he said, which is understandable. Cassia County School District spokeswoman Debbie Critchfield said shes encouraged by the renewed discussion about lowering the supermajority requirement. It has been a regular topic for Idaho school districts for years, she said, and has been supported by the Idaho School Boards Association. But at the legislative level, typically, we were told it was a dead conversation and that it wasnt worth pursuing, said Critchfield, whos also a member of the Idaho Board of Education. In Wendell, theres a long history of bond election struggles. About a decade ago, a $1.5 million measure for a new agriculture building failed by just two votes. That was disappointing, Lowe said. And for two years starting in March 2014, there were four failed bond attempts. School officials decided on a different approach to addressing facility problems. It brought a supplemental levy renewal with a request for additional money to voters in May 2016 with a paired down list of projects. It only required a simple majority vote and it passed. But not all bonds in Wendell have failed. There was 77 percent approval for a $9.8 million measure in 2010 to build a new elementary school. In Twin Falls, voters approved two large school bonds within the last decade $48.7 million in 2006 to build Canyon Ridge High School and nearly $74 million in 2014 to build three new schools. But the measure three years ago passed by only 40 votes. Bonds are a necessity for building projects, district spokeswoman Eva Craner said, adding school officials appreciate the communitys support. The last time a ballot measure failed in the Twin Falls School District was in the mid-1990s. The district was seeking a bond to build a technology center and new alternative school. In the Cassia County School District, all of the last five bonds received more than 50 percent voter approval. And some that failed would have passed if only a simple majority was needed. That supermajority is a very high threshold for support, Critchfield said. She said she understands and appreciates why theres a high bar for community support. But there needs to be a balance, she said, with recognizing school district needs. Edith Inis Brooks, 88, of Twin Falls passed away Friday, February 10, 2017 at her residence. Arrangements are pending at Farnsworth Mortuary, Jerome. Harold Woodbury Blauer, 87, of Burley, died Friday, February 10, 2017, at CHI St. Lukes HealthThe Woodlands Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas. Arrangements are under the care of Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley. Beatrice Marie Bandzej, 83, of Kimberly, passed away at her home. Arrangements are under the direction of Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls. Michael B. Telleria, 53, of Rupert , passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017 at his home. Condolences may be shared with the family at MorrisonPayne.com. In 1990 the Idaho Legislature unconstitutionally exempted itself from the statute pertaining to the retirement calculation for part-time elected officials who later became full-time. This was done without the knowledge of the citizens committee which has the constitutional authority to set compensation for legislators. The effect of the 1990 law allows these employees (usually governor-appointed) to triple or quadruple their retirement benefits. In the case of one recent appointee, this will cause his retirement to go from approximately $19,000 a year to around $65,000 a year. Over his life expectancy, he would take over $1 million more from PERSI, the Idaho public employee retirement fund. In this case and the other 20 to 26 cases like this, the PERSI fund received no corresponding contribution. These unfunded benefits, estimated to be as much as $30 million, are paid by the working PERSI members and taxpayers. Such perks have been the downfall of other states retirement funds. In 2015, the House passed HB100 that would have removed this exemption. The bill then went to the Senate where it was killed by the leadership. In June 2016, the citizens committee strongly recommended that the Legislature reconsider HB100. However, efforts are still being made by some legislators to oppose a similar bill to remove the exemption. Some of their reasons for not taking away this exemption run from invalid to nefarious, as follow: 1) A law to remove this benefit would be unconstitutional. Evidently constitutionality was not an issue when they passed the 1990 law that gave themselves this benefit. In any event, the attorney general has ruled that HB100 would be constitutional. 2) The argument put forth by Gov. Otter and many of the legislative leadership is that without this unearned benefit, these appointees would not accept those positions. If this is the case, these are not the type of people we need in these positions. Furthermore, within the state agencies and elsewhere in Idaho there are many other qualified individuals. 3) If present legislators are deprived of his or her expectation of receiving this benefit, it would be an illegal taking. Losing the opportunity to enrich oneself through an unfunded and unconstitutional benefit can not possibly be considered illegal. During this 2017 session, some legislators plan to comply with the mandate of the citizens committee and introduce a bill similar to HB100. We urge you to contact your legislators and tell them to support the bill to eliminate the benefit. We invite anyone interested in helping us or needing more information to contact us. A member of the citizens committee said this exemption did not pass the smell test. We agree! Disappointed in Otter I was distressed to read that Gov. Otter agrees that Christian refugees deserve priority. What about refugees who practice other religions (Jewish, Buddhist, or another); or those people who do not believe in God? The United States has excluded various religions over the years, but that is not who we should be today. We should be an enlightened country who values each person regardless of their religious belief. As I look around our community, state and country, I see many people who contribute greatly to the strength of the United States who are not Christian. I also note that a small number of natural-born citizens from our own country have disgraced us by becoming terrorists and killing others. Please value each person regardless of their faith and welcome each person who comes to our country. Work has resumed on the Dakota Access Pipeline and cleanup of the protest camp continues. The conflict over the pipeline hasnt ended and no one knows when it will conclude despite the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granting the easement for the pipeline last week. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe plans to fight it in court and continue its efforts to sway public opinion in their direction. Its doubtful many people envisioned such a long battle when the first protest camp was established in April. As we approach the mid-mark of February there are still protesters who vow not to leave despite the tribes request they do so. Some hope to relocate their camp in an effort to continue their anti-pipeline activities. Some tribal members want to overturn a vote to close the protest camps. Whether authorities allow protesters to move remains to be seen. If the decision is made to oust those who refuse to leave or try to establish a new camp, the question becomes who will be responsible for removing them. The Morton County Sheriffs Department with the help of the North Dakota Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies across the state and nation has been protecting Dakota Access interests and other private property. Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier has maintained throughout the protests that his goal is to avoid serious injury. Hes come close to meeting the goal. One woman seriously hurt her arm during the protests with the circumstances surrounding the injury still in question. The extent of injuries to other protesters cant be confirmed. Law enforcement officers also have suffered injuries along with social media abuse. The best scenario would be if the pipeline opponents rely on the courts to deliver the final verdict. National events like the March 10 march planned in Washington, D.C., give them a chance to peacefully demonstrate. It also provides them with a national platform to make their case against the pipeline and oil. This has been a difficult time for everyone involved and can be resolved by the protesters leaving the camps. Standing Rock Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II initially asked pipeline opponents to come to North Dakota. He now wants them to leave while the tribe and opponents fight the case in court. The tribe supports his position. The holdouts who dont want to leave appear dominated by out-of-state protesters. There are some North Dakotans such as Chase Iron Eyes who are encouraging the continued resistance. This refusal to leave achieves nothing other than to allow the situation to fester. It has been costly to the state, the tribe and the landowners in the surrounding area. Some opponents find fault with anything related to the pipeline situation. The Tribunes selection of Kirchmeier for a Tribune Award, prompted by public support for him, resulted in social media attacks on him, law enforcement and the Tribune. Most of the attacks came from out-of-state sources unfamiliar with the situation. Its just one example of the social media barrage the state has endured. Its time for the pipeline dispute to play out in the courts and North Dakota to get back to normal. The pipeline battle wont be won or lost in the protest camps, in fact, the camps can only hurt their cause. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Sunday said they will install closed circuit television cameras at the Armed Forces of the Philippines detention facility where some high-profile inmates are temporarily detained. Aguirre stressed that the measure is necessary following reports that some high-profile inmates are enjoying preferentrial treatment inside the militarys detention facility. I think its not hard to do and it is necessary that we put CCTVs, Aguirre said. The inmates were detained at the AFP detention center due to the congestion inside the New Bilibid Prison Building 14 in Muntinlupa City as well as to prevent conflicts between some inmates. The very reason they high profile inmates were put there because of the riots where, at one instance, one prisoner was killed. For which reason until now they could not be put together in Building 14 where they are supposed to be housed before, Aguirre said. ADVERTISEMENT Earlier, high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian was transferred from the NBP to the National Bureau of Investigation Detention Center for safety reasons after he was stabbed during a riot at Building 14 last year. Two other inmates were injured, while another one was killed during the incident. Aguirre earlier denied allegations made by Senator Leila De Lima that he restored the privileges of inmates of the NBP who testified during the inquiry conducted by the House of Representatives on the proliferation of illegal drugs at the national penitentiary. I absolutely and categorically deny the allegations made by Sen. De Lima that I have ordered the restoration of the alleged lavish lifestyles of the inmates who testified against her at the House of Representatives probe on the proliferation of the Drug Trade at the New Bilibid Prison. The inmates being referred to are presently detained at the AFP Custodial and Detention Center in Camp Aguinaldo, Aguirre said. The reports prompted Aguirre to issue a memorandum to Bureau of Corrections chief Benjamin Delos Santos to investigate the matter. He also showed to media some photos of the inmates detained in Camp Aguinaldo, which showed their simple lifestyle in contrast to the claims of De Lima. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. BAYOMBONG, Nueva VizcayaThe temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court banning the use of modern contraceptive implants by the Department of Health has pushed family planning advocates and the private sector to fulfil the unmet needs of women in Cagayan Valley. Women here seeking modern means to avoid pregnancy were happy to learn that a program using private clinics to provide their needs has been funded by the United Nations Fund for Population Administration. Region 2 has placed in the top three among the regions who were able to fulfil unmet needs because of the perseverance of reproductive health advocates involved in a private-public partnership here, Population Commission Regional Director Angelito Obcena said. A Department of Health memorandum order dated July 30, 2015 obtained by Manila Standard clarified that only the pregnancy prevention implants already procured by the DoH were covered by the ban. Civil society organizations, development partners and private health care providers can perform implant insertion, provided they are acting on their own behalf and the Implanon and Implanon NXT did not come from DoH, the frequently asked questions attached to the memo reads. ADVERTISEMENT We were very frustrated by the lack of information among some municipal health officers and Rural Health Units, lamented Benjamin Lucas Jr., a local NGO partner of two reproductive health advocates, the Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood and the Philippine Council for Population Development. Lucas is the chief executive officer of Building Inter-Tribal Ecodevelopment, a local NGO implementing a project funded by a grant from the UNFPA. He reported that some local health officials, who were not properly informed on the scope of the TRO, were driving away private sector volunteers doing campaigns to meet womens reproductive needs in the villages. But we also praise the bold move of some local chief executives like Mayor Liwayway Caramat of Santa Fe and Mayor Chito Bumolo of Kasibu towns of Nueva Vizcaya who provided women acceptors with free rides to private clinics who are not covered by the ban, Lucas explained. It may be recalled that a group identified as the Alliance for the Family Foundation Philippines Inc. and lawyer Maria Conception S. Noche filed a petition to stop the DoH from promoting the use of modern contraceptive implants before the Supreme Court on June 17, 2015. Last July, the petitioners were granted a TRO enjoining the DoH to stop procuring, selling, distributing, dispensing or administering, advertising and promoting the hormonal contraceptive Implanon and Implanon NXT and the Food and Drug Administration to refrain from granting any and all pending applications for registration and/or recertification of reproductive products and supplies including contraceptive drugs and devices. But early this year, the passage of Executive Order No. 12 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Jan. 9, 2017 has inspired RH and family planning advocates to intensify their campaign. The new order aimed at attaining and sustaining zero unmet need for modern family planning through strict implementation of the responsible parenthood and reproductive health act. Duterte has also directed all agencies with population concerns to help attain this goal. Local health officials are not yet fully aware of the new EO. They were surprised when we showed them a copy, Lucas said. Lucas raised the low level of understanding of the modern feature of the hormonal implant. It merely prevents the production of eggs in the female reproductive system. So theoretically, it is not abortifacent as was commonly understood. There is no abortion since fertilization has not occurred when no egg was fertilized by the male sperm, he added. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Copyright 2022 HT Digital Streams Ltd All Right Reserved South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem described the U.S. border with Mexico as a war zone last year when she sent dozens of state National Guard troops there. Noem said theyd be on the front lines of stopping drug smugglers and human traffickers. But newly released records from the National Guard show that in their two-month deployment, the South Dakota troops didnt seize any drugs and sometimes went days without encountering any migrants at all. Noem justified the deployment and a widely criticized private donation to fund as a state emergency because of drugs making their way across the southern border to South Dakota. But the records cast doubt on whether the deployment was effective in addressing that. 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At first glance, it was surprising news from the recent Digital Book World conference in New York City: Traditional hardcover book sales had overtaken e-book numbers for the first time since 2012. Thats according to Jonathan Stolper, senior vice president and global managing director for Nielsens book ratings, in a keynote address to the conference two weeks ago, as reported by Publishers Weekly. Indeed, another recent report from the Association of American Publishers noted print sales showing year-to-year growth from January through August. Old-school print, it would appear, was making a comeback. Skeptics, however, were quick to note you cant judge a book sales analysis by its cover. Data Guy, a pseudonym for the well-regarded data analyst who co-founded the numbers-crunching website AuthorEarnings.com, has some figures of his own. What we have here are people looking at the partial picture, and drawing the big picture from it. Still, Nielsen is closer to (getting) the complete picture than anyone out there, he said. He noted PubTrack, which was acquired by Nielsen, collects data from the 30 largest publishers. Left out of the mix for most purchase charts is bookselling behemoth Amazon, which not only moves the most print books in America, but also is a digital giant for Kindle sales. Because it owns Audible.com, which sells its audio books through not just Amazon but also retailers such as Apple, Amazon also accounts for almost all of the U.S. sales in that category. Yet with Amazon stomping the big-box retailer competition such as Barnes & Noble and Wal-Mart, something unexpected has happened: Small, independent bookstores are finding more room to grow. Even though 70 percent of book sales are online, our brick-and-mortar stores around the country have seen an uptick, said Susan Hans OConnor, owner of Sewickley, Pennsylvanias Penguin Bookshop. Granted, she said, its a smaller piece of the big pie, but with sales up by 10 percent, they are happy to have it. Getting readers into the shop is a matter of promotion, and 2016 was a good year for Penguin. We had a lot of big authors come in (for appearances): Stephen King, David Baldacci, Gayle Forman. The reason they agreed to come in is, instead of going to the big cities, they support independent bookstores. The picture was similar across Pittsburgh. Sales were up by January of 2017 over January of 2016, said Dan Iddings, owner of the independent Classic Lines bookstore. Like OConnor, he said he didnt have exact figures yet. Our sales are up across the board. We are sort of a general purpose bookstore, best-sellers in every category. We still have some used books in our inventory, but we have been phasing that out in the past year, Iddings added. Personalized service is a draw, he said, noting the stores bookmarks bear the motto: We have the book you didnt know you wanted. We need to think of ourselves as not just consumers, but unique communities, OConnor said. We appreciate the support of our communities. Amazons footprint Data Guys day job is data analysis in the video game industry. He speaks numbers the way others embrace French or Italian. Hes also an author, and it would be folly to risk running afoul of the media giant, hence the secret identity. He created Author Earnings with fellow writer Hugh Howey. Such is his credibility, he often speaks at book industry conferences and has been quoted by mainstream media outlets. His methodology takes existing figures from traditional sources but adds in data scraped from booksellers websites, hence the Amazon estimates. Here is his general take on the book market breakdown: Fifty-five percent of all trade book purchases in the U.S. were Amazon sales in 2016. Trade refers to professional publishers of titles for the general public. Forty-one percent of all Nielsen BookScan-tracked print books purchased in the U.S. were bought online through Amazon.com. Add in the remaining 15 percent of traditional print sales untracked by BookScan plus an additional 17 million independent CreateSpace (a self-publishing site owned by Amazon) sales, and Amazon accounts for 37 percent of all print books purchased in the U.S. Eighty-two percent of all e-books purchased in the U.S. were Amazon Kindle titles. His extensive slides take into account that there are large numbers of books being sold in print and digital that dont bear identifying tracking codes known as ISBNs. For example, he estimates U.S. consumers spent $550 million yearly on e-books that dont bear these codes. Although most of these titles are self-published, about 12 percent of traditionally published e-books lack ISBNs. These are published through smaller, boutique houses. In general, books lacking ISBNs are not included in market sales figures. He calls the self-publishing boom a phenomenon of the industry. The outdated image of self-publishing the author setting up a card table of books at a Saturday farmers market has been replaced by a robust online store that includes niche space on Amazon. The adult romance genre, for example, is huge in nontraditional publishing. About 55 percent of all such titles online are independent, self-published. The average e-book cost is $2.79. These little sales might not sound like much, but they add up. Other underserved genres include African-American fiction, where 71 percent of all formats are indie self-published. The traditional Big Five publishers (HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster) accounted for just 4 percent of this subgenres e-book sales. Thanks to price adjustments through the past 19 months, it appears that the more intriguing comparisons are not print vs. e-book, but bricks-and-mortar sales vs. online. Amazon which launched physical retail stores in Portland, Oregon, San Diego and Seattle, with plans for five more in upcoming months offers customers print and digital sales but also showcases its tech products such as the Echo home assistant, Kindle tablet and Fire digital streaming device. Independent booksellers, OConnor said, have no choice but to take up the challenge in a scary landscape. But she said, On the flip side, I dont have to worry about Amazon coming here with bricks and mortar on Beaver Street, because theyre all about money. Our neighborhood isnt that big. A little-known, family-operated Missoula company with a unique niche has won a statewide award from Montana State University in conjunction with the Montana Chamber of Commerce and State Farm Insurance. MARS Stout, a company that obtains tax credits for its clients through incentives like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program, has won the 2016 Montana Family Business Award for companies with 20-30 employees. For over 30 years, the company has been helping other businesses take advantage of tax credits to maximize profitability. The WOTC program provides businesses with $2,400 to $9,600 in tax credits for each qualified new worker they hire. The employees at MARS Stout screen applicants and make sure they have all the required paperwork for the IRS. MARS Stout helps businesses capitalize on the credits, which reduces their tax liability and bolsters employment opportunities for workers who may have faced obstacles to employment in the past. MARS Stout serves as an intermediary between workers in these target groups and their employers, conducting the screening process that determines the employers eligibility to capitalize on the tax credits potentially available to them, explained company president Teresa Anderson. WOTC is a win-win program for all involved since it benefits businesses while facilitating the employment of people in often underserved groups, such as veterans, people on governmental assistance programs, unemployed workers and individuals residing in specific geographic areas. Anderson said the third-generation enterprise has earned a national reputation by securing millions of dollars in tax credits for businesses all over the country. We help companies increase their profitability through tax credits, Anderson said. Many businesses dont know about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program. People that are eligible for the tax credits include veterans and people receiving government assistance, such as Social Security Disability payments. The idea for the company started back in 1982. While operating a successful dentistry practice in Missoula, Dr. Fred Stout and his wife Gayle joined their lifelong friends, Dr. Jack Stephens and Beverly Kiker, as partners in their tax credit service company in Texas. However, the Stouts didnt want to leave Montana, so they convinced the other couple to move the business here. The Stouts children, Karen Stout-Suenram, Leslee Tschida, Teresa Anderson, Julie Janssen, Don Stout, Matt Stout and Doug Stout, are all shareholders. Leslee, Teresa, Julie, Don and Doug are actively working in the day-to day- operations. Karens daughter, Sara Suenram, works as a client service representative; Leslees son, Chris Tschida, is the IT/payroll specialist. Kate Suenram, Kim and Marissa Tschida, Justin Anderson, Chelsea Jerke and Haley Janssen are all third-generation family members who have worked periodically for the family business. Fred Stout said he and his staff were elated to receive the award because there are so many outstanding family businesses that are deserving. Five other businesses across the state were also honored. We are humbled and would like to share this award with the many hard working, dedicated family businesses around the state that are worthy of this recognition, Stout said. Professor Jay Evans already uses live pigs in his research at the University of Montana. Evans, a research professor in the Division of Biological Sciences and director of the proposed Center for Translational Medicine, is working on developing a one-time vaccine for influenza, among other projects. But the animal facility he uses for pig studies is not in Montana. If UM were to open a porcine research lab, as it has proposed to do, Evans said the state would see the revenue and jobs that come with it. Animal rights activists and opponents of the proposed facility are advocating that UM scientists use alternative methods such as computer modeling in their scientific research. In fact, Evans and other researchers at the flagship institution say they are doing just that when possible. Roughly six years ago, Evans received a $13.1 million contract from the National Institutes of Health to work on developing a universal flu vaccine. He has spent some $10 million of the grant doing in vitro studies, or research in test tubes, at his UM lab, temporarily located at MonTEC. "The bulk of the money and bulk of the research were spent doing just what they want us to do," Evans said of the animal activists. In the Skaggs Building, professor Fernando Cardozo-Pelaez is using bug brains from fruit flies dissected under anesthesia instead of mouse brains to study Parkinson's. Professor Rich Bridges has been relying more on cell cultures and drug design by computer to research new treatments for brain tumors in the last few years. Scientific advances propelled in part by investments from agencies such as the NIH are driving the development of new research methods, and a global paradigm shift is underway, said Thomas Hartung, head of the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "For almost every question, you can also get very valuable information, and more valuable information, from non-animal approaches," Hartung said. In the U.S., he said the strident debate around animal research hinders the healthy competition of scientific ideas. At the same time, the internationally sought expert on alternatives to animal research said he does not believe animals will ever be completely out of the picture. At UM, researchers say they are using more and more alternatives, but the transition away from animals is a progression, not a switch flip. Here and beyond, though, open dialogue about animal research is uncommon, and the chasm between scientists and the public is wide. Professors at UM want to continue to ask and answer compelling scientific questions with their students. And sooner or later, Evans would like to get a universal flu vaccine into human clinical trials and the marketplace to benefit people and pigs. "Right now, the only option we have to move these drugs forward is to move through an animal," Evans said. *** Hartung, who works in the U.S. and in Europe, said animal use in scientific research peaked in the 1970's because of the pharmaceutical industry. European figures suggest the decrease in animal use for drug discovery since has been dramatic, he said some 40 percent from 2005 to 2011 alone. But he said the total use of animals has remained relatively stable with increases by academia. Pharmaceutical companies are still trying to find new drugs, but they're using different technologies, and the private sector faces different financial pressures than academia, he said. After a patent, he said, it takes roughly 12 years to get a drug to market, and a day's delay costs $1 million on average. "That explains why the pharmaceutical companies are so terribly under pressure to be fast, and animal experiments are anything but fast," Hartung said. So the animal testing is taking place in the late stages of the process, he said. U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics posted on Speaking of Research's website show the use of animals has generally declined in this country for roughly two decades. The organization is an international advocacy group for the use of animals in medical and veterinary science. But the department does not count mice, rats and birds, said Hartung. And at the same time pharmaceutical companies are shifting to other models, academia has increased its use of animals, namely due to the development of genetically modified animals, or "knockout mice." A 2016 analysis by the NIH shows a greater proportion of new awards involve mice; the agency sees stable funding for other models, such as zebrafish. *** At the University of Montana, the Laboratory Animal Resources unit oversees live animals in three separate areas on campus, the largest an 8,400-square-foot wing in the basement of the Health Sciences Building. UM also has birds at an aviary at Fort Missoula. On a tour of the campus labs, Kathryn Mariucci, head of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, said UM counts 24 active projects involving animals, including mice, rats, dwarf hamsters, peromyscus (deer mice), and degus (a rodent from Chile). Years ago, UM used cats, but it would not do so now, and it does not have the right facility for dogs, Mariucci said. A rabbit is the largest animal UM would keep, she said. Most of the animals used in the lab are euthanized, said Mariucci, also UM's biosafety officer. UM does not have an official adoption program, but some animals are adopted out to people such as staff. In late 2004 or early 2005, UM sent three monkeys used by the Psychology Department to a retirement colony in Texas, she said. The animals were used for behavioral experiments, but Mariucci said UM can no longer accommodate species that large given updated regulations. UM also sends some of its dead mice ones that aren't genetically modified to Raptors of the Rockies so director Kate Davis can feed them to her birds. According to online data from the NIH, UM has received $8.8 million in research awards on average since 2007, and it closed out 2016 with $13.2 million. UM's income from NIH, a major research funder, has been on the upswing in recent years; not all projects involve animals. *** Over the years, restrictions on animal research have grown tighter and Evans said there's no question dialogue between researchers and animal rights groups have helped improve animal welfare. Federal regulations dictate animal care and use, and UM seeks out more oversight than required. It voluntarily seeks accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International, or AAALAC, a nonprofit promoting humane treatment. Mariucci said UM was one of the first universities to be accredited by AAALAC, in 1967, and the organization has deemed the UM lab exemplary, which "sure means you've gone the extra mile." Every proposed animal research project at UM and any university goes through the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Mariucci said the 13 members veterinarians, scientists, and lay people are highly qualified for the job, counting among them nine Ph.D.s, three D.V.M.s, one J.D., one Pharm.D., and four bachelor's degrees. The committee has not turned down any proposal, Mariucci said. *** Faculty note that committee members are meticulous in their reviews and often request modifications, and lab technicians are scrupulous in animal care. Professor Bridges, for example, has a drug protocol he'd like to test in a strain of mice that develop ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, but if the mice go through all the stages of the disease, they die "in not a nice way." The UM vet wants Bridges to be able to look at the effects of the drug, the professor said, but not allow the animals to die by the disease. So if the experiment moves ahead, he said, the researchers would euthanize the mice after the onset of symptoms but prior to the final stages of the disease to diminish suffering. "We still learn whether or not drugs slow the process of the disease," Bridges said. Mice naturally lose hair as they age, but lab technicians at UM call Professor Cardozo to let him know if they see signs of hair loss, he said. If a mouse's skin is irritated, the caretakers apply ointment. "Some of these animals have better health care than some humans," Cardozo said. Said Evans: "I do know that a mouse in that facility at the university has way more protections than a mouse that might be caught in a trap in this building (at MonTEC)." *** If animals went by the wayside in research, dollars would be saved. The animals cost money. The degus in the UM animal lab, for instance, eat exotic food that's $100 a bag, and they bathe in volcanic ash, all ordered by staff. As technology advances, UM professors are incorporating new methods into their own work, decreasing their use of animals when possible. "I'm using more computer modeling in my drug design studies in the last five years," said Bridges, who collaborates with researchers at Johns Hopkins. "It's becoming increasingly important. I use more cell culture models as that becomes better. But there's still a place and a need for doing research in animals." For instance, as far as Bridges knows, no computer program can accurately predict whether a certain drug will produce a side-effect, like seizures: "It's just too complex a problem, and there are too many things that are unknown." In his lab last week, Cardozo and lab technician Andrew Nevin measured the movement of fruit flies. The professor has been using more of the flies, drosophila, to understand environmental toxins and Parkinson's disease. Incidentally, Cardozo is a vegetarian, partly for his health, but mostly because of his concern for animal welfare. "I think the slaughter houses do a poor job of preparing the meat for us," Cardozo said. "So I mostly do it for the reasons they (animal rights activists) say we should not do research, which is interesting." At times, the quest to develop alternative methods is woven directly into current animal research projects. Evans said one large component of the $13.1 million NIH contract was that he test for an alternative method to pigs. In collaboration with the University of Washington, the UM team placed a human receptor in a mouse to see if it would reflect a "human-like" response to their flu vaccine. The model didn't work, but Evans said it yielded valuable information toward a method that could. "The only way to move alternative methods forward is to do that testing," Evans said. *** The tide is turning toward alternative methods, said Hartung, with Johns Hopkins. Federal agencies are putting money into developing alternatives, the power of big data is helping the scientific community, and the quality of cell cultures is "dramatically improving," he said. With support from the NIH, researchers at Johns Hopkins are growing "mini brains" from human skin cells, a development the school estimates could replace hundreds of thousands of animals used in lab tests. The model the size of the eye of a housefly can be used to study Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and autism. "I think that the people who are defending animal experiments as such are simply defending the past," Hartung said. In its own strategic plan, the National Institutes of Health identifies shortcomings of animals in research and plans for better methods in the future. "Petri dish and animal models often fail to provide good ways to mimic disease or predict how drugs will work in humans, resulting in much wasted time and money ... ," said the report. So the NIH aims to "catalyze powerful innovations" including "human 3D organoid (or micro organ) technologies that will be better than animal models." One of the agency's goals is to improve technologies for spinal cord injury patients, also an aim of the proposed porcine research facility at UM. But the NIH presents its strategic plan as aspirational, not resolute. "It is likely not all of these goals will be attained by 2020, but they are offered in hope that this kind of bold visioning can inspire the rapidly moving field of biomedical research to aim even higher," the report said. The research won't stand still while technology advances and regulations evolve. The debate over the use of animals is inevitable, and whether an open dialogue can serve to better science at UM remains to be seen. At the least, faculty researchers want the discussion to remain grounded in facts. According to the Medical Daily, 75 of the 98 Nobel Prizes awarded for physiology or medicine relied on animal research; the data was published in a story recounting the "long, unpretty history" of animal research. "The idea that the work in animals hasn't translated into humans is simply false," Evans said. "Vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical advancement, other than clean water. Period. There's no way around it." A 14-year-old girl was walking home from school in Las Vegas one afternoon when a 19-year-old man and 20-year-old woman asked if she wanted to hang out. According to news reports, they took the girl to North Dakota and began arranging dates for her. She later told police that they told her if she didnt make money, she wouldnt get to eat and would be left to fend for herself. All the money she made was turned over to the older man. The girl turned out to be one of the lucky ones. Her mother eventually located her after tracing her emails to an advertisement on Backpage.com that included a photo. The advertisement was for someone called Angel but the mother recognized her daughter in the photo and contacted local police, who arranged an undercover meeting with the girl - for the negotiated price of $200 an hour. At the hotel where the meeting was to take place, police found the missing girl along with another underage teen; they were both reunited with their families. The young man and woman involved in the case were charged with human trafficking. The woman, herself a victim of human trafficking, was given three years probation. Last week a legislative committee heard a bill that would help stop similar incidents from happening in Montana. At the same time, they held a hearing for a second bill aimed at reducing child sexual exploitation by making it illegal to expose children to prostitution. Missoulas Rep. Kim Dudik, a Democrat representing House District 94, introduced both bills. She is also responsible for working with Montanas Attorney General Tim Fox, a Republican, on related bills to crack down on human trafficking in the previous legislative session. That legislation gave the state the tools it needed to start tackling a serious and growing problem. This new pair of bills is needed to help close some of the remaining gaps. Human trafficking is a particularly heinous crime when it involves children. In the United States, up to 300,000 children are the victims of human trafficking each year. The majority of these juvenile victims are used for sex, and the average age of girls forced into the sex trade, according to the Montana Department of Justice, is just 12 to 14 years old. Its estimated that less than 2 percent are ever rescued or manage to escape. Nevertheless, thanks to Montanas work on this issue two years ago, the state has made some headway. Last month, the Justice Department released a new report on human trafficking in Montana. It noted that 13 cases were reported in 2014 and 19 cases were reported in 2015. After the Montana Legislature approved new laws to crack down on human trafficking, the number of cases jumped 100 percent from 2015 to 2016. And the number of children rescued from human traffickers in Montana increased 400 percent, to 14 cases. While the number of cases in Montana is relatively low, the state provides a popular corridor for human traffickers to transport their victims far away from their homes and to more heavily populated parts of the country. However, the internet remains far and away the preferred way for human traffickers to conduct business. Every state is grappling with how to deal with Backpage.com and similar websites that are notorious among law enforcement officials for underground prostitution and human trafficking activity. Last week, in fact, the two founders and a top executive at Backpage were due to appear in court in California to defend their website against allegations of conspiracy, money laundering and pimping. Dudiks proposed solution for Montana is to require those advertising escort services to keep records of identification. As written, House Bill 379 would require these records to be maintained for seven years, but not made available publicly; police could obtain a search warrant to review the records. Its a smart solution that closes several common loopholes used by human traffickers to avoid prosecution. For one, escort providers often claim they didnt know the victim was underage, or that the victim used a fake name. This law would hold them accountable for verifying their employees true name and age. House Bill 378 attacks the problem from the other side of the issue by making it clear in Montana statute that it is illegal to engage in prostitution in front of a child. Such exposure is often used by human traffickers to familiarize child victims with the illicit sex trade, teaching them that such behavior is acceptable and therefore preventing them from telling. Human trafficking is an international problem in which Montana plays a relatively limited part. Montanans can reduce that role even further by encouraging our legislators to pass HB 378 and 379, and making our state an even tougher place to get away with human trafficking. Montana is No. 1 in something; yeah! But we shouldn't cheer. A Missoulian article (Feb. 1) , page A7, reviews a pending Montana bill about the dating of milk. Admittedly not a very exciting topic, unless you consider that the current Montana rule was recently selected as a national poster child for how state laws force extravagant waste of food. The current Montana rule requires milk to be labeled with a "sell by" date that is 12 days after pasteurization. This is the shortest such sale date in the country; most states have no "sell by" date at all. After reaching the "sell by" date Montana retailers must throw out unsold milk; it can't even be donated, even though studies have shown that milk is good much, much longer. And Montana consumers, not understanding this "dating game," may also throw out good milk. Not only is good milk wasted, but reports have shown that milk costs more in Montana. So the 12-day rule, promulgated by the Board of Livestock, causes good milk to be thrown out and consumers to pay more for milk. Great to be No. 1! To the honorable Sen. Jon Tester and to Montana citizens: When I viewed President Trumps announcement of Neil Gorsuchs nomination to replace Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court, I was awed and overjoyed. At last! There was someone who would represent us, the working citizen taxpayers who have been bombarded by elite-appointed individuals who are determined to legislate from the bench to accommodate a controlling executive and controlled Congress and not interpret the written Constitution as it is worded. Above all, we were assured that nominee Gorsuch would adhere strictly to the Constitution and not try to override state laws enacted by elected representatives of citizens. A young, self-motivated, hardworking achiever, Neil Gorsuch attended Harvard at the same time as ex-President Obama, and seems to be as well respected by people on all sides of the aisle. He was appointed with overwhelming bipartisan support to his present position. He is a strong critic of the regulatory state, believing that federal agencies have been given too much power and shouldnt be able to make up their own interpretations of ambiguous laws and that the law should be for judges to decide not bureaucrats. He is also outspoken on First Amendment rights, particularly religious freedom, and he firmly represents the constitutional requirement for balance and separation of powers. Bipartisan support of Gorsuch would be an opportunity to bring the country together. Please support this ethical mans appointment to represent we the people. I urge all citizen voters to contact the senator (406-449-5401) as soon as possible to confirm this honorable man. I love Montana and the U.S. Constitution. Do you? Linda Brooks-Curtis, Missoula Nicht Ihr Computer? Dann konnen Sie fur die Anmeldung ein Fenster zum privaten Surfen offnen. Weitere Informationen The Rev. John Floberg was on his way home from a national meeting of the Episcopal Church when he saw live video of protesters squaring off with police at a northern "front line" camp on N.D. Highway 1806. The conflict was escalating fast. Disappointed by the violence he saw on both sides, Floberg wanted to slow things down and return to the more traditional civil disobedience seen months earlier. When the Standing Rock-based priest returned to North Dakota, he drafted a callout to clergy around the country. The gathering drew more than 500 clergy members of different faiths to the Oceti Sakowin Camp. The group walked to the barricade on the Backwater Bridge before turning back, creating a moment many said evoked the march in Selma. No one was arrested, though a few, whose bravado Floberg critiqued, traveled to Bismarck and protested at the Capitol, where they were detained. Though support and endorsements have flooded in from religious institutions around the world, few Christian leaders on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and in North Dakota took an active role. In fact, Floberg was nearly unique in his activism. Floberg has been an Episcopal priest on the reservation for the past 25 years with churches in Cannon Ball, Fort Yates and Selfridge. He sees the pipeline fight as the reason for his years there. This is why Ive been here 25 years, said Floberg, explaining that with fewer years' experience, "I would have had no way to understand how to stand ground. Watching the anger demonstrated some nights on the bridge, he saw those same feelings devolve into depression among the youth in his ministry. In the relations with the government, he saw hundreds of years of unfulfilled promises and leaders who did not listen. I realized the church had to get there so that the people who were in that camp could hear and understand that somebody else cared and would stand by them, Floberg said. The camps were filled with prayer, much of it traditional, and many described the months-long movement as an extended ceremony. A sacred fire was central to the main Oceti Sakowin camp and prayers in Lakota were frequently performed. "Our vision is for the peoples of all continents, regardless of their beliefs in the Creator, to come together as one at their Sacred Sites to pray and meditate and commune with one another, thus promoting an energy shift to heal our Mother Earth and achieve a universal consciousness toward attaining peace," Chief Arvol Looking Horse, a Sioux spiritual leader, wrote in an August column for Indian Country Media Network on indigenous environmental movements. Seeing the prayer at camp, Floberg decided not to hold services there, worried it may cause breakage and division amid the unity he saw. With the endorsement of the national Episcopal Church, Floberg provided supplies to campers, hosted people in his church and has undertaken efforts to smooth relations between people on and off the reservation. Recently, he started handing out gift cards to his Native American congregants for them to eat with non-native friends in Bismarck-Mandan. Others in the Standing Rock Christian leadership took on a more spiritual, less active role. The Rev. George Maufort, of St. Peter's Catholic Church, saw his role in prayer and support for his congregants. He traveled to the camps occasionally and listened as congregants grieved over the fear of water contamination. "Anything that was prayer-oriented, I participated in," Maufort said. "Through prayer, you can move mountains if God wills it." Maufort, who is knowledgeable of the Native American traditional prayers and ceremonies practiced at the camp, said he believed all the prayer was valid. Prayer is prayer, he said. He participated in the clergy walk as an individual the Catholic Church did not take a position on the pipeline because he was assured it would be peaceful, prayerful, respectful and lawful. When protests grew violent, he could not support them. "The government has more power than the native people," Maufort said. "It would be a futile struggle." Another local Christian leader chose to avoid involvement in the protest, though his church is located in Cannon Ball. He was concerned that such entanglement might affect his ability to help locally. Now, he's troubled to see the deepened divisions between natives and non-natives in North Dakota. The Rev. Boots Marsh and his wife, Jackie, have a youth ministry for young children. He has interacted with the protesters and, most recently, accepted a few donations as they helped clean the camp. "I took a line for the future of the children, and it didn't include getting on the front lines," said Marsh, of the Tipi Wakan Baptist Church. "Nothing could be gained except to hurt the kids." More broadly in North Dakota, the only churches to take on an active role have been the Unitarian Universalists in Bismarck and the Presentation Sisters in Fargo, according to Karen von Fassen, of the UU church. Some did partake individually by coming to rallies or participating in interfaith prayer events. Many of faith and conviction have been in very solid solidarity as their own conscience speaks to them, she said. For a new $30-million facility, theres nothing flashy or loud about it. But the Basin Creek water-treatment plant tucked in the trees and hills south of Butte is certainly fancy. As the first ceramic-membrane filter system used to ensure clean drinking water for a U.S. city, its high tech to the hilt and as efficient as it gets. Gravity alone will do a lot of the work, and thats free. But theres also a computerized control system that will monitor 14,000 pieces of data. There are thousands of square feet of membrane filters in stainless steel tubes that make up the guts of the plant. There are lots of alarms to warn of anything awry. As up to 7 million gallons of water flow through the plants pipes and processes each day on the way to faucets in town, only one-half of 1 percent will be wasted. Most plants waste 7 to 10 percent of their water and require giant lagoons to capture it. There are no lagoons needed with this facility, so it sits comfortably on 5 acres of a hillside off of Basin Creek Road about 6 miles south of Bert Mooney Airport and 2 miles north of its water source Basin Creek Reservoir. Its hundreds of membrane filters are made of ceramic, not polymer (plastic), and should last years longer. Its brown and tan colors blend with the landscape, it can only be partially seen from one rural house, and what noises it does make are confined almost solely to within its walls. We should be a good quiet neighbor, said Butte-Silver Bow Public Works Director Dave Schultz. The plant has been years in the planning and building, and in recent weeks, its undergone continuous testing to make sure everything and theres a lot to that is working as it should. So far, so good, and if it stays that way, the entire plant should be up and running by mid-April. Gov. Steve Bullock and other state and local officials are expected at an opening ceremony, though a date has not yet been set. Its a big deal for Butte, since it should supply the city with pristine drinking water for decades. Its a big deal for Montana, since the states Natural Resource Damage Program paid for it with money from mine pollution settlements. The plant itself cost about $22 million, but design work and other related projects bring the total to about $30 million. And since it is state of the art and the first of its kind in the country, its likely to attract engineers from other states and cities who want to see how its done. MANDATED BEGINNINGS Butte-Silver Bow didnt start down this road on its own; it was forced onto it by state and federal environmental regulators. For decades, water from the Basin Creek Reservoir was some of the best in all of Montana. A little chlorine was added before gravity alone carried it into town, but that was it. No filters and no plant was needed. It is really clean, said Jim Keenan, the countys chief operator for water treatment. We have been able to drink out of that reservoir for more than 100 years. But in 2011, for reasons not precisely clear, the water exceeded levels of acceptable disinfection byproducts. For about six months, the water contained high levels of organic carbons that produced possible carcinogens when treated with chlorine. In 2011, there was a big spring runoff, Schultz said. It was a real wet season, and the disinfection byproducts exceeded maximum levels, and that triggered the need for this plant. A consulting engineer for the county theorized that pine beetles had ravaged trees in the area, leaving additional organic matter on the forest floor that washed into the reservoir and changed the waters character. We dont think that is the case, but a lot of systems in the state violated their EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) rules, Schultz said. There was just a huge runoff that year. Organic carbons soon returned to acceptable levels, and Basin Creek has remained a key Butte water source, but there was no turning back. Consultants had learned of ceramic filtration systems developed by Japan-based Metawater Co. Ltd. that remove turbidity, bacteria, and protozoa found in raw water sources. The systems are touted for being more efficient and lasting longer and are found throughout Japan and much of Europe, so officials started down that path. HERE'S HOW IT WORKS Gravity alone has always carried water from Basin Creek into town to serve much of the Flat. The Big Hole River and its plant covers other parts of the Flat and most of Uptown, and the Moulton Reservoir handles far northern areas of the county. Now, instead of heading straight into town through a 24-inch pipe, Basin Creek water will be diverted first to the new treatment plant. The system itself works like this: Water first goes through giant strainers that remove materials such as leaves, twigs, and fish and anything down to the size of the letter "o" in the In God We Trust inscription on pennies. The water is then mixed with cleaning chemicals and circulates through large pipes long enough for flocculation to occur. That process changes the electrical charges of particles in the water so they can clump together and then be filtered out. The water then moves through a system of 400 ceramic membrane filters, each contained in long stainless-steel tubes about 10 feet high. The membrane acts like a colander. When a pot of spaghetti is poured into a colander, water runs through the holes while the pasta stays put. The membranes act the same way, catching pathogens that can cause sickness and disease. Some chlorine is then added before the water heads to town. Usually, all the power needed to keep water circulating in and out of the plant is supplied naturally. As long as you have water in the reservoir, you have pressure up there, and that allows the water to flow through on gravity, said Brian Wilkins, who oversees the countys Water Division. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE Everything in the plant is monitored by a computer system that can be viewed and operated from a control room in the plant. Among the critical items are flow rates, water pressure, chlorine levels, and turbidity how cloudy or clear the water is. But it monitors 14,000 pieces of data in all, including hundreds of air valves and all of the membrane filters. There are thousands and thousands of square feet of membranes in this plant, Schultz said. What if a hole develops in one of them big enough for pathogens to get through? There are all kinds of quality-control tests so we know if all the membranes are intact at all times. The filters are cleaned regularly every four hours with a backflush of water, once a week with a chlorine solution, then every six months with chlorine and citric acid that restores them to their original condition. Polymer filters used in most water-treatment plants in the U.S. must be replaced every five to seven years, which Schultz says would run $5 million. The ceramic filters should last about 20 years. Public Works has hired two more operating engineers because of the plant, bringing the count to 14 for the Water Division, but it wont need 24-7 staffing. It is our hope that when we get all the bugs worked out, we will be able to have this thing unmanned at night and maybe for a couple of shifts on the weekends, Schultz said. During rare times when gravity cant bring 7 million gallons of water into town on its own say, for instance, if the reservoir gets low and theres not enough pressure pumps can kick in to get the job done. And with a new pump station ready to go in south Butte, Basin Creek water can get all the way to Walkerville if needed. The plant will cost taxpayers and ratepayers about $650,000 to staff and operate each year, but the payoff in clean water and coverage is pretty big. We will be able to move more water to more places than weve ever been able to in the past, Keenan said. After nearly two years of operation, Amys Custom Cakes in Anaconda recently closed its doors. But a new bakery has come in its wake, meaning residents havent had to go without cookies, cakes and sweetie pies for long. In December Michaela Brown, a native of the Czech Republic and current Mill Creek resident, launched Sugar & Spice at the 303 E. Park Ave. location. Like many small business owners, Brown practiced her trade informally for years before transforming her hobby into a brick-and-mortar business. I just cooked and baked all my life, said Brown, describing how shes always had a flair for cooking. I learned mostly from magazines and trying (new things), she continued. You enjoy it and then you make it more often, more often. And sometimes people keep asking you for the same thing. So you look for better recipes, some glitch or some secret. For Brown baking is all about experimentation. She said shes on her fifth recipe for sticky buns and doesnt shy away from trying new things. You show up and tell me what you want, and Ill tell you if I can do it or not, said Brown. Jenna Schafer, an employee at Sugar & Spice, said she heard about Browns baking from a mutual friend who was organizing an event and asked Schafer to pick up some treats from Browns home. Once she saw the pastries, Schafer suggested to Brown that she open a bakery and said she knew of a space available. The space was the former location of Amys Custom Cakes and Roses Tea Room, which meant a lot of the renovations required to support a bakery were already complete. Brown was hesitant at first. Just months earlier her husband had launched his own business, a transportation company. And also, said Brown, who lives outside of town, she lived too far away to operate a business in Anacondas downtown district. (But) then one night I couldnt sleep, said Brown. During the sleepless night, Brown pictured herself going to the bank and getting a business loan. Weeks later, she moved into the Park Avenue property. The atmosphere at Sugar & Spice is rustic, provincial, unpretentious and down to earth. On any given day customers are greeted with the featured treats on the bakerys rotating menu, delectable delights like sweet and savory croissants, apple tarts, sticky buns, sweetie pies, cheese cakes, cookies and, what are arguably the most popular items on the rotating menu, butter horns. Did you get the butter horns? a customer asked as she popped her head in the door during Browns interview with The Montana Standard. Later, another customer arrived. Do you still have butter horns? he asked. Lunch is also often on the menu at Sugar & Spice. Brown has imported from Europe the concept of the open-face sandwich, which consist of a slice of French bread topped with potato salad, ham, salami, eggs, pickles and roasted red pepper. The bakery also features a soup of the day. My thing is I use all real stuff, Brown said when asked what kind of environment she wants to create. First of all, non-GMO flour from Three Forks. So I also try to support (local businesses). And then I use real butter, real sugar. I dont use any corn syrup. Brown said she came to the U.S. from her home in what is now the Czech Republic more on a whim them anything else. I was born in Czechoslovakia but its not Czechoslovakia anymore, said Brown. Brown said she didnt come to the U.S. to escape any sort of political chaos, as people sometimes assume. Instead, she said, she simply came to the U.S. to experience a far-flung place in the world. While living in the U.S., Brown said, she met her now husband in Florida, and the couple eventually moved to Montana. He was looking for some mountains, and I was looking for some privacy. Brown said her hometown Primda is not unlike Anaconda. She described Primda as a small 1,000-person town filled with mom-and-pop businesses. Situated among hills, mountains and forests, Primda is a place where everyone knows your name. Whats more, Brown said, the town boasts its own castle, the first written account of which goes back to 1126 CE, dating back to a time when the Bohemian kings ruled over the area. In other words, Brown can literally call herself a Bohemian. But the biggest difference between living in the Czech Republic and Montana comes down to size, Brown said. From her hometown its a 10-minute drive to Germany, a 5-hour drive to Italy and a 9-hour drive to Holland. Well, here you go five hours and youre still in Montana, she said. Brown said she looks forward to growing her business. The Czech native said she wants Sugar & Spice to be a place without cell phones and computers, a place where people sit in the front window eating pastries and sipping on coffee as they watch the snow fall outside. I didnt open the bakery for grab and go, said Brown. I want it to be something like it was a 100 years ago, 50 years ago or even 30 years ago. GRAND FORKS Those driving 3 miles north of Grand Forks may see something strange: long, narrow, pointed white giants sailing through the sky onto rail cars. Dont be alarmed. It may be difficult to tell for those who dont know, but the 25,000-pound, 187-foot structures being loaded onto trains are some of the first wind turbine blades LM Wind Power in Grand Forks ships across the country by rail. The rail facility was completed in December, with LM sending out its first shipment of blades about two weeks ago. The more they produce, the more we can get out, said Don Spicer, site coordinator for TP&L Management Solutions, a Casper, Wyo., company that built and owns the Grand Forks rail facility. We have the opportunity with the rail to ship them out at a great price versus trucking them. A train carrying 36 blades for wind turbines will leave the facility once a week. That means 36 fewer semis meant to haul blades will be free to haul something else once a week, cutting down expenses, shipment time and truck traffic. Dozens of blades are waiting at the rail yard to be shipped to Kansas and California as staff work to load the white giants onto rail cars. The construction of the rail facility is just one indicator of the wind industrys growth. The sector in the U.S. had its second-strongest quarter, and the American Wind Energy Association announced last Thursday that near-record growth made wind energy the largest source of renewable electric capacity in the U.S. ahead of hydro power. Of the roughly 3,000 megawatts in wind farms that went online in the past decade, 1,000 megawatts were completed in the past 10 months. Thats the way it is just surging on us, said North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Randy Christmann. Wind boom The construction of wind farms in North Dakota began in the late 1990s and only recently have started to surge, Christmann said. The potential for capturing wind for energy in North Dakota is high, particularly in the western and south-central part of the state, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which ranked North Dakota sixth in 2014 for wind energy potential and 11th in utility-scale generation. We see incredibly strong activity across the country, AWEA senior analyst Hannah Hunt said. We do expect to see this success story continue. Hunt said 89 percent of the wind farms installed last year occurred in the Midwest. AWEA estimated wind power could double its output over the next five years, supplying 10 percent of U.S. electricity by 2020 and 20 percent by 2030. Texas is the leader in producing wind energy -- last year, it became the first state to surpass a capacity of 20,000 megawatts. Of the 41 states that have wind farms, North Dakota ranked fourth in terms of installation of wind energy. Hunt said building farms and producing wind energy has become more affordable in recent years. Wind towers are larger and produce more power than early models. As technology advances, more companies have looked to get into the sector, whether as manufacturers or customers, Hunt said. That means more jobs. We know now that -- this is a statistic reported through the U.S. Department of Labor -- the wind turbine technician position is the fastest-growing job in the United States, Hunt said, adding there has been a two-thirds reduction in cost in building turbines in the past seven years. While wind energy has become more economical than previous years, there is no doubt that subsidies from the federal government have helped it along. Companies have used tax credits to subsidize wind projects across the country, including in North Dakota. After being renewed several times, the 2015 Congress agreed to phase out the Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit on an 80-60-40 percent schedule, with the credit ending in 2019. Christmann cited tax credits that have been extended to wind companies over the years as a catalyst for the wind energys growth, with many trying to qualify for subsidies. Hunt called the tax credits a success policy that helped the wind industry grow and produce as much energy as possible. The phaseout is a done deal, she said. Opposition growing Not everyone in North Dakota has been receptive to the wind energy sector. Landowners in Stark County protested an 87-turbine wind farm last year that ultimately was approved by the Public Service Commission. Before that, the PSC maybe heard from one or two opponents. The Stark County project, proposed by NextEra Energy Resources, presented 15 hours of testimony, the longest PSC hearing on a wind project. Its getting more noticeable, Christmann said of opposition to wind farms in North Dakota. As wind farms first came to North Dakota, they were seen as novelties. But as more were built, residents in certain areas became vocal, citing concerns of increased traffic during construction, as well as wind blade and shadow noise. There also has been concern from the coal industry about wind saturating the market. North Dakotas coal industry, one of the states top sectors, has the capability to produce 4,000 megawatts. Capacity is how much energy can be produced, though most producers actual output is less. Wind farms average about 25 percent of their capacity. The ability to capture wind may be one of the reasons North Dakota has seen growth in the industry. Some wind farms have the ability to capture 40 percent, or 1,200 megawatts per hour of capacity. Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said he doesnt foresee the tax credits phaseout being dragged on or shortened. The former North Dakota public service commissioner and President Donald Trumps energy adviser said he never imagined the wind sector would get as large as it did. He called wind farms a serious threat to the coal industry, which has seen rollbacks in production and the shuttering of plants -- Stanton Station in central North Dakota announced it would shut down by May. That seems like a saturated market, Christmann said. If we continue to build wind as it is being built, you will see less energy from coal. Its hard to say how much the wind industry will expand, but subsidies will help the sector explode if the federal government wishes to offer tax credits, Christmann said. It doesnt matter whether these are needed, he said. There is money to be made just for building them. Big deal for Grand Forks A world leader in producing turbine blades, LM is one of the largest manufacturers in North Dakota, with more than 1,000 employees, said Keith Lund, vice president of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp. In the past four months alone, the company has added 200 positions. In many cases, rail transportation is the most effective mode, Lund said, adding the rail facility makes the company competitive across the country. This facility provides the necessary options for customers of LM Wind Power. LM Human Resources Manager Tricia Weber said most of the employees hired in recent months would work on blades. The addition of jobs is in sharp contrast to the companys decision to lay off hundreds of workers in the early 2010s, leaving the Grand Forks plant with 270 employees. LM added more employees in recent years and announced in October that General Electric would purchase the blade manufacturer for $1.65 billion. The sale likely will be finalized later this year. Lund said North Dakotas potential for wind development could create jobs not just in the wind industry but for construction, maintenance and manufacturing workers. The rail facility can be used to ship other products. Business leaders in Grand Forks have been talking about the facility and what it could do for the city. Spicer said he was happy to hear people thought the rail facility was a big deal. I think there are just opportunities all over the place, Spicer said. We definitely have the opportunity to put growth in Grand Forks. Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes [] The five chickens that live behind Mark Verschells stately Takoma Park , Maryland, Victorian have an enviable existence, for birds. Their accommodations are a heated, trailer-style coop. Their enclosure protects them from predators and is adorned with shiny compact discs to deter feed-stealing sparrows. They snack on dried mealworms and fresh grapes. Their water contains a bit of apple cider vinegar to help balance pH levels and smooth digestion. But even hens leading comfortable lives can have health issues, a fact Verschell confronted when he spotted a bright red protrusion on the nether regions of Ethel, the largest and blondest of his familys flock. Verschell, 56, grew up in the East Bays Castro Valley, once home to vast poultry operations, and knew what it was: a prolapse of Ethels vent (also called a cloaca), which is the exit route for both waste and eggs. In the old days, Verschell would have gone to the local feed store and asked for advice. But now youve got the Internet, he said. So thats how Verschell, a climate scientist, ended up spending about a week of last summer applying cold compresses and Preparation H to the rear end of a hen and shooing away the flockmates that might have pecked at her. Backyard flocks like Verschells have become so popular over the past two decades that enthusiasts host neighborhood coop tours, Etsy shops sell hen harnesses and chicken-focused bloggers can have followings the size of a C-list celebritys. In many ways, the roosters and hens clucking outside American homes have become pets like the dogs and cats that got there first. But chicken owners are learning that when their birds get sick, veterinary care can be difficult to find. And the humans who dreamed of fresh, free-range eggs and urban rusticity can find themselves offering hens ground oyster shell as a calcium supplement or dabbing Neosporin on raccoon-inflicted wounds. Theres no national data on the number of backyard chickens in the United States, much less on their veterinary experiences. A study based on an online survey of backyard flock owners, published in 2014 in the journal Poultry Science, found that most had a lack of awareness about some poultry health conditions, and that 87 percent well, wing it, using the Internet as their main source for chicken health-care information. The studys authors surmised that it is likely due to most storefront veterinarians unfamiliarity with the birds. Online chicken hobbyist sites cover esoteric as well as common ailments; recent subject lines on BackYardChickens.coms user forum include caring for a chicken after a hawk attack and Home amputation success story and how-to.Got a hen having a problem passing eggs? You can try to remedy that with a spa treatment involving a soak in a warm Epsom salt bath, a blow dry and doses of olive oil. Even professionals sometimes turn to the Internet. Take Kathy Trow, a Philadelphia-area veterinarian who mostly treats cats and dogs. In the summer of 2014, one of her clients called to ask whether she could heal a friendly hen named Black Henry, who had begun dropping weight. Trow, 50, recalls responding: Just know that well be seeing the chicken with the textbook open and YouTube on the screen. And so she did. Black Henry had an impacted crop, a small sac where chicken food collects after it is swallowed but before it moves to the stomach. Guided by a YouTube video, Trow and her colleagues tried tube-feeding Black Henry olive oil and warm water, and massaging the hardened lump. When that didnt work, they numbed the area with lidocaine, sliced open the birds chest, pulled out the mass of straw stuck in her crop, sewed her up and pulled the skin together with surgical glueanother technique from YouTube. Beyond the Internet, chicken keepers can tune in to the Backyard Poultry With the Chicken Whisperer podcast, which regularly features Salisbury, Maryland, vet Peter Brown discussing topics like what new federal antibiotics regulations mean for chicken owners. On his website, Brown offers $25 consultations and sells a range of products including incubators, antibiotics, vaccines and, until recently, a $34.95 emergency medication kit. The Rosenzweig-Fang household in Gaithersburg, Maryland, owns such an emergency kit. But that only hints at the lengths the family will go to to keep their six chickens healthy and happy. The back yard of the Rosenzweig-Fangs neat ranch-style house is what you might imagine chicken paradise looks like. On the patio is a red barn-style coop with a ceramic heater inside. Atop a plastic shoe cabinet is a small box that serves as a maternity ward for Snowy, who prefers to lay her eggs in private. In the corner of the yard are sandboxes that Aaron Rosenzweig acknowledges he did not buy for his two human children, but rather to be used as chicken dust baths. Inside, under the stairs to the basement, is the infirmary: a spotless space brightened with flower decals and divided in two by an apple-green picket fence. Also inside is Lulu, a rooster, who on a recent day wore a red bandanna-patterned diaper. OK, boy, lets put your diaper back on. Oh, youre such a good boy, Rosenzweig, sitting on a pristine white family-room couch, murmured to Lulu as he strapped on the contraption. He stroked the birds impressive tail feathers. Ive debated on changing his name to Fabio. Rosenzweig, a 41-year-old who writes software, said he and his wife, Jen-Lien Fang, chose to get chickens more than two years ago as pets, ones that were soft and social but would not bite their children, ages 11 and 13. Now their small flock has access to the indoors, and the two males spend nights inside, the better not to annoy neighbors or the city, which frowns on roosters. Hence the diapers, lined fabric pouches that are held on by straps that extend over the wings. Fang, 45, sews them herself. Chickens are excellent pets, Rosenzweig insists: cuddly, warm and smart enough to learn tricks. He said the family has taught the birds to jump for treats and to recognize some colors and suits on playing cards. Currently, he said, the chickens are learning to play the xylophone with their beaks. Dog owners might bring their pets stool samples to a vet once a year to check for worms. Rosenzweig collects chicken poop twice a year and drives it 25 miles to a state animal health lab in Frederick, Maryland, to be tested for worms. Concerned by the loss of his pets, hes also taken the corpses of three dead chickens there for necropsies. He learned that two died of cancer, and one from a heart attack, perhaps spurred by a marauding fox. Frederick-based Annika McKillop is a rarity: a mobile chicken vet. She had previously worked in large commercial settings. But when her husband was transferred to Maryland three years ago, she said she realized theres a big need for backyard poultry people. McKillop, who says remedies suggested on the Internet usually dont work, travels through Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, handling up to four sick chicken visits a day. She usually treats respiratory illnesses (though, she notes, the vast majority of the chickens she sees are also overweight due to indulgences such as doughnuts and human leftovers). Spending time with McKillop is a sobering warning about the precariousness of chicken health. To avoid spreading disease, she wears two layers of scrubs to appointmentsone to pull off after the visit and before getting back into her carand a disposable hairnet and shoe covers. She takes her car to a carwash and sprays her shoes with disinfectant after each visit. Though McKillop normally doesnt make night calls, she drove out to a home near Boonsboro, Maryland, on a recent rainy evening to visit a distraught owner. Some of the womans flock of 49 chickens had runny noses and were sneezing, and the feed-store antibiotics and Internet-recommended smoothie of kale, yogurt, garlic and vanilla wafers werent helping. One chicken had died the night before. The flocks troubles had begun after the owner had adopted 12 of the chickens, some from a guy on Craigslist who said he would kill them if they didnt find new homes, others from a man whod procured them at an auction. McKillop says its perilous to acquire chickens with unknown histories, who can endanger other birds. Inside the chickens plywood quarters behind the house, McKillop cradled one afflicted bird after the other in her left arm, swabbing inside their beaks for samples to send to a lab. One of the worst-hit birds, a tawny rooster named Flip, was hunched. His eyes were practically swollen shut, and his once-red comb was blacka possible sign, McKillop said, of loss of blood flow. Dont be surprised if he goes, McKillop said to the worried owner. I can euthanize him for you now, or you can try to nurse him back to health. That would involve tube-feeding, she explained. The woman said she wanted to try. The rooster made it, but because tests later confirmed that the flock had more than one infectionincluding a chronic, transmittable respiratory diseasethe owner later decided to euthanize all the birds. Working with home-based flocks has been eye-opening for McKillop. One of her clients let her birds live indoors full-time; each chicken had its own bedroom, and they spent time lying by the fire. Some owners dress their hens in sweaters. People love their birds, McKillop said. But they dont always know howor have the resourcesto keep their clucking pets hale. People think its like having a dog, she said. And its completely different. Those unexpected challenges havent dissuaded Rosenzweig. You get attached to them, he said. Its not just the eggs. Chickens, their life value is about five bucks ... but for us, theyre pets, and if theyre healthy, they live 10, sometimes 18 yearsas much as a dog. So its worth it to us. Horns honked for nearly an hour on Saturday as demonstrators lined both sides of the 1700 block of Jefferson Street just outside Napas Planned Parenthood. The two groups one pro-life, the other pro-choice differed in opinion, size, and volume. Several dozen pro-life, anti-abortion activists stood outside the health care center quietly holding their Stop abortion now signs and praying. Many of them wore red, matching the stop-sign shaped signs they carried. The pro-life rally was one of 200 Defund Planned Parenthood demonstrations happening across the country on Saturday. The voices of the pro-choice activists lined up across the street could be heard over the pro-lifers prayers. Armed with their own signs, the protesters sang songs and chanted things like Keep your rosaries off my ovaries. Less contained than the pro-life rally, the counter-protesters occasionally spilled off the sidewalk and into the street, a few even taking their signs to the front-line at the entrance of the health center. Mainly what we hope for is to bring to the attention of public the evil of abortion, said Howard Haupt, vice chairman of Napa Valley Culture of Life, a local organization that promotes pro-life initiatives in the area. Essentially, we would like to see Planned Parenthood defunded and have that money go to nationally qualified clinics that give care to pregnant women but do not offer abortion, he said. Haupt said he knew there would be counter-protesters at the event because there usually are, and thanks to the current political climate, both sides are coming out in droves. Eighty of us arent going to change the minds of 125 over there, but we ask God to change their minds, he said. (Editor's note: Organizers of the pro-choice rally dispute this figure, saying there were at least several hundred in attendance.) Napa always shows up, said Chrissy Pearce who was across the street, wearing the same pink Pussyhat she wore to the Womens March on Washington last month. Pearce, holding a sign that read Protect prenatal services, said she came out in support of Planned Parenthood because the organization offers a multitude of healthcare services, including cancer screenings, to millions of Americans. A lot of people that I know personally relied on Planned Parenthood growing up without healthcare, Pearce said. It helps people of all ages, all races and sexes. It helps everybody. Patricia Lawrence, who was on the pro-life side, said the pro-life rally is about not killing babies and has nothing to do with healthcare for women. Its not politically driven, Lawrence said. Its spiritually driven based on our faith in the sanctity of life. The right to life is very precious whether its a child that has yet to be conceived or an elderly person or someone who has committed a crime. I believe that life is sacred and no one has the right to take that away. Lawrence said she wasnt surprised about how many counter-protesters showed up to the rally. Theyre at a disadvantage now politically, she said, and are most likely reacting out of fear. Were here just to pray for peace and pray for the other side because some of them may be misguided but that is perfectly fine, she said. They have the right to protest. Michele Smith, 62, said shes used to protesting. She said it seems like she has had to make her voice heard every decade or so. I believe that a woman should have a right to choose, she said, adding that Planned Parenthood offers important healthcare to women that is now in danger of being cut off. Its saving womens lives, she said. To get rid of it is just ridiculous. Patricia Trimble agreed people should have the right to choose. She stood with the pro-choice demonstrators holding a sign that read Keep your filthy laws off my silky drawers. Nobodys forcing them to have an abortion, but theyre forcing us to not have the opportunity, Trimble said. Back in front of the Planned Parenthood clinic, Carmen Hernandez said life is the most important issue right now. Although she is Mexican American and has friends who may be affected by possible future immigration policies, she said she is happy that the Trump Administration might do something to protect unborn children. It hurts peoples feelings, but we cannot put immigration and life on the same scale, she said. Life is first and then comes other issues. Two Napa Police Bicycle Patrol officers were on scene, but both the rally and protest were carried out peacefully. Editor's Note: This item has been modified from its original form to reflect disputes over the number of attendees on both sides of the event. Napa County is pouring about $11 million into maintaining and remodeling a deteriorating downtown Napa jail that it would rather be demolishing to make room for commercial development. The county wants to build a 366-bed jail as soon as possible along Highway 221 near the Syar quarry. It wants to replace a 264-bed downtown jail that county officials say is too small and not designed for todays inmate population. But the county is scrambling to find $68 million to build only the first phase of a new jail, one that might have only 96 beds. That wont be big enough to dispense with the downtown jail. Like it or not, the county appears to be stuck with the downtown jail at 1125 Third St. for the foreseeable future. It will spend millions of dollars on security systems, remodeled cells and perhaps new elevators, even as it faces a funding gap in the $12 million range for that first phase of a new jail. I would say in a perfect world, we would have preferred to be putting all of this money into the new jail, Public Works Director Steven Lederer said. Director of Corrections Lenard Vare agreed. He simply doesnt see a choice, given the old jail is wearing out and is still needed. The timing of having a new jail ready before major repairs were needed at the old jail didnt work out. Today, were basically at the point where theres no way to get out of fixing these things, Vare said. We have inmates there Life and safety issues come into play. One county official has compared the situation to changing planes, something that is done at the airport, Vare said. But the old plane is still in the air with 300 passengers on board and the engine is falling apart, he said. Unfortunately, we have to make repairs in the air while were waiting for the new plane, Vare said. The county built the downtown Napa jail in 1976 for $4 million and added an $8 million second phase in 1989. County officials say the jail was designed for a different type of inmate population in a different era, one with less violent offenders and fewer offenders dealing with mental health issues. Lederer said a $6.5 million remodel of the jail basement is underway and should be completed by years end. An area with dormitory style accommodations for 30 inmates will be replaced with cells for 60 maximum security inmates. That dorm-style area was built to house low-level offenders, Vare said. He can find maybe 12 people to put there, given many inmates must be separated because of their gang histories or because they have mental health issues. The new arrangement will be safer for correctional officers and offenders, he said. Meanwhile, the county is relocating about 30 inmates to the Solano County jail during the remodeling project. That estimated $1.8 million expense for the 2016-17 fiscal year that began in July is on top of the $6.5 million construction costs, a county report said. Another downtown jail project is spending $2.5 million to improve the jail security cameras and the control room where corrections officials can control elevators and doors in the facility. If that fails, we have a big, critical situation, Vare said. The 2014-15 grand jury came to the same conclusion. It said the marginally operational control room in the downtown jail needs to be upgraded while a new jail is constructed. Elevators are also a problem in the downtown jail. The county estimates it might spend a million dollars replacing a freight operator and security elevator. The Board of Supervisors has yet to grant approval. The large freight operator is used to transport pallets of food to the basement kitchen to prepare 800 to 900 meals daily. The county every few years makes emergency repairs to the elevator, most recently last year when it spent about $68,000. When the freight elevator is broken, inmate workers take the food supplies from the pallets and carry them downstairs using a smaller elevator in a different section of the jail, a county report said. The security elevator has two sections, one for correctional officers and one for inmates who are being restrained, Vare said. It might be used 500 times a day and among other things moves inmates who are going to the adjacent courts for hearings. Another million dollars could go to a fire smoke sealing project that involves the downtown jail ventilation systems. Lederer called this a preventative safety issue. In addition to this $11 million in downtown jail spending, the county had to repair the building after the August 2014 South Napa earthquake. That earthquake repair bill came to $2 million, with $1.8 million coming from insurance and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Lederer said. The county paid for a small amount of remodeling. Voters last summer turned down the Measure Y quarter-cent sales tax measure to raise money for a 256-bed, $103 million first phase of the new jail. But even if the measure had passed, the downtown jail still would have likely undergone repairs. For example, Vare said the downtown jail still would need working elevators for the several years it takes to build a new jail. Lederer noted the security system and basement remodeling projects have been planned for several years. All of this is the price Napa County pays to keep the jail it has running while it waits for the jail of its dreams. Jeni Olsen of Napa has worked with teenagers to help gather diapers for needy moms, shoes for children in Haiti, care packages to overseas troops and even underwear to girls in Uganda. Now, Olsen and her supporters are working to help Syrian refugees via a project called Cards for Causes. The idea is relatively simple. Groups of teenagers and others are making handmade cards. The collage-style cards are now for sale for $5 each at selected Napa shops and businesses. In one week, an estimated 70 cards were sold and more than $300 raised in card sales and direct donations for a specific refugee family in Syria. Cards for Causes was launched as one of the first projects from a nonprofit Olsen is starting called Teens Connect. Cards for Causes is modeled after a similar card-making project Olsen was involved with several years ago that helped raise money for southern Africans. I was so inspired by how the teens were empowered to make a difference in the world, said Olsen. The advantage of making cards to raise money is that it doesnt require expensive equipment or extensive resources, she said. Such art projects are also therapeutic for the teens themselves. Something crafted by hand especially to help someone is powerful, said Olsen. Knowing that their art will be sold to benefit others, helps teens connect to the world, and make a difference, one card at a time. Olsen explained that proceeds from the sale of Cards for Causes will go directly to a specific Syrian refugee family via a nonprofit called humanwire.com. The Aslan family has been living in a refugee camp on the border of Turkey inside Syria for three years, said Olsen. According to the humanwire.com website, Bader (11), Ahmed (4), Wessam (16), Mohammed (8) and Fatima (15) Aslan live in the camp with their mother Najah. The children lost their father in 2012 after he was killed by a bomb on his way to work. They would like to return to their home, but they have no idea of a next step, said Olsen. In the meantime, they need assistance. One of the interesting things about connecting with the Aslan family is that it is possible to send support directly to the family in the camp. Donors can also choose to attend a live video chat session with the host and refugee. Translators can be provided. Olsen said she knows that Teens Connect projects like Cards for Causes can make a difference. Olsen recently returned from a trip to Haiti where she was involved in donating some 800 pairs of shoes to children in need. Ive seen the power of helping one another one-on-one, she said. You add more people and its just exponential. Baris Yildiz, who owns Ristorante Allegria, will speak to volunteers at Teens Connect about his experiences in refugee camps in Turkey. A story about Yildiz was also featured recently in the Napa Valley Register. I love that he is able to tie their work to the cause, Olsen said. The Teens for Change club at Vintage High will also be making cards for the Teens Connect project. One member of that club is VHS junior Lily Meyers. Theres this fear of refugees being bad, or people to be scared of, said Meyers. A big part of our club is just educating our fellow students about whats going on. These are just normal families whose lives have been drastically altered, she said. We want to teach people to practice tolerance and kindness and reach out to those that are less fortunate rather than having a fear or stigma about it. Meyers said the cards can help everyone the buyer, artist and receiver see the threads connecting different people. The cards are like a double gift, she added. Youre helping someone, while passing along an affirmation of support. Cards for Causes is one of the many programs Olsen plans to start. The nonprofits next project will have a local emphasis, she said. A graphic designer by trade, Olsen is dialing back her design work to concentrate on Teens Connect full time. I condemn the launch of a ballistic missile by the DPRK. This is a further violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions, including Resolution 2321 adopted in November 2016. These consistent provocations and violations of binding UN Security Council Resolutions undermine regional and international security. The DPRK must refrain from further provocations, halt all launches using ballistic missile technology and abandon once and for all its ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, as required by the UN Security Council. I call on the DPRK not to raise tensions further and to re-engage in a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community. Want to post something? Want to be added to our monthly newsletter which details each month's clay club meeting? (different than signing up for blog emails below) Have any questions? Contact Tori Motyl at Tori@MotylPottery.com About Clay Club 21:41 Indian-origin tech leaders in Canada say the controversial visa and travel restrictions imposed by US President Donald Trump will be a boon for tech recruitment and investment in Canada. "This provides a great opportunity for the best talent from India to come, live and work in Canada," said Shafin Diamond Tejani, the CEO of Fantasy 360, a Vancouver-based global leader in creating immersive experiences and games using Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality. "We are already getting inquiries from Indian techies, both in India and in the United States, about relocating to Vancouver," said Tejani, whose family is originally from Gujarat. Igor Sadikovs Insincere Apology at McGill | Main | Hamas Members Defect to ISIS February 12, 2017 In Haaretz in English, Petah Tikvah Attack Is Only 'Suspected' On Thursday, an assailant opened fire on shoppers in the central Israeli town of Petah Tivkah, and stabbed one, injuring a total of five people. The suspected attacker is an 18-year-old from Nablus. That this attack happened is not in dispute. Yet, Haaretz's English edition, both online and print, referred to a "suspected" attack, as if was not yet verified that a shooting attack had taken place. The first sentence of the print article refers to the attack as "suspected": Five people were hospitalized following a suspected shooting attack in the central city of Petah Tikvah yesterday. The front-page headline of Haaretz's English edition Friday was "Five people wounded in suspected Petah Tikva terror attack." The digital edition in English also qualifies the attack as "suspected." Its headline is: "Five Wounded in Suspected Shooting Attack in Central Israeli City." Likewise, the first sentence online reads: Five people were hospitalized following a suspected shooting attack in the central Israeli city of Petah Tikvah. The Hebrew edition, in contrast, both in print and online did not qualify the attack as "suspected" and reported it just as it was: an attack. The Hebrew print headline states (CAMERA's translation): "Petah Tikvah Market Attack: Five Lightly Wounded from Shooting and Stabbing, 18-Year-Old Suspect from Nablus Arrested." The first sentence states: "Five people were lightly injured yesterday in a shooting and stabbing attack near the market on Baron Hersh Street in Petah Tikvah." This latest instance of what we call "Haaretz, Lost in Translation" follows another English edition article last month which described an incident in which a Bedouin driver ran over and killed an Israeli policeman as a "police claim." Yet, the fact that the driver ran over and killed the policeman was not disputed; the reason, however, was disputed (the Bedouin driver either intentionally attacked the policeman or, alternatively, lost control of the vehicle after police shot him). CAMERA prompted corrected in that case. We have contacted editors again about the Petah Tikvah attack. Stay tuned for an update. Posted by TS at February 12, 2017 05:43 AM Why no link to the English online edition? Posted by: wsg at February 12, 2017 08:55 AM The link to the online English edition has been added. Apologies for the oversight. Posted by: TS at February 16, 2017 04:30 AM Guidelines for posting This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material. Post a comment India's latest private airline Zoom Air, which launched its inaugural flight on Sunday from Delhi to West Bengal's Durgapur, plans to fill the gap of "sectors which are less catered" by other scheduled airlines, a company official said. The airline will start daily scheduled operations from the Delhi-Kolkata-Durgapur-Delhi sector from next Wednesday and the same will be extended to Amritsar in the afternoon followed by a Delhi-Surat-Bhavnagar-Delhi evening service. "We will fill the gap of sectors which are less catered to by other scheduled airlines. We will connect Tirupati, Vijaywada, Mumbai, Shillong, Aizawl, Pasighat and Zero (in Arunachal Pradesh), Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Indore and Bhopal, atleast once daily from Delhi and Kolkata," said airline's CEO and Director Koustav M. Dhar. The carrier's aircrafts produced by Bombardier are versatile for short sectors flying and aptly suited for Indian Tier II and Tier III cities, he said adding that the airline is the first private carrier to join Ministry of Civil Aviation's initiative for Regional connectivity Scheme (RCS). "We envisage a 18-20 percent year on growth on such under-served and un-served airports. It is all about connectivity and regular reliable services," Dhar said. The airline has been accorded Air Operators Permit by Director General of Civil Aviation on February 3. It presently has three CRJ-200LR aircrafts, under dry lease from CRJ Aircraft Leasing, Dublin, out of which two aircrafts have been imported. The airline has acquired two more CRJ-200LR aircrafts from Skyone FZE Aircraft leasing, UAE under dry lease which will join its fleet by April 2017 to complete the fleet of five aircrafts within one year - a required condition by DGCA. Promoted by Zexus Air Services, the airline is the country's 10th schedule carrier for domestic skies presently, with others being Air India, Air India Express, Jet Airways, Jetlite, Indigo, Spicejet, GoAir, Vistara and Air Asia-India. --IANS bdc-rv/vd ( 319 Words) 2017-02-12-21:22:06 (IANS) "I am the most overrated and most over-decorated and currently - currently - I am the most over-berated actor.of my generation," Streep said in her speech at the Human Rights Campaign's gala in New York. "We owe it to the people who have died for our rights, and who have died before they even got their own," she added in an emotional tone. The 56-year-old star also talked about arts, humanities and a transgender teacher that she had in middle school. The 'Iron Lady' star, who recently received the gay rights organisation's Ally for Equality Award, said: "As Americans, men, women, people, gay, straight, LGBTG. All of us have the human right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This is not for the first time that Streep has been critical of Trump. During her speech last month at the Golden Globes speech, she got emotional in a speech hitting Trump for being a bully. Streep, while accepting a lifetime achievement award, delivered a blistering condemnation of Trump's imitation of a reporter with disabilities. Without naming the President, Streep said the moment reminded her that "disrespect invites disrespect." President Trump later lashed out at Streep on Twitter, calling her an overrated actress. (ANI) This happens to us all. Office frustrations are mostly never confined to just the work-place. To prevent them from spilling over into the house, scientists suggest taking a brisk walk or a long swim. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology tracked participants' sleep patterns and daytime physical movements found employees who recorded an average of more than 10,900 steps each day were less likely to perpetuate abuse at home than those recording fewer than 7,000. "Research shows employees who are mistreated at work are likely to engage in similar behaviors at home," said University of Central Florida's College of Business management professor Shannon Taylor, who teamed up with researchers from Illinois and Wisconsin for the study. "If they've been belittled or insulted by a supervisor, they tend to vent their frustration on members of their household. Our study shows that happens because they're too tired to regulate their behavior." The study concludes sleep and exercise are intervention points that can be leveraged to prevent the spread of harmful behavior. Study participants included 118 MBA students with full-time jobs who took a survey and then wore activity monitors for a week. A follow-up survey was then sent to the participants' cohabitants. Taylor said the study found that burning an additional 587 calories can reduce the harmful effects of mistreatment and help prevent it from carrying into the home. For the average American man, these gains can be achieved with an hour of swimming or a brisk 90-minute walk. "The findings are particularly compelling given recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Heart Association to walk between 8,000 and 10,000 steps per day," Taylor said. "I also think the study gives us a new perspective on the importance of getting an adequate amount of sleep and exercise. It's not just good for you, it's good for your spouse, too." Taylor is an associate professor and Ph.D. program coordinator in the management department at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. His research examines rude, abusive, and unethical behaviors of employees and leaders. His work has appeared in journals in business and applied psychology and has been featured by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fox News and NPR. He also serves as research director at Knowtro Inc. (ANI) Alert! Your memories are in danger of being lost if you are sleep derived, suggests a study. Studying mice, scientists at Johns Hopkins have fortified evidence that a key purpose of sleep is to recalibrate the brain cells responsible for learning and memory so the animals can "solidify" lessons learned and use them when they awaken -- in the case of nocturnal mice, the next evening. A summary of their study appears online in the journal Science. The researchers, all of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, also report they have discovered several important molecules that govern the recalibration process, as well as evidence that sleep deprivation, sleep disorders and sleeping pills can interfere with the process. "Our findings solidly advance the idea that the mouse and presumably the human brain can only store so much information before it needs to recalibrate," says Graham Diering, Ph.D., the postdoctoral fellow who led the study. "Without sleep and the recalibration that goes on during sleep, memories are in danger of being lost." Diering explains that current scientific understanding of learning suggests that information is "contained" in synapses, the connections among neurons through which they communicate. On the "sending side" of a synapse, signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a brain cell as it "fires"; on the "receiving side," those molecules are captured by receptor proteins, which pass the "message" along. If a cell receives enough input through its synapses, it fires off its own neurotransmitters. More specifically, experiments in animals have shown that the synapses on the receiving neuron can be toggled by adding or removing receptor proteins, thereby strengthening or weakening them and allowing the receiving neuron to receive more or less input from nearby signaling neurons. Scientists believe memories are encoded through these synaptic changes. But there's a hitch in this thinking, Diering says, because while mice and other mammals are awake, the synapses throughout its brain tend to be strengthened, not weakened, pushing the system toward its maximum load. When neurons are "maxed out" and constantly firing, they lose their capacity to convey information, stymying learning and memory. One possible reason that neurons don't usually max out is a process that has been well-studied in lab-grown neurons but not in living animals, asleep or awake. Known as homeostatic scaling down, it is a process that uniformly weakens synapses in a neural network by a small percentage, leaving their relative strengths intact and allowing learning and memory formation to continue. To find out if the process does occur in sleeping mammals, Diering focused on the areas of the mouse brain responsible for learning and memory: the hippocampus and the cortex. He purified proteins from receiving synapses in sleeping and awake mice, looking for the same changes seen in lab-grown cells during scaling down. Results showed a 20 percent drop in receptor protein levels in sleeping mice, indicating an overall weakening of their synapses, compared to mice that were awake. "That was the first evidence of homeostatic scaling down in live animals," says Richard Huganir, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience, director of the Department of Neuroscience and lead author of the study. "It suggests that synapses are restructured throughout the mouse brain every 12 hours or so, which is quite remarkable." To learn specifically which molecules were responsible for the phenomenon, the team turned to a protein called Homer1a, discovered in 1997 by Paul Worley, M.D., professor of neuroscience, who was also part of the team conducting the new study. Studies showed that Homer1a -- named for the ancient Greek author and the scientific "odyssey" required to identify it -- is important for the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, and for homeostatic scaling down in lab-grown neurons. Repeating his previous analysis of synaptic proteins, Diering indeed found much higher levels of Homer1a -- 250 percent more -- in the synapses of sleeping mice than awake mice. And in genetically engineered mice missing Homer1a, the previous decrease of synaptic receptor proteins associated with sleep was no longer present. To sort out how Homer1a senses when the mice are sleeping or awake, the researchers looked to the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which drives the brain to arousal and wakefulness. By blocking or enhancing noradrenaline levels, both in lab-grown neurons and in mice, the researchers confirmed that when noradrenaline levels were high, Homer1a stayed away from synapses; when it was low, it collected there. To directly test whether the location of Homer1a was related to sleep, the team kept mice awake for four extra hours by placing them in an unfamiliar cage. Some then got two and a half hours of "recovery sleep." As predicted, levels of Homer1a in the receiving synapses were much higher in the sleep-deprived mice than in those that got recovery sleep. That suggests, says Diering, that Homer1a is sensitive to an animal's "sleep need," not just what time of day it is. Diering emphasizes that sleep need is controlled by adenosine, a chemical that accumulates in the brain as an animal stays awake, provoking sleepiness. (Caffeine, the world's most widely consumed psychoactive drug, directly interferes with adenosine.) When mice were given a drug during sleep deprivation that blocks adenosine, Homer1a levels no longer increased in their synapses. "We think that Homer1a is a traffic cop of sorts," says Huganir. "It evaluates the levels of noradrenaline and adenosine to determine when the brain is sufficiently quiet to begin scaling down." As the final test of their hypothesis that scaling down during sleep is crucial for learning and memory, the researchers tested the mice's ability to learn without scaling down. Individual mice were placed in an unfamiliar arena and given a mild electrical shock, either as they woke up or right before they went to sleep. Some mice then received a drug known to prevent scaling down. When an undrugged mouse received a shock just before sleep, its brain went through the scaling-down process and formed an association between that arena and the shock. When placed in that same arena, those mice spent about 25 percent of their time motionless, in fear of another shock. When placed in a different unfamiliar arena, they froze sometimes, but only about 9 percent of their time there, probably because they were relatively good a telling the difference between the two unfamiliar arenas. Expecting that drugged mice that couldn't scale down during sleep would have weaker memories and therefore freeze less than undrugged mice, Diering was surprised that they were motionless longer (40 percent of their time) when returned to the arena where they were shocked. But the drugged mice were also motionless longer (13 percent of their time) when in a new arena. When the shock was given after the mice woke up, the drug made no difference in how long the mice froze in either arena, confirming that scaling down only occurs during sleep. "We think that the memory of the shock was stronger in the drugged mice because their synapses couldn't undergo scaling down, but all kinds of other memories also remained strong, so the mice were confused and couldn't easily distinguish the two arenas," says Diering. "This demonstrates why 'sleeping on it' can actually clarify your ideas." "The bottom line," he says, "is that sleep is not really downtime for the brain. It has important work to do then, and we in the developed world are shortchanging ourselves by skimping on it." Huganir says that sleep is still a big mystery. "In this study, we only examined what goes on in two areas of the brain during sleep. There are probably equally important processes happening in other areas, and throughout the body, for that matter," he adds. Among the events that require further exploration is how learning and memory are affected by sleep disorders and other diseases known to disrupt sleep in humans, like Alzheimer's disease and autism. Huganir also says that benzodiazapines and other drugs that are commonly prescribed as sedatives, such as muscle relaxants and other sleep aids, are known to prevent homeostatic scaling down and are likely to interfere with learning and memory, though that idea has yet to be tested experimentally. Other authors of the report include Raja Nirujogi, Richard Roth and Akhilesh Pandey of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This work was supported by grants from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the Johns Hopkins Center for Proteomics Discovery, the National Institutes of Health Office of the Director (S10OD021844) and the National Institute of Mental Health (5P50MH100024). (ANI) In a suspected case of food poisoning, more than 150 villagers, most of them children, were admitted to various hospitals in Maval taluka of the district today, as they complained of vomiting and loose motion, after consuming sweets that were distributed to the people in a religious function at Pachane village. According to sources in Pune Health Department, a religious fair was organised at Pachane village in Maval taluka and after the rituals, 'pedhas' (sweet) were distributed among the villagers. "After consuming the sweets, people complained of vomiting, loose motions and nausea. They were rushed to nearby hospitals," Health Officer Dr Chandrakant Lohare said here today. He said initially, it was only a handful of people, who complained of food poisoning symptoms, however, after sometime, more and more people started complaining and they were rushed to the nearby hospitals. "Sensing the medical urgency, we set up makeshift medical camps at the village and treated the villagers," he added. Many people who were admitted in early morning, were being discharged after treatment and the situation was now under control, the HO informed. There are around 50 people who are still in the hospital and under observation, however, no one is critical, he added. Dr Lohare stated that samples of the sweets have been sent to a laboratory for further investigation and Food and Drug Administration too is looking into the matter.UNI SP SS RJ SHK 2038 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1146559.Xml In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump signing an executive order that effectively suspends immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days, the U.S. refugee programme for 120 days and Syrian refugees from entering the country, America has been garnering eyeballs of defence experts across the world to discuss the viability of the move. Defence Expert Qamar Agha on Sunday said he is not sure how this 'vetting' would help America to contain militancy. "What Trump is talking about in the name of security requires a strong vetting and people will have to prove that they have no past records, no connections with militant organisations or never have been involved in any anti-American activities in their respective countries. This will be very difficult for a person to prove. It amounts to saying that he won't allow people from these countries to come to U.S.A. Now, since this order was prevented by the San Francisco court, he is trying to bring a modified order," he told ANI. Furthermore, Agha revealed that barring people to enter America from the aforementioned Muslim-majority countries is bound to increase chances of attacks on America, thereby diluting foreign collateral ties of America with these countries. "In the past too, vetting was a criteria to distribute Visas for entering America. This is not going to particularly help him in containing militancy as militants also infiltrate from countries like Afghanistan, or Nigeria, countries with strong presence of the Boko Haramis. This can only create more enmity with these people. These people may not try to come to America but can try to hit American interests and American alliance in the region," added Agha. Post the suggested 'Muslim-ban', Trump has been in the midst of negativity from across the world. Early in February, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had suspended all actions to implement Trump's immigration order after a federal judge in Seattle issued a ruling to temporarily block the executive order on immigration and refugees. "In accordance with the judge's ruling, DHS has suspended any and all actions implementing the affected sections of the Executive Order entitled 'Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States'. This includes actions to suspend passenger system rules that flag travellers for operational action subject to the Executive Order," DHS acting press secretary Gillian Christensen said in a statement. President Trump blasted the ruling in a series of tweets saying, "The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!" "When a country is no longer able to say who can, and who cannot, come in & out, especially for reasons of safety &.security - big trouble!" he added. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection also alerted airlines that the U.S. Government would quickly begin reinstating visas that were previously cancelled and it advised airlines that refugees in possession of U.S. visas will be admitted as well. (ANI) The Gurugram Police on Saturday cracked down the day light heist at the Mannappuram gold loan branch at new railway road. Out of the seven robbers indulged in the incident, four have been arrested and 30 kg of gold looted from the office has been recovered by the police. "We have recovered most of the stolen property. The looted things are still missing and would be soon recovered and will try to unveil the entire conspiracy as early as possible," said Gurugram police Commissioner Sandeep Khirwar. Khirwar said that few amount of cash has been recovered and rest would be recovered soon, as few of the culprits has not been arrested yet. The police are looking for rest of the gang that robbed the gold and cash worth Rs. five lakh from the branch earlier on Thursday. "They carried out the recce few days bank to examine the security measures taken by the branch. We would apply for their police remand today and will further investigate the exact role of each of the individual involved in this crime," he said. Earlier on Thursday, the Gurugram Police had released a CCTV footage of the seven robbers who, allegedly looted gold and cash from the Mannappuram gold loan branch . They had also attacked a guard, Mukesh Kumar and a customer with knife, who was later admitted to the hospital with multiple stab wounds. They also sprayed foam on CCTV cameras to avoid being identified. (ANI) Hitting hard on the latest decision of theIndian Navy seeking to acquire 57 Grippen aircraft instead of theNaval variant of the indigenously grown Light Combat aircraft Tejas,Niti Ayog member and former head of DRDO, V K Saraswat today saidlack of information had led to this foreign acquisition proposal. Speaking at the inaugural function of the three-dayinternational symposium connected with Aero India, Dr Saraswat saidthat the Mark II version of LCA and the Grippen carry the sameengine and the same thrust power. ''It defied logic and people wereless informed'' he said regretting the Naval choice for Grippen.''All kind of bad mouthing is hurled on us'' he said. Indian Navy had recently rejected LCA Naval variant and opted togo in for 57 Grippen aircraft for its air operations. He said though countries speak about free market economy, whencoming to transfer of technology some countries are selective. ''Eventhough we had signed the MTCR agreement, we will still be hit bytechnology denial by some countries which do not want India to getthe latest technology''. Dr Saraswat referring to the technological advances the countryhad made said that the time has come for India to collaboratestrongly with the private sector which should also enhance itsresearch and development spending. Only such collaborations wouldhelp India to get the latest technology well in time and with rightsize of investment.MORE UNI CNR CS 1206 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0287-1147026.Xml The Bangladesh Coast Guard ship 'BCGS Tajuddin' would be visiting Chennai Port on February 14 for operational turn around as part of good will visit. The ship will be berthed in Chennai till the morning of February 17. During its visit, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has planned various events for mutual interaction to develop inter-operability between the two maritime Coast Guards. A defence release here today said, the BCGS Tajuddin (Pennant number PL 72), a Leader Class offshore patrol vessel, was commissioned on January 12 this year. The length of the ship was 87 M (285 ft), Draught 3.2 M(10 ft), Beam 10.5 M(34 ft), Depth 5.5 M (18 ft) and has a speed of 25 knots. The ICG would organize a traditional welcome ceremony to 'BCGS Tajuddin' on her arrival at the Port. During its stay, the 'BCGS Tajuddin' Commanding Officer would becalling on the Coast Guard Regional Commander, Inspector General Rajan Bargotra and other important dignitaries in Chennai. In addition, a reception would be hosted by IG Rajan Bargotra onboard ship ICGS Samudra Paheredar on February 15. As part of cross training, Bangladeshi crew would visit the CG ship ICGS Samudra Paheredar and ICG crew in turn would visit the BCGS Tajuddin. A visit to Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Center (MRCC)/Remote Operating Station (ROS) has also been planned for the Bangladeshi crew. A friendly volleyball match between Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Coast Guard will also be organized on February 16. UNI GV CS 1319 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1147094.Xml Minister for Welfare of SC/ST A K Balan would inaugurate the two-day event at G V Raja Stadium at a function to be presided over by senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan, MLA, event organizers informed today. Sports and Industries Minister A C Moideen would inaugurate the concluding session of the event and distribute prizes on February 14, they added.UNI PCH CS 1338 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0300-1147104.Xml The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is likelyto approve the next generation Airborne Warning and Control Systems(AWACS) built on an Airbus330 platform at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore in the next six months. Disclosing this to UNI, DRDO Chairman Dr S Christopher said thatthe first aircraft would be ready for handing over to the Indian AirForce, 84 months after the contract was signed. He said the bigger AWACS, would be a bigger version of the indigenous AeW&CS, developed by the Centre for Airborne Systems(CABS) in Bengaluru and integrated on Brazilian-made Embraer-145aircraft that would be handed over to the IAF on February 14 at theAero India opening day here. He said CCS had in 2014 given the goahead to tender for theaircraft in which AWACS systems would be fitted and following aglobal competition, Airbus 330 was selected. In all six aircraftwould be secured for the AWACS. He said as against AeW&CS which had a 240 degree surveillance anda coverage area of 240 KM, AWACS would have a 360 degreesurveillance with an coverage area of 300 km. The IAF would get two AeW&CS system developed at a cost of Rs 2600crore with the first one which had completed all tests andcertification would be handed over on February 14. The secondaircraft would be ready for operation later this year. Pegged as a "force multiplier", the system is equipped with a240-degree coverage radars in contrast to the existing Phalcons,which provide a 360-degree coverage over a 400-km range. The AEW&Csystem will detect, identify and classify threats present in thesurveillance area and act as a Command and Control Centre to supportAir Defence operations. UNI CNR CS 1305 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0287-1147074.Xml Singh said sooner or later the same terrorism might also threaten to consume the soil from which it originates. "There have been a series of evidences and it's no longer a secret that the entire terrorism on the Indian soil, particularly in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is promoted and exported from Islamabad," he told the media. Singh further stated that now the entire world is coming round to the Modi Government that Pakistan must contain the export of terrorism from its soil. "The sooner it does the better it will be not only for Indian subcontinent but for Pakistan as well," he added. As many as four terrorists, two army personnel and a civilian were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam this morning. At least three army men also sustained injuries in the encounter. The operation is currently underway. (ANI) The Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance in Uttar Pradesh received a shot in the arm when Bihar's Janata Dal (United), former UP Governor and Congress leader Aziz Quereshi and great grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar, Raj Ratan Ambedkar, announced to support the alliance and appealed to the voters to give their mandate for retaining Akhilesh Yadav as the Chief Minister of the state.Quereshi claimed that Akhilesh Yadav was more pro-Muslim than his father Mulayam Singh Yadav and the statement made by Mulayam a few days back on this was totally wrong. JD (U) state president Suresh Niranjan addressing a press conference at the SP state office here said that the decision to support the alliance was done to avoid split in the secular votes. He said that if the alliance wants, the JD (U) President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar can also campaign for the alliance in Uttar Pradesh. When asked about their earlier decision to go with Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in UP, Niranjan said that there was no such final decision on the alliance with RLD. Former Governor Aziz Quereshi, who also extended his support to the alliance, appealed to the Muslims to support the SP-Congress candidates as UP elections would decide the fate of the country. "The BJP is trying to change the ideology of the country and the party is indulged in the organised sinister motive against Akhilesh Yadav," he alleged.Meanwhile, Raj Ratan Ashok Ambedkar, great grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar, too supported the alliance and told the Dalits how Mayawati was acting to damage them and could even join hands with the BJP in future. "BJP is just trying to win UP so that tthe party gets majority in the Rajya Sabha after which it will replace the Constitution of Baba Sahab Ambedkar," he alleged. Raj Ratan Ambedkar, who is the working president of The Buddhist Society of India, said that Mayawati has insulted the Dalit Movement and now she was minting money through politics. " Dalit should be aware of the conspiracy of Mayawati and support the alliance so that the Constitution should be protected," he said. UNI MB SNU 1500 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1147191.Xml The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Defence Ministry and Balsore Superintendent of Police to submit the action taken report on the injury caused to three tribals in Balasore District following the explosion of an object. Padmabati (30) her son Sameer (8) and daughter Rakhi (3) of Chematata forest inside Kuldiha sanctuary near Nilagiri in Balasore district were seriously burnt after the object exploded while her son was playing with it near his home on December 31 last year. Sameer, found the object in the forest while accompanied her mother who had gone to the forest to collect fuel wood and brought it home. The NHRC gave the direction recently acting on a petition filed by Human Rights Watch,an organization working for the protection of human rights, Secretary Sangeeta Swain on January one last. The petitioner alleged that after the incident a police case could not be registered as Nilagiri, Brahmagiri and Kaptipada police stations refused to register the case stating that the site of the incident did not belong to their jurisdiction. Ms Swain prayed the Commission to initiate criminal proceedings against the officials responsible for the incident and to provide free treatment and a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to each of the victims.UNI BD BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1147316.Xml Banking operations will be affected across the country on February 28 as about 10 lakh bank employees and Officers working in Public Sector Banks, Private Banks, Foreign Banks and Co-operative Banks will participate in the one-day strike called by United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), a umbrella forumrepresented by five workmen unions and four officers' associations (AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA,BEFI, INBEF, INBOC, NOBW and NOBO. The Constituent Unions of UFBU called the strike opposing Banking/Labour reforms, Union Government's move infringing Trade Union rights and outsourcing of permanent jobs. It is demanding legitimate compensation to employees and officers for extra hours of work performed on demonetissation work, removal of gratuity ceiling under payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 and total exemption of Income Tax on Gratuity and Leave encashment on retirement, immediate appointment of workmen/officer employee directors in all the banks, early initiation of process of next wage revision of bank employees and pension related issues. The UFBU also demanding implementation of compassionate appointment-scheme on the lines of central government as approved by the government, adequate recruitment in all cadres, immediate introduction of five-day banking, stringent measures to recover bad loans and accountability of top Executives besides criminal action against willful defaulters of bank loans. AIBEA General Secretary Ch Venkatachalam said there will be centralized demonstrations at all centresOn February 17 and dharna at all state capitals between February 17 and 22 prior to the strike. He said a UFBU meeting was held in New Delhi recently under chairmanship of Mr K K Nair, Chairmanof UFBU. The meeting deliberated on various issues confronting the banking industry particularly on the developments taking place in the banking sector on account of various policy decisions of the government such as financial reforms, attempts to wipe out pro-labour provisions in the name of Amendments to labour laws, the indifferent approach of the managements of some of the banks to the instructions of government on the process of next wage revision of bank employees and officers, the voluminous bad loans in the banks and unwarranted concession being given to defaulters. Mr Venkatachalam said the representatives of constitutent unions of UFBU unanimously felt that the recalcitrant/adamant approach of the IBA/Government/bank managements on the issues and demands of the unions needs to be resisted by resorting to agitation without any further delay including call for one day All India Bank strike on February 28. On the anti-people banking reforms, the AIBEA General Secretary said the unions in the banking industry have been fighting for more than 2 decades against the reform measures of the government as these are against the interests of general public and labour force in the country. In order to create a conducive environment to the private and foreign investors, further efforts are being made by the government to amend the labour laws to suit their needs, he contended on opposing anti-worker labour reforms and said every efforts is being made to outsource the permanent jobs, in the banking industry too, which is fraught with risks. UNI CS ADB1806 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1147440.Xml "In the intervening night of February 11 and 12, a movement was detected where a man was attempting to cut the electrical cable of the anti-infiltration border fence, in the general area of Poonch sector," a Defence spokesman here said today. He said that the individual cut the wiring of three security lights and damaged the border fence. "The alert sentry of the Army challenged the person as per the standard operating procedure," he said, adding that the person did not respond and continued to cut the fence. On receiving no response to repeated challenges, the sentry fired one round, thereby injuring the individual. The spokesman said thereafter, the individual was immediately administered first aid and evacuated to Poonch Military Hospital. "An FIR has been lodged with Poonch Police while search of the area and further investigations are under progress," said the spokesman.UNI VBH RSA SNU 1802 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1147369.Xml The first National Women's Parliament concluded here on Sunday with Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan calling up on all political parties to back the bill for providing reservation to women in the legislative bodies. Addressing the valedictory session, she said that respectfully giving reservations to women is the need of the hour. Earlier, talking to reporters on the sidelines of the conclave, Mahajan urged upon all political parties to back the long pending bill aimed at providing 33 percent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha in 2010 but it lapsed following dissolution of 15th Lok Sabha. The Speaker said that empowering women is necessary to make resurgent India and urged the Women's Parliament to contribute their best for mitigating problems of women to help their empowerment and enable national development. She opined that agitating for reservations is not fight against men, but it is only asserting the basic human, civil and political rights. "The women empowerment really means respect for women for her human dignity, freedom to choose way of life and active participation in decision making process in participatory parliamentary democracy," she said. Mahajan told the conclave that the Parliament is making consistent efforts for policy formulation and programme implementation towards empowerment of the women. She mooted the idea of Parliamentary Group under the chairmanship of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for discussing ways and means for empowerment of women. Noting that women are change vehicles in global scenario, she said decision-making power was necessary for women. Naidu said that the state government proposes to start a novel programme titled 'Thalliki vandanam' (Salutations to mother) soon. He expressed the confidence that under the leadership of Mahajan, the women's reservation bill will be passed in Parliament. He also announced 'Amaravati declaration' which will be circulated to all the state governments for taking suitable action to provide equal opportunities to women and ensure their participation in socio economic development of the nation. Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasad Rao said that 22,000 young women participated in the event and discussed the socio economic political challenges for women's empowerment. More than 405 women members of legislative assemblies and 92 women Members of Parliament, Union and State ministers participated in the conclave. Eminent women from all walks of life deliberated various issues related to women's empowerment. --IANS ms/vd ( 411 Words) 2017-02-12-19:18:06 (IANS) Reports reaching here said that Mr Vamshi Reddy, a native of Warangal district had completed his masters' from a Silicon Valley university and was doing a part-time job. The killer reportedly intercepted Vamsi's car and when he stopped, the miscreant shot him dead from a close range. The body of Vamsi was found inside the car. He went to US in 2013 after completing B Tech. Shocked by the news, Vamsi's family requested the state government to help to bring the body back.UNI VV CS 1920 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1147609.Xml A District Reserve Group constable was today injured during an encounter with Naxals at forests near Pentapad village in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said."A police team had set out on patrol when Maoists, who were lying in ambush, opened fire provoking police retaliation. After an hour-long encounter, the ultras escaped into dense forests," said Superintendent of Police IK Elsela. Constable Korsa Naga was seriously injured. He was administered primary treatment and was airlifted to the Mekaj Hospital here.UNI XC-PS PY SNU 1944 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-1147634.Xml Chief of IAF Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa has said that enhancing the security of air bases and other installation is being given a top priority to prevent the repeat of "Pathankot type" terror attacks. He slammed China and Pakistan for building an Economic corridor, which mostly runs through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a territory illegally annexed by the neighbouring country. In his first interview after assuming office of the IAF Chief, he said enhancing security of the air bases and installation to thwart a possible 'Pathankot type Fidayeen attack' and furthering the combat potential not only by operationalising planned inductions, but also through indigenisation and training, will continue to remain his focus areas. "We have optimised own force application plans with existing resources to protect our national interests. With the implementation of our acquisition plans, this capability will systematically improve,"Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa told BharatShakti Defence news portal. ''Our operational plans are continuously reviewed to factor any emerging challenges in the changing threat scenario," he said, adding that modernisation plans would bolster the IAF's capabilities to counter military challenges in the future. He slammed China and Pakistan for the economic corridor they are working on. "CPEC (China, Pakistan Economic Corridor) is an emerging contentious issue and has the potential of leveraging a collusive military threat. The geo-strategic alignment of nations would require to be factored in our plans," Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said. Asked about the fighter squadron strength, which was depleting faster, the Air Chief said modernisation plans were being executed with a two-pronged objective of induction of state-of-the-art fighter aircraft and upgradation of existing fighter fleet to ensure their operational relevance, in the light of rapid technological advancement in the field of Defence equipment. Induction of fighters, including LCA, LCA MK1A, Rafale and balance of contracted Su-30 MKI aircraft were in the pipeline. Further, he said, the suitable fighter aircraft were also planned to be inducted through 'Make in India' route. "Comprehensive upgrade of Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar fleet is under progress and IAF is in discussion with HAL and OEM to define the contours of Su-30 MKI enhancement programme. ''Induction of new aircraft, along with upgradation of the existing fleet, will give IAF an edge over its adversaries," said the Air Chief, who flew a solo sortie of Mig-21 fighter within the first fortnight after assuming his office. He said induction of Rafale aircraft will commence in September, 2019 and is expected to be completed by April, 2022. "Induction of Tejas aircraft in Initial Operational Clearance configuration is under progress. This will be followed by induction of Tejas in Final Operational Clearance configuration and Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. It is expected that the induction of Tejas will be completed by 2025-26," Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said.UNI MK SHK 2017 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-1147698.Xml Even as BJP national president Amit Shah claimed that the party will get over 90 seats in first two phases of elections in Uttar Pradesh, he shifted the party's goal posts saying that the party is in contest with Bahujan Samaj Party not Samajwadi Party in these areas. At least 140 seats are in fray in first two phases of on-going elections. In first phase 73 constituencies went to polls on February 11, while in second phase polling will be held in 63 constituencies on February 15. "In the first phase of elections BJP will win over 50 seats. The response party is getting shows that we will get over 90 seats in first two phases," Mr Shah said while addressing reporters here tonight. He however admitted that the fight of BJP is with BSP not with Samajwadi party as was claimed earlier. "In first two phases I can say for sure that BJP's fight is with BSP. Samajwadi Party does not exist. The caste equation there favours BSP therefore in first two phases of election, spread over in western UP, our fight is with BSP," he said. When asked about reported shifting of Jats to RLD he got annoyed and said that there are people from other caste who have voted for BJP. "There are Thakurs and backwards and people from other caste and you are talking about only Jats. Go and see the ground reality and then ask questions," he said. There are reports that first phase of elections has given a dent to BJP's dream to form government in Uttar Pradesh because of shift of Jat to RLD. This time the Jats, spread over in whole of western UP, has fought election on `pagadi ki ladai' and this emotional appeal has worked. Taking a jibe at Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's statement of achche din, BJP chief said it was ironical that a person who was the CM of Uttar Pradesh for the last five years was asking for `achche din'. "Actually it was his responsibility to bring `achche din' to UP but he has failed to deliver. He has announced some big projects but has failed to complete them," he said. "The achche din would had come in UP had state government worked in tandem with the central government. The NDA had launched many projects for UP but Akhilesh Yadav government failed to take it down to the village level. The union had given over Rs 2.5 lakh crore to the UP Government but that money was not utilised," he said. He said the Congress- Samajwadi Party alliance was an unholy alliance which will fail on fronts. Akhilesh says `kaam bolta hai' but has failed to answer if really work talks why the law and order situation in UP is bad. Why no effective steps were taken to give security to women, students, farmers and common man on the streets, he said. "The BJP has emerged as a good alternative because it is BJP that can bring development in UP and provide security to the people," BJP national president said.UNI MB PY SHK 2103 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1147724.Xml Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen on Sunday said he saw "no reason" to object to the vitriolic personal attack made on him by West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh, noting the politician has a right to say whatever he feels right. "I have nothing to say. Whatever he has felt is right, he has said. He definitely has the right to say so. "In that regard, there is no reason for me to object," said the octogenarian Bharat Ratna awardee economist. "We should discuss all issues. If he feels this is also a matter for discussions, then he should do it," Sen said. Meanwhile, facing all-round flak, Ghosh tried to wriggle out of the embarrassing situation by claiming he had not attacked any individual. "I did not attack any individual. I have Questioned the mentality, efforts and will of Bengal's intellectuals," Ghosh said, a day after casting aspersions on Sen's achievements, contribution and character. Addressing a programme on Saturday, Ghosh - known for repeatedly putting his foot in the mouth - lashed out against Sen, saying the economist himself did not understand what he has achieved. "What has he achieved? Nobody in Bengal understands this. No one in the world understands it. I have doubts whether he himself understands it," he said. Questioning Sen's contribution to the country, he said: "What has he given the country? Because he has got the Nobel, we are dancing in joy. He is very much pained for having being removed as Nalanda Vice Chancellor (actually Sen was Nalanda University Chancellor). What has he done?" Ghosh said such people who lacked "backbone and character" were now Bengal's pride. Continuing in the same vein, Ghosh attacked Bengal's present intellectuals, saying they could be "bought, sold and threatened". Soon after Ghosh's comments were aired by a television channel, the civil society unequivocally condemned him. The barrage of criticisms continued on Sunday. Eminent Bengali writer Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay termed the BJP leader's remarks "unfortunate". "Lot of things happen in politics. People are saying whatever they feel like. It is an open field. I have nothing more to say," said Mukhopadhyay. Veteran theatre personality Rudraprasad Sengupta said it was best to ignore such utterances. "Or else, we should tell him (Ghosh) to talk sense, and if he wants to do good to his party, he should stop talking rubbish. He should instead deliberate on political issues". Historian and former Vice Chancellor of Visva-Bharati University Rajat Kanta Roy said he was at a loss of words. "He (Ghosh) should gather some knowledge about that Amartya Sen's Pratichi trust is doing in the primary education sector for pupils from poverty-stricken families. "He should also gather some information about the role played by Amartya Sen and Sukhomoy Chakraborty in the Delhi School of Economics getting world status. "And yes, Ghosh should try to understand Amartya Sen's theory of positional objectivity. He should also try to understand Sen's contribution to the theory of social justice.0" Communist Party of India-Marxist State Secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra said "Whatever he has said, is not worth even a pence to me. We are all proud of Amartya Sen." State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary also slammed Ghosh, and said his comments only reflected the culture of the BJP and the RSS. "These people cannot think beyond Deendayal Upadhyay, Vir Savarkar and the person who killed Mahatma Gandhi. They think apart from these people, no one else has done anything for the country. "That's why these days we see (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi humiliating (ex Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh in such a demeaning manner," Chowdhury said. Modi had recently launched a stringent attack on Singh, saying his ability to stay taint free despite the plethora of scams happening during his tenure showed that one can learn from him "how to bath in the bathroom by wearing a raincoat". --IANS ssp/vd ( 654 Words) 2017-02-12-21:52:06 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tonight asked Indian embassy in UAE to submit a regard after a follow up with the local police, regarding three Indians who reportedly suffocated to death in diesel tanks in the Gulf nation."I have asked our mission to follow up investigation by the Police," Ms Swaraj said in a tweet.In another missive micro blogging site she wrote, "@cgidubai has informed me about the unfortunate death of three Indian nationals Kishan Singh, Mohan Singh and Ujendra Singh all employees of Al-Ameer Used Oil Trading in a diesel tank in Sharjah. It appears the cause of death is suffocation".According to reports in Gulf media, the bodies were removed and transferred to forensic laboratory for autopsy to determine the cause of the death. Sharjah police launched a probe after three bodies of Indians were found in diesel tanks in Al Saja'a area."My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Our mission will provide them all help and assistance," the External Affairs Minister said.UNI DEVN PY BL2253 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0445-1147825.Xml North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, in what was termed as a 'show of force' against U.S. President Donald Trump, as reported by The Guardian. According to South Korean military sources, the missile was launched from an area in the country's western region around Banghyon, North Pyongan province, the same area where the midrange Musudan weapon was tested by the country on October 15 and 20, 2016. An official from the U.S. military revealed that the launch was being closely assessed. "The flight distance was about 500km. South Korea and the United States are jointly conducting a close-up analysis on additional information," said the South's joint chief's office, according to a report in The Guardian. In 2016, the North conducted two nuclear tests and a series of rocket launches, aiming to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programmes. Kim Dong-Yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul said the launch could have been a Musudan or similar missile designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. In the wake of this missile launch, South Korea's Presidential office has summoned for an emergency meeting with regards to national security. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 9.30 a.m. Addressing the nation in his annual New Year speech, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un revealed that preparations for launching an intercontinental ballistic missile are underway and is now in its final stage. The Trump administration has promised to be tough with Kim's regime over its weapons programme. This is the first missile that has been launched after Trump's appointment as President of the U.S.A. (ANI) The Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office and will consider a full range of options in a response to Pyongyang's missile test, but calibrated to show US resolve while avoiding escalation, a US official told Reuters on Saturday.The new administration is also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting President Donald Trump's previously stated view that Beijing has not done enough on this front, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity."This was no surprise," the official said. "The North Korean leader likes to draw attention at times like this."Trump and his aides are likely to weigh a series of possible responses, including new U.S. sanctions to tighten financial controls, an increase in US. naval and air assets in and around the Korean peninsula and accelerated installation of new missile defense systems in South Korea, the official said.But the official said that, given that the missile test was believed not to have been a threatened intercontinental missile test and that Pyongyang had not carried out a new nuclear explosion, any response will seek to avoid ratcheting up tensions. Reuters cj RK0910 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1146894.Xml The United States detected a North Korean test-launch of either a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile, the U.S. military's Strategic Command said on Saturday, adding the missile did not pose a threat to North America."U.S. Strategic Command systems detected and tracked what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 4:55 p.m. CST," spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Martin O'Donnell said."The launch of a medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile occurred near the northwestern city of Kusong."Strategic Command said it tracked the missile over North Korea and into the Sea of Japan. It did not state whether the launch was deemed a success or failure.It added that U.S. military forces would "remain vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and are fully committed to working closely with our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies to maintain security."It was the first time the isolated state has tested such a device since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump.A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Trump administration had been expecting a North Korean "provocation" soon after taking office and would consider a full range of options in a response to Pyongyang's missile test, but calibrated to show U.S. resolve while avoiding escalation.The new administration was also likely to step up pressure on China to rein in North Korea, reflecting Trump's previously stated view that Beijing had not done enough on this front, the official said.Reuters cj RK1022 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1146941.Xml North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast early today, South Korea's military said, the first time the isolated state has tested such a device since US President Donald Trump took office.The missile was launched from an area named Panghyon in North Korea's western region just before 8 am (0430 IST ) and flew about 500 kilometres, the South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in statements."Our assessment is that it is part of a show of force in response to the new US administration's hardline position against the North," the office said.The South's military said Seoul and Washington were analyzing the details of the launch. Yonhap News Agency said the South Korean military is assessing the launch to confirm whether it was a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile, which has a designed flight range of 3,000 kilometres.The US military also said it had detected a missile test launch by the North and was assessing it, according to a US defence official in Washington.The North tried to launch a Musudan eight times last year but most attempts failed. One launch that sent a missile 400 km, more than half the distance to Japan, was considered a success by officials and experts in the South and the United States.Today's launch comes a day after Trump held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and said he agreed to work to ensure strong defence against North Korea's threat.South Korea's presidential Blue House said a National Security Council meeting was called and chaired by President Park Geun-hye's top national security advisor.North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in his New Year speech that the country was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and state media have said such a launch could come at any time.The missile launched today did not appear to be an ICBM, Yonhap cited a South Korean military source as saying.Kim's comments prompted a vow of an "overwhelming" response from US Defence Secretary James Mattis when he travelled to South Korea earlier this month.North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and a number of missile-related tests at an unprecedented rate since early last year and was seen by experts and officials to be making progress in its weapons capabilities. REUTERS PS 0652 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1146871.Xml North Korea on Sunday fired a ballistic missile into its eastern waters, with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe denouncing it. The intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7.55 a.m. near Banghyeon in North Pyongan province, Xinhua news agency quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying. The projectile is estimated to have travelled about 500 km and landed in waters off North Korea's east coast. The launch came as Trump was hosting Abe and just days before North Korea marks the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father Kim Jong II. During a joint conference with Trump, Abe called on Pyongyang to comply fully with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Abe called the test "absolutely intolerable". He said Trump had assured him of US support and that his presence showed the President's determination and commitment, The Japan Times reported. Trump followed Abe with even fewer words: "I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the US stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent." Kim Jong Un had said in his New Year address that North Korea had reached the final stages of readiness to test an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the US. South Korea's acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said his country would punish North Korea for the missile launch. The Presidential office convened an emergency national security council meeting chaired by top presidential security advisor Kim Kwan-jin, Yonhap news agency reported. According to South Korea's Foreign Ministry, Seoul would continue to work with allies including the US, Japan and the European Union to ensure a thorough implementation of sanctions against Pyongyang. According to the ministry, Seoul would make Pyongyang realise that it would "never be able to survive" without discarding all of its nuclear and missile programmes. The ministry said it was a violation of UNSC resolutions and a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It was North Korea's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since US President Donald Trump took office on January 20. The UN Security Council's resolutions ban North Korea from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of a protest against the Trump administration's hardline stance toward Pyongyang, South Korea said. Concerns had persisted about North Korea's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test-launch following its fifth nuclear test in September. Pyongyang test-fired a long-range ballistic rocket in February last year, about a month after detonating its fourth atomic bomb. Musudan has a range of 3,000-4,000 km that can put the entire Japan and the US military base in Guam in its target range. --IANS py/mr ( 488 Words) 2017-02-12-13:02:10 (IANS) South Korea's military said a ballistic missile launched by North Korea today was probably an intermediate range Musudan class, revising its earlier assessment that it was likely to have been a medium-range missile."The missile fired around Panghyon in the city of Kusong is likely to be an improved version of a Musudan missile," South Korea's Office of Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.The missile launched today flew about 500 kilometres (300 miles). A Musudan is designed to travel up to 3,000-4,000 kilometres.REUTERS SDR AN1457 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1147192.Xml President Donald Trump, on Sunday, lashed out at the court again for halting his travel ban while saying that 72 percent of the refugees, who entered the United States following the ruling are from the seven countries that were listed in the immigration ban. "72% of refugees admitted into U.S. (2/3 -2/11) during COURT BREAKDOWN are from 7 countries: SYRIA, IRAQ, SOMALIA, IRAN, SUDAN, LIBYA & YEMEN," Trump said in a tweet. He said that his order was for cracking down on illegal criminals as promised during his campaign. In another tweet Trump said, "The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed!" President Trump, on Saturday, termed his country's legal system as "broken", adding that 77 percent of refugees allowed into the U.S. since the travel reprieve, hailed from the very seven Muslim countries he had accused of being havens of terrorism. "Our legal system is broken!"77% of refugees allowed into U.S. since travel reprieve hail from seven suspect countries." (WT) SO DANGEROUS!" Trump said in a tweet. This came a day after a three-judge federal appeals panel had unanimously refused to reinstate the travel ban from countries like Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Within minutes of the judges' decision, the President angrily tweeted his intent to appeal. "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump took to Twitter. Within an hour of the judgment, the hashtag #NoBanNoWall started to trend on the social media. Trump's executive order that he signed last week, suspended immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days, the US refugee program for 120 days, and indefinitely halted Syrian refugees from entering the U.S. The Trump administration has said the seven nations - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen - have raised terrorism concerns. (ANI) France condemned the firing of a ballistic missile into the sea early today by North Korea, the first such test since US President Donald Trump was elected."France condemns the missile strike that was conducted by North Korea on Feb 12 in violation of resolutions of the United Nations' security council," the ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a short statement today."France reaffirms its solidarity with its partners in Asia-Pacific whose security is threatened by the North Korean nuclear and ballistic programme," it said.The Trump administration indicated that Washington would have a calibrated response to avoid escalating tensions.REUTERS SDR AN1805 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1147446.Xml Roses, cards and gifts are too clichd gifts for Valentine's Day, so people should now discuss boundaries regarding social media with their significant other, says a researcher The study conducted at Kansas State University noted that without a discussion, each person in the relationship might have a different view of what is and is not acceptable. "Social media can enhance romantic relationships when it's used to stay in touch throughout the day or honour your partner's achievements, but there are pitfalls to avoid that could damage the relationship," said Joyce Baptist, Associate Professor at Kansas State University. The study involved nearly 7,000 couples who use social media, and Baptist found that the more accepting couples are of "boundary crossing," or communicating with someone they perceive as physically attractive, the more harmful it is to their relationship. "A crossing is when a partner brushes a proverbial guard rail, possibly by having platonic but frequent contact with another individual he or she finds attractive. Boundary violation, on the other hand, may be emotional or physical infidelity," Baptist said, suggesting that couples should discuss when a crossed boundary becomes a violation. He said that it was an important conversation for couples to have as a preventative measure. "Although they may say, 'I trust you and it's OK,' they are not happy about it. They eventually perceive that their significant other is spending too much time connecting with others on social media rather than paying attention to their own partner," Baptist added. Not paying enough attention to your partner and frequently crossing the boundaries can decrease relationship satisfaction and levels of care that people receive from their significant other. Since every relationship has ups and downs and that may tempt a person to confide in a former significant other during lower points of a relationship. "Keeping lines of communication open with former significant others can become a slippery slope. When you come across an old flame or another attractive person on social media, the question to ask is: Will communicating with this other person enhance my relationship or harm it?" Baptist said. It is always tempting to recount the moments you have shared with your previous significant other but reigniting an old flame can destroy your current relationship. "My best advice is that if you are serious about your relationship, cut off those (old) ties," Baptist suggested in press statement that appeared on website of Kansas State University. --IANS qd/vd ( 418 Words) 2017-02-12-19:22:06 (IANS) Cambodia's main opposition party named Kem Sokha as its acting president today after exiled leader Sam Rainsy resigned unexpectedly in the face of a possible ban ahead of elections.Political tension has been growing in the Southeast Asia nation, where Prime Minister Hun Sen is fighting to keep his 30-year-old grip on power and the Cambodia National Rescue Party(CNRP) could stand in his way.An emergency meeting of the party's committee said Kem Sokha, Rainsy's deputy, would become the acting president."The CNRP knows itself, where it has come from and what it must do," Kem Sokha wrote on Facebook. Kem Sokha had already been filling the role in effect because Rainsy lives in exile.Rainsy announced his resignation on Saturday, saying it was to protect the party. In a video posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, he said there had been a risk that the party would be dissolved ahead of elections.Hun Sen has said the law will be changed to ban anyone who has been convicted of an offence from leading a party.Rainsy has been convicted of a series of defamation charges and has lived in France since 2015 to avoid them. He rejects the charges as politically motivated.Cambodia holds local elections in June and a general election next year. REUTERS SDR PM1925 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1147606.Xml Trump took to his twitter handle to state, "I know Mark Cuban well," adding, "He backed me big-time but I wasn't interested in taking all of his calls. He's not smart enough to run for president!" It came after Cuban, who is a frequent Trump critic, in a veiled attack against the U.S. President, advised the CEOs to be American citizens before speaking out on politics. He had earlier criticised Trump's travel ban stating that the plan will do more harm than good. "It wasn't thought out, it was rushed, it was ridiculous. And when something like that happens, it calls into question the management skills of the guy in charge," CNN had earlier quoted Cuban as saying in reference to rollout of the Trump's immigration ban. Trump's executive order, earlier this year, suspended immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days, which have raised terrorism concerns. (ANI) Former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee Edward Snowden's lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, has termed media reports on Russia considering to send his client back to the United States as "speculations." "Those are certain speculations, which come from the so-called sources of the U.S. intelligence services," Russia's state-owned news agency TASS quoted Kucherena as saying. Kucherena even said that he does not see any reason for extradition of his client. He said the U.S. intelligence services are adding information on this topic, from time to time, as it still remains in the U.S. political sphere. Snowden's counsel further said that his client observes all Russian laws as he has a residential permit to live in Russia. Asserting that Russia is not trading human rights or freedoms, Kucherena said that there was no reason to raise and discuss this topic in the country. "At no level - be it economic or political - the topic of Snowden could be a subject of trade," he said. Reacting to the reports, Snowden said that these threatening rumours are emerging as he has, days ago, criticised Russian government's oppressive new "Big Brother" law. "Days ago, I criticized the Russian government's oppressive new "Big Brother" law. Now, threatening rumors. But I won't stop," he said in a tweet. Snowden said that he does not know if rumours are true, but he is not afraid about it. "I don't know if the rumors are true. But I can tell you this: I am not afraid. There are things that must be said no matter the consequence," he said in another tweet. Snowden had copied and leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013, without prior authorisation and revealed numerous global surveillance programs, many run by the NSA and the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance. He has been charged by U.S. Department of Justice with two counts of violating the Espionage Act of 1917 and theft of government property. Snowden went to Russia in 2013, where he remained for over one month after which Russian authorities granted him asylum for one year and later extended it for three years. (ANI) Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump, Stephen Miller on Sunday said that the administration is considering various options to reinforce the travel ban on all refugees and travelers from the seven majority-Muslim nations. He said various legal options are being looked up by the Trump administration, after a three-judge federal appeals panel had unanimously refused to reinstate the travel ban from countries like Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Miller said, that Trump might sign a new executive order that would withstand legal scrutiny. "I want to say something very clearly, and this is going to be very disappointing to the people protesting the president and the people in Congress, like [Senate Democratic Leader Charles E.] Schumer, who have attacked the president for his lawful and necessary action: The president's powers here are beyond question," the Washington Post quoted Miller as saying on Fox News. Later in the day, clearly impressed with Miller's remarks, President Trump appreciated the former for supporting him in various morning shows. "Congratulations Stephen Miller- on representing me this morning on the various Sunday morning shows. Great job!" Trump said in a tweet. (ANI) At least 18 civilians were killed last week in air strikes by international forces in Afghanistan's Helmand province, an initial United Nations inquiry has concluded.American military officials say their aircraft have conducted around 30 air strikes in Helmand in the past week. A spokesman said they were looking into the inquiry."We are investigating the allegations and working diligently to determine whether civilians were killed or injured as a result of US air strikes," said Brigadier General Charles Cleveland.The NATO-led military mission has deployed hundreds of troops to Helmand in a bid to help Afghan security forces in their war against Taliban insurgents.American aircraft and special forces have also provided combat support, with at least one U.S. soldier wounded in recent fighting.On Thursday and Friday air strikes in Helmand's Sangin district killed as many as 18 civilians, mostly women and children, according to a UN statement released today.The UN said the strikes had been conducted by "international military forces," but only US aircraft have been involved in recent coalition strikes, according to military officials.Family members of victims at the regional hospital in Helmand's capital, Lashkar Gah, demanded explanations."How could women and children be Taliban?" Majnoon, a resident of Sangin, who said 11 people were killed in his brother's house in a strike on Thursday, told Reuters.Mullah Qasem, a local leader in Sangin, said the government wanted justice for the families of the victims.The UN said a Taliban suicide bomber also killed at least seven civilians in an attack in Lashkar Gah on Saturday."(The UN) reiterates the need for all parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to take all feasible measures to protect civilians from harm," the statement said.Civilian casualties from both American and Afghan air strikes increased dramatically last year, according to the UN's most recent report on threats to civilians.REUTERS PY BL2315 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1147830.Xml MEXICO CITY, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- A suspected lieutenant of the Beltran Leyva cartel was shot dead by Mexican army troops in the western state of Nayarit, local media reported on Saturday. The alleged cartel leader, Daniel Isaac Silva Garate, known as "El H9," was located by marines and agents of the Nayarit prosecutor-general's office on Friday night, as he travelled in a car with another man through the community of El Ahuacate. Silva Garate was killed in the car during the shootout in a village near the city of Tepic, while his suspected accomplice managed to escape, the news website Nayarit en Linea reported, citing sources in the prosecutor-general's office. The news was also confirmed by the state government of Nayarit. The website added that the search for El H9 had begun on Saturday evening as soldiers searched a hotel and various houses in Tepic, the state capital. Silva Garate was thought to belong to a group within the cartel, led by Juan Francisco Patron Sanchez,"El H2," who ran the cartel's operations in Nayarit and Sinaloa. Patron Sanchez was shot dead by soldiers on Feb. 9 in Tepic. These deaths follow a series of shootouts between members of the Beltran Leyva cartel and armed forces, which have left at least 11 other criminals dead. A photo posted on Instagram by SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk shows the Falcon 9 at Cape Canaveral on launch complex 39-A. (LC-39A) (Courtesy of Elon Musk) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- After more than five years, the historic launch pad has a rocket on it again. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has gone vertical at U.S. space agency NASA's historic Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) for the first time. "Falcon 9 rocket now vertical at Cape Canaveral on launch complex 39-A. This is the same launch pad used by the Saturn V rocket that first took people to the moon in 1969. We are honored to be allowed to use it," SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk posted on Instagram Friday, along with a photo of the Falcon 9 on LC-39A, which is part of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. According to the California-based company, Falcon 9 will blast robotic Dragon cargo capsule, carrying cargo and science experiments toward the International Space Station. "Targeting Feb. 18 for Dragon's next resupply mission to the @Space_Station - our 1st launch from LC-39A at @NASA's Kennedy Space Center," SpaceX posted on Twitter. Over the years, NASA's Apollo moon missions and space shuttles lifted off from LC-39A. The last launch from the historic launch pad took place in July 2011, when the final flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off. It was also the last-ever mission of NASA's entire space shuttle program. In 2014, SpaceX signed a 20-year lease for LC-39A. After making some modifications to adapt it to the needs of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, the company is now ready to start using the historic luanchpad. Originally, the U.S. private space firm relied on Launch Complex 40 (LC40) to support all of its Florida launches. But on Sept. 1, 2016, a Falcon 9 rocket exploded on the pad during preflight fueling and the site was badly damaged. SpaceX returned to launching rockets in January, four months after the explosion in last fall that destroyed a Falcon 9 and its payload, the 200 million U.S. dollars Amos-6 communications satellite. On Jan. 14, the U.S. private space firm successfully delivered 10 satellites to low-Earth orbit and landed its Falcon 9 on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean. SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired a ballistic missile toward the east coast of the country, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said early Sunday. The projectile, launched at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday) from Banghyeon in DPRK's North Pyongan Province, is estimated to be an intermediate range ballistic missile, local media reported. Related: S. Korea, U.S. military heads reaffirm joint defense posture against DPRK SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Military chiefs of South Korea and the United States reaffirmed the two allies' defense posture against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile threats, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea said Wednesday. SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired what is believed to be a ballistic missile into its eastern waters early Sunday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The presumed intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday) near Banghyeon in the DPRK's northwestern North Pyongan province. The projectile is estimated to have traveled about 500 km, according to the JCS. It landed in waters off the DPRK's east coast, according to local media reports. Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missiles near the same place, where an airfield is located, in October last year. It was the DPRK's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since U.S. President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20. South Korea's military said Pyongyang's launch of ballistic missile was a provocative act in violation of UN Security Council's resolutions, which ban the DPRK from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch, the military believed, was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of armed protest against the Trump administration's hard-line stance toward the DPRK. Related: S. Korea, U.S. military heads reaffirm joint defense posture against DPRK SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Military chiefs of South Korea and the United States reaffirmed the two allies' defense posture against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile threats, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea said Wednesday. SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired what is believed to be a ballistic missile into its eastern waters early Sunday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The presumed intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday) near Banghyeon in the DPRK's northwestern North Pyongan province. The projectile is estimated to have traveled about 500 km, according to the JCS. It landed in waters off the DPRK's east coast, according to local media reports. Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missiles near the same place, where an airfield is located, in October last year. It was the DPRK's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since U.S. President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20. South Korea's military said Pyongyang's launch of ballistic missile was a provocative act in violation of UN Security Council's resolutions, which ban the DPRK from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch, the military believed, was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of armed protest against the Trump administration's hard-line stance toward the DPRK. Yonhap news agency quoted a military source as saying that Sunday's test-launch was not of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Concerns had persisted about the DPRK's ICBM test-launch following its fifth nuclear test in September last year. Pyongyang test-fired a long-range ballistic rocket in February last year, about a month after conducting the fourth nuclear detonation. Pyongyang had test-fired Musudan missiles eight times between April 15 and Oct. 20 in 2016. Except for the June 22 success at which the missile traveled about 500 km, all of other launches failed. Related: S. Korea, U.S. military heads reaffirm joint defense posture against DPRK SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Military chiefs of South Korea and the United States reaffirmed the two allies' defense posture against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile threats, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea said Wednesday. RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Argentina international striker Lucas Pratto has vowed to score "important goals" for Sao Paulo after joining the Brazilian Serie A outfit from local rivals Atletico Mineiro. The 28-year-old signed a four-year deal on Friday after the six-time Brazilian champions agreed to an undisclosed transfer fee earlier in the day. "Fans can expect goals, important goals, but apart from that a lot of commitment and dedication to the team," Pratto told reporters on Saturday. "I will do all I can to help bring success to Sao Paulo and I hope the fans will be behind us because their support makes things easier." Pratto scored 41 goals in 104 appearances for Atletico Mineiro following his 2015 move from Velez Sarsfield. He has capped four times for Argentina's national team, scoring two goals. A local resident casts vote for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections 2017 at a polling booth in Mathura, northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Feb. 11, 2017. Over 64 percent voter turnout has been registered in the first phase of local elections in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said. (Xinhua/Stringer) NEW DELHI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Over 64 percent voter turnout has been registered in the first phase of local elections in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said. The first phase of staggered seven-phase polling was held in 73 constituencies of the northern state. "In Uttar Pradesh, 64.22 percent voters turnout was registered in the first phase of Assembly elections," an election official told the media Saturday evening. A senior official from Election Commission of India Vijay Dev told reporters in New Delhi that polling passed off peacefully. "The turnout was exemplary and it will set the tone for the remaining six phases to be held between Feb. 15 and March 8 in the state," Dev said. Reports said few incidents of violence were also reported from the poll bound areas. Uttar Pradesh, with a population of 200 million, is most populous state in India and sends 80 lawmakers to the Indian parliament. The local elections in Uttar Pradesh is seen as a referendum to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision of demonetisation - a step to ban high-value currency notes. Modi's Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) won 71 seats from Uttar Pradesh during the 2014 India's general election. Modi, who is basically from the western state of Gujarat, also managed to get elected from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi constituency. Modi's radical move in November last year led to a cash shortage and was opposed by all the opposition parties besides common people, who faced lot of hardships in banks. Ahead of elections, regional Samajwadi Party, which was ruling the state, forged an alliance with Congress Party to regain power for the second consecutive term. Political analysts said BJP is facing competition from the alliance besides another regional player - Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which has following among the low-caste Dalits and some Muslims. Counting of votes according to India's Election Commission would be carried out on March 11. TOKYO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government on Sunday condemned the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its latest test launch of a ballistic missile earlier in the day. The ballistic missile, fired at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday), has fallen into the Sea of Japan, but apparently outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, said Japan's top government spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. The launch was clearly a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and such "acts of provocation" were "intolerable," he said, adding that Japan has lodged a strong protest. Japan's Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said the defense ministry is currently gathering and analyzing information on the launch and will do its utmost to monitor the situation vigilantly. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, currently accompanying Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on a visit to the United States, told the press that Japan is asking the UN to issue "strong message" against the DPRK. The DPRK missile test-firing came after Abe met with U.S. President Donald Trump during his U.S. trip. According to a joint statement released after the summit, the two sides confirmed mutual challenges facing the two countries and urged the DPRK to "abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and not to take any further provocative actions." News program about test-fire of a ballistic missile of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is seen on TV at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 12, 2017. The DPRK fired what is believed to be a ballistic missile into its eastern waters early Sunday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired what is believed to be a ballistic missile into its eastern waters early Sunday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The presumed intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile was launched at around 7:55 a.m. local time (2255 GMT Saturday) near Banghyeon in the DPRK's northwestern North Pyongan province. The projectile is estimated to have traveled about 500 km, according to the JCS. It landed in waters off the DPRK's east coast, according to local media reports. Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missiles near the same place, where an airfield is located, in October last year. It was the DPRK's first test-launch of a ballistic missile in 2017 and also the first since U.S. President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20. South Korea's military said Pyongyang's launch of ballistic missile was a provocative act in violation of UN Security Council's resolutions, which ban the DPRK from testing any ballistic missile technology. The launch, the military believed, was aimed at drawing attention by showing off its nuclear and missile capability and was also part of armed protest against the Trump administration's hard-line stance toward the DPRK. Yonhap news agency quoted a military source as saying that Sunday's test-launch was not of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Concerns had persisted about the DPRK's ICBM test-launch following its fifth nuclear test in September last year. Pyongyang test-fired a long-range ballistic rocket in February last year, about a month after detonating its fourth atomic bomb. Pyongyang had test-fired Musudan missiles eight times between April 15 and Oct. 20 in 2016. Except for the June 22 success at which the missile traveled about 500 km, all of other launches failed. Musudan has a range of 3,000-4,000 km that can put the entire Japan and the U.S. military base in Guam in its target range. South Korea's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae convened a national security council (NSC) meeting, which was chaired by top presidential security advisor Kim Kwan-jin. The meeting was chaired by the top security advisor as President Park Geun-hye was suspended following a Dec. 9 impeachment that was passed in the parliament. Attending the NSC emergency meeting were ministers of defense, unification and foreign affairs as well as head of spy agency and senior presidential secretary for security and foreign affairs. Related: S. Korea, U.S. military heads reaffirm joint defense posture against DPRK SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Military chiefs of South Korea and the United States reaffirmed the two allies' defense posture against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile threats, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea said Wednesday. BRUSSELS, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- As its ties with its largest trade partner the United States are becoming increasingly uncertain, the European Union (EU), relying on international trade to keep its economic recovery on track, is looking to China. The post-Brexit EU is seemingly in a perpetual crisis, and with U.S. President Donald Trump now in the White House, trade protectionism remains a big worry for many. It can safely be concluded that transatlantic trade deals are currently on the rocks. Last week, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said the bloc is ready to stand with China in the fight against protectionism. "If others around the world want to use trade as a weapon," she said, "I want to use it as a tonic; a vital ingredient for prosperity and progress." She also commended Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the World Economic Forum, where the Chinese leader stood up for globalization and multilateralism. After the United States, China is the EU's second-largest trading partner and the EU is China's largest. Amid sluggishness and gloominess of the global economy, EU-China trade has been rising steadily. According to China's General Administration of Customs, in the year of 2016, bilateral trade reached 3,610 billion RMB (524.9 billion U.S. dollars), a 3-percent increase compared to 2015. A Center for European Policy Studies study estimates that a bilateral free trade agreement with China could add 83 billion euros (88.3 billion dollars), to the EU's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030 and support more than 2.5 million jobs. Christian Ewert, director general of the Foreign Trade Association, said, "A bilateral investment treaty, which is already being negotiated, will give EU investors legal certainty and much greater access to the lucrative Chinese market and promote increased Chinese investment in Europe." Realizing an up and running rail link connecting China to European markets by land is already in place, Charles Tannock, a British member of the European Parliament (MEP), said, "This is a modern fast equivalent to the Old Silk Road." His optimism about future EU-China trade relations is echoed by British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who said, "the UK and China are building economies of the future underpinned by the rule of law that enables the business environment. I am committed to intensifying our trade relationship, including more market access for UK service exports and more Chinese investment in the UK." Plenty of evidence also proves the thriving trade relations between the EU and China. For example, the first business incubator being built by China in Europe, in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, aims to help companies in both countries to expand in each other's markets. This is an 'intelligence valley' where hi-tech companies can set up shop, work side-by-side with industry peers and researchers and develop their technology for the European market. Of the 1,600 jobs expected to be created, about 60 percent will go to Belgians and the rest to Chinese,providing a boost to the local economy. The China-Belgium Technology Center (CBTC) is set to be ready in 2018. "As the first Chinese technological showcase of its kind in Europe, the CBTC will tighten the bonds between European companies -- particularly in Belgium -- and Chinese companies," said Pascale Delcomminette, CEO of the Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency. EU-China trade figures are, clearly, already impressive. But many, including Malmstroem, believe they could be even higher. The prospects for the future EU-China relationship are perhaps best summed up by Fraser Cameron, director of the Brussels-based EU-Asia Centre. "Both the EU and China need to counter growing protectionist trends in the U.S. and the best way to do this would be a speedy completing on the bilateral investment agreement negotiations," said Cameron. SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- South Korea denounced the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s test-launch of a ballistic missile on Sunday, the first since U.S. President Donald Trump took office last month. Seoul's foreign ministry said in a statement that the launch was a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the international community. The statement said repeated DPRK provocations are a direct challenge to the international society's concerted will reflected in the Resolution 2321, unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council. Pyongyang fired off what is presumed to an intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile, called Hwaseong-10 in the DPRK, from its northwestern North Pyongan province earlier in the day. It flew about 500 km and landed in waters off the DPRK's east coast. Musudan can put the entire Japan and the U.S. military base in Guam in its target range as it is known to have a range of 3,000-4,000 km. Sunday's launch was the first in 2017 and also the first since Trump was sworn in as the U.S. president on Jan. 20. Seoul's military said it was part of armed protest against the new U.S. administration's hard-line stance toward the DPRK. Concerns had persisted about the DPRK's possible test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the near future as the moves of two DPRK mobile launchers carrying ICBMs were reportedly detected by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities. The Musudan test-launch may be important to the advancement in the DPRK's ICBM technology as the propellant of its three-stage ICBM is believed to be composed of four Musudan missile engines. The DPRK has never successfully tested its ICBM. Under the UN resolution, Pyongyang is banned from testing any ballistic missile technology. PHNOM PENH, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia organized a "Run for Love" event on Sunday to raise awareness of the Valentine's Day, which falls on Feb. 14. Some 4,000 people, mostly young adults, took part in the 5-km fun run at the Diamond Island complex in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Ruling Cambodian People's Party lawmaker Lork Kheng said some teenagers mistakenly thought that the day was the occasion to deliver their bodies to sweethearts to express their loyalty. "The event is to send a message to the people, particularly youths, to avoid sexual misconduct on the Valentine's Day," she said in a speech during the ceremony. Lork Kheng said the day should be used as the occasion to express love and protection for women and girls and protect them from all forms of abuses. At the event, participants appealed to young adults not to focus only on salacious festivities on the day. "Youth should not use the day to go out for sexual misconduct. They should choose other activities on that day such as playing sports," said Sun Sothy, a Phnom Penh municipal transport department official. BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's logistics activity remained stable in January as the economy showed signs of stabilizing, according to an industry report. The logistics performance index (LPI) for January came in at 52.5, down 3.5 points from a month earlier, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. A reading above 50 percent indicates expansion from the previous month, while a reading below indicates contraction. He Hui, deputy director of the China Logistics Information Center, attributed the decline to the influence of Spring Festival, but also stressed that the sector was stable, as the index was above 50 percent. The federation began collecting LPI data from more than 300 logistics companies in December 2011. Since the start of the year, positive changes and bright spots continue to grow in the Chinese economy, a sign the economy is stabilizing amid an uncertain global outlook. China's manufacturing sector has expanded for the sixth month in a row with the country's manufacturing purchasing managers' index coming in at 51.3 in January, according to National Bureau of Statistics data released Feb. 1. KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan National Police (ANP) personnel discovered explosives in the country's northern province of Kunduz overnight, the provincial police chief said on Sunday. "Based on a tip-off, the ANP intercepted a vehicle on outskirts of Kunduz city, capital of Kunduz province, and recovered more than 210 kg of explosives late Saturday night," Gen. Abdul Hamid Hamid told Xinhua. One militant was captured, the vehicle was confiscated and the explosives were destroyed safely at the site by a bomb disposal team, the police official added. The timely discovery of the explosives has foiled terror attacks and saved the city from an expected tragedy, Hamid noted. The Kunduz province and neighboring Baghlan and Takhar provinces have been the scene of heavy clashes over the past couple of months as Taliban has been trying to challenge the government forces in the once relatively peaceful region. On Saturday, six civilians were injured after Taliban fired three mortar shells toward the city. COLOMBO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's former Tamil Tiger rebel leader Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan has formed a new party in order to voice the concerns of minority Tamils in the island country, the local media report said Sunday. Muralitharan, who broke away from the rebel outfit in 2004 and was sworn in as a deputy minister in the previous government, blamed the main Tamil political party - the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) - for not doing enough to represent the concerns of the Tamils. He formed the 'Tamil National Freedom Front Party' with the assistance of his close members. Muralitharan was the former Tamil Tiger rebel leader in the eastern province and bolted from the faction popularly known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Soon after leaving the LTTE, he had formed Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP), a splinter faction of the LTTE. After giving up arms and entering politics, he was appointed as a National List Member of Parliament for the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the party of former President Mahinda Rajapakse in 2008 and also the minister of national integration in March 2009. He later joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the largest party in the UPFA. Muralitharan is facing a corruption probe in the island country for alleged misuse of state vehicles during the previous government. SHENYANG, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Somewhat reluctant, Dai Ning decided to leave his hometown province of Liaoning in northeast China to work in Beijing after graduating from a local university in July. The 25-year-old postgraduate from a technology university in Dalian, a coastal city in Liaoning, has found a job in a large state-owned construction company. "Frankly speaking, I intended to stay. But I cannot get a satisfactory job here, so I have to leave," he said. The young man is not alone. Many of his peers have also chosen to work outside the province, a problem for the northeastern region, an old industrial base, which has been struggling to rejuvenate through restructuring. Recently released graduate employment reports from Northeastern University in Shenyang, provincial capital of Liaoning, and Dalian University of Technology show the extent of the problem. Only about a quarter of graduates in 2016 from the two universities chose to stay and work in the province, while the rest were mostly attracted to developed areas such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shandong and Guangdong provinces. The provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang saw a net outflow of about 240,000 people from 2010 to 2015, according to Zhao Chenxin, spokesperson for the National Development and Reform Commission, in December. "A current phenomenon which deserves attention is that college graduates, medium and high-end technical staff, and management personnel move out of the region to seek jobs or start businesses," he said. Last April, the central authorities published a document on rejuvenating the old industrial base, stressing that talent was a priority for the region. Another central document last month encouraged college graduates to work in central, western and northeastern regions. The Ministry of Education said that universities in the eastern region were not encouraged to attract talent from those areas. The governments of the three northeastern provinces have introduced supporting measures to attract and secure talent. Liaoning supports equity investment for new high-tech firms. In Shenyang and Dalian, graduates enjoy subsidies when starting up businesses. The improved business environment in northeast China has brought returns. Yang Shuo, 32, who gave up her job in Beijing two years ago, returned to her hometown Shenyang and founded a foreign language training school. Currently, the school has more than 200 children learning English. "There is still a gap between northeast China and the southern region in terms of business environment. But I feel the local environment is changing," Yang said. "Some of my friends have left Shanghai to go back to the northeast for work. Our parents still live there.The hometown is becoming better," said Gao Jiaman, 29, a native of Liaoning who teaches in a Shanghai college."Working in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen looks decent and charming, but the pressure is heavy, too." Kashmiri people carry the body of Mudasir Ahmad Tantray, a militant belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant outfit, during his funeral procession in village Redwani-Hawura of Kulgam district, about 65 km south of Srinagar, summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 12, 2017. Four militants, two Indian army troopers and a civilian were killed and three troopers wounded Sunday in a fierce gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said. The gunfight broke out at Frisal village of Kulgam district, about 55 km south of Srinagar. (Xinhua/Javed Dar) SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Four militants and two Indian army troopers were killed, while three others wounded Sunday in a fierce gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, military officials said. The gunfight broke out at Frisal village of Kulgam district, about 55 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "Early today our contingents launched a cordon and search operation in Frisal village on specific intelligence inputs about presence of militants in the area. No sooner the men reached the suspected house, militants fired indiscriminately causing wounds to five troopers," a senior police official told Xinhua. According to police the militant action triggered a fierce gunfight in the village. Of the five wounded troopers, two succumbed to their wounds, while as three were airlifted to army base hospital in Srinagar. "In a gunfight today at Frisal, four militants were killed," Indian military spokesman, Col Rajesh Kalia said. Kalia said they have recovered four assault rifles belonging to militants from the spot. Police officials said the identity of slain militants was being ascertained. Local media reports said some militants have managed to break off the cordon during the gunfight and fled from the village. A local resident Mushtaq Ahmad said he heard the sound of heavy gunfire and blasts in the village since early morning. Reports pouring in from the area said massive protests have broke out in the village with people hurling stones and brickbats at police and army contingents, besides shouting anti-India slogans. Militant groups are engaged in a guerilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently. 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. OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Police have released additional information relative to a stabbing incident at the Ocean Springs Elks Mardi Gras parade Saturday which sent two men to the hospital. According to Ocean Springs Police Capt. Chuck Jackson, officers received a report of an aggravated assault around 1:16 p.m. across from Crossfit gym. Police responding to the call found two men suffering from stab wounds. Both were transported to Ocean Springs Hospital -- one with what Jackson described as life-threatening injuries. Two suspects were detained and questioned at the scene, leading to the arrest of 18-year-old Vantoniio William Jr. of Ocean Springs on two counts of aggravated assault and 22-year-old Adam Warren of Ocean Springs on one count of disorderly conduct. William is incarcerated in the Ocean Springs Municipal Jail awaiting an initial court appearance before Judge Matthew Mestayer. According to Jackson, Saturday's incident stemmed from a "drug deal that went bad" earlier in the week. by Christopher Guly OTTAWA, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- In Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's eyes, the new president of the neighboring United States, Donald Trump, is "a businessman, gets along well with people (and) knows how to be personable." Yet Trudeau will get the chance to see whether this is really the case when the two leaders meet for the first time in Washington on Monday. Last week, Trudeau signaled his agenda via both social media and traditional news media. He tweeted that "strong Canada-U.S. ties help the middle class in both our countries," and told Canadian media when visiting Canada's northern territory of Iqaluit that his priorities in the bilateral relationship with the United States are to "highlight Canadian values and principles and the things that keep our country strong." He also aims to create "jobs and opportunity for Canadian citizens through the continued close integration on both sides of the border," he told Canadian reporters. But within the Canada-U.S. relationship, there are deep divisions along ideological lines between Trudeau's Liberal government and Trump's Republican administration on several high-profile issues, including refugees and trade. Asylum seekers have been crossing the United States' northern border into Canada following Trump's late January executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days, which itself was later suspended by U.S. courts. While Trudeau tweeted that Canadians welcome "those fleeing persecution, terror & war," Trump could view Canada's open door to refugees as more of a revolving one that could allow them to cross back into the United States and prompt him to enforce tougher border-security measures against Canada. On trade, Trump's protectionist campaign rhetoric has followed him as policy to the White House. His administration has already removed his country from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and is expected to proceed with renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) involving the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trudeau's government is open to revisiting NAFTA, but has also kept Canada in the TPP. However, as the United States is Canada's largest trading partner with more than 70 percent of Canadian exports going to the United States, Trudeau's challenge will be to avoid damaging that cross-border economic link under Trump's America First agenda while affirming his government's opposition to any export tariffs directed at Canada. According to Carlo Dade, director of the Trade and Investment Policy Center at the Canada West Foundation, a public-policy research think-tank based in Calgary, during their Oval Office meeting in Washington on Monday, Trudeau could explain to Trump how bilateral trade benefits the United States by focusing on the most contentious trade dispute between the two countries, notably Canada's softwood lumber and its protected dairy and poultry industries. In 2015, a Canada-U.S. trade deal involving Canadian softwood lumber expired. Last year, the American lumber industry formally asked the U.S. Commerce Department to investigate the claim that Canadian lumber is being sold for less than fair market value. Duties against Canadian lumber could result in as early as this spring. But Trudeau could make a direct pitch on the advantages of Canadian softwood lumber to Trump, said Dade, who is also a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa's School of International Development and Global Studies. "Trudeau could present softwood lumber in a positive way and say to Trump that given his concern about creating jobs and housing starts, Canada has good and cheap lumber that would help keep residential construction costs down and increase employment in that sector in the U.S.," said Dade. Edward Snowden is seen on the screen during a live remote interview at CeBIT 2015, the world's top trade fair for information and communication technology, in Hanover, Germany, on March 18, 2015. (Xinhua file photo/Zhang Fan) MOSCOW, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- It has been reported that Russia is considering sending Edward Snowden back to the United States as a "gift" to U.S. President Donald Trump, but Snowden's lawyer here on Saturday denied those reports, calling them "speculations." Anatoly Kucherena told Russia's state-owned news agency TASS that he doesn't see any reasons for Snowden's extradition. "Those are certain speculations, which come from the so-called sources of the U.S. intelligence services," Kucherena said, adding Snowden has a residency permit in Russia and observes all Russian laws. He made it clear that Russia is not trading people, saying "At no level -- be it economic or political -- the topic of Snowden could be a subject of trade." The first report came from NBC News, which on Friday stated that U.S. intelligence sources have obtained information that says Russia may hand Snowden over in order to win favor with the new U.S. president. Trump in the past has described Snowden as a "total traitor" and a "spy" who should be executed. The U.S. whistleblower quickly responded to the NBC report by tweeting that the reported extradition plan vindicates his claim that he is not a spy for Russia because "no country trades away spies." Snowden's lawyer in the United States, Ben Wizner, also told NBC News that they are unaware of any such plans. "Team Snowden has received no such signals and has no new reason for concern," Wizner said. Snowden, a computer professional who was working as a contractor for the U.S. National Security Agency, fled to Russia in 2013 after revealing explosive details of U.S. domestic surveillance programs to the press. He has been wanted by Washington on charges of espionage. Russian authorities initially granted him asylum and last month extended his residency permit until 2020. DUBAI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Asian way of life to harmonize individual rights with obligations to serve the society can tackle the rise of anti-globalization movements, Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the world economic forum (WEF) said here on Sunday. Those who rose against globalization movements, like the majority of voters in the United Kingdom who opted to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum, "overlook that globalization and liberalism have lifted one billion people worldwide out of poverty and led to lower prices across the entire consumer supply chain, " Schwab said in his opening key note at the 5th edition of the World Government Summit (WGS). "Instead of opposing globalization because jobs are in danger, we should try to harmonize the national identity of citizens with social harmony, a concept which is practiced in many East Asian societies," The 78-year-old WEF founder said. "I remember when I was invited to fly with Singapore's late Prime Minster Lee Kuan Yew from Singapore to China. During our conversation aboard, he explained to me that the East Asian way of thinking is to embrace changes by trying to put apparent new developments into a harmonious balance," Schwab said. Based on this concept, Schwab warned "we should not try to fix the current global economic system and world order, but we need a complete new social scheme which puts the well-being and happiness of the citizens into the center, whereas at the same time individuals must understand their roles as a harmonious balance between rights and obligations within and for the society by serving it like anyone serves his own interests," Schwab said. The three-day WGS 2017 which is attended by 4,000 delegates and 150 speakers from 139 countries runs until Tuesday, Feb. 14. DUBAI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), called here on Sunday at the second annual Arab Fiscal Forum on Arab states to implement five to 10 year revenue targets and to share reliable data on tax collection revenues in order to reduce borrowing costs. Lagarde said in her key note titled "Generating Public Revenue to Build Resilient Economies" addressing ministers of finance from the Arab countries "need to build resilience" in the face of global uncertainty and questions about geopolitical developments "in many regions of the world." Lagarde said "a good first step is establishing a five-to-ten-year revenue target. After that, a comprehensive reform plan is necessary, aiming at long-term institution building rather than short-term fixes." Revenue targets, she added, are essential goal posts that can "help you align your revenues with your spending - both in the short term and the medium term." As a reference country, Lagarde mentioned Algeria, a major oil and gas exporting nation, "where the 2017 budget law for the first time includes a medium-term framework that sets revenue and spending targets for the next three years." In the oil-exporting countries, this means diversifying the sources of revenue away from oil and gas, she explained, praising countries in the Arabian Gulf region for introducing a harmonized value-added tax (VAT) of five percent on most goods and services in 2018. "These efforts - which the IMF has supported through its technical assistance - could raise anywhere from one to two percent of GDP, assuming a VAT rate of five percent," said Lagarde. Over time, governments may also consider deriving additional revenue from income and property taxation, she added. Personal income is not taxed in the Gulf Arab oil states, while profits of corporations are modestly taxed in some cases (in the Arab fiscal forum's host country United Arab Emirates e. g., foreign banks pay a 20 percent tax on their profits). The IMF's experiences in other regions underscore the positive impact of diversification, she said, mentioning "Mexico, for example, was able to boost its non-oil tax revenue by more than three percent of GDP - by broadening the VAT base and raising energy taxes and personal income tax rates." In the oil-importing countries the key priority is to generate higher revenue by broadening the base of existing taxes, she said. "Such reforms would make tax systems simpler, more efficient, and more equitable," according to Lagarde. Delivering reliable data are essential for the well-being of all Arab countries, she emphasized, "because they increase the accountability of governments and because they can boost the resilience of their economies, including lower borrowing costs." In October 2016, the IMF said it estimated that the total gross debt as a percentage of GDP for the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will rise from 21.3 percent in 2016 to 26.2 percent in 2017. The IMF Managing Director said there was no time for complacency. "While oil prices have increased recently, we do not expect them to return to levels we have seen before 2014." In mid-2014, the price of oil topped 110 dollars per barrel before falling to 27 dollars in February last year. The "black gold" recovered steadily to trade above 50 dollars per barrel nowadays. TRIPOLI, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on Saturday has appointed the Palestinian diplomat Salam Fayyad as the new UN special envoy to Libya and the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya. The United States, however, objected to the choice of Fayyad, saying that the United States was "disappointed to see a letter indicating the intention to appoint the former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister to lead the UN Mission in Libya." "For too long the UN has been unfairly biased in favor of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel," Haley said Friday. The U.S. objection to the appointment was condemned by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization. According to the organization member Hanan Ashrawi, the U.S. objection was "unconscionable." "We hope that saner voices will prevail and that the U.S. will take back this irrational and discriminatory decision immediately and not deprive the UN of such a highly qualified individual," Ashrawi said in a statement. Fayyad, 64, was a prime minister of the Palestinian authority from 2007 until 2013. He is also a former finance minister. Fayyad was appointed to replace the German diplomat Martin Kobler, who has served as the UN special envoy to Libya and the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya since November 2015. Kobler sponsored peace dialogue sessions between Libya's political rivals for over a year in order to end the state of political division in the country. Eventually, a peace agreement was signed by the rivals and a new government of national accord was appointed. However, the country still suffers political crisis despite the signed agreement. GUANGZHOU, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Six people were killed and three others injured after a minibus collided with a truck at a highway tunnel in southern China's Guangdong Province early Sunday, local police said. The minibus from Dongguan city, rear-ended the truck and then caught fire at the expressway tunnel in Meixian County at 2:44 a.m. Sunday, said Meizhou City Public Security Bureau. Rescuers retrieved six bodies from the minibus, while three others were injured and sent to hospital for medical treatment. The injured are in non-critical condition. Police blamed the accident on the driver's fatigue. He drove the minibus from Dongguan to Sanming city, in neighboring Fujian Province, on Saturday morning and returned the same night. The minibus was supposed to only sit seven people but was carrying nine, police said. A fighter of Libyan forces allied with the U.N.-backed government waving a Libyan flag flashes victory sign as he stands atop the ruins of a house after forces finished clearing Ghiza Bahriya, the final district of the former Islamic State stronghold of Sirte, Libya December 6, 2016. (REUTERS Photo) TRIPOLI, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on Saturday has appointed the Palestinian diplomat Salam Fayyad as the new UN special envoy to Libya and the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya. The United States, however, objected to the choice of Fayyad, saying that the United States was "disappointed to see a letter indicating the intention to appoint the former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister to lead the UN Mission in Libya." "For too long the UN has been unfairly biased in favor of the Palestinian Authority to the detriment of our allies in Israel," Haley said Friday. The U.S. objection to the appointment was condemned by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization. According to the organization member Hanan Ashrawi, the U.S. objection was "unconscionable." "We hope that saner voices will prevail and that the U.S. will take back this irrational and discriminatory decision immediately and not deprive the UN of such a highly qualified individual," Ashrawi said in a statement. Fayyad, 64, was a prime minister of the Palestinian authority from 2007 until 2013. He is also a former finance minister. Fayyad was appointed to replace the German diplomat Martin Kobler, who has served as the UN special envoy to Libya and the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya since November 2015. Kobler sponsored peace dialogue sessions between Libya's political rivals for over a year in order to end the state of political division in the country. Eventually, a peace agreement was signed by the rivals and a new government of national accord was appointed. However, the country still suffers political crisis despite the signed agreement. Passengers check in to board a train at Guiyang Railway Station in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 3, 2017. China's railways braced for post-holiday travel rush, with travelers returning to work after the week-long Lunar New Year celebration. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) by Xinhua writer Luo Jun BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Family reunion, a theme essential to the development of mankind, was highlighted during China's annual celebration of the Spring Festival that ended on Saturday and raised more worldwide awareness. However, it still faces challenges from setbacks such as armed conflicts and extremism in other parts of the world. The Western world also focuses on family reunion on such key occasions as Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the emphasis on the value of family was also evident in mainstream Hollywood movies -- the heroic leading character would always risk everything, even breaking moral principles, to save his family. But it is rather ironic that in reality, the Western forces' interference caused numerous civilian deaths and displacement when they bombed countries like Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan and helped in the efforts to topple other "none democratic" governments. The latest United Nations report put the displacement figure of Iraqis from recent escalation of conflict in western Mosul alone at 250,000, while the official figure of deaths in Iraq stands at half a million since the United States invaded the country in 2003 on unfounded evidence of weapon of mass destruction. The U.S. military admitted in January the killing of 33 civilians in Afghanistan during an assault on "Taliban commanders" in November, after a long trail of such "collateral damage" that provoked repeated protests from regional countries. As France kicked off its annual Nice carnival on Saturday, heavy security presence tells the fear and worries among the French caused by a truck attack on Nice's seaside promenade that killed 86 people just seven months ago. The innocent lives that were taken away forever lost the right to reunite with their families. And the displaced may not see their family members for the rest of their lives. Though the protection of family has been an important part of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the well-being of families in developing countries was often neglected during Western intervention. And now the well-being of families in developed countries is becoming fragile in face of growing extremism, partly resulting from endless conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. At such a historic juncture, affirming the wholeness and well-being of family as universal value is undoubtedly crucial. On Saturday, the Chinese people celebrated the 2,000-year-old Lantern Festival with traditional rituals of family reunion, marking an end to the fortnight annual Lunar New Year celebrations centered on family unity and blessings for the new year. On such festival occasions, people are reminded again that they have a whole family to rely on and attend to, and a whole family that cares about them. As more and more communities around the world held their own special celebrations for the Lantern Festival, it is hopeful that the spirit of family reunion will see increasing resonation and positive effects with respect to peace and stability around the world. FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 militants have been killed and 14 others injured as clash erupted between government forces and Taliban in Jarm district of the northern Badakhshan province, spokesman for provincial government said Sunday. The government forces, according to the official Ahmad Nawed Frotan, launched cleanup operations in parts of Jarm district early Sunday and so far several villages have been liberated from the clutch of the insurgents. A Taliban group commander Mullah Naqibullah and six foreign nationals are also among those killed during the operations, the official asserted. Taliban militants haven't commented on the subject. A local resident is seen with his cattle in Baringo, northwest Kenya, March 12, 2015. (Xinhua/Simbi Kusimba) NAIROBI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government has declared the current drought affecting 23 arid and semi-arid counties and pockets of other areas a national disaster. President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday called on all stakeholders to support the government by upscaling drought mitigation programs as the severe drought has left over 2 million people in urgent need of food assistance. "Support from our partners would complement government's efforts in mitigating the effects of drought," he said in a statement issued in Nairobi after being briefed on the situation on the ground by Cabinet Secretaries involved in drought management and food security. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have warned that Kenya is facing a severe drought and with it a rise in food insecurity. Current estimates show some 2.1 million people are food insecure. FAO said poor rains in 2016 and drought in 2017 has led to a significant risk of drought conditions in 2017, threatening the food security of some of the country's most vulnerable people. "Those most at risk are small-scale herders in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where livestock rearing can account for as much as 90 percent of employment and family income," FAO said. According to the UN agency, the delayed onset and erratic nature of the current rains means critical pasture and water resources are not being replenished following already poor rains during the April to June 2016 rainy season. Kenyatta also called on the local and international partners to come in and support the government's efforts to contain the situation which has not only affected human being and livestock but also the wild animals. He said the government would fast track and upscale its mitigation programs to ensure the situation is properly contained. He also gave a stern warning to all who are involved in food distribution that the government would take serious measures on those who would try to take advantage of the situation to enrich themselves, noting that all purchases of food and other requirements be done in a transparent and open manner and that all government agencies be involved to ensure Kenyans are not defrauded. To stabilize the high prices of cereals, the government would allow maize importation by the licensed millers but would strictly monitor the situation to ensure it is done in a very transparent manner. In its phase two of drought intervention covering the months of February to April, the government has allocated 110 million U.S. dollars to cater for intervention in various sectors. National Treasury has already released the first tranche of 73 million dollars while the county governments have provided 20 million dollars. The government intends to enhance the interventions including doubling of food rations and cash transfers among other measures. OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Tens of thousands of revelers once again turned out for the Ocean Springs Elks Mardi Gras parade through the downtown area Saturday afternoon. Now in it's 42nd year, the Elks parade is the traditional kickoff of parade season in Jackson County. This year's parade featured more than 80 units and was followed by the smaller Krewe Unique parade, now in it's fourth year. "I really think this is the most family-friendly parade on the coast," said Dave Winston of Biloxi. "We look forward to coming over here every year. Plus, with it being the first (parade), I think there's a lot of anticipation and excitement for this parade. Sometimes, by the time you get to Fat Tuesday, you're kind of ready for Mardi Gras to be over." However, shortly after Winston uttered those words, two men were stabbed in the parking lot of Crossfit Gym on Government Street. According to reports, a fight broke out in the parking lot, leading to the stabbings. The two injured in the incident were taken to an area hospital -- one with life-threatening injuries, according to Ocean Springs Police Capt. Chuck Jackson. Two suspects are in custody. Despite the incident, the parade was otherwise a success. "I heard about what happened and saw the ambulance going down Government," said Frank Stinson of Ocean Springs. "It's just a shame that kind of nonsense has to happen at a great event like this, especially in Ocean Springs. You sort of expect that kind of thing in other cities, but not here. "But we still had a great time. It was a really good parade." Retired U.S. Marshal Wayne McMurtray served as Grand Marshal, while Ron Holland was the Parade Captain. Ron Meyers and Phyllis Necaise were King Fidelity and Queen Charity, respectively. PHNOM PENH, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Kem Sokha, vice president of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was promoted to the acting president on Sunday after the self-exiled incumbent, Sam Rainsy resigned, a party's spokesman said. "The party's board of directors accepted Sam Rainsy's resignation from the position of the president and member of the CNRP and promoted party's vice president Kem Sokha to the acting president from now on," the CNRP's spokesman, Yim Sovann told reporters after an urgent meeting of the party's board of directors. He said the CNRP would hold its congress to choose the new president before April 7, 2018. Political analysts foresaw that the party's two prominent candidates -- Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy's wife Tioulong Saumura -- could compete for the position of the party's new president. Saumura, 66, is currently serving as a party's permanent committee member and a member of parliament for Phnom Penh. Rainsy announced his resignation from the presidency and membership of the CNRP on Saturday due to "personal reasons". He has been living in exile in France since November 2015 to avoid a two-year prison sentence over a defamation charge. In December 2016, a Cambodian court also sentenced, in absentia, him to another five years in prison for conspiring to incite chaos in the country through posting fake documents on his Facebook page. Rainsy's resignation came after Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced earlier this month that the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) would propose the parliament to amend the Law on Political Parties to ban convicts from serving as president of a party. Hun Sen said the proposed amendment would also include a provision that would allow the Constitutional Council to dismantle any political party that its leaders made a serious crime. ACCRA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that his government will fund the cost of public Senior High Schools (SHS) for all those who qualify for entry beginning from the 2017/2018 academic year in September. "By free SHS, we mean that, in addition to tuition which is already free, there will be no admission fees, no library fees, no science centre fees, no computer laboratory fees, no examination fees, no utility fees; there will be free textbooks, free boarding and free meals, and day students will get a meal at school for free," he said on Saturday. Akufo-Addo said this in a speech as the Special Guest of Honor at the 60th anniversary celebration of Akuapeman Senior High School in the Eastern Region. Speaking on the theme: "One Vision, Many Lives", the President noted that a society that aims to transform itself into a modern, productive player in the global market needs an educated workforce; and that means it must get its educational policies right. He said the fact that Ghana has been unable to give all its citizens the education which has enabled the countries of the West and of Asia to thrive is the missing link in the country's economic development. For this reason, the president said he is committed to taking Ghana to the stage where public SHS education will be free for every Ghanaian child. He said his administration will also focus on the provision of incentives that will motivate teachers, and reward their hard work in the classroom. The free SHS policy was one of the campaign promises of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the last electioneering campaigns. DHAKA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Dhaka University Confucius Institute in Bangladesh capital has conducted this year's first HSK, Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi or the Chinese Proficiency Test. Scores of students attended in different levels of HSK examinations held at the institute on Saturday. Zhou Mingdong, director at Dhaka University Confucius Institute, told Xinhua that they conducted Saturday HSK level 2, 3, 4 and 5 examinations, first Chinese language proficiency test of this year. She said more than 100 students from the Dhaka University Confucius Institute and other Bangladesh educational institutes including NorthSouth University, Bangladesh Open University and Bangladesh University of Professionals attended the examinations Saturday. Apart from different examination for different HSK levels, Zhou said they also conducted examination for Speaking Test - HSKK, which is aimed at measuring Chinese learners' speaking skills. She said the Dhaka University Confucius Institute conducted two more examinations last year when hundreds of students attended in different levels of HSK and HSKK to test their Chinese ability to face practical and real-life situations. The Dhaka University Confucius Institute has become a prime destination for Chinese language learners in Bangladesh. Another HSK examination will be held next month. The HSK, designed and developed by the HSK Center of Beijing Language and Culture University, is one of the most important academic testing systems in relation to Chinese language study around the world. Chinese Huawei donates relief materials to people affected by Boko Haram in Nigeria. (Xinhua/Chen Shupin) ABUJA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's technology giant Huawei has donated relief materials including food items to people affected by the insurgency of Boko Haram in Nigeria. At an event in Abuja on Friday, the Nigerian capital, Huawei handed over the food items to the Nigerian government, saying it will increase its social responsibility to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and others facing humanitarian challenges in the West African country. Chinese Huawei donates relief materials to people affected by Boko Haram in Nigeria. (Xinhua/Chen Shupin) "Huawei Technologies Ltd, as a company which has been doing business here for more than 15 years, would like to extend our deep commitment to Nigeria by standing by her in her time of need," said Zhong Haiying, deputy managing director of the tech firm. The donated food items included 2,300 bags of rice, 200 cartons of spaghetti, sugar and oil. Speaking at the event, Zhou Pingjian, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, hailed Huawei's decision to bring succor to the IDPs in the country as a lofty idea that needed to be encouraged. "As a good friend of Nigeria, we are ready to play our due part. At the government level, we are working with the government to do something on the issue and at the business level we encourage more and more Chinese companies here to follow Huawei's example to better integrate with the Nigerians here," Zhou said. On behalf of the Nigerian government, Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau expressed gratitude to Huawei for the humanitarian effort "by contributing toward making life meaningful for the internally displaced persons, most of them being women and children. More than 2.3 million people have been internally displaced by Boko Haram since the insurgency in northeast Nigeria started in 2009. Most of the internally displaced people are reportedly suffering food shortage. BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua)-- A number of provinces in China have stepped up efforts to prevent H7N9 avian flu following reports of scattered human cases of the virus. Authorities closed 280 live poultry trading and slaughtering venues in Suining city, southwest China's Sichuan Province, after four human H7N9 cases were reported in the city this year, according to the provincial health authorities. Commerce officials in Suining have enhanced inspections to crack down on unlicensed poultry businesses. The central province of Hubei has set up headquarters for the prevention and control of human H7N9 outbreak, according to the provincial Health and Family Planning Commission. Hubei confirmed 19 human H7N9 cases from Jan.1 to Feb. 9, scattered across several cities. Two patients have been discharged from hospital after recovering. The province has dispatched 16 inspection teams to check on prevention efforts. In Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, all live poultry markets have been suspended. The province has reported 24 H7N9 cases, including five fatalities, this year. Eastern China's Zhejiang Province ordered all markets across the province to halt live poultry trading by 6 p.m. Saturday, over bird flu concerns. Staff with the Zhejiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that the province had entered a high season of bird flu outbreak. In January alone, Zhejiang reported 35 infections of the H7N9 strain of bird flu. Contact with live poultry is the major source of infection, particularly in rural areas. H7N9 is a bird flu strain first reported to have infected humans in China in March 2013. It is most likely to strike in winter and spring. Beijing on Saturday reported a human H7N9 case. The patient is a 68-year-old man from Langfang city in neighboring Hebei Province. Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Guangdong and Guizhou provinces have all reported human H7N9 cases this year. ATHENS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 72,000 residents in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki were evacuated Sunday morning ahead of a massive operation to defuse a WWII bomb, local authorities have said. The 250 kg bomb, believed to be dropped by either British or U.S. forces in 1943-1944 targeting Nazi German facilities in Greece's second-largest city, was discovered during excavation works at a gas station at the Kordelio-Evosmos district a few days earlier. As a precautionary measure, while a Greek military bomb disposal squad will be working in the area for some six to eight hours according to initial estimates, authorities decided to proceed to the biggest such evacuation operation in post-war Greece. City authorities have been instructing all residents living within 2 km around the gas station to leave their homes by 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT), via leaflets and media during the past few days. Buses were available to transfer the affected to schools, stadiums and cafes early Sunday, while bed-bound patients were transferred on Saturday. Refugees and migrants living in nearby accommodation camps were also temporarily evacuated. Around 1,000 police forces have been deployed to the area, the police said. They knocked on doors to make sure the houses were empty before experts start to defuse the detonator. According to the army, the squad has disposed of dozens of similar bombs, however, it was the first time in decades a bomb of such a size was found in a densely populated urban district in Greece. According to the plan, once the detonator is defused, the bomb will be transferred to an army base located about 30 km away. Authorities have sealed off the route. During the operation, train services and traffic will be stopped. PANGLONG, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar government held a state ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the country's Union Day in Panglong, Shan state Sunday. The day on which Panglong conference was held with Panglong Agreement signed was designated as Myanmar's Union Day. About 1,700 representatives from government, ethnic groups and others attended the ceremony. National hero General Aung San initiated the Panglong Agreement with other 22 representatives of ethnic nationalities on Feb. 12, 1947, proclaiming to strive for independence of the country with unity. Speaking at the ceremony, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of General Aung San, called for inclusiveness of the non-signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) which was initiated between former government and eight armed groups in 2015, to join the NCA and upcoming Panglong conference with absolute belief. Suu Kyi also urged all stakeholders in the peace process to make sacrifice bravely for the interest of the people. The Union Day ceremony was attached with a Panglong peace talks program participated by Suu Kyi and 12 ethnics people. Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw stressed the cooperation and coordination among the government, parliament, military, ethnic groups, political parties, civil society organizations and every citizen in order to implement the national reconciliation and peace process in his message on the Union Day anniversary, official media also reported Sunday. Meanwhile, the Yangon regional government also held a Union Day commemorative ceremony for the first time at downtown Yangon's Maha Bandoola Park on the day, while the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) also launched a grand ceremony to mark the event at its party headquarters in Yangon. AMMAN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The European Union on Sunday said in a statement it will support Jordan on political and environmental reforms with 115 million euros. The statement said that the deal consists of two cooperation programs totaling 115 million euros (about 122 million U.S. dollars) to support Jordan in its political and environmental reforms. One of the programs called "Support to the Implementation of the National Solid Waste Management Strategy" (106 million dollars) aims at improving health, quality of life and environmental conditions of the population by developing environmentally and financially sustainable systems for solid waste management. The other program "Enhanced Support to Democratic Governance" (16 million dollars) will support the country's reform process toward consolidation of deeper democracy. This EU support is provided through the European Neighborhood Instrument in the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy. Earlier this year, the EU and Jordan agreed to establish new Partnership Priorities covering the period 2016-2018, including a document defining how both parties will co-operate to assist the country in dealing with the massive influx of Syrian refugees. MOMBASA, Kenya, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government on Sunday deported four suspected drug barons arrested in the coastal city of Mombasa. The authorities on Saturday arrested four nationals from South Africa and Seychelles in the coastal city of Mombasa while in possession of unconfirmed quantity of hard drugs during an anti-narcotics swoop. The four will be handed over on Sunday to Seychelles authority for possible prosecution. They were airlifted on Saturday night from Mombasa to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport awaiting deportation. Multiagency detectives apprehended the two South Africans and two Seychellois at an apartment adjacent to Nyali Beach Hotel on Saturday. They were identified as Dominguez and Nedy Micock (Seychelles) and Barend Nolte and Marc Faivelewitz (SA). Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet confirmed the deportation of the four. Security official said the four are linked to Akasha brothers and two foreigners recently extradited to United States to stand trial for drug trafficking charges. The four drug barons are part of international drug trafficking cartel. They are accused to be involved in money laundering and drug trafficking. Other suspects are on the wanted list of the National Drugs Enforcement Agency in Seychelles, police said. "They are wanted for engaging in international drug deals. We have extradited them following request of Seychelles authority," said senior anti narcotic officer. The latest move comes after two Kenyans and their two foreign accomplices were recently extradited to the United States to answer charges of running a transnational drug trafficking syndicate. The two brothers, Baktash and Ibrahim Akasha and their foreign collaborators, Gulam Hussein and Vicky Goswami from Pakistan and India respectively were arrested by Kenyan security during a sting operation. Immediately after their arrest, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the government had reactivated the war against drug trade that has ruined the lives of youth in coastal towns. Kenyatta said the government will not waver in its quest to eradicate narcotics trade in the country. ISTANBUL, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey's ultimate goal in its military operation in northern Syria is not the town of al-Bab alone but clearing the region of terrorism. "The ultimate goal is to establish a 5,000-kilometre terror-free zone," the president told reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport prior to his departure for Bahrain. "In the following period, toward the east, there are Manbij and Raqqa," Erdogan said of Turkey's next targets. Manbij is currently under the control of the Kurdish People's Protection Units, which is seen by Ankara as the Syrian offshoot of Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party. Raqqa is a stronghold of the Islamic State (IS). For months, Turkish troops, sent into northern Syria in August last year for a military offensive and backed by the rebel Free Syrian Army militants, have been battling for IS-held al-Bab, about 30 km from the Turkish border. In his last remarks in late January, Erdogan reportedly said that Turkish troops would not go any further than al-Bab into the Syrian territory. The president said at Ataturk Airport that Turkey had shared the idea of going further in northern Syria with the United States and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), adding Ankara "will be follower of these thoughts." New CIA Director Mike Pompeo was in Turkey for a visit on Thursday and Friday. Erdogan said his country has already started to do the infrastructure work for terror-free zone in Syria's north so that Syrian refugees who are finding refuge in Turkey could return home. He described Ankara's second goal as the establishment of a no fly zone in Syria, saying, "Unless you declare a no fly zone, the region couldn't be secured." Currently al-Bab is being besieged by Turkish troops and the Free Syrian Army and retaking the town is "a matter of time," as IS forces have begun to leave the town, according to the president. DUBAI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Kentaro Sonoura, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Japan, said here on Sunday at the World Government Summit 2017 the role of governments is to integrate new technological trends like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics or the internet of things (IoT) into the national education system. Delivering a speech at the 5th edition of the forum, Sonoura said Japan quickly recovered from it defeat in the World War II, "because the Japanese governments until today have removed social barriers for achieving academic excellence." The Japanese education system was based on the values of the old Samurai warriors and Confucianism, which according to Sonoura are "courage, justice, respect for propriety, loyalty, diversity, endurance, family and friends." These values are "deeply rooted in the Japanese society which also gives equal rights to women to achieve within the society." Because of this, his country was today at the forefront in research and development and production of the phenomena which are summarized in the term "fourth industrial revolution," namely AI, autonomous driving or IoT. He invited the summit's host country United Arab Emirates to cooperate with Japan on new technologies and inclusive education. Military personnels of a Greek military bomb disposal squad stand at the site of a World War II bomb in suburb of Thessaloniki, Greece, on Feb. 12, 2017, ahead of an operation to defuse the bomb. Nearly 72,000 residents in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki were evacuated Sunday morning ahead of a massive operation to defuse a WWII bomb, local authorities have said. (Xinhua/Vasilis Ververidis) ATHENS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Army experts have completed the first stage of a massive operation to defuse and remove a WWII bomb in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, the regional governor announced Sunday. Greek army experts had managed to defuse the detonator by 13:00 local time (1100 GMT), Apostolos Tzitzikostas told national broadcaster ERT, adding that within the next few hours the bomb will be transferred to a nearby army base Askos-Profitis for controlled explosion. "There is still risk. Citizens should stay off the sealed zone until the entire operation is concluded," he stressed. Nearly 72,000 residents of the Evosmos-Kordelio district were evacuated to allow the experienced squad to defuse the 250 kg bomb which had been discovered during excavation works at a gas station a few days earlier. The bomb was believed to be dropped by either British or U.S. forces in 1943-1944 targeting Nazi German facilities in Greece's second-largest city. As a precautionary measure, while the bomb disposal squad will be working in the area for some six to eight hours according to initial estimates, authorities decided to proceed to the biggest such evacuation operation in post-war Greece. City authorities have been instructing all residents living within 2 km around the gas station to leave their homes by 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT), via leaflets and media during the past few days. Buses were available to transfer the affected to schools, stadiums and cafes early Sunday, while bed-bound patients were transferred on Saturday. Refugees and migrants living in nearby accommodation camps were also temporarily evacuated. Around 1,000 policemen have been deployed to the area, police said. They knocked on doors to make sure the houses were empty before experts started to defuse the detonator. According to the army, the squad has disposed of dozens of similar bombs. However, it was the first time in decades that a bomb of such a size was found in a densely populated urban district in Greece. During the operation, train services and traffic along the route from the gas station to the army base will be halted. TEHRAN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Sweden opened a trade center in Iran on Sunday seeking to promote business ties with the country, semi-official Fars news agency reported. "Sweden is ready for investment in Iran," Head of Sweden Trade Council Ilva Berry said at the opening of Sweden Trade Council Representative Office in Tehran. The center would provide an opportunity for the two countries' business community and investors to develop further understanding about infrastructure projects, Berry was quoted as saying. "Cooperation with Iran is not meant solely for job generation; rather it has been planned for getting access to the neighboring states' markets," Berry said in a meeting with Head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Gholamhossein Shafeyee in Tehran. On Saturday, Sweden Prime Minister Stefan Lofven arrived in Tehran with a large economic delegation. The visit of representatives of 70 Sweden economic enterprises to Tehran is the biggest exchange of delegation and indicative of her country's resolve to promote ties with Iran, Berry said. For his part, Shafeyee said that promoting banking cooperation between Iran and Sweden is the prelude for bolstering economic and commercial ties. Tehran and Stockholm signed five agreements here on Saturday to broaden their mutual cooperation in different areas. According to the report, the cooperation pacts cover the areas of technology, research, roads, communications and women affairs. BERLIN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- German Federal Assembly will convene a session on Sunday to elect a new president to succeed Joachim Gauck who has decided not to run for a second term. The new head of state will be decided by the convention consisting of 630 lawmakers and an equal number of representatives from Germany's 16 states. German local media speculated former Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier as an obvious winner since he has gained the grand governing coalition on his back. On Saturday evening, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Minister President of Bavaria Horst Lorenz Seehofer, representing the center-left and center-right political union, called for support for Steinmeier, saying he would be the right person to represent Germany. Steinmeier, one of Germany's well known politicians, have served twice as foreign minister, from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 until this year. He is known for his efforts trying to mediate the crisis in Ukraine. He also served as vice chancellor from 2007 to 2009. Some German media described him as "pragmatic, assertive and popular." Gauck, assuming office in March 2012, will not seek another five-year tenure citing his age as the reason. Germany's presidential post is more ceremonial than executive, giving direction to general political and societal debates. The vote is widely seen as a test for the unity of Merkel's political coalition, as well as a prelude for Merkel's campaign seeking her fourth term in the federal election in September. JERUSALEM, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that while U.S. President Donald Trump might be more "convenient" to Israel than his predecessor Barack Obama, the new administration might still set limits. "After eight years of complicated maneuvering in the Obama era, we need to continue to act judiciously during the Trump era," Netanyahu said three days before meeting with Trump. His remark came in the wake of vocal demands by the pro-settler faction of the Jewish Home, which is a prominent part of Netanyahu right-wing coalition, to use the meeting on Wednesday to relinquish the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Jewish Home supports a full annexation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, territories occupied by Israel in the 1967 Mideast War and where the Palestinians wish to build their future state. "The situation now is more convenient, but it would be a mistake to think that there won't be any restrictions," Netanyahu said. The Israeli construction in the Jewish settlements in the West Bank was restrained by Obama's administration. Since Trump stepped into office, Israel has approved about 5,000 new housing units in the settlements, despite strong protests by the Palestinians and the international community. LAGOS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The northeast Nigeria's Borno state is to set up skills acquisition centers in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) liberated from the Boko Haram terrorists, an official said Sunday. Babagana Umara, the Commissioner in charge of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, disclosed this at the graduation of 18 women trained in tailoring in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Wulari of Maiduguri, the state capital. The commissioner said the centers are meant to empower the IDPs, especially women with different vocational trade. The training include, carpentry, welding, tailoring, wheel alignment and others. Umara said the trainees were given monthly allowances and daily feeding during the training program, which was in partnership with the United Nation Development Program (UNDP). The Boko Haram insurgency has killed more than 15,000 people since 2009 and forced some two million to flee their homes. The Nigerian army, backed up by neighbors, have retaken most areas held by the group. The militant group has stepped up attacks and suicide bombings in the past few weeks. SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Four militants, two Indian army troopers and a civilian were killed and three troopers wounded Sunday in a fierce gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said. The gunfight broke out at Frisal village of Kulgam district, about 55 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "Death toll in today's gunfight rose to seven," a senior police official posted in Anantnag told Xinhua, saying that "the dead include four militants, two troopers and a civilian." According to the police official, the slain civilian belonged to a family in whose residential house the militants were present. Though police officials said the civilian was killed in crossfire between militants and troops, locals alleged he was used as a human shield by troopers. The wounded troopers who were immediately airlifted to military base hospital in Srinagar are said to be in stable condition. Indian military officials said they launched a cordon and search operation in Frisal village on specific intelligence information suggesting presence of militants in the area Saturday night. Locals said the residential house from where the militants were firing on positions of police and troopers was completely damaged in the exchange of fire. Following the gunfight, intense clashes broke out in the area between villagers and government forces. The villagers attacked government forces with rocks and brickbats, who responded by firing tear smoke shells and warning shots. Several people are reported wounded in the clashes. Meanwhile, the slain militants were identified as local cadres of Lashkar-e-Toiba militant outfit. Militant groups are engaged in a guerilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently. 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. BANGKOK, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Thailand on Sunday formally launches a ferry service across the Gulf of Thailand, linking tourist spots Pattaya and Hua Hin to boost tourism and economy. The service operates daily as the ferry leaves Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier for Hua Hin at 10:30 a.m. and leaves Hua Hin for the opposite side at about 01:30 p.m. It takes about two hours for a single trip, compared with five to six hours by bus or van. A single trip costs 1,250 baht (36 U.S. dollars), but a special price of 999 baht (28 dollars) was offered this month to commemorate revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, said Preecha Tantipura, chief executive officer of the ferry's operator Royal Passenger Liner Co.,. Preecha said his company which received concessions to operate the service from the government has only one ferry, a double-decker high speed Catamaran boat, but there will be more ferries to join the route soon, adding that their ferry may carry vehicles in the future. "After a month-long free operation, I can say we are ready to launch it formally, and we found positive feedback from the market," Preecha said. The company started to provide free ferry service for passengers to cross the Gulf since January. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Thailand's minister of transport, presided over the opening ceremony of ferry service, saying that it is an important project that will benefit Thailand's economy as it cuts travel time between the two sides of Gulf and will help tourist spots to attract more visitors. BERLIN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- German Federal Assembly on Sunday elected former foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier as president, succeeding Joachim Gauck. Steinmeier is one of Germany's well known politicians, having twice served as foreign minister, from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 until earlier this year. Also he once served as vice chancellor from 2007 to 2009. He was known for his efforts trying to mediate the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Some German media described him as "pragmatic, assertive and popular." Gauck, assuming office since March 2012, had announced earlier that he would not seek another five-year term citing his age as the reason. RAMALLAH, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Palestinians slammed Sunday the U.S. veto against the appointment of former Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to head a UN mission in Libya. Member of Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee Hanan Ashrawi described the U.S. position as "a case of blatant discrimination on the basis of national identity." She said in an emailed press statement Saturday that the step is "unacceptable." Salam Fayyad refused to comment on the news. Palestinian journalist Farah Aloul said it is clear that the U.S. step is against Fayyad's national identity, especially that it was praised by Israel's UN representative Danny Dannon. Ramallah based economist Faris Arouri said that this case shows that "the U.S. still refuses to deal with Palestine as a UN member, while it clearly adopts the Israeli position negating the presence of Palestinians in international platforms." Fayyad served as Palestinian Prime Minister between 2003 and 2013. The Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Productivity Commission Response Part 2 and Other Measures) Act 2020 received Royal Assent on 26 February 2020, setting in train a phase-out of the innovation patent system. New (non-divisional) innovation patents can no longer be filed, and the time to final expiry of all innovation patents is now: For further details of the legislation, read the full report here. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier attends a session of the permanent council of the OSCE, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as the new head of the rotating OSCE chairmanship at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Jan. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Qian Yi) BERLIN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- German Federal Assembly on Sunday elected former foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier as president, succeeding Joachim Gauck. Steinmeier is one of Germany's well known politicians, having twice served as foreign minister, from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 until earlier this year. Also he once served as vice chancellor from 2007 to 2009. He was known for his efforts trying to mediate the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Some German media described him as "pragmatic, assertive and popular." Gauck, assuming office since March 2012, had announced earlier that he would not seek another five-year term citing his age as the reason. BERLIN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- German Federal Assembly on Sunday elected former foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier as German president. Steinmeier won absolute majority with 931 of 1239 votes, far beyond the votes got by candidates from other parties or as independents. German local media have long speculated Steinmeier as the obvious winner, since he got the grand governing coalition as well as the influential Social Democratic Party of Germany on his back. On Saturday evening, Angela Merkel and Horst Lorenz Seehofer, representing the center-left and center-right political union, called for support for Steinmeier, saying he would be the right person to represent Germany. Steinmeier is one of Germany's well known politicians, having twice served as foreign minister, from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 until this year, and was known for his efforts trying to mediate the crisis in Ukraine. Also he once served as vice chancellor from 2007 to 2009. Some German media described him as "pragmatic, assertive and popular." Steinmeier is set to formally assume office on March 18. The outgoing president Gauck announced last year he would not seek another five-year tenure citing his age as the reason. Germany's presidential post is more ceremonial than executive, giving direction to general political and societal debates. But the vote is widely seen as a test for the unity of Merkel's political coalition, as well as a prelude for Merkel's campaign seeking her fourth term in the federal election in September. MOGADISHU, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least eight Somalia soldiers were killed and several others injured on Sunday after fighting between Al-Shabaab militants and Somalia National Army (SNA) in Warmahan and Tihsile locations of southern Somalia. Deputy Governor of Lower Shabelle region for Finance Affairs, Abdifitah Abdulle Yusuf told Xinhua two senior army commanders were among government soldiers killed. "Al-Shabaab militants attacked SNA army bases in Warmahan and Tihsile areas in Lower Shabelle region this morning, then fighting broke out where we lost eight government soldiers including two army commanders, two Al-Shabaab fighters killed and some others injured," Abdalla said. The deputy governor said the attack was an ambush attack that the terrorist militants carried out early morning. He said the two army commanders were killed in a landmine explosion while on their way to give a military help to the government soldiers who were under attack in those areas. Al-Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the latest attack at the Somalia government army bases in Lower Shabelle. The group said that they killed 19 government soldiers including officials. KATHMANDU, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Government officials from Nepal's Ministry of Education will start to learn Chinese language from Monday to enhance their understanding about China. Some 25 officials took part in the opening ceremony of Chinese language course organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. They will be receiving 80-hour-long basic course under the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University, starting from Monday. "Nepal has a lot to learn from China in the sectors like technology, education system, culture, trade and tourism. Learning about these areas is possible only through language, so we felt it's necessary to train our officials first for knowledge and technology transfer," Hari Prasad Bashyal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Education told Xinhua. The Ministry of Education is the fourth government entity in Nepal to introduce Chinese language learning. Prior to this, the Confucius Institute has already provided Chinese language course to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism and the Nepal Army. "With deepening friendship between China and Nepal, both countries have made remarkable progress in politics, economy, culture, trade and some other fields," said Yu Hong, Chinese ambassador to Nepal. "In this context, I am sure the language class will bring new experience and feeling for understanding China, its culture and language," said the ambassador. According to statistics, more than 40 million people are learning Chinese language in the world through some 3,000 universities. In Nepal, the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University has trained over 20,000 Nepalese since its establishment on June, 2007. It is regarded as the best base for the promotion of Chinese culture and language in the Himalayan country. The Confucius Institute is going to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Nepal this year. Currently, over 3,000 Nepali students are learning language in China. Meanwhile, many government officials have received Chinese language training in China under government scholarship programs. They believe that learning Chinese has helped them achieve fruitful results in their profession and beyond. "Chinese language has played a significant role in my life. Besides my regular job, I work as an interpreter and tour guide in my part time. Through the language, I have received a new recognition," Devi Prasad Upadhyay, section officer at Ministry of Education, told Xinhua. Upadhyay, who had learned Chinese language for two years in China under government scholarship since 2006, said that learning a new language provides an opportunity to enhance the people to people relations. Bhola Poudel, officer at finance department at Ministry of Education echoed Upadhyay's remarks, saying that "learning new language is very essential for effective communication. I am so glad to be its part, especially it's a big chance for the government officials to understand their culture and strengthen our ties." RIYADH, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, called on Sunday for fighting incitements linking terrorism with Islam, reported the Al Arabiya local news agency. He highlighted the importance of the UN-Saudi counterterrorism cooperation, stressing determination in assisting countries fighting terrorism. Guterres added that the lack of political solutions during several crises contributes to increased terrorism. "We cannot defeat terrorism in Syria without a comprehensive political solution," he said. In addition, Guterres thanked Saudi Arabia for assisting Syrians in the establishment of their opposition delegation in the Geneva conference. He thinks reconciliation in Iraq is possible via the cooperation of all relevant parties as well as mutual coexistence and respect. At the same time, Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir highlighted that he and Guterres discussed Syria, Libya and counterterrorism. Al-Jubeir further confirmed the current positive relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States, stating that both countries agree on many issues. The minister expects the new U.S. President Trump will reconsider the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. The legislation endorsed in 2016 grants terrorism victims in America the right to sue organizations and countries for their involvement and support of terrorism. During Guterres' first visit to Saudi Arabia, the UN General Secretary met with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at which time the King congratulated Guterres on assuming his new role and wished him all success. NAIROBI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Slovak President Andrej Kiska is due in Nairobi on Monday for a three-day state visit to Kenya to seek ways of increasing trade and enhancing bilateral ties, a Kenyan official said on Sunday. State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said this will be the first time a sitting Slovak President is making this visit. "Kenyan businesses will be looking to leverage the Slovak Republic's areas of relative strength as the country looks to expand its basket of trading partners," Esipisu told journalists in Nairobi. The Slovak Republic is a high-income advanced economy with one of the fastest growth rates in the European Union. The economy has mainly been driven by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The country's GDP is 138.277 billion U.S. dollars (2015 estimates) and GDP per capita stands at 25,525 dollars (also 2015 estimates), according to Kenyan government statistics. Esipisu said the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) has created a seamless market from South Africa's Cape Town to Cairo, Egypt. "President Kenyatta will also make clear that the continent of Africa is also working towards consolidating its economies into a large Continental Free Trade Area therefore providing more business opportunities," Esipisu said. He said the Kenyan leader has paid state visits to dozens of countries since he came to office, and received a galaxy of global leaders here in Nairobi. "Kenyans are now seeing the fruits of these years of engagement with partners, with high-impact investments such as the re-starting of assembly plants for German and French automakers VW and Peugeot," he said. Major industries in Slovakia include metal and metal products, paper and printing, food and beverages, electricity, gas, oil, nuclear fuel, transport vehicles, textiles, electrical and optical apparatus, rubber, and machinery. Kenya is one of the three countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where Slovakia maintains diplomatic missions; others are South Africa and Nigeria. Esipisu said the balance of trade between Kenya and Slovakia is in favour of Slovakia and the talks on Monday will partly focus on getting more Kenyan goods into the Slovakia market. He said Kenyatta will cite Kenya's central position in the East and Central Africa region as ideal for investors from the Slovak Republic to use as a launch pad to penetrate the enormous market of over 650 million people of the recently concluded Tripartite Free Trade Area arrangement which brings together three established Regional Communities of the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). MOSCOW, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Unilateral responses of some countries to Sunday's missile test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will only increase tensions, said a senior Russian lawmaker. "Unilateral actions taken by the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK) or Japan will only ratchet up the already high tensions," Konstantin Kosachev, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian upper house of parliament, was quoted by RIA Novosti agency as saying on Sunday. Any response of the international community to the DPRK's missile launch should be made jointly within the frame of the UN Security Council or the six-party talks (the DPRK, the ROK, Russia, China, Japan and the United States), said Kosachev. Pyongyang fired off what is presumed to be an intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile, called Hwaseong-10 in the DPRK, from its northwestern North Pyongan province earlier in the day, according to the ROK authorities. It flew about 500 km and landed in waters off the DPRK's east coast. Musudan can put the entire Japan and the U.S. military base in Guam in its target range as it is known to have a range of 3,000-4,000 km. Sunday's launch was the first in 2017 and also the first since Donald Trump was sworn in as the U.S. president on Jan. 20. Seoul's military said it was part of armed protest against the new U.S. administration's hard-line stance toward the DPRK. The ROK foreign ministry said the launch was a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the international community. CAPE TOWN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Three exiled Lesotho opposition leaders have returned home thanks to mediation by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the South African Presidency said on Sunday. The three leaders are Tome Thabane, former Prime Minister and leader of the All-Basotho Convention; Theselle Maseribane, leader of the Basotho National Party and Keketso Rantsho, leader of the Reformed Congress of Lesotho, according to the Presidency. Visiting South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who leads SADC mediation efforts to help resolve political conflicts in Lesotho, received and welcomed back home the three opposition leaders in Maseru, capital of Lesotho, said Ronnie Mamoepa, spokesperson for Ramaphosa. The return of the three opposition leaders is a culmination of efforts and decision of the SADC Double Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Gaborone, Botswana in 2016 which mandated Ramaphosa to facilitate the return of the three leaders back home. After attending a welcoming function held at Avani Lesotho hotel earlier on Sunday, Ramaphosa returned to South Africa, concluding his successful visit to the kingdom, Mamoepa said. During the visit, Ramaphosa held discussions with stakeholders in the Lesotho political conflict. The SADC remains committed to work with all stakeholders to ensure the stabilization of the political and security situation in Lesotho and has committed itself to second experts to assist the country as it embarks on constitutional and security sector reforms, Ramaphosa told a press conference before ending his visit. During the visit, Ramaphosa reviewed progress made with regard to the implementation of SADC recommendations on constitutional and security sector reforms including the investigation into the death of the late Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao. Mahao was killed in June 2015 after Pakalitha Mosisili became Lesotho prime minister. His death plunged the country into uncertainty. The three opposition leaders fled to South Africa for fear of political prosecution following an early election in 2015. The election was held after an attempted coup in August the previous year. Mosisili emerged as the winner in the elections. Smoke rises over the rebel-held area of Ain Tarma, eastern countryside of Damascus, capital of Syria, on Feb. 7, 2017. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) ANKARA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- As Turkish army and its rebel allies are pressing on a major offensive in al-Bab town in northern Syria, the advance risks confrontation with regime forces that are besieging the city from the south. The Turkish forces and the rebels it's backing succeeded to capture a strategic hill in al-Bab last week and advanced towards the Islamic State (IS) stronghold from the north, east and west. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said Turkish troops and Free Syrian Army (FSA) have entered the IS-held bastion town and its capture was now a "matter of time." He vowed to move Manbij and Raqqa after al-Bab offensive in a bid to create a "terror-free zone" in northern Syria. The ultimate goal is to cleanse a 5,000-square-km area, he stated. The move he was elaborating targets not only IS elements in Raqqa, but the Syrian Kurdish militia, which Turkey sees as offshoot of outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), in Manbij region. Meanwhile, Syrian regime forces have been approaching towards al-Bab from the south since Feb. 6 and they were a few kilometers away from the town at the weekend. Syrian regime forces advanced to Tadef town near al-Bab, which is located in Aleppo province's northeast, and destroyed IS stronghold, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. The move brings the Syrian army to the demarcation line drawn to keep the rival forces apart over an agreement between Ankara and Moscow. Turkey and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding on Jan. 12 aiming to coordinate their military operations targeting IS militants in Syria. The armies of two countries established "contact coordination line" aiming to avoid any confrontation between Turkish forces and Syrian regime forces backed by Russian air forces in northern Syria. Tadef region is the demarcation line in south al-Bab between Syrian regimes with its allies, a Turkish official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Despite the agreement between Ankara and Moscow that requires informing each side regarding their military operations in northern Syria, three Turkish soldiers were killed, 11 other injured when a Russian air strike "accidentally" hit their position in an attack targeting IS in al-Bab on Feb. 9. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said their air strikes were launched based on coordinates provided to Russia by the Turkish military, but the latter strongly denied Moscow's claim. The Turkish army has been regularly sharing information with their Russian counterparts with regards to its Euphrates Shield operation in Syria in line with Jan. 12 agreement, the Turkish armed forces said on Feb. 10. The Turkish military elements that were hit by Russian warplane were in the same location for about 10 days, said the Turkish army. On Feb. 8, after a rocket was thrown from the region controlled by the Russian to the area where Turkish soldiers were located, they have transmitted again to the responsible personnel in Humeymim Operation Center and to the Russian Armed Forces Attache in Ankara, said the army. RIYADH, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi civil defense authority said on Sunday that a Pakistani man was killed in a projectile attack by Yemen's Houthi militias on a Saudi border city, local newspapers reported. Figures show dozens of civilians have lost lives in such attacks since the Saudi-led war broke out in Yemen. In a joint press conference with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Sunday, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said the Houthi militias have failed to implement any of the more than 70 agreements signed with them. He revealed that the Arab coalition has a plan to reconstruct Yemen through huge funds from Gulf countries. Galer Estate will be pouring the last of its 2015 Pinot Noir rose at a Valentine's dinner set for Tuesday at the winery. The rose was one of two wines from the Chester County producer, based in Kennett Square, that won medals at the annual San Francisco Wine Chronicle competition, one of the country's biggest and most prestigious, involving 7,000 wines and judging that lasted four days. The rose won a gold medal and Galer Estate's 2015 Red Lion Chardonnay won a silver, one of only a few medals that regional wineries took home from the event. One person beaming after the announcement was winemaker Virginia Mitchell, who arrived more than two years ago and has been building a strong resume since then, particularly with her rose and several Chardonnays that she crafts from one of several vineyards that Galer Estate sources for its fruit. Reservations for Tuesday's four-course gourmet dinner, which will pair Galer Estate wines with foods from nearby Talula's Table, will remain open through Sunday. The cost is $120/person. The winery has other events scheduled through this weekend, which you can access by clicking here. About the rose, she said in a release that the "handpicked red grapes were whole cluster pressed and treated as if it was a white wine. The small amount of copper color in this rose is from the natural extraction from the skins prior to fermentation," she said. "The fermentation lasted four weeks at a cool temperature, resulting in more flavors and complexity. " Mitchell added in the release that making rose is a particular passion for her; indeed, she produced a tasty and gorgeous rose for her wedding a couple years ago. "Roses are a nice alternative for red grapes that don't seem to have the flavor and sugar development that we would need to make an adequate red wine," she said. "Rose can have the robustness of a red wine, but also be delicate and complex." She was asked in an email about how the first couple years there have gone and how her role has evolved. I don't think we are ever short of challenges when we talk about winemaking or winery operations," she wrote back. "When I first started at Galer Estate, it was the Galer Estate Winery, in Kennett Square, is currently on winter hours, open Fridays through Sundays. first time I was in charge of all winemaking, and there were many challenges along the way. I had to become acquainted with the processing equipment, the bottling line, and the ins and outs of the facility. Now that I have completed three vintages at Galer, I have also taken on the role as Winery Manager, which includes all of the day-to-day winemaking responsibilities, facilitating Galer Estate's new Wine Club, coordinating weekend tasting room events, as well as teaching lectures about different wine topics every other Thursday in the summer." She said that she felt the 2015 growing season was particularly kind, giving her excellent fruit for the beginning of the journey into the bottle. "The Pinot Noir rose was the longest fermentation that season, which contributed to the intense flavors and smooth mouth-feel," she said. Craig LaBan, a longtime respected food and wine critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer, was one of the judges in San Francisco and lauded the three regional wines that won golds, including a Petit Verdot from Karamoor in Montgomery County and a Chambourcin port from Sharrott Winery in southern New Jersey. He wrote about the competition overall and the reaction to the local wines winning in this story and provided his individual assessments of the three wines in this story. Wrote LaBan of Galer Estate's gold-winning entry: "An evocative rose from sunny Kennett Square ... full of bright raspberry-cherry notes with a squirt of natural residual sweetness." He added: "This coppery gold-colored rose is classified as dry, and no sugar is added during a process of minimal intervention. But it nonetheless holds an undeniable hint of sweetness on the first sip due to the extraction of ripe pinot grapes, which also lend some darker shades of cocoa and cherry behind a dry finish that evokes tart bright berries and rose." Galer Estate's newest rose is expected to be released in the spring. Meanwhile, its Red Lion Chardonnay is available for tastings. Joshua Towber, Galer Estate's sales and marketing manager, said it's a wine he enjoys giving visitors who claim they don't drink Chardonnay. "It never disappoints," he was quoted as saying in a release. "Our Red Lion Chardonnay, un-oaked, is unlike any other. Having only touched stainless steel this wine is crisp, so bright and aromatic like you would never expect and great year-round." BERLIN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- German former foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected as German president by German Federal Assembly on Sunday, succeeding the outgoing President Joachim Gauck. The following is a brief introduction of the new elected German president: Steinmeier was born on Jan. 5, 1956 in the city of Detmold, Germany. He studied law and politics at Giessen University and obtained his doctorate of law in 1991. He started out as a legal adviser in the state of Lower Saxony in 1991 and held a series of senior positions, including chief of staff to Social Democrat chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in 1999. After the federal election in 2005, Steinmeier was appointed foreign minister in the first grand coalition government of Angela Merkel. And in 2007, he was appointed vice chancellor in the grand coalition. Steinmeier ran unsuccessfully as a chancellor candidate against Merkel of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the federal election in 2009, and returned to the opposition benches as head of the Social Democrats' parliamentary group. Steinmeier was again appointed foreign minister in Merkel's third coalition in 2013. On Feb. 12, 2017, Steinmeier received 931 votes of 1,239 valid votes and was elected the 12th president of Germany. Steinmeier is married and has a daughter. by Pau Ramirez RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Odebrecht, the largest construction firm in Latin America, is at the eye of a maelstrom of corruption, bribery and influence peddling, which has transcended the borders of Brazil to reach across the continent. The company, which has already fired around 100,000 of its 180,000 staff in 28 countries, first came under investigation by the Brazilian judiciary as part of Operation Lava Jato (Car Wash), which unveiled the gigantic corruption ring within state oil company Petrobras. In June 2015, federal police arrested the firm's president Marcelo Odebrecht, who was later sentenced to nine years in prison. The company also agreed to pay over 3.5 billion U.S. dollars in fines in Brazil, the U.S. and Switzerland. However, the opening of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the confessions of 77 company executives pulled back the curtain on corruption links extending to Peru, Mexico and Colombia. "We are facing a unique case," said Tomaz Paoliello, a professor of international relations at the Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo. "This is unprecedented as previous similar cases in Central and South America happened with the involvement of American or European companies," he told Xinhua. The Odebrecht case has also happened against a backdrop of internationalization for major Brazilian firms, including mining company Vale, bank Itau and Petrobras itself. "Since the 1970s, the image of Odebrecht has been closely linked to that of the Brazilian government," said Paoliello, stating that this case could also show "a corrupt executive," which might have helped the company's illegal practices. The DOJ announced that, among other facts, Odebrecht had paid 35.5 million U.S. dollars in bribes to Ecuadorian politicians between 2007 and 2016, in return for profits of over 116 million U.S. dollars in the country. In Argentina, allegations have been made of bribes, not only during the 13 years in power of Nestor and Cristina Kirchner, but also to an associate of current President Mauricio Macri. Investigations by the Argentinian judiciary have shown that Odebrecht paid 35 million U.S. dollars in bribes to the Kirchner governments in order to access contracts valued at 278 million U.S. dollars. In parallel, Gustavo Arribas, the current head of the Argentinean Federal Intelligence Agency and a close friend of Macri, is having to explain why he received a bank transfer worth 600,000 U.S. dollars from Odebrecht intermediaries. In Peru, an arrest warrant has been issued against former president Alejandro Toledo, who is accused of receiving 20 million U.S. dollars in bribes. Former president, Ollanta Humala, is also facing accusations of money laundering during his electoral campaign, including 3 million U.S. dollars from Odebrecht. In Colombia, the controversy involves the current government of President Juan Manuel Santos and his predecessor, Alvaro Uribe. Gabriel Garcia Morales, who was deputy transport minister under Uribe, has been arrested on charges of having received 6.5 million U.S. dollars from the construction firm. Furthermore, the Colombian prosecutor-general is looking into whether Santos' electoral campaign benefited from 11 million U.S. dollars that Odebrecht executives have admitted paying in bribes between 2009 and 2014. In Mexico, Odebrecht staff have admitted paying 10.5 million U.S. dollars in bribes to officials from a state-owned enterprise in order to secure public works. However, the name of the enterprise in question has not been revealed. In Brazil, where the scandal originated, Paoliello said that "political, economic and judicial" repercussions have already been felt. According to the academic, accusations of bribery from Odebrecht had "great impact" on the impeachment process that brought down former president Dilma Rousseff. Furthermore, the confessions by 77 senior executives from Odebrecht have also pointed the finger at over 200 politicians across the party spectrum. "Brazil is seeing many internal attacks for the investigations to diminish," explained Paoliello, and that the accusations against politicians would depend on many factors, including the capacity to impose punishments, the impact and credibility of the accusations. By Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- It's an unprecedented massive operation for post-war Greece when it had to defuse a 250 kg unexploded WWII bomb discovered at a densely-populated district of the northern port city of Thessaloniki on Sunday. After a highly collaborated operation lasted for hours, local authorities finally announced the successful end of the operation on Sunday. "Everything ended well. The operation to detonate and transfer the bomb concluded in absolute success," Regional Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas said in a statement to Greek national news agency AMNA and other media in early afternoon. Some 72,000 residents who had been evacuated from Evosmos-Kordelio district as a precautionary measure were given the green light to return home about five hours after a Greek military bomb disposal squad started the disposal of the 250 kg bomb unearthed a few days ago at a gas station. The bomb is believed was dropped by British forces in December 1943 targeting Nazi German facilities. During the bombardment of Thessaloniki at the time, about 500 people were killed. According to the local officials, the financial cost of the operation will be within 10,000 euros (10,640 U.S. dollars). "Everything run smoothly," Greek military spokesman colonel Nikolaos Fanios added. The bomb was U.S. made and its detonator was found in good condition, which enabled the experienced experts to quickly deactivate it, the officer explained. The 1-meter long bomb was then transferred on an army vehicle to the Askos-Profitis army base some 30 km outside the city, where a controlled explosion took place. From 10:00 a.m. until about 16:00 p.m. local time a 2 km range area around the gas station was sealed off with more than 1,000 police officers deployed to keep people off. The route to the army base was also closed to traffic. The daily life of a major part of the Greece's second largest city with a population of 1 million was disrupted for several hours during the unprecedented operation for Greece. According to the Army spokesman, although the squad's experts had disposed dozens bombs in the past in northern Greece during excavation work for infrastructure projects, it was the first time in post- war Greece a bomb of such a size was discovered in a densely populated urban district. Sunday's evacuation, the largest in the country for decades, changed the image of a large part of Thessaloniki for a few hours. The usually bustling cafes were empty. Churches canceled Sunday masses and other services, including scheduled weddings. Dozens of bed-bound patients were transferred by ambulances on Saturday to a hotel, according to local authorities. Most residents had left their homes by their own cars by early Sunday, while the last ones were bused to public schools and stadiums until 10:00 a.m. The operation caused no panic among local residents. "There was some concern, in particular when the bomb was found, but once the experts took over, most people were calm and sure that everything would end well," college student Dimitris Arfanopoulos told Xinhua. But there were still some people defied the mandatory evacuation, which the authorities had informed the local by leaflets and media announcements over the past week. Greek national broadcaster ERT reported that some residents living within the restricted zone reckoned the warnings as "excessive" and opted to stay home and watch television. Others left warning notes on their doorsteps or the entrances to their stores to ward off thieves such as "The house/store is under surveillance" or posted humorous posts on social media such as "In case something goes terribly wrong, we should all make sure we are at least well dressed for the grand finale." A local reporter named Anna Oviridou noted that the operation gave the locals an opportunity to see what it was like to be forced to leave your home and feel even for a few hours what refugees who landed on Greek shores over the past two years are feeling. Approximately 400 refugees and migrants are hosted in recent months in a nearby camp set up at the premises of an abandoned factory. On Sunday they were also evacuated by buses to a museum, the Migration Policy Ministry announced. Turkey-backed-opposition fighters regroup as they advance on the western outskirts of the northern Syrian city of al-Babin a bid to enter the city and retake control of it from the Islamic State (IS) group on February 9, 2017. (AFP photo) ISTANBUL, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The recent killing of three Turkish troops in a Russian air raid in northern Syria may be, as announced by officials, an accident, but analysts remain doubtful that the attack could have been deliberately carried out as a warning to Turkey. "The probability of its being an accident is zero percent," maintained Sait Yilmaz, a security and foreign policy analyst. Noting there is no mention of an apology or reparations in the Kremlin's statement regarding the incident, he told Xinhua, "This can be seen as an intimidation." Three Turkish soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded in the Russian attack around the town of al-Bab on Thursday morning. Both Ankara and Moscow have blamed the incident on insufficient coordination between the two sides. Turkish forces, backed by the rebel Free Syrian Army militants, have been fighting for months to drive out the Islamic State (IS) from al-Bab, a town about 30 km from the Turkish border. "It may be an accident, but may also be intentional," Huseyin Bagci, a professor of international relations with Ankara-based Middle East Technical University (METU), told Xinhua. He believes both sides may be faulty for the failure in proper coordination. "The incident shows how difficult it is to maintain military coordination between Turkey and Russia," he said. An initial statement released by the Turkish General Staff on the day of the attack said the soldiers were killed during a Russian air attack on IS elements in al-Bab when a bomb mistakenly hit a building where the soldiers were staying. On Friday, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus described the episode as a "complete accident," citing preliminary findings. The Hurriyet daily reported the same day that the building hit was the operational headquarters of the Turkish tank unit, a fact that raised doubts about the Turkish troops being targeted accidentally on purpose. "A headquarters would not be situated on the forefront in a conflict zone, but rather at a relatively rear position," said Yilmaz, who taught at several Turkish universities. In a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the day of the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences and regret. On the second day of the incident, the Russian and Turkish accounts diverged a bit. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that the Turkish troops were hit due to wrong coordinates provided by the Turkish military. "Our military depended on coordinates provided by its Turkish partners while carrying out the airstrikes. Turkish soldiers should not have been at that place," he said, underlining a lack of coordination between the two countries. The Turkish General Staff, for its part, dismissed the Russian claim of wrong coordinates, noting the Turkish troops targeted had been in the same location for around 10 days. The coordinates of the Turkish troops were once again communicated to the Russian side the night before the attack, as earlier on the same day a rocket had been fired from Russian-controlled territory in Syria at the place where friendly elements were located, the Turkish General Staff said in its statement. Several Turkish officials, including Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, said a day before the Russian strike that Turkey was coordinating its operations in al-Bab with Russia. "I'll hit you on the head if you step out of the line" is the message Russia is giving with this strike, remarked Yilmaz. Despite disagreements on how the incident happened, Turkey did not make a big issue of the deadly episode so far. Turkey must reduce the tension considering Russia is militarily the strongest power in the Syrian theater, METU's Bagci commented. On Nov. 24 of last year, the anniversary of Turkey shooting down a Russian warplane in Syria, four Turkish soldiers were killed and nine others injured in an air attack near al-Bab. Moscow denied the involvement of either Russia or Syria, while Turkish press reports referred to an Iranian-made drone and a Syrian jet joining the assault, claiming they took off from a Russian-controlled military airport in Syria. Turkish-Russian ties were seriously damaged after the downing incident, while Turkey suffered heavily from the economic sanctions Russia imposed thereafter, and the relationship only started to warm up last summer. Since then, Turkey has seemed to pursue a Syrian policy more in line with Russia, officially announcing an end in its efforts to topple the Syrian regime. Ankara launched a military offensive into Syria last August to push the IS away from the Turkish border and prevent the emergence there of a Kurdish corridor. As noted by Yilmaz, the reports in Russian media which suggested the latest attack was conducted by advanced jets piloted by experienced staff seem to support the theory that the strike is no mistake. According to the news portal turkrus.com, which focuses on Turkish-Russian relations, Russia's Kommersant daily said Friday that jets like Su-24, Su-25 and Su-34 carried out Thursday's operations around al-Bab. The Kommersant report, based on an anonymous Russian defense official, also said the jets were piloted by experienced pilots. The same source noted that the targets hit during the operations were determined based on data from satellites and intelligence services. The Turkish and Russian militaries have reportedly been sharing information regarding their operations around al-Bab for more than a month to avoid mishaps. "I don't think there is really proper coordination between Turkey and Russia," maintained Yilmaz. In contrast to most analysts, Haldun Solmazturk, chairman of Incek debates with Ankara-based 21st Century Turkey Institute, feels the strike was not intentional but an accident. Russia would have nothing to gain politically or militarily in the region by confronting Turkey, he told Xinhua. "Such clashes are inevitable when coordination is so poor," he added. In the view of Bagci, Turkey's military operation against al-Bab risks confrontation with Russia, a staunch supporter of the Syrian government. Russian jets have been backing the advance of the Syrian army toward al-Bab from south and southwest, while Turkish troops and its partners are besieging the town from the northern, eastern and western directions. Press reports said Saturday that Turkish troops and its allies entered al-Bab and captured several neighborhoods in the center of the town, while the Syrian army got very close to it. According to reports in local and international media outlets, Syrian troops had a violent clash with Turkish forces and its allies around a village near al-Bab prior to the Russian air attack. Though not officially confirmed, the reports raised doubts that the Russian airstrike could be a response to the clash between Syrian and Turkish troops. Russia's Sputnik, citing a Russian Ministry of Defense statement, reported Saturday that the Syrian army backed by Russian jets captured the town of Tadif near al-Bab. "As a result of the advance, the Syrian government forces have reached a demarcation line with the Free Syrian Army's units as it had been agreed with the Turkish side," the statement said. A Turkish news portal, abcgazetesi.com, claimed Saturday that the Russian air raid was in retaliation against an attack by Turkish troops and its partners on Syrian and Russian soldiers in a village near al-Bab. According to the news portal, 12 Syrian troops were killed and six others were taken hostage in the attack on al-Hus village, which lies to the east of al-Bab. The Russian strike on the Turkish armored units' headquarters came after this incident, the report said, adding that the six hostages were later released and the village was returned to the Syrian army. The news portal also claimed that Turkish troops and its partners would withdraw from al-Bab for the Syrian army to take it. Before mending ties with Russia, Turkey, which supports some rebel groups in the civil war in Syria, had pushed for the downfall of the Syrian government. Baris Doster, a professor lecturing on Turkish domestic and foreign policy at Istanbul's Marmara University, believes the message of the incident is that Russia would not allow Turkey to maneuver in Syria without its consent. Maintaining that the Russian strike on Turkish troops could not be an accident, he said on Halk TV on Saturday that global powers like Russia would not commit such mistakes. Yilmaz feels the Russian strike is also linked to Turkey's recent steps in foreign policy which could suggest Ankara would again act more in line with Washington, its NATO ally. The Russian airstrike coincided with a two-day visit to Ankara by new CIA chief Michael Pompeo. Two days ahead of Pompeo's visit, President Erdogan had his first phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, in which the two leaders reportedly agreed to act together in al-Bab and the IS stronghold of Raqqa. "I know Turkey is under strong pressure to cooperate with the U.S. rather than Russia in the Middle East," stated Bagci. Ankara has proposed to Washington a concrete plan to jointly drive out the IS from Raqqa, seen as the group's de facto capital. According to media reports, Pompeo said the U.S. would seriously consider the plan. Turkey had a tense relationship with the Obama administration over Syria, which, among others, had planned to capture Raqqa together with Kurds-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces despite vehement Turkish opposition. The day the CIA chief arrived in Turkey, Turkish Premier Yildirim talked over the phone with U.S. Vice President Michael Richard Pence and reportedly agreed to strengthen ties. "The timing of the Russian strike is meaningful," remarked Yilmaz, noting that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was in Ukraine on Friday. What made Russia most angry is the Turkish proposal of launching the operation against Raqqa jointly with the U.S., according to Yilmaz. In addition, Cavusoglu's visit could be perceived as a support for Ukraine at a time when clashes revived in the country's east, since Russia and Ukraine are on bad terms as Kiev has accused Moscow of supporting rebels in eastern Ukraine, said Yilmaz. Saudi King Salman meets with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia February 12, 2017. Picture watermarked from source. (Reuters photo) RIYADH, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, called on Sunday for fighting incitements linking terrorism with Islam, reported the Al Arabiya local news agency. He highlighted the importance of the UN-Saudi counterterrorism cooperation, stressing determination in assisting countries fighting terrorism. Guterres added that the lack of political solutions during several crises contributes to increased terrorism. "We cannot defeat terrorism in Syria without a comprehensive political solution," he said. In addition, Guterres thanked Saudi Arabia for assisting Syrians in the establishment of their opposition delegation in the Geneva conference. He thinks reconciliation in Iraq is possible via the cooperation of all relevant parties as well as mutual coexistence and respect. At the same time, Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir highlighted that he and Guterres discussed Syria, Libya and counterterrorism. Al-Jubeir further confirmed the current positive relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States, stating that both countries agree on many issues. The minister expects the new U.S. President Trump will reconsider the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. The legislation endorsed in 2016 grants terrorism victims in America the right to sue organizations and countries for their involvement and support of terrorism. During Guterres' first visit to Saudi Arabia, the UN General Secretary met with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at which time the King congratulated Guterres on assuming his new role and wished him all success. KHARTOUM, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Local residents said the Sudanese police raided on Sunday an apartment inhabited by foreigners in the neighborhood of Arkaweet, east of Sudan's capital Khartoum. The police arrested foreigners with a mass of weapons and explosives and is still surrounding the area, the sources said. "This morning we heard a powerful explosion in a nearby apartment, and then the police forces arrived at the area," a resident told Xinhua near the site of the raid. "We saw the police taking a number of foreigners who were residing in the place, and I think Syrians, Somalis and other Arab nationals were among them," he said. The Sudanese police has not yet released any official statement on the incident. Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli (2nd R) and President of TIF-HELEXPO (National Institution for the Organisation of Exhibitions, Congresses and Cultural Events) Anastasios Tzikas (1st R) pose for a photo with Greek lion dance team in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Feb. 11. 2017. (Xinhua/Liu Yongqiu) THESSALONIKI, Greece, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Greek officials hailed on Saturday China's expected contribution to local and regional economy as China officially assumed the honored country role of the 2017 Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). In a ceremony held at the square in front of TIF-HELEXPO (National Institution for the Organisation of Exhibitions, Congresses and Cultural Events), Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli noted that in 1998, China attended TIF as the first honored country in the exhibition's history. As the second largest economy in the world, China demonstrates its great attention to and great expectations of TIF and China-Greece cooperation by being the honored country once again, said Zou. "China stands ready to keep close communication with Greece and work together with other participating countries to make the 82nd TIF a grand gathering of economic and cultural exchanges between China and Greece, Southeast Europe, the Balkans, West Asia and North Africa, and write a splendid chapter in the process of jointly building the New Silk Road in the 21st Century," said Zou. On his part, Anastasios Tzikas, president of TIF-HELEXPO which has been organizing the annual event since 1926, said China and Greece, the two ancient civilizations which have great connections and have contributed a lot to global civilization, should strengthen their economic ties to bring their collaboration to the future. Tzikas said TIF-HELEXPO is planning the whole year's business and cultural events with partners in Greece and China, focusing on energy, telecommunication, technology, logistics and other strategic sectors that the two countries have common interests. "As the historical center in the region, Thessaloniki and Greece in general can be a strategic bridge between China, Europe, West Asia and North Africa," said Tzikas in the ceremony attended by hundreds of guests from the Greek government, business community, as well as overseas Chinese. TIF is Greece's largest annual trade fair and has great importance in southeastern Europe. It has been customary for Greece's prime minister to set out his government's policies for each coming year in a speech at the annual TIF, giving political significance in addition to its commercial importance. Russian President Vladimir Putin walks prior to a State Council meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on December 27, 2016. (AFP PHOTO ) MOSCOW, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin invited newly-elected German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to visit Russia at his convenience in a congratulatory message on Sunday. Putin confirmed his readiness to continue a "constructive dialogue" with Germany on bilateral and international issues, according to a Kremlin statement. In the message, Putin expressed his confidence that Steinmeier will contribute to the development of Russian-German relations and fruitful cooperation in various fields for mutual benefits. Steinmeier, a former foreign minister, was elected earlier Sunday as Germany's new president, a post more ceremonial than executive. The incoming president, previously known for his efforts trying to mediate the Ukrainian crisis, is set to assume office next month. News program about test-fire of a ballistic missile of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is seen on TV at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) MOSCOW, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Unilateral responses of some countries to Sunday's missile test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will only increase tensions, said a senior Russian lawmaker. "Unilateral actions taken by the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK) or Japan will only ratchet up the already high tensions," Konstantin Kosachev, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian upper house of parliament, was quoted by RIA Novosti agency as saying on Sunday. Any response of the international community to the DPRK's missile launch should be made jointly within the frame of the UN Security Council or the six-party talks (the DPRK, the ROK, Russia, China, Japan and the United States), said Kosachev. Pyongyang fired off what is presumed to be an intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile, called Hwaseong-10 in the DPRK, from its northwestern North Pyongan province earlier in the day, according to the ROK authorities. It flew about 500 km and landed in waters off the DPRK's east coast. Musudan can put the entire Japan and the U.S. military base in Guam in its target range as it is known to have a range of 3,000-4,000 km. Sunday's launch was the first in 2017 and also the first since Donald Trump was sworn in as the U.S. president on Jan. 20. Seoul's military said it was part of armed protest against the new U.S. administration's hard-line stance toward the DPRK. The ROK foreign ministry said the launch was a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the international community. by Pau Ramirez RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Odebrecht, the largest construction firm in Latin America, is at the eye of a maelstrom of corruption, bribery and influence peddling, which has transcended the borders of Brazil to reach across the continent. The company, which has already fired around 100,000 of its 180,000 staff in 28 countries, first came under investigation by the Brazilian judiciary as part of Operation Lava Jato (Car Wash), which unveiled the gigantic corruption ring within state oil company Petrobras. In June 2015, federal police arrested the firm's president, Marcelo Odebrecht, who was later condemned to nine years in prison. The company also agreed to pay over 3.5 billion U.S. dollars in fines in Brazil, the U.S. and Switzerland. However, the opening of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the confessions of 77 company executives pulled back the curtain on corruption links extending to Peru, Mexico and Colombia. "We are facing a unique case," said Tomaz Paoliello, a professor of international relations at the Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo. "This is unprecedented as previous similar cases in Central and South America happened with the involvement of American or European companies," he told Xinhua. The Odebrecht case has also happened against a backdrop of internationalization for major Brazilian firms, including mining company Vale, bank Itau and Petrobras itself. "Since the 1970s, the image of Odebrecht has been closely linked to that of the Brazilian government," said Paoliello, stating that this case could also show "a corrupt executive," which might have helped the company's illegal practices. The DOJ announced that, among other facts, Odebrecht had paid 35.5 million U.S. dollars in bribes to Ecuadorian politicians between 2007 and 2016, in return for profits of over 116 million U.S. dollars in the country. In Argentina, allegations have been made of bribes, not only during the 13 years in power of Nestor and Cristina Kirchner, but also to an associate of current President Mauricio Macri. Investigations by the Argentinian judiciary have shown that Odebrecht paid 35 million U.S. dollars in bribes to the Kirchner governments, in order to access contracts valued at 278 million U.S. dollars. In parallel, Gustavo Arribas, the current head of the Argentinean Federal Intelligence Agency and a close friend of Macri, is having to explain why he received a bank transfer worth 600,000 U.S. dollars from Odebrecht intermediaries. In Peru, an arrest warrant has been issued against former president, Alejandro Toledo, who is accused of receiving 20 million U.S. dollars in bribes. Former president, Ollanta Humala, is also facing accusations of money laundering during his electoral campaign, including 3 million U.S. dollars from Odebrecht. In Colombia, the controversy involves the current government of President Juan Manuel Santos and his predecessor, Alvaro Uribe. Gabriel Garcia Morales, who was deputy transport minister under Uribe, has been arrested on charges of having received 6.5 million U.S. dollars from the construction firm. Furthermore, the Colombian prosecutor-general is looking into whether Santos' electoral campaign benefited from 11 million U.S. dollars that Odebrecht executives have admitted paying in bribes between 2009 and 2014. In Mexico, Odebrecht staff have admitted paying 10.5 million U.S. dollars in bribes to officials from a state-owned enterprise in order to secure public works. However, the name of the enterprise in question has not been revealed. In Brazil, where the scandal originated, Paoliello said that "political, economic and judicial" repercussions have already been felt. According to the academic, accusations of bribery from Odebrecht had "great impact" on the impeachment process that brought down former President Dilma Rousseff. Furthermore, the confessions by 77 senior executives from Odebrecht have also pointed the finger at over 200 politicians across the party spectrum. "Brazil is seeing many internal attacks for the investigations to diminish," explained Paoliello, and that the accusations against politicians would depend on many factors, including the capacity to impose punishments, the impact and credibility of the accusations. A medical marijuana user smells a jar of marijuana at the medical marijuana farmers market at the California Heritage Market in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on July 11, 2014. (REUTERS/David McNew/File Photo) by Peter Mertz DENVER, the United States, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Colorado became the first American state to pass the marijuana milestone of a billion dollars in sales. Sales tax statistics released Friday by the Colorado Department of Revenue announced sales of the drug hit 1.3 billion U.S. dollars for 2016. Marijuana industry experts predicted by 2025 half of America's 50 states would have legalized the drug due to a huge amount of tax revenues could be generated from it. "The movement is just beginning," Allen St. Pierre of the National Organization for the Reform of marijuana law (NORML) told Xinhua Saturday. Across the country, Marijuana sales grew 30 percent in 2016 and were expected to reach 20.2 billion dollars by 2021 according to market research. A total of 8 American states so far legalized or decriminalized use of the drug. Colorado and Washington, both legalized the drug in 2012, with the Pacific Northwest state tallying 1.09 billion U.S. dollars in sales last year. The billion-dollar club meant Washington netted 256 million U.S. dollars for the state's coffers while Colorado got 200 million U.S. dollars in tax revenues, including a projected 50 million dollars going to public schools, officials said. "Education needs all the help it can get - and that's a big boost for Colorado," said Douglas Hubsher, 57, a special needs teacher. "Other states could join soon." In Washington, tax revenues would go to the state's basic health plan, to state departments for marijuana education and prevention programs, and for studies on long term marijuana use at the University of Washington. "When Obamacare gets torched by (U.S. President) Donald Trump, states may have to pick up the slack and figure out how to pay for health care," said David B. Richardson, a Seattle attorney and Washington Insider. "Marijuana sales should go to health care and education, and that's what we're seeing here in Washington and in Colorado," Richardson said. Colorado's 5.2 million people and Washington State's 6.9 million are tiny compared to Western giant California's, the nation's most populous state with 38.3 million residents. California voters passed Proposition 64 last November, and recreational consumption of the drug is scheduled to begin on Jan. 1, 2018. "The floodgates will open soon in California," Richardson said. SANAA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemeni dominant Houthi rebels killed a six-member family in an air strike on the family's house in the Red Sea port city of Mokha on Sunday evening, a medic and security official told Xinhua. "Doctor Molok Mahis, director of maternal and childhood center, a non-governmental organization, was critically injured in the air strike on her home in Mokha and she is being now treated at the intensive care in the hospital," the medic told Xinhua by phone. "Her leg was amputated in the air strike and six members of her family were killed," the medic said. The security official in the port city confirmed that all six members of social activist Mahis were killed in one of the evening air strike that flattened her house to the ground. This is the latest in a series of air strikes hitting Yemeni civilians since the war began in 2015. Two weeks ago, Yemeni government forces backed by the coalition of Gulf Arab troops and warplanes led by Saudi Arabia stormed the coast city from the northwestern part and paved the way for an advance on neighboring main port city of Hodeidah. However, the battles have since intensified and trapped thousands of civilian residents in the city, as well as hampered the humanitarian operation to import vital food and fuel supplies, according to a recent statement by the United Nations. On Friday, the Geneva-based UN human rights office (OHCHR) said that it received extremely worrying reports suggesting civilians and civilian objects have been targeted over the past two weeks in the southwestern port city of Al Mokha in Taiz governorate. Reports received by UN also show that more than 200 houses have been either partially damaged or completely destroyed by air strikes in the past two weeks. Since March 2015, the coalition has been fighting the dominant Houthi rebels, who have seized control of most of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, to restore power to the expelled but internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The war and airstrikes have killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian agencies. PYONGYANG, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday claimed it successfully test-fired a surface-to-surface medium and long-range ballistic missile Pukguksong-2 and its top leader Kim Jong Un guided the test firing, according to the state news agency KCNA. The state media called Pukguksong-2 a "Korean style new type strategic weapon," which was developed on the instructions of top leader Kim Jong Un on the basis of the success made in the test-firing of the submarine-launched ballistic missile last August. Kim received the report on the development of this ballistic missile, set the date for the test launch and personally guided the preparations on the spot, it said. THA takes action on crime Chief Secretary, Kelvin Charles, is to meet with the Tobago Executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service tomorrow to address the issue. In a release issued by his office yesterday, Charles sought to assure the Tobago population that security is a top priority. The Tobago House of Assembly is committed to working with the TTPS and relevant civil society agencies to find solutions to the challenges of crime on the island, the THA release said. The Chief Secretary assures the public that security of citizens is a top priority and that the THA is prepared to do what it has to, in order to protect Tobagonians. With this in mind, the THA has been strategising and developing initiatives to deal with the challenges, and the public will be informed. The Signal Hill Secondary School Form Three student went missing last week. Her body was discovered yesterday. Charles media release yesterday said that the recent murders on the island, as well as crime in general, demand the attention and cooperation of all members of the public, leaders and protectors. Going further to express condolences to loved ones of those who have lost someone to violence, including Adams, the release added, All loss of any life is painful to society and loved ones. We all have a role to play in resolving this growing problem. In this regard, the release reminded the public to come forward and report to the police any information related to crime, reminding that there are also anonymous ways to report a crime. I the release, the THA urged the public to use all avenues to relate any such information. Other political leaders in Tobago, in addition to being outraged by the demise of the student, were critical of the Peoples National Movement (PNM) in dealing with the crime situation on the island. THA minority leader Watson Duke told Sunday Newsday that he is continuing his call to the Chief Secretary and Prime Minister to enact a serious crime plan for the island. This is Tobagos darkest hour and it is the most hopeless hour when the Chief Secretary just throws his hand in the air and says he has no crime plan and he would work with Crime stoppers to stop crime. Duke said. The Prime Minister keeps jamming still even though our country is being ripped apart by crime against humanity, it is indeed sad. Duke called on all countrymen to not lose faith, as he noted that hope is not lost. We are prepared to deal with crime head on, Duke said. We are prepared to create community policing to work with the Community Comfort patrols to ensure that every child, every family and every village is protected, none will be left behind. Very soon and after thorough consultation, we would announce a crime march in Tobago and that would be the beginning of the end of this false PNM THA administration, who is only intent was to win and now that they have won they dont care, but we would ensure that the voice of the minority or the majority is heard through us in that Chamber, Duke said. Meanwhile, Political Leader of the Tobago Forwards, Christlyn Moore said she was overwhelmed by the situation. First of all my condolences to the family, she said. I cannot comprehend what that mother must be going through to learn that the child that she nurtured for 15 years has been taken from her and not by accident but by the hand and the desire of a criminal. Moore added, That is the most heart-breaking thing, and my very being goes out to that family and the community of right thinking people share in their grief. Moore said this brings into stark reality what has been said for the past few months. The crime situation is completely out of control and it has spilled over into Tobago. We are now on the 11th of February, we have met the amount of murders that we ended 2016 with in Tobago, we are now at that number on the 11th of February, 2017. We are in crisis. she declared. If there was ever a time to sound an alarm, that time is now. Crime in Tobago is going to become a factor, a larger factor even if all other things are done right in Tobago. Blaxx: Let justice be done On Friday a 23-year-old man who had been on the run for five days and was the prime suspect in the murder surrendered to police near Crews Inn, Chaguaramas. According to police sources investigators could seek instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard by tomorrow. Stewart spoke on the arrest via his publicist Tenille Clarke, public relations director of Roy Cape All Stars and managing director of Chambers Media Solutions. Clarke said Stewart is relieved a suspect was apprehended and he is now hoping that justice will run its full course. He is grateful for the work the authorities have done to this point. And now this is essentially where the work begins. There is a responsibility and accountability to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago (for the authorities) to do their part as well, she added. We obviously have an issue with criminality in Trinidad and Tobago. Something needs to be done not only on a policy level but as citizens we have a collective responsibility to do the work necessary to remove criminal elements. She reported that Stewart said crime hit him on his doorstep and the issue of violence has started to permeate in everybodys spaces. Last Sunday, DeReveneaux, 27, reportedly received a phone call and left her place of work at the Mandieros Peri Peri Grill at MovieTowne at about 8.15 pm. Minutes later, after loud screams were heard, she was discovered dead with her throat slit. A passer-by who discovered the body and alerted police was arrested and detained for several hours until CCTV footage showed he was not the person who murdered DeReveneaux. In a post on their Facebook page, Mandieros commended the Police Service on the level of professionalism and compassion extended to all those involved in the investigation process. So often we are quick to focus on their downfalls but it is important to highlight their positives as well. In a photo on their Facebook page Mandieros described DeReveneaux as an ambitious and hard worker who was friendly to all. They added that she had two jobs and was determined to make herself financially secure through hard work. She did not deserve such an unfortunate killing, they said. In a previous statement, Stewart described the pain of her loss as tremendous and said DeReveneaux was a wonderful and loving aunt to his children. Yesterday Clarke said Stewart has been supported by Roy Cape All Stars and the wider national community during this difficult period. Now he is hoping that a movement can begin where people collectively stand up to what needs to start happening. It is a very difficult kind of situation to deal with especially when you live life in the public domain. He tries to see good out of every challenge, she added. Stewart, through Clarke, said it was important for citizens to come together and focus on healing the way forward. The funeral service for DeReveneaux is scheduled to be held tomorrow at 11 am at St Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Gonzales. Mediation reduces homicides in east PoS He made the comments while delivering the feature address yesterday at the graduation ceremony for the conflict management/ mediation programme held at the Chamber of Commerce, Westmoorings. He reported that over the last year and half members of Project Reason, an initiative of the National Security Ministry, have been doing mediation in the most extreme form and have interfaced with those highest at risk of being shooters or shooting victims. He explained these violence interrupters and outreach workers daily dedicate themselves to the process of mediation. We would have had individuals who would have spent days basically supporting persons through this anger and hate and all these negative feelings until the situation is calm and the person was no longer on this sort of homicidal path, he said. Sloane-Seale stressed that this needs to highlighted as people often enquire about what is happening in east Portof- Spain. He said the joint police and army patrols are necessary and useful and the ministries of sport and youth affairs, community development and social development have been doing their part. For us to address the myriad of challenges that we have in our communities, in our homes in Trinidad and Tobago, it would always take a collaborative effort. No one entity, no one individual, no one agency can solve this issue. But the more residents of Trinidad and Tobago that become familiar and intimate and have within their tool kit tools such as mediation and conflict resolution - we know that we are heading in the right direction, he said. The more persons who can intervene in an impending conflict situation it can only augur well for our future. He said that people are assaulted when a dog goes into a neighbours yard and digs a hole or eats a chicken and this could lead to bodily harm or even death. The conflict management programme ran for 15 weeks and 46 participants graduated. Graduate Maurice Matooram from East Dry River described the experience as transformative. He explained that he had a lot of challenges understanding people, he felt like conflict would run (him) down and he would get himself in trouble. He said after the programme he is now able to come to agreement with himself, his family, friends and enemies. He added he will not let his mediation skills wither away and called for the programme to be conducted in communities throughout the country. Facilitator Suwena Williams-Paul said the wisdom they inherited was not only applicable to their communities but to the inner man. Each of us are peacemakers in our own right, she added. She called on them to infect their communities and start an epidemic of peace and be change agents. Former assistant commissioner of police Terry Young praised CSP for the work they had done in his hometown of Success Village, Laventille. He said through the programme he has come to a place where he can conduct mediation and conflict management and have agreement at all stages. CSP community youth specialist Gary Grant said he looked forward to the graduates using their mediation skills to make a difference in their communities. Dont stop here. Move forward with it, he urged. Too many women dying In reported homicides for last year, 34 women were among the statistics. For 2017 to date, seven women have been murdered. On Mondays Conversation with The Prime Minister, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, in response to a question on what was he doing to stem spiralling crime in Trinidad and Tobago, responded, You calling on the Prime Minister to do something about crime. I am not in your bedroom. I am not in your choice of men. As Prime Minister, I cannot dictate to the police how to treat with citizens. Like you, I too am watching with anger at some of the things I am seeing. I have not opened my mouth. Head of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies, Dr Gabrielle Hosein, said a number of cases involving abuse of women in which they were assaulted or murdered were very specifically about intimate partner violence (IPV). What that means, she suggested, Is that there is something that is missing in terms of women who are experiencing any level of IPV being able to successfully get protection from social services. When you are experiencing violence from your partner you call 800-SAVE, maybe you end up in a shelter, and shelters are very specific kinds of experiences. She added, As we are aware, there are a number of women who are killed after getting protection orders. The woman whose throat was slit (at MovieTowne last week) had a protection order. Apart from issuing a protection order we need to look at what is the process of monitoring. Is there a system of sufficient monitoring those situations in which women are trying to live their lives? Hosein said protection orders sometimes exacerbated womens vulnerability, and there was not sufficient institutional follow- up. Hosein said if a woman took out a protection order, and even if she stayed in the house with her abuser for whatever reason, while she was still there, police should visit regularly to see how she was without any complaint being made. A system then gets put into place, and when they found the police making those visits, it decreases the likelihood of violence because the men know you are not isolated, that you carry the force of authority, that you have networks that are available to you, she said. Hosein said there was a disjuncture about what was happening at the level of calls to domestic violence hotlines and recommendations of women being taken to shelters. She added that women showed up at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services looking for some kind of economic support so they leave their abuser and get the space that they needed. Something is missing between points of contact and the follow up thats required to continue to provide safe conditions for women, Hosein told Sunday Newsday. The State needs to have a monitoring mechanism once they knew this was happening. It was not her responsibility to always go to the police station. There is need for a more sustained follow-up and monitoring, once reports have been made, that provide women with protection, initiated and managed by the State throughout the process. Hosein said there was not sufficient connection being made with random killings. She said greater connections needed to be explored amongst the various cases to find out where seemingly random killing of women occurred, and what could be the factors that we are missing. Too many women are dying outside of the IPV situation, Hosein observed. Too many women are being killed for it to be merely random. There are explanatory causes for all social behaviour when it is occurring with such frequency. Hosein added, I think we need to really get an approach to looking at these cases and what are their connections that may not currently be taking place or which can take place, with an eye to figuring out what are the patterns in situations that appear random. You need to have specialised analysts working on this kind of data within policing units, Hosein suggested. Not every police officer is able to put together this kind of data. There are patterns happening that we are not aware of. With respect to the Prime Ministers oversimplified suggestion that women pick their men wisely, clinical and counselling psychologist Nidhi Kirpalani pointed out that people choose their partners primarily on the information they have, the wisdom and knowledge given to them through their observations, and lessons and the way they interpret such lessons. Therefore, not only could a person hide their true self, or certain aspects of their personality, but the other persons own experiences could skew the information gained, making them oblivious to certain signals. Warning signs include addiction (porn, alcohol, drugs) which alter the persons neurochemical state, a history of being abusive, and aggressive coping strategies. She said while research suggests the history of an abuser could include witnessing domestic violence in their family or experiencing direct physical, sexual, emotional abuse/neglect, that did not mean that all persons with such a history would definitely abuse nor that persons without such a history would not. Kirpalani explained the essence of abuse was control and power, taking away these things from the abused. She said persons who abuse may use demeaning language, put their partner down emotionally, severely criticize, may use physical force and even sexual intimidation or sexual force. A key facet is often in the manipulation, Kirpalani pointed out. These perpetrators often praise and adore their partner afterwards. So, I hit you to I love you, you know you get me angry to here are flowers etc. Often they dont bother to talk about the event after it occurs as if nothing happened. Imagine the psychological roller-coaster that victim experiences probably over and over. She said someone with a tendency to abuse may continue to do so unless they seek ways to improve themselves, preferably through therapeutic interventions, adequate coping mechanisms and development in their sense of self so that there was no need to prey on others to feel better. Why do women stay in abusive relationships? Firstly, Kirpalani pointed out that women were also perpetrators. but unfortunately, abused men were often ridiculed while it was often condoned when a woman hit a man. She stressed that healthy relationships did not involve abuse by any party. Some women and men stay because perhaps it (leaving) is not the socially correct thing to do, Kirpalani pointed out. Does religion or culture insult those who leave? Sometimes family members would encourage you to stay or even blame you. Some may say look hes/shes sorry and got you flowers or gifts. Some external parties may not believe you at all because your partner does not appear that way. Often people fall victim to what we believe society wants us to do. Kirpalani noted that at times victims believed they were at fault, or they may stay due to fear or threats of harm to family members, friends or children. Some were financially reliant on the abuser because they were stopped from working or paying bills, or they believe they would have no house nor job if not for their partner. Some believe that to leave means to be killed or to be brought back into the situation since there is not adequate support to help the person get away from such turmoil - a place where they can engage in therapeutic interventions so that they see that the power and control lie within them and not with their partner. We need more places for these victims to be able to come for their security and find the help they need especially if they have children, she said. She added that to help stop the cycle of abuse, emotional intelligence training and education on positive coping strategies should be given to children at a young age. She suggested such training be given through the school systems, particularly institutions with a psychologist attached. Kirpalani urged victims of domestic violence and their loved ones to seek help for themselves, any children involved, and even the perpetrator. She advised them to contact Men Against Violence Against Women, the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists which had a list of private psychologists who could assist (secretary@ psychology tt.org or their Facebook page), and other agencies who help those in need. Dillon vows more help for Tobago police Let me extend condolences to the school girls family, Dillon told reporters during a march against crime in his Point Fortin constituency yesterday. The TTPS is investigating that matter vigorously as we speak. Four murders in Tobago is of concern. Even one murder in Tobago or in Trinidad concerns me. Dillon wore a white T-shirt with the print, War on Crime, as he joined the Peoples National Movement (PNM) Youth League in Point Fortin in its anti- crime march through Techier Village. He again declared all national security agencies are being used in efforts to arrest crime. We will continue to adopt strategies to reduce crime in Trinidad and Tobago and we will continue to employ all agencies to pursue the criminals vigorously, Dillon said. One day prior to Adams death, Tobago hoteliers called on Government to bring crime under control on the island, saying it was one of the factors contributing to fewer tourist arrivals. Asked whether Tobago police was equipped with enough resources to handle the increase in crime, Dillon said, There is always room for improvement but based on a request from TTPS we will allocate resources. There is no cost to security, he added. If they require resources it will be provided, but recommendations must come from the TTPS because they are in the operational environment and they must know what is required to enhance their jobs. On national crime-fighting, Dillon said the police must make miserable the lives of the minority of people bent on crime to restore a sense of comfort to citizens because the fear of crime is worse than crime itself. In other words, pursue them at all costs, all within the law. Dillon emphasised. You will see the operations unit arresting people and getting them in court. There is aggression taking place, a joint army and police patrol in Enterprise to create deterrence to give citizens a sense of comfort. Dillon said the causes of crime were social and are being tackled head on by initiatives under the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. Genres : Horror, Thriller Starring : Diego Boneta, Jackson Rathbone, Maria Mesa Director : Kirk Sullivan Plot Synopsis CITY OF DEAD MEN follows Michael (Diego Boneta), a young American tourist running away from his own demons as he journeys throughout South America. He has depleted his funds and must resolve his situation soon. He arrives in Medellin, Colombia and meets Melody (Maria Mesa), a strikingly attractive native who knows the ins-and-outs of the city, and connects him to a mob of mysterious misfits led by Jacob (Jackson Rathbone). They reside in an abandoned psychiatric hospital for children on the outskirts of the city, and offer Michael their friendship and shelter. Michael accepts, however, he soon begins to uncover the horror that occurred in the hospital and the looming sense of dread that his new friends are encroaching upon him. The misfits believe themselves to be immortal, testing their limits every single day, and placing their lives at risk all while pulling Michael into their dangerous dynamic. Will it be too late for Michael to make it out alive? Muslim head: TT needs crime bill, not terrorism law Abdullah and several other prominent Muslim leaders, including president of the Islamic Missionaries Guild Imtiaz Mohammed and Jamaat Al Muslimeen leader Imam Yasin Abu Bakr, were not invited to the meeting, but remained steadfast in their view that some of the proposals contained in the amendment to the Anti-Terrorism law were seriously flawed and needed to be revisited. Abdullah predicted that the meeting with Dillon will bear little or no fruit. Having meetings with those individuals are of no use at all, he said. Those individuals are not able to offer solutions to what is happening right now. Abdullah said while many of the leaders who attended the meeting would have been able to speak on aspects of the faith, they were out of touch with what was happening on the ground. They like to sit and talk about issues of the religion, but in terms of being relevant, they never know what is taking place, he claimed. Asked why he felt the specific Muslim groups were left out of the meeting, Abdullah said: The Government knows if they meet with us they will be challenged with the questions we will pose to them. It is unfortunate what is happening at this point in time. The national security ministers meeting with the selected group of Muslims came almost one week after Abdullah and other Muslim leaders met in an emergency session at the Islamic Missionaries Guild, Kelly Village, Caroni, to discuss the Governments proposals for amending the Anti-Terrorism Bill. The group, Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago (MOTT), has since called for the existing legislation to be repealed, insisting that it infringed the rights of Muslims and non-Muslims alike, particularly those travelling to Syria and other Middle-Eastern countries. At a recent post-Cabinet news briefing, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said the Government was bolstering the existing anti-terrorism legislation with a view to minimising the likelihood of citizens joining terrorist organisations overseas. This came after National Security Minister Edmund Dillon announced in the Senate that there were some 130 citizens who left local shores to join terrorist organisations. Among other things, the Government proposes stiff penalties for those found to be in support of people bent on joining terrorist organisations and a revision of the provisions for the investigation of suspected terrorists and the gathering of information by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Bill are expected to be laid in the Parliament tomorrow. Dillons meeting on Friday with members of the Muslim community sought to devise a strategy for collaboration by which information could be shared with respect to identifying potential terrorist recruiters and those seeking to go overseas to engage in conflicts, a statement from the Ministry of National Security said on Friday. Among the groups represented at the meeting were the National Islamic Counselling Services, Islamic Resource Society, National Muslim Womens Organisation of T&T and the Trinidad Muslim League. The US Government was involved in the discussions also, which is expected to be an ongoing initiative. The meeting came as Justice Frank Seepersad declared three men as terrorists for conspiring to commit a terrorist attack in 2007 at John F Kennedy International Airport, New York, by exploding fuel tanks and the fuel pipeline under the airport. The men, Trinidadian Abdel Nur, former Guyanese parliamentarian Abdul Kadir and US naturalised Guyanese Russell De Freitas, were deemed as terrorists in accordance with Section 22 (B) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2005. However, Abdullah yesterday maintained the Anti-Terrorism Act should be repealed. This is still my opinion. We do not need a terrorism bill here. What we need is a crime bill, he said. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Attorney General, the Minister of National Security are paying too much attention on something that has no effect on Trinidad and Tobago. Abdullah accused Al-Rawi and Dillon of instilling fear in the hearts of the people in the country. He said citizens should not be concerned about terrorism. This is the land of calypso, sun, sea, sand. In the Guinness World Book of Records, we have the most amount of holidays in the country. What terrorism are they talking about? We have been living here without any threats to us, apart from the 1970 (Black Power) uprising and the 1990 attempted coup. Reiterating that the MOTT has called for a meeting with Al-Rawi, Abdullah again argued the bill casts aspersions on Muslims and other non-Muslim devotees alike. Trump takes on violent crime with three executive orders to make America safe again During his inaugural address, President Donald Trump promised an America First agenda that had several pillars: Creating jobs, improving infrastructure, rebuilding our military, renewing old alliances, and a plan to make America safe again. Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities, rusted out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation, an education system flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge, and the crime, and the gangs, and the drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential, he said. This American carnage stops right here and stops right now. This week Trump began his crusade to improve public safety by signing a trio of executive orders aimed at tackling violent crime and drug trafficking. Im signing three executive actions today designed to restore safety in America, Trump said in the Oval Office after swearing in Jeff Sessions as attorney general. These dangerous times require a determined attorney general, Trump said at an Oval Office ceremony for Sessions, who noted that rising crime is a dangerous, permanent trend in the U.S., while also pledging to end this lawlessness of illegal immigration. The orders, listed here, are aimed principally at combating international drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations, helping prevent violence against law enforcement officials at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels, and the formation of a task force aimed at developing policies that will reduce crime overall and enhance public safety. (RELATED: Follow all threats to domestic security at Terrorism.news) One order, titled Presidential Executive Order on Enforcing Federal Law with Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations and Preventing International Trafficking, appears to dovetail with recent talks between Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Details of their conversation, leaked to the press, suggested that Trump threatened to send U.S. troops into Mexico to take on the drug cartels. While that assertion was immediately denied by Mexican officials, this particular order is timely in that it could signal a pledge of new assistance by the Trump administration as a way to smooth tensions between the two countries over the U.S. presidents border wall and threats to tax goods imported into the U.S. manufactured in Mexico by American companies. Transnational criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including transnational drug cartels, have spread throughout the Nation, threatening the safety of the United States and its citizens, says the order. These organizations derive revenue through widespread illegal conduct, including acts of violence and abuse that exhibit a wanton disregard for human life. They, for example, have been known to commit brutal murders, rapes, and other barbaric acts. The order calls for strengthening enforcement of existing federal laws aimed at thwarting transnational criminal organizations like the Mexican cartels that have so corrupted state and local governments. But it also aims to curb human trafficking and people smuggling, cybercrime, and the transfer of proceeds derived from such illegal activity. The order also directs the attorney general and the head of the Department of Homeland Security, John Kelly, to bolster federal border security and assist foreign partners with intelligence, information sharing, and other measures. The order does not mention providing direct military assistance to Mexico. But clearly the president is aiming for Mexicos drug cartels, which have long subverted and terrorized national, state, and local elected officials, using barbaric methods to murder opponents that could not be bought off or otherwise silenced. (RELATED: Keep up with the latest on these domestic terrorists at DrugCartels.news) As reported by Breitbart Texas (WARNING: Graphic pictures), the cartels are responsible for hundreds of thousands of murders many of them mass murders using brutality that is no different than tactics used by ISIS to kill victims. And while many American Left-wing activists and Democratic politicians stump for laws that decriminalize the drugs these cartels are selling, what they dont understand or choose to ignore is that those drugs are destroying hundreds of thousands of American lives, inflicting tens of billions of dollars in costs onto the American taxpayer, and are the scourge of entire neighborhoods in many large cities. Trump vowed to make Americans safer, and these three orders especially the one aimed at helping Mexico with its drug cartel problem aim to do just that. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for Natural News and News Target, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: Breitbart.com LATimes.com TheNationalSentinel.com NaturalNews.com GoodGopher.com Submit a correction >> Genres : Crime, Drama, Thriller Starring : Richard Burton, Lee Marvin Director : Terence Young Plot Synopsis A powder keg of racial tensions is ignited in a small Alabama town when a black man is accused of raping a white woman. The lurid tale is played out against the backdrop of the civil rights movement and features lead performances by Lee Marvin (Cat Ballou) as the town sheriff taxed with keeping the peace, and Richard Burton (Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) as the liberal-minded landowner who finds himself caught in the middle of a heated war involving the town and the Ku Klux Klan. The Klansman, directed by Terence Young (Thunderball) from a screenplay written by Millard Kaufman and Samuel Fuller based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by William Bradford Huie, features supporting performances by Luciana Paluzzi (A Black Veil for Lisa), Linda Evans (TV's Dynasty), Lola Falana (The Liberation of L.B. Jones), Cameron Mitchell (Deadly Prey) and O.J. Simpson (The Towering Inferno). European Diplomats are seeking Russias help to use its clout over Libyas strongman General Haftar, who command the Tobruk-based Libyan National Army (LNA), to broker a deal that will bring rival Libyan factions under the civilian command of the UN-backed government of national accord (GNA), set up in December 2015. The European lead nation on Libya, Italy is set to hold talks with Russia to refrain it from empowering General Haftar to avert the emergence of a secular military dictatorship following the model of Sisi in Egypt and Bachar in Syria. The EU fears that the continuing instability and lawlessness in Libya would trigger another refugee and migration crisis that would affect mostly Italy, which pushes hard to bring Libyas rival factions together to find a negotiated political solution. EU foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini last week spoke by phone about Ukraine, Syria and Libya with Lavrov. The pair have agreed to meet in the coming weeks, perhaps on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Both on Libya and Syria, we decided to find ways to join efforts and cooperate, said Mogherini of her call with Lavrov, adding that working with the Russians to help Libyans unite their country can only be a positive thing. For Italy, Moscow is an international player that may help bring about a lasting political solution to the chaos in Libya and consequently foster security cooperation with the north African countries and stem the flow of refugees. The EU is turning to Russia whose ally in Libya General Haftar is advancing westwards crushing other rival factions including IS terrorists. Haftar has been emboldened by his military victories particularly following his September 2016 capture of the eastern oil sector, which accounts for two-thirds of Libyas oil exports. Russia, which has vehemently opposed NATO intervention that overthrew the decades-long Libyan dictator Gaddafi, sees new opportunities in the power vacuum in Libya where it tacitly endorses the all-powerful Libyan General Khalifa Haftar. Several media reports have been speculating about a potential secret deal between Haftar and the Kremlin according to which Russia will arm Haftars forces in his endeavour to gain control of the whole country in return for a Russian military base in Libya. Such reports have not been confirmed by the Russian administration. Haftar paid two visits to Moscow in the past half year in a bid to secure arms supply despite a UN arms embargo in place since 2011 prohibiting the sale of weapons to Libyan factions, to the exception of the government in Tripoli, which can import weapons upon the approval of the UN Security Council. In December 2015, a unity government, called the Government of National Accord (GNA) was founded following the Skhirate agreement, but it failed to impose its authority over the whole country. The turmoil in Libya has taken a toll on its oil production, which is currently about 200,000 barrels per day (bpd), a fraction of the 1.6 million bpd the OPEC member was producing before the 2011 uprising that toppled Gaddafi. I am not a sheep, I have my own mind I have had enough of being told what and how to think Whilst we are still allowed the remnants of free speech, I will speak out. I also reserve the right to discuss less controversial matters should I feel the urge. Genres : Drama Starring : Pierce Brosnan, Julianna Margulies, Aidan Quinn Director : Bruce Beresford Plot Synopsis Inspired by a custody case brought before the Irish courts in 1955, Evelyn stars Pierce Brosnan (GoldenEye) as Desmond Doyle, a father fighting for the custody of his three children after abandonment by their mother. Due to the Irish law of the time, children could not be raised by one parent in what the courts considered "a broken home," thus allowing the Doyle children to be placed in church-run orphanages, where neglect and cruelty were not out of the ordinary. Desmond, with the help of the kindly chemist and love interest (Julianna Margulies, TV's The Good Wife), a local solicitor (Stephen Rea, The Crying Game), and two tough-as-nails lawyers (Alan Bates, Nijinsky; Aidan Quinn, Legends of the Fall), will take his fight to the highest courts to win their freedom. Rounding out the cast of talented actors is Sophie Vavasseur (Becoming Jane) as Evelyn, the little girl who won the hearts of a nation. Evelyn is directed by Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy) from a screenplay written by Paul Pender (The Bogie Man). Genres : Comedy, Musical, Romance Starring : Twiggy, Christopher Gable, Max Adrian, Bryan Pringle, and Murray Melvin Director : Ken Russell Plot Synopsis The star has injured an ankle, but the show and inexperienced stage assistant Polly Browne must go on. Break a leg, kid. And don't let the presence of Hollywood director and talent scout Mr. De Thrill add any pressure. And so begins this colorful tale of theater hopefuls with stars in their eyes and greasepaint in their veins, a work that, under the guidance of director Ken Russell, is not just an affectionate filmization of Sandy Wilson's London/Broadway stage hit but also an homage to the movie stagings of Busby Berkeley complete with imaginative use of kaleidoscopic top shots and rows of leggy chorines. Fashion icon Twiggy makes her screen debut as sweet-natured Polly, a role played earlier by Julie Andrews in her Broadway debut. Curtain up. Maybe someone will be discovered tonight. A South Korean news report about the missile launch. Photo: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Images North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, marking Pyongyangs first such provocation during the presidency of Donald Trump. The medium- or intermediate-range ballistic missile landed in the Sea of Japan, but did not reach Japans territorial waters. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had recently warned that his regime was ready to test an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the U.S., but U.S. Strategic Command says Sundays missile posed no such threat, and reportedly traveled only 310 miles. Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who is spending the weekend with President Trump at Trumps private Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida, appeared with Trump at an odd, hastily arranged press conference on Saturday night to denounce the test. Trump had been previously asked about the test during a photo opportunity with the media on Saturday night, but did not respond to the questions. Then, an hour later, the media was asked to reassemble for a two-minute press conference during which Abe said, through a translator, that North Koreas missile launch was absolutely intolerable and called on the rogue state to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions banning the country from pursuing such weapons. Abe also explained that Trump had assured him that the U.S. would always be with Japan 100 percent and that Trump was appearing with him to demonstrate that commitment. Trump then added, without mentioning North Korea or the missile test, that I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent. The pair of leaders then left the press conference without taking questions from reporters. Abe and Trump appearing together at a press conference on Saturday night. Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images During the Obama administration, President Trump had ridiculed the government for not being able to prevent such tests: We cant even stop the Norks from blasting a missile. China is laughing at us. It is really sad. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2012 He also rejected Kim Jong Uns ICBM-readiness prediction back in early January (though the North Korean leader had only said they were ready to test an ICBM, not a nuclear ICBM): North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2017 Looking at the presidents other comments on the region, Trump has repeatedly insisted that South Korea (and Japan) should have to pay the U.S. for protection against North Korea, or that the longtime U.S. ally should have to start protecting itself. He has also falsely stated that South Korea doesnt pay anything for the military bases that the U.S. operates in the country. Trump seemed to immediately reverse himself on these opinions following his election, but did not mention South Korea on Saturday night. Following the launch, acting South Korean president Hwang Kyo-ahn said that he and the international community are working together to take punitive actions appropriate for this launch. Trumps national-security advisor, Michael Flynn, apparently condemned the test when speaking with South Korean officials, and said that the U.S. would seek all possible options to prevent future launches, according to Kyo-ahn. North Korea has been trying to advance its long-range and nuclear weapon capabilities for some time and conducted two nuclear tests and numerous rocket launches last year. They have never successfully tested an ICBM. Maggie Rogerss first EP will be released next week. Photo: Tanya & Zhenya Posternak Maggie Rogers is standing in the middle of a wide concrete hallway on the fourth floor of a warehouse in Chelsea. Shes surrounded by people, one of them fixing her hair, another touching up the sheer-pink gloss on her lips, and the rest standing around talking about lighting. Even in the three-inch heels shes wearing, she looks small standing at the center of such commotion. At one point, she looks up and locks eyes with her manager, whos overseeing the whole shebang. Her eyes widen. Dude, she asks, rhetorically. What? Its a question that encompasses the entire scene, from the heels to the crowd to the fact that shes become an internationally recognized musician almost overnight. The 22-year-old Rogers was catapulted into the public eye back in May, thanks to a viral video in which Pharrell who taught Rogerss master class at NYUs Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music wigged out over a song she played him. Ive never heard anything that sounds like that, he said of Rogerss sample, which she called Alaska. Thats a drug for me. It turned out a lot of people felt the same way: Pitchfork estimated that snippets of Alaska ripped from the video racked up more than 50,000 views apiece, and the original video has been viewed more than 2 million times. Rogers uploaded a finished version of the song to Spotify in October, and, at the time of writing, its been played more than 26 million times. After a postgrad trip to Europe, Rogers got to work on her debut EP, Now That the Light Is Fading, out February 16. Photo: Tanya & Zhenya Posternak Bottega Veneta coat in dusty rose, $5,100 at 800-845-6790 Shed planned to spend her first months after college working at a coffee shop, or doing freelance writing (shes a former Elle intern), and making music in her downtime. Instead, shell be playing a nearly sold-out international tour. And in many ways, its thanks to the internet a fact shes still grappling with. I didnt have Wi-Fi in high school, she says. I went viral on Reddit, and I didnt know what Reddit was. Im a strange person to be a person of the internet, but Im indebted to it because this is the only thing Ive ever wanted to do. When you listen to Alaska, its easy to hear why it took off. The steady, organic beat, the quick-snapping rhythm, and Rogerss dreamy soprano all combine to make something infectious something that makes you want to move in time. The rest of the songs on the EP are like that, too, from the slow-swaying Dog Years, to the explosive On + Off, to the serene Color Song, to the smooth-jamming Better. It was about trying to make music to inspire as much natural movement as possible, Rogers says. We spend a lot of time fighting movement, but its the most instinctual way a human can experience music. She started writing music when she was around 13, but even before that, she said, I would always define myself by music Ive always been able to know who I am by knowing what I sound like. (In sixth grade, she DJd recess for her entire middle-school class she played a lot of Usher, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott, the Killers.) When she went off to college, she was known as the banjo player. But a trip to a French nightclub sparked her interest in electronic music. Photo: Tanya & Zhenya Posternak Watching a group of people move in the same way so instinctually was so connective, she said of the experience. I realized how instinctive human rhythm is. A longtime student of folk music, she found that the rhythms in electronic music were similar to those in ancient folk work songs. Its bizarre, she said of the discovery. Theres just a way that feels good. That sweet spot that way that feels good is what she aims to capture with her own sound, which has been described as a folk-electronic blend. How does she know when shes hit the mark? If you walk into a party and you play the wrong music, you know immediately, she says. Once, she was working on a song with a friend, and they couldnt nail the bass line. As the day wore on, they tried with increasing frustration to get it right, but no luck. Then, on the seventh or eighth try, it finally clicked, and I started crying, Rogers said. It was so obvious. Thats why I love pop music. When its good, it just makes sense. Theres no explanation. Its like the song Yeah by Usher just, duh. Rogers is synesthetic, meaning she closely associates sound with color. (Once, when she was shooting a music video, she changed the lighting scheme from green and purple because the song was clearly orange.) So when she started work on Now That the Light Is Fading, she covered a mood board in colors, textures, and fabrics to embody the sound she wanted. It kept her on track, and because she was producing songs with other people for the first time, it helped me to understand where I began and ended and where somebody else began and ended. Photo: Tanya & Zhenya Posternak Acne Studios floral dress; tunic dress (worn over), $800 at Acne Studios Thats important to her, too that the music she makes perfectly reflects who she is at the time: Otherwise Ill end up playing a role rather than being myself. The world first met her as a college senior, head bobbing to the music, doing exactly what she wanted to be doing in exactly the place she wanted to be doing it. I got to this place by being myself, she says. So I feel like I have a lot of freedom because no one expects me to be anything else. Lead image photo: Max Mara fur effect knit sweater, $835 at Max Mara 813 Madison Avenue; 212-879-6100 Photographer: Tanya & Zhenya Posternak; styling by Diana Tsui; makeup by Sierra Min; hair by Clara Leonard; fashion assistant: Mars Johnson; photo assistant: Jimmy OKeeffe Photo: Getty Images A Detroit woman was forced to give birth on the floor of a jail cell while in custody at the Macomb County Jail, and nine months later shes speaking out about the experience. Jessica Preston, who was arrested for driving on a suspended license and given a $10,000 bond, was eight months pregnant when she began experiencing labor pains. She complained about the pain and asked to be taken to the hospital three separate times, as seen on surveillance video. Preston told CBS, When I started, laying on the on the floor, I said, Please dont let me have this baby in here. I said, Please just call an ambulance. Preston describes being in complete shock after the birth. I could not believe that it had just happened that way. I was called a liar and told to knock my crap off or that they could put another charge on me, she said. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham defended the decision to not bring Preston to the hospital. Thats always our plan, you know, is to make that happen But in this situation she was brought down, our medical staff was attending, and when they went back in the baby started to come. Safe delivery, baby was healthy. Wickersham added, Again, do I like to have babies born in our jail? No. But in these situations as anybody out on the street, any husband and wife know driving to the hospital, sometimes that baby comes out. They pull over, and I know our deputies have delivered babies on the side of the road. Obviously the storys out there; the things we shouldve done, and obviously were looking at all of our situations, Wickersham said. But as sheriff I look at all this and our staff and the medical staff acted appropriately. In November 2016, a former inmate filed a claim for $8.5 million dollars against the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office after her newborn baby died in jail, allegedly because the staff ignored her requests for medical assistance while she was into labor. She gave birth at 4 a.m. but waited for two hours before receiving medical attention. The newborn died later that day. Borne uptown on Saturday night by the Broadway local, I got out at 145th Street and entered, a block away, a gutted building whose insides had been wrapped like a cadaver in black plastic. On a more promising note, beer kegs lay in stacks. Someone offered me a beer and I took it. I followed this person through a dark maze of plastic and kegs as she explained that her boss, Alexander Wang, had punched through a wall to reach the adjoining theater, the old RKO Hamilton, where Wang would present his fall collection. It really feels like Berlin, she said, with excitement, of the space. Doesnt everything these days, I thought. Still, the theater was absolutely resplendent in its gloom. Wang had set up a triangular runway in what presumably had been the first rows, or perhaps the orchestra pit, of the Hamilton. Fashion kids and editors ringed the stage. A DJ was at work. Above us stretched a dome furred in crumbling gypsum. It took little to imagine the balconies and boxes filled with New Yorkers in wing-collared shirts and huge feathered hats. It was the vaudeville age when the Hamilton opened in 1913, and of course the Kaiser in Berlin was about to go to war. Meanwhile, back at the Wang show, the mood was sinking as fast as the Titanic. The models strutted out in black wool coats and black stretch pants, followed by black catsuits and slinky tops and minis drizzled with silver trim or sliced with black net. This was more like Bebe, the mall chain, than the Wang-gang coolness he had delivered last season. It was also surprising, given that Wang is now concentrating his effort on his own brand and no longer dividing it with Balenciaga. Apart from the genius venue, it was hard to see where that effort had gone. View Slideshow Photo: Imaxtree I felt more big-city inspiration in the clothes of Shane Gabier and Chris Peters of Creatures of the Wind, who also showed on Saturday. A number of pieces, especially stiff little jackets and reversed fur coats (with the hide side adorned almost DIY style with crystals), looked vintage, but it was the offhand pairing of styles a drably tan poplin coat, say, with checked trousers and a plain white shirt that gave the results a modest harmony. Another nice touch were the vinyl knee-high socks with matching pumps. They suggested sleek boots, but they also suggested something makeshift. Weve seen similar ideas from other designers, but this time I could imagine Peters and Gabier sketching them against the background of New York, based on a woman they knew or a stranger they saw only for a moment. View Slideshow Photo: Imaxtree Ryan Roche had a lovely show her first on a catwalk. Movement brought out the lines and richness of her fairly simple clothes, most in knit. The standout look was a below-the-knee knit dress in warm cherry with slightly padded shoulders and puffed sleeves gathered at the wrists. Unlike many of her knit dresses, this one actually had a waist. It was gorgeous. On the demerit side, one or two of Roches suede looks, in particular a jacket with soupy trousers, needed more finishing. View Slideshow Photo: Imaxtree Finally, a shout-out to Alejandra Alonso Rojas, a relatively new designer. She, too, had some lovely knits, mostly in crochet, but I was really struck by her idiosyncratic, very feminine sense of proportion, especially for coats: A rare thing. NOTE: This story originally appeared on my blog in 2007; I'm re-reading the book (I do so annually) and decided to revive the blog entry. Above photo: Violet Trefusis. Click on the smaller images below to enlarge. Diana Souhami's 1996 book about Alice Keppel, mistress of Edward VII, and her daughter Violet Trefusis is on my "grab-and-read" shelf. These are favorite books which I've read - as many as a dozen times - and like to go back to time and again in between new additions to my library. I have quite a stack of new books waiting but I've been thinking about Souhami's book since I came across some Internet photographs of Knole, the magnificent home of the Sackville family in Kent. Vita Sackville-West looms large in this story of hypocrisy, thwarted love, betrayal and deceit among the upper classes in Edwardian England. Alice Keppel, a married woman, became the mistress of Edward VII, a married future-king, in 1898. "The Keppel" as she was called in court circles was Bertie's third major mistress, succeeding Lillie Langtry and Daisy, Countess of Warwick. Both Queen Alexandra and George Keppel, Alice's husband, accepted the situation. The luminously beautiful Mrs. Keppel (left), with her 'ripe curves' was a Queen in everything but fact. She upset the 'placement' at luncheons and dinners, the order of precedence being ignored so she could sit next to the King. On weekends at the huge country homes of the noble and wealthy, Mrs. Keppel was conveniently installed in rooms near His Majesty while her husband slept elsewhere. She traveled abroad with the King while his wife stayed home; she amused and cajoled him while her bank account and investment portfolio swelled lavishly. The extravagance and waste of the royal lifestyle is rather sickening to read about: the enormous meals consumed; vast retinues of servants to attend to their every whim; 3000 fowl shot in a single day by the King's hunting party. At home, Mrs. Keppel had two daughters, Violet (left) and Sonia. As small children they would be presented to 'Kingy Gateau' when he visited their mother; they did not understand who he was or why he mattered more than their father. Violet admired her mother and was intimidated by her beauty and her self-confidence. When Edward VII died, Mrs. Keppel took the girls abroad for a year. Returning to London, she set out to re-invent herself; she had the money and the connections to do so. One afternoon in 1905, when Violet was ten, she met another girl while visiting a sick friend: Vita Sackville-West (left). Intrigued by the mysterious, boyish Vita - whose grandmother was the Spanish dancer Pepita - Violet asked her to tea. They became friends and Violet was invited to Knole, the Sackville's manor at Sevenoaks. Over the years they developed a deep relationship; Violet viewed it as love but Vita thought in terms of possession: "Violet is MINE," she wrote. Vita married Harold Nicolson whom she liked and felt comfortable with; they had two sons but Harold also had liaisons with men and from one of his flings he developed a venereal infection and was forced to abstain from sex with his wife for six months. During that time, Vita's relationship with Violet was consummated. Violet wished more than anything to avoid the kind of double standard by which her mother lived: she wanted an honest and straight-forward relationship with the woman she loved. But the world was not ready for that kind of love. The two women left everything behind and spent four months in France, traveling and leading a gypsy life while exploring their romance. Vita dressed as a man, Julian, while Violet assumed the role of the girlish Eve (Violet's drawing of them, left). "This is the best adventure!" wrote Violet. But word of their escapades got back to Alice Keppel in London. With their money running out, the young women returned to England and Mrs. Keppel decided that marriage would cure her daughter's 'disease'. The poor bloke roped into this scenario was Denys Trefusis, a veteran of the horrors of World War I who cared enough about Violet to sign an agreement with her that he would not demand sex from her in marriage. Violet hoped in vain that Vita would come to her rescue; on the morning of her marriage, Violet wrote one line to her beloved: "You have broken my heart. Goodbye." Now begins a terrible phase where Vita, who more than anything wants to preserve the comfort and stability of her life at Knole (left), toys with Violet - making promises to go away with her but delaying action. Vita is furiously jealous of Denys but expects Violet to accept and condone her own marriage to Harold. Denys, very soon after his marriage, is cruelly apprised of the relationship between his wife and Vita. Denys is eventually marginalized and finally destroyed. Violet abandons the hope of a real life with Vita and in the end becomes a parody of her mother with a lavish but empty lifestyle, moving between London, Florence and Saint-Loup, France. Vita and Harold stay together while each continuing to have same-sex lovers on the side. Vita leaves vast amounts of wreckage in her romantic wake; Harold refers to them as her "muddles". Violet Trefusis seems a particularly poignant figure to me: a woman forced by a hypocritical society to abandon her own desires and play the role demanded of her even though it caused much torment to those involved. Society could accept her mother being the mistress of a king, but Violet's was the wrong kind of love. Shortly before her death, Violet wrote: "My heart was more disgraceful, more alone, and more courageous than the world has known. O passer-by: my heart was like your own." Associations: Mrs. Keppel bought the Villa Ombrellino in Florence in 1924 and Violet later lived there for many years; the Tour de Saint-Loup which was Violet's beloved "tower"...a plaque commemorates her life there ("English by birth, French at heart"). by Doctor Science A few days ago media guru Dan Pfeiffer tweeted: Trump might be the most predictable human on earth https://t.co/GmmtMlM4j6 Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) February 6, 2017 So-called President* Trump is also easily influenced (especially by the last person he spoke to), and is, of course, probably the most influential person in the world. Everyone wants to hack Trump's brain. Everyone always wants to influence influential public figures -- let me tell you about Louis XIV! -- but with Trump the process has gone to a much higher level than we've seen with any other public figure, maybe ever, for a couple of reasons. First of all, since his Inauguration Trump has had a lonely yet public life. Neither his wife nor his children are living with him, and he seems to spend a lot of his time in the evenings and early mornings watching TV while phoning and/or tweeting. Because he often tweets in response to what he sees on TV, we know what he watches. For instance, Pfeiffer's tweet above was in response to this tweetfrom NBC News editor Brad Jaffy: This MJoe segment on Bannon (6:09 a.m.) may have been what set off Trump's I call my own shots tweet (7:07 a.m.) https://t.co/DxPddbuWMm Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 6, 2017 Since Trump tweets in response to things he sees on "Morning Joe, [t]he ad rates for "Morning Joe" have more than doubled post-election, according to one veteran media buyer," Politico reported. "One prominent D.C. consultant said some of his clients, including a big bank and major pharmaceutical company, were negotiating this week to buy ads on "O'Reilly" and "Morning Joe" because they knew they had a good chance of reaching the president." We talk a lot about "this is not normal" these days, but this is beyond not-normal, we're into the realm of the surreal. Today the President of the United States isn't just the Commander-in-Chief, he's the Demographic-in-Chief, with people and firms competing for his attention by advertising on his favorite shows, hoping for mentions on his twitter. That people will try to influence the President is perfectly natural and to be expected, but one of the functions of his staff (and family) is normally to be both buffer and filter: to screen out extraneous demands, but to let in worthwhile information and influences so the President can make good decisions. "Surrealist Landscape" by 1337samurai on deviantart. Created in 2009, I think the elephant in the crown is a particularly prophetic touch. By watching so much TV, Trump has essentially made FoxNews, MSNBC, and CNN part of his staff, letting them determine what gets through his filters. And not just their programming, their ads! -- or at least, that's what the people buying those ads think. In a wacky, 2017 way, this *is* a more transparent approach to money in Washington. The public can see who buys time on "Morning Joe" or "The O'Reilly Show" and what they're saying, and can thus see who's trying to influence Trump in what direction. And in fact I think some media or communications student should start a spreadsheet right now, it might turn out to be really useful. I can't find it now, but I recall that during the transition I saw a story saying that Kellyanne Conway was on TV so much not just to promote Trump's policys, but to influence them: that Trump, seeing her on TV, would be influenced by her views and presentation. That he would believe her and be swayed by her, because he saw her on TV. Even though he sent her there. At the time I thought it was kind of ridiculous, and even if true was sure to be an artifact of the transition, but now I see it as part of a pattern. As I was finishing up the edits on this post, Alexandrea Erin alerted me to a Politico article saying the same thing: ...but no one is more cognizant of the fact that their job is performing for one man or more comfortable with it than is Conway. pic.twitter.com/2UCBCuGvvv Alexandra Erin (@alexandraerin) February 12, 2017 Those of who are opposed to Trump are also trying to hack his brain, though mostly by different methods because we have different goals. Nice, well-intentioned people have tried to persuade those of us in #TheResistance that all our protesting isn't going to be effective the way we're doing it. But one unspoken yet serious goal of the protests, especially the ones that follow Trump himself wherever he goes, is ... well. To help Mike Pence. I loathe Mike Pence, I think he'd be a terrible President. But he'd be a terrible President in a standard Republican mold, or a slightly exaggerated version thereof. I think of this as the "Marty metric", after one of our resident conservative commenters who pointed it out as a way to decide what to freak out about in the opposite party. It's very probable that tens of thousands of Americans would needlessly die on Pence's watch, but that would be true of any Republican who succeeded in gutting the ACA or the Clean Air & Water Acts. Trump is NOT a standard Republican. He has already done significant damage to the fabric of international relations, and the longer he's around the more he threatens major peacekeeping institutions like NATO. I truly believe *millions* of lives are at risk, if Russia invades the Baltics or the Ukraine, or if Pakistan and India start lobbing nukes at each other (may heaven forfend!). The decision to go for either impeachment or the 25th Amendment is essentially political, and must be made by Republicans. One of the reasons we protest Trump and mock him at every turn is to make him feel unhappy and stressed, so that he's more likely to say or do something in public that Pence and his colleagues can use as ammunition. Yeah, what I mean is pushing Trump to having a physical or mental breakdown. "Propane Jane" is a psychiatrist in Texas. When she looks at Donald Trump, I find myself confronted with public behavioral disturbances that more closely resemble the DSM than they do politics as usual. I've written extensively about the political aspects of Trump's many disqualifying attributes, from his peddling in the privileged politics of personal insult, to his disingenuous minority outreach, and his exploitation of the poorly informed; but now it's time that we discuss his mental health. I'm not here to formally diagnose him from afar, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't beginning to feel somewhat derelict watching an emergency unfold without meaningful, life-saving intervention taking place. I make my living treating acute and sub-acute mental and behavioral health emergencies, which means people don't end up on my radar unless they've comported themselves in ways that are generally determined to be unstable and unsafe. In some cases it's florid psychosis, dementia, or mania, and in others it's severe depression and suicidality, or unbridled poly substance abuse or personality disorder. No matter the etiology, my duty is to determine if the mental status changes in question represent a lack of stability and/or portend a heightened risk to individual or public safety. When I hear and see Donald Trump, I hear and see an emergency. In a later tweetstorm: As a psychiatrist, my SPECIFIC concerns w/Trump are 1) clinically significant character pathology 2) readily apparent cognitive impairment. His antisocial narcissism is a lost cause and should've disqualified him from jump but antisocial narcissists have the right to vote too. Beyond that he won't be the first antisocial narcissist to be POTUS. The kicker here is that he's also elderly AND cognitively impaired. I repeat, the overarching issue here is Trump is unmistakably disinhibited, incoherent, and erratic. No matter the etiology, he's UNFIT. Following Propane Jane (a must if you're on Twitter, truthbombs dropped daily), I've seen many people point out similarities between Trump's behavior and that of their relatives with Alzheimer's. (Also ADD, which is pretty likely but not really a problem on the same level.) As we can all tell by looking, "President of the United States" is an extremely stressful job that tends to age a person hard. The only President of my conscious lifetime who didn't seem to be ground down by the Presidency was Ronald Reagan, and in retrospect I wonder if this was an early symptom of his Alzheimer's. Congressman and civil rights hero John Lewis boycotted Trump's Inauguration, and then attended the Women's March in Atlanta. The following Monday, reporter Devon Maloney tweeted: John Lewis just walked through Terminal 2 at DCA followed by what can only be called a rolling tidal wave of standing ovations. Devon Maloney (@dynamofire) January 23, 2017 CNN collected various videos. I am certain that this is what Trump expected the Presidency to be like: "a rolling tidal wave of standing ovations". Instead, as a recent Politico article reports: "his mood has careened between surprise and anger as he's faced the predictable realities of governing". And this is coming from his "allies". So, we've got an unprepared and mentally unstable person, doing one of the most significant and stressful jobs in the world. I think a *lot* of us are doing our best to subject Trump to psychological stress, not out of sadism or payback (or at least not only that). We want him to feel more stress so he'll behave even more erratically, so his mental health will deteriorate faster and more publically, so Pence and Congress will make their move sooner. I admit, it's a horrible thing to want, especially when I think of it as someone who has long-standing mental illness. But nuclear war (or even conventional war!) is a much worse thing, and while Trump's mental deterioration probably can't be prevented--as Propane Jane says, he's a man too hated to be helped--we have time to drag the world back from the nightmare brink. Millions of lives could be at stake. * If he can call a judge who was unanimous approved by the US Senate "so-called", I can sure call someone who got 3 million fewer popular votes a so-called president. There's something about a movie that knows how to keep things simple that I really appreciate. It's not that I don't like my films complicated filled with nuanced characters, but if the story at hand doesn't call for it, why bloat the film? Don Siegel, much like Howard Hawks, knew how to tell a compelling thriller without bogging the film down with unnecessary character minutia. From 'Riot in Cell Block 11' to 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' to 'The Escape From Alcatraz,' Siegel knew how to establish characters without having them establish and constantly reestablish their motivations. His 1959 thriller 'Edge of Eternity' starring the always great Cornel Wilde and the terrific Victoria Shaw is another example of how Siegel efficiently and effortlessly managed story and character to create a compelling thriller. Life around the Grand Canyon is pretty simple and slow. Not many people live there year-round, and those who do keep things pretty quiet. That's exactly how Deputy Sheriff Les Martin (Cornel Wilde) likes it. The war effort essentially put the town in a dead standstill and it never really recovered. With the gold mine essentially closed, the only thriving industry is the collection of guano from the numerous bat caves that line the walls of the canyon. Things get exciting when Les meets the beautiful Janice Kendon (Victoria Shaw). Her father is the owner of the shuttered mining operation making her flashy style and fast car something of an oddity. In spite of himself, Les can't help but be more than a little attracted to the woman. Their budding romance is interrupted when a string of mysterious murders threatens the safety of the town - and the security of Les' job. With little time and few clues, Les will have to get to the bottom of this mystery as quickly as he can. 'Edge of Eternity' is old-school filmmaking at its finest. It's a lean little thriller with great and colorful characters that knows how to set up the plot, establish tension, and then get out of the way without overstaying its welcome. At a lean 80 minutes, the film doesn't shortchange plot points nor does it bog itself down. The characters have their respective back stories to give them the edge they need to be relatable to the audience without becoming dour meditations. We know early that Les' history as a cop in Colorado and his bungling of an important murder case weighs on his mind when the bodies start to pile up. When the town learns of his past, there's more weight on him to solve the crimes quickly. The backstory is used to mount the stakes and add tension, not turn our lead into a mope as so often happens with modern movies. His past is his motivation, not his weakness. All the while, as the film delves deeper into the mystery and the deaths start mounting, it smartly peppers the clues to the killer's identity. It smartly sets up the film's climax without tipping its hat at things to come. The audience is kept in the loop to what is going on, but you never quite feel like you're smarter than our hero. Personally, I hate it when I'm ahead of the detective in a big mystery flick of this sort. If you're ahead of the game you're just waiting for the main characters to catch up and that can become exceedingly boring real quick. As we get to know the major players and pieces of the plot become clearer, we're never quite given the whole picture. Characters you think would be in on the crimes turn out to be smart red herrings and the actual criminal's identity is a nice twist without being too fake or forced. Don Siegel was in his element with 'Edge of Eternity.' Working from a screenplay by Marion Hargrove (writing as Knut Swenson) and Richard Collins, Siegel deftly crafts a no-frills thriller that never fails to entertain. It's a simple and easy detective yarn that takes on a big landscape being shot in and around the Grand Canyon that leads to a high-wire thrilling climax. The film never feels the need to over complicate things or overstay its welcome. It's a popcorn thriller. The kind of movie where you've finished your bucket of buttery goodness inside the first twenty minutes and forces you to keep going back to the kitchen for more. It's just pure entertainment from start to finish. The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats 'Edge of Eternity' arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Twilight Time and is limited to a run of 3,000 copies. Pressed onto a Region Free BD-25 disc, the disc is housed in a standard sturdy clear Blu-ray case. The disc loads to a static image main menu featuring traditional navigation options. Also included is a booklet containing stills from the film and a terrific essay from film historian Julie Kirgo. I watched it and I have so many questions, like where did that big ass knife come from. Reply Thread Link I was such a rebel attention whore when I was 12 I had an Anti-Tokio Hotel pin and a Bill poster attached to darts. I lowkey stanned the queer imagery but never liked their music (especially English). Love Who Loves You Back was a bop tho. They are still so huge in Russia, lol, tours, airplay, late nite tv apperances. Reply Thread Link Yes, they have quite a few concerts in Russia on this next tour. I think they gave up on the US. Reply Parent Thread Link lol! was it a love hate thing? were you attracted to him? Reply Parent Thread Link Oh, definitely, I had some dirty little dreams bout Durch Den Monsun video era Bill. I was a loud lil homophobe type of gay and the gag is, the same people who called me gay back then, can't believe I'm actually gay now. They just thought it was a fun curseword and my ass was paranoid they figured everything out so I was as obnoxiously offensive as possible. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The cinematography was nice, but the song was tragic lol, it properly starts at 5:00 and the chorus sounds like a bad Sigur Ros impersonation Reply Thread Link Omg, lol. I forgot they even existed. My sister was obsessed with them. Reply Thread Link I thought whats is name was going solo also did he come out yet Reply Thread Link He has done some solo, but he has not officially come out. Reply Parent Thread Link I tend to err on the sound of caution about him outing himself directly. :) Reply Parent Thread Link I love this song idec. I love Billy's new LP. Reply Parent Thread Link i shudder thinking how long he had to wear that outfit in the desert lol. Reply Thread Link wow throwback ontd. Reply Thread Link lol mte Reply Parent Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link i was so obsessed with them. what happened to tokio hotel. Reply Thread Link Things are getting kinda cray on Twitter, mixed emotions. Esp about the vagina. Reply Parent Thread Link Same. (Glad you're in here) Reply Parent Thread Link I hope they do a tour diary, I need more of Bill at Walmart Reply Thread Link OMG was that a vag covered in sand Reply Thread Link Yes, it was. Reply Parent Thread Link He has shirt off way too often for someone who doesn't look that good with their shirt off. Reply Thread Link It's so weird. I remember back when he just had the star and "freiheit" tattoos. Then I blinked and he's covered in bathroom stall art..? Like, boy, stop. Reply Parent Thread Link just terrific! Reply Thread Link Here for anything that will make 45 mad Reply Thread Link i hope there's an oscar upset and she wins best actress so she can finally just say fuck donald trump. Reply Thread Link Tbh, the Oscars are not in any way a meritocracy, so she might as well. It wouldn't be much more ridiculous than Emma Stone. Reply Parent Thread Link You never know. Reply Parent Thread Link lbr, Meryl could read the phone book for 2 hours and still win an Oscar Reply Parent Thread Link I honestly think Hollywood and those who speak out will help Trump fuck up and get people fired. Melissa McCarthy could very well get Spicer fired tbh. Especially because Trump hates seeing a woman play Spicer so much and is already not that pleased with his performance so far as press sec. It's amazing that Spicer, Conway and Flynn all still have jobs. Trump is loyal to those who have stuck by him but I can see his cabinet having a high turnover rate within these 4 years. Nordstrom almost got Conway fired but since the Trump admin has no integrity she road out the storm. We know it kills Trump's ego when people go against him - whether through protesting, court or Hollywood. Might as well keep doing it. Reply Thread Link Yes. I hope people keep criticizing him and making fun of him. It really gets to him. Reply Parent Thread Link Well Donald doesn't really take Hollywood celebs seriously though it's obvious they do still get on his nerves. I think the legit media reporters like Tapper and Stephanopoulos (like he did today with Miller) need to keep going after him and his cabinet and spokespeople like Conway, Spicer and the like to further hit him harder and hopefully topple his whole admin and cabinet members sooner than later. Edited at 2017-02-12 10:13 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link See I think he does take them seriously. It seems to really bother him and bruise his ego. He feels like everyone has to love him and does not know how to handle anything other than that. It's why he thinks he's above the law and the constitution. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Hollywood is trolling the government and it's hilarious. Reply Parent Thread Link Dis queen. Reply Thread Link I'm a gay New Yorker and I'm coming out as a conservative https://t.co/U9VqpYMa3w pic.twitter.com/nx7rPIZkqB New York Post (@nypost) February 12, 2017 I don't know if this would be accepted but here it is. This poor dude (/s) was reviled so much for his dumb feature on Measles Yoplait (Milo), that he decided to go full #Maga and discovered a newfound appreciation for Ann Coulter. Reply Thread Link "Measles Yoplait" dead Reply Parent Thread Link Ignore that gay conservative troll. He wrote Out's profile of Measles Yoplait and now he wants to be famous trash too. Ira Madison III (@ira) February 12, 2017 I will admit I stole it from @ira. Reply Parent Thread Link i'm taking this name. Reply Parent Thread Link He's an editor for out magazine too Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Do these people realise how stupid they are? The Nazis don't like them, as soon as they gain full on control of everything, they will throw them into the camps like every other person non White, straight & able-bodied. Reply Parent Thread Link When does the Trump bashing begin in the video? It's 20 minutes long lol. Reply Thread Link Al Franken said GOP Congressmen are privately voicing their concerns about Trump's temperament. Reply Parent Thread Link this needs to be public, i feel paranoid but millions of lives are at stake. he's fucking insane Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This is insane. The CIA won't give intelligence to the president bc they know he will tell Russia. I'm speechless. https://t.co/PCkbYfam1z Mikel Jollett (@Mikel_Jollett) February 12, 2017 welp Reply Thread Link Good on them. Take the bitch down. Reply Parent Thread Link The observer is owned by Jared kushner so I'm skeptical of what comes out of it tbh Reply Parent Thread Link this author is legit and has credentials Reply Parent Thread Link Which means Jared is getting tired of 45. HE WANTS OUT. Reply Parent Thread Link this is crazy but thank God for the sane ones left Reply Parent Thread Link Take em' down. Reply Parent Thread Link KKK Imperial Wizard Frank Ancona found dead near river in Missouri https://t.co/2DVQw4kir1 TIME (@TIME) February 12, 2017 Reply Thread Link oh no. how sad. Reply Parent Thread Link God is good Reply Parent Thread Link good Reply Parent Thread Link Imperial Wizard??? Reply Parent Thread Link They give themselves the most rediculous names. Reply Parent Thread Link In a statement, Zach Jacobsen, the Washington, Mo. County Sheriff, called the incident a "tragic and senseless act of violence," according to the Kansas City Star. oh fuck off Reply Parent Thread Expand Link slowly but surely, god is answering our prayers! Reply Parent Thread Link imperial wizard??!??!?!?!?!??!???!! WHAT?? LOL so a death eater died. womp Reply Parent Thread Link Imperial Wizard tho??? CACKLING bye Reply Parent Thread Link lol Happy days y'all. One down. Reply Parent Thread Link yas, my queen! i read the speech last night Reply Thread Link Okay, this Stephen Miller creep is a fucking white-supremacist shitstain that obviously never got laid in college with that arrogant af smirk that you wanna punch. This is what he said on ABC: "And if we remove ten criminal aliens and we end up saving as a result one or two or three or four American lives, then that is something that is magnificent..." Jesus, deport 10 brown people and save 4 lives? What type of fucking nazi propaganda is this? Then went on Face the Nation and said this nk bullshit: "The end result of this, though, is that our opponents, the media, and the whole world will soon see, as we begin to take further actions, that the powers of the president to protect our country are very substantial, and will not be questioned." Reply Thread Link This is what he said on ABC: "And if we remove ten criminal aliens and we end up saving as a result one or two or three or four American lives, then that is something that is magnificent..." Jesus, deport 10 brown people and save 4 lives? What type of fucking nazi propaganda is this? what about the white citizen criminals though? any word on what they intend to do about them??? (no) Edited at 2017-02-12 10:55 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link they have mental health issues or whatever. no radicalization to see in white men at all nope. Reply Parent Thread Link quiet misunderstood lone wolves w/ mental health issues Reply Parent Thread Link William Henry Harrison was only in office for 30 days. I am confident that Trump can beat that record. Reply Thread Link It's difficult to predict because nobody thought he would get this far :/. Reply Parent Thread Link I remember the day after Election Day, AKA Dooms Day, I thought he would be in office for 8 years. I don't see him making it to the end of the year. I really think we're going to see more stuff come out in this next month and won't be pretty for Pence AND Trump. I think Pence and Ryan were both complicit in all this Russia stuff. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link he even believes that he'll be there 8 years, it's scary. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I was thinking the same (8 years, eternal glorious leader) but when that dossier came out I started thinking and with these confirmations, like...we're going to have a watershed moment Reply Parent Thread Link Do you think so? Im clinging to any optimism that i can - like you, i also have felt like anything is possible :/ (well, the bad "anything" lol) Reply Parent Thread Link I really wanna believe this is the beginning of the end, and i pray that this week we'll see more leaks about the dossier or flynn. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I would hope but I don't think he will Reply Parent Thread Link Doesn't california pay more in federal taxes than it receives? Actually looking at the top ten states that pay more in federal taxes than it receives only one was red in the election the rest were blue Edited at 2017-02-12 10:44 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link we get back 91 cents for every dollar we send out Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah exactly . Some people were mentioning that CA is like the 6th largest economy in the world too. Good luck with that "defunding" you speak of Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Was the red one WI? Because for a long time we were a state that paid out more than we received and we used to be blue in Presidential races. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The problem with todays power grid isnt the lack of electricity but rather the lack of it at certain times. The United States has progressively moved towards adding renewable energy to the grid but solar and wind power are rather intermittent. Worst of all, some of this power is completely wasted because our grid is unable to store it properly. Tesla, along with other companies, has begun to solve this pressing issue. Three new storage plants are in the works and theyre unlike anything before. The plants will be completely reliant on lithium ion storage. Lithium powered batteries have seen rapid reductions in price in the past several years thanks to the high demand for electric cars. Tesla is also developing a gigafactory in Nevada to mass produce these batteries, some of which will be used in the storage plant. AES Corp. and Altagas Ltd. are the other two companies creating battery plants in California. The Altagas plant was activated January 27th. AES has another battery plant in Arizona scheduled to go online within the next several months as well as a project internationally in India. These plants will reduce the number of blackouts due to power shortage at peak hours and prevent loss of power generated but not used. When it comes to renewables theres virtually no carbon dioxide emission or risk of spills harming the environment. Electricity generated from renewables will be stored appropriately and reinforce the notion that our power grid really can go green. This does not bode well for fossil fuel producers. Combustion plants using fossil fuels see this as an imposing threat to their industry. With 67 percent of our grid currently relying on nonrenewable energy, there could be a sizeable portion of market share up for grabs. The push to reduce climate change has governments betting on these batteries. President Trump, however, has promised to bring coal and crude production to a new level of activity. Economists are unsure how his policy will play out but all this guarantees oil producers is a little more sweet time before this inevitable adaptation. Related: Pipeline Approvals Could Put A Ceiling On Gas Prices AES has remained steady while Altagas dropped $2.18 per share since the week of their plants opening. Even with these losses, investors should consider Altagas as well as AES. The projects show promises of growth but only a fraction of whats expected of Tesla. The companys stock has grown nearly $70 since December and analysts dont see momentum slowing. Teslas plant is now online and the gigafactory is to be completed next year. Investors should see strong returns in Teslas stocks around these times, especially with a lot riding on the gigafactorys planned opening. Its unlikely crude benchmarks will react towards this news but future plans may prove otherwise. Oil majors are beginning to worry when demand will peak, knowing that cloud may be just over the horizon. Investors shouldnt concern themselves with an approaching downward trend yet and should continue to ride out the OPEC supply cuts. By Michael McDonald of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The old saying goes in the investment business, when the ducks are quacking you feed them. And so it goes for Canadian publicly traded oilfield service (OFS) companies which are busily raising equity from the sale of treasury sales for working capital, balance sheet repair and possibly an opportunistic acquisition. Over the past year a number of companies have been able to raise money with the frequency of financings accelerating in the past three months. There are several factors at play not all positive - but at least the lights are on in the public equity markets for companies which investors believe are poised to participate in the recovery of 2017 and hopefully beyond. That OFS is notoriously cyclical need not be restated here. The collapse in oil prices resulted in a collapse in business for suppliers followed by, or often preceded by, a collapse in the share prices of publicly listed OFS companies. Listed companies generally trade at some multiple of their current or anticipated cash flow. When companies are cash-generating machines the market rewards them with high valuations. When it is clear cash flow heading for zero or less, trading prices for their shares respond accordingly. The following chart is a cross section of companies that have been able to raise equity (or have announced equity issues) in the past year, the share price the deal was done (or will be done) at, the gross proceeds before expenses from the offering, and a reference of the recent issue price to the five-year highs and lows. In total these 14 companies have raised over three quarters of a billion dollars. (Click to enlarge) 1) Not closed at time of writing. Value equals maximum proceeds from two concurrent private placements 2) Not closed at time of writing 3) Adjusted for 2:1 share split July 2014 4) Adjusted for 3:1 share split July 2014 5) Source: Company news releases 6) Source: Google Finance 5-year stock price chart The use of proceeds of the financings are varied but the bias is towards debt reduction or balance sheet repair, a problem not uncommon in OFS after two years in the trenches. This will give the companies the flexibility with their credit facilities to access working capital to pursue new business as it comes in the door. Canadian Energy Services & Technology Corp. and Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd. specifically noted they were raising the money for acquisitions and expansion of the business. The comparison of the share price of the recent equity issues and the price history of these companies over the past five years show that oilfield services at least as defined by these companies is hardly a buy and hold proposition for investors. The problem for everybody in this cyclical business from shareholders to founders to managers to staff and even clients is managing the expectations of all key stakeholders through the cycles in the business. Related: Time Bomb In Oil Markets: Goldman Sachs Issues Warning Averaging of above data reveals the perils in this sector for shareholders. This is not unique to oil. The same volatility is associated with virtually all commodity-driven businesses. For the 14 companies the average price of the recent equity issues is 77 percent below the average of their five-year highs. Most of the peaks were in 2014 when oil was still on the sunny side of US$100 a barrel. All but one of the five-year lows were last year with a heavy bias towards the first quarter when oil traded as much as 75 percent less than in June of 2014. There were several reasons why equity issues have been somewhat sporadic. Managers looked at their current versus historical share price and concluded the cost of equity was too high until all other options had been explored. This was assisted by investors who were reluctant to make a move until they were confident they were buying at the absolute bottom of the cycle. Since the downturn began there have been multiple announcements of the creation of new, special purpose pools of capital designed to buy cheap and exploit the recovery. But for the longest time few deals were done. However, when oil prices stabilized halfway through last year and a de-facto floor was set under crude by Novembers OPEC supply-management decision, the phone started to ring. OFS operators, starving for working capital with no capacity to borrow after two years of deteriorating financial performance, figured the upturn was no time for heroics about protecting share value. If a recovery was underway and you couldnt even go to work because of a working capital shortfall, what was the point of being in business? Therefore, the necessity of raising money coinciding with the creation of a basement resulted in willing sellers and buyers for the first time in a long time. Deals are getting done and if commodity prices and capital spending plans hold or improve, it is likely more money will be raised over the course of 2017. Of course, waiting until the risk was reduced was punishing for the self-declared bargain hunters. If youre a savvy investor and know when and how to play the OFS cycles, there was a bunch of money left on the table. The above equity issues are on average 73 percent above the five-year low share prices (this methodology is not dollar-weighted). There were some fabulous bargains during the absolute depths of despair for the Canadian oilpatch. In terms of names, PHX Energy Services and Cathedral Energy Services raised or are raising capital at more than double their recent low prices. Only one company Canadian Energy Services and Technology raised money below their five-year low but the difference, only $0.06 per share, is hardly material. The simple lesson is that you buy oilfield services shares when everybody hates them and then sell when they are popular. But knowing investor psychology, selling at the top is always easier than buying at the bottom. Capital markets are full of so-called contrarians with track records demonstrating varying degrees of success. It would have taken a lot of courage to buy some of the above names in the first half of last year when their major news announcements were how many people they had laid off, how many assets they were selling to keep the lights on, or the latest blow-by-blow description of yet another covenant amendment with their senior secured lender. This was against a backdrop of major and minor OFS operators going bankrupt after lenders called their loans because the likelihood of their recovery was deemed hopeless. Volatility in oil prices and share values is once again well understood. What is less understood is the volatility of OFS to be able to respond to a ramp up in business. While clients took full advantage of lower prices created by significant OFS overcapacity, most vendors lived on their balance sheets while trying to figure out when and where the bottom was and how to respond. Because exploration and production (E&P) companies have focused on their own survival rather than that of their supply chain, that their purchasing policies had left vendors in many cases too broke to do more business has recently become obvious as operators resume spending. While the publicly-traded companies have the advantage of transparency, liquidity and the ability to raise equity at whatever the price, many private companies are also up against the wall at the bank and will have difficulty finding equity investors at any valuation. What is interesting about the valuations of some of these companies as they raise equity is the price is based on assets and the future, not the past. If share price valuations were based on enterprise value - a key component being trailing EBITDA - a lot of these companies would have negative value. Related: Wall Street Pouring Money Back Into Oil And Gas In the U.S. the chequebooks are also out for OFS equities. Bloomberg News reported February 8 that in January alone oil and gas outfits raised US$6.64 billion in 13 equity offerings, 22 percent of which went to OFS operators. Higher demand has lifted prices. Weatherford interim CEO Krishan Shevram was quoted as saying, Were seeing signs of improved pricing of roughly 25 percent on average, versus December levels. There is considerable optimism. Fracker Keane Group raised US$508.4 million on January 20 for an Initial Public Offering, the first U.S. OFS IPO in a long time. Nice to see a pressure pumper going public when a year ago the entire sector was struggling under massive debts which claimed private Canadian success story Sanjel Corp. Considering where OFS has been, this should all be considered good news. Oil prices are up. E&P companies are going back to work. OFS operators are raising the capital they need to supply goods and services. Prices are rising out of necessity. Investors are writing cheques because they think they will make money. The only way this will happen is if the combination of client spending and OFS delivery results in positive cash flow for the service sector, which it will. Finally. By David Yager for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia convened another meeting on peace in Afghanistan KARACHI: As Russia has convened another meeting on peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan needs to ask Russia and Iran what assistance these countries could offer to counter the growing threat of the militant Islamic State group and other elements in the landlocked country to bring peace and stability in the region, said former foreign secretary Najmuddin A. Shaikh at a session of the 8th Karachi Literature Festival on Saturday. The session titled Afghanistan-Pakistan: illusions and realities had Mr Shaikh, who has served as ambassador to the United States, Iran and West Germany besides working as a special envoy in several other countries, in conversation with journalist and writer Ahmed Rashid, author of five books, including Taliban. Both Russia and Iran did not want to see IS gain a foothold in Afghanistan, whose over 38 per cent territory at present was controlled by the Afghan Taliban, said the former foreign secretary. This time Afghanistan, too, has been invited to the meeting being hosted by Moscow in the middle of this month while the Russian foreign secretary has insisted on the inclusion of the Taliban in the dialogue process. At the moot, Pakistan, he said, must also offer its expertise and assistance in bringing peace to Afghanistan. Besides, the impact of instability in Afghanistan, drug trafficking, and Afghan refugees on Pakistans economy must be taken into consideration, he added. Stability in Afghanistan was a precondition for stability and progress in Pakistan, he said. While there was fragmentation in the Taliban with a few disgruntled elements joining IS and other militant groups, the Afghan government had held talks with the Taliban leadership at their Qatar office which was still operational, he said. Fragmentation in the Taliban can be very dangerous, he said, adding that the regional powers had a fair idea of its repercussions. In this scenario, he said, the Qatar office could be approached to bring the Taliban to dialogue. Ahmed Rashid said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) demanded stability in the region. Our future depends on the success of CPEC, he said. Although Pakistans military establishment was raising a division for the security of the corridor passing through the country, China was well aware of the fact that a political settlement was necessary for long-term stability, he said. Realising the importance of political settlement, the country was interested in playing a role in negotiating peace talks, he said. However, Mr Shaikh argued, there were elements in Kabul which did not want stability in Afghanistan as the prevailing chaos allowed them to take benefit of poppy cultivation and do narcotics business. Pakistan had suffered huge losses on several fronts because of the elements which were always there to sabotage peace talks, as they had done in July 2015 by spreading media reports about Mullah Omars death during the talks with the Taliban, the ex-secretary said. In reply to a question, he said it was not clear if the US policy on Afghanistans security would remain unchanged or the Trump administration would withdraw the huge funds being spent on Afghanistans security. The US had already wasted billions of dollars in Afghanistan without success. However, he believed, the withdrawal of such huge funds would lead to chaos. Mr Rashid said the civilian government in this country remained completely out of the picture as far as foreign policy was concerned. He said there had been no input of the civilian government in foreign policy of Pakistan. He said a fundamental change is required in the thinking of the military that reviewed past policies after the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar. However, he agreed with a questioner that the present government did not seem interested in or capable of making foreign policy. The failure of the government to appoint a foreign minister indicated their lack of seriousness, he said. But Mr Shaikh disagreed with the opinion that the civilian governments input had never been sought by the military while making foreign policy and said that the input of the civilian government had always been there.